April 06--Toasting tasty toasts
Jill Donenfeld loves toast so much she wrote "Better on Toast: Happiness on a Slice of Bread -- 70 Irresistible Recipes" (William Morrow, $27.50). It's a whimsical love story packed with sweet, savory, spicy ideas. Toasts range from simple to substantial. She tops ricotta with fresh strawberries and balsamic reduction (or peaches, basil and honey). Or she puts lobster carbonara on ciabatta. And a cauliflower melts version boasts roasted cauliflower, raisins, pistachios and manchego atop sourdough. At bookstores nationwide.
Hip dips party perfectly
Hope Foods' foray into dips began with organic hummus, including a Spicy Avocado Hummus we enjoyed. Avocado lightens the garbanzo-tahini mix, while jalapeno adds piquancy. There are now seven more hummus flavors, including Thai Coconut Curry and Jalapeno Cilantro, plus four Superfood Dips based on black lentils. We couldn't stop scooping up garlicky Habanero Lentil, its texture enhanced by the lentils' chewiness. Savvy cooks will find ways to enjoy these beyond the chip-and-dip circuit. An 8-ounce container ranges in price from $3.99 to $4.39. Store locator: http://www.hopefoods.com.
Mayo with a kick
Mayonnaise is a culinary workhorse, doing much more than holding sandwiches together. Which is why we like the kick Sir Kensington's Sriracha Mayonnaise brings to the kitchen. Its fire's not tame, playing on all the tastebuds. Its richness, delicious. So besides spreading on sandwiches, there are deviled eggs to be made, potato salads to be seasoned, fish to be sauced. Also in the line: Classic and Chipotle versions. A 10-ounce jar is $5.99. Store locator: http://www.sirkensingtons.com.
jhevrdejs@tribpub.com
