Framed Artwork

Recently, I completed a five-painting commission for the kitchen of a client.  These artworks were done on museum-grade panels which require framing.  My client was kind enough to photograph the paintings in their new home, complete with their gorgeous wood frames.  I'd say the frames were the "icing on the cake."

The Proposal

Oil on Canvas Panel, 6x6--View eBay Listing

This would certainly be a unique way to propose marriage to the love of your life.  (Of course, a ring is still appreciated by most!)  Valentine's Day is coming soon.... :)

Castilian Garlic Soup Recipe (by special request)

Painting by Kristine Kainer
Copyright 2011

Castilian-Style Garlic Soup

Note:  This recipe is in the book, Delicioso, by Penelope Casas.  I’ve adjusted it somewhat (more garlic, no diced ham) to reflect my memory of a similar soup I had in San Diego 16 years ago.

For the croutons:

5 T olive oil

4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

4 ½ c day-old country bread, cut in ½-inch slices

1 t sweet paprika

For the soup:

1 head garlic, peeled and crushed (Yes, all the cloves)

4 ½ c water

1 t sweet paprika

Salt, to taste

Pepper, freshly ground

4 c beef broth or consommé

6 eggs

Place 5 T olive oil and the minced garlic in a skillet and slowly heat until the garlic begins to color.  Add the bread pieces and sauté slowly until they are crisp and golden (about 15 minutes).  Sprinkle in 1 t. paprika and stir to coat the bread.  Reserve.

For the garlic broth, in a soup pot heat the remaining T of oil and lightly sauté the crushed garlic cloves.  Stir in the remaining t. of paprika, the water, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 45 minutes.

Bring the beef broth to a boil.  Arrange 6 ovenproof soup bowls on a baking tray and add 1 T beef broth to each.  Carefully slip an egg into each soup bowl and pour in more beef broth until each bowl is half full.  Place the tray with the bowls in a 450 degree oven until the eggs are set (about 4 minutes).  Fill the bowls with the reserved garlic broth, simmering, and scatter the croutons on top.  Serve immediately.

Eggplant

Oil on canvas panel, 6x6 -- Commission

Here is the final painting of a five-painting commissioned series.  The eggplants at my nearby grocery store were pathetic; hence photos and two previous eggplant paintings I've done were my references.  (Unfortunately, that means there is nothing for me to eat!!!) The photo of the artwork (above) does not do justice to the rich, deep jewel tones of the flesh;  trust me, though, they are there.

Garlic

Oil on Canvas Panel, 6x6 -- Commission

Painting #3 of a 5-painting commissioned series is one of the most indispensable ingredients in my kitchen:  a head of garlic.  This particular model will join several more for an indescribably delectable garlic soup.  I first discovered this unsung pleasure while dining at a Spanish restaurant in the gaslight district of San Diego sixteen years ago.  Though my attempts at recreating it were futile at first, I happened upon a recipe in a cookbook that is close--complete with a fried egg in the broth!  Heavenly.



Tomato

Oil on Canvas Panel, 6x6 -- Commission


Here is painting number 3 in a five-painting commissioned series.  How I dearly miss tomatoes from my own garden!  Still, this model served me well.  With a little sea salt, it was a juicy snack.

Green Bell Pepper

Oil on canvas panel, 6x6 -- Commission

This is painting #2 in a five-painting commissioned series.  I think I will stuff the model and eat it for dinner tonight!