Cakey Cornbread
Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
There are many delicious vegetables in the world but there is something special about carrots and a small potato called the “yukon gold” which has only been around for about 30 years. The Crop Watch Potato Education Guide (yes, there really is such an entity) put out by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln reports the yukon gold is a result of cross breeding by scientists in Canada. Oval shaped and small, these potatoes with a yellow interior almost look like they have been buttered when in fact, the yellow tinge is the potato’s natural color. Read more
What To Do In Vevey, Switzerland
Vevey, Switzerland is a vibrant town on the north shores of Lake Geneva (Lake Leman) about 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Lausanne or 50 kilometers (32 miles) from Geneva. The town is most famous for being the home of Charlie Chaplin for the last 25 years of his life (1952-1977) although the Swiss may tell you Vevey is most famous for being the place where milk chocolate was invented in 1875. Or, they may tell you that Vevey is where the Nestle Company was founded in 1866 by Henri Nestle. All may all be true but Vevey is also where the Musee de l’Alimentation or the Food Museum is located. Read more
Cream of Tomato Soup (Without the Cream)
It’s a keeper, mom” – those were the words spoken by my daughter last night after I made a my newest version of her favorite soup: Cream of Tomato. Music to my ears after a week of strike-outs (Rice and Shrimp Salad with Peas, Low Fat Italian Meatballs – frankly, I should have known better than to try something low-fat linked with the word “Italian”). Read more
Zyliss: The Swiss Queen of Gadgets
In my home, I am known as the “Gadget Queen” – a nickname that was given to me a few years back by a friend who noted that every time he and his family visited, I had a new gadget. He would barrel in the front door and before putting his suitcases down would say “so, what’s the new gadget this year?” Read more
Corn – The Other Grain
Corn or “maize” has been getting bad press over the past few years primarily because its best attributes – speed and versatility – can also be its worst, thus inviting criticism. Corn grows rapidly in diverse climates and as such is grown throughout the world although the USA and China are the largest producers. In its most pure form, corn is a grain cultivated and harvested early with the kernels used as a vegetable because its natural sugar content is at its highest early: hence the word “sweet corn.” High in fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamin, and vitamin C, corn is also low in fat and sodium. Read more
A Slice of Red Onion
When traveling, I am always on the look out for a place to have a meal made with fresh ingredients which is how I came upon a chain restaurant called “The Atlanta Bread Company” one day. Scanning the menu, I settled for the “California Avocado” on honey wheat bread: thick pieces of ripe California avocado, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a slice of red onion. Read more
The Cuisinart, Circa 1981 and Cole Slaw
The summer of 1981, I was 20 years old and just finished my sophomore year in college. Prince Charles was going to marry Lady Diana Spencer that summer, MTV was launched, and the first woman (Sandra Day O’Connor) was nominated to the US Supreme Court. It was quite a year but I remember 1981 mostly because it was the year I discovered a kitchen appliance that transformed food preparation: The Cuisinart. Read more
Tristan, Artisan Chocolatier
Swiss chocolatiers make some of the finest chocolates in the world, most of which are available throughout the globe but there is one chocolatier in particular who makes magnificent chocolates but only sells them in the local Geneva area. Tristan Carbonatto – a warm, engaging man with a big smile – is the “Tristan” in Tristan Artisan Chocolatier, a small light filled shop that looks like a garden of chocolate. A man with a passion for chocolate, Tristan clearly enjoys sharing “la joie de chocolat” (the joy of chocolate) with the rest of us. Read more
Fresh Eggs, Anyone?
While driving through the back roads of the Adirondack State Park, there was a sign advertising farm fresh eggs. Real farm fresh eggs; not the smooth clean eggs carefully packed in cartons and perfectly lined up in the refrigerated section of most American grocery stores. Read more
Paddock Post 