In my pantry right now, there among the cans of tomato paste and chicken noodle soup, is a box of rich, decadent sipping chocolate, a bag of dried porcini, and a little tin of handmade candied violets. In my closet, a pair of fancy velvet heels and a gorgeous cashmere sweater mingle with the cotton shirts and clogs. Tucked away in a drawer, a small vial of a favorite, very expensive perfume waits for the special day that I will dab it on my wrists. Besides being wonderful and special, all these things have one other thing in common: I never use them. And lately I’ve been thinking that this has got to change. More

4.32 / 5 Stars | 85 Reviews

by sal

“Jam packed with veggies as well as chicken breast and tomatoes, this is a healthy, hearty quick stew.”

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Welcome to Saturday, friends. Popular posts this week on The Kitchn include an infographic on the shelf life of food, a tour of a bright, happy kitchen in Chicago, one-handed meal ideas for busy people, 20 satisfying lunches you can make the night before, and the best kitchen items to buy at IKEA. Enjoy!

15. Minus the Mercury: 4 Healthier Alternatives to Canned Tuna
14. How Pinterest Packs a Lunch: 15 Crazy and Creative Lunches
13. The 5 Best Pantry Staples for Emergency Last-Minute Lunches
12. How To Make Easy Irish Soda Bread
11. Pinterest Stays Sensible: 20 Well-Rounded and Perfectly-Packed Lunches
10. Infographic: The Shelf Life of Food

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3.94 / 5 Stars | 17 Reviews

by Carrie Passen

“Similar to Seven Minute Frosting – however, much better!!! Excellent when used with a devil’s food cake.”

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Julie and Andy’s Bright, Happy Kitchen

Happy weekend, folks! Are you headed to the kitchen? We’re enjoying a bit of spring weather, and we’re eagerly anticipating spring greens and radishes. We’d love to know what you’re looking forward to this weekend. Do you have some extra-special cooking plans? More

St. Patrick’s Day is this weekend! These meatball sliders, along with a warm slice of Irish soda bread and your very own green-tinted Last Word cocktail, are exactly the kind of sustenance you need for a full day of Irish-loving fun. If you’re staying in, how does a batch of creamy cashew tomato soup and a panini filled with ham and brie sound? Don’t forget a side salad — we have two brand new creamy dressings for you to try!

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As we close out Lunch Week we had to point out these sweet lunch bags that just went up at the Food52 Shop. These waxed canvas bags have a special pocket — want a closer look? 

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Greek yogurt has become a favorite among yogurt fans for its über-creaminess, thick spoonability, and high protein content. And now, many food manufacturers are taking that popularity to heart and stirring it into products that extend far beyond the breakfast table. More

Put a bowl of creamy, crumb-topped mac n’ cheese on the cover of any book and I am oath-bound to pick it up. But this isn’t just any mac n’ cheese. This is a mac n’ cheese makeover — a lighter version developed by those exacting and perfectionist cooks over at America’s Test Kitchen, and it’s just one of over 175 comfort food recipes they tweaked and remodeled. Half the fat and still deserving of the Test Kitchen’s stamp of tasty approval? I’m in.

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I’ve had the good fortune to work from home the past couple of years, and my stomach and taste buds are very thankful for it. The extra flexibiltiy means lunches no longer have to fall in the categories of cold sandwiches or microwaveable meals. My lunch can be more versatile and spontaneous just like my work day at home. I just need a few key ingredients: More