Gwtting To Know Hazelnuts

Nuts are such a big part of holiday baking. Usually its almonds and walnuts that shine. They grace everything from cakes and cookies to brownies. Yet there's another nut that gives baked good a sweet , luxurioous taste - hazelnuts. These little gems can be used to amp up chocolate cookies r give elegance to homemade tortes.

Most people are familiar with the nut through Nutella, that hazelnut - chocolate spread. This has been around since 1964 and was invented by the Ferrero Company of Alba Piemonte, Italy.The hazelnut figures large in Piedmontese baking especially with the baci de damage or lady's kiss, a hazelnut shortbread sandwich with a rich cocoa filling. Coffee lovers know it from it flavoring either coffee or creamer.The nuts are a good addition to any dessert, not just because of their taste but also their health benefits. Hazelnuts are rich in protein , Vitamins E and B and foliate acid. They';re also rich in arginine ,a nutrient that helps prevent heart attack. Yet it's their flavor that secuces everyone and the fact it blends so well with such equally demanding ones such as chocolate.Keep in mind they are delicate and can go rancid very quickly.They have to be stored in the freezer once their container is opened to keep them, You would think this freezes them but thanks to their high oil quality, they 're just as crunchy and tasty as room temperature ones.

Hazelnuts are the perfect oomph for double chocolate chip cookies. This is the recipe that has been on my radar ever since I bought a container from Lidl. Imagine a buttery homemade chocolate cookie with a taste that's been heightened by chopped hazelnuts. They'll be reminiscent of that great Piedmontese candy Baci gianduja from Perugina where it's trifecta of a whole hazelnut atop nocciola- hazelnut and cocoa creme and then enrobed in chocolate.The Baci de damage also are a great cookie to make.They are labor intensive though because the hazelnuts have to be first roasted and ground. They're added to a shortbread like dough that doesn't require any eggs. Once the cookies are baked and cooled , the filling is added.This is just melted chocolate chips (whether it;s milk or dark, that;s up to you)The Labor comes from rolling out the dough in long cords and them cutting it into small rounds for baking. Another holiday idea is a hazelnut torte , the perfect ending for any party. There are some wonderful ones with a dense , fudgey crumb, You could also make a hazelnut cake layered with a chocolate hazelnut frosting and filling.

Hazelnuts should have a seat at the holiday dessert table.They are perfect in cakes and cookies with their war buttery flavor. They'll be a welcome addition to any treat.

Favorite Holiday Cocktail

 It's the season of drinking and good cheer. WHat is your favorite holiday cocktail?

Is it a boozy cup of eggnog? A creamy brandy Alexander? Or a mimosa at a holiday brunch? Let us know.

Have Kitchen Will Travel

 Many home chefs love nothing more than a vacation. They also love to cook too, which proves a quandary. Do they bring their gear with them? Or see what awaits them at their vacation home?

Some holiday going  home chefs  are thinking about bringing their air fryers with them. This can be great because there's a familiarity with the controls. There's no learning about a new stove and adapting from gas to electric or vice versa.It also cooks food quicker too.Shrimp can easily be cooked up in less than ten minutes.Home made crab cakes can be air fried in just minutes. It's also good for making bacon and even cinnamon rolls for breakfast. There are smaller air fryers that are perfect to bring on a holiday. Try the Vortex Four In One which can also roast and broil. This is perfect for steaks and chicken pieces tooIt can also reheat, great for all those restaurant leftovers. There;s also the Cosori which is  sleek three to seven quart one.It also tells you when to shake the food too for even browning. You many want to bring a grill instead. Cooking out can be better because you're not messing up the kitchen where you're staying (although some motels and campsites do have barbecue areas). A portable, folding grill is perfect for cooking easy vacation foods like hot dogs and hamburgers.

What about other kitchen basics? Should you bring your knife set with you? Yes, if you feel like you'll need it , especially for deboning fish and chopping veggies. Don't bring the entire set. Good bread, paring and fish knives are all you need for a week or two of holiday prep and cooking.Keep in mind that you're never far from a Target or Wal-Mart where you can also buy these if you forget any of them. If you're barbecuing , plan on bringing tongs and a barbecue fork. Other items are containers for leftovers and raw ingredients. There are even egg containers where you could bring a dozen eggs safely and without any breakage. If your rental has a microwave, it doesn't hurt to pack some microwave plates and pots for cooking and reheating. You can even tote along your microwave corn popper for a healthy snack to enjoy at night. Should your favorite mugs get packed with the beach towels and sunscreen?If you want to , yes. They can not only hold coffee and tea but soup if you're craving it. They can also be used for making mug cakes too, if you're craving a homemade baked treat.

Yes, you can bring your kitchen or part of it with you on vacation. It can make for easier cooking  in a strange space. Just pack and go - that's it.

Sweet Spins On Thanksgiving Desserts

 Thanksgiving demands tradition. Yet more and more home chefs are rethinking sides, and reimagining sides and even the turkey itself. Now that idea is coming to dessert. It's not just the traditional pies. It's taking time honored recipes and spinning them around.

Pie has always been the tried and true way to end the holiday dinner.There had to be  home baked pumpkin pie, and if you were feeling ambitious apple and pecan. You can srill have these but rethink them as tartlets The crust can be either already made dough like Pilsbury's or homemade. Instead of using a pie tin, a muffin tin works the best for this. Another idea is ditching the pie pan completely and making a free form galette.  The crust should be a butter one which complements the filling's richness. Fill it with any of the traditional pie recipes. Most galettes are fruit filled so you could just make an apple one although the other fillings work equally as well. Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche  Instead of the usual Cool Whip or even homemade whipped cream. Its' tanginess is perfect to offset the galette's sweetness. if you still want to make pie, then think alternatives. Pears are another delicious fall fruit that unfairly gets second billing. A pear pie would be an interesting way to end the meal. Use Bartlett or Bosc for the filling.Walnut pie can be a tasty sub in for pecan, Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup though. Walnuts have a bitter taste the others don't have.

You can use relatively the ingredients but in different recipes. What about ending the meal with a pumpkin tiramisu? It has the same pumpkin puree and the same spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.The puree is combined with cream cheese and mascapone to form a creamy filling. Lady fingers are still a vital part of the recipe and , yes, there is espresso used as in traditional mascapone.Yet it's given a new spin with cinnamon and nutmeg for a more pumpkin pie tasting flavor. Pumpkin is also an excellent medium for mousse. You can create an easy one using vanilla pudding mixed with pumpkin puree, and maple syrup.  Top with homemade whipped cream. Apples may be good in a pie but they're fantastic in cake. It's a nice old fashioned cake using shredded apples along with apples and cinnamon. It' also makes a good snack cake too when you just want a slice of cake and a cup of coffee or tea later on. Another fun home baked treat is pecan caramel bars. It has all the gooey nuttiness of pecan pie but on top of a buttery shortbread crust. You can also just candy pecans as an after dinner treat too.

Traditional Thanksgiving desserts can be changed up too. It's easy to sub in a galette for pie or create a mouse , cake or bar. Use a new ingredient like a pear or walnuts  in a classic recipes. These  spins will definitely liven up the holiday dessert table.

The Gift Of Giving Back

Today s the 77th anniversary  of Pearl Harbor , a  time when people didn't weigh  the pluses and minuses of their actions. They just did, thinking of others before themselves. We have to do the same, feel the same way during this holiday season. Volunteer your culinary talents and time this winter.

One of the best ways to help is volunteering at your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen.For those without family,this is the best way to spend Christmas instead of at the movies or just home alone. Shelters and kitchens also throw small holiday parties and if they let you , bake something. Have the kids help. A fun sheet cake , plates of cookies and  trays of cupcakes help to make everyone's season brighter. It is also a good time for the kids to start on a lifetime of public service. They can also  make up stockings full of candy for kids there too. If they're older they can also assist, from serving food to washing up and drying.Another idea is organizing a holiday bake sale with the shelter or church . This is a chance for a kind of cookie swap where you can shine and bring your best recipes. A great idea that definitely gives back is having a group get together and bake a gingerbread village. Raffle it off with the proceeds going to the poor. Any one with a sweet tooth would love wining a munchable town.

The feeling can extend to neighbors and friends of friends.If you know they're alone for Christmas eve or Christmas day, then think nothing about inviting them. They'd appreciate a meal with family and lively discussions. Another idea is "adopting" a nursing home resident and baking him or her cookies or even creating a fruit basket tailored to their dietary needs. If you have more time them think about contributing to the nursing home holiday party.The families would greatly appreciate it and it would be like bringing a little bit of home back to them,Military families also need a bit of cheer . If there are any on your block, then invite them in for a cup of cheer and some holiday savories and sweets. For any  service person coming home surprise them and their spouse with a gift certificate to  fancy restaurant for  one of their favorite restaurants. It's a small  way of saying thank you. Another way is throwing  a holiday welcome home party where everyone in the neighborhood or family can contribute a sweet or savory  dish.

This holiday season - give  back. It's a way of spreading good will and good cheer. That's the best present of all.

Pereg Spices Up Your Holiday Recipes

Nothing zings up holiday cooking like spices.Pereg Gourmet Natural Foods knows this and has come out with three interesting spicesjust in tome for holiday cooking and baking.

I'm excited about them, especially my favorite za'atar. There is also paprika  - which will be used in tomorrow's  vegan soy chicken paprikash and poppy seeds - they will be baked into either a loaf or rolls.I definitely plan on using all three during this upcoming holiday season.

Right now I had to have the za'atar with hot crisped naan. To me this is the perfect light supper.I also found out that za'atr is also good with meats .Use it to liven up a turkey salad with Thanksgiving leftovers or add more flavor to a salad Nicoise.

This is what the mix of coriander,oregano,parsley, sesame seeds, olive oil and salt. Ground chickpea and citric acid are added for more body and preservation.

I mixed it with a good glug of olive oil.

At the same time I brushed naan with olive oil and toasted it at 350 F in my toaster oven. Ten minutes later it came out crispy.

I cut it in corners and drizzled the za'atar over it.

It was also good drizzled on ham.Pereg's version had more body which made for a richer texture. I may just try it in scrambled eggs or baked mac for a different vibe.

Holiday cooking needs zing. Pereg's new trio of spices will liven up any holiday recipe. Use them for  a new kind of excitement.

Flying Solo Without The Master

Today was my first big cooking day without my Mom's help. It was dicey to say the least and I made a vat of sauce for two simple helpings of ravioli. I have to get used to this  - cooking and life without her.

We were never one of those families who write down recipes. We figured if you've made it more than enough times, then it was engrained in your memory.It becomes a part of you. I had thought this but realized I was wrong. I do need our family recipes written down. Sadly, they all went with my Mom. I will never get the exact measurements for our Piedmontese stuffed cabbage rolls, pescoi That will have to be made from memory and what my brother can remember. As for the sauce, luckily there are recipes on the net that I can follow. The sauce was smooth, not rich however thanks to the inclusion of sugar. I use my own spin  dark honey in homemade sauces. As usual I panicked  simply because I sauteed the garlic too soon.it resulted in burnt cloves and popping oil. I also added way too much sauce which would have been perfect had I made two or three pounds of spaghetti.Instead it was only four helpings of ravioli.

For those of you who scoff at writing down family recipes, don't.. Write down everything, keep them on index cards. Staples still sells these. You can also type them up and print them out to create a family cookbook. (This is the perfect holiday and bridal shower gift). If you can include a picture of the dish do so. Write down exact measurements. A pinch of something for you is a dab for someone else  . Make sure the measurements are exact, from a 3/4 of a teaspoon to 1/8 of  a cup. Also make sure the ingredients are the exact same ones. You can't sub in cinnamon for coriander or use an oat flour for a white one. Variations can be included,especially if there are allergies running through the bloodlines.Also give credit where credit is due. My Mom's apple pie recipe was taken by a few in-laws and it became their signature dish, with their branches giving them the acclaim. If Nama made the nutmeg Snickerdoodles, add her name, with the first and last name, and possibly the date it was first made. Include any family history regarding it too,Stories get lost from generation to generation.

I'm flying solo these days. I hate it. I wish my Mom and I had written down our family recipes.I need exact measurements with exact ingredients.

Spicing Up Your Meats

Want to zing up that chicken or pork. Add spice - and yes, you can add  some of the ones that make pumpkin spice what it is. It's a nice way to add some flavorful heat on a nippy fall day. Best of all it give home chefs the chance to be creative.

Spiced meats are nothing new. Before refrigeration and salt, adding spices to various meals to preserve them and take away their rancid flavor. Pepper, cinnamon, cumin and cloves were the ones of choice and they still are today. What should today's cooks use?It depends on the meat. If you're having qualms about using anything more than rosemary or oregano - which are herbs, then just use a light hand. Start off with a roast chicken , flavored with ground pepper and  the Indian classic, garam masala. This last can easily be made at home  by blending cumin, coriander, and cinnamon with cardamom, cloves and nutmeg.It's then marinating the chicken for fifteen minutes before roasting and then roasting in an oven. Pair  the smoky sweet allspice and nutmeg with cayenne  in a fiery jerk rub . Cinnamon on its' own can flavor a chicken. For a Moroccan vibe mix the spice with cumin and ginger  and then fricassee it. Add almonds and couscous for more authenticity. Allspice and cumin can be turned into a paste along with paprika, onion and garlic powders  to rub over chicken . it's then roasted , producing a crispy, spicy skin.

Pork is another meat that can be zinged up with spice. Pork roast on its' own is delicious, but add cinnamon to bring out the meat's sweet flavor. It's combining the spice with salt, pepper, onion, sugar and garlic,. Soy sauce is added to make it a paste and then the mixture is rubbed onto the meat. It does need three to  twenty-four hours to marinate. Cinnamon can be combined with ground pepper for a tasty rub, sweetened with brown sugar and zinged up with dried mustard.Pair the spice with its' fellow sweet spices of nutmeg and allspice for a different kind of dry rub. Red pepper and garlic powder are also added to balance out the sweetness.it's then rubbed onto the pork and left to stand for twenty minutes to let the flavors soak in. Ham can also be improved with a variety of fall spices. A cinnamon glaze is a nice change of pace for a Sunday or holiday ham. It's combining it with maple syrup and dark brown sugar for a spicy sweet foil to the meat's saltiness. Allspice can also be used for ham as well. Mix it with cloves and a jolt of whiskey along with brown sugar and garlic powder. for a memorable glaze that will give the meat a nice bacon like crust

Consider spiced meat this fall. It's a nice alternative and will give chicken, pork or ham a smoky, warm sweetness. Add autumn's flavors to your main meal for a tasty change.

Your Vacation Kitchen

Many people rent houses or efficiency apartments for their vacations. This is great because there can still be home cooked meals , using local produce and products. it does mean packing extra - but just a few vital components of a kitchen away  from home. Pack light. Just have the basics on hand.

What to bring? None of your good stuff. Leave the La Creuset and Farberware back on the kitchen shelves. Go to your dollar store to get pots and pans. These can be used in any situation, from camping to indoor cooking.A saute pan is about the best bet. It can be used for making everything from French toast to pepper steak. Another must is a two quart pot , It can be used to boil small lobsters and , shrimp along with ears of corn. You can also boil potatoes in it for mashed as well as serving mashed potatoes in it. Some rentals will have barbecue grills. The owners may have left such staples as tongs and brushes along with turning forks.If no to either grill or implements, then consider a portable hibachi, Ace Hardware has a double one for only $11.99 while Lowe's has a more elaborate and sturdier one for $39.99. Remember that they're not just for the summer holidays. Both can be used in the fall for tailgate parties.As for the extras, you can buy them too, at your local dollar store or even hardware store in the town that you;re staying in.

What else to bring or buy? Good melamine plates are always needed. These are a sturdier type of plastic that won't crack  from too much use. These can be bought as a set at Target right now, in fun geometric patterns. While you;re there also pick up an inexpensive cutlery set  This last also can be bought at your local dollar store along with  a spatula and ladle. Should you invest in a good knife for holiday cooking. Yes, but don;t go overboard with an expensive one. Stop & Shop sells Farberware knives that work very well but for half the price of the more expensive brands. (this is actually my all time favorite knife that I use almost every day ).Another must is plastic containers that can hold any leftovers to take home.  These are also wonderful for containing any,, seafood fruit and veggies bought at local markets. Again these can be bought anywhere from  the Dollar Tree to Acme. They're also great for storing sandy little, flipflops and sandals as well as toys and sea shells. You usually have to bring bath  towels. Remember to bring just a couple of dish towels also along with two or three potholders.These can also  be used for oven mitts too. Every kind of store has these , and you could probably buy souvenir ones where you'll be staying.

You don't have to bring the entire kitchen and the kitchen sink along on your vacation.Just tote along the basics that you'll need. It'll make holiday cooking that much more easier.

Ramadan Recipes To Open The Pantry

Like any other holiday , Ramadan is full of different recipes, from all over the world. The one thing they all have in common is that they're nourishing and tasty after a day of fasting. They're both stomach and soul satisfying.

The famed blogger and chef, Tejal Rao wrote about them today in The New York Times Food section. It's right on time too, with the holiday starting this Friday night and lasting for an entire month. This means a meal at night and then a predawn one before sunrise. The whole act of forgoing food is strenuous , but it's an act of devotion. The holiday is also  about community and charity, along with self-reflection and kindness.It's also about cooks buying in bulk and create a months worth of both easy and elaborate dinners.Freezers are stocked with all sorts of goodies. Pakistani born Malika Ameen stuffs her samosas in it. They're filled with ground beef and bulgar and can easily be popped into hot oil or microwave for easy cooking.There are also big pots of lentil soup ready to be scooped up into bowls. Unfortunately the family recipe, fruit chaat, the tangy fruit salad does take time to create.

Other countries also ave interesting recipes for the holiday. .Bim Adewummi, from Nigeria concentrates on carbohydrates and proteins.She spent one Ramadan making eggplant or courgette fritters, another was devoted to spinach balls, the recipe taken from a halal blog.It was based on another chef's, Antonio Carluccio's green dumplings.or probably gnocchi with pesto. There's also  the famed Lebanese fattoush  that Amanda Saab makes. This is a tasty salad with a lemon sumac dressing served with warm fried ,flatbread.Cinnamon and allspice is also added for subtle sweetness (this is actually a good summer meal dish too for anyone to try). The recipes featured are a watermelon chaat and namoura, the syrup soaked semolina cake. The first is spicy spin on a usually mild flavor, zested and zinged up with paprika and cumin seeds. Again, this would be a neat summer salad at a barbecue. The semolina cake is rich with butter and whole milk yogurt., soaked in a syrup that's' tangy with lemon and fragrant with lavender extract.

Ramadan is the holiday of fasting and feasting.It's the last that makes the days bearable. and the nights enjoyable. It's full of good food. and good memories

Pre-Party Ready

Now that the holiday party season has officially kicked off , party goers need to know one thing.Don;t go to any soiree or tree trimming party hungry. It pays to have a mini meal before hand. You'll feel better along with not getting drunk so quickly on an empty stomach.

One of my pre party rituals is always having a cup of simple vegetable broth and a few crackers before hand. This satisfies me until I actually eat again which is usually late .A cup of hot , steamy broth is also fortifying.I'm satisfied along with knowing I won;t wolf down all sorts of rich party foods later on . Nothing is more uncomfortable than the after effects of gorging on an empty stomach . Most nutritionists also recommend eating other low calories snacks such as raw carrots and celery sticks, Having a snack of these three or four hours before the actual feast will help you keep sated.If you want more protein spread a dab of peanut butter on the celery . It can also go on crackers too. Cheese and crackers are another good go to pre festivity snack as are grapes.If you know you;re eating very late - anywhere from nine PM to midnight, then think about heating up a light soup for yourself. Any vegetable soup is good or even a ramen noodle soup. They;'re light  and filling, able to stave your appetite until the later hours.

Another plus about eating early is that it helps with not getting drunk. If you have a boozy night ahead then plan on carbo loading before hand. Again , a cup of Ramen noodles is probably your best bet. It's mild but filling. You can even add a beaten egg to it for more protein.Pizza surprisingly is a pre partier's best friend, but this may be too much before a big do. Try a simple grilled cheese or better yet a sandwich filled with one or two slices of any kind of cold cut. instead Also just a toasted muffin, bagel or English muffin will  help in you absorbing that run punch or champagne cocktail. Surprisingly a baked potato is another good mini meal before all that holiday punch.Potatoes are pure starch which can easily absorb the alcohol.Just make a simple one, butter on top with salt and pepper, Leave the cheese and chili for another day. Ddespite what the old wives tales say, drinking milk before boozing is not a good idea. The alcohol will curdle it on your stomach leaving you nauseous and ready to hurl. Keep away from it and ice cream.

Eating before a big holiday party is a must.  Have a small sandwich or a cup of broth You'll feel better and won't arrive hungry, ready to gobble down anything.

Holiday Luxe Eating

This is the time of year when you can treat yourself to some culinary luxuries. It could be caviar on a Ritz or a buttery Christmas cookie. Or a big bubbly flute of good champagne. Or even a sundae with all the works. Give your palate a holiday vacation to rich flavors and foods.

Again caviar is always a lush treat. Most grocery stores sell it, even Costco  has tins of it.There are four different types. There is the lightly salted or the Malossol method that is only 3.5% salt., followed by the semi preserved kind  which contains 8 %  salt. ,Pressed caviar is made from damaged or broken eggs, highly salted and jamlike in consistency . The cheapest and most affordable is the pasteurized kind which is heat treated and vacuum packed. Serve on butter rounds of French bread or Ritz crackers wash it down with a good champagne like Asti Spumente or Bollinger Special Cuvee from France's Marne valley. Another affordable luxe brand is Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve. These are in the price range of about $50.00. Finish this meal with well made macarons.Many bakeries now sell them however you can make them yourself, using ground almonds flour and egg whites to create lovely little luxe puffs. Another luxurious baked treat is the French brioche. This is a egg and butter rich yeast roll that is just pure heaven to have. Again these can be made at home or bought at your local French patisserie.

Of course luxe dining could mean a good steak too. Nothing beats a well cooked filet mignon , seasoned with butter, salt and pepper. The same goes for a juicy T bone steak. my idea of luxe is steak PIedmontese style. This involved cooking filet migon in a bagna calda , a mouth watering  anchovy bath rich with the fish, oil and garlic.Another lush meat idea is pheasant.This is actually a low calorie bird with a flavor that's between chicken and turkey. Some butchers will sell it , but mostly you can get it from on line pheasant farms.If you want to try vegan luxury , then go for truffles. These are smoky in flavor and can be bought at online gourmet food stores.  The average price is around $80.00. some . Big cities like New York and Los Angeles do have stores that will sell this fungi fresh and even truffle oil for cooking. If you can't afford any of these, then treat yourself to some good chocolate. Belgian chocolate is the most coveted however the American Godiva brand is delicious and affordable as well.Buy their ultra rich  box of chocolate truffles or even a foil wrapped Santa as a midnight snack.

Give your palate a rich holiday treat. It could be sweet or savory , as long as it's lush and flavorful. Enjoy it . Savor every nibble , sip and bite.

Your Holiday Menu Checklist

Christmas is only a few scant days away and home chefs all over the world should be stocking up on essentials and ingredients. It's always good to be prepared. It's no fun to run short or remember you've forgotten to buy an important ingredient.Be aware of what you have and what you need.

By now home chefs should have the main course either in the fridge or the freezer.No one ever forgets to buy the  turkey or the prime rib. However some sides do get second , sometimes third billing, Ask yourself , will your sides satisfy the entire table.If you have big eaters, or those who love green bean casserole or sweet potatoes, then stock up. Get double the amount of what you need. The worst thing is to go short. Also have alternatives for those who don't get excited over mashed potatoes or petit pois. Another must is factor in the vegans and vegetarians. They're not going to want that turkey leg or slab of London Broil.Have a tofurkey and mushroom gravy ready for their Christmas dinner.Make sure there are enough rolls too. Everyone loves these with the dinner and afterwards as sandwiches. Ditto for butter and margarine too. These last two will be gone fast between using them for cooking and as accompaniments for the bread. As minor as they are, salt and pepper,along with salt substitutes , should be plentiful as well. Like butter and margarine, they serve a double purpose .

Home bartenders should also make sure that the liquor cabinets are well stocked.Guests will probably bring a bottle wine which is good for a small party, yet make sure you have enough for those big family gatherings of ten and twenty. Also have enough soda and juice for the kiddie table as well as plain and flavored seltzers for non drinkers.There should also be enough coffee and tea  for dessert as well. Keep plenty of creamer ready too, and milk.Without a doubt, there will be plenty of desserts to choose from. If you're planning on serving pie, then  have a can or two of whipped cream all set for topping. Also set out a platter of seasonal fruit and nuts for those who are watching their diets or just aren't into rich endings. Have paper plates  along with plastic containers ready for those who would like to bring home leftovers.

It pays to be prepared, especially in the kitchen.Have everything you need and then some for your Christmas dinner. It beats frantically running to your grocery store five minutes before your guests arrive,

Le Saison Pour Chocolat

This is the week for sweets.No matter where you are in the world right now candies rule .France ,the center of good food and good wine is no different.The French delight in all things chocolate and The Christmas season is no exception. Elaine Sciolino got the chance to write about this in yesterday's special Christmas New York Times Dining edition.She sampled some of France's best cocoas.The all time best is from a town outside of Grenoble inVoiron.Chocolatier,Stephane Bonnat has created premium chocolates by checking the beans first for insects and then mold.They are then cleaned and roasted on an toque roasting machine.There are several other processes before the beans are turned into edible silk.Since the area is also known for the acid green liqueur chartreuse, there are chocolates filled with them.There are also bars such as le Madagascar which has a sublet flavor and the Cote d'Ivoire,which has a perfumed light flavor in the mouth.There is also one that celebrates Peru's contribution to the industry. Monsieur Bonnat has competition in the unlikely famed chef, Alain Ducasse. Chef Ducasse is known more his famed restaurant.As he does with his signature dishes he goes overboard with his chocolate making.He does it from scratch,much the same way chocolatiers did a century ago?Unfortunately the reviews have not been favorable.The best and actually most affordable is Vahlrona.It comes from Lyons in the south of France.It is smooth and silky ,perfect for eating on it's own or added as a luxe ingredient.Surprisingly the family who owned it sold it to French industrial giant Groupe Soparind Bongrain. Anything chocolate is a staple right now.The French have taken this holiday classic and turned it into a high art.Vive le chocolate!

Your Christmas Dinner List

The big holiday meal is only less than two days away.By now you should have everything.Or do you?Here is acheck list of what you should have.If you run short,the stores are open tomorrow which allows you to fill any gaps. Yes ,you probably have the roast and hopefully you have the sides too.If you're making stuffing then check to see how much bread you have.You don't want to run short with it.Another thing to check is alternativesides.Thanks to the host of allergies people have these days.Another idea is to make sure your most finicky eaters also have a good variety to choose from.Keep extra cans of green beans ,beets and even potatoes on the side.Flour may be in short supply too, thanks to holiday baking.You'll need it to thicken gravies and make roux.Check to see if you have enough butter and olive oil too.These figure heavily in food prep and you certainly don't want to run out of them during crucial cooking time.Aluminium foil and Saran wrap should also be on hand for storing leftovers or making doggie bags. The little things count too.If you're planning on a hot hors d'ouevres ,make sure there's enough for everyone.Figure two tidbits per person.Antepastos should also be plentiful.Favorites such as salame and olives will go quick.Have a back up supply on the ready to support that need.The end of the meal should be just as planned.Have different teas in the background to suit your guests' tastes.There should also be caf and decaf coffee too as well as honey and stevia for those who prefer more natural sweeteners.Liquor cabinets should also be filled and make sure you have enough wine for everyone. For the kids you can have soda but also have fruit juice and sparkling water too.Dinner should end with mints and toothpicks.Have a dish of both with extras waiting on the side. Don't let your masterpiece of a holiday dinner be ruined by shortages.Take stock of what yup have.If you've forgotten or don't have enough you have time to run out and get it.Be prepared.Be well stocked for your Christmas meal.

Sandy's Restaurant Toll

Even though Sandy happened a month ago, her effects are still being felt/ That also applies to retaurants through the area. Some can bounce back, most can not. Financially it has impacted the area worse than when Katrina hit the Gulf Coast seven years ago.

This was the subject of an article in yesterday's New York Times Dining section. Regular contributor Jeff Gordonier wrote about the devastation that hit some of the boroughs (and as I know the Jersey shore and Raritan Bay as well.) Brooklyn classic , the pizzeria Totonnos was devastated.When is it coming back? That's really for the insurance companies to deal with -sadly enough.Another city classic, the clam house Randazzo is history as well.The onwers will have to deal with rebuilding as well as dealing with loss , especially during the lucrative holiday party season.

Of course Coney Island also took a bad hit. The original Nathan's is history as well however it will be coming back. It will take a while, There is sand to deal with along with severe structural damage . Salt water , ever corrosive , destroyed wires and sockets. Insurance companies are also as devastating to deal with too. Many are chintzy with pay outs .One of my favorite places, Shoal Harbor  of Port Monmouth, New Jersey  had its' interior destroyed .unfortunately The owners have decided not to redo and re openpossibly because of all the complications that come with rebuilding.This is sad because this homey , fun place had the best lobster and Manhattan clam chowder. Hopefully they will change their minds.

Superstorm Sandy destroyed the area and some of our best restaurants. Hopefully most of them will come back. They may have been knocked down,but they are resilient. You can't hurt a classic,.

Holiday Candy Land

This is the season for not just presents but also for sweets as well. No matter what faiths we were brought up into, there was always candy during this time of year. There was chocolate. There was peppermint. There was always something that gave the holidays their extra sweetness.

It;s the candy more than anything that forms our most cherished memories. There was ribbon candy., one of my grandparents' earliest remembrances. This was simple strands of colored and flavored hard candy cut to resemble bunched up ribbons. It became one of my favorites as well. there's the Advent Calendar where you would open a date and a small chocolate would be waiting for you. The best gifts were the small bags of chocolate coins, used both as Hanukkah gelt and Christmas stocking stuffers. These were magical and you felt like you were special getting them (a funny story here. I gave these to my friend's daughter when she was four. Hillary didn't know you had to peel off the gold foil and ate them whole. In a split second Deb and I realize d what she had done and four seconds later I had spit covered coins in my hand. We undid the foil and Hillary had her first taste of holiday joy. She recovered nicely. She's 22 now and works in Tiffany's marketing department in Manhattan where she can buy real gold coins for herself) Another fun candy gift was the bubblegum coal where you chewed black gum and wound up with a black tongue. That and Droste's chocolate orange were the best stocking stuffers ever!

Nowadays every candy company has some Christmas tie in. There are Butterfinger bells and holiday Hershey kisses. Cadbury's and M&Ms have red , green and white coatings on their chocolates Even Godiva has joined in with their festive ballotins of bonbons. We have all sorts of neat candies for stockings and as present toppers.

This time of year is a veritable candy land for kids and adults alike. Not only do we receive neat gifts but also neat candy celebrating the season.

Holiday Gifting

This was supposed to be published yesterday, December 5th. The $%$##% site wouldn't let me publish this!

What to get a foodie for Christmas?

There are so many things. One we love to cook so gadgets, and even small appliances wouldn't go amiss. Personally I'd love to have some silicone bakeware and a small panini press. There are many who would love Caphealon skillets and frying pans.

Food gifts are always perfect. There are some new items out there like absinthe lollipops or red velvet cupcakes. Sometimes the old school stuff like homemade fudge or a pecan kringle are also good gifts.Cookbooks are another good idea. There are so many out there that it's fun to pick and choose. There are also blank recipe books where you can fill in favorite recipes (see Borders Bookstore for this)

No matter what you give us , it'll always be appreciated. Actually the best foodie gift of all is donating your holiday time to a sou p kitchen or giving money to a food bank.

Good Food For The Holidays

This is going to be a back to normal column. I'm feeling somewhat better and can finally type up a storm. What I'm going to write about today is good holiday food. Yes, you know the stuff of memories and legends.

What makes a special dinner special? Well the obvious answer is TLC and love but let's face it, it's really the food. It's the way a turkey skin is so crispy and salty straight from the oven. It's the way a fresh baked pie smells as it's cooling on window sill. It's the way Madagascar vanilla beans perfume a Christmas cookie dough.

What constitutes a memorable meal? Top quality ingredients. Remember that when you shop. Even during these rough times you can still find top of the line fruits and vegetables as well as meats and baked goods.Be judicious that's all and try not to go for stuff that's too over processed or canned.Also take care in your cooking and baking. Don't rush. If you're not into this whole holiday meal thing then eat out. It beats making a lousy meal during a limited time allotment.

This holiday season take time and effort to create your best meal. This is what makes it memorable It's intelligent choices and hard work that will make it a standout dinner.

Religious Influneces On Food

It's amazing what a religion can do. It can unite , or destroy a people. It can give one a life's goal and set of rules . It can also influence the way we eat. Amazing.

There are so many different religions on this earth and each one with its' own set of dietary taboos. There is the kosher set of standards at the same time as the hallal. There is also what the Hindus believes as well as some of the minor sects.Buddhists have the healthiest diet so far with not eating any animal life.


Religions also play into the way we celebrate our holy days and holidays. So many of our dishes depend on what we're allowed to eat (such as only fish on Good Friday or no meat on Christmas Eve) Some of the German Protestant sects even make special holiday cookies symbolizing the birth of Christ.

It's truly awesome the way religion plays an important part in the world's cuisines. From earliest times it was used as part of special rituals. It still is very much in use in today's modern world