We know that it’s summer, and that’s supposed to mean no school! But today we’re sneaking in a little lesson to help you master reading recipes. No tests—promise! When you read recipes, you usually start with the ingredient list. And sometimes the ingredient list will tell you how to prepare […]
Brunches and, for you early-rising hosts, breakfasts are ideal for family celebrations, like birthdays, anniversaries, and baby showers, especially when the meal is part of a weekend- or even week-long celebration, like a wedding. Breakfasts and brunches are also a great opportunity to showcase seasonal fruits and vegetables and luxury […]
Have you ever read a recipe that said, “Prepare your grill for cooking over indirect heat?” And did you think, “Uh, what?” For grilling, indirect heat translates to: not over the fire. When you’re cooking over indirect heat, you’re using the ambient heat of the flames to cook the food, […]
Making pizza dough is easy! You just mix a few ingredients (flour + water + yeast + salt + olive oil), and ta da! The hard part is shaping the pizza dough. If you’ve ever made homemade pizza, you can probably remember feeling frustrated and defeated as the dough ripped […]
As tomato season ramps up, you may encounter recipes that call for peeled tomatoes. Though this step is always optional (your relationship with tomato skin is your own business), removing the skin and the seeds will create a smooth, refined texture in soups and sauces. Peeling a tomato like a […]
Do you like spicy food? If the answer is yes – join the club! If the answer is no – well, join the other club, because there are lots of people just like you! Have you ever wondered why certain foods are so spicy? Spicy foods burn our mouths thanks […]
Seafood lovers! You don’t want to miss the joys of grilling this summer! With just a few tips and tricks from our seasoned CIA chefs, your next barbeque is sure to go swimmingly! Chef Sandy Sauter A clean and well-seasoned (with oil) grill is crucial for seafood, since it tends […]
There is no place on earth quite like Napa. It’s known as the gateway to California wine country with good reason. And that’s why the CIA has created The CIA at Copia, a food and wine lover’s paradise right in Napa. Actually, The New York Times called it a “foodie […]
The Mediterranean Diet sounds like something we might hesitate to embrace…after all, it has the word “diet” affixed to it. But it’s actually a wonderful Mediterranean approach to fresh products, healthy and delicious food, local wine, dining rituals, and lifestyle. For thousands of years, the countries in the region have […]
Whether you are desperate for the energy to finish off those last few weeks of school, zapped from a day at the pool, or pushing through long hours at your summer job, you need a boost! When it’s hot and you’re tired, there’s really no better way to start the […]
As grilling season heats up, you may be looking for ways to add flavor to your grilled meats and veggies. Marinades offer endless options, but they require time, which is not always on our side. For a quick and simple addition to your grilling toolbox, consider compound butters. Prepared ahead […]
It’s grilling season, and we wanted to remind you that grilling can be a family activity—even if Dad thinks he’s the grill-master! Grilling is an easy, quick, nutritious, and flavorful way to cook lean pieces of meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. Wood, gas, or charcoal heats the grill bars and […]