Going through a kitchen remodel has to be one of the most challenging home improvements ever. Symmetry and balance are important. Changing the layout was not an option since it remains functional as an open-ended galley kitchen including a central corridor. In fact, it all began being a simple goal to modernize the kitchen cabinets from 1970s dark wood to the bright airiness of antique white. As often happens, one thing leads to another. Before long we were updating stainless steel appliances, replacing countertops, leaving the double sink behind in lieu of a large single basin, choosing black matte cabinet pulls with copper accents, and more. One constant remained: the authentic dark hardwood flooring. To this day, it endures as the solid foundation from the time it was installed. Now that the kitchen remodel is complete, is it a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen, you wonder. Not at all. But it has been designed around my needs, which makes it perfect. And speaking of perfect…Some of my posts have been favored by “Le Cordon Bleu” and the “Food Network” on Twitter (Snapshotsincursive @DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten’s The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram (gail _dorna). You can even follow me on Pinterest at Gail Dorna. I’d love to connect with you. I also met Chef Michelle Tribble of Hell’s Kitchen reality cooking show. Fun times. Experience different flavors and textures as you eat with your eyes. Catch a glimpse of “What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen: Country Casual Cravings.” This remarkable journey of the palate is unique because it gives me a few moments with you. Thanks very much to all of my guests and followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and daily words of encouragement. I couldn’t have come this far without you.
Country Casual Cravings

Looks fabulous
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Thank you very much! 🙏🏻🍃
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Congratulations!
Joanna
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It was worth the wait! 👏👏👏
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The nominations and the awards are well deserved because you have a great blog where one can be inspired to have a cozy space in our homes. Your recommendations are always correct and the photos give a special frame to your articles. Good for you. Feliz Año 2022. Lo mejor para ti.
Manuel Angel (Chile)
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I am beyond honored to receive such high praise! Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement. Blessings in 2022. 🌟✨💫
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You are welcome Gail
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It looks amazing
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It definitely made cooking fun! 😋🌿
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A perfect kitchen is the one that is perfect for you! This looks beautiful, and I can only imagine the delights that will come from this room! 💕
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Who knew only ten months later I’d leave it behind when we turned our lives upside-down, sold the house, and moved to Florida??? 🌴🌊
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Ah, if only we had a crystal ball! What is your kitchen like now?
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The house is being built. It will be very different. 🤣
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Well our new house will be very different as well. We are moving from grand Victorian to Adirondack!
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Which State?
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Still in Vermont, just up north to be closer to our daughter, the town of Charlotte (accent on the second syllable!). We bought the house last summer and the first thing I did was rip the entire kitchen out. It was beautiful, if one did not cook, and was designed for a handicapped person with very low counters so even if it was my style (do I really have ione?) or at least to my liking, it would not have been practical!
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Sounds like you’ll have an interesting year ahead, moving and all. Any projected date on the horizon?
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None. We’ve been caught waiting forever for basic things like windows and flooring. My stove was supposed to be delivered in November, then December, now February. The good news is the dishwasher is in the general warehouse and will be delivered in a couple of weeks!
I think the move will be a slow process since we have so much to edit, a 6,500 square foot house to 3,200 square feet, totally different style. Books, books, and more books…Plus my husband is still going through all his mother’s possessions since her passing.
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I can relate. We sold our house last August and have been living in a hotel while our new house is being built. We still need windows, but our kitchen cabinets are boxed up in the garage, which has no door. It’s crazy!
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I can’t imagine building a whole house right now with all the supply delays! Hang in there, eventually we’ll both be cooking in our new kitchens!
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Patience is a virtue, they say. Good Luck! 🍀
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You too!
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Wonderful, Gail, congratulations on the nominations. We feast with our eyes and our palettes on all your recipes and ideas. 🤟🤗😘🙋♂️
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I can assure you this series of recipes came out of this kitchen. 😜🌿😋
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Nice,nice,nice. Good for you …both in your honors and a new kitchen.
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Thank you very much. 🙏🏻🍃
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It looks absolutely beautiful, Gail!
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I must admit, I loved it. I’m looking back to 2020 as my “practice run”. 🤣
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The kitchen looks so beautiful, light but not white, classic yet modern. Congrats on the awards and nominations. Who if not you, Gail’
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I prefer the lighter atmosphere. That’s closer to what we’re doing in the new house.
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Your new kitchen looks fabulous.
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Thank you. We were very pleased. Unfortunately, we moved shortly after that update. But I got to enjoy it while I had it. 🍃🌸
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Looks beautiful! Never was there a home renovation that didn’t take on the snowball effect. Lots of work, always more changes than you originally planned, but the result is so satisfying. Enjoy your new kitchen for many years to come! 💫
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I learned a long time ago…….the proper utensils make the recipe easier. ☕️🍃😜
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Woo hoo! Why did you go from a double, to a single sink ? Happy New Year, in a new kitchen, Gail! ❤
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A single sink was twice the size and easier to wash pots and pans. I love it! 👏
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🙂
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[…] Country Casual Cravings […]
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Thanks for “Paying It Forward”. 🌟✨💫
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I love to read and write from and for homeowners
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Thanks very much. 🙏🏻🍃
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😊
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