Part of my job as a parent is to teach my kids to cook. I want to know that when they leave my house, they know how to prepare a healthy meal. Over the years they’ve learned how to make basics like sandwiches, salads, eggs, or packaged foods. Now it’s time to take things a step farther. It’s time to get cooking.
The first step is to go over some safety skills.
*Always wash your hands. If you touch raw protein – meat or eggs, for example – wash them again.
*Children under 12 shouldn’t use the stove without an adult near.
*Read the …read more

One the best parts of summer is grilling. And grilling doesn’t just have to mean burgers and steaks. Seafood is fantastic on the grill too. Red Lobster Senior Executive Chef Michael LaDuke shares his tips for perfectly grilled shrimp and scallops, along with a signature recipe.
Grilling Tips

To grill shrimp, place them on a skewer, one on top of the other. Watch them closely, because they will cook quickly.
To grill scallops, place them on a skewer with the flat side up. This allows them to pick up more flavors from the grill.
If using wooden skewers, soak them overnight in water so …read more

This Mother’s Day, give your mom a fabulous prize pack of gifts that will last her a long time! Jorj Morgan, author of a wide range of cooking, entertaining and lifestyle books, including her latest book GORGEOUS: The Sum of All Your Glorious Parts, is offering one lucky winner this terrific gift set along with four of her books!
Included with Morgan’s books her Favorite Mother’s Day Fashion Ware: Kitsch ‘n Glam “Fresh Traditions” Apron along with these great kitchen gadgets from Williams-Sonoma. A total value of $500!

Cuisinart Mini Prep Food Processor
Round Cookie and Biscuit Cutters
Collapsible Measuring Cups
12” Long Silicon Edge …read more

Dried mushrooms are a must in every Asian pantry. There are many kinds to choose from, the most common one being the dried Chinese black mushrooms shown here. Regardless of which dried mushroom you are using, make sure you calculate rehydrating time into your prep time before you begin the recipe, this way there are no surprises and you don’t have hungry diners waiting longer than necessary.
Rehydrating these beauties is easy. Just boil up some water, or heat up some in the microwave, then soak your mushrooms for about 20 minutes (10 minutes for thinner caps). …read more