• About Holly

    The Story of Holly

    Told by Miz Emily

    Holly first introduced me to the concept of "caw-ing" almost 3 years ago. My life has never been the same. By day this crow works the office life but by night you will certainly find Holly (Party Pants) Stevens in her Jamaica Plain kitchen cooking and dancing the night away in true crow fashion. Proudly hailing from Maine's Old Orchard Beach, this wild one has figured out how to combine her love for New England- its history, its food, & its boozy dance parties- with her love of classic elegance. Holly's food is fresh, locally produced, healthy, and full of flavor. A self-described salt hound, no taste bud goes untouched by a meal at Holly's nest. By combining simple salads with rich pastas, fish, and soups, no visitor will leave unsatisfied. Moreover, no hangover goes uncured when morning walks with Holly are kicked off with a hidden stash of irish coffee, and finished off by a nice warm plate of oven potatoes and frittata.

    Glancing around her kitchen you will find a few staple items including a mini whisk (for perfect salad dressing), the classiest compost bucket I've ever seen, a kick-ass vegetable hutch, and most importantly a tasty beverage ready to meet your hand. Her home is cozy and warm, and her hospitality is outmatched by no one. On the bookshelves you will find recipes given to her by friends, and books like Omnivore's Dilemma and Salt: A World History, the later being one of the best book suggestion I've ever received, and the subject of her college thesis. Never missing the chance to make a dinner party a dance party, Holly is in constant motion, ready to motivate the group with classy tunes like Credence, Al Green, and GirlTalk. Unless, of course, Top Chef is on.

    http://crowsinthekitchen.com

    Outdoor Snackin’

    by Holly • April 5, 2011 • Cheese, Jamaica Plain • 0 Comments

    Some may think it’s weird for  feeling nostalgic over a piece of cheese but this past weekend when I bit into some havarti with dill all I could think about was picnic sessions in the arboretum and adventures out to singing beach.  Not only am I excited for warm weather coming our way but also [...]

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    Refreshing Soda Recipes

    by Holly • March 21, 2011 • Homemade/DIY, cocktails • 0 Comments

    I was scanning over a daily recipe email from Food and Wine Magazine and saw an interesting section on DIY Soda.  I tend to stay away from soda unless its ginger ale when my stomach is upset or a couple guilty pleasure sips of coke when I’m eating a burger and fries.  Being able to [...]

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    Beers Abroad

    by Holly • March 18, 2011 • Meat/Poultry, restaurant review • 0 Comments

    I knew going in to it that France wasn’t famous for their beers but I did happen to enjoy some tasty brews on my vacation thanks to their neighbors in Belgium.  As I stated last summer, rather than getting a bottle of wine I enjoy going the route of a strong bodied 22oz beer.  It [...]

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    Monster Panini

    by Holly • February 16, 2011 • Cheese, Domestic Tips, Meat/Poultry • 0 Comments

    If you entertain a lot its good to have some tricks up your sleeve to feed the masses.  Paninis are comforting and filling but making individual ones for guests can get cumbersome.  I was ready to take this task on, that’s how bad my hankering for a panini was, but when I went to the [...]

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    New Gadget

    by Holly • January 12, 2011 • Domestic Tips, sauces • 0 Comments

    It’s not the biggest and baddest of all kitchen gadgets but a fun new cooking tool all the same.  Meet Mr. Ball Whisk, the innovative companion for all of your bechamel and stirring needs (please do not confuse with a head massager).  It was fate that brought Mr. Ball Whisk into my kitchen.  I was [...]

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    Taters Gonna Tate

    by Holly • January 4, 2011 • vegetarian • 2 Comments

    The title of this is silly but it’s an ode to my dear friend Tara who will be moving to France this month.  Tara is a vegetarian so she likes to eat taters because they are hearty and filling and when she gets saussy she likes to tate. This past weekend we celebrated New Years [...]

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    Pretty Things

    by Holly • December 14, 2010 • Jamaica Plain • 0 Comments

    Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project is taking Boston by storm either by 22oz bottles at the corner liquor store or on tap at your favorite watering hole.  The most common Pretty Things I see around is the Jack D’OR but this past weekend I stumbled upon this new variety: Once Upon A Time…a recreation [...]

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