ONE MORE BITE

Finally, the Nor'easters are over and spring weather is here. To welcome the flavors, aromas and freshness of spring in my home, I like to start by refreshing my pantry. Here are some easy guidelines to rejuvenating -- or shall we say "resuscitating" -- your pantry.

The spring holidays of Easter and Passover will soon be here, along with all of the traditions we love and savor. Each holiday has its unique features; however, both have a versatile and delicious common denominator. The egg, a symbol of new life and rebirth, makes its way to celebrations of Passover, beginning March 30, and Easter, April 1. The age-old question, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" sheds new light during the spring holidays and has gotten way more complicated.

As the new year settles upon us, we reflect on the past and plan for the future. When you raised your glass to toast the New Year, the food-minded gourmand might have thought just that: toast.

A toast takes many forms. We know 2017 was the year of the ever-popular avocado toast: Crusty bread, toasted evenly, topped with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon and a dusting of sea salt.

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. Though we love our guests, sometimes we just need them to stay clear of the kitchen so we can do our magic getting the food on the table.

Let the grilling begin! This is the time for graduations, family reunions and neighborhood cookouts. Summer is when we do lots of impromptu, casual, laid-back, easy entertaining. But is it really that easy, if you're the one doing the cooking and the grilling?

There you are, sweating over the hot coals while your friends are enjoying a few cold ones! You need to enjoy the party too -- and you can! Just grill ahead. Your food will still taste amazing and you can join your friends in the fun.

As we remember and long for the return of our "spring teaser" before our abrupt hit of that bitter Nor'easter, we look forward to the return of the smells, tastes, warmth and "newness" of spring.

The spring holidays of Passover and Easter will be here soon, with Passover beginning April 10 and Easter on the 16th. As you plan your spring holiday festivities, think about how Eddie's can help you and your family celebrate.

With the news and events of 2016 still fresh in our minds,
Let’s look forward to 2017 and the flavors we will find.

In 2016 we fermented and pickled, from cukes to kraut,
We need to increase the good bacteria, what’s that all about?

Our chefs soaked and seasoned, refreshed and basted,
We whipped and chopped, folded and tasted.

We aged and cured, marinated and brined,
Catering at Eddie’s is like being wined and dined!

Go ahead, send that tacky Christmas sweater or a hairy Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pet. But if you really want to wow your friends and family, send smiles and love with a gift of food. Whether it's a box of A. Kirchmayr Truffles or a complete crab cake dinner, a gift that appeals to the senses delivers the most satisfaction.

The newest, easiest, quickest and cleanest way to cook is with just one pan, the awe-inspiring sheet pan. All you need is one 18x13-inch rimmed sheet pan, some non-stick cooking spray, and a little imagination. Your sheet pan suppers will quickly push your one-pot dinners to the back burner!