SIT Vol. II Studies in Taste— Vol. II Confections — Chocolate Shop the Print—$32 Celebration — Champagne Shop the Print—$32 Culture — Parmigiano Reggiano Shop the Print—$32 Harvest — Pomegranate Shop the Print — $32 Ritual — Roe Shop the print— $32 Studies in Taste was created in a small format intentionally. A single 5 × 7 can be displayed framed on a shelf, in a kitchen, placed beside books, or hung as one small piece with presence. Think of them as little studies: individual works, or part of a larger collection. Perhaps displayed for inspiration as a layered, collected personal chic salon-style wall. Made from the details I notice first: structure, texture, color, repetition, and the ordinary things that become more interesting when you look a little longer. Available as digital downloads. Digital downloads are intended for small-format personal printing; 5×7 inches or smallish recommended with square works best suited for square formats. Larger prints may appear softer depending on the image, printer, and paper. $32 each For personal residential display only View Studies in Taste on the blog For hospitality, commercial, or bulk licensing inquiries: blondebehindthebucket@gmail.com © 2026 Tatum Lorraine Barnes. All rights reserved.Studies in Taste — Vol. IIBlonde Behind the Bucket® Toast. Taste. Train. Shop the Post
Before Dinner: A Campari Apéritif An apéritif comes before the meal. The word comes from the French apéritif, derived from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open.” An amuse-bouche prepares the palate for the meal. An apéritif wakes up the appetite and signals the beginning of the dining experience. Think Pastis, Campari Soda, Aperol Spritz, Select Spritz, Lillet Blanc, Negroni Sbagliato or Champagne. Each serves the same purpose: to mark the beginning of the evening and awaken the appetite. Today, I am featuring a Campari Soda, one of my favorites. For those of you who may not know, Campari is an Italian aperitivo known for its vibrant red color and pleasantly bitter profile. Produced in Italy since 1860, it has long been a staple of bars, cafés, and dinner tables. Served simply with soda water and a neatly trimmed orange or grapefruit slice, it remains one of the easiest apéritifs you can make. Fun fact: Campari’s signature red color originally came from carmine, a natural dye derived from cochineal insects. One of the things I appreciate most about the apéritif tradition is what it represents. It creates a pause between the day and the dinner table and what better way than a cold, crisp, bittersweet apéritif. A moment to gather, converse, relax and enjoy. Have one or two. Who’s counting? Campari Soda Ingredients 2 oz Campari 3–4 oz soda water Orange slice or grapefruit slice, neatly trimmed Ice Method Fill a glass with ice. Add the Campari Top with soda water Garnish: neatly trimmed orange or grapefruit slice Glass: A rocks glass, double old fashioned, or what I still call a bucket glass Bar Chef Notes The beauty of this drink is simplicity. There is an elegance in simplicity. Sometimes hospitality is not about doing more. Simple drinks often have the longest history. Lime offers a brighter, sharper citrus note than orange or grapefruit, should you choose. Some days a coffee cup instead of bucket glass is just fine too. In the end, it’s about creating space for people to slow down, enjoy what is already in front of them, appreciate the good company around them, and appreciate the simple ritual of beginning a meal together. Cin cin. Toast. Taste. Train. Shop the post Purchases may be commissionable.
Test Smoothie Test Smoothie There’s a version you measure. And a version you repeat. The repeat is the test. Made at the counter. Despite the cup and saucer, not styled. Ingredients 1 cup water 1 teaspoon maca (Sprout Living) 1 scoop collagen (Agent Nateur) 1 scoop protein — Green Kingdom (Sprout Living) 1 scoop celery powder (Koyah) 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed Frozen fruit blend — dragon fruit, açaí, mango (Navitas Organics) 1 mandarin orange ½ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon Blend until smooth. Why Each Ingredient Works Water — Carries everything. Hydration, without interference. Cleans. Maca (Sprout Living) — A Peruvian root traditionally used to support energy, mood, and hormonal balance. Collagen (Agent Nateur) — Skin, hair, and nails. A shiny, ultra-fine pearl powder. Plant Protein (Sprout Living — Green Kingdom) — For those of us who don’t eat enough vegetables. Adds density and weight. Celery Powder (Koyah) — Mineral-forward. Clean, subtle depth. Ground Flaxseed — Fiber and omega-3s. Adds density and weight. Dragon Fruit / Açaí / Mango (Navitas Organics) — Antioxidants with natural sweetness and acidity. Mandarin Orange — Fresh citrus lift. Brightens the blend. Ceylon Cinnamon — Warmth. Shop the Ingredients This may be commissionable. Toast. Taste. Train.