Eat this Word: Limoncello

by jbfauthor on June 29, 2009

WHAT? Lemon-aid. "Sweet, fragrant, powerful and very easy to drink," says World Food Italy guidebook about the traditional lemon-scented digestif from the Amalfi coast. Culinaria: Italy adds that limoncello is "just as essential an end to a Campanian meal as grappa or anise liqueur is in other regions." Until recently, limoncello was hand produced by artisans, or made at home from prized recipes; lately, commercialization of the liqueur has begun, often substituting inferior products. Authentic limoncello is made from Italy’s indigenous, aromatic Nostrano lemons, but it is possible to make an approximation of the intensely citrusy drink by infusing alcohol with lemon peel for 20 days or more, then mixing it with sugar syrup. Can't get your hands on Nostrano lemons? The next best thing is to have a lemon tree, or a friend with a lemon tree. Serve limoncello very cold in very small glasses. WHERE?

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On the Menu: June 28 to July 4

by jbfauthor on June 26, 2009

Here’s what happening at the Beard House next week: Monday, June 29, 7:00 P.M. Summer Rosé Celebration Top Chef fans, take note: talented former contestant Ariane Duarte will be packing her knives and coming to the Beard House for this spectacular wine lovers’ dinner. The chef and owner of the acclaimed CulinAriane, Duarte has designed an artfully composed menu to pair with summer rosés from wine store Amanti Vino. Wednesday, July 1, 7:00 P.M. Canada Day: Newfoundland On July 1, 1867, British Parliament united the four provinces of Canada under one federation, and a country was born. To mark the majestic nation’s birthday, we’ve invited this talented group of Newfoundland chefs to the Beard House

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Recipe: James Beard's Galette Pérougienne

by jbfauthor on June 25, 2009

Try this “wonderfully good” yeast dough-based dessert as the finale to an outdoor summer luncheon. James Beard felt it had “all the virtues of French country cooking – it is simple, inexpensive, and makes thoroughly delicious eating.” Enjoy it with crème fraîche and a combination of summer berries.

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Eat this Word: Croquettes

by jbfauthor on June 25, 2009

WHAT? Dinner, recycled. Croquettes, originally a French term, were introduced into English cookery in the 18th century, Alan Davidson writes in his Oxford Dictionary of Food. The name comes from the French croquant, which means crunchy or crisp. Although the contents vary widely, croquettes are consistently small rounded shapes, ranging in size from a walnut to an egg, which are coated in egg and breadcrumbs and then fried, to a golden brown. Larousse writes that the filling of croquettes is a mixture of vegetables or cooked meats, usually leftover from another use, chopped fine and mixed with béchamel or brown sauce. Some of the most popular are chicken, ham, and salmon. Although in the United States, croquettes are associated, disparagingly, with '50s ladies' luncheons, their image is better elsewhere. Croquetas are eaten as sandwich fillings in Latin America and arancini, a form of Italian crocchetta, are beloved by Italian children.

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