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Ella’s Pottery + A Chicken Recipe

A year and a half ago my friend Meredith was married in the beautiful Virginia countryside.

Foodblog-6937 this post!

The wedding welcome bags included a beautiful mug made by Meredith’s Aunt Ella, who we got to know over the course of the wedding weekend. Ella and I talked about how she could get her pottery business online.

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A year later, she has launched Soap Creek Pottery.

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“Where did you get that bowl” is one of KERF’s most frequently asked questions. Ella invited me to share her site with all you bowl and mug lovers and sent me a few pieces to highlight.

Her pottery is gorgeous (love the colors!) and most of them have a function – “Art with a purpose,” as Ella says. Everything is made by hand so now two pieces are alike.

This sweet bowl is actually an egg cooker! With a lid and holes for steam, you can microwave your egg for an easy poached effect. I’ve cooked a few eggs already, and while one blew the lid off, the others have been great!

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This plate is a garlic grater and dipping dish in one.

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Of course I love oatmeal bowls : ) The leaf is a nice touch!

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This is a French butter keeper. We store our butter in a cabinet instead of the fridge so it stays soft, and this keeps it super soft and spreadable!

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And finally this crazy looking bowl is actually a Tipsy Chicken cooker! You might know it as “Coke can chicken” or “Beer can chicken.” The pottery is a bit prettier than a can : ) {And you can also use it as a serving bowl if you wish.}

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Matt and I put it to the test for dinner one night.

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We filled the bottom with sweet potatoes, carrots and celery plus a lot of thyme and garlic. Then we filled the “can” in the middle with home brewed beer. I’d recommend a good bit around the veggies too so they cook well. {You can always use broth instead of beer or wine.}

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Mr. Chicken went in with more garlic and herbs plus some lemon.

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Per Ella’s directions, we baked him for a little under 2 hours at 350*, which was right about when our thermometer indicated he was baked.

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The chicken came out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Delish!

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But of course my favorite part was the juicy veggies underneath!

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Ella offered to give away a gift credit towards any one of her pieces up to $20. Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Racheal says

    That pottery is absolutely beautiful! When I lived in NC I bought a few pieces to remember my time there. Of course, I could always use a few more! 🙂

    Reply

  8. Chaley Swift says

    I work at a college and the students have a sale of the previous year’s projects around the holidays. I always snag an item or two. I can’t wait to check out Ella’s items. They are stunning! It is such an awesome thing to have handmade pottery to use.

    Reply

  10. Bethany says

    Functional pottery is the best! Friends of mine in Ohio make similar items. I like the bowles with leaves on them; it makes for a unique handle!

    Reply

    • Ella says

      You’re exactly right Bethany. Handmade stoneware pottery is kind of like “comfort food” … it just makes you feel good to eat and drink out of a handmade piece. Thanks for your interest.

      Reply

  14. Jen Sprague says

    Beautiful pottery! I have been wanting to get better plates and bowls for a long time now, but my husband and I are still doing the apartment life thing… I’m so scared they would get broken in a move. Maybe I should get over it and just treat myself!

    Reply

    • Jen Sprague says

      Just realized I need to mention my favorite product to enter the giveaway – how do you choose?! I truly love them all. I’m gravitating toward the 3 part relish dish and the sponge holder – I’d love for my sponge to be sitting pretty rather than looking boring on the edge of the sink. 😉

      Reply

      • Ella says

        I think the relish dish is one of the most versatile pieces I have. I made it originally for relishes or condiments but my customers give me the best ideas … taco fixings, baked potato fixings, nuts, m & m’s, etc. What are your ideas for it?

        Reply

  17. Dana says

    I’d love to try that tipsy chicken cooker. I bake chicken that way pretty often and it would be a lot easier with that pan!

    Reply

  19. Jalyn says

    It’s so hard to pick just one – they’re all beautiful! I guess I’ll have to go with the salsa bowl and 2-piece tray set. I really can’t decide between the two.

    Reply

  21. Julie Rosene says

    Beautiful pieces. I love handmade dishware. Can Canadians enter the giveaway? I’d love that “beer can” chicken piece.

    Reply

  27. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    I love the mugs & cream and sugar set – how cute! And did you see the egg separator? oh my hilarious!!

    Reply

  34. Ellen says

    Wow! SO many options! I absolutely adore handmade pottery and have collected pieces from many artists over the years. My favorite item is the fruit feeder – how creative!

    Reply

  41. Jessica says

    Am I the only one having issues with the comments? I see there are some but when I click on them it says ‘0 comments’ unless I leave one… odd!

    Gorgeous set! I love unique dishes.

    Reply

  44. Anne Weber-Falk says

    I like the honey pot. I’ve been looking for a nice one. I also like the two part relish tray. She has many pretty and folky things.

    Reply

  45. Maria says

    This pottery is beautiful. In my younger years (pre-children) I used to love making my own pottery. I will definitely check out her website. It’s so nice of you to help her get her store up and running online.

    Reply

  71. Lindsey says

    Ooh, I love handmade pottery like that! I used to live in Vermont and saw that kind of stuff a lot, but her cooking dishes are really unique!

    Reply

  79. Farah says

    I would LOVE one of her pieces!!! I love ceramics and have dabbled in pottery myself – and always love supporting artists!!

    Reply

    • KathEats says

      Tonya, can you be a bit more specific? Are the posts not showing up? I switched to a new host with a new cache so things might be a bit sticky for a few weeks while we tweak the plugin

      Reply

  84. Melissa K. says

    I LOVE the yarn bowl and the bird houses! The pieces are all so unique, and I’m stunned at how affordable everything is! Thank you for highlighting this growing business.

    Reply

  89. Amber Schumann says

    What beautiful and unique items! How could I pick just one?!?!?! I LOVE the idea of the chicken cooker. The simple coffee mug is a fav for sure (drinking coffee out of a unique/special mug is an addiction of mine).

    I will definitely be bookmarking her site for a future purchase 🙂

    Reply

  91. Kayla says

    Here pottery is beautiful! I love it all but would probably end up choosing a coffee mug because I have an obsession with collecting them!

    Reply

  95. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says

    What beautiful pottery! I love the butter keeper! We also keep ours in the cabinet, but it’s in a regular butter dish. I like that one so much better. I also really like the garlic grater/dipping dish! Thanks for sharing–I will definitely check out her site!

    Reply

  96. Anna E. says

    I LOVE rustic, handmade pottery. Especially when the pieces are functional! The French butter crocks are definitely becoming more popular…I have quite a few friends that have picked them up. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  102. Jesse says

    interesting, i’ve never cooked chicken like that before. i can smell it from here!

    http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2014/02/taking-stock-2.html

    Reply

  103. Sarah says

    I think all the pottery is so beautiful! I appreciate the time, skill, and patience required to hand create pieces. Cheese and crackers are big party items at my home, so I find the “U” shaped Cracker Dish particularly appealing.

    Reply

  105. Bethany @ Accidental Intentions says

    I love the soup/cereal bowls! I have oatmeal almost every morning for breakfast, and those bowls would be just perfect 🙂

    Reply

  107. natasha says

    Tough choice.they all look great. I love the bird feeder though since they congregate outside my apt. daily since my housemate and I love to have them visit. She’s a photographer and I’m just nostalgic because my late mama loved to sit and watch the birds.

    Oh and that toad abode is adorable!

    Reply

  111. Tonya says

    Kath–to elaborate on the website issues:

    For example, I got an email notification that you replied to my original comment but now as I try to reply to that, I’m looking at 0 comments under this post. So as I’m typing this it looks like I’m the first person to leave a comment.

    On the KERF homepage it showed 77 comments when I brought the web page up, but then when you click to add a comment or read comments, it shows zero. I know a few days ago, I was seeing the same post for a few days. Earlier today I was unable to use the rafflecopter widget above because it disappeared then kept refreshing or something. Hope this info helps! Or at least makes some sort of sense. LOL Good luck and thanks!

    Reply

  113. Claire McC says

    I LOVE Ella’s coffee mugs! They seem more like “goblets” and I relish the thought of holding a hot cup of coffee in my hands in that mug! Love the cobalt blue.

    Reply

  118. Erin m. says

    I love everything! it’d be hard for me to choose since I just moved into my new house and am trying to decorate it!

    Reply

  120. Ashley says

    Love that butter dish! These pieces are all so beautiful and unique. I can always appreciate handmade functional art!

    Reply

  127. Jeri says

    I think I’m sold on the tipsy chicken cooker. My kids do love roasted chicken and veggies. I would totally use that at least twice a week.

    S/n: Kath my youngest son said that he was giving up so much sugar. He said he needs to get serious with dieting/ healthy eating! YES WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS!

    Reply

  128. Jeri says

    I think I’m sold with the tipsy chicken cooker. (I think I posted this but it didn’t show up. Hope it was something I did)

    Reply

  133. Kate says

    Oh this is beautiful! She is talented. I love the honey pot and also the fish platter oh….and the bird feeders….AND the chicken cooker!

    Reply

  136. Shelby says

    I would love to win this! The garlic grater dish for dipping oil is the absolute perfect gift for Mother’s Day for my mom!

    Reply

  141. Beaty says

    I love handmade pottery!! I love the butter keeper and the tipsy chicken cooker. I love her mugs as well. I only use fun & beautiful ceramic mugs. Hers would be a wonderful addition to my collection.

    Reply

    • Ella says

      Just FYI, I also use the brie baker as a small casserole dish or a serving dish for a side vegetable. It’s also great with a cracker dish nestled around it. Thanks for your interest.

      Reply

  145. Krista says

    For everyday I love the soup/cereal bowl, but I REALLY love the Salsa Bowl! I think that will be added to my wedding registry. 🙂

    Reply

  147. Rachel A says

    I love the French Butter keeper. I make all of our bread at home, and we love bread and butter as a snack. I’d love to have softened butter handy at all times.

    Reply

  148. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    I love this cereal/soup bowl! http://www.soapcreekpottery.com/products-page/cooks-corner/cerealsoup-bowl/

    Reply

  152. kristen @ verbs and vignettes says

    i love the french butter dish! i saw one of these in a friend’s house years ago, and have not seen another one since. i love the idea of keeping butter fresh but soft and spreadable.

    Reply

    • Ella says

      No need to be intimidated Lindsey … I include a recipe that is simply delicious and easy to boot. Your cooking will be a big hit!

      Reply

  163. Marissa says

    Really, everything is beautiful on her site! Especially love the garlic grater dipping dishes and the fish platter set. 🙂

    Reply

  165. Pam says

    All of the pieces are gorgeous! I want the tipsy chicken cooker 🙂 so pretty and makes amazing food, what more could you want.

    Reply

  175. Sarah B. says

    The Tipsey Chicken baker is great! My husband usually grills or smokes beer can chicken, but I love the idea of baking it with veggies (especially in winter!)
    Thanks for keeping things local/small business- I love supporting them!

    Reply

  179. Stacie says

    So many beautiful things to choose from… I’d say the salsa bowl, oatmeal bowl…ok–anything!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

    • Ella says

      As a matter of fact, Kari, I make mine with white wine and fresh rosemary in the center cup, I sprinkle the chicken real heavy inside and out with Montreal Steak Seasoning. The liquid just infuses the chicken from the inside but the skin gets real crispy. Deeelish!!!

      Reply

  190. Kelsey says

    I have a mug similar to that from Gattlinburg, TN and I LOVE it!! I’ve been dying for more. This site will definitely be used in the future for gifts! Who knew that a sponge holder could be so beautiful?

    Reply

  192. Lacey Dellinger says

    Love pottery that can really be used! I am starting a collection and will definitely reach out to Aunt Ella. Thanks!

    Reply

  196. Rachel says

    I love, love, love the Fish Platter set. I live on a lake so we like having a few fish related decor items around.

    I’d love to try the Tipsy Chicken Cooker though, your meal looked really yummy!

    Reply

  198. Helen says

    Those are lovely! I took a pottery class in high school and made exactly one bowl that looked like a bowl, barely. Nice work, Ella.

    Reply

  201. CHRIS says

    I love the Brie baker. It’s a family favorite at the holidays but it’s always so messy. I never knew they made specific bakers for it. Fabulous!

    Reply

  204. Sarah says

    I’ve cooked a lot of eggs in the microwave in my day. If you pierce both the white and yolk (you don’t have to break it, just stick a fork in once), that should prevent the exploding effect.

    Reply

  207. Laura P says

    I would totally use most of her stuff. But I think my top three would be a sponge holder, the onion/apple baking bowl and the chef’s salt pinch. I am just thrilled that these pieces are as pretty as they are functional. Totally awesome.

    Reply

  218. Sarah L. says

    My favourite is the garlic grater dipping dish – I know we would use it almost daily! All of the pottery is awesome though – I also love the honey pot with dipper. I could definitely see myself buying some pieces in the future as gifts for various family and friends!

    Reply

  229. Shauna'h says

    I love the tipsy chicken cooker! We love to make beer can chicken on the grill, but live in Maine where we clearly can’t grill year round (and our beer can chicken contraption is too tall to fit in the oven). This looks lower profile, so we could prepare this delicious recipe during the winter, as well!

    Reply

  232. Lisa says

    LOVE the oatmeal bowl, I have a bunch of bowls I have collected from traveling and I search for details like the leaf!

    Reply

  233. Leslie paquette says

    I love the coffee mugs!!! They look nice and big and so pretty. Second favorite is the garlic scraper dipping dish, what a great idea!

    Reply

  234. TeresaM says

    I would love the Tipsy Chicken Cooker – what a great idea and so much more stable than trying to balance the chicken on your own.

    Reply

  235. Ella says

    Thanks to all for making this give-away so successful. Most of all thanks to Kath for her creative energy she put into this feature. Congrats to our winner, Lindsey. She selected a mini bundt pan for her free pottery and it has now been featured on Soap Creek Pottery’s Facebook page.

    Keep checking my Facebook page to watch for future give-aways. If you like it, share it with your friends so they can enter also.

    Thank you all for your kind comments and interest.

    Reply

  236. Jan Hub says

    I love the tipsy chicken cooker and everything just looks homey, heartwarming and absolutely beautiful. I really want to try your chicken recipe at home and serve it together with these amazing heralth bars that I recently discovered. These snack bars give one meal to one child in an underdeveloped country for each chocolate bar they sell. I would love for more moms to know more about social entrepreneurship and about these types of products.

    Reply

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