Make A Gratin: Potatoes Au Gratin & Other Vegetables

Americans love melted cheese: on burgers, nachos, pizza, sandwiches, in fondue and queso dips. On the elegant end of the melted cheese menu is a gratin (grah-TAH, although Americans say GRAH-tin), a casserole that is topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and cheese, which is browned. Potatoes au gratin is a popular rendition, but your favorite vegetables…
Continue reading “Make A Gratin: Potatoes Au Gratin & Other Vegetables”

TIP OF THE DAY: Mushroom Toast

[1] Mushroom toast. Serve it any time of the day, including with a leisurely glass of wine or beer (photo courtesy Edwards Dessert Kitchen). [2] A wealth of mushrooms from which to choose (photo courtesy Good Eggs). [3] Lobster mushrooms. If you can find them, they add color to the plate (photo courtesy Baldor Food).…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Mushroom Toast”

TIP OF THE DAY: Make Masala Chai Concentrate

[1] A cup of chai, garnished with star anise. You can re-use one of the stars used to brew the concentrate (photo courtesy The Prairie Homestead). [2] A hearty masala chai spice blend (photo courtesy Spice Station). [3] Enjoy your Indian tea in an elephant tea pot (alas, this one from Houzz is no longer…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Make Masala Chai Concentrate”

TIP OF THE DAY: Make A Vegetable Pie, Strudel Or Tart

Chef Jamie Oliver calls the recipe below (photo #1) a picnic pie, because it’s so easy to transport and serve at picnics or other outdoor events. Picnic season may be just past, but this recipe uses ingredients that are available year-round. With the popularity of chicken pot pie in the U.S.,   MEAT PIE HISTORY…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Make A Vegetable Pie, Strudel Or Tart”

TIP OF THE DAY: Pick A Better Cheese For Your Cheeseburger

September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day. That typically means a slice of supermarket American, cheddar or Swiss cheese: The same old, same old. How about some better cheese, for a change? Murray’s, a New York City cheese and specialty food store, has a separate restaurant that has fine cheeses in every course. If this is…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Pick A Better Cheese For Your Cheeseburger”