TIP OF THE DAY: Create A Spring Dinner

A few days ago, our wine collectors group had its scheduled team spring dinner, an annual event that celebrates the emergence of spring fruits and vegetables. Problem is, nature isn’t cooperating. We’re still waiting for some of our favorite spring produce to show up in stores in the chilly Northeast. Even though some of them…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Plate Decorating With Sauce

[1] These “flowers” are simply polka dots pulled together with a toothpick (see the video below; photo courtesy Gardenia | NYC). [2] Any food that isn’t made in a sauce can be decorated (photo courtesy Shalit Foods). [3] Keep your favorite sauces in the fridge, ready to squeeze (photo courtesy Pure Joy Concepts). [4] You…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Sharpen Your Knife Skills

It’s easy to learn how to cut and slice the correct, efficient, safe way. You’ll feel good about it, too (photos courtesy Wüsthof).   Most of us have never taken a knife skills course. Most likely, we learned from watching food prepared at home or on TV, or simply by freestyling. After all, we’re intelligent;…
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TIP OF THE DAY: How To Sauce Pasta

[1] Don’t sauce pasta like this. It may look neat, but it doesn’t cover all the pasta, and eating it can be a mess (photo courtesy International Pasta Association). [2] The correct way: Toss the pasta and sauce in a pot or bowl to fully cover each strand (photo courtesy All-Clad). [3] Authentic saucing (photo…
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Brighten Up Winter Meals With This Grape Salsa Recipe

[1] Start with grape salsa and bruschetta, with wine and beer, as a snack or a first course (photos #1 and #3 © California Table Grape Commission). [2] Another savory appetizer/first course: goat cheese cheesecake. What’s missing? The grape salsa! Here’s the recipe from Love And Olive Oil. [3] Move on to the mains; here,…
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