Pacific Northwest Style

You are going to need cedar planks for today's fish recipe. I am encouraging you to step outside and grill with this recipe. Soak planks for 30 minutes before you fire up the grill. Make sure the grill is good and hot, this is key! Cedar planked fish takes on a wonderful smokey flavor with more flair and a lot less hassle. The plank will be charred, but the fish will be perfectly cooked. This technique of cooking on planks is not new. Developed by Indians in the Pacific Northwest, cooking on cedar and alder has been a tradition for centuries.

This weekend when you are running errands, head to the hardware store and pick up some cedar planks. Oh- be sure they are untreated non-resined wood, and no thicker than 1 inch. Cedar and alder are popular choices, but mesquite, cherry, peach, apple, and oak also add their own unique flavors. Enjoy.

image,© Olga Lyubkina

Black Garlic

That's right, black garlic - not to be confused with my signature honey-colored caramelized garlic. But I predict it won't be long before this too becomes a common ingredient in every gourmand's kitchen. Garlic has been commonly used for centuries in the Far East in foods and also for its health benefits and medicinal properties. As for black garlic in its concentrated state; does this mean a higher concentration of antioxidants and benefits? Maybe so, the verdict is still out. But in terms of culinary seasoning, think concentrated or "reduction" version of caramelized garlic. The result is a complexity of mellow molasses meets rich sweetness, like a balsamic reduction. 

Tip: Black garlic is an excellent seasoning to add to porcini mushroom risotto.

Unfortunately this is something we can not replicate at home. It's a 30 day fermentation process requiring a specially made oven. Available from BlackGarlic. 

Coffee, Beyond The Brew

I'm guessing, the first words of the day globally are- make coffee. Yet, to have a really good cup of coffee, is another thing. I’ve shared with you my favorite place in Italy for great espresso, and am still on my global quest for the best cup of regular coffee. Right now, brewed coffee in my kitchen is in first place. I’ve told you about my favorite coffee accoutrements, and now here's a handy checklist of tips to keep that first cup of the day - your best!

Suggestions for good tasting coffee
- Use good quality coffee, freshly roasted and freshly ground.
- Grind your own beans for the best tasting coffee, and only grind as much coffee as you will immediately use.
- Use the proper grind. If the brewing process is quick, the grind should be fine; if the process takes more time, the grind should be made more coarse.
- Use fresh, clean, cold water. Filtered or bottled water works well.
- Make only enough coffee for your immediate consumption.
- Coffee tastes best when it is fresh, best within 10 minutes. The longer it sits, the more bitter it gets. 

How-to clean your coffee maker once a month
- Remove filter from coffee maker.
- Fill carafe with cold water and add two tablespoons of white vinegar.
- Pour water and vinegar into the coffee maker and turn on the coffee maker.
- Let it brew halfway through the brewing cycle, stop machine for 10 minutes.
- Resume the brewing process and let the brewing cycle complete.
- Rinse carafe and brew two pots of plain water.
- Rinse carafe. It is now ready to brew with coffee.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Memorable Veggie Sides

Question- is the turkey the hero or are the side dishes? I say- it depends on the what the sides are. First, I promise not to serve up grey string beans and soggy canned corn then expect you to ask for seconds.

There's the trick to my veggie side dish mix that makes them stand out on their own. And, I have taken the stress away. Stop trying to get everything to the table hot. Opt out! That’s right! Don’t serve a complete menu of all hot sides. It can be a little stressful, even for the most experienced chef especially when having your mother-in-law looking over your shoulder thinking out loud- that's not how I do it.

Also, don’t feel compelled to make too many items. Do a few well is better than too many average. Prepare some traditional favorite family sides, then try out a new dish to start your own tradition. 

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Bacon

Garlic Artichokes

Roasted Root Vegetables

Grilled Asparagus

Fennel & Green Bean Salad

Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta

© Hdconnelly | Dreamstime.com

What's Coming Up Monday: Thanksgiving Turkey Countdown Continues with More Sides: Potatoes, Stuffings & Dressings

Turkey Countdown: Turkey Tips

What better time than the holidays to celebrate all the wonderful things we've been blessed with throughout the year. Traditionally, food has always been a natural way to celebrate life and friendship. Take time this holiday season to spread joy using a “taste” of your own food traditions with family and friends. 

Today- I'll get you started with some information on how to choose your holiday turkey.

Let's Talk Turkey—A Guide to Turkey, here.

What's Coming Up Tomorrow?

- For the juiciest turkey, My Turkey Brine Recipe  

- Is your oven too crowed this year? How about grilling? 

- Timetables for roasting or grilling turkey 

- Making the perfect gravy

use a good quality roasting pan. pictured, by Calphalon