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You can (and should) celebrate National Margarita Day everyday, but especially today. If you’re reading this today (02/22/2022)... HEY! If you’ve found this page after, well, you're in for a treat. Below are some of the best ways to celebrate National Margarita Day–from different flavored salt rims to out-of-the-box margarita garnishes. Cheers! Get Creative with the Rim Sure, a nice salty rim is ooooooooh-so good with your ice cold margarita. But have you ever tried an alternative flavor on your salted rim? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing: Chili Lime Salt Rim: 1 tsp fine sugar, 1 tsp chile powder, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and lime slices for garnish. Citrus Zest Salt Rim: 1 tbsp lime zest (from 1 large lime), 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 medium orange), 1/4 c kosher salt 1/4 c coarse sea salt, and 1/4 cup sugar (optional). Smoky Spicy Margarita Salt Rim: 1 tsp smoky salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder (more if you want a super spicy margarita), and lime slices for garnish. Think Outside the Rim We can all appreciate a nice juicy lime wedge adorning the rim of our margarita. But what about a strawberry or a piece of watermelon alongside it? Here are some outside-the-box margarita garnishes that will take your National Margarita Day to the next level: Whole strawberries Kiwi slices Peach wedges Rosemary, Basil or Mint Orange slices Pair Your Margs with Tacos What’s a shot of tequila without a tasty taco? This dynamic duo is sure to steal the show, and keep your guests partying long into the night. Try one of these taco recipes: Tacos Al Pastor These tacos al pastor from Delish.com are 100% worth the somewhat tedious cooking process… Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos Another favorite taco recipe from Delish.com, you'll want to eat this filling with or without the taco shells. Vegan Avocado Sweet Potato Tacos We LOVE these tacos, and our vegan friends do, too! Black beans and chili-spiced roasted sweet potatoes make them nice and hearty, and the creamy avocado sauce fills them with a zesty finishing touch. Vegan “Fish” Tacos with Avocado Slaw A vegetarian riff on a classic fish taco, these tacos feature crispy, hearts of palm and a bright avocado slaw. Don’t Forget to Make One of Our Favorite Marg Recipes No National Margarita Day celebration would be complete without a margarita (or two), so grab your tequila, mezcal or non-alcoholic substitute, and get mixing! Here are some of our favorite Margarita recipes: Classic Jalisco Margarita Paying homage to the beautiful city of Jalisco, MX, this classic margarita will hit all the perfect notes. Mezcal Margarita Have you ever had a mezcal marg? If not, you're missing out. Mezcal, tequila's lesser-known cousin, is the key ingredient in this Margarita–imparting this cocktail with a sweet smokiness that tempers the tart citrusy elements of a traditional marg. While it’s not quite as easy to down as the original, this version is every bit as sippable as for those looking to venture out beyond the world of blancos, reposados, and añejos. Chocolate-Cherry Margarita Don’t worry, this isn’t another choco-tini. It’s a classic margarita muddled with brandied cherries and rimmed with cocoa sugar. You can thank us later… Spicy Mango Margarita Most marg-lovers seem to love a little heat in their glass, and this spicy mango recipe brings the perfect amount of it. Spiced Pecan Margarita Did you know that Margaritas aren’t just for hot summer days? This out-of-the-box, slightly-spiced margarita calls for a homemade pecan and tea orgeat. Patrón Reposado Tequila, with its own vanilla and honey notes, pairs wonderfully with all those nutty, cozy flavors. If it’s cold where you are, one glass of this (and thinking warm thoughts) will heat you right up. Margarita Mocktail Opting out of the alcohol this #NationalMargaritaDay? You’re in luck! This Margarita Mocktail tastes even better than the boozy original.

Around here, Pride Month means Pride FOOD! 🫶 In celebration of Pride month, we're sharing a few of our favorite Pride recipes that you can enjoy all year long! Since food is our love language, this Pride Month we wanted to highlight the most creative rainbow recipes created by amazing food bloggers around the world. From rainbow cookies to rainbow pizza, you’ll be able to literally taste the rainbow all year long. 🏳️‍🌈 Eat-the-Rainbow Chopped Salad with Basil and Mozzarella Who says pride food HAS to be unhealthy? We're all about a well-balanced diet, so let's start with a salad–but not just any salad. This fresh and colorful rainbow salad has all of the delicious flavors you love about the classic caprese salad, but with even more colorful veggies! Before hitting the town this pride month, make sure to fill up on this healthy side. Rainbow Power Bowl with Salmon and Sesame Dressing This rainbow salad power bowl pretty much sums up our nutrition approach: eat real food and eat as many colors as possible! Plus, we like to eat with our eyes, so this rainbow bowl is looking especially good right about now. Not many recipes scream PRIDE quite like this one! April Anderson’s Rainbow Cake Made by April Anderson, co-owner of Good Cakes and Bakes, this cake will make all your pride dreams come true. If you make this cake, we would love for you to look up a brief history of the rainbow flag (maybe while the cake is baking). It speaks not only of pride for our community, but it also relays a story of hope, visibility, and unity. Rainbow Ravioli Remember those bowls of orange wagon wheels or green linguine you used to eat as a kid? Crumb Blog’s rainbow ravioli is just like that—but even more fun. This pride recipe relies on savory ingredients like tomato paste, pumpkin puree, saffron, pureed broccoli, and pureed beets to punch up her pasta dough, and then fills it with a creamy mix of thyme-scented ricotta and Parmesan. Drooling yet? Celebrate this pride month with a bowlful of this ravioli–you can thank us later... Rainbow Pizza This clean rainbow pizza is actually insanely easy, and full of healthy ingredients instead of food coloring! Gimme Delicious tops her cauliflower-crust pie with colorful red and orange cherry tomatoes, sweet yellow corn kernels, chopped green bell peppers, broccoli florets that—in a way—look blue, and chopped red onion. How's that for healthy? No need to save this one for your pride weekend splurge. Homemade Rainbow Bagels As delicious as they are colorful, these easy rainbow bagels are the perfect handheld food for Pride month! Talk about ba(e)g(oa)ls. Pichet Ong’s Tropical Fruit Trifle This recipe is part of our The Kitchn's Pride Bakeshop package, featuring some queer bakers and the celebratory dessert that’s bringing them joy right now. Take Your Pride Cooking to the Next Level! Our mission is to empower everyone–regardless of race, religion, sexuality, or background–to be a wiz in the kitchen! If you love to cook, but don't know where to start, head to our Book a Class page to see what we're cooking up, and take your kitchen skills to the next level!

We certainly have a soft spot for Latin America. But who doesn’t? The colors, the art, the history, the music, the languages, the drinks, the food! We like to celebrate different cultures in our kitchens all year long, but we can’t deny Hispanic Heritage Month is one of our favorite times of the year, 'cause it allows us to dive deeper into the culture and discover new recipes, ingredients, and talented people of Latin America. Whereas last year we explored Mexico and its regional cuisines, this year we're going to explore the traditions of multiple countries, including Puerto Rico, Argentina, Peru, Mexico and Brazil. We're incredibly proud and grateful for our partnership with Drizly, who shared our same mission of highlighting Latinx owned brands such as Novo Fogo (Brasil), YOLA Mezcal (Mexico), PiscoLogía (Peru). Enjoy the program we put together for you. All businesses highlighted are run by incredibly passionate entrepreneurs. Vámos! Discover Latin America Sept 15 - Oct 15, 2021 http://www.impastiamoclasses.com/discover-latin-america

Despite the weirdness of the world, we keep cooking. Grab a cozy blanket, fire up Netflix, and wind down with these classic comfort food recipes. With the weight of the world resting on our shoulders, we're relying even more heavily on the joys of food–making it, enjoying it, and sharing it. Below is a handful of our favorite comfort food recipes, so that you can fill your belly and your heart with something delicious today. 1. Gnocchi First up: gnocchi. Timeless, tasty, and teeny, gnocchi noodles are basically the ultimate comfort food. They require a little bit of prep and attention to detail, which is perfect for getting you out of your head for a few hours. Plus, cooking a homemade meal for yourself can be so fun! Especially if you have the right tools for the job. There are many gnocchi recipes that we love, but here are a few to help you get started: - IMPASTIAMO's Gnocchi Portofino - IMPASTIAMO's Gnocchi with Pomodoro Sauce - NYT's Spinach Gnocchi - Crisp Gnocchi With Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter 2. Lasagna When in doubt, go with a classic! Lasagna hits all the comfort food requirements: doughy pasta, meaty tomato sauce, melty cheese, all coming together in a rich mouthful that will send you right to the couch after eating. When times are tough, head to your kitchen, whip up a batch of homemade lasagna, and invite your closest friends over for an Italian themed dinner party. 10/10 would recommend... Here are a few of our favorite lasagna recipes: Lasagna Alla Genovese Classic Italian Lasagna Lasagna Alla Norma Lasagna Napoletana Radicchio Pasticcio (Italian Chicory Lasagna) 3. Ramen Everyone knows that a piping hot bowl of ramen is just good for the soul. Ramen is considered to be traditional Japanese comfort food, and it's quickly becoming American comfort food as well. It's reasonably inexpensive, can be customized in tons of different ways, and it also takes time and dedication to make it right. Taking a little extra time to make homemade ramen will be healing in many different ways. Here are a few of our favorite ramen recipes: Easy Japanese Ramen Noodles Curry Ramen with Roast Chicken and Turmeric Miso Ramen Recipe 味噌ラーメン Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen) 冷やし中華 4. Instant Pot Polenta There’s no denying that polenta is a prime example of comfort food, but the time required to stir it on the stovetop to prevent it from sticking to the pan or bubbling over may not be comforting to all home cooks. The solution? Cook it in your favorite multi-cooker! 5. Dumplings Dumplings... a beloved comfort food in many, many different cultures and cuisines. Filled with your choice of veggies, meat or cheese, dumplings are quite simply little packages of love–and we could definitely all use a little more of that these days. 🥟 6. Martha Stewart's Macaroni & Cheese Nothing says "comfort food" quite like a hot bowl of gooey macaroni and cheese–right?? Good for the body, mind, and soul, Martha Stewart's mac-and-cheese recipe will be just think to pull you out of a funk tonight. 7. Cacio E Pepe Cacio e pepe is basically grown-up white cheddar mac and cheese, which is probably why it’s our go-to comfort food for quick weeknight dinners and dinner parties alike. 8. Bread Pudding With Salted Brown Sugar Sauce There's something so cozy and comfortable about warm, custardy bread pudding. You'll want to use a brioche or challah that's rich and buttery, to match the sweet-meets-savory-meets-caramelized sauce. 9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Pie No roundup of comfort food recipes would be complete without a chocolate pie (or two)–and this one is going to taste like a hug in a pie shell. What's your favorite comfort food? Let us know in the comments below!

Once you've been to a farmers' market in LA, there's just no going back. The long, sunny SoCal growing season means the vendors are brimming with fresh produce, no matter the season–meaning there's more time for you to nibble on the perfectly sweet strawberries and try veggie varieties that never make it to the grocery store shelves. With more than 100 California Certified Farmers Markets across LA County, it’s hard to know exactly where to head this weekend. Well, we've done our homework and we're sharing it with you. Read on for IMPASTIAMO's complete list of farmer's markets in LA. South Pasadena Farmers Market Address: 920 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 The South Pasadena Farmers Market is an evening farmers market located in the historic South Pasadena area. Managed by the nonprofit South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce the public flock to this market every Thursday to grab a casual dinner from food vendors and groceries for the week. It’s also a kid friendly market place with cheerful holiday celebrations like trick or treating in October and a tree lighting ceremony in December. The market is open Thursday 4 to 8 p.m. on warmer seasons and closes one hour early during the winter. Melrose Place Farmers Market Address: 8400 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069 The Melrose Place Farmers Market might be pretty small compared to some on this list, but that’s also why we like it so much. This is the kind of market where you can grab a snack, pick up your produce for the week, and be in and out in 15 minutes. MP Farmers Market is mostly known for its fruit and vegetable stands (Frecker Farms is a favorite of ours), but you’ll find everything from jewelry to salsa to hand-poured candles. And that’s to say nothing of the world-class people-watching as well. Open Sundays, 10am-2pm. The Original Farmer's Market Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Since its beginnings in 1934, The Original Farmers’ Market is the oldest market in Los Angeles. In stark contrast to Atwater, this market’s size is such that it cannot be conquered in a single outing. Luckily, it’s open daily for 12 hours (9am to 9pm) and for nine hours on Sundays. It takes true commitment, a big stomach and an even larger fridge to hit more than 100 grocers, food stalls and shops. Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market Address: 155-199 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Santa Monica actually operates four different farmers markets, but the Wednesday morning farmers market is well known for spotting many chefs from LA’s best restaurants, who shop there. It’s for good reason, too, as this farmers market not only has the sweetest fruits and freshest vegetables, but some of the local farms carry harder-to-find vegetables like huacatay (originally from Peru) and opa basil. Atwater Village Farmers' Market Address: 3528 Larga Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Many people overlook this small market, but it’s easy to find your basics and then some. Every Sunday, fresh produce and vegan cheeses are offered at the Atwater Village Farmers’ Market, but the true stars are the food vendors. Caribbean Gourmet serves up Guyanese cuisine and is the only reliable beef patty purveyor on the east side of town. From pupusas to oysters, the other vendors make this market a great place for lunch, not just shopping. Crenshaw Farmers' Market Address: 3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Located at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, the Crenshaw Farmers’ Market features dozens of local farmers, food stalls, and artisan vendors. While we always leave plenty of time to wander around and check out what’s new, some of our go-to stalls include the tremendous Caribbean food at Who’s Hungry Catering, Delmy’s Pupusas, and Divine Harvest for our weekly produce haul. Depending on availability and COVID-19 restrictions, there are also monthly events ranging from cooking demonstrations to DJs to Zumba classes. Open Saturdays, 10am-3pm. Hollywood Farmers Market Address: 1600 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 The Hollywood Farmers Market is one of the biggest farmers markets in the whole area, with 160 vendors, ranging from local farmers and producers to all kinds of artisans. There are some of Southern California’s most famous farms like Harry’s Berries, pork from Peads & Barnetts and Japanese rice from Koda Farms. There’s no shortage of prepared foods as well, including macarons, locally made miso, and cured meats from one of LA’s best restaurants, Gwen. Burbank Certified Farmer's Market Address: 101 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91501 The Burbank Certified Farmers Market is strictly a farmers market. These guys mean business. You won’t find arts and crafts here, or a petting zoo. Just fresh produce and knowledgable growers, some of which have been at the market since the start in the 80’s. Organic cheeses, honey, baked goods and pre-made foods can also be found at the market. The proceeds raised by the non-profit market are donated to the Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation in Burbank which reinvests the funds into the community through healthcare services. The market happens every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Altadena Farmer's Market Address: 587 W Palm St, Altadena, CA 91001 The Altadena Farmers’ Market is the most underrated market in LA. For the majority of Angelinos, yes, it’s quite the trek that sends you past the already far-flung Pasadena to the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. But your Wednesday evening drive will be rewarded with a small, efficient, cozy farmers’ market. The tight spread leans towards produce, but it’s also one of the few markets featuring subscription-based fishmonger Trashfish, specializing in sustainable and lesser-known seafood. Beverly Hills Farmer's Market Address: 9300 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The market features special events such as a Kid’s Zone, Cookin’ Kids, Story Time, Community Services Department Showcase, Pie Bake and Piesta, PickleFest and hosts more than 60 farmers and vendors every week. Open Sundays from 9am to 1pm, rain or shine. Seniors and those at high-risk may shop earlier on Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Venice Farmer's Market Address: 500 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 Forget Erewhon - for nearly 35 years, the Venice Market has been where the locals go for California-grown fruits and veggies, flowers, and a wide variety of specialty foods. They definitely pack plenty into their parking lot space between North and South Venice Blvd, and wandering through the stands is part of the charm. Open Fridays, 7-11am. Are there any Farmers' Markets in LA that we missed here? Comment below or tell us over on Instagram!

National Hispanic Heritage month is HERE, and needless to say: we're in full-on celebration mode! If you're looking for a fun, authentic way to celebrate with your co-workers, team members, friend group or family, we have just the thing for you. Here, we're sharing 4 ways that you can celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month–from the comfort of your own kitchen, or out on the town. Keep scrolling for the details... First of All: What is Hispanic Heritage Month? Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) is an annual celebration in the United States that honors the history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced to 20 countries and one territory — which includes Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain. President Ronald Reagan established this month-long celebration in 1988 to recognize the contributions Hispanic & Latin American people have made to our country, and it’s still widely celebrated today! Though we should never wait for an annual event or holiday to take pride in or celebrate someone’s ethnic background, Latinx and Hispanic Americans use this as an opportunity to honor their respective cultures and ancestral backgrounds. Why You Should Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month At Work Hispanic Heritage Month is an excellent opportunity to learn about the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people throughout history. It’s a time to reflect on the history of Latinx people in America, and it’s also a time to recognize that there is still work to be done to ensure that all people have equal opportunities. So, let’s get into some of the best Hispanic Heritage Month ideas for your team! 3 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Your Team 1. Host a Corporate Cooking Class for Hispanic Heritage Month Cooking classes are some of the most popular ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. If you’re feeling ambitious, ask your coworkers what they’d like to cook! These corporate cooking classes are great for team bonding, especially when they involve food from different cultures. Here are some upcoming online cooking classes: In-person corporate cooking class | Venice Beach, CA 2. Make a Playlist + Host an Office Party Don't have too much time to plan an elaborate Hispanic Heritage celebration for your team? No sweat, you're probably busy! If you're short on time and resources, you can host an office party with the help of a good Hispanic Heritage month playlist and some decorations–bonus points if you bring in some homemade salsa and chips! 3. Make Your Team a Hispanic Heritage Month Treat Got a little extra time to prepare? How about learn to make Homemade Tortillas & Mexican Salsas or some Tacos de Carne Asada? Delight your team member or friends with a new recipe that celebrates the best of this vibrant culture, with a recipe developed by Chef Natalia Luna, live from Mexico City! With our in-person and online cooking classes, we've got you covered. Learn to cook like a pro and wow your team with a Hispanic Heritage month treat next time you go into the office. 4. Put the "Happy" in Happy Hour Instead of drinks down the street, how about bringing the party to the office? With easy-to-make cocktails in the spirit of Hispanic Heritage month, everyone can become a bartender with a few simple ingredients. Here's a selection of our favorite cocktail recipes, in support of Latinx owned businesses: Yola Eastside Paloma de la Tarde Batida de Coco Flores Daiquiri Want to host a cooking class for your team? Book a call with our team to learn how to make Hispanic Heritage Month especially festive this year:

It isn’t uncommon to hear about the mental health benefits of cooking at home. Many promote this practice because it can save you money, improve our health, and boost your culinary skills. Yet, despite all the obvious benefits, many can find cooking to be a chore they haven't fully embraced. (Cooking at home can actually be quite fun!) We agree that when you're cooking at home, there comes the extra trips to the grocery store, dirty dishes piled up, potentially setting off your home’s smoke alarm, and a potentially inedible dish here and there. For these reasons, cooking at home can be a divided topic: Some of us love it, and some of us hate it. Regardless of which side you’re on, cooking your own food is scientifically proven to support your mental health. But... don’t just take our word for it! Keep scrolling to learn about the different ways preparing your meals can boost your mental health, plus some tips + tricks on how to get started! 1. Cooking at Home Promotes a Brain-Boosting Diet Did you know that certain foods can boost your cognitive functioning? A 2014 study highlighted the connection between poor mental health and "unhealthy" diets. (It's so important to acknowledge that the term "unhealthy diet" can be riddled with stigma and often negates the factors that lead to unhealthy food choices, including a lack of access and poverty. If you find that fresh whole foods are inaccessible to you, consider checking out your local Community Supported Agriculture organization (CSA). This offers fresh fruits and veggies weekly that are often more affordable than farmers' markets and grocery stores. Cooking at home means you're probably more aware of what ingredients you're using, and in turn more aware of what you're putting into your body. If you're looking to boost your mental health, try cooking at home and watch your mood improve! 2. Cooking Increases Social Connection How often does a recipe yield just one serving? It is pretty rare. Food is meant to be shared, and cooking offers an easy excuse to build community. It can be as simple as hitting up your farmer’s market and chatting with some of the vendors for recipe ideas. You could enlist a buddy to experiment in the kitchen with or invite some loved ones over to break bread. The socialization linked to cooking your meals at home is grounded in actual science. A 2017 study published in the Health Education & Behavior Journal cites cooking as a great intervention used in therapeutic and rehabilitative settings. If you’re not sure where to begin, take a look at some of our online and in-person cooking classes! 3. Cooking Can Boost Your Self-Esteem Nailing a recipe you’ve been hoping to perfect can bolster your self-esteem significantly. Even if it is as simple as a three-ingredient pasta dish (noodles, butter, parmesan – voila!), cooking is clinically proven to be a significant confidence booster. This is because the feeling of creating something tangible that others can enjoy can be very gratifying. 4. Cooking Expands Creativity A recent study states that incorporating creative activities into your daily life can significantly boost moods and overall well-being. Another study qualifies cooking as a creative activity, going as far as to highlight the connections between cooking and mood improvement. So we can’t deny the science—donning your chef hat and courageously exploring your kitchen can lead to feeling better than ever. But, How Do You Start?? At this point, you may be totally into the idea of cooking at home to boost your mental health but might have no idea of where to begin. We've got you. Here are some ideas: Reflect on your favorite foods. Perhaps you love food that feels extremely intimidating to attempt yourself, like sushi or filet mignon. That is OK—you can still use that as an idea of what flavors you might like. For example, you could try baking salmon in your oven or making a simple burger in a skillet. Start simple, and then expand! (We can help...) Take a cooking class! You’re likely to be around others who are also gaining confidence in the kitchen, which may help the experience feel much less stressful. If you’re nervous about going alone, enlist a friend to join you, or take an online cooking class and enjoy cooking from the comfort of your own kitchen. Reach out to your friends and family. Asking them to show you a few tips + tricks for preparing meals can be a comfy way to get started. Plus, it offers some social interaction that may feel like great solace during challenging times. Stretch your cooking muscles and give yourself the mental health boost we all need by making more meals at home! Looking for an easy way to get started? Check out some of our upcoming cooking classes:

Team building. We know, we know. The term probably makes your eyes roll into the back of your head. But...hear us out. There are team building activities that you can arrange for your team that actually don't suck. The tricky part is: finding an activity that your team won’t hate. We've got you. Below, 10 team building ideas that will win you MVP of the office. (You can thank us later 👑) Scavenger Hunts Yep, good ole scavenger hunts. Get out and run around town together. Scavenger hunts can be played in any city or town, or if you really want, in your office building. (But we think fun games for employee engagement are more fun and engaging outside of the office.) Solve location-based clues to continue on the path to the end destination and the path to victory. Virtual Corporate Cooking Classes Nobody in the office? No problem. Virtual team building cooking classes make team building *actually* fun. Tell your team that you arranged a virtual tiramisu for them and you will win over some hearts FOR SURE. 💯 "Great team activity to do when everyone works remotely. IMPASTIAMO takes care of everything from invitations, logistics, delivery, etc. Highly recommend this professional yet fun class!" –Grenier Paule In-Person or Virtual Gift Exchange Office Secret Santas are fun ways to celebrate the holidays, but did you know that you can turn gift exchanges into games? A White Elephant or Yankee Swap can be done in person or as a virtual game for employee engagement. Do Something For A Good Cause This charity team building activity follows a simple formula: Build + Donate = Unity. Build something, donate it to charity, and bask in the rewards together. One could argue that “building things together,” is the original team building activity, what our ancient ancestors discovered to be magical when they bunkered down to create their first permanent homes. You’ll unite behind a crystal-clear and tangible objective. You’ll feel the epicness of shared accomplishment as you admire the finished product. You’ll feel deeply bonded as you hand off your donation. In-Person Cooking Classes The team that cooks together, stays together. That's what they say, isn't it? If your office is in-person these days, treat the team to a live, in-person cooking class where they can make + eat their own creation with their coworkers. If you're scratching your head wondering what to do with your team, arrange an in-person corporate cooking class and watch your team beg you for more. Donut A nice, low-key opportunity for remote workers to chat and interact with each other one-on-one, Donut randomly pairs up team members for a round of coffee talk from a predetermined list and distributes an email notification on a scheduled interval. It’s up to the team members to coordinate their video coffee break, which gives them a sense of ownership and investment in the activity. *Actual donuts are optional, but highly recommended. Pastries can be substituted, of course. Blather 'Round Blather ‘Round is a guessing game full of blundering, stumbling, and–yes– blathering. You try to write sentences that describe pop culture phenomena to your teammates, but you never get quiiiiite the right words. If you did, it wouldn’t be a game! It would just be describing things. Also, this team building activity is great for both in-person and remote teams. Gather your team, and get a game of blather 'round going – we *promise* there will be plenty of laughing and lots of bonding. Two Truths and a Lie This game, often played by teenagers at summer camp or sleepover parties, is actually a great way to get to know your coworkers. The rules are pretty simple, but here’s a refresher. One player thinks of two things that are true about them and one thing that isn’t. Without revealing which is the lie, they say all three “facts” aloud. The rest of the players try to guess which is the lie. They can use what they know about the person or try to tell by their body language or change in pitch. Here’s a tip: make the truths wild stories to throw off the other players. For example, if you’ve DJed at Burning Man or trained a pig to do party tricks, make sure to include those as your facts. Quiplash Quiplash is a remote-player game that both in-person and remote teams will heartily enjoy. Next time you're scrambling for a team building activity, bust out a game of Quiplash! Players can use their own phone, tablet or computer (no controllers needed) to answer simple, funny prompts like: Something you’d be surprised to see a donkey do A double rainbow doesn’t have gold at the end of it. Instead, it has ______. ...you get the picture. Create a Compliment Circle There are different variations you can take on this to encourage your team to express appreciation for one another. One option is you can simply spend five minutes having individuals compliment one another, whatever pops into their mind (if you’re the manager, you should start to get the ball rolling!). This can be as easy as saying, “I wanted to tell Gina I loved her proposal this week” or “Big shoutout to Danny for bringing in donuts last week when we were all heads-down to meet a big deadline.” Or you can go around and have each person address the coworker to their right, so that everyone gets a chance to shine. Ready to treat your team to the fun experience they're craving? Book a free call with our founder to see if we'd be a good addition to your team.

Los Angeles...Known for its beautiful weather, suntanned surfers, Hollywood glam, and all things *decadent.* And what does every thriving city have? Coffee shops, and lots of them. Sure, it’s not hard to find a decent cup of joe no matter where you are, but if you find yourself on a hunt for the perfect coffee shop experience, the options can get a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re a visitor to the LA area hoping to optimize your time, or a local just looking for something different, today we’re sharing some of the best coffee shops in LA. 1. Bloom and Plume Address: 1638 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026 One of the best (and arguably most beautiful) coffee shops in LA, this proudly black, family-owned business will delight your eyes and taste buds. According to their website, Bloom and Plume is “...a space that is building a beloved community while providing an elevated adventure for customers to experience excellent coffee and delicious food.” Located at 1638 W. Temple Street, you can find fresh flowers, merchandise, food, and “dranks.” Among the usual coffee varieties, you’ll find interesting options such as the “Chagaccino” which consists of Chaga mushroom, cacao, vanilla, and cinnamon with monk-fruit sweetener and steamed milk. Or their Nitro Passion Fruit tea, made with orange pekoe tea, calendula and rose flowers (recommended with their house made honey lavender syrup). Um, yes please! 2. Dinosaur Coffee Address: 4334 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 If you’ve ever wondered what a coffee shop opened by one of the brains behind Cards Against Humanity would be like, well wonder no longer. Opened up by Ben Hantoot (and his wife, Michelle), Dinosaur Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in LA, and is conveniently located at 4334 W Sunset Blvd at the Elliott Smith Mural. Because of this, Dinosaur Coffee made the list of LA’s 11 Most Instagram-Worthy Street Art spots. If you’re curious about the other 10 spots, you can check out the list here. If you love their coffee, the good news is that you can purchase the beans roasted by their very own sister-shop, Woodcat Coffee. 3. Rubies+Diamonds Address: 6115 Sunset Blvd #150, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Speaking of Instagram, you simply cannot post photos of your day in LA without including some shots from this stunning coffee shop. The aesthetic of the shop would appear to be a closely held secret if you visit their website. However, if you peruse their hashtag #NotAJewelryStore on Instagram, you can feast your eyes on photogenic drinks, bites, and more…and maybe add your own photo to the mix! While it doesn’t come with their Millenial Pink wall for photoshoots, they also have a coffee cart available to hire for any special occasions. 4. Flowerboy Project Address: 816 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 Located at 816 Lincoln Blvd in Venice, Flowerboy Project is more than just a coffee shop. Founders Sean Knibb + Stella Shirinda created what they call a “physical and virtual flower & coffee bodega.” After you pick from a menu with items such as “Lavender boy” and “rose Girl,” you can wander through their stunning florals, homegoods, accessories, and more. “Flowerboy is about the hyper-local, the flower that has taken hold in the concrete crack of your sidewalk. It is about the ritual of everyday encounters, the unexpected gifts - for someone you love and loving yourself.” 5. Nossa Familia Coffee Address: 601 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 While not technically a coffee shop, Nossa Familia Coffee has a set-up in The CalEdison, an office building in Downtown LA’s Financial District. Enjoy the stunning art deco architecture while sipping on your beverage of choice (that is, if you’re there for pleasure, not business). Nossa Familia Coffee is notable in its own right, started and operated from Portland Oregon, the business goes back to Brazil in the 1890’s to the founder’s family coffee farms. Their coffee is farm direct, rooted in family tradition, and sustainably roasted. [Rumor says there are *miniature donuts* available on Fridays. It’s worth a trip to find out!] 6. Tilt Coffee Bar Address: 334 S Main St Kiosk#1, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Tilt Coffee Bar is a little known gem, tucked away in Historic Core DTLA @ 334 S Main St Kiosk #1. Walk around or sit inside, there are no bad views with this unique, glass building. “We are focused on building a coffee loving community and handcrafting quality drinks served with passion and love. Whether it is a routine or a medium to unwind, we want our coffee to bring people to connect and share experiences.” They’re obviously doing something right, because they have another location coming soon to Century City @ 2000 Avenue of the Stars #100. Whether this next location will also have the signature tilting glass architecture is known. 7. Canyon Coffee Address: 3845 Broadway, American Canyon, CA 94503 At this famous Los Angeles coffee shop, decorated with Douglas fir, birch, and Portuguese limestone, owners Ally Walsh and Casey Wojtalewicz serve chic drip coffees, espresso drinks, tea, and several lattes on tap–including oat, fig, and pistachio matcha flavors. The shop also offers a seasonal tomato sandwich made with Tutti Frutti tomatoes, herb mayo, shiro miso, lettuce, olive oil, and lemon on Bub & Grandma's focaccia. Ceramic mugs from Peter Shire, Atelier Lips, and Canyon's own mugs are available for purchase, as well as Canyon's coffee beans. Canyon Coffee is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 8. Love Coffee Bar Address: 1732 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 Love Coffee Bar is a specialty coffee concept located in sunny Santa Monica. According to their website, the shop has partnered with "passionate creative California-based coffee roasters, tea artisans, designers, creators and storytellers." The shop is also dog-friendly, which makes it a popular destination in the community. "What is done in love is done well" - Vincent van Gogh They say the eyes eat first, so get your caffeine fix + treat yourself to a memorable experience at any one of LA’s best coffee shops while you’re at it. Have you tried any of these coffee shops or do you have a favorite coffee shop in LA that didn’t make the list? Comment below so we can try them out...👇

When it comes to finding the best Italian food around, we'd like to consider ourselves pros. Our team can sniff out the best plate of spaghetti or pizza al taglio a mile away, and we're not afraid to put in the legwork to find it. But let's be real: sometimes, it's just not feasible to hop in the car and track down that hole-in-the-wall trattoria on the other side of town. That's where we come in. Reality is, the "best Italian near me" can often be found right in the comfort of your own kitchen. 👀 "Best Italian Near Me" IMPASTIAMO offers online cooking classes that offers a variety of Italian dishes, ranging from classic dishes like pasta carbonara and tiramisu to regional specialties like Neapolitan pizza and Milanese risotto. And the best part? You can take these classes from the comfort of your own kitchen, no matter where you are. So if you're craving a taste of Italy but can't make it to the Old Country (or even to the other side of town), never fear! With IMPASTIAMO's online cooking classes, you can bring a little bit of la dolce vita right to your own kitchen. But what if you're not exactly a whiz in the kitchen? No problemo. Our online cooking classes are designed for cooks of all levels, from beginner to pro. And with the help of our expert chefs, you'll be whipping up authentic Italian dishes in no time. Plus, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Got picky eaters? No worries - IMPASTIAMO has a range of vegetarian and meat-based dishes to choose from. And if you're looking to impress your significant other on date night, why not try your hand at homemade pasta or a decadent tiramisu? But the fun doesn't stop with just cooking classes. IMPASTIAMO also offers virtual wine tastings and cocktail-making classes, so you can pair your homemade Italian feast with the perfect vino or signature cocktail. So next time you're firing up Google for "Italian food near me" give IMPASTIAMO a try. With our online cooking classes and other culinary offerings, you'll be able to enjoy all the flavors of Italy without ever leaving your kitchen. Buon appetito! Alternatives to "The Best Italian Near Me": (AKA, make your own! We'll help you every step of the way...)

Tired of ordering the same old pizza takeout? Want to spice up your weeknight dinner routine? It's time to embrace the magic of Homemade Pizza Night! 🍕🎉 There's something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own pizzas from scratch...from kneading the dough to piling on your favorite toppings. Whether you're a gourmet guru or a newbie in the kitchen, we've got some mouthwatering homemade pizza recipes and tips to turn your kitchen into a real Italian pizzeria. So, roll up your sleeves and let's get tossing! The Foundation: Making the Perfect Homemade Pizza Dough Let's start with the heart and soul of every great pizza – the dough! Making your own dough might sound intimidating, but trust us, it's simpler than you think. Here's a basic recipe to kick off your Homemade Pizza Night: Ingredients: 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 tsp sugar 1 cup warm water 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 2 tbsp olive oil Instructions: In a bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it's frothy. Mix in the flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Punch down the dough, then divide and shape it into individual pizza crusts. Recipe 1: Classic Margherita Ingredients: 1 pizza dough ½ cup tomato sauce 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella, sliced Handful of fresh basil leaves 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Arrange the mozzarella slices over the sauce. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil, and let it cool slightly before slicing. Recipe 2: BBQ Chicken Delight Ingredients: 1 pizza dough ½ cup barbecue sauce 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded Fresh cilantro for garnish Instructions: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of barbecue sauce over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded chicken and red onion slices over the sauce. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Recipe 3: Veggie Supreme Ingredients: 1 pizza dough ½ cup marinara sauce 1 cup bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced 1 cup mushrooms, sliced ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough. Scatter the sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion over the sauce. Sprinkle both cheeses over the veggies. Drizzle olive oil over the top, followed by dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting into slices. Recipe 4: Pesto Paradise Ingredients: 1 pizza dough ½ cup pesto sauce 1 ½ cups cooked chicken or turkey, diced 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Handful of fresh arugula Balsamic glaze (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet. Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the dough. Distribute the diced chicken or turkey and sun-dried tomatoes over the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the toppings. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is golden and melty. After baking, top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing. Recipe 5: Sweet Delight Dessert Pizza Ingredients: 1 pizza dough ½ cup Nutella or chocolate spread 1 banana, sliced ½ cup strawberries, sliced ½ cup mini marshmallows ¼ cup chocolate chips Powdered sugar for dusting Instructions: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet. Spread the Nutella or chocolate spread evenly over the dough, leaving a border. Arrange the banana and strawberry slices on top. Sprinkle mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the fruits. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the marshmallows are toasted. Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Slice your dessert pizza into wedges and indulge in a heavenly treat. There you have it: five fantastic recipes to turn your pizza night into a full-blown culinary adventure. Gather your ingredients, text your friends and get ready to enjoy the whole process of creating personalized pizzas that are as delightful to make as they are to devour. Happy pizza night, bon appétit! 🍕 🍴 Want to take your pizza-making to the next level? Sign up for one of our fun, interactive pizza making classes to perfect your pizza game!

Gather 'round, veggie lovers, because we're diving deep into the world of Meatless Monday dinner ideas. Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Not another salad,” stay with us. These aren't your everyday vegetarian recipes. We promise, by the end, you'll be drooling... Our favorite Meatless Monday Dinner Ideas 1. Legendary Lentil Loaf “A loaf made of lentils?” Yes, and it’s about to become your next guilty pleasure. This lentil loaf is the unsung hero of the vegetarian world, boasting a robust flavor profile that’ll give any meatloaf a run for its money. Serve it up with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and a drizzle of homemade gravy. Sorry meaty meatloaf, there’s a new kid in town! 2. Eggplant and Hummus Wraps Imagine a world where the crunch of fresh veggies collides with the silky texture of hummus, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. That's right, this isn't a dream. It's dinner. Get the recipe here. The eggplant gives a heartiness, while the hummus brings all the flavors together in a delightful dance on your palate. Plus, it’s basically a wrap. Like, it’s literally wrapped food. How much more convenient can dinner get? 3. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos Ah, the taco. A vessel of deliciousness that's adaptable, versatile, and — in this case — completely meatless. Spice up your taco nights with this dynamic duo of sweet potatoes and black beans. Topped with some avocado, fresh salsa, and a sprinkle of vegan cheese? You'll forget meat tacos were ever a thing. (Okay, maybe not forget, but you’ll certainly play favorites for a night.) 4. Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto If you've ever wanted to impress your friends without actually learning a complicated recipe, this is it. The richness of butternut squash paired with the aromatic flavors of sage creates a dish that screams, “I spent hours on this!” When in reality, it’s just you, a pot, and some rice. Your secret's safe with us. ;) 5. Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai Or as we like to call it, “Zoodle Pad Thai.” If you haven't jumped on the zoodle bandwagon yet, now's the time. This dish is packed with the traditional flavors of Pad Thai but with a light and refreshing twist. And let's face it, saying "zoodle" is half the fun. 6. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms There are stuffed animals, stuffed toys, and then there are stuffed mushrooms. The last one doesn’t fit the category, but who cares when it’s this delicious? The combination of spinach and feta is a classic, and when nestled inside a juicy portobello, it’s a vegetarian match made in heaven. Get the recipe here. 7. Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Before you raise an eyebrow and say, “Steak?”, let's clarify: this isn't your traditional slab of meat. But when roasted correctly, this Meatless Monday dinner recipe takes on a meaty texture that’s unbelievably satisfying. Slather it with tangy chimichurri sauce, and you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried this sooner. Pro tip: Perfect for when you want to fool your brain into thinking you’re having a BBQ! To wrap it all up, going meatless doesn’t mean going tasteless. The culinary world of vegetables is vast, colorful, and filled with opportunities to experiment. Bring some new life to your meatless monday meals this week! So next Meatless Monday, when you’re pondering over what to make, ditch the chicken, skip the steak, and dive fork-first into one of these mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. Remember, you’re not just saving animals; you’re expanding your palate. And that, dear foodie, is a win-win. If you want to become a Meatless Monday Master, why not take one of our in-person or online cooking classes to boost your confidence in the kitchen and give you tips and tricks to impress your dinner guests?