The Sunday Bloom

Chicago Adventures & Culinary Delights: A Weekly Roundup of Recipes and Life Updates A successful apartment-finding trip to Chicago! Detailed insights and reflections are coming soon! What an exciting and whirlwind week it has been! We’ve just returned from an incredibly productive trip to Chicago, and we’re absolutely thrilled to announce that our apartment hunt … Read more

Pot au Feu, Pan-Seared Shrimp, and Basil Ice Cream

A Culinary Masterclass: Exploring Modern French Gastronomy from Pot au Feu to Basil Ice Cream The past few days have been an exhilarating journey through the heart of French gastronomy, culminating in an exhausting yet incredibly rewarding culinary session. After a long but fulfilling Thursday class, I arrived home feeling accomplished but utterly drained. The … Read more

Cozy Cocoa Cheesecake Bites

Ultimate Guide to No-Fail Hot Cocoa Cheesecake Minis: Your Perfect Holiday Dessert Indulge in the simple pleasure of these irresistible, no-fail mini cheesecakes, elevated with a delightful hot cocoa twist. Each bite offers a creamy, rich experience, beautifully complemented by a dollop of fluffy whipped cream, a scattering of miniature marshmallows, and a delicate dusting … Read more

Day 23: Savory Tilapia, Warming Carrot Soup, and Sweet Bread Pudding

A Culinary School Week: Mastering Classic French Techniques from Amandes to Artichokes This past Monday unfolded as a remarkably smooth and productive day in the kitchen, despite one minor mishap – accidentally leaving my indispensable notebook at school! It’s always a welcome relief to glimpse a manageable menu sketched on the whiteboard at the start … Read more

Grilled Polenta Bites with Sweet Red Pepper, Tangy Feta, and Aromatic Thyme

Grilled Polenta Bites with Roasted Red Pepper, Feta, and Thyme: Your Essential Spring & Summer Appetizer

Grilled polenta bites crowned with a vibrant homemade roasted red pepper, creamy feta, and aromatic thyme topping. A sophisticated yet simple bite-sized appetizer perfect for any spring or summer gathering!

Let’s talk about the magic of bite-sized appetizers. Who isn’t a fan? If I’m being honest, I could happily live on them. There’s something inherently delightful about a perfectly crafted, miniature culinary creation that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you wanting just one more. Appetizers are quite possibly one of my favorite things in the entire world! I’m always more than happy to skip the main course on any menu in favor of a selection of exciting appetizers or tapas. They offer a fantastic opportunity to sample a variety of flavors and textures, making social gatherings more dynamic and enjoyable.

One of the biggest highlights during my wedding planning journey was undoubtedly the tasting and choosing of our passed hors d’oeuvres. It took considerable willpower to narrow down our choices to just five—and even that was one more than we originally planned! Sadly, during the actual wedding, the whirlwind of activity meant I didn’t get to enjoy many of those delicious bites myself (a reality I was prepared for, but it still made me a little sad). These grilled polenta bites, however, more than make up for that missed opportunity! They embody everything I love about a great appetizer: elegant, flavorful, and perfectly portioned.

The Unexpected Inspiration Behind These Delicious Polenta Bites

The creation of these grilled polenta bites came about in a wonderfully serendipitous way. A couple of months ago, my husband Connor and I embarked on an impromptu dinner adventure in Washington D.C. Our initial plan was to finally use a gift certificate at one of our absolute favorite restaurants, Roses Luxury. However, upon arrival, we were met with the news that the wait could exceed three hours (yes, I’m not exaggerating, this is surprisingly normal for them!). While their food is undoubtedly worth it, our stomachs couldn’t wait that long.

Being a bit crazy, we then decided to try our luck at yet another ridiculously popular D.C. establishment, Little Serow, for which we also happened to have a gift certificate. Long story short, we still faced a wait of over two hours to be seated. To pass the time, we ventured across the street to a charming little Greek restaurant. There, amidst the cozy ambiance and a glass of wine, we indulged in a few tapas dishes. One particular tapa featured an absolutely delicious roasted red pepper and feta spread, which I could have happily devoured all night long.

Immediately, I knew I wanted to recreate that incredible flavor profile for a blog recipe. As I brainstormed ways to adapt it, the idea of serving it on top of grilled polenta rounds suddenly clicked. The combination of the smoky, sweet red pepper spread with the savory, slightly crisp polenta seemed like a match made in heaven. And just like that, these irresistible grilled polenta bites were born!

Homemade Garlic Confit & Infused Oil: Your Guide to a Flavorful Kitchen Staple

Prepare to revolutionize your cooking with an ingredient that’s both simple to make and incredibly versatile: homemade garlic confit and its accompanying infused oil. If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of garlic confit, get ready for a culinary awakening. This humble preparation transforms ordinary garlic into something extraordinarily sweet, mellow, and spreadable, unlocking a depth of flavor you never knew was possible. Once you experience it, your culinary perspective will be forever changed. And while you’re mastering this delightful technique, don’t forget to explore how to make crispy garlic chips for another fantastic garlic-based treat!

For many years, my understanding of the term ‘confit’ was quite limited. Like most, I knew about the famous duck confit – a truly delicious French delicacy – likely picking up the term (and probably mispronouncing it) along the way. However, it wasn’t until I delved deeper into culinary arts that I became intimately familiar with this classic cooking technique and its incredible potential beyond just duck.

Food Safety Disclaimer: Homemade garlic confit and infused oils require careful handling due to the risk of botulism. Garlic is a low-acid ingredient, and when submerged in oil (an anaerobic environment) and stored at warm temperatures (room temperature), it can create conditions where Clostridium botulinum can thrive and produce a very serious toxin. For this reason, homemade garlic confit and garlic oil must always be immediately refrigerated after preparation. While food safety guidelines typically recommend consumption within 4 days, proper preparation and continuous refrigeration can extend its shelf life to several weeks. Please use your own discretion, but always be aware that improper storage of homemade garlic confit and garlic oil, especially at room temperature for prolonged periods, carries an inherent and significant food safety risk.

Understanding the Art of Confit: What Does It Mean?

My journey into the world of confit truly began during my time in culinary school, where I was introduced to a wealth of French cuisine and foundational cooking methods. Subsequently, working under a French-trained chef broadened my practical experience, and to “confit” became a regular part of my kitchen routine. We confited everything from aromatic garlic cloves to vibrant tomatoes, and much more.

For those unfamiliar, confit is a traditional French preservation technique characterized by slowly cooking an ingredient submerged in fat over very low heat for an extended period. This gentle cooking method ensures the food remains incredibly tender while becoming deeply infused with flavor. Historically, this method was used to preserve meats (like the classic duck confit, where cured duck legs are slow-cooked in their own fat) before refrigeration was commonplace. Today, it’s cherished for its ability to transform ingredients into rich, luxurious culinary components.

The fat used for confiting can vary; olive oil is popular for vegetables like garlic, while butter or animal fats are often used for other ingredients. It’s a method that stands in stark contrast to frying, which involves cooking food quickly in hot fat over high heat. Confit is all about patience and low temperatures, allowing the ingredient to slowly soften and absorb the surrounding fat’s flavor, resulting in a product that is meltingly tender and intensely savory.

Click Retreat Caribbean: An Unforgettable Journey Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas Fresh from a whirlwind adventure, I’m thrilled to finally share all the details of my incredible Caribbean cruise experience! Just a week ago, I was basking in tropical sunshine, and now I’m back to the crisp reality of snow and freezing rain … Read more

Tender Chicken Braised in Red Wine and Tomato Sauce

Ultimate Red Wine and Tomato Braised Chicken Drumsticks: A Cozy Comfort Food Recipe for Fall & Winter There’s something incredibly special about a meal that simmers slowly, filling your home with enticing aromas and promising a deeply satisfying experience. This recipe for Red Wine and Tomato Braised Chicken Drumsticks delivers exactly that – a simple, … Read more

Zingy Plum Ginger Muffins

Delicious & Healthy Whole Wheat Plum Ginger Muffins: A Sweet & Spicy Seasonal Treat There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the kitchen, especially when they feature a delightful combination of seasonal fruits and warming spices. These Plum Ginger Muffins are a testament to that joy, offering a tender and … Read more

2018 Black Friday Ultimate Gift Guide

Unbeatable Black Friday Deals: Your Ultimate Guide to Savings on Kitchen, Home, and More!

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We hope you all enjoyed a truly wonderful, safe, and joyful Thanksgiving celebration yesterday, surrounded by loved ones and delicious food! Now that the feasting is done, it’s time to dive into one of the most exciting shopping events of the year: Black Friday!

I’m thrilled to be back with one last, but certainly not least, gift guide for the week, featuring my absolute favorite Black Friday deals available right now. This is a prime opportunity to snag incredible savings on high-quality kitchen tools, stylish home goods, and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list – family, friends, and yes, even a little something special for yourself. The sales are truly outstanding this year, offering fantastic value on items that rarely see such deep discounts.

I’ve meticulously rounded up several of my top picks below, focusing on products I personally use, love, or have been eagerly eyeing. Whether you’re upgrading your home, investing in new kitchen gadgets, or getting a head start on holiday gift shopping, these deals are not to be missed. Many of these offers are for a limited time only, so it’s wise to act fast!

Before you dive into today’s incredible finds, don’t forget to check out my previous gift guides for even more inspiration. If you missed them earlier this week, be sure to explore my annual cookbook gift guide (packed with pairing gift ideas, many of which are on discount today!), my comprehensive favorite things gift guide for unique and beloved items, and my essential roundup of the most loved kitchen gadgets, many of which are seeing their best prices of the year this Black Friday weekend. Happy shopping and have a fantastic weekend!

Top Black Friday Deals: Kitchen & Dining Essentials

Elevate your culinary adventures and dining experiences with these exceptional deals on high-quality kitchenware and appliances. From everyday cooking to gourmet endeavors, these tools are built to last and designed to inspire.

Anthropologie – Enjoy a generous 30% OFF everything across their entire site! Anthropologie is a treasure trove for unique and stylish gifts, charming home goods, and incredibly cute kitchen decor. While I particularly adore their dishware sets for their artisanal quality and beautiful designs, this sitewide sale means you can explore their entire collection of clothing, accessories, and home accents. It’s the perfect opportunity to infuse your space with their signature bohemian chic style or find that distinctive gift that truly stands out.

All Clad D5 10-Piece Set – Reduced to an incredible $799 (deal ends today)! For any aspiring home chef or seasoned cook, an All-Clad cookware set is a significant investment that pays dividends in quality and performance. The D5 line features five bonded layers of stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring even heat distribution, superior durability, and precise temperature control. This 10-piece set is an exceptional value, providing all the essential pots and pans you need to tackle any recipe. It’s my absolute favorite cookware, renowned for its professional-grade performance and ability to transform everyday cooking into an effortless experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to equip your kitchen with the best.

8 Quart Instant Pot – A jaw-dropping $69 (deal ends Sunday)! This is hands down the best price I have ever seen on an Instant Pot of this versatile size. The 8-quart Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy households, functioning as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer all in one. It dramatically cuts down cooking time, allowing you to prepare healthy and delicious meals with minimal effort. Imagine whipping up a hearty stew in minutes, perfectly tender pulled pork, or even homemade yogurt. Its larger capacity is ideal for families or for meal prepping, making holiday entertaining a breeze. If you’ve been contemplating an Instant Pot, now is the time to buy!

Zwilling 7-Inch Rocking Santoku Knife – On sale for just $49 (deal ends today)! A good knife is the cornerstone of any efficient kitchen, and this Zwilling Santoku is one of my go-to everyday cooking knives. Its unique rocking blade design makes it exceptionally versatile for slicing, dicing, mincing, and chopping a wide variety of ingredients, from vegetables to meats. The high-quality German stainless steel blade ensures incredible sharpness and durability, while the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this knife will quickly become an indispensable tool in your culinary arsenal. It’s a fantastic upgrade for yourself or a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to cook.

Anova Sous Vide Wifi Machine – Available for $99 (deal ends today)! For precision cooking enthusiasts, this is a phenomenal deal on one of the best sous vide machines on the market – and it’s the exact model I own! Sous vide cooking involves precisely controlling water temperature to achieve perfectly cooked food every single time, from succulent steaks and tender chicken breasts to flaky fish and perfectly cooked vegetables. But its utility extends far beyond just proteins; it’s also fantastic for keeping items warm during holiday gatherings, infusing oils, and even making perfectly tempered chocolate. The Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor and adjust your cook from anywhere using your smartphone, making it incredibly convenient. I’m determined to share more recipes and methods for this incredible machine in the coming year, so stay tuned!

KitchenAid 5 Quart Artisan Stand Mixer – Priced at an amazing $279 (deal ends November 26)! This iconic KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer is a cornerstone for any baking enthusiast and an incredibly good value at this price point. It’s the same reliable machine I own and featured prominently in my kitchen gadget guide. With its powerful motor and planetary mixing action, it excels at everything from kneading dough for artisan breads to whipping up fluffy meringues and mixing cookie batter. The 5-quart capacity is ideal for most home baking projects, and its durable construction ensures it will be a cherished kitchen companion for years to come. Plus, with a wide array of optional attachments available (sold separately), its versatility extends to pasta making, spiralizing, and much more. This is an investment in culinary creativity!

Staub 4-Quart Cocotte – Just $99 (deal ends today)! From my favorite brand for enameled cast iron, this Staub 4-quart cocotte (Dutch oven) is another wonderful and incredibly versatile piece of cookware. This size is perfect for preparing soups, stews, braises, roasts, and even baking delicious no-knead bread. Staub cocottes are renowned for their superior heat retention and distribution, ensuring consistent cooking results, while the self-basting lid design keeps food moist and flavorful. The durable enamel coating makes it easy to clean and resistant to chipping. This is truly the best price it will ever be for such a high-quality, long-lasting kitchen essential. A fantastic gift for a home cook or a vital addition to your own kitchen.

Vitamix Professional 750 – Available for $299 (deal ends Sunday)! If you’ve been dreaming of a high-powered blender that can truly do it all, this Vitamix Professional 750 at a *fabulous* price is your chance. Vitamix blenders are legendary for their exceptional performance, durability, and versatility. The Professional 750 can effortlessly blend everything from silky-smooth smoothies and hot soups (made from friction heat!) to nut butters, flours, and frozen desserts. Its powerful motor and precision engineering ensure consistent results every time. This isn’t just a blender; it’s an investment in healthier eating and culinary experimentation. It’s built to last for decades, making it a fantastic long-term addition to any kitchen.

Home & Lifestyle Upgrades

Beyond the kitchen, Black Friday offers incredible opportunities to enhance your living space, simplify your routines, and indulge in a little self-care. These deals cover smart home tech, cleaning essentials, and stylish accessories.

V8 Dyson Cordless Vacuum – Priced at $349 (deal ends today)! I have been eyeing this particular Dyson vacuum for well over a year, and the thought of finally snagging one for our house today is incredibly tempting! Dyson is famous for its innovative technology and powerful cleaning performance, and the V8 Absolute is a prime example. This lightweight, cordless vacuum offers impressive suction, making quick work of dirt, dust, and pet hair on both carpets and hard floors. Its versatile design easily transforms into a handheld vacuum for tackling stairs, upholstery, and car interiors. With several huge sales happening on Dyson’s website today, it’s definitely worth checking out their full range of products, but the V8 is an outstanding choice for an efficient and convenient cleaning solution. Say goodbye to cumbersome cords and hello to effortless tidiness!

Nest Cam Indoors – Get it for $129 (deal ends November 28)! Connor and I have been seriously considering investing in one of these Nest Cams to keep a watchful eye on Marley, our beloved pet, whenever we’re out of the apartment. Nest is currently running incredible sales on many of their smart home products for the entire week, making it the perfect time to enhance your home security and peace of mind. The Nest Cam Indoor offers high-definition video monitoring, two-way audio so you can communicate, and smart alerts that differentiate between people and pets. It’s an excellent tool for checking in on your home, loved ones, or furry friends, ensuring everything is safe and sound while you’re away. A smart investment for any modern home.

Madewell Tote – Available for $129, plus use code DEALWITHIT for an additional 25% off! This Madewell tote is more than just a bag; it’s a wonderful, versatile accessory perfect for travel, work, or everyday use. Known for their quality leather and minimalist aesthetic, Madewell totes are both practical and stylish. Its spacious interior can comfortably hold all your essentials, from a laptop and books to your daily necessities, making it an ideal companion for busy days or weekend getaways. I absolutely love all the beautiful colors this tote comes in, allowing you to choose one that perfectly matches your personal style. With the extra discount code, this deal becomes even more irresistible!

Beauty & Personal Care Favorites

Don’t forget to treat yourself or a loved one to some fantastic beauty finds that rarely go on sale!

Glossier – Enjoy 20% OFF everything across their cult-favorite beauty collection! Glossier has redefined minimalist beauty with its focus on enhancing natural features, and this sitewide sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on their beloved products. From their iconic Boy Brow, which effortlessly grooms and thickens brows, to their universally flattering Cloud Paint blushes and hydrating Balm Dotcom, all of their acclaimed products are included in this 20% off promotion. Whether you’re a long-time fan or curious to try their famed “skin first, makeup second” philosophy, this Black Friday deal makes it the ideal time to explore their range of skincare and makeup essentials.