Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 391

What Kitchen or Household Appliance Can't You Live Without?

A while ago I was visiting a friend's home, and she offered me a plate of leftovers from a tasty meal she'd cooked the prior day. I accepted, put the food on a plate, and set out to reheat them. Then I realized that she doesn't have a microwave. Or a toaster oven. I was stumped.

My friend does just fine with her stove-top and oven she says--and a rickety two-slot bread-toaster that's usually kept unplugged, in a cabinet. Nope, she isn't "missing" these two appliances because she can't afford them or can't fit them in her home. She simply doesn't want 'em. With me being rather, um, microwave dependent, I was altogether flummoxed and unsure of how to quickly heat-up the dish. The oven!?

Yes, I know, that's fairly silly (and lazy!!) but it still made me wonder what appliances other people wouldn't dare live without. (Assuming, of course, that you are in complete control of these things.) In most apartments in New York City, an in-unit washer-dryer is a rarity. Dishwashers can also hard to come by in some areas, but most buildings have added them. Garbage disposals were illegal in the city until 1997 year (there was a fear that they'd harm the sewer system), but they're are still few and far between. (Which is fine by me, because frankly I find the grinding groan of them to be ear-splitting.)

Tons of people I know registered for the fancy, sleek KitchenAid Mixmaster before their wedding. I did not, knowing that it would be nothing more than an objet on my counter, and wouldn't get enough use to justify the cost. Others wouldn't dream of having a counter bereft of a coffeemaker or affirm that the As Seen On TV Magic Bullet really IS that fabulous.

As for me, a microwave and toaster oven are non-negotiable, must-haves, desert-island essentials. I use both every single day and feel like they have become old friends--meaning, that I know their idiosyncrasies and failings. I know precisely how many seconds to nuke my popcorn before I end up with too many charred kernels. I know exaaaaactly where to place the arrow on the toaster between "light and dark" so that my waffles come out just right.

Sure, having a dishwasher is nice, but I'd yank it out in a heartbeat to finally have a washer and dryer that's not coin-op and 11 floors below my apartment in the dank basement. As for all the ancillary and sometimes odd gadgets that are fun to look at when I'm 30,000 feet in the air--hello tantalizing SkyMall Catalog!--I can live perfectly well without powerful blenders and mixers or even a hulking, high-tech coffee maker. (I'm a new convert to the Starbucks VIA instant coffee packets.)

Anyways, as we all crowd into the kitchen this week for Thanksgiving, and also welcome guests into our homes (meaning laundry to do when they leave!), I'm curious what cookery and housekeeping items you find indispensable or dream of one day owning? Are you in love with your microwaveable ice-cream scooper or your industrial-strength vaccuum? Only have eyes for your cordless iron or Keurig coffeemaker? Share with us!

Tech gift ideas for guys (from my guy)

With Black Friday looming, our thoughts turn to holiday shopping. Based on my conversations with friends and relations, I know I'm not alone when I say the toughest person on my gift list is my husband, Steve. I know shiny new technology is a safe bet, but am lost from there - mostly because he already has so many gadgets!

So, rather than guessing what he wants, I asked him to give me a list of gift ideas for guys (anyone want to give me points for a super sneaky way to get into his head?). Here's what he suggested:

Xbox 360 with Kinect ($299)

Did you know the average game player is 34 years old and has been playing games for 12 years? Which means video games can be a great gift for grownups! While the Xbox 360 has been around many years, the addition of extras such as Netflix, playing DVDs, and the new Kinect body activated controller, the system is hotter than ever.

A couple years ago we received a system from Microsoft to try (in the spirit of full disclosure, they also sponsored the past two Manic Mommies Escapes), and discovered that while the system is great for the kids, the real benefit for dad comes when the kids go to bed. With Xbox Live and a headset, my husband is able to play games with friends several towns, or even states, away. Steve suggested adding a "gift certificate" good for one night of gaming a week with a friend.  

Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer ($69.95)

A couple years ago, someone (not me) bought Steve the Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer  and it's still one of his favorite grilling tools. It takes away the worry of forgetting the grill while entertaining the kids or guests, and works great for the inside oven too. (Take points off for how silly he looks walking around our parties with the remote hanging off his belt). 

Bosch Multi-X Oscillating Tool Cordless Combo Kit ($179)

For the home improver in your family, the latest Lithium Ion powered cordless tools are leaps and bounds better than their old counterparts with incredible power, smaller profiles, and super fast recharging.  Bosch makes some of the best tools available, and has grouped some of their great Lithium powered tools into well priced kits. This particular kit includes an oscillating tool, one of the latest must-have tool inventions, and a 12v driver which is my husband's #1 go-to tool.   

Garmin Edge 800 Cycle Computer ($449)

Cycling is the #1 sport in the US for spending on equipment and accessories, and with the latest Garmin Edge 800 that trend is likely to continue.

The Edge 800 is latest cycling-specific GPS computer in the Edge lineup.  This amazing yet pricey unit packs in the features offering a color touch screen display (even with gloves), training partner, mapped route guidance, altimeter, heart rate and cadence capabilities, and operates ANT+™ heart rate monitors, speed/cadence sensors or compatible power meters. 

Finding time to ride isn't easy for parents, and all the Garmin Edge models allows a specific unique ride to be plotted ahead of time so that the time away is predictable and enjoyable. 

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones ($299.95)

I bought a pair of these headphones for myself a couple of years ago, and my  husband is still jealous! While there are many uses and reasons to get these, in our family it is airline traveling.  Simply put, the first time you settle in after takeoff to read a book or watch the in-flight entertainment and flick the headphone switch to ON, you will never travel without them again.

Logitech Harmony One Remote ($179.95)

Universal remotes have been around a long time, but if yours isn't up the task with the latest components in the house then the Harmony One remote has you covered. Programming and settings are done online, and that information is stored on the Logitech website to easily update.  This remote features macros so that certain changing the TV input, turning the receiver to DVD, changing the volume, and even dimming the lights with the right equipment can be done with the push of one button.  

Don't forget toys!

I often joke that, whether buying our son a new Lego set or a remote control car, I have to buy a duplicate for my husband (otherwise our poor kid would be forced to watch his dad play with his gifts). The good news is these tech gadgets don't cost a lot, and provide loads of pajama playtime for hubby (and children, if they are good):

Remote control mini helicopter ($29.95)
RC dancing trucks ($29.95)
Slot car set ($27.95)

What is on your husband's wish list? 

Special thanks to my husband, and tech consultant, Steven Brandt for researching and recommending these gifts.

Vintage Industrial Lighting

Vintage Industrial style doesn't seem to be going out of fashion anytime soon -- I see more and more big box retailers jumping on the trend wagon and embracing it with open arms. Recently while browsing the always fabulous Restoration Hardware website, I came across some of their new lighting - some vintage with definite French influence, others more industrial 1930s, and together this stuff works just brilliantly in a room. I also came across their amazing discount, which I've detailed at the bottom of this post so make sure you check it out!

I also still adore the whole vintage modern wave -- mixing clean, streamlined furnishings with quirky retro lighting, art, and even a curvy table or chair to break up the perfect lines. There is something so casually elegant when it comes to gently mixing periods, styles, even mixing in patterns from many different countries collected from your travels (or the internet!). There is so much to be said for artful presentation, a well-curated home, isn't there?

What do you think of these gorgeous lights above? I adore the Burlap pendant made in Poland fashioned after a typical Moroccan design because I find linen so tactile, simply, raw, yet very classic... I also love how the fabric is whip stitched to the frame, what a subtle yet gorgeous detail.

I adore the Vintage two-tier Baluster chandelier for its very Belgium beginnings -- I love seeing it hanging above a rustic farmhouse table or in a living room with a very streamlined modern sofa.

If you are looking for vintage industrial inspiration when it comes to other objects as well as rooms, simply seach google images under "vintage industrial". I did, and this is what I came up with - check out the inspiration here! Amazing!

Psst: For every $500 you spend at Restoration Hardware (a very easy task indeed), you can deduct $100 from your total thanks to their great sale currently underway. Checkout using coupon code: RHTG110 - offer good until November 29th so act quickly for the best selection!

(images: restoration hardware)

Hi, Everyone!

Hello, Bookies:

So we get to close out 2010 together, though even as I type that I still can't quite wrap my head around the fact that the year has blown by. I'm Maura Fritz, a deputy editor on RealSimple.com, and like Noelle and Kristin, I'm on my second go-around leading the club. Here on the site I have a wide range of duties, from working with the magazine's beauty/health and fashion editors to writing some of our weekly and monthly newsletters. But probably the responsibility I get the biggest kick out of is overseeing the book club. Which means I'm behind many of these book club posts—so think of me the next time you get a vote, vote, vote! missive.

Though I don't think we could have gone wrong with any of the four choices this month, I'm particularly thrilled you voted in I Capture the Castle. It's been on my to-read list pretty much since it was reissued a decade or so. That's a long time to linger on a list, I know, especially since I'm a sucker for British countryside/novels of manners/Jane Austen drawing-room dialogue/romance, and this book promises to deliver. (Do you have a book you've been meaning to read forever? Tell me below.)

So on to it. Let's break up our reading into three sections, like this:

Chapters 1 through 7: for Friday, December 3

Chapters 8 through 12: for Friday, December 10

Chapters 13 through the end: for Friday, December 17

One last thing: If you like to see film versions of books you've enjoyed—or if you're George Costanza— there is a 2003 film of I Capture the Castle, as reader Ginger noted earlier. Hello, Netflix!

Happy reading, Bookies. So, until next week. Have a safe and very happy Thanksgiving.

—Maura

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A Few Fashionable "New Uses For Old Things!"

 

I'm headed to my parent's home this Thanksgiving Day weekend in Pennsylvania to recharge, stuff my face with lots of food and start my Christmas shopping. Yipee!

You might be wondering why I would be excited to leave the Big Apple (aka Shopping Heaven) for PA-suburb shopping. Two words: Frazer Antiques.

Sure, there is some amazing retail and outlet shopping in PA which I will most certainly be taking advantage of, however, when it comes to those super special gifts--I'm more of an old fashion kind of gal and Frazer Antiques is the place for me. I love picking out the most eccentric, one-of-a-kind pieces that have history AND potential---just like pieces I purchased for myself during my last trip to the store this past spring. 

 

Check out how I turned these antique items into my own fabulous and functional treasures:

 

1. A tiered silver plated candy/cookie tray becomes-----> a home for all my bits and baubles.

 

2. A candle stick holder becomes----> a tower of blingy bangles.

 

 

My jewelry stays well organized and they are beautifully displayed on the top of my dresser. I just love looking at them...and of course rifling through them every morning for just the right finishing touch to my ensemble.

 

Have you used any items from around the house, an antique shop or yard sale in a new and exciting way?

 

Five Things To Do Before Leaving Work for Vacation

Coming back from a few days out of the office can be hectic. You usually wish you were still on vacation, and you find it difficult to get back into the swing of things.



Before heading out on Thanksgiving vacation -- or any vacation -- try these actions to make re-entry more enjoyable:


On your to-do list, quickly comment a few words about your status on active items. For instance, if you're waiting for someone to return your call before you can proceed with a new action, scribble next to the item, "Still waiting for Diane to call me back, as of noon on 2/24/10."
Clear all finished work off your desk and return it to its proper storage space.
Gather together all work you will need the morning of your return, put it in a folder, and store the folder in a place that is easily accessible -- such as the front of your filing cabinet. Then, put a sticky note on the top sheet in the folder detailing exactly what you need to do the morning of your return.
Back up your computer or network drive, per your company's back-up process. This is especially important if you will be taking your workplace laptop with you on vacation.
If possible, schedule a call or meeting for an hour or two after you plan to arrive back at work. This way, you'll have immediate responsibilities to tend to and goofing off will be less tempting.


Also, don't forget to set a notification on your voicemail and e-mail if this is common practice at your place of employment.



Now, go and enjoy your Thanksgiving vacation!

Must-Have Thanksgiving Dessert: Pear Sorbet from Lottie & Doof

For the month of November, we have asked some of our favorite food bloggers to share recipes for their must-have Thanksgiving dishes. Join us to see what will be on their tables this year and for years to come.

 

Pear Sorbet by Tim from Lottie & Doof

 

 

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but I am not a traditionalist when it comes to the meal. In recent years I have gone as far as not serving turkey. I find turkey a little boring and thought it would be fun to mix it up. It was a controversial decision, and although everyone agreed that my beef tenderloin was better than any turkey they had ever had, they still wanted the bird. I am obliged to comply because I love these people, as silly as their food preferences are. And besides, when it comes down to it, aren't we all more interested in the sides and dessert anyway? In my case, I am most interested in the desserts.

 

It is the perfect time for baking in the Midwest. Winter is quickly approaching but we are all still enjoying the novelty of being indoors, wearing sweaters, and complaining about the chill. A couple of years ago I started serving several dessert courses. Why not? It is too hard to pick just one thing to serve! I like to start with a sorbet. Sorbets aren't something that we normally associate with Thanksgiving, but they provide a refreshing transition from the heavy meal to the...heavy desserts.

 

There is no better sorbet to make than this pear sorbet which tastes like taking a bite of a sweet ripe pear. It is absolutely exceptional, simple to prepare, can be made in advance, and should find its way to your Thanksgiving table this year. For those of you without an ice cream maker, feel free to make this as a granita (instructions below). Like all recipes with few ingredients, quality is very important. Make this when you find yourself with exceptionally delicious pears—they need to be very ripe and juicy.

 

Pear Sorbet
(inspired by a Canal House Cooking recipe)

 

6 ripe, juicy, ripe, flavorful pears
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons pear brandy

1. Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool completely.

2. Peel, quarter and core the pears. Puree the pears in a food processor until smooth, then transfer the pear puree to a medium bowl. Stir in the simple syrup and the pear brandy.

3. Process in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer the sorbet into an airtight container with a lid and place in the freezer for a few hours to firm up. Will keep for at least a week.

 

If you don't have an ice cream maker:
Pour mixture into a shallow baking dish and place on a level surface in your freezer. After an hour, remove and use a fork to scrape any ice crystals that have formed on the sides or bottom of the pan. Return the pan to the freezer and repeat scraping every 30 minutes for 2 to 3 hours. Once mixture is thoroughly frozen, fluff with a fork and serve.

 

Tim Mazurek is the blogger behind Lottie + Doof where he explores his love of cooking, hosting, and the politics of food. Based in Chicago, he also has a fantastic guide to eating in the Windy City.
(recipe and image courtesy of Tim Mazurek)

 

Do you serve desserts other than pie at Thanksgiving? Would you consider a palate-cleansing course like this one?

 

Must-Have Thanksgiving Dessert: Chocolate Pecan Pie from Honey & Jam

For the month of November, we have asked some of our favorite food bloggers to share recipes for their must-have Thanksgiving dishes. Join us to see what will be on their tables this year and for years to come.

 

Chocolate Pecan Pie by Hannah from Honey & Jam  

 

 

For me, Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without pecan pie. I've loved it since I was a little girl. It's been on the Thanksgiving table for as long as I can remember. My mom made it for years, and, now that I'm older, I make it. My recipe is a little different from my mom's traditional one—it has a homemade chocolate pie crust and dark chocolate in the filling. It's scrumptious! When making this recipe, be sure to use the best quality chocolate you can afford. It'll make a big difference!

 

Chocolate Pie Crust
(makes 2 crusts)

 

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons dark chocolate cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup ice water plus 2 tablespoons

 

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Add butter, and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal, 8 to 10 seconds.

2. With machine running, add ice water in a slow, steady stream through feed tube. Pulse until dough holds together without being wet or sticky; be careful not to process more than 30 seconds. To test, squeeze a small amount together: If it is crumbly, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

3. Divide dough into two equal balls. Flatten each ball into a disc and wrap in plastic. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill at least 1 hour. Dough may be stored, frozen, up to 1 month.

 

Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

6 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pie crust rolled and fit into a 9-inch pie plate
1 cup pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out pie crust and fit into pie plate. Place in freezer.

 2. Place chocolate chocolate in a bowl, microwave until mostly melted, remove from microwave and stir until completely melted. Set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, stir together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stirring constantly, add melted chocolate.

4. Remove pie crust from freezer. Pour filling into prepared crust; place pie plate on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange pecans in one even layer over filling.

5. Bake just until set (filling should jiggle slightly), 50 to 60 minutes, rotating halfway through. Let cool completely on a wire rack, at least 4 hours before serving.

 

Hannah Queen is the blogger behind Honey & Jam where she shares her adventures in baking and photography.

(recipe and image courtesy of Hannah Queen)

 

What's your favorite take on pecan pie? Do you add chocolate, bourbon, walnuts, or something else?

 

Announcing the December Book and The Postmistress: Part Three

First things first, I'm happy to report that I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith is the winner of our December book club. Check back later this week when Maura Fritz will introduce the herself and the book. And now on to The Postmistress.

 

Well, based on your comments from section two (and I'm sorry I'm belated in getting this post live), it seems like many of us are feeling the same way about the characters heading into this section.

 

I was happy to have the remainder of the story play out in Franklin, and I wasn't surprised at all that Frankie went there. But I found it very interesting to see how she interacted with the people in the town. Before we get to that part, what did you think about Iris holding onto the letter from Will's landlady? This was obviously the letter that wasn't delivered—the one that was discussed in the introduction. Do you agree with her reasoning, that because it didn't have a definite answer about whether or not Will was alive that it was better to wait until after Emma's baby was born? Was she being considerate or cowardly?

 

I thought it was interesting that Frankie simply bolted from London. That she returned her equipment without seeing anyone and immediately returned home. I think the things she saw weighed more heavily on her than she realized until she was able to step away and gain perspective.

 

Once Frankie arrives in the town and she reveals to people who she is, what do you make of their reactions? Especially, the scene in the coffee shop where the men around her are talking about the war, and she keeps quiet for as long as she can. I found her interactions with both Harry and Otto to be reassuring. I felt like they appreciated what she had gone through and understood the line between her needing to share her experiences, and realizing that there were some things she could not talk about.

 

The conversation that Frankie and Iris had in the post office about Iris's belief in the order of things was especially interesting to me. I was surprised to see them so much at odds, but maybe it's just that they are both such strong, stubborn characters. And since Iris hasn't been through what Frankie has she is still holding firm to her belief in order and her responsibility. Whereas, Frankie is disheartened by all that she has seen. Was there anything about their conversation that surprised you?

 

Finally in this section the truth about Will's death comes out. And it comes from a telegram, which no one can ignore. What did you think about both Iris and Frankie keeping some version of the truth from Emma? Iris suspected but didn't really know that Will had died, while Frankie had actually been there. Do you think they were right to keep the truth from Emma? Was it easier for her to receive the telegram as opposed to hearing the bad news directly from Frankie, who had witnessed it? Why do you think that Frankie never told Emma that she had met Will, even if she left out the part about his death? Do you think she should have given Emma the letter after the telegram arrived?

 

And lastly, what did you think about the way the book ended? I was surprised at Harry's death, especially after he had proposed to Iris. I wonder why Sarah Blake decided to leave all three of the main characters on their own in the end. What do you think will happen next in the town of Franklin with these three women? Do you think Frankie will stay in Franklin or do you think she will return to being a reporter? How do you think Emma and Iris will cope having lost the people they love most?

 

I hope you all have enjoyed reading this book. Like so many of our other authors, Sarah Blake has agreed to answer questions that you have about the story. So post your question(s) in the comments by next Monday, November 29th, and we will post her answers after that.

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And So It Begins

I knew it was only a matter of time before some local radio station would start playing the Christmas tunes 24/7. Here in upstate NY one of my favorite local stations started their regular rotation of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" on Saturday.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Call me Scrooge, but I have this thing about getting through one holiday before I start thinking about the next. Last night, my mother-in-law hosted us for Sunday dinner so we could draw names for Christmas gifts for the adults. My husband comes from a small family. He has one sibling. His mother was an only child and so there's one first cousin from his father's side. Contrast this with my family—where I have some 44 cousins on my father's side alone—and you can quickly see why family traditions around the holidays can be tricky territory.

There are those who live for the holidays and go over the top every year with handmade cards, decorations to die for and thoughtful personal gifts. There are those who wish they could hibernate after dinner on Thanksgiving and not wake up again until January 1. Then there's me. I'd describe myself as someone who sincerely enjoys the holidays and who revels in certain traditions. But each year I try to figure out what should stay and what could go.

Some family obligations are just that. Obligations. Will your mother-in-law be crushed if you skip her Christmas Eve party? Absolutely. So look to the things that you can control or change that don't require buy-in from other adults or family members. The one thing you secretly despise may be the one thing your sister absolutely loves. Think about what brings you joy and how you can get more of that into your holidays.

A few years ago I decided to make a conscious effort to avoid big box stores and the mall altogether during the holidays. I shop almost exclusively online, at local craft fairs, buy books through my boys' school and get the nieces and nephews their gift cards at the grocery store. This freed up so much time! I didn't miss seeing the stores decorated and my kids never wanted to sit on Santa's lap anyway.

Staying out of the stores means more time at home to do the things I truly love around the holidays: baking and decorating. It also means more money in my wallet. Impulse buys add up. How many times have you walked into a store, tried out the gingerbread scented hand cream and bought some to give to...Who?...Maybe your friend at the office? The babysitter?

Another thing I refuse to do is listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving.

So is there something on your holiday to-do list that you could do without this year? What traditions or obligations would you happily pass up if given the chance?