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Top 5 Flavor Pairing Predictions for 2009

YumSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:16:02 -0800

At the onset of each year, American spice company McCormick offers its prediction for the top spice combinations. When we shared the company's top picks with you last year, your vote went to the vanilla and cardamom combo. Incidentally, throughout 2008, I encountered that flavor pairing in recipes and menu items from flan to peach pie. McCormick recently released its forecast for 2009. To see five of the new flavor combinations predicted to explode onto the food scene (and your tongue) this year, read more.

Toasted sesame and root beer
Chinese five spice and artisan-cured pork
Dill and avocado oil
Mint and quinoa
Smoked paprika and agave nectar

The Peruvian grain quinoa has been gaining popularity, and I've already seen recipes for it tossed with mint and other herbs. With the shift away from high-fructose corn syrup and toward natural sweeteners, I could see agave nectar and smoked paprika being a big hit. Toasted sesame and root beer? That's an interesting idea, but I'd have to try it in order to believe it will take off.

What are your thoughts on the flavor forecast?

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Taste the Future of Flavor - The Top 10 Flavor Pairings For 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:20:51 -0800

Each year, the folks at McCormick put out a list of 10 flavor pairings. Last year things like clove and green apple reigned supreme, but this year it's more intriguing like vanilla bean and cardamom. To see all 10 of their food-pairing predictions, click the "Start Slideshow" button below.

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Obamas Bring Their Private Chef to the White House

YumSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:00:55 -0800

When it comes to the President's preferences, we know he likes johnnycakes and medium-well cheeseburgers. Now we can add one more thing to the list: private chef Sam Kass's food.

Representatives for the Obamas announced yesterday that the family would be bringing Sam Kass on board. The 28-year-old chef, who cooked for the Obamas in Chicago, will now serve as assistant chef to White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford.

"He knows what they like and he happens to have a particular interest in healthy food and local food," said Katie McCormick Lelyveld, a spokesperson for Michelle Obama. Before Kass founded his private chef service, Inevitable Table, the University of Chicago graduate trained at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Europe and also worked at top Chicago restaurant Avec.

According to former White House chef Walter Scheib, having Kass on board will make things easier for Comerford as well. "She will understand better and faster what they like," he said. "She doesn't have to spend months reading the tea leaves."

This news has no doubt thrilled the likes of eat local proponents such as Alice Waters, and I'm wondering if it's just a matter of time before an organic garden gets planted on the grounds. I have to admit, however, that I was surprised to find the Obamas had a private chef. I thought he was one to grab a bite at the drive-in like the rest of us. What do you think of the news?

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Let's Dish: What's Your Favorite Dirt-Cheap Meal?

YumSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:00:08 -0700

Although prices of almost everything have soared, good deals do exist. The New York Times scoured the boroughs to see what kind of fare could be had for $1, and earlier this year, New York magazine proclaimed that "beggars can be choosers" when it comes to 99-cent finds. Even in my expensive backyard, the Bay Area, there are deals to come by. My favorite bargain? The 99-cent, foot-long hot dog with all-you-can-eat ketchup, mustard, and sauerkraut at Slots-a-Fun in Las Vegas. I also love the McCormick & Schmick's $2 bar menu, which includes mussels and burgers. I have to say that when it comes to these prices, value does in fact have a taste: delicious.

What about you? What's the best thing you can find at a rock-bottom price?

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