Earlier this year, Chef Curtis Stone developed a 9-course tasting menu centered around celery, for his restaurant Maude in California. He created a celery salad; reduced celery juice for an apple sorbet and braised some stalks for a celeri barigoule. Celeri Barigoule – a traditional Provencal dish of artichokes braised with onions, garlic and carrots in a seasoned broth of wine and water. Early culinary cooking, the artichokes were stuffed with mushrooms, however, modern cuisine no longer uses mushrooms. Some preparations are stuffed with spinach, carrots and cheese. Celery has a crunchy texture, slightly bitter, earthy flavor which has long been served as a cooling accompaniment to hot wings. …
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Cocktail Spirits Elevated by Bitters
What are “bitters?” Historically, bitters were derived from herbs, roots, fruits, infused with wine and used medicinally during Egyptian times. During the Middle Ages, distilled alcohol was included but bitters were still used as a preventative medicine. In the 19th Century, the British incorporated Canary Wine (white fortified wine imported from mainland Spain or the Canary Islands). Sherry and Port are fortified wines, which are wines augmented with a dose of brandy or other spirit. By the early 1800’s, Americans had developed what we now know as the “cocktail,” a mixture of liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters. Today, they are used to flavor…
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Simple Asian Dinner: Pork and Rice
This simple Asian dinner is my substitute for Chinese take out. Some Chinese take out is loaded in MSG, which I try to avoid. Although easy, this Pork and Rice dish is filling and a great option for a weeknight meal. It can be done in only one pot and one skillet, for less clean up. What is Monosodium glutamate? MSG is the salt-based compound used as a flavor enhancer in dishes that need a more intense “meaty” taste. Although deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, MSG is linked to severe headaches, bloating, and general discomfort. Found in many processed foods, it is harmful to those diagnosed with…
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Shucks Oyster Bar Shines Like A Pearl
I don’t have to explain the difficulty in finding a great oyster bar when you do not live anywhere near coastal waters; but, Mr. Pitmaster and I discovered a pearl in the Upstate culinary scene. Shucks Oyster Bar is a husband and wife owned eatery just 30 minutes southwest of Greenville, South Carolina. Not only do they serve great oysters, the James River variety from Virginia was my favorite, but they have a full menu sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The restaurant sits in downtown Anderson, SC on the town square. The casual comfortable elongated dining room welcomes those craving good, honest food, reasonably priced. Chalk blackboards display…
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Perfect Birthday Gift for a Foodie
Another birthday has rolled around and although my husband did not inquire as to what I might like to do, I decided to create my own birthday celebration. Food adventures are what I love to do whenever we go on vacation or visit a new city. The culinary adventure I planned when we were in Las Vegas was one for the history books and another blog post. This extravaganza would be exciting for me and tolerable for my husband (he is not an adventurous foodie). First Stop: Downtown Greenville Farmer’s Market Having only been one time, last summer…I wanted to see what the market had to offer for 2017. Although…
