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The Top Ten Tools Every Baker Should Own

Filed Under > Worth Noting

Top Ten Baking Tools, Waiting On Martha  ||  Photography Kathryn McCraryThe Top Ten Tools Every Baker Should Own, Waiting On Martha  ||  Photography Kathryn McCraryTop Ten Baking Tools, Waiting On Martha  ||  Photography Kathryn McCrary

With the Holidays fast approaching I thought I’d let you peek inside my pantry to see the top ten baking tools I believe every baker should own.  And it was hard to narrow it down to ten, I didn’t even include my beloved Silpat Mats (probably because I’ve talked about them at least a dozen times before on the Blog), so I’d love to hear if I’ve left off one of your baking necessities?  Truly, MKR

No. 01 – Ice Cream Scoops.  Not just for ice cream scoops will allow you to scoop consistent amounts of batter into muffin pans, cupcake pans, and cookie dough so your cookies are of similar shape and size.  Just make sure you get the scoop with a spring loaded wire scraper so it will easily release your batter our dough.

No. 02 – Rolling Pins.  I have so many rolling pins I’m beginning to lose count, but if I could only narrow it down to two I’d have a tapered rolling pin and your standard 12″ wood rolling pin.  

No. 03 – Prep Dishes.  It’s always best to have all of your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go in numerous prep dishes so you’re not rushing around the kitchen trying to get the right amount poured in at the right time.  Plus it helps to keep the kitchen on the tidy side.

No. 4 – Bakers Twine.  Twine is an absolute kitchen necessity, I just prefer the striped bakers twine as its perfect for pretty packaging.

No. 5 – Pastry Cutters.  What can I say I like fancy pie crust.  And speaking of pie may I suggest these and this, also baking must haves for me.

No. 6 – Icing Spatula.  I have at least 5 icing spatulas in all different sizes, they really are the end all be all for icing cakes.

No. 7 – Nielsen-Masey Vanilla.  Yes I know it’s expensive, but the taste of your food is always a reflection of how good your ingredients are so always bake with the best.  

No. 8 – Microplane Grater.  One of my kitchens most used tools a microplane grater is perfect for adding cinnamon and nutmeg spice and citrus flakes to any dish.

No. 9 – Cooling Racks.  I’m guilty of not allowing my desserts to properly cool before attempting to ice, or remove from the pan, etc.  I’ve learned my lesson though and now everything is cooled appropriately on racks.

No. 10. – Salt Pig.  Baking is all about getting the precise, exact measurement and a salt shaker just won’t do.  Get a pig or a salt bowl so you can get just the right 1/8 teaspoon when needed.

*Photography, Kathryn McCrary

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…AS PICTURED…Measuring Cups, All Clad  ||  Napkins, Found Vintage (similar HERE)  ||  Rolling Pin, A Sunny Afternoon  ||  Olive Wood Bowl, Sur La Table  ||  Fork & Spoon Dipping Dish, Waiting On Martha  ||  Icing Spatula, Sur La Table ||  Ice Cream Scoop, Williams Sonoma  ||  Pastry Cutter, Williams Sonoma  ||  Nielsen-Masey Vanilla, Williams Sonoma  ||  Microplane Grater, Williams Sonoma  ||  Bakers Twine, Williams Sonoma  ||  Marble Pastry Board, Sur La Table  ||  Cooling Rack, Sur La Table  ||  Olive Wood Salt Bowl, Williams Sonoma  ||  Pink Salt, Williams Sonoma

 

{MUST} Eat(s)

Filed Under > Uncategorized

Over the last couple weeks I’ve had the pleasure of dining at quite a few new spots.  Some new to me completely and others while not new, provided a new dining experience if you will.  For lack of droning on and on in 6 different posts I thought I’d give all you loves the Readers Digest version of what I’m loving (or not loving) at 7 Hens, Ra Sushi, Leon’s Full Service, Table & Main, Salt Factory, and Star Provisions.  

The first was completely new to me, and new to Atlanta, 7 Hens7 Hens is a schnitzel shop located in Decatur.  Schnitzel being an age-old technique of thinly pounding the chicken breast, dipping it in egg batter and coating it with seasoned breadcrumbs.  The 7 in 7 Hens refers to the 7 different flavor combinations you can have like the American, Mexican, Indian, etc.  All of their chicken is local and delivered daily, made fresh to order.

Now most of you know I don’t eat meat, so here is the beauty of 7 Hens.  You can get any schnitzel made with tofu.  And having recently moved from Chicago I’ve found that Atlanta is seriously lacking in vegetarian options so I was brimming with excitement to try tofu schnitzel.  Let me tell you it was amazing.  The Mr. had the chicken schnitzel Mexican style and I had the tofu schnitzel Indian style.  So delish!  My only complaint is that 7 Hens isn’t closer to where we live because I would be going there all the time.  Love!

 

My tofu schnitzel form 7 Hens

Next up is Ra Sushi.  Now Ra isn’t new to me, I’d ate there many times in Chicago, but when they introduced their new summer menu I was intrigued by the idea of Crispy Asian Tacos and “Ra”ckin Shrimp just to name a few.  While the whole menu was pretty good, the starters were definitely the stars.  The Asian tacos, edamame dip,  “Ra”ckin shrimp, and garlic edamame are ridiculous.  I could have ate just those 4 things and been completely happy.

The garlic edamame while it sounds simple has such spectacular seasoning I personally asked what it was and then high tailed it to the spice market to pick some up for myself.  The Asian tacos are genius.  And the edamame dip is like your classic spinach dip only better.   One of the best things is that they have fantastic Happy Hour specials which makes Ra the perfect after work spot.

Ra’s Strawberry Saketini

Crispy Asian Tacos

Sampler of the garlic edamame, “ra”ckin shrimp, and edamame dip

Brunch is my favorite meal.  Whoever came up with brunch deserves a medal.  So now knowing my feelings on brunch, you can understand my elation to discover that Atlanta also loves brunch.  One of the best brunches I’ve had so far has been at Leon’s Full Service.  Last time I was at Leon‘s was simply for cocktails before heading to 246 and then cocktails after dining at 246.  This time I was there for the eggs.  Sadly when we arrived they had just ran out of the egg special for the day, and while my heart was sad it taught me 1. to next time get to Leon’s earlier and 2. everything happens for a reason.  And that reason was so I could have the fried green tomato sandwich.

I’ve decided that fried green tomatoes = heaven.  And the fried green tomato sandwich at Leon’s was probably the best I’ve ever had.  Truth be told it wasn’t just the sandwich it was also the pub fries, zucchini casserole, and sauteed corn & field peas.  Everything just tasted very southern, very cozy, and very much like food my grandma would make but better.  And I wasn’t the only one in comfort food heaven, the Mr. had slow roasted beef brisket with black peppercorn gravy, fried onions, and served open faced.  Not too shabby.

 

Fried green tomato sandwich and zucchini casserole

The brisket

So I have a problem.  I sometimes forget I have a blog.  Most of the time it slips my mind when amazing food is put down in front of me, and then I tend not to remember until that food is almost gone and the time for pictures has passed.    Which brings me to Table & Main, Salt Factory and Star Provisions.  All amazing, all MUST Eats, and all with no pictures.  Wah Wah.  So I’m going to ask you to please use your imagination while I run quickly down what I’m loving at each.

Star Provisions is that classic lunch spot where you know the food is always going to be good, and if for some reason it’s not the shopping is.  I was joined at Star Provisions by my gal Dina from Deliciously Darling Events for a World Domination meeting, or rather to plot our upcoming Occassions Magazine NYE Photo Shoot at JCT Kitchen.  We paroused the shop, planned a party, solved world hunger, and I ate an amazing felafel pita.   Perfectly crunchy and sauced felafel pita.

Similar story at Salt Factory, same cast of characters same discussions but this time the onion soup.  Never have I had onion soup like this.  Instead of a thin broth with the onions and cheese they blended the onions making it a thicker texture and it was divine.  So good I sent my mother there the following week for the soup and she agreed.  So Loves get the soup.  And can I just say how darling Roswell Square is?!  I feel it’s the perfect place for a brick and mortar Waiting On Martha Shop.  What do ya’ think?

Finally we’re on to Table and Main, also in the darling Roswell Square.  It was a strangely cool (or at least cooler) night in Atlanta and we were joined by our dear friends for quite the perfect evening.  Table and Main’s outdoor seating is superb.  It actually reminded me of Yountville and our many nights in wine country.  Quaint, but not too small, sunken down and hidden just a tad from the street and lush with greenery.  The wine flowed and the food was fantastic.  The Mr.’s tuna was some of the best I’ve ever tried, my scallops were delectable, and all of the southern sides like fried okra, heirloom tomatoes and mac and cheese were the perfect accompaniments.  Again I’m just sad I don’t have any pictures to share with you all.  But I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. 

So Loves, where should I go next?  xoxo

Freshly Picked

A Citrus Themed Table Setting Perfect For A Summer Brunch, Lunch or Baby Shower
Filed Under > Entertaining

In all my years of parties thrown and dinner parties hosted I’ve never been one to go all in on a match-matchy theme. Typically, I to like working from a specific color palette, or menu and let things organically flow from there. But if there was any theme I could completely get behind, especially in summer, it would be citrus.

Citrus is a great theme for numerous reasons. First, it’s completely relevant to the summer season. Second, citrus is an extremely easy idea to incorporate into your recipes. From drinks, like a refreshing Aperol Spritz (recipe HERE), to dishes such as a simple fruit salad (similar recipe HERE) the possibilities are endless.

Lastly, citrus is an easier and more inexpensive way to decorate than flowers. Bowls and vases full of oranges, lemons, and limes have never been labeled ” high maintenance” nor will they cost near the price of a few dozen peonies.

Now that we’ve got the food and decor taken care of lets talk about the table itself. For this particular tabletop I kept things light, bright and easy by using paper table runners, placemats and place-cards. I’ve used and carried these paper accents at Waiting On Martha Home since the beginning and I never tire of the way they always add a whimsical and fun touch to any table and because of their price you won’t feel guilty by constantly switching things up.

Being summer and wanting to keep things on the lighter side of fussy I mixed my VIETRI melamine plates, acrylic tumblers and serving dishes with my more formal ceramic melon and orange plates. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love investing in a core white place setting, like VIETRI Lastra, and mixing in fun salad, appetizer, and serving pieces when the mood strikes.

Finally, I topped the look off with the white bamboo flatware I cannot stop using and VIETRI paper cocktail napkins and neon Le Jacquard dinner napkins sure to pack a citrus punch.

I can honestly say this was the easiest, and most fun table I’ve ever put together and it was definitely a team favorite. It simply made everyone happy! So next time you’re thinking about implementing a theme for a dinner party, brunch, bridal shower, or really any time you just want something more on the sunny side of the street I suggest thinking citrus! Truly, MKR

Photography Rustic White Interiors

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