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Category: Inspiration

Perfect Holiday Roast

It’s that time of year again!

Fire in the fireplace, pets curled up on the rugs, presents under the tree… and the general terror associated with totally f*#&ing up an $80 piece of meat. Fear not! I bring you good tidings of great joy – the Perfect Holiday Roast

Continue reading “Perfect Holiday Roast” →

Posted on December 20, 2023December 24, 2025 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in Beef and Lamb, French, In the Kitchen, Inspiration, New England, New World, Old World, Recipes, Tips & TechniquesLeave a comment

Rustic White Bread

Unlike the Basic Artisan Bread which is a no-knead version that takes 24 hours to rise, this version takes about 4 hours start to finish.

Continue reading “Rustic White Bread” →

Posted on September 1, 2023February 5, 2024 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in French, In the Kitchen, Inspiration, Italian, Old World, Recipes, Sides and Salads1 Comment

How to make Perfect Bacon Every Time

Ah bacon… food of the gods. This method yields perfect, chewy, crispy bacon, doesn’t get grease everywhere, is easy cleanup, and can be made for a crowd. What’s not to love? Read on to find out the secret…

Continue reading “How to make Perfect Bacon Every Time” →

Posted on May 4, 2023March 6, 2024 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in In the Kitchen, Inspiration, Recipes, Tips & TechniquesTagged bacon, how to cook bacon in the oven, how to make bacon for a crowd, oven bacon, perfect bacon. 3 Comments

Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs & Spices

This rack of lamb is the perfect entrée for these first days of springtime, and is full of Mediterranean flavor. Grill it over mesquite (or any hardwood) for extra flavor.

Continue reading “Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs & Spices” →

Posted on April 10, 2023February 25, 2024 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in Beef and Lamb, Complete Meals, Cuisine, Dinner Tonight, In the Kitchen, Inspiration, Latin, Mediterranean, Old World, On the GrillTagged #french rack of lamb, #grilled lamb, #grilling, #grillingseason, #lamb, #mediterranean lamb. 3 Comments

How to Choose a Chef Knife

With so many different kinds of knives on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

If you’ve been thinking about making the investment in a good knife, this post will give you some insight into some things you may wish to consider.

Continue reading “How to Choose a Chef Knife” →

Posted on April 3, 2023December 24, 2024 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in In the Kitchen, Inspiration, Kitchen Essentials, Tips & Techniques13 Comments

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⛋ Kitchen Notes | SUMMER 2026

Seasonal Feature

About The Intrepid Gourmet

Hi! My name is Jim. I'm so glad you found your way to my blog!

I'm an avid cook, recipe developer and culinary enthusiast. At the end of the day though, I'm just a regular guy who loves cooking, eating, and sharing a fantastic meal with others.

I firmly believe cooking is for everyone, and that anyone who wants to learn to cook - and cook well - can do so.

As my grandfather used to say "If you can read, you can cook!" There is literally nothing to stop you from trying your hand in the kitchen - you'll be surprised what you can do!

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Full Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a product recommended here (or even better, buy it!), I may make a small commission.

Please note that all the products with which I choose to affiliate are ones that I have actually have tested and most of them I currently use and stand by in my own kitchen; I recommend them because I believe they will make a difference to you as well.

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Disclaimer Cooking can be a thrilling experience, but is also inherently dangerous because most of the time it means using heat, which means fire, and sharp things, like knives, to say nothing of eating raw or undercooked things that might be housing various diseases, including but not limited to bacteria, salmonella, e Coli, trichinosis, etc. which can poison you.

By reading this blog, clicking on any links contained herein, or trying to prepare or eat any of the recipes contained herein, YOU, the reader, assume full responsibility for any and all outcomes (delicious or otherwise) related to the process of preparing, cooking or eating anything suggested in this blog.

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Category: Inspiration

Perfect Holiday Roast

It’s that time of year again!

Fire in the fireplace, pets curled up on the rugs, presents under the tree… and the general terror associated with totally f*#&ing up an $80 piece of meat. Fear not! I bring you good tidings of great joy – the Perfect Holiday Roast

Rustic White Bread

Unlike the Basic Artisan Bread which is a no-knead version that takes 24 hours to rise, this version takes about 4 hours start to finish.

How to make Perfect Bacon Every Time

Ah bacon… food of the gods. This method yields perfect, chewy, crispy bacon, doesn’t get grease everywhere, is easy cleanup, and can be made for a crowd. What’s not to love? Read on to find out the secret…

Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs & Spices

This rack of lamb is the perfect entrée for these first days of springtime, and is full of Mediterranean flavor. Grill it over mesquite (or any hardwood) for extra flavor.

How to Choose a Chef Knife

With so many different kinds of knives on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

If you’ve been thinking about making the investment in a good knife, this post will give you some insight into some things you may wish to consider.

Featured Dinner

Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs & Spices

This rack of lamb is the perfect entrée for these first days of summer, and is full of Mediterranean flavor. Grill it over mesquite (or any hardwood) for extra flavor.

4 minute read

Morning Coffee Read

“It’s Called Cooking…”

A few years ago I accidentally dumped an entire five-quart Dutch oven of coq au vin into the back of a friend’s oven.

Wine. Chicken. Mushrooms. Pearl onions.

Everywhere.

4 minute read

Gear

Here Are The Best Chef’s Aprons You Can Buy This Summer

Aprons – even expensive ones – are still cheaper than clothes. Here are the best aprons money can buy in 2025 for all your Fall cooking adventures.

4 minute read

Food Science

The Truth About MSG

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) has gotten a bad rap for decades, but the question remains: is it really as bad for you as everyone thinks?

15 minute read

Quick Read

Steak au Poivre with Apple Brandy Pink Peppercorn Sauce

Using Pink Peppercorns elevates this dish by contributing a fruity, floral depth while Himalayan Pink Salt provides a minerality which perfectly complements any cut of beef.

3 minute read