This one is for those of you who don't own Kevlar gloves (I know, you're jealous). Before grating soft cheeses like mozzarella, cover them in plastic wrap and stick them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes (or until firm).
On the menu tonight: Caprese Pasta (as an aside...whoa, check out what my food pictures used to look like! Eeek).
Can you tell that I'm maybe compiling a bunch of these to have ready for the arrival of The Small One? Yes yes, I'll freeze a whole bunch of stuff to have at the ready for those first couple of weeks, but honestly, I'd rather spend the before-bed hours with my family than with the stove...
You know my friend Alejandra? She of the fabulous cake recipes?
Awesome news for those seeking culinary advice: she's offering dinner-party cooking classes starting next week in Hell's Kitchen. Class sizes max out at 8, and for each class she'll teach students how to cook a full menu using fresh, seasonal, and mostly local ingredients (plus entertaining and professional cooking tips).
All the classes will feature unlimited paired cocktails or wine included with the price, and of course will end with a delicious meal. Also, everyone will get their own chef's knife and apron to use during the class, and will go home with a gift bag full of treats, kitchen stuff to keep, and a recipe booklet.
The classes are $125 per person, and RG readers get 10% off (just email Alejandra directly at alejandra@alwaysorderdessert.com after you've signed up, and she'll refund you the discount).
Q. Jordan:
First of all, congratulations on the pregnancy! As a long-time reader of your blog, I can't wait to see this adorable new person that you will bring into the world, and I just know that you'll be such a fun and loving mom.
I'm looking for some date-destination advice. My husband and I are long-time NYC residents and the recession has been hitting our recreational budget hard. We love the outdoors and would usually be planning kayaking and hiking adventures throughout the summer, but with the cost of gas lately, I just don't see that as being very prudent. I was wondering (and perhaps your other readers might be interested, too) if you and Kendrick have any local go-to spots when you're looking to spend some time together without spending more than $50. The museum-and-a-cafe route hasn't been cutting it lately.
Thanks for all the entertainment, sincerity and recipes I've found on Ramshackleglam. :)
I have been sick three - THREE - times since February. I know, suppressed immune system (so that you don't reject the baby, which is, of course, half-comprised of someone else entirely), etc etc...but I am sick to death of being deathly sick.
When I woke up all sorts of miserable yesterday, though, I thought that maybe the intense heatwave had brought on heretofore unknown allergies (everyone else seems to be complaining about them). This would be an especially bad thing, because while the typical cold lasts just a few days, allergies can go on...and on...and on. Or so I hear. I don't think I've ever had them.
Or have I?
Very confused.
See, I know that this doesn't look particularly impressive...and "impressive" certainly isn't a word I would use to describe it (because wow, is it ever easy)...but here's the problem: it also doesn't look that tasty. Even though it really was.
You may remember Alejandra of Always Order Dessert as the inspiration behind my Mom's Lemon-Chocolate Birthday Cake and the stunning Italian Rainbow Cake that we ate on Christmas Day. She's been generous enough to provide Ramshackle Glam with one of her to-die-for recipes in my absence...can't wait to take this one for a spin myself once I'm back!
- Jordan
Hi Ramshackle Glam readers! My name is Alejandra and I’m the food blogger behind Always Order Dessert. Jordan asked me if I would be able share a recipe with you while she and Kendrick are off enjoying the sun and temperatures significantly higher than those here in New York so I thought I’d bring along my (and hopefully your!) new favorite treat—doughnut muffins.
Q. Hey Jordan, I'd like to ask you about the rules and legal issues that come with having a blog...
The other night, I got an email from reader Kristin saying that she had just done an odd thing, and that she recommended that I try doing it, too. What had she done?
I know, I know: I'm obsessed with my slow-cooker. But the recipe that reader Ali posted sounded too good not to make immediately.
