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Home Sweet Home

The pandemic has resulted in unprecedented levels of home improvement spending and professionals in the industry see no sign of slowing down in 2021. As the year comes to a close, many people are spending the holidays in a home that looks a bit different than it did a year ago. Perhaps there’s a new roof over their head, an updated kitchen, a deck or pool out back or just some... Read More

Chef Recipe: Canvas Restaurant & Market’s Honey Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potato & Brussels Sprouts

Executive Chef Bryan Thomas teaches how to make one of Canvas’ best vegetarian dishes Read More  Read More

Best of Home & Garden 2017

Readers’ picks for our region’s best product and service providers Read More  Read More

Chef Recipe: 1921 by Norman Van Aken’s Golden Pancakes

Chef Norman Van Aken teaches how to make one of his Mount Dora restaurant’s most popular dishes Read More  Read More

Chef Recipe: Umi Japanese Restaurant’s Shrimp Yaki Udon

Chef Stanley Yun teaches how to make one of Umi’s most popular dishes Read More  Read More

Chef Recipe: Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen’s Jambalaya

Serving a colorful menu of small plates, craft beer, fine wine on tap, and specialty cocktails, Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen is a great reason to visit Lake Nona. This month, Chef Jason Bergeron teaches the short version of how to make their jambalaya. Ingredients 12 oz. Cajun rice (prepared) 2 oz. smoked pork hock (removed from bone) 16 shrimp (13-15 count) 8 Andouille sausage links... Read More

Chef Recipe: Hamilton’s Kitchen’s Crab Crusted Scallops

Learn how to cook one of Hamilton Kitchen’s most popular dishes at home. Read More  Read More

Purr-fect Holidays For Pets

Local experts share tips for boarding your pets and bringing home new ones during the holidays. Read More  Read More

When I Grow Up…

Local kids and parents discuss their hopes and dreams for the future. Read More  Read More

Fall’s Focal Point

A break in the weather opens opportunities to continue improving your current landscape. Read More  Read More

Recipe: Executive Chef Greg Richie, Soco Restaurant

Chicken Fried New York Strip Steak with Mashed Potatoes and White Truffle Pepper Gravy Nestled in trendy Thornton Park and headed by Executive Chef Greg Richie, the Zagat-rated Soco Restaurant offers—and derives its name from—Southern contemporary cuisine, and prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients. This month, Richie shares how to make one of Soco’s heartiest... Read More

Winning the War on Clutter

Whether you own your home or rent, chances are it suffers from the curse of clutter. Sports equipment, electronics, clothes, tools, cleaning supplies and more all compete for limited space in closets, cabinets, pantries, the garage and even the floor while leaving increasingly less room for you and your loved ones. Photo provided by Garage Design Works So, what’s a clutter-crazed... Read More

Chef Recipe: Osprey Tavern’s Roasted Organic Chicken & Buttermilk Biscuits

Orlando’s foodie scene has blossomed in recent years, resulting in a bounty of local restaurants that pride themselves on fresh ingredients and recipes dreamed up by chefs every bit as skilled as those you might see on TV. One of those standouts is Baldwin Park’s Osprey Tavern. This month, Executive Chef Joseph Burnett and Pastry Chef Kristy Carlucci reveal the secrets behind... Read More

Home Away From Home: Top Local Trends in Outdoor Living

Now more than ever, homeowners are taking their outdoor spaces to the next level by creating oasis-like areas as an extension of their homes. From pavers to plants to kitchens, we’ve caught up with the experts of outdoor living to find out what the latest trends are in the Orlando area. When it comes to what plants are popping up in landscapes across the region, palm trees are... Read More

Chef Recipe: Ryan Vargas, Emeril’s Tchoup Chop

Featured Dish: Huli Huli Chicken with Stir-Fried Sunburst Squash, Haricot Verts and Wax Beans If you’re a fan of Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, one of Emeril Lagasse’s two restaurants at Universal Orlando, then you’re also a fan of Chef Ryan Vargas, known as the culinary master’s “right-hand chef” at the popular eatery. This month, Chef Ryan gives us a sneak peek at a dish... Read More

What’s Trending?: Expert Landscaping Tips

Given the Sunshine State’s generally hot climate for the majority of the calendar year, the start of spring has no real effect on the weather in Orlando—except to make it even hotter. Instead, local landscapers and designers are noticing a wide variety of trends that homeowners are taking advantage of this year. Whether it’s plant life, amenities or hardscaping, the latest... Read More

Orlando Family Readers’ Top Pets

May is Pet Month at Orlando Family. To celebrate, we reached out to our readers via social media and asked them to submit photos of their favorite pets, and we weren’t disappointed with the results. Want to see your photos, thoughts and more in print? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on our latest reader-submission opportunities. Benelli (submitted by Jennifer... Read More

Growing Up: Vertical Gardening Is Fun for All Ages

Vertical gardens are sprouting up everywhere, from hip retail spaces to restaurant walls. Why is this trend growing so fast? Hanging pots filled with colorful flowers can beautify a bare wall, and stacked planters positioned along a fence or property line can create privacy. This space-saving gardening method also reduces the need to weed and keeps pests away from valuable veggies.... Read More

Tent & Campfire Treats

Create clever tent cookies and campfire crackers in your kitchen with a few simple ingredients. No baking required! Tent Ingredients • Chocolate candy melts (1/2 cup or less) • Graham crackers • Caramel apple wraps Directions 1. Form tent with graham crackers: Melt chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe dish. Pour into a pastry bag (or use a zipclosed bag with the end... Read More

Easter Table Place Setting

A bunny basket can make an egg-cellent table place setting. Hop over to Michaels.com for a complete Easter décor shopping list. Materials • Paper crinkle • Celebrate It™ Easter Chipwood Berry Basket [Note: Replace with any small basket or an actual berry container.] • Celebrate It™ Easter Ceramic Eggs – Chalkboard • Fabric napkin, white • Napkin rings, burlap •... Read More

How Doesn’t My Garden Grow?

“I do not garden! I am not going to help you and I will not referee. If you want a garden, you need to do it alone or figure out a way to work together,” I snapped as I slammed the door in the face of my children’s enthusiasm. Yikes—did I really just say that? And, more importantly, did my words carry over the back fence to the greenthumbed mom with the lovely garden and... Read More