Salt
In the 1920s, table salt manufacturers began to add iodine to their product to prevent thyroid deficiency problems in the mid-West. But salt has so much more character than the stuff that is made to flow so freely out of the box it's worth seeking out more special stuff.
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The Butcher's Block by Robert Weidmaier - one of my favorite markets - 10 Feb 2011
Robert Weidmaier's favorite pantry supplies are all on sale at his Butcher's Block in Alexandria. Even better, Weidmaier, owner and chef of Marcel's, Brasserie Beck and now Brabo and The Tasting Room next door to Butcher's Block, A Market, has filled his meat counter with a splendid selection, from an exceptional pork belly to veal cheeks and the more familiar cuts of beef. read more...
A salty tale - salt explained - 19 May 2010
The salt debate is hotting up again with doctors concerned about its responsibility for any number of diseases from hyper-tension to obesity calling for salt consumption to be lowered. The FDA is planning legal limits on the amount of salt allowed in processed food.
But salt is probably the single ingredient to emphasize flavor inherent in meat, fish and vegetables. Where would chefs be without it? They throw fistfuls into boiling water before cooking.
Salt is like any other 'evil' ingredient such as butter: use it in moderation. It falls loosely into two categories, the salt you can cook with and the salt you 'finish' with, sprinkling it over the cooked food. For the finishing, buy the best you can afford. If you can't try before you buy, this list might help you define what will appeal to your palate. Because no two salts are the same. read more...
How to make foam and fluff - 6 Jun 2008
Ever since Ferran Adria of El Bulli took his batterie de cuisine into the laboratory, we've been seeing as much smoke and foam as Hollywood's adventure and horror movies offer. And we've been just as pinned to our seats and bar stools by the experience, only without the screaming. The secret to the smoke is liquid nitrogen. But how about the foam? read more...
Chew On This: Too little salt bad for the heart? - 27 May 2008
Remember the ‘Butter bad, margarine good – oops, wrong: margarine bad, butter good’ debate? Now salt is the victim of contradictory research. Studies have shown reducing salt intake could cut the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35 percent. Last week, the Journal of General Internal Medicine reversed that conclusion, saying too little salt could increase the risk of CVD. read more...
Basil oil - 17 Nov 2007
Though this recipe is only one element in Tony Conte, chef of The Oval Room's recipe for Maine Peekytoe Crab Salad with Pickled Peaches and Thai Basil, it's worth making alone for drizzling over white fish or summer tomatoes or as a sauce for angel hair pasta. read more...
Mains: Fennel, Chili & Rosemary Roasted Berkshire Pork, Seckle Pears & Fingerling Sweet Potatoes - 16 Nov 2007
It's really worth seeking out pork from a heritage breed for this recipe from Robert Weland that's especially good in the fall. But don't miss out on trying it just because you can't find it. It will work well with a regular supermarket roast. read more...
Fish: Shrimp with Garlic and Chilies - 6 Nov 2007
If you're looking for a dish that will spark interest in your guests yet only take minutes to produce, this mildly spicy (you're in control) Indian recipe from Chris Payton and Casey McQueen, who once had the Curry Club in Glover Park, could be it. read more...
The lunch shift is over and chef Peter Smith, owner of PS 7’s restaurant is surrounded by gin. No, he’s not relaxing over a drink. The gin is in bowls in an pre-formed state. It’s the mash, a mix of herbs and berries and peels and roots that Smith has worked out how to use in his food as flavorings.
Chew On This: Your first 'Duh' of the year...
Eggplant
Baked beans - the musical fruit
Ribollita - wondersoup or wodge?
Yasaman Persian Bakery - one of my favorites
Breads - a good chew
Duck & goose
A festive 'Special': Foie Gras Creme Caramel
Festive presents weird and wacky at World Market
Walnut oil
The perfect Yorkshire pudding
Chew On This: The acai berry diet can only thin your wallet...
The Queen Mum's favorite cake
West Indian Black Cake
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