Eat This Word: Absinthe

by Anya Hoffman on February 12, 2013

WHAT? Louche libation. A distilled, mildly anise-flavored spirit infused with herbs, absinthe was mythologized by countless late 19th- and early 20th-century writers and artists—Degas, Van Gogh, Wilde, and Hemingway among them. Often called "the green fairy," absinthe came to be considered as dangerous as it was popular and was banned in the United States and several European countries by 1915.

Described at the time by a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture as "one of the worst enemies of man," the seriously strong spirit, which is made with wormwood, a plant with purported hallucinogenic properties, was blamed for several high-profile cases of violence (including Van Gogh's ear-cutting incident).

These days absinthe's mind-altering effects have been widely disproven. In 2004 the U.S. ban was lifted, and absinthe moved off the black market and onto the shelves. The liquor, which has an alcohol content of up to 75%, is traditionally served in a glass topped... Read more >

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Valentine's Day Recipe: Chocolate Budino with Candied Hazelnuts and Grapefruit

by JBF Editors on February 11, 2013

Not a fan of cramped tables and half-baked prix fixe menus on Valentine's Day? We don't blame you, especially if you're game to make this elegant Italian pudding from Bob Truitt, who oversees the dessert program at Marea and other restaurants in Michael White's Altamarea Group. The budino alone is wonderful, but accessorizing it with the Campari-scented grapefruit peel and toasted, sugar-slicked hazelnuts makes it worthy of a white tablecloth.

Get the recipe here.

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On the Menu: Week of February 10

by JBF Editors on February 08, 2013

Here's what's coming up at the James Beard House:

Sunday, February 10, 4:00

Valentine's Tea

Here at the Beard Foundation, we have a number of annual traditions. One of the most beloved is our Valentine’s Day tea, for which we enlist a group of all-star chefs and pastry chefs to prepare a harmonious selection of sweets and savories.

Tuesday, February 12, 6:30 P.M.

Mardi Gras Decadence

We’ve rounded up a team of New York chefs to bring you an indulgent taste of Mardi Gras. Join us for this spirited walk-around party featuring delicious bites and festive cocktails.

Thursday, February 14, 7:00

Valent... Read more >

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Daily Digest: February 7, 2013

by JBF Editors on February 07, 2013

Did Neanderthals make soup? [NPR]

Cheese factory catches fire during Montreal's Poutine Week. [Global Montreal]

Vancouver publisher releases a comic book about Julia Child. [Chicago Tribune]

The latest sketchy food substance: nanoparticles. [NYT]

Mee... Read more >

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