TIP OF THE DAY: Spring Artichokes & How To Steam Artichokes

March 16th is National Artichoke Hearts Day, but today, the first day of spring, we take on the whole fresh vegetable, a spring arrival. The artichoke is actually a large flower bud. If left in the field, the fuzzy choke in the center becomes the blossom (photo #3), which is supported by the thick, spiny…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Potato Fondue Recipe With Baby Potatoes

You may have used potatoes in an assortment of fondue dippers, but they can be served on their own with a pot of warm, dripping cheese. Try potato fondue as a first course at dinner (photo #1), or a light main course with an added protein dipper (ham, sausage or turkey chunks) and a salad.…
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Barmbrack Or Tea Brack, An Irish Sweet Bread

[1] Brack, an Irish tea bread, is traditionally round (photo © King Arthur Flour). [2] But it can be a rectangular loaf (photo © Stasty). [3] Enjoy it with a cup of tea (photo © AG Photographer | Canstock).   Brack is short for barmbrack, a traditional Irish sweet bread. The original barmbrack was a…
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FOOD FUN: Birthday Cheesecake Recipe

[1] A birthday cheesecake with sprinkles inside (photo from Wine & Glue). [2] Instead of the standard cheesecake graham cracker crust (like this one from Sally’s Baking Addiction), we used a birthday-like sponge cake layer. [3] We love a chocolate ganache topping on cheesecake (photo courtesy Baked By Nature).   Some birthday boys and girls…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Stenciled Cheese For Holidays (St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas…)

Add a little luck of the Irish to cheese and other foods, by creating a shamrock garnish made of herbs. You can apply the same technique to other themes: Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day hearts, stars for Christmas, Independence Day and New Year’s, pumpkins for Halloween, and so forth. You also can use edible glitter,…
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