TIP OF THE DAY: Buy Some Chicory

It’s winter, where produce options are limited. But there’s still much to discover. Take the chicory family. Can you name three chicories? (Check the photos at right.) They are cool weather crops that come into season in late fall, and last through early spring. Much more popular in Europe than in the U.S.*, the chicory…
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GIFT: Gourmet Dried Mushroom Sampler & How To Use Dried Mushrooms

People who love to cook will appreciate this gourmet dried mushroom sampler from Melissa’s, an online purveyor of fine fruits and vegetables. Their Mushroom Medley Sampler contains individual packages of five gourmet mushrooms: Chanterelles Morels Oyster* Porcini Shiitake   When these varieties on hand, there are many opportunities to add great flavor your cooking at…
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RECIPE: Potato Latkes Filled with Salmon & Cream Cheese

What’s for brunch during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival Of Lights? Latkes! Latke is the Yiddish word for a pancake made from grated potatoes. Some call it a potato pancake; but “latke” is original word*. The name comes from the East Slavic oladka, “small fried pancake.” That in turn derives from Hellenistic Greek for olive oil.…
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RECIPE: Potato Latkes With Garam Masala Spice

It’s been an unusual year, so how about an unusual spin on potato latkes, a traditional food for Chanukah / Hannukah (the difference in spellings)? Lovers of fried potatoes and Indian food will enjoy these Tikka Masala Latkes—latkes flavored with tikka masala spices. Mint Yogurt Sauce replaces the traditional applesauce an/or sour cream. Infusing classic…
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HOLIDAY GIFT: A Basket Of Baby Vegetables

A pretty basket of baby veggies will delight the healthy eater (photo © Melissa’s Produce).   Who can resist the allure of baby vegetables? Here’s a special gift from specialty company Melissa’s Produce, for your favorite vegetarian, vegan, healthy eater or foodie-in-general. Each delicately woven gift basket is brimming with fresh vegetables, which are artfully…
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