The Original Flavor

What is the first sign of spring to you? Daffodils, birds singing, or is it the return of Major League Baseball? If it’s baseball, then that means there’s a seventh inning stretch with the legendary song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" (by Jack Norworth 1908) accompanied by consumption of one of America’s oldest snacks. The popularity of that song, still sung today, with the line “buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack” will be heard throughout baseball stadiums in America this month.

But Cracker Jack is so much more than candy caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts. There is also that special little surprise in each box which still brings smiles to faces on kids of all ages. Did you know these one-of-a-kind prizes are sought after by collectors fetching north of 50k dollars? Hey that’s cool! - which by the way is the meaning behind the term ‘Cracker Jack’ in the 1890’s. I do think the name Cracker Jack is fitting, somehow ‘Cool Jack’ just doesn't have the same ring.

Watch this classic TV commercial from the 1960’s featuring Jack Gilford.

Tapenade

How about entertaining with a bit of Northern Spain/ South of France influence? Stock up on Olives and Anchovies. Tip: Give Arbequina olives a try - they are grown in Catalonia, Spain and have a buttery flavor with hints of pepper.

Tapenade comes from the word tapeno which means capers in Provence. The addition of sun dried tomatoes adds a little sweetness.

Olive Tapenade

Recipe by George Hirsch | Makes 1 cup

2/3 cup black oil cured olives (Kalamata or Nicoise), pitted and finely chopped 

2 anchovy fillets in oil, drained and finely chopped 

4 cloves caramelized garlic 

2 Tablespoons capers, drained, rinsed under cold tap water and finely chopped 

2 small sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped 

4 Tablespoons virgin olive oil 

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

3 basil leaves , chopped

In a bowl, mix together the olives, anchovies, garlic, capers, sun dried tomatoes, oil, pepper, and water. Spread Tapenade on toasted French baguette bread, top with fresh basil, or serve with your favorite sandwich. 

Coulommiers Rouzaire

You know I like to pass along good stuff when I come across it. Today's topic, the ever important wedge of soft cheese - that you don't need to hold on to your hat, when buying, this quality of product.

Fromagerie Rouzairein, is a third generation cheese factory owned by the Rouzaire family. The factory is located less than one hour from Paris center, in the heart of the Seine et Marne, the Île-de-France region. 

Old Ourcq canal dockside in Meaux, France, image; LundeuxMeaux medieval passage

Coulommiers, made from cows milk, is considered a member of the Brie family made in Meaux, aka the "land of Brie," about 40 miles east of Paris. It is smaller and thicker than the more typical Brie-style cheeses, and some say that Coulommiers is the predecessor of Brie. 

Coulommiers' hand molded artisanal cheese is described as "the color of fresh churned butter with a supple paste and well-developed rind with a hint of hazelnut." 

The famous Brie de Meaux, crowned "king of cheeses" at the 1815 Congress of Vienna, has a Label of Controlled Origin. It is a distinctively soft cheese, encased in a covering of white skin, scattered with reddish pigments, with a light hazelnut taste

Coulommiers is delightful on crackers, spread on a baguette and pairs well with with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even Merlot.

Available at fine specialty shops and artisianalcheese.com

My Proline

Those that know me-know, I am not big on collecting kitchen gadgets. It might stem from my fierce culinary training. We were programmed to believe that you can't hide behind all the fancy kitchen accouterments. Frankly, there was no time to reach for the special doohickey for this or that; which explains why for many years I drank my coffee black - adding milk takes an extra 30 seconds. Well things have changed, somewhat. I now put milk in my coffee and have gotten used to a few good kitchen gadgets, my coffee maker, The KitchenAid Proline Coffee Maker. It is worthy of touting about. I know I am not alone, a good cup of coffee in the AM can help get you on the right foot for the day.

Other articles:

Coffee, Beyond the Brew

The Daily Grind

Wild Thymes

Unlike a family member of mine, (whose name I shall not mention) I rarely buy premade sauces, dips, or marinades. But when I do, it has to be the best. Define best - You say? First, I am very attracted to any mom-n-pop crafted goods that have been created out of love and respect for food and the ingredients in their product. 

A good sauce or dressing can make a dish. There are many mediocre products on the market, so when I taste a good one, I like highlighting it.

Wild Thymes Farm products had me at hello. I was asked sometime back to guest on the Today Show, with a complete meal made out of premade sauces. At first, I was a little reluctant because if you read most the labels, well- where's the food? But, to my delight, with the first taste of Wild’s Chili Ginger Honey Marinade I was sold.

Check out the ingredient list on the label yourself: Sugar, apple cider vinegar, ginger, whole oranges, red bell peppers, lime juice, garlic honey, whole lemons, red chili peppers, spices, sea salt.

Besides the products being great, so is the Wild Thymes story. Ladies, keep doing what you are doing - you are rock stars of the Hudson Valley.