This is how to make a real Italian beef, according to the culinary producer of ‘The Bear’
In addition to star Jeremy Allen White’s months of training at restaurants, including Santa Monica’s Pasjoli, much of the realism so many have attributed to TV’s “The Bear” is due to the culinary supervision of chefs Courtney Storer and Matty Matheson, who also played handyman Neil Fak on the show. The culinary producers devised on-camera dishes for the FX on Hulu series and also served as inspiration and sounding boards within the writers room.
Pumpkin Spice Martini? Autumn cocktails can get creative
Apple pie! Pumpkin spice! Buttered rum! This is how we embrace autumn at our home bar.
Gretchen’s table: Vermont apple cider doughnuts
My granddaughter, Greta, and I have a lot in common: We’re both always moving, easy to smile (if occasionally cranky) and love to be outdoors in the sunshine.
Spiced beef, salty cheese fill Turkey’s top street food
Outside the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, a woman in a headscarf slaps a ball of dough between her formidable hands and stretches it over the dome of a large saç griddle.
Plant of the Month for October: The kiawe tree
In this column, I usually write about a plant you might want to grow. Though I don’t want to encourage growing a plant that can be invasive, the kiawe tree has an interesting story and many useful properties, that I’d like to share.
Global warming means palms in surprising places
We are still in Italy but soon to be home. Visiting the Amalfi Coast south of Rome made us homesick mainly because it looks tropical with lots of palms, bananas and other plants that create a tropical ambiance. It just goes to show that one can create a feeling by the plants used in the landscape.
Free Grab-&-Go Ocean Learning Kits to be distributed
One thousand kits will be distributed at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary-sponsored distribution locations on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island this weekend with fourth graders on Lanai and Molokai receiving their kits via school.
For chewy Japanese noodles, borrow an Italian technique
Japanese udon noodles are all about the chew, but it’s hard to replicate the texture with what’s available in American markets.
Gretchen’s table: Creamy poblano pepper pasta
Poblanos are most often used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking — they’re terrific stuffed — but because their heat is relatively mild, they also make a fine addition to chili and soup. They’re also wonderful roasted and blended into a cream sauce.
3 knives every cook needs. And some they might just want.
There is likely no kitchen tool purchase as important as your cooking knives. And it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the variety of styles, prices, sizes and materials.
Quick Fix: No need for constant stirring with this ‘risotto’ recipe
This mock “risotto” takes only 10 minutes to make and doesn’t need constant stirring. Instead of using traditional rice for the risotto, I use orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, and a large nonstick skillet for this quick meal. The orzo has a creamy texture when cooked this way. Using a large, nonstick skillet instead of a saucepan increases the surface area so the orzo cooks faster and doesn’t stick. There’s no need for constant stirring as with a rice-based risotto.
A patio for your cat: Catios are the new craze, here’s why and the benefits they provide
Some people have a meshed screen patio on their back porches to sit in during warm summer evenings to enjoy a drink and fresh air while staying free of pesky bugs.
Love your leather: How to work natural or faux leather into your home
There is just nothing quite like leather furniture. Cool in the summertime and cozy when it’s cold out, the look and feel of leather is something we love. From ottomans and stools to chairs, sofas and yes, even sectionals, we appreciate a quality leather piece.
Here’s when to start decorating for Halloween this year, according to the experts
When it comes to decorating, there is no wrong time for anything. It all comes down to personal comfort, taste and needs — ultimately what brings you joy. That being said, decorating for a holiday too early can sometimes draw unwanted glares from the neighbors.
Build soils with animal manures and other nutrient sources
When our aina gets scorched by fires or lava, we need to take time to build life again. We are in Italy now and even with the extremes of heat this summer, farmers are working to bring new crops to life. Some lands here have been farmed for thousands of years using age old techniques to bring about healthy soils. In Hawaii we can use these same practices. Where animal manures are available they are probably the best source of fertilizer and organic matter for the organic gardener.
Hawaii Coffee Association names SCA US CoffeeChamps Prelims winners
The Hawaii Coffee Association returned as host of the Hawaii Prelims for the 2023 Specialty Coffee Association U.S. CoffeeChamps. This year’s Hawaii Prelims recently presented the Roasters and Brewers Cup Competitions on Oahu.
Cool Fusion: Festival of 1000 Bowls is Saturday
The Donkey Mill Art Center will hold its 15th annual Cool Fusion: Festival of 1000 Bowls Saturday at the center’s campus in Holualoa.
Keep Puako Beautiful plans coastal cleanup Oct. 22
Nonprofit Keep Puako Beautiful is holding a Community Coastal Cleaup Day on the beach and trails or in the water from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 at Hapuna Beach State Park in South Kohala.
Fresh corn makes a creamy pasta sauce with no cream
Even when they are tasty, creamy pasta sauces can be unappealingly heavy. A few bites and you’re done.
Out-of-the-lunchbox ideas help make eating fun for everyone
The right foods and a good strategy can make even the pickiest of eaters look forward to the midday meal.
