TIP OF THE DAY: Drizzled Soup Garnish

Have you ever been served a bowl of soup with a drizzle of oil? Floating on the surface of the soup, it’s a fashionable garnish at better restaurants. But the oil does more than look pretty. It adds a rich dimension of flavor to the soup and creates a more complex aroma. It’s an easy…
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VALENTINE GIFT: Favorite Gourmet Chocolate

Wildflowers & Hearts chocolates (the box is in the photo below). Photo courtesy John & Kira’s.   One of our favorite chocolatiers, year in and year out, is John & Kira’s. Using Valrhona couverture, the exquisite flavor, beautiful design and a touch of whimsey make us want box after box. We love the Chocolate Bees…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Decorated Goat Cheese Logs

Goat cheese logs: plain, green and pink-themed. Photo courtesy Vermont Creamery.   You can take a plain log of goat cheese and decorate it for any special occasion. We’ve included suggestions for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and Christmas below. But you don’t need an official holiday—just friends and family who’d appreciate the treat.…
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FOOD FUN: Valentine Ice Cream Pops

We were inspired by these ice cream pops from La Chocolate in Melbourne, Australia to make our own. You can also dip frozen bananas. We were unable to find uncoated ice cream bars, and were just as happy to use uncoated frozen yogurt bars. However, you can just as easily purchase chocolate-coated ice cream bars…
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VALENTINE GIFTS: Fun Stuff From Jacques Torres

The “Do Not Disturb” sign is chocolate! Photo courtesy Jacques Torres.   Valentine’s Day chocolate isn’t limited to the romance of Champagne truffles and chocolate hearts. Some chocolatiers have fun with it. “Mr. Chocolate,” Jacques Torres, is one who creates the fun stuff along with the classics. First up, a chocolate “Do Not Disturb” sign.…
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