TIP OF THE DAY: Bake Canapé Bread

[1] Star-shaped canapés are perfect for the holidays, Independence Day and any celebratory occasion. These are topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese. Here’s the recipe from King Arthur Flour. [2] The set of three canapé bread tubes from King Arthur Flour. [3] A classic: pumpernickel topped with crème fraîche, smoked salmon and dill. Here’s…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Tapioca Crepes

Most of us know tapioca as a pudding filled with little tapioca “pearls.” But it’s so much more than that.     WHAT IS TAPIOCA? Tapioca is a pure starch extracted from the root of the cassava (pronounced kuh-SAH-vuh, photo #1). The root is also called manioc, arrowroot and yuca. Not yucca, mind you: That’s…
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TOP PICK OF THE WEEK: Cake Truffles & Other Sweets

[1] The most glamorous cake truffles, from Kim Crawford and Mini Melanie Bakery. Both the wine bottles and truffles are limited edition for the holidays. (photo Kim Crawford). [2] Santa’s Coal marshmallows are a spin on cookies and cream (photos #2 and #3 XO Marshmallow). [3] Peppermint marshmallows are seasonal special. Imagine melting them in…
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TIP OF THE DAY: How To Improve Tomato Flavor

[1] Deck the table with this colorful salad. The recipe is below (photo Bella Sun Luci | Facebook. [2] Create a Caprese wreath on a platter. Here’s the recipe from the Daily Mail. [3] This Caprese wreath uses the smallest mozzarella balls, called perlini (photo courtesy Country Living).   Is there anything blander than out-of-season…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Muscadine Grapes

What are those jumbo grapes you occasionally find in the market? They’re muscadine grapes, Vitis rotundifolia, a species native to the warm, humid climate of the southeastern and south-central United States. The vines are well adapted to their native warm and humid climate. The grape has been extensively cultivated since the 16th century. Today there…
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