Entries Tagged 'Cooking' ↓

Odors from last night’s dinner can become nauseating when the smell just won’t leave the house. Fried fish is a common culprit of this problem as are other exotic foods with strong flavors and spices. To remove the lingering odor we need to remove the source of the smell. If it can’t be found, there are ways to neutralize it. Follow these steps to clear the air.

1. Store Leftovers Properly – As soon as you’re finished cooking and eating, gather all leftovers, place them in tightly sealed containers or plastic wrapping and put them away. Leaving food sitting out allows smells to linger, and improperly stored leftovers can create unwanted odors. Prevent this from happening by storing food effectively and in a timely manner. Don’t leave food sitting out for more than a couple of hours. Also be certain to put away any cooking ingredients you’ve used. Don’t leave ingredients like sauces, seasonings and cooking oil open and out. Seal all ingredients and put them back where they belong.

2. Clean Cooking Dishes Promptly – If you don’t want your kitchen to smell, wash all dirty dishes immediately. Make sure you rinse off all food and wash it down the drain. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, scrape all of the food off of your plate and into the trash before rinsing. Even if you don’t have time to wash the dishes completely, rinse them off at the very least and leave pots and pans to soak in soapy water. Leaving pots full of food on the stove or in the sink will create unwanted odors (and also attract unwanted bugs).

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With Summer ending and Labor Day around the corner what better time to whip up some tasty uber fancy S’mores. I first saw this idea on Oh Joy Eats and since have been noticing the many different varieties of gourmet marshmallows you could get creative with. First up is Whimsy & Spice which can be ordered online or found at Dean and Deluca (Soho Location) with their flavors: Caramel, Cardamom, Maple, Lemongrass, Chocolate and Rose Vanilla. Next is Plush Puffs which can be found at Whole Foods with wild flavors like: Maple Bacon, Vanilla Bean, Caramel Swirl, Chocolate Chip, Toasty Coconut, Peppi-Mint and Cinnamon.(Bonus – Most Plush Puffs are Glutten Free, Corn Syrup Free and Fat Free!) And last but not least is Butter Baked Goods that are sold at Joan’s on Third with homemade marshmallows in simple flavors like: Raspberry, Vanilla Mint and Coconut. – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE

Simply cut each fancy marshmallow in half, join the two halves together, then toast them with the chocolate and bottom graham cracker in the toaster oven. When it comes out, the marshmallows will be toasty and gooey…and the chocolate nice and melted. Top it with the 2nd cracker, and you’ve got a fancy marshmallow and chocolate extravaganza for your taste buds. The one photographed above is with rose vanilla, toasted coconut, and crisped rice chocolate, but you can make it simpler with plain marshmallows and solid dark or milk chocolate… or dark chocolate with sea salt — Oh Joy Eats

Known for French Laundry in Napa Valley, Thomas Keller is well-versed in the art of the picnic. Enter the new Bouchon Picnic Baskets to Go, which offer a variety of pre-selected delectable dishes. They are perfect to pick up for a night out at the Hollywood Bowl or a day on the beach. These baskets offer a range of sandwiches, salads, and decadent desserts. Choose from two French inspired 3 course picnic baskets for 2 people ($65.00 or $115.00) with add on all a carte options. Located in Beverly Hills, Bouchon is open daily from 11:30am – 12:00pm. – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

Ingredients:

• Challah Bread
• 6 Organic Free Range Eggs
• 1 1/2 Cups Organic Milk or Half and Half
• 4 Tbsp Almond Extract
• 1/2 Tbsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 Tbsp Fresh Grated Nutmeg
• 1 Vanilla Bean Scraped
• Pinch of Salt
• Grape Seed Oil
• Powdered Sugar
• Butter
• Pure Maple Syrup

Directions:

1. Slice challah bread into 1 inch thick slices.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla bean and salt in a shallow dish.
3. Heat oil in frying pan over medium heat.
4. Dip challah slices into almond egg mixture and fry on each side until golden brown. Keep in warm oven until ready to serve.
5. Enjoy with sprinkled powered sugar, butter, pure maple syrup and fresh berries (optional). – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

Ingredients:

• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/2 Cup Mint Leaves
• 2 Cups Water
• 2″ Peeled Ginger Root
• 4 Drops of Liquid Stevia or desired amount of Sugar
• 1 Cup Ice
• Salt to Taste

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a sturdy blender. Blend until smooth,  Serves 2.