The Occasional Table Written by, Dan Zongker

Oh, the power of the occasional table! A perfect example of the old cliché “tiny is mighty” Not all custom furniture needs to be grandiose and over bearing in scale. The simplicity of the occasional table unites adjacent furnishings, bringing everything together as a whole. End tables, night stands, game tables and sofa tables can all complete a room while providing function. Whether it is storage, space for lamps, or some place to sit your coffee and favorite magazine, the occasional table completes the appearance of any room. Typically a lot of thought and style go into each design, creating the overall ambiance desired. On many occasions, we get the honor of working with professional interior designers. By bringing their talents and expertise to the project, the occasional table thus provides a unique living space. Rightfully accrediting the talent of the interior designer, some of the pieces shown here I would like to proudly acknowledge. Leah Bauer Interior Designs…..Pictures A, B and C….These unique occasional tables were designed by Leah to not only serve a specific function, but to bring a fun and unique design into the living spaces. Mixing materials shapes and function into each design. Leah’s biggest inspiration remains her client’s own preferences and needs, and she works hard to find out exactly what they are. Roger duRand Authentic Designs…….Pictures D and E…..Roger is a designer which thrives on the adventure of all forms of design. He believes in authenticy of his designs by knowing why one approach is truthful and another is false, in the marriage of function, wit, culture and value. Roger’s unique designs blend materials and unique detailing, creating significantly unique designs for his clients. Zongkers Designs……The remaining tables shown within this page, I’ve designed for our clients. I boast no “Interior Design” talents, but furniture designing is my passion. With 30 years of experience within the industry, I can bring different ideas and materials into each design. When initially meeting a client, I listen and learn. Absorbing the surroundings, and creating each design to not only compliment personality, but adjacent furnishings. Although the occasional table may not be of large scale, it’s most likely just as significant. Providing unique capabilities in design, space and function……completing any room is occupies.

www.zongkers.com

February 2009

222000 YYYeeeaaarrrsss

HHHaaappppppyyy AAAnnnnnniiivvveeerrrsssaaarrryyy

ZZZooonnngggkkkeeerrr'''sss

Picture C

Picture B Picture A

Picture D

Happy Anniversary

1989 hallmarked 2 brothers and our adventure in dedication and preservation of the artistry of furniture making. Today

we proudly have enjoyed 20 years and wish to respectfully thank the many

friends we have made.

Dan and Dennis Zongker

Picture E

“Styl ish Box” Boxes of all kinds have been popular through out history for hundreds of years. The box that is shown is the first

of five boxes that I am making for a "How-To -Do Book, called “Stylish Boxes." Each of the five boxes will

have a box made exactly the same but, without the carvings and marquetry to show just the shape and style.

The book is intended for woodworkers to give them ideas and different methods on making boxes and cabinets. There will be examples of carving, marquetry, jointery,

finishing, inlays and so much more. Though the purpose of a box may be purely functional, boxes can also be very

decorative and artistic.

If anyone would be interested in having a customized box or cabinet made, I would work with you or your customer on designing and the making of any kind of style of box or cabinet. Many decorative boxes are used for a large variety of reasons, like jewelry boxes, watches, card

boxes, sewing, writing, and knives along with, storing possessions or basically used as a decorative piece of art.

Dennis Lee Zongker dzongker@aol.com

Dennis Zongkers Work Bench

Size is 9” wide x 13” long & 5 1/2” tall

The Rose

From time immemorial, beloveds have been compared to roses. If we juggle the letters of the word ROSE we get EROS, who is the God of Love. Rose has thus been the traditional choice of lovers around the world. The color red is associated with strong emotions and below is listed sentiments expressed by different hues of rose: - Lavender -- Enchantment and Uniqueness Orange -- Fascination Pink (Dark) -- Thankfulness, Friendship and Admiration Red -- Love, Respect and Courage Peach -- Modesty, Gratitude, Admiration and Sympathy Pink (Pale) -- Grace, Joy and Happiness Deep Red -- Beauty and Passion White -- Innocence, Purity, Secrecy, Silence, Reverence, Humility and (according to some sources) True Love Yellow -- Joy, Friendship, Jealousy, Hope and Freedom Black -- Farewell Red/White -- Unity or Engagement Yellow/Orange -- Passionate Thoughts Peach -- Modesty, Gratitude, Admiration and Sympathy Pink (Pale) -- Grace, Joy and Happiness Yellow/Red -- Congratulations Rosebud -- Beauty, Youth and a Heart Innocent of Love Red Rosebud -- Purity and Loveliness White Rosebud -- Girlhood One Dozen Red Roses -- "I Love You" Single Red Rose in Full Bloom -- "I Love You

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

2 small carrots, shredded (1 cup) 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 2 packages (6 oz each) fast-cooking chicken and wild rice mix 4 cups boiling water 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 lb) 4 slices (1/8 inch thick) cooked ham, cut in half 4 slices (1 oz each) Swiss cheese 1.Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13 x 9-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In baking dish, stir together carrots, butter and rice mix and water. Arrange chicken on rice mixture. Top each breast with ham. 2. Cover tightly with foil; bake 55 to 60 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F). 3. Place cheese on ham. Bake uncovered 3 to 4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted

Cheesy Vegetable Risotto 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup) 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 cup uncooked rice 1 carton (32 oz) reduced-sodium chicken (4 cups), warmed 1 bag (12 oz) Frozen Steamers frozen broccoli, carrots, cauliflower & cheese sauce 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper 1.In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat until butter is melted. Add onion and garlic; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is tender. 2. Stir in rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until edges of kernels is translucent. Stir in 1/2 cup of the broth. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. 3. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the broth; cook uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until broth is absorbed. Stir in another 1 cup of the broth; cook uncovered about 5 minutes longer, stirring frequently, until broth is absorbed. 4. Stir in remaining 1 cup broth. Cook about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice is tender and mixture is creamy. 5. Meanwhile, cook frozen vegetables as directed on bag. Stir vegetables, Parmesan cheese, parsley and pepper into rice mixture.

Cappuccino Mousse

1 cup milk 3/4 cup cold strong coffee

1 package (4-serving size) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix

2 tablespoons sugar 2 cups whipping (heavy) cream

1/4 cup sugar

1.In large bowl, beat milk, coffee, pudding mix (dry) and 2 tablespoons sugar with wire whisk about 2 minutes or until

slightly thickened. 2. In chilled large bowl, beat whipping cream and 1/4 cup

sugar with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Gently stir whipped cream into coffee mixture.

3. Spoon into individual dessert dishes. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until set.

Happy

Valentines Day