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A Brief History of Vanilla…
Vanilla is the only fruit-bearing member of the orchid family and is native to central Mexico. The ancient Totonac Indians of Mexico were the first to learn to use the fruit of the Tlilxochitl vine, vanilla pods. After their defeat by the Aztecs, the...
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A Brief Word about Truffles…
What is it really that is so appealing about truffles? There's no doubt that the hoopla does contribute to their appeal. But one must wonder how it got started in the first place. Certainly this is in part attributable to their rarity. Truffles are a...
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A Further Note About Truffles
Truffles in general should not be cooked, but should rather be
added to food that has already been cooked. Their
flavor, while strong, is delicate and doesn't stand up well
to heat, although there are exceptions. If you're looking
for a simple bu...
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Alba & Brown Clamshell Mushrooms
These exclusive Gourmet Mushrooms cultivars are noted for their crisp texture, mild shellfish flavor profile and stunning appearance on the plate.(aka honshimeji or bunashimeji).
Handling and Storage:The entire mushroom is edible including the ste...
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Blue-veined Cheeses
Consumers have always been divided on the subject of blue cheese. Traditionally, they either love it or they hate it. Increasingly, however, as those who lay claim to the latter are exposed to the diverse range of blues available today, the line has ...
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Brie Cheese
Originating in France's Meaux region just east of Paris, this popular cheese takes its name from the market town around which it was first made. It is the foremost example of a soft-ripened or bloomy rind cheese, meaning that the unique cultures begi...
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Crystallized Ginger
Making your own crystallized ginger is easy, and it makes a nice gift.The combination of granulated sugar and the golden lumps of Chinese yellow rock sugar (available at most Asian markets, results in an unusually full-flavored, soft-textured candy w...
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Exotic Ethnic Spices FYI
Ajowan
A native of southern India, ajowan is also grown in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Egypt and is related to caraway and cumin, even though its taste is quite different. Referred to sometimes as "lovage", "ajwain" or "carom" in India. Use...
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Facts about Balsamic Vinegars
Classification of Balsamic vinegar of Modena
As you well know not all balsamic vinegars are the same. Various producers have different recipes for producing their own unique product, through various techniques of production etc... However, for p...
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Fiddlehead Ferns
Fiddleheads are the young shoots of the Ostrich Fern, (Matteuccia struthiopteris). They are versatile and easy to use and have a mild taste reminiscent of asparagus, green beans or artichokes, but with an added nutty bite all their own.
Fiddleh...
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Fresh Chestnut Basics
To roast a chestnut, you need to pierce the outer shell. This will create a steam vent. If you don't do this, the nut is likely to explode into a mealy mess when it's cooked.
Pierce the nut by making an "X" shaped slit with a sharp paring knife eit...
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Morel Mushroom Basics
1. Beware of "overwashing" your morels. Water can dissipate their flavor. If you can get away with it, just wipe them off with a moist paper towel. If you need to wash them, immerse them in cold, salted water for a few minutes, then rinse and drain....
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Olive Oil Tasting 101
Olive Oil Tasting 101
Olive oil does not have just one flavor. As with wine, each region and even each producer makes an olive oil with a particular character and appeal, resulting from the climate, soil, variety of olive, processing method, and, s...
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Ramps- Canning & Freezing
Courtesy of Mrs. Marla Moyer of East Greenville, Pennsylvania
To Can:
Clean ramps.
Put in boiling water and boil 4 minutes.
Then, dip ramps, along with some water, and pack in sterilized jars.
Put in a canning kettle that has a ...
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Ramps/Wild Leeks
Ramps and Wild Leeks are the same plant, a type of wild-growing onion generally presented fresh with the green leaves attached to the small white bulb.
Ramps and Wild Leeks are distinguished primarily by growing in different regions. When found g...
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