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Pineapple

Pineapple Paradise

Did you know that pineapples were named for their resemblance to the pine cone? This fruit not only garnishes hams and comes in fruit cups, it's used in savory dishes as well as desserts. It's also utilized as a pizza topping and a main ingredient of everyone's favorite island cocktail: the Piņa Colada

Try some of our favorite pineapple recipes at home.

Thai Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Garam Masala Spiced Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Caramelized Pineapple Crepes

Volcano Spiced Pineapple Relish

 

Sushi Rolls

Don't Be Scared of Sushi

We often go out for sushi
and while that certainly makes for a fun night, having a sushi party at home can be simple to master.

Chef Mario Scordato gives tips on making sushi in our latest Google+ Hangout. You'll get insider information on making rice, making rolls (with both nori and rice on the outside) and filling suggestions.

Google+ Hangout: Sushi
Google+ Hangout: Sushi

Stay tuned for another Google+ Hangout next month. Want to join in the conversation? Follow us on Google+.

 

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Pineapple: The Heartbreaker of Fruit
 
People are often perplexed by pineapple. It can be a fickle fruit to cut because there is so much waste. In fact, that's why our Owner and Chef Shelley Young calls pineapple "the heartbreaker of fruit". She says home cooks need to accept the fact that there will be unavoidable waste.

In our latest video, Shelley shows how to properly pick and cut a pineapple. Watch it here. 

How to Cut a Pineapple 
How to Cut a Pineapple
  
   

If you really want to increase your pineapple prowess, take one of these upcoming classes that feature the fruit: 

  

Prep School

In this technique-focused class, you'll learn how to successfully clean and properly cut challenging fruits and vegetables that you might otherwise shy away from, including: pineapple, butternut squash, tomatoes, leeks, mangoes, oranges and avocados. When your knife work is through, we'll cook and devour these dishes using your handiwork. Pineapple, Mango and Tomato Salsa with Tortilla Chips; Arugula, Avocado and Orange Salad with Pistachio Vinaigrette; Fregola Pasta with Caramelized Butternut Squash, Apples and Walnuts.

 

From Jalapenos to Habaneros

If you can stand the heat, come learn how to cook some seriously fiery food: Chilaquiles with Ragin' Ranchero Sauce and Chipotle Guacamole; Spicy Coconut-Glazed Wings; Singapore Mai Fun Noodles with Tofu; Jerk Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Habanero-Fruit Salsa.

 

Building Blocks: New Mexican Cuisine

Whether you are an amateur or an expert, skill-based Building Blocks classes will help you lay a foundation of kitchen techniques to build on. With each class, you'll learn about ingredients, how to master timing a full meal, and which tools and equipment are right for the job. We'll help you understand the concepts behind each technique to bring you to the next level of cooking. Any combination of these classes will give you a well-rounded repertoire in the kitchen: Black Bean and Cheddar Empanadas; New Mexican Grilled Fish with Fruit Salsa; Grilled Chayote, Zucchini and Yellow Squash Salad; Coconut Flan.
 
All of these classes are offered at both locations throughout the month of April, so please check our website for the class that fits your schedule.

The Chopping Block

 

Early Morning Knife Skills Lesson 
 
Shelley taught CBS 2's Vince Gerasole how to cut a pineapple just a few weeks ago during an early morning Knife Skills lesson on the Morning Show. If you missed them, here are his cutting edge reports!

 
 
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