Every chef gets asked the same questions. In my attempt to answer the classic "what makes a good chef" I've written about the importance of knives and palate. Today I'm tackling plating: the creative skill a chef exercises to bring you beauty to your meal....
As we continue to celebrate the National Strawberry Month – and since it’s also National Salsa Month! – below is my latest creation: a recipe for Strawberry Salsa Fresca. Serve this refreshing salsa with cinnamon-dusted sopapillas or eat it on a...
Welcome to the month of strawberries. Let it be known that in our house strawberries rule. When they are in season and on sale I purchase them and make strawberry jam, strawberry syrup (for ice cream, lemonade, and waffles), strawberry compote, strawberry ice cream,...
Traditionally Frijoles refritos, or refried beans, are cooked with lots of chilies, garlic, and onion. The beans are cooked to tenderness, then fried and mashed in lard. They are salted and consumed in large quantities. I’ve been eating them for as long as I can...
Since I’ve retired from restaurants, I’m grateful for not working the big holidays. Living in the American Southwest, this means I duck taco station duties on one of the most celebrated days besides Mother’s Day: Cinco de...
It’s the first of May and that brings with it, Beltane, a celebration of fertility and health. There are other wonderful celebrations that happen this time of year, but May Day is one of the oldest on-going celebrations. Along with this day, there is also food,...
Restaurants come and go. Aspiring chefs, people who have money to invest, and those encouraged by friends and family with money to invest decide to open concept restaurants without researching the food and the area. Usually these folks have no understanding of how the...
April is upon us and the national food holidays certainly reflect that. This month there are many food days for vegans to celebrate along with omnivores. It is probably due to the fact that April brings with it full on spring. Lush, beautiful produce spilling out over...
March is a month-long celebration of celery, so here's what you need to know about this often overlooked veggie. Celery has been consumed by humans for a long time now. It’s that vegetable that we grab at the store, because we were taught to by our parents or...
-------------------------------------------------------
