Béchamel Sauce, (pronounced bay-shah-mel) or white sauce is one of the mother sauces of French and some Italian cuisine.  It is typically used as a base for other sauces, and is traditionally made whisking scalded milk into a roux, or butter and flour mixture.

The origins of the sauce can be sketchy, but as far as we can tell it was invented by Louis de Béchameil, and it was an improvement of a sauce imported from Italy to France during the reign of the queen of France, Italian Catherine de Medici.

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Previously known as a peasant food, polenta is now a premium product and is even served in high-end restaurants.

Polenta is most commonly made using ground cornmeal, and is ground coarse or fine, depending on the preference of the region.  It is most popular among the Northern Italians, where polenta is a household must.

Polenta is a slowly cooked dish that commonly takes almost an hour to cook, stirring often.  It is served creamy, or set, as in the picture above.  Now a days, it is common to see pre-cooked polenta tubes sold at your local grocer for around $4 for an 18 ounce tube.  I have even purchased it at Wal-mart, so it shouldn’t be hard to find.

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If you have never tried couscous, you are truly missing out.

Couscous is a coarsely ground semolina pasta.  It is a staple in many North African countries, parts of Europe, and the Middle East.  It has popped up on American menus and dinner tables as of late, and is a nice replacement for your regular old potatoes or pasta.

Traditional couscous requires considerable time to prepare.  But, the parboiled couscous is now available in most grocery stores and only takes minutes to make; usually just adding water or broth, olive oil, a little salt bring to a boil, then add the couscous, then remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes.  It’s as simple as that.

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Soup is always a good option, especially when it feels like winter is never going to end.  A nice warm soup always helps with the winter blues,  and does indeed warm the soul.

This tortellini soup brought me comfort while living in the Mid-West during some harsh winters.  I love the combination of fresh tortellini with some nice vegetables, it is not only tasty, but also a very healthy choice for dinner.

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What better way to show your sweetheart that you love them this Valentine’s day than to make them this sweet tart!

Valentine’s Day is only a few short days away, and if you are like me, you are scrambling for some last minute ideas to show your sweethearts your love for them.

This tart is a great way to say “I love you.”  Because, I’ll be honest.  It does take a little time from start to finish. But, the reward of biting into this beauty is well worth it.

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Wonton soup is a family favorite.  I’ve been eating it since I was a kid, and it is a great comfort food to me.

Chinese new year is just around the corner.  It happens to fall on Valentines Day [February 14th] this year.  So, to help celebrate the year of the Tiger,  try making this wonton soup!  This soup would make a great addition to any Chinese New Year party.  [To learn more about Chinese new year, click here]

Continue reading for the recipe below!

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Here in America, we use the word “curry” to describe many dishes from South Asian cuisines, and especially Indian cuisines.  But, did you know there are many types of curry?   There are Green, red, panang curries, just to name a few.  Curry is a generic term, and means a gravy or sauce, rather than a particular spice.

Curry has more recently become widespread, and people all over the world are consuming it, making their own versions. {to learn more about different kinds of curry, click here}

Today, I am going to share an amazing curry dish that uses your basic Indian Curry, or Madras Curry.  This Curry spice is a yellow powdered spice made of a blend of turmeric, coriander, and ginger and often infused with hot peppers.   This curry has amazing flavor and is a great mix of sweet from the coconut milk, and also spicy from the curry and cayenne pepper!

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I don’t know about you, but I love to have a kitchen gadget for everything.

While there are many gadgets out there to choose from.  I thought I’d share with you a few of my favorite gadgets that are tried and true.  They have all made my life easier, and that, in my opinion is what a good kitchen gadget is all about.

Check out the full list of some of my favorite kitchen gadgets below ..

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I just love artichokes!

This dip is a great addition to any get together.  Like, say in a few weeks for the super bowl when you’re scratching your head on what to bring to the big game party.  Because, let’s be honest… we all know that super bowl parties are all about the food!   Well, at least they are for me.

Check out the recipe below!

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When we think of the nutritional value of an orange.  Vitamin C is what often comes to mind.  But, did you know that Clementine Mandarin Oranges have 14% of your daily recommended Fiber in one serving?

These tiny little cuties pack a mean punch of vitamins.  And, who can resist such a cute little thing that is not only easy to peel and serve, but also super sweet, and seedless!

Here are a few more facts, tidbits, and recipes involving the Clementine.

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