“Where’s the horror? Where’s the Vincent Price in this Vincent Price cookbook? Beyond a pressed duck worthy of the “The Pit and the Pendulum” – it involves, if you must know, pressing a duck – the Treasury gives off a luridly convivial glow.” – Paul Collins, Slate Joining our legion of centenarians this weekend was… Read More Vincentennial

“A separate pumpernickel tradition has developed in North America, where the loaf color approximates the dark color of traditional German pumpernickel by adding molasses, coffee, cocoa powder, or other darkening agents. In addition to colouring and flavour agents, North American bakers often add wheat flour (to provide gluten structure and increase rising) and commercial yeast… Read More Noodling Around

“When did G-free get all…sexy?” – Jennie Bragg, CNN Nope, we’re not on any kind of mission, we haven’t changed our diets (at least not in relation to gluten), but, as the prevalence of people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and those who simply think that a gluten-free diet is healthier has increased, it’s become… Read More Don’t Gimme None o’ Dat Gluten

“I don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s a major musical event. I love the Eurovision Song Contest and it will continue long after I’m gone. Just please don’t ask me to take it seriously.” – Terry Wogan, host of Eurovision I’m laying the blame squarely on Eurovision’s doorstep. I couldn’t figure out why no… Read More Paraguay 200

“Detesto l’uomo che manda giù il suo cibo non sapendo che cosa mangia. Dubito del suo gusto in cose più importanti. (I hate the man who eats without knowing what he’s eating. I doubt his taste in more important things.) – Charles Lamb, English essayist Yesterday we started off a new session of our 10-part… Read More Opening up the Door to Italy

“Cinco de Mayo has come to represent a celebration of the contributions that Mexican Americans and all Hispanics have made to America.” – Joe Baca, congressman How could we pass up a chance to celebrate 5 de Mayo? It also gave us an easy reason to shift our schedule this week to Thursday and Friday… Read More ¡Olé!

“Whenever royalty visits, I think it is something that really excites people, gets them interested in heritage and culture.” – Bruce Gjovig, author, director of Center for Innovation and Business Once a year our friend Ronica Sajnani comes to spend time in Buenos Aires, tango a bit, hang out a bit, and cook a bit.… Read More La Hindu

“No doubt they rose up early to observe The rite of May; and, hearing our intent, Came here in grace of our solemnity.” – William Shakespeare, from A Midsummer Night’s Dream Although we’d missed our 4th Sunday vegetarian dinner because of my absence, all was not lost and we simply held it on the following… Read More Entering the Merry Month of May