Resources
Pressure Cookers Resource
My choice in pressure cookers is Fagor. You can find more information about their products on their website and where to buy.
If you’d like to read more about how to choose a pressure cooker, read the advice from the Queen of Pressure Cooking, Lorna Sass.
Here’s the link to her blog http://pressurecookingwithlornasass.wordpress.com/2009/12/31/pressure-cooker-buying-advice/
Herbs and Spices Resource
One of my favorite sites to order dried herbs, spices and extracts from is Penzeys. I’ve been ordering from them for many years. They offer a great selection of herbs, spices, basic extracts (like their wonderful double vanilla) and their own blends including nice salt-free blends for salt sensitive folks. They offer good quality and a range of sizes from small jars to big bags.
One of their lastest introductions I can’t live without is the Szechuan Pepper Salt. It has the amazing floral aroma of Szechuan peppercorns which are roasted and finely ground with salt. One of my all time favorites is their granulated garlic. I have dozens of bags and bottles of Penzeys herbs and spices. They offer a huge selection! If you have not looked at their website or received their catalog, give them a try. If you are really lucky you might have a store near by. I order off of the web.
When you purchase any new herbs or spices, put a date on them with a Sharpie pen. Most last from 6 months to a year, so you are bettter off purchasing in small quantities. After that, replace them as the flavor will have deteriorated.
Gourmet Ingredients Resource
Market Hall Foods is a European style market place in North Oakland, California. They’ve been around since 1987. This is where I order Mugolio, carnaroli rice for Risotto, Piment D’Espelette and wild fennel pollen. They are an excellent resource for many other gourmet items as well.
Http://www.markethallfoods.com
Discount All-Clad Pot & Pans Resource
I’ve been ordering my All-Clad pots and pans from Cookware & More for many years. They are a nice little company based in Pennsylvania who deal in “irregulars”. Personally, a little scratch or tiny dent doesn’t matter to me. The performance of the pan is not effected and it has saved me a lot of money as I have so many pots and pans. Before you purchase a pan at full price, check the inventory at Cookware & More to see if they stock what you need. If they do, you can save some bucks. They have other inventory as well.
It's about cooking fresh, cooking seasonally and discovering fun new ingredients, tips and tricks. I hope it brings you inspiration, education and enjoyment. Thanks for stopping by!