Condensed milk or cream, which to choose?

Wondering what the advantages or disadvantages are of condensed milk over cream? The biggest difference between cream and condensed milk can be found in the latter’s alternative name: “Sweetened condensed milk.” It is a mixture of whole milk and sugar “heated until about 60 percent of the water … 0

This week’s local wine and beer tastings

TASTINGS Liquors 44, 458-9 Campus Plaza (Route 9), Hadley Today, 2-5 p.m., Peak Organic beer Thursday, 4-8 p.m., Smirnoff Sorbet Vodka Friday, 4-6 p.m., Once Upon a Vine pinot noir and sauvignon blanc and Troegs beer Provisions, 30 Crafts Ave., Northampton Today, 1-4 p.m., Brooklyn Brewery Wednesday, 5-7:30, … 0

Recipe: Classic Sorrel Soup

Serves 4-6 To prepare the sorrel, rinse the leaves and remove any tough stems. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter ½ cup chopped leeks, green onions or ramps 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade 5 cups chopped sorrel (about 3 small bunches, 6 ounces) Salt to … 0

• Celebrate the ‘prettiest’ season of them all with recipes that feature spring’s bounty

Recipe: Sorrel Pesto

Makes ¾ cup Pesto is very forgiving: substitute any nut or seed you’d like. For a vegan version, use an equal amount of nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This pesto is so good, you’ll use it as a sandwich spread, mix it with yogurt for a veggie dip, … 0

• Celebrate the ‘prettiest’ season of them all with recipes that feature spring’s bounty

Recipe: Greens and Strawberry Salad

Serves 4 ½ cup chopped walnuts 4½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 stalk green garlic, thinly sliced 2 cups sliced strawberries 1 bunch small green onions, thinly sliced ½ cup (2 ounces) shaved and crumbled Parmesan ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons aged … 0

• Celebrate the ‘prettiest’ season of them all with recipes that feature spring’s bounty

Recipe: Asparagus and Parmesan Pastries

Makes 48 Dill patches are just sending up tendrils at this time so they taste of spring, too, but substitute basil or another herb if you prefer. ½ cup grated Parmesan, divided ¼ cup part skim ricotta or Neufchatel (about 2 ounces) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill Zest … 0

• Celebrate the ‘prettiest’ season of them all with recipes that feature spring’s bounty

Weekly farmers market in Amherst starts Wednesday

The Wednesday Market at Kendrick Park returns for a third season this afternoon. The market, which will run from 2 to 6 p.m., will feature 11 vendors during the initial week, with more expected to join as the spring and summer progress. Among those who will be on … 0