Single and Savouring It – Part One

March 26, 2012 By Chrystyn
Christyn Magill - Spring 2011

This post begins a new series of articles called Single and Savouring It.  My oldest daughter is a very busy single professional who like so many in her position is challenged to have the time to prepare good food, eat right and stay fit.  This series will be about her journey with the hope that you will benefit from her experience.  OK, take it away, Doc. Single and Savouring It Part 1 The Basics As a Christmas present to my Dad, Lou, I promised to write him a series of blogs for this website.  This series is called Single and Savouring It, and as I write, I hope to share with other singles or busy young couples what I’ve learned about cooking and eating well with a busy … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Foodie Central, Home, Learning to Cook

Make Perfect Irish Coffee

March 16, 2012 By Lou
irish-coffee-21245353

The perfect Irish Coffee is a family recipe handed down over generations.  Make it for this St. Patrick's Day and you'll be singin' in Gaelic.  Faith and Beggorah, you will.  Or at least it will sound like Gaelic.  But don't you worry e'en a wee bit 'cause those around you probably have never heard Gaelic before anyway.   A tittle o' Blarney stirs the imagination, you know. It is simple in concept and difficult in execution which is why you don't find it in restaurants with the exception of the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco.  For the purist, the art is in a steady hand as you will soon discover.  First, you take a pint of heavy whipping cream.  No, half & half will NOT … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Coffee & Tea, Holidays, Home Tagged With:

The Ideal Irish Lunch on St. Patrick’s Day – Shepherds Pie!

March 11, 2012 By Lou
Individual Ramekin with good filling to potato ratio

As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, you may want to think about one of the numerous special dishes that are common to the Irish experience.  Over the last decade or so, Ireland has gained a growing reputation as a culinary Mecca for gourmet chefs.  A few years ago I discovered this phenomenon in the southern port town of Kinsale.  Yet, even with the major elevation in stature of cuisine in Ireland, “pub grub” is what most visitors associate with the thought of Irish fare. Choices like Irish stew, bangers & mash, corned beef & cabbage are typically of what comes to mind when one sits down for an traditional Irish dinner.  My favorite of all is also one of the most … [Read more...]

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Start St. Paddy’s Day With an Irish Breakfast

March 1, 2012 By Lou
Irish-breakfast-full

For those of you who think IHop and Denny's are the be-all and end-all of breakfast bastions, the Irish have a wee bit of a surprise fer ya.  Indeed, an Irish breakfast is like no other - hearty enough to keep the winds from the Cliffs of Moher from cuttin' tru ya. Some of the features will be known to you, but others will be strange.  You will also need to learn a new vocabulary or you won't be understandin' "bangers" and "rashers".  It should also be pointed out that there are a number of variations and different combinations of the ingredients throughout Ireland and the U.K.  For our purposes here, I will go through all of the individual parts and you decide which combination you … [Read more...]

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St. Patrick Is Coming! St. Patrick Is Coming!

February 20, 2012 By Lou
Kinsale - Gourmet Capital of Ireland

OK!  Maybe not the Saint, himself.  But if you celebrate like us Irish, you're likely to be seein' him after a few pints, don't ya know.  So as to be rememberin' the date, it is March 17.  And a fine day it'll be for the wearin' o' the green! (or add a bit of orange for those of us of the Protestant persuasion) So what does St. Patrick's Day and the Irish have to do with gourmet food?  All they have in Ireland is "pub grub", right?  Tell that to the people of Kinsale and you're liable to end up on the losing end of an Irish "discussion".  Actually, Ireland has come to be known for its many restaurants featuring fine cuisine of many origins and styles, especially in the southern … [Read more...]

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Great Super Bowl Party Dip

February 4, 2012 By Lou
The Big Game

It's time for the annual ritual and this year is going to be a doozy. The Pats & Giants is one of the great rivalries, especially in the Northeast region. The last time I checked, the advantage was given to NY. But one thing that is for sure, your Super Bowl party is going to be a winner. If your still looking for some out of the park eats for the big game, follow the recipe below and you will majorly score. It's simple, fun and oh so good. We call this S.O.B. Hot Bean Dip. That's right. You serve it up nice and warm. Then watch it disappear. If you are on a major diet, then simply justify it as one of your occasional relapses that are necessary for your mental stability.  … [Read more...]

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Valentine’s Flowers Make the Day

February 3, 2012 By Lou
Flowers for Valentine's Day

They say that a day without flowers is like a day without sunshine.  That is especially true on Valentine's day.  The great thing about flowers is that you can send them to anyone, anywhere at anytime.  They can be elegantly simple or as extravagant as you wish.  And though roses are particularly popular on Cupid's annual appearance, you will not be chastised for being more creative.  Arrangements are particularly ideal for mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, grandmothers as well as wives and girlfriends.  I have always thought creating floral arrangements is a magical art that requires a keen eye for color, shape and texture.  So, this Valentine's Day spend a little time to select … [Read more...]

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Valentine’s Day To Remember

January 29, 2012 By Lou
Valentine's Day

As the old saying goes, "It's not just WHAT you do; but HOW you do it."  Let me give you an example.  In 1975, I wanted to send my fiance a dozen roses.  Not a big deal, right?  It would have been a nice gesture.  It's done all the time.  But it's common.  I didn't want common.  So, instead of having a dozen roses delivered all at once, I had one rose delivered every day for twelve days. Life is a matter of style. Now, guys, pay attention.  If your style has been to suddenly remember that it's Valentine's Day as you're leaving work, this is the year to change.  This year you're not going to make that beeline for the nearest florist only to find them closed or sold out, except … [Read more...]

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The Cure for a Cold Winter’s Day – Cassoulet

January 4, 2012 By Lou
French Cassoulet

When it comes to warming the soul in the freezing cold, blustery winter, there are a number of hearty and savory remedies.  However, there is one remedy that you have probably never had the pleasure, nay, the privilege of having in your kitchen - and with good reason.  Cassoulet is a difficult dish to make requiring a skill that is handed down from mother to daughter in the Gascony region (southwest) of France.  However, you can now experience this magnificent dish in your own home thanks to Ariane, the founding owner of one of my favorite gourmet purveyors, D'Artagnan.  She has put everything together in a recipe kit so you just have to bring it all together.  And even better, for the … [Read more...]

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Great Eats for the Big Games

December 27, 2011 By Lou
WINGS1

Ok, guys.  It's throw-down time.  The big games are upon us.  Whether your big game is a bowl game cheering on your Alma Mater, the BCS Championship game, the Super Bowl or D, all of the above, it's football showtime.  And that means that it's also time for Game Day foods!!! Whether you're at your favorite sports bar or with a bunch of friends in front of that new bad-boy big screen TV that you got for Christmas, Game Day foods are part of the scene.  They are part of the ritual that gave birth to the "Man Cave".  It is the primal instinct that we are all warriors and warriors must have Food & Drink!  We must have nourishment to endure the rigors of launching ourselves toward … [Read more...]

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