TIP OF THE DAY: Substitutes For Ham Hocks

Lower cholesterol and salt by substituting smoked turkey for ham hocks (shown above). Photo courtesy CVSOP.com. Get the recipe for bean soup with ham hocks—or turkey.   There’s nothing like a ham hock to add smoky flavor to hearty soups, bean and lentil dishes, stews, greens and other winter fare. The hock is the lower…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Substitutes For Ham Hocks”

GIFT OF THE DAY: A Caddy Of Tea From Le Palais Des Thés

Today’s gift recommendation is a line of fine loose teas in decorative caddies*, from a renowned French firm, Le Palais des Thés (luh pah-LAY day tay, “The Tea Palace”). The company was founded in 1986 by a group of French tea enthusiasts, who went into the tea business so they could have the freshest, highest-quality…
Continue reading “GIFT OF THE DAY: A Caddy Of Tea From Le Palais Des Thés”

TIP OF THE DAY: Cook With All Five Senses

Most people think that to be a good cook, you’ve got to have a good sense of taste. Of course, that’s true—but it’s just the starter. Taste. Taste is critical to make sure you have the proper balance and flavor in your dish. But you need to cook with all five senses. Sight. You also…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Cook With All Five Senses”

TIP OF THE DAY: How To Peel & Crush Garlic

Photo by Martin Walls | SXC.   Peeling garlic can be messy business, especially if you do it in bulk. To remove the skin more quickly, simply remove the cloves from the bulb and soak them in water for a few minutes. Then, cut off the root end, or smash it with the flat of…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: How To Peel & Crush Garlic”

GIFT OF THE DAY: Habanero Caramels

Anyone who loves caramels and a little heat will shout yippee! after one bite of Buckin’ HOT Habanero Caramels from Cowgirl Chocolates. One of the most memorable caramels we’ve ever had (our first bite was back in 2007), they sizzle without taking out your taste buds. A wonderful combination of chewy, buttery caramel and habanero…
Continue reading “GIFT OF THE DAY: Habanero Caramels”