Recently I was in the kitchen trying one of Grandma’s recipes. It called for raisins or currants and I wondered why it didn’t mention craisins, one of my favorite snacks. It made me realize that Craisins probably didn’t even exist when Grandma was writing out the recipe card. In fact, I did some research and it seems like the Ocean Spray version was only introduced in 1993! Now I’m on a mission to include more craisins in my cooking.
Even if mixing fruit into cereal isn’t actually a novel idea, this is about as adventurous as I get on an early weekday morning. I tried the craisins with my bran flakes this morning and it tastes great! It was a fun way to brighten up the morning and try something new. More adventures with craisins coming soon . . .
More public than a meltdown at Pizza Hut is the Facebook breakup. And before I go any further, here is my Rule #1: Don’t put your relationship status on your Facebook page. I don’t care how in love you are. Those who need to know will know, and those who don’t won’t give a damn anyway. Yeah, it’s a kind of declaration to the world when you can switch “single” to “in a relationship” or even, heaven forbid, “it’s complicated.” But one of these days you may have to go back to single, and ALL your friends are gonna know that one.
Here is Rule #2: De-friend him. Unless you only dated for a few minutes, I guarantee you will drive yourself crazy looking at his updates. Life is too short. Friend someone else. And this holds true even if you did the breaking up.
Check out a few other rules here. Apparently we disagree on #5. But the rest are pretty good :)
Crying is often the name of the game with breakups and chopping onions. But it doesn’t have to be. At least with onions. The folks at Divine Caroline created a handy guide for ways to chop onions without turning into a complete mess.
Some of the tips sound plausible–I’ve heard the one about running the onion under water–while others are a bit Old Wives-y (“If you hold on to the end of a piece of bread with your teeth, letting it stick out from your face, supposedly the bread absorbs the gases and prevents them from making it up to your eyes”). But however your slice it, any tip that helps sulfuric acid from getting in my eyes (yes, that’s what’s released by an angry onion) is ok by me. Any tips you have on keeping away onion tears is much appreciated!
As spring approaches and to celebrate the release of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland we’ve been thinking about tea parties a lot. This classy afternoon gathering is perfect for some bonding with your friends, even if you don’t invite the mad hatter. (Note to Johnny Depp: you are always welcome at my home though.) Here are three easy steps to throw the perfect tea party.
EAT. Start with savory and move on to sweet, but make sure everything is finger food. While you don’t have to cook up dozens of options, consider some variety to make for a more interesting spread. For example, if you are making simple sugar cookies, use two different shapes and toppings.
crustless sandwiches like cucumber and watercress
scones with jam and clotted cream
cookies and pastries
DRINK. Tea is a must, and loose leaf can be fun and have more flavor. For something different than standard Tetley, try a nice Lady Grey tea for a mellow flavor. Have sugar, milk, and lemon ready. Here are just some beverage options:
herbal tea
black tea
green or white tea
champagne tea is always fun—a glass of bubbly is sure to lift anyones spirits
PARTY. Little touches make a big difference and turn any gathering into a party. Consider one or more of the following classy touches to take your tea party to the next level:
Solo cooks can have a restaurant-worthy meal at home without filling the sink with dishes—especially important when you are both chef and cleanup crew. One large bowl and one pot means this vegetarian dish is light on cleanup, but not flavor. Frozen spinach will also work in a pinch, just thaw in your serving bowl and strain out the excess liquid. And, I’ll admit this recipes makes two generous servings, but what is the joy of cooking without yummy leftovers?
Pasta tip: Choose a pasta shape with holes or ridges to complement this chunky creamy vegetable sauce.
1/2 pound fresh spinach (or 1/2 box of 10 oz. frozen)
1/2 one pound box dried pasta
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (quarter of a 16 oz. container)
2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
salt and pepper
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons walnuts, optional
1. Fill medium pot with water and place on high heat. As water boils, cook pasta according to package instructions to almost al dente (it will continue to cook slightly).
2. Meanwhile, toast walnuts lightly. Clean spinach and dry (or microwave frozen). In serving bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, milk, salt, and pepper to make sauce.
3. Drain pasta into large strainer. Rinse pasta pot and dry. Return to heat and add olive oil and garlic. When hot, add dry spinach and sauté until wilted.
4. Combine spinach, pasta, and sauce in pot. Transfer to serving bowl and top with toasted walnuts, if desired.
When I found 20 Ways to Get Creative with Mac ‘n’ Cheese (via Kitchen Monki) I realized I’d also found my raison d’être. Since Mac ‘n’ Cheese was the meal that gave me the idea for Breakup Cookbook, I have a particular affinity. I know I’m not alone in this, but that doesn’t tamper my feelings. So without further ado, may I present the tantalizing Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese, the exotic Neapolitan Mac ‘n’ Cheese , the earnest Vegan Mac ‘n’ Cheese …
Now the Breakup Cooks have their fair share of cooking disasters (and relationship disasters), but our kitchen fiascos are nothing compared to some of the latest gadget commercials. Here are 3 great clips to make anyone feel coordinated. As the announcer loves to say, Has this ever happened to you?
EZ Cracker
This one is my favorite, as people smash eggs on every possible kitchen surface. You could argue that separating eggs is difficult, or poaching eggs, but cracking them? If you really need a lesson, I recommend learning from Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina. Read more
You may remember Krista from her deliciously devilish Heart of Darkness Cake. Now she’s back—in video!—with something a bit more soothing—her Lavender Chamomile Madelines.
Madelines are the seashell-shaped cookies often seen in Starbucks. This version keeps the sweetness, while its spices actually add calming properties. (If you’ve ever had a cuppa with three chamomile tea bags, you’ll know what I mean.) Also calming is the fact that they’re super-easy to make: no worrying about your dough rising or ego deflating. I’ll let Krista take it from here, but you can check out the recipe after the jump. (Oh, and if you have lavender left over, try it in this recipe for Lavender Hot Chocolate, courtesy à la mode.)
One of the first things I learned to cook from a friend (thanks, Amy!) and not from family is this simple soup. It’s perfect for the cold winter days and comes together in under 20 minutes. This version uses all canned and frozen items so it’s a great option in case you are snowed in, or just avoiding the grocery store you share with your ex. Sometimes I fancy it up by sauteeing a little celery, onion, and garlic first; Italian spices like basil and oregano also go great with this.
Weird Pasta Fact: Does tortellini look more like an innie or an outie to you? Legend has it that an Italian chef created the stuffed pasta after he caught a glimpse of the goddess Venus’s belly button through the peephole at an inn. Hot stuff!
4 cups cups chicken broth
1 14.5 oz. can chopped tomatoes
1 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach
1 9 oz. package frozen cheese tortellini
grated parmesan, optional
1. Heat chicken broth in large pot on stove. Add tomatoes and frozen spinach.
2. Bring to boil, add tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
3. Serve topped with grated parmesan.
Astrology can be a fun way to look at your love life, but did you know that what you eat might also be written in the stars? Each of the 12 zodiac signs are known for different personality traits, and this can include culinary preferences too. Check out your daily food scope at great food site Delish.com.
Happy Birthday Pisces! Here’s the Feb. 21 horoscope for the fish sign:
Sometime during the course of today your clarity could dissolve and you’ll find yourself in Candyland! Ah, the chocolate river, the red vines hanging from trees, the friendly gummy bears who will guide your way down Bubblegum Way! Snap out of it! On second thought — maybe not.
By Cate Wells
