Wedding Wednesdays : Dreamy but Practical Registry

When creating G and I's wedding registry, I did my best to choose practical, needed items but, of course, I ended up getting distracted by all the pretty things, especially in the kitchen and dining categories. Colorful bowls, plates and glassware. Countless appetizer trays in varying sizes perfect for hosting a cocktail party, even though they don't all necessarily match. Basically, beautiful stuff that we love but don't use vary often.

That's not to say we didn't ask for and receive some functional items. But Thanksgiving showed me that there are some cooking and entertaining basics we are still very much in need of, especially when we actually do host a holiday dinner for more than just the two of us.

So I did a bit of internet window shopping and put together this "dream registry" of real world items that every couple should put on their wish list.

Sturdy nonstick roasting pan and rack, with turkey lifters for cooking holiday birds and gravy, Sunday roasts and even weeknight veggies // Large baking dish with tight-fitting lid that can go from the fridge to the oven to the table beautifully

Simple white platters and serving bowls (not pictured) that go with everything and make food look good // White pitcher with subtle details and enough bling to make it feel special // Wooden trivet to protect surfaces from piping-hot dishes (a wire one would be handy too, and serve as a cooling rack) // Chic oversized serving set for family-style meals // A classic, go-with-everything butter dish, since even butter needs a place at the table // Small spouted serving bowl and gravy boat for sauces of all kinds

Pie dishes, white and ruffled or colorful and sweet, making your dessert look good even if you mess up the crust (or buy it pre-made) //  Rolling pin, for when you do want to try your hand at making the crust from scratch // A brownie dish that would work equally as well for making cobblers, bars and small cakes or cornbread  // Pastry brush for slathering baked goods with egg washes and glazes, or savories with butter and sauce // Pie and cake servers that make getting that first piece out a little easier (and look a lot prettier), in satin-finished or gilded stainless steel (matching cake knife not pictured)

Because every registry needs a splurge or two, a fancy carving set and matching serving duo

Married and engaged couples out there, I'd love to hear: What did you put on your registry?


(Top image via one of my favorite stores, Crate & Barrel)

Cool Kitchen Gadgets : Risotto Made Easy

If you’ve been reading this blog or following me on Instagram, then you already know the hubby and I love to cook.

The kitchen in our one-bedroom apartment is practically bursting at the seams; we don’t have enough room for all our cooking stuff. We don’t have too many fancy gadgets, but the one that we do have we use all the time. It was an investment (at $130), but it has paid for itself many times over.

It’s our Breville Risotto Plus.

I purchased the multi-talented gadget for GT as a Christmas gift in 2012 and we have used it countless times since then. It’s a rice cooker—which is how we most often utilize it, to whip up fluffy white and brown rice—and it also functions as a veggie steamer and slow cooker. But, as the name suggests, the highlight of this versatile machine’s capabilities is that it makes perfect risotto in a flash—no stirring required!

The hubs loves risotto (who doesn’t?) and with this machine it’s so easy to make, any night of the week. There’s almost no effort involved; with a rich and creamy base guaranteed we are free to think up new, creative flavor combinations. Usually we just toss in whatever fresh vegetables sound good at the moment. That’s what we did the other night when we made a lemony arugula and sweet pea risotto with sun-dried tomatoes, as well as a few slices of baby red peppers we had on hand. Sometimes we stir in some pesto, too, or add chicken. You can sauté meat and veggies in the machine beforehand, to include in the risotto. It’s a one-pot wonder, I tell ya.

A warm and filling plate of risotto is an ideal comfort food in the fall, don’t you think? Butternut squash risotto would be amazing. This one with saffron and pancetta sounds wonderfully savory. But a Food Network episode I saw the other day has got me thinking of something new to try: a sweet risotto. Doesn’t Giada’s white chocolate risotto with blackberries look incredibly decadent and delicious? I think we’ll have to make that soon. Real soon.

Have you ever made risotto at home? Do you have any fancy kitchen gadgets that you love (or hate)? I’d love to hear :)

(Breville Risotto Plus images via Breville, Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma; White Chocolate Risotto image via Giada De Laurentiis; other images my own)