Man Made DIY

I grew up thinking I didn't like pancakes. As I grew up and learned to cook for myself, I realized I what I didn't like was Bisquick and fake maple-flavored syrup. Pancakes, on the other hand, (at least the first 75% of eating… read more

With the exception of a few aesthetic developments, there's been very little to no change to the design of the home toaster: a little lever, some heated wires, and after a few minutes, toast pops out. But, back when the appliance first came around, "eating toast was a social activity that took place on the breakfast table."

This totally different take on the toaster seeks to re-engage… read more

There's a somewhat famous pumpkin festival about an hour from my house, which came very highly recommended when I first moved to the city six years ago. It's standard fair and festival stuff: touring food trailers and games, local non-profits and faith communities fundraisers, student art, etc. It's kinda crazy and kitschy and pretty awesome, and certainly worth a visit. But, after a few years, my attendance slowed: mostly 'cause all we'd do is stand around and eat mediocre food that's really bad for you, look at the cloggers, get stuck behind the parade, and stand in line for forty-five minutes for some seriously tasty, piping hot fresh pumpkin doughnuts, the highlight of the festival if you ask anyone.

So, this year, we decided to skip the drive and the parking fiasco and the food-on-sticks, and just make pumpkin doughnuts at home.

And they were… read more

Over the weekend, my friend Laura, a M.D.-to-be in her intern year, came for a visit, and we did what we always do: we baked.

Normally, I cook a lot, but I do savory food: go to the market, see what's in the fridge, saute/roast/grill, season, go. It's more intuitive, tasting as you go, adding/subtracting, etc, etc. But not baking. That's science, friends. It's chemistry, not really open to interpretation unless you really know what you're doing. Neither of us do it regularly without the other.

But, when we're together, it's time. Music + crossword puzzles + coffee + good times.

And this weekend, we nailed it with this fresh… read more

Yep, you learned it in first grade, and it's still true: breakfast is important. It's an investment in efficiency - you'll end up eating less during the day, saving you money and calories, and it can actually help you lose weight by supporting your metabolism, and remedy nights of restless sleep. And for creative types, its essential for your mind and body to have the resources they need to be their most productive. Plus, you know, breakfast foods are delicious.

But, of course, they can present the "ultimate Catch-22[.] Without breakfast, we are not fully awake. But to prepare breakfast requires more than a dollop of alertness. Boiling water for poached eggs, hot butter for pancakes — the hazards! And the time — who has the time? Let us help you. Bypass the morning Catch-22, and make your breakfast the night… read more