How To Make 3 Easy Coleslaw Dressings — Cooking Lessons from The Kitchn

Some things in life are difficult: taxes, air travel over the holidays, mastering the perfect kouign amann. Coleslaw is not one of those things. Classic creamy, crunchy coleslaw is easy. Coleslaw is effortless. Coleslaw asks for nothing beyond a serving bowl and a backyard party that requires its presence.

It follows that dressing your homemade coleslaw should also be easy. Here are three different dressings — mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream — that are so easy, you can make them in under a minute.

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An Afro-Asian 4th of July Menu from Bryant Terry — Holiday Menus from The Kitchn

Like most of my work, this Afro-Asian 4th of July menu has the texture of autobiography and draws heavily on the way my family eats at home. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t pull out all the stops every day like we did for this menu. But on weekends, holidays, and celebrations, we invite family and friends over to cook multiple dishes and break bread together, all while talking, laughing, and dancing.

My wife and I are very excited to collaborate with The Kitchn on this menu, and we hope it inspires your 4th of July celebration — as well as other family and community gatherings throughout the summer!

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15 Make-Ahead Pitcher Cocktails to Sip All Summer — Recipes from The Kitchn

Every summer shindig needs a refreshing cocktail. And since summer is a time for kicking back and relaxing, skip the made-to-order drinks — it’s time for pitcher cocktails!

From sangrias to margaritas to mojitos, here are 15 cocktails to stir and shake before your guests arrive.

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Everything You Need to Know About Growing Thyme — Herb Gardening 101

Thyme is such a big part of what summer smells like for me. Ornamental versions thrive and spread among the paving stones on my garden path, and the fragrant aroma is present with every step. Culinary versions, like French and lemon thyme, also dot my herb garden and grace my annual dried herb blend.

From classic Italian seasoning to herbs de Provence to a bouquet garni, thyme contributes a subtle, savory note that complements so many of my slow-simmered soups, stews, and roasted dishes.

It’s also another perennial herb that doesn’t need much extra care in order to enjoy year after year.

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10 Little Things I Do for Houseguests — How to Be a Grownup

Depending on where you live and your proximity to a popular summer travel destination (the Grand Canyon? Disney World? New York City?) you may find yourself deep in houseguest season. I don’t live in a particularly touristy city, but I host houseguests frequently, and I think it’s part of the fun of having a house with room to share. In fact, in just a few weeks my husband’s brother and sister-in-law will be piling in with their three kids for a sleepover.

If you’re expecting a guest (or two, or five!), here are a few little ways I prep for them. All are small, and most help me as much as they help my guests!

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How Caffeine Is Removed from Coffee — We’ve Got Chemistry

Most of us are addicted to caffeine. We drink it every morning out of habit, but also to give us a much-needed boost to get us going or to help us face the day. Caffeine is a stimulant targeting the central nervous system and it does a really good job of combating drowsiness and helping us feel more awake.

However, past a certain time in the day, many of us avoid caffeine for fear it may lead to a sleepless, restless night, so we turn to decaf. Let’s explore some of the ways that caffeine is removed from coffee.

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10 Summer Projects to Brighten Your Home over the Long Weekend — Projects from The Kitchn

If you’re lucky enough to have Friday off this week, now is the time to start planning which projects you want to tackle for the long weekend. There’s something about having an extra day that makes it easier to get a few things crossed off your to-do list.

If you’re in the market for a home project, consider one of these 1o ideas that will help you spruce up your space, fix what’s broken, or make your kitchen a bit more functional. The only question now is, which one will you tackle first?

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