Homemade Vanilla Extract

Early on in the pandemic when Zoom happy hours were bountiful and everyone pretended that they were just as good as the real thing, a person I was kind of “seeing” in June (a story for another time) and I decided that a fun activity for us to do in our respective homes was a little cocktail party in which each of us got the ingredients for the other’s favorite drink, made them “together,” then tried them on camera. To make it easy, I suggested one of my favorite beers instead of an actual mixed drink because I got the impression that anything more complicated would result in him not even attempting it, and me waving my hands and saying, “Oh, it’s fine” when it would, in fact, not be fine at all.

For my part, I was assigned a Screwdriver (orange juice and vodka). We were still in the phase when you’re supposed to pretend to be super breezy and chill with everything, so I didn’t mention that I’m not a particular fan of either ingredient. So, I bought the cheapest bottle of vodka I could find that would still taste okay, and a small bottle of orange juice, and our cocktail party for two was on. I feel like it shouldn’t surprise you though to learn that on the day of our cocktail hour, I was the only one who had actually kept up my side of the bargain. Despite me texting him not one, but two alternative beer choices in the event that the liquor store in his neighborhood didn’t carry my favorite, and him texting me back saying it wouldn’t be a problem because they seemed to carry everything, when it came time for us to log on, both parties were pouring orange juice and vodka into our glasses. Maybe I should’ve spoken up about the beer - after all, he’d agreed to do the drink swap with me, hadn’t he? But, as they say, you shouldn’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to, so I very breezily pretended that making Screwdrivers together had been the plan all along. Needless to say, the courtship didn’t last, but the nearly-full bottle of vodka that I’d purchased for one purpose had. And since I’ve made more of a commitment this year to reduce as much waste as possible, I set out to come up with a way to use it up. Then it hit me: what’s one thing I’ve always wanted to make that I use all the time? Vanilla extract!

Making vanilla extract is super easy and incredibly cost-effective if you bake a lot and go through vanilla faster than most people. I don’t believe in buying the tiny bottles at the grocery store because it always feels like you get a few tablespoons out of each bottle before it’s time to go back to get more. So, I opt for the large size, and with that increase in fluid ounces (though the bottles are never quite FULL are they?), comes a rather hefty price tag - and that adds up over time. While it will cost you a bit upfront to make your own extract (quality vanilla beans aren’t cheap), I know of people who have gone years adding on to the original extract they made, only adding more vodka and vanilla beans to the mix when the potency has diminished, saving them major money in the long run.

All you’ll need to make your own vanilla extract is 4-6 vanilla beans, vodka, and an airtight glass bottle or jar. That’s it!

The last thing you’ll need when making vanilla extract is a whole lot of patience. Though your new vanilla-rich concoction is technically ready to use in as little as two months, the longer you wait, the deeper the color and flavor will be. For that reason, it’s best to wait 6-12 months before you pop open your bottle and start treating your baked goods to that highly-elevated vanilla flavor. And trust me, it’ll be worth it!

It only took a failed Zoom-based courtship during a global pandemic, a couple of vanilla beans, and a bottle of vodka to fulfill a years-long goal of mine. Who knew?!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

What You’ll Need:

• 4-6 fresh vanilla beans

• Vodka

• A clean glass jar or bottle with an airtight lid

Directions:

Using the tip of a very sharp knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise all the way down, then gently pull apart to expose the seeds inside. Carefully scoop out the seeds of each and place them in the glass bottle or jar you’re using. Once all vanilla beans have been split open and the seeds have been removed, add the vanilla bean hulls to the jar (depending on how big your vessel is, you may have to fold the hulls in half to fit them in).

Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently muddle the vanilla bean hulls and seeds together to start the breakdown process. Remove the spoon and scrape any seeds or hull pieces that might be on it back into the jar.

Next, pour enough vodka into the jar to completely cover the seeds and vanilla bean hulls.

Tightly seal the jar, then give it a few very strong shakes.

Store in a cool, dark place such as a kitchen cabinet, and be sure to shake the jar at least once a week. With each passing day, you’ll start to see the color deepen into a beautiful amber hue.

The vanilla extract is ready to use in 6-12 months. The longer you wait, the more potent the flavor will be. Make sure to label your jar in some way with the date so you’ll know when it’s time to use your extract.

KEEP IT GOING: Be sure to add more vodka after every use to continue the extraction process with the vanilla bean hulls and seeds still in the jar. Over time, the potency of the vanilla aroma and flavor will start to diminish, and more seeds and vanilla bean hulls will need to be added to the jar.

TO STORE: Always keep your vanilla extract in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Holiday Gift Guide

Happy holidays, friends!

Usually, around this time every year, I haven’t even begun to think about the gifts I’m giving. I come from a family that loves the holiday season but waits until the last minute to do everything. We never get the tree until two weeks into December (but we DO leave it up until mid-January, so there’s that), admire all the greeting cards at the store for weeks, but don’t buy any until there’s mere days left to send them before the deadline, and wait to purchase gifts because no one tells anyone what they want in enough time for the shopping experience to be anything but stressful and panicky. But not this year, ya’ll! This year, I am on TOP of things. I officially finished my shopping on Saturday, have at least ordered my cards (progress!), and have even started the long process of tracking down the decorations that were hastily thrown into boxes 11 months ago. The 2019 version of Sydney wouldn’t even recognize 2020 Sydney, and it’s a beautiful thing! Of course, the thousands of emails I’ve gotten from every store I’ve ever placed an order with telling me that I need to order my gifts ASAP or risk having nothing under the tree probably helped push me along... but I like to think that’s it’s just me finally growing. (Time will tell. Check back next year.)

Since I got such a blessed head start on getting gifts this year, I actually got a chance to take my time and see what cool new things are out there. If you’ve still got a few people to shop for on your list but don’t know where to start, don’t panic! I’ve put together a little guide of some of my favorite finds this holiday season that you may find helpful. Most of the items on this list come from independent businesses, and I encourage you to shop small as much as you can. You’re guaranteed to find unique items of excellent quality, AND you’ll be directly impacting the lives of small business owners everywhere.

Scroll down to see my top gift picks for the cooks, book lovers, co-workers, and best friends in your life, plus some excellent stocking stuffers!

Hedley & Bennett Carryall Apron, $85

Perfect for the serious home cooks in your life, the Hedley and Bennett Carryall Apron has deep pockets to keep essential tools close, strong stitching to withstand years of wear-and-tear, and handy towel loops so that wipes are always on-hand for inevitable workspace spills. If you ever watch baking competition shows on Food Network and wonder who makes the snazzy, colorful aprons the contestants wear, now you know!

Stasher Reusable Sandwich Bags, $11.99

Help your friends save the environment and cut down on waste with these reusable storage bags made of non-toxic platinum silicone. If you happened to read my review a few months ago, then you’ll know how much I love them! They come in beautiful colors, are easy to clean, keep food fresh, and have already saved me quite a bit of money on single-use sandwich bags.

Diaspora Co. Build Your Own Trio pack, $36

Founded in 2017 by Sana Javeri Kadri, Diaspora Co. is a single-origin, small-batch spice company based in Oakland, CA that works directly with spice farmers in India to provide extremely high quality spices to their customers, and ethical pay to the farmers. Disapora Co. specializes in aromatic spices like Pragati turmeric. Nandini coriander, and Baraka cardamom, and can guarantee that each batch sold has been harvested within the year. If you know a home chef who enjoys flavors that pack a punch, why not give them a trio of these amazing spices sold by a person-of-color and woman-owned company?

In Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan and Julia Turshen, $35

Written by Hawa Hassan with Julia Turshen, In Bibi’s Kitchen focuses on the cuisines of eight African countries that all touch the Indian Ocean: Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, and Comoros - specifically chosen for their rich histories and the vital role that each plays in the spice trade. What makes this cookbook so special, and one of my all-time favorites, is that it provides the opportunity to meet real women, all grandmothers, who tells stories of love, loss, and resilience through absolutely phenomenal recipes. (Read my full review here!)

Ideal Bookshelf “Read.” shirt, $24

Help the book lover in your life spread the word that literacy matters with this super cute, VERY soft cotton t-shirt designed by Jane Mount, author and owner of Ideal Bookshelf! This unisex t-shirt comes in sizes XS-2XL.

Art of Tea French Lemon Ginger Tea, $18 for a 4oz zip pouch

Name a more iconic duo than a good book and a nice cuppa. This soothing organic loose leaf tea blend boasts tasting notes of citrus, grass, and spice.

RatherKeen “Night Owl Book Club” enamel pin, $10

Who hasn’t said “just one more chapter” with half-closed eyes in the wee hours of the morning? Now your favorite bibliophile can wear their around-the-clock dedication to reading like a badge of honor with this lovely enamel pin!

Book of the Month gift subscription, $50 for 3 months

You’ll never hear the words “I have nothing to read” from your loved ones again when you give them the gift of Book of the Month. Here’s how it works: each month, a curated list of 5 new releases ranging in romance to non-fiction is announced, and members are invited to choose one from the list to make their book of the month for $15. If more than one title catches their eye, they can add up to two more books (either from that month or previous ones) to their box at a deeply discounted price. if they don’t like any of that month’s books, they can always choose to skip, won’t be charged, and their credit rolls into the next month. I’ve been using this service for almost a year and absolutely love it!

Raaka Chocolate 3-Bar Gift Box, $25

What’s better than delicious, high-quality chocolate in gorgeous packaging? Treat your favorite co-worker to chocolate bars with unique flavors like “Ginger Snap,” “Pure Cacao & Strawberry & Coconut,” “Bananas Foster” and more!

FlowieStyle Camila Zipper Pouch, $26

This beautiful floral pouch is perfect for the co-worker who likes to keep all her belongings just-so. It’s a great size for storing make-up, tech cords, small office supplies, or even some out-on-the-town essentials!

LOOK Cotton Candy Stripe Mittens - Mint, $24

Depending on where you live, the weather might not be all that chilly yet, but summer’s still a long ways away! Make sure your work buddy’s hands are protected from the elements with these soft, pastel-hued mittens.

SugarSpoonMugs “Creative Juices” mug, $11.25

Nothing like a morning coffee to get that brilliant mind of theirs firing on all cylinders during your daily brainstorming sessions. Let your other co-workers know that the secrets to success lie within this “creative juices” mug!

7Sages “Woman Up” tote bag, $15.95

Make sure your favorite feminist has a vessel to carry everything she needs to smash the patriarchy with this awesome “Woman Up” tote bag made out of 100% cotton canvas.

Otherland “Daybed” candle, $36

Perfect for a self-care spa day, this pretty and pink candle from Otherland, made out of a coconut and soy wax blend the burns for 55 hours, boasts the irresistible scents of rosebud, peony blossom, and pear water.

Runcible Studios Cyan Grid Face Mask, $18

A gorgeous cyan-colored mask like this one will help your bestie stand out in the crowd and stay safe at the same time. Made from 100% quilting cotton, this handmade non-medical mask features two layers for extra protection, and a pocket for a filter. Best of all, for each mask purchased, a mask gets donated to a healthcare professional working tirelessly on the front lines!

S’Well Rose Jacquard Bottle, $35

Whether she likes to stay hydrated with an ice-cold flavored seltzer or piping-hot green tea, this rose-patterned, stainless steel, triple-layered, vacuum-insulated bottle from S’Well will become her constant companion.

McCrea’s Single Malt Scotch Caramels, $24.95 for a case of 6 boxes

I stumbled upon McCrea’s caramels last summer when I was visiting a gourmet kitchen store on Martha’s Vineyard. These caramels are rich, decadent, whiskey-forward but not too overwhelming, and totally addicting. Plus, they’re made right here in New England, which to me makes them extra special!

Beetle Ink Co. Peach Sunnies enamel pin, $12.95

Perfect for warm-weather days or when you just want to remind your favorite person of how cool you think they are, this adorable enamel pin goes with everything: backpacks, scarves, and even jean jackets.

Amplified by Adrielle sunflower coasters, $35 for 4

If you're looking for a great housewarming gift for a person who brings endless sunshine to your life, look no further than these hand-knit sunflower coasters from Ampified by Adrielle, a Black and female-owned business out of Atlanta, GA!

Areaware Little Puzzle Thing Series 5: Ice Cream, “Affogato,” $15

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle on a snowy day? Help your friends keep their minds sharp with this quirky ice cream puzzle from Areaware! Part of a series, this 70-piece puzzle is ideal for someone who doesn’t want a big commitment but still wants a big payoff.

What are some of the gifts that YOU are excited to give this season? Sound off in the comments below!

Review: Great Jones The Dutchess

More than any appliance or gadget you’ve got in your kitchen, the dutch oven is your workhorse because its versatility makes it perfect for a myriad of cooking tasks. Soup, stew, broth, jam, jelly, bread - you name it, you can make it in a dutch oven. In fact, if you buy nothing else for your kitchen, let the one thing you do splurge on be a dutch oven…and maybe a rubber spatula or two.

I remember the day I first got one, during a routine trip to Marshall’s on Boylston Street in Boston when I wasn’t ready for a long T ride home. It was in October, and around that time every year, as the leaves begin to change and the chill starts to set in, the store switches over from summer offerings to fall fare, complete with ornately-painted plates and charming autumn holiday tchotchkes. It’s all adorable and somewhat unnecessary, but what caught my eye that year was the Cuisinart dutch oven placed front and center on a table in the home section. My interest in food had by that time developed into a passion, and I was watching every cooking show and tutorial I could get my hands on. In many videos, the host had a dutch oven either in front of them or on display on an open shelf in the background. Of course, with massive budgets and the justification for such an expense, the dutch ovens I saw were top-of-the-line Le Creuset, always in perfect condition. Le Creuset dutch ovens are gorgeous enameled cast iron pots, made in France, with brightly-colored exteriors and cream-colored interiors. They’re meant to last you a lifetime, but lifetime-quality ain’t cheap - a brand new 6-quart Le Creuset dutch oven will set you back almost $400.

Still, the 5-quart dutch oven at Marshall’s that fall day was just as beautiful, and with a $60 price tag - a far cry from $400 - I just couldn’t help myself. So that little oven, with its glossy maroon exterior and sturdy body went home with me. Seven years later, my go-to pot, which looks pretty close to brand new thanks to meticulous upkeep, is still going strong. But with a smaller body and temperature limitations (I can’t cook anything past medium on the stove and 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven) it’s time for an upgrade. So, meet my new love, The Dutchess by Great Jones.

If you’re unfamiliar with Great Jones, it is a direct-to-customer cookware company that was founded in 2017 by Sierra Tishgart and Maddy Moelis, childhood best friends who set out on a mission to make quality cookware that’s not only aesthetically-pleasing, but offered at an affordable price point. With so many DTC cookware companies saturating the market at the moment, it can be hard for any brand to set themselves apart, but Great Jones has a not-so-secret weapon that blows everyone else out of the water: The Dutchess.

Designed to rival high-end brands like Le Creuset and Staub, The Dutchess is 6 3/4 quarts of enameled cast iron with a smooth coating on the inside and thrice-fired matte enamel finish on the outside. It’s currently available in 7 colors, and retails for $155.

What I love:

• Sturdiness: This thing has HEFT! At 15 pounds it’s not the lightest pot out there, but I feel confident that it’s sturdy enough to withstand any cooking project I throw at it.

• Size and shape: With its unique oval shape and nearly 7-quart volume, The Dutchess’ size is great for making big batches of stews as well as roasting large cuts of meat, and baking bread. The website even says that it’s big enough to roast an entire chicken!

• Price: While $155 is still a lot to spend on one kitchen item, it is massively more affordable than higher-end dutch ovens with the exact same capabilities.

• Color selection: My first introduction to The Dutchess was via Instagram when a large, pink dutch oven in a photo caught my eye. I wasn’t familiar with the logo, but based on the color I knew I had to learn more. Sadly, the pink color has been discontinued, but there are still several brilliant colors to choose from! When making my selection, I vacillated between the red (Marinara), and green (Broccoli) before ultimately deciding on yellow (Mustard). As soon as I opened the box I knew I’d made the right decision!

• Interior color: When making jams, sauces, or even browning butter, it’s important to be able to see what you’re doing to ensure you don’t end up with a burnt mess. Some brands, like Staub, sell dutch ovens with cast iron interiors. That’s perfectly fine for soups and bread, but not ideal for other tasks in which the food might blend in. Le Creuset sells dutch ovens with cream-colored enamel interiors that make it easy to see, but after extended use, the inside tends to discolor. The Dutchess offers the best of both worlds: a gray interior that’s light enough for proper color detection and dark enough to hide slight discoloration.

• High oven temperature tolerance: One major setback of my old Cuisinart is that I can’t cook anything in the oven past 350 degrees Fahrenheit. That means bread-baking is out, as well as finishing off dishes in the oven that require 375 degrees or higher. The Dutchess is oven-safe up to 500 degrees, and that is MARVELOUS.

• Stove-top agnosticism: Whether you have a gas range, electric stove, or induction cook top, The Dutchess can be safely used. This is especially helpful if you move house and find yourself working with a new burner system.

What I don’t love:

• Matte finish: One thing that bothered me right away was the matte finish on The Dutchess. All other dutch ovens I own or have looked at have a glossy finish that feels smooth to the touch. The matte finish on this oven feels slightly rough, and on more than one occasion, I’ve feared that any accidental slide on the gas range or bump from another pot on the stove is going to leave a huge scratch. So far, all marks have wiped off quickly and easily, but without the gloss, the outside has a bit of an “unfinished” look and feel.

• Weight: As mentioned above, this dutch oven is HEAVY. The weight makes it feel sturdy, but carrying this thing around can be a bit of a struggle, and cleaning with one hand almost impossible. If you’re making a soup, make sure to use your ladle for as long as you can because it’s difficult to hold this pot with one hand while trying to scrape out food with the other for longer than a few seconds.

I’ve had The Dutchess for just over a month and have thoroughly enjoyed my time with it so far. Even with the heat off for long periods of time, my food has stayed piping hot, and clean-up has been a DREAM. Like any cookware, how well you take care of it will determine how long you’ll have it, but I can tell that this is a quality piece that will be with me through many of my future kitchen ups and downs. And did I mention that I love the color? Yellow is the happiest hue on Earth, so even if you’ve burned that stew to the point of no return, at least the sunny color will put a smile on your face!

Learn more about The Dutchess by Great Jones HERE!

Review: The Spice House

From bone broths to baked goods, every chef will tell you that the key to taking food from “good” to “OMG THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE” is the pinch, dash, or sprinkle of whatever you’ve got in your spice armory. All my life I’ve exclusively purchased the name-brand spices from the grocery store, resigned to pay exorbitant prices for spices that never seemed all that fresh, and came in cheap plastic bottles. What was I actually paying for? The label.

Fast forward to April 2020, when the world came to an absolute standstill and the mere thought of spending any extra time in the grocery store left me screaming internally. Gone were the days when I could leisurely peruse the aisles, collecting ingredients and mentally building meals from there. The pasta shelves were empty, the soups long gone, and the fresh produce was lacking. The final resort was to turn to the trusty spice section. But even there, people had picked it dry, save for the specialty spices that come in the circular tin jars with a magnetic strip on the back and little product inside. What to do? What to do?

I’d managed to grab a few cans of chickpeas and decided that then would be as good a time as any to start making hummus, one of my favorite dips. The recipe I’d found online called for tahini, a sesame paste, and za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend. Finding the za’atar I knew would be a non-starter at our local grocery store, but maybe I could get the tahini? Nope, no luck. As I searched and searched in every place I thought it might be (except for the place it’s actually kept, which is with the NUT BUTTERS at our store!), I found myself continually coming up empty. After 20 minutes I decided to give up, figuring I could probably just make it myself. But when I saw that the tahini recipe called for QUITE a large amount of sesame seeds, and that the sesame seeds in the store were sold in super small jars for almost $5 a piece, I knew I’d have to find an alternative online. And it was during my frantic search for an affordable amount of sesame seeds that I stumbled upon The Spice House. And it’s been spicy love ever since.

Founded in 1957 by Bill Sr. and Ruth Penzey, The Spice House is a small-batch spice company based in Milwaukee and Chicago that specializes in everything from everyday spices, to rare spice varietals, special seasoning blends, hard-to-find extracts, and more!

Here’s what I love about The Spice House:

• Selection: All the grocery store classics like garlic powder and cumin are accounted for, but what REALLY blows me away are things like Egyptian basil, peeled ginger root, hibiscus blossoms, and berbere. Any blend, faraway spice, or seasoning you’ve ever heard of, chances are that they not only have it, but in different, region-specific varieties to boot.

• Potency: I’m not exaggerating when I say that these spices are STRONG! The shipping boxes themselves are pleasantly fragrant, but it’s not until you unscrew that cap that you’re met with a powerful PUNCH of spiciness. And unlike other spices on the market, even after several months of use, the smells and tastes are still incredibly strong and high quality.

• Price: Since many of the expiration dates on grocery store spice jars are set well into the future, you can’t be guaranteed that the small container of ground coriander seeds you just picked up hasn’t been sitting on the shelf for months. And yet, you’re still expected to pay full price. Prices at The Spice House are comparable, if not lower than what you’d find on supermarket shelves, and you’ll get more bang for your buck. On more than one occasion, I’ve opened up a flatpack (refill pack) or jar only to see product spilling out the top and onto my counter These containers are literally filled to the brim!

• Packaging: Already I’ve mentioned that most spices you find in the grocery store are housed in cloudy plastic containers that break down over time. The jars at the Spice House, often only $0.50 more than the flatpack option, are made out of super sturdy glass with gorgeous, airtight copper-colored lids that I know will be long-lasting. I also love that each flatpack and jar comes with spice origin stories and detailed flavor profiles; it’s a really nice touch.

• Shipping: Since I started buying from this company right at the beginning of the pandemic, I can’t compare what the shipping times were before the shutdown, but all things considered, shipping is still pretty fast! My last order shipped within 48 hours and got to me by the end of the week. Plus, their flatpacks always ship free!

Needless to say, I’ve been using up my old jars of supermarket spices as quickly as possible so I have another excuse to peruse The Spice House’s online selection again. New seasonings and blends are added regularly, and if you’re on the mailing list, you might even score some really good deals - I just got a free flatpack of my new favorite cinnamon with a recent order!

Will this be the last spice company I ever try? No way! In fact, finding the SH has shown me that there might be other amazing spice companies out there with quality selections to buy from. But for now, The Spice House is exceeding my expectations, and making everything I make and eat 100x better.

Check out The Spice House HERE!

Review: Stasher Bag

Plastic bags and I have a complicated relationship. Like many children who toted a mom-made lunch to elementary school and beyond, the disposable sandwich and snack bags were ubiquitous in my lunch pale, porting everything from the classic pb&j to later made-from-scratch treats like leftover chicken parm with the perfect amount of mozzarella cheese still stuck to the chicken’s exterior breading. Whatever could fit in those see-through bags made their way out the door everyday. And when the bell rang or I was finished eating, all I’d have to do was simply throw the bags away and they were gone forever. So easy, so convenient. But as I got older (and, let’s be honest, started buying the boxes of plastic baggies for myself), I started to realize that maybe these single-use plastic bags weren’t such a sweet deal after all. If you want the good sandwich bags (i.e. the ones that actually seal and don’t rip open, leaving last night’s pizza slice in your lap instead of your mouth), it’ll cost you. And if you’re packing a lunch five days a week, those boxes add up fast. Way too fast.

So, I started looking for alternatives. I took glass containers with airtight lids and special compartments, but they were just too heavy and clunky. I found cute, patterned sandwich and snack bags online with cloth outsides and water resistant lining on the insides, but a hook and loop closure, no matter how strong, just doesn’t seal in freshness for very long. No solution seemed to be checking all the boxes: reusable, sturdy, stylish, and with a strong seal. I’d given up all hope and had resigned myself to being a single-use plastic bag lady forever. That is, until I stumbled upon Stasher Bag.

Stasher Bag, founded by Kat Nouri, is a company that makes reusable bags out of food-safe silicone. The bags come in a variety of different sizes from “pocket” to gallon, and have a strong resealable top that keeps whatever is inside the bag from escaping. The lock feature on the top is so strong in fact that I sometimes struggle to get my bags open on the first try. To me though, a little extra effort is worth it because I can trust that leaks will be kept to a minimum. I also love that these come in a TON of different colors. If you want to keep it classic, there’s a clear option in every size. But if you’re like me and want to take things up a notch, there are so many vibrant color options to choose from as well.

Here are a few other things I love:

• You can cook with them: Stasher bags are microwave and oven safe up to 400 degrees F, and can even be used for sous vide cooking.

• You can throw them in the dishwasher: I’m not typically one to put other things besides plates and cutlery in the dishwasher, but for those days when I could not possibly wash one more thing by hand, this is a fantastic feature.

• You can write on them: A clever innovation when single-use plastic sandwich bags took off was to include a little window to write the bag’s contents, the date, or even a cute little message. The silicone material of Stasher bags is also a writable surface.

• They’re freezer safe: Like many people, I panic-bought a bunch of fruits and vegetables at the start of the pandemic with no real plan for any of it. Luckily, I was able to store the majority of my haul in a few of my larger Stasher bags for future use. These bags are flat to begin with, so they don’t take up much extra room, and the contents have retained their wonderful freshness all these months later.

While I’ll probably never break up with single-use plastic sandwich bags for good, I love that the sturdy and beautifully-colored Stasher bags are pushing me in the right direction towards more sustainable habits. And the fact that I can have style AND function all rolled into one? Well, that’s just the cherry on top.

Check out Stasher Bag HERE!

Why I Love Cross-Back Aprons

To know me is to know that I am crazy about aprons. From the moment I started really cooking for myself (and let’s be honest, way before that), I’ve been collecting them. Once in college, on a routine visit to my local Marshall’s to see what was new in the home goods section, I looked down to find three (3) aprons in my basket at checkout and purchased them without even batting an eye. Some aprons I own still have the tags intact because they’re just too pretty to put on. But as I find myself in the kitchen more and more these days, concocting recipes and making a general mess of my surroundings, I’ve grown rather attached to a specific type of apron: the cross-back. It’s a smock of sorts that lets me unleash my messiness without fear of ruined clothes underneath. Life is beautiful when I can save money on stain removers.

Sometimes referred to as “Japanese-style” aprons, cross-back aprons are soft, comfortable, flexible, and the type of outfit-saver perfect for practically any creative task you could get into. As I was shopping for my small but mighty collection of stylish smocks, I found many made out of linen. Linen’s a great breathable fabric, but if you ask me, cotton (or, at least a good cotton-linen mix) is your best bet. It’s just as breathable, but also incredibly sturdy, and less-prone to wrinkles. I’m not fussy when it comes to wrinkles - most aspects of life require movement - but even I have my limits!

After years of buying based on style alone (the prettier the pattern, the more likely it would find itself in my shopping cart), I’ve come to realize there are specific things I need out of my aprons from now on:

1. Coverage: Can we be real for a second, ladies? How confident are you that your apron’s actually covering your top half? For those of us with more ample bosoms, those cutesy pieces of fabric designed to create a more feminine shape with a narrow top and a full skirt just don’t cut it! On many, MANY occasions, I’ve found myself smack-dab in a sauce splash zone with one or both of the gals completely unprotected. Have you ever tried getting tiny, red dots (which seem to dry as fast as lightning!) off of a button-down in a hurry? Not fun, and next to impossible.

2. Comfort: When you think of an apron, what comes to mind? A long swatch of fabric with one neck strap and ties at the waist? It’s classic, and a style you see in kitchens, bakeries, and workshops worldwide. But have you ever noticed much strain that type of apron can put on your neck? And how tightly sometimes you have to secure the apron ties at your waist to make sure it fits properly? I’m over it all! On big cooking days I practically live in my apron, so I’m calling for comfyness over everything. The very essence of cross-back aprons is the crisscross style in the back, ensuring an even distribution of weight on your shoulders and alleviating any pressure on your neck and waist.

3. Pockets: Just like my dresses, my favorite aprons have pockets galore! One for my cellphone (for snapping quick Instagram pictures), one for my pencil to jot down notes in the margins of my books and recipe sheets, one for my spoon or other quick-grab kitchen items, and one for snacks. An apron can offer full coverage, comfort, and style, but without pockets, it just won’t make it in my kitchen…or life!

In the end, it’s about finding an apron style that works for you. Much like your trusty chef’s knife, your kitchen shoes (PLEASE! Heed my advice: invest in comfy shoes for your cooking adventures!), and your favorite pots and pans, your apron is a constant cookery companion. Donning one signifies there’s work to be done, something new to create. Make sure that whatever style you choose, it feels like you. After all, a confident cook (or artist, or woodworker, or any other apron-wearing creative type) is totally unstoppable!

(Aprons featured: 1. Claire Saffitz for Alex Mill Herringbone Apron, 2. Pink Linen Apron, Stacy’s Kitchen Decor, 3. Corduroy Smock, Hedley & Bennett (Currently sold out. Similar)

How to Make Your Home the Best Lil' B+B in Town

 

Holiday season is upon us, and I love, love, triple love having guests ( I inherited the hospitality gene from my Southern grandparents).  Nothing fills my heart more than having people in the house to bake for and dote on from the minute they put their bags down until the minute they leave. I want every single person who walks through the front door to immediately feel at home, and I've got a few tips on h0w to make that happen:

The Amenities Basket: I think this is one of my favorite things in the entire house, and something I'm really proud of. In the past, though it doesn't happen quite that often, I've been at a friend's house and totally unprepared. I didn't have my toothbrush, I didn't have my toothpaste, I didn't even have a tube of chapstick! It's a terrible feeling because you find yourself picturing exactly where each item you've left is, and wishing that you'd just packed it, just in case. That's why I came up with the idea for the Amenities Basket. I've got every miniature-sized item a guest could ever need: makeup wipes, toothpaste, fancy soaps and body washes, shampoos and conditioners, and even feminine products. Truthfully, my basket is tailored more for the female guests that arrive, but take the opportunity to tailor it to the needs of your specific guests. Maybe they like a certain aftershave, maybe they like a certain lotion. Nothing will make your guests feel welcome like a basket filled with their favorite things. And here's a good tip: try to double up on products if you can. If you've got multiple guests, you want to make sure that you have enough emergency items for everyone.

Baked Goods: Greet your guests at the door with a sweet treat! You can never go wrong with a warm batch of classic chocolate chip cookies like these ones from my favorite cookie lady, Dorie Greenspan!

Candles: Freshen up the guest room (or even the whole house) with a couple scented candles. Make sure to keep the scent warm, light, and crisp to create an atmosphere that is cozy and inviting, not overpowering; You never know what your guests prefer scent-wise until they've gotten there, so best to err on the side of less is more. (Side note: You can find a great selection of super inexpensive, delicious-smelling candles at Homegoods and Target!)

Fresh Flowers: Nothing brightens up the home like a bouquet of fresh flowers! Choose bright, seasonal colors to make the whole house pop. And to keep things extra fancy, trim a few and put them in a mason jar or small vase on the nightstand in your guest room.

Bedside Reading Material: You never know the sleep schedule of your guests. While you may be a night owl, they may be early to bed, early to rise. If that's the case, or they're just having trouble falling asleep in a bed that is not their own, it's always nice to provide a little reading material to pass the time. I like to tailor my picks to things I think my specific guest will love. Usually I'll choose one book that will make them think, one book to turn their brain off when they just want to relax, and one or two magazines for when they want to stare at beautiful pictures. It's good to have a variety.

Clear Space in the Closet: Depending on how long your guests plan to stay, it's always a good idea to clear a little space in the closet for them with a few extra hangers. We wouldn't want a beautiful dress or suit to get wrinkled!

Soft Blankets + Socks: I like a cold house, what can I say? And while this cold-centric gal doesn't mind putting on extra layers in the house, my guests may not always. That's why I'm always prepared with extra soft and cozy blankets and socks for when my guests feel a bit chilly. It's always good to have several available in case your guests don't want to share.

Fresh Linens + Towels: Wash your sheets, and wash extra towels. You never know when your guests may want to take a shower, or even a quick cat nap after a long journey. Be prepared.

A Beverage Basket: We happen to have a lot of baskets lying around the house from various holiday gifts, so I found a good use for one as a beverage basket.  If you've got an extra basket, or don't mind shelling out a few bucks for a small one, fill it with specialty teas, individual coffee packs, water bottles, and even a cocoa mix or two. It's good to be prepared for any tastes your guest may have.

Ask Ahead of Time: The most important tip of all is to always, always ask ahead of time. Ask about food allergies (VERY IMPORTANT), ask what snacks they like, ask what kind of movies they watch, ask how they like their coffee in the morning. Nothing shows that you care more than making sure your guests have the best stay possible. The goal is to make them feel as though they never want to leave, but of course they'll have to eventually! Always ask.

What are your best guest tips? Sound off in the comments below!

How to Make Chicken Stock Without a Recipe (But There's a Recipe!)

Remember that time, just a month ago, when everyone was in awe of the warm weather outside and we thought, "Aw, man. I kind of miss the snow, and that delicious nip of cold in the air..." HOW WRONG WE WERE! I haven't seen the ground in two weeks, and I have an industrial-sized bottle of lotion by my side practically 24/7. But I suppose it could be worse. It could be 2 degrees F outside. OH WAIT. ALSO HAPPENING. Someone wake me when Spring gets here.

I will say this: when I have nowhere to go, there is nothing prettier or more serene than the wintery wonderland I see out my window. It's so peaceful, and so beautiful. It makes the cold almost worth. Almost.

But Midwestern winters aren't all bad; freezing temperatures give me the chance to catch up on all the domestic projects that I keep writing down on my never-ending list. One big one? Making homemade chicken stock!

It's 2016, people. Let's start making our own.

I go through a lot of chicken stock at my house. I use it for burrito bowls and soups, mostly, and I definitely get tired of running to the store all the time to pick up multiple containers. It's so incredibly easy to make at home, PLUS, you're not wasting a thing! All you need is a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store (you can use the meat in sandwiches, salads, on nachos, in soups, etc. etc.) and some of your favorite vegetables and herb seasonings. It's so simple, so economical, and VERY TASTY.

The fun part about making your own chicken stock is that you get to modify it to your particular tastes. If you like things a little spicier, kick it up a notch with a teensy bit of cayenne (a lot goes a long way). If you hate celery, leave it out! And homemade stock is an especially fun thing to make when you have a ton of leftover veggies and nothing to put them in. Waste not, want not.

Your main ingredients are: a chicken carcass cut into pieces, water, salt, and pepper. After that, it's up to you! Once you've put the ingredients you like into the pot, fill it with water so that everything is covered by about 1-2 inches, bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for three hours. If at any point you start to see the water level get a little low, simply add more! And that's it. Once your stock is done, skim off any film that's reached the top with a slotted spoon, strain the stock into a large bowl, and discard all the solids. (Here's a tip: When I'm using fresh herbs, I like to tie them all together with a little kitchen twine. That way, once it's time to strain, I can easily fish them out. ) Make sure your stock is completely cool, then separate it evenly into Mason or Weck jars. If you have plans to use it within a week, pop some stock in the fridge. If you've got future plans, pop your jars in the freezer. It lasts indefinitely. Just make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before you use it!

And there you have it. You can totally make homemade stock without a recipe! But if you're looking for a little guidance, scroll down for what I put in mine.

Everything's better homemade.

HOMEMADE CHICKEN STOCK

What You'll Need:

• 1 chicken carcass, broken into pieces
• 2 whole onions, quartered
• 8+ baby carrots, chopped
• 5 celery sticks, chopped
• 3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 4+ sprigs of fresh thyme, tied together with kitchen twine
• Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

In the bottom of a pot that is at least 4 quarts, place the broken-up chicken carcass, onions, baby carrots, celery sticks, garlic cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, and salt. Make sure that everything is evenly distributed.

Fill the pot with water until all of the contents are covered by at least 1-2 inches of water.Place the pot over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, then let simmer for 3 hours. The stock will occasionally bubble, and the contents may shift a little bit. If the water starts to reduce, add more. You want to make sure that everything is fully submersed in water at all times.

Using a slotted spoon, collect and discard any foam or film on the top of  the stock, then strain the stock into a large bowl. Throw away all of the solid pieces that have landed in the strainer. Let the stock cool completely before transferring it evenly into Mason or Weck jars. If you're planning to use the stock within a week, store it in the refrigerator. If not, it will freeze indefinitely. Once you're ready to use it, simply let the frozen stock defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

Hey, you just made chicken stock. 'Grats.

SOURCE: Adapted from The Kitchn Cookbook

Thanksgiving Decisions (Decisions, Decisions)

Am I the only one who's a little stressed out about what to make for Thanksgiving? Surely, not. One of my favorite holidays is fast approaching, and I'm simply stuck in my research phase, trying to find the perfect dessert to serve. I've spent at least a week poring over dozens and dozens of recipes and food magazines and cookbooks, but there's still no clear winner. Should I make a pie? Cranberry tartlets? Keep it simple with cookies? Create an assortment? Those are just a few of the many burning Thanksgiving questions. I have a total eager-to-please, eager-to-impress personality, and despite the fact that I'm only making this dessert for my family (who will eat it anyway because it's family law to love and support everyone) I just can't seem to switch off the part of my brain that wants to go bigger, better, and completely 100% over-the-top.

And with just a little amount of time remaining before the big show (Thanksgiving Dinner, of course), I've got to start planning.

So, I ask you, all of you out there: What's on your Thanksgiving menu?

When You're Having a Dinner Party...

It would be wrong of me to ignore the hospitality gene that has been passed down to me from my parents and grandparents. You just can't ignore the need to entertain forever, and I've just decided to give in, once and for all.

On Saturday night, Anna made the trek all the way across town to my apartment, for a nice, gluten-free gourmet dinner! To spruce the place up, I stopped by Kabloom in Coolidge Corner for some gorgeous, vibrant carnations. (And Anna brought some GORGEOUS pinkish, purplish tulips that are thriving nicely.)  Since I'm big on black and white dish and tableware, I like to add eye-catching pops of color to the table any way I can.

On the menu? California-style BLTs, with a little twist. Instead of bacon, I used proscuitto. I added avocado. AND, for the piece de resistance, I added basil mayonnaise. Believe me when I say, basil mayonnaise can take any good sandwich to an entirely different level.

Side note: shout out to Crate and Barrel for the super cute plates! I paid $5.95 for each, but it looks like I paid much, much more! (When is it appropriate to call myself a Bargain Princess?)

And for dessert? Flourless Chocolate Cake, with a generous dollop of buttercream frosting in the center.

So...I feel like no matter what I write, it actually won't do this cake proper justice. Never in my life have I made something so decadent, so rich, and yet so pleasantly light and airy. With every spoonful you get that sweet choclately taste, which is complimented by the slightly salted, very creamy buttercream frosting. It's like eating a fudgey brownie, but one that's made from chocolate clouds. I may or may not have had one for lunch today. (I did.)

Summertime means more free time, more of my favorite foods, and more dishes to be made and served. BRING ON THE WARM WEATHER THAT BRINGS ME AND MY FRIENDS TOGETHER.

You HAVE to try this basil mayonnaise recipe from The Kitchn, and of course, the Flourless Chocolate Cake from What's Gaby Cooking. But not in that order...unless that's the kind of food combining you're into.

Happy Tuesday!