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"Gratin" is the French word for crust. In cooking language "au gratin" translates to a dish that is topped with either breadcrumbs or cheese and browned under a grill. Roux and béchamel are integral parts of this dish. In food terminology, according to the Michelin Guide, a roux is a smooth paste made from flour that is fried in fat and added to sauces. It was invented in the 17th century at King Louise XIV th court and revolutionized French cooking (see citation page). Béch

This quick and easy potato salad recipe has a different twist. Instead of mayo, it is made with a standard Italian dressing.

A new recipe from a lovely, lively lady living in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have known her for a long time and am excited she has shared her recipe for "Maultaschen," which are large, meat-filled pasta dumplings considered the "national dish"of the Swabian region in Germany. Per anecdote, Maultaschen were invented by lay brother Jakob on a Maudy Thursday as a way to disguise meat in dough. The strict lenten fasting did not allow the Cistercensian monks at the Maulbronn

All the way from the 'Golden State' or the 'Golden Bear State,' where the (sadly extinct bear) California grizzly, the golden trout, and lovely poppies are state symbols, comes a shrimp pasta recipe. Thank you to culinary chef Ha for providing us with this amazing meal for a gathering of eight. I would hop right over to sample but at the time, can only do a virtual California visit. INGREDIENTS 2 pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp 1 bag of penne pasta - or your favorite kin

As the crow flies approximately 675 miles west from Houston is the trijunction of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Situated in the middle of this tripoint is "El Paso del Norte" as the Spanish explorer titled it. I know this town as 'Sun City', El Paso, and 'Pass to the North.' The easiest way to get here is by plane, about 2 hours, you can also grab I-10 (interstate) for 750 miles, nearly 12 hours, without spending the night In El Paso, I met chef extraordinaire, 4th place 'C

Today, I am virtually visiting Spring, TX, a short trip, by car, 50 minutes from where I live in the greater Houston metropolitan area. Here in Spring, I found an industrious artist who creates with the unusual medium of "caulk." Nicole Durham is not only an amazing artist but also an accomplished cook. I begged for one of her recipes and a picture to accomplish but she told me that all ingredients of her unique recipes are locked up in her head. She cooks with a little bit o

Recipe Disclaimer: This recipes contains alcohol (rum), not all alcohol will burn off during baking/cooking, trace amounts could remain. Be mindful of the alcohol content in the recipe and take caution with a hot oven when baking Biscochitos or anise shortbread. The early Spanish brought 'Biscochitos' to New Mexico. In 1989 this anise flavored, crumbly, shortbread was declared the state cookie of New Mexico to keep as a tradition for holidays. I found the first recipe 25 yea

A top family place to visit in a city is the local zoo. When I don't have a chance to travel away, I explore the sites of the greater metropolitan Houston, TX area where I reside. The Houston, TX, zoo is on top of my list. It is not the greatest but for us down under in Texas, it is the best. Ten months ago, I bought a Houston Zoo membership and it has paid for itself many times over. I visit at least twice a month, have brought friends and family along. Today, I could not ge

Yesterday, I had a chance to cook a delicious stuffed green pepper recipe and finally write down the ingredients and the steps after having prepared this meal for decades. It can be for two or four people depending on appetites. Dish pares well with either potatoes, noodles, or rice. INGREDIENTS 2 green bell peppers (on the smaller side) 1/2 pound of ground turkey 1-2 heels of bread (depends on thickness) 1 egg 1/3 small onion, diced 1/2 tsp of salt 1/4 tsp of red pepper 1 TB

Brighton is a seaside city in East Sussex county, about 50 miles south of London, UK. A short 1-2 hour train ride depending on where in London you start your trip. Seaford felt like it had a relaxed pace, Brighton to me was just the opposite, vibrant, pulsating, full of historic sites to visit and little alleys to shop. 1. Pleasure Pier; for game lovers and foodies. 2. Royal Pavilion and surrounding gardens; amazing trees and flora.. Sea Life Brighton, the world's oldest aq

Few hikes have been as beautiful and challenging as the "Seven Sisters" hike in Seaford, UK. We started out at the bottom of one of the steepest hills I had tackled in a while. Warning signs are posted not to leave the trail and if you look at the crack in the first picture from the right, you'll understand why. The cliffs are made of chalk and eroding. Follow the 'os' map link and it will give you information about hikes. Last summer, I only went on a 1.5 km hike, but I just

An easy and quick three-ingredient solution for breakfast or brunch. INGREDIENTS 1. 1/2 avocado 2. 1 slice of toast or sour dough bread 3. 1 egg Additional: avocado cooking spray or a few drops of oil, salt, pepper. STEPS Toast bread, heat skillet with a bit of oil or spray and cook egg sunny side up, while egg is cooking, scoop avocado and spread on the bread, COST egg $0.50, avocado $0.80, bread $0.20 Total = $1.50 (Cost of ingredients depends on type of avocao and bread u

We are not only about 'Cooking on the Cheap,' and sharing recipes, we are also about traveling the path less taken and finding uniqueness at the turn ahead. Welcome to our special edition; Thanksgiving Newsletter. We'd love to hear about your favorite Thanksgiving moment whether sad or glad. Go to the website cheapcuisine.com and share your thoughts (or tips and recipes) on our "Get in Touch to Chirp" page. Explore my Cornish hen and cornbread dressing recipe with cost break

From my drawing board because I used to have an amazing reicipe for marble cake years ago and lost it. This recipe is delicious and you deserve to splurge during holiday season. You can also make substitutions like melted chocolate bars or cocoa mix, substitute butter with avocado oil and (if you are not of legal age to drink alcohol) replace rum with rum flavoring. Recipe Disclaimer: this recipes contains alcohol (rum), not all alcohol will burn off during baking/cooking, t

INGREDIENTS 2 TBS of tomato paste 1 jalapeno (sliced and chopped) 1 small onion (chopped) 1/2 lbs. pre-cooked chunked chicken 2 sausage links (I used apple gouda chicken sausage) 2 bolillos (for the bolillos only; 1/2 tsp oil) 1 cup of rice 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp of salt 1-2 bay leaves 1/2 tsp of oregano 1/2 tsp pepper 1 TBS of paprika (smoked if available) 2 tsp of chicken broth mix 1 TBS of oil STEPS Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add rice and reduce hea

Does it seem like a strange combination? Keep reading! Ingredients for Crepes: 2/3 cups of unbleached flour or regular flour 1 1/4 cup of almond milk or regular milk 2 eggs 1 1/2 TBS of olive/canola oil or avocado oil Steps: Mix flour, milk and eggs with a hand whisk. Heat a 10 inch skillet with 1/2 TBS of oil. (The amount of oil determines how crispy the crepes. Add 2 x 1/4 cup of crepe mix to heated skillet. Using handle, slant skillet to spread mix evenly. When crepe appe

4- Ingredients Chocolate Pear Dessert I created this delicious dessert for fruit and chocolate lovers for three, that is if you have a sweet tooth but it could easily be stretched to six servings. Ingredients: 1 x 16 oz can of pear halves 1 x 5 oz box of Jello Chocolate Cook and Serve Pudding 3 cups of almond milk (or regular milk) 1 can of Reddi-Whip Steps: Open can of pears and spread halves over 3 bowls In saucepan, mix 3 cups of milk and pudding mix. Cook pudding mix stir

London, the vibrant capital of England, is a city rich in history, culture, and diversity. With its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and lively streets, it offers something for every traveler. If you are someone who loves history, art, or simply wants to explore, London has a wide range of attractions that should not be missed. Here’s a guide to the top 10 must-see sites when visiting this amazing city. 1. The British Museum General Admission is free, a pre-booked ticke

Autumn is a wonderful season when leaves transform, temperatures cool, and we gather the abundance offered. Visiting the Farmer's Market is essential to experience the difference. Recipe Results : due to differences in ingredients, regional pricing, cooking equipment, individual skills, and other factores, I can not guarantee that your results will be the same as mine. You use my recipes at your own risk. Chicken Stew with Fresh Vegetables (4). Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds of