The Kitchn Archive
2014
July

The Kitchn Archive: Jul 2014

What Are Some Satisfying Pureed Soups to “Eat” on a Liquid Diet?
Q: I just got this major jaw surgery and can’t eat anything. Chewing is not an option. I have a large apparatus in my mouth that will only let me pour things into my mouth, can’t even use a straw. I am having a hard time with this because I am a very picky eater (although I will try everything). I have tried many recipes and need some more help with some new soups and stuff for my blender. What are some good soup recipes that involve being pureed or can be, and are still good?
Christine Gallary
Jul 31, 2014
15 Delicious Ways to Get Your Fill of Sweet Summer Corn
I’ve been waiting patiently (ok, maybe not so patiently) for this moment all summer. I’m talking about the arrival of sweet summer corn! Whether it’s boiled, grilled or even microwaved, there’s no doubt about it, corn on the cob is a total summer staple. To help you get the most out of this summer’s fresh corn haul, we’ve got 15 corn-filled recipes you’e got to try. This isn’t just any kind of corn on the cob.
Kelli Foster
Jul 31, 2014
7 Small, Stylish Eating Spots
(Image credit: The Kitchn) From Apartment Therapy → 7 Small, Stylish Eating Spots Still need inspiration on how to fit a spot for eating into your small space? We found seven solutions that not only work in small homes, but they’re actually quite simple, stylish ideas that anyone could use.
The Kitchn
Jul 31, 2014
What Canned Goods Do You Buy in the Summertime?
It might seem perverse to talk about canned vegetables and other preserved goods in the summertime; after all, aren’t we surrounded by vegetables bursting from gardens and farmers market? But I find myself relying on a well-stocked pantry in the summer; I don’t want to take the time (or heat up the kitchen) to cook beans or lentils, and so I turned to canned varieties. What about you? What canned goods do you buy in the summer, and do you have any favorite brands?
Faith Durand
Jul 31, 2014
Why You Should Peel Your Banana Like a Monkey
As a kid, I was completely inept at opening bananas the usual way. Which is to say, from the stem. Like a normal person. I ended snapping the stem or squashing the banana every time. I can’t explain it. Then I discovered that there was another way, an easier way — the monkey way. Have you ever heard of this? Here’s how you open a banana like a monkey: Ignore the handle-like stem. Turn your banana upside-down and focus on the nubby, pointed tip at the opposite end.
Emma Christensen
Jul 31, 2014
5 Tips for Decorating with Fresh Herbs
(Image credit: Kate Legere) From Apartment Therapy → 5 Tips for Decorating with Fresh Herbs
The Kitchn
Jul 31, 2014
10 Things Americans Have Stopped Buying (Starting with Cereal and Ending with Bread)
Money.com just published a list of ten things that Americans have suddenly stopped buying, and foods make up most of the list (although guns also put in an appearance). Can you detect a theme? Out of this list of ten things, six are edibles: Bread, cupcakes, chewing gum (the decline of chewing gum is also something we’ve mentioned recently), soda, cereal, and Chef Boyardee.
Faith Durand
Jul 30, 2014
10 Tips When You Need to Squeeze Out a Little More Space
(Image credit: The Kitchn) From Apartment Therapy → 10 Tips When You Need to Squeeze Out a Little More Space If you feel like you’ve maxed out all your storage but you still have things that need a home, this post is for you. Here are ten often-overlooked spots where you can squeeze a little
The Kitchn
Jul 30, 2014
What’s Happening in Regina’s Garden in July: It’s Getting Wild Over Here!
When I looked back at May’s garden from June, I was taken by how our little raised bed had grown so full. Now, looking back at June from July, I’m taken by how that growth has become so unruly! The zucchini spills out over the side of the bed, which is really a welcome growth, as it makes room in the bed for new plantings. We simply harvest the squash from the gravel bed next to the garden.
Regina Yunghans
Jul 30, 2014
The Story of Dry Curaçao’s Improbable Comeback
Thanks to the boom in cocktail culture, liquor store shelves and back bars are practically buckling under the huge influx of new spirits to the market. Some products are sui generis innovations, never seen or tasted before; others represent a look back at spirits of the past, giving our modern palates a sense of what drinking was like decades and even centuries ago.
Roger Kamholz
Jul 30, 2014
10 Terrible Crimes Against Bananas
This week we’ve shared recipes for campfire banana s’mores and one-ingredient banana ice cream, and previously we’ve talked about how bananas make the best dessert. Needless to say, bananas are obviously a superior fruit, so why all the disrespect? What did they ever do to you (unless you’re allergic, sorry)? Here are 10 crimes against bananas that need to be addressed. Bananas, we give you our condolences. You deserve better.
Ariel Knutson
Jul 30, 2014
How Pluots, Apriums, and Plumcots Get Their Names
Hybrid fruits produced by crossing plums and apricots have started popping up in the summer over the past few years, and they’re almost as popular now as more traditional stone fruits like peaches and nectarines. These hybrids are found under various names — pluots, plumcots, apriums, apriplums are the most popular ones — but are they just all just the same fruit, under weird names? What’s with the hybrid names of these hybrid fruits?
Christine Gallary
Jul 30, 2014
The Big Reveal: The Grand Prize Finalist Voting Is Happening NOW!
The ballots are in! You voted for your favorite kitchen makeovers, and now we’re excited to share the four finalists of The Big Reveal contest, as well as the International favorite!
The Kitchn Editors
Jul 30, 2014
5 Tips for Finding a Vacation Cooking Class
Ah, vacation. No deadlines, no responsibilities. And the perfect time to cook! While sometimes it’s great to take a break from my kitchen, one of my favorite parts of traveling is experiencing food and cooking somewhere new. There’s no better time to learn a new cuisine. Read on for my favorite tips to find the best cooking classes to take while traveling. The more you search beforehand, the better prepared you’ll be.
Stephanie Barlow
Jul 30, 2014
Smart Ways to Make a Rental Kitchen Work
(Image credit: Sibylle Roessler) From Apartment Therapy → Smart Ways to Make a Rental Kitchen Work
The Kitchn
Jul 30, 2014
How Can I Make My Homemade Bread Less Dense?
Q: I’m new to the bread baking business and am thoroughly enjoying the experience. However I seem unable to avoid a heavy dense loaf, even though I stick strictly to various recipes I’ve tried. Any suggestions as to how to achieve a lighter, less dense end result would be greatly appreciated. Sent by Chris Editor: Readers, do you have any tips or recipes to share that will help make lighter loaves of bread?
Christine Gallary
Jul 29, 2014
10 Small, Renter-Friendly Projects for the Kitchen
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Apartment Therapy → 10 Small, Renter-Friendly Projects for the Kitchen The kitchen is one room that’s pretty set when you’re in a rental. What’s a renter to do in order to make the kitchen their own? We’ve got some ideas.
The Kitchn
Jul 29, 2014
Why Carrots Are Orange and Not Purple
At the grocery store you probably see only two kinds of carrots: baby carrots, and the long ones with the green tops. Both of them are orange. If you’re lucky, you might see a couple colorful carrots at your farmers market that are white, yellow, and purple (maybe). But did you know that orange carrots weren’t always the norm? In fact, purple carrots were much more prominent before the 16th century. The history of orange carrots is surprising and a little mysterious.
Ariel Knutson
Jul 29, 2014
At What Temperature Should My Refrigerator Be Set?
A refrigerator’s sole purpose is to keep things cold. Simple, right? But if you’ve ever dug through your crisper drawers to find your carrots have turned into frozen sticks, then you know the pains of having a refrigerator that’s set to the wrong temperature. And one that’s too warm can have adverse effects if your food spoils quickly. Do you know the temperature your fridge should be set?
Sarah Rae Smith
Jul 29, 2014
Chalkboard Spice Jars, and 10 Other Cute DIY Decor Projects
(Image credit: The Kitchn) From Apartment Therapy → Chalkboard Spice Jars, and 10 Other Cute DIY Decor Projects
The Kitchn
Jul 29, 2014
What Else Can I Make With a Sodastream Soda Maker?
Q: I just got a Sodastream as a gift but honestly, I’ve never been a fan of soda. I’m also skeptical of the flavored syrups that are sold alongside these machines. I’m thinking adding various bitters or making my own fruit syrups could be fun, but maybe someone with more experience could share some recipes or some ideas for the machine? And also, why can’t I carbonate a flavored liquid? Say a chilled tea?
Christine Gallary
Jul 28, 2014
Better Grilled Pizza Starts Here
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 28, 2014
9 Stylish Things You Can Do with Vintage Tea Tins
(Image credit: The Kitchn) From Apartment Therapy → 9 Stylish Things You Can Do with Vintage Tea Tins Easy to find and affordable, vintage tins are versatile décor multitaskers. While you can display them as a colorful collection on their own, here are nine more creative and practical uses:
The Kitchn
Jul 28, 2014
Hardwood Floors in the Kitchen? 10 Examples Prove They’re Worth It
Prepare yourselves for a major pretty alert: hardwood floors in the kitchen! If you were ever on the fence about this look, we think these 10 kitchens will set you firmly on the pro-wood side. There’s no denying the beauty and warmth of wood floors, but how do they hold up in the kitchen?
Cambria Bold
Jul 28, 2014
10 Great Kitchen Ideas From the 2015 IKEA Catalog
From The Kitchn → 10 Kitchen Ideas We Picked Up from IKEA’s New 2015 Catalog
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 28, 2014
How to Eat Your Way to Happiness
Modern thinking says we’re not supposed to eat to appease emotions (anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety) and I suppose there’s some wisdom there. Difficult emotions need to be dealt with, aired out and examined, given a twirl and a whirl, not stuffed beneath a bellyful of ice cream. But today I went ahead and did it anyway.
Dana Velden
Jul 27, 2014
Meet the Apprentices of Amber Waves Farm
We’ve been showing you the work that goes into running a farm through the main growing season. As we move into the height of the summer season, I am astounded by the dedication, hard work, and exuberance of the young women and men who have chosen to work a season on the farm: the apprentices! Meet this year’s crew below, and learn more about what farm apprenticeship is.
Mallory Samson
Jul 26, 2014
5 Cookbooks To Help You Use Up Your CSA Box
Did you sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box this season? If you’re receiving a weekly delivery of ever more bountiful vegetables and running out of ideas for your zucchini, squash, kale, and beets, then maybe you just need a new cookbook friend. Here are five cookbooks helping me to cook through every delicious (and healthy) bit of my CSA box. Cookbooks have been piling up on our kitchen island for weeks as I’ve tried to figure out which to include in this post.
Landis Carey
Jul 25, 2014
Lessons for a Healthy Home from “French Women”
(Image credit: Kathryn Bacalis) From Apartment Therapy → Lessons for a Healthy Home from “French Women” I’ve been reading French Women Don’t Get Fat and its sequel, A French Woman For All Seasons… A recent experience made me think that these same lessons could also apply to your home.
The Kitchn
Jul 25, 2014
Car Camping Essentials
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 25, 2014
Everything You Need to Know About Pluots
So, just what is this speckled fruit that looks like a plum and bears a similar, yet funny name? Pluots are a member of the (delicious!) stone fruit family. They are a hybrid fruit developed in the late 80s that are 75% plum and 25% apricot. They resemble plums with smooth skin, and a similar shape and texture. If you’ve never tasted a pluot you’re in for a treat! The flavor is intense, and I say that in the best way possible!
Kelli Foster
Jul 25, 2014
What’s the Best Meat for Carnitas?
One of my favorite meats to order at a Mexican restaurant is carnitas, hands-down. The meat is rarely dry — instead, it’s juicy, flavorful, tender, and, if I’m lucky, someone took the time to crisp it up a little too. If you’re making carnitas at home, can you use any cut of pork, or is there one that works best? Carnitas is made by braising pork, usually in lard but it’s also done in broth or stock for a lighter end result.
Christine Gallary
Jul 25, 2014
These Plastic-Free Straws are Reusable
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 25, 2014
How I Pack Food for Car Camping
Look at that picture above. Now imagine yourself sitting right next to that fire pit, messily eating a hot dog, slathered in ketchup and mustard. Perhaps you’re sipping a tumbler of hot, creamy chocolate or a long, cold, iced drink, lazily toasting marshmallows and listening to birdsong. You might be occasionally interrupted by the sound of wind, the river rushing by, and the odd sound of a child laughing.
Michelle Peters-Jones
Jul 25, 2014
10 Stunning Standout Kitchens
(Image credit: The Kitchn) From Apartment Therapy → 10 Stunning Standout Kitchens
The Kitchn
Jul 25, 2014
Here’s How to Use Liqueur In Your Summer Desserts
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 24, 2014
10 Ways to Be Happier at Home
(Image credit: Kim Lucian) From Apartment Therapy → 10 Ways to Be Happier at Home Here are five ideas to help you tweak your space so it’s more comfy, inviting and happy, plus five ways help you have a more positive outlook so you’ll enjoy spending time in your space no matter what.
The Kitchn
Jul 24, 2014
5 Reasons You’ll Want to Buy Husk Cherries at the Farmers Market
So, you’ve tracked down a pint of husk cherries. Congratulations, this can be a feat in itself. Husk cherries can be tricky to find; they aren’t exactly grocery store material. You’re most likely to find them at farmers markets, or perhaps if you’re lucky they’ll show up in your CSA box. And if you’re really lucky, you have some growing around your property. But once you find husk cherries, what an earth do you do with them?
Kelli Foster
Jul 24, 2014
Make These Yogurt Breakfast Popsicles for Summer Mornings
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 24, 2014
What to Do About This Awkward Space Above the Fridge?
(Image credit: The Kitchn) From Apartment Therapy → What to Do About the Awkward Space Above the Fridge?
The Kitchn
Jul 24, 2014
Make 7 Days of Salads on Sunday
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 23, 2014
A Good Reminder: Rotate Your Kitchen Plates
(Image credit: kowit sitthi) shutterstock From Apartment Therapy → A Good Reminder: Rotate Your Kitchen Plates While our “favorite” eight plates are used and abused, we have four pristine place settings collecting dust at the bottom of the stack. The easy solution to our household imbalance? Flip the stack.
The Kitchn
Jul 23, 2014
The Best Way to Pick a Great Zucchini
We’re smack dab in the middle of summer, which means it’s prime zucchini season and they’re everywhere! Did you know this popular variety of summer squash can grown up to 2 inches in length every 24 hours? Bigger doesn’t mean better, though, so here are some pointers on how to pick the tastiest zucchini. Inexpensive zucchini is such a versatile summer vegetable: you can eat it raw, bake it into bread or muffins, fry it, or grill it, amongst countless other usages.
Christine Gallary
Jul 23, 2014
Recipe: White Pizza with Avocado, Spinach & Mozzarella
When Cambria threw her pizza party on the porch, she knew she needed at least one great vegetarian pizza. So we cooked up this white pizza, with a garlicky ricotta sauce (no cooking required!), topped with handfuls of fresh spinach and luxurious slices of avocado and mozzarella. It’s a pretty great way to welcome a vegetarian to the pizza party — but be sure to make extra, because everyone else will probably want a slice too.
Faith Durand
Jul 23, 2014
What Should I Store in Airtight Containers?
From The Kitchn → Which Pantry Items Should I Keep in Airtight Containers?
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 23, 2014
The Proper Way to Set the Table
(Image credit: Maxwell Ryan) From Apartment Therapy → The Proper Way to Set the Table
The Kitchn
Jul 23, 2014
How to Organize Your Refrigerator
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 22, 2014
The 8 Things You Should Always Buy at a Flea Market or Garage Sale
(Image credit: Shutterstock) From Apartment Therapy → The 8 Things You Should Always Buy at a Flea Market or Garage Sale One of our favorite warm-weather activities is browsing for second-hand treasures. We’ve made some mistakes to be sure, but we’ve never regretted taking home these eight items and neither will you.
The Kitchn
Jul 22, 2014