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How to Prep a Butternut Squash
Recently, I praised butternut squash for its mild sweetness and versatility — but I was surprised when so many of you said you'd never prepared one before, or find it hard to work with. Since it'd be a bummer to miss out on this Fall vegetable at home (unless you can afford $400 for an automated butternut squash peeler!), I thought I'd help you out with instructions on how to prep it yourself. Here's a step-by-step lesson.
Yummy Links: From Cranberry Bars to Drink Sticks
- Make your own Starbucks-style cranberry bliss bars. — Serious Eats
- An inside look at New York's Top Chef season seven casting call. — Eater NY
- Speaking of Top Chef casting calls, here's what the head of casting has to say.
5 Fabulous Gifts For the Do-It-Herself Hostess
She's the girl who makes snake cakes in her sleep. The gal who sends twenty-five handmade birthday invitations to a four course sit-down dinner that she cooks. She's already obsessing about her Thanksgiving menu and testing out Christmas cocktails.
How to Make Chicken Cutlets
When I was developing my recipe for buffalo chicken mac and cheese, I headed to the local butcher to buy chicken cutlets. The butcher said he didn't have any on hand, but could make some for me on the spot. But when I stood there watching him, I couldn't believe how easy it was!
Better Than Lollipops: Crispy Rice Treats on Sticks
At a baby shower this year, LilSugar sent everyone home with the most clever party favors: crispy rice treats on a stick! They were the perfect parting gift at the shower, but, when adorned with color-coordinated orange sprinkles and ribbons, they'd also make a charming alternative to serve trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
This delight takes less than 10 minutes to come together on the stove top.
Veggie Flower Arrangement Is a Cool Centerpiece — and Snack
As a parting present to a friend, Sugar staffer (and OnSugar manager!) sabs creatively crafted a floral arrangement — made entirely out of fresh, edible vegetables! The result was a stunning centerpiece that, like a flower cake, would be a thoughtful (and edible!) gift for someone who avoids sugar.
I loved the idea so much that I had to ask sabs how she did it.
Come Party With Me: My Birthday Party — Invite
Well folks, it's time for me to plan my favorite event of the year — my birthday party! Since I threw a blow-out bash at a bar for 27 and a big picnic at an oyster farm for 27.5, I've decided that, for 28, things should be more subdued. Thus, I'm hosting an intimate dinner party for me and my 20 closest friends.
Do You Like Canning at Home?
Summer, with its bounty of exquisite produce, couldn't be a more fitting time to preserve fruits and vegetables for less-than-abundant months to come. Last year, I was obsessed with making quick pickles; this year, I'd love to pick up some professional canning equipment so I can save jams, jellies, preserves, and pickles for the Winter. Have you dabbled in home preserving?
DIY: Vibrant Pom-Pom Napkin Rings
After helping one of my friends with the flowers for her big day, I was asked by another friend to put together the festive napkin rings for her wedding. Rather than waste money on buying 60 rings, we made these flower-inspired pom-poms to adorn each napkin. These pom-poms can easily be customized to suit any color scheme.
DIY: Elegant and Rustic Wedding Decor
A friend of mine recently got married at a San Francisco restaurant with 25 close guests in attendance. The ceremony was held in a private room, and afterward, everyone sat down at one big table for a three-course dinner.
Since the couple threw together the "elopement" on short notice, they recruited friends to help; a friend and I were asked to do the flowers.
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