Kristin Appenbrink's Recent Articles
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10 Inspiring Kitchens Organized with Glass Jars
Whether you have open shelving in your kitchen or pantry, or just need a few essentials out on your countertops, glass jars are one of our favorite ways to organize in the kitchen. Here are 10 of our favorite kitchens that put glass jars to good use to stay organized. The best thing about glass jars is that there are options for every price range.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A First-Time Homeowner Makes Over Her Kitchen
Homeownership is a huge step for so many people, which is why we’ll always be impressed by those in their early 20s who take such a huge step and purchase a home. Courtney wrote to us to share her kitchen makeover in her first home, which she bought this year at just 23 years old. Since she was working on a budget, she made several DIY updates to put her own stamp on her new space. Take a look at how much fresher it feels! Doesn’t it look so much fresher and up-to-date?
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
15 Serving Bowls Perfect for Your Thanksgiving Table
If you’re not in the habit of entertaining, you might be short on serving bowls for this year’s Thanksgiving meal. But you can find beautiful pieces to complement your Turkey Day table without spending a lot of money. Of course, there are always a few beautiful splurge-worthy investment pieces to consider as well. Here are 15 of our favorites that will look great on just about any holiday table.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: 1960s Kitchen Grows Up (and Out!)
Today’s kitchen transformation comes from Harmony Weihs of Design Harmony, a design company just outside of Seattle. While the kitchen was large by 1960s standards, it felt cramped when you try to add in the appliances and amenities found in modern kitchens. With the help of an expansion — in both square footage and height — Harmony was able to bring this homeowner’s kitchen into the modern era.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
7 Food Containers Built For Travel (That You Can Pick Up Tonight!)
If your meal tomorrow is a potluck affair, and you aren’t playing hostess, you’ll need a baking dish, pie plate or relish tray that can withstand some travel. And since there’s nothing like leaving things to the last minute, all of these containers and carriers are available at brick and mortar stores so you can pick one up on your way home tonight.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A Clever, Colorful Upgrade for a Small City Kitchen
When you’re starting with just 104 square feet of space, you have to get creative in the kitchen. That’s exactly what designer Christine of Christine Tse Interiors did when she helped her clients expand their plain white kitchen with little cabinet or countertop space. The only catch? The kitchen couldn’t get any bigger. How did she improve storage and the feel of this city kitchen? With some clever upgrades (and big dose of color). Take a look at the transformation!
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
11 Under-the-Radar Cooking Gadgets That Make Great Gifts
You probably don’t realize just how often you reach for these handy gadgets when you’re cooking. And that’s exactly what makes them great gifts! From an oil mister to a spice grinder to the best mandoline on the market these 11 actually great gadgets are about to make someone’s life ten times easier. Wonderbag, $55 from Amazon: A product with a great story. Plus, it’s a slow cooker! (See our full review here.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
10 Great Cookbooks You May Have Missed This Year
You can’t go wrong when you give books for the holidays. And when there are so many great cookbooks to choose from, your shopping list just got a whole lot easier. Here are our favorite cookbooks that might have escaped your notice this year. Plus, we think it should be customary that if you give a cookbook, the thank you comes in the form of a baked good or meal. Bitter, $30 from Amazon: Tobacco panna cotta? Gorgeous moody photos?
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A Boring Kitchen Gets a Modern Update (And a Lesson)
Nicolay was a first-time homeowner when he moved into this two-bedroom Boston condo. The kitchen remodel was high on the priority list, but he knew they would be facing some budgetary and spacial constraints — not to mention the fact that their apartment was on the second floor of an old church. The modern remodel is stunning, and Nicolay learned a few valuable renovation (and life) lessons in the process.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A Quirky Kitchen Gets a Farmhouse Makeover
We have to admit that we actually like many parts of Matthew’s “before” kitchen — the sleek black cabinets, the black and white tile floors — but we also know that such a distinctive space doesn’t always fit in with the rest of a home’s design. Plus, since this kitchen was the original from 1941, it definitely needed a few upgrades. If you’re thinking this kitchen looks a little bigger, your eyes are not deceiving you.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
10 DIY Kits for the Hands-On Chef
For the person who always wants to know how things work, consider a hands-on holiday gift. These kits for making everything from kimchi to kefir and bacon to butter will let them sate both their curiosity and appetite. Plus, if you’re lucky, they’ll share their results! Mozzarella & Ricotta DIY Cheese Kit, $25 from Etsy: Just add milk! This kit lets one lucky cheesophile make up to eight batches.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
7 Tricks for Taming Your Cabinet of Food Storage Containers
Whether you stash your plastic storage containers in a drawer, cabinet, or some other hidden spot in your kitchen, we’re going to take a guess that it is one of your least favorite places to deal with. While we’re not promising that any one organizing trick will keep all those containers tamed, these seven ideas can help keep things a bit more in order.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A Novice DIY-er Tackles a Family Kitchen
Similar to our other kitchen remodel this week, reader Kristen writes in about moving into the apartment where her husband grew up. The kitchen held lots of memories, but was a little dated and in need of an update. Kristen decided to tackle the renovation herself and document it on her blog Casa Dolce Casa. Check out the updated kitchen — it’s a gorgeous change! We love the fresh take on the space, and would never have guessed that Kristen was a beginning DIY-er.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Set in Stone: 10 Ways to Add Stoneware to Your Kitchen
There’s something so beautiful and simple about the look of stoneware. Many of the pieces are fired and glazed in natural colors making them fit with any decor you already have. Plus, whether you’re using a mixing bowl to bake bread dough, or a stoneware butter keeper once you’ve turned that dough into toast, there’s something satisfying about the weight of the pieces. Here are our 10 favorite ways to add some to your kitchen this winter.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
What’s Making Us Happy This Week: Beautiful Soup Bowls
From our favorite soup and sandwich set to jumbo mugs you just have to hold in your hand, these beautiful soup bowls are what’s making us happy this week. White Double-Handled Soup Crock: This set of two-handled soup bowls are perfect for making French onion soup. Dauville Handmade Bowl in Gold: Your soup has never felt fancier than when served in this stunning gilded bowl. Inside Out Bowls: Brighten up your dining table with these colorful, patterned bowls.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A Warm White Makeover for $8,000
We’re pretty sure this could have been one of the neighbor’s kitchens (minus the modern appliances) in an episode of Mad Men. But as charming as the wood paneling might have been in the 1960s it doesn’t fit most modern ideas of a bright, warm cooking space. Like many readers of The Kitchn, Tatiana decided to give this space a bright, white makeover and add a little bit more space. Take a look at how it turned out — pretty impressive!
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
12 Silly Oven Mitts to Bring a Smile to Your Face
We don’t know about you, but January can get us a bit down. It’s cold, the days are short, and if it weren’t for the return of Downton Abbey, we’re not sure what we’d do. With those winter doldrums in mind, we’ve pulled together a few of the cutest and silliest oven mitts (yes, oven mitts) we can find. So the next time you’re pulling a tray of roasted veggies out of the oven, you’ll get a little chuckle in the process.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
7 Inspiring Ways to Add Plants to Your Kitchen
Don’t let the gray days of winter get you down. You can still make your kitchen feel like spring by adding a few houseplants or finally potting that container herb garden you’ve been talking about. To get you started, here are seven fresh ways to incorporate plants into your kitchen. Hanging Garden: This wall of plants isn’t limited to the kitchen, but we can imagine it hanging next to the stove so you can pluck fresh herbs to season your soup with ease.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
10 Design-Friendly Toasters You’ll Be Happy to Have on Your Counter
Ah, the toaster. It’s likely one of those appliances that you keep on your counter even if you have limited counter space. (Who has time to wait for it to cool and then put it away every morning?) But sadly, toaster design has languished in the ho-hum to decidedly ugly category for a long time. No longer! Here are 10 of our favorite design-minded toasters for all styles. Yes, we’ve even included a patterned toaster for the truly adventurous among us. Now, go make some toast.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A 1970s Mess of Mahogany Gets Lightened Up
When Sylva and her family moved into their new home in 2005, their 1970s kitchen had never been updated. Luckily, Sylva was able to see the potential the space had. (After all it is quite a spacious kitchen!) It was time to get rid of the mahogany, and bring this dated kitchen into the 21st century. Take a look at how Sylva’s kitchen looks now. First things first, all the brown is gone and the space looks so much brighter. Plus, it fits in with the rest of the home now.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
20 Food-Themed Valentines for Your Sweetheart
You cook to show your love, so it makes sense that your valentine should get a food-themed card along with a deliciously cooked meal. (After all, who wants to try to book a reservation on one of the busiest nights of the year.) We found 20 of our favorite foodie cards to show your love this February. Order yours now so you don’t end up picking up a card at the drugstore after your morning bagel run on February 14th.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
15 Classic Mixing Bowls with Pouring Spouts
A good set of mixing bowls is essential to any kitchen, but most are missing a very important feature that makes it easier to make cakes, brownies, pancakes, and more: a pouring spout! Luckily, there are plenty of bowls out there (they are frequently called batter bowls) that have a pouring spout, and sometimes even a handle. Here are 15 of our favorites in every price range. And if you don’t want to replace all your bowls, scroll to the end for a brilliant bonus product!
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A Caterer Expands Her Kitchen to Grow Her Business
We’re always interesting in seeing the home kitchens that caterers and personal chefs work out of. Sometimes they are expansive (and make us jealous), but frequently they are smaller than we’d imagined, which just impresses us with how much can be done in a tiny space. Sue Dinneen’s before kitchen falls into the latter category. Sue has lived in her 1920s Tudor revival home for many years, and has run a part-time catering operation out of it for the past 12 years.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
15 Pretty Dish-Soap Dispensers to Brighten Your Kitchen
Doing the dishes might be one of our least favorite chores here at The Kitchn. Sometimes it can be meditative, but usually it’s just the last task of the evening before you can kick back and relax. So how do you make that dreaded chore just a little bit better? By adding a pretty soap dispenser to your sink. It’ll make your kitchen look nicer (goodbye, ugly bottle from the grocery store!), plus, it just might make you smile the next time you suds up.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Before & After: A $20,000 DIY Kitchen Renovation
Today’s kitchen renovation comes from reader Koko of the blog, Koko Likes. Koko moved into this home not long before her husband Quincy was deployed for a tour in the Army. They had talked about renovating the kitchen when they first moved in, but plans were put on hold until Quincy’s return. Last fall, Koko and Quincy finally got the chance to start their remodel, and they finished it this month.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
America’s Favorite Cookie Is (Not Surprisingly) the Oreo
A staple of school lunch boxes across the country, the Oreo has been America’s top cookie for quite some time now. But who knew just how far ahead they were of the competition? Oreo outsells the next highest-grossing cookie threefold. Plus, they have double the annual sales of Cheerios, and five times the sales of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. What makes Oreo so popular? First and foremost, how good the cookies taste.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Allergic to Peanuts? You Might Need to Avoid Cumin Too
For those who are highly allergic to peanuts, the FDA has issued a warning that ground and powdered cumin should be avoided. The spice, which is found in many foods and spice mixes, has been found to contain “undeclared peanut proteins.” Be sure to check labels on packaged foods like veggie burgers and hummus, which can contain cumin, along with Indian spice mixes. If you want to use cumin, but are allergic to peanuts, opt for whole seeds and grind your own.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
10 Ways to Use Office & Bathroom Organizers in the Kitchen
Especially in small kitchens, sometimes you have to think outside the box when it comes to organizing. Fitting everything into an apartment kitchen can require some creative puzzle work. That’s why when you’re organizing your space, it pays to look beyond the traditional kitchen organizers to other areas of the house. You never know when the office-supply section or the bed-and-bath section of your favorite home goods store might have just the solution you’re looking for.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
10 Brilliant Ways to Make Your Cabinets More Organized
Unless you’ve recently remodeled your kitchen and have the space of your dreams, you probably don’t feel like you have enough cabinet space. But even if you’re dealing with the tiniest of kitchens, there are several organizers out there that can actually help you create more space — or at least use what you have more efficiently. Here are 10 of our top picks for organizers to consider adding to your kitchen.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
You Can Now Drink Birthday Cake-Flavored Wine
What won’t they make birthday cake flavored these days? Cake-flavored alcohol is nothing new, but this time instead of vodka, wine is getting the sugary sweet treatment. A new wine company has released five cake-flavored vintages. In addition to Cake Batter, which tastes like birthday cake, you can also enjoy strawberry shortcake, black forest cake, cheesecake, and coffee cake. Would you try cake-flavored wine, or would you rather just have a piece of cake along with your favorite vintage?
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Why I’ll Never Give up on Paper Grocery Lists
It feels like I’ve tried a million to-do and list-making apps on my iPhone, from the built-in Reminders app to TeuxDeux to Todoist. I’ll stick with them for about a week each, making my to-do list and grocery lists, and jotting down anything else I need to remember. But in the end, I never actually stick with them. I always seem to return to a pad of paper and a pen. (Yes, as the photo above shows, the notepad usually has my name on it.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
7 Extra-Large Food Storage Containers for Make-Ahead Meals
What’s the sign of a truly masterful cooking routine? Cooking meals (or components of meals) ahead to make weeknight dinners easier. While it might not happen every week, it’s like magic on those weeks when you are able to make it part of your cooking schedule. Of course, you’ll need a few larger food storage containers to keep all of those good-for-you meals in your fridge. Here are seven we like!
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Kraft and Heinz Are Merging. Celebrate with Ketchup on Your Mac & Cheese.
Great news for anyone who likes their mac and cheese topped with ketchup — it was announced yesterday that Heinz has executed a deal that will allow them to take control of Kraft Foods, which was previously owned by Warren Buffet. Ketchup and Velveeta, together! The merger of the companies will create the fifth largest food company in the world. It will result in brands like Oscar-Mayer, Ore-Ida, and Philadelphia along with Kraft and Heinz all being under one roof.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
You Can Skip the Boiling Water with This New Kind of Pasta
We promise this isn’t an April Fool’s joke. Barilla has introduced a new line of pasta called Pronto that doesn’t have to be added to boiling water in order to cook. Confused? Here’s how it works. You add cold water and the pasta to your pot and turn on the heat to high. The pasta then has to cook for 10 minutes with an occasional stir before it’s ready. But here’s the strangest part: The pasta absorbs all the water.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
We’re Terribly Excited About the New Wine Crates from IKEA (Yes, Assembly Is Required)
We’re big fans of using wine crates to organize all over the kitchen. They are the perfect fit for not only storing your wine collection, but anything else you can possibly imagine. I keep all the accessories for my juicer in one and any attachments for my KitchenAid in another. But until now, I haven’t found a reliable source for wine crates. All the ones I have in my apartment have come from a hodgepodge of different sources.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
5 Food Scales for 5 Different Purposes in Your Kitchen
A kitchen scale is one of those gadgets you probably don’t think about until you have an immediate need for one. But once you’ve picked one up, you’re likely to use it frequently. That is, if you pick the right one. There are many different kinds of scales out there, so it’s important to get the one that will fit most of your uses. We picked five types of scales you should consider, depending on what you will use it for the most.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Lab-Inspired Cooking Gear for Adventures in Kitchen Chemistry
Erlenmeyer flasks, test tubes, and lab-style mixing bottles are just a few of the chem lab-inspired goodies making us happy this week. Erlenmeyer Decanter: Why not let your favorite red breathe in this flask-style decanter? The handle and stopper make it easier to use than a traditional lab supply. Periodic Table Cutting Board: We’re guessing you’ll use this beautiful cutting and serving board more than just periodically.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
I Am Getting Rid of My Blender, and Here’s Why
I had one of those kitchen revelations not too long ago that changed the way I cook. And as a result I will likely never use a standard blender ever again. Now, I realize that one woman’s kitchen revelation is another woman’s duh moment. So if you’ve been doing this trick for years, hats off to you (and why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?). If you’re like me and had never thought of this, well then, welcome to the club.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Want to Live to Be 100? Here’s What You Should Be Eating
The childhood boast that you’ll live to be 100 years old is no longer as much of a stretch as it used to be. But the question is, what do you need to do to make it to the century club? There’s a new set of research just out on this topic — here’s what they’ve learned from the “Blue Zones” of long-lived folks.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
10 Beautiful Tea Towels to Celebrate Spring
For those of us on the East Coast, this winter has been long. And we’re ready for all those signs of spring, which (thankfully!) are finally starting to arrive. And in that spirit, we’re ready to add a few new, pretty dish towels to our kitchens to celebrate the arrival of flowering plants and warmer temperatures. And for those of you who have been enjoying spring weather for weeks already, consider us jealous, and please try not to rub it in!
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
8 Food Processors and Mini Choppers Under $50
The food processor is one of our favorite kitchen appliances at The Kitchn. Whether you need a full-size version to make pie crust or you can get by with a mini-chopper for whipping up small batches of pesto or hummus, it’s an indispensable tool. But what happens if your budget doesn’t allow for the top-of-the-line food processor? Good news — there are plenty of budget versions available, and many of them are from brands we know and trust.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
A Starry Night in Your Kitchen: 6 Constellation-Themed Picks
Stargazers, this week’s kitchen picks are for you. Whether you like a dainty Big Dipper embroidered napkin or a color-changing coffee mug, here are six ways you can enjoy the night sky all day long. Constellation Napkins: There are so many things we love about these navy blue napkins. But the dainty Big Dipper embroidery is definitely our favorite. Wood Coasters: You’ll easily be able to spot Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Orion, and Cassiopeia with these etched wood coasters.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Tyson Will Stop Using Antibiotics in Their Chickens by 2017
Tyson, one of the largest chicken producers in the United States, made a bold announcement today. They plan to begin phasing out use of human antibiotics in treating their chickens, and hope to complete the elimination of the drugs by 2017. This comes as a response to the concern from scientists and public health experts about the use of antibiotics in poultry and livestock making the medicines less effective in people.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Are K-Cups Seeing a Decline?
Could it be that the tide has turned on Americans’ love of single-serve coffee pod machines? If you look at the latest numbers from Keurig, makers of the K-Cup coffee systems, it certainly looks that way. Not only have sales of the coffee machines been declining, but they’ve been declining faster and faster each quarter since last fall. This comes even with the introduction of the second generation of Keurig brewers that offered more than just single cups from the machine.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
15 Dining Rooms with Brilliantly Colorful Chairs
Dinner Week at The Kitchn wouldn’t be complete without a look at the dining room. Whether you rent or own, the dining room can occasionally end up being one of the more boring rooms in the house. But it is also one of the easiest places to add color with very little risk. As these 15 colorful dining areas show, using colorful chairs (and a few colorful tables) is an easy way to punch up the fun in your home.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Help Me Find a Better Compost Bin for My Freezer
As an apartment dweller, even one with outdoor space, I’m limited in my composting options. While we could get an outdoor compost bin, we wouldn’t have anywhere to put all the compost after it was ready. Luckily, the farmers markets here in Brooklyn collect food scraps for the Grow NYC compost program year-round. And for the past year, I’ve been saving my food scraps in the freezer and dropping them off each week. But my bin situtation is posing a problem.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
Why Are People Putting Ice in Their Breakfast Cereal?
There’s a new breakfast quirk that’s come to light recently, thanks to social media. As it turns out, tons of people add a little something extra to their breakfast cereal each morning: ice cubes. Why? It’s all about the temperature of the milk. For these cereal fans, milk straight out of the carton just isn’t cold enough. Our first question, of course, was, doesn’t it dilute the milk?
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019
The Strange Cultural History of Vanilla
Why is it that when we want to describe something as bland we call it “vanilla”? Maybe because the flavoring — in both extract and bean form — has become ubiquitous. It’s nearly impossible to find a baking recipe that doesn’t include vanilla. But the vanilla bean is anything but vanilla. NPR took a closer look at the history and cultural significance of this standard flavor.
Kristin Appenbrink
May 1, 2019