"The hartford Courant" news and stories

by Sarah LeTrent, Posted Dec 28th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Filed under: Newspapers, In 60 Seconds, News, Features

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Oct 2nd 2009 @ 12:00PM

Gnocchi waiting to be cooked. Photo: Marco Fedele, Flickr.

• Carl Cianci of Peppercorn's Grill shares the secrets behind perfecting airy gnocchi and offers a recipe.
• The story of Margaret Sapir and Mitch Rapoport, and how they jumped from corporate America to the world of bread-making, whipping up the increasingly popular Pain de Campagne.
• In pies and teamed with sweet wine, pears serve as the base of wonderful desserts.
• Restaurants: White Horse Country Pub has balanced history-heavy walls with a "creative" menu of classic pub fare, while Panda Palace mixes uncommon dishes with traditional entrees for a tasty and inexpensive dinner.
• Recipes: Everyday Stir-Fry, Portobello and Goat Cheese Sandwich, Corn and Tomato Salad, Roquefort Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Pears.

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Aug 28th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Bean-and-rice salad. Photo: Natalie Maynor, Flickr

• Rice is the overlooked salad base for summer fare.
• Even with the tomato blight, it's still the season for a nicely chilled gazpacho -- whether classic and tomato-y, or perked up with a few almonds or peaches.
• Eesh! According to the National Cancer Institute, only 1 percent of kids are meeting the healthy food intake suggestions set forth by the USDA Food Guide Pyramid.
• Make the most of your vegetables with Two-For-One Veggies and Salad.
• Wine of the Week: 2007 Macmurray Ranch Pinot Noir -- it's "substantial," but not "heavy."
• Recipes: Dal and dog treats.
• Hartford's food calendar.

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Jul 23rd 2009 @ 12:00PM

Bowl of ramen. Photo: irrational_cat, Flickr

• Instead of hitting the spaghetti aisle, the Courant suggests browsing the shelves of Asian noodles.
• Connecticut enters the grilled pizza craze.
• As part of the Taste of Hartford restaurant week, you can find many dishes for 2009 ... or rather, $20.09.
• Almost anything from a fast food place will pack on the pounds, but this handy gallery features the worst offenders. ...
• ... and one more handy gallery, this time rife with commentary, for tasty cocktails in the Hartford area.
• When picking up summer beers, Newport Storm Summer Ale, Saranac Summer Brew and more will do the trick.
• Recipes: Greek Yogurt with Apricot Compote and Pistachios and Grilled Sausage and Peppers.

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Jun 19th 2009 @ 12:00PM

The snapping claws of a red lobster. Photo: Simon Goldenberg/Flickr

• Did you know that lobster was once a low-class food? As prices for the crustacean drop, the Courant shares history, tasty recipes and a slew of delectable pictures.
• What makes the perfect guacamole? Alfonso Martinez of Hartford's Monte Alban knows, and shares authentic Mexican tips and a recipe.
• Tapioca balls bubble up in Connecticut ice tea.
• Norfolk's Infinity Music Hall adds a bistro that serves everything from mussels to tenderloin.
• Policing the Produce: Sneaky farmers get stopped when they try to slip international goods into the local fare at farmers markets.
• Recipes: Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Salsa, Easy Applesauce Cake and Lemon Chicken Tagine, Grilled Trout with Vegetable Chop and Grilled Sirloins with Gorgonzola, Red Onions and Rosemary.

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds