NEWS: Almost Famous Chef Competition

Last year’s finalists’ dishes. Photo courtesy San Pellegrino.   We love watching “Top Chef” on television: The creativity and skill (not to mention energy level) of the “cheftestants” is inspiring. “Top Chef” draws its contestants from the kitchens of fine restaurants nationwide. But where do you turn for recognition if you’re not yet a chef,…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Think Outside The Popcorn Box With These Alternative Popcorn Uses

[1] Use popcorn as a soup garnish (all photos © National Popcorn Board). [2] Add a popcorn crust to fish or chicken Here’s the recipe. [3] Popcorn cereal, a popular breakfast in Colonial America. Here’s the recipe. [4] Add popcorn to your meatloaf. Here’s the recipe. [5] Top your chili with popcorn. [6] Thai peanut-…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Healthy Cooking Classes

Regardless of how much cooking experience they have, many cooks don’t know the basics of cooking healthy meals. On the other hand, some people can’t cook at all, so rely on prepared foods packed with salt, sugar and bad fats. That’s why our final pre-Christmas tip is to give yourself or your loved ones healthy…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Cooking Ingredient Substitutions

Need buttermilk for a recipe? Check out the substitution below. Photo courtesy Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.   How many times have you started to make a recipe, only to find out you don’t have enough (or any) butter, honey, flour or other ingredient? Don’t panic: A perfectly good ingredient substitution is as close as your…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Uses For Cheesecloth & Kitchen Twine

Two things you’ll find in every serious cook’s kitchen: cheesecloth and kitchen twine (a.k.a. butcher’s twine). Chef Johnny Gnall shows you how they make things easier. If you have questions or suggestions for tips, email Chef Johnny. While cheesecloth and twine may sound like an ordinary and unremarkable pair of items, they are more versatile…
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