Great tips on using a loaf of artisan bread over a whole week and the proper storage that gives it a shelf life to match.

I love etiquette. I’m going to have to try this out. I had no idea.

I love Ghirardelli’s 100% cacao chocolate bars with goat milk.

Or pickled green olives and feta cheese.

Or quite simply a cup of tea.

How about you?

I am mildly addicted to “Your First Kitchen” articles and blog posts, lists, round ups, suggestions… The whole idea of setting up a kitchen for the first time, or even just starting from scratch seems so hopeful and invigorating. Putting away special tools into drawers, everything in its place is very personal to me. That zester I used for the chili lime shrimp last night, or my favorite chef’s knife I just minced parsley with… The nesting bowls that never seem to stay in the cupboard…  My favorite wooden spatula I use for so many things that often I wash it just to use it, it’s so frequently sitting in the spoon rest. I certainly favor some things over others, maybe because I haven’t quite found the right specimen yet, or maybe I just don’t relish that particular task, or even the whole premise behind it (like my can opener).

I think some women’s favorite room is the bathroom, not every woman’s, but many. Mine is the kitchen. It’s my zen place.