TIP OF THE DAY: Appetizers With Champagne

As you’re getting ready to pop the cork on New Year’s Eve, what nibbles should you serve with the Champagne or other sparkling wine? Here are seven favorite pairings with Champagne. CAVIAR You don’t need the deep pockets for sturgeon caviar. Salmon caviar, trout caviar or whitefish caviar are just dandy. We enjoy serving them…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Smoked Salmon Rillettes & Champagne

Rillettes are a classic rustic French preparation of similar to pâté (or the cretons of Quebec), popularized in central France (think Anjou, Le Mans and Tours). Originally made with pork, the meat was cubed or chopped, salted and cooked slowly in the still-warm cooking fat until it is tender enough to be easily shredded. The…
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RECIPE: Homemade Bacon Jam

[1] In this clever recipe, bacon jam on toast is turned into a holiday treat. Here’s the recipe (photo © Domestic Fits).. [2] Homemade bacon jam (photo © Grognar | CC BY 2.0 license).   You’ve got time to whip up a batch of bacon jam, either to serve at Christmas breakfast or to give…
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TIP OF THE DAY: The Five Minute Stackable Appetizer Maker

Some gadgets are a snore. Others really make a difference. In the latter camp is the Five Minute Stackable Appetizer Maker. The device enables you to create bite size, multi-layered gourmet appetizers using everyday ingredients. Yes, even peanut butter and jelly or egg salad seems “gourmet” when made in this format! The manufacturer claims that…
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RECIPE: Smoked Salmon Gougères

Gougères are the perfect hors d’ouevre to serve with white wine and sparkling wine. Photo and recipe courtesy Chef Aida Mollenkamp.   Gougères (goo-ZHAIR) are airy French cheese puffs, savory choux pastry that is mixed with grated cheese and baked into savory bites. In France, the cheese is most often a hearty Swiss mountain cheese:…
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