Monthly Archives: April 2011

Spring and Summer Canning Classes Now Available!

Posted on April 29, 2011 by marisa

Canning season is approaching! I know that there are still many among you who want to tackle your own projects this summer but have apprehensions. The best way to get shake off your fears and get comfortable with the canning … Continue reading →

Posted in classes | 6 Comments

Food in Jars is a Finalist in Saveur’s Best Food Blog Awards

Posted on April 28, 2011 by marisa

Wednesday morning, I was sitting at work nursing a mug of tea and catching up with the world, when I saw a tweet from Saveur Magazine announcing that their Best Food Blog Award finalists were up. A shiver of nerves … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Tagged , | 14 Comments

A Hip Girl’s Potluck + Arugula Salad with Roasted Beets, Carrots and Caramelized Onions

Posted on April 26, 2011 by marisa

Earlier tonight, twenty women gathered in my apartment to eat, drink and celebrate Kate Payne and her lovely new book (don’t forget that I’m giving away a copy here). Let me tell you, we had SUCH a fun evening. My … Continue reading →

Posted in cookbooks, salads | 16 Comments

Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking Reading + Giveaway

Posted on April 25, 2011 by marisa

Because I write about food and my many acts of preservation, people often assume that I’m also an expert in a variety of home-based arts. And while it’s true that my kitchen comfort is bone deep, when it comes to … Continue reading →

Posted in cookbooks | Tagged , , | 438 Comments

Lemon Buttermilk Muffins

Posted on April 20, 2011 by marisa

I am at that age where nearly everyone I know is either pregnant or a newly minted parent. I am currently on a first name basis with eight children under the age of 18 months and there are at least … Continue reading →

Posted in breakfast/brunch | Tagged | 23 Comments

Skip the Plastic in the Bulk Section, Use Jars Instead

Posted on April 19, 2011 by marisa

I have been a bulk section shopper for most of my life. Growing up, my family was devoted to the bulk bins and it was always a great thrill when my mom would let me fill up the bags with … Continue reading →

Posted in Canning 101, equipment, jars as storage | 77 Comments

The Complete Kitchen Garden Winner

Posted on April 15, 2011 by marisa

Last Monday was the warmest day we’ve had all year in Philly. It reached nearly 87 degrees and I had the good fortune to spend a chunk of the afternoon outside at an urban farm in Fishtown. They were open … Continue reading →

Posted in winners | 6 Comments

Transforming Homemade Creme Fraiche Into Cultured Butter

Posted on April 11, 2011 by marisa

The deliciousness of butter is a universally understood truth (and the primary reason for Paula Deen’s career). However, for as good as regular old butter can be, cultured butter is just that much better. Cultured butter is made from cream … Continue reading →

Posted in dairy, recipes | Tagged , , | 34 Comments

Gorgeous Spring Cookbooks, Part I

Posted on April 8, 2011 by marisa

You many not realize it (I didn’t know it until I started writing about food), but the arrival of new cookbooks is a seasonal event. They tend to come out in large clusters in the early spring (in time for … Continue reading →

Posted in cookbooks | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 295 Comments

Canning 101: How to Unstick a Stuck Ring

Posted on April 5, 2011 by marisa

Back when I first started canning, I didn’t know that you were supposed to remove the rings from your jars once they were cool. This led to some very frustrating moments in which I went to open jars and found … Continue reading →

Posted in Canning 101, equipment | Tagged , , | 17 Comments