What is Tofu? First things first: What is tofu? This is a product of relatively neutral favor, very popular in the cuisines of Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Tofu is made condensing soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into cubes. The traditional coagulant used to make this traditional food is nigari, or…
You may be familiar with a recent (and surprisingly heated) debate: Does pineapple belong on pizza? The jury is still out regarding this specific question, but pineapple is a fascinating ingredient that can add excitement to any dish. The earliest written references to pineapple are found in documents by Christopher Columbus, and Sir Walter Raleigh,…
From sake to Mexican salsas, condiments have a way to concentrate and reveal the culinary personality of a country. Another good example of this phenomenon is aioli. This Mediterranean garlic sauce that has come to represent the soul of Provence, the historical and cultural region in Southeastern France. A Condiment Worthy of a Poet If…
“Braised”, “Braising,” and “Braised beef” are concepts you may have read poring over a menu or in cookbooks. These terms come from French cuisine, one of the world’s most interesting culinary traditions. “Live Coals” The French verb “Braiser” (a relative of the English word “Brazier”), means cooking food with vegetables and some form of liquid…
Our menu for Gourmet Prepared Meals this week includes Mexican Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper, a dish that gets some ideas from Chiles Rellenos, a staple of Mexican cuisine that deserves to become more popular. What Are Chiles Rellenos? “Chiles rellenos” means literally, “stuffed chili peppers,” and although this dish is common all Mexican states, it…
Artichokes, a plant of Mediterranean origins, offer many culinary possibilities and have a fascinating story to tell. From its origins to its remarkable nutritional value, here are four interesting facts you probably didn’t know about artichockes. Artichokes Are Flower Buds Artichokes are the immature flower buds of a thistle. If they are left to mature…
No matter what country you visit you can be sure of one thing: There will be an Italian restaurant. Italian food is popular everywhere. And while French cuisine is considered the paragon of sophistication, Italian dishes are equally delicious but more approachable and popular. Why is Italian food so revered around the world? There are…
You may know already about brown rice and black rice, but what about purple rice? The most obvious characteristic of this Korean delicacy is a pleasant iridescent color, the result of mixing Korean white rice and black rice. Koreans themselves call this dish heukmi bap (흑미밥), or “Black rice.” A Matter of Personal Taste Korean…
You may have seen basmati rice mentioned in magazines and websites. This type of rice is touted by its taste and health benefits, and is so popular that some call it “the prince of rice”. However, not everyone knows the essential facts about basmati rice. Keep reading to learn more about basmati, its origins, and…