Friday, January 7, 2011

Interview

Dear Readers,

You may not know, but in addition to purchasing my gift certificates via my own site A Pinch of Salt, they are now being sold at Xperience Gifts. Recently they interviewed me. Check it out here!

Happy Reading and Eating!
Raquel

Friday, December 10, 2010

Me featured in the USDA blog, Go figure!!!!

Dear Readers,

I am happy to say I was highlighted in the USDA Blog! Way cool....

Feel free to read it here!

Have to run, kitchen calls!
Raquel

Monday, December 6, 2010

A lovely letter from a parent/client....

Dear Raquel,

I just wanted to drop a quick note and thank you for a brilliant birthday party. You were absolutely fabulous and I couldn't believe your calm and composure throughout each minute of the whole thing.

Please know how grateful we are to you for all of your hard work and how much we appreciated your time and effort.

I really would love to have my own cooking lesson with you in the future...maybe one day.

Until then I wish you all the very best for the holiday season. And please do not hesitate to send someone to me if you need a personal reference. What a truly lovely product / business you have put together.

All the very best,
Kresta

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Highlighted in Candostreet.com

Dear Readers,

I was recently highlighted on http://www.candostreet.com/. Feel free to read the blog and share your thoughts. I am happy to say that I will be writing and contributing monthly recipes to their readers! I will also be posting them here as well! So here it goes:

Incredible Ricotta-Basil Ravioli
Ingredients:

For Cheese Mixture:
1 package of wonton wrappers, round or square
16 oz ricotta cheese, whole or part-skim
1/3 cup of parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tbs. milk, whole or 2%
1/8 tsp. of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
10-12 basil leaves, torn

For Sauce:
6-8 basil leaves, torn
1/2 stick unsalted butter

Directions:
1. In a bowl have child mix ricotta and parmesan until combined. Add in lightly beaten egg.
2. Season with salt, pepper and few grates of nutmeg. Have child stir again and reserve.
3. In a small bowl have child tear 10-12 basil leaves in small pieces. Add basil to cheese mixture.
4. Take a single wonton wrapper, have child use their fingers (or a pastry brush) to lightly add egg wash to all of the wonton.
5. Place a teaspoon of basil-ricotta filling in the center of wonton.
6. Take another wonton and lightly moisten with egg wash. Place this wonton over the one with the filling. Make sure to push out air so it seals. Repeat until all the filling is done.
7. Bring a pot of water to boil. Then salt water. Add raviolis and cook for 4-6 minutes.
8. In a saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add in 6-8 torn basil leaves. Heat through. Butter should take on a light brown color which gives it a nutty flavor.
9. Add raviolis to sauce pan and coat with basil-butter sauce. Add a little pasta water to thicken.
10. Have child sprinkle with parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if necessary.

Enjoy!
Raquel

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

New Pinch of Salt Youtube Video, Check it Out!

Hey Readers,

Feel free to check out my new youtube video. Topic, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, make it for the holidays!

In the meanwhile, Happy Cooking!!!
Raquel

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Holiday Discount Special Pricing: The Gift of Cooking!

Dear Readers,

I am happy to announce A Pinch of Salt's holiday promotion! Now thru December 31, 2010 receive 20% off gift certificates or hands-on cooking classes and 10% off cooking parties of 4 or more. Mention HolidayBlog2010 to receive your discount!

For more info visit me at A Pinch of Salt.

Happy Holidays Everyone!
Raquel

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Media Highlights

Dear Readers,

As you know I'm involved in a few things: chef instructing at Rustico Cooking, Camaje and for my own business A Pinch of Salt. I also volunteer at City Harvest and am currently working with Wellness in the Schools. This summer after being motivated by Mrs. Obama's White House Let's Move campaign I gave volunteer cooking class at PS 11 in NYC and have blogged about my 6 weeks there. I was surprised when recently a reporter contacted me to speak of my work there and recognized my work in this article. Pretty cool stuff, so figured I'd pass it along!

Thank you Deborah for the sharing the experience with others! Miss you guys!!!

UPDATE: The NY Times wrote an article on Wellness in the Schools. Check it out here!