Over the years, our seaside vacations have presented the opportunity to try my skills at cooking in a variety of kitchens. They have ranged from a tiny efficiency with a two burner and a mini-refrigerator on one side of the living room, to an enormous, isolated space designed to be used by the servants in an old Arts and Crafts bungalow we rented in Edgartown, MA.
This is the time of year when we begin to think summer excursions, looking at apartments and houses, and deciding where I will cook this year. It also seems like a good time to begin sharing our tips on cooking in a vacation rental.
Of course, I pack my knives – an 8-Inch Chef's Knife and an Opinel French Picnic Knife. I’m teased because I bring my own knives when I go to a friend's house for a potluck dinner. If you cook seriously, your knives are extensions of your hands and it could be dangerous to use the dull ones you find in most kitchens.
If you want to pack ultra light, I would at least pack the Opinel French Picnic Knife. With that, you can prepare a wonderful tray of fruit and cheese like the one above.
These two are packed in a canvas tool roll with tongs, chopsticks, a waiter's corkscrew, OXO Peeler, Small Diamond Steel to keep the edge on my blades, kitchen shears, a Digital Instant-Read Thermometer, and a wooden spoon. This case was meant to hold screwdrivers and pliers but it has worked for years for my cooking gear. Today, it's easy to find a knife roll to carry your favorite tools if you prefer.
Watch for the next installment of my tricks for mastering cooking in a strange kitchen.
Over the years, our seaside vacations have presented the opportunity to try my skills at cooking in a variety of kitchens. They have ranged from a tiny efficiency with a two burner and a mini-refrigerator on one side of the living room, to an enormous, isolated space designed to be used by the servants in an old Arts and Crafts bungalow we rented in Edgartown, MA.
This is the time of year when we begin to think summer excursions, looking at apartments and houses, and deciding where I will cook this year. It also seems like a good time to begin sharing our tips on cooking in a vacation rental.
Of course, I pack my knives – an 8-Inch Chef's Knife and an Opinel French Picnic Knife. I’m teased because I bring my own knives when I go to a friend's house for a potluck dinner. If you cook seriously, your knives are extensions of your hands and it could be dangerous to use the dull ones you find in most kitchens.
If you want to pack ultra light, I would at least pack the Opinel French Picnic Knife. With that, you can prepare a wonderful tray of fruit and cheese like the one above.
These two are packed in a canvas tool roll with tongs, chopsticks, a waiter's corkscrew, OXO Peeler, Small Diamond Steel to keep the edge on my blades, kitchen shears, a Digital Instant-Read Thermometer, and a wooden spoon. This case was meant to hold screwdrivers and pliers but it has worked for years for my cooking gear. Today, it's easy to find a knife roll to carry your favorite tools if you prefer.
Watch for the next installment of my tricks for mastering cooking in a strange kitchen.
Over the years, our seaside vacations have presented the opportunity to try my skills at cooking in a variety of kitchens. They have ranged from a tiny efficiency with a two burner and a mini-refrigerator on one side of the living room, to an enormous, isolated space designed to be used by the servants in an old Arts and Crafts bungalow we rented in Edgartown, MA.
This is the time of year when we begin to think summer excursions, looking at apartments and houses, and deciding where I will cook this year. It also seems like a good time to begin sharing our tips on cooking in a vacation rental.
Of course, I pack my knives – an 8-Inch Chef's Knife and an Opinel French Picnic Knife. I’m teased because I bring my own knives when I go to a friend's house for a potluck dinner. If you cook seriously, your knives are extensions of your hands and it could be dangerous to use the dull ones you find in most kitchens.
If you want to pack ultra light, I would at least pack the Opinel French Picnic Knife. With that, you can prepare a wonderful tray of fruit and cheese like the one above.
These two are packed in a canvas tool roll with tongs, chopsticks, a waiter's corkscrew, OXO Peeler, Small Diamond Steel to keep the edge on my blades, kitchen shears, a Digital Instant-Read Thermometer, and a wooden spoon. This case was meant to hold screwdrivers and pliers but it has worked for years for my cooking gear. Today, it's easy to find a knife roll to carry your favorite tools if you prefer.
Watch for the next installment of my tricks for mastering cooking in a strange kitchen.
Are you going to the Wine Expo this weekend or do you have another big tasting event to attend? Tell us what you're planning to bring, do, and taste? And, check back afterwards to tell us your reactions to the event and if any of our tips helped.
Our tips include:
What to pack to help you stay sober, collect information, and enjoy large tasting events.
How to spit without making a mess of yourself and the event.
Fine wine glasses that are dishwasher safe? Because Ed insists on washing our stems, I can't swear to it, but the manufacturer says that the Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Forte Collection can go in the dishwasher. We do put our barware from the same line through the dishwaser all the time.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Are you going to the Wine Expo this weekend or do you have another big tasting event to attend? Tell us what you're planning to bring, do, and taste? And, check back afterwards to tell us your reactions to the event and if any of our tips helped.
Our tips include:
What to pack to help you stay sober, collect information, and enjoy large tasting events.
How to spit without making a mess of yourself and the event.
Fine wine glasses that are dishwasher safe? Because Ed insists on washing our stems, I can't swear to it, but the manufacturer says that the Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Forte Collection can go in the dishwasher. We do put our barware from the same line through the dishwaser all the time.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Are you going to the Wine Expo this weekend or do you have another big tasting event to attend? Tell us what you're planning to bring, do, and taste? And, check back afterwards to tell us your reactions to the event and if any of our tips helped.
Our tips include:
What to pack to help you stay sober, collect information, and enjoy large tasting events.
How to spit without making a mess of yourself and the event.
Fine wine glasses that are dishwasher safe? Because Ed insists on washing our stems, I can't swear to it, but the manufacturer says that the Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Forte Collection can go in the dishwasher. We do put our barware from the same line through the dishwaser all the time.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
I recently learned that blogger Rhea Becker is The Clutter Queen. She can help you conquer your clutter issues and clean up your life! Over a recent lunch, she agreed to share some decluttering tips with BostonZest readers.
I've been following Rhea for years. We meet up every so often to let our dogs play together or have lunch and brainstorm about blogging, how to achieve world peace, and solve the rest of the planet's problems.
It's funny when you know a person from one aspect of their life and suddenly learn they have another skill set you knew nothing about. During our meal, we talked about her decluttering consulting business, and she agreed to share some tips.
10 Great Tips for DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING from Rhea's website, My Clutter Queen
Start small
You know that little drawer in your kitchen where all the takeout menus, rubber bands, twist ties, and plastic cutlery go to die? It's time to dump out that drawer, toss the things you don't need, and put back what's left – neatly. There! You've started decluttering.
Start really small
Declutter for 15 minutes per day. Set the timer on your smartphone or stove. Choose a small project. It could even be as small as a fruit and vegetable drawer in your refrigerator, or one corner of the countertop, the top of the fridge, or the spice rack.
Go to the corner
When beginning to declutter a room, choose a corner and move clockwise until you've completed that room. This could take hours or even days. Keep at it!
Become familiar with your local thrift shop. It will be your greatest ally in keeping your home clutter free. Keep a box or large bag in a convenient place. Put items into it that you are ready to part with. As soon as the box or bag is filled, take it to the local thrift shop. By the way, if youʼre an animal lover, remember that animal shelters often seek used towels and bedding.
Bedtime storage
Use the space under your bed for storage.
Wear it or ditch it
If you haven't worn it in a year, it doesn't fit, or needs mending, take it to the thrift shop.
Will you really get that fixed?!
If you have stuff around the house that is broken, torn, or missing a part, get rid of it. Most people never get around to fixing things they swear they will.
Closets, one day at a time
It may be overwhelming to tackle an entire closet, so start with one category. How about shoes? Pair up all your shoes, then purge the ones that need repair, are worn out, not in style, or that you are simply tired of. Take them to the thrift shop. Then start on a new category, say: belts, scarves, pants, or dresses.
Junk the mail
Open your mail each day, and do it over a wastebasket or recycling bin. Immediately ditch what you don't want or need.
Need a helping hand?
If dealing with your clutter gives you a feeling of paralysis, this is not unusual. You may want to consult with a professional organizer like The Clutter Queen (Boston, MA).
Gift certificate: Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
I recently learned that blogger Rhea Becker is The Clutter Queen. She can help you conquer your clutter issues and clean up your life! Over a recent lunch, she agreed to share some decluttering tips with BostonZest readers.
I've been following Rhea for years. We meet up every so often to let our dogs play together or have lunch and brainstorm about blogging, how to achieve world peace, and solve the rest of the planet's problems.
It's funny when you know a person from one aspect of their life and suddenly learn they have another skill set you knew nothing about. During our meal, we talked about her decluttering consulting business, and she agreed to share some tips.
10 Great Tips for DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING from Rhea's website, My Clutter Queen
Start small
You know that little drawer in your kitchen where all the takeout menus, rubber bands, twist ties, and plastic cutlery go to die? It's time to dump out that drawer, toss the things you don't need, and put back what's left – neatly. There! You've started decluttering.
Start really small
Declutter for 15 minutes per day. Set the timer on your smartphone or stove. Choose a small project. It could even be as small as a fruit and vegetable drawer in your refrigerator, or one corner of the countertop, the top of the fridge, or the spice rack.
Go to the corner
When beginning to declutter a room, choose a corner and move clockwise until you've completed that room. This could take hours or even days. Keep at it!
Become familiar with your local thrift shop. It will be your greatest ally in keeping your home clutter free. Keep a box or large bag in a convenient place. Put items into it that you are ready to part with. As soon as the box or bag is filled, take it to the local thrift shop. By the way, if youʼre an animal lover, remember that animal shelters often seek used towels and bedding.
Bedtime storage
Use the space under your bed for storage.
Wear it or ditch it
If you haven't worn it in a year, it doesn't fit, or needs mending, take it to the thrift shop.
Will you really get that fixed?!
If you have stuff around the house that is broken, torn, or missing a part, get rid of it. Most people never get around to fixing things they swear they will.
Closets, one day at a time
It may be overwhelming to tackle an entire closet, so start with one category. How about shoes? Pair up all your shoes, then purge the ones that need repair, are worn out, not in style, or that you are simply tired of. Take them to the thrift shop. Then start on a new category, say: belts, scarves, pants, or dresses.
Junk the mail
Open your mail each day, and do it over a wastebasket or recycling bin. Immediately ditch what you don't want or need.
Need a helping hand?
If dealing with your clutter gives you a feeling of paralysis, this is not unusual. You may want to consult with a professional organizer like The Clutter Queen (Boston, MA).
Gift certificate: Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
I recently learned that blogger Rhea Becker is The Clutter Queen. She can help you conquer your clutter issues and clean up your life! Over a recent lunch, she agreed to share some decluttering tips with BostonZest readers.
I've been following Rhea for years. We meet up every so often to let our dogs play together or have lunch and brainstorm about blogging, how to achieve world peace, and solve the rest of the planet's problems.
It's funny when you know a person from one aspect of their life and suddenly learn they have another skill set you knew nothing about. During our meal, we talked about her decluttering consulting business, and she agreed to share some tips.
10 Great Tips for DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING from Rhea's website, My Clutter Queen
Start small
You know that little drawer in your kitchen where all the takeout menus, rubber bands, twist ties, and plastic cutlery go to die? It's time to dump out that drawer, toss the things you don't need, and put back what's left – neatly. There! You've started decluttering.
Start really small
Declutter for 15 minutes per day. Set the timer on your smartphone or stove. Choose a small project. It could even be as small as a fruit and vegetable drawer in your refrigerator, or one corner of the countertop, the top of the fridge, or the spice rack.
Go to the corner
When beginning to declutter a room, choose a corner and move clockwise until you've completed that room. This could take hours or even days. Keep at it!
Become familiar with your local thrift shop. It will be your greatest ally in keeping your home clutter free. Keep a box or large bag in a convenient place. Put items into it that you are ready to part with. As soon as the box or bag is filled, take it to the local thrift shop. By the way, if youʼre an animal lover, remember that animal shelters often seek used towels and bedding.
Bedtime storage
Use the space under your bed for storage.
Wear it or ditch it
If you haven't worn it in a year, it doesn't fit, or needs mending, take it to the thrift shop.
Will you really get that fixed?!
If you have stuff around the house that is broken, torn, or missing a part, get rid of it. Most people never get around to fixing things they swear they will.
Closets, one day at a time
It may be overwhelming to tackle an entire closet, so start with one category. How about shoes? Pair up all your shoes, then purge the ones that need repair, are worn out, not in style, or that you are simply tired of. Take them to the thrift shop. Then start on a new category, say: belts, scarves, pants, or dresses.
Junk the mail
Open your mail each day, and do it over a wastebasket or recycling bin. Immediately ditch what you don't want or need.
Need a helping hand?
If dealing with your clutter gives you a feeling of paralysis, this is not unusual. You may want to consult with a professional organizer like The Clutter Queen (Boston, MA).
Gift certificate: Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Some of the new versions of Shepherd's Pie turning up lately are inspiring me to add more of these homey casseroles to our menu. Today, I'll share some of my tips for making my traditional lamb version.
We like to grind our own meat with our trusty LEM meat grinder but you can cube it, buy it ground, or make the dish with leftover lamb. Good old Wikipedia says that the term shepherd's pie or cottage pie was in use as early as 1791 and was a way to use up leftovers. You'll also see many variations for this type of dish listed at that link.
Like so many homey dishes, this one begins with sautéed onions and garlic.
Tip 1: For a lamb pie, I add some rosemary and thyme to the mix.
Tip 2: Of course, I make extra garlic and onions for another day or use some of my Cooks Treasure: Sautéed Onions & Garlic from the last time I cooked up a batch.
Next, put in the ground lamb and sauté it, adding a bit of wine and then stock to make a nice, rich gravy for your dish.
Tip 3: Up to this step, you can also double or triple your meat mix and then freeze the excess for another pie on another day. I don't like the result when I freeze a completed shepherd's pie but freezing the meat works well and takes up a lot less space in my small freezer.
Tip 5: To avoid cleaning an extra pan, I drop a sieve full of carrots right into the pot where the potatoes for the mashed-potato-topping are boiling away.
Tip 6: Just before I spoon the meat into my buttered casserole, I add a healthy sprinkle of frozen peas. The heat from the meat will thaw them most of the way and the time in the oven will finish the task. Plus, by adding them frozen, they don't overcook.
Tip 7: You can lighten the calorie-count in mashed potatoes by mixing in only a small amount of butter along with as much 2% yogurt as needed, to make them creamy and rich tasting. In the photo on the left, you see me adding some of the boiling liquid from the potatoes to make them flow well and heighten the potato taste.
Tip 8: Adding a handful of chopped chives or scallions to the potatoes will enhance both color and flavor.
Tip 9: Layers not only make your dish prettier but also assure that everyone gets a bit of everything in each serving.
Tip 10:Grate your cheese (mine was a Cabot Cheddar) onto a piece of parchment or wax paper to avoid a mess and to make it easy to spread across the dish.
Bake your pie until the top is golden, serve it up, and enjoy. Then, think about what you'd like to try as your next version of shepherd's or cottage pie. My plan is a vegetarian version with roasted root vegetables in place of the meat, and a traditional Irish Fish Pie.
can go in the dishwasher. We do put our barware from the same line through the dishwaser all the time.
but you can cube it, buy it ground, or make the dish with leftover lamb. Good old Wikipedia says that the term 
(mine was a Cabot Cheddar) onto a piece of parchment or 
to avoid a mess and to make it easy to spread across the dish. 
