How do you reheat leftovers without a microwave?
We just moved into a lovely older house that we’re planning on renting for at least a year. It doesn’t have a microwave, and I’m inclined to keep it that way. I am seriously at a loss, however, for how to heat up leftovers — especially meat — without making them rubbery and dry. Any tips for this erstwhile cook?
How to use that grody public grill without fear of poisoning your picnic
Public grills get a bad rap. I can definitely see why. They’re always coated in the mysterious carbony remains of meals past. There’s usually some bird poop on or around them. The ash pile inside is a ghastly reminder that anything — anything — could’ve been cooked on these rusty little public servants. I promise with just a little work, a public grill can be a totally serviceable cooking option.
Looking for websites/cookbooks with recipes for two people
With recipes in most cookbooks and websites ranging for 4-to-6 servings per recipe, this usually means we have a LOT of leftovers. We have been halving the recipes we’re eating, but often this doesn’t work. Does anyone have any suggestions for cookbooks/websites that specialize in smaller portions, or any reducing portion size tips you’d like to pass on to a novice?
“Meat adaptable” cooking to please veggies and meat-eaters alike (+ bonus lentil taco recipe!)
Maybe you are starting to make Meat-Free Mondays a regular at your dining table. Or maybe you are one-half of a vegetarian/meat-eating couple. As a vegetarian, I want more adventurous dishes, and my partner wanted meat. So over time, we have started cooking meals that are what I call “meat adaptable.”
Make a mean almond milk with coconut water
Yes, buying almond milk at the store is oh-so-convenient… but it’s not nearly as yummy or good for you!And if you want it to be REALLY tasty make it with coconut water instead of plain water (if coconut water isn’t your thing, you can always use plain water and this still tastes good).
Delicious tomato sauce you can make in your crock pot
This is my Crock Pot Tomato Sauce. I adapted it from a recipe I saw online somewhere forever ago. My nearly three-year-old daughter loves it and it’s hearty enough that my carnivorous hubby-to-be doesn’t notice when it doesn’t have meat. But you can totally add meat to it later, especially if cooking for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. And it is SUPER easy!
Life hack: Satisfy your sweet tooth by only eating your own baking (with bonus brownie cupcake recipe!)
Like most people, I have a serious weakness for sweets. Brownies, cakes, cookies, candy bars… if it’s got chocolate in it, I probably want it. We all know the various reasons why you should limit how much sugar you consume (heart disease, zits, etc.) So we come up with life hacks to limit ourselves. Here’s mine: I only let myself eat baked goods that I make.
Strawberry Margarita Jam? Canning with alcohol!
Now, most people are used to grandma sitting over a stove making strawberry jam in jars covered with gingham fabric. I really didn’t want that. Looking online, I discovered something amazing about jam… alcohol makes it better! Strawberry Margarita Jam, Peach Fondue Jam, Black Forest Jam: you better believe I make the best jam going!