"TheHartfordCourant" news and stories

Pies, Pubs and Pears - The Hartford Courant in 60 Seconds

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.

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.

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.

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.

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted May 15th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Can you have a wedding reception without a cake? A look at the evolving world of matrimonial sweets.
The Mark Twain House hosts a wine tasting in full, classic Clemens style.
When your main course is simple, try teaming it with an interesting side like broccoli-cheese casserole.
Chicken pot pie with drop biscuits is a good way to stretch a few ingredients to feed a family.
Creative ideas for showers of the wedding and baby variety.
Put down the pie and whip up some Pilgrim's Pumpkin Pudding instead.
Yet more critical praise for Francis Ford Coppola, whose Sofia Sparkling Blanc earns Wine of the Week kudos.
Microbrew reviews for Farmington River Brown Ale, Trout River Rainbow Red, Harpoon Leviathan, Ballast Point Sea Monster Imperial Stout, Trout River Chocolate Oatmeal Stout and Iniquity Black Ale.