Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

Autumn is here and the cooler weather often triggers our desire for pasta. There is something about eating carbohydrates, creamy sauces, and earthy autumnal vegetables that makes the autumn season ideal for pasta consumption. No matter what they contain, fall pasta dishes must be warm, they must be hearty, and, above all, they must be deeply satisfying. My love for pasta stems from growing up in an Italian-American household where pasta was always a staple in many of the meals we had. I often times reflect on the joys of growing up with an Italian family such as: when your friends came over, they were asked no fewer than six times if they wanted something to eat; Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin played in the background while everything was being cooked; leftovers were stored in Polly O ricotta containers; and, yes, we were all guilty of talking with your hands. One of my favorites is remembering when I was little, mine, and my four other siblings favorite way to help was making home made pasta with Nonni (my grandmother). After we washed our hands, we were allowed to help if we were quiet and didn’t fight with each other. Very hard! The luckiest kid got to guide the pasta as Nonni rolled the pasta through the machine. Stirring her secret pasta sauce with the wooden spoon was a close second. I am certain you can visualize what the kitchen smelled and looked like during this process. Once the pasta was made, the dish created and all were seated, it was always a struggle getting Nonni to actually join the table and eat. I’ve tried to carry on these traditions with my own children. 

Making homemade pasta is a fun event to get the entire family involved with. One important tool to have when making homemade pasta is a Pasta machine. A pasta machine is used to create laminated pasta. They typically consist of two stainless-steel rollers with adjustable settings, which knead and stretch the pasta dough. Pasta machines are often sold with an additional removable cutter that creates pasta shapes such as spaghetti and linguini. There are also many different attachments available, from different-shaped cutters to attachable motors.  

Consider pasta as a meal that brings you together as a family from start to finish. We’ve learned from our older generations and teach our younger generations. No matter what you’re looking for, pasta and noodles have become entwined with culture, history, and more importantly in our lives and families. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. We carry all types of tools to assist you with making your pasta: Pasta machines, pasta drying racks, ravioli stamps and forms, pasta rollers, pastry cutters, pasta pots, and so much more.  Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.  Make those magical culinary moments happen.

Take Care,
John & Paula

Homemade Pasta Dough

Ingredients

 3 cups Flour spooned and levelled

 4 large eggs 

 1 egg yolk 

1. Place the flour on a clean work surface, make a well in the middle and add the eggs.

2. Using a fork whisk the eggs whilst slowly incorporating the flour until combined and looks like a very rough dough. You may need to use your hands once most of the egg is incorporated to help it along.

3. Bring the dough together with your hands to form a ball. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and pliable. Wrap the dough in cling film and leave to rest for 30 minutes, out of the fridge.

4. Once the dough is rested it’s time to roll it out. Cut the dough in half so it’s easier to roll out and flatten it with the palm of your hand so it will fit through the first setting on the pasta machine, usually 0. 

5. Pass the dough through the widest setting once then fold one side over the other. Flatten the dough with the palm of your hand again so it will fit through the widest setting and roll it through again.

6. Repeat this process folding the sides in and passing it through the widest setting four times. Once you’ve done that pass the dough through each setting once from the widest to the second last setting (number 7)

Recipe courtesy of Emily Wyper Inside the Rustic Kitchen at insidetherustickitchen.com

   There’s nothing like taking advantage of the fresh items coming into season at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.  Small pumpkins are starting to arrive just in time for the Pumpkin Festival this weekend.  Now is the perfect time to grab these items and begin to process them for the upcoming holidays; or this week’s recipe share.

Did you know that making your own pumpkin puree can actually be an easy process?  Here’s the simple steps to making this fresh goodness;

Remove the stem.

Cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise. 

Remove the seeds and guts of the pumpkin.

Place the pumpkin halves face down on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 35-40 minutes; until the pumpkin is tender.  Note: Test by pricking it with a fork.

Scoop the cooked flesh out of the pumpkin skins.  

Blend the cooked pumpkin in a food processor; you may need to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to create the desired consistency.

Your homemade pumpkin puree can replace a can of pumpkin puree in any given recipe.

The best way to store homemade pumpkin puree longterm is by measuring and freezing it. The best way to store it short term is by keeping it refrigerated for up to one week.

Don’t forget to join the Saratoga Farmers’ Market this weekend for the Great Pumpkin Festival this weekend.  The giant pumpkins will be on display at the parking garage, there will be live music and so many other fabulous activities including;

* Pumpkin painting starting at 9 am to benefit the market

* Cooking demo at 10:30 AM with Gianna Marie Pennacchia from Cornell Cooperative Extension

* Festival of lanterns at the market

* Amazing vendors throughout High Rock Park including special guest artists

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and  Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Monday market at Clifton Park is open from 2-5 p.m. at the Shenendehowa Methodist Church on Route 146. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce 

Yields: 8 servings | Prep & cook time: 30 min
INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients  currently available at the farmers’ market

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 (15-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes**

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree**

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 teaspoons apple cider or white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon onion powder*

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley*

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary*

1/4 teaspoon dried sage*

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder*

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup heavy cream

Cooked pasta, for serving 

Place 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments until melted, about 1 minute.

Place 1 (15-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes and their juices, 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons apple cider or white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon dried sage, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.

Transfer to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until heated through and the flavors meld, 5 to 10 minutes. If the sauce has a faint tin-like aftertaste, cook for 5 to 10 minutes more. (The sauce will reduce more but will still be enough for 1 pound pasta.) Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and stir to combine.

Toss with al dente pasta to coat, using a little reserved pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce if needed.

RECIPE NOTES

Make ahead: The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Portion out the sauce into 1/2-cup or 1-cup servings and freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.

**Tomatoes at the Market: Purchase fresh tomatoes to make your own crushed or diced tomatoes.

**Pumpkin at the Market: Purchase fresh pumpkin(s) to make your own pumpkin puree.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market has everything you need to create the perfect menu for football season.  The options are endless whether you are tailgating, having friends over or celebrating with the fam.

Always hot and on trend crowd pleasing nibbles to consider;

Chili: a great make ahead 

Sliders: burgers, pulled pork, sloppy Joe’s and more

All things chicken wings: traditional, buffalo, bbq, asian style 

Dips: hummus & veggies, chips & dips, bread and buffalo chicken wing dip, guac 

Sandwich trays or a make your own smorgasbord 

Charcuterie boards with a theme 

Old-fashioned ribs and steak cut potato fries

Stuffed breads or French bread pizzas

Taquitos or a taco bar

Deviled egg buffet with toppers: bacon, sausage, scallions, sautéed mushrooms, etc

Salads: tossed, potato, spinach, cowboy caviar and more

You can put your twist on the menu list, because there’s so many delicious discoveries at the market.   And, don’t forget the cocktails, drinks and desserts.

Visiting the market for your game day festivities brings that fresh bite to the table with all things locally grown and produced; ultimately supporting your local small businesses.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and  Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Monday market at Clifton Park is open from 2-5 p.m. at the Shenendehowa Methodist Church on Route 146. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

Home cooking is on the rise nationwide, whether people are naturals in the kitchen or not. We’re getting creative and adapting recipes, trying our hand at new skills. From the family that is now spending more time eating together to the novice cook learning to prepare more complicated meals, it’s a time of experimentation in the kitchen that isn’t without its risks. The kitchen might be a more dangerous place than you think. With a variety of sharp items like knife, blades, slicers, or chopper and heating tools that you have to use to prepare a meal, there is a risk of being injured anytime. Based on current statistics, cuts, punctures, slips, abrasions, and burns are among the most common injuries that you may suffer in the kitchen when your hands are not protected. What should you do to prevent these happening?

Making the best cut resistant gloves always available in your kitchen is the best way to protect yourself and your family from sustaining injuries when doing the cooking.

Cut-resistant gloves protect the wearer from lacerations and some punctures caused by handling sharp items, such as metal and glass. Knit gloves are made of materials that protect against a range of cut risks, from handling light cardboard to appliance assembly. Leather cut-resistant gloves have a liner or cut-resistant stitching to protect workers’ hands. Keep in mind – cut resistant gloves are not cut proof however, will save your hand from lacerations. Wear cut-resistant gloves when you’re using knives—particularly for more intricate knife work or when cutting something awkward like a knobby piece of ginger—or when cleaning food out of the blade of your food processor. I personally wear a cutting glove every time I use my mandoline slicer and my Microplane grater and sometimes when I’m feeling cautious using a knife.

We carry various brands of cut resistant gloves. One of our favorites is the Microplane cut-resistant glove. No more shredded knuckles when you grate or zest. This knit mesh glove is made of a unique synthetic fiber that resists cuts to protect your hands, and made of a seamless, wire-free knit material that resists cuts. The glove fits either hand and one size fits most.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store located at 33 Railroad Place for those cool tools for cooks. Remember to be safe when “making the cut”.  Stay safe and healthy. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, John & Paula

I often remember my mother telling me; “It’s the simple things”. The point that she was trying to make to me was to enjoy the small things in life that and to be grateful for them. It is the simple thing we do for people. The idea behind this phrase is that it’s not the grand gestures or big events that make our lives better, but rather the small, everyday moments that add up and create a positive impact.

Cooking your favorite meal can be one of those small things that makes you and others happy. Whether you love the process of cooking (adding spices, sprinkling in herbs, and taste-testing every five minutes) or just enjoy the delicious meal at the end of it, cooking your favorite dish is so much fun. 

Our kitchen arsenal can include so many tools that are essential to making our meals. However, it can often times be the most simple and basic ones that offer versatility in our day-to-day prep. One tool that many of our customers ask for is the Kwik-Cut chopper. The Kwik-Cut manufacturing company is actually out of Mohawk, New York! The tooth edge chopper is our #1 seller! The most popular uses are mixing tuna fish or egg salads. Also, it can be used for chopping fruits, nuts and vegetables, blending pastry, or tenderizing steak. The plain edge chopper has an aluminum handle and a stainless-steel blade. The most popular use is as a biscuit cutter but it can also be used for chopping fruits, nuts and vegetables or blending pastry. 

• Kwik Kuts Serrated Food Chopper for mincing and chopping nuts, fruits and vegetables, tenderizing meat, cutting cookies, biscuits, pastries, and more

• Proudly made in America; stainless steel chopping ring measures 2.875-inch x .75-inches, wide handle is comfortable and keeps fingers out of harms way

• Simply use up-and-down motion until desired texture is achieved; tenderize meat and blend pastry dough; saves time during food preparation

• Chop fruit, nuts, vegetables, salads, tuna, hard boiled eggs, onions, coleslaw, potatoes, and more; great for quick healthy snacks

• Sturdy, durable, easy to use and clean; will never rust; much easier to clean than a food processor; simply hand wash in warm, soapy water

The simplest things in life hold far better meaning and significance.  Preparing home-cooked meals or making on of your culinary specialty creations.  Showing you care doesn’t require expensive gifts or showy gestures. It’s the simple things from the heart that really count. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place for the simple tools for those meals that come from the heart. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, 

John & Paula

The September weather has arrived and with the crisp fall mornings the market emerges with an entirely new vibe for a brand new season to celebrate all things local.

There is wide variety of fall vegetables and fruits finding their way to displays, ginger has arrived with the anticipation of turmeric, mums are beginning to appear and soon gourds and pumpkins will make their annual debut.

September market activities are also starting to roll out.  Mark your calendars to visit the market and experience some of the scheduled events and programs;

September 14th 

Amazing vendors

Cooking Demo at the market porch with Carolyn Shapiro from Comfort Food Community at 10:30 am

Live music with Craic Agus Ceol and Thomas Powers

Saratoga Springs Friends of the Library Book Sale

Developing Minds Kids Activity from Skidmore

Master Gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension on site to help you prepare your garden for fall

September 21st 

Amazing Vendors

Live Music with Brendan Daily and Kate Blain

Developing Minds Kids Activity from Skidmore

Master Gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension on site to help you prepare your garden for fall

Comfort Food Community on site with CDPHP Farmers’ Market coupons – learn about the program and eligibility 

September 28th – The Great Pumpkin Festival and The First Annual Festival of Lanterns (display in the pavilions)

Amazing vendors 

Live Music with Happenstance, Alex Ciarullo (9-10:30 am) and The Acorns (11:30-12:30)

Cooking demo at the market porch with Gianna Pennacchia from Cornell Cooperative Extension at 10:30 am

Pumpkin Painting for Kids under the market awning (green shed – minimal charge)

Lantern making activity for Kids sponsored by the Saratoga Springs Library (free)

The Great Pumpkin Fest at the garage on High Rock with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce

Artist guest Sarah Straight

Bikeatoga Pop-up Repair Shop at the market

Master Gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension on site to help you prepare your garden for fall

Comfort Food Community on site with CDPHP Farmers’ Market coupons – learn about the program and eligibility 

The market looks forward to celebrating all things local with you this fall.  Stay tuned for October events to be released soon.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and  Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Monday market at Clifton Park is open from 2-5 p.m. at the Shenendehowa Methodist Church on Route 146. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

One Pan Roasted Chicken with Fall Vegetables

Yields: 4 servings | Prep & cook time: 45 min

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients  currently available at the farmers’ market

1 pound butternut squash, chopped*

8 ounces baby red potatoes, halved*

8 ounces baby carrots, peeled*

8 ounces Brussels sprouts,  halved*

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced*

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,  to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves*

For the Chicken 

8 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs*

1 teaspoon oregano*

1/2 teaspoon thyme*

1/2 teaspoon basil*

1/4 teaspoon rosemary*

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,  to taste.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.

Season chicken with oregano,  thyme, basil, rosemary, salt and. Pepper, to taste; set aside.

Place butternut squash, potatoes, carrots and Brussels sprouts in a  single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Stir in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic;  season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Top with seasoned chicken in a single layer.

Place into oven and roast until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees, about. 25-30minutes.* Then broil for 2-3 minutes,  or until caramelized and slightly charred.

Served immediately,  garnish with parsley if desired.

* Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the potatoes. 

* Optional additions to consider include; broccoli, green beans, acorn squash, zucchini, summer squash, kale, craisins©.

Hello my foodie friends!

Finding fun gadgets can be an adventure. At Compliments to the Chef, we have many innovative, and must have gadgets for your foodie that you are looking for. One of our favorites is the Garlic Zoom. The Garlic Zoom is an innovative tool by Chef ‘n; a company that offers ergonomic devices that present a new functionality and mode for an ingrained everyday object. Offering a safe and accessible design solution to a problem that faces much of the aging public, Chef’n has created simple and effective tools. Their mission for over thirty-one years has been to make better tools, fun, and easier to use so you can make better foods.  They are known for being an ergonomic company. 

The Garlic Zoom has been one of our biggest sellers for years. What does a Garlic Zoom do? It can easily mince garlic cloves in seconds.  Simply peel cloves of garlic, fill, and roll the Garlic Zoom. The rotating stainless steel blades chop garlic in seconds for perfectly minced garlic without the mess or garlicky fingers.  The Garlic Zoom includes gearing for easier rolling, and finger holds for safer blade removal and has sturdy construction. The features of this item include: Powerful dual gears chop easily; strong, durable construction; large touch points for safe blade removal and it is top-rack dishwasher safe. 

I love the name of this gadget. It reminds me of my children when they were very young finding items throughout the kitchen and playing with them making the “zoom, zoom” sound.  The Garlic Zoom can be a fun way to get your younger foodies involved with prep work while mincing garlic; “zoom, zoom, zoom”.  

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place, to find the many treasures for your foodie. Along with the Garlic Zoom we have many cool tools for cooks. Look for those items that can help make cooking easier and fun. Oh, by the way, making fun sounds like “zoom, zoom” is permitted in the kitchen!!  Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen” even playtime. 

Take Care, 

John & Paula

It’s back to school this week for many families in the area and the market vendors are stocked with diverse items and ingredients to help make your life a little easier.  Not to mention, they will keep your kitchen filled with all things local and fresh.  

In fact, bringing the kids to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a great way to include them as part of the meal prep process.  Let your child(ren) select some of the produce and various food items and then invite them to help you prepare their selections for the week’s upcoming meals.  Research demonstrates that the more that children participate in the meal preparation process, the more willing they are to try new foods and make healthier choices.  

List making, shopping and prep time encourages the development of lifelong skills while allowing you to spend quality time together that’s both educational and purposeful.  They will remember these experiences; and shopping a farmers’ market adds a whole new level of understanding about where food comes from.

As you begin your back to school meal planning thoughts, consider how locally grown and produced goods might fit into your overall weekly menu.  This is not a full list, but some ideas of items you will discover at the market;

Breakfast –  locally produced honey & maple syrup, breakfast meats, eggs, fresh baked goods including waffles, granola, yogurts, cheeses and other dairy items, packaged smoothies and more

The Lunchbox –  fresh baked breads and other goods, locally produced jams and peanut butter, apples and other fruits, fresh vegetables, snacks and more

Easy Dinners – locally grown meats, seasonal produce options, baked goods, ready-made foods, herbs, seasoning, pierogis, and so much more

As children make new food discoveries, their palate and culinary adventures will expand.  Let the market make your back to school shopping easy, fresh and fun.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and  Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Monday market at Clifton Park is open from 2-5 p.m. at the Shenendehowa Methodist Church on Route 146. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and there’s so many ways to celebrate with the traditional cook-out always making the top of the list.  But, what are a few ways to add that unique twist onto your gathering or weekend festivities?

Pickle Ball Tourney: Grab your friends, meet on the courts and have a tournament.  Celebrate with pickle themed food; a pizza topped with pickles and a drizzle of hot honey is always a winning combo!  Winner earns the ‘Pickler of the Year’ award with a large jar of pickles!

Backyard Camp Out Competition:  Fill the backyard with your favorite people and a night of tents and camping, but the twist?  They have to decorate with a theme.  It will be a surprise to everyone and hopefully memories to last a life time.

Grilled Pizza Buffet: Create a buffet of all the fixings!  Let everyone roll and top their dough, heat up the grill and enjoy a deliciously fun meal paired with good spirits.

Outdoor Movie Night: Keep it simple,  but fun.  Hang a white sheet, borrow or rent a projector and host a backyard movie night with popcorn, soda (or maybe ice cream floats) and candy.  Everyone can bring their beach chairs and blankets to hang out and have fun.

Old-fashioned Block Party: Be the neighborhood host and meet at the cul-de-sac or in the driveway for an old-fashioned potluck.  Let the kids play and the parents talk;  always simple but memorable.

However, you choose to enjoy your long weekend and unofficial close to summer, visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market to grab locally produced and grown goods to fill your table and your plates!

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and  Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Monday market at Clifton Park is open from 2-5 p.m. at the Shenendehowa Methodist Church on Route 146. The Thursday Market at Milton runs through to August 29th at the Burgess Kimball Memorial Park from 3-6 p.m. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

The summer brings back many fond memories for me of weekend family gatherings. You see, back in the day, you knew all your cousins, Aunts, Uncles and grandparents very well. Family gatherings were a requirement, not an option. Sometimes friends would be allowed to attend the family gatherings, but not very often. Summer meant finger foods eaten outside and for kids, there was nothing better. We could eat with our hands, and we didn’t have to wash them. Mom was almost always the hostess and that suited Dad just fine as he didn’t want to go anywhere unless it was Vermont. One of the “go to” foods for the outside gatherings was corn on the cob. Mom would purchase baskets full of ears of corn and give the kids the task of shucking. Dad, who grew up on a farm, gave us kids lessons in shucking and then challenged us as to who could shuck the most. Imagine about fifteen little boys lined up with corn in front of them and my dad would instruct us stating, “now take the ear and put the stalk end on your hip, then with two hands grab the silk on either side and pull.  Ready, set, go!”  We would laugh and squeal and rip the corn apart!  Mom loved it as I now know that it kept us occupied and out of trouble. Most of the time my cousin Mike would win as he listened intently to my dad and I think he practiced at home. One cooking vessel my Mom had for the corn included two 20 quart stock pots for boiling corn to meet the corn-on-the cob needs for fifty or so relatives all day. My cousins and I still talk about those days fondly, and worry that families just don’t know each other nowadays as we did. It’s funny but every weekend of those summers we got together, and I can’t remember any rainy days ruining them?

This Labor Day weekend, many of us will continue to celebrate Labor Day with parades, parties, and gathering festivities. Backyard barbeques are a staple activity, with burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and chicken being popular choices. The smoky aromas of grilled meat and vegetables are definitively summer. Don’t forget classic barbeque sides like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, corn-on-the-cob, and watermelon. Cool beverages like lemonade, iced tea, and beer complement the fiery flavors from the grill.

There are a number of tools to use when serving corn-on-cob. Remember your corn-on-the cob dishes, holders, and if you don’t like to eat directly off the cob, we have corn-on-the-cob corn strippers to help cut the corn off the cob. We carry a number of different size stock pots to assist with your corn-on-the-cob needs. 

For the holiday weekend, this may be corny, but call your relatives and invite them over for fun, games and good food especially when we make the family traditions that will bring back memories of a time past. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place store to pick up the essential tools you need for your holiday weekend. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. 

Take Care, John & Paula