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Hot Honey Charred Tomato Toast

By
Emma Riva
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0
Charred tomato toast with focaccia on a black background

Years ago, I ordered a warm bruschetta at Zynodoa in Staunton, VA. I have never forgotten it. While I’ve tried to recreate it several times, I can never quite get it right. Rather than trying to replicate that dish, I have taken inspiration from the flavors that I loved and created something new: A hot honey charred tomato toast. The tomatoes are charred with honey and red pepper flakes then tossed in a dressing of shallots and red wine vinegar. These spicy, sweet tomatoes perched atop fresh ricotta and Woodfired Focaccia are a perfect summer bite, especially when paired with a light Rose and a warm summer evening.

Picking a Bread

We have a separate recipe for woodfired foccacia if you want the best woodfired oven experience. If you want to skip the foccacia, however, just make sure you’re picking a bread that’s sturdy for topping. Familiarize yourself with different types of bread and what’s best for which type of recipe as you develop your palate and cooking skills.

Hot Honey Charred Tomato Toast Recipe

Tomato Toast Ingredients

  • 16oz cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium shallot, diced
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 bunch basil
  • 2 cups fresh ricotta
  • 1 Woodfired Focaccia, or other sturdy bread

Tomato Toast Instructions

  1. Toss tomatoes in a pan with 2 Tbsp olive oil, red pepper flakes, honey, salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Heat woodfired oven, such as an Ooni to at least 425F. Place pan with tomatoes inside and close the door. Allow to cook for 15 minutes, rotating halfway through.
  3. While tomatoes are roasting, prepare the dressing. Combine shallot, red wine vinegar, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Stack basil leaves on top of one another, roll lengthwise and slice into strips.
  5. Once tomatoes are charred and starting to burst, remove from oven and pour dressing over. Mix evenly.
  6. Slice focaccia. Spread ricotta evenly over focaccia. Top with charred tomatoes and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and honey. Garnish with red pepper flakes and flaky salt. Serve immediately.
  7. This recipe can be made on a gas grill using a high heat pan or cast iron skillet.

Story by Kirsten Chervenak / Photography by Laura Petrilla 

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Woodfired Focaccia

By
Emma Riva
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0
White woodfired focaccia on a teal background

On beautiful summer days, sometimes you just want to stay outside and soak up the sun. So why go inside to cook when you can bake, roast, and grill outside? Baking focaccia in a woodfired oven offers a new dimension of flavor and skill. If you’re looking for something other than pizza to make on your woodfired oven (We use Ooni, but many other brands are available), focaccia is a great place to start. The dough is soft and easy to make, similar to pizza dough, and you can top it any way you like. This recipe offers a classic dough with just olive oil and sea salt, but you can add other toppings like fresh herbs, garlic, or olives.

Where Does Focaccia Come From?

Focaccia gained popularity in ancient Rome, where it was called panis focacius. It has its origins in the Liguria region of Italy. The root for its name is focus, meaning domestic hearth—which is the origin of the English word focus. Though we now rarely use domestic hearths, making focaccia in a woodfired oven definitely gives you something to focus on.

Woodfired Focaccia Recipe

Ingredients

  • 400g water
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 8g active dry yeast
  • 575g all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp olive oil, divided

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine water and sugar. Add yeast and allow to bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. Add flour and salt. Using a mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix until a cohesive dough forms. Make sure to stop mixer periodically to scrape the sides and incorporate all the flour. The dough is ready when it is combined and there are no dry flour spots. It will be a soft dough and likely not hold its shape.
  3. Pour 2 tbsp olive oil into a large bowl and cover the entire surface of the bowl. Move the dough from the mixing bowl to the oiled bowl and cover with a towel. Allow to proof for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Pour 2 tbsp olive oil into your baking pan and cover the entire surface of the pan. Make sure this is a baking pan that fits inside your woodfired oven. Move the dough from the bowl to the pan and press to fill the pan. Allow dough to proof for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, begin preparing your woodfire oven.
  5. Pour the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over your dough and press your fingers into the dough to create dimples. Make sure to press to the bottom of the pan. Top dough with sea salt.
  6. When woodfired oven has reached at least 425F, place pan with focaccia dough inside and close the door. Allow to bake for 20 minutes rotating half way through.
  7. Remove focaccia from the oven and take it out of the pan. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes on a wire rack.

Recipe by Kirsten Chervenak / Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Green Curry Chicken Thighs

By
Emma Riva
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0
A green curry chicken thigh dish on a black background

This green curry chicken thigh is a Thai recipe that makes for a hearty main. We’ve used a woodfired oven to char the chicken rather than a traditional cooking method, to prove that woodfired ovens are for more than just pizza. Pair this dish with our Charred Green Papaya Salad to impress guests with your culinary expertise.

What is Green Curry? 

Green curry is an essential for anyone interested in Southeast Asian cooking. It’s made of coconut milk, green curry paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, and Thai basil. (You can omit the fish sauce if you’re cooking for vegans). This curry has been around since the early 1900s, during the reign of revered Thai ruler, King Rama VI, and is now hugely popular around the world. This green curry is great with proteins, so it pairs well with chicken, and a range of meats and seafoods. This green curry chicken is a great weeknight dinner that brings a little bit of flair to an ordinary table.

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A green curry chicken thigh dish on a black background

Green Curry Chicken Thighs

  • Author: Kristen Chervenak
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Description

A zesty take on chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 Tbs green curry paste (preferably Maesri)
  • 1/3 cup coconut milk
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

  1. Combine green curry paste, coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, honey and salt in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Add chicken thighs and marinate at least 2 hours.
  2. To cook, prepare a woodfired oven such as the Ooni to at least 425F. You want to keep a strong fire while the chicken cooks to get a good char. Place chicken on a pizza pan or in a cast iron pan small enough to allow the oven door to close. Place the pan with chicken in the heated oven and close the door. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160F. Rotate the pan halfway through cooking to allow for even char.
  3. Serve with rice or Charred Papaya Salad
  4. Optional garnish: cilantro, lime, green onion

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Recipe by Kirsten Chervenak
Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Charred Green Papaya Salad

By
Emma Riva
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0
Papaya salad on a black background

Green Papaya Salad is a classic Thai dish with the addicting punchy, spicy, saltiness one would expect. It’s a mix of all the salad flavors you enjoy, even as it makes nutrition feel easy. In this version, we char the tomatoes and green beans in a woodfired oven (or using a high heat gas grill) to intensify their flavor and offer a texture contrast to the crunchy, unripe papaya. It’s truly a culinary adventure of tastes and textures that you may not normally try. Serve as a complement to any grilled meat, or bring to your next summer picnic for a salad that will liven up any potluck. Plus, who wouldn’t love the gorgeous colors that adorn each part of this salad.

Origins of Papaya Salad 

Green papaya salad is actually said to originate in Laos, not Thailand. The unripe papaya and spicy salad combo spread throughout Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its influence on Thai cuisine started in the Isan region of Thailand, where many Lao people live. Many variations of papaya salad exist in Southeast Asia with ingredients as diverse as banana flower, Malay gooseberry, pomelo, and coconut rice.

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Papaya salad on a black background

Charred Green Papaya Salad

  • Author: Kirsten Chervenak
Print Recipe

Description

A great way to incorporate papaya into a recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cherry tomatoes
  • 8 oz green beans, trimmed and halved
  • ½ tbsp canola oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 5 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 3 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 1/2 lb underripe green papaya
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, lightly chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 fresh Thai chili or serrano pepper, seeds removed and thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Put green beans and cherry tomatoes into a medium bowl with canola oil and salt. Toss to coat the vegetables.
  2. Heat a woodfire oven such as an Ooni to at least 425F. Place the vegetables on a pizza pan and put inside the oven with the door closed. Cook for 10-15 minutes turning every 5 minutes for even char. Remove vegetables from the oven and put back into medium bowl.
  3. While the vegetables cook, prep the rest of the salad ingredients.
  4. To make dressing, combine garlic, lime juice, light brown sugar, and fish sauce and stir until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
  5. Peel papayas with a vegetable peeler, slice in half and remove seeds and pulp. Using a mandolin with a medium julienne blade, slice papaya into thin strips.
  6. To the bowl with charred vegetables add papaya, green onion, cilantro, chili, and dressing. Mix to combine and coat all vegetables.
  7. Plate and top with chopped peanuts.
  8. Serve with Green Curry Chicken Thighs

Notes

This recipe can be made on a gas grill using a high heat pan or cast iron skillet.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Recipe by Kirsten Chervenak
Photography by Laura Petrilla

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5 Throw Pillows to Up Your Couch Game

By
Emma Riva
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0

Throw pillows are there to embellish, but they’re often somewhat blah. If you seek something with more personality, here are five options that will give your couch a whole new presence.

5 Throw Pillows to Up Your Couch Game

An orange pillow with white stripes on it.

Cash Silk Velvet Pillow from Jayson Home

This silk velvet ikat uses traditional methods of sewing and has a random stripe pattern on a mottled orange backdrop. A plush down and feather insert makes it all the more luxurious. 20” x 20”.

A green and white pillow with a swirl pattern

Waves Organic Cotton Abstract Throw Pillow from Yaya and Co.

Hand-made from 100% organic cotton, this artisan pillow features appliqué like blue velvet ribbon and rainbow tufting in an ocean-inspired pattern. Each pillow is unique, comes with a feather fill, and is 20” x 20”.

A pillow with plants on it and the word "amour" printed in gold

CSAO “Amour” Embroidered Cushion from John Derian

From one of my favorite shops in Paris and sold by one of my favorite shops in NYC, this hand-embroidered cushion showcases Senegalese craftsmanship. The base fabric is Liberty of London, the pillow has a down insert, and is 12” x 16”.

A multi-striped hand painted pillow

Hand Painted Accent Pillow Cover from NuevoSol

NeovoSol was founded in 2018 by two California women who discovered a workshop in the mountains of Ecuador. There, artisans in a collective hand-paint these dynamic pillows with original art. Insert sold separately. 20” x 20”.

A grey, white, and red pillow with stripes

Regn pillow from Hjelle at DWR

This Scandi chic pillow in playful colors is woven from fine wool in collaboration with Copenhagen-based designers Nan Na Hvass and Sofie Hannibal. They drew inspiration from landscapes they experienced as children. The pillow is down fill and about 19” x 19”.

Story by Stephen Treffinger 

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6 London Tea Recommendations

By
Emma Riva
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A cup of earl grey tea from Fortnum & Mason in London

British food has a bad reputation. There’s a reason why our list of locals’ London restaurant recommendations features more Indian food than British. But even if baked beans on soggy toast and black pudding don’t sound appetizing, no one can deny that the Brits know how to do afternoon tea. Tea is a ritual; a moment to pause; a production. To visit London without experiencing it would be a shame — as I can attest that even the best American versions of the ritual pale in comparison. So, take outfit inspiration from Kate Middleton, block out the hours from 3-5 p.m., and plan to have a light lunch and a long walk because London tea is something to prepare for.

6 London Tea Recommendations

The exterior of Fortnum & Mason, a luxury hotel in London

Fortnum & Mason

181 Piccadilly

When you think of the color turquoise, the two brands that probably come to mind are Tiffany’s and Fortnum and Mason. Enter the lavishly decorated, turquoise-and-teal-heavy Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and prepare to be treated to an experience. As a British icon, Fortnum and Mason’s tea services live up to expectations. Choose between high tea, savory tea, and regular tea menus (high tea is more substantial, while the regular menu is lighter and usually served earlier in the day). Either way, feast on coronation chicken finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and scotch eggs with Piccalilli. To get your money’s worth, you can request seconds of anything. Afterwards, browse the multi-floor department store and take home some tea of your own to remember the experience by.

Outside of Beaumont Hotel, a luxury hotel in London

Beaumont Hotel

8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens

The Beaumont Hotel’s Gatsby Room puts a transatlantic twist on the classically British afternoon tea served by places like Fortnum and Mason. An eclectic mix of antique books and oil paintings and deep burgundy walls make the Art Deco-style space feel intimate and calm, even when the tables are packed — as they often are. Start off with a glass of champagne or a zero-proof cocktail to whet the palate for a choice of traditional or rare teas. Understated three-tiered serving stands burst with finger sandwiches and pastries. The peach, verbena and raspberry mousse and cured lox finger sandwiches will make it hard to leave any room for dinner. The Beaumont offers a vegan menu as well as children’s options. They ask only that you arrive dressed “smartly.”

The interior of Tea and Tattle, a tucked away tea house in London

Tea and Tattle

41 Great Russell St

This is not the expensive, hotel restaurant, tourist-driven afternoon tea experience of the other recommendations listed. A bit more within budget and off-the-beaten-track, Tea and Tattle is an old-fashioned bookstore with a cafe in the basement. The walls boast an eclectic mix of hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and artworks probably found in a flea market. Fresh, warm scones with quality clotted cream, thick slices of cake and classic finger sandwiches will fill the stand, which looks to be straight out of your grandmother’s kitchen. Sip on milky tea and tattle away in this unpretentious version of the ritual.

Interior shot of Dean Street townhouse with green velour chairs and a fireplace

Afternoon Tea at the Dean Street Townhouse

69-71 Dean St

With a laid-back vibe and old-world energy, the Dean Street Townhouse’s afternoon tea service will allow you the freedom to people-watch the diverse crowd for as long as you’d like. The menu is retro, with classically British Battenberg cake, Victoria sponges and egg-and-mayonnaise sandwiches. Served in the parlor, the environment is elevated without being over-the-top, making it a lovely place to relax on a rainy afternoon.

The exterior of the Berkeley, a large luxury hotel in London
Berkeley Hotel by Joas Souza Photographer

Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley

Wilton Pl

There is no afternoon tea more stylish than this fashion-forward twist on the classic tradition. The three-tiered stand is replaced by an elegant tree sculpture laden with tiny cakes. The chicken-mayonnaise sandwich is inside a croissant instead of between slices of bread. Cakes are in the shape of mini handbags and shoes. But do not fear that style might overtake substance: the seasonal creations burst with flavor, from cloud-like cherry clafoutis to strawberry-filled choux Frasier. The only downside is that scones are not provided.

The façade of Maison Bertraux in London, with a blue striped awning

Maison Bertaux

28 Greek St 

Though the three-tiered afternoon London tea experience is not to be missed, the original tradition was to simply have tea and snacks around 4 p.m. For an understated snack and drink, there is no place better than Maison Bartaux. It claims the title of oldest French patisserie in the UK, and doesn’t pretend to compete with London’s artisanal bakeries. But with plenty of outdoor seating and an admirably stocked bakery case, it is the perfect place to create your own ritual. The cafe is no aesthetic haven, but the fruit tarts, hand-piped eclairs, and crisp croissants pair wonderfully with piping-hot tea, for an experience all your own.

Story by Mitra Nourbakhsh

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A Sabrina Carpenter Cocktail, The Short ‘n Sweet

By
Emma Riva
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0
A limoncello spritzer cocktail on a white background

Sabrina Carpenter is sassy, sweet, and short with a little bit of a kick, just like this delcious, spritzer cocktail. Carpenter is making a name for herself with hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” off of her album Short ‘n Sweet. We thought the perfect Sabrina Carpenter cocktail would be a limoncello spritzer, feminine and bubbly but strong and flavorful, too.

About Short n’ Sweet

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ‘n Sweet takes its name from the pop star only being 4’11”. Though she was an actress and singer for many years prior, mostly on Disney Channel, her previous album, Emails I Can’t Send, marked a transition from her earlier career as a child star into more mature and spicy music. Carpenter’s songwriting has focused on navigating relationships in her twenties, but also on having fun and building self-confidence. She fits fight in with a rising new group of “pop girls,” including Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan. It’s refreshing to see some new female voices rising to the top of the charts—just as refreshing as this cocktail.

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A limoncello spritzer cocktail on a white background

A Sabrina Carpenter Cocktail, The Short ‘n Sweet

  • Author: Sarah Cascone
Print Recipe

Description

Fizzy, fun, and bright just like Sabrina herself!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 3 oz prosecco
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Dash of simple syrup
  • Top with club soda

Instructions

  1. Build in a Brandy Snifter.
  2. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the limoncello.
  3. Squeeze a wedge of lemon into the glass, add a dash or two of simple syrup, then pour in 3 oz of Prosecco.
  4. Top with club soda. Garnish with fresh basil or mint.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Listen to Sabrina Carpenter while you make this cocktail! 

Recipe by Sarah Cascone
Photography by Dave Bryce 

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Espresso Recipes for Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ‘n Sweet

By
Emma Riva
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0
Two Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martinis in two glasses with Nespresso pods and a cocktail shaker nearby.

Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” has people on the hunt for “me espresso” in the coffee aisle of the supermarket. The song’s chorus goes “Say you can’t sleep / Baby I know / That’s that me espresso.” Is it silly and a little nonsensical? Yes, but the song is as mood-lifting as coffee itself. Also, one of Carpenter’s other hits was “Nonsense,” so…this is par for the course. But devotees of espresso, we at TABLE were more than happy that more people are talking about this versatile coffee method.

Drip Coffee vs. Espresso

Espresso is made with high pressure and finely ground beans to force hot water through coffee quickly, whereas filter or drip coffee has a longer brewing time. One of our favorite ways to make espresso is with a Moka pot (aka una machinetta in some parts of Italy), a simple, classic piece of Italian kitchenware. But you can also use Nespresso pods, and many of these ingredients use Nespresso. Because of its potency, you often drink espresso in smaller quantities in a single-shot cup. Like Carpenter herself (who is only 4’11”), espresso might be short, but it packs a punch.

Espresso Recipes for Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ‘n Sweet

An espresso swirl cheesecake sits on a wooden table with two slices cut out which are displayed on dark green plates with a fork on each.

Espresso Swirl Cheesecake

This makes for a great party dessert with its gorgeous swirls and smooth, savory texture. Putting the sweet in Short n’ Sweet! 

Two Espresso Negroni Cocktails in rocks glasses with an orange peel as garnish. Deep red in color. Espresso Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Espresso Negroni

A sophisticated, summery cocktail for any gathering. The little bit of citrus in a Negroni gives it a zest that will contrast well with the espresso in it.

A hand pours a shot of espresso over a cup of ice cream to create a Nespresso Affogato with pizzelles and a shot of espresso in the background.

Nespresso Affogato

Affogato is an unbeatable dessert for any time of year. The espresso and ice cream together make for a unique way to enjoy your coffee. Just don’t drink this before going to bed!

A yellow mug with a latte surrounded by a small glass jar of simple syrup, Nespresso coffee pods, sugar cubes on a little stack of yellow plates and a silver spoon on a wooden surface.

Cardamom and Clove Oat Milk Latte 

Add a little spice to your latte with the cardamom and clove. If you’re “working late cause [you’re] a singer,”  this will give you the kick you need.

Two Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martinis in two glasses with Nespresso pods and a cocktail shaker nearby.

Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini 

A sweeter take on one of the most popular cocktails of all time, the espresso martini, with a marshmallow added as garnish.

Listen to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso”

Story by Emma Riva / Recipes by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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Fizzy Summer Spritz

By
Emma Riva
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A summer spritz cocktail, colored red and with a green leaf for garnish

This summer spritz recipe comes from Spirits & Tales, a rooftop brasserie and bar in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. The Fizzy Summer Spritz brings to mind both the la dolce vita romantic energy of Italy and a carefree, tropical lifestyle with the addition of pineapple juice. Amnelis Cruz, mixologist at Spirits & Tales, generously shared her recipe with us for you to make at home.

Fizzy Summer Spritz Making Tips

Make sure you use enough ice and the correct proportions of liquors for your spritz. The proportions are what give a spritz its character. This recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of pineapple juice to Aperol, but if you are looking for a stronger, boozier taste, you can change up that ratio for your own spin. You can also add more triple sec or peach liqueur to experiment with the flavor profile you like best.

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A summer spritz cocktail, colored red and with a green leaf for garnish

Fizzy Summer Spritz

  • Author: Amnelis Cruz
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • .75 oz peach liqueur
  • 2 oz pineapple juice
  • Sparkling wine to top it off
  • Orange and leafy garnish of your choice

Instructions

  1. Add ice to a wine glass until it is nearly full.
  2. Add in Aperol, peach liqueur, and pineapple juice.
  3. Top with sparkling wine for the fizz.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

More Spritz Ideas

Recipe by Amnelis Cruz
Photography by Serena Brooks 

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How to Make the Best of Empty Nest Syndrome

By
Emma Riva
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0
A pair of empty nesters make dinner together.

Just because you have “empty nest syndrome” doesn’t mean your life has to feel empty! Empty nest syndrome refers to the grief you might feel when your children have fully moved away for college—the house you raised them in is now empty, and it can be a period of intense confusion. Even if you might be happy to have some space, there’s a huge change in your lifestyle once your children start their own adult lives.

It can be hard to make the adjustment. A mother from the Winchester-Thurston School in Pittsburgh said of her experience as an empty nester that “the biggest challenge is suddenly having all of this extra time. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s kind of overwhelming and confusing!” The newness can definitely be scary. But, luckily, we put together these tips for making the most of this new phase of life.

Take a Class

Your local university most likely offers auditing or adult education. There are also plenty of opportunities for lifelong learning at community centers, arts education programs, or even gyms. A good place to start is with your own interests. Think about what you might be interested in that you didn’t have time for while raising your kids. Empty nester syndrome makes space for some of those opportunities to blossom. Wanted to learn Italian? Now you can. Always wanted to try embroidery? Find a class at your local craft center. Confused about what crossfit is but want to stay in shape? Your gym has a group class. A father from Horace Mann School in New York told TABLE that after both his children moved away for college, he went to a music camp for adults where he could pursue his interest in playing classic rock.

You can also see the empty nester syndrome period as a time to focus on new career goals and expanding your skillset. Harvard Business Review recommends to “Begin thinking about this transition five years out. Let your mind wander; what could your life look like without kids at home?” They offer an exercise: “Once a week, go to a coffee shop with only paper and a pen. Brainstorm possibilities for your future self.”

Make Time for Date Night

 Now that it’s just you and your partner in the house, it’s a great time to explore your relationship outside of being parents. What did you used to do that you stopped once you had kids? Which restaurants did you avoid with a picky teenager or an unruly toddler on your hands?

If ideas for mid-life dating don’t flow easily, consider recreating your first date, going out on a picnic, watching the sunrise together, or simply taking a moment to hold hands while out together for a touch of romance. Empty Nest Blessed has a whopping 68 other suggestions. Also consider doing the class suggestions above with a partner!

Get a Pet 

If you really miss taking care of the kids, consider getting a pet. A dog, cat, or even fish could be a new way to channel that nurturing energy and bring a new member into your family.

AARP published a guide of the best dog breeds for empty nesters to consider, including the cuddly Cavalier, the playful Schnauzer, and the sensitive greyhound. If you decide not to adopt, volunteering at a shelter can be a great way to connect with animals and your community. Animals offer unconditional love and can help you through this period of adjustment.

Be Social

The father from New York said his secret to combatting loneliness was to “entertain more at home.” Without the kids, you have time to have friends over for wine night or a nice dinner. Perhaps take the opportunity to go all out and throw a big dinner party.

You also gather (or find) your people in other ways, whether through a faith community, a hobby, or your workplace. Think about when you were in your twenties and meeting people was a huge part of your life. Now you get to do that again, but with a little bit less of the existential of the uncertainty of youth!

Try A New Recipe

For that social night, think about what you could make. The mother from Pittsburgh said she wants to “go back to doing what I did before I had kids: reading books, cooking the food I like, taking classes, etc.” Cooking food you like, without any consideration for anyone but yourself and your partner, can be a great way to reconnect with yourself during the empty nester syndrome period.

Try something like a Boozy Fudgesicle, which harkens back to childhood interest in dessert. Before you were a parent, you were a kid, too! Or experiment with new takes on classics like Stanley Tucci’s recipes that can give you a sense of an elevated, worldly lifestyle in your own home. Why not shop for some cookbooks? Or ditch the cooking entirely, go out to eat, and sit at the bar, just the two of you. Being an empty nester can mean more spontaneous!

Story by Emma Riva / Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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