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Jim Coleman

What I Do

Chef Jim Coleman, chef at Normandy Farm and Blue Bell Country Club, and his wife, writer Candace Hagan, will answer your food questions. He is author of three cookbooks and the host of two nationally syndicated cooking shows - "A Chef's Table" on WHYY (91-FM) at noon Saturdays and "Flavors of America," on Channel 12 at 1 p.m. Saturdays and CN8 Monday through Friday, 4:30 p.m. Send your questions to

My Background

Chef Jim Coleman, chef at Normandy Farm and Blue Bell Country Club, and his wife, writer Candace Hagan, will answer your food questions. He is author of three cookbooks and the host of two nationally syndicated cooking shows - "A Chef's Table" on WHYY (91-FM) at noon Saturdays and "Flavors of America," on Channel 12 at 1 p.m. Saturdays and CN8 Monday through Friday, 4:30 p.m. Send your questions to or to The Chef's Table, Philadelphia Daily News, 400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Jim Coleman: The secret is citrus when dressing avocado

Q: I am looking for two salad dressings that involve avocados. First, I want to find a recipe for a good dressing for an avocado salad - not your typical vinaigrette, something that will enhance the flavor of the avocados. The second dressing is one like my mother used to make that had avocados in it. She called it Avocado Goddess Dressing. Other than avocados, I know it also had anchovies, and it was creamy. Thank you for your attention.

Jim Coleman | Columnist 

Jim Coleman: Your guide to making moist stuffing, savory gravy & fine wine

Q. This is the first year that I am responsible for cooking the entire Thanksgiving meal. I plan to use the brining method for the turkey, however, I do have three questions. What are the secrets to making good turkey gravy? As far as the stuffing, I have tried baking it in a covered casserole, but have never gotten satisfactory results. Does baking it in an uncovered casserole result in a dry stuffing? My last question is: What is the best wine to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?

Jim Coleman | Columnist 

Jim Coleman: Yams vs. sweet potatoes: Are they really the same veggie?

Q: I am part of a group of male amateur cooks, and we have a question for you that we couldn't go ask our wives and girlfriends. What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes? Some group members think they are the same, but I don't agree. There is such a thing as sweet potato pie, but I've never heard of yam pie! We read your articles and follow your TV show, "Flavors of America," so everyone in the group will respect your opinion. Thanks.

Jim Coleman | Columnist 
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