Chadwick’s collection of cast iron pans.

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I cook with a cast iron pan almost every day. I have one on my stove at all times so it’s within easy reach. All cooks have their “thing” — trusted measuring cups, a special knife, or a beloved wooden spoon — cast iron is mine. I could say that I use it because my mama or my grandma did, because that’s true. I have a cherished collection that spans almost 100 years, ranging from my maternal great-great-grandmother Lawson’s and my paternal grandma’s everyday pans, to a couple 15-inch Lodge skillets bought at Target and a modern, octagonal-shaped pan sent by friends in Portland. Their presence in my kitchen certainly is heartfelt and handy. To me, though, cast iron is so much more. Everything I know about cooking is connected to a cast iron pan. I value and trust that implicitly.

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From Apartment Therapy → Back in Fashion: 5 Old Kitchen Design Trends that are Making a Comeback

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How To Grill Perfect Steak

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Summer just wouldn’t be complete without firing up the grill. Not only does grilling help us beat the heat in the kitchen, but it also gives food a smoky aroma and taste that’s downright satisfying. Whether you’re stepping in front of a grill for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips will get you set for a summer of better grilling.

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From Apartment Therapy → Divert a Dining Room Disaster: Mastering the Art of Mismatched Chairs

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(Image credit: Kristin Teig)

With Memorial Day weekend (the unofficial start of summer) coming up, many of us have the same thing in mind: firing up the grill. While gas is certainly convenient, there’s something truly special about meals prepared on a charcoal grill. Those juicy burgers, sausages, and chicken also come bearing a smoky taste, purely reminiscent of the outdoors and summertime. But before getting started, whether you’re a novice or a master griller, be sure to steer clear of these five common mistakes.

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What mood are you in? Whatever it is, or, more importantly, whatever you want it to be, chances are there’s a tea to match your desired disposition. While there are just four types of tea — white, black, green, and oolong — there are myriad variations, not to mention the whole world of herbal teas (also known as tisanes).

From chamomile to chocolate tea (yes, it’s a thing), we’ve got a tea guaranteed to change your mood (ring).

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Grilled Packet Potatoes

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I didn’t miss grilling until it was something I couldn’t do. All of a sudden all these incredibly delicious summer recipes centered around grilling were popping up all around me and I had no way to cook them. My apartment had a strict no-grilling policy, but I would not let that deter me! In what felt like a moment of pure genius (it very quickly downgraded into an obvious “duh”), I headed to the park to get my grilling fix.

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This week we’ve shown you how Leela Cyd threw a fabulous tea party right outside of Santa Barbara. The inspiration for the whole thing (including recipes!) comes from Leela’s first cookbook, Food with Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings. Today we’re delving a little bit more into the inspiration behind the book, including a few of Leela’s favorite recipes and tips for anyone looking to host a party.

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My grandmother, Mommom Boyd, is well-known for her cole slaw. She chops the cabbage, carrots, and onion extra-fine and makes the dressing creamy and somewhat sweet. It’s highly requested by church members and friends, and is an absolute must-have at every family gathering. When I was a kid, Mommom would sometimes mix in red cabbage, too. I would marvel at how the bright purple bits would pop off our plates next to the orange carrots.

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How To Make Classic Buttermilk Biscuits

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Like anything purported as easy, biscuits are also notoriously easy to mess up. Simplicity, as it turns out, leaves plenty of room for error. Luckily I have quite a few biscuit makers to call on to discuss the common mistakes people make when preparing biscuits, and even better, the tips you need to know to avoid them all together. So before you get ready to bake up you next batch, here are five mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of.

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