Distilled spirits came to early America much like the arrival of wine. Europeans were deeply steeped in alcoholic beverages from producing them to personal enjoyment. Wines arrived in Florida with the early Spanish Conquistadors and the monks who brought in wines to St. Augustine. The Scots, Irish, Welsh, English and Dutch had mastered the art …
The Gourmet Highway: Spirits of the South-A Whiskey River Adventure Read More »
While it is true, I love a high temperature seared steak, I have always been bothered by paying $45-$60.00 for a steak on a plate. Sizzling as the plate may be, the old classic style of “Prime” meats has changed over to some serving choice, just no name change, leading guests to wonder- is it …
@Chefjudi We all look to see our zodiac sign every time we see a placemat in a Chinese Restaurant. This year, 2020 is the Yar of the Rat. No cooking with this rodent- just celebrated with coins and pictures. The true celebration is the dance of the dragon, the lighting of the Chinese lanterns and …
Chef Judi Holiday recipes picks Now that we have reached November, the recipes are flowing, getting us all ready for Thanksgiving, Hanukah, and Christmas. And all the tastes of the season. There will be no doubt cookie exchanges, turkey talk and open houses along with the big family meals. After 23 years of cooking Thanksgiving …
I read Mark Twain’s “The Innocents Abroad,” long before I had a driver’s license. I was hooked on travel. So much adventure seemed to be waiting and somehow, someway, I was going to find a higher life. A promise made was a promise kept. Travel is a reward, a gift to the body and soul …
The Gourmet Highway: Too Much of A Good Thing: It’s Wonderful! Read More »
Earlier this year I had the pleasure of visiting Copenhagen, Denmark. A small country north of Germany south of Sweden, Denmark has a culture and charm all its own. I was looking forward to experiencing their restaurants as well as their culture. Scandinavian countries are not particularly well known abroad for their cuisine, so I …
Food origins can be just as fascinating as family genealogy. Barbecue is a subject that can rival college football with heated discussions as to which is best, and why. North Carolina cooks from backyard grillers or restauranteurs swear theirs is superior, but that all changes when you cross state lines. Styles seem to be more …
Fall, fall, where are you, fall? In many areas of the country, the fall feeling is sometimes hard to come by, but if you stick to using the sight, smell, taste, and touch method, you’ll be all pumpkin spice in no time! After a hot, steamy summer, it is refreshing and relaxing to go out …
Off the beaten path, but surely not to be missed, is a region of vine heaven. Aloft in rolling hills and mountains, with a daily flow of chill that introduces itself around 3:00 p.m., Paso Robles is ripe for great wines and wine makers, farmers and quaint towns, each gently hugging the area. Not …
Last month in April I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful archipelago of Indonesia, spending the majority of my time on the striking and colorful island of Bali. Everywhere you turn in Bali you see a rainbow of colors and flavors. From the fields of lush green rice paddies, the aromatic orange offerings being …