Conversations with Hanna Benoski

Molly: Seasonal shifts help me explore a bit more in the kitchen. Have you made any new recipes lately?

Hanna: It’s that time of the year when I can’t stop eating roasted root vegetables on greens with chicken, honey, chopped nuts with goat cheese. I don’t think that combo will ever get old.

M: OK, that sounds amazing. What do you enjoy most about curating your space? Do you feel like your style changes at all based on the architecture/ design elements of your home?

H: I love mixing textures and lots of natural light. My style definitely changes based on the space I’m in. I always have the things I love or am drawn to, but feel some of them don’t fit in my current space so maybe I fit those in at a later time:)

M: After living with these ceramic pieces, have you noticed any shifts in your daily rituals or mindset as you interact with them?

H: Yes!! Every time I use them I think of how special and unique they are. It elevates making a simple cup of tea and turns it into something I find myself smiling at in the kitchen.

M: That’s really sweet to hear.

H: This was a brown sugar matcha that I made using the matcha bowl!

Brown sugar syrup recipe:

1/2 c brown sugar and 1/2 c water. Bring it to a boil, stirring until all of the sugar is dissolved. Let it simmer, stirring frequently for 15 minutes. Let cool, then pour into a jar.

For the matcha:

Whisk 1/2 tsp pure matcha powder and 1/2 tsp of pearl with a bit of warm water until frothy. Place your ice in a glass, pour milk, and, top with matcha:)

M: OK I knew pearl was a common ingredient in skin/ beauty products but I had to google— most notably IMO in Ayurvedic medicine, it is said to be an antidote for poison, and it was also used in love potions.

H: Omg I love that lolol I use it for hair/skin and nails!

Love potions sound much better.

M: You’ve been showing up online and sharing recipes for quite a while, what is the most beneficial part of IG?

H: It has allowed me to connect with so many people with similar interests and I’ve made lots of friends through it. I’ve found brands I may not have tried or found previously and I’m so happy that I did.

M: That absolutely tracks. It feels easy to lose sight of all the connections we make and maintain online. And even though we originally met IRL, we really connected over Instagram. You seem to genuinely enjoy creating content— what are you inspired by?

H: I get inspired by so many little things like the light, wood, corners, organic shapes, and food, of course. I just love to share what I think is beautiful or reminds me of a time when I found joy:)

M: That’s lovely. And you know I am from Kansas City so I always have to ask, what are your current favorite spots?

H: This is a hard one. I love so many.