Food Lush

The Shops at Target: the Curiosity Shoppe

By Dani

Does anyone think it's a little weird that Target has become one of the "it" places to shop? I mean, it wasn't that long ago when Target was basically Cleaner Wal-Mart. I appreciate the transition, but I tend to run over to Target for Wal-Mart-ish things like detergent and napkins and leave with a new dress in tow, all surprised at how classy they are these days.

Anyways. I digress.

My point is, Target is a pretty cool place to shop, and this new trend of having limited-edition designers and collections has made it even cooler. I missed out on the Missoni craziness because a) I'm not stylish and b) I hate crowds but, BUT - I will fight with some surburban home cooks over cute kitchen decor, y'all. Watch yoselves.

Enter the Curiosity Shoppe, and a totally good reason to go to Target even if you don't need toilet paper. Their stuff is funky and quirky and mostly unneccessary, but that's what makes it a fun splurge, right?

Check out the cuteness:

(a nod to Amarillo, Texas and Chris LeDoux. Yeehaw!)

(I just love their colors and patterns!)

I totally bought this cutting board for myself Sunday morning when I stopped in to Target "just to see." I love America, yo, and I couldn't help myself. Isn't it perfect for an MNF cheese plate?

If your Target has been mobbed by fellow classy kitchenistas, you might check out the Curiosity Shoppe online. They always have super cute things, and although the Target line is exclusive, I just love their style.

What do you think of the Shops at Target? Were you there when the doors opened, or are you "toothpaste and toilet paper only" Target-shopper?

(All photos from Target.com)

Ramekins: A Kitchen Favorite

by Maura

As I was straightening up the kitchen the other day, I noticed how many ramekins I put in the dishwasher. I use them for absolutely everything. Mise en place, melting butter, taco toppings, snack cups, appetizer holders and ice cream dishes. The ones I have are plain white or clear and I have a few different sizes. I don't remember where I got them, but there are cute ones available at a number of stores.

(image credit: Crate & Barrel)

These ramekins are available at Crate & Barrel in a set of six for $8.95. Holding only 4 oz, they are kind of tiny, but adorable and good for setting out all of your ingredients before putting together dinner.

(image credit: Target)

These ramekins are a little bigger and come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow and blue. They are a fun way to punch up a set of plain white dishes or bring a little cheer to your kitchen. They are $16.99 for a set of six small ones or $14.99 for a set of four larger ones.

(image credit: Target)

I absolutely adore these Rachael Ray ramekins with the little handles and fun colors, but at 10oz, they are a bit large. At a price of $24.99 for four, they are also a little spendy. I think they would be perfect to hold party appetizers. They would make a good housewarming gift or Christmas present for someone who likes to cook.

Do you have favorite kitchen dishes or tools? What do you use most in the kitchen?

Building the Perfect Wedding Registry in your Kitchen: Part 2

By Elisabeth

Let's talk about one of my favorite parts of the kitchen registry: Small appliances!

Now, here is where you can go for it more than not. You should put appliances on your registry that you really want and most likely need. You do NOT skimp out here. I say this only because it may be the only chance you'll have to get any of your higher priced items anytime soon. If you are paying for your wedding, or any component of it, then you may not not have an extra $300 sitting around waiting to be spent on a bad ass mixer.

(Of course you do not want to have all items on your registry out of your guests' price range, but a lot of the time, several people do go in on a higher priced item, so don't leave them out!)

Let's start with the Queen Bee, the KitchenAid Mixer.

Now, this is something I did NOT register for 10 years ago. I just didn't know better or think I would need it. I was WRONG. I did registered and receive a Cuisinart hand-held mixer. It worked just fine (it just went South on me last year) and I would even recommend it as well, but in addition to a standing mixer, if at all possible.

Next up, a Food Processor.

This is the Cuisinart I have, only this one is a newer, hipper version. You can pretty much find any KitchenAid or Cuisinart and it'll shine. Based on how much you cook, or think you will down the line, you can go with a 9-cup here or the larger 11-cup. (I've never had any size issues with my 9-cup.)

And now, Blenders.

From the reviews I have read on this Cuisinart, this is a great blender. (I have one too.) There are plenty of them out there, but you want something that's got a lot of power if you plan on making smoothies, blending ice, etc. This one is quieter than most, so that's a super bonus. Bottom line, you need one, especially if you plan on making things like margaritas!

So, these are the three big kahunas. An ideal trio for any kitchen.

Another item that would be ideal is a toaster, for example. I have a toaster oven which works great for our family, (And yes, I've heard they catch on fire easily. I'm on the lookout.) but a 4-slice toaster big enough to toast bagels is perfect.

If you want dinner ready and on the table within minutes of walking through the door, a slow cooker would definitely be up your alley.

You definitely want one that is 5-quarts or larger to fit your needs now and down the road when more mouths to feed may be involved.

Now, here is where I need your help, readers. I am not a coffee drinker. I know. What in the hell is wrong with me? I am sure one day I'll wake up and think a cup is delicious, but it hasn't happened yet. So, what type and brand of coffee maker would you recommend to someone who is creating their registry? What would you have wanted and needed from the get-go?

Also, anything else you think I should add to our small appliances list? Waffle makers? Griddles? Juice makers? If you could go back, what else would you have put on yours?

There are many small appliances out there and if your kitchen is anything like mine, it's hard to find space to house them all. Sit down, take a look at what is available and make a priority list. And worse case? You get a few things you might be having second thoughts on. All you need to do is return them and purchase your true must-haves.

Next week I'll be back with cookware and utensils to round out my series!

{photo credit: crateandbarrel.com}

All White?

By Jessica

In my kitchen currently I have the most ridiculous mish mash of plates, bowls, mugs (especially mugs, I own WORLDS of mugs) and cups. So many of the plates were super pretty when I bought them but now are super chipped and aren't even full sets anymore. Some of the bowls were my husbands and probably harken back to his college dorm, which means they are also chipped and are in some colors that I never would've purchased. 

I'm thinking I want to rid myself of all of them and just go with all white. 

I'm sure that's way too boring but I'm in this "all clutter must go" phase, so I don't really care if what I'm left with is boring as long as it's also peaceful and less crazy making.

I'm thinking these

from World Market which come in sets of 12 and are procelain. They also come with those nifty racks which would make schlepping them around (if ever I needed to) easy. 

{Photo credit: World Market}

Building the Perfect Wedding Registry in your Kitchen: Part 1

By Elisabeth

First off, creating a registry for your wedding can be DAUNTING, especially for the kitchen. Who's to say what items you'll be using years from now? Should you register for china? Crystal? Silver? What color scheme works for both of you now, but both of you 10, 15 years down the line?

I can say I registered for China/Crystal/Silver and got about 6 place settings total of everything. Not bad! Not bad if I actually used any of them. Not bad if they weren't still packed in the original boxes in my garage for the past TEN years. (Now this might not be the norm, but I never got the hutch I've always planned on having to display these items, plus with three young kids in the house now, it's still not the first thing on my list.)

I enjoy having the silver since it's the same pattern as my grandmother. The crystal is also the same pattern as the rest of my family and I love it. I truly can't wait to use them. The china is another story. I registered for a lovely pattern, but I don't think it's for me anymore. Yes, I need to actually open the box and take a look to make sure, but my advice would be this: Classic, simple patterns can last a lifetime.

There are millions of places to register, but you want to keep in mind the people on your invite list. If some people have a Williams-Sonoma, but not a Crate and Barrell nearby, you might want to register at both. Or, you may find everything you need at Target or your favorite department store may be your preference. People will order online, of course, but a lot of people like to go into a store and buy their gifts, especially people who are not computer-savvy.

Let's start with place settings, shall we?

Whether or not you choose to register for china, your everyday plates can still be your go-to plates.

These are the ones I have from Crate and Barrell for day-to-day use in my house. The thing you want to keep in mind, or hope rather, is the longevity of the pattern. Over the years, I have broken a couple of plates, and/or decided to add more to my collection. Having these still available to purchase 10 years later? AWESOME. Of course you can't predict this when picking out patterns, but go with something you think you'd like to stare at day in and day out while doing the dishes.

A flatware set like this is a great basic, yet classic choice when it comes to silverware. Pick a pattern that suites your taste, but is in a decent price range for you and your guests.

You can register for $5 glasses or find some great $1.50 ones like these to round out your daily ware. The ones I have are $1.50 a glass and if on the strange occurrence one does break, going back to Crate and Barrell to replace it and/or add a few more does not put me out.

Now, one to special stemware!

We registered for red and white wine glasses plus a set of 4 beer glasses. We currently only have the 3 beer glasses left. Everything else broke. On a whim, we purchased a set of 4 red wine glasses at a liquor store and have been extremely pleased with the durability. Point is this, if the glass itself is very thin, like the ones we had, they are way too fragile especially if you plan to clean them after having drank a glass or two.

Maybe this stemless wonder would have somewhat helped out in the clumsy department. I don't think these were in or hip 10 years ago, but I think I need to make a trip out to my local wine store and stock up!

Now, clearly this is just a start regarding the registry for the kitchen. Next week I'll be back discussing the must-have small appliances.

Stay tuned...

And please, if you have any advice to add to this series, feel free to comment! 

 

{photo credits: crateandbarrel.com}

Melamine Plates: Perfect for My Kitchen

By Jennie

I both have a toddler and am as klutzy as a toddler, so eating on nice-but-breakable plates is just .... stressful, truth be told. Ages ago, we got some melamine plates from a friend, and they are our tried-and-true kitchen staple.

They are much nicer than a paper or plastic plate, but my kid can drop his plate of food on the ground, and no one really bats an eye. Except the dog. The dog prefers when this happens.

We've had our melamine plates for years though, like I said, so it's time to get some more. I've rounded up some great-yet-durable melamine plates, in case you think you might need some, as well.

Clockwise: Bianca Orange Plate; Painters Melamine, set of 4; Tile Pattern Melamine Plates, set of 4; Reston Lloyd Melamine Plate

What are your kitchen dining staples?

Wedding registry remix

By Sarah

I got married (almost) three years ago (I just checked and third anniversary gift is leather, which reminds me I should buy my husband a new wallet, since I ran his through the washing machine, oh, a month ago.)

Anyway, we got married three years ago and while we certainly didn't register for such pointless things as laundry baskets and hangers (why people, why?) I do have some items that need updating and some things I'd do differently. Let's discuss.

Wine glasses and champagne flutes and cocktail glasses (oh my!)

Knowing I'm a serial glass-breaker, we didn't register for the fancy Reidel wine glasses. Smart move too, as we have exactly two pieces remaining of all our original drinkware. Usually this is fine, as it's just the two of us (our four-month-old daughter isn't drinking yet), but sometimes -- say, last night, when my mom was visiting, or tonight, when my nana-in-law is visiting -- it would be nice to have a matching set of more than just two glasses.

I'd like to do a big overhaul of all new glasses and am thinking Cost Plus World Market might be my best bet because they are, umm, cheap (I am cheap, sue me) and have a huge selection. While I originally registered for Mikasa (which, whatever, I still love the fun patterns), I think this go-around I'd like to shoot for a more classic look.

Maybe these champagne flutes:

Jubilee Amber Flute Glass, Set of 4 {$15.96 ON SALE, woo!}

And maybe these double old-fashioneds:

Stackable Double Old-Fashioned Glass, Set of 4 {$5.96, a price about which I am slightly dubious}

I will of course need to go in store and hem and haw over all the glassware IN PERSON, so I'm sure I'll get around to doing that real soon. (Haha, SARCASM, in case you couldn't tell.)

Forks and knives and spoons and stuff

When we registered for flatware, I was appalled at how much a set of just one fork, one knife, and one spoon went for. You want me (or my guests) to spend how much on this? Uhh, no.

We ultimately registered for, and received, one of these 20-piece flatware sets:

Towle Luxor 20-Piece Flatware Set {$49.99}

It's served us well, except that it's started to rust ever so slightly. So, while I'm not really looking to buy new flatware (yet), but that is something I'd do differently, if I had the chance.

Anything you'd do differently in the registry or kitchenware department? Do share!

{Photo credits: worldmarket.com and bedbathandbeyond.com}

The Best IKEA Purchase Ever

By Kristie

One of the best IKEA purchases I've ever gotten of all time are super simple Kalas plastic plates. I mean they're only plates, I know, but they are the perfect size for my kid and also for snacks or small meals when I'm not that hungry. I fully intend on getting another set for camping this summer and all the outdoor activities my family has planned. 

Do you own these plates? I swear every household I've been in lately has a set or two.

{Image from IKEA.com}

Slimware: A Great Healthy-Living Tool

By Kristie

How great are these plates?

 
 
 
Just ordinary plates you're thinking, am I right? Wrong! If you notice on each plate there are three distinct designs and those designs are the genius at work. These, dear readers, are Slimware plates.

 
In this case, the largest circle design is meant to measure how much your plate should consist of vegetables. The second largest circle design designates carbs/side dishes and the small circle is meant for your protein. Each plate has a "healthy portion extender area" which is for an extra small portion of healthy protein.

These look like such a great way to measure your food intake without having to bust out measuring cups and scales. The plates not only look nice but they serve a practical purpose, also!

What do you think about these? Would you use them?

{Images courtesy: Slimware.com}

Currently Coveting: Holiday Dishes

By Natalie

Last weekend I saw these gorgeous beauties at Macy's. And get this, they are on sale! I think these will compliment my wedding dishes nicely.

The most exciting news is that my mother-in-law said that she was going to buy me 4 place settings for my birthday! Hooray! Now, I need to start planning a Christmas dinner party!

Do you eat your holiday meal on fancy dishes?