Sauces are the unsung heroes of the culinary world—simple additions that can elevate any dish from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether you’re drizzling a velvety white sauce over vegetables, crafting a rich cheese sauce for your favorite comfort foods, or experimenting with bold flavors like herbs and spices, mastering a few basic sauce recipes can open the door to endless kitchen creativity.
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A well-made white sauce is one of the most versatile tools in a cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re preparing a creamy soup, a comforting mac and cheese, or a luscious fondue, this simple yet essential sauce forms the foundation of countless recipes. Best of all, it’s easy to make with just a few basic ingredients—flour, butter (or oil), and milk—yet it can be transformed with endless flavor variations, from velvety cheese sauces to herb-infused delights.
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Polenta is one of the most underrated yet versatile ingredients in the kitchen. Made from simple cornmeal, this traditional Italian staple has transformed from a humble dish into a gourmet favorite, appearing on restaurant menus worldwide. While pre-made polenta is available at grocery stores, making it from scratch is affordable, easy, and allows for endless customization.
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A note from Chef Doughty…making mashed potatoes is not an exact science. You are allowed tons of flexibility and because of that I am reluctant to include a recipe. That said, this recipe will demonstrate some essential ingredients that should generally be included (butter, dairy, salt and pepper). This recipe is the standard recipe that we used at the restaurant. It holds well and provides good body and texture and is a good base for added ingredients, should you choose to use them.
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A note from Chef Joyce Doughty…I studied French cooking techniques at Le Cordon Bleu and I appreciate the rigorous instruction I received in classical cooking. But practically speaking, there are times when one must put on a simpler hat which will still yield wonderful outcomes. That is true when speaking of stocks. There are cookbooks devoted to the complexities of making a delicious stock. But for our purposes we are going straight to the practical.
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If you’ve ever wanted to make marinara sauce from fresh, homegrown tomatoes but felt unsure where to start, roasting them is an easy and flavorful solution. Roasting tomatoes not only enhances their natural sweetness and deepens their flavor but also allows you to tailor the seasoning to your taste. Whether you prefer a hint of garlic, a sprinkle of basil, or a touch of thyme, you can customize the recipe to your liking.
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As summer hits its peak, there’s no better time to savor the vibrant flavors of seasonal fruits. In this post, we’ll explore the beauty of a well-crafted fruit salad, embracing the natural goodness of fresh produce without the need for added sugars. We’ll also share a delightful recipe for Summer Fruit Kuchen, a perfect blend of custard and fruit on a shortbread crust.
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A potato salad can be created to accompany the simplest and also the most elegant of meals. The ingredients that are paired together can span a wide range of vegetables, seasonings, and dressings, making each salad unique and delicious.
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Many of us may not feel up to planting and tending a full-size garden but we do manage to grow a few herbs. When there is excess, here are some methods for preserving and utilizing that green essence. Don’t forget, you can always share any excess with neighbors and co-workers!
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Making salad dressings is something every cook should embrace with gusto! Homemade salad dressing have such a fresh and authentic taste. They are a great way to develop a creative, culinary mind and they can be customized easily to match the salad you are making.
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