Mincing garlic is one of those very important kitchen skills that takes some practice to master. The good news is that once you've got the technique down, it's like second nature and it makes throwing together recipes much quicker and more enjoyable. Less precise than a brunoise, a mince is simply a very fine chop, and it can be done to several vegetables. Its purpose is to give flavor to the Read more

The occasional mistake at work is inevitable — what really matters is how you handle it. Deciding how to navigate the aftermath of a misstep gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your integrity, so take the time to manage your mistakes carefully. Follow these four steps to properly solve any work dilemma: Assess the damage. Take the time to step back and recognize where you may have Read more

By now, you've undoubtedly watched the brilliant Star Wars-themed "Bark Side" video teasing Volkswagen's Super Bowl commercial. Watching those pups from a galaxy far, far away made me realize that it isn't the first auto ad I have seen this year featuring a bunch of cute animals. Hyundai showcases its environmentally friendly Sonata Hybrid speeding past wide-eyed forest critters, while Subaru Read more

Like the chiffonade, a julienne is a very useful and visually appealing way to cut vegetables. This cut will take many of your dishes to the next level in terms of aesthetics and texture. We're using a zucchini for our demonstration, but this technique works on any number of fruits and vegetables. Cut a 2 1/2 to 3-inch section of your zucchini so that it stands up straight and square off the Read more

We spotted Ming Tsai at a late-night party in Aspen for the Food & Wine Classic Friday evening — so it wasn't a surprise to find the chef roughing it a little at his early-morning cooking demo the next day. Still, the Next Iron Chef contestant and Blue Ginger proprietor managed to bring his best when it came to wit and cooking skills. Ming made a number of dishes from his new cookbook, Read more

Of all the demos I visited at the Food & Wine Classic, the seminar hosted by Giada De Laurentiis surprised me the most. I worried that it'd be too crowded due to the Food Network star's popularity, but it wound up being one of my favorites. Although the Italian bombshell did spill her secrets for looking great, she definitely demonstrated that she isn't just a pretty face. The lady can cook, Read more

Love or hate Margaret Thatcher's conservative politics, you can't deny her life story is intriguing. Meryl Streep's performance as the UK's only female prime minister in The Iron Lady has rightfully garnered award season buzz. Through flashbacks and scenes in the present day, Meryl brings to life a woman at the height of power and in the depths of grief. Here are four reasons any strong woman Read more