Welcome to Century Farmhouse®!

A little soap, American style. My story.

Late last year, I posted this story on Storylane. Storylane is now gone, but I wanted to share this with you; first, because it was fun to look back and see how much I've grown as a soap maker, and second, because it amazed me how much I - and my wonderful family and staff - have accomplished. Where does the inspiration come from? How is it best passed on to you? Read about it...

-Ann Marie

A little soap, American style. My story.

Posted on Dec 12th, 2012

Thirteen years ago, a new batch of soap, dotted with poppy seeds and scented with lemons, was poured into an enameled pan that my father had used for photo developing years before. Two days later I was scooping that goopy mess out of the pan with my hands and turning it into snowballs of lemon poppy seed soap - brightly scented and satisfyingly scrubby, if a little soft at the start. My father handed me $20 and told me to go buy soap, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: reverse psychology works for me every time!

That semi-successful project was not, at the time, a conscious attempt at business, but it was the beginning of a new definition of myself and of my talents. I love being a soap designer. Coming from a long line of makers-of-many-things, I realize the importance of being able to fashion something from nothing and of being able to share that something with those around me. And like most inventors and artists and grandmothers who learned by doing things time and again, my imagination was the catalyst in the formation of products that I am proud to share with others today.

The process of creation is fascinating to me, and I draw inspiration from music, art, literature, conversation, travel, food....from life. How does one go from a walk across a Scottish moor to creating a bar of soap that reflects every memorable step of the way? How can a batch of soap reflect the mission and accomplishments of a business that commissions it? Can soap honor the memories of family lore in the same way an heirloom quilt can? How does it tell a story? If it is consumable, is it of less value than a tangible treasure that can be passed from generation to generation? Can I please just use it to wash my face?

Aren't all handmade gifts reflections of ourselves and of the loved ones we share them with? A gift of handcrafted soap is a rich & sensory thing. It feels like silk on the skin, smells heavenly, and brings thoughts of the giver to mind every time it is used.

Our products are entirely crafted in the US, and proudly so. Knowing how much hard work goes into the creation of a product, one can admire and appreciate the workmanship of high quality goods no matter where in the world they are made, and there is nothing wrong with that. Appreciation of those goods made close to home however, have the added value of building community through economic stimulation and provision of opportunities for volunteerism and education. We’ve even built a little community spirit by making “stone soup” soap right at our local Farmers’ Market using ingredients from farmers and vendors. Soap containing root beer, cookies, whole potatoes, corn silk, Muligatawny soup, and chicken feathers may seem a little odd – but the spirit of giving and community participation makes us part of a bigger whole – and that whole celebrates the American Dream.

 

This essay was published in further form as a guest posting on the FOLK Magazine blog in December of 2012.: http://www.folklifestyle.com/2012/12/christmas-gift-guide-giveaway-century-farmhouse-soaps.html#more-2461

Unexpected company

Yesterday, the buttermilk blueberry quinoa cupcakes were in the oven, when I heard a tap-tap-tapping on my door. Unexpected visits by friends on Sunday mornings are among my favorite things! And friends bearing gifts of other breakfast yummies turned a warm Sunday morning family meal into a very special gathering of friends. 

I have to confess that I had never baked with quinoa before. I never had to. But I came across a package of organic quinoa flour at the grocery store and was intrigued, so let me share with you what I have learned about this very interesting grain. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is an ancient grain grown primarily in South America. It is a good source of fiber, has more protein than wheat - protein which contains all eight essential amino acids - and is gluten free.  It tastes a bit like corn, but the texture of breads baked with it can have the same mouth feel as those baked with wheat. Of course that is where the experimentation I have so much fun with comes in!  Quinoa has no gluten, so the big question is how to make baked goods rise?  Simple! Create the carbon dioxide needed for the rise in other ways. In the case of my cupcakes, I used a combination of baking powder, baking soda, and buttermilk. Since I have already received requests for my recipe, here it is:

Buttermilk Blueberry Quinoa Cupcakes

This recipe is adapted from the recipe for Sour Cream Fudge Cupcakes, appearing on the package of Bob’s Red Mill Organic Whole Grain Quinoa Flour. Have you ever known me to leave a recipe unchanged?

¼ c. unsalted butter

¾ c. buttermilk

½ c. sugar

1 ½ c. quinoa flour

½ t. baking powder

¾ t. baking soda

Scant ½ t. salt

2 eggs, separated

½ t. vanilla

1-2 c. blueberries (if frozen, slightly thaw them)

Preheat oven to 375°.  Melt the butter, mix with the buttermilk.  Set aside. Sift together the sugar, quinoa flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the buttermilk mixture, eggs, and vanilla and mix well.  Beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry.  Lightly fold egg whites into the batter.  Gently add the blueberries and continue to fold the batter gently until berries are distributed throughout and the egg whites are very lightly incorporated.  Spoon into muffin cups that have been lined with paper cupcake liners.  Bake for 20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean.

Makes 12 yummy cupcakes!

Open the door and come on in!

Our little city of West Bend, Wisconsin is privileged to have some very creative citizens.  We are privileged to have some very conservation-minded citizens, and we have citizens who prize education and the arts. 

We have beautiful parks, a labyrinth garden, a rails-to-trails-and-parks walk graced with public art and sculptures that tell stories.  We are on the Ice Age Trail.  We have a beautiful regional art museum with a striking, brand-new building - almost ready to move into - and we have a nature conservancy with an education center set to open on Earth Day 2013. Of course, we have a lot more than that.... We have people who open doors.

This door, created by the Senior Citizens Activities, Inc., is titled Through the Years, and features a collection of photographs of Senior Center activities. It is a featured door at the Century Farmhouse Studio until the end of January.

 Art from Upcycled Doors:  Oooooohhhh!  The Lac Lawrann Challenge was to create a piece of art - functional or not - from a door, which then would be auctioned off to raise funds for the new education center at Lac Lawrann.  What to do??? What to do??? The response was amazing!  You can see all 40 of the door project entries  here. 

The Learning Center at Lac Lawrann will open its doors on Earth Day, 2013.  While regard for nature and science education have been cornerstones of Lac Lawrann's mission, most of the classes have involved outdoor activities. The Learning Center will provide a magnificent venue for appreciation of the natural world in an indoor environment and will reflect the beauty of the Lac Lawrann property itself. 

Do you recognize this cupboard? The Century Farmhouse team chose to decorate one of our portable counters in a manner that celebrates the beauty and tranquility of lavender. Right now the cupboard is part of the exhibition at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. After January 20, it will be on display elsewhere in the city - until the auction on February 2.  Look at the little doors above the cupboard.  Would you guess that they are common kitchen cabinet doors?  The piece at the far right of the photograph was created by the Washington County Historical Society and is a collage of historical photographs of area lakes and resorts from days gone by.  It is my favorite!

 The Museum of Wisconsin Art  will close the doors of its present building and open the doors of the exciting, new facility in April.  The new space is intriguing... a fascinating, triangular profile and glass walls characterize the exterior.  We'll have to wait until the doors are officially unbolted to see the inside... It is very fitting though, that this public art project of doors be the final exhibition as the doors are closed on January 20 at the Museum that has belonged to the community since 1961. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time waiting.... 

On Sunday, January 6, the Museum hosted an artists' reception and an opportunity to see the Lac Lawrann doors.  The gallery was humming with excitement and crowded with lots of interested community members and celebrated with yummy carrot cake!  Were you there?

  So, there is more to come!  Twenty doors are being shown in the Main Gallery of the Museum of Wisconsin Art until January 20.  See their hours here. 

It's a Party!

The rest of the pieces are being displayed at businesses around West Bend. You are

A sneak peek at the contents of that basket! Wouldn't you like to take it home? Click on the photo to see all the treasures inside!

invited to stop in to see them - and just so you know, the Diva shops are hosting an event to allow you to see many of the doors in one evening.  Join us for

A Door to Door Evening ...a Diva Group Event on Friday, January 25 from 5PM - 8PM.  Look for the luminaries (they are going to be so pretty!) and stop in to exclaim over the doors and shop a little too!  Later you can meet the artists at the party hosted by An Idle Hour or Two restaurant from 8PM - 11PM. 

      AODA of Washington County created this lovely painting called The Valley of Freedom.

 Open the Door Auction/Gala The fun continues, because the doors have be sold to raise those funds for the Lac Lawrann Learning Center.  So after you've seen the doors at the Museum and at the area businesses, join the excitement on February 2 at the West Bend Mutual Prairie Center.  Bid on a door, chat with the neighbors, and play a game or two! 

 

Zebra Sky & A Beautiful Day in the Park by Carly & Grace Mueller is at Century Farmhouse Studio. This folded-door project is quite delightful! Come on in and see it!

 

 

a year of all things beautiful

It was a magical and snowy evening that lured me into the woods and inspired me to keep a bit of it as a photo for posterity.  As you enjoy the magical spirit of this beautiful Season, allow your mind to wander a snowy landscape and dream of what the next year will bring to you.....

We thank you, all of you, for your kindnesses, great ideas, and wonderful support throughout the past year.  2012 kept us very occupied, and you played important roles in our successes.  Thank you!

We accomplished a lot in 2012: We fully began producing soaps in our Studio, and released several new soaps: Flower of Flowers, Sugar Moon, Witch Hazel & Mint, & Bluebonnets & Roses.  Erin Paasch of West Bend began creating shaving mugs and two-piece soap dishes for us, and you can find them in our Studio and with us when we are on the road.  You could find us in Austin, TX with Country Living Fair, and we returned to the Fairs in Columbus, OH and Atlanta, GA.  We had fun at home with Diva events and local farmers' markets and began selling soaps at Growing Power in Milwaukee as well as at the wedding shop, Mignonette Bridal in Chicago. Chicago saw us several times with events at The Chicago Botanic Garden and at One of a Kind at the Merchandise Mart.  Our very first hands-on soap making class was held in November - this was a very busy year!

We have lots of new ideas up our sleeves for 2013!  Watch for candles to match our soaps, fabrics, & more hands-on classes. We've been working on a pet soap or two, and we'll be upgrading our website to be even more beautiful. More to come....

A lovely, peace-filled 2013 to you,

- Ann Marie  & the CF team: Judy, Jo, Vicky, Susan, Lexie, & Mae                                                                                                                                                    

a little ginger, a little spice

If there is anything a snowy, chilly day will do, it is make me want to curl up with my cocoa, my favorite cookies and a good book.  Add the coziness of an antique woolie blanket (I collect them!) and I'm ready for a long winters' nap - you know, the kind where the book falls in your face and you wake up hours later... 

It is a snowy, chilly day today, and there is a bowl of gingerbread cookie dough in my refrigerator just begging to be made into a batch of sweet-smelling, spicy cookies that I might not share.  The recipe is in the old family standby church-lady-cookbook that I go to when I need a vintage, down-home way to make comfort food, and it is the perfect cookie project to entertain small fingers at the Holidays.  Who wouldn't like to take a warm gingerbread man home for a bedtime snack?

Those cookie-dough splotches and margin notes make this the best gingerbread cookie recipe ever! Can't you almost taste them?

This recipe by Mrs. C. H. Zimbrick first appeared in the book, Our Favorite Recipes published by St. John's Lutheran Church, West Bend, Wisconsin, 1949.  My mother's and grandmother's editions are from 1949 and my copy was printed in  1976. Isn't history fun?

The margin notes above let you know that this recipe makes a pretty big batch.  In fact, it will make enough medium-sized gingerbread cookies to decorate a medium-sized tree!  I don't follow Mrs. Zimbrick's instructions completely - I would never do that to a recipe - and you'll notice that I made the cookies with light molasses.  That was long ago.  Now I use the darkest molasses I can find and dark brown sugar.  Mmmmmmm.  I also don't include the orange rind, but that does add a tangy twist to the taste.  Be sure to use real butter, and roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thinness before cutting the cookies.  They need to bake for only 8-9 minutes and are really crispy!  Let me know how you like them.

 

More thoughts about Our Favorite Recipes: http://apronhistory.blogspot.com/2012/11/cookbook-our-favorite-recipes.html?showComment=1356723899212#c1316868716408469601

Southern Fried Breakfast

This morning's breakfast was all about an Andy Griffith time warp.

It's Atlanta and it's Country Living Fair and it's Matthew's Cafeteria for quintessential Southern food. "Eat fried," said Bessie at the hotel, when I asked her where the locals go for a real Southern-style meal. We were here in Atlanta two years ago and ate Lebonese, Greek, and French meals. It was time for a taste of the South.  We don't get that in Wisconsin.

So this morning we turned right on Main Street in Tucker, Georgia and headed for Matthew's.

Step through the door into the past. High ceilings with fans, grits, cafeteria steam tables, red-checked oilcloth table covers, grits, windows overlooking the street, grits, and decor that probably hasn't changed since 1955.  Did I mention grits? I love grits. So we picked up a tray and started down the line. Pie? Mmmm. Probably not for breakfast today. Bananas. Peppered fried potatoes. Five kinds of sausage. Ham. Old fashioned bacon. Eggs. Biscuits. Cheese biscuits. Grits. Sausage gravy.  Each spooned onto your plate in feed-the-family-sized servings by smiling and cheerful hostesses. Orange juice. Coffee. Oh my.

Then we chose a table near the window and next to the dresser that looked like it came from Grandma's house.  This was a table with a good view of the room and of the diner next to us who was packing heat. Really.

The grits were as creamy as grits can be.  The biscuits were light and fluffy, the potatoes pepper-spiced and savory.  We were happy because each bite had the downhome taste that brings people back day after day.  Across the room, strawberry shortcakes were being readied for the noontime crowd and If we didn't have to get to work at Stone Mountain, we'd be back for lunch for sure.

Are you hungry yet? 

 

Matthew's Cafeteria was featured on the Food Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/local/ga-tucker/matthews-cafeteria-restaurant/index.html#/38.736171/-97.222306/4/

Lavender Lemonade & Cookies, Anyone?

Chocolate Soap & Chocolate

 

This soap has a special story. Read about it here.

While I've been using Facebook for Century Farmhouse for a few months, I think I'm finally getting the hang of it.  It is exciting to me that we now have nearly 100 (92, actually) friends or "Likes" on our Facebook page.  In honor of that Nearly-100 status, I've decided to have a tiny competition!

 

 Pass the word! Tell a friend to LIKE us on Century Farmhouse's Facebook page.  The 100th person to LIKE OUR PAGE (and you, if you referred them) will win a bar of our Chocolate meets Cinnamon Soap and a bar of chocolate to go along with it!  You'll be able to eat your favorite food and bathe in it at the same time! 

And while you're at it, Follow our Blog, too!

 

Is it Autumn yet?

The photo scoop: This photo of The Pumpkin Patch Soap was taken in the glowing golden light of a 1:00PM sun through the yellow leaves of the sugar maple in our yard about six years ago. The mossy wooden bench on which the soap rests w as dragged home from a neighbor's trash heap - with permission. I tend to scrounge for wonderful things and occasionally have wonderful luck, though perhaps not in my husband's opinion. He preferred the bench to have gone to a burn pile.

Even though my calendar says it is still August, I feel fall in the air.  The light is different.  Nights are cooler.  My schedule is busier.  My house is messier.  Well, maybe you didn't need to know that...

So I've been thinking a lot about fall and about how attuned our senses are to the changing of the seasons. I love the light and the chill in the air and the sights & sounds of geese flocking and moving southward. I love the rich scents of cinnamon, and baked apples, and green pumpkin pie, and roasted tomatoes & garlic.  I love walking in the woods, crunching leaves beneath my feet and stealing fallen hickory nuts from the squirrels so that I can make cookies and cake.  I love the mossy, earthy scent of the decaying leaves and the hard-packed, almost frozen ground beneath my feet as I wander.  I love to smell wood smoke and to gather apples and the last of the tomatoes from the garden.  Picnics outside, toasting marshmallows in the fire for gingerbread s'mores.  It is going to be 90 degrees Fahrenheit tomorrow, but I can dream, can't I?

 

So come along on my litte Fall Fantasy, and let me know what you think:

What is your favorite scent for fall?
A. Sweet, spicy cinnamon & clove
B. Deep florals/rose
C. Earthy woodlands/fir

Why do you like that scent?  Does it remind you of something/someone special?  Where in the world would you like to be in the fall?  Tell me!

A Ruby Ribbon Fantasy

Forty years is a long time.  For two very special people in my husband's family though, forty years have passed as if in the blink of an eye.  We have gathered together as a family to celebrate the Ruby Wedding Anniversary of Stephen and Bonnie and it is an honor to be able to do just that.

With the help of very enthusiastic 9-year-old Hailey, glass vases, tinsel, flower picks, and a mountain of ruby-red ribbon were transformed into centerpiece arrangements meant to grace the celebration tables. The poufy ribbon bows were not hard to make...we'll share the how-to with you!  Thank you to Hailey, a talented, rising bow designer & photo stylist!

Tutorial: DIY Gorgeous Poufy Bows:

First, determine the length of the ribbons you'll need.  Measure around the container or gift box and add enough ribbon to create the size bow you want.  For a small bow such as the one pictured, we used the measurement around the glass plus about 36 inches (91 cm).  For a large bow, you might add as much as 60-70 inches (150-180 cm.).

Next, cut the ribbon lengths. We worked with ribbons of three textures, and they were of several different widths;  varying widths and textures of ribbon create really interesting bows.  Cut at least three ribbons for the bow, more ribbons will create a fluffier bow, wired ribbon will allow the loops of the bow to be coaxed into a round shape after tying.

Layer the lengths of ribbon, one on top of the other (easier said than done with curly ribbon) until they form a stack.  With really long pieces of ribbon, place them on each other on a flat surface like a table, and hold down the ends with a weight such as a scissors or book or other object.  Vary the ribbons as you layer them, placing narrow ribbons onto wide ones, etc.  Remember that the ribbon on the bottom of the stack will be the one on the outside as you wrap the box or container.

Carefully holding the stack of ribbons as if it is one piece, wrap it around the box and tie a single knot as though beginning to tie a shoe.  As a matter of fact, the whole process is just like tying a shoe!  You might find it easier to handle the ribbon if you can place the box or container at the center point of the ribbon stack as the weight of the box will help hold the stack in place. 

Hold the knot in place (sometimes it helps to have a third hand), and adjust the tightness of the ribbons around the box.  Re-create the layers of ribbons on each side of the knot, laying them flat upon each other to create "one" ribbon.  Create a loop with the ribbon stack in your right hand as if to tie a shoe.  Being aware of whether the left-hand layer of ribbon is coming from the top or the bottom of the knot, bring that layer up or down - flat and as one piece - over the loop and through, just as if tying a shoe.  Tighten the bow as you would a shoelace, adjusting the loops to about the finished size of bow you intend to make.

Finish the bow: trim the ribbon ends to slightly longer and shorter than the loops.  Varying lengths and end clipping styles adds interest.  Gently pull the layers of loops apart to create a pouf and arrange as you'd like.  Your beautiful bow is finished! 

Happy Anniversary Stephen and Bonnie...and here's to 40 years more!

All that Jazz

Have you figured out yet that the inspiration for the design of our soaps sometimes is a joke?  Stick with us long enough and you might get that impression. 

A few years ago, we designed a luscious, chocolatey, sweet, coffee-scented soap for the local  Jazz Festival that was a tongue in cheek bow to coffee-drinking-music-majors everywhere.  As a matter of fact, you coffee-drinking-music-majors seemed to be the only ones who saw the humor in the name Marcato Macchiato! 

So, imagine a chocolate, coffee, and vanilla soap which, like a macchiato, appears in distinct layers, and which, like all of our other soaps, explodes into a rich, silky lather and has an aroma that warms and entices.  The marcato is our nod to the jolt of coffee and good jazz.  (Marcato: ^ is a marcato accent. On brass instruments it the use of heavier, more agressive tongue. On string instruments it's the use of a strong fast down bow. In other words, a musical jolt!)

You won't find the soap for sale on our website right now...and that's why I'm writing this post! This yummy soap is just begging to be made again, but I need to know that you think it might be a fun soap to have.  So.... if you'd like to see us make Marcato Macchiato again for the fun of it, we'll need to see at least 25 Likes before Friday August 3!  Comment on this blog, Tweet your like, Like our Facebook page, or Comment on our Pinterest board before then.  With enough Likes, the soap will be ready just in time for the Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival Marketplace!

 

Little Free Library

I'd like to introduce you to a new neighbor - at least, a new attraction in our neighborhood.  Welcome to the new Little Free Library, just down the street and around the corner from my house.  It is actually about a mile from my house, but in the country, who measures?  It's a short walk when the anticipation of finding a good book is spurring one on.

It is an unassuming little building-on-a-post that is packed with books just waiting to be read. The little-ness of it is intriguing, don't you think?

The concept is simple: anyone passing by is welcome to see which books the library has to offer and to take one - just bring along a book to share and put it in place of the one you took!  Currently the library has magazines, children's books, mysteries, and one heart-throb-inducing romance.  Last week there were comic books and some science fiction.  It's the thrill of the hunt; the surprise when we get there that keeps us checking the little library when summertime boredom threatens.  Can't wait to curl up with a cup of tea and my newest find...

Take me to the Country Living Fair!

Whew!  The paperwork for the soap making demonstrations at the Country Living Fairs is finished, and it's time to become very busy making soap and setting up the demos.  Autumn is just around the corner - did I say that? - and we have to be ready!

They came quietly in the mail a few weeks ago, and their counterparts for Atlanta arrived last week.  It is official now...we'll see you at the Fair! 

Flag Me

Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Wednesday this year, and it is a toss-up whether we celebrate with friends & family on this June/July weekend, get together next weekend, or just take the whole week off and stop dithering!  With flags flying in downtown West Bend, this Saturday's Farmers' Market seemed the perfect place for us to anticipate the Fourth with flags and fun.  So, we did a little research, formulated a plan, and decorated with red, white, & blue! 

Our quiz was a conduit to price savings on soaps...answer the wickedly challenging question you pull from the pot, and get $$ off of your soap purchase.  Then players who answered the questions correctly put their names in a drawing for free soaps...congratulations to Rita Sepersky and Jesse Roltgen of the West Bend area...each a winner of a bar of Wild Mint & Maple Syrup soap!

So here's a sample question for you: Where and when was the US flag first flown over a foreign fort?  And no sneaky peeking for the answer online!

No matter where you travel, parades you see, and fireworks you don't watch this year because of drought, have a safe and glorious Fourth! 

Art Around the Bend

If you were in West Bend, Wisconsin this evening, you might have heard music in the air and you might have seen a few more touches of local color.  At Century Farmhouse the music made us dance a bit - I really did swing my partner - and the incredible art in our Studio kept us looking deeper for details that really were there.  If you didn't get the opportunity to stop in tonight, here is what you missed: (Oh!  Don't forget the Lavender Butter Cookies!)

Artist Ted Conde

Though yet unfinished, this lovely view of Big Cedar Lake shoreline in West Bend will be available in limited edition prints later this year.

Ted is a talented medical artist by training, but also is a botanical artist, a photographer, sculptor, and much more.  He has worked as an artist for the Milwaukee Parks at the Mitchell Park Domes and is presently Artist-in-Residence at Cedar Valley Retreat Center & Spa in West Bend.  His works have been displayed in many museums across the country, including the Smithsonian.  Doesn't that larger-than-life lily in the style of Georgia O'Keefe just grab you?  The Century Farmhouse Studio was filled with color; botanical paintings on several walls, fanciful, pointilist garden scenes of local sites surrounding our sales area, and even tulips painted on silk were on display.  See more photos of our evening!

 

The painting of 1950s West Bend used to create the mural at the Washington County Courthouse in West Bend, Wisconsin.

The biggest surprise was the original painting that was used to create the 15X30' mural in the atrium of the Washington County Courthouse.  It is an honor to have that painting in our Studio!  Thank you, Ted.

 

Tuning up for the big gig.

The Bent Willow Band

This evening was a celebration of more than visual art.  We tapped our toes and danced down Main Street - at least I swung my partner a few times in the parking lot!  We welcomed The Bent Willow Band; their music a fusion of bluegrass and celtic styles.  My daughter is the mandolin/cello player, and it is truly a treat to hear this band perform!   Wish you could have been there.

The Bent Willow Band