Last weekend at CB2, a sales rep for an instant coffee maker popped out between the decorative pillows and everyday plates to offer me a mocha-frappa-whipped something or another. I was so taken by surprise that I said yes (not a common answer that I usually give  for samples (I can even go to Costco and walk out with nary a taste)), and I’m kind of glad I did. Right now, we’re using a french press for our monthly delivered Craft Coffee. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great, but it doesn’t work when you’ve snoozed through your alarm after a late night watching American Horror Story then Wikipedia-ing all the characters (oh, only me?). Enter stage right: capsule coffee! The aforementioned sales rep showed me how to insert a flavored coffee capsule and in less than one minute I had an espresso. Have you guys used these before? Love it? Leave it? Maybe I’ll register for it.

press snooze one more time, counterclockwise l-r: DELONGHI & NESPRESSO LATTISSIMA, $799.99, available at Sur La Table; DELONGHI NESPRESSO LATTISSIMA, $499.99, available at Macy’s; KEURIG SINGLE CUP COFFEE MAKER, $149.99, available at Hayneedle; NESPRESSO PIXIE, $249.00, available at Sur La Table.

The phrase “to slave away in the kitchen” doesn’t exist for nothing; cooking can be a stressful task. Stock your kitchen with tools that have unique design concepts as well as essentials in cheery colors that are sure to lift your mood while you cook.

clockwise l-r: Heart Shaped Cutting Board, $29.99, available at Amazon Marketplace; Zyliss Julienne Peeler, $9.80, available at Amazon.com; Enamel Colander, $18.89, available at Target; Trudeau Spice Carousel, $49.99 available at Bed Bath & Beyond; Chantal Bridge Teakettle, $39.95, available at Crate & Barrel; Cuisinart Hand Mixer, $49.95, available at Sur La Table.

We love the excitement around the 4th of July: the booming fireworks and lingering smell of matches, the warm night breeze, and of course, family and friends standing around the grill barbecuing and drinking summer cocktails. This year we gathered some essential tools you’ll need to throw the best 4th of July BBQ on the block. Turn on your favorite music playlist, pull out your cushiest beach towels and blankets, and lay around staring up at the festival of lights.

clockwise l-r: Beverage Dispenser, $39.99 available at Target;  Patriotic Bake Cups & Toppers, $12 available at Sur la Table; Cuisipro Rocket Ice Pop Mold, $9.95 available at ChefTools.com; Weber Grill, $159.70 available at buydig.com;  RAEN Sunglasses, $125 available at Urban Outfitters; Patriotic Wedges, $54.99 available at Amazon.com; Blue Acrylic Cups, $2.99 available at Bed Bath & Beyond.

THE LOOK: Red, White & You >
Celebrate the 4th of July in fine fashion – the fireworks won’t be the only thing garnering attention!

The official start of summer is just around the corner, which means much more outside time in the form of pool parties, BBQ’s, and picnics. If you’re planning on throwing any type of summer soiree, a really yummy cocktail will leave your guests wanting more.

Try our go-to Watermelon Punch:
- 3 cups seeded watermelon
- 1 ½ Tbsp sugar
- 3 cups of ice

For our over 21 adults add-in 1 ½ c of white vermouth. Blend in any of these frozen drink blenders or make your own spritzer with a soda siphon that’ll make your friends think you’re a pro.

Present your cocktails on a bright and cheery tray like this Taikamylly serving tray and in a pretty cup like this durable acrylic margarita glass, and you’ve officially got yourself a party!
Breeze through more of our favorite tasty cocktails recipes here, here and here.

And for any oh-so-stylish hostess leading a summer pool party, make sure to look the part, too.

SHOP IT:  Poolside Glamour >

Spiced Scallops with Balsamic-Braised Red Cabbage, from Epicurious.com

Impress your date or throw a dinner party for your favorite single friends. Play domestic diva for an evening, no experience required, with this quick & tasty recipe for a delicious dinner at home!

Spiced Scallops with Balsamic Braised Red Cabbage

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 pound red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
• 3/4 cup water, divided
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 pinches ground cloves
• 1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops, tough ligament removed from side of each if attached

- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cabbage, bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss to coat.

- Stir in 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoon vinegar and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter and keep warm, covered.

- Stir together spices, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pat scallops dry and season both sides with spice mixture.

- Wipe out skillet, then heat remaining tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until foam subsides. Sauté scallops, turning once, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5 minutes total. Add to cabbage.

- Add remaining 1/4 cup water and tablespoon vinegar to skillet and boil, stirring, until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour over scallops and cabbage.

 

Yedi Houseware Inside Out Heart Espresso Cups and Saucers, $35 at Amazon.com

Pair the scallops with Egg Fried Rice served in ramekins. Find a wok on beso.

Then, end the evening on a sweet note with Chocolate Orange Turnovers served on dessert plates or a cute set, like Yedi Housewares heart-shaped cups and saucers.  After all, how can you appreciate dessert without some chocolate?

All recipes provided by Epicurious.

Traditional Apple Pie with Ice Cream

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Crisco shortening
Ice water

Filling:
1/2 to 1 cup all-purpose flour
6 to 7 cups apples
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°.

In a medium mixing bowl cut the shortening and salt into the flour by hand or with a pastry blender until it’s the texture of cornmeal.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ice water over the mixture and mix just until the dough is moistened.  Repeat by adding 6 to 8 tablespoons water (one at a time) until all the dough is just moist.  Take care not to over mix.

Divide the dough in half and roll into a ball.  Roll 1 ball into a circle to fit a 9 to 10 inch pie plate. To transfer the pastry to the pie plate, wrap it around a rolling pin and ease it into the pie plate.

In a medium bowl, make the filling by combining the apples with the brown and white sugar.  Add flour, cinnamon and continue mixing until they are well coated.

Add the apple filling into the pastry-lined pie plate.  Make sure the apple are lying flat.  Cut the butter into small pieces and put on top of the filling.

Pie Plate

Roll the remaining pastry into a 12-inch circle.  Place on top of the filling.  Trim off 1-inch beyond the edge of the pie plate.  Crimp the edges as desired.  Cut slits to allow steam to escape when baking.  Sprinkle a little sugar and cinnamon over the pie.

Cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Recipe courtesy Food Network.

KitchenAid 90th Anniversary Limited Edition Stand Mixer in Candy-Apple Red

I admit, when it comes to the holiday season, I’m a bit of a humbug. I was raised in a home filled to the brim with festive decor; carols were played 24 hours a day and at least one member of my family was always wearing a Christmas sweater. You might say that the extensive degree to which my family celebrated the holidays has had a negative effect on my holiday spirit level. Although, there are certainly a couple of things I look forward to this time of year – one of which is baking delicious treats for my family and friends. And every great baker needs a great mixer.

KitchenAid has been setting the standard in kitchens for 90 years and is celebrating with a 90th Anniversary Limited Edition Stand Mixer. The sleek, nostalgic candy-apple red color is sure to liven up any kitchen. I’m absolutely ga-ga over the special five quart glass bowl with easy to read measurements and clean pouring spout. Of course, the tilt-head mixer is also equipped with a 325-watt motor, 10-speed slide control, and power hub for attachments. It comes complete with wire whip, flat beater, and dough hook. Legendary performance meets absolute beauty in this 90th Anniversary Limited Edition Stand Mixer. Who wouldn’t love to mix up a batch of gingerbread in this baby?