Source: Kitchen Hacks: The Wine Bottle Rolling Pin
Welcome to our new series Kitchen Hacks, where we take ordinary household objects and transform them into useful kitchen tools. We know it's difficult to stock a kitchen with every gizmo and gadget, especially if you live in tight quarters. So instead of junking up your drawers with unused items, try make-shifting kitchen tools with our tips.
Have you ever been ready to roll out your dough only to realize you've misplaced your rolling pin? No problem! Rolling pins are incredibly easy to makeshift using an empty wine bottle. Since glass stays cold, the wine bottle keeps the dough firm and malleable, so the dough won't warm up and start sticking to surfaces. The perfectly round shape and long body of the bottle also contribute to making this an amazing substitution for a rolling pin.
Before you begin rolling, remove the bottle's label, scrape off the sticky glue residue, and wash the outside to disinfect it. Or, for a quick fix,
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Kitchen Hacks: The Wine Bottle Rolling Pin
By YumSugar | Life Made Easy – Wed, Jun 6, 2012 7:59 PM EDT
Read More »from A Different Dinner Roll for the Table
Source: A Different Dinner Roll For the Table
If you've never had a pain d'epi, this pull-apart baguette is intended to mimic the appearance of the flower of the wheat stalk, or "epi" in French. Each little ear of wheat can be easily pulled apart, which makes this bread shape ideal to pass around the table at dinner parties or picnics. If you don't have time to create a sourdough bread starter, this overnight dough is the next best thing. Complete the first step of the recipe the night before, allowing the bread to ferment overnight. This imparts a slightly sour yet floral aroma and taste.
Creating the baguette shape may seem daunting at first, but the process becomes more natural by the second or third try. To spread the dough into a rectangle shape with an even thickness, press your fingers in the center of the dough and then slowly knead it outward.
To cut even epi pieces, maintain the same 45-degree angle and spacing between each cut, then use your fingers to alternate the side
Read More »from Essential Kitchen Items for College GradsYumSugarSource: Essential Kitchen Items For College Grads
Graduation is such an exciting time, and for many former co-eds, it's a chance to try out a new city, pursue dream jobs, and rent an off-campus apartment. It also may mean stocking and maintaining a "real" kitchen . . . at least one that's used for more than steeping ramen noodles and unpacking fast food bags. We've rounded up 10 kitchen items that are essential to any postcollegiate kitchen (hint, hint, gift givers).YumSugarSource: 5 Fast, Easy, and Freezer-Friendly Meals
When you're on the go, it's incredibly convenient to have meals that are fully prepared in the freezer. Just pop these dishes in the oven until they're nice and hot, and enjoy a home-cooked meal whenever you want. Here are five fast and easy ideas that also happen to freeze very well.- Asparagus Lasagna: Any lasagna recipe can be easily frozen and reheated, but this fast and easy recipe takes advantage of the beautiful asparagus that is currently in season.
- King Casserole: For a hearty, Texan-inspired dinner, make a king casserole ahead of time, freeze it, then heat it up and enjoy any time within three months.
- Obama Family Chili: This fast and easy chili recipe is fit for the president of the United States. Make a big batch ahead of time and freeze it for future use.
- Meatloaf: Meatloaf is not only affordable, versatile, and easy to make, it can be easily stored in the freezer for months to come!
Read More »from 4 Wine Varietals You Should Know
Source: 4 Wine Varietals You Should Know
With the United States officially surpassing France in total wine consumption, wine drinkers aren't just about Chardonnay and Cab - they're into New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Argentinian Malbec, and Australian Shiraz, too. But beyond the usual suspects, there are plenty of grape varietals out there are that have flown under the radar. Take the time to seek them out, as they've got distinct flavor characteristics and are generally awesome values. For some of our favorites, keep reading.Celebrate National Burger Month in 13 Different Ways
By YumSugar | Shine Food – Thu, May 10, 2012 1:44 PM EDTYumSugarSource: Celebrate National Burger Month in 13 Different Ways
Few things are as satisfying as a patty in a bun with savory toppings and condiments. Yes, I'm talking about burgers. And what better time to get creative with your burger-making than National Burger Month? Keep things classic with the perfect homemade cheeseburger or take things to a fancier level with a brie-stuffed burger. And don't forget about the ketchup and mustard! We've got some great recipes for you to experiment with making your own. Click through for some delicious burger inspiration.
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Read More »from Celebrate National Burger Month in 13 Different WaysYumSugarSource: 12 Pretty Kitchen Gifts For Moms Who Cook
If you're lucky enough to have a mom who cooks, chances are you grew up with deliciously nourishing homemade meals and a repertoire of heirloom family recipes. This Mother's Day, thank Chef Mom for years of hard culinary work with pretty gifts to beautify her kitchen! We've picked out our favorite fetching accessories to make her smile when whipping up the next family meal masterpiece.- Chalkboard Spice Jars: Flexible and functional, these chalkboard spice jars ($10 each) are also colorfully cute!
- Kalorik Aqua Blender: The baby-blue dial on this Kalorik Aqua Blender ($130) gives it a clean, retro feel.
- Acacia Salad Bowl and Servers: Acacia wood is burnished into a graceful shape in this bowl and servers set ($37).
- Joseph Joseph Baking Tools Set: For a mom who also likes to bake, liven up her pie-making endeavors with a rose-and-lilac-hued baking set ($45).
- Illy Espresso Machine: With its
Put a Bird on It! 5 Basic Dishes Made Better with an Egg
By YumSugar | Shine Food – Thu, May 10, 2012 1:11 PM EDT
Put a Bird on It! 5 Basic Dishes Made Better With an Egg
If you're not familiar with the Portlandia skit "Put a Bird on It!", it's time to get watching - and I'll say "you're welcome!" in advance. While you may not be branding bird silhouettes onto pieces of toast, I've found my own foodie spin on how to put a bird on it this Spring. In honor of National Egg Month, here are five everyday dishes that are taken to the next level with the addition of a tasty egg.- Pasta. Pasta and eggs may seem like a strange combination, but it shouldn't. While lots of pasta carbonara dishes bring an egg to the table, fried or poached eggs paired with a plate of simple pasta makes for a great go-to dish when you're in a bind for time or you'd like to keep things a little more budget-conscious.
- Oatmeal. If you're always reaching for an oatmeal recipe that's sweet, put a twist on your morning routine and opt for an oatmeal recipe that's on the savory side: Asian-inspired savory oatmeal
YumSugarSource: Food Must Haves For May
From the most addictive candy we've tasted in a long time to a salad spinner to help us celebrate National Salad Month, our tastes are all over the map for the month of May. The one thing we can be certain of is that it's going to be a delicious 31 days. Click through to see what we can't live without this month.
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Read More »from Food Must Haves for May5 Lesser-Known Spring Veggies and What to Make with Them
By YumSugar | Shine Food – Tue, May 1, 2012 6:42 PM EDTYumSugarSource: 5 Lesser-Known Spring Veggies and What to Make With Them
We're nearing the end of April, and Spring produce remains abundant at farmers markets everywhere. But don't get too used to it: these pretty green things are still shockingly fleeting, and in just a few weeks, you won't be able to locate the likes of lesser-known specimens, like Spring onions, fava beans, and freshly foraged morels. Here are five more foods you'll want to track down before the season's over, plus our best recipes for them.- The Spring Food: Spring Onions: Spring onions are underdeveloped onions that are milder than their more mature allium cousins. Their innocuous flavor makes them ideal contenders for salads, sautés, and caramelized preparations.
- What to Make: Spring Onion Jam With Goat Cheese Toasts: Slow-simmer Spring onions in a zesty agrodolce sauce until a thick, rich jam forms, then top them on toasted baguette with creamy goat cheese for the ultimate appetizer.
- The Spring
