TIP OF THE DAY: How To Speed Up The Ripening Of Avocados & Bananas

[1] Almost ripe, but not quite. Stick them in the microwave! (photo © Waldemar Brandt | Unsplash). [2] Hard avocados? The microwave awaits! (photo © Erol Ahmed | Unsplash). [3] Turn your now-soft avocados into bacon-avocado-tomato crostini, delicious with a glass of wine or with an appetize Here’s the recipe (photo © Calvo Growers).  …
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TIP OF THE DAY: Add Crunch To Burgers & Sandwiches

[1] A crunchy layer of potato chips—waffle chips are a nice touch—adds texture and flavor to the Bacon Chili Crunch Burger at San Diego-based Slater’s 50/50 (photo © Slater’s 50/50). [2] Fried chicken skins on the Blanco Burger at Lucky Rooster in Hilton Head (photo © Lucky Rooster). [3] Crunch pork rinds on a burger…
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GIFT: Gourmet Dried Mushroom Sampler & How To Use Dried Mushrooms

People who love to cook will appreciate this gourmet dried mushroom sampler from Melissa’s, an online purveyor of fine fruits and vegetables. Their Mushroom Medley Sampler contains individual packages of five gourmet mushrooms: Chanterelles Morels Oyster* Porcini Shiitake   When these varieties on hand, there are many opportunities to add great flavor your cooking at…
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TOP PICK OF THE WEEK & GIFT: Sauternes Vinegar From Oliviers & Co

Before we sing the glories of the Sauternes vinegar from Oliviers & Co (photo #1) our Top Pick Of The Week, a few words are required for those who are not familiar with Sauternes wine. Sauternes (saw-TERN) is the great sweet wine of Bordeaux—the great sweet wine of the world. It is made from the…
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PRODUCT: Kyocera Electric Mill ~ Pepper, Salt & Spice Mill

Here’s a tip for everyone who cooks: Do you use a peppermill? If not, why not? Pre-ground pepper from the store has half the flavor of freshly-ground.     A BETTER WAY TO GRIND PEPPER, SALT & SPICES When you cook a lot and grind a lot of pepper, the idea of not having to…
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