The Cook’s Kitchen

Cooking with reduced-fat cheese can sometimes lend to not-so-great results. Courtesy of Family Circle magazine, here are just a few helpful hints to get stellar results:

Heat gently, not for extended periods of time.
Add flour or cornstarch to cheese sauces, and cook over low heat.
Grate cheese extra-fine so it melts evenly.
Add a small amount of […]

To “cook smarter,” it all has to start with the recipe. Recipe organization, or lack thereof, is definitely a challenge for me, as I’m sure it is for many others. I have a burgeoning tried-and-true file, and files of to-try recipes. How to keep track?
There are many different paths to make it […]

I recently had the opportunity to try gourmet olives by King Cuisine. This company has created a wide range of products from olives to hummus, tapenades, and salads to name a few. Everything is packaged in the Netherlands and has a rather long shelf-life for fresh olives - approximately 6 weeks.
Upon my first […]

Having a well-stocked kitchen is an effective way to cook smarter.  By stocking a handful of staples, you’ll be able to whip up dinners for those hectic weeknights, and the times when unexpected company drops by.
A recent issue of Fine Cooking magazine detailed the 10 Fridge Essentials You Can’t Live Without:
“Most of us are good […]

Over the last few years, I have heard raves about Penzey’s spices.  I am not fortunate enough to have one located near me.  However, on a recent trip to visit family in Arizona, I was able to visit their store in Scottsdale.  As soon as I entered the store, I was in spice heaven!  For each […]

Do you remember the Greek Mythology you studied in high school? Do you remember stories of Athena and Poseidon?  What about their fight to win over King Cecrops and the gods over the King’s established city? While the Ruler of the Sea brought forth water promising naval protection, the virgin goddess, Zeus’ daughter, created an […]

“I’m the king of omelets, there is none higher!” An homage to Run-DMC, the kings of rock. One that that most people don’t know about me is that I make a mean omelet. While looking for some lunch today, I came across some leftovers from “taco night”. We’d already done the […]

Right out of the bottle, this sauce hits you with spiced up flavor mirrored with a wonderfully rich tasting mouth-feel.  It’s not watered down like store bottled ketchup nor is it as sweet as many familiar brands on the market.  A simple scan of the ingredients shows that the lineup is entirely organic and gluten-free, […]

This recipe came about as so many of mine often do – out of running late and laziness.Before I learned better I used to throw dinner parties that would consist of complicated time consuming food preparations and while the food was great, I was too stressed out to enjoy my guests.
Now when I entertain I […]

I recently received the Food Loop as a gift. This was the first time I had ever seen this, and it’s meant to take the place of string or toothpicks in your kitchen.
I used it for a roast chicken last weekend and it worked liked a charm.
- heat resistant to 675F/357C
- non-stick, food safe and really flexible […]