You miiiight have noticed by now that Birchbox staffers have an ever-so-slight obsession with food, from colorful (and totally yummy) vegetables to delicious smoothies. Which is why we’ve enlisted our in-house recipe guru Nicole to divulge her kitchen secrets each week, sharing seasonal ingredients, must-have tools, and new cooking methods.
Among the many delicious ingredients that Spring brings, the neatly wrapped tomatillo is my favorite. Not to be confused with its cousin, the green (unripe) tomato, this small-statured fellow comes earlier in the season and grows within a parchment-like husk. When the husk is removed, you’ll find sticky, firm and vibrant green skin. Also called husk tomato, jam berry, or husk cherry, one bite will reveal a delish tart-yet-sweet taste.
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6 Recipes to Round Out Your Spring Menu
By the looks of all the floral prints (guys and gals) in the Birchbox offices, spring is definitely here. We’re pleased as punch, since that means our local farmer’s market is in full swing. Whether you’re an afternoon meanderer or one of the dedicated few stocking up at dawn, the markets are bursting with seasonal faves. Need inspiration? We’ve got ideas for how to use spring’s marquee ingredients—no ho-hum salads here.
Avocado Asparagus Tartine from 101 Cookbooks
We’ll start things off extra fresh with this tartine that came highly recommended from resident food lover, Mollie. Combining avocado, asparagus, and arugula, it’s the epitome of spring.
Asparagus Tart with Pine Nuts and Capers from The Forest Feast
This tart is a personal favorite of mine and is incredibly easy to whip up for a light meal after a long day. And don’t worry—if capers aren’t your thing (guilty!), you can skip them without diminishing this warm, flaky dish.
New Potatoes with Dill Butter from Bon Appétit
Mashed potatoes may rule the menu in the fall, but spring deserves something a little lighter—like these dill-laced new potatoes. Pair with smoked salmon for a fresh Scandinavian meal.
Spring Risotto of Asparagus, Peas, & Ramps from Food52
There is no such thing as too much asparagus when it comes to spring cooking! Avoid the urge to simply roast and instead opt for a market-inspired risotto that also brings in (the often underutilized) ramps and peas.
Rhubarb-Ginger Jam from Savuer
We can’t resist a good jam recipe and the spicy ginger makes a great addition to this otherwise sweet spread. Double the recipe to keep your pantry well-stocked through next season.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble from smitten kitchen
Strawberry and rhubarb is a classic for a reason. The tartness of the rhubarb is balanced by the extra sweet and juicy strawberries, and this well-formed combination comes together perfectly in a buttery crumble. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream!
– Bre
Want more seasonal cooking tips? Check out our 5 ways to make the most of this season’s freshest ingredients.
You miiiight have noticed by now that Birchbox staffers have an ever-so-slight obsession with food, from colorful (and totally yummy) vegetables to delicious smoothies. Which is why we’ve enlisted our in-house recipe guru Nicole to divulge her kitchen secrets each week, sharing seasonal ingredients, must-have tools, and new cooking methods.
Spring is almost here (hooray!), but the farmers markets are still all about root vegetables and winter greens like potatoes, carrots, kale, and a cornucopia of different squash varieties. Last weekend, I headed to my local market with one goal in mind: I will make soul-warming soup while it’s still chilly outside.
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You miiiight have noticed by now that Birchbox staffers have an ever-so-slight obsession with food, from colorful (and totally yummy) vegetables to delicious smoothies. Which is why we’ve enlisted our in-house recipe guru Nicole to divulge her kitchen secrets each week, sharing seasonal ingredients, must-have tools, and new cooking methods.
I’m not an expert on Chinese dumplings, unless you count that I eat them en masse. Nevertheless, with a chill in the air and Chinese New Year just passed, I thought it would be fun to throw a dumpling party. What better way to entertain friends and keep them warm and full on a winter evening? A little research also told me that the dumpling’s half-moon shape (which resembles ancient currency) is rumored to bring prosperity. Prosperity, good for groups, and addictively delicious? Sign me up!
But where is an enthusiast to learn the ropes? After a little sleuth-work, I found a local cooking class that tackled dumpling basics. And you know what I learned in the 2 hour class?
This is easy.
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You miiiight have noticed by now that Birchbox staffers have an ever-so-slight obsession with food, from colorful (and totally yummy) vegetables to delicious smoothies. Which is why we’ve enlisted our in-house recipe guru Nicole to divulge her kitchen secrets each week, sharing seasonal ingredients, must-have tools, and new cooking methods.
Whatever the occasion—say, an upcoming Oscars party this weekend—appetizers are a delicious and fun way to introduce your guests to the wonderland that will be your dinner party. Plus, since apps are a communal finger food, they handily help encourage guests to become familiar with one another while you put the finishing touches on the next course, refill drinks or adjust your iTunes party playlist.
Whether you’re the kind of person who throws dinner parties every weekend, or if you’re only in the kitchen for a special event, we can all agree that no one wants to be caught without a go-to recipe for a sudden small gathering.
Not to fear! Below are two amazing appetizers that you can pull together in 5 easy steps—all you need are basic ingredients that are easy to procure from any grocer. One’s creamy and one’s salty, so these dishes perfectly complement each other and look pretty when plated together when served in something like this elegant Core Bamboo Entertaining Set. Click through for Nicole’s recipes!
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Ever since I got an iPad a couple years ago, it’s become my favorite cooking companion. (Don’t worry—I got a screen protector to keep it safe from doughy fingerprints and rogue sauce splashes.) I love the combination of big, gorgeous pictures, easy-to-read recipes, and useful interactive elements like videos and ingredient glossaries.
The latest addition to my library is New Italian Pantry by chef Sara Jenkins, who is known for cooking incredibly delicious rustic Italian food at her restaurants Porchetta, Porsena, and Porsena Extra. Her brand-new cookbook is designed to hand-hold you through the process of optimizing your pantry, beginning with a guide to 16 ingredients that you should have on hand at all times. Once you’ve stocked your kitchen, you’re ready for the recipes: 75 dishes that are both accessible and inspiring—think garlicky bagna cauda with fresh farmer’s market veggies or an at-home version of her famous porchetta. Click through for my two favorite tips and a speedy appetizer to make this holiday season.
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For our Birchbox Home limited edition box, we created recipe cards featuring original designs (thank you, Team Creative!) so you can jot down your favorite creations. And to give you a head start, we pre-printed three cards with recipes from some of our favorite food bloggers and experts: Food52, Amateur Gourmet, and The Wednesday Chef. From an elegant cocktail to addictive brussels sprouts, these creations will become staples in your dinner party (or weeknight supper) repertoire. Click through for all three recipes!
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With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we’re in full-on preparation mode. (Translation: picking out our most flattering stretchy pants and trying out turkey-themed nail art.) And as for the food? We’ve got that covered too. We asked Food52, the genius community-sourced cooking site, for a foolproof menu and tips on getting through dinner without any mishaps. If you find yourself in a bind, ask the Food52 Hotline for help!
Russ Parson’s dry-brined turkey and gingered cranberry fig chutney from Food52.
Preparing a Thanksgiving dinner always seems a little daunting, doesn’t it? There’s the challenge of fitting everything into the oven, getting the timing right so that no dish gets burned, or too cold, before you sit down to eat. And when you’re making so many dishes, the potential for error is kind of high—it’s enough to scare any home cook, at any skill level.
We’re here to tell you that there’s nothing to fear! The Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to be stressful—all you need is a game plan, and we have one for you. We’re sharing a tried and tested menu that’s been approved of by the Food52 community. Along with the menu, notes on what you can make ahead and what you should make on the day of your holiday feast.
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She may live in Tennessee, but Kathryn Cunningham has the eye of an über-chic New Yorker. Her blog, Sweet Tea & Champagne, is a testament to her great taste and it quickly won us over with its great mix of fashion, style, and beauty. This week, she’s guest blogging for us and sharing everything from DIY tricks to her recent recipes obsessions.
1. My Baking Addiction 2. Creative Culinary 3. Raspberri Cupcakes 4. BHG 5. DIY Weddings Magazine
Along with the rest of the world, I’ve fallen in love with Pinterest. While I adore easily finding beautiful new fashion images, another passion of mine is baking and cooking. Of all the recipes that I have found recently via the online pinboard, these are the ones that I am most eager to try. I can’t think of any better way to spend my Christmas holiday than testing them out!
Give in to your sweet tooth this season with these yummy Chuao Chocolate Bars.
