Archive for the ‘Feature’ Category
Sally’s Baby Shower
Thursday, April 12th, 2012
When I learned that my best friend Sally Atkinson was pregnant, I started the planning for the baby shower. They decided not to find out the gender and at 1st I wasn't excited about coming up with ideas for the shower, but then I got inspired by the popular spring colors (red, yellow, green) and lots of ideas started coming together. I had a lot of fun shopping for the decorations for the shower.
I couldn't have done this amazing shower without the help of some amazing friends (Erica Gardner,Read More....
Super Bowl XLVI – Giants vs. Patriots
Sunday, February 5th, 2012
Suzi Yebio hosted the Super Bowl this year so I had a lot of food to cart down to her fabulous apartment, but thankfully I had a lot of help. Keeping with the tradition we started last year, Morgan found some bingo sheets online, we had 4 versions this year. It was so much fun and I love playing bingo, keeps the crew more attentive to the game and a little friendly competition is always great.
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Poach, Roast, Steam – Fall at its best!
Friday, November 11th, 2011
I started the Test Nest experiment to have an excuse to test lots of recipes I never had time to make, but I also wanted to improve my cooking skills by trying things I’ve never made before and that were challenging. There have been flops…but my 1st time roasting a duck was a great experience. I’d definitely do it again…in fact, this Test Nest duck was better than any duck I’ve had at a restaurant. My wonderful testers were Katherine Lum (one of my best friends who was visitRead More....
Apple, Squash, Caramel – Oh My
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
With fall in full swing I had to do a dinner full of favorites – apple, butternut, pear, turnips… It was a beautiful fall day and a perfect fall flavor profile dinner. My testers were Suzi Yebio, Daniel Evans, Steph Zundel, Andrea Metz, Amber Robinson, Russ Hill and Joon Shin (my favorite photographer).
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Mulled Cider Sparkle (3 Stars)
I love mulled cider and I was thinking that it would make for a great chilled drink with a little seltzer sparkle. Read More....Sweet and Sage
Thursday, October 13th, 2011
With all of my canning projects and a really busy work schedule in September, I needed to take a break from Test Nest. October started back with a FALLabulous menu. My favorite time of the year, I was excited to test recipes influenced by fall’s best offerings. Testers for the first dinner of the month included Daniel Evans, Micah Allred, Russ Hill, Vicki Walters, who brought friends Heather Payne and Laura White, and the ultimately wonderful Joon Shin who once again took all the pictures for Read More....
Charlotte
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
My parents are sad that they can’t participate in many Test Nests so I try to fit one in whenever we’re together. While in Charlotte for a couple weeks, I invited some friends who I spent quite a bit of time with in Bolivia years ago. Since we tried a lot of interesting food in Bolivia I knew they’d be up for some Test Nest adventures. Jordon Burton and his wife Julianna, my parents (Steve and Ann) and my best friend Lindsay Clark Hart (who was one of the first people I met in college FresRead More....
Papaya, Mango, Pineapple
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
I challenged myself with a few first's in this dinner: 1st time making grouper, homemade dinner rolls, creamed spinach and a buckle (what is this you ask, see the buckle comments to learn more about it). My wonderful testers included the fabulous Joon Shin whose fantastic photos can be seen below. Barbara Anglisz and Nick Cordua brought their friend Ed Kohtio, who I’ve met a few times over superb dining for Barb and Nick’s birthday celebrations. My wonderful neighbor Scott CRead More....
Celebrating Spring
Friday, May 27th, 2011
Since reading Barbara Kingsolver's book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" I've been so excited for Spring to come. I've committed to do my best to visit the farmer's markets and purchase more local goods. I'd also like to take on some better cooking practices of "cooking in season" so I've committed to try to make my menus a little more seasonal...I won't always do that, but a little effort can go a long way in doing my part to support local farmers and better eating habits. My wonderful testers for Read More....
2010 Summary of TEST NEST Experiment
Thursday, January 13th, 2011
2010 was an interesting year for me, but definitely one of the highlights was starting this TEST NEST experiment. I’ve learned so much over the course of this year and I’ve also had lots of firsts when it comes to cooking and eating as a result. I’ve also met some new friends and developed stronger relationships with a few that I’ve known for years, but never had the opportunity really to get the know them well.
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November 10, Spiced Ham and Everything Nice
Sunday, November 14th, 2010
I can’t believe we’re already in November, where has the year gone? I realized I hadn’t made a ham yet and figured now would be a perfect time. I’ve made over 200 recipes so far (TEST NEST and all other dishes I’ve tried as I haven’t made anything this year I’ve tried before). My wonderful testers (Gabe Jones, Rebecca Weidler, Bryan Whitchurch, Mbe Agbor, Amber Mackay, Lindsay Orme and Andrea Nielsen) as always brought great laughs and conversation to the dinner table and also wereRead More....
