Center of the Plate | D'Artagnan Blog

Kitchen Skills: En Papillote

En papillote (pah-pee-YOHT) is French for “in parchment.” It’s a cooking technique that involves a folded pouch of paper or foil. Often used with delicate fish, it is also useful with poultry and veal. Foods cooked en papillote are steamed in an enclosed pouch, which keeps them moist. When ingredients are cooked while sealed in…

Announcing the Cassoulet War Judges

Do you have your tickets yet? The Third Annual Cassoulet War will be held in New York City on February 20th, 2017. Click through to learn more, and find tickets at Eventbrite. We need your help to vote for the People’s Choice Award – which means sampling 20+ different cassoulets! Proceeds benefit Action Against Hunger,…

A Valentine for You

History tells us that the very first Valentine card was sent by the 21-year-old Duke of Orleans while he was held prisoner at the Tower of London in 1415. It was written to his young wife, Bonne of Armagnac, but did not reach her before her untimely death. What makes his poem the first Valentine? In it,…

Celebrate Italian Food with These 7 Recipes

You may think of D’Artagnan as the home of all things French, but we are truly American; born in the United States of a French mother, Ariane Daguin. For over 30 years, we have been based in the greater New York area with its multitudes of cuisines, carried with other immigrants to these shores. 1….

Happy National Italian Food Day! Celebrate with These 7 Recipes

Ariane’s Oscar Party Recipes

Are you having an Academy Awards viewing party? Ariane’s easy recipes for finger foods will bring a swanky element to your gathering. Even if you’re going to enjoy the big show in your pajamas at home, you can enjoy these simple snacks. Tiara and black tie optional.

This Valentine’s Day, Say it with Meat

No run-of-the-mill gift is going to cut it with the committed carnivore in your life. So what can you give the girl or guy whose passions run to the meaty side? Read on, dear eater, for some tasty gift ideas. Don’t Go Bacon My Heart Start with the right sentiment. This card, available on Etsy,…

Duck Confit & Porcini Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s pie is one of the great comfort foods. This simple and satisfying dish is usually made with ground beef or lamb, but in our version the meat of choice is duck confit. Tender and rich, the duck meat pairs well with the creamy potato topping. This recipe will soon become a favorite. Known in…

Now Serving New Words

Expressing yourself just got easier, because Merriam-Webster has added 1,000 new words to the dictionary. It’s time for a new edition. You can read the complete list here. “This is a significant addition of words to our dictionary, and it reflects both the breadth of English vocabulary and the speed with which that vocabulary changes,”…

Valentine’s Day Menu Made Simple

Make a date to cook dinner at home on Valentine’s Day. Cooking together is a creative and collaborative way to spend an evening, and you get a meal at the end. Or maybe you are cooking to impress a date? Don’t get too ambitious; work within your skill level so there are no surprises. Here…

Discover the Joys of Duck Bacon

A perennial favorite among chefs and home gourmets, our Uncured Smoked Duck Bacon is made with plump Moulard duck breast. Leaner than pork belly, yet juicy and flavorful, our duck bacon is simply seasoned then wood-smoked and sliced, producing a delicious, high-quality nitrite- and nitrate-free bacon. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow waxed poetic about our duck bacon in…

Fall in Love: 6 Valentine’s Day Brunch Recipes

With Valentine’s Day on a Tuesday this year, we expect the restaurants will be fully booked for dinner. But if you are the sort of romantic that likes to put your own spin on things, make a special brunch on the Sunday before Valentine’s Day. This will give you the chance to impress in the kitchen,…