Archive   |   July, 2009

‘extreme architecture’ looks to be inspiring read

Posted by in decorating, reading

extarchbook
extremehills

The trend watchers over at Cool Hunting just wrote about Ruth Slavid’s new book Extreme Architecture: Building For Challenging Environments. The book is divided into five sections that cover the major challenges the environment poses when building a structure — hot, cold, high, wet, and space. I love to see how people deal with the tricky environmental factors of their location, and Slavid’s book gives a good look into solutions with tons of information and stunningly beautiful photographs. The book will be available in August through Chronicle Books. — Erica P.

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real life test kitchen: watermelon with feta and mint

Posted by in cooking

watermelonfeta
I’ll be totally honest with you — watermelon is not my favorite. I’m not sure if it’s the texture or if I just don’t know how to pick a good melon, but it’s never wowed me. That is, unless you jazz it up a little bit: a little lime juice, ribbons of fresh mint, and some good salty sheep’s milk feta, and a mediocre melon is transformed into a complex and refreshing salad. –Megan B. Click for Megan’s refreshing recipe! (more…)

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camping and cooking: got any tips?

Posted by in cooking, traveling

sunsetcornbreadI’m so excited to have scored a fantastic camping spot on San Juan Island in September: San Juan is known for frequent whale sightings (though, granted, those get a little less frequent late in the season) and we have a full water view with steps directly to the beach. I can’t wait! But the ugly truth is, camp cooking is still pretty intimidating to me. I know I’ll be be perusing this roundup at Sunset, and I have a feeling S’moreos will be on the menu. But I’d love to hear your tried and true recipes for cooking on a campfire or camp stove. We’re car camping, so I’ll be able to bring along plenty of supplies. If it’s still warm enough, maybe I’ll bake cookies in the car… –Mary T.

Photo by James Carrier via Sunset

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you asked for it: a summer recipe roundup

Posted by in cooking

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Awhile back, a reader asked that we share a roundup of recipes that don’t require cooking — because for most of us, it’s hot! So we combed our archives for recipes that require little (there is the occasional steaming or grilling involved) to no cooking. For more inspiration, check out this recent article in the New York Times: 101 Simple Salads for the Season. Enjoy!

Salads:
Vegetable and grain salad with creamy chive yogurt dressing

Simple beet salad

Charred corn salad

Chinese chicken salad

Chicken bowtie pasta salad

Curried pasta salad

Sides:
Cook your rice on the grill

Toaster oven tomatoes

Holy guacamole

Peanut cole slaw

Sweets:
Grilled peaches with honey

Easy tiramisu

Watermelon popsicles

And finally, suggestions from you:
Picnic recipes

More sources for low- or no-cook recipes? Please add them in comments!

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barking buddha: we have a winner!

Posted by in living with pets

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Congratulations to Nicole, the winner of our book giveaway! She wins a copy of Barking Buddha: Simple Soul Stretches for Yogi and Dogi from The Mountaineers Books. Nicole says:

This would be the neatest thing ever! I love yoga and I love my pup, so this seems like a natural step. Not to mention that she always does ‘downward facing dog’ on her own! She LOVES to play, so she practically lives in play stance. My pup is an 8 month old miniature schnauzer mix, and I love her to tiny little pieces! I rescued her 5 months ago, and we’ve been happy ever since. :.)

Sounds like our random number generator knew what it was doing! Thanks to everyone for entering, and special thanks to author and Doga creator Brenda Bryan and The Mountaineers Books for making this giveaway possible.

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