A few weeks ago, I met my friend April for a birthday dinner at Farmer Brown in San Francisco. They're known for down-home style soul food and a festive atmosphere — seriously, it's like going to a party at someone's house. Neither April nor I ordered the jambalaya, but another friend did, and we both ended up having food envy. We thought about planning another trip out but figured it would be more fun to make it ourselves. So I pulled out my trusty copy of Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything, rounded up my ingredients, and made a delicious feast. To see how you can do it at home — it's really simple, but does take a bit of time and planning — read more
Foods For Breastfeeding New Moms
Bringing food over to a new family is a time-honored tradition for some people. Unfortunately, the classic comfort foods that transport well — macaroni and cheese, casseroles, and lasagnas — aren't always the most healthy. So if you plan to gift a dish when you go visit a new delivery, why not make a homemade version that is just as hearty, but more healthful?
It's happened to me more than once: After work I'll be waiting at the bus stop and think, man I could use a beer. It looks like I'm not the only one who had this idea: An entire town in the UK has turned a bus stop — complete with "open" sign and landlord — into a makeshift pub. As the price of food and eating out has become increasingly expensive, more and more people are looking for alternative ways to get together and enjoy a beer or meal. From bus stops to the middle of the sea to pubs on wheels, creative thinkers are pushing the envelope on when and where one can eat.
Why not host a dinner in a subway? After all, if there's fabulous food, good company, and plenty of drink, it doesn't matter where you are — a fun time will be had. My eyes are peeled for this type of unconventional roaming restaurant, and I'm dying to host my own dinner party in an unheard of location. How about you, got any suggestions? Have you been to a makeshift eatery of this sort?
In a surprising turn of events, Spike from this season's Top Chef was recently fired from his day job at New York City's Mai House. Who will replace him? None other than his competitor and TC resident villain Lisa. — Eater
I'm always delighted when someone invites me over for drinks and gets out the cocktail shaker. This bar essential really takes at-home bartending to the next level; I use mine all the time. How about you?
Memorial Day is all about the barbecue. While some cooks grill up gourmet goodies like fish, pizza, and kabobs, to me, this holiday means burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob.
So forget about cedar planks and pizza stones. To cook up classic American fare, you need to trick out your grill with simple tools that make your burgers and dogs the best they can be. And don't forget about presentation: This Pottery Barn Barbecue Platter ($19) will give your grub the showcase it deserves. To see the rest of my Memorial Day grilling essentials, just click on the arrows below.
Shortcuts to Spectacular Homestyle Layer Cakes
Finally! The experts at the Southern Living Test Kitchens share a few of their favorite tips for making flawless cakes in a fraction of the time. (Hint: It's ok to start with boxed cake mix.)
It's frustrating when a jar lid is exceptionally hard to remove. I always hear my father's voice say, "pretend you're on a desert island and that's all you have to eat." After a childhood of that, I've figured out a no-fail trick for opening difficult jars. The secret ingredient? A simple spoon. Here's what you do:
How do you deal with frustrating lids? What's your trick to remove them?
