TIP OF THE DAY: Cream Cheese Tasting

Cheese lovers spend time deciding which Cheddar or chèvre they like best, but never think to compare cream cheeses. There can be a noticeable difference in flavor—not only among mass brands, but with organic and artisan brands, too. The next time you’re planning to have friends over for bagels, get one of each brand. Cut…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Instant Italian

  You’ll always have a deluxe pasta dinner on hand if you tuck away a bag or two of gourmet pasta in beautiful shapes and colors, along with some jars of roasted peppers, marinated artichoke hearts and good breadsticks. Keep a container of quality, fine-grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese in the freezer, along…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Simple, Elegant, Healthy!

For a special, flavorful yet low-calorie and healthy appetizer, slice blocks of soft Japanese tofu and sprinkle them with toasted black sesame seeds, soy sauce and nori flakes. For even more flavor, add bonito flakes. Arrange on a large platter and let guests help themselves, or serve individual plates with two slices (the tofu looks…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Kings of Coffee Liqueur

September 29th is National Coffee Day, so celebrate not with an everyday cup of Joe, but with a coffee cocktail. For generations there was Kahlua, an ingredient of the Black Russian and the Mudslide. More recent challengers are Starbucks and Illy liqueurs and the elegant Patrón XO Café, which comes from a small, family-owned distillery…
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