This “how to” is for small to medium sized baking pumpkins also known as pie pumpkins.
These are smaller than decorative pumpkins and easier to handle and cut.
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and using a large chef knife cut off the stem and the bottom of the pumpkin.
Slice the pumpkin in half running from where the stem, use to be to the bottom of the pumpkin.
Los Angeles, California, September 20, 2011
Shallots are a gift to the cooking world and they are great to use if you know how to cut them. A relative of the onion, the shallot is basically a smaller onion with a sweeter, milder flavor. Unlike onions, which grow in a single bulb, shallots form in clusters in a manner similar to garlic. When learning to cut them, it’s important to understand the basic configuration of them.
June 7, 2011
Los Angeles, Ca
As a healthy and fit woman of 30, I was afraid of the condition my body would be left in after having a baby. My yearning for a baby outweighed those frustrating thoughts of losing the body I’d come to know and grown to love over the years. During the last 11 months, my focus was on growing, delivering and keeping a newborn baby healthy. Now, with all the new changes that have come from growing a baby, I’m trying not to forget myself and, most importantly, learn to love my new body.
The grill is ready to go and it’s time to start cooking. Marinades, rubs and bastes are an essential part of summer cooking. We all want our meats to taste restaurant quality with layers of flavor and have a delicious mouth feel. Mastering the grill is only half the battle.
LOS ANGELES, May 14, 2011
Dear Chef Mary,
I love peanut butter and am looking for some healthy recipes to use
it in. Any suggestions?
Jessica, Milwaukee
Dear Jessica,
Peanut butter is a classic favorite, and can be mixed and matched in tons of exciting and healthy ways. When I was a kid, my favorite was peanut butter and honey. As an adult, I’m crazy about peanut butter and raspberry jam on wheat bread. The great thing about peanut butter is it can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Dear Chef Mary,
I'm thinking about joining a CSA. Do you think it’s worth my time and are they worth their value?
Jessica, Milwaukee
Dear Jessica,
As spring comes into full bloom, joining a CSA, also known as a Community Supported Agriculture, is an excellent idea to consider for spring and summer.,. For those of you who don’t know, there are farms all over the county that have programs where you can pay a weekly or monthly fee and receive weekly boxes of seasonal produce.
Dear Chef Mary,
My in-laws are visiting soon and I’m looking for a breakfast casserole I can prepare on the Friday before they get here and then we can simply put in the oven Saturday morning.
Lea Ann
Oklahoma City, OK
Dear Lea Ann,
There’s nothing like having in-laws come to visit to make you feel overwhelmed in the kitchen. Breakfast is a meal where you need something quick and easy that can be left out so that people can enjoy it at their leisure. Egg casseroles are perfect for just such an occasion. There’s nothing healthy about this recipe, but it’s absolutely delicious. Serving this as early as possible is the key because it’s so filling your guests may not be hungry for lunch.
Mushroom and sausage breakfast casserole- Find the recipe and more ideas at:
April 1, 2011
Los Angeles, California
Dear Chef Mary,
I have a huge sweet tooth! Any suggestions to curb my afternoon chocolate cravings?
Sincerely,
Jessica
Dear Jessica,
Chocolate cravings are typical in the afternoon because you’re usually full and sleepy from lunch. The chocolate kick and sugar blast gives us a little extra energy to make it through the next few hours before we get our second wind. If you’re craving chocolate, turn to dark chocolate. It’s a great afternoon treat.
Dark chocolate has antioxidants that your body needs and craves but, remember, a little goes a long way. If you’re looking for other options you can keep stashed in your drawer, try a few of the items listed below:
Dear Chef Mary,
What wonderful baby foods can I make and store?
Thanks, Barbara
Dear Barbara,
Baby purees are so easy to make at home. Babies are constantly growing and changing and so are their taste buds. So if you can, try to have different food options on hand at all times.
