Ideas & Tips — Kitchen

Summer always seems to fly by far too quickly and this year has been no exception. However, the official first day of fall is less than two months away so we still have some time to savor the season! Here are our top tips for making the most of the coming weeks: Eat al fresco: In the rush of every day life it's nice to take a moment to savor the little things. Try drinking your morning coffee on the porch or eating dinner outside on the patio. Stainless steel products, like our sturdy drinking tumblers and bowls, are particularly great for outdoor...

The use of salt and pepper as America's quintessential condiment combination has been so deeply ingrained in our culture that one rarely ever stops to wonder how that came to be. Even in Europe, the two seasonings are inseparable. Surprisingly, the story of salt and pepper goes back centuries. Pepper has been used since before the common era, serving as both a condiment and medicinal property in Ancient Rome. Though long pepper originally stood as most popular during the Roman era for a great while, the pepper we've come to know usurped its status by not only being more affordable but also...

You've only just walked in the door at the annual family holiday gathering, and already two aunts and a grandma have flocked around you to offer cookies, cakes and snacks. So it begins. Eating sensibly during the holiday can feel like an uphill battle, with factors from the cold weather to pushy relatives threatening the hard-earned integrity of your waistline. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average American gains one to two pounds every year during the holidays, which may not seem like a lot on its own but can add up over a lifetime. Keep these tips...

Sometimes the drive home from a party is dominated by conversations about various aspects of the event. What was the best outfit? Who was the funniest? How was the music? But when the topic of food comes up, you'll want to be confident that the people leaving your home event have nothing but nice things to say. The main course is typically the major event of a dinner party, but the forthcoming appetizers are what pave the road for it. Make sure the journey is a smooth one for your guests with these winning recipes: Chicken Satay Skewers: This Martha Stewart go-to...

Some healthy meals to get your day started on the right foot and keep you full until lunch. For a summer mid-day meal, we love light, healthy fare that takes minimum of preparation and doesn't require heating up the kitchen. After all, who wants to stand over a hot stove when the mercury is climbing! Try these delicious ideas for tomorrow's lunch:  Beans: Pre-cooked beans are fast and filling when you mix them with fresh vegetables and seasonings for a quick meal. Try this recipe from Martha Stewart, which uses a little Parmesan, basil and lemons to add flavor.  Chilled...