The Kitchn Archive
2015
June

The Kitchn Archive: Jun 2015

Easy Fixes for 6 Common Design Mistakes
(Image credit: Adrienne Breaux) Some design mistakes can be fixed easily and in one day. See if your home has any of these common design mistakes happening currently and have a better-looking house by the end of the day with these fixes. From Apartment Therapy → 6 Common Design Mistakes You Can Fix Today
The Kitchn
Jun 30, 2015
What Are Good Vegetarian Freezer Meals for Summer?
Q: I’m having a baby at the end of July and starting to stock my freezer. The thing is, so many freezer-friendly meals require baking at the end, and I live in Texas, where it will be too hot to turn on the oven. Does anyone have suggestions for vegetarian summer freezer meals that are not soup? Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can provide! Sent by Anna Editor: First, congratulations, Anna! Stir-fry is probably my all-time favorite freezer meal.
Kelli Foster
Jun 30, 2015
A Smart Tip for Good Grilled Sausages
Whether you’ll be grilling up sausages for the 4th of July this weekend, or any other time this summer, there’s one thing you should always do before putting your sausages on the grill. It makes all the difference, and you’ll be rewarded with better sausages. When grilled just right, fresh sausage should be lightly charred, although not burnt or split on the outside. And when you cut through the casing, you should expect to find tender meat bursting with juicy deliciousness.
Kelli Foster
Jun 30, 2015
Creative Solutions to Common Rental Restrictions
(Image credit: Jacqueline Marque) From Apartment Therapy → Real Life Rentals: Problem-Solving Inspirations & Solutions from Our House Tours
The Kitchn
Jun 30, 2015
10 Red, White, and Beautiful Desserts We Need Right Now
There are very few holidays where you can really go over the top with reckless abandon, but during the 4th of July — with explosions in the sky and an excess of family around your house — it seems like the perfect time to partake in one of these 10 oh-so-pretty patriotic desserts. There are so many red, white, and blue desserts floating around the Internet, it’s enough to keep food-coloring companies in business for the next 2,000 years!
Sarah Rae Smith
Jun 30, 2015
Tie One On: An Important Tip for a Better Cooler
With the 4th of July just a few days away, it’s a good time to talk cold drinks and the place where they live. Whether you’re loading several coolers for a big party this weekend, or packing for a trip to the beach, there’s one essential tool that should always be attached to your cooler. Cold drinks are satisfying and refreshing, as long as you can easily open them. That’s why a cooler full of cold drinks isn’t complete without a bottle opener tied to it!
Kelli Foster
Jun 30, 2015
3 Things You Should Always Take to a Picnic
I’ve spent many years of my life living in and loving the city of Chicago, where interior spaces are small and people can’t wait for the warmer months (40 below, no thank you). As soon as summer hits, folks flood the parks, beaches, and rooftops to host picnic after picnic. Before you follow suit and head out, make sure you have these three things with you. You’re almost guaranteed to need them!
Sarah Rae Smith
Jun 30, 2015
Partner
Recipe: Watermelon Negroni
It’s no secret that watermelon is the “it” ingredient this summer. It’s on craft cocktail menus, it’s served with mint and ricotta in super Instagram-able salads at mega hip restaurants everywhere, and it’s still the best barbecue go-to in all the land. I love watermelon everything, but I haven’t figured out the perfect way to create a cocktail that doesn’t overpower the light, sweet taste.
Margaret Abrams
Jun 30, 2015
Yes, You Can Use Your Freezer to Clean Your Jeans
(Image credit: Maxwell Ryan) Certain types of jeans, like those made of raw denim, are not supposed to go through the washing machine. So how should you clean your jeans? By throwing them in the freezer! Watch the video to learn more. From Apartment Therapy → How To Clean Your Jeans Without Water (In the
The Kitchn
Jun 29, 2015
Can You Recommend a Good Coffee or Espresso Machine for Under $150?
Q: I am looking for either an espresso machine or a single-cup coffee machine that is very easy and quick to use (like push one button while I get ready for work in the morning kind of quick). And almost more important than the price is that it brews super-hot coffee or espresso. I mean, like so hot I would need to let it cool down for a while before I can drink it.
Kelli Foster
Jun 29, 2015
A No-Sew Way to Turn a Pillowcase into a Tote
(Image credit: Ashley Poskin) From Apartment Therapy → How To Make a No-Sew Tote Out of a Pillow Case
The Kitchn
Jun 29, 2015
Recipe: Bryant Terry’s Grilled Vegetable and Tofu Kebabs
You can’t go wrong serving these kebabs this 4th of July. You can prepare them in advance, and they’re practically a meal unto themselves when served along with couscous, potato salad, or a grain-based dish. And what a great way to showcase summer’s bounty of vegetables! Tweak the recipe by using whatever vegetables are most exciting to you.
Bryant Terry
Jun 29, 2015
Raise a Glass to Summer with This Rooibos Peach Punch
It’s summer. It’s hot outside. And there’s a holiday weekend on the horizon. You know what that means, right? Time to whip up a refreshing cocktail. One that’s got just the right hint of flavor and zing. One that’ll cool you down and help you get a little buzz on. This rooibos peach punch is just the ticket. This cocktail is like an upgraded version of Snapple peach iced tea — with booze. I mean, how can you go wrong?
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 29, 2015
Recipe: Raspberry Peppercorn Salt
For a seasoning salt with a sweeter side, try this Raspberry Peppercorn Salt. It is great on fish, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruit. And, it’s pink! The raspberry flavor is subtle, but the color is certainly not. It would also go well with a pear salad or sprinkled on juicy watermelon. A pinch of this vibrant salt is a quick way to jazz up almost any summer dish. Although this blend uses fresh ingredients, it will keep quite well in the cupboard for several weeks — at least!
Tessa Huff
Jun 28, 2015
15 Vegetables to Instantly Improve Your Vegetable Platter
I love that I can find a platter of vegetables at every birthday, barbecue, and holiday gathering. But let’s face it — carrot sticks, celery sticks, and sliced cucumbers are not the only candidates to arrange on a platter and serve with a dip. (I’m not judging; I get myself into that rut, too.) There are tons of vegetables that would love an opportunity to shine on a platter, to serve as a vehicle for a pesto, salsa, vinaigrette, vegetable puree, cheesy dip, or hummus.
Cara Mangini
Jun 27, 2015
Everything You Need to Know About Growing Sage at Home
It's easier than you might think.
Jayme Henderson
Jun 4, 2024
Drying Roses on the Kitchen Table
It’s early summer and the roses in my yard are in riotous, glorious bloom — almost surreal in their scent and color. The other day the lusty, deep-pink ones were at their absolute peak; when I touched them the petals just fell away. So I brought a few handfuls into the house and left them to dry on my kitchen table, spread out on a plate. No fussy prep here, just a scattering of petals and the gentle summertime air. And time.
Dana Velden
Jun 26, 2015
Modern Kitchens with Vintage Cabinets
(Image credit: The Kitchn) One (or two) vintage cabinets can provide a handy place to stash things you use often in a kitchen without a lot of upper storage. The patina and texture of a vintage piece also lend a certain depth and richness to a modern space. From Apartment Therapy → Vintage Cabinets in
The Kitchn
Jun 26, 2015
What Else Can I Cook in a Paella Pan?
Q: What are some uses for a paella pan, other than just making paella? Sent by Zack Editor: I’m all about multi-use kitchen tools, and a paella pan can absolutely pull double duty; there’s no reason they should be reserved for just one dish. The alternative use that comes to mind is using your paella pan to make roast chicken with vegetables. If you don’t have a wok, consider using it to make a stir-fry.
Kelli Foster
Jun 26, 2015
Here Is Why Your Zucchini Plant Produces So Much
If you’ve ever had a vegetable garden, particularly one that included a zucchini plant, you know how easy it is to get bogged down with a lot of zucchini — like pounds and pounds of zucchini — and how fast it can happen. And if you are not familiar with this situation firsthand, just imagine a plant spitting out a constant stream of zucchini all summer long.
Kelli Foster
Jun 26, 2015
5 Things to Prep on the Weekend
(Image credit: Leanne Bertram) From Apartment Therapy → Werk Your Weekend: Prepping This Stuff Ahead Will Pay off All Week Long
The Kitchn
Jun 26, 2015
10 Lovely & Efficient One-Wall Kitchens
While the work triangle may be the most efficient way to organize a kitchen, your space might not permit it. If you are working with a small space, aligning all your cooking space and appliances on one wall can make your kitchen feel more efficient. Here are 10 examples of single-wall kitchens that will have you considering this streamlined option. Gray & Warm Wood – Jason Ball Interiors: One-wall kitchens lend themselves perfectly to a minimalist approach.
Kristin Appenbrink
Jun 26, 2015
Why Summer Squash Was the Devil but Now It’s Amazeballs
Growing up, I wasn’t the child that minded eating her veggies, but when it came to one in particular, I could sense its evil, slimy presence lurking — waiting to induce horrible gagging noises, a stuck-out tongue, and a ridiculous amount of whining. Summer squash and zuchini, I’m looking at you!
Sarah Rae Smith
Jun 26, 2015
A Squash Side Dish to Steal the Show at Your Next BBQ
When perusing Pinterest and blogs, I come across and bookmark a lot of great-sounding recipes to make at a later date; some indiscriminate point in the far-off future. And then there are the recipes I know I must make immediately. This grilled balsamic squash with tomatoes and garlic scapes definitely falls into the latter category. Summer squash, garlic scapes, tomatoes, fresh basil — this dish contains all the best that summer has to offer.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 26, 2015
Toss This on the Grill: Summer Squash “Hot Dog”
Apartment Therapy
Jun 26, 2015
I Like American Cheese, and I’m Not Ashamed
We all have guilty-pleasure foods, ones we sometimes don’t like to reveal to others, but secretly enjoy. American cheese should be one of mine, but to be honest, I’ve shed the guilt for liking it and am here to proclaim: All hail American cheese! I like cheese of any kind, and there’s rarely a dish that can’t be made better with the addition of cheese in my book, but I didn’t grow up eating very much cheese since my Chinese parents didn’t like it.
Christine Gallary
Jun 26, 2015
7 Dreamy Outdoor Spaces
(Image credit: The Kitchn) If you’re looking for some inspiration for adding a little bohemian flair to your outdoor space, look no further than this collection of seven beautiful patios, balconies, and rooftops, full of interesting textures, colorful textiles, and plants galore. From Apartment Therapy → Beautiful Bohemian Outdoor Spaces
The Kitchn
Jun 25, 2015
35 Ways to Use Kitchen Storage Tools in Every Room
(Image credit: The Kitchn) From Apartment Therapy → 35 Ways to Use Common Kitchen Storage Solutions All Around the House
The Kitchn
Jun 25, 2015
10 Recipes for Surviving Zucchini Season
And yet, still there is zucchini. When you’ve done everything you can think of with zucchini and are all fed up, what then? We have 10 ideas you might not have tried yet.
Apartment Therapy
Jun 25, 2015
Your Cast Iron Pan Is Begging for Shishito Peppers
If your cast iron skillet hasn’t met a shishito pepper yet, it’s time to make an introduction. The small, mild Japanese peppers make the ultimate hands-on snack. Shishito peppers have been trendy long enough to earn mainstay, summer-staple status. (I think they are just as worthy of our affection as tomatoes and zucchini.) They come to us completely ready to cook — absolutely no prep required.
Cara Mangini
Jun 25, 2015
Mirlitons Are the Unofficial Squash of New Orleans
Does your town have an annual festival dedicated to its favorite squash? Mine does. It’s the Bywater Mirliton Festival, an autumn event held in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans with music, food, and — of course — mirlitons, the green, bumpy, pear-shaped squash that grows on vines around the city. You might know the mirliton by another name (hint: the plant is native to Mexico), but nowhere else is the squash cooked and eaten quite the same way as it is in New Orleans.
Anjali Prasertong
Jun 25, 2015
The 10 Most Annoying Food Packaging Quirks
Food-packaging technology is part of what ensures the food we buy stays intact during the shipping, shelving, and shopping that needs to happen before we bring it home from the store. For the most part, packaging is fairly effective — even ingenious. However, there are some foods that are packaged in ways that make me shake my fist in frustration: “Why, oh why, do they make it so hard?” Come on, I know you feel me here.
Christine Gallary
Jun 25, 2015
Satisfy Your Sweet and Savory Tooth with Olive Oil Zucchini Bread
Putting zucchini in baked goods is nothing new, but sometimes I come across a recipe — like this zucchini bread — that stops me in my tracks. It relies on simple ingredients, but its execution is brilliant. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress guests, look no further. This recipe really capitalizes on the whole sweet-savory thing.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 25, 2015
7 Things To Have in Your Kitchen by Age 30
Apartment Therapy
Jun 25, 2015
6 Ways to Put Ice Cream Scoops to Use
I’m not a fan of unitaskers, so if a gadget finds a permanent home in my kitchen, it’s got to pull its weight and hopefully do more than just its original task. In fact, I get a fun rush when I figure out new uses for gadgets, and ice cream scoops are no exception. I rarely eat ice cream at home, but I proudly own three (yes, three!) different sizes of ice cream scoops and would never give up a single one. I use them constantly for everyday cooking.
Christine Gallary
Jun 25, 2015
10 Extra Reasons to Love Your Small Space
(Image credit: David Dines) We spend a lot of time throughout the year doling out advice on how to make the best of small spaces. Here are the top 10 benefits to small-space living. From Apartment Therapy → 10 Bonus Benefits to Small Space Living
The Kitchn
Jun 24, 2015
Perfect Travel Snacks For Summer Vacations
There’s just something about travel that brings on the munchies, no matter how long the journey. When planning your next trip this summer, don’t forget the travel snacks. Here are 15 simple sweet and savory recipes that can really go the distance.
Apartment Therapy
Jun 24, 2015
20 Fun, Budget-Friendly Activities for Summer
(Image credit: The Kitchn) From Apartment Therapy → Classic Summer Fun on a Budget: 20 Activities to Add to Your Summer Bucket List
The Kitchn
Jun 24, 2015
What You Need to Know About Squash Blossoms, the Flower We Love to Fry
There’s so much to be excited about when summer produce rolls around: cherries, stone fruit, corn! With each week that passes, I see subtle changes in what’s available at the farmers market, and the new offerings are never boring. And one of my favorite things to see? Golden, orange-yellow squash blossoms, piled high and glowing.
Christine Gallary
Jun 24, 2015
Love White Tile, Hate Boredom? Surprise Yourself with Colorful Grout.
The tile backsplash (subway or other) has become a nearly ubiquitous feature in contemporary kitchen design. And while we still love the look of white tile with white or gray grout, sometimes we love the look of something slightly more adventurous. Case in point: white tile with brightly colored grout. We love this look. And although it might not be right for every kitchen, it’s a fast and lovely way to add a pop of color to your space.
Kristin Appenbrink
Jun 24, 2015
If You Hate Turnips, Sweet Baby Turnips May Surprise You
Turnips are ancient — one of the oldest cultivated root crops in the world. Sadly, they acquired a bad rap somewhere along the way. For far too long, they were over-steamed or boiled until their sweetness and wonderful texture leached out of them. Large, overgrown turnips that come late in the fall and store through the winter haven’t helped. They have given turnips a reputation for being bitter and fibrous. (Poor turnips.
Cara Mangini
Jun 24, 2015
Partner
Recipe: Cantaloupe Liqueur Cocktail
I’ve always looked forward to summer because it means fresh fruit, light drinks, and constant entertaining. After all, no one feels like inviting everyone over in the dead of winter, when you’d rather be bundled up in blankets. Once it’s sunny again, it calls for a celebration — and everyone knows that every celebration needs a signature drink that’s Pinterest perfect and ready for each and every Instagram filter.
Margaret Abrams
Jun 24, 2015
Do You Know What Gluten Actually Is?
Gluten is a word in action these days, popping up on labels at the grocery store, in the news, and all over the Internet. Many of us have even chosen to eliminate gluten from our diets — but I have to ask: Do you really know what gluten is? Here’s a guide to the science of gluten and what that little word actually means. A bread dough that is just mixed, and that you haven’t kneaded at all, looks completely different after you’ve slaved over it for 10 minutes.
Janice Lawandi
Jun 24, 2015
How Do I Keep a Roasted Leg of Lamb Warm?
Q: I need to roast a leg of lamb and bring it to dinner at a friend’s house. How do I keep the lamb warm? Is there a way I can reheat it at my friend’s without drying it? I’d love to know if there’s a system that can also be applied to other roasts. Thank you! Sent by Giuliana Editor: Large, whole pieces of meat actually stay warm for quite a long time and benefit from the resting time, so the meat stays nice and juicy.
Christine Gallary
Jun 24, 2015
Beat the Summer Heat with 10 Popsicle Recipes
Apartment Therapy
Jun 24, 2015
The Simple Reason Why Green Peppers Are Always Less Expensive
If you’ve ever caught even a glimpse of the pricing signs while browsing the produce section, it’s pretty likely you’ve noticed the big price difference between different colors of bell peppers. Why are green peppers always so much less expensive than the other colors? No matter where you shop, there’s a common theme with the pricing of bell peppers; the green variety are priced significantly lower than the red, yellow, and orange counterparts.
Kelli Foster
Jun 24, 2015
Ways to Brighten Up a Windowless Room
(Image credit: The Kitchn) Here are some smart ideas for adding a little “sunshine” to a windowless room. From Apartment Therapy → Let There Be Light!: Tricks to Add Sunshine to a Windowless Room
The Kitchn
Jun 23, 2015
Monster Zucchini — One More Time When Bigger Is Not Necessarily Better
Brace yourself: zucchini are coming. But it doesn’t stop at the farmers markets. Home-grown zucchini have a reputation for growing to epic, monster-sized proportions. They have an equally massive wow-factor, that’s for sure. But here’s the thing: These monster zucchini are totally impressive to look at, but they’re not really all that delicious.
Kelli Foster
Jun 23, 2015