Gourmet Food: Most Popular Articles

Hannah Storm
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

How to Make Fresh Pasta
Making your own pasta is a skill every cook should know. It's a very simple process and uses only three ingredients. Your dinner guests, however, will be deservedly impressed. Let me show you how easy it is with my step-by-step photo instructions.

Top Online Chocolate Shops
Chocolate is the voice of passion and love, whether it is the love of chocolate itself or as an expression of love for another human being. Valentine's Day or Saturday, chocolate is the perfect gift for those we care about or just want to impress. Here are some online chocolate shops with some truly extraordinary products.

Best Chef's Knives
Every cook needs a good knife. It's the one thing you can't do without in the kitchen. If you can only have one good knife, a chef's knife is what you want. A chef's knife has a blade between 8- and 10-inches long and is the most suitable for the greatest variety of tasks. A high quality chef's knife will cost you around a hundred dollars, but if properly taken care of it will last a lifetime.

Bobby Flay and Susan Ungaro
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

How to Cut a Pineapple
Fresh cut pineapple is much more flavorful than the canned variety. There is more than one way to peel a pineapple. Here is my preferred method for peeling and cutting a pineapple accompanied by step-by-step photos.

Sunday Brunch Menu
Brunch is my favorite restaurant experience. A very relaxing and joyous time with family and friends, with a variety of delightful dishes to please all the members of your party. Even the chef seems more relaxed and you will often find creative dishes not on the regular menu. Bring this experience home by cooking up some of these recipes for your guests.

Making Crepes
Making crepes at home is as easy as cooking pancakes. You don't need a special gourmet crepe pan, either, a small nonstick pan will work just fine. Here is my simple step-by-step method for making crepes. The accompanying photos will show you exactly how to create these delicious treats for your guests or family.

How to Make Gnocchi
Gnocchi (pronounced nyoh-kee) is Italian for dumplings. Traditionally it is made from potatoes and flour. Eggs or cheese are often added. The gnocchi is shaped into balls, cooked in boiling water, and served with butter, Parmesan, or any number of sauces. The dough can also be chilled and then baked or fried. Gnocchi makes an excellent appetizer or starter or can be used as a side dish for meat or poultry.

Mexican Sangria
Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink that combines wine with fruit and a little sugar. This Mexican version is a similar fruity concotion but has a higher level of alcohol which makes it great for pairing with spicy foods. Always use a decent wine when making sangria, as the wine will be the most prominent flavor.

Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay has been called a lot of things in his life. “Nice guy” probably isn’t one of them. Chef Ramsay is more known for his temper and scathing outbursts in the kitchen. However, despite his unconventional management style, he is without a doubt one of the best chefs in the world and has several successful restaurants to prove it.

Ferran Adria
Ferran Adria  has been called the world's greatest chef. He is certainly one of the most creative. Gourmet magazine referred to Adria  as "the Salvador Dali of the kitchen". His restaurant, El Bulli, was recently named best restaurant in the world by the prestigious Restaurant magazine. Without a doubt, Ferran Adria  will hold a prominent place in culinary history.

How to Trim an Artichoke
You love artichokes. You may have been tempted to buy raw artichokes in the produce section of the supermarket. But how do you turn a giant green pinecone-looking vegetable into the delectable little morsels of artichoke heart? It's really quite simple and here is a step-by-step method to show you how. You'll be pleasantly rewarded with the superior taste of fresh artichoke.

How to Make Ravioli
Ravioli doesn't have to being boring kid stuff from a can. Once you learn the basics, you can fill your ravioli with anything you can imagine from sweet, cheesy concoctions to savory meats or even dessert raviolis. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for a meal sure to impress your family or guests.

Rocco Dispirito
Rocco DiSpirito has had an illustrious career full of awards and recognition. Once viewed as having a very bright career, Rocco, still in his early 30's, is a chef without a restaurant. An extraordinary chef with keen business skills, it remains a mystery why Rocco's endeavors continue to fail. Although his personality grates on some, the same can be said of many successful restaurateurs. Will Rocco ever reach his full potential?

Mocha Panna Cotta
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

Paula Deen
Paula Deen is a true American success story. Newly divorced, almost penniless, afraid of public places, and trying to raise two teenage sons, Paula could have easily become another sad forgotten story. Instead, Paula Deen took what she knew, Southern cooking, and with it not only overcame her situation but has became a huge success with her own restaurant and popular television show.

Gourmet Gift Baskets
Gourmet gift baskets make a wonderful gift any time of the year but are especially welcome around the holidays. Don't know what to give someone or short on time? Almost everyone loves and appreciates the gift of food. It's hard to go wrong. There are thousands of gift basket companies, a few good ones and a lot of not so good ones. Here are some of my favorite companies that are reliable, feature high quality gourmet foods, and have good customer service.

Produce to Buy Organic
There's lots of reasons to buy organic. The USDA's own tests show that most non-organic produce contain residual pesticides even after washing. The long term effects of consuming these pesticides has not been sufficiently studied, but they can't be good for you. Here is a list of the fruits and vegetables most contaminated and which you should buy organic if possible.

F & W's Best New Chefs 2007
Every year Food & Wine Magazine chooses 10 up-and-coming culinary superstars. Young, but none the less experienced, nominees have been in charge of a kitchen for no more than five years. Many of today's culinary superstars were once relatively unknown. Food & Wine had the foresight to recognize their genius. Past winners include Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Rick Bayless, Gary Danko, Todd English, Allen Susser, Tom Colicchio, Gale Gand, Suzanne Goin, John Besh, and other greats.

Buy Gourmet Foods Online
Looking for the best places to buy gourmet foods? Let me show you my favorite online stores for getting the best specialty foods at the best prices.

The Top Vanilla Extract Brands
Vanilla is an essential cooking ingredient for which there is no true substitute. The flavor of real vanilla is made up of over 250 organic components, which gives it great depth and complexity, compared to only one flavor component in artificial vanilla. There are three main types of vanilla: Madagascar Bourbon (named after the Bourbon islands not the liquor), Tahitian (fruity),and Mexican (spicy). Here is a list of premium vanilla extracts that I consider to be the very best.

Best Places to Buy Meats
Trying to buy good meat can be a frustrating experience. Butcher shops are almost nonexistent anymore and we are stuck with limited choices at our local supermarket. The only time we see the butcher is when he comes out of the back to restock the cooler. If you know of a good butcher in your city, make him your friend. There are few things more important than a great steak. If you can't find a real butcher locally, check these online shops for incredible meats and respectable service.

Anthony Bourdain Biography
Anthony Bourdain, executive chef of Brasserie Les Halles in New York City, is the anti-celebrity chef. He’s crass, offensive, and doesn’t wear starched, white jackets or fancy hats. He is, however, a great cook, a great writer, and has an infectious passion for food of every kind. His passion and adventurous spirit are what have created millions of gourmet fans around the world. Chef Bourdain may have turned more people onto good food than any five-star, fancy-hat chef out there.

Where to Buy the Best Seafood
Finding great seafood can be more difficult than the actual cooking itself. If you live far from the ocean or in a small town, your choices can be very limited. Luckily, with modern shipping and online shopping, high quality seafood is available to everyone. One word of caution with buying seafood online, check shipping costs. Overnight shipping can be very expensive, especially when half your package is ice. But if you're looking for some great seafood, here are the companies I recommend.

Gift Ideas for Women
Know a woman who loves to cook? Here are some gift ideas for the special woman in your life that will make her smile, kitchen tools and equipment that are not only fun to use but truly useful. Not only will you be remembered for your thoughtful gift every time she uses it in the kitchen, but you will most likely be the recipient of many delicious treats in the future.

Best Mexican Resaurants NYC
The Michelin Guide (Le Guide Michelin) is an annual guide book to hotels and restaurants in over a dozen countries published by Michelin (yes, the tire guys). Restaurants are awarded stars based on their quality with 3-stars considered the absolute pinnacle of perfection. Here is their top picks for Mexican restaurants in New York City. According to Michelin, "These restaurants offer authentic, Mexican cuisine in a festive atmosphere."

Bobby Flay and Stephanie March
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

Mary Ann Salcedo
Ramsay's Sous Chef, Mary Ann Salcedo, has an impressive resum&#130: degree from Institute of Culinary Education (New York), Head Chef at Green Street Cafe&#130, Executive Chef at Harvest Valley Restaurant, Executive Chef at Merchants Restaurant, Executive Sous Chef at Rene Pujol Restaurant (NYC). She also teaches cooking classes.

Famous Chefs
Famous Chefs by Brett Moor

Where To Buy Kitchenware
Fancy cookware or kitchen tools aren't necessary to cook great food. They can, however, make your life a whole lot easier. Here are five of my favorite online stores for kitchenware, in no particular order. So whether you're looking for a chef's knive or a cherry pitter or that whatchamacallit that does that thing, look here first. These shops often have sales, so check around for the best price.

Where to Buy Kobe Beef
Kobe beef is a very high grade of beef from Japanese cattle (Wagyu) raised in Kobe, Japan. The genetics, diet, and handling of Wagyu create a beef product with a highly desirable flavor and a texture that melts in your mouth. Today, there are several U.S. producers that sell Kobe beef. Here is a list of reputable ranchers and vendors that sell Kobe beef online.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Sometimes you just need good old comfort food. Pulled pork takes a long time to cook, but it's well worth the wait. Juicy, tender pork melts in your mouth. Rich, tangy barbecue sauce and spicy apple chutney create a wonderful taste sensation. Messy, fatty, and rich. Good stuff!

Hickory Smoked Pork BBQ
Nothing says southern cooking like slow-cooked pork and Carolina BBQ sauce.

Spiral
Spiral

Buy Gourmet Cheese Online
Gourmet cheeses are a world apart from the factory produced cheeses found in the chain supermarkets. Gourmet cheeses can be hard to find locally if you don't have a specialty market or cheese shop. Here are some online sources where you're sure to find some fantastic tasting cheeses.

Where To Buy Wild Game
A few decades ago wild game was a huge part of the average American's diet. As people moved away from the country and into the cities, however, we lost this connection to the land. Consumers relied more and more on factory farms and our meat choices were reduced to beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. Today several companies specialize in game meats and have made these once rare products readily available to consumers.

How to Open an Oyster
Raw oysters on the half shell are a culinary treat that everyone should experience at least once in their lives, hopefully several times. The only way to properly ensure that your oysters are fresh is to open them yourself. Opening oysters is really a quite simple task, although it does take a bit of practice. Always start with oysters that are alive and fresh. The shell of a good oyster will be tightly shut. If the shell is slightly open, discard the oyster.

Top 10 New Chefs 2006
Every year Food & Wine Magazine chooses 10 up-and-coming culinary superstars. Young, but none the less experienced, nominees have been in charge of a kitchen for no more than five years. Many of today's culinary superstars were once relatively unknown. Food & Wine had the foresight to recognize their genius. Past winners include Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Rick Bayless, Gary Danko, Todd English, Allen Susser, Tom Colicchio, Gale Gand, Suzanne Goin, John Besh, and other greats.

Gourmet Food of the Month Club
"Of the Month" clubs make a great gift for food lovers. Many of the top gourmet companies now feature various food-of-the-month clubs that spotlight some of their best products such as cheese, chocolate, wine, fruit, jam, cakes, cookies, pasta, salsa, olives, and even gourmet popcorn. These clubs are a convenient, yet unique (and delicious!) gift idea that the recipient will appreciate for months to come.

Food Blogs Good Enough To Eat
Blogs (or web logs) are an interesting phenomenon. Anyone with a computer and an opinion can start a blog, a sort of online diary, for the entire world to read. Food blogs generally relate the dining adventures or cooking experiments of the writer. Many of these blogs are very well written, extremely interesting, and can be addictive. Here are some of my favorite food blogs. Explore these and you may want to start your own. Surely someone out there cares what you had for breakfast.

Creme Brulee French Toast
Here is a sinfully rich and sweet recipe for French toast. Perfect for special occasions or Sunday brunch. Easy to make.

How to Cut a Pomegranate
Pomegranates are in season during the fall and winter months. The edible seeds (actually called arils, the tiny seed is surrounded by a juice sac) and juice, which have a wonderful sweet flavor, are great for cooking or enjoying on their own. Here is one method of cutting open a pomegranate that minimizes the mess and gives you the greatest possible yield of edible fruit.

Watermelon Martini
Cool, refreshing watermelon in a martini. Sweet perfection!

Carbonara with Asparagus
This is a wonderfully rich and tasty dish that works well as a main course. It also pairs beautifully as a side dish with meat dishes.

F & W Best New Chefs 2008
Every year Food & Wine Magazine chooses 10 up-and-coming culinary superstars. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the Best New Chef awards. Past winners include Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Rick Bayless, Gary Danko, Todd English, Allen Susser, Tom Colicchio, Gale Gand, Suzanne Goin, John Besh, and other greats.

Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate Lava Cakes are so called because the center of the cake is a thick liquid chocolate and oozes out when cut, like molten lava. These make a great surprise dessert and, although pretty simple to make, will impress your guests. The chocolate flavor is intense (especially if you use bittersweet), so I like to serve it with vanilla ice cream to balance the flavor.

Bobby Flay
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

Top Chef 4 - Chef Bios
Bravo TV's Emmy Award nominated show Top Chef returns for a fourth season, this time on location in Chicago. Head judge celebrity chef Tom Colicchio (Craft restaurants) returns with host/model Padma Lakshmi, judge Gail Simmons (Food & Wine Magazine), and Ted Allen (Robert Mondavi Wines) along with 16 talented chefs competing for the big prize. Top Chef Chicago premieres March 12, 2008.

Susilovic
Jean-Philippe has worked at the finest restaurants around the world. His knowledge of wine and cuisine is unsurpassed.

Fresh Pesto
Pesto is a wonderful way to a add freshness and flavor to a variety of dishes from pasta to chicken. It's also quite simple to make. Basil, like other herbs, can be pricey at the market. Plant some basil in your garden or even a pot and your kitchen will be supplied with an abudance of this sweet-smelling, versatile herb.

How to Peel an Avocado
Fresh avocado is a real treat. Eat it plain, as guacamole, or in your favorite recipe. Here are is a simple technique for peeling an avocado and removing the pit (with photos).

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp
This classic dessert comes from pastry chef Kate Zuckerman of New York's famous Chanterelle restaurant.

Halvah Sundaes
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

Top 10 Mail Order Appetizers
When planning a party, especially a large one, using prepared foods can be a huge time saver. Cooking for 5 or 6 people is one thing, but what about cooking for 12 or 20 or 50! Talk about stress. If you can make it yourself, great. Other options are recruiting some help (good luck) or hiring a caterer (not cheap) or buying the food premade. Here are some companies that will deliver high quality appetizers right to your door. Just heat and serve.

Squash Ravioli with Herb Sauce
Ravioli doesn't have to be boring kid stuff. Try this wonderful combination of earthy and sweet flavors. It's sure to change your opinion of ravioli.

"Cous-cous" of Cauliflower
"Cous-cous" of Cauliflower with Solid Aromatic Salsa

Black and White Cheesecake
This dessert combines two of my favorite things: cheesecake and chocolate. White chocolate and dark chocolate are used to create a wonderful contrast in color and taste. Nestle Chocolatier dark chocolate chips work very well in this recipe. You can also chop up a bar of dark chocolate or, if you prefer, you can use semi-sweet chocolate.

Top Chef 3 Miami
Season 3 of Top Chef will be held in tropical Miami with 15 new contestants competing for $100,000. Top Chef is definitely the best show in the cooking reality shows. Returning this season to judge the contestants are celebrity chef Tom Colicchio (Craft, Craftbar, Craftsteak)and Gail Simmons (Food & Wine). Model and actress Padma Lakshmi returns to host Top Chef. New to the judging panel will be Ted Allen of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

Letter Soup
Letter Soup

Roasted Mango Chicken
Succulent roasted chicken combines with fresh mangoes to create a Caribbean style dish in this easy to make recipe.

Cookbooks for Kids
Cooking is an excellent way for children to learn responsibility, teamwork, and valuable skills they can use later in life. Spending time together in the kitchen also creates quality family time and wonderful memories. Here are my choices for kid-friendly cookbooks that are well-written, engaging, and teach valuable culinary skills.

Chicken Stock
Nothing adds flavor and richness to a soup or dish better than a really good stock. Making your own is a simple process and will reward you with better tasting meals. If you buy your chicken as whole carcasses to cut up yourself, save any bones you have left over to use in stock. Keep the bones well wrapped in the freezer until you have enough to make batch of stock.

Where to Buy Truffles
Prized since ancient times, the "Food of Kings" has a richly deserved flavor reputation. It's grand taste is only matched by its price tag. Luckily, it only takes a small slice to flavor an entire dish. Oils and pastes that contain real truffle are an affordable alternative.

Emeril Lagasse
Emeril Lagasse, CEO of the Emeril Empire, is the definition of a celebrity chef. He has changed how most of the world sees restaurants and culinary professionals. Through his cooking shows and books, Emeril has made cooking entertaining and given chefs everywhere celebrity status.

Hell's Kitchen Season
Want to become an instant celebrity chef? Fox TV's "Hell's Kitchen" with Chef Gordon Ramsay is having an open casting call for season 4. This season's prize has not been announced but in the past has included having your own restaurant - a dream of many would-be chefs.

Fall Fruit Salad
Fall brings us a bounty of delicious fruits. Apples, pears, and cranberries make a wonderful combination. Both tart and sweet, this salad make a great salad to start a meal or can be used as a side dish to accompany chicken or pork.

Sante 2005 Awards
Sante magazine (the well-respected magazine for restaurant professionals) announces its 2005 Restaurant Awards. Now in its eighth year, the awards are the only peer-judged program for restaurants and hospitality in North America. The awards include four distinct programs: Service Professional, Culinary Hospitality, Wine Hospitality, and Spirits Hospitality.

Chocolate-of-the-Month Clubs
Why give someone a box of chocolates when you can give them chocolates every month of the year? Well, price is the biggest reason. Chocolate-of-the-month clubs are not cheap and will likely cost you hundreds of dollars. But considering the price of buying boxes of chocolate individually, the price is fairly reasonable. That said, if you or someone you know is a chocolate lover, the chocolate-of-the-month club is a delicious gift that will be appreciated all year long.

Strawberry Peach French Toast
Breakfast is the best meal of the day. Especially when you have food like this! Slightly decadent, this stuffed French toast is not for everyday. Fresh summer peaches and ripe strawberries are a perfect combination when combined with cream cheese for this wonderful breakfast treat.

Beef Carpaccio
This is a very simple recipe that celebrates good beef. It may be used as wonderful starter for a dinner party or as an elegant hors d’oeuvres.

Grant Achatz
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

Banana Cheesecake
Create an unforgettable dessert experience for your family or guests. Roasted bananas and macadamia nuts combine in this cheesecake recipe to create a magical taste sensation.

Scott Leibfried
A graduate of Johnson & Wales, Scott Leibfried has worked at restaurants in Boston, Long Island, Martha's Vineyard, and in L.A. including the Four Seasons Beverly Hills and executive chef of the Napa Valley Grille.

Chilled Rhubarb Berry Soup
Soup for dessert? You bet! Two signs of spring, rhubarb and strawberries, match wonderfully in this delightful dessert. A scoop of mascarpone cheese adds a luxurious texture to the dish.

Herb Butter
Herb butter is great to use in any dish that benefits from the addition of herbs: pasta, steamed vegetables, fish, etc. Herb butter is easy to make and keeps well in your freezer. It's great to keep on hand for jazzing up those last minute meals.

Magazines for Food Lovers
As gourmet food and celebrity chefs have become more popular, dozens of magazines have devoted themselves to the culinary world. You can find magazines today dedicated to any number of specific cuisines or particular groups of readers. Like anything else, some examples have become outstanding in their field, while others flail helplessly with poor journalism and vision. Here are my choices for some of the best food magazines available.

Frozen Watermelon Margarita
Watermelon margaritas are a sweet way to keep cool in the summer. Freezing the watermelon beforehand creates a slushy, frozen cocktail without the ice. Delicious!

Gordon Ramsay Biography
Gordon Ramsay has been called a lot of things in his life. “Nice guy” probably isn’t one of them. Chef Ramsay is more known for his temper and scathing outbursts in the kitchen. However, despite his unconventional management style, he is without a doubt one of the best chefs in the world and has several successful restaurants to prove it.

Top 10 Chocolate Bunnies
What is Easter without a chocolate bunny rabbit? Among a basket of jellybeans, chocolate eggs, and marshmallow chickens, only the chocolate rabbit stands alone. Towering over the other treats, the bunny surveys all he sees and decides he is the most worthy of being eaten. Rightly so, but all bunnies are not created equal. For a truly gourmet chocolate experience, you must go to the artisan chocolate maker. Here is a list of my favorite chocolate rabbits from world class chocolatiers.

Top 10 Drinking Chocolates
"Drinking Chocolates" are made from real chocolate as opposed to "Hot Cocoa" which is made from cocoa powder (the powdery remains of chocolate liquor after cocoa butter is removed). Drinking chocolates are not instant like hot cocoa. You must add hot milk, cream, or water . Because of the higher cocoa butter content, drinking chocolates will also be richer and often thicker than hot cocoa. Here are my favorites.

Stuffed Chicken & Peaches
Both tangy and sweet, here is a chicken dish that is sure to please.

Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold, tomato soup that is refreshing on a hot day and adds variety to any meal. It's the perfect recipe to use those wonderful fresh tomatoes.

"Tapioca" of Iberian Ham
"Tapioca" of Iberian Ham

Sardines with Fish Roe
Sardines with Fish Roe

Watermelon Sorbet
Quick and easy, watermelon sorbet is a refreshing summer treat that everyone will love.

Martha Stewart Baking
Martha Stewart Baking Handbook - 2006 IACP Cookbook Award Finalists: Bread, Other Baking and Sweets Category. Cookbooks that focus on desserts, confections, and sweets or savory pastries or doughs.

Spain's10
Spain's best chefs - Ferran Adria, Paco Torreblanca, Juan Mari Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Alberto Chicote, Quique Dacosta, Daniel García, Enrique Martínez, Joan Roca, and Paco Roncero - come together in New York City to celebrate the opening of the International Culinary Center.

Vichyssoise
Most consider vichyssoise to be a classic cold French soup although some believe it was invented in New York City at the Ritz Carlton. Regardless, this potato and leek soup remains a true classic with simply wonderful flavor.

Baked Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a wonderful American tradition found in most areas of the country. Crab cakes are an elegant dish, yet comfort food at the same time. You will find them on the menus of five-star restaurants and at most hole-in-the wall crab shacks. This particular recipe uses fairly traditional ingredients for the crab cakes, but adds spicy fruity sauce for some extra pizzazz.

Edna Lewis
A tall, commanding woman, Edna Lewis was also a giant in the culinary world as well as in life. The granddaughter of freed slaves, Edna would grow up to be a great chef, culinary ambassador, and caretaker of genuine Southern cooking. She would inspire a generation of young chefs and ensure that the traditional folkways of the South would not be forgotten. More than a skilled cook, Edna Lewis touched the lives of those around her with grace and the beauty of life. She will be deeply missed.

White Asparagus with Hot Mayo
White Asparagus with Hot Mayonnaise

White Chocolate Lollipop
Lollipop of White Chocolate & Lemon and Coffee Candy

Mario Batali
Mario Batali, the zealous and stylish star of the Food Network, has become one of the most recognizable chefs in America. With a restaurant empire, several cookbooks, a line of food products, and appearances on television and in print too numerous to mention, it is hard to discuss current culinary trends in America without citing the name of Mario Batali.

Camille
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Small Gifts for Cooks
Don't know what to give your favorite cook? Here are some gift ideas in a range of prices to fit any budget. All are useful items to have in the kitchen, yet unique enough that most people aren't likely to have them. Most of these items can be found in gourmet shops, kitchen stores, department stores, and even discount stores like Target and Walmart.

Banana's Foster Bread Pudding
This luscious dessert recipe combines two classics: Banana's Foster and bread pudding. It make the perfect ending to a New Orleans' Mardi Gras party or a special dinner with friends. Using whole milk and a buttery bread like challah or brioche creates a very delightful but rich dish. If you prefer something not so heavy, substitute 2 percent milk and French bread.

Sweet and Spicy Tomato Chicken
Here is a delightful recipe for roasted chicken that pairs the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and brown sugar with the smoky spiciness of chilies and jalapenos. It's also low fat. What could be better?

Foie Gras
Spain's best chefs converge on New York City for the opening of the International Culinary Center.

Carina Ahlin
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

Classic Creme Brulee
Crème brûlée is a very popular dessert that you will find in almost every fine dining restaurant. The smooth creamy custard contrasts very nicely with the crunch of the hardened sugar topping. A delightful dessert that will impress your guests, crème brûlée is actually quite simple to make. This recipe is the classic version of crème brûlée which has a very nice vanilla custard flavor.

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless chocolate cake is a beautifully rich dessert. You will find it on the menu of many upscale restaurants but it is quite simple to make. Easier than most regular cakes, in fact, because if undercooked it will have a nice fudgy texture unlike the sogginess of an undercooked flour cake. I like to serve this with crème anglaise. Vanilla and chocolate naturally compliment each other and you get a nice contrast in temperatures and textures.

Cooking Gifts Ideas for Men
Looking for gift ideas for a guy that likes to cook? Here are my top ten gift suggestions that will please any would be chef. Somewhat unique and kind of cool, these kitchen tools are still useful enough to be used on a regular basis. Sure to be appreciated.

Consommé Tagliatelle Carbonara
Consommé Tagliatelle Carbonara

Hot & Cold Trout Roe Tempura
Hot & Cold Trout Roe Tempura

Gourmet Food - Recipes
An index of Recipes for the Gourmet Food guide site.

Gingerbread Waffles with Apple
Gingerbread waffles are a wonderful treat for that special occasion or weekend brunch. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen with hungry guests. Add some fresh apple vanilla bean compote and you have a gourmet breakfast that belongs in the best restaurants. This easy recipe will surely impress your guests or family. Scrumptious!

Storing and Serving Caviar
Improper care of caviar will change a delicious, expensive caviar into a cheap tasting mound of fish eggs. Caviar is a very perishable product and needs to be properly stored and served to retain its delicate flavors. Here are a few tips for keeping caviar at its best.

Bizarre Foods
What does gourmet food mean? It all depends on who you are and what country you're standing in. If you happen to be chef and food writer Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods, you're idea of gourmet food differs from most of us.

Ramsay
Is this man ever happy?

Crispy Asparagus Straws
This recipe is so fast and easy but your dinner guests will never know. This is a great appetizer for parties but is so delicious you'll want to make it for your own family. The prosciutto is optional but adds a wonderful savory and salty flavor.

Bread with Oil & Chocolate
Bread with Oil & Chocolate

Chocolate, Eucalyptus, & Pear
Chocolate & Eucalyptus with Pear Sorbet

Strawberries with Campari
Strawberries with Campari, Mandarin, Basil, & Sancho Powder

Bailey Chocolate Pots de Creme
Pot de creme (pronounced poh duh KREHM) is a traditional French dessert that consists of a rich, creamy custard cooked and served in small pots. The classic flavoring is vanilla but here we will be adding chocolate and Baileys for an Irish twist.

Seared Bay Scallops
From Geoffrey Zakarian's Town/Country Cookbook. Geoffrey Zakarian has cooked at some of the world’s best restaurants over the past twenty years, including Arpège in Paris and the Dorchester in London. In New York City, he was the Chef de Cuisine at Le Cirque and Executive Chef of 44 at the Royalton and “21.” In 2001, he opened Town in midtown Manhattan and in 2005 Country near Madison Square Park.

Strawberry Baked Alaska
Here's a refreshing twist on an American classic. This recipe for Strawberry Baked Alaska may seem difficult but it's been divided into short, easy-to-follow steps. Give it a try. Recipe created by Chef Mindy Segal of MK and MK North (Chicago, IL) courtesy of the California Strawberry Commission.

Guy Savoy
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.

Apple Vinegar & Juniper
Apple Vinegar & Juniper Berries

Lime and Grape Iced Green Tea
Reprinted with permission from GREEN TEA: 50 HOT DRINKS, COOL QUENCHERS, AND SWEET AND SAVORY TREATS by Mary Lou Heiss (Harvard Common Press, 2006).

Chocolate Cake & Pomegranate
Granita (pronounce grah-nee-TAH) is the Italian version of sorbet, only with a courser texture. Pomegranate and chocolate is a traditional combination because the flavors match so well. Pomegranate season runs from September through December, but the juice and seeds can be frozen for later use.

"Quince Paste" of Red Fruits
"Quince Paste" of Red Fruits with Curd

Blackened Salmon
A little spicy, a little sweet, this recipe combines some of my fall favorites. Fresh and earthy butternut squash pairs perfectly with salmon. Sweet, tangy mangos cut through the smoky, spicy chipotles to create a dish that is exciting and challenging yet well-balanced.