melissamm's Profile

Display Name: melissamm
Member Since: 10/25/12

Latest Comments...

Oh go away.

Regarding IKEA food, however: I've had fine success with their non-perishables, but I've never really taken the leap to perishables...


Why I Regret Buying Cheese from IKEA The Cheesemonger
5/1/13 3:55 PM

1. Upper range bourbon (Baker's, Booker's, etc.)
2. Benchmark (We're from Kentucky: if there are less than two bottles of bourbon in the cabinet, something is wrong.)
3. New Amsterdam gin
4. Tequila of some kind
5. Fernet Branca
6. Scotch for those who appreciate liquid campfire

Should probably have vodka and rum in place of those others, but this is our ideal list and what we have been working with since beginning to build our bar. And I hate vodka.


Stocking a Home Bar From Scratch:
Which 6 Bottles Would You Choose? Reader Intelligence Request
4/18/13 12:24 PM

Baklava, as I discovered this holiday season. A pain and fattening, to be sure, but oh man is it good home made.

Also, for birthdays and such, I'll make a cake from a box then do an icing from scratch. My favorite combo so far has been yellow cake with some lemon juice and zest added to the mix and Smitten Kitchen's Swiss buttercream (with juice and zest, as well). Add some good raspberry jam in between the layers, ice it delicately, decorate it with thin lemon slices and/or fresh raspberries and everyone feels special.


What Is Your Most Show-Stopping, Crowd-Pleasing, Knock-Out Dessert?
3/25/13 6:45 PM

Definitely boxed cakes and brownies (another Ghiradelli fan here). Damn you delicious and fluffy modified starches! If I'm making a birthday cake or something special, I'll do the icing from scratch to make up for the diy-or-die guilt of making box cake. We always have Trader Joe's fresh stuffed pastas in the fridge or freezer for a yummy, quick weeknight meal. Also canned tomatoes and tomato puree. I cannot abide tomatoes out of season, but I gotta get that lycopene!


Kitchen Convenience: 5 Prepared Foods That Are (Almost) As Good As Homemade
3/2/13 2:18 PM

Many have recommended stand mixers, but here's my vote for the Cuisinart version instead of Kitchen Aid. I've used both and I'm glad we registered and received our Cuisinart stand mixer for our wedding. We use it all the time for bread and the timer function is key.

And knives (or at least one really good one you like using) are essential. Oh the horrors of roommate knives. But, my 6" chefs was pretty cheap and I like using it. Same goes for dutch oven. I love my Lodge enamel--not expensive either.

If a stand mixer is out of range, invest in a set of speakers/sound system for the kitchen. Cooking without music is sad, sad.


What One Kitchen Product Do You Recommend Splurging On? Reader Intelligence Request
2/13/13 9:24 AM

I grew broomcorn this season for my wedding without knowing anything about it and it has been my favorite crop in the garden. (I also grew lots of gourds and decorative corn.) The wedding is coming up soon and working with the broomcorn has been just wonderful. It has a great texture and variety of color...and watching it grow to 15+ feet has been lots of fun. I've also had lots of success with statice, plus it comes in colors other than red, orange, and yellow. Sometimes purple and white are refreshing cool tones among the warm fall colors.


Dried + Desired: Favorite Elements For Autumn Arrangements
10/25/12 4:45 PM