The Kitchn | Inspiring cooks, nourishing homes

Picnic-Ready Salads, How To Wrap a Burrito, a Beachside Kitchen Tour, and a Genius Tip for Quick, Easy Lemonade — Most Popular Posts Published May 19 - 25

Cambria Bold — Sat, 25 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Happy Saturday! Hope you have lovely things planned for the long holiday weekend. Popular posts this past week on The Kitchn include a genius tip for quick and easy lemonade, a list of 10 low-budget pantry items everyone should have, a revealing video from a fourth grader on what school lunches are really like, and 10 picnic-ready salads to eat outside. Enjoy!

15. Kitchen Before & After: Cecelia's 'Making Better Use of the Space' Kitchen Renovation
14. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Veg-centric 5 Essentials for Home Cooks
13. 5 Tips for Throwing a Dinner Party in a Small Apartment
12. A Genius Tip for Quick, Easy Lemonade
11. How To Wrap a Burrito (So It Doesn't Fall Apart When You Eat It!)
10. Recipe: Thai Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

What's Cooking This Weekend? — Weekend of May 25-27, 2013

Faith Durand — Fri, 24 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

One-Skillet Recipe: Tortilla Espanola with Rainbow Chard

Happy weekend, everybody! It's a long one — are you going away for Memorial Day weekend? Or staying put in your own kitchen? Are you having a cook-out, or a picnic, or a family get-together? We'd love to hear all about your holiday weekend plans — what's cooking in your kitchen this weekend?

Thai Chicken Stir Fry, Fresh Pasta in the Food Processor, Homemade Ginger Ale & True Greek Salad — New Recipes from The Kitchn

Emma Christensen — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Who's ready for the long Memorial Day weekend? I know I am! If you're planning a picnic this weekend, what could be better than a batch of classic chicken salad and some strawberry shortcake (gluten-free and vegan, no less!)? For something a little different, try Sara Kate's real Greek salad. It looks so good. A batch of homemade ginger ale and a pitcher of bourbon-spiked lemonade would complete the spread. We have recipes for these — and more! — right here.

A Hood That Glows from Faber — KBB London 2013

Faith Durand — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Who: Faber
What We Noticed: I am always so obsessed with range hoods when I visit these big kitchen trade shows. In the US, I rarely see anything but simple and understated stainless steel and glass hoods, but in Europe they seem to treat hoods as jewelry for the kitchen, adornments that come in all shapes and colors. Want to see a video of this crazy color-changing hood from Faber?

Pretty in Pink: 7 Luscious Rose Petal Dessert Recipes

Megan Gordon — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

In the spring and summer, I flock towards big, bold colors in the kitchen: the bright greens of asparagus and peas, the vibrant yellow of lemons, the red hues of strawberries and raspberries. In addition to bright color, after a winter of routine meals and not-so-inspiring produce, I also reach for interesting new flavors. Lately, I've landed on rose petals and rose water.

Falling In Love With: IKEA's RÅSKOG Cart

Cambria Bold — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

A few months ago, I wrote a post on the top 10 items to buy at IKEA, and the RÅSKOG cart topped the list. Since then I've continued to see it everywhere, which to my mind means it's on its way to achieving the ubiquitous cult status of the BEKVÄM kitchen cart, or the EXPEDIT bookcase.

Betty Crocker Cookbook: Newlywed Edition — New Cookbook

Sarah Rae Trover — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Although I'm not a newlywed, I'm always interested in cookbooks geared to people starting out on a culinary journey together. When done well, these kinds of cookbooks usually include a helpful overview of the basics, including cooking techniques and pictures that make you actually want to eat the food — great for people just learning to cook on their own or together. So how did Betty Crocker's version play out?

An Oven with a Double Surprise from Hoover UK — KBB London 2013

Faith Durand — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Who: Hoover UK
What We Noticed: We know Hoover primarily as a maker of vacuum cleaners, but in the UK the brand is licensed to a company who makes kitchen appliances, like this smart little oven. This oven is apartment-sized, but manages to be very roomy inside. And it has a very smart secret — want to see?

Vintage Food PSA Posters: Eating and Cooking Tips from Uncle Sam

Cambria Bold — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Remember this Food: Don't Waste It poster that Anjali wrote about back in January? It was created in 1917 by the U.S Food Administration as part of a national effort to get people to reduce their consumption of certain staples during World War I. I've since come across a number of other food public service announcement posters from that time, and it's a fascinating how relevant and, well, modern, some of them sound.

Look! Smoked Chocolate Chips

Megan Gordon — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Sometimes killing time results in a wonderful discovery. This was the case a few weeks ago while waiting to meet a friend at the all-too-good chocolate cakery Hot Cakes in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. It was then and there that I made a dangerous discovery: smoked chocolate chips.

Fun in the Kitchen: Silly Utensils that Make Me Smile

Anne Postic — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

I'm a serious person. I was forty years old in my own mind by the time I was in first grade. But having children has made me a little more fun. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and they've found some silly kitchen tools that make me smile and are just as functional as their more mature counterparts.

Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade — 10-Minute Happy Hour

Maureen Petrosky — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day weekend is the official summer kick-off. Every year, this weekend marks the calendar with family picnics, backyard BBQs and of course pool parties. In our neck of the woods, it inevitably rains. But that never stop us from celebrating like it's sunny outside! Grab a pitcher and join me in turning summer's favorite staple — lemonade! — into the perfect cocktail for happy hour.

What To Do With Whey: Greek Yogurt's Popularity, and Its Acid Whey Problem — Food News

Cambria Bold — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

I read a very interesting article this morning in Modern Farmer. Apparently Greek yogurt's ascendant popularity in recent years has created a not-so-insignificant problem: acid whey waste. Acid, or sour, whey — the liquid that runs off when you strain yogurt or cottage cheese — is a troublesome byproduct: it's toxic to the natural environment, yet not easy to integrate back into the workings of a factory or farm. So what can big food companies do with the acid whey?

How To Make Classic Chicken Salad — Cooking Lessons from The Kitchn

Dana Velden — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Chicken salad is a favorite treat in my household. Even though it's a simple recipe with easy to find ingredients, there's still something fancy about it. So while it makes a nice lunch for guests — either in a sandwich or served on a bed of lettuce — I sometimes make up a batch for when it's just me and I need a pick-me-up. This recipe is an old favorite, a real a classic that can easily be adapted to all manner of delicious variations and additions. Perfect for picnics and pot lucks, too!

Strawberry Donut Holes & Cranberry Fennel Refresher — Delicious Links

Faith Durand — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Homemade donut holes, smoked mackerel toast, and a cake made with cookie butter in today's Delicious Links...

Can I Post Adaptations of Published Recipes on My Food Blog? — Good Questions

Anjali Prasertong — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Q: I'm in the process of starting a food blog and was wondering if I can publish adaptations of recipes I find online, as long as I credit the original author and link back to the original recipe?

Sent by Tracy

Feeding Table Scraps to Animals: Some Dos and Don'ts

Emily Ho — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:00 GMT

If you're an animal lover, you've no doubt shared morsels of "people" food with your furry and feathered friends. Feeding table scraps to animals can even be a good way to prevent food waste. But before you give in to those imploring eyes, it's important to consider safety.

On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All

Anjali Prasertong — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:30:00 GMT

I live in Los Angeles, which means I'm always hearing about other people's diets. Raw food, $75-per-day juice cleanses, space food, the cookie diet...you name it, and there is a good chance I know someone who has tried it. When the paleo diet swept through my circle of friends, I felt a little like an outcast, still hanging onto my whole grains and legumes. I know I am a healthy eater — yet it was hard to resist the judgement that I was somehow eating a "bad" diet.

So it was a relief to read a thoughtful, honest article by food writer and former naturopathic doctor Winnie Abramson on why the paleo diet — and diets in general — don't work for her.

Space Saver: A Murphy Dining Table

Carrie McBride — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:15:00 GMT

Angela and Tania's clever space saving idea not only serves as a dining table for five, but when closed also allows for a visual extension of the kitchen as well as much needed storage.

• Space Saver: A Murphy Table
Apartment Therapy

Kitchen Drawers That Light Up from Leicht — KBB London 2013

Faith Durand — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Who: Leicht
What We Noticed: We hit up KBB London, a kitchen trade show, this week, to take a look at what's fresh and new in European kitchen design. This is a small detail that has been around for a little while in high-end kitchens, but I really like: LED strips inside drawers, that light up when the drawer is opened.

A Quirky, Kitschy Scottish Kitchen — Kitchen Spotlight

Cambria Bold — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

"I like my senses to be stimulated," says Lizzie in a recent Apartment Therapy House Tour. When she moved into her (now) husband's Glasgow flat three years ago, she couldn't stand all the beige, so she made some bold color choices that infused the space — particularly the kitchen! — with personality.

Ideas for a Kid-Friendly Italian Dinner? — Good Questions

Emma Christensen — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Q: My husband and I would like to thank our neighbours for watering our plants while we were on vacation in Italy by cooking an Italian meal. Our guests will be a mom and dad, one 5-year old, one 2-year old and a baby, and the meal must be halal. Any recipe ideas for a family-friendly, pork-free, loosely Italian meal?

Lessons Learned from Andi's Kitchen Reno

Carrie McBride — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Andi's kitchen reno is finally complete. We've been there every step of the way and in this final installment of their Renovation Diary, Andi (and bf Dean) share what they've learned along the way.

• Andi's Lessons Learned
Apartment Therapy

Perfectly Punchy: Neon Rimmed Walnut Trays and Platters by David Rasmussen

Cambria Bold — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

A beautiful wooden tray or platter is an entertaining staple. You can use one to serve appetizers, display glasses alongside a pitcher of cool iced tea, or serve breakfast in bed! I love the look of walnut, too — even more so when it's rimmed in a bright, neon color, like these WUD trays and platters by David Rasmussen.

A Visit with Jana Kinsman of Bike a Bee: Building Hives & Sharing Honey in Chicago — Maker Tour

Lucy Hewett — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Who: Jana Kinsman
What: Bike a Bee
Where: Chicago, Illinois

Whenever I'm lucky enough to see beekeeper Jana Kinsman, she’s always sharing something with me: half her cookie, knowledge about bikes, butter and bees or an adorable, hand-drawn doodle. Jana is an illustrator, beekeeper and graphic designer in Chicago. Her latest project, Bike a Bee, is a reflection of her generosity and aims to contribute local honey to the city’s farmers markets, while also creating community collaboration.