Grand Central Market, NYC

When traveling to NYC we like staying in the middle of midtown Manhattan, close to Grand Central Station. As we make our way in or out of the station, depending on the time of day, we enjoy wandering through Grand Central Market. This small, but super varied market is filled with delicacies galore from around the city.

LOBSTER CORN CHOWDER

When local corn is available, I can’t get enough of it. As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, I love to make LOBSTER CORN CHOWDER. It’s summery yet hearty enough to serve big bowls for dinner. 

First, I make the stock with the lobster shells and corn cobs, then add lots of fresh corn, lobster meat, potatoes, bacon, celery, and some fresh chives. This is summer comfort food at it’s best—I may just have to make a pot this weekend!

Triple Peanut & Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here's how you take the basic Chocolate Chip Cookie up a notch! Meet the coolest cookie in town, featuring mini peanut butter cups, honey-roasted peanuts, peanut butter and, of course, chocolate chips. These loaded cookies will be gone before you know it, so you might want to bake two batches! If you love the chocolate and peanut butter flavor combo, this cookie is for you!  ENJOY!

PICKLED SUMMER STRAWBERRIES

Pickling isn't just for cucumbers anymore! You can reinvent pickling by using unusual ingredients, such as strawberries.  Preserving summer fruits towards the end of the season allows you to continue enjoying your favorite flavors throughout the fall and into the winter. This recipe uses a vinegar-based brine that preserves the strawberries. The vinegar based brine is very easy to make. After a few days in the refrigerator you will have a delicious sweet and salty treat. If kept refrigerated, these strawberries will last for up to two weeks. Eat them straight out of the jar, or enjoy them in salads and sandwiches, on ice cream and appetizers or along side a cheese platter. Your options for using pickled strawberries are endless, ENJOY!

Ten Uncommon Uses For Used Tea Bags

Everyone is familiar with the health benefits of tea: it fights cancer, reduces risk of stroke and other diseases, and revitalizes body cells. Yet, after you’ve drained your delicious cup of tea, you find yourself discarding the used tea bag. Well, don’t. You’ll be surprised at the number of ways you can reuse this untapped treasure. Here are a ten unique and surprising uses for those old tea bags.

Easy Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Looking for an easy and out of this world tasting, crowd-pleasing recipe? Pull apart pepperoni pizza bread is so simple to make and amazing to eat. For anyone who loves pizza, this recipe is for you. Pull apart pizza bread is perfect anytime of day. Lunch, dinner, an evening snack when you have your friends over or watching a movie with the kids. It's delicious and fast! Enjoy!

Homemade Citronella Candles

Do citronella candles work? Well, don’t expect a single candle on a huge patio to be your golden ticket to eliminating mosquitoes. But in a controlled area, with enough candles, citronella candles will keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay. They do make a difference.

How To Throw A Sunny Summer Picnic

Grab your family and friends and head to the backyard for a summer picnic! Picnics are the personification of summer fun with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and laid-back, warm sunshine. Turn it into a party with a few decor touches and picnic baskets for everyone! Below are my top tips for throwing a backyard summer picnic.

5 Homemade Summer Salad Dressings

I may have mentions on a few occasions [tongue-in-cheek] that I am slightly addicted to salads. From the crisp to the crunch and the bursts of flavor in between, summer is just not the same without salads made with fresh produce. Same goes for salad dressings. Why by store-bought brands when you can quickly and easily make your own dressings -- minus the additives, plus all of the fresh goodness. Find one on the list below and give it a try. You never know, you just might find a new favorite!

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL!

Barbecue, fireworks, parades, hot dogs, picnics, lemonade, concerts, home-made ice cream, grilled burgers, swimming and baseball games!  WHEW! From small towns to big cities and all across this beautiful nation of ours, these are just a few of the ways we will celebrate the 4th of July, America’s Independence Day. Red, white, & blue will be the colors of the day, and being with the ones we love will surely be the highlight of our long weekend. It is fitting that we stop and take the time to celebrate the independence of our great nation! Below [each picture is linked to it's original source] is a collection of recipes, decor and easy entertaining tips for the birthday of our nation! Let's CELEBRATE!

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Lemons & Limes

During the summer many recipes call for lemon or lime juice. Here are a few TIPS to keep in mind when you are buying and juicing your citrus.

DIY KITCHEN ISLAND WITH KEN

Give an Old Dresser new life by turning it into a Kitchen Island!