TIP OF THE DAY: Rambutan, Asian Fruit

[1] A bowl of rambutans, with some pieces peeled to reveal the white fruit inside (photo © HLB Specialties). [2] Rambutans ripening on the tree. The “haze” around the red fruits are green “hairs,” which have not yet ripened to red (photo © Bonayon). [3] A cluster of rambutans cut from the tree. They grow…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes get a lot of press in the summer. July and August are the peak months to pick these most flavorful tomatoes. Are they worth the extra cost? And what exactly are heirloom tomatoes?     WHAT ARE HEIRLOOMS TOMATOES Heirloom produce—fruits and vegetables—are old varieties, typically with superior flavor, that have been bypassed…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Paella Pan Serving Plate

[1 & 2] Serve appetizer or dessert bites in a paella pan (photos © Empellón Restaurant | NYC.   Here’s an idea from Empellón Restaurant in New York City, which specializes in modern Mexican cuisine. Grab that paella pan, serving tray or oversize dish from its hiding place, fill it with crushed ice get ready…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Frosecco, A Frozen Prosecco Cocktail

[1] Frosecco, a frozen Prosecco drink (photo © Cavit). [2] Flutes of Prosecco at BLT Prime | New York. [3] The Veneto region of Italy (photo courtesy Wikipedia).   A toast to National Prosecco Day, August 13th (photo #2)! The Bellini cocktail, created in 1948 at Harry’s Bar in Venice, was made with Prosecco. Here’s…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Summer Soup Garnishes

[1] Tomato-Peach Gazpacho. Here’s the recipe from Botanica Restaurant | LA. [2] Chilled Zucchini-Basil Soup from Botanica Restaurant. [3] Peach-Jalapeño Gazpacho garnished with cucumber, jalapeño, watercress and white peaches (all photos © Botanica Restaurant)   A bowl of soup can be more than a bowl of soup. Botanica restaurant in Los Angeles shows us how.…
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