MRN's Profile

Because it was an unseasonable near-80° day in Minnesota today, we grilled sausages and served them with guacamole, potatoes vinaigrette, and a friend brought fresh pineapple to grill.

My husband's birthday is Sunday and he has requested cassoulet, so I'm using Mark Bittman's recipe published in the New York Times last month. It's the first time I've made cassoulet, and the first time I've ever really worked with duck. A multi-day education, and I'm having a great time.

For breakfast on Sunday I'm working to replicate one of the best things we ate last year: Savory blue corn pancakes with pulled pork and coleslaw, something we ate at New Orleans' fantastic Green Goddess restaurant.

I wonder if placing the sandwich in parchment—then wrapping the whole thing in aluminum foil—would work as well and eliminate the fire risk.

Hmmmm...I wonder if this would work in a big mason jar.

How about soups or smoothies? They can stay warm or cold in a thermos and he could drink them straight from the thermos.

I want to know the recipe for the pie in the photo...that crust looks incredible!

We have a celebration that goes into the wee hours of the morning. This year, I am planning on sending each guest home with a home-baked pastry to eat for breakfast.

Along similar lines, think about hosting any food even that seems like less pressure than a capital-D Dinner Party.

I'm lucky to have a large enough space to host them now, but in my previous tiny apartment, I hosted breakfast parties (think crêpes, bacon, mimosas), lunch parties (sandwiches, chips, etc.), and cocktail parties (cocktails and lots and lots of finger food appetizers). Everyone could eat standing up, sitting around the living room, etc. We always had a great time—who says you have to be sitting around a table to enjoy a meal together?

I did mine in 2 stages, since Ionly have time in the evenings. Day 1: Removed everything from the outside of the fridge and scrubbed until it was spotless. Day 2: Removed everything from the inside, took out all shelves and drawers, scrubbed until spotless.

What was amazing was that there really wasn't that much to throw away, but taking everything out and putting it back in an organized fashion made so much more space; the thing is practically empty.

I love my like-new fridge! Every time I open the door I can't stop staring into it. I started the pantry last night, and hope to finish that project tonight or tomorrow.

The best thing my house guests can do is make themselves at home and behave like members of the family. To my family, this includes things like helping in the kitchen, being generally considerate of one another, etc.

Scones!
In oatmeal!
Make jam!