Ever heard of vertical roasting?  It’s believed that the Chinese discovered this method of cooking more than 2000 years ago when they started mounting suckling pigs and ducks in a hanging position to allow the fat to drip out for tender meat with a crispy skin. These days you’ll come…
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By now we all know the term farm-to-table, but have you heard of bean-to-bar?  The latest incarnation of the premium chocolate bar comes from Raaka, one of the only chocolate companies working with organic fair trade, Rainforest Alliance certified beans. Raaka uses a low temperature process instead of roasting their…
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Nothing says All-American Summer more than the Lobster Roll.   Whether you are heading to the beach this weekend or laying low in the city, this easy recipe is the perfect choice for a relaxed holiday gathering.  The Lazy Hostess suggests a simple summer menu including classic lobster rolls served with…
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It’s hard to be the life of the party when the buffet table can potentially send you to the ER.  Hosts don’t have it any easier – not only do they have to please everyone’s palettes, they now have to worry about a whole range of food allergies and dietary…
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Foodies will most definitely delight at Gilt Groupe’s latest offering, Gilt Taste, a dedicated website for all things culinary and artisanal curated by former Gourmet Editor-in-Chief Ruth Reichl.  At their lavish launch party last Wednesday night at Cedar Lake, notable chefs including Eric Ripert, restaurateurs Drew Nieporent and Ken Friedman,…
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Now you can send a gift to say, “Get Well Soon,” that actually might help you get well soon.  Healing Cooler is a boxed set of 6 freshly pressed organic fruit and vegetable juices that can be sent to a loved one that is on the mend. Created by Eric…
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While the cupcake has enjoyed a long reign as the portable dessert of choice, three friends from Brooklyn have created a new sweet treat that may be the next big baking trend.  Called the Cake Cup, the dessert is essentially a miniature cake that is said to be more moist…
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Most gadgets are fun at first, then the novelty seems to wear off and the item gets added to the junk drawer.  But, the Ravi Wine Chiller ($39.99) is an easy-to-use and practical device that will come in handy at your next dinner party. Here’s how the ingenious gadget works. …
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With product names like the Catcher and the Curve, you might think this brand was related to sports but the British company, Joseph Joseph, is all about stylish and technically innovative kitchenware.  Created by twin brothers Richard and Antony Joseph, who studied at Cambridge University and Central St Martins, respectively,…
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When it comes to party snacks, nothing is easier to prepare than a savory dip for your veggies, bread and crackers.  Some are so simple that they only need a quick pulse in the blender while others require a good mix of ingredients followed by a few short minutes in…
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If a trip to Ladurée in Paris is not in your upcoming travel plans, there is still a way to satisfy your craving for French macarons.  Head down to the Lower East Side in New York to visit Bisous Ciao Macarons, a charming little bakery shop that sells a wide…
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Fresh cut flowers, especially in the winter months, can be a party extravagance.  For an eco-chic and inexpensive alternative, we’ve often used miniature gourds, pumpkins and even artichokes in our tabletop decor. To take this concept one step further, here’s an idea from Martha Stewart for an “edible” centerpiece that…
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