THE LATEST FROM FRAN BERGER
Videos
How to take care of your cast iron skillet. | Fran Berger
The iron skillet is great for cooking anything where an oven and proper distribution of heat is needed. And they're best for going from stove top to oven. In fact, there's practically nothing that you cook with an iron skillet.Fran...
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How get the best from zesting your citrus. | Fran Berger
What does zesting do for dishes? The best way I can describe it is that it can really add a lovely flavor dimension to just about any recipe. It’s the best way to increase the flavor of the citrus. Some...
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Make your morning beautiful with the Perfect Coffee Service | Fran Berger
A favorite ritual of many of my clients is that first cup of coffee or tea in the morning. What makes it special is the tray and coffee service – sometimes in bed, sometimes at the table but always special....
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Kitchen Hints: The Three Most Common Onions you need in your kitchen | Fran Berger
A friend of mine told me about this 7-onion soup that she had the other day. She said it was so good and so tasty that she wanted to figure out how she might make it at home. Then she...
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Pre-party Check: Favorite soap in the powder room? | Fran Berger
Okay, so it’s not the first thing you think of when you’re hosting a gathering or party. But soap for the powder room really ought to be on the checklist. How little, you ask? Well… read on.I prefer small bar...
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Beyond the Shell: Insights for Buying the Best Eggs
Let’s decode the myths and labels around this favorite dairy product. Eggs are the most complete food – nutritious, affordable and can be served in more ways than you can imagine. Personally, I could eat them for any meal –...
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Effortless Shrimp Cocktail: Master the Perfect Starter
An easy recipe for shrimp cocktail that’s tasty and lovely to look at. I have never met a “starter” I didn’t love. There are so many great ways kick-off an evening of fun with your friends or family but, for...
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Valentine’s Day with Frozen Sweet Wine Strawberries | Fran Berger
It’s the small things that count: frozen strawberries that will make your guests gush! This is so easy that you can literally squeeze it into just about any busy schedule. And it’s a great treat when you’re staying in with...
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Big Kitchen Tool Upgrades – for under $35 | Fran Berger
This is my list of handy ‘next level’ kitchen tools so you don’t get caught without “the right tool.” And none of these ideas are expensive - under $35. But having these tools could make all the difference between a...
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How to Slow Roast Any Veggie for the Perfect Side Dish | Fran Berger
Delicious ‘basic recipe’ for vegetables that NEEDS to be in your bag of tricks. Nobody has all the ‘basic recipes’ down. We all have our favorites that we return to again and again but I’ve found that there’s always room...
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Master Your Kitchen: Top 10 Must-Have Tools for Beginners
What you need to know about the top 10 essential tools for your kitchen. A client of mine just bought a second home near a lake. She faced the same problem all cooks face when stocking a new kitchen...
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What your dinner party guests really care about! | Fran Berger
At your next dinner party, try these ideas to keep a fun night really rolling. The whole point of having friends and family over is the sharing. We love the food and drink, but—speaking for myself in particular—I live for...
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Make a resolution, pay attention to your olives! | Fran Berger
It’s a shame to take the olive for granted when there’s so much variety!I love olives. Green, black, stuffed, unstuffed, in salads, or plain. Today, there are enough varieties of olives to match just about any palate—even those that are...
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What to do with all those gift wines? | Fran Berger
Gift wines. There. I said it. A bottle quickly picked up at the market, thoughtfully bought, but random nevertheless. There are things you can do with these random wines, even those over-sweet and barely drinkable cheap bottles, that can keep...
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Baking Bacon: Perfect Crispiness Without the Hassle
You’ll be blown away how much easier it is to BAKE your bacon. I may be stating the obvious but frying bacon is a real hassle. Everyone loves the taste, hardly anyone complains about the smell of bacon cooking...
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Gifts She'll Love: Fran's Women's Gift Guide
Challenged by originality? Remember to be thoughtful. It’s probably a huge generalization, but I think it’s a lot easier to get a gift for a guy-friend than it is for a girl-friend. Not saying that guys are less sophisticated...
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Tips for great holiday party lighting. | Fran Berger
Set the mood for your family and friends with awesome lighting. Imagine you’re the director of your own stage production of “The Holidays at My Home.” What are you going to do to set the mood for a great party?...
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A little “insider” trick that keeps your salad from wilting. | Fran Berger
When you have guests over, not only do you want your food to be appetizing and tasty, you also want your guests to be eager and happy to try every dish you serve. Here’s a simple idea for serving salad...
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Simple Recipe for Champagne Vinaigrette | Fran Berger
And so easy to make: Dijon Mustard, sea salt, champagne vinegar, and olive oil. This recipe was handed down from one chef to another. Nobody really knows who created it, but it is a favorite, and because it’s so simple,...
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Salt Cellars: A Taste of History for Your Table
“Above the Salt” Idea: Entertain guests like a pro with great salt cellars for your table. Do you know someone who can really throw a fabulous gathering no matter how large or small? I have to say I’ve been...
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