"Chile Peppers"

Bring on the flavor and the heat, with delicious Chile peppers! Learn the different varieties, how to prepare peppers properly, plus some yummy recipes for Basic Monterey Jack Cheese Chile Rellenos... 

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Chile_Peppers.html

 

"The Herb Garden"

There is nothing like fresh herbs to add flavor to dishes... There are so many herbs out there too! Basil, Oregano, Dill, Thyme, Cilantro, Parsley, Mint.... What do you do with them all?

See "how to" in this newsletter. How to use, dry, store herbs as well as delicious recipes for Salsa Verde, Pesto, and Green Mojo.

Follow the "Herb Garden" path....

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Herb_Garden.html

Or.... Sign up now to receive our newsletters automatically and receive a 10% off coupon!

http://www.cucinafresca.net/newsletter.html

"The Berry Best"

Juicy... Flavorful... Succulent... Berries...

In this delicious newsletter learn all about strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, marionberries, blackberries, gooseberries, currants, boysenberries, lingonberries, huckleberries....

Follow the link...
http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Berries.html

"Dining al Fresco"

Dining outdoors can be a memorable and pleasurable experiece. A way to enjoy fresh air, good wine, delicious food, and great company! In this newsletter learn how to set the scene, keeping food and drinks cold, tips, Q&A's and so much more!

Follow the links:

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Dining_al_Fresco.html

"Smokin Grillin"

Learn how to capture the delicious flavor of smoke next time you grill. Discover how to smoke meats correctly, different rubs and marinades, Q&A's, and a delicious recipe for a Smoked Onion Sauce...

The smoke signal says f-o-l-l-o-w-t-h-e-l-i-n-k...

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Smokin_Grill.html

Name Brand Cookware Wars

Yesterday I was on Chowhound.com, a great foodie message board (amongst other things). I ran across a discussion about LeCreuset verses Staub (both French enameled cast iron cookware brands). I was surprised about the heated debate between the devoted fans of both cookware. To see the debate for yourself go to http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/469551 It is great that both brands have such devoted fans but I think they are too hung up in which brand is better As consumers, we should remember that sometimes similar brands are not necessarily better than the other, just slightly different in minor ways. In my own store, I have staff members that prefer LeCreuset and others that prefer Staub. The preference comes down to color and design and not performance because both perform beautifully and both are well worth the considerable price.

"Summer Pasta"

Everybody loves pasta. In this issue of our newsletter, learn the differences in shape of pasta, how to cook "al dente", perfect pasta partners, and even a recipe for Penne with Creany Sicilian Asparagus Sauce... A perfect summer meal.

Follow the link:

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Summer_Pasta.html

Gourmet Consumer Trends

I was recently asked to comment on Gourmet/Houseware consumer trends. Here are my thoughts....

Over the weekend, I read three separate recent articles (between Food & Wine, Gourmet, and Bon Appetit) about the “back to basics” cooking styles of South American countries. It seems that eating meat is back in vogue (especially pork) and foodies may be looking to the more current agrarian cultures of Peru, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile for a refresher course on more basic techniques of cooking/grilling meats and vegetables. I think that an interest in the incredible wine values and an interest in Pisco will push more American consumers into looking further into South American culinary techniques.

We see a strong interest in the kids cooking category. This year eating out less has become a common theme and as a result, cooking at home has gained speed. Because families are more apt to be cooking with each other, children are allowed the opportunity to help out. What a wonderful result. Children have endless opportunities to learn when they are cooking. Most importantly, they learn about the food they eat, but they also learn about food chemistry, measuring math, and food hygiene. In addition, hopefully they are eating healthier and broadening their palettes. As a retailer, I should probably be singing the blues about the current economic climate, and yet I can't help but notice the many good outcomes due to our poor economic situation.

Vegetable gardening is gaining ground this year. If all the the novice gardeners can

"produce" :), we will see a resurgence in canning. We have seen an interest in preserving fruits and vegetables in the last couple of years, but I think all gourmet retailers need to be ready for a rush on canning products. I for one will be looking for more modern, more attractive packaging solutions for preserving food.

Happy Mother's Day!

Fresh from the Kitchen in Elko, Nevada

"Fancy Cakes"

Cake = Party... Party = Cake...

At almost any special occasion, cake is one of the highlights. Learn essential cake baking techniques, how to make extraordinary cupcakes, cake Q&As, and delicious recipes like Milk Chocolate Mousse Cake. So the next cake you bake, you can say you did all from scratch!

Follow the cake crumbs....

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Fancy_Cakes.html

"Champignon de Paris"

In this issue of our monthly newsletter learn about the different varieties of mushrooms, from white button, to porcini, to shiitake... Yummy recipes like wild mushroom soup with sherry and thyme... Plus frequently asked questions and answers regarding mushrooms...

Follow the link:

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Mushrooms.html

"Butter and Basic Sauces"

Smooth, delicious butter... Adds so much flavor to the simplest of dishes... Learn the basics of butter, basic butter sauces such as roux, helpful tips, and so much more!

Follow the link:

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Butter.html

"Awesome Artichokes!"

Learn how to prepare, cook and eat this member of the thistle family! Who knew you could eat a thistle?

Follow the link:

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Artichokes.html

"Cooking With Beer!"

Beer is the new wine... Learn how this affordable luxury can take your next recipe to a whole new level. As Thomas Jefferson eloquently put it "Beer, if drank with moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes good health."

Follow the link:

http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Cooking_with_Beer.html

E-Newsletter "Beans are Back!"

Our very first newsletter and it is awesome! Full of information, helpful tips, recipes and more!Follow the link: http://www.acornadvisors.com/Cucina_Fresca/CFNV_Finished_Newsletters/CFNV_Beans.html