Cooking With A Cast Iron Pan
Question: Do you own a cast iron pan? And if yes, how often do you use it?
I have been thinking about cast iron pans since this recipe post. I realized at the time that the only cast iron cookware we own are Dutch Ovens — the kind used for outdoor cooking or camping. And we rarely use them.
A quick search on cast iron pans led me to this video, and now I’m dying to get my hands on one. I love the idea that they can go seamlessly from stovetop to oven. And I think I love even more that in the video, the voiceover mentions they get better with age. That is so appealing to me!
Also, I had no idea, but they are a total bargain! This Lodge version is only $19 and has over 119,000 positive reviews. That is nuts!! I haven’t ever seen such a low price for cookware. Especially cookware that apparently lasts for ages.
Am I just dreaming here, or are cast iron pans as good as they sound? If you use one regularly, I’d love to hear what you like to cook with it. And do you have a preferred size? Because I totally want to buy one (or maybe this set of three).
P.S. — Have any of you given new life to an old Dutch Oven? Because I’m pretty sure ours have a mottled coating of rust that has settled in. Do you think they’re salvageable still?
Living With Kids: Heather Craw
I smiled all the way through Heather‘s tour, but especially so when I read her clean house philosophy: “Our house will become a mess every single day. I accept that. I feel like we’re succeeding if at least once a day, the house is as neat as I want it to be, and at least once a day it’s as crazy as they want it to be.” It’s a refreshing compromise, don’t you think? Everyone seems to win, at least for a few hours!
Friends, this is clearly a home where the children’s informal preferences have merged with the adults’ decidedly more formal leanings in every room, which must be a dream for the kids and make them feel like this is where they belong. Someday, the formal side may win out. Until then, I’m pretty sure no one minds being seated at the kids’ table! I really hope you enjoy the peek into Heather’s home as much as I did.
…DIY: Chunky Knit Wool Seat Pads
My internet friend, Anette, sent me this chunky knit project, and I immediately wanted to share it with you. I continue to find big knit everything hugely appealing. This project is a thick wool cushion for your chairs, and it looks so cozy and easy to make — Anette knits these with her fingers!
…Easy Guide To Folding a Fitted Sheet
There are few parts of doing laundry quite as exasperating as folding fitted sheets. Not even missing socks can compare with the frustration of not being able to fold it just right so it sits nicely on the linen cupboard shelf. Fold and refold. Repeat. Get frustrated, roll the sheet into a ball, shove into cupboard, close door, walk away and find chocolate. Today’s the day you can toss all that frustration to the side.
Your linen cupboard has never been quite so tidy and organized.
For this how-to we show a crib sheet because it’s easier to demonstrate in the photographs, but this works just the same way for King, Full, and Twin-sized sheets. (We know because we tried out every one just to make sure.)
We’re going to demonstrate two different folding methods. Both ways give you perfectly folded fitted sheets. We happen to prefer the first method, but I can see the appeal of second method too. Method #1 works well with any size sheet. And honestly, we had never seen this way of folding before, but observed the way a set of new sheets were packaged, and thought, “Well, if the manufacturer can get it to fit in the package, we’re going to take notes!”
In our opinion Method #2 is better for larger sheets because there is less bulk from the elasticized edges. With smaller sized sheets there is less fabric in the center to offset the bulky elasticized edges. Of course, you have to experiment a little and see which method you prefer and works with your linen cupboard.
The key thing to remember for the tidiest looking folded fitted sheet is to flatten and smooth out the sheet and even out the corners with each step. Those pesky rounded, elasticized corners can be tackled! I’ll show you how as we go along.
…Recipe: Salted Caramel Brownies for Two
These brownies are chewy and moist, fudgy and thick. The caramel layer is soft and the sea salt just takes these over the top.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to end a date night or something to share with your roommate while you count the weeks to spring break, these salted caramel brownies are the perfect treat to share with someone at the end of the day!
…Living With Kids: Deborah Harju
I’ve always thought of Los Angeles as one of those cities where anything can happen. Scripts are pitched and sold and made into movies. Waiters turn into actors over lunch. You could round the corner and bump into a celebrity. You could round the corner and become a celebrity! Or. You could live out your own entertaining reality show, working and playing and coming home every day to the smiling stars you call your own. That’s exactly how Deborah and her family are living in L.A. Which is definitely a worthwhile paparazzi moment, in my opinion. Welcome, Deborah!
…10 Easy Options For Greening Your House
This time of year always gets me thinking about ways I can be more green. We all know it’s important to reduce, reuse and recycle. We know saving energy is a very good thing. But sometimes it can seem daunting or overwhelming and you might wonder where to start. And sometimes, it feels like no matter what efforts we make we’re somehow doing it wrong or not doing enough. I’m not perfectly green by any definition, but I’ve got 10 simple things everyone can do, no matter where they live, to make their home greener.
…Recipe: Marinated Flank Steak Salad
Here’s a fresh, gorgeous meal that looks and tastes amazing. While this may seem complicated at first look, it’s really very easy. You just mix up the marinade, add to the meat, let it sit for at least 30 minutes or longer, if needed. You can prep this in the morning while getting kids ready and off to school and put it together at dinnertime. To make things even easier, you could use store-bought marinade and dressing. But maybe my favorite part of the recipe is getting to use smoked salt.
Smoked salt used to be a special order kind of ingredient, but now you can find it in most grocery stores. It’s a great way to add a smoky flavor without using a grill. It adds tons of flavor to this steak. If you can’t find it or prefer not to use it, just substitute with regular salt. Smoked paprika can also be used in place of the regular paprika. (As a note, the paprika in this recipe is not the hot, spicy one. It’s “sweet” paprika.”)
…Recycle Old Jars into Succulent Planting Pots with Color-Block Twine
Embracing the season of spring? Well here’s a happy, easy project to bring a little sunshine and color into your day.
These little twine wrapped planters are perfect for brightening your home. I like the idea of a collection of them on the coffee table, or perhaps lining a windowsill. And they would also be darling as party favors or anytime gifts. Another idea: I can picture these as place-setting holders — you could hang the name name cards from an extra length of twine.
However you choose to use them, you’ll be glad you made this easy project! Let’s get to wrapping.
Recycle Old Jars into Succulent Planting Pots with Color-Block TwineRead More »
Living With Kids: Shira Gill
’m giving you another California home and sunny interview to warm us all up today. Meet Shira Gill, a sweet mom and wife who turned her 25 house moves into a thriving and much-needed business that edits pretty much an entire life.
Are you hanging on tightly to too much? Do you dread opening your closet in the mornings, not to mention – shudder – your child’s over-crammed wardrobe? Do your afternoons careen into crazy town no matter how well you think you’ve prepared for the chaos? Call Shira. I bet she’s either experienced or seen and solved much worse!
…Recipe: Baked Ham & Egg Cups with Dressed Greens
This meal was designed for breakfast, but it’s substantial enough that it could easily work for dinner too! And before we jump into the recipe, please tell me I’m not the only who hasn’t tried baked eggs — and I’m not counting eggs as part of cake batter. I make them over easy, boiled, scrambled, poached. In frittatas and omelettes. Egg salad too! I consider myself an egg fan. How have I never made baked eggs?
…15 Pretty Ways to Prepare for Easter
Easter falls at the end of March this year. And I’ve got a bunch of good ideas for things you can do to get ready for this spring holiday. (Don’t celebrate Easter? Several projects are more Spring-focused than Easter-focused — like growing wheat grass, and a mini carrot-cake for two.)
Here are 15 pretty ways to prepare for Easter. Take a look. Most of these are super simple.
…Tall House Floor Plans
Would you like to see the floor plans for the Tall House? Today is your lucky day. I’ve got four drawings for you — and the last one includes measurements (in meters) for those who are curious about dimensions.
If you do check out the measurements, you’ll see that the house has lots of rooms, but they are fairly small rooms. In fact, the largest room in the house is actually in the attic.
…Recipe: Homemade Almond Berry Granola Bars
Homemade Almond Berry Granola Bars anyone? They’re sweet and a little salty, crunchy, and chewy. And they’ll hit the spot when you’re looking for something to nosh on. This recipe is good for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially if you’re a fan of dried fruit. The best part is that these come together quickly and the hardest part is waiting for them to be ready to cut into bars.
Ready to make something yummy?
…First World Problems: The Shame of Ordering a Well Done Steak
I read this article in the Wall Street Journal about well-done steak shame and I laughed because I totally relate. I know, I know. It’s like a have the taste buds of a 5 year old, but I can’t help it; I much prefer the texture of well-done steak. I don’t like rare or medium rare at all. If that’s what I’m served (and getting the plate cooked further isn’t an option), I end up eating the browned parts around the edges and giving the rest to my husband or kids. I really don’t like rare meat.
Even though I love steak, I often avoid ordering it because I know I’ll likely get some side eye or an exasperated sigh when I request it well-done. Yes, I shouldn’t care about anyone’s reaction, but sometimes I’m just not in the mood for a lecture. What can I say? I like what I like.
According to the article the well-done steak shame may be changing. Or maybe more accurately, all the well-done steak lovers are done apologizing. Hah!
What about you? How do you order your steak? Do you die a little inside when you hear someone order a beautiful, aged cut of meat cooked well-done? And do you have any unpopular food preferences that embarrass you when ordering at restaurants? Tell me I’m not the only one!
P.S. — All the secrets of cooking on a grill.
Our Favorite (Easy!) Valentine’s Day Tradition
Do you have any Valentine Traditions with your kids? We keep Valentine’s Day pretty simple, but we do have one tradition: Valentine’s Day Breakfast. We’ve kept the tradition for many years! If it’s a school day, we get up early. If it’s the weekend, we sleep in and have more of a brunch.
I set the table the night before: Red tablecloth, heart confetti, the nicest dishes and stemware we have, cloth napkins, that sort of thing. The menu changes depending on the day. It might be French Toast with fresh strawberries and whip cream — or it might be toaster waffles if we don’t have much time on a busy school day. And to drink? We always make raspberry milk.
…Felt Treat Boxes
Present your Valentine with a handmade felt box, complete with a custom design cut out made just for them. Simple construction with a sophisticated look that can hide any number of sweet treats and gifts inside. Make them for your kids, your honey, or even for classmates.
These little gift boxes aren’t just limited to the heart-filled holidays. They can be modified and styled for any time you need to give a gift. Think birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day or a random Wednesday when you feel extra kind. The gift recipient of these will have so many reasons to love you. It’s a kind gesture, includes a thoughtful gift and is encased in a beautiful gift box. Win, win and win.
Grab your scissors and glue gun and let’s get started.
…Etched Wooden Heart Key Fobs
We’ve been thinking hard about what sort of non-plastic and non-commercial Valentines we can make for classmates, and we came up with this really cool project: wooden heart key chains! With store-bought wooden hearts, these little tokens of love are ever so easy, totally customizable, and sweet as can be.
So go grab your etching tool and let’s get started.
…Recipe: Post Workout Protein-Packed Chicken Salad
This chicken salad includes chopped natural unflavored almonds, and uses Greek yogurt with a bit of seasonings as the dressing, making it super protein-packed. It’s up to you how to serve it. You can use it to top Romaine leaves or another leafy green, scoop it up with your favorite crackers, or use a few hearty slices of bread, or a tortilla, to turn it into a sandwich or wrap. You can even add chicken salad to a hollowed out tomato or bell pepper, or serve it on a bed of mixed greens. So many options! And speaking of options, this recipe makes a very good, basic chicken salad, and there are some variations below because it’s fun to change things up once in awhile so you don’t get bored. The possibilities are endless.
It’s a big timesaver to use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe — rotisserie is perfect for this, or you can cook a few extra chicken breasts for dinner one night to use in the salad and get you through with a week’s worth of snacks or lunches. And if you want to turn this into a heartier meal, maybe for dinner, then try serving this up with a side of grilled or roasted veggies to get even more plant-powered goodness into your day. But it’s easy as can be to make ahead and will keep for days and days in the fridge. And it really is one of the best things to pack into your cooler to keep you fueled up.
…Recipe: Post Workout Protein-Packed Chicken SaladRead More »
Living With Kids: Ania Krasniewska
Ania is a diplomat’s wife, among many other things, but that’s the part of her that brought them to this home in Denmark. It’s also the part that seems to be breaking her heart a little these days, as you’ll read near the end of her interview. She’s got some truly lovely, stick-to-your-soul thoughts about raising kids in a somewhat transient lifestyle, knowing full well your home won’t be your home in a few short years.
I really enjoyed this peek into her diplo-lifestyle, and I hope you feel the same way! Welcome, Ania!
…