April is just days away.  March was a big month for us around here… blogiversary, premiere Nest Chat, etc.  However, April is going to be even more insane.  We have the calendar packed with projects and fun… and lots of big news.

Our second Nest Chat will be on Wednesday, April 18.  The time is 8pm E/ 7pm C.  The first one was a load of fun.  I hope you will join us on twitter using the #NestChat hashtag.

We have two new videos planned for you this month… both inspired by spring.  Fly by the Nest often and leave us a comment or two on how we’re doing and what you’d like to see more.

Spring has just begun.  For many that means time to throw open the windows and blow the funk off of the place a little.  Typically this includes some deep cleaning.  No matter how neat and tidy you are, things can use some extra attention occasionally.  In the kitchen, particularly, food finds its way into places that might not be part of your daily cleaning routine.

Here we have compiled a list of cleaning activities for the kitchen/pantry to aid in your Spring Cleaning mission.

What to use:

• Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
• Step-ladder
• Cleaning cloths
• Small bucket with handle
• Sponges
• Vacuum with attachment
• All-purpose cleanser, dishsoap, or mild cleanser of choice
• Oven Cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Shelf or cabinet liner and drawer dividers
• Broom and mop or towel
• Baking soda solution for fridge/freezer
• A broom stick with an old sock for under the stove and fridge

Finally, don't let yourself become overwhelmed.  Only take on what you can manage and plan according to the time you have.  Be sure to factor in your REAL level of commitment.  Don't be ashamed to hire someone for the really tough stuff or tasks you just don't want to do.

We like treats… and over the past couple of years we have presented many here.  We have even done a couple of roundups of our favorites.  What sometimes gets overlooked is the number of savory dishes we have shared.  

Today we are taking a look back at some of our savory posts and recipes.  I hope you will take a moment to watch and share your favorites with us in a comment.  Feel free to click through for more info and to the rest of our flickr photostreams... including the treats.  Enjoy.

Sometimes when I set out to make the treat of the week, I am surprised that I haven’t presented it here already.  That is the case with today’s treat.  I have been moving this post along in the calendar for months now, and today is finally its day to shine.

Baklava is one of those desserts you’ve seen, maybe eaten, and possibly thought that is much too complicated for me to make.  I am here to assure you that it is far easier than you may think.  Some people say it’s time consuming, but even that is relative.  Apart from the resting times, there is only a small time commitment.

The reward… super flaky pastry that is sweet and sticky and textured with loads of nutty flavor.  In addition to the combination of nuts we used in the baklava, we topped it off with a bit Nutella glaze to drive our point home.  It is perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. 

savour… being nutty

Last night we were proud to host our premiere Nest Chat.  The attendance was good and the conversation was even better.  

There were many topics discussed and loads of tips, recipes, and links shared.  Below is a timeline of the actual chat (last tweet first).  I have removed some of the redundancies, but left in most of the meat of the discussion.  The links are live.  Check out some of the stuff the attendees shared.  You can also click on their name and be taken directly to twitter to follow them if you don't already.

Our next chat is already scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 at 8pm E/ 7pm C.  I do hope you will be able to join us and be part of the conversation.  If you have questions regarding the chat please feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post or email me at sam.henderson@todaysnest.com.

Read on...

• 
   RT @todaysnest: See you all next month (April 18) at #NestChat and every 3rd Wednesday after that. 8pm E / 7pm C. #nestchat
•  ...and in her absence let me offer up the blog of @coryanneettiene http://t.co/Kpjef2gg ... a must see! #nestchat
•  TY. RT @wesellart: @jamoore100 Congrats!#nestchat
•  @todaysnest Thanks Sam, twas fun! Can't wait for that cilantro drink:) #Nestchat
•  Works for me :) RT @wesellart:@jamoore100 Think one needs to live in Italy for a while - perhaps a Limoncello apprenticeship? lol #nestchat
•  See you all next month (April 18) at#NestChat and every 3rd Wednesday after that. 8pm E / 7pm C.#nestchat
• Thanks so much for joining us. You’ll find a summary of tonight’s chat and much more tomorrow at Today’s Nest http://t.co/S0WPvTEb #nestchat
•  Thanks for hosting!!! great chat :)@todaysnest #nestchat
•  Enjoyed #nestchat tonight! Very refreshing exchanging ideas
•  @todaysnest I am loving this new Springtime free-spirited DIY! Paint dipping! Check it out on my blog:http://t.co/1oMCyQyQ #nestchat
• Make this http://t.co/ByDk5hjU RT@ajyenne:Matcha Green Tea Gimlet, thanks for my 1st chat everybody, happy 2B on @todaysnest team #nestchat
•  @todaysnest Thanks for hosting a great chat about Spring! #nestchat
•  @todaysnest Thank you for hosting, Sam. I enjoyed chatting with everyone. #nestchat
•  @todaysnest We're offering FREE shipping if you're refreshing w/art for Spring: http://t.co/hEauuIIq (use code 03152012) #nestchat
•  @todaysnest sharing my blog for recipes and more http://t.co/OAPBeNEI #nestchat
•  But of course! http://t.co/0MDAArmR for recipes/home DIY and entertaining + lifestyle tips @todaysnest#nestchat
•  Here's a link to my Taking Stock blog. It's a home safety & security blog. http://t.co/Qer6KZiu #nestchat
•  @todaysnest #nestchat U know me, always working:) New chat #DesignRespect on Monday at 1:00 pm PST and this: http://t.co/H2dUy0TD SO EXCITED
•  time to mix up another Matcha Green Tea Gimlet, thanks for my first Nest Chat everybody, happy to be on the@todaysnest team #nestchat
•  @todaysnest Also bringing in elements of nature with accessories and pictures: http://t.co/25dpS16C#nestchat
•  >>> Winding down now… got a blog or site you want to share? #nestchat
•  @todaysnest I'm putting together a few posts with my picks for Spring today. Can't wait! #nestchat
•  RT @ajyenne: A6 all the fresh herbs needed for cocktail garnishes mint, basil, rosemary, lemonbalm, cilantro#nestchat
• That's the definition of spring perfection! :)@todaysnest #nestchat
•  Decorating with flowers & florals:http://t.co/aF6t64Mg RT @todaysnest: @wesellart what trending in springtime decor? #nestchat
•  @todaysnest The way I cook, no kitchen towel stays white for long. It's colors only for my kitchen towels.#nestchat
•  @ajyenne Thank you! You'll love it. It adds an exotic taste to an already flavorful cocktail. #nestchat
•  It sounds too easy, but we have cut flower garden outside. Keep our home filled with fresh flowers in the spring. Nothing better. #nestchat
•  :) cant wait! RT @todaysnest: Coming soon... RT @kitchconfidante: @todaysnest Ive never done a drink with cilantro! Intrigued... #Nestchat
• @arecipejunkie Love the kitchen towel idea but firmly committed to plain white ones with a red stripe... except for pictures. #nestchat
•  @jamoore100 Here in TX the weather is so unpredictible We can't do that too often #nestchat
•  A7: I love putting a festive spring wreath on the front door & fun kitchen towels #nestchat
•  @todaysnest A6: not much garden here on the upper west side, but my *fantasy* garden would include a lot of flowering sweet peas! #nestchat
•  @todaysnest @ajyenne or maybe a good shrimp cocktail #nestchat
•  @todaysnest A7: We freshen up our space with patterned pillows + some new fun bright trinkets {like a wise old owl for the garden} #nestchat
•  I lighten things up (open drapes, fresh paint) RT @todaysnest: Q7:What design/decorating changes do you make for spring?  #nestchat
•  @todaysnest Maybe change out a few pillows here & there #nestchat
•  We move life outdoors here in AZ. Weather is great now & it's all about outdoor living. #nestchat
•  Love a drink w cilantro!RT @ajyenne: A6 fresh herbs needed for cocktail garnishes mint, basil, rosemary, lemonbalm, cilantro #nestchat
•  Lettuce is something we've never grown at home but would love to so we can pluck a salad from the garden!@arecipejunkie #nestchat
•  @todaysnest My friend has a huge pot of it at her front door. It's running over! #nestchat
•  @wesellart what trending in springtime decor? #nestchat
•  A6 all the fresh herbs needed for cocktail garnishes mint, basil, rosemary, lemonbalm, cilantro #nestchat
•  @todaysnest A5: we have herbs, but wish this was in our backyard: http://t.co/97GIkE02 #nestchat
•  Q7:What design/decorating changes do you make for spring?  #nestchat
•  A6: I plan on having herbs, carrots, and maybe salad #nestchat
•  I remember it popping up through the snow in NY. RT @todaysnest: I believe if left unattended mint might take over the WORLD!!! #nestchat
•  Absolutely. But it's such a fantastic herb that can refresh any cocktail and jazz up so many dishes @todaysnest#nestchat
•  A6. My spring garden is mostly cactus here in AZ, but I do have a few herbs, especially rosemary. That grows so well here. #nestchat
•  I believe if left unattended mint might take over the WORLD!!! #nestchat
•  RT @ajyenne: A5 an egg scramble over@todaysnest potatoes o'brien sound like a pretty good brunch to me#nestchat
•  @todaysnest #nestchat Herbs: mint, oregano, chives and kale.
• Ooh, lots of goodness. We're planting a midnight garden and some new herbs for springtime @todaysnest#nestchat
•  Shut the front door! RT @arecipejunkie: How about Purple Fingerling Hash browns for Brunch :)http://t.co/vaCJ4ZXi #nestchat
•  @todaysnest I have a small pot of tomatoes to use for salads #nestchat
•  @stateofcake @sweetpaul #nestchat No. Looks amazing. Need a gluten-free version though.
•  I mean Q6: What’s growing in your spring garden & how will you use it? Herbs? Flowers? Veggies? #nestchat
•  @todaysnest and it's got to be good! I hate a bad Bloody Mary #nestchat
•  Hi @todaysnest Popping in - the younger generation has discovered Brunch...my older kids LOVE it!!#nestchat
• Q5: What’s growing in your spring garden & how will you use it? Herbs? Flowers? Veggies? #nestchat
•  RT @todaysnest: Here you will find a link to our Know Your Food series on Eggs http://t.co/zaxaEPaC#nestchat
•  No brunch is complete without a good Bloody Mary. We make ours from fresh tomato juice>http://t.co/LeTtVrDX #nestchat
•  ...and they taste just as good, if not better, the next morning! @wesellart #nestchat
•  @wesellart Love stratas, too. Use some eggs to make this Strawberry Strata. Perfect for brunchhttp://t.co/8WQYQPG4 #nestchat
•  A5: I love my eyes fried over medium :) with a side of toast #nestchat
•  Love fritatas. Must make them more often. Great use of eggs. #nestchat
•  @kitchconfidante Thank you! It's quite a refreshing spin on a classic cocktail. #nestchat
• @jamoore100 @wesellart Did U see@davidroccosvita show on limoncello and lemons on the Amalfi coast? Genius! #nestchat
•  @todaysnest A5: We love a good baked egg with cream and herbes de Provence served with a crusty piece of French bread. #nestchat
•  Lovely! RT @valleyandco: @ajyenne ?..herbs like rosemary in lemonade + Provencal herbs in our Pimms Cups:http://t.co/zUfYv53b #Nestchat
•  @todaysnest A5: Stratas are a fave way to have eggs for brunch #nestchat
•  @jamoore100 #nestchat sounds so good!
•  Here you will find a link to our Know Your Food series on Eggs http://t.co/zaxaEPaC #nestchat
•  Here you will find a link to our Know Your Food series on Eggs http://t.co/zaxaEPaC #nestchat
•  @todaysnest Q5 I enjoy deviled eggs, fried egg sandwich, boiled sliced in salad #nestchat
•  @valleyandco wow provencal herbs in a pimm's cup...i'm there #nestchat
•  @wesellart I tried & failed to duplicate the homemade limoncello I had in Italy. Now I buy it. #nestchat
•  Here's Q5: The return of brunch? How about eggs? What’s your favorite way to serve/eat them? #nestchat
•  Welcome @ajyenne! and welcome to the Today's Nest team. #nestchat
•  Mm, want that for dinner! RT@IAMTHELAB: @todaysnest #nestchat I love soft boiled eggs on a top of a vibrant salad. #Nestchat
•  Ooh! me, too! RT @IAMTHELAB:@todaysnest #nestchat I love soft boiled eggs on a top of a vibrant salad. #nestchat
•  Makes me think of homemade limoncello I've had in Italy...RT @filmoreclark: Also Lemon anything. Cupcakes, Limoncello etc. #nestchat
•  @IAMTHELAB Kale pesto: kale, walnuts, garlic, parm cheese, olive oil. Easy & delicious. #nestchat
•  @ajyenne We love that - and love using herbs like rosemary in lemonade + Provencal herbs in our Pimm's Cups:http://t.co/jCBex8Gv #nestchat
•  RT @ajyenne: @valleyandco gin is perfect pairing w most fresh herbs. Look for fresh rosemary gimlet in future post on @todaysnest #nestchat
•  @todaysnest #nestchat I love soft boiled eggs on a top of a vibrant salad.
•  Beautiful RT @todaysnest: Guessing you've seen these Limoncello cupcakes? http://t.co/tHUTmyBn RT@filmoreclark #nestchat
•  RT @IAMTHELAB: @kitchconfidante@jamoore100 #nestchat Kale pesto sounds amazing! #nestchat
• Tasty AND lovely! RT @kitchconfidante Love seeing pea shoots in spring & really loved it in this light soup:http://t.co/iwB4ihhs #nestchat
•  This recipe fuses berries + lemonade, the perfect concotion http://t.co/8V3gdOuo #nestchat
• about 56 minutes ago I love all kinds of fruit tarts for spring, too.#nestchat
•  RT @filmoreclark: Also Lemon anything. Cupcakes, Limoncello etc.... #nestchat
•  @valleyandco gin is the perfect pairing with most fresh herbs. Look for a fresh rosemary gimlet in a future post on @todaysnest #nestchat
•  Q5: The return of brunch? How about eggs? What’s your favorite way to serve/eat them? #nestchat
•  I love seeing pea shoots in the spring and really loved it in this light soup: http://t.co/gF9bNtSF #Nestchat
•  Thank you! Sorry to jump in a tad late - happy to make it! @todaysnest #nestchat
•  Guessing you've seen these Limoncello cupcakes? http://t.co/ejs7df5I RT @filmoreclark: Also Cupcakes, Limoncello etc.... #nestchat
•  Yes! Did u see @todaysnest lemon cupcakes on #Pinterest? RT @filmoreclark: Also Lemon anything. Cupcakes, Limoncello etc.... #nestchat
•  Yum. Anything with fresh lemon is a springtime must! @filmoreclark @arecipejunkie #nestchat
•  A4: I'm looking forward to making yummy BBQ!!! #nestchat
•  Heart lamb! RT @stateofcake: Want 2 give@FoodiesUnite Lamb recipe a whirl RT @todaysnest: Q4: What springtime meal dying 2 make?  #nestchat
•  @filmoreclark I love deviled eggs! #nestchat
•  Here's the link: lamb marinated in Meyer lemon and fennel pollen via @FoodieUnite http://t.co/CPETjwaw#nestchat
•  What are some favorite herb cocktail recipes?#nestchat
•  Also Lemon anything. Cupcakes, Limoncello etc....#nestchat
•  @todaysnest I might have to try those BLT inspired deviled eggs. They look fab. #nestchat
•  Agree, pesto is spring to me! RT @jamoore100: Just made some kale pesto, which seems spring-like to me.#Nestchat
•  A4: @todaysnest fresh herb cocktails and lots of fresh seafood on the grill #nestchat #nestchat
•  RT @jamoore100: That looks delicious. Like the colorful peppers. RT @chicmodern: This is whats on my list to try#nestchat http://t.co/zHMlGkuw #nestchat
•  Thanks. You'll LOVE it! RT @chicmodern: This is whats on my list to try #nestchat http://t.co/bcatVhYz #nestchat
•  @todaysnest A4: Anything with asparagus! We love grilling with olive oil and a crack of sea salt and pepper. Simple, yet perfect! #nestchat
•  I want to give @FoodiesUnite Lamb recipe a whirl RT @todaysnest: Q4: What springtime meal have you been dying to make?  #nestchat
•  RT @IAMTHELAB: @todaysnest A4: I feel raw food coming. I love raw key-lime pie, & raw pasta w spiraled zucchini and lemon pesto. #nestchat
•  That looks delicious. Like the colorful peppers. RT@chicmodern: This is whats on my list to try #nestchathttp://t.co/zHMlGkuw #nestchat
•  Here's 1 of our EARLY posts on deviled eggs 3 wayshttp://t.co/0TvLTtLi RT @filmoreclark: Deviled eggs signal Spring for me! #nestchat
•  Sorry to chat & scoot but the risotto is ready.... waving bye to the ever fabulous Sam of @todaysnest & everyone on#NestChat
•  Just made some kale pesto, which seems spring-like to me. #nestchat
•  This is what's on my list to try #nestchathttp://t.co/ET6zvpam
•  @todaysnest A4: Penne w/Roasted Asparagus & Balsamic Butter: http://t.co/Te3LOjwJ #nestchat
•  RT @coryanneettiene: I am going for edible flowers this Spring.... and loads of herbal cocktials in the garden (but of course) #NestChat
•  Deviled eggs signal Spring for me! open for new recipes! #nestchat
•  @todaysnest A4: I feel raw food coming on. I love raw key-lime pie, and raw pasta made with spiraled zucchini and lemon pesto. #nestchat
•  Love! RT @coryanneettiene: I am going for edible flowers this Spring.... and loads of herbal cocktials in the garden.#nestchat
•  A4: Anything with peas. We are lucky to be in Texas where peas are already abundant! #nestchat
•  I am going for edible flowers this Spring.... and loads of herbal cocktials in the garden (but of course) #NestChat
•  U know the rule. If you haven't worn in a yr... RT@coryanneettiene: Never store linens/clothes you wont use again.@jamoore100 #nestchat
•  Agreed @coryanneettiene and it helps to limit the time you spend on each project so you don't get overwhelmed#nestchat
•  #FanClub RT @todaysnest: Totally forgot! :) I'm Sam Henderson... the creative director at Today's Nest and the moderator of #nestchat
•  @todaysnest my MO if I haven't used it or looked through it in 6 months is time to donate or throw away :) #nestchat
•  Me too! RT @jamoore100: Clothes closet must be purged each spring. This year doing the linen closet, too. #nestchat
• Q4: What springtime meal have you been dying to make? Share your recipes! #nestchat
•  I agree, never store linens/clothes you won't use again RT @jamoore100: Clothes closet must be purged each spring.#nestchat
•  RT @stateofcake: http://t.co/4exPJlVY RT@coryanneettiene @todaysnest: Q3: Do you have a favorite checklist you follow? #nestchat
•  @arecipejunkie @nella22 Such a great posts. Those pictures are incredible. That's Spring in a photo!http://t.co/OWGa9MA3 #nestchat
•  Totally forgot! :) I'm Sam Henderson... the creative director at Today's Nest and the moderator of this new monthly chat. #nestchat
•  The best thing about #springcleaning is taking it one project at a time & to be honest w/how much time you have#NestChat
•  @IAMTHELAB Thanks for checking it out :) yes, it's that time of the year and I love to clean. #nestchat
•  Clothes closet must be purged each spring. This year doing the linen closet, too. #nestchat
• RT @coryanneettiene: well......I follow my own 4 week #cleaning plan for a gradual #SpringClean >http://t.co/EFKSl8IY #nestchat
•  http://t.co/4exPJlVY RT @coryanneettiene@todaysnest: Q3: Do you have a favorite checklist you follow?#nestchat
•  @todaysnest HI :) Thanks for hosting!! #nestchat
• Great tool! RT @stateofcake: I use the@AptTherapy #Cure philosophy Q3: Do you have a favorite checklist you follow? #nestchat
•  RT @todaysnest: Q3: Do you have a favorite checklist you follow? Tools? #nestchat
•  RT @coryanneettiene: I love revamping my pantry in Spring .. roll out the Gin for cocktails, citrus for marinating...#nestchat
•  Oh yes, spring decor is essential RT@filmoreclark: @todaysnest Love new pillows in fresh colors for spring! #nestchat
•  RT @filmoreclark: @todaysnest Love new pillows in fresh colors for spring! #nestchat
•  @todaysnest #nestchat I love going 2@designseeds & checking out Jessica's flowers. She is beyond good. If those colors don't do it, UR DEAD
•  A3 I don't have a checklist, but I did find this list to be helpful! http://t.co/ZDvgQAcP #nestchat
• about 1 hour ago @todaysnest A3 No checklist I try to go room by room w/ a simple handy #glad trash bag & box to toss anything I no longer want #nestchat
•  Quick & easy fix! RT @filmoreclark: @todaysnestLove new pillows in fresh colors for spring! #nestchat
•  RT @coryanneettiene: I step up my cleaning this time of year...especially tasks that went rouge in the winterhttp://t.co/orLyCN4k #nestchat
•  @todaysnest Love new pillows in fresh colors for spring! #nestchat
• @todaysnest #nestchat I love the Spring wardrobe refresh. I also love curating posts for my sites that focus on the season.
•  @stateofcake Closet purge is great! Plus great time to make room for new spring fashions! #nestchat
•  I step up my cleaning this time of year...especially those tasks that went rouge in the winter http://t.co/ruwvsIOl#NestChat
•  @stateofcake @todaysnest #nestchat Spring arrives when the air becomes filled with the scents of flowers and promise.
•  Q3: Do you have a favorite checklist you follow? Tools? Links to share? #nestchat
•  @todaysnest I try to do a lot of Spring cleaning keyword try #nestchat
•  Q2: Spring cleaning M.O... Hmm, I've never gotten into spring cleaning. Best I do is change out our clothing for the season! #nestchat
•  CDO, that is extreme OCD RT @todaysnest: Q2: Organizing? Spring cleaning? What’s your springtime MO? How far do you go? #nestchat
•  closet purge is always a great start RT@todaysnest: Q2: Organizing? Spring cleaning? What’s your springtime MO? #nestchat
•  Evening #NestChat only have 5 mins while dinner simmers...but did not want to miss this
•  Oh and lets not forget about the beautiful blooms: tulips, orchids, lillies, etc. Spring flowers make me happy:)#nestchat
•  @L_Duncan I'm happy that you could join in#nestchat
•  Q2: Organizing? Spring cleaning? What’s your springtime MO? How far do you go? #nestchat
•  I also want to start playing in the garden RT@todaysnest: Let’s get started: Q1. What signifies spring for you?#nestchat
•  What signifies spring to me? All of the bright colors in home accessories, clothing, etc.! #nestchat
•  Hi and welcome @L_Duncan! Tell us about yourself and Q1: What signifies spring to you? #nestchat
•  warmer weather- I'm soo tired of being cold. RT@todaysnest: Let’s get started: Q1. What signifies spring for you?#nestchat
• about 1 hour ago RT @wesellart: MT @todaysnest: Welcome 2 r 1st#NestChat. 1 hr of all things domestic. Food, gardening, homemaking, design + Invite a friend
•  RT @todaysnest: Let’s get started: Introduce yourself and start us out by telling… Q1. What signifies spring for you? #nestchat
•  @todaysnest A1/ When I hear the birds chirping on a regular #nestchat
•  @IAMTHELAB @todaysnest I love Word of the Day prizes! #nestchat What a premiere!
•  I am very pleased to welcome @ajyenne to our team. All around good guy and genius behind tonight cocktail.#NestChat
•  Our signature cocktail for the chat is Matcha Green Tea Gimlet. Find the recipe for it at http://t.co/EUejHAXI.Cheers! #NestChat
•  RT @todaysnest: We have chosen a Word of the Day. The 1st person to use it wins a Today’s Nest reusable tote and a Lola necklace. #nestchat
•  Let’s get started: Introduce yourself and start us out by telling… Q1. What signifies spring for you? #nestchat
•  @todaysnest #nestchat She's super-cute! Everybody needs a mascot.
•  @moderneve @l_duncan @keithmay @brechang@organicbeautytk @Swoozies @freshome Join #nestchat if you can Starting now
•  We have chosen a Word of the Day. The first person to use it will win a Today’s Nest reusable tote and a Lola necklace. #nestchat
•  In case you didn't know, Lola is our mascot. She's yellow and fun! She's the inspiration for just about everything around here. #nestchat
•  RT @todaysnest: Welcome 2 r premiere#NestChat. 1 hr of all things domestic. Food, gardening, homemaking, design etc. Invite a friend
•  RT @todaysnest: Welcome to our premiere#NestChat. 1 hr of all things domestic. Food, gardening, homemaking, design etc. Take a minute to invite a friend.
•  Welcome to our premiere #NestChat. 1 hr of all things domestic. Food, gardening, homemaking, design etc. Take a minute to invite a friend.
•  @todaysnest @arecipejunkie @chicmodern#nestchat Thrilled to be here! Aloha from the Big Island.
•  Welcome @arecipejunkie @chicmodern@iamthelab ! So happy to see you here tonight. It's our very first#nestchat
•  @todaysnest I'm here! #nestchat
• Already here for #nestchat

From Sam:

I am very pleased to welcome our newest contributor, Andrew Yenne.  Our new chum will be posting here occasionally about a variety of topics, but most notably our Cocktail of the Month posts.  He is one mean mixologist.  I believe this post will prove my point.  I must admit that I was a bit skeptical at first, but this cocktail tastes much less like matcha and much more like AMAZING!! Read on...

Matcha Green Tea Gimlet

Ahhh March. That wonderful month of the year that bridges the cold sullen grey of February with the bright vibrancy of April. In March it seems everything is turning green, from the medians on the highway to the St Paddy's Day revelers.

What better way to celebrate this unique month than with a uniquely green Cocktail of the Month? The Matcha Green Tea Gimlet.

I know what you are thinking..."A matcha cocktail? But matcha tastes like grass." and yes, I know that other thought you are thinking..."Gin?! But that tastes like pine needles." Fret not Nesters, the grassy notes of the matcha balance perfectly with the flowery botanicals of the London dry gin. By the way, like all things in life you get out what you put in, so only use a good London dry gin. I prefer Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire for this drink. 

savour... a new season

Stuck in a side dish rut?  Inspired by the recent St.Patrick's holiday, we are presenting a super simple and tasty potato alternative today.  There appears to be some dispute over the origins of this dish... and it most likely has nothing to do with anything Irish, but the name suggests otherwise.  You have to get your inspiration wherever you can.

Peppers are in abundance in Texas at this time of year.  Most supermarkets have them on sale at 3/$1 right now.  The red peppers are especially appealing at this price as the cost sky rockets in a few months to closer to $3/1.  In fact, when buying for this dish, I bought extras and sliced them up to freeze for future fajitas or grilled sausage.

savour... getting it while the gettin's good