December 2017

bolognese

A Seafood Bolognese That’s Very Interesting

A Seafood Bolognese?      By definition, a seafood bolognese makes no sense. According to culinary tradition, a Bolognese sauce is meat-based and it’s referred to as ragu’ in Italy. It is cooked over low heat for many hours. And because it’s meat based, it reflects the cuisine of Northern Italy. This part of Italy is more fitted to support livestock and wildlife with its green pastures and woodlands. Also, the North borders Austria and France which also influences what they prepare.      There’s no meat in this recipe. Instead, a fresh seafood selection…

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tyner

On The Road Again – NYC and McCoy Tyner

A Dinner Parties and More Extra . . . A Review Tyner At The Blue Note      While researching things to do for a forthcoming trip to New York City, I noticed McCoy Tyner was scheduled to play at the Blue Note. I knew this might be my last chance to get to hear him play, so we purchased tickets.      We love jazz club venues, and the Blue Note is one of the best. We were seated right next to the stage. The piano was on a riser immediately above us so we had…

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croque

Croque Madame – Inviting A Lady To Breakfast

Offering a French Delight      If you are hosting overnight guests for the holidays, and you want to add a cosmopolitan touch to breakfast, serve each of them a croque madame. If they’ve never eaten one before, then they are in for a treat.          It’s really simple to make. It’s a half sandwich where a slice of bread is covered with a high-quality wet-cured ham. Ladle some béchamel sauce on top of the ham, and cover everything with a layer of coarsely-grated Gruyere cheese. Melt the cheese, and then add the pièce de résistance…

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croque

Croque Madame. Invite A French Lady To Breakfast.

Offering a French Delight – The Croque Madame      If you are hosting overnight guests for the holidays and you want to add a cosmopolitan touch to breakfast, serve each of them a croque madame. If they’ve never eaten one before, then they are in for a treat.          It’s really quite simple to make. It’s a half sandwich where a slice of bread is covered with a high-quality wet-cured ham. Ladle some béchamel sauce on top of the ham, and cover everything with a layer of coarsely-grated Gruyere cheese. And then add the pièce…

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lemon curd

Give A Delicious Lemon Curd

A lemon curd? I’m thinking YUCK!      My introduction to a lemon curd was at a friend’s house. Their breakfast offering was scones served with a lemon curd. The curds and whey mentioned in the nursery rhyme immediately popped into my head. Note the picture of Little Miss Muffet looking none too pleased with her curds and whey.      This always sounded awful to me, so with some trepidation I spread it on my scone. It resembled a spreadable custard in consistency, and it is in fact a type of preserves. It was delicious. And…

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