tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67018190110498910392012-02-16T09:02:59.100-05:00Big Girls, Small Kitchen is a food and recipe guide for twenty-something cooks looking for user-friendly, affordable ways to navigate their kitchens. More importantly, this blog offers fun and easy entertaining tips to help all cooks make the most of the tools available, big kitchen or small.Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comBlogger3861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-212356920596225582011-01-12T09:00:00.002-05:002011-01-12T09:00:08.429-05:00

TOP 5 WINTER SOUPS: Asian Broth with Shredded Veggies and Noodles; French Onion Soup; Roasted Carrot-Fennel Soup; Parmesan, White Bean, and Kale Soup with Torn Pasta; Moroccan Red Lentil Soup;When January 1st hits, my stomach can finally breathe a sigh of relief. I love the holidays and all, but after a while I begin to think that if I have to eat another sugar cookie or puff pastry canapé, I

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-85877067835077293832011-01-10T10:15:00.002-05:002011-01-10T10:27:55.644-05:00

Wild Yellow Foot Chanterelle mushrooms at the Ballard Sunday Farmer's Market in SeattleOn Christmas Day, Josh and I landed in Seattle, the starting point of our 10-day road trip through the Pacific Northwest, and the first place of many on our journey (including a few unintentional stops, in a few unexpected states along the way) that I have never been to. After telling the man at Enterprise that

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-74242879314476218282011-01-05T09:57:00.003-05:002011-01-10T11:49:50.913-05:00

OTHER MAIN COURSE SALADS: Spicy Thai Beef Salad with Mizuna; Saturday Salad with Walnuts and Dates; Arugula Caprese; Crispy Duck Salad with Pear, Pecans, and Ginger-Honey Mustard Vinaigrette; Squash and Sprout Orzo Salad with Ginger Walnut DressingWhen Indian summer ended, I sort of lost my taste for vegetables. With the exception of potatoes, and though I love winter squash and a good tough head

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-30397600458557383782011-01-03T09:40:00.001-05:002011-01-10T00:16:17.684-05:00

EVENT: Weeknight DinnerVENUE: Cara's Apartment, Prospect HeightsPARTY SIZE: 2TYPE: Vegan Pizza Party!MENU: Tofu Pizza with Garlic and Rosemary; Romaine Salad; Carrot Raisin CookiesHappy New Year, readers! We hope you had a celebratory night, and perhaps some vacation. We're pretty relaxed, and we're also ready to stop eating holiday food and get back to normal. First up: tofu pizza.In my version

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-25412600535950984172010-12-30T09:52:00.015-05:002011-01-03T09:39:49.816-05:00

We started our Great Minds Eat Alike series this fall in order to mix up the usual BGSK offerings with interviews and submissions by cooks and eaters whose mentality towards cooking and eating meshes with ours. Today we bring you a fabulous menu from Adelaide Mueller, our recipe tester for In the Small Kitchen. Adelaide is a fellow quarter-life cook and blogger who believes that solid recipes

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-5876470600410799962010-12-29T09:47:00.002-05:002010-12-30T10:07:27.895-05:00

TOP 5 FESTIVE HOLIDAY COCKTAILS: Big Kid Hot Chocolate ; Christmas Cranberry Punch; Jonestown Punch; Warm Spiked Cider; Elderflower FizzWe’ve been enjoying a lot of elderflower liquor in 2010. For Cara’s birthday, Kate brought over the chic-est disposable cocktail glasses she could find, and made individual Parisians for her bistro-themed buffet. In return for hosting said event, Cara gave me a

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-85574554169560563692010-12-27T11:02:00.006-05:002010-12-29T17:18:38.855-05:00

EVENT: Josh's Birthday Dinner; New Year's Eve At-Home Prix Fix DinnerVENUE: Phoebe's Apartment, FlatironPARTY SIZE: 2TYPE: Elaborate 3-Course Celebratory DinnerMENU: Oysters with Mignonette Sauce; Crispy Shrimp with Cilantro-Harissa Aioli; Grilled Chermoula Lamb Chops with Cumin Yogurt Sauce; Spinach OrzoIf you don’t have a party to go to, New Year’s can be one of the most dreaded holidays of the

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-78234639706589239572010-12-26T09:00:00.006-05:002010-12-30T10:16:35.378-05:00

Next year, as we've hinted at, we're going to be relaunching Big Girls, Small Kitchen to be more user-friendly and comprehensive, adding new contributors in our Great Minds blog catergory, and a Guides section to house all our tips and tricks. We've been working for months, perfecting the site so that it will be a place that quarter-life cooks (and their friends!) can call home. There's one

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-19421491071397137302010-12-25T11:21:00.002-05:002010-12-25T11:21:00.077-05:00

Merry Christmas, and thank you to everyone who participated in our Holiday Giveaway courtesy of Le Creuset!We chose a winner randomly from the list of commenters. Congrats to reader Caitbren who just got this amazing Cherry Red Braiser under her virtual tree!Here's what Caitbren had to say:

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-61659155732810165462010-12-23T14:00:00.002-05:002010-12-29T22:06:24.001-05:00

MOROCCAN HOLIDAY MENU: Squash Latkes with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro; Chicken Tagine with Fennel, Preserved Lemons, and Green Olives; Ginger Pear CakeIn their January issue, looking back on all the food trends of the past year, Food and Wine Magazine pronounced 2010 the year of the chicken. It’s true that we’ve been cooking quite a bit of bird here too, as of late. But during the holidays, home

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-51531051658057427752010-12-22T09:00:00.002-05:002010-12-23T16:26:08.101-05:00

OTHER CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST IDEAS: Hot Raisin Bread; Yogurt Pancakes with Pomegranate; Oversized Chocolate Chip Muffins; "City" Oatmeal with Blueberries and Dried Cherries; Red Flannel Hash; Smoked Salmon ScrambleChristmas morning calls for a little something extra. At the same time, I think for most people, it's also not officially a part of the day's celebratory eating. It's merely something to

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-24387690396771607302010-12-20T11:36:00.016-05:002010-12-22T13:30:47.807-05:00

EVENT: Holiday Dinner, Version 2010VENUE: Cara's Apartment, Prospect HeightsPARTY SIZE: 12TYPE: Make-Ahead, Festive Sunday-Night SupperMENU: Olive and Tomato Focaccia Squares; Chicken Marbella; Barb's Corn Pudding; Baguette; Arugula Salad with Pomegranate, Dried Cherries, and Orange-Raspberry Vinaigrette; Chocolate-Pecan Tart; Chocolate BarkLast night, in front of the first Christmas tree Cara

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This giveaway is now closed. --C & P, 12/25/10We're deep into holiday mode over here at BGSK. Cara and Alex just bought a Christmas tree, and Phoebe is scheming a gift, under $5, to go under it at their upcoming holiday party, complete with a grab bag, and plenty of sweets.Thanks to our friends at LeCreuset, we’ll also be spending this holiday season cooking up some fabulous stews (recipes to

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-40400749665879636752010-12-16T12:53:00.002-05:002010-12-20T10:31:02.834-05:00

EVENTS: Serious Eats Cookie Swap; Blogger Cookie Fest '10VENUES: Serious Eats Headquarters, Chelsea; Angus McIndoe, MidtownPARTY SIZE: about 20 apieceTYPE: Festive Holiday Gatherings...with CookiesMENU: Milk Chocolate Cookies with Ginger and Toffee; Holiday Spiced SnickerdoodlesRecently, Phoebe and I had the opportunity to attend not one but two cookie swaps. I have to say, I'd never been to a

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-29245295711450557112010-12-15T09:37:00.002-05:002010-12-16T14:33:00.380-05:00

TOP 5 FESTIVE FINGER FOODS (THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK): Pizzette with Caramelized Onion, Smoked Mozzarella, and Arugula; Sausage-Tomato Focaccia; Open-Faced Spinach Pie Bites; Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus; Pigs in a BlanketSince our catering business has grown, so too has our repertoire for quick and easy finger food. We shared some of our tips with you, and now we give you our favorite recipe

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-6487528513299740112010-12-13T10:15:00.004-05:002010-12-17T08:02:29.357-05:00

Picture us at age twelve or thirteen.Growing up in New York City, every weekend played host to at least one bar or bat mitzvah. And where would you have found the young quarter-life cooks at these weekly events? Not on the dance floor, getting down. Not by the photographer, grabbing attention from the bar mitzvah boy. No, we were hovering by the door to the kitchen, waiting to accost the poor

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-9595737509848032562010-12-09T11:21:00.002-05:002010-12-13T10:32:02.809-05:00

EVENT: Southern Flourish Holiday IssueVENUE: Cara's Kitchen, Prospect HeightsPARTY SIZE: Anyone and everyone!TYPE: Festive Pairings: Small Sweets and Decadent DrinksMENU: Toffee Pudding Bites with Creme Fraiche and Whisky Cider; Peppermint Snowballs and Spiked Hot Chocolate; Lemon Sugar Cookies with an Elderflower FizzSouthern Flourish is an online magazine with the most exquisite taste. It has

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-44856103384207652982010-12-08T09:15:00.004-05:002010-12-13T10:32:32.466-05:00

HOLIDAY DINNER MENU: Dried Fruit Salad with Cara-Cara Orange Vinaigrette; Boeuf Bourguignon; Orange Sweet Potatoes; Pumpkin-Chocolate Bread PuddingThis Pumpkin-Chocolate Bread Pudding made its way to my Thanksgiving table this year, alongside Mom's Apple Pie, among other festive desserts. Though we've featured bread puddings before--though not with any frequency or devotion--none had ever

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-58827936235144040232010-12-07T16:21:00.001-05:002010-12-08T09:13:28.217-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Thanksgiving Giveaway That Gives Back courtesy of Baking For Good.We chose a winner randomly from the list of commenters. Congrats to reader Mary Rose Petrozola.Here's what Mary had to say:I live in upstate NY and there's an organization called FUFA. It stands for the First Unitarian Food Action and what they do is visit supermarkets, collecting

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-14978845259584705442010-12-06T11:30:00.012-05:002010-12-08T09:50:09.623-05:00

OTHER HANUKKAH IDEAS: Classic Potato Latkes; Zucchini-Scallion Cakes; Hash Brown One-Eyes; Small Kitchen Chicken Soup; Five Spice Brisket; Alex's Roasted Chicken; Seared Salmon with Green Sauce; Breaded Flounder with Parsley Aioli; Squash, Leek & Quinoa StuffingI'm always a little fuzzy about what actually characterizes Hanukkah fare beyond potato latkes. I get that it does not involve non-kosher

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-39256873340635516802010-12-03T09:05:00.003-05:002010-12-06T11:36:23.944-05:00

EVENT: Jordana and Josh's BirthdaysVENUE: Jordana’s Apartment, West Village; Josh's Apartment, Park SlopePARTY SIZE: 50-ishTYPE: At-home celebratory dance partiesMENU: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, CustomizedWhen you’ve been single for any given period of time, a new relationship can bring with it, along with the rainbows and butterflies, a host of logistical considerations. Perhaps it’s the

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-62344626187762344512010-12-01T09:34:00.001-05:002010-12-03T09:07:01.627-05:00

TOP 5 FAVORITE BAKED PASTAS: Baked Gnocchi with Pesto, Peas, and Pancetta; Baked Orzo Ratatouille; Al Forno Conghiglie with Five Cheeses; Penne Gratin with Sausage, Fennel, and Mushrooms; Macaroni and CheeseThis mushroom lasagna was invented one Sunday evening before a week when I knew I'd be running around a lot. I wanted to make sure I had something in the fridge to reheat for a quick lunch or

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-66361889904298945502010-11-29T11:31:00.012-05:002010-12-01T09:57:26.751-05:00

The holiday season, kicked off this past week with Thanksgiving, is as good a time as any to discuss family dinners—the ubiquitous, but often unrecognized tradition that doesn’t exactly necessitate that a big old turkey be placed in the center of the table in order for people to gather around it. Laurie David’s new cookbook, The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-37696330153110344612010-11-27T12:13:00.010-05:002010-12-06T11:36:44.686-05:00

Though we both spent the holidays with our extended families, we were curious about what any quarter-lifers stuck in New York would up to this Thanksgiving. We thought the answer would be cooking with friends, in their small kitchens, perhaps with a budget-friendly bird like Cara's boyfriend Alex's Roast Chicken in the oven. But an overwhelming number of people we talked to were choosing to

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-2517679667468322272010-11-24T09:34:00.005-05:002010-12-06T11:37:48.665-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, readers, one day early!In the last week or two, we've written about Thanksgiving pretty intensely. We shared Cara's Mom's Apple Pie, Alex's Roasted Chicken (which, we pointed out, would make a fine substitute for a turkey if you're only hosting a few people), Portobello Mushrooms with Parmesan-Herb Stuffing, and Garlic-Rosemary Mashed Potatoes. On Serious Eats, we shared

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FAVORITE THANKSGIVING DESSERTS: Chocolate Mousse with Gingerbread Cream; Pound Cake; Apple Walnut Cake; Praline Pumpkin Pie; Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Bread; Pear Almond TartThe desserts on our Thanksgiving table are assorted and not always that traditional. We make them in abundance. Though Thanksgiving attendance has ranged from twelve to thirty over the years, we like to make sure that

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-28821797557094171972010-11-18T14:00:00.001-05:002010-11-22T09:23:50.958-05:00

EVENT: Sunday Night DinnerVENUE: Cara's Apartment, Prospect HeightsPARTY SIZE: 2OCCASION: Homey SupperMENU: Greek-Style Roasted Chicken with PotatoesDuring our interview with Ina Garten about her new book, How Easy Is That?, I mentioned how Alex and I rarely had leftovers when he roasted me a chicken (we were talking about how to cook for two most simply, and Ina had suggested roasting a whole

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-76227875369494259212010-11-17T09:15:00.005-05:002010-11-22T09:27:35.533-05:00

OTHER THANKSGIVING-Y SIDES: Pumpkin-Leek Stuffing with Turkey Sausage; Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes; Farro and Cauliflower Salad with Currants; Portobello Mushrooms with Parmesan-Herb Stuffing; Green Beans with Spiced Nuts and Apple Cider Vinaigrette; Brussels Sprouts with Apples, Pistachios, and Creme FraicheAt my Thanksgiving table, which is really my mom's, we don't serve mashed potatoes

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-45777530669838463042010-11-15T09:10:00.014-05:002010-11-22T16:11:31.855-05:00

DISH: Portobello Mushrooms with Parmesan-Herb StuffingTYPE: Vegetarian Thanksgiving (Meatless Monday)MAIN INGREDIENT: Mushroom, Bread, Cheese, HerbsFor obvious reasons, Thanksgiving can easily be thought of as a problematic holiday for vegetarians. In the center of most families’ tables, inevitably, sits a large dead bird. In it, the second mainstay of the meal: stuffing. Beside it, pan

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-43273058581515288422010-11-13T15:30:00.000-05:002010-11-13T15:30:00.419-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Giveaway to win Ina Garten's How Easy Is That? We asked you about the tip, trick, or tool that makes your life in the kitchen that much easier, and chose a winner randomly from the list of commenters.Congrats to reader hisjealoussky!Here's what hisjealoussky had to say:My KitchenAid mixer! I have bad carpal tunnel syndrome, but I bake a lot, so my

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-60731722096331710862010-11-10T15:15:00.006-05:002010-11-15T09:18:51.521-05:00

MEXICAN-THEMED POTLUCK: Black Bean Cakes; Corn and Leek Flautas; Mexican Dip; Ancho-Rubbed Chicken & Chorizo TacosA few weeks ago I received a call from Evan and Sarah, on speaker phone, to discuss ideas for what to do for Evan's birthday. I was honored that they enlisted my help, though they ended up at my cell phone via Cara, who reminded them that no one likes theme parties more than this

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-54976277048989574792010-11-09T08:43:00.005-05:002010-11-11T21:14:06.754-05:00

EVENT: Phoebe's 25th!PARTY SIZE: 2TYPE: Blogmate DessertMENU: Tiger CakeIt’s been almost two years since Phoebe and I first started the blog.It's been far longer—thirteen years—since we’ve been eating together. When you’re close friends with anyone, you start to get to know her tastes in breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, but when you’re co-bloggers, you know those tastes in slightly more

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OTHER VEGAN SOUPS: Asian Broth with Shredded Veggies and Noodles; Cremini Mushroom Barley Soup; Green Goddess Soup with Zucchini, Chard, and Cilantro; Simplest Split Pea; Salmorejo CordobesIn high school, our best friend Carolyn (not to mention Jordana) was a vegetarian. This had a huge impact on our potlucks in early years, if this ode to eggplant parm was any indication. But perhaps more

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EVENT: James Beard's American Cookery, RepublishedVENUE: The InternetPARTY SIZE: UnlimitedTYPE: History in the PresentMENU: Old-Fashioned Rich Chicken PieAmerican food is not always easy to define, especially when you live in New York, where ethnic restaurants and fusion cuisine arguably reign. I guess at first I think of diner food--omelets and grilled cheese and French fries--but aren't those

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So an immediate disclaimer: the Mississippi Delta is not a foreign country. I picked "Big Girls, Global Kitchens" from our rubric of categories because it most closely fit the post that follows. I modeled it after my report on Morocco, which is indeed on the other side of the globe. Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee do feel like they are too at times, but if you're from those places, don't

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OTHER ONE-POT WONDERS: Hungarian Wedding Soup with Turkey Sausage, Lentils, and Chard; Lentil Chili; Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Red Wine; Sweet and Sour Tofu; Late-Summer Chicken StewLike any good blogmate, whenever Cara would get cookbook freebies from work (back in her publishing days), she'd let me borrow them. Unfortunately, I haven't been as good about giving them back. Now, before you think

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EVENT: Creative Girl CelebrationVENUE: Thistle & Clover Boutique, Fort GreenePARTY SIZE: 75TYPE: A Night of Shopping!MENU: Sprinkle Cake BitesYou're invited!As you might have seen in our newsletter on Friday, we're so excited to be baking the treats for the clothing and jewelry boutique Thistle & Clover's celebration of a new book, Katharine Sise's Creative Girl: The Ultimate Guide for Turning

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Thank you to everyone who participated in our Giveaway for The New Brooklyn Cookbook. We asked you what restaurant dish you were dying to recreate at home, and chose a winner randomly from the list of commenters. Congrats to reader Emily! (And check out her blog, The Very Hungry Grad Student!) Here's what Emily had to say:On our first dinner date, my boyfriend and I went to an old school Italian

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-67661308744081681262010-10-28T09:00:00.009-04:002010-11-26T09:22:26.833-05:00

EVENT: Sunday Morning BreakfastVENUE: Cara's New Apartment, Prospect HeightsPARTY SIZE: 2OCCASION: None at allMENU: Pumpkin Pancakes with Honey-Nutmeg Butter, Coffee, Maple SyrupIf the responses to our Grill Pan Giveaway (about your favorite fall foods) were any indication, autumn makes us crave pumpkin like summer made us yearn for tomatoes. Come October, pumpkin gets stirred into cheesecake,

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Call us nerds (Cara is actually considering dressing up as one), but we never get sick of celebrating Halloween. Our costumes may have transitioned from ghouls and princesses to Russell Brand and Katy Perry, but when it comes to the food, the kid in us comes out, and we stick with old school favorites like Monster Mash and One-Eyed Zombies. Whether you're having friends over for a cocktail

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Earlier this summer, we were lucky enough to interview one of our cooking mentors (and friend), Ina Garten, about her new book How Easy Is That? which comes out tomorrow! This installment of the Barefoot Contessa cookbook series is a must have for twenty-somethings like ourselves. It's all about meals that are easy enough for everyday dinners but simultaneously special enough for company.Below,

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EVENT: Dinner From The New Brooklyn Cookbook!VENUE: Saul, Brooklyn; Phoebe's Client's Kitchen, Upper East SidePARTY SIZE: 6; 2TYPE: Restaurant-style mealMENU: Scallops with White Bean Puree, Kale, & Pine NutsA few weeks ago, our friends over at William Morrow, the publishing house that is putting our BGSK baby on the shelf, sent us each a copy of The New Brooklyn Cookbook.Being staunch home cooks

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HAPPY BRUNCH: Quinoa Muffins; Eggplant-Chard Frittata; Mixed Greens with Baby Radishes and an Asparagus DrizzleLeftover quinoa can turn into any number of things. It makes a fabulous side dish if you simply reheat it and toss it with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme. You can mix quinoa with veggies and bake it--a makeshift pilaf. You can even mix in onion and egg and make

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We're proud to announce a new food writing gig: as the new "Eat for Eight Dollars" column on Serious Eats. Our super cheap (i.e. less than $8) and totally delicious meals will be featured on the site each Tuesday.You can check out our first post, about Cara's Spinach Strata with Sage and Gruyere, here. From our kitchen, albeit small, to yours,Cara and Phoebe, THE QUARTER-LIFE COOKS

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DISH: Eggplant Parmesan RigatoniTYPE: Simplified ClassicMAIN INGREDIENT: Eggplant, Pasta, MozzarellaHaving grown up with many a vegetarian at our high school potluck table, I became very accustomed to eating serving upon serving of Eggplant Parmesan. When dining en masse, this vegetarian meal is a perfectly serviceable option, especially for vehement carnivores, who seem to think few other

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Thank you to everyone who participated in our Fall Indoor Grill Pan Giveaway courtesy of Le Creuset.We chose a winner randomly from the list of commenters. Congrats to reader Kate!Here's what Kate had to say:Anything pumpkin (or squash)!! Pumpkin rissotto, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin martinis (hey, I work at a bar!), butternut squash soup, pumpkin seeds, and of course, pumpkin pie!!Many of you

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EVENT: Jessie's Wedding!VENUE: Tarrytown House, Tarrytown NYPARTY SIZE: 60TYPE: Rehearsal Dinner, WeddingMENU: Whatever's in the book! Must include Grilled Cheese Sandwiches; Brownies; Avocado Quesadillas; Hot Raisin Bread; Black Bean Dip; Blum Family Bagels & Lox; and much, much more.On Christmas 2008, as we were all sitting around eating chocolate cake, my sisters and I noticed a ring on our

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TOP 5 FALL PASTAS: Inside-Out Squash Ravioli; Baked Orzo Ratatouille; Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese; Crispy Carbonara with Dandelion Greens and Pecorino; Spinach Fettucine with Mushroom BologneseThis past weekend in New York was a kickback to summer, and while, after a long bike ride upstate on Saturday, and a trip to Orchard Beach in the Bronx on Sunday, my body felt light and (jacket) free,

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-61418304312312349372010-10-11T14:09:00.005-04:002010-10-13T10:40:45.275-04:00

EVENT: Now Circa Then VENUE: Ars Nova Theater, Midtown WestPARTY SIZE: 75TYPE: Patron Night PartyMENU: Lime-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Carrot-Miso Dipping Sauce; Roasted Butternut Squash Crostini with Thyme Creme Fraiche; Smoked Mozzarella Tartlettes with Apple Cider Onion Jam; Crispy Polenta Bites with Golden Tomatoes and Three Herb Pesto; Green Market Crudités with Lemon Paprika Aioli;

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Win this Le Creuset Square Skillet Grill Pan!We’ve been coping with the change of seasons here at BGSK.Our light summer beach bags won’t cut it anymore when toting home huge gourds from the farmers' market, and we have to remember our ever-cozy scarves and ever-trendy fall jackets when leaving our apartments to go there.We may not lament the disappearance of corn and zucchini after a summer-long

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DISH: Canned Crushed Tomatoes; PeachesTYPE: Hibernation TacticMAIN INGREDIENTS: Ball Jars, Canning Accessory Pack, Fresh Tomatoes & PeachesUntil last month, I was under the impression that canning was an art best left to the experts. I don't mean only the Sarabeths and the San Marzanos, but also to the Mrs. Wheelbarrows and the Hip Girls. It was the kind of thing that just seemed up too many

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CASUAL DINNER MENU: Roast Beef Baguettes with Cider Onion Jam; Arugula Pesto Potato Salad; White Chocolate Raspberry CookiesWhen there are potatoes at the farm stands, I have a hard time diverting my attention from them. Sure, all the other vegetables look good, summer or fall, but there's just something about the potatoes that wins me over.If I had to pick my favorite way of preparing new

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-13233192243110982202010-10-04T10:10:00.002-04:002010-10-06T11:32:11.390-04:00

EVENT: A Stormy Philharmonic in Central Park/Indoor PicnicVENUE: Jackie's Apartment, GramercyPARTY SIZE: 10TYPE: Cultural Parkside Picnic, Turned Coffee Table BuffetMENU: Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches with White Bean Spread and Chive Pesto; Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches; Pomodoro Fresco Pasta Salad; Wine & CheeseOne of my favorite summer evenings since moving back to the city post-college is when

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-75027924538613188422010-10-01T10:19:00.001-04:002010-10-04T15:27:36.989-04:00

EVENT: French Bistro Birthday BuffetTYPE: Celebrating 26 years of CaraDISH: Gâteau au Chocolat Fondant (direct translation: really rich and delicious chocolate torte) It’s Cara’s birthday today, everyone! (cue applause from our studio audience).A few weeks ago, she faced the usual birthday dilemma: how do I get all my friends, and just my friends, into one room where everyone can drink and be

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BEST VEHICLES FOR HOT FUDGE: Matzoh Crunch Ice Cream; Pecan-Pumpkin Pie; Pound Cake; Coffee-Toffee Ice Cream Squares; Chocolate-Bottomed BlondiesIn honor of my impending birthday, dessert week at BGSK plunges on! On today's menu: hot fudge sauce. When I was a college student, I found my sanity in wax paper cups of ice cream with hot fudge sauce from Herrell's in Harvard Square. It was the kind of

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-17916834084927760952010-09-27T09:44:00.002-04:002010-10-01T23:21:09.383-04:00

EVENT: Roomie ReunionVENUE: Phoebe's Parents' Apartment, Upper West SidePARTY SIZE: 2TYPE: Casual Weeknight DinnerMENU: Zucchini-Fennel Slaw; Tuna Burgers with Lemon Paprika Aioli; Preserved Lemon BudinoAs you well know, I am not the baking half of our little quarter-life kitchen marriage. When Cara comes to dinner, I make her bring dessert. When she does not, the lack of a third course makes

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CHANGE OF SEASON MENU: Eggplant Caponata with Balsamic Drizzle; Late-Summer Chicken Stew; White Rice; Fig and Walnut CakeWe all know that feeling, around May, when our appetites finally shrink after a long winter of craving mashed potatoes and stew. It's a refreshing feeling, like we no longer need to eat more than our share to be satisfied. For me, this year, that diminished appetite simply

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HIGHBROW SANDWICHES: Roast Beef Baguettes with Cider Onion Jam and Fennel Remoulade; Tuna Burgers with Lemon Paprika Aioli; Lobster Salad on Toasted Brioche RollsThere is a certain camp of foodies that doesn't believe that highbrow ingredients should be incorporated in such lowbrow ways as, say, ye old pedestrian sandwich. These are also the staunch purists who don't believe oysters should be

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EVENT: Grizzly Bear at Governor's IslandWEATHER: RainPARTY SIZE: 2TYPE: Stealth PicnicMENU: Egg Salad, Arugula & Bacon Wraps; Mustardy String Beans with Pickled Shallots; British BiscuitsWhenever I go on vacation, my mom gives me a strict warning. "Be careful," she says. "Really." Her words may not be dissimilar from those of most parents', but her worries are more targeted. While out of town, I

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EVENT: Naptime Cocktail CruiseVENUE: Kelsey Banfield's Boat, Martha's VineyardPARTY-SIZE: 6TYPE: Casual Summer SailMENU: Ina's Guacamole (Kelsey); Gorgonzola & Pear Toasts (Kelsey); Pesto Shrimp "Lollipops"Last summer, I tweeted about making one of these rainy day salads on Martha’s Vineyard. Or, perhaps it was a tweet about how Obama’s security helicopter circling the island was giving me a

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Thank you to everyone who participated in our Back-to-School Lunch Tote Giveaway courtesy of Built NY.We chose a winner randomly from the list of commenters and recent newsletter subscribers. Congrats to reader Elizabeth!Here's what she had to say:Cannot imagine ever being without 11-inch round comal. Tortillas are a staple in my family, so use it practically every day. This one heats up quickly

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OTHER FINGER FOOD FAVES: Black Bean Cakes; Open-Faced Spinach Pie Bites; Smoked Mozzarella Tartlettes; Zucchini-Scallion CakesHot off the heels of Cara’s family’s competing kugels, we quarter-life cooks have also embraced the spirit of friendly competition. Today’s Recipe Flash features our two entries in the Are You a Saucy Mama Contest. Our friends over at Barhyte Specialty Foods sent us a box

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BREAK FAST MENU: Noodle Kugel; Phoebe's Brisket; String Beans with Mustard Dressing and Cured Shallots; Asparagus with Tarragon Vinaigrette; Caramel Apple CakeMy family is a little competitive. When, at Rosh Hashanah dinner last week, my cousin Jordyn announced that she had just been chosen field hockey captain for her high school team--the fourth cousin to hold such an illustrious position--all

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-30719477811646453752010-09-11T16:15:00.002-04:002010-09-13T15:47:10.297-04:00

EVENT: Breakfast at WimbledonVENUE: Phoebe's Grandparents' House, Martha's VineyardPARTY-SIZE: 4TYPE: Televised Sporting Event & Egg-Eating SessionMENU: Bluefish Hash with Mustard and Lemon Thyme; Olive Oil Fried EggsWHAT YOU'LL NEED: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet--Buy It Now OpenSky! I don't really watch sports, to put it mildly.I’m still not sure if I understand the rules of football. I "went" to a

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EVENT: Economy Bites Guest AppearanceVENUE: Allie's Apartment, BrooklynPARTY-SIZE: 2TYPE: Small Kitchen Love FestMENU: Spaghetti with Fish "Meatballs"Earlier this year, we began noticing another 20-something duo gracing the blog feed of Huffington Post, where we publish a weekly post. Economy Bites is the brain child of Allie Schwartz and Daniel Schloss, who have set out to solve the "

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END OF SUMMER FEAST: Corn Cakes with Lemon Chive Creme Fraiche; Zucchini & Rice Gratin; Greens with Dried Tomatoes & Roasted Chickpeas; Blueberry TartThe end of summer is both bitter and sweet. Bitter because soon there won't be any summer squash and zucchini at the farmers' markets around here. And sweet for exactly the same reason. Raise your hand if you're a little bit sick of summer squash.

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As you well know, we have always been a big fan of packing our lunches for work. Unless, of course, work is taking place in one of our kitchens. Thanks to Built NY, the brown bag just got a whole lot more attractive and useful. And we're excited, in honor of back-to-school season, to be giving away this Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote to one of our lucky readers!We've been doing a lot of product

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Hooray for Labor Day! EVENT: Labor Day WeekendVENUE: Phoebe & Keith's Parents' Houses, Martha's VineyardPARTY SIZE: 20+TYPE: Long Weekend PartyMENU: Breakfast Burrito Buffet & Pimm's Cup; Man Burgers & Margaritas; Potato Salad; Corn with Herb ButterThough we've been known to liven things up during winter months with cook-offs and the like, my friend Keith and I earned our status as a camp

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THE BEST LABOR DAY COOKOUT MENU: Avocado Quesadillas (on the grill); Pork Burgers with Thyme Mayo & Red Cabbage Crunch; String Beans with Mustard Dressing and Cured Shallots; Pomodoro Fresco Pasta Salad; Watermelon Ice Cream Cake; Spiked LemonadeSince I was a vegetarian until recently, I haven't been a burger lover for long. In fact, throughout my life, I've never liked the texture of burgers

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On July 4th, we shared some of our cooking strategies for long weekends away with friends with the folks over at Dine & Cook. Since Labor Day is almost upon us, we're posting them again here. We want to make sure you do your weekend (cooking) right.One of the best parts of the long weekend away, in general, is the group eating. Unless we’ve wound up in the most rustic little cottage, preparing

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MORE ABOUT MOROCCO: What I Ate in Morocco; Fish Tagine with Chermoula, Mint, and Preserved Lemon; Fig and Walnut Cake; Merguez and Green Chard Tagine; Preserved Lemon AioliGetting back from Morocco, everybody (including Ms Phoebe) warned me that my culinary predilections would take a turn towards the North African. Whereas I've returned from some vacations tired of local food and aching to get

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WEEKEND LUNCH: Creamy Gazpacho; Radicchio and Mozzarella Toasts; Coffee-Toffee Ice Cream Sandwich SquaresI didn't notice this recipe published in the Times (oops), but luckily someone else did: my mom's friend Shelly. She served it to my mom for dinner, (complete with the pecorino crisps Melissa Clark paired with the soup), and it made such an impact I was duly notified of it the next day. The

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DISHES: Zucchini-Fennel Slaw; Tuna Burgers with Lemon Paprika AioliTYPE: Casual Weeknight DinnerMAIN INGREDIENT: Preserved LemonsOver the course of the past year, three of my close friends have been to and from Morocco. For me, this has meant lots of gifts, in the form of lots and lots of spices. I transferred most of them from their various plastic baggies, jars, and sacks into empty canisters

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Surprise!This green semi-sphere is not something Shrek shed on my mom's counter.It's a watermelon cake. And I'm posting about it to celebrate my sisters' birthdays--Jill's was yesterday and Kate's is tomorrow. Happy Birthday Jill and Kate!!I've got an autumn birthday myself so I don't know the pain firsthand, but from what I remember of elementary school, summer birthday kids got a little

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TOP 5 SUMMER PASTAS: Linguine with Littlenecks, Tomatoes, and Corn; Garlicky Angel Hair with Shellfish; Pomodoro Fresco Pasta Salad; Summer Squash Angel Hair; Rainbow Rice Noodle Salad with ChickenIf you're not already outside firing up the grill, pasta is as good a way as any to get in and out of the kitchen very fast. Capellini or angel hair takes only 4 minutes to cook, so if your strategy is

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FRUIT-FILLED MENU: Avocado Quesadillas with Peach Salsa; Chicken Marbella; Blueberries in Lemon CreamOn Friday, Phoebe opined on one of the best ways to use up summer vegetables (zucchini and scallions; fry them into patties). Today, I've got another aspect of summer's bounty on my plate--two kinds of fruit--and they're figments of Phoebe's worst nightmare. She is, as you may or may not know yet,

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EVENT: Diva's Uncorked Wine & Food FestivalVENUE: Nectar's, Martha's VineyardPARTY-SIZE: 200+TYPE: Tasting Event & Partnership with Plum TVMENU: Cherry Tomato Bruschetta with Fresh Ricotta and Three Herb PestoSince deciding to spend most of August on Martha's Vineyard, I've been trying to make the most of my time here by inserting myself into the island's fabulous food culture any way I can. This

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OTHER WAYS TO USE YOUR ZUCCHINI: Zucchini-Shallot Frittata; Green Goddess Soup with Zucchini, Chard, and Cilantro; Baked Orzo Ratatouille; Mediterranean Vegetable Hash; Squash Chips with Basil and Balsamic Drizzle; Parlsey ZucchiniThe other day, a friend of my family came over for dinner and brought with him one fat kid of a zucchini from his garden. It might have been larger than my femur. He

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-64097693590950887272010-08-11T09:51:00.001-04:002010-08-12T12:11:54.873-04:00

TOP TEN WAYS TO USE UP SUMMER TOMATOES: Baked Tomatoes with Thyme; Sweet Tomato Jam; Pomodoro Fresco Pasta Salad; Arugula Caprese; Rice Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Almonds, and Herbs; Salmorejo Cordobes; Quinoa Tabouli; Cooked Salsa; Panzanella Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette; Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Pancetta; Greens with Dried Tomatoes and Roasted ChickpeasI can't seem to stop buying

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DISH: Radicchio and Fresh Mozzarella Toasts; Grandpa Caprese PanzanellaTYPE: Summer LunchMAIN INGREDIENTS: Whole Grain Bread, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, RadicchioA few Saturdays ago, after my mom had gotten back from her tennis match and I had finished up a long bike ride on my new and very cool road bike, we went out to the farm stands for vegetables. Our favorite stop is at Marilee Foster's

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EVENT: Ina's On IslandVENUE: Phoebe's Parents' House, Martha's VineyardPARTY-SIZE: 6TYPE: Casual Summer DinnerMENU: Bluefish Potato Cakes; Summer Scallops with Sweet Corn & Tomato Succotash; Farm Greens with Spiced Shrimp and Lemon Vinaigrette Last summer, I revealed my obsession with seared scallops. The recipe I shared, version 2009, included tomatillo guacamole and a corn salsa. The latter was

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-85279247186242656222010-08-05T16:28:00.003-04:002010-08-05T16:28:00.206-04:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Summer Soup & Smoothie Imersion Blender Giveaway courtesy of Just Vanities.We chose a winner randomly from the list of commenters and recent newsletter subscribers. Congrats to reader Jackie Borchardt!Here's what Jackie had to say:I either make tuna salad (yellow pepper, green/red onion, grapes, yogurt, mustard) to eat on crackers or I just cut some

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SALAD BUFFET: Tomato & Dinner Roll Panzanella; String Beans with Mustard Dressing and Cured Shallots; Blue Potato & Green Onion Salad; Lemony Tarragon Chicken SaladTomato season is here! We know we can't resist all the tomatoes this time of year, and since we assume you can't either, all our August Recipe Flashes will feature them in an ode to the season. Here goes...On Monday, as I was baking

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VEGETARIAN DINNER PARTY: Avocado and Radish Crostini; Oversized Mozzarella Arepas; Sweet and Sour Cabbage Salad; Coffee SablesThere were a few years, while I was in high school, when arepas were a regular on our weeknight menu. We would make a pot of beans--as simple as refried beans from a can, or as complex as chocolate-y black beans--and serve them with arepas instead of rice or some other

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This awesome giveaway is sponsored by CSN Stores, where you can buy anything from a bedroom vanity to cookware.Smoothies are the best summer fare. Cool, sweet, and easy--crucial characteristics when it's this hot.Call it vanity, but we don't like to get knee-deep in cooking when the temperature rises above 90°F. With the oven on and the stove going, our hair frizzes, our pores clog, and our

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HEALTHY-ISH NAUGHTINESS: Grilled Mushroom-Cheddar Melts; Spinach Hash Browns or Sweet Potato Fries; Carrot CakeI love a good grilled cheese. But sometimes it just feels right to introduce a vegetable to the mix, even if that vegetable is sauteed in butter. This seems to be my rationale come summertime (otherwise known as bikini season). To help this sandwich trim down even further, I decided to

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-20439658316972560992010-07-26T10:12:00.004-04:002010-08-12T11:07:49.804-04:00

EVENT: We’re on a BoatVENUE: Robbins Family Boat, Long Island SoundPARTY SIZE: 8TYPE: Nautical Picnic LunchMENU: Chicken Satay Banh Mi Sandwiches; Hummus; Guacamole & ChipsCara and I are addicted to Num Pang, the small Cambodian banh mi joint right off Union Square. Their sandwiches have actually become a bad influence. One afternoon we were already running late to a meeting in the area, but then

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OTHER MOROCCAN MEALS: Merguez and Green Chard Tagine; Fish Tagine with Chourmula, Preserved Lemons, and Mint; Moroccan BouillabaisseIt's a pleasure, when traveling, to be able to stay in someone's home. You see a neighborhood where locals live, which is nice, but most important is that you get to buy food in the market. When I'm staying at hotels, I make a point of visiting local markets, but

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Sandwiches For Hot Weather: Ancho Chicken Sandwich with Avocado and Chipotle Mayo; Roast Beef Baguettes with Cider Onion Jam and Fennel Remoulade; Pulled Brisket Sandwiches; Biscuit Club Sandwiches; Dill Turkey Sandwiches with Beet Relish; Coffee-Toffee Ice Cream Sandwiches; Stay tuned for more sandwiches as this summer week goes on!How easy is it to sell me on Pulled Pork? I'll answer that: very

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-1271748288973693292010-07-19T09:33:00.003-04:002010-07-21T09:06:34.248-04:00

EVENT: Father's DayVENUE: Phoebe's Parents' Apt, Upper West SidePARTY-SIZE: 3TYPE: Comforting, Nostalgic DinnerMENU: Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cremini Mushrooms and Scallions; Baked Tomatoes with Thyme; Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon; Chocolate Chip Cookies“Before he met me, your father’s favorite home-cooked dish was tuna casserole.” That’s pretty much how my mother sums up my dad’s

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WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Good Grips Measuring Spoon SetI'm a nerd, but I often wake up early on Saturdays, and I like to get to the farmers' market when it opens, around 8am, before the hordes of shoppers, children, strollers, and puppies arrive. I like to get there when it's still cool out in the summer, and when I have first pick of the goodies and don't have to wait on line to buy them.When I can get

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AL FRESCO DINNER: Panzanella Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette; Turkey Burgers with Red Onion and Beet Relish; Lemon Tart with CreamI usually don't bake tomatoes in the summer because a) the oven makes my apartment unbearably hot and b) the tomatoes are usually so red and juicy that I want to pick one right up and bite into it like an apple. In the winter, a trip to the oven is an excellent way

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the couscousiere: small kitchen tool extraordinaireLast week, I walked in my door after 22 hours of travel. My shirt smelled terrible, but my backpack still smelled like Morocco. Filled with spices, preserved lemons, and the last bites of a flatbread we didn't finish on the plane, it was an instant reminder of the trip, as if I could have forgotten already. But to ensure that I don't forget--at

Phoebe and Cara, the Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438007558089935526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-13729338662930292052010-07-09T08:59:00.007-04:002010-07-12T09:17:03.084-04:00

EVENT: Various Catering gigsVENUE: Someone else's big kitchenPARTY SIZE: 25 - 75TYPE: Catered Cocktail Party with Hors d'OeuvresMENU: Shrimp & Mango Wonton Crisps; Soy-Sesame Ahi Tuna & Avocado Wonton CrispsI recently posted my manifesto on why wonton skins are a leftover’s best friend. But I still haven’t shared with you the reason they entered my fridge/freezer in the first place.Back in

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YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE: Mediterranean Catfish SpaghettiSometimes I like to see just how little I can get away with. Protein, that is. It's often the most important, most sizable part of a meal, but--not being a bodybuilder--I'm never convinced I need to ingest a terribly large amount of it. That may be the carboholic in me talking. But I am intrigued by the idea that, if you supplement your meat,

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EVENT: Mom's BirthdayVENUE: Mom's Kitchen, RiverdalePARTY SIZE: 4TYPE: Festive Celebratory DinnerMENU: Chicken Parmesan; Twice-Fried French Fries; Mixed Greens with Yellow Pepper and Basil Dressing; Sweet Ricotta Tart; ProseccoWHAT YOU'LL NEED: Stainless Steel Slotted TurnerI guess it's not so surprising that, for my mom's birthday this year, we decided to traffic in nostalgia rather than

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Up for grabs this week: the HAAN Handheld Deluxe Personal Sanitizing Steam CleanerWe don't usually get this excited about cleaning products. But this multi-purpose steam cleaner courtesy of HAAN is truly a revelation. So really, get excited people.We happened upon the HAAN booth at the Total Home Event last week, and stayed for far too long watching a demonstration of the many uses for this

Phoebe and Cara, The Quarter-Life Cookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175806673174860102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701819011049891039.post-80779924079765981632010-06-30T10:10:00.008-04:002010-08-31T09:40:10.697-04:00

MEXICAN FINGER FOOD MENU: Black Bean Cakes; Chorizo Pigs in a Blanket; Chips and GuacamoleWHAT YOU'LL NEED: Cookie Sheet/Jelly Roll PanAs you very well know, we love us some quesadillas. But for large finger food parties, they just don't make sense. When cut into triangles, the result is a bit messy, and for catered cocktail parties, we tend to want something neater. But when we were throwing

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This is less a post and more a plea for help. How do you make great peanut butter granola bars?! I've made them again and again, and I'm having trouble solving a few issues. So rather than give you a recipe (though I've given you my working formula, which is delicious if not quite perfect), I'm imploring you readers for a recipe.I like crunchy granola bars, so the method I've come to use is

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EVENT: Not Quite Sure...VENUE: Phoebe's Apartment, FlatironPARTY SIZE: 4 mystery eatersTYPE: Taco Tuesday...or something like thatMENU: Ancho-Rubbed Chicken & Chorizo Tacos with Mango Salad, Avocado, and Chipotle CremaIt’s a sad story when you’ve made so many tacos in a month that you can’t remember who came to eat them and why. I made these ancho-rubbed chicken tacos sometime before April 17th.

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