Look! DIY Buckwheat Pasta

Because many folks aren't familiar with using buckwheat groats in their whole-grain form, buckwheat is often ground into its characteristically beautiful grey/brown flour and used in crepes or pancakes. But for a savory dinner option, how about pasta?

The great thing about buckwheat pasta is that it's gluten-free, so it's one way that folks who are watching their gluten can still enjoy a heaping bowl of pasta. And it has a really special, distinct flavor. Kasey Fleisher-Hickey of Turntable Kitchen describes it as "lovely speckled brown, nutritious and deliciously nutty" and suggests serving these homemade noodles with "earthy mushrooms, vegetables, cheese and butter." We're sold. Hickey describes the pasta as "blank canvas" pasta because it is so simple and basic, just begging you to dress it up with your own favorite sauce or seasonal vegetables. Really, you can't go wrong.

Get the recipe: Buckwheat Pasta at Turntable Kitchen

Related: Alternative Pasta: Which One is Healthiest?

(Image: Turntable Kitchen)

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How to Host a Brunch Party: 5 Hostess Tips

Brunch is special. It's almost always more of an occasion than a simple meal. Even if it's just a midday meal with you and your partner, by its very nature, it's a statement that hey, we're taking our time here! While I love meeting up with friends for brunch around the city, what better way to really enjoy each other's company than to host occasional parties at home?

I think the main reason we don't do this all that often is because, in the midst of our busy lives, the planning can seem a little daunting. Or at the very least, a chore. But after tending to a few things, a brunch get-together can actually be quite simple and seamless. Here are a few of our tips to help get you hosting more often:

1. Ponder the Playlist
While it can seem like just one more thing to layer on and think about, music is important, especially in the late morning hours when some folks are really just coming around to the day and can veer on quiet rather than lively. For a brunch party, you want to think of a few good bands that will add a bit of life to the party without being too brash or heavy. If you're unsure where to turn for music, search for a few good music blogs that you can relate to and go from there. We love Turntable Kitchen for their music and food pairings. When the cards are down, ask friends to bring an album they love!

2. Variety on the Table
Food is obviously something you want to think about for a brunch party. Instead of going all out with many involved dishes, choose one bigger dish and a few little bites and nibbles that people can snack on while chatting. For a bigger dish, I love 101 Cookbooks' Breakfast Polenta Bar and for smaller bites, try Shutterbean's Peanut Butter Granola Balls or these Pistachio-Stuffed Dates with Coconut from Whole Living.

3. Coffee and Tea, Please!
Not everyone drinks coffee, so it's nice to have a few alternatives as well. A good herbal tea like mint or chamomile is often a welcome addition as is a fresh juice like orange or grapefruit. A few brunch parties I've been to have had a signature juicy brunch punch which is usually a fruit juice blend with a touch of champagne always a big hit.

4. Lounging is Key
There's not much you can do about the layout of your house. This much is true. But you can bring in extra chairs or big cushions to a room where you think folks will most likely hang out and mingle. Making that space more comfortable can go a long way.

5. Something to Do
Usually these type of get-together take care of themselves in terms of conversation, but if you have a quieter group, sometimes it's nice to have a few games lined up to keep folks busy and to break the ice. If it's warm outside, darts or hourseshoes can be fun. Inside, we love the dice game Farkle. Ticket to Ride is also pretty famous in our circles.

What are your favorite tips and ideas for throwing a fabulously enjoyable brunch party?

Related: Brunch Party Idea: Baked Apples with Granola and Yogurt

(Image: Eddie Ross)

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Tasty Empanadas: 5 Recipes to Make Now & Freeze For Later

Tender flaky pastry pockets filled with everything from fresh corn to spicy beef? Yes, please. Empanadas are always welcome in my kitchen and on my plate. With a busy few months ahead, I'm planning on making a big batch and freezing them for quick meals when I need them.

To freeze, lay unbaked empanadas side-by-side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they don't touch or the empanadas will freeze together. Freeze until solid, then transfer the empanadas into a freezer bag. Frozen empanadas will keep for up to three months and can be baked straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Fully-baked empanadas can also be frozen, though they lose a bit of their tender and flaky texture. I find it best to wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. To re-heat, unwrap as many empanadas as you want and warm in a low oven or toaster oven, or re-heat them for a few minutes in the microwave.

Argentinian Beef Empanadas from Turntable Kitchen
Mushroom and Butternut Squash Empanadas from Gourmet
Chicken Empanadas with Chorizo and Olives from Saveur
Spinach and Cheese Empanadas from Use Real Butter
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas from Cooking Light

What are your favorite empanadas?

Related: Appetizer Recipe: Empanadas with Corn Filling

(Image used with permission from Kasey Fleisher Hickey of Turntable Kitchen)

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