These lil’ babies are so good I made them three times this week. No joke! Slightly labor intensive, perhaps, but oh, so worth the effort, especially for guests, who are sure to rapaciously devour them all before you can even taste them (which is why my photos aren’t my best work)! Here’s what it takes for you to make your own:

1) Procure yourself some squash blossoms. I recommend the farmer’s market. Or your neighbor’s backyard (See above photo for reference). Make sure you get them they day they are to be eaten, as they don’t keep well.

2) Get some cheese. I like a mix of fresh ricotta and Italian truffle cheese (from Trader Joe’s) or pecorino romano, but I suggest the truffle cheese if you can find it.

3) Fry up a little bit of bacon and a shallot. Mix with the cheese. Add some pepper and fresh thyme. Stuff those blossoms!

4) Dip in a simple beer batter and pan fry until golden. Watch them disappear!

It’s something you can really only enjoy for a fleeting moment once a year, so why not buy a ton, grab a couple of big skillets, and have a squash blossom party? Their gently sweet and delicate flavor is not exclusive to the savory side, oh no. They are scrumptious as a sweet fritter too, just lightly battered and dusted with powdered sugar, reminiscent of funnel cake from the fair! –Megan B. Click for Beer Battered Stuffed Squash Blossoms! (more…)

Even in a pretty green workspace — and mine is one — it seems we still use a ton of paper for printing, presentations, and note-taking. But I’ve been working on a project recently where we’re using presentation binders that are made from 100% recycled carboard. The three-ring binders are from ReBinder. They’re surprisingly heavy duty and you can replace the covers and re-use the inner workings if they do start to show some wear. ReBinder has a full line of office and school supplies like folders, CD holders, journals, and even labels that you can buy at their site or find in supply stores like Office Depot. In fact, they have a back-to-school kit ready to go. And all are recycled! What’s even cooler is that I’ve learned while working on my project that the company also partners with groups that provide jobs for developmentally disabled adults. These products really are good all around. — Mary T.

Originally designed for in-door use on apartment doors, the smart people at Manufactum.com have given the old hand-crank doorbell an update. This version fits exterior doors up to 2.36 inches thick, can be heard throughout the house and unlike my uber-annoying doorbell, will never short out. With no plastic parts, it’s a deal at $33.75 plus shipping. –Sarah L.