Salmon Gravlax

Gravlax is a Nordic dish consisting of raw salmon, cured in salt, sugar, fresh dill and seeds and spices. Cure the salmon two to three days prior to serving. This following recipe is for 1-1/2 pounds of fresh wild salmon fillet. INGREDIENTS 1-1/2 pounds of fresh wild salmon fillet 1/3 cup coarse salt (sea salt or Kosher) 1/2 cup sugar 1 tightly-packed cup of coarsely chopped fresh dill 1 generous tablespoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds 1 teaspoon fennel seeds Red pepper flakes DIRECTIONS 1.…

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Gluhwein – German-style Spiced Hot Wine

Try this version of Gluhwein – a German-style hot spiced wine! A perfect beverage to enjoy on a cold winter night, when you feel under the weather or anytime you feel like cozying up! • about 3 cups red wine (dry only, or combination of dry and dessert) • 3-4 cloves • 3-4 cardamom seeds • 1-2 all spice berries • 1/2 stick cinnamon • 2 pinches freshly graded nutmeg • zest of 1 lemon • juice of 1/2 lemon…

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Halloween Party for GREE!

Proud of the team for pulling together a fun Halloween party for internet media company, GREE, in San Francisco. The eclectic hors d’oeuvre and dessert favorites with classic, ghoulish decor, was a hit! Photography by Kristine Cummins.

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Madeira Braised Turkey with Fried Sage Stuffing

This recipe is one of my favorites and the one we are using for our family Thanksgiving dinner this year! Enjoy! Wine pairing suggestion: a fine red Bordeaux or Napa Valley Cabernet blend will have the astringent tannins to check the richness here. Servings: 12 plus leftovers INGREDIENTS: 4 baguettes (1 1/2 pounds total), cut into 1/2-inch dice 2 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoons Madeira 1/2 cup dried currants or dried blueberries 1 stick plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup fresh…

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Chocolate-Earl Grey Cake

I love tea. I grew up enjoying a cup several times a day with my Armenian/Russian grandmother, who was born and grew up in Uzbekistan, where they drank tea during the hot summer months to keep hydrated and cool. Besides being a delicious beverage, I find tea to be an excellent addition to many dishes, especially cakes. In this recipe, Earl Grey tea is used. It is scented with bergamot oil, which has a lovely orange-citrus flavor. It pairs wonderfully…

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Tomatoes, Bacon, Eggs & Parsley With Whole Wheat Crumpets

This simple and delicious meal will be excellent to jump start your day or to help you refuel after a long morning run or an intense workout. When I decided to begin training for my first half marathon last August, I did not realize how much this new for me activity would affect my appetite. I have always been active, but never ran more than 20 minutes continuously. I was surprised how hungry I felt… all the time. I found…

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Hawaiian Alaea Salts

A treat I brought back from Hawaii: Alaea salt! The flavorful gourmet salt is part of Native Hawaiian cuisine and gets its color from volcanic clay mineral particles.

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