Celebrate The First National Tea Day With These Tea Facts

[1] A tea estate in China. While China is the world’s largest tea-producing nation, it keeps most of what it grows for its own consumption (photo © The Meaning Of Tea). [2] The top three leaves of the bush, called “two leaves and a bud,” are the only leaves used in premium tea (photo ©…
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RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: Water In The East Village, New York City

No matter how many great restaurants we eat at this year, we’re willing to state, at the beginning of January, that Water is our “restaurant of the year.” Unless you can’t imagine dinner without some kind of flesh, Water should be on your list for culinary excitement. It’s Japanese vegan cuisine. Created by restaurateur and…
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Indian Spice Blends: Chaat Masala vs. Garam Masala & More

[1] Amchoor, an ingredient of chaat masala. A fruity spice powder made from dried unripe green mangoes, it adds citrusy notes (photo courtesy La Boite NYC). Asfoetida[/caption] [2] Asafoetida, the dried gum of the taproot of an herb, is ground into a powder (photos #2, #4, and #6 A.I. generated). [3] Black rock salt or…
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Beyond Classic Hummus (Other Ways To Make & Serve This Popular Dip & Spread)

Over the last two decades, hummus has evolved from a mezze at Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants to the hottest, most nutritious dip and spread at supermarkets nationwide. It’s the darling of nutritionists, nutritious and versatile, and a better-for-you snack. It also is welcome to vegans, kosher consumers, and the lactose intolerant. Hummus is a…
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Veggie Hash Browns (Zucchini, Carrot, Spinach) & The History Of Hash Browns

[1] Zucchini and onion hash browns (Abacus Photo). [2] Grated zucchini using a box grater (photo courtesy DVO). [3] Grated carrots using a food processor (photo courtesy Once Upon A Chef). [4] Classic potato hash browns are often dice-cut hash and mixed with onions and bell peppers (photo © Scukrov | Panther Media). [5] Potatoes…
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