Polenta-free Polenta

Posted by Mindy Lvoff Besides an impromptu margarita tasting during last week’s Hydrocolloids Intensive class, Nils and Dave also discovered a new recipe for polenta—one that doesn’t require the use of dried polenta, or any grains whatsoever. Instead, Nils and Dave use gellan, Kelcogel F (aka: low acyl), to turn a full-flavored chicken, porcini, and […]

Upcoming Classes: Hydrocolloids Intensive

Posted by Mindy Lvoff Since we’re in the midst of our Sous-Vide Intensive class, I just wanted to post a reminder about the next Advanced Studies class that Nils and Dave are teaching. “Magic Potions: Hydrocolloids” covers the ins & outs of using hydrocolloids in the kitchen. The 2-day class starts June 25th and can […]

Agar Tobiko

Posted by Mindy Lvoff Purpose: Make tobiko-sized hydrocolloid beads Technologies Used: Hydrocolloids, Emulsifiers During our two-day Hydrocolloids class at the French Culinary Institute, students inevitably want to know how to make “caviar” beads. Whether using agar or alginates, and no matter how steady your hand, you inevitably end up with Ikura or salmon roe-sized spheres. […]