Last year I made an ardent case for panna cotta as the perfect dessert: it’s easy, quick, practically foolproof, and accommodating to many dietary adjustments, being naturally gluten-free and adaptable to dairy-free and vegan diets.
Now that I’ve made my case for the merits of this lovely dessert, let’s move on and talk about how luscious it is, how perfectly creamy, in a way that belies its utter simplicity. And let me walk you through making panna cotta, step by step.
Who cooks and eats here: Chelsea Fuss of Frolic!
Where: Portland, Oregon
Rent or Own? Rent
Chelsea Fuss — a longtime blogger, prop stylist (she worked on The Kitchn’s upcoming cookbook!), and floral designer/instructor — has lived with this sweet little rental kitchen for the past four years. Tucked away in one corner of an incredible mansion in SW Portland, it’s where a lot of her magic happens. From shooting a bouquet post on her wooden table to “prop shopping” in her own cupboards for a lifestyle story, Chelsea has put this space to work in the most charming fashion. Let’s step inside for a cup of tea, shall we?
A good home office isn’t just a place to put your laptop: It’s a place where work gets done with style, where high-tech gadgets make everything work a little easier and look a little cooler. Here are a few home offices from House Tours and Tech Tours past that do just that.
I am one of those goofballs that, yes, actually gets a kick out of Valentine’s Day. Not in an over-the-top pink hearts and roses kind of a way, but just in that it makes me feel happy. Warm fuzzies toward those I care for and all that.
Most years, my husband and I just stay in and cook a meal together. We’ve done mac ‘n’ cheese, homemade sushi, osso buco, and this year for the surprising first time, steak. This steak. This dry-rubbed steak with boozy butter, which I first made on a spontaneous date night a few weeks ago and which immediately earned itself a spot on our Valentine’s Day menu.
For Valentine’s Day we normally think about how we can show someone else we love them — how cute cards, or fun desserts, or a small gift will make someone else happy. While these small acts of kindness are wonderful, it’s also a time to show yourself a little love. It’s February, it’s dreary outside, and it’s the perfect opportunity to take care of yourself with something comforting, delicious, and maybe just a little healthy.
One of my favorite reader questions in the last few weeks came from Kathy, who asked for inspiration for a new recipe to make with her honey on Valentine’s Day. I loved the idea of Valentine’s implied by this request. Instead of going out to a packed restaurant, or just one person slaving away for the other, this is a meal not only eaten together but cooked together, the whole process part of the fun.
Whether you’re cooking with someone dear this Friday night, or for a group of friends, or for your whole family, here’s a recipe that lends itself to some togetherness in the kitchen. Easy risotto, stirred meditatively, cooked slowly with a glass of wine in one hand and the music turned up.
I’ve long perfected my method for the perfect grilled cheese, but when I first started cooking, it always seemed to elude me. Either my sandwich was toasted on the outside with unmelted cheese inside, or the cheese was gooey but the outside burnt. That was until I figured out the old line cook trick: put a lid on it!
I admit that I sometimes I do things kind of half-assed in the kitchen. I’ll throw flowers into a vase without first trimming the stems or fail to thoroughly read a recipe before beginning to make it. I’ll not brown the meat enough for the stew or not measure carefully when careful measuring is called for. The results, while not disasters, are often not as good as they could be. They’re not bad, but they’re not perfect. They’re, well, they’re kind of half-assed.
Is this OK?
Dear Readers,
It’s finally the month for our Sixth Annual Homies Awards – the biggest linkfest of our year. Starting in one week, we will be inviting all of you to share your favorite home design and home cooking blogs, dig deep into the blogosphere, and spread link love everywhere we go. All info is below. Join us and share your favorites!
Best, Maxwell
Happy weekend everyone! What’s the cooking outlook? I’m getting ready to go grocery shopping for the weekend and I’m planning out my meals for next week. What are you cooking? Soup? Risotto, like me? What’s keeping you warm in the kitchen? We’d love to hear all about it.
