We usually have a well-stocked fridge and pantry. When we’re out of something, that something is likely to be fresh mushrooms. Fortunately, there’s a solution for that: dried mushrooms. While nothing beats the flavor and texture of a fresh raw mushroom in a salad, side of marinated mushrooms or sauté, dried mushrooms work very well […]
In our neighborhood, a casual Middle Eastern place sells the classics: falafel, shawarma, shish kebab, etc. We used to have a regular lunch of the spreads—baba ghannouj and hummus—plus grape leaves and tabouli. Then, one day, we decided to order something new. Looking at the menu, we chose fattoush. Fattoush (alternatively spelled fattush, fatush, fattoosh […]
[1] Canned tomatoes are typically plum tomatoes (photo © Hunt’s). [2] First Place: Bianco di Napoli canned tomatoes (photo © Instacart). [3] Second Place: Market Pantry canned tomatoes (photo © Target). [4] Third Place: San Merican canned tomatoes (photo © Whole Foods). Many of us used canned tomatoes for tomato sauce, chili, enchiladas, meatloaf […]
We love this idea from Ardor Restaurant, located in the West Hollywood Edition hotel in Los Angeles. This vegetable-forward restaurant uses organic ingredients, prepared simply but (as you can tell from the photo), impressively. We’d also like to give a shout out to Chef John Fraser, a California native whose cuisine enthralled us when he […]
We are big fans of the turkey products from Diestel Family Ranch, a premier breeder of whole turkeys and other turkey treats. There are: Conventional whole turkeys plus Non-GMO and organic options. Boneless turkey breast that’s 100% breast, no patched-up pieces. Turkey burgers, chorizo, franks, ground turkey and sandwich slices including turkey pastrami, sausage. […]
This upside-down beer glass caught our eye. We wanted a set, but couldn’t justify the expenditure (not to mention, no room in our cabinet). The double-walled glass keeps your beer colder, for longer. There’s no condensation on the outside, either. Plan ahead for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day and take a further look at the […]
Polenta, made from ground cornmeal, is a porridge that dates to ancient times. It is gluten free, although not a whole grain*. This traditional Italian cornmeal style originated in Umbria in northern Italy, where it was a simple, hearty peasant food. In the U.S. and U.K., cooked polenta is known as as cornmeal mush. Polenta […]
[1] Luscious, aren’t they! But what do you do during the long span of months when vine-ripened tomatoes are out of season (photo © Baldor Specialty Food). [2] Cherry tomatoes: Not the same thing, but a fair substitute (photo © Casa Barilla). [3] Sundried tomatoes should look like this: bright red and moist. If you […]
March 21st is National Tiramisu Day. Tiramisu is such a popular restaurant dessert, yet few people make it at home. It’s less work than an apple pie! In addition to classic tiramisu, we have a variation for people who don’t like coffee: a lemon tiramisu, below. Check out the history of tiramisu. RECIPE […]
People who know the religious significance of challah may raise an eyebrow at our headline. (There’s more about challah below). The sandwich may be tongue-in-cheek [photo #1], but it’s delicious. Here’s our adaptation of the recipe. Beer is a great beverage pairing. Prosciutto is the cured hind leg of the pig, as is American ham. […]