Which chickens are best for roasting, frying, and stewing?

Roasters and fryers generally have more muscle, flavor and fat. The fat is favorable for roasting & frying because it adds flavor and moisture to the meat as it is cooking and will eventually melt off through the cooking process.

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The secret to making perfect omelettes is all in the digging

“Eggcellent” advice: How do you make a perfect omelet? How about fluffy scrambled eggs?  You’ve probably heard you’re supposed to add water to them, although Martha Stewart says not to.  I never add any water to mine, either.  I mean, Martha Stewart says no, so… The truth is, putting water in eggs can make them… Continue reading The secret to making perfect omelettes is all in the digging

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A graceful invasion

The Emerald Coast and dolphin ballet

Uneasiness crept in as it became obvious that the water was very, very deep. I looked around to see that we were quite far out from the shore; the anchored boats around Crab Island were no longer visible to us. The only thing that was perfectly up close was the famous Emerald green water of… Continue reading The Emerald Coast and dolphin ballet

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Is having patience just a waste of time?

  A virtue, she is called.  Patience, whom I have (resentfully) obliged for many years (albeit on provisional terms) and I have a sometimes-helpful, symbiotic association.  It is a friendship, of sorts:  the kind that is long, tumultuous, curious, tedious, and in many ways, unwilling and unlikely.  She is something I need, but do not… Continue reading Is having patience just a waste of time?

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shrimp fried rice

Plain rice is nice, but is wild better?

Confused about rice? There seems to be so many varieties.  What is long-grain?  How about wild rice?  Converted?  What is all of this? Rice is a staple food in most parts of the world, and for good reason: add some vegetables, meat, and some simple seasonings and you have a tasty, satisfying, and nutritious meal.… Continue reading Plain rice is nice, but is wild better?

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You should go into catering! No thanks.

  “You should go into catering.” While I’m flattered by this kind and appreciative statement, after parties, the only response I can muster is, “Thank you, but I don’t want to work that hard.” Parties, regardless of how much I love planning the menu, making the food, decorating the table, and just the general idea… Continue reading You should go into catering! No thanks.

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Summer tailgate picnic

Summer Tailgate Picnic in the Park Menu: Chilled Spicy Shrimp Marinated Mozzarella and Tomatoes Dressed Fruit Salad

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Who is this Valentine fellow?

We all associate Valentine’s Day with romance, but I can’t seem to get to the truth of who St. Valentine really was or why exactly it is our custom that candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones in honor of this person. The romantic aspect of February 14 associated with Saint Valentine’s Day… Continue reading Who is this Valentine fellow?

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