kitchen tips

that infamous ‘thinking cap’ applied to the kitchen.

Gremolata

07/11/2010 | 3 Comments | Topics: kitchen tips

Such an easy, useful little mix; Gremolata is a traditional Italian combination of fresh garlic, lemon zest and parsley. The first time you make it and use it won’t be your last. Gremolata zest of 1 lemon 1/4 cup chopped parsley 2 garlic cloves, minced Combine. Uses for this humble little combo: 1. spread under skin of poultry before grilling or roasting—use a little oil or butter to help… [more]

Gina and Gina

04/08/2010 | 6 Comments | Topics: kitchen tips, people to see

You may not know that my ‘Italian’ name is Gina. There is no exact translation for ‘Janelle’ so one day mio marito (my husband) slid in the name ‘Gina’ when an Italian was having difficulty pronouncing ‘Janelle.’ It stuck. It became easier to introduce myself as Gina… and really a hoot to adopt a new ‘nickname’ at this point in the game (never mind the childhood nicknames, right?). Actually, [more]

10 useful kitchen tips

04/23/2009 | 1 Comment | Topics: kitchen tips

I am forever a fan of kitchen tips, tricks, short-cuts and all manner of making the most of time, kitchen tools, food scraps and in general: hording culinary wisdom. Last week was my kiddos spring break, which was a nice time for us to snag some away-from-the-city time to regroup, relax and reorient. It was deemed a bit of a working vacation; my sons had some online math to finish,… [more]

tip of the week: mozzarella meatballs

10/06/2008 | 2 Comments | Topics: kitchen tips

Tip of the week is ‘tongue in cheek, ‘ since I don’t actually offer tips every week. And to be fair, I won’t be offering them each week going forward. I will, however, give you a tip this week—and many other randomly assigned weeks. You can peek at some of my past tips, given invariably during some week or another: check out scissors and ice cube trays,… [more]

Try this: Prima Glassa Balsamica Glaze

08/01/2008 | 7 Comments | Topics: food spotlight, kitchen tips, reviews

I ran across this product, purchasing it on a whim. I gave it a good, hard stare: I have high hopes for you. It is not easy to impress me with a condiment. Most bottled salad dressings pale in comparison to those made from home. A jar of kalamata spread can be made on the spot at home, just by blending kalamata olives with some olive oil, a pinch… [more]

Just a little, helpful idea for your culinary toolbox.

07/22/2008 | 2 Comments | Topics: kitchen tips

How shall I name thee? Let me count the ways: When it comes to shortcuts in the kitchen, my mind zooms right to the Martha Stewart coined phrase: ‘it’s a good thing.’ I cannot help it. I am tired of the phrase ‘kitchen tips’—and ‘kitchen tricks’ sounds much the same. Certainly ‘good idea’ is a blasé way to describe a culinary shortcut. How to be clever? How to… [more]

ice cube trays: not just for ice

02/12/2007 | 17 Comments | Topics: food., freezer, kitchen tips

I am all about finding little helpful tricks in the kitchen, if only to make me feel ‘smart.’ Tricks sometimes save you time, but there are those that don’t. With a lot of kitchen ideas and doo-dads out there, it is essential to wade through all the ˜good things” to find what works for you and what doesn’t. I am increasingly fond of ice cube trays. Not necessarily if they… [more]

Citrus Juice, Citrus Zest

12/28/2006 | 5 Comments | Topics: dessert, food spotlight, food., kitchen tips

I don’t just love using oranges and lemons and limes. I love using ALL of them (okay, maybe sans the pith). It is sheer pride and all smiles when I use both the rind and the juice from one of my citrus friends. I feel so responsible, so deliberate in my optimization of the fruit; sure that using zest minimizes my contribution to overall… [more]

Answer: baked omelet, bruschetta & bread crumbs

12/04/2006 | 8 Comments | Topics: food spotlight, food., freezer, kitchen tips

Question: What do I make with day-old bread? I am a big fan of knowing what to do with fresh bakery bread before it goes to waste; almost as much as I adore having all sorts of ready-made inspiration waiting in my freezer (like pesto) or pantry (blueberry chutney, red sauce). I wish ‘what to make’ ideas popped readily into my head,… [more]