Last week, I woke up (no surprises here) slightly hungover. It seems I had played one three too many rounds of beer pong. As I lay in bed, my head pounding, I suddenly realized I was in the best place in the world to be hungover: my parents' house — where the fridge was always stocked! Sure enough there was bacon, eggs, an assortment of cheese, and bread. It was time to make the ultimate breakfast sandwich — Thomas Keller's cheesy BLT with a fried egg. You may recognize this sandwich from the movie Spanglish. And if you've never made it, treat yourself to one today (especially if you are hungover!).

The combination of crisp bacon, oozing yolk, and melted cheese is scrumptiously sublime. The sandwich features simple ingredients in a magnificent way that is balanced in both taste and texture. Although it's extremely messy to eat, the dish is surprisingly hearty and beyond delicious. To check out this egg-cellent sandwich, read more

Every January, we are filled with renewed determination to be more organized, stop smoking, or lose weight. While I make plenty of common New Year's resolutions, since food and cooking are such an important part of my life, I make culinary resolutions as well. Whether it's sharpening my knife skills, learning an unknown kitchen technique, or experimenting with exotic cuisines, I always feel like I have something new to learn.

After reading Michael Ruhlman's Elements of Cooking, I've been wanting to make my own veal stock from scratch — a long, drawn-out process that takes more than a day. But the famous author and Next Iron Chef judge has made so many arguments about veal stock adding depth and body to sauce that I simply have to try incorporating it into my dishes.

What kitchen accomplishments are you determined to make in 2009?

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