HALLOWEEN: Jack O’Lantern History & Macarons

Yummy jack o’ lantern macarons from Williams Sonoma. Here’s the history of macaroons and macarons. Photo courtesy Williams-Sonoma.   We love these jack o’lantern macarons, made exclusively for Williams-Sonoma by Dana’s Bakery. We asked ourself: We know the history of Halloween, but not how the jack o’lantern got its name. So we researched it, and…
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FOOD FUN: Halloween Mummy Apples

I want my mummy! Photo courtesy Marci Coombs.   Here’s a fun Halloween treat that makes a nutritious apple even more attractive than a piece of candy. All you need are apples, gauze and candy eyes. Here’s how Marci Coombs did it. You can set the apples out in a glass bowl, use them as…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Top 10 Pasta Cooking Tips

It seems like a no-brainer to boil pasta, yet there are several “best practices.” For National Pasta Month, here are some basic pasta tips that many people—including our interns—don’t know. 1. USE A LARGE, LIDDED POT. Pasta needs room to cook without sticking: 4-5 quarts of water per pound of pasta. Although it may seem…
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Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes) Are In Season: Recipes & History

Fresh from California, sunchokes are in season. They’re typically harvested in the fall, around October, after the plant’s flowers have died back. Their flavor gets even better after a light frost. Their autumnal availability makes them a seasonal ingredient for many fall and winter holiday dishes. This brings us to the question: What are sunchokes?…
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What Is Liqueur, & The History Of Liqueur, For National Liqueur Day

October 16th is National Liqueur Day, so celebrate with a shot of your favorite. But first, what is a liqueur? Pronounced lih-CUR in French and lih-KYOOR by some Americans, it’s one of a group of after-dinner drinks that also includes eau de vie, cordial, and schnapps. Most people—including American producers and importers—use these terms interchangeably.…
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