FOOD HOLIDAY: The History Of National Oysters Rockefeller Day

[1] The original Oysters Rockefeller from Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans (photo © Antoine’s). [2] Chefs who adapted the secret recipe often use spinach and diced bacon. Here’s the preparation at Monahan’s Seafood Market in Ann Arbor, Michigan (photo © Monahan’s Seafood Market). [3] Some “builds” include Mornay sauce, a classic French cheese sauce made…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Finding The Perfect Pork Chop Preparation

Growing up, we had pork chops for dinner once a week. Mom pan-fried them with a Dijon glaze, and served them with sides of caramelized onions and her skin-on, chunky mashed potatoes. Caramelized onions mixed into the mashed potatoes, by the way, generates an even better flavor experience greater than eating them separately. Some caramelized…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Flash-Fried Herbs & Other Christmas Garnishes

A bit of red and green garnish turns almost anything into holiday fare. Since so many of our foods are white or beige, they can use a colorful lift. While a baked brie topped with cranberry relish and rosemary is a holiday staple in our home, we love garnishing other foods with crisp, flash-fried herbs.…
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TIP OF THE DAY: DIY Éclair Party

[1] Eclairs decorated by pastry great Johnny Iuzzini for Le Meridien hotels. [2] Decorated eclairs by Master Pastry Chef Michel Richard at Pomme Palais in New York Palace Hotel. [3] The Dsmile decorating pen makes it easy to decorate with designs or writing.   Éclairs are a special-occasion pastry. Only sugar-avoiders would turn down the…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Congee, China’s Favorite Breakfast

Many Asians start their day with a warm bowl of congee. If you’re a fan of Cream Of Rice or Cream of Wheat porridges, you’re a lock to enjoy the rice-based Chinese version. This traditional Chinese dish has evolved from gruel to porridge* to a porridge mixed with bits of protein (chicken, pork, shrimp) and…
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