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12.08.2011
In a pinch
I just came across this ingredient substitution table from allrecipes.com. I needed to know what to substitute for shortening for the ginger cookies. I have been to two grocery stores today, forgot to get this ingredient and I am not making a third trip. You can copy-paste this into a Word table and it would be a great quick reference put up in your cabinet or pantry. Happy cooking!
Comedic relief
All this squawking about the holidays being a magical time of year is true. For some. For others it can be stressful, lonely, even sad. The build up of the seasons by the media, our friends, coworkers may make one feel guilty about "not getting into it." But, if someone is experiencing something negative or sad, the holidays have a way of exacerbating those feelings. Loss, sickness, family strife, and general sadness can all take an extra toll during the holidays.
My advice would to be as active as you can possibly be, talk to those who provide you support, and buy this book. No, it is not an advice book. It is a hilarious darkly funny book of short stories by David Sedaris about the holidays. I read it only last year, yet thought to myself, I really could have used this when I was having a tougher holiday a few years ago. That is because tears from laughing so hard as he describes being a holiday elf at Macy's in New York City (Sedaris actually was one) were falling down my cheeks. He also has a hilarious and kind of sick short story about a family that will do anything to make the perfect holiday newsletter to send out each year. It really makes you laugh at all the hoopla and sit back and value what you think is important for the next couple of weeks. So if you have a friend who you know might not be gunning for the holidays quite as much as the rest, give them this book. They need to have a slightly dark sense of humor - you've been warned. It'll hopefully provide them with some relief in not feeling guilty about not caring as much about trimming the tree this year. It's ok, really.
My advice would to be as active as you can possibly be, talk to those who provide you support, and buy this book. No, it is not an advice book. It is a hilarious darkly funny book of short stories by David Sedaris about the holidays. I read it only last year, yet thought to myself, I really could have used this when I was having a tougher holiday a few years ago. That is because tears from laughing so hard as he describes being a holiday elf at Macy's in New York City (Sedaris actually was one) were falling down my cheeks. He also has a hilarious and kind of sick short story about a family that will do anything to make the perfect holiday newsletter to send out each year. It really makes you laugh at all the hoopla and sit back and value what you think is important for the next couple of weeks. So if you have a friend who you know might not be gunning for the holidays quite as much as the rest, give them this book. They need to have a slightly dark sense of humor - you've been warned. It'll hopefully provide them with some relief in not feeling guilty about not caring as much about trimming the tree this year. It's ok, really.
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12.06.2011
Don't be empty handed
This holiday season you will probably be invited to someone's house for dinner, drinks, a party, maybe even a week long stay. Your host most likely spent time and effort preparing for your visit and the gracious guest should always try to arrive with something in hand to give as thanks for the invitation. Allow me to channel my inner White Gloves and Party Manners.
This is where "the present drawer" comes in handy. (I will post on this, probably at length, another day.) In short, the present drawer is where one keeps some extra candles, hand soaps, small picture frames in hand in case there's a last minute "oh sh-t" moment right before you head out the door. People - don't allow your present drawer to be bare. See a candle you like on sale - buy 2, notice a nice set of dish towels is half off- grab it. Because inevitably you will forget to get something, or your spouse will mention that tomorrow night we need to go to my boss' home for drinks and you're booked solid from now until then. Also, remember to keep some nice note cards to accompany the said present in the said drawer.
For now, here are a couple things I think are nice gifts to bring to a host of a holiday get together. A bottle of wine is alway safe, but I say get them something more personal and fun (maybe throw in some wine with it for good measure anyways). If you are staying the night I think the gift should be a bit more substantial, as overnight stays require more effort and time spent by the host. (Overnight stay gifts to come later this week...)
Candles are a great option. They come in a wide range of prices and (in my opinion) it is hard to have too many scented candles. The first two items are from Anthropologie. I think a pine scent is nice for the holidays, and the small votive holders (only $8 a pop) would be a nice present if you snagged 3 or 4 as a gift. The last candle is from Calypso, which has lovely scents and packaging.
Coffee tables books are also hard to have too many of in my mind. It is a great way to give an easy, personal gift to someone. Maybe you pick out a place you have taken a trip with the host in years past or have flirted with traveling to in the future. It shows you know their interests, and is fun to look at with them if you have the time.
Enjoy the parties!
This is where "the present drawer" comes in handy. (I will post on this, probably at length, another day.) In short, the present drawer is where one keeps some extra candles, hand soaps, small picture frames in hand in case there's a last minute "oh sh-t" moment right before you head out the door. People - don't allow your present drawer to be bare. See a candle you like on sale - buy 2, notice a nice set of dish towels is half off- grab it. Because inevitably you will forget to get something, or your spouse will mention that tomorrow night we need to go to my boss' home for drinks and you're booked solid from now until then. Also, remember to keep some nice note cards to accompany the said present in the said drawer.
For now, here are a couple things I think are nice gifts to bring to a host of a holiday get together. A bottle of wine is alway safe, but I say get them something more personal and fun (maybe throw in some wine with it for good measure anyways). If you are staying the night I think the gift should be a bit more substantial, as overnight stays require more effort and time spent by the host. (Overnight stay gifts to come later this week...)
Candles are a great option. They come in a wide range of prices and (in my opinion) it is hard to have too many scented candles. The first two items are from Anthropologie. I think a pine scent is nice for the holidays, and the small votive holders (only $8 a pop) would be a nice present if you snagged 3 or 4 as a gift. The last candle is from Calypso, which has lovely scents and packaging.
Claus Porto is a great soap brand. Portuguese, founded in 1887, Claus Porto soaps are luxurious, have wonderful presentation, and make a great gift. These almost-paper thin guest soaps are wonderful. They are small enough that the host can change the soap before each gathering as they please and not feel wasteful. It almost feels like opening a box of fine macaroons but without the calories. These soap boxes are under $20 each and a lovely gift.
Enjoy the parties!
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12.05.2011
Ginger alert
No I am not referring to a missing person. (P.S. Is everyone aware of what a silver alert is? I was not. Until I moved to Florida.)
In any event, I am obsessed with ginger. Sweet, savory, cut up pieces in hot water for a simple tea - you name it. So when Bon Appetit's Holiday cookie a day recipe appeared today, I may have squealed a wee bit. The recipe is a triple threat - raw, powered, and crystallized ginger are required for these tasty delights. (Note: you can find good, inexpensive crystallized ginger at World Market.) We're having people over this weekend for a small party and I will be making these Chewy Ginger Cookies for the spread. But not until Friday, otherwise I may consume all 48 prior to the party.
In any event, I am obsessed with ginger. Sweet, savory, cut up pieces in hot water for a simple tea - you name it. So when Bon Appetit's Holiday cookie a day recipe appeared today, I may have squealed a wee bit. The recipe is a triple threat - raw, powered, and crystallized ginger are required for these tasty delights. (Note: you can find good, inexpensive crystallized ginger at World Market.) We're having people over this weekend for a small party and I will be making these Chewy Ginger Cookies for the spread. But not until Friday, otherwise I may consume all 48 prior to the party.
Image via bon appetit
Line drawn.
This is not a place to get into politics or touchy issues. I know there are wide opinions on toys for kids in terms of gender issues, body image issues, the works. But on Saturday morning I was on sitting at the island in our kitchen with the TV on in the background. It had been left on since earlier, and kids cartoons were on and I had not bothered to get up and change it. Obviously since 'tis the season most commercials were for toys. This one commercial left me with my mouth open.
I studied public health, interned at anti-obesity organizations when in grad school, and still volunteer and advocate for children's nutritional improvement in America. I do believe there is an epidemic of childhood obesity in this country. And, Goliath's Pop the Pig is not helping. I will not go as so far as to say this toy promotes children eating until you explode, but that is the point of the game! You win if you feed the pig so much until it does not pop, but the belly is as big as possible. I was literally shocked and I may even write a letter as I'm watching this commercial. This toy company should be slightly more self-aware of the current problems with this country's youth before it touts a game involving stuffing food down a plastic pig. I'm sorry but I think it is irresponsible and also kinda gross.
12.01.2011
Sucker for mercury
I love mercury glass - votive holders, candlesticks, Christmas ornaments...I could go on. I recently happened upon this lamp from Ballard Designs, the Bethany Accent lamp. I think it's very attractive, wouldn't take up too much space on a small writing desk or entry hall table for an apartment and is reasonably priced. You could buy two to flank a sideboard in an entry way and it would look pretty smart. Ideally I would use a drum lamp shade instead of what they offer, but it works just fine as is. Ballard has other mercury table lamp options to choose from, but this would be my top choice.
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