Four years ago, when I was home for a couple days between book tour stops and I had about 3 gazillion errands to run but I was also hungry (because proper meals are the first thing to go when I’m busy) and really craving a great salad (because vegetables are the first thing to get stiffed when you travel a lot) and I didn’t want to eat it out of a takeout container or on my lap or in a hurry, I wanted to sit down and eat it off a plate like a civilized person with water in a glass, not a plastic bottle, and the want for this was overwhelming and I looked up and I was right in front of the Union Square Cafe and thought, “Why not?”
Do you ever go out to eat alone? I really don’t. When I had the freedom to do this more often, I always felt awkward and fidgety and now that I’m old enough to not care, we only occasionally have the luxury of going out without two small people and snack cups of Cheerios, and certainly not alone, you know, sitting at a bar, reading a book like one of those grownups you always thought you’d be? But this time I did. The salad was perfect. The bread was warm. The bartender talked me into (I’m sure I was terribly hard to convince) a glass of wine and 35 minutes later I resumed my errands happy and fed and cared for and swore I’d do this more often, although I really don’t.
(Image credit: AirBnB)
Vacation Rental: Modern Farmhouse in the Woods in Saugerties, New York
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Price: Starting at $299 per night
Why We Wanna Cook Here: Can you say dinner party?
When we travel we believe in staying in real homes as much as we can; to really taste a place means cooking local food in a local’s kitchen. And if you’re traveling to the Catskills (check out our Bite-Sized Guide to the Catskills) here’s a vacation rental to love.
This updated farmhouse has a stainless-steel six-burner gas stove, a porcelain apron-front sink, and plenty of natural light. As if that’s not enough, it also has brand-new cookware (think: All-Clad pots and pans). And the perfectly rustic dining table seats 10 people comfortably. During warmer months, dinner parties can be indoor-outdoor hybrids, as the house opens up to a big deck, a three-acre yard, and a new gas grill.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/we-wanna-cook-here-modern-farmhouse-in-saugerties-238547′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
Not feeling the tinsel garland this year? Perhaps we can interest you in one of these food-themed garlands, instead? They’re all made with supplies from the kitchen.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/3-easy-diy-garlands-for-your-food-lovers-christmas-tree-238172′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
Icing helps transform cookies from plain and simple to colorful and beautiful — not to mention the fact that it makes them even more delicious. While decorating cookies with icing isn’t nearly as tough as it may seem, there are a few mistakes you want to be sure to avoid.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-frosting-cookies-226192′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
If a morning starts with French toast, you know it’s going to be a good day. The best is browned and crispy on the outside while incredibly custardy and rich on the inside. Really good French toast can seriously make you reconsider ever making pancakes and waffles again. So what are the secrets to achieving greatness? Here are five key things to watch out for.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-making-french-toast-238188′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
Look at the middle of this pantry and tell us what you see. What’s that? A countertop? Nailed it!
This pantry is smart because it’s not just a closet with shelves. It has a few feet of usable counter space, which can come in handy when gathering supplies or putting stuff away, or even if the kitchen space just isn’t enough during a big cooking project.
You don’t have to have an enormous walk-in pantry to take advantage of this idea, either — just a small closet will do. Instead of filling a closet with floor-to-ceiling shelves, interrupt the space (around waist height) for a small counter.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/this-pantry-has-a-very-inspiring-amount-of-countertop-space-237290′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
Thanksgiving is over — phew! — but December doesn’t offer much relief. This is the calendar month that fills up the fastest. Between holiday decorating and gift shopping, celebrations and school events, getting dinner on the table quickly is a high priority. But before you reach for the takeout menu, allow us to introduce you to the Snack Board Supper. It just might be the smartest (even healthiest) way to eat during the holidays.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/the-snack-board-supper-a-better-way-to-eat-in-december-238140′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
