Chef Ideas: July 2008 Archives
Featured Tastybeat gem Giles Schnierle of the Great American Cheese Collection has turned Tastybeat on to the greatness of Prairie Pure's Butterkase, a local artisan cow's milk cheese. Butterkase results from a wholesome collaboration. Three farm families in Illinois collaborate to supply their fresh milk and expertise to master cheese maker Bruce Workman of Wisconsin. The cows live in comfort, receive a diet that is hormone-free and based mainly on homegrown forages and grains, and have access to pasture during the summer.
Workman then produces a supple, smooth cheese that's sweet, nutty, with hints of fruit--pure magic if you ask us. Tastybeat loves to cook with this high-butterfat cheese for its flavor, texture, and nice melting qualities. And at room temperature, Butterkase is a dreamy spread on crackers or fresh bread.
You can buy Butterkase (among other artisan delights) at the best kept cheese secret in town: The Great American Cheese Collection warehouse sale at 4727 S. Talman (between Western and California Avenues) in Chicago on August 9th and August 23rd from 9am to 1pm. When you visit the warehouse on either of these dates, mention Tastybeat for your exclusive 15% Tastybeat discount on all cheese purchases. Ummm, good!
Karen Rose, owner of featured Tastybeat Gem City Olive, imports A L'Olivier Framboise vinegar from France. This thick vinegar is infused with fresh raspberry pulp, making it a beautiful bold magenta. Paired with your favorite olive oil, L'Olivier Framboise makes a refreshing summer vinaigrette. L'Olivier suggests blending L'Olivier Framboise with olive oil, basil, fig, and shaved parmesan over fresh greens for the perfect summer salad. A L'Olivier Framboise is also ideal in a salmon or pork marinade, where the intense, bright fruit burst will enhance your summer grill just so. This vinegar is extremely popular, be sure to call ahead (773.878.5408) to reserve your bottle!
Looking to add pizazz to a simple rice dish or zing to your favorite barbecue sauce? Consider Korean dried red pepper threads. Sweet and spicy, these finely-sliced dried red peppers are a unique and delicious gem for your spice rack. The threads also work perfectly in salsa, marinades, and just about any Asian dish. To get yours, visit featured Tastybeat gem Super H Mart or any well-stocked Korean market. This wonderful ingredient is just $2.00 per ounce.
Want to add pizzazz to almost any meal? Try Lizano Sauce, popular in Costa Rica. A favorite Tastybeat restaurant and featured gem, Irazu, serves this zippy condiment at every table. This all-natural sauce is packed with onions, carrots, cucumber, chili pepper, cauliflower, molasses, salt, and spices. Tastybeat suggests using Lizano Sauce to enhance your summer-grilled chicken, pork, and beef, or on tamales with rice and beans.
This slightly sweet and tangy sauce gets its name from Prospero Lizano who created this sauce in Costa Rica in 1920. Lizano's salsa took the country by storm and soon became a national staple. In fact, this zippy condiment is now as ubiquitous on the Costa Rican table as the salt and peppershakers we North Americans are so accustomed to.
You can purchase Lizano Sauce at Irazu, La Unica market on Devon, or any well-stocked Latin market. A 700ml bottle will run you about $5.50, so grab two bottles while you're at it....you'll soon be addicted to the kick.
La Unica
1515 W. Devon (map)
773-274-7788
Hours
Monday - Saturday 8:00am-9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
Irazú
1865 N. Milwaukee Avenue (map)
773-252-5687
Hours
Monday-Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm
Closed Sundays
