There are over 3,000 varieties of pears, and many are available all year long. However, from August through October, most pears are at their peak. Packed with fiber, vitamin C, copper, and vitamin K, pears are thought to lower bad cholesterol, and reduce the risk of colon and breast cancer. They are also scrumptious and […]

continue reading.....

Sweet and smooth, figs are a superb – though uncommonly used – cooking ingredient. They are an important source of potassium, fiber, and magnese, and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Because figs are highly perishable, most chefs are probably most familiar with dried figs, but late summer through autumn is the […]

continue reading.....

Although apples are available year round at grocery stores, they are typically at their peak in late August through November. So for the best flavor and nutrition, now’s the time to add apples to your menu.
Favorite Ways with Apples
Baked apples make an excellent dessert. Fancier versions of this dish include pastry around the fruit, but […]

continue reading.....

According to The Wall Street Journal, the makers of canning jars say their sales are up 30% this year. They also report a project director for The National Center for Home Food Preservation (a program funded by the U.S. government) saying their canning classes are “flooded” and in higher demand than they’ve been in “many […]

continue reading.....

Squash, a truly American fruit, is an excellent staple all year round. Last week, I typed about the difference between summer and winter squash, and highlighted a few favorites generally available in grocery stores year round. This week, let’s talk about buying and cooking squash.
Purchasing
Summer squash should have a tender skin, free of bruises or […]

continue reading.....

American food is a mish-mash of cuisines from all around the world, but there is at least one food that’s truly and uniquely American: Squash. The word “squash” comes from an American Indian word, “askutasquash.” Among the people of the Nahahiganseck Sovereign Nation (who lived in what we now call Rhode Island and parts of […]

continue reading.....

Tomatoes are one of the most-used and most versatile ingredients in the kitchen, making everything from the humble pizza to the most elaborate and scrumptious sauce. However, few people really even know what a decent tomato tastes like, so here are some tips on buying a tomato worth buying – and what to do with […]

continue reading.....

Is it possible to be a budget gourmet? As the economy in many parts of the world spirals downward, this is a question more and more gourmands are asking. The answer is “yes,” if you spend time instead of money, and use a little creative thinking. Here are some tips to make everything from appetizers […]

continue reading.....

Mussels are a classic gourmet food, but one many amateur chefs are afraid of. There’s really nothing to fear, however. Mussels are easy to cook if you know a few easy tricks. So follow these few, simple steps and you, too, can cook a light, tender, and meaty meal of mussels:
Buying
Look for mussels with in […]

continue reading.....

Ever wish you could ask Wolfgang Puck or Gordan Ramsay for help in your kitchen? Lucky for us, these great chefs – and many others – have handed down tips down in books, articles, and in television and radio interviews. Here are some of my favorite top chef cooking tips - ideal for combining with […]

continue reading.....