Hi people, this week we're revisiting the Thanksgiving episode from season 1. I think it bears a repeat...

Here's my recipe for wild rice casserole. It's a delicious alternative to turkey, and just as nice over the weekend as on the day itself:

You'll need:

1 cup wild rice

1 cup ripe olives cut up

2 roasted red peppers cut up

¼ lb grated cheddar cheese

¼ tsp pepper

1 tsp salt

½ cup salad oil

¾ cup white wine

Soak the wild rice in hot water and leave over night. Preheat the oven 350. Combine all ingredients except wine in a casserole dish and mix well. Heat the wine until simmering then pour over casserole. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Serves 6 as a side dish, 4 as an entree.

This week on my NPR podcast I'm discussing ways to make holiday shopping easier. Don't miss it!

Don't forget the Brini Maxwell auctions this week. They feature some fun holiday garb - perfect for those ubiquitous office parties!

 

Hello people, Brini here with this week’s episode. This time around we’re starting on my faux fireplace. It’s such a fun project and I got a fun girl to help me with it. Her name is Rose Wood and she’s one of the restorers at John Cory Studios. Rose built an enormous door that creates the impression of a flue for my fireplace while concealing oodles of storage! You’ll see us install that door, after getting a little sidetracked by some of Pebbles baking.

This week on my NPR podcast I’m discussing the joy and virtue of giving thanks. Our national American holiday of Thanksgiving is a wonderful reminder of the benefits of gratitude. 

Don’t forget to take a look at the Brini Maxwell auctions this week. With so many fun new items going up you never know when you’ll find a treasure!

 

Hello people, this week on the show it’s all about cork. Part of our renovation found us lining the walls of the office and eventually the ceiling in the kitchen with cork. It a wonderful retro 60’s/70’s treatment and it’s practical to boot! It makes a perfect memo board. The process isn’t difficult – just a little messy. Contact cement is the adhesive of choice and it’s a bit like rubber cement – apply it to both surfaces, wait for it to get tacky, then fuse the surfaces together. As with last week’s project, this is essentially a tile job, so plan out your tiles so the seams are centered on the wall for a professional look. 

This week on my NPR podcast we’re talking about collecting a prolific graphic artist – Vera Neuman. Her fashion and interior products are hot again. Be sure and listen! 

Don’t forget to take a look at the Brini Maxwell auctions this week. We have two new programs running at the moment – little black dresses and sweaters.

 

Hello people! Brini here again with some more ideas for your home. This week it’s all about decoupage! Yes, it’s not just for Victoriana anymore – decoupage is a technique that can be adapted to all sorts of fascinating projects. 

Now I used it as a furniture finish for the surface of my desk and it’s proved to be both durable and decorative for 7 years now. It’s an easy solution for unfinished furniture and can become the focal point of a room. 

What makes decoupage interesting is what you choose to apply to your surface. Now we used computer printouts of a wall paper pattern that mimicked tile. We just scanned the paper into the computer, broke out an individual tile from the pattern using a photo editing program and then printed it out 60 times. We laid the job out like a traditional tile job, working out from the center of the surface. We also planned out the job first, so we could just lay the pre cut, pre fitted tiles out without cutting as we went.  

Now you don’t have to use tiles or even computer printouts. There are so many options for decoupage out there – magazines, newspapers, playbills, virtually any paper product can be decoupaged to a surface. Some things to remember are that edges can catch and peel, so thin paper is best, if you plan to decoupage a table or desk top it’s a good idea to cover the art with glass and plan the project out before you glue it down – the medium is notoriously unforgiving. 

This week on my NPR podcast I’m discussing brunch. It’s more than a meal, it’s an opportunity! Be sure and listen… Here are some ideas for dishes to serve: 

Crown Roast of Cheese

The Federal Pancake

Fabulous Fondue 

Don’t forget to have a gander at the Brini Maxwell auctions this week. There are lots of fun new items to consider.

Hello people, Brini here with some more ideas for freshening up your home. This week we’re finishing the cabinets and desk that we made on the previous episodes.  

Finishing is an important step. Here are some tips. 

Webbing tape is a must for filling cracks and holes. It gives the spackle something to cling to and makes the whole process a little easier. 

If you have large gaps in your wood work fill them with shims. The shims will fill in the space so you don’t need so much spackle. 

Don’t forget to sand – Sanding your spackling job will make it blend into the woodwork.  

After you sand run over your work with a tack cloth. Tack cloth is a loosely woven cloth impregnated with a sticky substance that picks up the dust.  

Repeat this process twice for a super smooth look. You can even sand between coats of paint if you want a hand rubbed finish. 

This week on my NPR podcast we’re talking with Dian Thomas about using dry ice for dramatic effects in your Halloween entertaining. Be sure and have a listen! 

Remember to have a gander at the Brini Maxwell auctions this week!

 

Hello people, and welcome to another episode! This week we continue our renovation series with the cabinets. Greg, John and I built the unit in an afternoon and I can’t recommend it enough. The clutter in your home will disappear if you utilize the space you live in to its fullest. 

Now construction isn’t as complicated as it’s usually made out to be. It’s really just common sense. Here are a few tips: 

Planning your project is all about knowing your space. For our cabinets we squared off a wall that had a slant to it, which said something about the architecture of the room. Look at your space with an eye to geometry and you’ll be able to make your built in esthetically pleasing as well as functionally viable. 

Measure twice, cut once – it’s an old saw, but it still rings true. When starting to work on your project you can save yourself some grief by confirming your measurements, especially if you’re planning on having your lumber yard cut your wood to size for you – which is a great idea for apartment dwellers without access to table saws and the like. 

Take advantage of existing furniture. You saw this on our desk episode – we built in an existing dresser. The professional finishing on furniture is something most built-ins will never be able to match. Using existing pieces of furniture is a great way to get that professional look without having to hire an expensive cabinet maker. Find the pieces in thrift shops and vintage stores for a small investment and your built-in will look like a million dollars! 

This week on my NPR podcast we’re talking about felt. Crafting with felt is a very satisfying experience. Warm and fuzzy fun can result in some lovely items too! Be sure and have a listen. As promised here is my favorite source for wool felt.

Don’t forget to have a look at the Brini Maxwell auctions this week – with new items going up all the time there’s always something fun to buy!

 

Hello people. This week on the show I'm featuring an encore of the episode with Margaret Cho! She joined Mary Ellen and I to make chocolate fondue.

Chocolate fondue is delicious - a real glamour dessert. What's especially nice about it is that it's frightfully easy to make as well! The fondue we made on the episode is simply:  

12 oz of bar chocolate, broken up                                                                              

1 cup of heavy cream

 Melt the chocolate with the cream over low heat until smooth, stirring constantly.

 For dippers we chose pineapple, pound cake and strawberries, but you can add marshmallows, kiwi, bananas, cookies, lady fingers, and pretzels.

 On the show on the Style network we made fondue with milk caramels. Here's how

This week on my NPR podcast we're finally getting around to those wallpaper tips. Don't miss it!

Don't forget to have a gander at the Brini Maxwell auctions this week. There are some extra special items up for grabs right now!

Hello people, Brini here with another episode to help you with life’s little problems. This week we’re discussing entertaining in the midst of renovation. The key is to keep it simple! For me that means a salad bar with an easy dressing.

 

For the basic salad we combined butter lettuce, radicchio and alfalfa sprouts. We then created a “bar� consisting of two kinds of olives, hearts of palm, cold cut pin wheels, artichoke hearts, turkey breast, sliced avocado and sliced hard boiled egg.

 

I made a simple dressing in the blender. Here’s the recipe:

 

1 cup olive oil

3/4 cup vinegar

2 marinated roasted peppers

 

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high until completely liquefied. Pour over salad.

 

This is a simple one dish salad that’s perfect for entertaining while your home is in chaos. With all the gourmet ingredients and that luscious dressing it seems quite posh.

 

This week on my NPR podcast I’m telling you how to make your home sparkle with wallpaper. It’s so much fun. Don’t miss it!

 

Don’t forget to have a look at the Brini Maxwell auctions this week. There are new things going up all the time!

Hello people, and welcome to another episode of the vidcast. This week we begin construction. Last week we demolished the dining room, this week we’re delving into the desk. It’s a big job but we’re up to it! 

Construction can be daunting, but it can be made easier with a few tips: 

Soap your screws – Screws will slide in more easily if you soap the threads. 

Pre drill your holes – I can’t stress this point enough. Wood has a tendency to split when you drive screws directly into it without pre-drilling. 

Consider using MDF – Medium Density Fiberboard is a composite building material that is comparatively inexpensive, sturdy, strong, doesn’t warp and has a beautiful surface for paint. It’s what we used to build the desk and it looks great!  

If you don’t have the luxury of a shop you can have your lumber precut by your lumber yard. It makes for simple assembly on site providing that you are accurate in your measurements. Remember, measure twice, cut once. 

This week on my NPR podcast we’re discussing a wonderful old craft – mosaic making. It’s a delightful pastime that results in beautiful items to decorate your home and share with friends. Be sure and have a listen. 

This week we’re debuting some great new Brini Maxwell items in the eBay auctions. Be sure and have a look!

 

Hello people, Brini here with the further adventures of my apartment renovation! This week we’re demolishing the dining room. It’s a very simple process of removing screws and taking the built-ins apart, but the larger issue is change and how we deal with it. 

Accepting change in our lives can be scary. The key is detachment. If you’re able to remain detached from objects and outcomes then you’re much more likely to be in a position to welcome exciting new experiences into your life. It’s not as easy as it sounds, however. Letting go of our past, whether it’s in the form of material possessions, relationships or situations can be a daunting proposition. The important thing to remember is that, ultimately, we’re not defined by these things. The more we’re able to derive our sense of self from inside the less we’ll be likely to form limiting attachments to our surroundings.  

I’ve found that this can be accomplished with reflection. It’s helpful to keep a journal and record your thoughts about the events in your life that are challenging. These journal entries can serve as a map of your psyche which will help you understand your attachments and see that they are unnecessary. If you’d like to explore these concepts more fully I recommend a book: The Marriage of Spirit, by Leslie Temple Thurston. She has some extremely simple exercises that can help you let go of limitations and live more fully in the moment. As Socrates said “the unexamined life is not worth livingâ€?. Explore your possibilities fully! 

This week on my NPR podcast I’m interviewing Sheila Lukins, one of the authors of The Silver Palate Cookbook – a must have for every kitchen! Be sure and have a listen. 

Speaking of letting go of your attachment to objects, have a look at the items from the show that are up for auction this week. There are lots of terrific items available!

 

This week on the show we’re beginning our renovation in the closet. We’re making the closet a joy to open and a delight for your clothes. Most people paint their closets white and there is a practical consideration for that – white closets make it easier to find what you’re looking for, but if your home is nice and bright you can indulge in a flight of fancy and make a statement with your closet. I used colorful paint that was left over from other projects so, for me, it was a thrifty project as well. But you can brighten your closets with pretty paper or other paint schemes as well. Make your closet pretty enough and you may never want to leave it! 

This week on my NPR podcast I’m discussing canning and preserving the fruits and vegetables of summer. It’s a delightful pastime that makes for a bountiful winter season and has the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint by eating locally, as our forbearers did. If you’d like to try it be sure and have a look at homecanning.com and Successful Home Canning. You can also get in touch with your county agent who will have information on making your canning projects a success. 

Lastly this week, you can own a piece of the Maxwell myth. For the next few months you’ll be able to bid on vintage clothing and other artifacts that were used on the show. These auctions have items in all price ranges so be sure and have a look!

 

Hello people, I’m back with a new episode! This week is the beginning of our renovation series featuring the renovation and redecoration of my apartment. This time around we’re talking about how to fuel that renovation. We’re making a delicious mac and cheese and I have a tip for you! If your house is going to be torn up you won’t be wanting to cook much, but the work you’ll be doing requires good nutrition. Before you begin your renovation, prepare a few casseroles to cook when you’re knee deep in debris. Line your casserole dish in heavy weight plastic wrap, then fill the dish with your casserole and wrap the plastic over the top. Freeze the casserole in the dish, then pop the frozen casserole out of the dish and put it back in the freezer. Your casserole dish is free to use for other purposes and when you’re ready to eat the casserole just unwrap it and pop it back into the dish, let it thaw, then cook it normally. You can prepare several of these uncooked casseroles to tide you over until your home settles down again. Brilliant, no? 

Now, what to make? Why not this stunning gourmet mac and cheese recipe? Here’s how: 

You’ll need: 

1 lb farfalle (bowties)

1 stick of butter

2 shallots, minced

6 Tbs. all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp dry mustard

1/8 tsp cayenne

4 cups buttermilk

3 cups grated extra sharp white cheddar

1 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Fresh seasoned bread crumbs 

Preheat the oven to 350 and butter (or line with plastic wrap) a 3 quart casserole dish. Cook the pasta until just al dente, drain and set aside in a large bowl. In a heavy sauce pan melt seven tablespoons of the butter and sauté the minced shallots until transparent. Add the flour to make a roux and whisk until well combined and all the lumps are gone. Whisk in the mustard and cayenne, then add the buttermilk in four parts whisking in between. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened, whisking occasionally. Pour the sauce over the pasta, add cheddar and one cup of the parmesan and mix well. Fill your casserole dish with the mixture. Combine the breadcrumbs and the rest of the parmesan then sprinkle it on top of the casserole and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown, or freeze to bake and serve later. 

This week on my NPR podcast I’m talking about managing your time as these warm, balmy days of summer dwindle down to a precious few. Don’t miss it!

 

This week we have an encore presentation of my matzo ball soup recipe. Enjoy!

Matzo ball soup is such a "hamishe" dish. The repudiated cure-all is a Jewish staple and it's very easy to make. This recipe originates with Ilse Sander - my grandmother. It took a little effort for Mary Ellen to wrap her mind around the ethnic dish, given her Roman Catholic roots, but once she did she certainly found it to her liking - despite a slight mishap.

Matzo balls should be nice and firm - you want them to resist your teeth and your spoon. This is achieved with ganzeschmaltz, more commonly known as goose fat. Here's the recipe:

1/4 cup matzo meal
1 egg
1 Tbs. ganzeschmaltz
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper
Pinch nutmeg

Place all ingredients in a small bowl, mix until combined. Refrigerate for about an hour, then pinch off a small amount and roll into a ball between your palms. Repeat until all the "dough" is rolled. Cook in chicken broth until the balls float and serve.

Makes about 10 balls

This week on  my NPR podcast we're  discussing late summer entertaining with some delightful ideas for alfresco dining. Be sure and listen in!

 

Here's an encore of one of my favorite episodes. This week Mary Ellen, Delta and I went on a little shopping trip.  The east village here in New York City is full of delightfully off beat stores with eccentric merchandise. The store we visited was the Wandering Dragon on East 10^th Sreet. It had such a curious collection of items, including out dated military paraphernalia, stuffed oddities like two headed calves and a plethora of artificial limbs. I"m afraid it doesn't exist anymore, but if you find yourself in the neighborhood be sure and wander a bit yourself - you never know what wonderful little holes in the wall you'll find. 

After our foray into the odd we found our way back to my place where Mary Ellen produced what I believe is called a "joint", or marijuana cigarette. It was my first experience with "pot" and I have to say it made me feel just as odd as that two headed calf. 

That accounts for my less than with-it performance in the kitchen while making our dish for the day - veal with olives. The meal was just delicious, however. I found myself enjoying it with much more relish than I usually exhibit at dinner for some reason. Here's the recipe: 

You'll need: 

4 veal cutlets

Salt and pepper

3 Tbs. butter

1/2 cup white wine

1/4 cup cocktail olives, sliced 

Start by pounding the cutlets to ensure their tenderness, then salt and pepper them on both sides. Melt the butter in a large skillet and brown the cutlets on both sides. Add the wine and olives and let simmer, covered for about 5 minutes. Serves 4. 

Be sure and listen to my NPR podcast this week. We're talking about late summer entertaining with some tips and ideas for alfresco dining!

 

This week our encore is all about flowers - edible flowers that is. Eating flowers sounds incredibly decadent - sort of like something that would get the Romans in trouble with the gods like plumbing with lead or Nero fiddling. It's quite respectable, however, and won't bring any lightning bolts down on your head. It's a wonderful idea for creative entertaining.  I especially like serving flowers in salads. The bright oranges, yellows and reds of nasturtiums are so beautiful tucked among the variegated greens of the different lettuces. They also make a delightful conversational opener for a dinner party!

  Now, there are certain flowers that are just delicious and perfect for a nosh, including nasturtiums, violets, pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, and clover. You can find a complete list of edible flowers here.

 It's so important to know what you're eating, however. Certain flowers are poisonous and should be avoided - these include: daffodils, foxglove, crocus, azalea, rhododendron, lilly of the valley and wisteria. A more complete list of dangerous flowers can be found here.   

 In addition to being used on pastries and in salads as demonstrated in the show, edible flowers can also be used as garnish or frozen into ice blocks and floated in your favorite punch or in small ice cubes for summer cocktails or candied with sugar. It's such a delightful way to liven up your meal. Try it the next time you entertain. Your dinner parties will never be "business as usual" again!

This week on my NPR podcast I'll be discussing the joys of insect sounds. These delightful sounds are such a staple of summer afternoons and evenings. You can invite the little creatures that make the sounds to your yard by planting grasses and other host plants for them, or you can simulate the sounds by buying recordings and playing them on outdoor speakers. One of my favorite recordings can be found here

This week we have an encore of the second episode of the series. Mary Ellen has asked me to help her throw a birthday party. It's a bit cheeky of her. Watch and find out why...

One of the subjects we cover is cake decorating. Making a pretty cake isn't difficult. To begin with if you're using a contrasting frosting you'll want to frost the cake twice. Begin by applying a very thin layer over the entire cake and then putting it in the fridge. The icing will harden and seal the cake crumbs in so you can frost it again without pulling up the crumbs and marring the appearance of the finished cake.

I like to use a combination of elements when decorating a cake, as we did in the demo. Begin by amassing your supplies. We used

- sprinkles
- sugar flowers
- colored icing in a pastry bag.

The sprinkles were applied in a swath across the cake and accented with the flowers across the top. The pastry bag was used to create smaller star flowers and leaves. It's easier to create an abstract design than it is to write a name on the cake. The letters all have to be even and regular, where as an abstract design can be...well, abstract.

We also had strawberry punch for that party. It was just delicious. Here's how it's made:

You'll need:

4 cups of water
4 cups of sugar
2 quarts hulled strawberries
1 cup sliced pineapple
1 cup mixed fruit juice (we used kiwi/strawberry)
Juice of 5 large oranges
Juice of 5 large lemons
2 cups carbonated water
3 cups crushed ice

Boil the sugar with the water to create simple syrup. Chill the mixture in the fridge. Combine the strawberries, pineapple and juices and add syrup to taste. Chill the mixture until ready to serve. Just before serving add the carbonated water and crushed ice. The flavor of this punch is intense. It's designed to mellow out as the ice melts. It can be thinned with more carbonated water if desired. You can also make this punch more powerful with the addition of rum.

Now in this episode you meet Delta for the first time. She did a fashion segment on the original show and was just wonderful! She also made a lot of the original costumes for the first season of my Style network show.

The party scene of the episode was shot in less than ideal conditions. I'm almost completely in the dark. It's one of those production value issues I mentioned last week. I feel like a Virginia Slims ad "You've Come a Long Way, Baby".

Don't forget to listen to my NPR podcast this week. After missing a post last week we're finally featuring that episode on making your vacation care free. Thanks for coming by, see you next week!

For the next 4 weeks I'll be taking a little time off and sharing with you some of the early episodes of the series. We're gearing up for some fun new episodes to begin next month, in the mean time please enjoy these encore episodes!

Swedish meatballs are a wonderful dish for home entertaining, piled atop pasta, and as a cocktail nibble served out of a chafing dish. I had a little help putting the recipe together from Mary Ellen.

As promised, here's my recipe for Swedish Meatballs or Kottbuller:

You'll need:

1/4 cup butter
3 tablespoons minced onion
1 one-inch-thick slice of bread
1/2 cup milk
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 pound ground pork
1/4 pound ground veal
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup beef stock, warm
1 cup cream (or milk), warm

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat and cook the onion until lightly browned. Soak the bread in the milk until soft. Combine all remaining ingredients except flour, stock, and cream and mix well with your hands. It's important to use your hands; nothing else will combine the ingredients as well. Then roll the meat mixture into small balls and brown them in the rest of the butter.

Remove the meatballs and set them aside. Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the fat from the pan. Add the flour and stir until it's mixed well with the fat. Remove the pan from the heat, add the stock and cream, and stir constantly until the gravy is smooth and has

thickened nicely. Put the meatballs back in the pan with the gravy and cover.

Simmer over very low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then transfer to a chafing dish and serve. 

Makes about 25 balls

This recipe can also be found in my book, Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living, which can be purchased here.

My NPR podcast will continue with new episodes while I'm no hiatus. This week I'm giving you some ideas for making your home safe while you're away on vacation. Be sure and listen to it!

Don't forget, this is the last weekend for my mother's one woman show, Transit at the Stage Left Studios, here in New York. If you're in town and haven't seen it yet, don't miss it!

Hello people, and welcome back to my blog. This week on the show we’re putting that picnic together. Yes, it’s finally time to collect our food and go out into the wilderness – or at least one of New York’s beautiful parks and enjoy alfresco dining.  

Successful picnics are all about planning. Here’s what you need to help make your picnic go smoothly: 

A hamper to carry your food and supplies

A ground cover

Plates (I like melmac)

Cups (collapsible ones are great for small hampers)

Flatware and napkins (for these I use disposable. Less to wash and carry home)

Handiwipes (for cleaning fingers after eating messy finger foods)

A cold pack (for keeping food cool from kitchen to picnic grounds)

Ant stakes (to anchor your ground cover and repel those hungry little critters)

And of course your food! 

When packing your hamper, be sure not to pack the ant stakes with the food – we don’t want to contaminate our meal! Put them in a plastic bag and attach them to the handle with a twist tie. Then they won’t be forgotten but will be kept a safe distance from lunch. 

If you’re packing a picnic for a crowd you’ll probably need at least two hampers – one for the food and one for the supplies. This is a wonderful opportunity to flirt! Get one of the big strong men from the party to help you carry everything. 

Picnics are wonderful for children. They don’t have to mind their manners so much and spills aren’t such a tragedy. Make it a nature appreciation picnic and explore what the out-of-doors has to offer with your kids. Who knows, you may learn something too! 

Another fun recipe for picnics is my potato salad. You can find it in my book, Brini Maxwell’s Guide to Gracious Living. It’s available right here on my site! 

This week on my NPR podcast we’ll be preparing for the holiday season – planting Christmas trees! Don’t miss it.

 

Hello people, Brini here with another episode for your enjoyment! This week it’s all about chicken. We’re making one of my favorite recipes for my picnic with Mary Ellen. It’s called almond chicken and here’s how it’s made: 

You’ll need: 

12 chicken legs

1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp poultry seasoning

3 eggs

2 Tbsp milk

1 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup butter 

Preheat the oven to 350. Then combine the flour, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning in a bag and in a bowl, combine the milk and eggs. Place each leg in the bag alone and shake to coat with the flour mixture. After dredging in the flour dip the legs in the egg the egg mixture and then in the almonds. The surface of the chicken should be coated in almonds. Then place the legs in a well greased baking pan. Bake for about 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking dot the chicken with the butter cut up into small pieces. This recipe can also be made with two fryers cut into pieces. 

This week on my NPR podcast it’s all about wild flower gardens. Bringing summer’s beauty into you yard is simple if you follow my tips. Be sure and listen! 

In less than a week my mother’s show, Transit is opening. If you’re in the New York area be sure and reserve tickets to see this fascinating account of an extraordinary life. Opening night is Thursday the 26^th and there’s a party afterward. Join us if you can!

 

Hello people. This week on the show we begin a 3 part series from an episode about picnics. I've always loved eating alfresco and in this episode we're making my deviled eggs. They're just delicious. Here's how: 

You'll need: 

1 dozen hard boiled eggs

2 Tbs. mayonnaise

1 Tbs. white vinegar

1 tsp. dry mustard

1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

3/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. paprika

1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Chopped fresh chives for garnish 

Shell the eggs, cut them in half lengthwise, remove the yolks to a large mixing bowl and set the whites aside. Mash the yolks with a fork, and then add the rest of the ingredients except for the chives. Blend well. Fill the whites with the yolk mixture and garnish with the chives. 

These nibbles are just delicious for summer parties and brunches. You can find this, and other delightful recipes and ideas in my book. If you haven't already, be sure and pick it up! 

On my NPR podcast we've finally gotten that episode on summer shares finished and up. Be sure and have a listen!

 

 

Hello people, and welcome to the first episode of our third season! This week I'm featuring segments from the Fire Island episode of the show. It was taped during the summer of 1998 in the idyllic community of the Pines on that little strip of barrier beach on the southern shore of Long Island called Fire Island. I had a delightful guest on that show. His name is Jonathan Stout and he was an international flight attendant who flew the Brazil route. He had some wonderful ideas for a Brazilian themed party. One of them was the caipirinha. It's a delicious cocktail made with Cachaca. Here's the recipe: 

You'll need: 

5 to 6 pieces of cubed lime

2 to 3 teaspoons of instant dissolving sugar

Cachaca 

Place the lime in a rocks glass and add the sugar. Crush the lime and sugar with a pestle until you have a pulpy, syrupy mix, then fill with the Cachaca. 

This drink is just delicious at summer parties. When we debuted it back in 1998 it was still rather low on the radar, but now you can find it in most bars. 

This week on my NPR podcast we're discussing how to get along with your roommates in your summer share - or any group living situation, really. Be sure and have a listen!

Hello people, time for another episode! This week it's all about keeping your rubber gloves from getting holey, (just put cotton balls in the finger tips), and making sure your butter doesn't burn (add a drop of olive oil to the pan). Be sure and watch! 

On my NPR podcast this week we're finishing up with framing by covering such esoteric subjects as unusual framing requests, shadow boxes and off beat framing materials. Have a listen... 

Next week we'll resume featuring longer episodes, though I'm still on hiatus so you won't see new intro and wrap up segments, I'm afraid. You'll have to wait until fall for that. 

Until next time!

 

Hello people, this week on the show I'm talking about medicine chests. I sunk mine into a spot to one side of the sink because of a pesky drainage pipe and instead of facing it with a mirror I covered it with a painting. Clever, no? Why not try it yourself. Even if you have the standard medicine cabinet over your sink a second one can be a big boon for storage! 

Now that summer is here we're much more prone to little skin irritations. I've found that a small dose of vitamin A helps clear up the itches of summer. Be sure not to take too take more than directed, however, too much over too long a period can cause problems with your liver. Consult your physician before beginning any vitamin regimen. 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm discussing the ins and outs of framing with Maureen Coleman who's been in the business for years. She owns ABC Custom Framing. Be sure and have a listen. I know you'll find it useful! 

I want to let you all know about an upcoming event. My mother, Mary Jane Wells is doing her one woman show, Transit in the Midtown International Theater Festival here in New York in late July and August. You can find out all about it at the show's website. If you're in town be sure and come to see it!

 

 

Hello people, Brini here with some cheesy ideas for you. This week the show's all about smoothing your interactions with the wine of foods - cheese! Be sure and watch! 

Warm knives will go through cheese much more easily than cold ones will. 

Keep your cheese grater fresh and clean by spraying it with cooking spray before grating your cheese on it, and when it comes time to wash it use a tooth brush to clean out all those little holes! 

On my NPR podcast this week I'm discussing weather predictors - those old saws such as "red sky in the morning, sailor take warning, red sky at night sailor's delight" have a grain of truth to them. Listen and find out why!

Hello people, Brini here with another show. This week I have tips for keeping those thighs trim and unsticking those stuck zippers. 

If you've got some downtime in a doctor's waiting room, use the time to your thigh's benefit - slip your purse over your ankle and lift, lift, lift to firmness. With all that we carry these days you may have trouble doing more than 6 to 8 reps to begin with, but keep it up ladies, your physique will thank you! 

Stuck zippers can be such a bore. They can be easily remedied, however with a few passes of pencil lead. The graphite lubricates them beautifully. Voila! 

This week on my NPR podcast I have some Father's Day ideas to brighten dad's special day. Be sure and have a listen!

Hello people! Brini here with some more ideas for a commodious kitchen. This week I have tips for avoiding torn slices of bread (butter the end of the loaf before slicing) and keeping your watch dry while doing the dishes (hang it on a cup hook placed conveniently by the sink). The show's a little short this week. I apologize. I've been a little busy lately. 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm extolling the virtues of the avocado and giving you my recipe for guacamole. You'll find it below. 

You'll need:

1 ripe avocado

2 sprigs of cilantro  

The juice of a lime

1 Tbs. chopped fresh onion 

Salt, Pepper and Tabasco to taste 

Cut up the avocado, discard the pit and peel and mash the sections in a bowl with a fork.  Add the remaining ingredients and serve. I like to serve it with plantain chips for an unexpected taste sensation. 

That's all for this week!

 

 

Hello people. It's almost officially summer! This weekend marks the beginning of the summer season for so many people I thought it would be a good idea to talk about opening up your pool on the show this week. 

In addition to the tips discussed in the show be sure and check your pool floats for leaks (they can be fixed with a bicycle repair kit) make sure your liner is intact, and your lounge cushions are free from mildew (a good spray with some bleach will kill any you find).  

Take a look at Episode 111 of my Style network show for some more great summer tips and don't forget to listen to my NPR podcast this week. I'm talking about another summer treat - the pineapple and giving you my favorite pineapple recipe - granita.

 

 

Hello people! It's that time again... time to break out those grills and make some magic to masticate on. Before you do, though, you'll want to watch the show this week. It's all about grill maintenance.  

Basically it's all about keeping the grill clean - or it can blow up. So get out the oven mitts and the Kiss the Cook apron! Let's make it a safe summer... 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm talking about keeping your tighties whighty... uh... white. Don't miss it!

Hello people, this week on the show it's about making a few of the gentler arts a little easier and less stressful.  

If you enjoy letter writing you've probably been frustrated by a mistake inscribed in pen once or twice. Eradicate those mistakes with a touch of bleach applied with a cotton swab. It will eliminate most pen strokes and leave you with a perfect note. 

Keeping our nails lovely can be a task. If you get a nick on one and don't have an emery board handy you can clean it up with the striking patch of a box of matches. 

This week on my NPR podcast we're talking about entertaining with fire. Flaming dishes are an exciting way to spark up your fetes. Be sure and listen!

 

Hello people, This week on the show I have some more kitchen tips for you.  

Have you been stymied my skid marks? It's a problem for linoleum vinyl flooring. There's a simple solution, however - lighter fluid. It lifts those unsightly blemishes like magic. You may have noticed in the comments from last week that a viewer, Donald, suggests citrus room deodorizer for the same task. I haven't tried that, but it's certainly worth a looksee. If you try it let me know how it works! 

Splitting an avocado can be messy business unless you use this little tip: Give it a twist instead of trying to pry the halves apart. It separates as if by magic! I also use a spoon to scoop out the pulp, rather than trying to peel the skin back, and pits can be removed with a good whack with a sharp knife and then a twist once the knife is lodged firmly in the pit. If you want to keep your avocado fresh in the fridge, leave the pit in the half you're saving and cover it with plastic wrap, similarly, place a pit in a bowl of guacamole and cover it with wrap as well and it will stay fresh too. Sign up for my weekly email for my guacomole recipe! 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm talking about painting. Achieving a professional paint job is simple with these tips, and maintaining the results is a breeze as well. Be sure and have a listen! 

That's all for this week!

 

Hello people, Brini here with some ideas to make your time in the kitchen more pleasant. This week on the show I'm highlighting two tips: 

Do you hate the extra step of sifting your flour for recipes? Try running it through your food processor for a moment or two and you can eliminate that step. 

Tired of your plastic smelling like your last leftover? It can be so unpleasant to eat out of. It's a simple problem to solve, however. Pop the offending plastic in the freezer for a few hours or drop a lemon wedge in it for a while and those odors will be eliminated. 

Now why didn't you think of that? 

This week on my NPR podcast we're talking with Barbra Scott of Barbra Scott flowers about drying flowers with silica gel. They last for up to a year. You can keep spring around all year! You can find the silica gel needed for the project at Active Products and the dried material used in the arrangements can be found at The Flower Mart and Floral Concepts International. 

Come back next week for some more tips and ideas for gracious living!

 

Hello people! This week it's about socks and boxes on the show. 

Lost socks is a perpetual problem for laundry doers everywhere. You can solve it easily by pinning them together before washing them. They'll stay mated until you remove the pins to fold them and put them away. 

Collapsing boxes can be a chore - especially when they're glued together. Soak them in the sink and they'll easily crumple into a ball. 

I'm happy to tell you that a film I did is premiering at the Philadelphia Film Festival. It's called 2 Minutes Later and is a charming murder mystery with snappy dialog and stylish characters. I play Emily, the owner of an art gallery. I hope you'll look for it! 

This week on my NPR podcast we're revisiting another first season episode. This time it's all about the hot bath. Be sure and listen!

Hello people! Another week of tips is upon us and this week it's all about storage. 

Under bed (or in my case, under sofa) storage bins are a great way to utilize otherwise wasted space. You can find them in many home stores, but a more eco friendly and efficient way to create them is to attach small casters to drawers from an old piece of furniture. The casters can be found at hardware stores for a nominal fee and you may already have an old chest lying around. If not you can find them inexpensively at thrift shops and garage sales. Make sure the drawers fit under your bed, allowing for the added height of the casters first.  

I like to store my soap among my towels. Unwrapped, it makes them smell so fresh and pretty. Give it a try! 

Storage can be quite a problem in smaller homes. I like to take advantage of every space I can by finding the proper storage equipment. Stores like The Container Store and Hold Everything have great products that make organization easy. The first step is to assess what you have to store. Open up that cabinet or closet that you've been dreading looking at and bring out the clutter. Look it over and categorize it, then you'll have a sense of what sort of containers you'll need. Will everything fit in small shoebox sized bins or do you need larger ones? Will you need small trays with compartments in them? Once you've made you decision, buy the pieces right away. Don't put everything back until you've put it all into the new containers. 

Decorative storage can be extremely useful as well. I'm particularly fond of my beautiful leather jewelry boxes. They have a place of honor in my bedroom. Not only do they organize my jewelry beautifully, they serve as a delightful accent in the room. This can apply to all sorts of decorative boxes of many sizes that can be used to store everything from games to remotes to office supplies. Remember, keep your clutter down to a minimum and your home will be a much nicer place to inhabit! 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm discussing spring cleaning - that age old ritual is still a wonderful way to start fresh. Be sure and have a listen!

 

 

Hello people! I'm still on hiatus from shooting, but we have some great tips for you on the show this week, regardless. Do you dislike the smell of smoke at a party? Most people just don't allow smoking in their homes anymore, but for those of you that do just put small vessels of white vinegar around. The vinegar soaks up the smoke smell. If you leave it out over night your upholstery will smell fresh in the morning! 

Vinyl records are new collectors items, now that they're obsolete. Protect your investment from dust with a natural bristle paint brush. Just run the brush along the surface from the label to the edge while the disk is spinning. 

There are many more tips here on the site. Be sure and browse through them. 

Don't forget to listen to my NPR podcast this week. It's all about beauty this time around. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

 

 

Hello people, time for tips, tips, tips - well, tips, tips, anyway. This week on the show I'm talking about light bulbs and irons.  

Store your light bulbs in empty cardboard drink containers. They're handy and display what you have on hand so you know when to buy more. 

Make your clothing smell pretty by adding a few drops of your favorite perfume to the steam chamber of your iron. It will infuse the garments with your scent of choice! 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm discussing small space decorating and how to make the most of your rooms. It's a must listen for anyone who has a small room to decorate! 

I'm cooking up a new season of podcasts which should go live sometime next month. Thanks for bearing with me while I take a little time off! 

Until next week...

 

Hello people, Brini here with another tip. This week it's all about unwanted phone callers. If you haven't done so already be sure and register your number with the national do not call register at www.donotcall.gov. 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm talking about interior design with hotel designers Jeffrey Goodman and Steven Charlton. They have lots of great interior design ideas and you should definitely take a look at their site. www.GoodmanCharlton.com. 

That's all for this week!

Hello people. I'm taking a little time off shooting new intros and wraps for a while. I'll be back soon with regular length episodes. In the mean time the feed will be featuring some of the tips segments from the original show. This week I'm giving you ideas for storing and dispensing string and keeping your sleeves clean. I hope you enjoy them! 

My NPR podcast will continue as usual. This week we're featuring a repeat episode - one of our favorites here - Scoring your Life, with ideas for bringing instrumental music into your daily routine.

Hello people and welcome to another episode! This week on the show I'm demonstrating Dina Merrill's pancake recipe. It's simple and delicious. I'm sure you'll agree! 

You'll need: 

2 tablespoons of butter

1 1/2 cups Aunt Jemima's

    Complete Pancake Mix

3/4 cup apple juice

1/2 strawberries, cut up 

Heat your griddle to 375 degrees and melt the butter in it. Combine the mix and the juice in a bowl until all the large lumps are gone. Don't over mix, however. It can toughen the pancakes. Add the strawberries and blend well. Drop about a quarter cup of batter on the griddle and let cook until you see bubbles form on the top of the pancake. Flip and cook on the other side until you can lift the edge of the pancake with a spatula. Serve with maple syrup and fresh whole strawberries for garnish. 

This week on my NPR podcast I'll be discussing stock. No, this isn't about margins or the recent correction, it's about the delightful combination of ingredients that come together to create the perfect base for so many recipes. Don't miss it!

 

Fat is good for you! Well, some fat anyway. The fat in avocados is one of those "good for you" fats and I have a delicious way to serve it on today's show! Avocado soup - here's how: 

You'll need: 

2 avocados

4 potatoes

1 cup vegetable stock

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Curry powder to taste 

Start by cubing and cooking your potato until it's soft. While it's cooking you can cube your avocado. When the potato is cooked and ready, put about a quarter of it into your blender along with a quarter of your avocado. Blend them up with a bit of your vegetable stock. Continue in this fashion until all the potato and avocado has been blended. Season with the salt, pepper and curry powder. You can heat this soup up or it can be served cold. 

This week on my NPR podcast we're featuring that talk with Tracy Stern that I promised weeks ago. We're talking about tea and I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Hello all, it's that time again! This week on the show you'll meet my friend Jeffrey. He's from North Carolina, or "Norf Cakalakee" as he likes to call it. He and I went shopping for some things for his home. This would have been absolutely delightful, had it not been for the fact that we have extremely different ideas about what's beautiful. We went to two shops: Nial Smith, an antique store that features beautiful heirloom pieces and The End of History, a shop that has a collection of more colorful stock from the 1950's through the 1970's It's infinitely more fun to watch than it was to experience. Mary Ellen can attest to that. She tagged along. 

In addition to that Jeffrey showed me his biscuits. Well, that is to say, he demonstrated his grandmother's biscuit recipe for us. Here it is: 

You'll need: 

2 cups flour

1Tbs. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/4 cup vegetable shortening

2/3 cup milk 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and place in a large bowl. Cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it's nice and crumbly. Add the milk by degrees, mixing together until you have a sticky, loose ball. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead lightly a few times, then roll the dough out to approximately 1/2" thick. Using an inverted drinking glass, cut the biscuits out and bake on an ungreased baking sheet for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. 

They're just delicious - light and flakey. 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm telling you how to make some lovely charm bracelets. I know you'll have fun making them. I sure did!

 

 

Hello people! Love is in the air - It's almost St. Valentines Day and I have some ideas for you. This week on the show I'm demonstrating a charming craft project - Topiary Heads! They make delightful gifts for your valentine and are such fun to put together. Here's how: 

You'll need: 

A paper mache flour pot

Plaster of Paris

An 8" diameter Styrofoam ball

Raffia in black or brown

An 18" wooden dowel

Pink tint floral spray

Craft paint in brown, red or pink and blue or violet

Ribbon in pink and red

Red and white heart shaped paper doilies

Red metallic poster board

Pink poster board

Artificial flowers

Pink or white netting or tulle

Floral wire

Tiny red pompons

A glue gun and glue sticks

Scotch tape

Wire cutters

A paint brush

Scissors

White glue 

Start by setting the dowel in the bottom of the flour pot so it stands upright with the plaster of Paris. Then you can create the head. Give the ball a light dusting of the floral spray, concentrating it a little more where you want the cheeks to be. Paint a face on the Styrofoam ball using the craft paint, then use the raffia to create an attractive hairstyle, pinning it to the ball using the floral wire. Use the ribbon to tie the hair into pony or pig tails, or as an attractive headband. Mount the head on the dowel. Next, create a bow for the neck by gathering up a length of tulle and holding it together with a length of floral wire. Leave the tails of the wire sticking up. Attach an artificial rose to the bow with wire or hot glue. Then insert the tails of wire up into the base of the ball to mount your bow at her neck.  Now it's time to create the hat. Cut a large heart out of the metallic paper board. The heart should be larger than either of the doilies. Next create a truncated cone of pink paper board. Cut half inch deep tabs into the top edge of the cone and fold them down to create a surface to glue your heart to. Mount the heart on the cone and, once dry, you can glue your doilies, one on top of the other, down to the red heart. Mount a pouf of tulle with an artificial flower on top of the doilies using floral wire through all layers and leave the tails. Use the tails to mount the hat on the head by inserting them into the Styrofoam.

Trim the dowel by winding ribbon around it spirally from top to bottom. Tape it to the dowel to secure it in place. Your finishing touch is to fill the flower pot with tulle and stud the tulle with the pompons using your hot glue gun. Congratulations! Your Valentines Day gift is complete! 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm discussing the perfect Valentines Day meal - A picnic on your living room floor! It's such a delightful way to celebrate with your valentine. Be sure and listen. 

If you haven't signed up for my mailing list yet consider joining now. Each week, in addition to getting information about my shows, I feature editorial content that you can't get anywhere else. This week I'm featuring my recipe for brownie cookies. They're delightful cut into heart shapes and frosted with pink icing! 

That's all for this week. Be sure and join me next time!

 

 

This week on the show, banish old man winter with the cheerful trappings of spring! 

Force bulbs for fresh spring blooms. This is easily done by finding bulbs for forcing at your local garden store or nursery. Plant them in pots as directed on the package, then give them a 6 to 8 week winter in a fridge. Bring them out into your warm living room and watch them burst forth with beautiful blooms! 

Welcome the birds with a charming birdfeeder. Here are plans for one we made on my Style network show. You can make a handy funnel for your bird seed out of a gallon milk jug. Just cut the bottom off and use the pouring spout as the bottom of the funnel. 

Home accessories are the perfect way to brighten your home during the depths of winter. You'll notice I've propped perky pillows up on my chaise in the introduction and wrap up of this week's show. These are the spring pillows from my forth coming line of products for Felix Populi. Look for them in stores and online soon!

This week on my NPR podcast I'll be giving you some ideas for another delightful mood lifter: sun catchers. They're such fun and perfect for the winter blahs! 

Until next week!

Hearty fare is the subject of today's show. This week I'm making Janet Leigh's meatloaf. It's just delicious and so simple! Here's how it's done: 

You'll need: 

3 lbs. ground veal or very lean beef

1lb. ground pork

½ cup minced onion

4 ground carrots

1Tbs. salt

¼ tsp pepper

½ cup sour cream. 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix together with your hands. Pack into your loaf pan or form into a mound and bake for 90 minutes. 

Serves 4 

So tasty and so simple! 

This week on my NPR podcast I’m discussing the joys of tea with Tracy Stern of Salon Tea. I’m sure you’ll want to listen!

This is the first day of the Mondo Loung Atomic Frolic. I'll be there, I hope you will too. If you are, say hello!

 

It's all about bread today. On the show I'm making a delicious Italian bread and tasty herbed butter to go with it. These can be combined as a delightful gift from you kitchen. 

For the bread you'll need: 

1 package active dry yeast

1 ½ tsp sugar

½ cup warm water

1/3 cup hot water

3 Tbs. butter

1 tsp salt

3 cups flour 

Start by combining the yeast, sugar and warm water in a bowl and stirring until smooth. Then combine the hot water with the butter and stir until melted, then add the salt. Put the butter mixture in with the yeast mixture and begin adding your flour. Add it by degrees until the dough begins to come away from the sides of the bowl. You're then ready for kneading. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes or until the dough responds to your touch by springing back when you poke it. Now we baked ours in a tubular pan which required us to flatten out the dough and then roll it into a log. You can repeat that technique and then bake it on a cookie sheet or bake it in a loaf pan. Either way you'll want the dough to rise in a warm draft free place until it's doubled in size - about 1 ½  to 2 hours. Bake it in 425 degree oven for about 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 and bake for an additional 35 minutes. Remove bread to a rack to cool. 

For the butter you'll need: 

One stick of butter, softened

Juice of one lemon

Two tablespoons of chopped chives 

Place all ingredients in a bowl and combine well with a fork. Remove to a sheet of wax paper and form into a log. Twist the ends of the wax paper and place in the fridge to firm up.  

These recipes are just delicious together and, as I said above, make a lovely gift when combined in a basket. Be sure and include a card with the recipe, the recipient will undoubtedly want some more! 

This week on my NPR podcast I’m interviewing designers par excellence Jeffrey Goodman and Steven Charlton who are currently redoing the Empire Hotel across from Lincoln Center, among other projects. Don’t miss it!

Don't forget, I'll be at the Mondo Lounge Atomic Frolic next weekend in Las Vegas. If you join us be sure and say hello!

 

 

Hello people, it's all about cards today! On the show I'm showing you how to make delightful card themed sandwiches. I put them together for a bridge luncheon we had on my original cable access show. They're ever so simple. Here's how: 

You'll need: 

Suit shaped cookie cutters

Thin sliced sandwich bread

Deli meat

Thin sliced cheese

Leaf lettuce

Sliced olives

Toothpicks 

Start by stacking your sandwich, then place your cookie cutters on top and press down very firmly until you've separated the shape from the rest of the sandwich. Open top tin type cookie cutters work best for this because they're sharp enough to cut through all layers. Remove the sandwich from the cutter and trim off any stragglers with a scissors. The bottom of what you've just cut will be the top of the sandwich. Finish by garnishing with a sliced olive speared with a toothpick. These can be made with all different types of cookie cutters for all different occasions. Keep in mind, however, the more elaborate the shape the more difficult it will be to cut the sandwich - the club is the most complicated of the suits to cut. 

Hint: If you want to add condiments to your sandwich, do it after they're cut. The layers slip around too much if you've dressed it before you attempt to cut them. 

This week on my NPR podcast we're featuring a bit of archival Brini with some tips for your kitchen. For those of you that haven't heard it before, enjoy! For those of you that have, we'll be back next week with an all new episode.

Also, don't forget to make your reservations for Mondo Lounge Atomic Frolic! It's the 26^th through the 28^th of January in Las Vegas. I hope to see you there!

 

Well, it's time once again to settle in to a post holiday schedule. Many people release the stress of the holidays by getting a cold. My show this week is all about caring for someone in that situation. Here are some tips for making the circumstances easier. 

Reading material like magazines and books can be kept in a new wastepaper basket. The corralled publications can be easily pulled up on the bed to be retrieved or put away. 

Instead of a tray, use muffin tins for serving meals in bed. The cups are perfect for holding the various courses of the meal and things won't slide around or spill. 

If the flavor the medicine is less than appealing an ice cube on the tongue will numb the taste buds and make medicating less unpleasant. 

Standard sized newspapers can be a bit much to handle when stuck in bed. Split them down the middle to make them easier to deal with. 

One of the least pleasant aspects to being incapacitated is the difficulty of bathing, and forget about washing your hair. This can be accomplished more easily by putting your subject in a plastic rain poncho. Place it on them backwards so the hood can be used as a pocket for the shampoo and conditioner. Then attach a sprayer to your kitchen or bathroom spigot and you're all set.  

As you saw in the show I let my self get a little carried away these tips to the expense of Mary Ellen's sanity. I would advise you to keep your head about you, even though the circumstances of taking care of a cranky sick person can be a bit trying at times... 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm talking about candle making. It's a delightful craft that can be fun and even profitable. There are several internet resources for candle making that you can explore, including candletech.com and candlemaking.org.

See you next week!

 

 

Here's a little hangover cure for those of you who indulged a little last night...

Well, it's almost 2007! What better occasion for a cheese casserole? This week on the show I'm making one of my favorites - the Crown Roast of Cheese. It's just delicious and so simple: 

You'll need: 

¼ cup of butter

7 slices of bread (about ½ inch thick each)

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp paprika

Pinch of cayenne

½ tsp dry mustard

 

Preheat the oven to 350. Start by buttering both sides of all slices of bread with half the butter. Cut two into triangles (cut across the slice in an "X" pattern) and cut the rest into cubes. Then line the bottom of a buttered casserole dish with a handful of bread cubes and on top of that toss a layer of grated cheese. Repeat until you've used up all the cubes and cheese. Place the triangles of bread around the outside of the dish to create your "crown" and set aside. Combine all remaining ingredients except for the remaining butter in a mixing bowl and mix well. Pour the mixture over the casserole, then dot with slices of the remaining butter and bake for 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

 

This dish is just delish with a lovely dry white wine.

 

On my NPR podcast this week I'm talking about what to do with all that great smoking paraphernalia now that smoking is off limits. Be sure and have a listen!

 

For those of you on the west coast I'll be in Las Vegas for the Mondo Lounge Atomic Frolic talking about how to live the retro lifestyle. I hope you'll join me!

 

Hello people, and Merry Christmas... It's just around the corner! On the show this week I have a few last minute holiday ideas.

In a quandary about what to give a girlfriend? How about making a pair of matching aprons from an old vintage tablecloth and giving her one? You'll have matching aprons!

 You'll need:

1 vintage tablecloth

Scissors

Thread to match

Sewing machine 

Cut the tablecloth in half across its shortest dimension and from each half cut a strip along the cut edge that is 3" wide. That strip will be your waistband. Cut a notch at the center of the strip and a notch on each side where you want the apron to end. (You can put the waistband around your waist and mark the side seam of your clothing on one side, then fold it in half and notch where you've marked). Also notch the center of the apron body.  Then run a gathering stitch along the cut edge of the body and shirr it up. Match your notches and stitch the waistband to the apron with a half inch seam allowance. Then press the waistband up. Fold the right sides together along the top edge and stitch the waist band ends together, then turn them inside out and press. Fold under the seam allowance on the waistband and top stitch it down and your apron is finished! You can face the waistband with ribbon or trim the apron with braid or rickrack, attach pockets or a bow and it's ready to give.

Another last minute gift idea is a set of tassel ornaments. We made tassels on a previous episode and they make lovely Christmas ornaments. Make a set of 4 or 6 tassels in red yarn with sprigs of artificial holly, jingle bells or metallic yarn accents.

Using your imagination for holiday giving can net you ooohs and aaahs from your recipient.

This week on my NPR podcast I'm discussing creative gift wrapping ideas. Once you've made your gifts have a listen and I'll give you some ideas for presenting them!

Have a wonderful holiday and look for a little bonus episode in the NPR feed this weekend.

 

 

Hello people, it's time for some more ideas and tips from Brini!

This week I'm making a delicious holiday recipe that's perfect for Christmas breakfast. It's called Mattie Belle's Cranberry Bread and it's very easy to make.

 You'll need:

 2 cups flour

¾ cup sugar

1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon soda

¼ cup butter

¾ cup orange juice

1 egg

1 tablespoon grated orange rind

½ cup walnuts

1 cup halved cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350. sift flour, baking powder and soda and set aside. Cream butter and sugar together, add the egg, then add the flour mixture in parts, alternating with the orange juice and blend well. Then mix in the orange rind, walnuts and cranberries. Bake for 1 hour, then turn the oven off and crack the door slightly to let the bread slowly cool down.

On my NPR podcast this week I'm discussing another holiday confection - fruit cake. This much maligned holiday tradition has quite a royal history. Here's my grandmother's recipe:

You'll need:

2 cups light raisins

2 cups dark raisins

2 cups walnuts

1 cup blanched almonds

1 ½ cup butter

1 ¾ cups sugar

6 eggs

3 ¼ cup sifted all purpose flour

1 ½ tsp salt

1 tsp soda

1 tsp cloves

3 tsp cinnamon

¾ cups finely cut packaged citron

¾ cups finely cut moist dried pears

1 ½ cups diced candied orange peel

½ cup drained crushed pineapple

2 tsp vanilla

¼ tsp almond extract

Rinse raisins, drain and dry, chop walnuts and almonds, cream butter, add sugar and cream thoroughly, blend in beaten eggs, sift flour with salt soda and spices, add to the creamed mixture blending well. Coat the nuts, citron, dried pears and peel in flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom, then stir in raisins, nuts citron, dried pears, peel, pineapple and flavorings. Place in a greased, paper lined 9" tube pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Place a pan of water on the lower rack to keep the cake moist. Test with cake tester or pick before removing from oven. Soak cheese cloth in rum or brandy and wrap cake in the soaked cloth, then wrap in foil and let marinate for a few days. Unwrap and repeat as many times as desired. Be sure and administer a sobriety test before you send your guests home in their cars after eating though.

Hello people, This week on the show it's all about gifts we make ourselves. I'm making two different gifts on this week's episode - tassels and apricot cherry cordial fruit sauce.

Tassels are very simple to make. You'll need:

Yarn in different colors

A card that's about an inch longer than the length of your finished tassel

Scissors

A latch hook or crochet hook

Start by winding your yarn around the card until you have a good hank of it collected. Cut off the tail and slide the hank off the card keeping the center open. Then reel off a good long piece of matching or contrasting yarn - at least 4 feet - and double it twice and twist it until it starts coiling back on itself. Grasp the center between your teeth and fold it in half and let it twist into a cord. Tie it in a loop and loop it through the center of your yarn hank making sure the knot is lost among the yarn in the hank and pull it tight. Tie matching or contrasting yarn tightly around the top of your hank close to the hanging loop and then begin to wrap it around snugly until you have about a half inch of it evenly girdling the tassel. Cut and then tie the end of the yarn to the tail left when you first tied the yarn on the tassel, then with your hook pull the tails up under the wrapped yarn.

 

Apricot Cherry Cordial Fruit Sauce is quite simple as well. You'll need:

1 cup dried apricots cut in quarters

½ cup sugar

10 oz jar maraschino cherries

1 cup vodka

Combine the apricots, sugar and cherries with their juice in your blender until well blended, then add the vodka and blend again. Remove the mixture to a jar and let marinate, inverting the jar regularly, for two weeks or until all the sugar is dissolved. Present in a tall pointy bottle with a white pompon on the cork to create a Santa hat.

 

Here are a few other projects that are perfect for holiday gift giving:

Trimmed Towels

Wine Charms

Trimming Fruit

Applique Tote Bag

Terrariums

Chow Chow

Yum Cake

On this week's NPR podcast I'm talking to Barbara Bitela the author of The Art of Regifting. She has some great ideas for those gifts that you don't quite know what to do with.

Along those lines, here are a few more projects that don't let anything go to waste:

Repurposing

My Christmas show is Sunday night. I hope to see you all there!

 

Hello people, This week on my vidcast I have a delightful guest. Joe Ligamarri came on to show us his recipes for St. Louis Bars and Pizzels. Here they are:

 

For St. Louis Bars you'll need:

 

1 yellow cake mix

½ cup (1 stick) melted butter

3 eggs

1 8oz package cream cheese

4 ½ cups confectioner's sugar

 

Preheat the oven to 350. In a large bowl, lightly beat one egg, then add the cake mix and melted butter and mix until the dough is the consistency of play-dough. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 X 13" baking pan. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the confectioner's sugar. Combine all the remaining ingredients with a hand mixer until smooth. Pour over the dough and smooth with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling doesn't move when the pan is shaken. Remove from the oven and dust with the remaining powdered sugar. Let cool completely and cut into bars.

 

For the pizzelles you'll need:

 

1 ¾ cup flour

¾ cup sugar

1 Tablespoon anise flavor

3 eggs

1 stick butter

 

Preheat your pizzelle iron and sift the flour and sugar together. Add the anise flavoring and the eggs and butter. Stir until the batter is the consistency of a thick pancake batter. Drop a large tablespoon full of batter in the center of the pizzelle iron and close the top. The cookie should be done in about 45 seconds. These can be shaped over bowls to create edible vessels for elegant desserts. They can also be broken up into quadrants and dipped in chocolate or tucked into a bowl of ice cream.

 

This week on my NPR podcast I'm talking with Barbara Bitela, the author of The Art of Regifting and she has some useful tips for saving a bundle this Christmas! Be sure and listen.

 

Don't forget my holiday show is next weekend at the Cutting Room. We're almost sold out so be sure and book your tickets today!