Cooking Tips & Inspiration

  • charcuterie board

    A Charcuterie Board for Any Occasion

    By Linda Ditch on August 9, 2018

    Some people call it an antipasti platter. Others think of it as hors d’oeuvres, while many just see it as a basic cheese and meat snack. Whatever you call it, a charcuterie board is a great way to...

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  • school lunch

    A Better System for Back-to-School Lunches

    By Chef Alli on July 11, 2018

    When the craziness of back-to-school begins, I remember being thankful for a system that helped keep my kitchen and pantry organized.  Below are simple steps to organize your back-to-school chaos...

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  • immersion blender

    10 Genius Ways to Utilize Your Immersion Blender

    By Chef Alli on July 11, 2018

    If you’re thinking an immersion blender is used primarily to purée soups, get ready to be amazed.  Not only does an immersion blender (also known as a stick blender or a hand blender) spave space, it...

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  • lunch box

    Tips for Heathy Lunchbox Fare Your Kids Will Eat

    By Linda Ditch on July 11, 2018

    As the start of school approaches, now is the time to start planning those lunchbox meals. Did you fall into the morning-rush trap last year? You know, when everyone’s trying to get out the door,...

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  • cedar salmon

    Secrets to Grilling Cedar-Planked Salmon

    By Chef Alli on June 5, 2018

    Grilling salmon on a cedar plank is simple. It’s an easy (not to mention elegant) way to infuse fish and seafood with smoky flavor, yielding succulent, tender fish that’s not soon forgotten.  Here’s...

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  • grilling tools

    5 Must Have Grilling Tools

    By Linda Ditch on June 4, 2018

    What better way to spend a summer day than to gather around the relaxed atmosphere of the grill, enjoying a cold beverage while the grill’s “master” prepares the meal. If you wish to be the king or...

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  • mom and daughter mixing ingredients

    Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

    By Chef Alli on May 29, 2018

    School is out and the kids are home. What to do? Keep them busy by creating, cleaning and cooking in the family kitchen. While it’s true children under foot in the kitchen can make things a little...

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  • customer at butcher counter

    5 Tips for Talking with Your Butcher

    By Chef Alli on May 29, 2018

    Butcher shops are making a comeback, reviving their craft all across the country. Having access to a butcher shop means you have a very knowledgeable person behind the counter, but many people find...

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  • bench scraper mixing dough

    11 (Handy) Uses for Your Bench Scraper

    By Chef Alli on May 29, 2018

    I know the name bench scraper sounds weird for a kitchen utensil because there's no bench in my kitchen (how about yours?), but what a super useful tool to have! It’s also called a bench knife and a...

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  • sparkler

    4th of July Desserts that Pop

    By Chef Alli on May 10, 2018

    I had a great time creating the following July 4th dessert recipes. I hope you enjoy them during your summer celebrations. May they hit the spot and cool you off in just the right fashion. May...

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