Do-it-Yourself Moscow Mule Kit

While preparing for our March wedding, Alex and I decided right off the bat to incorporate as many tasteful food-related components as possible. I made no exception when asking my bridesmaids, who would unexpectedly receive a DIY package that'd prepare us for quite the marital toast!

This Moscow mule kit incorporates everyone's favorite houseware piece -- a copper mug -- and other fine ingredients. I purchased my mugs locally at The Stovall Collection, and the beautifully-branded ginger beer at 387 Pantry. While at Stovall, I also grabbed copper pen and cream-colored stationary for accompanying hand-written notes.

Whether for a wedding, a birthday, a dinner party hostess, or a secret Santa, the recipient of this Moscow mule kit will be shouting "Cheers!" to you!

2 copper mugs 1 vintage ginger beer bottle 1 Tito's vodka travel-sized bottle 1 lime 1 craft box 1 bag shredded white paper

1. Place shredded paper in the box to create a padded foundation. Carefully place all ingredients and copper mug set in the box. Add a handwritten note, tie with twine, and deliver accordingly.

Peach and Pesto Crostinis

Summertime patio hangouts and house parties call for the most coveted fruit of the season—peaches. The color and complexity of the ingredient stands well on its own; though when caramelized on a crostini or marinated with honey, the heightened flavors welcome a perfect sweet and savory combination. Surpass the standard presentation and test this peachy rendition, now featured in the June issue of Good Health Magazine!

Makes 8 servings

Basil pesto:

1 packed cup of basil ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted ½ garlic clove, roughly chopped Juice and zest from ½ a lemon ¼ cup olive oil A few pinches of red pepper flakes Sea salt & pepper

Crostini:

½ French baguette, sliced on the angle 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 ripe peaches, sliced Basil pesto 4 slices fresh mozzarella, halved Sea salt & pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (or turn broiler on high). Brush crostini slices with olive oil and place on baking sheet. Bake/broil until slices are golden and toasted.

2. Spread each crostini with basil pesto, followed by peach and mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Return to the oven to lightly melt cheese and caramelize the peaches. If preferred, serve at room temperature.

How to Picnic in Style

With Memorial Day around the corner and a summer forecast of sunny skies and abounding live music, picnicking presents the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the spirit of the season. I first got the summer picnic bug when perusing City & State (a typical weekend agenda item). A Yield field bag caught my eye. I debated the necessity for a brief moment and, next thing I knew, it was in my back car seat with an iced bon bon in the cup holder.

Friends, don’t debate the potential debacles of picnic prep and execution. If you feel the urge to be outside with a friend or four, grab what’s in your fridge, a few of the following accessories, and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Make it a monthly outing with girlfriends. Make it a weekly ritual with your significant other. Brunch, sunset happy hour or evening dinner al fresco, you’ll be happy you did so.

1. TREASURE THE TOTE Similar to the City & State stunner, a durable and stylish bag or basket is the key to elevating a picnic experience. Target's standard picnic basket is an undeniable classic; or you can go for a more modern shape with the Verona wicker basket from Nordstrom.

2. PACK THE GOODS Limit your menu to room-temp-friendly finger foods—grilled skewered vegetables, cheeses, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, mini mason jar salads, etc. Though forks are an appreciated option for guests, it’s simply worth holding off on the angel hair and messy entrées. My only exception to this rule is pie—because every picnic needs a good ‘ole fruit pie.

Photo by Creation Studios

3. LAY THE FOUNDATION Bring along a large wood board as a multifunctional canvas for prep or final presentation. Chop garnishes, chop blocks of cheese, and use it as a serving platter for the main course and leveled foundation for grassy areas.

4. ROSÉ ALL DAY Don’t fret over the hot temperatures when toting white or rosé wines—A S'well bottle will keep your bottle chilled for the entirety of your picnic, if not longer.

5. SORRY, SOLO

Throwaway solutions are easy, yes, but why not step it up with copper tumblers? In the summer heat, these will impressively handle and maintain those just-shaken cocktails.

Tofu Avocado Lettuce Wraps

Daylight savings and this seriously addictive spring weather have prompted a post-work routine of River-view runs (when I'm not at Loflin), followed by creative dinners on the patio. During the last documented occurrence, I toyed with a one-pan chicken sausage sauté. This time at Whole Foods, however, the tofu caught my eye. I was initially intimidated by the cooking process of tofu, but my friend  Jeanine Donofrio appeased my suspicion through her new Love and Lemons cookbook. I felt immediately inspired by the pages' bright colors and wholesome ingredients. Here's my attempt at Jeanine's well-followed style and technique...

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Makes 4 servings

Bibb lettuce leaves 1 14 ounce box of extra firm tofu 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 glove garlic, minced 1/8 teaspoon black sesame seeds 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1 lime 1 teaspoon honey Heirloom carrots, shaved Radishes, shaved 1 avocado, cubed Srirarcha

1. Remove tofu from package and slice into 1-inch cubes. Carefully blot tofu with a paper towel to remove water.

2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, juice of a lime, and honey. Toss tofu in oil mixture and allow to marinade for 15 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add tofu in batches, ensuring that tofu pieces have at least once inch between them. Cook untouched, until pan-facing side is caramelized and golden. Flip and continue to cook. Remove tofu from pan and add remaining batches until all is prepared.

4. Layer carrots, tofu, avocado and radish on lettuce leaves. Top with srirarcha and serve.

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A Galentine's Grilled Cheese Party

Grab your ladies, and grab the cheese. It's time for a grilled cheese party that will make your guests melt in satisfaction (and style)! If you're a fan of Galentine's Day -- whether or not you have a man on your arm -- this party setup is a perfect platform for celebrating. As hostess, I like to provide the staples -- sourdough, multigrain, brioche, and multiple cheeses -- but invite your guests to bring their most creative grilled cheese topping. Basil pesto, fig jam, prosciutto, caramelized onions, arugula, avocado are just a few ideas.

If your group is feeling crafty, cheesy Valentine's cards with headlines such as "Brie Mine" and "You're a Gouda Friend" are an absolutely adorable gesture. Of course, chilled rosé or champagne will add an extra level of fanciness.

Watch the following video (by Noah Glenn) for step-by-step grilled cheese party instructions...And cheers to a cheesy gathering!

[embed]https://youtu.be/z-LMoIWjO_4[/embed]

(featured image via joy the baker)

End the Year with a Bang

I feel like I blinked, and an entire year passed. From a new home (purchase!) and its exciting national features...to local recognition as the "best of" blogger...to trips from Mexico and Cali to New York and New Orleans...to kitchen tours and workshops and intimate gatherings...It's surreal, truly. I have never been more ready to pause, clink the champagne flutes on Thursday evening with my very favorite people in the world, and celebrate the year ahead.

My Caramelized goals for 2016 have been written, and they range from advancing my culinary skill-set (hello, bouillabaisse) to featuring more Caramelized "conversations" and field guides. It's a challenge, but it's a worthwhile one. But for now, before we get back to work and begin our anticipated efforts of resolutions, let's sit back and enjoy the final two days of 2015...

1. Reminisce and reflect over sparkling wine and good company. 

2. Eat a donut, and don't feel guilty. (image source)

3. Treat yourself and your friends to brunch.

4. Read something fulfilling. (image source)

5. Write something fulfilling.