The right tools for the perfect pie
November 16, 2015
Have you started planning your holiday menus? Thanksgiving is soon enough and right after, Christmas. Each has it’s own traditions and staple foods. Whether you’re going pumpkin, sweet potato or pecan, the right tools can make or break your pie.
Pie weight: If you’re following a recipe that requires blind baking your pie crust (baking an empty crust), pie weights are a must. But the classic bead-like weights can be hard to remove after they come out of the oven. The small, piping hot weights pose a large threat of burning yourself. This innovative new design features one, large disk weight that is surrounded by heat-resistant silicone. The resulting piece weighs down your crust but is easy to remove after the oven; the silicone sides cover the crust but are also easy to grab with your hands without burning yourself. Cook’s Illustrated recently gave this weight 2 1/2 stars for function and 3 stars for easy use.
Pie shield: Fruit pies are a wonderful addition to holiday meals, but their juicy interior can drip on the oven floor when baking. The resulting mess can burn and stink up the house, plus it’s a real pain to clean off. You can easily shove a baking sheet under your pie when baking, but pie shields or pie drip catchers are even better. This round, non-stick coated plate slides under pie pans and catches overflowing juices without burning. This shield, spotlighted by Cook’s Illustrated as well, is great because it features a cut-out in the center; this opening allows the bottom the your pie crust to continue cooking, unlike a sheet pan that may prevent browning on the bottom.
Whisk: Before baking, you have to get the recipe just right. Not all whisks are created unequally, but fortunately the OXO 11 Inch Balloon Whisk is a great, affordable choice. Cook’s Illustrated also included this whisk in their list of “Top Equipment for baking Perfect Pies,” because it’s balanced, light weight design makes it super easy to whip up the perfect pie filling.
Also check out our Pinterest Baking Board for products, pie recipes, and lots of baking inspiration.
Christmas: Standing Jewelry Armoire Mirror
November 16, 2015
Organize-It has released their winter catalog, full of great gift and storage ideas for the holiday season. Inside the pages we found the perfect jewelry armoire that would make the lady in your life happy this Christmas.
This standing jewelry mirror opens up to reveal lite storage. Hooks, cubbies, pockets and other organization pieces all line both sides of the open mirror. The dark wood frame compliments any decor, whether you add it to your bedroom, master bath, closet or more. The long vertical mirror is a great addition to a morning routine, making it easy to see an entire outfit at once.
When the armoire is opened, four small LED lights are activated, lighting up your jewelry collection and making it easy to find what you are searching for.
Standing Mirror Jewelry Armoire Features:
- Gives your bedroom a stylish accent as well as additional storage space.
- Front door has a full length mirror so you can view your wardrobe.
- Whenever you open the door a small LED light is activated.
- Light requires three AAA batteries to function, not included.
- Store your dangling or stud earrings in the provided cards.
- Hang necklaces and bracelets on the dozens of hooks.
- A pocket on the door can hold several bracelets or hoops.
- Store dozens of rings on the provided holders at the top.
- Seven divided sections provide room to store other accessories.
- Black plastic holders can easily store watches and bracelets.
- Tilt the cabinet this way and that to better angle the mirror.
- Constructed from durable wood in a rich espresso finish.
Create more space with bookcase room dividers
November 13, 2015
There are lots of great ways to get the most out of small spaces. One of my favorite decorating tips is using bookshelves to create room dividers and separate existing spaces into multiple areas. With the addition of a sturdy shelf, a living room can become a sitting room and a home office… or a foyer… or even a breakfast nook! I love this trick because you can renovate your home without the high cost of building or re-decorating. It’s a great way to make apartments, condos and flats a little more homey, too.
The right shelf
- Open shelves: Open bookcases are a great way to to separate a room while maintaining a constant flow throughout the space. Utilize one or two bookshelves with open backs to separate living spaces. Once you add books and decor, the space fills out without a solid separation. This is great is you have a flat or one-room apartment because you can create specific spaces without making the area feel too small.
- Multiple shelves: Think your space is too big for one shelf to do the trick? Utilize multiple shelves to get the look — and it doesn’t have to be the same shelf! Find a style that comes in multiple models or sizes and use them together. One tall shelf and one waist-high shelf creates a great divider in larger rooms.
- Floor to ceiling: If you want to completely divide a space for privacy, use a floor-to-ceiling shelf. This option is best for small apartments. Create a closed off bedroom, or even create a faux “walk-in” closet behind the bed with one of these large shelves.