Q: What’s the best way for a very inexperienced cook to learn about spices and how to mix them?
A: There are really three ways I can answer this question. The first would take up a book: The Complete Book of Spices: A Practical Guide to Spices and Aromatic Seeds, which someone else wrote. The second [...]
Author Archives: gturner
Burning Questions: How can I build complex flavors from simple ingredients?
Brussels sprouts with mayonnaise and bacon
I first heard of this recipe during an Anthony Bourdain special. The one set at Dufresne’s WD-50, I think. One of the guests (maybe a camera man) mentioned his mom used to make him Brussels sprouts with mayonnaise and bacon, and everyone said it sounded amazing. I had to agree. But when I tried [...]
Rice noodles with green vegetable curry, spinach leaves and bean sprouts
(makes 2 generous portions)
1 small sweet potato
2 carrots
1/4 red onion
1 pkg rice noodles
@2 cups skim milk (or coconut milk for more traditional flavor)
@1 tablespoon green Thai curry paste
A little salt
A little oil
Cook the noodles according the package instructions. While they cook, peel the sweet potato, and dice the sweet potato, onion section and carrots. Sprinkle [...]
Burning Questions: What knives should I buy, and how should I use them?
Q: Basic knife techniques are always needed: how to use, sharpen, which knives are essential…
A: One good knife is the best thing to have in your kitchen. Start with a good chef’s knife that’s sized to fit your body. I use an eight-inch Anolon chef’s knife almost exclusively. I like its weight and balance, and it [...]
Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
Sounds like it could be a wonderful read