Other Recipes and Beyond
4th of july cocktail hack
For many of us, we are heading into a long weekend with cook outs and hopefully, time spent with family–from a safely masked distance. As we prepare for food, fireworks, and (possibly) friends–here’s a quick cocktail hack to help save time and keep you focused on the quality time amongst your loved ones. (Or, a quick cocktail to sip as you indulge in some weekend reads.) Ingredients – Individual bottle of your favorite white...
apple, orange, cranberry sauce
If you’re like me, you’re not a big fan of the cranberry sauce that magically retains the shape of the can it comes out of. After avoiding this side dish at every pertinent holiday, several years ago, I discovered a Williams-Sonoma recipe for apple, orange, cranberry sauce and my family and I have never looked back. While I’ve altered it a bit from the original, trust me when I say it’s every bit as...
crunchy coleslaw
A new take on an old favorite, this coleslaw has been a fave of mine for years–ever since I had it at my friend Denise’s. While I think we have her sister to thank for the recipe, I’m also going to site Food.com for their version (minus the onions). For those final cook outs this summer, or something a little out of the ordinary–give this a try and let me know how what you...
strawberry salsa
Whether you’re bringing a dish to a summer party or hanging at home on the deck with family, this quick and pretty dish is sure to please. The original recipe is courtesy of one of my favorite kitchen chef’s, The Pioneer Woman, and I only altered it slightly for a recent book club reunion with some girlfriends. Letting the salsa sit overnight allowed all of the ingredients to spend some quality time together so...
“double-tree” chocolate chip cookies
For years I have been foiled by the chocolate chip cookie. I’ve followed recipe after recipe to the letter. I’ve asked people about their tips and tricks–more vanilla, expensive vanilla, different sugar ratios, all just bought/fresh ingredients–nothing has worked. And then–my friend Jess opened my eyes to these. It’s supposed to be the ‘DoubleTree Hotel’ chocolate chip cookies–yes, those. The cookie with the reputation that precedes it, in a great way! I will not...
baltimore eatery: grano emporio
A few weeks ago, my girlfriends and I stumbled upon a small restaurant in the heart of Hampden, an area of downtown Baltimore. We originally had reservations some place else, but a super fast change in direction landed us literally across the street at the most charming local Italian eatery–a split second decision that couldn’t have had better results if we tried. We walked into Grano Emporio and while small and packed on a...
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