SarahBerneche's Profile

I usually come out ahead on bulk food vs packaged goods. I never want the packaging anyway and the prices are usually significantly better (even for nuts and dried fruit.) I also appreciate the variety.

@ Sarah@ Two-Tarts -- Ruth Reichl suggests using dry chickpeas and simmering them with baking soda to help soften them. Remove the skins. Used cooled chickpeas, not hot or warm or lukewarm. I've tried all of these tips and they've certainly helped substantially. I suspect the brand of food processor (or efficient blender) also makes a difference.

Bookmarked! I love Vinegar Hill House. I had their pork chop once...delicious. Very good food, very friendly service, lovely atmosphere. So happy to see it featured here.

I'm spoiled because almost everything is within walking distance from my apartment, including my workplace, several grocery stores, several pubs and restaurants, several drugstores, my bank, a park (down the street), the public library, bookstores, clothing stores, and transit (streetcar at the end of my street, bus at the other end, subway a 6 minute walk.) My absolute must-haves include a grocery store, gym and a pub, though.

My advice is to look around the area and see what types of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, etc. are around there. It'll give you a good idea of what the neighbourhood is like.

Wow - his aesthetic is so much like my own (rustic + Southern charm) it's crazy! I love so many of the choices here. Feels very warm and cozy. I can especially appreciate the beautiful shoes and the linens! Lovely. Also, History of Love is one of my favourite books.

I second socca. I love it.

I'd search through Laura Calder's recipes. They're mostly French or French-inspired, all are simple and many are light (for summer.)

I love your curtain rod. I have the same dilemma and was wondering what to do...I may use it!

Beautiful kitchen -- it's so sweet and charming.

I've been thinking of doing this if only because chicory has many health benefits and I drink entirely too much coffee. I've had a tea called 'the decaffeinator' that has chicory in it, and I like it! Bitter, but it's as dark as coffee is, smells good and tastes remarkably similar.

I think this is a good idea in theory and practice, but I find the texture of meat often changes in the freezer. I'm single and live alone, but I still like to make a few things to keep in the freezer during busy periods, particularly because I log long hours at work.

For those looking for vegetarian, summer meals to freeze, I like cooking up big batches of beans to keep on hand. Homemade veggie burgers, spicy lentil stews (usually consumed in hot climates), marinaded tofu (as someone above suggested), chilladas (lentil patties), pesto, red beans and rice, curries made with beans or lentils, mujadara (Lebanese - rice with caramelized onions, lentils and cumin), Ethiopian dishes (many are veg), veggie enchilada or taco filling, etc. I think there's a lot out there. I do find veggie dishes can be more time consuming than omnivore dishes because of the active cook time so many of the recipes require and the (often) more elaborate cook time.