Heather Christo’s Keys To The Kitchen

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Heather Christo Interview from www.aidamollenkamp.com

I’m quite convince that Heather Christo may very well be Coco Chanel reincarnated.

From the first moment I met her, Heather has always been perfectly preened, beautifully coiffed, and with style so fabulous, it make me realize I should probably stop using my J Crew jean jacket as a fashion crutch. Heather’s approach is daring yet defined from the bright colors she wears to the eclectic parties she throws and the full flavored recipes she crafts (blood orange donuts, anyone?) and she pulls it all off with an enviable panache.

She just came out with her first entertaining cookbook, The Generous Table, which proves you can be a busy bee and still host a killer gathering. But, what I like most about Heather is that, despite all that, she’s still down-to-earth and accessible, as proven by the simplicity of her key to the kitchen answer.


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How to Make Vinaigrette

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Vinaigrettes are simple to make, but a few pointers can make them phenomenal every time. On this week’s new episode of In the Pantry  I dig into the pointers for perfect vinaigrette so you’ll never have to buy the bottled stuff again!

Taking A Hint and Fending Off Social Suicide

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Pomegranate-Guava Margarita from www.aidamollenkamp.com

Last week I was at an event and the hostess passed out this little book – The Freixenet Social Survival Guide – as a favor.

The slim red book with its embossed gold cursive lettering carries an air of authority; it’s something Betty Draper might pull out at a cocktail party in order to coach the party planners on where they went wrong. I couldn’t help feeling a tad bit offended. Was it a hint along the lines of someone offering you a mint, which gets you thinking, “Does this mean I’m offending everyone with coffee breath right now?”
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Yahoo! Shine In the Pantry: Popcorn Three Ways

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Admit it, you go to the movies for the popcorn, don’t you? It’s all about that salty, buttery popcorn and the movie’s totally an afterthought. On my latest episode of In the Pantry on Yahoo! Shine, I teach you how to make popcorn three different ways — classic movie theater style, parmesan truffle, and spice kettle corn. Three different ways to making popcorn means three times the fun!

The Scent Of The City

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Spring Panzanella Salad Recipe from www.aidamollenkamp.com

Every city has its own unique scent; like a fingerprint in fragrance form. I’m in New York such a short time this week that I could blink and miss it were it not for that distinctly New York aroma in the air.

Here in East Midtown where I’m working today, there’s an orchestra of smells that’s so unmistakenly this neighborhood. There’s the sweet yeasty smell of just-baked morning breads from the bakery on the corner, a hint of curry sways back and forth across the sidewalk near the kati roll cafe, the salty morning breeze is a reminder that the ocean is just a few blocks away, and, of course, that underlying mustiness that exhales from the subway grates with each passing train.

These are scents that are so truly New York they immediately bring back memories of my many summers here during college; back when I knew every inch of lower Manhattan and would wake up to the smell of the coffee shop downstairs grinding beans. Back when I  wanted nothing more than to find my inner Carrie Bradshaw and live in the lower Manhattan in search for my very own Aiden.
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Breaking The Ice

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Strawberry Moscow Mule from www.aidamollenkamp.com

48 hours. At face value that doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but this week proved it’s more than enough — to make real connections, that is. I spent just 48 hours in Aspen, Colorado this week and it was a total shift of tectonic measure.

It was one of those experiences where I instantly felt like I belonged, which, no doubt, speaks volumes of the locals’ hospitality. But, even more so, it speaks to our shared mentality. As I’ve traveled the country for the past 6 months for book events, one thing has become abundantly clear — I’ve got friends in places I have still to visit and yet to meet.  

The graciousness of everyone in Aspen was unique but kindred to something I experienced recently in Austin, Atlanta, and Seattle – places I barely knew but where I felt welcome within in moments. More than anything I think it’s a sign that are are amazing people out there and that makes all those moments of working alone — editing, testing, writing, and styling — all the much more worth it.
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Burrata Makes Everything Better

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Charred Asparagus and Burrata with Mint Gremolata Recipe from www.aidamollenkamp.com

How was your holiday weekend? Was it relaxing? Did you fire up the grill?

I had a little staycation in Los Angeles where I caught up with family and friends, which included a girls’ night on the town, some culture at the Getty Center, and perfecting my recipe for a Strawberry Moscow Mule (will share that soon, promise). As Memorial Day is the unofficial start of grilling season, I also got fired up for dining al fresco. One of my favorite creations that came out of the weekend was this charred asparagus recipe. I know, I should have shared this with you before the holiday, but the good news is that you can make it for the rest of the summer.

One of the great culinary truths (according to me) is that like bacon, burrata makes anything better — so it’s kind of hard to go wrong anytime burrata is involved. But, if I do say so, this Charred Asparagus with Mint Gremolata recipe is a particularly delicious appetizer — thanks, in major part to that burrata, of course.
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Memorial Day Recipe Round Up

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Memorial Day Recipe from www.aidamollenkamp.com

You guys! I think that time is going faster than usual — tell me you noticed it too! How it is already Memorial Day weekend is beyond, but, I’ll take it because it means we’re that much closer to long days, warm nights, and plenty of outdoor meals. I hope you have a relaxing, fun-filled long weekend, no matter what you’re up to. And, if you’re looking to cook, here are a few recipes to help you get inspired.
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Leftover Condiment Recipes

by Aida Mollenkamp —

Do you have bottles or jars of an abundant amount of leftover peanut butter or mustard that you’re thinking about tossing into the trash? Well, before you throw it out check out my newest video on In The Pantry on Yahoo! Shine, where I show you how to use up those leftover condiments!