Monthly Archives: December 2011

Tempering Chocolate

If you buy chocolate in bulk, and plan on using it for candy-making or dipping, it’s necessary to temper it. Have you ever bought a candy bar, and snapped of a piece to pop in your mouth? That snap occurs because the chocolate has been tempered.

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Homemade Caramel

This is a relatively easy recipe for homemade caramels. You can do all sorts of things with these delicious, creamy caramels… dip them in chocolate, eat them plain, or roll them in nuts. If you have some crisp apples, dip them in the caramel and serve to your guests!

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Veal Campobasso

I recently got some veal cutlets from Mountain States Rosen Company. They were sealed in easy to use pouches with the air removed. When I make scaloppini, (defn. small, thinly sliced pieces of meat, especially veal, dredged in flour, sautéed, and served in a sauce) I use a mallet to flatten the meat before searing. These cutlets were already perfectly thin and tender- no mallet required!

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Tomato Shrimp Soup

Tomato-Shrimp Soup with Fresh Basil

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Pan-Seared Veal Chops

I recently had an opportunity to make some delicious veal chops courtesy of Mountain States Rosen Lamb and Veal. The product they provide is impeccably fresh, and easy to work with.
Here is my original recipe for Pan-Seared Veal Chops with Honey-Balsamic Sauce

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Whiskey Bread Pudding

This Whiskey Bread Pudding is an amazing dessert- one your guests will talk about for months to come!

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Holiday Cooking Tips

The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to start cooking. My family usually eats the same thing- caviar (domestic of course!), shrimp, French bread, and other snacks… there’s also always plenty of good chocolate and chilled champagne to go around.

It’s a busy time of year. In addition to cooking, there are presents to wrap, relatives to accommodate, and other work to be done.

These simple tips can reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen, and increase time spent with guests and family.

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Baked Brie Recipe

Baked Brie with Apricot, Honey and Almonds

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Del’s Part II and Restaurant Impossible

Several months ago I wrote an unfavorable review of Del’s restaurant in Pittsburgh.

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