PRODUCT REVIEW: The Best Vanilla Extract & Vanilla Beans

Vanilla is the second costliest spice in the world, after saffron.   The United States is the largest consumer of vanilla beans, using around 1,200 tons per year. Most of them are made into vanilla extract. Even if you buy pure vanilla extract—not the artificial stuff, which is a fraction of the price—all pure vanilla…
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TRENDS: Hot Flavors For 2009

Each year, industry experts predict the hot flavors of the following year. With the first predictions for 2009, international research firm Mintel forecasts that manufacturers and restaurateurs will reach for the following exotic fruits and flavors to tempt jaded palates (astute eyes will notice that some of these have been on annual lists for several…
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PRODUCT REVIEW: The Art Of Chipotle

A dab of Gourmet Chipotle Paste With Adobo or one of Art Of Chipotle’s sauces will dial up the flavor on your everyday and party dishes.   Chipotle, a smoked jalapeño chile, is one of the biggest international flavors to migrate into the mainstream in the past decade. Originally found only in Mexican restaurants and…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Table Art

These hand-blown glass salt shakers come from GazelleGlass.com.   From 18th-century to ultra-modern, sugar bowls, creamers, salt-and-pepper shakers and other accessories add personality to any table. Why not collect them and use a different one each month? They don’t have to match your dishes, they don’t take up much storage space and you can find…
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