Simonds Videos

According to Food Network Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, his custom-made knives are the most personal tools in his kitchen. And as you can see in the video, they are VERY special.

According to Food Network Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, his custom made knives are the most personal tools in his kitchen. And as you can see in the video, they are VERY special. Morimoto says that the knives are the ideal thickness, length, and heaviness for the way he works. He feels especially close to them because they act as an extension of his arm in much the same way Tiger Wood s uses his golf clubs to play his best game. Without a knife that I have complete control of," he says, "there is a disconnect between the arm and the action. If the result is not perfect, it s unacceptable. Morimoto likens his knives to a samurai s sword and he keeps them as sharp as razors. You can see his extraordinary skill in cutting the daikon radish into a translucent sheet, a technique the Japanese call katsuamaki -- a skill that every Japanese chef must master to be considered an expert. Enjoy! Nina

This is one of my basic recipes that I use with all fresh vegetables including broccolini, but you could substitute any vegetable from baby cabbage hearts, green beans, snow peas, zucchini to spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Have you checked out the variety of prepared foods in your supermarket lately? You can take a roasted chicken and dress it up or cut it down. Add a sauce or vegetable and make it look homemade.I make full use of many of the following convenience items: All kinds of ethnic staples and simmering sauces line the international aisleEnticing frozen produce and prepared meatsFresh and frozen pastasPre-cut and prepared fresh produceIt s never been a better time for health-conscious cooks. Enjoy!!Nina

Have you ever seen a hamburger or a bunch of French fries cook a delicious, healthy dinner?? Sounds crazy, huh?Well, that s exactly what we did with the Odd Noggins, a creative and offbeat group of video artists. Like many families, they wanted some easy, healthy and delicious dinner ideas. Dinner Doctor to the rescue Enjoy the fun. Nina

Public Television Chef Lidia Bastianich is a pioneering chef, but she s also down-to-earth, warm, serene, and brimming with enthusiasm for her native Italy and simple Italian food. I visited her at her flagship restaurant in New York City.

Jody Adams, chef/owner of Rialto restaurant in Cambridge, Mass., is a master at creating delicious Mediterranean and Italian dishes. She has also won a James Beard award for her cooking and has written a lovely book, In the Hands of a Chef. For her Easy Dinner, Pyramid-Style, Jody created a Pan-Seared Atlantic Char over Farro with Olives and Pistachios (plus lots of delicious vegetables). You can also use salmon or another firm-fleshed fish. The dish is smashing, and leftovers are delicious as well. Go to the recipe section for directions. Brighten up you winter menu with this easy, delicious, and (dare I say?) healthy meal! Enjoy!! Nina *Did you notice the days are getting longer? YAY!!!

Public Television Chef Ming Tsai wears many hats: He is the owner/chef of Blue Ginger, an awarding-winning East-West restaurant in Wellesley, MA The star of a popular TV show, Simply Ming, now in its sixth season Author of three books Product designer for his own line of East-West food products at Target Stores Active member of the Nutrition Round Table at the Harvard School of Public Health. MIng created a healthy, easy, and delicious version of Shrimp Fried Rice. Go to SpicesofLife.com for the recipe and www.ming.com for more information on the multi-talented Ming Tsai. Enjoy!!! Nina

Eating good dim sum is one of my favorite pastimes. I love the selection of delectable sweet and savory pastries - the dumplings, stuffed buns, and noodle dishes. And just in time for Chinese New Year - because on the evening of January 25th and the 26th, Chinese will usher in The Year of the Ox. Need a little help? Then come with me to the Winsor Dim Sum Cafe and you'll see some of my Cantonese dim sum. Then go to the News section to see the Dim Sum glossary. Happy New Year to you all! Nina

New Year has come and gone, but January is the perfect month to treat yourself to a glass or two of some great wine -- especially to celebrate a new President and Chinese New Year (1/26). We are back with winemeister Howie Bauer, who chose another affordable sparkling wine. This one is slightly more elegant, with the flavor of fresh peaches. And it s lovely with appetizers, seafood, or meat. Sound tempting? Splurge a little and enjoy!! Nina

Champagne has become a little pricey. So we asked wine expert Howie Rubin, of Bauer Wine s recommendation and you can splurge on the smoked salmon or lobster (which is also a bargain). Have a great time and enjoy! Nina

Dr. Chun Han Zhu -- and many other Chinese doctors -- praises this soup as being one of the most therapeutic foods you can eat in the fall and winter to strengthen the immune system.