jce's Profile

I had a stash of fresh bay leaves a while back - only needed half a leaf to flavor a dish. I throw a couple of crumpled bay leaves along with smashed garlic and olive oil when I roast cherry tomatoes. Makes all the difference. Article reminds me to buy a plant this week.

Unless I'm making a gin and tonic for more than one, I always use a small bottle or can - the liter plastic bottles lose their fizz. I like Schweppes or Polar.

I see no reason to stick to traditional breakfast foods - pizza - grilled cheese sandwiches - soup - rice and beans - anything you can make quickly or the night before so you can enjoy your time together.

Heed the container warning! I have an untasty variety of mint in my front yard that is totally invasive. The upside is it's kind of fun to pull.

Hearts of palm wrapped in prociutto, marinated in white wine vinaigrette with a little fresh thyme.

It's pretty but how long would it have taken to straighten that lampshade?

Glasslock is great. They nest nicely. Only disadvantages are: they slip around when they are stacked in the fridge and last time I checked you can't order replacement lids.

If your cabinets aren't custom, there's often space, concealed by trim, between the cabinets and the walls. If you pop the trim you may be able to store baking sheets or cutting boards. Also, when I buy containers, I make sure they all have the same size lids and that they nest when empty and stack when in use.

I've brought up food safety issues with my extended family and they think I'm crazy. I won't eat chicken that has been sitting in the refrigerator uncooked for a week and I skip any soups containing broth that have been around for more than a couple of days. I tell them and then they are on their own.

Thanks - I've been lobbying for a drawer dishwasher in our very small space - it eliminates so much countertop clutter.