| In Good Taste a Finalist in IACP Cooking School Award for Excellence |
Barbara proudly holding the commemorative placque. |
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Greetings!
"Summertime, and the living is easy-- fish are jumping and the cotton is high". The warm weather, sunny skies and happy atmosphere always makes me think of that Porgy and Bess song. June is ripe for outdoor entertaining, from casual get-togethers to more formal soirees. Take advantage of the season by setting the table, inviting some friends, and creating delicious food featuring summer's bountiful harvest. To help you plan your menus and give you some new ideas, we have an exciting line up of classes this month.
Sheilah Kaufman will host, "Stress Free Entertaining". This class will answer your questions, give tips for streamlining your party, and show you that entertaining doesn't have to be difficult. The class will be Monday, June 11th at 6:30 pm.
Wondering how can you host a dinner party that will please both your vegetarian and meat-eating friends? Peter Berley, author of "The Flexitarian Table" and personal chef to the stars, will teach the secrets to the "flexitarian" table. A flexitarian consumes mainly vegetarian food, but also eats fish and chicken. Learn how to make enticing and satisfying food for all of your guests on Monday, June 18th at 6:30 pm.
Summer entertaining is almost synonymous with grilling. Cookbook author Diane Morgan shows that grilling can be simple, delicious, and show-stopping. Her class has a mouthwatering menu, including Sizzling Prawns with Moroccan Pesto, Grilled Jerk Pork Tenderloin, and a Grilled Banana Hot Fudge Sundae with Whiskey. Get grilling with Diane on Wednesday, June 20th and 6:30 pm.
Once you've learned the secrets to great grilling, don't forget to create some attractive and elegant summer appetizers. Hugh Carpenter, a chef and cookbook author from Napa Valley explains how to make "Easy Summer Appetizers for Entertaining" on Thursday, June 28th at 6:30 pm. Hugh knows the tricks for taking the anxiety out of cooking and will share them all while preparing a wonderful menu including Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce and Spicy Smoked Salmon with Ginger Cream.
And, we haven't forgotten Dad. Nancy Forrest will teach a hands-on grilling class on father's day; the perfect way for you to spend time with Dad!
June is just beginning, but it already promises to be delightful and delicious! |
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| Salt of the Month
Cyprus Black Lava Salt
This beautiful black sea salt makes for a striking presentation. It can accentuate the flavor of the dish while enhancing its appearance. We think that it complements tropical flavors nicely - think of the reaction you might get if you used it on the rim of your strawberry margarita! It would also be attractive if combined with a white sea salt, for a "zebra" effect and is dazzling on your seared ahi tuna.
The salt is from the coast of Cyprus, in the Mediterranean. It is combined with activated charcoal powder, which gives it the dramatic color and a slightly smoky flavor. The large flakes are reminiscent of shattered obsidian, with a shiny surface.
Buy now and get 10% off.
Special Price: $17.05
List Price: $18.95
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Recipe: Grilled Halibut with Black Lava Salt and Watermelon Salsa
Josie created this simple yet stunning recipe when we chose the black lava salt as our salt of the month.
It's a great recipe for entertaining as the salsa can be made ahead and the halibut takes no time to grill.
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Shop Online
In Good Taste has teamed up with cooking.com
We, along with a select group of locally owned gourmet stores, have teamed up with Cooking.com to offer online shopping to our customers. With our new web store, we can offer you the option to shop an expanded assortment of products online - more than our store's square footage will allow. The new site will offer the complete assortment of over 50,000 products found on Cooking.com giving customers more choice and allowing for 24-hour shopping.
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What's in Season?
In Oregon, June is the time when our luscious red berries hit their stride. At the Portland Farmers Market the berries are perfect - sweet and juicy, and just the right size for popping in your mouth. When teamed with fluffy whipped cream and flaky shortcakes, the berries are phenomenal. Berries are not the only treat that you will find this month at the farmers' markets. For vegetables, there is asparagus (both white and green), sugar snap peas, butter lettuce, chard, frisee, new potatoes, and French breakfast radishes. There are also new walnuts, creamy goat cheeses, earthy morels and maitake mushrooms. Peonies are one of my favorite flowers, and are a glorious centerpiece for the dining room table (or the patio table!). There's more good news- the Ecotrust Market in the Pearl opens on Thursday, June 7th. At the corner of NW 10th and Johnson, the Ecotrust parking lot will be overflowing with the abundant local harvest. In addition to all of the lovely fruits, vegetables, flowers and cheeses, there will also be baked goods, ready to eat meals, fresh seafood, and local meats.
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Cookbook Review: "From Earth to Table" by John Ash
Review by Judith Bishop
The many fans of John Ash (and we're included) will be pleased to know that John's classic cookbook, From Earth to Table, has been updated and revised. Learn more about it in Judith's review.... |
Pistachio Oil
Tourangelle's Roasted Pistachio Oil is produced from the finest San Joaquin Valley pistachios that are roasted by hand and then expeller pressed in limited quantities. The luxurious oil has a clean yet intense pistachio flavors and a surprisingly warm green color. It is available in a 250ml can that will last for quite some time. Use it in vinaigrettes for salads, drizzled over crostini, steamed vegetables or even chicken. I thought that the vibrant flavor was a great foil for a chilled rice salad. The oil brings out the nuttiness of the grain without being overpowering. This is a novel twist on a picnic favorite. You can find delicious dried cherries at the Portland Farmer's Market right now.
Pistachio Oil - Our Price: $32.95
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National Hunger Day June 5th
America's use of food banks has increased by 15% since last year. Locally or globally, hunger is a growing problem. June 5th is National Hunger Awareness Day. Sponsored by the nonprofit organization, America's Second Harvest, National Hunger Awareness Day will recognize the more than 38 million Americans across our nation who live each day on the brink of hunger. "The Face of Hunger Will Surprise You," is the theme for 2007. Hunger can affect anyone; people that have to choose between rent or food, those with sudden illness, or misfortune family member. Hunger does not discriminate by race, gender or ethnicity. In the coming weeks, consider contacting your local food bank to see how you can help. Go to www.hungerday.org or www.oregonfoodbank.org for more ideas and information. | |
Visit this food lover's paradise for the best selection of Pacific Northwest wines, local and imported specialty foods, fabulous cookware, great cookbooks, and a cooking experience to remember.
Sincerely,
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Barbara Dawson
In Good Taste Cooking School
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