Hellomy Foodie Friends! Our American English language has many common expressions we use to express ideas. For example, when we say something is like “a drop in the ocean,” we mean it is a very small amount compared to what is needed. You may also hear the expression “drop in the bucket.” But a drop in the ocean is much more dramatic. If someone is “slippery as an eel,” they are tricky and difficult to catch. We often use this expression as a warning to others. If something is a “whale of a … thing,” it is a very good thing. If you performed very well at work, your boss could say you did “a whale of a job.”
Some people consider oysters a delicacy – a rare food that you only eat once in a while. Oysters are great for another reason. They make pearls! So, oysters are rare indeed. And that brings us to our next expression. When we say “The world is your oyster!” we mean that you are able to make the most out of life. You take every chance given to you and put it to good use. Language experts say this is one of the many expressions created by the English writer William Shakespeare. He used it in his play The Merry Wives of Windsor. However, some people use this expression a little differently. It can also mean that you have every chance or opportunity you could possibly want. You have money, skills, ability and freedom to do exactly what you want.
Oysters are a delicious sea food to eat this time of year. Raw oysters are great—but do you know what’s not great? Trying to shuck them at home? For most people, shucking them isn’t the easiest thing to do. We have just the tool to help you with shucking oysters. The Zyliss Oyster Tool helps you shuck oysters quickly while keeping hands safe. The specialty designed stainless steel blade opens oysters safely and easily while preserving oyster liquor and features a non-slip handle with protective guard. The silicone oyster pocket and non-slip feet provides leverage while keeping hands safe during use. No need for a bulky glove! Also features a built-in knife holder for safe easy storage. Focusing on functionality, durability, design, cleanliness and safety, Zyliss has relied upon a heritage of excellence that began in Switzerland over 60 years ago. Building on this time-held tradition, the company has advanced to produce and distribute kitchen equipment that is world-renowned. Zyliss has pioneered the design of more than 200 kitchen essentials, with quality and engineering that cannot be duplicated.
Did you know that oysters are delicious mollusks that provide the human body with a number of unique nutrients and minerals, which result in great health benefits? These include the ability of oysters to aid in weight loss, boost metabolic activity, increase tissue repair and growth, lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, improve immune functions, aid in wound healing, and promote healthy growth. Furthermore, they are a powerful aphrodisiac, can improve blood circulation, and also increase bone strength to reduce osteoporosis. If you’ve never prepared oysters yourself, it can be intimidating. But it can also be easy and a great experience. Give oysters a try and be sure to remember the following:
• Buy oysters from reliable vendors (whether grocer or fishmonger) and be sure to look for the shipper’s tag. That way you’ll know the oysters came from an area that is approved for growing and harvesting oysters.
• Check through your oysters when you get home. Always throw away any oysters that don’t seem right, have broken shells, or that are partially or fully opened. You can try to tap the open oysters to see if they close up. If they do, they should be OK. If not, toss them.
• Prepare fresh, live oysters for eating. Consider serving them the day you buy them.
• Keep your oysters very cold before prepping them. Don’t store them in a plastic bag in the fridge, but put them in a bowl covered with a wet towel.
Stop by Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad place to purchase the Zyliss Oyster Tool. It will make your life a bit easier. Have fun shucking with family and friends. The world is your oyster. All the options are available to you… the world is yours for the taking, whatever you make of it. Getting the pearl requires the oyster to be opened. But despite the hardness of the oyster shell, they can be opened with ease. Enjoy life. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” Happy shucking.
Take Care,
John & Paula
Coming Soon: Exciting Knife Skills and Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill Demo at Compliments to the Chef with Professor/Chef Rocco Verrigni:
Saturday June 30 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Professor/Chef Rocco Verrigni has instructed culinary courses at Schenectady County Community College for the last 37 years. Rocco was born and raised in Saratoga Springs and started his culinary career in local restaurants before gaining further experience in NYC, Chicago, California, and Italy. He perfected his art alongside well- established chefs the world over.
Highlights of his career include: working with University Foundation of Thailand, to design and implement curriculum, for hotel managers at Rajabhat Institute School of Hotel Management in Bangkok, and establish First Global Community College (FGCC) at Udon-Nongkai; co-developed Kentucky Derby student intern program; developed Italian Food and Culture, a study abroad course for SCCC culinary students; co-founded SlowFood Saratoga, an organization dedicated to the principles of SlowFood America; supervised volunteers for Farm Aid 2013, held in Saratoga Springs.
He is enthusiastic about the local farm-to-fork food movement and continues to work with local chefs, owners, and farmers to hone his skills and feed his passion for food, cooking and teaching. Rocco lives with his wife, Karen in Saratoga Springs.
