Food for Thought

  What Is Thai Basil? Although you’re probably most familiar with sweet basil (also called Italian sweet basil), it is estimated that there are over 100 varieties of basil, with some cultivated for more than 5,000 years. All types of basil are members of the mint family. Thai basil is of Southeast Asian origin, and

  Whether you’re buying whole fish, fillets or shellfish, a few simple guidelines will help you pick the freshest and best quality products. Fresh fish or shellfish should always smell fresh like the sea, not “fishy”. When selecting a whole fish, look for: Clear, bright and bulging eyes, not cloudy or sunken Scales that are

  Japanese eggplant, known scientifically as Solanum melongena, is a unique variety of eggplant characterized by its long, slender shape and tender skin. Physical Characteristics Shape and Size: Typically long and slender, with some varieties being curved or straight. Color: Features a dark purple skin, often with a glossy finish. Texture: The flesh is soft and

  People often ask me about Mexican cheeses and which one is best with which dishes. This article from Food&Wine gives all the answers. https://www.foodandwine.com/appetizers/7-mexican-cheeses-you-need-know?hid=432b2e775324844b57022e049d85bff0cb2bbd08&did=9047800-20230510&utm_campaign=faw-the-dish_newsletter&utm_source=faw&utm_medium=email&utm_content=051023&lctg=432b2e775324844b57022e049d85bff0cb2bbd08

  I saw this tip on line and decided to try it. Store your lemons or limes in a zip lock bag and keep them in the refrigerator. It definitely works. The lemons pictured have been in my refrigerator for almost a month and are still firm and fresh. Give it a try.

  5 Things You Didn’t Know About Blue Crab Blue crabs are in season during the warm months. Interesting article from Southern Magazine about the blue crab. I grew up eating these delicious crustaceans. (Check out my recipe for Crabs in Spicy Sauce and read on.  You won’t regret it!) Jaibas Enchilados (Crabs in Spicy

  Piloncillo is a raw form of pure cane sugar that is commonly used in Mexican cooking and is sometimes referred to as Mexican brown sugar. This type of sugar has not been processed, leaving it with a golden brown color and a deliciously rich flavor similar to molasses, although it does not have any molasses in it.

  The Cuban sandwich is seen now on many menus with many variations. Ironically, back in the 1950s, if you traveled to Cuba, they didn’t know what you meant by a Cuban sandwich nor what you meant by Cuban bread. The birthplace of Cuban bread and the Cuban sandwich as we know it today, or

  Lardons are narrow strips of meat, usually from bacon, cut cross-wise into 1/4 to 1/3 inch widths.  The French also refer to them as lardoons. Their technique includes blanching the meat before frying. I skip the blanching part. The bacon should be cut while cold, making it easier to slice and be consistent with

  A slurry is a thin paste of water and starch (flour, cornstarch, arrowroot, potato starch), which is added to hot preparations (such as soups, stews and sauces) as a thickener. After the slurry has been added, the mixture is typically stirred and cooked for a few minutes in order to thicken and lose any