Harold McGee "Keys to Good Cooking"

If you were to come into my home library, you would see a few novels, lots of travel books and biographies, a hefty collection of the “xyz for Dummies” and an abundance of marketing, social media and business related books. However, my robust collection of cookbooks takes center stage encompassing 7 foot standing leaning bookshelves.  Some may say I am obsessed with cookbooks, and they are right! Rarely can I leave a bookstore without a new cookbook to read through, highlight and test.

One of my favorite cooking related book is Harold McGee’s Keys to Good Cooking which is a literal textbook of just that, “keys” to cooking at your best. From understanding the foundation and fundamentals to blanching to roasting, Harold McGee thoughtfully covers all aspects of cooking allowing us the opportunity to hone our skillset and take our cooking to the next level. My pages are well “seasoned,” if you may, as it’s in constant review. Quite frankly, it’s one of those books I find myself re-reading as it makes for a great refresher and reminder on cooking at its core.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Micro Greens

Often we look for ways to take a simple salad to the next level. Whether those changes are in the dressing, proteins or condiments, there are so many choices from which to choose. One simple way that I like to take an ordinary salad to extraordinary levels is by adding fresh micro greens. Not only do they add another dimension from a flavor profile, it looks beautiful and imparts a subtle complexity.

When it comes to what kinds of micro greens to use, your imagination is your only limitation. From micro kale to peas, there are a plethora of options to choose from. If you aren’t completely sold on the idea, at least consider using them as a garnish providing height and curiosity.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Easter Celebration / Feast! Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Cut Ham

Tonight we are gathering around the table together to a beautiful brown sugar glazed spiral cut ham.

Whatever you are gathering to this evening, I hope that you find time to gather around the table together with those that you love.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper Recommendation: Spiral Cut Ham for Easter Sunday

Tomorrow my family and I are gathering around a beautiful spiral cut ham. Spiral cut ham is easy to prepare and not only tastes incredible, it looks incredible! I have a easy recipe for one in the recipe section of my blog thetabletogether.com which will no doubt satisfy your entire crowd!

Whatever you are making for Sunday supper tomorrow evening, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Weekend Happenings: Seattle for Easter!

This weekend I am heading to Seattle to spend Easter with my family. From a brown sugar glazed spiral cut ham to green beans, scalloped potatoes and mac & cheese, I cannot wait to gather around the table together with my family and friends!

Wherever and however you are celebrating Easter weekend, I hope that you find time to gather around the table together with family and friends.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Throwback Thursday: 1926 Model T Ford

I still remember the day my dad unveiled the newly refurbished 1926 Model T Ford that he and my mom drove away from their wedding over 40 years ago! The new coat of paint and pickup attachment were to reflect my inspiration and appreciation for farm to table eating! Maybe, one day you will see me driving this gorgeous Model T through some of America’s farmlands marveling at the bounty of fresh produce!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

"Food Lover's Companion"

If there was a Bible for food, this would be it! Absolutely everything that you would ever want or need to know about food can be found in the 700 plus pages of culinary terms. Some may think reading it page for page is a little “intense” but I can’t put it down!  Regardless of how you use it, reading pleasure or culinary reference, having one on hand is a must, at least in my home!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Benefits of Freezing Fruit for Smoothies

If you are like me and love making smoothies in the morning, here is a quick idea for you. Most smoothie recipes ask for ice which gives smoothies their icy consistency. However, that being said, unless you drink them fast, the ice melts which waters down your smoothie.  No one likes water-downed smoothies, at least I hope not, so try freezing fruit at its prime and using that in place of ice. Freezing your own fruit is much cheaper, when in season, than buying frozen fruit and you have all the control.

To do this, simply clean, dry and lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in your freezer and once frozen (overnight) transfer to a freezer ziplock bag. Use what you need when you need it and re-stock according to what looks freshest at the store. 

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together and never drinking a water downed smoothie ever again!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper Reveal: Macho Salad

Tonight I am serving a beautiful kale and romaine salad topped with fresh carrot and zucchini ribbons, marcona almonds, goat cheese and dates finished with a nutty walnut vinaigrette.  Who said salads are boring?

To whatever you are making for Sunday supper this evening, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper (Dessert) Recommendation: Tapioca Pudding

If you are looking for a light yet satisfying dessert for Sunday supper that both kids and adults alike will enjoy, look no further than tapioca pudding. Simple and quick to make, tapioca pudding is a low-fat sweet-tooth satisfier adding all the satisfaction with no guilt. Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon and dessert is served!

Whatever it is that you are gathering to for Sunday supper tomorrow, I hope that you find time to gather around the table together.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Weekend Happenings!

After my incredible trip to Europe, it’s time to settle in, fully unpack and re-stock my pantry! And of course, get back to the test kitchen! Europe was an experience of a lifetime, one my brother and I will never forget. Until my next trip, back to the test kitchen I go!

To whatever it is that you are doing this weekend, I hope that you find time to gather around the table together!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Throwback Thursday: Tap Dancing!

To this day, I still remember wearing this red sequin number and tap dancing across the stage in front of friends and family. It’s interesting the memories we hold onto years later, and even more interesting that this one made the list. I never made anything of my dancing years, but how fun while they lasted.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Cooking Magazines

I subscribe to just about every food related magazine and read them all religiously.  From tidbits on how to quickly peel butternut squash, to storing eggs and planting a beautiful herb garden, I simply cannot get enough. Being in the industry, I have realized that there is always something new to learn whether a better, faster or more efficient way to do something or simply tips on becoming more empowered and in control of your own kitchen, cooking magazines have a plethora of information from which to build.

Some of my favorites include, Food Network, Cooks Illustrated, Cooking Light, Martha Stewart Living, Bon Appetite, and Food & Wine, to name a few. I also enjoy subscribing to and reading Real Simple, Southern Living, and Shape which also offer great recipes woven throughout their issues.

I always encourage people that are learning to cook, or that want to take cooking to the next level, to read a variety of magazines each offering their own approach to preparing delicious wholesome meals for your family and friends. And remember, cooking is an ongoing process and even I am on the journey.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

What's Cooking! Sunday Supper Reveal!

This evening my brother and I will be enjoying British Airways finest for Sunday supper. I can’t speak to what is on the menu, but I am sure it will be wonderful.

Whatever it is that you are making for Sunday supper this evening, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper Recommendation: Coconut Shrimp on the Lighter Side

I absolutely love coconut shrimp, but don’t often eat it as they are deep-fried! My version is lightly breaded and baked offering a lighter version of a delicious classic.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a lighter version or not, I think you and your family and friends will love them!

Whatever you are making for Sunday supper tomorrow, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Weekend Happenings! Heading back to The USA

Today my brother and I are heading back to the USA from our weeklong trip to Europe. We have had an incredible time eating our way across Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon and Paris. Now I am ready for a good nap and a few intense spinning sessions at Equinox to get back on track! In my personal opinion, if you go to Europe and don’t divulge in all the delicacies, you simply missed out!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Throwback Thursday! Knife Skills Class at Le Cordon Bleu

Knife skills class is where it all began! Without perfect knife skills, there is no foundation. No basis from which to build. To this day I remember the countless bags of tomato’s, onions and carrots from which I julienned and batonnet-ed. And thank goodness I had this foundation as it has primed me for where I am today.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Cookbook Recommendation: "Martha Stewart's Cookies"

When looking for a go-to cookie recipe, look no farther than Martha Stewart’s Cookies. From your standard chocolate chip to oatmeal, peanut butter whoopee pies, and rum balls, she has you covered!

However and whenever you like cookies, turn to Martha Stewart for all the tips, recipes and tricks for making perfect cookies every time!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Cooking with Kale

Most people that don’t like kale, often don’t like it because of it’s earthy quality and texture. However, this all being said, I have seen a lot of kale converters with a few after learning a few pointers on properly preparing it.

• Thinly slice kale! Large pieces of kale take a lot of work to chew and digest! Simply slicing it about 1/4-inch thick, you break it down to a more manageable state.
• Massage your kale. Some people swear by this! My personal preference, massage it! Use your hands to grip and squeeze the kale forgetting for a moment that greens should be handled with a light hand to avoid bruising. When dealing with kale, it’s okay to be a little rough with it because of its tough structure.
• Choose the right color of kale: The lighter the color of kale, the milder in flavor so choose accordingly.
• Remove the spine: Remove the woody spine and just eat the leaves. The spine is tough and unpleasant to eat.  To quickly remove the spine, peel back a little of the stem end leaves and like a zipper, quickly pull down with your hands to remove the leaves from the stem.
• Raw or cooked: I love kale raw and cooked! When cooked, kale tends to keep its structure better than other greens, like spinach, and maintains its bright green complexion

However you enjoy kale, and even if you never have, give it another try knowing the above.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper Reveal: Surpise!

My brother and I land in Europe late tonight, so our dinner will consist of whatever is close to the hotel and convenient. Room service may even be just the ticket!

To whatever you and your family are gathering to for Sunday supper, I hope that you find time to gather around the table together.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!