Fully ripened cheese and good-quality wine make for the best fondue. Kirsch, or cherry eau-de-vie, is the most traditional flavouring, but plum eau-de-vie (pruneau or Slivovitz) or apple brandy, such as Calvados, is also recommended.
Nicely balanced with fruit and vegetables, this chunky colourful condiment goes well with any main course. If you want to increase the heat, add 1 hot red pepper, seeded and minced. For even more fire, include the seeds.
Don't let this long ingredient list fool you. Homemade granola takes only a few minutes to pull together before popping it into the oven. Use lightly greased kitchen shears as a quick and easy way to cut up dried fruit.
Thinly sliced Korean-style ribs are meaty and flavourful but require marinating for tenderness. These ribs are often referred to as Miami-style and can usually be found at the butcher's counter. Serve with steamed rice and grilled vegetables.
To soak dried fruit in rum quickly, microwave with rum on medium-high for 1 to 2 minutes or until hot. Let cool until room temperature, 1 hour.
Good-quality cheese pairs with nuts and dried fruit in this classic hors d'oeuvre. The only trick to this easy terrine is to gently mix the cheeses just until combined. You can use any blue-veined cheese, even if it's a softer, creamy cheese, such as Gorgonzola. Just make sure it's cold, and gently pull it apart instead of crumbling it.
