TIP OF THE DAY: Ripen Tomatoes The Right Way

Keep ‘em on the counter. Photo by Nathalie Dulex | SXC. Never put tomatoes in the refrigerator: The cold kills their delicate flavor. If you’ve used half a tomato, it’s better to keep the other half covered in plastic wrap on the counter and consume it the following day. Tomato Ripening Tips You can ripen…
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FOOD FACTS: What Makes A Food “American?”

Thanks to our friends at FoodTimeline.org for this interesting take on what makes a food “American.” Nearly all of today’s popular American foods—apple pie, chocolate, cole slaw, hamburgers, hot dogs, jelly beans, ice cream, pizza, potato salad, steak, tacos, and watermelon—originated in other countries. (Check the origins on FoodTimeline.org.) Their ingredients and recipes were introduced…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Berry Good Salad

Toss blueberries into a green salad. Add shrimp or chicken for a main course. Photo courtesy BlueberryCouncil.org. Seasonal berries are delicious tossed into green salads. Most berries pair well with a balsamic vinaigrette. Red berries look particularly fetching against the greens. The berries also pair well with cheese; add blue cheese, feta or goat cheese…
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Tip Of The Day: Perfect Baked Potato

Is there a correct way to “open” a baked potato? Yes! says the Idaho Potato Commission. Pierce the baked potato with a knife or fork, once lengthwise and crosswise. Press the potato at both ends and it watch it “blossom.” If the potato is too hot to handle, use kitchen tongs or silicon gloves/pot holders.…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Edible Flowers

For a special touch, garnish your dishes with edible flowers. Photo by Kelly Cline | IST. Flowers have been eaten since the earliest times. More recently, violet was the rage during the Victorian era. You can still buy Choward’s Violet Candy and candied violets. Rose petals, very popular in Middle East cuisines, can be found…
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