A Kiss of Flavor - bacio di sapore

Combine a bit of olive oil, squeeze of lemon juice, salt, pepper and dried thyme. Add to boneless chicken breast and mix together. Let sit for a few minutes.

Take saute pan and add a little oil. Once oil is hot, add chicken and give the pan a shake. (Shaking the pan will keep the chicken from sticking.) Turn after 3 minutes. Brown 3 minutes on the other side.

Add a splash of stock, turn down the heat , and pan and cook for a few more minutes.

Caramelized Onions

Thinly slice 2 onions. Add 2 T olive oil to a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium high heat. Cook the onions until softened, then lover heat to a simmer and gently brown onions for approx 25 minutes.

Can make bigger batches and freeze in 1-cup portions.

Easy way to add alot of flavor to a dish.

Aroma Wheel

An aroma wheel is a multi-colored circle designed to help wine drinks describe what they experience when tasting wine. The wheel can also be used to help you describe the taste of food.

You can print or download a copy of the wheel from this website http://winewriter.blogspot.com/2007/06/wine-aroma-wheel.html.

Official Aroma Wheel website is http://winearomawheel.com.

Food Related Books I Want to Read

The Flavor Bible by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page

The Tasting Club by Dina Cheney

Knife Anatomy

Blade - sharp part (duh!)

Spine - blunt back of the blade

Bloster - raised lip edge near the handle (not all knives have this)

Full tang - when the blade extends all the way to the butt of the knife. Knife is held together by rivets.

Two considerations when buying a knife

Steel - You want a knife that can take an edge and hold it. Look for high-carbon steel.

Feel - How it fits your hand. Don't strangle your knife. "Shake hands with it." Place the handle across your palm. Wrap your hand arount it. With thumb and index finger, pinch the juncture where blade meets handle. Your other three fingers should be tucked around the handle.

Buy only what you'll use

Chef's knife

Paring knife

Bread knife

Care of knives

NEVER put in dishwasher

Have them sharpened once a year