A popular seasonal muffin offered in coffee shops across the country finds a makeover and a happy home in my kitchen. Add fantastic vacuum-brewed coffee to that and I have no reason to seek out coffee shops. I've got the best they have to offer in my nest and I can wear slippers while enjoying it all!
As the weekend approaches, thoughts of starting those days with warming food that I just associate with autumn really appeals to me. And when it comes to fall food, nothing compares to hearty baked oatmeal. The version I'm sharing today features apples, cinnamon and maple syrup. Mmmmmm!
Chili-infused vodka seemed like a good idea to me and a great idea to my husband. Being a man who seems happier breathing fire than air some days, we embarked on an adventure to make the perfect vodka for an ideal bloody mary. The result? He's thrilled with it at full strength and I'm happy to dilute it a fair bit to make a spicy-sweet watermelon martini.
The end of the week (and the month!) seems like a great time to share some fascinating and fun foodie items I've wandered across this week. You'll be seeking the hottest peppers you can find and heads of garlic for peeling this weekend! Enjoy and see you next week.
If crispy chicken skin is your secret craving, its time to consider its place on your table and at more and more restaurants around the country. What was once considered crazy is now making its way onto the menus of casual eating venues as well as fine dining establishments. Find out more about this growing trend.
Oven-fried chicken is easy to make and puts a crunchy bit of comfort food on your table. With autumn in full swing, pair it with a simple salad of greens and baked apples or applesauce and welcome the season. An extra benefit? The warmth of the oven and aroma of cooking chicken fill your home!
As gardens and farmers' markets everywhere offer fresh produce and the last of the harvest before winter arrives, pickle-making offers a blend of art and science in a jar. Get the details on two jars of refrigerator pickles that involved the same solid ingredients and two different approaches to brines … and the differences between the results. And, of course, a suggestion for a quick and easy jar of your own!
September is a great time to take advantage of the last of summer and the beginning of autumn, in terms of produce. That means it's also a great time to enjoy salads, especially ones that combine interesting ingredients and contrasting flavors. To that end, here's Bacon-Apple-Arugula Salad.
A trip up north to celebrate birthdays introduces others to the joys of Bacon Belgian Waffles. If this is something you've yet to experience, I highly recommend choosing a lazy weekend morning and get ready for a treat. Make them mid-to-late in the morning and enjoy alongside cups of hot coffee and fresh sliced melon. Before you know it, you'll be planning weekend brunches featuring these waffles monthly or more often still!
