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New Products for Spring
Grilled Harissa Shrimp
Farmers Markets
Outdoor Kitchen
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Warmer weather means rethinking our menus as we lighten up from the heavy, comfort foods of winter. Simple food preparation that can easily be done outside on the grill is on everyone's radar screen and trying new recipes with favorite ingredients makes cooking fun and interesting.
For me, shrimp is good just about any way it can be prepared. In this Grilled Harissa Shrimp recipe, I love the spicy heat of the harissa chili sauce combined with the cooling and fresh addition of cilantro and basil. Including radishes is quirky and seems like a great use of an underused vegetable.
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Casual Living
Outdoorlicious!
Outdoor Living Essentials
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Looking for a gift for Mother's Day? Here's a small sample of new products for Spring 2014 at Casual Living.
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Most everyone is familiar with the South Carolina State Farmers Market, but have you tried any of the smaller farmers markets that have been popping up all over the Midlands? From Lexington to Forest Acres and Main Street to the Village at Sandhills, local farmers markets are all the buzz.
The mission of these markets is to provide quality food and products not typically found in the grocery store. Fresh produce, locally raised meats and animal products, South and North Carolina caught seafood (considered local), fresh baked goods, jams, soaps, beeswax candles, and even locally made, gentle cleaning products are found at the various markets in the area.
Some markets, like Soda City Market in downtown Columbia, offer breakfast. Others, such as the Sandhills Market, sponsored by Clemson University, provide expert advice on gardening. But all of them offer a friendly camaraderie, fresh air, wholesome products, and the feeling that you're being good to yourself, your family, and also to your community.
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Does the idea of an outdoor kitchen get you excited? This trend is gaining momentum and the notion doesn't seem quite so far-fetched or luxurious as it once did. Most of us have what could be considered a rudimentary outdoor kitchen simply by owning a backyard grill. With grilling season upon us, it's prime time to dream of something more comprehensive.
Planning an outdoor kitchen requires much thought and planning. How it will be used, by whom, and how often will all have a bearing on the choices you make with regard to size, variety of appliances, materials, and location. Of course, you also have to keep your budget in mind. As with furniture, materials and components that perform better outdoors usually cost more initially but are better investments in the long run.
Of course, you will want to include seating in your outdoor kitchen. While a nearby dining set works, today we see more counters with stools included in the design layout. Not only can you eat and serve from this area but it is a great place for the cook to share time with friends and family.
One important consideration here is how tall the countertop is above the ground. Be aware that bar and counter stools come in pre-determined seat heights designed to work with standard surface heights. Make sure the builder of your outdoor kitchen is aware of these industry standards so as not to create a problem later.
A sink and refrigerator would be nice additions along with a sizeable prep area. A television and sound system are usually included in the design, as well. Nobody wants to miss the big game, right? And music makes everyone happier.
Creating your Outdoorlicious! kitchen may seem like a dream but consider the benefits of spending more time outdoors and the joy of socializing with family and friends more often.
For more helpful information on designing your outdoor kitchen, visit Outdoor Living Essentials.
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| Outdoorlicious! Newsletter by Casual Living |
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April Newsletter 04/2014
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March Newsletter 03/2014
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4708 Forest Drive • Columbia, SC 29206 • 803.790.5066
6006 Two Notch Road • Columbia, SC 29223 • 803.754.5022
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