Italian Mother of Sauces (Recipes)

    Greetings, Italian food lovers. Previously Pesto was mentioned as one of three sauces I consider Italian "Mother" Sauces. It is from these three sauces that all other sauces are created. The next sauce in the trilogy is Alfredo Sauce. We may never actually and truly know which Alfredo this sauce was named after, but we do know that it is the sauce with the highest fat content, consisting of heavy cream, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper.

From this sauce you can add whatever you like to take it to the next level. The most obvious ingredient to add would be pesto. Adding 4 cheeses, tomatoes, fresh basil, and or a variety of herbs and spices not only add different flavors to your Alfredo sauce, but gives it different names as well.

The key to any good Alfredo sauce is reduction. Simmering is the key word here, as that indicates a low convection movement or just a few bubbles every now and then while cooking. Low to medium heat and stirring often helps your sauce reduce quicker and keeps it from burning/scalding.

Pressed for time? OK, the fastest way to make an Alfredo sauce is to simmer the heavy cream then whisk in cream cheese. This will thicken your sauce faster and have it ready in 15 minutes versus 30-40 minutes. Then add your cheese and seasonings for a delightful side dish or entrée (if adding meat).

Enjoy experimenting with your Alfredo sauce in your next Italian adventure. Bon Appetit

Enjoy Tailgating this Football Season

October 17, 2001

    After everything that happened last month, it is truly inspiring that life is continuing in the United States.

Football is taking on a more patriotic emphasis  and nothing is more American than the tailgate  party. Tailgating parties are a football tradition in most US homes, :-), and especially in cities with stadiums.  People arrive at the game hours ahead of time, break out portable grills, propane  burners, etc. and commence to cook whatever the food of choice is depending on the area.  At  home people get together hours before the game comes on and sit and eat finger foods, drink whatever they feel like, and cheer for their favorite teams.  

Whether the party takes place in the parking lot of your sports arena, your local bar, or your  backyard, the food and friends are roughly the same. While chicken wings remain one of the nation's most favorite tailgating foods, why stop there?

Take the bones out of the chicken and change the sauce for a new tailgate food. Instead of spicy wings, add curry with a cucumber sauce instead of ranch or Blue cheese. Go a wee bit Oriental with General Tso's Chicken, making it boneless, spicy, and still finger-food suit-able for the most picky of palates.

Enjoy these tailgating possibilities as our favorite teams remind us that life goes on. Bon appetit!

Read the Southern Cooking article.

Recipe: Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Recipe: General Tso's Chicken
Recipe: Curried Chicken Wings

Cajun food can give you that 'warm' feeling for fall

October 31, 2001

   The colder weather has hit and I, for one, am enjoying this immensely. With a convertible, it is fun to let the wind blow through your hair and enjoy the night skyline with stars and the occasional full moon.  One of the best parts about driving in this cooler weather is coming home to a nice warm meal of our choosing. Cajun food can give you that warm feeling without burning your socks off, if done right. Cajun food is not necessarily spicy.  There is a subtle heat that will warm you without the fiery feeling on your taste buds. The seasoning blend in Cajun food is made from scratch and used on most all seafoods, meats and vegetables to give the food the rich flavor it deserves without breathing fire. Soups, stews and etouffees are perfect this time of year to chase away the chill and fill you up as well.  Served with rice or pasta of choice, you have a meal that could last for a few days. Making a pot full up, and then freezing the unused portion, can make the meal last for a few weeks, off and on. Enjoy these ideas for your next warm meal, enjoy the cool air before it turns really cold, and bon appetit.  

Read the Fish Tips and Ideas article

Recipe:  Seafood Etouffee
Recipe:  Cajun Seasoning Blend