In praise of the recipe box
When e-cookbooks hit the scene several years ago, many pundits predicted that it was a death knell for the print versions. However, the opposite happened - print cookbooks rebounded and became more popular than ever.…
Antipasto
Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a batch
When a couple shares a passionate, competitive hobby, it either brings them closer or pushes them apart. Luckily, doctors Chris Taylor and Paul Arguin fall into the former camp. The pair met through a mutual friend who…
Inspector Gadget
Next to cookbooks at thrift shops, my biggest weakness is kitchen gadgets. I must inspect every display at any cooking store that I visit to make sure that I'm not overlooking a device that will become an indispensable…
Do graphic cookbooks work better than traditional books?
The graphic cookbook - in which hand-drawn pictures tell a story and/or provide instruction on how to make a dish - is not a new concept. We can trace the origins to this type of cookbook to the mid 1960s, when British…
Who invented the Bloody Mary?
The origin stories of various foods and drinks always provide a fascinating glimpse into history. Today we inspect the beginnings of the classic brunch cocktail the Bloody Mary. Author Brian Bartels--beverage director…
The hidden risks of writing a cookbook
For many chefs, it seems like a no-brainer to write a cookbook, both in terms of finances and career advancement. Hefty advances and the allure of possibly winning an award are too tempting to overlook. But there are…
Why doesn't halloumi melt?
When you think of cheese, one of the first things that likely pops into your mind is the image of something smothered or stuffed with melted cheese, like pizza or raclette. Most cheeses soften when you apply heat, but a…
Spice support: asafoetida
After reading the alternative names of asafoetida, you might be hesitant to use it: hing, stinking gum, and devil's dung do not do much to stimulate one's appetite. Although not technically a spice, asafoetida - the…
Amazon Prime Cookbook and Cooking Gear Specials
Prime Day has arrived and as described in Darcie's post it's a good day to save on any of your online purchases and help EYB in the process. Don't have Prime? No problem you can sign up for Prime (there is a free trial…
Amazon Prime Day reminder
Amazon Prime members, set your alarms. Tomorrow (July 11) is Amazon Prime day. That means tremendous deals sitewide, including cookbooks and kitchen equipment (time to get that Instant Pot!). You don't have to wait…
How recipes can be undermining your cooking
At one point in our evolution, cooking was simple: poke a stick through some meat and thrust it into the flames. Over the millenia, humans have made more than a few refinements to this formula, leading to the present…
The sacrifices made by Bengali widows inspired a cuisine
The state of West Bengal sits on the eastern edge of India, between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. You may know that this area is home to numerous rich and complex vegetarian dishes, but you may be unaware of one…