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From our Blog
Raising the bar: How to make simple syrup
Simple syrup is pretty much liquid sugar and can be a busy bartender’s best friend. With a batch of simple syrup on hand, drinks don’t need a lot of stirring or shaking. You can easily produce a minty Mojito or a myriad of other cocktails -- with or without alcohol.
All you have to do is combine equal parts of granulated sugar and water in a saucepan, (we usually do one cup of each), bring it just to a boil, and then simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. Then remove the pan from the heat, cool the syrup, and refrigerate in a covered jar. It should keep for about two weeks -- if it lasts that long!
For a slightly different take on simple syrups, here is the link to a great story in The Miami Herald click here.
Service is all over the map at new "global" restaurant
I went out to a really nice restaurant that I heard a lot about here in Raleigh with my friend Scott last night, and we had the worst service either of us had ever had at an upscale restaurant. The restaurant described itself as serving "Global Street Food," and we were both excited to try it out.
The waiter seemed nice and attentive, but was possibly the most clueless individual I have ever encountered, especially since the waiter at a restaurant at that price level is supposed to be more than clued in and be your guide for the evening.
So here’s what happened:
Top 5 favorite foods to freeze
1. Bags of already-shredded cheese. Keeps mold at bay and works wonderfully with no compromise in flavor or texture in baked dishes, as stir-ins for pasta or even as a topper for casseroles.
2. Leftover cooked rice. Make extra and freeze for another meal. Defrost in the microwave.
3. Meats we bought on sale. Always buy extra for later for a significant expense cut!
4. Ice cube trays full of pesto. Once frozen, pop out the cubes, store in a plastic freezer bag and pull out just what you need later on. (Each cube is 2 tablespoons.)
5. Desserts. Cut your calories -- banish leftover cake, brownies and cookies to the freezer. Portion into servings for one or two, wrap securely and pull out when you deserve a treat.
That’s our list. What are your favs?
Mini tarts make impromptu entertaining easier
Laziest days of summer? It's a great time for hassle-free entertaining.
Should your home office go in your bedroom?
Should your home office go in your bedroom? Alicia says NO!
Am I crazy to crave a week alone with just the ocean?
One week alone at my parent’s beach house in North Carolina. Is this too much to ask?
Does everything taste better with turkey bacon?
We decided to make over one of our favorite bacon dishes: The simple, sublime – BLT sandwich. And that’s just what emerged from the kitchen!
Rearranging your life changes the furniture around, too
Do you rearrange your furniture? Alicia contemplates her new digs and a different design.
This BLT dip has all the flavors of my favorite sandwich
After having this dip at a party, Alicia just had to have the recipe. It's fantastic!
How do you cook with chard?
Do you cook with Swiss chard? Have to admit that it’s a new veggie for us!
