FOOD HOLIDAY: The History Of Chopsticks For National Chopsticks Day

January 6th is National Chopsticks Day, a reason to enjoy an Asian meal or two. We’re making homemade dumplings with this easy video recipe. As we contemplate the history of chopsticks, the eating utensil of choice in Asia, let’s compare them to the history of the forks, knives, and spoons used at tables in the…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Champagne Recorker (Resealer)

We’ve been using this indispensable gadget since it first entered our consciousness, back in our college days. Yet, when we use it in front of guests, most look on with amazement—they’ve never seen a Champagne resealer before. So today’s tip is: Get one if you enjoy a bottle of bubbly. They’re less than $10 in…
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What Is Bavarian Cream Pie, For National Bavarian Cream Pie Day

[1] A fruit-topped Bavarian cream pie (photo © J. Java | Fotolia). [2] Bavarian Cream, or crème bavaroise, is prepared in a mold and unmolded onto a serving plate (photo © Massimiliano Pieraccini | iStock Photo). [3] This layered raspberry bavaroise is, from top down, raspberry bavaroise, raspberry compote, and coconut dacquoise, atop a crunchy…
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GIFT: Umami Sauce & The History Of Worcestershire Sauce

Umami sauce, an asset in the kitchen and at the table. Photo courtesy Omni Hotels.   “Umami” was a trending word in America a few years ago, a Japanese word coined in 1908 to indicate a brothy or savory taste (umai = delicious, mi = taste). Lauded as “the fifth taste” after sweet, sour, bitter…
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Homemade Tempura Recipe For National Tempura Day

[1] Shrimp tempura from CBCrabcakes.com (photo © CB Crabcakes). [2] People who resist eating veggies may be instantly converted to vegetable tempura. Here’s the recipe (photo © American Diabetes Association). [3] Kabocha squash tempura is a winner. Here’s the recipe (photo © Refugee Kitchen). [4] Mixed vegetable tempura. Here’s the recipe (photo © Heather Christo…
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