Posts for September 22nd 2011

definition

Know Your Ingredients: Cornish Game Hens

It's all too easy, I realized, to cook game hens but truly have no idea what they are.

It's all too easy, I realized, to cook game hens but truly have no idea what they are. I discovered this after losing an argument to a fellow editor, who claimed that game hens are just baby white meat-only chickens.

She's right: a game hen — also known as a poussin or Cornish game hen — is pretty much that. It came about in the 1950s when two different bird breeds were crossbred to create a juicy, single serving-sized bird with short legs and a plump breast for mostly white meat. Contrary to their name, Cornish game hens aren't hunted, don't taste gamey (in fact, they're known for a delicate flavor), and can be either male or female.

Game hens are sold unboned and are typically under two pounds and no more than six weeks old. They are most commonly roasted whole, although barbecuing them is an option as well. Those of you who cook them at home: do you prefer them to conventional chicken?

Source: Flickr User stu_spivack

How To

The Basics: Roasted Red Peppers

While it's easy to pick up a jar of roasted red peppers, it's nearly just as easy to make your own.

While it's easy to pick up a jar of roasted red peppers, it's nearly just as easy to make your own. You will need to pay a bit of attention while you roast them, so they don't get too charred, but in less than an hour, you will have fresh roasted peppers! They are great for sandwiches, pizzas, hummus, and even more delicious pureed and served as a pasta sauce.

If you're ready to skip the aisle at your local market and get started in the kitchen, click through for the simple step-by-step instructions.

Food News

Link Time: From Gordon Ramsay to Bill Clinton

  • Gordon Ramsay is getting a fourth show on Fox, Hotel Hell.

Cooking Basics

Plastic-Free Ways to Store Fall Produce

I love finding easy ways to make little shifts that make a big difference from the environment.


I love finding easy ways to make little shifts that make a big difference from the environment. I don't have the space for a compost box, and I do love indulging in a long shower every now and again, but finding a supersimple way to store food without plastic? I'm game. While we consider plastic as positive, plastic is not a biodegradable. And while it can be recycled, many stations are asking us to abstain from tossing plastic bags in our bins. You'll be surprised how easy it is to make a few easy switches that will really help the Earth, without making your life any more difficult. Keep reading for an abbreviated list of the way to store some favorite Fall produce without plastic.

burgers

25 Best Burgers From Coast to Coast

What makes a hamburger a hamburger?

What makes a hamburger a hamburger? We could ponder the question for days, but wouldn't you rather bite into a juicy burger?

But not just any burger: we've taste-tested our way around the country to find 25 amazing hamburgers you shouldn't miss. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it's certainly worth seeking out these must-have hamburgers.

YumSugar's Top 5 Burgers

  1. Shake Shack, New York, NY: Danny Meyer's burger empire has the beast down to a science, with cloud-soft buns, subtle "shack sauce," and meltable American cheese for a creamy experience every time. For us, this cheeseburger sets the standard.
  2. Spruce, San Francisco, CA: This cloth napkin burger doesn't come cheap, but it's one of the juiciest we've ever had, and its piquant accompaniments — house-pickled onions and zucchini, duck fat fries — lend it a distinct point of view.
  3. Radius, Boston, MA: Chef Michael Schlow is no stranger to good burgers. His ideal involves fried onion rings, melted cheddar cheese, and a spicy and smooth horseradish sauce — pretty much our ideal, too.
  4. B Spot, Strongsville, OH: Michael Symon's burger joint, B Spot, serves beef on a bun that's as close to perfection as we've ever had. His Yo! burger is filled with fried salami slices, coppa, hot peppers, provolone, and "shasha" banana pepper sauce.
  5. Rosamunde, San Francisco, CA: Rosamunde is known for its sausages, but it serves cheeseburgers every Tuesday at lunch. Be prepared to wait in line for the flavorful, medium-rare burgers, which are some of the city's best.

Check out 20 more favorites from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, after the jump.

Cuban Sandwich

After Midnight Tortas

What is a torta, and what does it share in common with the popular Cubano sandwich?

What is a torta, and what does it share in common with the popular Cubano sandwich? Between the Bread investigates.

The Cubano sandwich and the Mexican torta have more than a few things in common: both hail from Spanish-speaking cultures, both share characteristics with toasty subs, and both sandwiches make perfect after-midnight sustenance.

Keep reading to learn more Latin sandwich history.

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Fall Back Into Fall With Karine Ceyhan

Warm up your soul this season with food blogger Karine Ceyhan.

Warm up your soul this season with food blogger Karine Ceyhan. Inspired by her mother’s delicious cooking and love of Fall’s fresh and hearty ingredients, Karine’s connection to her work will encourage you to build upon your personal connections, appreciate quality time with friends and family, and fall back into fall’s savory foods one meal at a time.