Features
By
bree.hester
Come behind the scenes at Baked Bree for a #KitchenTour and see Bree's kitchen in Falmouth, MA.
Our home is a rental. We are a military family and move frequently. Until we settle down we will not buy a forever home. So we make the best of the kitchen that we have then. My favorite thing about this kitchen is that is has an amazing view of our backyard. I like standing at the kitchen sink and being able to see the kids playing and the flowers blooming.
Tell us about your kitchen?
This kitchen is tiny. (Actually, the whole house is tiny.) We had to be creative with storage and make the most of every square inch. The kithen has a dining area off of it, and I like that it makes entertaining naturally informal. It feels cozy and welcoming. It is a busy room. We live in a tiny Cape Cod cottage. The rooms are small, but bright and cozy. If we are inside, we tend to be in the kitchen. I cook a lot and like to have my kids in the kitchen cooking alongside of me.
What have you done to make your kitchen cosy, functional, beautiful or inspiring?
Since we rent, we can't make a lot of big changes to the kitchen. We have to live with what we are given. That being said, I make each kitchen my own. I add my own things and add pops of color whenever I can. I tend to love all things white, so all of my dishes are white. I find that when you move as much as we do, it is easier to start with a super neutral palate and add as needed. I hang colorful pictures (and change them out all the time, usually every season) and have a hanging mug collection that brings me an exorbitant amount of happiness.
How do you keep organized while cooking?
I think that easiest way to keep organized is to have less stuff. We tend to have a million gadgets and pieces of equipment that are redundant or simply could be done by hand (without sacrificing time and effort). While cooking, clean up as you go along. It is really nice to eat and meal and bring dishes into a semi-clean kitchen. I also only have a few pots and pans, so a lot of times I need to wash it while I am cooking. It makes clean up a lot easier. Every few months I take a hard look at the things taking up space in my kitchen. Do I really need it? When was the last time I used it? Do I have another tool that does the same thing? You would be surprised how much nicer it is to cook in a paired down kitchen.
Any tips & tricks for organising your pantry, fridge and ingredients?
I am immensely proud of my clean fridge. I clean my fridge every time I go to the grocery store. (Which is a few times a week.) I like my fridge to look like the grocery store. Everything is facing outwards, and the shelves are really clean. It makes finding things easy, and I know what I have in there all the time. I keep a list on my fridge of things that I run out of. If I am cooking and use the last of the oregano, I write to down and know that I need to add it to my list for the next time I go to the store.
Do you do a lot of cooking and what are your favourite dishes to make?
Yes, I cook almost every day. Cooking is one of my favorite things to do, it is my therapy. I like to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while I am cooking, and it is a very relaxing experience. My favorite dishes? I like to make Mexican food a lot. Everyone in my family loves it, and it is so colorful. I also really like to make fancy layer cakes.
Where do you turn for new recipe ideas?
Everywhere. Magazines might be my favorite place. I love tearing out pages from magazines and cooking from them. Eating in restaurants is also a great place to find inspiration. If I eat something delicious I try to recreate it at home. I also love food blogs and cooking shows. Lately I've been cooking from a lot of YouTube cooking shows.
Do you plan out your recipes for the week or do you like to be spontaneous?
I'm not a huge meal planner. I buy a few proteins each week and have a semi-idea of what I am going to make, but it changes all the time. I tend to keep a well stocked pantry and fridge so that I can make whatever the mood calls for.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make this your dream kitchen?
All white everything. At least one marble countertop. And amazing natural light.
Whose kitchen would you love to explore? Send us a message!
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