Ideas & Tips

Cheese has been adding culinary joy to societies for thousands of years. One of the most obvious signs of how popular cheese is can be found in the large assortment of options. There are countless cheeses for different occasions, created exclusively in various locations and meant to be served specifically in certain types of ways. With all of the love, science and energy that goes into cheese, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to do with it besides eating and riding the wave of euphoria that follows.  But here are a few tips to remember:...

Our brilliant stainless steel tumblers are perfect for enjoying iced tea or chilled coffee during the dog days of summer. However, after a season of regular use, you may notice some light staining. Here are several ways that you can remove the residue:  Baking soda: Dampen a non-scratch pad or cloth and gently rub baking soda on the stained area. After this, rinse. For deep stains, mix the baking soda into boiling water and soak the stainless steel in the solution overnight.  Cornstarch: Make a paste of cornstarch and vinegar and apply to the tea or coffee residue. Let sit...

As the holiday season approaches, you'll likely be shopping for wine to bring to gatherings or serve to your guests. Wine can be a good addition to any meal, but it can be confusing to keep track of the different varieties and which foods they should be paired with. Here's a quick guide to consult before you head to the store: Merlot: Known for its drinkability and well-rounded, fruity flavor, Merlot pairs well with almost any dish, but especially with red meats like beef and lamb. Look for notes of blackberry, black cherry and plum. Cabernet Sauvignon: Merlot's sassier cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon...

Labor Day may have come and gone, but don't get too depressed — we still have a few more weeks before summer is officially over. In the meantime, cook up some healthy and delicious meals making good use of plentiful late-season produce. Before you know it, we'll be making the hearty fall stews and casseroles that are perfect for fall but, for now, enjoy the bounty of tomatoes and summer squash.   Corn soup: Cooking Light tells us that corn is at its peak from May through September, so now is a great time to cook with fresh ears from your local farmers...

The farm-to-table trend is booming among home cooks and entertainers, according to Los Angeles news outlet KTLA. As Americans have become more conscious of the impact that our shopping choices have on the world around us, many have begun to buy locally grown, fresh and organic food. This is better for the environment, it supports farmers and small business owners in our own community and it can also make for a much healthier diet. Here are some tips for hosting your own farm-to-table dinner: Cut processed foods: A true farm-to-table meal won't involve any processed foods, since they tend to...