Essential Kitchen Requirements

Mysterious Mirepoix

Onion, Carrots, Garlic, Thyme & Rosemary

When Chefs use this term it sounds like an exotic ingredient or complicated culinary feat.  It actuality, is a very basic combination of vegetables, diced & mixed together before sauteing. Some mirepoix combinations include leafy greens, as found in soup, and others contains meat, au gras, if you need the term. Mirepoix is a French …

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Mister Stock: The Unsung Hero of Cooking

Ham Stock

Whenever I begin the process of making a soup, broth, gravy or stock, I am reminded of the folk tale Stone Soup. There are many versions of the tale, but the premise behind the story aside form generosity and charity is one of how the soup will continue to taste better as additional ingredients are …

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Lightly Breaded Fried Fish Never Hurt Anyone

Fried Filet of Code

I will admit, I am a relative late comer to cooking fish, yet alone frying fish. Over the years, so to speak “I have dipped my toe in the water” when it comes to cooking fish, but I have had a significant amount of unfounded skepticism of my own capabilities. Sometimes I think watching Iron …

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Herbs de Provence Rub

Herbs de Provence, Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

There is this glass jar of Herbs de Provence that was mentioned in the post What is in your spice rack? that exists in the kitchen. Honestly, I have been skeptical of using it in my cooking. My skepticism is founded simply because I am not sure how to use this mixture. Herb de Provence …

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Does Size Matter….Garlic Cloves

Peeled Garlic Cloves of Different Sizes

I do love garlic, whether browned and simmered whole in a slow cooked marinara sauce, sliced thin and sauteed with anchovies and olive oil then tossed with pasta, used in a stir fry with broccoli or rubbed raw on toast and eaten with steak tartar. The aroma, flavor and versatility of garlic (Allium sativum) make …

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