How do you melt chocolate so it's smooth & delicious and not lumpy and gross. Also, how can it stay liquidy as it cools?
- Veronica
A. Good question Veronica,
You have to melt chocolate very gently so that it does not scorch and go lumpy. The best way to do this melt the chocolate in a glass or metal bowl over a pot with a small amount of simmering water, keep stirring the chocolate and take it off the heat before it is completely melted, keep stirring the residual heat will melt the remaining chocolate.
Make sure when you are doing this to not get any water in the chocolate, water will make chocolate seize (stick together and get lumpy). The mircowave is also an OK way to melt chocolate, use a low temperature and stir often. To keep it liquid, you can place it over a bowl of warm water.
Getting over oyster phobia
I'd really like to start enjoying seafood more. This is the perfect time to learn to shuck oysters and feed them to myself and my boyfriend, but I admit I'm kind of afraid of shellfish. Seriously. Are they alive when you eat them? How do you know when you have a bad oyster? Can it kill you? Do I chew the oyster or just suck it back? How many oysters do you serve per person? What food do you serve with oysters? Any advice to get me over this phobia would be great.
- Butterlover
A. Hi Butterlover! Let's get you over your fear.
1- Are they alive when you eat them?
Well - once you open it, it's no longer alive so no.
2- How do you know when you have a bad oyster? Can it kill you?
A bad oyster won't kill you but it can make you sick. But this is really over blown - usually when you shuck a bad oyster the smell will give it away and it will be discarded. It should have a nice clean, briny smell.
3- Do I chew the oyster or just suck it back?
You can do either -- a novice might just suck it back but a real oyster lover is going to chew!
4- How many oysters do you serve per person?
I have a brother-in-law that can eat 50 himself! He is a bit of a machine though. As an appetizer 6 should do it, at a party judge about 3 for dinner 12 or more.
5- What food do you serve with oysters?
A salad, some really good bread like pumperknickle and a soup to start would be nice. You just have to dive in an try them - it's a mind over matter thing. They are really delicious and quite good for you as well - low in fat so you can indulge guilt free. Also washing them down with lots of champagne will make them go down for you easier.
Sexy substitution for oysters on the halfshell
Hello Christine. Similar question to the one above, about oysters. But I just can't stomach them! Smoked aren't bad but those just aren't as sexy. Any suggestions for a sexy substitution appetizer for the classic oyster on the halfshell?
- Meghan
A. Welcome Meghan,
If you don't like raw oysters but like them smoked -- maybe you would like them baked. Oysters Rockefeller is a classic way to prepare them with a fancy presentation served on the half shell. Discover more about oysters and find oyster recipes here.
Sexy finger food menu
I think eating wonderful food with your hands is very sexy. I like mixing the different textures, tastes, look and smells of food with touch. Could you suggest a menu that my Valentine and I could have that would be an experience for the senses?
- Desperately Seeking Romance
A. Dear DSR,
I agree that a finger friendly menu is the way to go for Valentine's. Sushi is great option that mixes a variety of textures and you can feed each other, also it is not crazy filling so does not leave you bloated.
This Valentine for the whole family menu is designed for a family but has all finger food options in it. It also ends with a chocolate fondue that is the perfect finger food to feed to each other!
Find everything you need for Valentine's Day here!
Page 2 of 4 -- Find barbecue ideas, a kid-friendly special menu and recipes for gourmet eggs on page 3
