Hot Tips

Organic, Natural, Free-Range – What Does it really mean?

Are you confused about what you are buying? Organic: Foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Organic foods are also not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. Natural: This product label is not synonymous with organic. “Natural” means that the product doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients or […]

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  October 5, 2012   No comments

Pantry Organization

Pantry Organization 101 I decided it was time to organize the pantry. I can only do this when the mood strikes me, which is very rare. I found a bunch of mason jars in the basement. My father-in-law used to make pickles in these jars. I cleaned them up and decided to put all my […]

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  September 24, 2012   3 comments

Liquid Hand Soap

I know this is a little “off topic”, but I thought I would share! I seemed to be constantly out buying liquid soap and I decided I would make my own.  It was very easy and satisfying.  It’s a slightly different consistency, but it works and I love the smell.  You can choose any scent […]

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  August 10, 2012   2 comments

Common Cooking Mistakes

Here are 30 of the most common cooking mistakes people make.  To read the full article click here. 1. You don’t taste as you go. Result: The flavors or textures of an otherwise excellent dish are out of balance or unappealing. 2. You don’t read the entire recipe before you start cooking. Result: Flavors are dull, entire […]

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  March 28, 2012   No comments

Cabernet Onions

For your “haute” dogs… Here is a wonderful condiment for burgers or hot dogs. This recipe for Cabernet onions can be made with red or sweet onions. Cabernet Onions 1 Tbs olive oil 3 cups sliced onions, about 2 Salt, to taste 3/4 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or other dry red wine Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy […]

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  August 3, 2011   No comments

A few interesting tips….

To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water when hard-boiling. Potatoes will take food stains off of your fingers. Just slice and rub the raw potato on your skin and rinse with water. Just the same, if you’re peeling shrimp or cleaning fresh fish and you don’t want the […]

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  January 12, 2011   1 comment

Maldon Salt

When asked about her thoughts on using expensive gourmet salt,  Julia Child once responded, in her down to earth way, that “salt is salt.”   Well, she was right—to a point.  Sodium chloride, also known as salt, common salt, table salt, or halite, is an ionic compound with the chemical formula NaCI.  It is present in […]

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  October 19, 2010   1 comment

Edible Roasting Rack

What do you do with a stale baguette?  Use it has a roasting rack for a whole chicken.  Just tear up the baguette and put it in a roasting pan, place your chicken on top and roast.  The baguette lets air circulate under the chicken to roast it evenly.  You can also do this with […]

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  July 28, 2010   No comments

Reynolds Wrap Release NON-STICK Foil

I love Reynolds Wrap® Release Non-Stick Foil.  It has a special food-safe non-stick coating. Reynolds Wrap® Release Non-Stick Foil is perfect for lining pans and freezer storage. I use it all the time, especially when I am catering large parties.  There is nothing worse when food sticks to the foil.  I also use it because […]

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  June 2, 2010   No comments

Sfongo (Spinach & Potato Pie)

Kosher for Passover This is a recipe from Claudia Roden’s The Book of Jewish Food. The dish is served as a dairy meal accompanied by hard-boiled eggs for Passover. I must admit, my main motivation for posting this recipe today is to try out a new tip that I heard on Melinda Lee’s radio program […]

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  March 29, 2010   2 comments