Posts for April 26th 2012

dinner

Feel Like a Spring Chicken — and Feast on One, Too

A whole roast chicken is one the easiest weekend meals to prepare; it's pretty hands-off, requires minimal cleanup, and usually yields plenty of leftovers for the rest of the work week.


A whole roast chicken is one the easiest weekend meals to prepare; it's pretty hands-off, requires minimal cleanup, and usually yields plenty of leftovers for the rest of the work week. During the Winter, I keep this recipe pretty simple with potatoes and onions but once Spring has sprung, I love to add carrots, radishes, bell pepper, and even asparagus.
To season the chicken, coat it in a mixture of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. Place the squeezed lemon rinds inside the cavity of the chicken for even more zest. Of course, a whole chicken will take longer to cook than those delicate Spring veggies, so I always start the chicken with baby potatoes and onions. As the chicken roasts, I add the other vegetables depending on their thickness and cook time. Carrots and radishes can take the heat but sliced bell pepper and asparagus should go nearly at the end. Serve your succulent chicken and Spring vegetables with some crusty French bread and white wine for a perfect weekend meal. Feast on your Spring chicken once you get the recipe.

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How-To: A Budget-Friendly Room Revamp

It's important for your home to be a place of tranquility and relaxation — especially the bedroom.

It's important for your home to be a place of tranquility and relaxation — especially the bedroom. We've got a few quick tips for making the most of your space without breaking the bank.

  • Display items you already have around the house as artwork. Calendars and magazines have great images that you can crop to fit frames. Or for a high-impact effect, hang old records grouped together.
  • Mix and match your pillows and throws. Between all the couches and beds in a house, we've all got lots of pillows and blankets. Why not mix them up? Give your bedding a fresh look by remixing pillows used in other rooms. You might be surprised at how good the different patterns look together.
  • Bring in the outdoors. A little green will go a long way in making your room a retreat. Adding plants will connect you to nature and warm up the room.
  • Add a splash of color. Nothing says makeover like a fresh coat of paint. Whether you're painting an accent wall or the entire room, the color will help set the mood. Choose cooler, softer tones for a more tranquil vibe, or go for bold with vibrant jewel tones.
  • Find the right mattress for you and your budget. Your mattress is the foundation of a great bedroom. Don't sacrifice comfort for price. With the TEMPUR-Simplicity™ mattress, you get all the benefits of a Tempur-Pedic mattress at a price that's surprisingly affordable.

Click here to find out more about the TEMPUR-Simplicity™ mattress.

Trends

Pretzel-Flavored Foods: Love Them or Hate Them?

In case you missed it, today is National Pretzel Day, and the product is having its moment in the spotlight.

In case you missed it, today is National Pretzel Day, and the product is having its moment in the spotlight. Not only are homemade pretzels hot, but so is anything flavored like the street treat, from pretzel crisps to pretzel bagels and pretzel rolls. Can you appreciate the distinctive lye flavor on other food items — or would you rather just have a pretzel?

Source: Flickr User scaredy_kat

Breakfast

Sweet Potato Hash Browns

You can cook the hash browns to your desired crispiness, of course: the longer they cook, the crisper they get.

You can cook the hash browns to your desired crispiness, of course: the longer they cook, the crisper they get.

From Lauren Hendrickson, YumSugar

Sweet Potato Hash Browns

Sweet Potato Hash Browns

Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes, cleaned and peeled
1 onion
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Using a grater or food processor, grate the sweet potatoes. Finely chop the opinions either by hand or using the same food processor. Set aside.
  2. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the onions to the pan. Cook until golden brown, about five to seven minutes.
  4. Add the sweet potatoes. Cook until golden and crispy on one side. Flip onto the other side until golden and crispy.
  5. Top with the chives, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.

Serves four to six.

cooking tips

What's the Difference Between Gas and Electric Ovens?

The debate over whether a gas or electric oven is better may not be a new controversy, but this burning question always manages to get people going.


The debate over whether a gas or electric oven is better may not be a new controversy, but this burning question always manages to get people going. Interested in which is more eco-friendly or chef-worthy? Keep reading for a little more information about the difference between gas and electric ovens.

party planning

Before the Wedding: Breezy Bites For Your Bridal Party

A wedding is a magical time, and getting ready with close friends and family for those few sweet hours before the main event contributes to the experience.

A wedding is a magical time, and getting ready with close friends and family for those few sweet hours before the main event contributes to the experience. Regardless of what nuptials you're planning, the bridal party will agree that quick and easy recipes to snack on are always welcome — along with a little Champagne, of course. We've got you covered with a few simple dishes that everyone's sure to enjoy, while the bride stays as stress-free as possible.