At Home with Kim Vallee

ENTERTAINING, HOLIDAY entertaining | November 18, 2009

Achieving Turkey Perfection the Simplest Way

If you avoid the traditional Thanksgiving dishes because you feel it take too much work but your family request a roasted turkey, you will be pleased to know that Gourmet found a no-fuss way to cook a golden-brown skin turkey with moist, tender white and dark meat. Simply seasoned the turkey with salt and pepper, [...]

ENTERTAINING, TABLESCAPE | November 16, 2009

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Napkin Folding: Diagonal Pocket for a Fresh Look

The diagonal pocket fold is not harder to make than the (square) pocket napkin fold. I prefer the diagonal pocket fold for its elegance. It is a twist on the basic silverware pouch. The difference is that you create a band instead of simply diagonally folding the top layer (step 1). I think that the [...]

CAKES and baked goods, ENTERTAINING | October 27, 2009

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How to Make Spider Web Icing

To conclude today’s marathon on Halloween treats, I am leaving you a link to a tutorial I spot on Bake at 350. You can learn how to make this awesome two-color spider Web icing. The technique is demonstrated on cookies but it could be adapted for decorating cupcakes. Bridget of Bake at 350 is a source [...]

HOME + GARDEN, OUTDOOR space | August 20, 2009

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The Art of One-Pot Gardening Taught by Sunset Magazine

Sunset magazine is a West Coast lifestyle magazine that I enjoyed reading every time I went to California. I love it so much that I became a subscriber a few months ago. The Sunset gardens are open to the public. The gardens are located at their headquarters in Northern California. I marked it down for [...]

CAKES and baked goods, ENTERTAINING | August 11, 2009

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Edible Prints and Cake Decorations by Lucks

Lucks Food Decorating makes it easy for anyone to start decorating their cakes. Lucks manufacture edible print decorations, molded sugar decorations, royal icing roses and food colors. Beside taking courses, this would help you make a lasting impression when you are baking your own cake for a party. When placed on food, edible images absorb moisture [...]

HOME + GARDEN, HOME decor | August 7, 2009

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Lesson in Styling your Front Door from Beacon Hill

This afternoon I visited Beacon Hill, an old British style, upscale neighborhood in Boston. This is one of the are where the houses are the most expensive in Boston. One think I noticed as we walked around is how, even though the houses have no landing, many front doors felt inviting and elegant. I paid attention [...]

CAKES and baked goods, ENTERTAINING | August 4, 2009

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How to Make Your Own Cupcake Stand

I am writing this post in response to a reader’s question. Jessica B. wanted to know where to get this type of cupcake stand. I usually ask my cupcake baker to make it. This way, I am sure that the colors are coordinated with the cupcakes. But if you do it yourself, you could start from [...]

COOKBOOKS, DINING | July 14, 2009

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Create More Delicious Meals with the Flavor Bible | Book review

Beside mastering cooking techniques, the best way to improve your cooking is by learning how to balance flavor. First, you need to know which ingredients complement each other. You also need to know how flavor develops. This book is filled with tips, guidelines and basic principles that you can use in your own kitchen. For [...]