16 ended up being perfect- I was able to seat 8 in our dining room: And 8 in our kitchen: I have a bit of an obsession with buying all kinds of dishes, linens, glassware, etc. I have loads of patterns & colors, and I love to mix & match. My husband and I fully intended to wear togas at the party… but we had some costume malfunctioning goin’ on and had to throw on regular clothes at the last minute!...
¼ cup water, warm 2 tsp active dry yeast 1 tsp granulated sugar 3½ cups all-purpose flour ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed 1½ tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg, plus additional 1 for egg wash ¾ cup pineapple juice ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp water In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar and stir. Set aside for 10 minutes....
Preparation Cast iron Dutch ovens, pots with thick walls and tightly fitting lids, are stalwarts of the kitchen thanks to their ability to lock in moisture and retain a consistent heat for hours on end—plus, when properly cared for, they really can last forever. Use them to create tender and flavorful dishes like meat, stews, beans, and bread. A Dutch oven is also an ideal substitute for a slow cooker or deep fryer and the perfect tool for braising since you can sear food on the stovetop and then move the pot in the oven to finish cooking....
Preparation When it comes to making eco-conscious changes and decisions in your home, you likely start in your kitchen or laundry room, swapping out energy-draining appliances for efficient models before moving on to better textiles and cleaning formulas. But there are other places and pieces that could use a sustainable touch, too—like your child’s room and the essentials she or he turns to daily. Ahead, how to make better choices for both the earth and your little ones....
Preparation Few sippable things in life can make you feel as sophisticated as a chilly, crystal-clear martini. Gin, vermouth, ice, stirred and poured. So simple! And yet so iconic. Its origins can be traced back as far as the 1880s, when the appearance of vermouth in cocktail bars spurred the creation of many a classic cocktail. But who invented it? Well, like so many things written on the back of a matchbook, the traceability of that fact is lost to history, if it was ever one source to being with....
Preparation If you love both flowers and cocktails, Alyson Brown’s new book, The Flower-Infused Cocktail: Flowers, With a Twist ($29.95, amazon.com)—which she describes as “a love letter to flowers and an ode to the appreciation of blooms beyond the vase”—affords the perfect opportunity to explore how these components can be combined to create some standout drinks that elevate the drinking experience. Brown not only offers a fresh take on traditional mixology by showcasing over 60 different edible flowers in unique cocktail recipes that she created and photographed herself, but she also educates the flower and/or cocktails enthusiast by sharing interesting facts and folklore about the flowers she features in her drinks (which also include mocktails, floral waters, teas, and tinctures)....
One bite and they’ll blow you away. If you’re searching for something to brighten up your day, stop scrolling! Ina Garten’s lemon bars are crazy easy to whip up, great for crowds, and perfect for any occasion. From the crispy-tender crust to the creamy-tart filling, they’re absolutely irresistible. They’re also stunning with that yellow hue and light dusting of powdered sugar on top. I suggest making a big batch today, so you can indulge all week long....
Served with Caribbean Rice with Peas (actually, it’s beans – but the dish is called “peas”!) One of the best nights I remember from my holiday to the Bahamas was at a beach bar where we drank cheap beer, danced barefoot on the sand and lined up in long queues for dinner served on paper plates. It was an extensive banquet consisting of peas ‘n rice, corn on the cob, a green salad and jerk chicken…....
Earlier this summer, my family and I traveled on a two week adventure in Europe. It was a trip I had wanted to plan since our son would soon be heading off to college- time to spend together as a family. On our itinerary: London, Paris, Rome and Barcelona. Our first stop was London- for three nights. We chose The Montague on the Gardens hotel for our lodging, which is located in the Bloomsbury section of London (near the British Museum)....
Preparation The Internet is constantly interested in our founder’s dating life. While many of her fans have been hoping that she’d spring for a potential date with comedian Pete Davidson, it seems as though Martha has a different big-name celebrity in mind. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Martha shared that her celebrity crush is none other than Brad Pitt. “I’ve been sort of fascinated with this very handsome young boy on Instagram,” she said....
This casserole is ultra-rich, ultra-creamy, and ultra-loaded with flavor! With layers of egg noodles, meaty tomato sauce, cheesy white sauce, and loads of melted cheese on top, this casserole is a sure way to a kid’s heart. It sounds complicated, considering its many layers, but this recipe will only take you 30 minutes to prepare! The rest is up to the oven. Are you ready for the ultimate casserole experience?...
You can recreate the secret menu item from the comfort of your own home. It has been revealed that the way to order milk tea at Starbucks is to ask for ‘a black iced tea with no extra water, no liquid cane sugar, sub classic syrup, and a splash of cream’. If you’re looking to experience this same amazing flavor without having to drive to Starbucks, then try our recipe below....
I once thought I’d already found the perfect chili recipe, but when I came across this one, it rocked my world. If you think your chili recipe is the one to beat, think again! This chili is so mind-blowingly delicious, it’s one for the books. Best Bowl of Chili What makes this the best bowl of chili ever? It has just the right amount of heat, flavor, and consistency. The combo of well-seasoned beef, tomatoes, spices, and beans is already phenomenal as it is....
Preparation While colorful flowers, fragrant herbs, and ornamental grasses tend to sprout foliage rather quickly, waiting for a tree sapling to mature can take multiple decades—between 20 and 30 years. Not all trees grow at a snail’s pace, though. Some can reach maturation in as little as 10 years, offering ample shade, privacy, and beautiful leafage even before it’s considered completely fully grown. To expedite foliage in your own yard, consider planting one of these fast growing trees....
Preparation Wondering what to make for dinner? Need some inspiration? Here’s our list of suggestions: dinner recipes that take less than an hour of mostly hands-off time. Yes, there will be pasta and, yes, it will be delicious. We’ll be here every Friday with five weeknight dinners, including recipes, shopping lists, and everything you need to streamline your week ahead. It’s salad week at What’s for Dinner, because it’s August and it’s hot—and there is so much wonderful produce available right now....
Preparation Going gray is a natural part of life and if you’ve chosen to let your salt-and-pepper strands flourish, it’s important to know how to protect them. “There is an old tale that gray hair is thicker and wiry, but actually gray hair is thinner because it’s lacking some of the girth that melanin provides,” says celebrity hairstylist Aviva Perea. Going gray happens for a variety of reasons including genetics, exposure to pollution, and stress, in addition to the very healthy growing-older process....
They’re bright, fresh, and just what you need on a gloomy morning. These scrumptious breakfast bowls are essentially thick smoothies with lots of goodies on top. From fresh fruits and crunchy nuts, there’s no limit to the extras you can include. And between the bananas and berries, feel free to slip some spinach and avocado into the mix! Nobody will know! Hungry yet? Then head to the kitchen and try one of these vibrant and tasty breakfast smoothie bowls....
From fried ice cream and caramel flan to traditional churros and sopapillas, these tasty treats will satisfy every taste bud. In fact, you haven’t truly lived until you try the classic tres leches. This heavenly cake is creamy, ultra-light, and practically melts in your mouth. If you’re looking for some of the best flavors of Mexico, try these 18 dessert recipes for yourself! These favorites are sure to delight!...
When you think about beans, garbanzo and black beans usually top the list. While those are undoubtedly great, fava beans are the sneaky underdog you’ve been ignoring. A member of the pea family, fava beans are a type of broad bean that flourish come spring. They have a slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture that’s spectacular in so many dishes. So today, I say expand your horizons and give this bean a try....
Every Christmas, salmon graces my family’s holiday table. And I must say, it’s something the entire family looks forward to year after year. So spread some cheer by treating your family and your guests to salmon this season. The mildly sweet flavor and flaky texture are a true holiday delight. You can turn it into something warm and comforting like creamy salmon pasta. Then there’s sashimi salmon if you’re feeling adventurous....
