TIP OF THE DAY: Make Gougères, An Elegant Hors d’Oeuvre

Fragrant, warm and irresistible. Photo courtesy Chef Aida Mollenkamp.   Gougères (goo-ZHAIR) are airy French cheese puffs, savory choux pastry that is mixed with grated cheese and baked. The cheese is most often a hearty Swiss mountain cheese: Gruyère, Comté or Emmentaler and a hint of nutmeg is added to the recipe. Served warm from…
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RECIPE: Egg-Stuffed Peppers

We’re always looking for new brunch recipes. This one, a different take on stuffed peppers from Heidi of FoodieCrush.com, lets you prep ahead and let the oven finish the dish. “Colorful, sweet bell peppers are the mainstay of the show,” says Heidi, “but the flavor melds of butternut squash with thyme and sweet hint of…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Make Spanakopita, Greek Spinach Pie

One way to get people to eat more spinach is to serve spanakopita, the delicious Greek feta-and-spinach pastry in flaky phyllo (also spelled fillo or filo) dough. A good filling comprises not just spinach and crumbled feta cheese, but leeks, dill and parsley. It’s the leeks and lots of fresh dill and parsley, plus nutmeg,…
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FOOD FUN: Deconstructed Caprese Salad

One of a foodie’s favorite salads is the Caprese, a delicious combination of tomato, basil and mozzarella that was “discovered” in Italy in the 1950s (the history of Caprese salad). Tasty basil and mozzarella are available year-round, but luscious summer tomatoes are required to make this simple combination soar. Until the crop comes in, look…
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Giardiniera, A Tangy & Versatile Pickled Vegetable Condiment

Giardiniera (jar-dih-NYAIR-uh) is an Italian word that means “from the garden.” In Italy, giardiniera has long been a way to preserve seasonal vegetables in vinegar for use during the winter. Giardiniera is also called “sotto aceti,” which means “under vinegar,” a common term for pickled foods. It is often made with carrots, cauliflower, celery, onions…
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