"gail simmons" news and stories

Horseradish is the root of the horseradish plant, which when grated has a spicy, almost peppery kick. It's usually sold prepared in a a jar, either grated on its own, or mixed with beet juice, which turns it pink and slightly mellows its flavor. Kitchen Daily expert Gail Simmons likes to showcase its flavor in her Salad of Roasted Beets, Green Beans, Horseradish and Honey Lemon Vinaigrette. It's a great side dish -- the spiciness of the horseradish is temptered by the bright, citrus flavor of the dressing.

Try Gail's Salad of Roasted Beets, Green Beans, Horseradish and Honey Lemon Vinaigrette.

Harissa is a North African spice blend that usually contains coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger and chiles. It's got a spicy kick that's excellent in marinades or when added to a vinaigrette. You can buy it in ground form, as a jarred condiment or as a paste, and its bold flavor gives Gail Simmons' grilled chicken an exciting spin. After a bath in a harissa marinade, the chicken is grilled on a hot cast-iron grill pan, then sliced and served topped with a cooling cucumber yogurt dressing.

Try Gail's Grilled Harissa Chicken with Cucumber Yogurt Dressing.

Peppers can be hot or mild, like a new love affair or one that's mellowed with age. Gail Simmons explains the ways of the pepper in her Pantry Project video here. And if you're celebrating Valentine's Day today, serve your love Gail's light, easy and peppery shrimp stir-fry. The key to a great stir-fry, Gail says, is a really hot pan, which enables quick cooking without burning, as well as a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola. Along with the shrimp, black pepper, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, green and red peppers and soy sauce (instead of salt) give this dish crunch and plenty of flavor, a little bit hot, a little bit mellow.

Get Gail Simmons's Wok-Fried Black Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Get More Recipes from Gail Simmons

Pour yourself a good Bloody this weekend, with a little help from "Top Chef" judge (and KitchenDaily expert) Gail Simmons. Never one to shy away from a little heat, Gail gives her cocktail a healthy dose of horseradish, and adds pickled onions and green beans for an extra shot of tart flavor. It's almost Saturday-brunch time. Get mixing.

Recipe for Gail Simmon's Spicy Bloody Mary with Pickled Vegetables

Tender, flaky phyllo dough is the secret weapon for "Top Chef" judge (and KitchenDaily contributor) Gail Simmons in creating her recipe for Ground Beef and Vegetable Pies. Easy to work with if kept moist, phyllo provides a light crust that cradles the hearty filling of peas, carrots, onion, and mozzarella, along with lean ground beef. A sprinkling of Parmigiano-Reggiano on top provides the finishing touch.

Watch this Gail Simmons Pantry Project how-to video on using phyllo dough and making these Ground Beef and Vegetable Pies.