Chai Tea

What Is Chai Tea?

OMG, this is so good!! These are the words from a person who has just had their first taste of chai. What is Chai Tea? Let’s start with definitions; “Chai” is the word for tea in many parts of the world, and the term “masala chai,” meaning “mixed-spice tea,” is the proper term when referring to this drink made with milk, black tea, and spices. There really is nothing like a homemade cup of chai. Are you becoming curious? Still asking, what is Chai Tea? And what about that spice blend? Well, to answer these questions, let’s have a closer look at what makes up chai tea and the many benefits it can offer us.

Victoria’s Secret Salsa

Victoria’s Secret Salsa

Victoria’s Secret Salsa

The other day, out of the blue, I remembered the pure simplicity of La Victoria Salsa, a thick, rich salsa without the spice. If you are not familiar with La Victoria Salsa, at least in California, it was without a doubt the salsa of choice and always present at parties and holidays. Now, living here in Mexico where I have every ingredient, every type of chili pepper, and can create any salsa imaginable, you must be curious as to why I would be thinking about La Victoria Salsa. Well, we had a party the other day and I realized that there are many people who do not like spicy food, and so to offer a salsa for everyone to enjoy, to create a a salsa rich in flavor but without the spice became my goal.

First a little history, is it salsa or sauce? 

Chef Mauro Chiecchio and Alfred Toth

Do professional chefs use recipes?

Do professional chefs use recipes? Follow a recipe or freestyle, do chefs, or for that matter, does anyone really use or follow recipes? These days many of us have trouble finding time for the simple things in life, let alone cooking. We quickly discover that cooking involves both technical and artistic aspects, and if nothing else, we can save time by following recipes.

Cooking techniques are as old a fire, so why reinvent the wheel? Following a recipe gives us a head start, learning from the mistakes of others. With experience, cooking becomes easier, and then with success, cooking becomes fun.

Let’s take a look at recipes; who uses them, why they are useful, and how we can use them.

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan or Parmigiana di Melanzane is a classic Italian dish, and for vegetarians, one of the most satisfying plates you could imagine. Usually offered as an appetizer, although in restaurants I will eat this as my main course, add a salad and warm crusty Italian bread you have a complete meal. As with many recipes there are a few tricks, details of preparation that are passed down from generation to generation. Eggplant Parmesan is a prime example of a very straightforward recipe but with variations ranging from a quick and simple Deli version to a plate worthy of gourmet fine dining. How does the home cook decide which techniques to use?

Tiramisu

Tiramisu, with a name that sounds like a Japanese movie monster, this Italian, coffee-flavored dessert, is one of my favorites. You will find this extraordinary scrumptious dessert in better Italian restaurants around the world. While most of my experience has been limited to Italian restaurants in Mexico City, I began to realize that numerous variations of Tiramisu exist. For me finding the perfect tiramisu has become the quest.

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