{Be Inspired!}: Kitchen Envy

I am among those who consider the kitchen to be the "heart" of the home.  In my case it relates largely to the fact that much of the gathering, sharing, sustenance and memories stem from moments spent in the kitchen.  And then there's that thing that I have for cooking, baking--and eating. :)

All of that can definitely make it exciting (most days, anyway) to create a space that's true to your personal aesthetic and utility purposes.  Whether you're working with a large area, a galley space, or somewhere in between, kitchen's are magic!  From lighting, to fixtures, appliances, furniture, counter tops, flooring, cookware, art and beyond, there's seemingly no limit to what your space can reflect and inspire.

And speaking of inspiration, I'm constantly feeding my kitchen fantasies with loads of it, like the scenes included here.  If you're looking for even more (and who isn't?!), head over to my Homes/Interiors board on Pinterest for more of everything you love to love.

Happy Inspired Living!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

{Homemade}: Summer Pickling

Last weekend I finally got around to doing something that I had been wanting to do for what seems like forever: make my own homemade pickles.  With it came the nostalgia of remembering my truly amazing grandmother whom I used to watch as a little girl.  Upon reflection, it dawned on me that she could do it all, literally.  From preserving to canning to pickling to baking to cooking, her culinary prowess was as broad and as effortless as they come--and her pantry was always stocked with the abundant fruits of her labor for the taking and relishing.

So back to me and my kitchen, here I was, finally about to embark on my first pickling expedition.  Inspired by the abundant pickling ideas floating around, I decided to start with a simple method that didn't require the heavier lifting and technicalities of sterilizing jars, etc., etc., but only required the coming together of my homemade pickling brine (scrumptious) and my vegetable of choice, crisp carrots.  Within a matter of minutes, I was pouring my brine over the carrots and garlic cloves in my jar and salivating with the anticipation of what the next 24 hours would bring. 

Waiting period over, I couldn't wait to retrieve the treasure from my refrigerator and finally have a taste.  I loved the slightly sweet under note and briny goodness from the apple cider vinegar, along with the bright, sharp flavors that carried through from the mustard seed, fennel seed, red chili flakes, and more.  Light, healthy and refreshing, my pickled carrots are my new favorite snack for Summer.  

 
Not one to let a good thing go to waste, I plan on increasing my pickling repertoire in the days ahead.  In fact, I'm already eyeing fresh jalapenos for what's next.  Give it a try in your kitchen and let me know how you like it and what combinations you come up with.  From the brine variations to the ingredient profiles, there's a world of briny deliciousness just waiting to be discovered and savored!

Happy Eating!

Carrot Fridge Pickles
 Adapted from FOOD52

Ingredients:

1 lb. carrots
2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1 teaspoon whole coriander
2 teaspoons fennel seed
2 teaspoons mustard seed
½ teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 ¼ cup water
2 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
¼ cup sugar

Method:
Cut the carrots into spears that fit the height of the jars you are using.  Set carrots aside. In a saucepan combine the remaining ingredients.  Bring to a simmer, and then turn off heat.  

Place the cut carrots in a clean jar(s).  Carefully pour the hot brine over until they are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least one day. Well sealed refrigerator pickles will keep for 1 month. Enjoy!

Kitchen Confidential: Stylish Tips for Organizing Your Space

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Having a beautiful, functional kitchen ranks high on the lists of many--and especially those of us who tend to spend quite a bit of time there cooking, dining, sharing and making memories.  But when it comes to making the most of that special space, things can sometimes get lost in translation.  And that's where organization can make all the difference.

Although I've gotten better over time with organizing my kitchen space, I'm always open to ideas and tips that will help me enhance the look, feel and "maneuverability" of that all-important room where I so often find myself.  And I was giddy to land on several organizing tips from fashion designer Jenni Kayne over at MarthaStewart.com.  Jenni dishes up simple, practical, fun and stylish tips for a serene, clutter-free space.

I hope you'll find the tips useful, and I'd love to know if you adopt any for your space.  
~Happy Eating!

Gifts from My Kitchen!

As I gather with family and friends for Christmas and the remaining days of the holiday season, I'm bringing something personal to the table: homemade gifts from my kitchen.

Nothing says, "you're special", quite like a delicious, homemade gift--made with love.  

Chili Spice Blend & Turkey Chili Recipe

I'm gifting some of my favorite things, like spice blends--in adorable spice jars from Anthropologie--along with a recipe in which the blend can immediately be put to use.  I also baked up a generous batch of homemade granola that will make the perfect gift for easy snacking, breakfast cereal, or atop a favorite yogurt or ice cream.  Yum!

Homemade Granola

So if you're still wanting to add something personal to your gift repertoire, there's no better way than with homemade goodness from your kitchen.  Sweet treats, infused oils, flavored sugars, and more, make wonderful gifts that are easy to pull off.

Now off I go with my gifts in tow--and with wishes for you to enjoy a very Merry Christmas...and lots of Happy Eating!

Kitchen Basics: Getting the Right Measure

If you've ever wondered how many teaspoons make up a tablespoon or how many cups are in a pint, or been stumped by any other measurement equation when it comes to cooking and baking, then today's post is especially for you. 

I love this fun chart for use as a "cheat sheet" for volume conversions.  Keep it handy and use it to take the not-so-fun guess work out of getting the right measure--every time. 

Happy Eating!