Author: Jon C
Westerners often have trouble choosing what to eat at Dim Sum restaurants. Being a British Born Chinese, I'm often stuck for choice too. So I asked my aunt for some tips and here are her top 5 recommendations. When ordering dim sum, it is normally suffice to order about 3 or 4 selections per person. When visiting a restaurant with my family, we will often also ordered a rice or noodle dish as an accompaniment.
Please note that spellings may be slightly different due to translations.
1 - Woo Gork
A stuffing of shitake mushrooms, minced pork, dried shrimp and Chinese five-spice is wrapped with mashed taro root and flour. The resulting delight is deepfried and has a brown or dark yellow coating. These are normally served in portions of three at the start of a meal.
2 - Har Gau
Shrimp Dumplings.... The filling contains minced prawns and bamboo shoot. The pastry is a light translucent rice-flour, and white in colour. These dumplings are steamed and definitely my favourite. They normally come served in portions of four inside a steaming basket.
3 - Siu Mai
Pork Dumplings. Sometimes with a little prawn as well. The wrapping is made of won ton egg pastry and the top is left open. The top is sometimes dotted with black mushrooms and/or an orange substance. The orange substance is normally carrot. But fancier places use small fish eggs. I was put off these as a kid when a restaurant once gave me a raw Siu Mai. Like Har Gaus, these are usually served in portions of four inside a steaming basket.
4 - Cheung Fun
Sometimes refered to as Chinese Cannoli, these rice noodle rolls are a close second favourite of mine, after Har Gau. They are wide, long, white lumps of rice noodle. Served on plates and swimming in sweet soya sauce. They usually come with a variety of fillings. My favourite stuffing is prawn. And my second favourite is a deep fried pastry. The deep fried pastry variety is normally cut into inch long sections.
5 - Char Siu Bow
These are fist sized rolls containing Chinese BBQ Pork. I'm not a big fan myself, but many people really like them. The pastry is made from wheat, and normally light, white and fluffy. Be careful when eating these as the stuffing can be very hot.
วันพุธที่ 2 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
Your Guide to Eating Out
Author: oh yummy
Trend of eating out
Eating out provides a chance to celebrate or socialize, an opportunity to experience new cuisine, to have some fun with whole family or kids or just to give them some extra pleasure, or just an excuse to avoid cooking. Whatever the reason, dining out is a national pastime in Canada. In fact, studies estimate that the typical Canadian eats away from home about five times a week, spending a third of their food budget in different Canadian restaurants. Eating out is becoming a trend these days.
A Few Things to Decide
You have to decide a few things before going out for dining, like where do you want to eat? What style of restaurant you are going to choose? What type of cuisine you like? How will the meal be prepared? As people adopt a healthier lifestyle, the answers to these questions become more important. Canadians want foods that are healthy as well as tasty. If you eat out only on special occasions, enjoy your meal and eat what you want. However, if you eat out often, it is important to choose wisely. So, how do we make the best choices when eating away from home?
Stress on Low Fat Food
Cutting back on fat is the most important - whether you eat at home or out, order food that is broiled or poached rather than fried or breaded. Cut back on the amount of butter or margarine used on bread. Try low fat or no fat salad dressings whenever
You can. Sauces and gravies are high in fat; order them on the side and use as little as possible. Choose whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, beans and lentils more often. They are low in fat and high in fibre.
Utilize Your Consumer Power
Consider restaurants that have received the "Eat Smart Award". They meet high standards in nutrition, food safety and non-smoking seating. As consumers, we have a lot of control over the foods available to us in restaurants. Times are changing and the restaurant industry is beginning to recognize the importance of providing foods that are low in fat. This is due in part to restaurateurs responding to customer requests for healthy dining choices. So remember, if low fat choices are not on the menu, do not hesitate to ask the service. Only by our continued requests will we see more healthy food choices.
Trend of eating out
Eating out provides a chance to celebrate or socialize, an opportunity to experience new cuisine, to have some fun with whole family or kids or just to give them some extra pleasure, or just an excuse to avoid cooking. Whatever the reason, dining out is a national pastime in Canada. In fact, studies estimate that the typical Canadian eats away from home about five times a week, spending a third of their food budget in different Canadian restaurants. Eating out is becoming a trend these days.
A Few Things to Decide
You have to decide a few things before going out for dining, like where do you want to eat? What style of restaurant you are going to choose? What type of cuisine you like? How will the meal be prepared? As people adopt a healthier lifestyle, the answers to these questions become more important. Canadians want foods that are healthy as well as tasty. If you eat out only on special occasions, enjoy your meal and eat what you want. However, if you eat out often, it is important to choose wisely. So, how do we make the best choices when eating away from home?
Stress on Low Fat Food
Cutting back on fat is the most important - whether you eat at home or out, order food that is broiled or poached rather than fried or breaded. Cut back on the amount of butter or margarine used on bread. Try low fat or no fat salad dressings whenever
You can. Sauces and gravies are high in fat; order them on the side and use as little as possible. Choose whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, beans and lentils more often. They are low in fat and high in fibre.
Utilize Your Consumer Power
Consider restaurants that have received the "Eat Smart Award". They meet high standards in nutrition, food safety and non-smoking seating. As consumers, we have a lot of control over the foods available to us in restaurants. Times are changing and the restaurant industry is beginning to recognize the importance of providing foods that are low in fat. This is due in part to restaurateurs responding to customer requests for healthy dining choices. So remember, if low fat choices are not on the menu, do not hesitate to ask the service. Only by our continued requests will we see more healthy food choices.
Healthy and Natural Chicken Food Products
Author: m.jeya
Chicken is an easy and elegant meal, special enough for a Sunday dinner or holiday meal. Add hot baked rolls, salad, and your favorite steamed vegetables for a perfect family meal. Actual cooking of the chicken is done when the consumer reheats the product. On the other hand, fried chicken is completely precooked during the frying process. Frozen fried chicken is reheated mainly to raise the serving temperature.
This delicious rack of chicken recipe is made with an herb and pecan crust mixture. The racks are roasted then rubbed with a little Dijon mustard and the herb-pecan mixture, then they're roasted for about 10 minutes longer. Chicken is an elegant dish for a holiday dinner or special weekend meal, and it's quite easy to prepare. You can easily double this recipe for a larger family.This chicken has a different taste even a regular consumer can recognize immediately.
Chicken serve this tasty and easy baked chicken with potatoes and a tossed salad. Use a quartered chicken, leg quarters, or split breasts to make this tasty recipe. Here's a delicious version of a regional favorite, shrimp and grits. This recipe includes tomatoes, green onions, and mushrooms, along with jumbo shrimp. Serve the shrimp and tomato mixture over savory creamy grits, cheese grits, or serve over rice.
The chicken has a different taste even a regular consumer can recognize immediately. Chicken is a healthy, easy, and quick recipe to make chicken rice soup, without preservatives or MSG. It is also a good home remedy for coping with the common cold. The ginger slices will help settle upset stomach. Indomunch chicken dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with various combinations of meat, seafood, eggs and vegetables. The well-known dish made famous to foreigners by the indomunch restaurant at the Newyork city. Most versions originate from the southindian style of steamed chicken served with chicken stock flavoured rice. Please purchase online www.indomunch.com in Newyork city.
Chicken is an easy and elegant meal, special enough for a Sunday dinner or holiday meal. Add hot baked rolls, salad, and your favorite steamed vegetables for a perfect family meal. Actual cooking of the chicken is done when the consumer reheats the product. On the other hand, fried chicken is completely precooked during the frying process. Frozen fried chicken is reheated mainly to raise the serving temperature.
This delicious rack of chicken recipe is made with an herb and pecan crust mixture. The racks are roasted then rubbed with a little Dijon mustard and the herb-pecan mixture, then they're roasted for about 10 minutes longer. Chicken is an elegant dish for a holiday dinner or special weekend meal, and it's quite easy to prepare. You can easily double this recipe for a larger family.This chicken has a different taste even a regular consumer can recognize immediately.
Chicken serve this tasty and easy baked chicken with potatoes and a tossed salad. Use a quartered chicken, leg quarters, or split breasts to make this tasty recipe. Here's a delicious version of a regional favorite, shrimp and grits. This recipe includes tomatoes, green onions, and mushrooms, along with jumbo shrimp. Serve the shrimp and tomato mixture over savory creamy grits, cheese grits, or serve over rice.
The chicken has a different taste even a regular consumer can recognize immediately. Chicken is a healthy, easy, and quick recipe to make chicken rice soup, without preservatives or MSG. It is also a good home remedy for coping with the common cold. The ginger slices will help settle upset stomach. Indomunch chicken dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with various combinations of meat, seafood, eggs and vegetables. The well-known dish made famous to foreigners by the indomunch restaurant at the Newyork city. Most versions originate from the southindian style of steamed chicken served with chicken stock flavoured rice. Please purchase online www.indomunch.com in Newyork city.
วันเสาร์ที่ 29 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Home Grown Vegetables
Author: Scott Jarvis
My closest friend has always had a green thumb and though we share just about all common interests until recently we differed on home gardening. I had never really given any type of gardening any thought and had always viewed her passion for this as a waste of time. Things changed recently however when I found out that I could save quite a bit of money by growing my own vegetables.
Being a vegetarian my diet consists mostly of earth grown foods and with the price of veggies rising and becoming over inflated my girlfriend approached me and told me that she was going to begin growing her own vegetables both to save a few dollars and to get a better quality product. I was interested though my motivation was solely saving money. I found myself dreading working in her indoor garden but I was surprised at how much fun I was having.
Perhaps it was because I was spending more time with her and perhaps it was because I was learning something new but I began looking forward to the three days a week that I was spending in the greenhouse. As I began to get a hold on gardening and working with different types of soils and plants, I was surprised to find there was so much more to it than simply throwing seeds into the ground and watering things.
Several of her grow lights went out within my first couple of visits. I didn’t think these lights were important but my assumption was quickly refuted by my girlfriend when she explained that these types of lights are designed specifically to help plants grow. I actually spent one day of my first week hunting down specific types of commercial lighting for the greenhouse. The lights she wanted were fairly expensive but we went halves on the cost as I felt as though we were becoming partners in gardening.
Once the new lights were installed we got back to the ground work. Three weeks later I was pleased to see the bell peppers I planted on my own begin to sprout. It was at that point that I admitted to both myself and my girlfriend that I was enjoying doing garden work. Not long after that the rest of our first batch of vegetables sprouted and some even ripened and were ready to be eaten.
I’ll say this about growing your own food. It’s hard work and it takes time to grow these things however the flavor and even the size of the vegetables far outclass anything you find in the store. In addition to this, home grown vegetables contain no unnatural preservatives and go into your kitchen fresh; no weeks of shipping are involved. This experience leads me to believe that I will never buy vegetables from any store again.
For those of you who have never eaten anything homegrown, you need to at least once. Once you decide to go this route you’re in for a treat and I can guarantee that you too will begin growing your own vegetables. Before I became a vegetarian I had eaten a steak that came from a cow raised by my friend. This was much like vegetables in that the homegrown food was far better than any store bought product. Though it takes care and effort to grow your own food, the work is worth it. Your body and your bank account will thank you for it!
My closest friend has always had a green thumb and though we share just about all common interests until recently we differed on home gardening. I had never really given any type of gardening any thought and had always viewed her passion for this as a waste of time. Things changed recently however when I found out that I could save quite a bit of money by growing my own vegetables.
Being a vegetarian my diet consists mostly of earth grown foods and with the price of veggies rising and becoming over inflated my girlfriend approached me and told me that she was going to begin growing her own vegetables both to save a few dollars and to get a better quality product. I was interested though my motivation was solely saving money. I found myself dreading working in her indoor garden but I was surprised at how much fun I was having.
Perhaps it was because I was spending more time with her and perhaps it was because I was learning something new but I began looking forward to the three days a week that I was spending in the greenhouse. As I began to get a hold on gardening and working with different types of soils and plants, I was surprised to find there was so much more to it than simply throwing seeds into the ground and watering things.
Several of her grow lights went out within my first couple of visits. I didn’t think these lights were important but my assumption was quickly refuted by my girlfriend when she explained that these types of lights are designed specifically to help plants grow. I actually spent one day of my first week hunting down specific types of commercial lighting for the greenhouse. The lights she wanted were fairly expensive but we went halves on the cost as I felt as though we were becoming partners in gardening.
Once the new lights were installed we got back to the ground work. Three weeks later I was pleased to see the bell peppers I planted on my own begin to sprout. It was at that point that I admitted to both myself and my girlfriend that I was enjoying doing garden work. Not long after that the rest of our first batch of vegetables sprouted and some even ripened and were ready to be eaten.
I’ll say this about growing your own food. It’s hard work and it takes time to grow these things however the flavor and even the size of the vegetables far outclass anything you find in the store. In addition to this, home grown vegetables contain no unnatural preservatives and go into your kitchen fresh; no weeks of shipping are involved. This experience leads me to believe that I will never buy vegetables from any store again.
For those of you who have never eaten anything homegrown, you need to at least once. Once you decide to go this route you’re in for a treat and I can guarantee that you too will begin growing your own vegetables. Before I became a vegetarian I had eaten a steak that came from a cow raised by my friend. This was much like vegetables in that the homegrown food was far better than any store bought product. Though it takes care and effort to grow your own food, the work is worth it. Your body and your bank account will thank you for it!
Organic Herbal Teas Make a Wonderful, Relaxing Treat at the End of a Hectic Day!
Author: Anne Harvester
Organic herbal teas make a wonderful, relaxing treat at the end of a hectic day!
It's a day like all the others in your work week. You get jolted out of bed by a clanging alarm, and then you rush to jump in the shower, grab a bite to eat, then get backpacks, lunches and kids ready to go to school. After getting kids on the school bus, you race to work, arriving a few minutes late. Your desk is piled high with overdue assignments, so you knock away at it for your eight hours. Afterward, you fight traffic to pick up the kids from after school activities, and get home to prepare dinner and help with homework.
At the end of a day like this, it's nice to enjoy a cup of organic loose tea to help you unwind. Enjoying a cup of white tea, or herbal tea can be just what you need to leave the cares of the day behind. Delicious organic teas are a simple way to end the stresses of your day.
White Tea
If drinking too much caffeine bothers you, white tea is a tempting alternative. White tea undergoes little processing, which means that all of the healthy benefits that come from drinking these teas, such as vitamins, polyphenols and antioxidants, are more potent than you would find in other types of teas. White tea also is a low-caffeine tea available in bulk that is not only good for you but good tasting.
Chai tea
Chai is a very popular form of bulk tea often served sweetened and with lots of milk. Made from aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger mixed with Assam bulk tea, that hauntingly familiar aroma will please your palate and nose as you linger over your cup.
Black tea
Sometimes you need a hot drink with a little kick to it. Black bulk teas might be the answer to boosting your energy level. Although they contain some caffeine, black teas do not contain nearly as much as does a cup of coffee, so it offers a healthier alternative for those who love a full- flavored hot beverage but need to be mindful of caffeine levels.
Organic herbal teas make a wonderful, relaxing treat at the end of a hectic day!
It's a day like all the others in your work week. You get jolted out of bed by a clanging alarm, and then you rush to jump in the shower, grab a bite to eat, then get backpacks, lunches and kids ready to go to school. After getting kids on the school bus, you race to work, arriving a few minutes late. Your desk is piled high with overdue assignments, so you knock away at it for your eight hours. Afterward, you fight traffic to pick up the kids from after school activities, and get home to prepare dinner and help with homework.
At the end of a day like this, it's nice to enjoy a cup of organic loose tea to help you unwind. Enjoying a cup of white tea, or herbal tea can be just what you need to leave the cares of the day behind. Delicious organic teas are a simple way to end the stresses of your day.
White Tea
If drinking too much caffeine bothers you, white tea is a tempting alternative. White tea undergoes little processing, which means that all of the healthy benefits that come from drinking these teas, such as vitamins, polyphenols and antioxidants, are more potent than you would find in other types of teas. White tea also is a low-caffeine tea available in bulk that is not only good for you but good tasting.
Chai tea
Chai is a very popular form of bulk tea often served sweetened and with lots of milk. Made from aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger mixed with Assam bulk tea, that hauntingly familiar aroma will please your palate and nose as you linger over your cup.
Black tea
Sometimes you need a hot drink with a little kick to it. Black bulk teas might be the answer to boosting your energy level. Although they contain some caffeine, black teas do not contain nearly as much as does a cup of coffee, so it offers a healthier alternative for those who love a full- flavored hot beverage but need to be mindful of caffeine levels.
Organic Salt Makes a Great Seasoning That You Will Use Every Day!
Author: Anne Harvester
There is an idiom that you have likely heard--"the salt of the earth." That saying refers to a person who is someone you can count on, who does not put on airs but is a decent, good person.
The seasoning salt is rather like that idiom. Salt is a basic seasoning that is used in many of our favorite dishes and is useful in other applications around the house. You will find it in your favorite foods at every meal, as well as an important ingredient to recipes such as bread, salsas and chips. Stocking your kitchen with bulk organic spices will allow you to add endlessly seasoned savory foods on the table morning, noon and night.
Seasoning Blends
Many blends of bulk herbs and spices can be made more zesty with the addition of organic salt. Imagine fajitas seasoned with black pepper, onion and garlic powders, cumin, coriander, lemon peel, oregano, parsley and cayenne, then brought to perfection by a little sprinkle of organic salt.
Many dishes can be made much more flavorful by simply using organic salt and spices. For instance, savory Cajun foods shine when you add a seasoning blend of black pepper, cayenne, organic salt, garlic, onion and paprika. Southern Red Beans and Rice dishes can benefit from the addition of these wonderful Cajun seasonings as well. Cajun seasoning blends are also useful as a dry rub that can be used with fish or chicken that gets sauteed or even barbecued on the grill.
Salt itself can be seasoned by the addition of different herbs and spices in bulk. A delicious rub that can be used on beef steaks, pork spareribs, hamburgers, and even fish fillets can start with salt that is flavored with pepper, paprika, and a smoky malt that goes by the name of Hickory salt.
You can make your own special blends of organic salt, herbs and spices suited to your favorite dishes. If you cook a lot at home, it does save money to purchase spices in bulk. That way, you will have a good supply and not run out when you are cooking late at night, at a crucial moment in putting together an anticipated dish.
Other Uses for Salt
In addition to cooking, salt makes a wonderful organic home cleaner. By combining vinegar with salt in a sturdy spray bottle, you have created a non-toxic counter cleaner that will help you scrub away dirt and grime.
There is an idiom that you have likely heard--"the salt of the earth." That saying refers to a person who is someone you can count on, who does not put on airs but is a decent, good person.
The seasoning salt is rather like that idiom. Salt is a basic seasoning that is used in many of our favorite dishes and is useful in other applications around the house. You will find it in your favorite foods at every meal, as well as an important ingredient to recipes such as bread, salsas and chips. Stocking your kitchen with bulk organic spices will allow you to add endlessly seasoned savory foods on the table morning, noon and night.
Seasoning Blends
Many blends of bulk herbs and spices can be made more zesty with the addition of organic salt. Imagine fajitas seasoned with black pepper, onion and garlic powders, cumin, coriander, lemon peel, oregano, parsley and cayenne, then brought to perfection by a little sprinkle of organic salt.
Many dishes can be made much more flavorful by simply using organic salt and spices. For instance, savory Cajun foods shine when you add a seasoning blend of black pepper, cayenne, organic salt, garlic, onion and paprika. Southern Red Beans and Rice dishes can benefit from the addition of these wonderful Cajun seasonings as well. Cajun seasoning blends are also useful as a dry rub that can be used with fish or chicken that gets sauteed or even barbecued on the grill.
Salt itself can be seasoned by the addition of different herbs and spices in bulk. A delicious rub that can be used on beef steaks, pork spareribs, hamburgers, and even fish fillets can start with salt that is flavored with pepper, paprika, and a smoky malt that goes by the name of Hickory salt.
You can make your own special blends of organic salt, herbs and spices suited to your favorite dishes. If you cook a lot at home, it does save money to purchase spices in bulk. That way, you will have a good supply and not run out when you are cooking late at night, at a crucial moment in putting together an anticipated dish.
Other Uses for Salt
In addition to cooking, salt makes a wonderful organic home cleaner. By combining vinegar with salt in a sturdy spray bottle, you have created a non-toxic counter cleaner that will help you scrub away dirt and grime.
Tastety American Chinese Cuisine Fried Rice
Author: m.jeya
Fried rice is a common staple in American Chinese cuisine, especially in the westernized form sold at fast-food stands. The most common form is basic fried rice, often with some mixture of eggs, scallions, and vegetables, with chopped meat (usually pork or chicken, sometimes beef or shrimp) added at the customer's discretion. Even kids will love this quick and easy fried rice.
There are dozens of varieties of fried rice, each with their own specific list of ingredients. Fried rice is a popular component of Chinese cuisine and other forms of Asian cuisine. . Fried Rice or Vegetable Fried Rice is a popular north Indian dish. Its main ingredients are rice and vegetables like carrot, beans and Capsicum .It is quite a healthy dish. It is widely preferred by youngsters in the modern world and used to eat in all age of peoples.
This Indomunch fried rice dish combines the nutty flavor of fried rice with the fresh taste of bell peppers, baby peas, and other vegetables. This fried rice dish is actually a lot simpler than most of us perceive it to be. Fried rice is cooked on a high flame, and the trick is to cut the vegetables small, so that they do not remain raw inside. It requires vigorous stirring though
Vegetable Fried rice is what all of you must have cooked and eaten at home or in restaurants. It's a really simple dish to make, and healthy too because of all the veggies that it has. I describe my recipe for making Vegetable Fried Rice which goes extremely well with my Veg Manchurian Gravy recipe. This dish combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the fresh taste of bell peppers, baby peas, and other vegetables. This recipe for fried rice with veggies will remind you of the fried rice served at Chinese restaurants. Please purchase online www.indomunch.com in Newyork city.
Fried rice is a common staple in American Chinese cuisine, especially in the westernized form sold at fast-food stands. The most common form is basic fried rice, often with some mixture of eggs, scallions, and vegetables, with chopped meat (usually pork or chicken, sometimes beef or shrimp) added at the customer's discretion. Even kids will love this quick and easy fried rice.
There are dozens of varieties of fried rice, each with their own specific list of ingredients. Fried rice is a popular component of Chinese cuisine and other forms of Asian cuisine. . Fried Rice or Vegetable Fried Rice is a popular north Indian dish. Its main ingredients are rice and vegetables like carrot, beans and Capsicum .It is quite a healthy dish. It is widely preferred by youngsters in the modern world and used to eat in all age of peoples.
This Indomunch fried rice dish combines the nutty flavor of fried rice with the fresh taste of bell peppers, baby peas, and other vegetables. This fried rice dish is actually a lot simpler than most of us perceive it to be. Fried rice is cooked on a high flame, and the trick is to cut the vegetables small, so that they do not remain raw inside. It requires vigorous stirring though
Vegetable Fried rice is what all of you must have cooked and eaten at home or in restaurants. It's a really simple dish to make, and healthy too because of all the veggies that it has. I describe my recipe for making Vegetable Fried Rice which goes extremely well with my Veg Manchurian Gravy recipe. This dish combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the fresh taste of bell peppers, baby peas, and other vegetables. This recipe for fried rice with veggies will remind you of the fried rice served at Chinese restaurants. Please purchase online www.indomunch.com in Newyork city.
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 23 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2551
The Wonderful World of Peanuts
Author: Rahul Chauhan
Before I begin with the history of peanuts you should probably know that the peanut is not a nut. The "pea"nut is actually more closely related to the pea. It is a member of the legumes family. Also, peanuts do not grow in trees like nuts do. They grow on the ground. They start out as flowers, and eventually wind up burrowing underground. Under ground is where they become a delicious peanut.
OK - so where did these little guys come from you ask? Well, they are thought to have originated in South America...possibly Brazil or Peru. When the Portuguese began to explore "The New World," they took peanuts back home with them. Portuguese traders took them as far as Asia and Africa.
In the United States, peanuts became popular during the Civil War. Then around the 1900's many mechanical devices were invented to help with the processing of peanuts. As a result their popularity increased even more. Speaking of inventions...George Washington Carver invented over 300 uses for the peanut, including; medicine, ink, soap, shampoo, ice-cream, and axle grease.
Today, peanuts are eaten all over the world. They have become a huge money making industry. In the United States alone they contribute well over 4 billion dollars yearly to the economy
PEANUT TRIVIA
Americans consume 700 million pounds or 3.3 pounds per person, of peanut butter per year….that's enough to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon.
To enhance the flavor of a cola drink, Southerners put peanuts into the bottle.
There are approximately 810 peanuts in an 18 oz. jar of peanut butter.
The peanut is unusual because it flowers above the ground, but fruits below the ground.
Peanut oil has a very high smoking point. This allows peanut oil to be heated to a higher temperature than most oils, making it an excellent choice for frying.
Since peanuts are a legume, they reduce the need for additional fertilizers as they return nitrogen to the soil as they grow.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Peanuts are packed full of healthy stuff, including; antioxidants, niacin,
Vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, bioflavonoid, protein, and they have more resveratrol than grapes (which lowers LDL - aka "bad cholesterol")
That's not all...Some medical researchers say that they lower the risk of heart disease and provide protection from some types of cancer (colon, prostate, and breast).
Well, as you can see there are some great reasons to eat peanuts...as if the fact that they are delicious isn't enough.
THE DARK SIDE
Peanut proteins can act as powerful allergens, even in tiny amounts. That is why Peanut allergies are the most common cause of death by food in the United States. Some people can have a ruthless reaction just for inhaling the scent of a peanut. People can die from very small amounts.
So, if you’re allergic to peanuts...or think you could be...don't risk even going near them. You can substitute almonds or any nut for any of the recipes below. For the cookies...you'll have to make your own 'nut butter.
YUMMY...PEANUTTY RECIPES
CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
Put 2 cups of peanuts in a blender and blend until smooth.
For added texture and/or flavoring add one or more of the following:
2 Tblsp honey
4 tsp sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract - or any other extract you like.
1/4 c mini chocolate chips
1/4 c rice cereal
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS...USE YOUR IMAGINATION!
CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
3 c. salted peanuts2 Tblsp. butter
Measure 1/2 peanuts and put aside. Empty remaining peanuts into blender container. Cover and blend on low speed until the peanuts are chopped. Add butter, cover and blend on low speed 15 seconds. Turn off the blender and scrape down sides with rubber spatula. Cover and blend on low speed 5 seconds.
Repeat this process 3 or 4 times until the peanut butter starts to get smooth. Cover and blend on highest speed 1 minute. Add the 1/2 cup peanuts, cover and blend on medium speed for 3 - 5 seconds. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
MAMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix peanut butter and butter in large mixing bowl until smooth. Then gradually add all other ingredients. Blend until smooth.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon batter onto greased cookie sheet. Flatten cookies with a criss cross fork print. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden.
Before I begin with the history of peanuts you should probably know that the peanut is not a nut. The "pea"nut is actually more closely related to the pea. It is a member of the legumes family. Also, peanuts do not grow in trees like nuts do. They grow on the ground. They start out as flowers, and eventually wind up burrowing underground. Under ground is where they become a delicious peanut.
OK - so where did these little guys come from you ask? Well, they are thought to have originated in South America...possibly Brazil or Peru. When the Portuguese began to explore "The New World," they took peanuts back home with them. Portuguese traders took them as far as Asia and Africa.
In the United States, peanuts became popular during the Civil War. Then around the 1900's many mechanical devices were invented to help with the processing of peanuts. As a result their popularity increased even more. Speaking of inventions...George Washington Carver invented over 300 uses for the peanut, including; medicine, ink, soap, shampoo, ice-cream, and axle grease.
Today, peanuts are eaten all over the world. They have become a huge money making industry. In the United States alone they contribute well over 4 billion dollars yearly to the economy
PEANUT TRIVIA
Americans consume 700 million pounds or 3.3 pounds per person, of peanut butter per year….that's enough to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon.
To enhance the flavor of a cola drink, Southerners put peanuts into the bottle.
There are approximately 810 peanuts in an 18 oz. jar of peanut butter.
The peanut is unusual because it flowers above the ground, but fruits below the ground.
Peanut oil has a very high smoking point. This allows peanut oil to be heated to a higher temperature than most oils, making it an excellent choice for frying.
Since peanuts are a legume, they reduce the need for additional fertilizers as they return nitrogen to the soil as they grow.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Peanuts are packed full of healthy stuff, including; antioxidants, niacin,
Vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, bioflavonoid, protein, and they have more resveratrol than grapes (which lowers LDL - aka "bad cholesterol")
That's not all...Some medical researchers say that they lower the risk of heart disease and provide protection from some types of cancer (colon, prostate, and breast).
Well, as you can see there are some great reasons to eat peanuts...as if the fact that they are delicious isn't enough.
THE DARK SIDE
Peanut proteins can act as powerful allergens, even in tiny amounts. That is why Peanut allergies are the most common cause of death by food in the United States. Some people can have a ruthless reaction just for inhaling the scent of a peanut. People can die from very small amounts.
So, if you’re allergic to peanuts...or think you could be...don't risk even going near them. You can substitute almonds or any nut for any of the recipes below. For the cookies...you'll have to make your own 'nut butter.
YUMMY...PEANUTTY RECIPES
CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
Put 2 cups of peanuts in a blender and blend until smooth.
For added texture and/or flavoring add one or more of the following:
2 Tblsp honey
4 tsp sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract - or any other extract you like.
1/4 c mini chocolate chips
1/4 c rice cereal
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS...USE YOUR IMAGINATION!
CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
3 c. salted peanuts2 Tblsp. butter
Measure 1/2 peanuts and put aside. Empty remaining peanuts into blender container. Cover and blend on low speed until the peanuts are chopped. Add butter, cover and blend on low speed 15 seconds. Turn off the blender and scrape down sides with rubber spatula. Cover and blend on low speed 5 seconds.
Repeat this process 3 or 4 times until the peanut butter starts to get smooth. Cover and blend on highest speed 1 minute. Add the 1/2 cup peanuts, cover and blend on medium speed for 3 - 5 seconds. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
MAMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix peanut butter and butter in large mixing bowl until smooth. Then gradually add all other ingredients. Blend until smooth.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon batter onto greased cookie sheet. Flatten cookies with a criss cross fork print. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden.
Options for the Provision of Hot or Boiling Water in Your Office
Author: Justin March
Normal Household Kettle
Normally constructed from durable plastic or steel with a plastic handle for safety the typical kettle is powered by mains electricity and heats the water until the kettle automatically deactivates to prevent the water boiling away and damaging the heating element.
The kettle can be time inefficient as staff can end up waiting around for the kettle to boil several times in one day.
It’s also important to realise that all portable electrical appliances in offices within the UK are subject to PAT (Portable Appliance Test) testing. PAT testing involves the routine checking of each appliance to ensure continual safety; the interval between tests depends on both the type of appliance and the environment in which it is used. The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggest intervals for inspection and testing ranging from 3 months to 4 years. To check if your office kettle has been tested check for a label stuck to the kettles power cable.
A common misconception is that kettles reach boiling point, this is rarely the case see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/chang/boiling/DeLuc_boiling.htm, this is only important as the household kettle is the standard that most people have in mind when attempting to provide hot drinks in their office, in reality boiling water is not necessary for hot drinks water at 95°C and above is perfectly fine even for an office full of tea lovers.
Water Coolers with a Hot or Cook option
Water coolers (often abbreviated to "watercooler") are devices that cool and dispenses water. Generally speaking there are 2 types of water cooler: bottle-less and bottled: bottle-less water coolers are connected to the mains water supply, while bottled water coolers require regular delivery of water in large bottles from distributors. What a lot of people don’t know is that both types of cooler are often available with a hot water capability allowing some machines to dispense hot water up to 98?C these machines are know as cold and hot or cold and cook machines.
If you are considering purchasing a water cooler with a hot tap it’s important to research the exact capabilities of the machine, often these machines are not capable of supplying water at sufficient temperatures to make a good cup of tea which could land you in hot water with your staff unless your office is full of coffee drinkers. In addition make sure that the machine comes with a safety tap that has passed all relevant UK safety checks. Even with a decent hot tap it’s best not to install one of these machines within the reach of children, to ensure that children are safe consider a desktop version of the machine or one of the heaters or boilers listed below.
Hand Wash Water Heaters
Typically starting at around £100 these systems are ideal for washroom areas where no hot water is available; the systems are capable of delivering water at temperatures of between 35°C to 80°C. Normally installed over the sink with a dedicated spout the systems are also available as under sink models at which point the hot water is fed into a dedicated tap.
The pricing of these systems is centred around the capacity that they are capable of delivering. For a 5 litre system which is adequate for most small offices you need to think about spending around £100, if larger capacities are required say between 30 and 100 Litres then £3-400 is a reasonable price.
As these are hot water systems and subject to scale you should consider a filter with a scale inhibitor. More importantly make sure that the machine is supplied by a reputable manufacturer and consider taking out a service contract to protect against failure.
Water Boilers
Often considered an excellent alternative to the normal kettle water boilers can provide near boiling water at the touch of a tap. Sourcing your machine from a trusted manufacturer is essential as the manufacturing of these machines can be subject to sub standard batches in some cases.
The pricing of these systems is partly centred around the capacity, but is also somewhat dependant on the manufacturer name. Many of the systems that we have tested have fallen short of manufacturer stated performance levels so it’s important to get best value when it comes to parting with your money.
Water Boilers fall into many categories including wall mounted, over sink and under sink models and undersink taps which normally have an additional chilled option.
The machines themselves often have a sleep mode allowing the machine to be kinder to the environment and the company coffers.
As before these are hot water systems and subject to scale you should consider a filter with a scale inhibitor. More importantly make sure that the machine is supplied by a reputable manufacturer and consider taking out a service contract to protect against failure.
Normal Household Kettle
Normally constructed from durable plastic or steel with a plastic handle for safety the typical kettle is powered by mains electricity and heats the water until the kettle automatically deactivates to prevent the water boiling away and damaging the heating element.
The kettle can be time inefficient as staff can end up waiting around for the kettle to boil several times in one day.
It’s also important to realise that all portable electrical appliances in offices within the UK are subject to PAT (Portable Appliance Test) testing. PAT testing involves the routine checking of each appliance to ensure continual safety; the interval between tests depends on both the type of appliance and the environment in which it is used. The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggest intervals for inspection and testing ranging from 3 months to 4 years. To check if your office kettle has been tested check for a label stuck to the kettles power cable.
A common misconception is that kettles reach boiling point, this is rarely the case see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/chang/boiling/DeLuc_boiling.htm, this is only important as the household kettle is the standard that most people have in mind when attempting to provide hot drinks in their office, in reality boiling water is not necessary for hot drinks water at 95°C and above is perfectly fine even for an office full of tea lovers.
Water Coolers with a Hot or Cook option
Water coolers (often abbreviated to "watercooler") are devices that cool and dispenses water. Generally speaking there are 2 types of water cooler: bottle-less and bottled: bottle-less water coolers are connected to the mains water supply, while bottled water coolers require regular delivery of water in large bottles from distributors. What a lot of people don’t know is that both types of cooler are often available with a hot water capability allowing some machines to dispense hot water up to 98?C these machines are know as cold and hot or cold and cook machines.
If you are considering purchasing a water cooler with a hot tap it’s important to research the exact capabilities of the machine, often these machines are not capable of supplying water at sufficient temperatures to make a good cup of tea which could land you in hot water with your staff unless your office is full of coffee drinkers. In addition make sure that the machine comes with a safety tap that has passed all relevant UK safety checks. Even with a decent hot tap it’s best not to install one of these machines within the reach of children, to ensure that children are safe consider a desktop version of the machine or one of the heaters or boilers listed below.
Hand Wash Water Heaters
Typically starting at around £100 these systems are ideal for washroom areas where no hot water is available; the systems are capable of delivering water at temperatures of between 35°C to 80°C. Normally installed over the sink with a dedicated spout the systems are also available as under sink models at which point the hot water is fed into a dedicated tap.
The pricing of these systems is centred around the capacity that they are capable of delivering. For a 5 litre system which is adequate for most small offices you need to think about spending around £100, if larger capacities are required say between 30 and 100 Litres then £3-400 is a reasonable price.
As these are hot water systems and subject to scale you should consider a filter with a scale inhibitor. More importantly make sure that the machine is supplied by a reputable manufacturer and consider taking out a service contract to protect against failure.
Water Boilers
Often considered an excellent alternative to the normal kettle water boilers can provide near boiling water at the touch of a tap. Sourcing your machine from a trusted manufacturer is essential as the manufacturing of these machines can be subject to sub standard batches in some cases.
The pricing of these systems is partly centred around the capacity, but is also somewhat dependant on the manufacturer name. Many of the systems that we have tested have fallen short of manufacturer stated performance levels so it’s important to get best value when it comes to parting with your money.
Water Boilers fall into many categories including wall mounted, over sink and under sink models and undersink taps which normally have an additional chilled option.
The machines themselves often have a sleep mode allowing the machine to be kinder to the environment and the company coffers.
As before these are hot water systems and subject to scale you should consider a filter with a scale inhibitor. More importantly make sure that the machine is supplied by a reputable manufacturer and consider taking out a service contract to protect against failure.
Mexican, Really?
Author: Real Authentic Mexican Food
Mexican, really?
I’m a Mexican expatriate living in the US for the past 7+ years. Born and raised in northern Mexico, food was an integral part of my upbringing. Recipes are passed from generation to generation and 100-year-old recipes are still part of everyday cooking in Mexico.
Through my teenager and early adult years I developed a passion for cooking. I used to devour cookbooks and religiously watched American cooking shows on satellite. So coming to the US in 2001, I had a solid foundation in Mexican food and a decent understanding of American food….Well, at least I thought I had.
Besides the first Thanksgiving night I spent in the US when I went out at 6pm to “grab a bite to eat” (and of course ended up having a nice junk food meal at home), the biggest shock for me was finding “Mexican” food all over the place…Awesome!!! Restaurants carry a variety of “Mexican” dishes; Grocery stores have a “Mexican” aisle…This is not that bad, I thought. So I decided to give one of these “Mexican” places a try, hoping to cure a bit of my home-sickness. So I got there, and although the decoration of the place made me feel at Dora the Explorer’s home, I stayed on track and decided to order.
So I thought, I’d pick something truly authentic that would take me back home. So I picked the Enchiladas. There’s nothing more satisfying to me like a plate of oil-dipped, cheese-filled corn tortillas topped with even more cheese. Long story short, the plate I got DID in fact take me back home….screaming for my mommy!!! When I got my plate I honestly thought I’d gotten the wrong order. All I could see was some kind of melted yellow cheese on top of a sea of a suspicious red sauce. I asked my server if these were the enchiladas and unfortunately, he confirmed it.
So here I am, in front of a mass of lettuce, melted cheese mixed with red sauce, sour cream and who knows what else under it. And unfortunately it tasted exactly as it looked. Not bad at all, just a lot of different flavors going on and not a drop of Mexican flavor to it. Now that I’m a little more Americanized, I can describe to you what the dish tasted like: Flour tortillas filled with chili, drenched in ketchup and topped with Velveeta. Again, it was not bad, just not what I expected.
So from that day on, I’ve been on my little mission of trying to educate “gringos” about the true essence of Authentic Mexican Food. I can guarantee you’ll be surprised to know most of your Mexican favorite dishes are not that authentic. Would you believe Margaritas are not popular at all amongst Mexican people? Other than American teenagers getting loaded during Spring Break in Cancun and the regular American tourist, Mexicans do not drink that stuff. A similar thing happens with the so-called “Cinco de Mayo” celebration. Did you know most Mexican companies do not even observe this holiday? Government agencies and schools do, but it’s not an official National Holiday. And really, there’s not a whole lot of celebrating going on either. This holiday is in fact much bigger here in the US that it is in Mexico….Go figure.
So, this is the kind of thing that makes me go mental. I know, it’s only food, but it’s the food I grew up with; the food of my ancestors, and the fact that there are self-proclaimed Mexican Food authorities and places out there making a living on it, just makes me cringe.
I’ll be touching on this same topic at upcoming articles. Feel free to contact me for any questions, comments or requests to cover a specific topic. You can also visit my Webpage at www.real-authentic-mexican-food.com where you can find much more about Authentic Mexican Food.
Salud!
Mexican, really?
I’m a Mexican expatriate living in the US for the past 7+ years. Born and raised in northern Mexico, food was an integral part of my upbringing. Recipes are passed from generation to generation and 100-year-old recipes are still part of everyday cooking in Mexico.
Through my teenager and early adult years I developed a passion for cooking. I used to devour cookbooks and religiously watched American cooking shows on satellite. So coming to the US in 2001, I had a solid foundation in Mexican food and a decent understanding of American food….Well, at least I thought I had.
Besides the first Thanksgiving night I spent in the US when I went out at 6pm to “grab a bite to eat” (and of course ended up having a nice junk food meal at home), the biggest shock for me was finding “Mexican” food all over the place…Awesome!!! Restaurants carry a variety of “Mexican” dishes; Grocery stores have a “Mexican” aisle…This is not that bad, I thought. So I decided to give one of these “Mexican” places a try, hoping to cure a bit of my home-sickness. So I got there, and although the decoration of the place made me feel at Dora the Explorer’s home, I stayed on track and decided to order.
So I thought, I’d pick something truly authentic that would take me back home. So I picked the Enchiladas. There’s nothing more satisfying to me like a plate of oil-dipped, cheese-filled corn tortillas topped with even more cheese. Long story short, the plate I got DID in fact take me back home….screaming for my mommy!!! When I got my plate I honestly thought I’d gotten the wrong order. All I could see was some kind of melted yellow cheese on top of a sea of a suspicious red sauce. I asked my server if these were the enchiladas and unfortunately, he confirmed it.
So here I am, in front of a mass of lettuce, melted cheese mixed with red sauce, sour cream and who knows what else under it. And unfortunately it tasted exactly as it looked. Not bad at all, just a lot of different flavors going on and not a drop of Mexican flavor to it. Now that I’m a little more Americanized, I can describe to you what the dish tasted like: Flour tortillas filled with chili, drenched in ketchup and topped with Velveeta. Again, it was not bad, just not what I expected.
So from that day on, I’ve been on my little mission of trying to educate “gringos” about the true essence of Authentic Mexican Food. I can guarantee you’ll be surprised to know most of your Mexican favorite dishes are not that authentic. Would you believe Margaritas are not popular at all amongst Mexican people? Other than American teenagers getting loaded during Spring Break in Cancun and the regular American tourist, Mexicans do not drink that stuff. A similar thing happens with the so-called “Cinco de Mayo” celebration. Did you know most Mexican companies do not even observe this holiday? Government agencies and schools do, but it’s not an official National Holiday. And really, there’s not a whole lot of celebrating going on either. This holiday is in fact much bigger here in the US that it is in Mexico….Go figure.
So, this is the kind of thing that makes me go mental. I know, it’s only food, but it’s the food I grew up with; the food of my ancestors, and the fact that there are self-proclaimed Mexican Food authorities and places out there making a living on it, just makes me cringe.
I’ll be touching on this same topic at upcoming articles. Feel free to contact me for any questions, comments or requests to cover a specific topic. You can also visit my Webpage at www.real-authentic-mexican-food.com where you can find much more about Authentic Mexican Food.
Salud!
The Scoop on Local Ice Cream
Author: Henry Verden
One of my fondest memories of growing up was the ice cream truck slowly cruising through my neighborhood on those hot summer days. The sound of The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down or The Entertainer played through tinny speakers would send kids scrambling in every direction to get a quarter before the truck got away. Nothing in the world ever tasted as good as those frozen treats during the hazy summers of so long ago.
America loves ice cream. The average American eats 23.2 quarts of frozen dairy products every year. In the north central states, the average is 41.7 quarts. Ninety-eight percent of all households purchase ice cream. According to the International Ice Cream Association, the most popular flavors are vanilla (29%), chocolate (8.9%), butter pecan (5.3%), strawberry (5.3%), and Neapolitan (4.2%).
To supply our ever-increasing demand, the ice cream industry in America now produces 1.54 billion gallons of ice cream a year, much of it produced by local and regional manufacturers. Some of the best are produced in southern Wisconsin. We put some of them to the test to see how their vanilla ice cream would stand up.
Babcock Hall Ice Cream
Babcock Hall ice cream is unusual in that it is not made by a company but by the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Babcock Hall is the home of the Department of Food Sciences within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The hall is named after Prof. Stephen M. Babcock who, in 1890, discovered a simple and inexpensive way of testing the butterfat content of milk.
What you really need to know about Babcock Hall is that it contains a dairy plant and, most importantly, a dairy store that sells ice cream that is the food of the gods. The state-of-the-art dairy plant can and does manufacture yogurt, butter, cheese, and fluid milk products. They also make ice cream ... really, really good ice cream in over 90 flavors divided into two types: regular and super premium. Flavors include popular favorites as well as flavors like Union Utopia (vanilla ice cream with a fudge, caramel, and peanut butter swirl) and Berry Jubilee (a berry flavored ice cream with strawberries and raspberries).
Many of the special flavors are created for specific groups or special events as Eileen Karre, the Dairy Store Manager, explained, "Right now we have Aloha SOAR which is for the SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) Program that takes place during the summer for students that are coming in the fall. It's vanilla ice cream with pineapple and chocolate chips."
The taste of Babcock Hall ice cream almost defies description. Their vanilla uses the finest quality ingredients available to produce a flavor that is silky smooth with an indulgent, creamy taste that fills your mouth without overwhelming your taste buds and makes you want to savor each delightful spoonful. They do all that with a fat content you would swear is much higher at a remarkable 8 percent.
It used to be that the only place you could get Babcock Hall ice cream was at Babcock Hall, but it has started appearing in select retail locations, so keep an eye out for it. Some of the places you can find it include Cheesers in Stoughton, Ken's Market in Monona, and Sweets on Third in Wausau.
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Chocolate Shoppe ice cream is another Madison institution, starting as a family-owned business in 1962 on Madison's east side. They now have three stores in the Madison area and distribute super premium ice cream to select retail and restaurant locations throughout Wisconsin and parts of surrounding states.
Chocolate Shoppe offers more than 110 flavors. These include 29 standard flavors, 21 specialty flavors (like Fat Elvis -- banana ice cream rippled with peanut butter and chunks of chocolate), 14 nut flavors, 10 seasonal flavors, three no-sugar-added flavors, as well as four soy-based flavors.
Chocolate Shoppe vanilla ice cream has sinful amounts of cream and top-quality ingredients. The vanilla is thick and creamy, almost to the point of being gooey, with a buttery overtone. Megan Turk, Chocolate Shoppe Brand Manager, explained what sets their ice cream apart. "It's the butterfat content and the overruns. The overrun is how much air is mixed with the ice cream. More air means a sandier, grittier texture. Our overrun is only 34% so there's not as much room for ice crystals to grow."
This is a vanilla that's best eaten plain, bite by creamy bite. There are 14 grams of fat in a serving but as their nutritional information statement on their website says, "That means it's not low-fat, low-calorie, or low anything and that's why everyone loves it. You want nutrition, eat carrots." If you want a really, really delicious treat, grab some Chocolate Shoppe ice cream.
Turk also mentioned that Chocolate Shoppe will be creating a new flavor for a name-the-flavor contest coming up in August. "We're not sure what's going to be in it yet but it's going to be a fun flavor. And the winner gets a year's supply of ice cream."
Schoep's Ice Cream
Schoep's ice cream is the big kid of our test group and has been turning out quality ice cream since 1928 when E.J. Schoephoester began making small batches in the back of his grocery store. Today Schoep's produces 12 million gallons of ice cream annually in around 200 flavors. Schoep's makes seven kinds of vanilla ice cream. While we didn't test them all, our personal favorite was the New York Vanilla.
"The big thing that sets us apart is our recipes. They have been around since the 1920s. The only thing that's changed is the equipment we make it on," says Al Thompson of Schoep's. "Another key is the people that work for us. Many of them have worked for us for many years. They feel a sense of ownership and take pride in the company."
Schoep's is the kind of ice cream you remember from your childhood. The taste of the cream and vanilla are evenly balanced to create a satisfying, complete flavor.
Sibby's Homestead Organic Ice Cream
As the name implies Sibby's Homestead Organic Ice Cream is an organic product in an industry that boasts few organic manufacturers. Sue Sebion-Huber (her nickname is Sibby) only makes two flavors, vanilla and chocolate, made from only five all-organic ingredients: eggs, cream, nonfat dry milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and, in the case of chocolate, a sixth ingredient of cocoa. Her vanilla and cocoa are fair trade imports and everything else is purchased locally. "I was able to go to the Chaseburg Creamery and get my cream fresh and then I sourced my other ingredients," said Sebion-Huber, "so when I found out I was able to get all my ingredients organically, I went to a little ice cream manufacturer called Viroqua Dairy and ran our first batch of ice cream."
She's not stopping at two flavors. More are soon to come as Sebion-Huber explained, "The third flavor will be strawberry and the fourth flavor will be Sibby's Favorite and that's going to swap out according to the season."
Sebion-Huber is a small producer (100,000 pints annually) compared to someone like Schoep's, but that allows her to make ice cream having an old-fashioned flavor that's not often found anymore. Her vanilla is fresh and clean -- you can taste every ingredient as this smooth-textured treat melts on your tongue. With only 8 percent fat, the vanilla flavor is clearly evident and not overwhelmed by the buttery taste of the cream.
When we taste-tested these ice creams, we stuck to vanilla because it's ice cream in its purest form. We didn't try one we didn't like, as each had its merits. At the end of the day what brand you like is an intensely personal choice, governed by what characteristics combine to make you purr inside.
Neighborhood ice cream trucks are a rare commodity these days. The flavors of summer, however, are as tasty as always. A trip to the grocery store or your local ice cream shop can take you back to those days when your biggest decision was one scoop or two.
Hold the dairy
Not everyone can, or wants to, eat dairy products, but they still want the ice cream experience. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives that let you eat ice cream without the cream.
Turtle Mountain offers four lines of nondairy frozen treats: Purely Decadent, organic It's So Delicious, Soy Delicious (sweetened with a blend of fruit concentrates, brown rice, and tapioca syrup), and fat-free, soy-free, fruit-sweetened Sweet Nothing frozen novelties. Turtle Mountain products can be found at Pick 'n Save, Roundy's, Whole Foods, and Woodman's. Check their website for more information and locations at turtlemountain.com.
Oats Cream is produced by American Oats, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It's available as soft serve as well as hard pack. Oats Cream is dairy-free, cholesterol-free, low-fat, and vegan. It's not organic but they're working on it.
Tofutti makes a number of products, but their flagship is a dairy-free ice cream substitute. This soy-based dessert has been around for years and comes in a variety of flavors. You can get Tofutti at Copp's, Willy Street Co-op, Whole Foods, and Pick n' Save to name a few. Their website (tofutti.com) has a store locator.
Rice Dream frozen desserts are part of a line of products that has been around since 1971. As the name implies, they are rice-based and so offer different health benefits from soy-based. These all-natural treats contain no refined sweeteners, no cholesterol, and are lactose free. Go to tastethedream.com for a store locator.
If You Go
Babcock Hall Dairy Store, 1605 Linden Drive, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706-1565 Phone: (608) 262-3045 foodsci.wisc.edu/store
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company & Ice Cream Shoppes, 1726 Fordem Avenue, Madison, WI 53704 Phone: (608) 241-2747 chocolateshoppeicecream.com
Schoep's Ice Cream, 2070 Helena Street, PO Box 3249, Madison, WI 53704 Phone: (608) 249-6411 schoepsicecream.com
Sibby's Organic Ice Cream, S2987 Sebion Road, Westby, WI 54667 Phone: (608) 634-3828
Sibby's Organic Zone Ice Cream Parlor, inside the Viroqua Public Market, 215 South Main Street, Viroqua, WI 54665 Phone: (608) 637-1912 sibbysicecream.com
One of my fondest memories of growing up was the ice cream truck slowly cruising through my neighborhood on those hot summer days. The sound of The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down or The Entertainer played through tinny speakers would send kids scrambling in every direction to get a quarter before the truck got away. Nothing in the world ever tasted as good as those frozen treats during the hazy summers of so long ago.
America loves ice cream. The average American eats 23.2 quarts of frozen dairy products every year. In the north central states, the average is 41.7 quarts. Ninety-eight percent of all households purchase ice cream. According to the International Ice Cream Association, the most popular flavors are vanilla (29%), chocolate (8.9%), butter pecan (5.3%), strawberry (5.3%), and Neapolitan (4.2%).
To supply our ever-increasing demand, the ice cream industry in America now produces 1.54 billion gallons of ice cream a year, much of it produced by local and regional manufacturers. Some of the best are produced in southern Wisconsin. We put some of them to the test to see how their vanilla ice cream would stand up.
Babcock Hall Ice Cream
Babcock Hall ice cream is unusual in that it is not made by a company but by the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Babcock Hall is the home of the Department of Food Sciences within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The hall is named after Prof. Stephen M. Babcock who, in 1890, discovered a simple and inexpensive way of testing the butterfat content of milk.
What you really need to know about Babcock Hall is that it contains a dairy plant and, most importantly, a dairy store that sells ice cream that is the food of the gods. The state-of-the-art dairy plant can and does manufacture yogurt, butter, cheese, and fluid milk products. They also make ice cream ... really, really good ice cream in over 90 flavors divided into two types: regular and super premium. Flavors include popular favorites as well as flavors like Union Utopia (vanilla ice cream with a fudge, caramel, and peanut butter swirl) and Berry Jubilee (a berry flavored ice cream with strawberries and raspberries).
Many of the special flavors are created for specific groups or special events as Eileen Karre, the Dairy Store Manager, explained, "Right now we have Aloha SOAR which is for the SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) Program that takes place during the summer for students that are coming in the fall. It's vanilla ice cream with pineapple and chocolate chips."
The taste of Babcock Hall ice cream almost defies description. Their vanilla uses the finest quality ingredients available to produce a flavor that is silky smooth with an indulgent, creamy taste that fills your mouth without overwhelming your taste buds and makes you want to savor each delightful spoonful. They do all that with a fat content you would swear is much higher at a remarkable 8 percent.
It used to be that the only place you could get Babcock Hall ice cream was at Babcock Hall, but it has started appearing in select retail locations, so keep an eye out for it. Some of the places you can find it include Cheesers in Stoughton, Ken's Market in Monona, and Sweets on Third in Wausau.
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Chocolate Shoppe ice cream is another Madison institution, starting as a family-owned business in 1962 on Madison's east side. They now have three stores in the Madison area and distribute super premium ice cream to select retail and restaurant locations throughout Wisconsin and parts of surrounding states.
Chocolate Shoppe offers more than 110 flavors. These include 29 standard flavors, 21 specialty flavors (like Fat Elvis -- banana ice cream rippled with peanut butter and chunks of chocolate), 14 nut flavors, 10 seasonal flavors, three no-sugar-added flavors, as well as four soy-based flavors.
Chocolate Shoppe vanilla ice cream has sinful amounts of cream and top-quality ingredients. The vanilla is thick and creamy, almost to the point of being gooey, with a buttery overtone. Megan Turk, Chocolate Shoppe Brand Manager, explained what sets their ice cream apart. "It's the butterfat content and the overruns. The overrun is how much air is mixed with the ice cream. More air means a sandier, grittier texture. Our overrun is only 34% so there's not as much room for ice crystals to grow."
This is a vanilla that's best eaten plain, bite by creamy bite. There are 14 grams of fat in a serving but as their nutritional information statement on their website says, "That means it's not low-fat, low-calorie, or low anything and that's why everyone loves it. You want nutrition, eat carrots." If you want a really, really delicious treat, grab some Chocolate Shoppe ice cream.
Turk also mentioned that Chocolate Shoppe will be creating a new flavor for a name-the-flavor contest coming up in August. "We're not sure what's going to be in it yet but it's going to be a fun flavor. And the winner gets a year's supply of ice cream."
Schoep's Ice Cream
Schoep's ice cream is the big kid of our test group and has been turning out quality ice cream since 1928 when E.J. Schoephoester began making small batches in the back of his grocery store. Today Schoep's produces 12 million gallons of ice cream annually in around 200 flavors. Schoep's makes seven kinds of vanilla ice cream. While we didn't test them all, our personal favorite was the New York Vanilla.
"The big thing that sets us apart is our recipes. They have been around since the 1920s. The only thing that's changed is the equipment we make it on," says Al Thompson of Schoep's. "Another key is the people that work for us. Many of them have worked for us for many years. They feel a sense of ownership and take pride in the company."
Schoep's is the kind of ice cream you remember from your childhood. The taste of the cream and vanilla are evenly balanced to create a satisfying, complete flavor.
Sibby's Homestead Organic Ice Cream
As the name implies Sibby's Homestead Organic Ice Cream is an organic product in an industry that boasts few organic manufacturers. Sue Sebion-Huber (her nickname is Sibby) only makes two flavors, vanilla and chocolate, made from only five all-organic ingredients: eggs, cream, nonfat dry milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and, in the case of chocolate, a sixth ingredient of cocoa. Her vanilla and cocoa are fair trade imports and everything else is purchased locally. "I was able to go to the Chaseburg Creamery and get my cream fresh and then I sourced my other ingredients," said Sebion-Huber, "so when I found out I was able to get all my ingredients organically, I went to a little ice cream manufacturer called Viroqua Dairy and ran our first batch of ice cream."
She's not stopping at two flavors. More are soon to come as Sebion-Huber explained, "The third flavor will be strawberry and the fourth flavor will be Sibby's Favorite and that's going to swap out according to the season."
Sebion-Huber is a small producer (100,000 pints annually) compared to someone like Schoep's, but that allows her to make ice cream having an old-fashioned flavor that's not often found anymore. Her vanilla is fresh and clean -- you can taste every ingredient as this smooth-textured treat melts on your tongue. With only 8 percent fat, the vanilla flavor is clearly evident and not overwhelmed by the buttery taste of the cream.
When we taste-tested these ice creams, we stuck to vanilla because it's ice cream in its purest form. We didn't try one we didn't like, as each had its merits. At the end of the day what brand you like is an intensely personal choice, governed by what characteristics combine to make you purr inside.
Neighborhood ice cream trucks are a rare commodity these days. The flavors of summer, however, are as tasty as always. A trip to the grocery store or your local ice cream shop can take you back to those days when your biggest decision was one scoop or two.
Hold the dairy
Not everyone can, or wants to, eat dairy products, but they still want the ice cream experience. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives that let you eat ice cream without the cream.
Turtle Mountain offers four lines of nondairy frozen treats: Purely Decadent, organic It's So Delicious, Soy Delicious (sweetened with a blend of fruit concentrates, brown rice, and tapioca syrup), and fat-free, soy-free, fruit-sweetened Sweet Nothing frozen novelties. Turtle Mountain products can be found at Pick 'n Save, Roundy's, Whole Foods, and Woodman's. Check their website for more information and locations at turtlemountain.com.
Oats Cream is produced by American Oats, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It's available as soft serve as well as hard pack. Oats Cream is dairy-free, cholesterol-free, low-fat, and vegan. It's not organic but they're working on it.
Tofutti makes a number of products, but their flagship is a dairy-free ice cream substitute. This soy-based dessert has been around for years and comes in a variety of flavors. You can get Tofutti at Copp's, Willy Street Co-op, Whole Foods, and Pick n' Save to name a few. Their website (tofutti.com) has a store locator.
Rice Dream frozen desserts are part of a line of products that has been around since 1971. As the name implies, they are rice-based and so offer different health benefits from soy-based. These all-natural treats contain no refined sweeteners, no cholesterol, and are lactose free. Go to tastethedream.com for a store locator.
If You Go
Babcock Hall Dairy Store, 1605 Linden Drive, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706-1565 Phone: (608) 262-3045 foodsci.wisc.edu/store
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company & Ice Cream Shoppes, 1726 Fordem Avenue, Madison, WI 53704 Phone: (608) 241-2747 chocolateshoppeicecream.com
Schoep's Ice Cream, 2070 Helena Street, PO Box 3249, Madison, WI 53704 Phone: (608) 249-6411 schoepsicecream.com
Sibby's Organic Ice Cream, S2987 Sebion Road, Westby, WI 54667 Phone: (608) 634-3828
Sibby's Organic Zone Ice Cream Parlor, inside the Viroqua Public Market, 215 South Main Street, Viroqua, WI 54665 Phone: (608) 637-1912 sibbysicecream.com
Italy Celebrates Saint Joseph's Day
Author: Mirella Patzer
Italy – The Feast Day of Saint Joseph
Italians love celebrating. Two days after the feast of Saint Patrick, on March 19th, Italians all over the world celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day. Saint Joseph is the father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. He is the Patron Saint of carpenters, house buyers and sellers, fathers, confectioners, wheelwrights, and working people. Numerous countries regard him as their patron saint too, including Austria, Canada, Mexico, Sicily, Turin, and Florence Italy.
According to legend, during the Middle Ages severe drought and famine plagued Sicily. Sicilians prayed passionately to Saint Joseph for
rain. They promised that if he sent rain, they would prepare a large feast in his honour. While they waited, Sicilians survived on fava beans which saved them from starvation. Saint Joseph heard their prayers and sent rain. The Sicilians never forgot their promise to him for answering their desperate prayers. In gratitude, to this very day, they hold dear their promise and pay homage to him.
Every March 19th, Italians open their hearts and pantries. First, three-tiered altars are erected to honour the Holy Trinity. A statue of Saint Joseph, surrounded by flowers and candles, decorates the top tier. On the next two tiers are foods like pasta, olive oil, fava beans, and baked goods.
During the banquet, food is generously offered to the needy. In the town squares of many towns and villages, large banquet tables are erected. All the townsfolk contribute food, flowers, limes, candles, wine, and fava beans. No meats are placed on the altar because the feast day falls during the season of Lent. Foods made with bread crumbs are common because it is symbolic of a carpenter’s sawdust. A special vegetarian minestrone soup including fava beans and bread carefully baked in the shape of a sceptre to represent his walking stick or a wreath representing the Crown of Thorns are lovingly prepared and offered. At the end of the meal, every guest takes home some of the food.
To begin the festival, the local priest blesses the altar and its foods. Children portraying the Holy Family must sample all the food on the altar. As each item is tasted, there is a drum roll and everyone shouts “Viva San Giuseppe” to cast away all of the evil spirits. When the tasting is complete, the blessed loaf of bread is cut into pieces and shared with all. Legend decrees that whoever eats a piece of the bread will receive good fortune throughout the next year.
Saint Joseph's Day is a day for eating and celebrating with friends and family. There are many recipes passed down through the generations for this very special occasion. One of the most common is for “zeppole”, a fried donut-like treat. So on March 19th, I hope you take the time to make and enjoy zeppole. I wish all my Italian family, friends, and readers Buon Giorno di San Giuseppe – Happy St. Joseph’s Day. “Viva San Giuseppe!”
Zeppole
For the dough:
2 cups sifted flour
2 cups water
10 ounces granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large eggs
¼ cup white wine
A pot of oil for frying
For the dredging:
3 teaspoons powdered cinnamon mixed with 1 cup sugar
Combine water, sugar, and 3 tablespoons of oil in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Mix flour into boiling water mixture all at once. Remove from Remove from heat and begin whisking or stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a mass. Return to low heat and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and add eggs 1 at a time. Beat vigorously after each addition or the egg will cook. Add wine and beat the dough until satiny. Grease a countertop or board with oil. Turn out the dough and pat down flat. Fold sides over on itself so there are 3 layers. Repeat this five more times. Heat oil in a large pot or fryer. Take about 1/3 of dough and roll out in a log, to the thickness of your thumb. Pinch off a teaspoon size piece. Place 3 or 4 at a time into boiling oil. Turn and fry until golden on both sides. Drain on brown paper. Place into a paper bag and sprinkle powdered sugar over them. Close the bag and shake to cover with sugar.
For more intriguing articles about Italy, history, or writing, visit Mirella Patzer at http://www.mirellapatzer.com
http://bestofitaly.blogspot.com
Italy – The Feast Day of Saint Joseph
Italians love celebrating. Two days after the feast of Saint Patrick, on March 19th, Italians all over the world celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day. Saint Joseph is the father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. He is the Patron Saint of carpenters, house buyers and sellers, fathers, confectioners, wheelwrights, and working people. Numerous countries regard him as their patron saint too, including Austria, Canada, Mexico, Sicily, Turin, and Florence Italy.
According to legend, during the Middle Ages severe drought and famine plagued Sicily. Sicilians prayed passionately to Saint Joseph for
rain. They promised that if he sent rain, they would prepare a large feast in his honour. While they waited, Sicilians survived on fava beans which saved them from starvation. Saint Joseph heard their prayers and sent rain. The Sicilians never forgot their promise to him for answering their desperate prayers. In gratitude, to this very day, they hold dear their promise and pay homage to him.
Every March 19th, Italians open their hearts and pantries. First, three-tiered altars are erected to honour the Holy Trinity. A statue of Saint Joseph, surrounded by flowers and candles, decorates the top tier. On the next two tiers are foods like pasta, olive oil, fava beans, and baked goods.
During the banquet, food is generously offered to the needy. In the town squares of many towns and villages, large banquet tables are erected. All the townsfolk contribute food, flowers, limes, candles, wine, and fava beans. No meats are placed on the altar because the feast day falls during the season of Lent. Foods made with bread crumbs are common because it is symbolic of a carpenter’s sawdust. A special vegetarian minestrone soup including fava beans and bread carefully baked in the shape of a sceptre to represent his walking stick or a wreath representing the Crown of Thorns are lovingly prepared and offered. At the end of the meal, every guest takes home some of the food.
To begin the festival, the local priest blesses the altar and its foods. Children portraying the Holy Family must sample all the food on the altar. As each item is tasted, there is a drum roll and everyone shouts “Viva San Giuseppe” to cast away all of the evil spirits. When the tasting is complete, the blessed loaf of bread is cut into pieces and shared with all. Legend decrees that whoever eats a piece of the bread will receive good fortune throughout the next year.
Saint Joseph's Day is a day for eating and celebrating with friends and family. There are many recipes passed down through the generations for this very special occasion. One of the most common is for “zeppole”, a fried donut-like treat. So on March 19th, I hope you take the time to make and enjoy zeppole. I wish all my Italian family, friends, and readers Buon Giorno di San Giuseppe – Happy St. Joseph’s Day. “Viva San Giuseppe!”
Zeppole
For the dough:
2 cups sifted flour
2 cups water
10 ounces granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large eggs
¼ cup white wine
A pot of oil for frying
For the dredging:
3 teaspoons powdered cinnamon mixed with 1 cup sugar
Combine water, sugar, and 3 tablespoons of oil in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Mix flour into boiling water mixture all at once. Remove from Remove from heat and begin whisking or stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a mass. Return to low heat and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and add eggs 1 at a time. Beat vigorously after each addition or the egg will cook. Add wine and beat the dough until satiny. Grease a countertop or board with oil. Turn out the dough and pat down flat. Fold sides over on itself so there are 3 layers. Repeat this five more times. Heat oil in a large pot or fryer. Take about 1/3 of dough and roll out in a log, to the thickness of your thumb. Pinch off a teaspoon size piece. Place 3 or 4 at a time into boiling oil. Turn and fry until golden on both sides. Drain on brown paper. Place into a paper bag and sprinkle powdered sugar over them. Close the bag and shake to cover with sugar.
For more intriguing articles about Italy, history, or writing, visit Mirella Patzer at http://www.mirellapatzer.com
http://bestofitaly.blogspot.com
Healthy Sea Food in Newyork City
Author: m.jeya
Seafood, especially fish, is a safe, wholesome and nutritious food product that should be an integral part of a well-rounded diet. Nutritionists advise eating seafood at least twice a week. A fish chili recipe is great tasting food and easy to prepare. A nice change from ground beef, fish chili recipes usually double well and can be a crowd pleaser.
seafood treats can be enjoyed year around. We feature products that are good sources of quality protein, typically low in fat and saturated fat and contain enough vitamins to make seafood dinners well worth your while. Our Indomunch restaurant serves has fresh seafood also tastes so delicious; you will look forward to your seafood delivery and to making seafood part of your regular diet.
This Indomunch intimate restaurant was a real treat in Newyork city peoples. Seafood recipes are one of the delicious and easily prepared recipes. Moreover, Seafood is a very common type of food used by Moldavians and people around the world. Steamed Fish with Chili Sauce is a delicious dish - the fish is cooked to perfection, with all the moistness and flavor retained. You'll love the tenderness of the fish combined with this fantastic, taste-bud-awakening sauce, which can be made anywhere from mild to extra spicy to suit your taste.
Most people start eating pork in Chinese Restaurants. Indomunch is an Indian Chinese food restaurant opened in a Newyork city and used in high quality healthy fish. Chili Fish is a treat that everyone should get the chance to enjoy. If someone you know has the opportunity to enjoy this tasty and delicious way to enjoy seafood, then take it upon yourself to share this experience with them. Please purchase online http://www.indomunch.com/ in Newyork.
Seafood, especially fish, is a safe, wholesome and nutritious food product that should be an integral part of a well-rounded diet. Nutritionists advise eating seafood at least twice a week. A fish chili recipe is great tasting food and easy to prepare. A nice change from ground beef, fish chili recipes usually double well and can be a crowd pleaser.
seafood treats can be enjoyed year around. We feature products that are good sources of quality protein, typically low in fat and saturated fat and contain enough vitamins to make seafood dinners well worth your while. Our Indomunch restaurant serves has fresh seafood also tastes so delicious; you will look forward to your seafood delivery and to making seafood part of your regular diet.
This Indomunch intimate restaurant was a real treat in Newyork city peoples. Seafood recipes are one of the delicious and easily prepared recipes. Moreover, Seafood is a very common type of food used by Moldavians and people around the world. Steamed Fish with Chili Sauce is a delicious dish - the fish is cooked to perfection, with all the moistness and flavor retained. You'll love the tenderness of the fish combined with this fantastic, taste-bud-awakening sauce, which can be made anywhere from mild to extra spicy to suit your taste.
Most people start eating pork in Chinese Restaurants. Indomunch is an Indian Chinese food restaurant opened in a Newyork city and used in high quality healthy fish. Chili Fish is a treat that everyone should get the chance to enjoy. If someone you know has the opportunity to enjoy this tasty and delicious way to enjoy seafood, then take it upon yourself to share this experience with them. Please purchase online http://www.indomunch.com/ in Newyork.
Fried Chicken
Author: vmbjohn
American-style streamed chicken relies on a thick, well-seasoned crust, often made even thicker by soaking the chicken pieces beforehand in buttermilk. When that crust is nubbly and evenly browned, and the chicken meat is cooked through, the chicken is sublime. But too often, the flesh is still raw when the crust is cooked, or the skin never cooks all the way through, leaving a flabby layer of skin between the meat and the crust.
Korean-style streamed chicken is radically different, reflecting an Asian frying technique that renders out the fat in the skin, transforming it into a thin, crackly and almost transparent crust. (Chinese cooks call this “paper fried chicken.”) The chicken is unseasoned, barely dredged in very fine flour and then dipped into a thin batter before going into the fryer. The oil temperature is a relatively low 350 degrees, and the chicken is cooked in two separate stages.
Southerners weren't the first people in the world to fry their chickens. Almost every country has a version of streamed chicken , or fricassee, from Vietnam's Gà Xaò to Italy's pollo fritto. It is thought that the Scottish people who settled the early South introduced the method here in the United States. They preferred to fry their chickens, rather than baking or boiling them as the English did. It wasn't until the early 1900s that recipes for fried chicken began appearing in popular "northern" cookbooks.
Very simply, the chickens are cut up, dredged in flour, sprinkled with a little salt, put in a skillet with hot fat, and fried until golden brown. Through the years there have been hundreds of attempts to improve upon her recipe, and plenty of tricks and special touches, but they are all simply minor variations on the original. Mary Randolph mentions making a gravy with the "leavings", but the cream sauce so often served with streamed chicken seems to have originated with the dish "Maryland fried chicken". Ready you are fried chicken Please visit in the site http://indomunch.com\">www. indomunch.com for extra details.
American-style streamed chicken relies on a thick, well-seasoned crust, often made even thicker by soaking the chicken pieces beforehand in buttermilk. When that crust is nubbly and evenly browned, and the chicken meat is cooked through, the chicken is sublime. But too often, the flesh is still raw when the crust is cooked, or the skin never cooks all the way through, leaving a flabby layer of skin between the meat and the crust.
Korean-style streamed chicken is radically different, reflecting an Asian frying technique that renders out the fat in the skin, transforming it into a thin, crackly and almost transparent crust. (Chinese cooks call this “paper fried chicken.”) The chicken is unseasoned, barely dredged in very fine flour and then dipped into a thin batter before going into the fryer. The oil temperature is a relatively low 350 degrees, and the chicken is cooked in two separate stages.
Southerners weren't the first people in the world to fry their chickens. Almost every country has a version of streamed chicken , or fricassee, from Vietnam's Gà Xaò to Italy's pollo fritto. It is thought that the Scottish people who settled the early South introduced the method here in the United States. They preferred to fry their chickens, rather than baking or boiling them as the English did. It wasn't until the early 1900s that recipes for fried chicken began appearing in popular "northern" cookbooks.
Very simply, the chickens are cut up, dredged in flour, sprinkled with a little salt, put in a skillet with hot fat, and fried until golden brown. Through the years there have been hundreds of attempts to improve upon her recipe, and plenty of tricks and special touches, but they are all simply minor variations on the original. Mary Randolph mentions making a gravy with the "leavings", but the cream sauce so often served with streamed chicken seems to have originated with the dish "Maryland fried chicken". Ready you are fried chicken Please visit in the site http://indomunch.com\">www. indomunch.com for extra details.
Fried Shrimp
Author: vmbjohn
Fried shrimp is the cornerstone of the Filipino cuisine, an integral part of most recipes from the main dish, to beverages, and to desserts. You’ll hear Filipinos claiming “my body feels different if I don’t eat rice for a day”.
Rice is a primary food staple in the Philippines and in most asian countries. It has been, for centuries, an affordable source of nutrition in a region where poverty and hunger is common. Due to its benefits and versatility, its popularity has spread worldwide these past years.
We were scared to wolfing down our plate clean by our grandmas saying “every grain of rice you’ll throw, you’ll spend eternity picking them up one by one”. Older and wiser, I know now that God does not punish us as so described. Yet, I still can’t discard day-or-even-3 day old rice! Not that I follow a frugal way of life. I certainly make massive contributions to our community dumpster with stuff that could have been re-used by another. But I can’t throw rice away! I think for me, it’s more of knowing that somewhere, there’s a family that’s having only rice and a dash of salt for dinner.
Peel shrimps . Devein by running through back horizontally, creating a “butterfly” shape when cooked.
Slice chicken breast.
Heat up oil in a heavy, wide skillet or wok. Add lightly beaten eggs and scramble, making sure eggs remain moist. Remove eggs from skillet and set aside.
Saute chicken until cooked. Make sure not to dry them out. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Add oil to skillet as needed. Saute shrimp until pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Again add oil to skillet as necessary. Saute onions until translucent. Add peas and carrots. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add cooked rice and stir constantly so rice does not stick to bottom of skillet, around 4 to 6 minutes.
Add cooked chicken and shrimp. Stir constantly. Mix in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add scrambled eggs and mix in.
Remove from skillet.
Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Ready you are Fried shrimp Please visit in the site http://indomunch.com\">www. indomunch.com for extra details.
Fried shrimp is the cornerstone of the Filipino cuisine, an integral part of most recipes from the main dish, to beverages, and to desserts. You’ll hear Filipinos claiming “my body feels different if I don’t eat rice for a day”.
Rice is a primary food staple in the Philippines and in most asian countries. It has been, for centuries, an affordable source of nutrition in a region where poverty and hunger is common. Due to its benefits and versatility, its popularity has spread worldwide these past years.
We were scared to wolfing down our plate clean by our grandmas saying “every grain of rice you’ll throw, you’ll spend eternity picking them up one by one”. Older and wiser, I know now that God does not punish us as so described. Yet, I still can’t discard day-or-even-3 day old rice! Not that I follow a frugal way of life. I certainly make massive contributions to our community dumpster with stuff that could have been re-used by another. But I can’t throw rice away! I think for me, it’s more of knowing that somewhere, there’s a family that’s having only rice and a dash of salt for dinner.
Peel shrimps . Devein by running through back horizontally, creating a “butterfly” shape when cooked.
Slice chicken breast.
Heat up oil in a heavy, wide skillet or wok. Add lightly beaten eggs and scramble, making sure eggs remain moist. Remove eggs from skillet and set aside.
Saute chicken until cooked. Make sure not to dry them out. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Add oil to skillet as needed. Saute shrimp until pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Again add oil to skillet as necessary. Saute onions until translucent. Add peas and carrots. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add cooked rice and stir constantly so rice does not stick to bottom of skillet, around 4 to 6 minutes.
Add cooked chicken and shrimp. Stir constantly. Mix in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add scrambled eggs and mix in.
Remove from skillet.
Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Ready you are Fried shrimp Please visit in the site http://indomunch.com\">www. indomunch.com for extra details.
วันอังคารที่ 11 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Red Wine Storage Tips
Red Wine Storage Tips - What you Should Know About Storing your Red Wines
Author: Bob Cummins
For people who collect and enjoy red wine, making sure that the bottles are stored properly is very important. Here are a few simple tips that will help you with red wine storage, which will allow you to keep your red wine in top condition, making it possible to enjoy your favorite wine whenever you like.
One of the most important things to keep in mind about proper red wine storage is that the temperature of the area is very important. The trick is to make sure the range of temperature remains in a constant and comfortable range. Failure to maintain a proper temperature will mean that the wine will lose its flavor more quickly, and also begin to lose the attractive bouquet that makes drinking wine such a pleasant event. While the correct temperature for wine varies from one type to another, it is pretty safe to say that red wine does best with a constant temperature of fifty to fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Along with the temperature, humidity control is also key to proper red wine storage. If the rate of humidity in the surrounding air is high, there is an increased chance of mold growing, which can damage corks, overtake labels, and even weaken the wood portions of the storage area. Along with these issues, it also makes it somewhat of a health risk to go into the area and select a wine, since you would be breathing in the mold. If you live in an area where there is a high degree of humidity during the year, set up a de-humidifier and keep it running.
Red wine does well when stored in a cool dark place. Try to limit the amount of light that the wine will be exposed to especially natural light which is the worst enemy for either red or white wines. Ultraviolet light will eventually ruin wine, which is why some wines are bottled in dark colored glass.
One of the easiest ways to store red wine is to find a closet in the house that is cool, dark but not damp or musty. You also want to prevent the wine from getting exposed to mold. Also most wine enthusiasts recommend storing wine on its side. This keeps the cork in contact with the wine and prevents air from getting into it.
Last, you may want to consider the purchase of a wine refrigerator, if no space in your home can be successfully adapted for red wine storage. The refrigerator can be set at the ideal temperature, will keep the humidity level at a comfortable level, and essentially makes it possible to store your favorite wine in any room of the house that is convenient for you. All you need is a little space for the unit and an electrical outlet.
Author: Bob Cummins
For people who collect and enjoy red wine, making sure that the bottles are stored properly is very important. Here are a few simple tips that will help you with red wine storage, which will allow you to keep your red wine in top condition, making it possible to enjoy your favorite wine whenever you like.
One of the most important things to keep in mind about proper red wine storage is that the temperature of the area is very important. The trick is to make sure the range of temperature remains in a constant and comfortable range. Failure to maintain a proper temperature will mean that the wine will lose its flavor more quickly, and also begin to lose the attractive bouquet that makes drinking wine such a pleasant event. While the correct temperature for wine varies from one type to another, it is pretty safe to say that red wine does best with a constant temperature of fifty to fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Along with the temperature, humidity control is also key to proper red wine storage. If the rate of humidity in the surrounding air is high, there is an increased chance of mold growing, which can damage corks, overtake labels, and even weaken the wood portions of the storage area. Along with these issues, it also makes it somewhat of a health risk to go into the area and select a wine, since you would be breathing in the mold. If you live in an area where there is a high degree of humidity during the year, set up a de-humidifier and keep it running.
Red wine does well when stored in a cool dark place. Try to limit the amount of light that the wine will be exposed to especially natural light which is the worst enemy for either red or white wines. Ultraviolet light will eventually ruin wine, which is why some wines are bottled in dark colored glass.
One of the easiest ways to store red wine is to find a closet in the house that is cool, dark but not damp or musty. You also want to prevent the wine from getting exposed to mold. Also most wine enthusiasts recommend storing wine on its side. This keeps the cork in contact with the wine and prevents air from getting into it.
Last, you may want to consider the purchase of a wine refrigerator, if no space in your home can be successfully adapted for red wine storage. The refrigerator can be set at the ideal temperature, will keep the humidity level at a comfortable level, and essentially makes it possible to store your favorite wine in any room of the house that is convenient for you. All you need is a little space for the unit and an electrical outlet.
A Complete Absinthe Review - Lucid Absinthe
Author: Charise Frasier
Its a funny thing, because the first time I ever heard of absinthe was in college during my experimentation days. It was then that I learned that there was something in absinthe that would supposedly have some sort of psychoactive effect but there was one daunting problem and that was that I couldn't get my hands on a bottle to give it a try.
It is a true irony that now due to the Internet I can easily buy a bottle of absinthe but the problem now is that I am long through with college and experimenting with mind altering substances, save for some drinks with the fellas after work now and again.
A few weeks back while we were at our favorite watering hole tossing a few back together the topic of absinthe came up and it turned out that Dave the bartender had a bottle up on the shelf behind the bar. He told us that it was a brand of legal absinthe called “Lucid Absinthe” and that it didn't have any of what he called “hallucination stuff”in it.
He said that he was giving out free sample tastes and that some people liked it. He poured me a shot and produced a small squirt bottle of sugar water and squirted a little in it for me. It immediately became cloudy and Dave told me that it was supposed to do that. To be honest I really don't like black licorice, so it didn't do a whole lot for me and besides I'm a whiskey man.
One of the younger guys that works in shipping at work loved it though and couldn't get enough of it. That Friday my wife and I stopped in the place for a few drinks on our way out to dinner and she gave it a try and lo and behold she likes it. So I guess when it comes to absinthe, either you like it or your don't.
Its a funny thing, because the first time I ever heard of absinthe was in college during my experimentation days. It was then that I learned that there was something in absinthe that would supposedly have some sort of psychoactive effect but there was one daunting problem and that was that I couldn't get my hands on a bottle to give it a try.
It is a true irony that now due to the Internet I can easily buy a bottle of absinthe but the problem now is that I am long through with college and experimenting with mind altering substances, save for some drinks with the fellas after work now and again.
A few weeks back while we were at our favorite watering hole tossing a few back together the topic of absinthe came up and it turned out that Dave the bartender had a bottle up on the shelf behind the bar. He told us that it was a brand of legal absinthe called “Lucid Absinthe” and that it didn't have any of what he called “hallucination stuff”in it.
He said that he was giving out free sample tastes and that some people liked it. He poured me a shot and produced a small squirt bottle of sugar water and squirted a little in it for me. It immediately became cloudy and Dave told me that it was supposed to do that. To be honest I really don't like black licorice, so it didn't do a whole lot for me and besides I'm a whiskey man.
One of the younger guys that works in shipping at work loved it though and couldn't get enough of it. That Friday my wife and I stopped in the place for a few drinks on our way out to dinner and she gave it a try and lo and behold she likes it. So I guess when it comes to absinthe, either you like it or your don't.
Absinthe Folklore and Facts
Author: Charise Frasier
Absinthe has been around for centuries but it was only after the fall of the Iron Curtain that the world was introduced to absinthe from the Czech Republic which tends to be the source of the most potent types. No other type of liquor has drawn the attention of the curious to the degree that absinthe has and this is for a good reason.
The first question that people generaly ask regarding absinthe is does it really have psychoactive properties and if so, just how psychoactive are these properties. The answer to that is yes and and they are derived from a substance called thujone that is contained in the wormwood that is used during the manufacturing process.
It is important to remember that even weak marijuana is classified as having psychoactive properties. Drinking absinthe won't leave you howling at the moon or chasing butterflies up and down the streets of your neighborhood in your under shorts, so don't worry. In fact, the psychoactive effect that you can expect from drinking a few shots of some good quality absinthe is comparable to the effects of smoking marijuana.
Don't run off to smoke some marijuana and get drunk, so you can see what absinthe feels like though, because marijuana is used as a comparison due to its mild psychoactive effects only. The effects from drinking absinthe have unique qualities of their own that can only be acheived by drinking absinthe.
Will drinking absinthe turn you into a creative genius, as so much has been made of its use by famous artists and writers in the past. The answer to that is that multitudes of clinical studies have always lead to the same conclusion and that is that drinking any type of alcohol can only lead to a lessening of a persons intelligence until they sober up.
Absinthe does have a well deserved reputation for lubricating some great conversations, so it is highly recommended that it not be drank alone.
Absinthe has been around for centuries but it was only after the fall of the Iron Curtain that the world was introduced to absinthe from the Czech Republic which tends to be the source of the most potent types. No other type of liquor has drawn the attention of the curious to the degree that absinthe has and this is for a good reason.
The first question that people generaly ask regarding absinthe is does it really have psychoactive properties and if so, just how psychoactive are these properties. The answer to that is yes and and they are derived from a substance called thujone that is contained in the wormwood that is used during the manufacturing process.
It is important to remember that even weak marijuana is classified as having psychoactive properties. Drinking absinthe won't leave you howling at the moon or chasing butterflies up and down the streets of your neighborhood in your under shorts, so don't worry. In fact, the psychoactive effect that you can expect from drinking a few shots of some good quality absinthe is comparable to the effects of smoking marijuana.
Don't run off to smoke some marijuana and get drunk, so you can see what absinthe feels like though, because marijuana is used as a comparison due to its mild psychoactive effects only. The effects from drinking absinthe have unique qualities of their own that can only be acheived by drinking absinthe.
Will drinking absinthe turn you into a creative genius, as so much has been made of its use by famous artists and writers in the past. The answer to that is that multitudes of clinical studies have always lead to the same conclusion and that is that drinking any type of alcohol can only lead to a lessening of a persons intelligence until they sober up.
Absinthe does have a well deserved reputation for lubricating some great conversations, so it is highly recommended that it not be drank alone.
Wine Tasting - a Guide to Wine Tasting Events
Author: Jennifer Waite
Wine tasting events are becoming more and more popular. From college classrooms to vacations to Napa Valley, if you're going to a wine tasting event and aren't familiar with the protocol, you'll stick out like a sore thumb.
The first thing to note when you go to a wine tasting event is that the staff at various tasting rooms are there to help educate you, not be snooty. It is perfectly acceptable to bring a pad of paper and a pen to take notes. Also, if the staff member doesn't mention a type of wine that you're interested in, it's okay to ask for a specific kind.
The order of the wines usually goes from light to heavy and then from dry to sweet. Since some wines don't follow others very well, it's best to take the staff's advice when deciding which wines to try first. You don't have to try every wine that is offered to you, and you don't have to finish the entire glass that is poured for you. If you find one that you don't like, discreetly dump the remainder of the glass into the dump bucket.
There are two things that you should never do when tasting wine: refill your own glass and loudly proclaim a negative opinion of a wine. In fact, in some states it is illegal to refill your own wine glass.
If you don't want to swallow all of the wine that you taste, you may spit it out. Under no circumstances are you to spit into the dump bucket. Instead, ask for a disposable spit cup. Experts are torn about gurgling and swishing, but most agree that when you're in doubt it's best to err on the side of being discreet.
Wine tasting can be a lot of fun, but not if you're wearing lots of cologne or perfume. Not only do the scents interfere with your ability to enjoy the wine objectively and without interference, but it affects your neighbors as well. The best option is to go without for the day.
Wine tasting events are becoming more and more popular. From college classrooms to vacations to Napa Valley, if you're going to a wine tasting event and aren't familiar with the protocol, you'll stick out like a sore thumb.
The first thing to note when you go to a wine tasting event is that the staff at various tasting rooms are there to help educate you, not be snooty. It is perfectly acceptable to bring a pad of paper and a pen to take notes. Also, if the staff member doesn't mention a type of wine that you're interested in, it's okay to ask for a specific kind.
The order of the wines usually goes from light to heavy and then from dry to sweet. Since some wines don't follow others very well, it's best to take the staff's advice when deciding which wines to try first. You don't have to try every wine that is offered to you, and you don't have to finish the entire glass that is poured for you. If you find one that you don't like, discreetly dump the remainder of the glass into the dump bucket.
There are two things that you should never do when tasting wine: refill your own glass and loudly proclaim a negative opinion of a wine. In fact, in some states it is illegal to refill your own wine glass.
If you don't want to swallow all of the wine that you taste, you may spit it out. Under no circumstances are you to spit into the dump bucket. Instead, ask for a disposable spit cup. Experts are torn about gurgling and swishing, but most agree that when you're in doubt it's best to err on the side of being discreet.
Wine tasting can be a lot of fun, but not if you're wearing lots of cologne or perfume. Not only do the scents interfere with your ability to enjoy the wine objectively and without interference, but it affects your neighbors as well. The best option is to go without for the day.
Wine Online - How to Learn About Wine Online
Author: Jennifer Waite
You can learn a lot about wine online. The internet is a great resource to utilize before going into an actual wine store and making a purchase, as well as a wine tasting event. This is particularly true if you aren't familiar with proper wine tasting etiquette or don't understand the wine ratings.
Wine ratings can get kind of tricky, as each publication has their own ratings scale that they go off of. Generally speaking, though, any wine that is rated below 60 (on a scale of 100, which all publications use) is considered undrinkable.
Wines rated between 60-69 are considered below average, the 70-79 group is just average. However, there are plenty of wines rated 80 and above that are as affordable as they are delicious. In fact, with a bit of online research, you can find wines rated above 90 that are under $20.
Learning about wine tasting online before you attend an event can save you a lot of embarrassment. For example, you need to know which order the wines should be tasted (light to dark, dry to sweet). Tasting out of order can ruin the experience, as some wines don't follow others very well.
Also, it is completely acceptable to kindly reject any of the wines being offered to you. If you taste a wine and find that you don't like it, you aren't obligated to finish the glass that has been poured for you. Instead, you can utilize the dump buckets that are usually always within an arm's reach.
Learning about wine online will also teach you that it is nearly impossible to objectively enjoy a wine when you've got a lot of perfume or cologne on. The scent mixes with the bouquet of the wine, tainting both the scent and the flavor of the beverage.
You can learn a lot about wine online. The internet is a great resource to utilize before going into an actual wine store and making a purchase, as well as a wine tasting event. This is particularly true if you aren't familiar with proper wine tasting etiquette or don't understand the wine ratings.
Wine ratings can get kind of tricky, as each publication has their own ratings scale that they go off of. Generally speaking, though, any wine that is rated below 60 (on a scale of 100, which all publications use) is considered undrinkable.
Wines rated between 60-69 are considered below average, the 70-79 group is just average. However, there are plenty of wines rated 80 and above that are as affordable as they are delicious. In fact, with a bit of online research, you can find wines rated above 90 that are under $20.
Learning about wine tasting online before you attend an event can save you a lot of embarrassment. For example, you need to know which order the wines should be tasted (light to dark, dry to sweet). Tasting out of order can ruin the experience, as some wines don't follow others very well.
Also, it is completely acceptable to kindly reject any of the wines being offered to you. If you taste a wine and find that you don't like it, you aren't obligated to finish the glass that has been poured for you. Instead, you can utilize the dump buckets that are usually always within an arm's reach.
Learning about wine online will also teach you that it is nearly impossible to objectively enjoy a wine when you've got a lot of perfume or cologne on. The scent mixes with the bouquet of the wine, tainting both the scent and the flavor of the beverage.
Wine Gifts - Reasons Why Wine Gifts are a Great Idea
Author: Jennifer Waite
Wine gifts can be appropriate for just about any occasion. From housewarming presents to birthday surprises, the gift of a good bottle of wine is always fashionable. However, if you're not a wine connoisseur choosing the best bottle can be a difficult one.
It helps if you know the personal preferences of the person you're giving the bottle to. Things to take into consideration include whether the person prefers a more dry or sweeter wine, as well as if they like red over white.
Even if you don't have a lot of money to spend on wine gifts, you can still pick up a decent bottle. Do some research online to find an affordable bottle that has won several awards, then call around to wine stores until you find one that carries the type that you're looking for. If they don't have them in stock, many places will have no problem specially ordering them for you.
There are lots of magazines dedicated exclusively to wine, and it might behoove you to pick a few of them up in order to find a good brand and a good year. Still, other magazines that are centered around more broad subjects have done independent reviews of wines that can be just as helpful, as well as easier to read and understand.
For example, GQ magazine ran an article awhile ago dedicated to good wine investments. This kind of article is great, especially if you're looking to buy wine by the case. You can even find a wine that you like so much that you'll end up buying several cases of it. Then, you can have a signature wine that you give as a present. If you choose wisely, people will be looking forward to receiving your wine gifts each holiday season.
Wine gifts can be appropriate for just about any occasion. From housewarming presents to birthday surprises, the gift of a good bottle of wine is always fashionable. However, if you're not a wine connoisseur choosing the best bottle can be a difficult one.
It helps if you know the personal preferences of the person you're giving the bottle to. Things to take into consideration include whether the person prefers a more dry or sweeter wine, as well as if they like red over white.
Even if you don't have a lot of money to spend on wine gifts, you can still pick up a decent bottle. Do some research online to find an affordable bottle that has won several awards, then call around to wine stores until you find one that carries the type that you're looking for. If they don't have them in stock, many places will have no problem specially ordering them for you.
There are lots of magazines dedicated exclusively to wine, and it might behoove you to pick a few of them up in order to find a good brand and a good year. Still, other magazines that are centered around more broad subjects have done independent reviews of wines that can be just as helpful, as well as easier to read and understand.
For example, GQ magazine ran an article awhile ago dedicated to good wine investments. This kind of article is great, especially if you're looking to buy wine by the case. You can even find a wine that you like so much that you'll end up buying several cases of it. Then, you can have a signature wine that you give as a present. If you choose wisely, people will be looking forward to receiving your wine gifts each holiday season.
Wine Club - Reasons Why you Should Join a Wine Club
Author: Jennifer Waite
If you love wine but hate going to the wine store, you may want to consider joining a wine club. This is also great if you're a novice wine drinker, because along with the monthly (or weekly, depending on the club you join) shipments of wine you also get information about the bottles you're receiving.
There are different types of wine clubs to suit your preferences. For example, if you like Pinot noir more than Pinot grigio you can join a club that will only send you the former and never the latter. Moreover, if you prefer Italian wine to its Napa Valley counterpart you can join an Italian exclusive club.
Another advantage to joining a wine club is that in many cases the wine comes at a discount. You'll get the wine at a fraction of the price that you'd be able to buy it in stores. In some instances, the discount is as much as 20 percent. In almost every case, the discount more than makes up for the taxes and shipping costs incurred.
In addition to the price advantages, the selection that gets sent to you is a larger one than you would be able to find in most local stores. When you join a wine club, you leech off of the expertise of the people who run it. Instead of scouring snobby wine magazines for a good bottle or two, you can rely on the people who make their living off of finding good wine.
There is a disadvantage to becoming a member of a wine club, however. Some clubs will automatically renew your membership, charging your bank account for the wine even though you don't want any more. This is the only disadvantage to be found, and to be honest it's not something that every wine club does.
If you love wine but hate going to the wine store, you may want to consider joining a wine club. This is also great if you're a novice wine drinker, because along with the monthly (or weekly, depending on the club you join) shipments of wine you also get information about the bottles you're receiving.
There are different types of wine clubs to suit your preferences. For example, if you like Pinot noir more than Pinot grigio you can join a club that will only send you the former and never the latter. Moreover, if you prefer Italian wine to its Napa Valley counterpart you can join an Italian exclusive club.
Another advantage to joining a wine club is that in many cases the wine comes at a discount. You'll get the wine at a fraction of the price that you'd be able to buy it in stores. In some instances, the discount is as much as 20 percent. In almost every case, the discount more than makes up for the taxes and shipping costs incurred.
In addition to the price advantages, the selection that gets sent to you is a larger one than you would be able to find in most local stores. When you join a wine club, you leech off of the expertise of the people who run it. Instead of scouring snobby wine magazines for a good bottle or two, you can rely on the people who make their living off of finding good wine.
There is a disadvantage to becoming a member of a wine club, however. Some clubs will automatically renew your membership, charging your bank account for the wine even though you don't want any more. This is the only disadvantage to be found, and to be honest it's not something that every wine club does.
วันจันทร์ที่ 10 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Kosher Wine in the Jewish Tradition
Author: David Feller
Wine drinking is the elixir in many people’s lives especially in Jewish lives. What does Jewish and Kosher Wines have to do with each other? Everything.
When a Jewish boy is born the first thing he drinks other than his mothers milk is wine. That’s right, immediately after his circumcision the Mohel ( the ritual circumciser ) gives him some wine after the operation to ease the pain. Right after that happens someone picks up a goblet of wine blesses it and drinks it. The Jewish wine festival was just beginning. The Jewish life cycle revolves around wine Every holiday, every Sabbath there is wine and more wine. The famous Jewish holiday of Passover requires celebrants to drink 4 full cups of wine at the beginning of the holiday. There is even a giant goblet of wine on the table filled to the brim with wine that no one drinks. Jews are obsessed with wine it seems. Even the most famous Anti-Semitic lible was partially based on the Jewish almost obsession with wine. The Libel said Jews kidnapped Christian children and used blood to bake the unleavened bread for Passover. Because of this libel Jews for centuries did not use red wine on Passover. It got to such an extreme that a Jewish Frankenstein was created to save Jewish communities from this libel. He was called the “ Golem of Prague “ .
A Jewish wedding starts with drinking wine and ends with breaking a wine glass with a lot of drinking in the middle. Why then have Jewish kosher wines been ridiculed as inferior undrinkable wines? Because for the longest time they were. The Jews among us remember the Super Sweet Super thick concord wine that everybody tried to drink at Passover and other times. That was Kosher wine forever, or so everyone thought.
Times have changed.
There are over 50 wineries that are producing quality Israeli wines. Some of the big names are Carmel Wines, Recanati, Teperberg, Yarden and Golan to name a few. The Famous wine taster Mark Squires a world famous wine expert Robert Parke will be in Israel to taste some of these Kosher wines. He is first league and when he says a wine is of high quality everyone goes out and buys it. When squires rated a wine from a small winery in Southern Israel called “ Yatir “ very high it sold out all its stock almost overnight. There are also other very high quality wines at a Israeli wine expo that is happening between the 26-28 of Febuary. This 2003 red and other Kosher Israeli wines are some of the best in the world and they are as Jewish as Matzo ball soup.
The israwinexpo 2008 will have everyone who is anyone in the Jewish wine business present. There won’t be any Sweet wine.
Times have really changed.
Wine drinking is the elixir in many people’s lives especially in Jewish lives. What does Jewish and Kosher Wines have to do with each other? Everything.
When a Jewish boy is born the first thing he drinks other than his mothers milk is wine. That’s right, immediately after his circumcision the Mohel ( the ritual circumciser ) gives him some wine after the operation to ease the pain. Right after that happens someone picks up a goblet of wine blesses it and drinks it. The Jewish wine festival was just beginning. The Jewish life cycle revolves around wine Every holiday, every Sabbath there is wine and more wine. The famous Jewish holiday of Passover requires celebrants to drink 4 full cups of wine at the beginning of the holiday. There is even a giant goblet of wine on the table filled to the brim with wine that no one drinks. Jews are obsessed with wine it seems. Even the most famous Anti-Semitic lible was partially based on the Jewish almost obsession with wine. The Libel said Jews kidnapped Christian children and used blood to bake the unleavened bread for Passover. Because of this libel Jews for centuries did not use red wine on Passover. It got to such an extreme that a Jewish Frankenstein was created to save Jewish communities from this libel. He was called the “ Golem of Prague “ .
A Jewish wedding starts with drinking wine and ends with breaking a wine glass with a lot of drinking in the middle. Why then have Jewish kosher wines been ridiculed as inferior undrinkable wines? Because for the longest time they were. The Jews among us remember the Super Sweet Super thick concord wine that everybody tried to drink at Passover and other times. That was Kosher wine forever, or so everyone thought.
Times have changed.
There are over 50 wineries that are producing quality Israeli wines. Some of the big names are Carmel Wines, Recanati, Teperberg, Yarden and Golan to name a few. The Famous wine taster Mark Squires a world famous wine expert Robert Parke will be in Israel to taste some of these Kosher wines. He is first league and when he says a wine is of high quality everyone goes out and buys it. When squires rated a wine from a small winery in Southern Israel called “ Yatir “ very high it sold out all its stock almost overnight. There are also other very high quality wines at a Israeli wine expo that is happening between the 26-28 of Febuary. This 2003 red and other Kosher Israeli wines are some of the best in the world and they are as Jewish as Matzo ball soup.
The israwinexpo 2008 will have everyone who is anyone in the Jewish wine business present. There won’t be any Sweet wine.
Times have really changed.
Stainless Steel Nice Piece Bar Set
Author: m.jeya
Highly stylish, this modern take on a classic design offers a twelve bottle wine rack, dry sink and four additional trays for maximum storage capability with optimal design elements. The generous long bar and side bar extension create maximum space for seating and entertaining while providing instant class and design in your home.
This complete classic bar set is the easiest way to get traction to your rear tires. It helps eliminate the twisting of your axle upon heavy acceleration. This kit comes complete with everything needed to make its bolt-on installation easy! The classic bar Set in Classic Pecan from Katiewong collection will quickly become the center of attention with its traditional design and classic finish.
Katiewong nine-piece barware set combines the durability of stainless steel with a sleek, modern design for a well-appointed home bar. Rich in style, this attractive piece provide sturdy comfort and create the traditional relaxing atmosphere of an English pub. This classic bar set is glass with style and more attractive. A sleek and highly polished Bar Set with all the utensils for mixing up a fabulous cocktail.
The Classic bar set has shiny stainless-steel tools consist of a pair of seven-inch toothy tongs for handling ice, an oval-shaped bottle opener, cocktail strainer, stirring spoon, and bar knife. The bar knife blade is serrated on one side for cutting lemons or limes. The bottle opener, strainer, bar knife, and stirring spoon all feature brushed weighted handles that provide good balance. A brushed stainless-steel cocktail shaker holds 22 ounces and is an elegant accompaniment to any bar. Please purchase online www.katiewongnyc.com in Newyork.
Highly stylish, this modern take on a classic design offers a twelve bottle wine rack, dry sink and four additional trays for maximum storage capability with optimal design elements. The generous long bar and side bar extension create maximum space for seating and entertaining while providing instant class and design in your home.
This complete classic bar set is the easiest way to get traction to your rear tires. It helps eliminate the twisting of your axle upon heavy acceleration. This kit comes complete with everything needed to make its bolt-on installation easy! The classic bar Set in Classic Pecan from Katiewong collection will quickly become the center of attention with its traditional design and classic finish.
Katiewong nine-piece barware set combines the durability of stainless steel with a sleek, modern design for a well-appointed home bar. Rich in style, this attractive piece provide sturdy comfort and create the traditional relaxing atmosphere of an English pub. This classic bar set is glass with style and more attractive. A sleek and highly polished Bar Set with all the utensils for mixing up a fabulous cocktail.
The Classic bar set has shiny stainless-steel tools consist of a pair of seven-inch toothy tongs for handling ice, an oval-shaped bottle opener, cocktail strainer, stirring spoon, and bar knife. The bar knife blade is serrated on one side for cutting lemons or limes. The bottle opener, strainer, bar knife, and stirring spoon all feature brushed weighted handles that provide good balance. A brushed stainless-steel cocktail shaker holds 22 ounces and is an elegant accompaniment to any bar. Please purchase online www.katiewongnyc.com in Newyork.
Top 10 Most Expensive Las Vegas Cocktails
Author: Mike Boudet
Whether you're celebrating your big wins at the Craps table, or drowning in your sorrows after losing your house on Blackjack, Las Vegas has a drink that's perfect for you. Make sure to bring your American Express though, some of the world's most expensive cocktails can be found on the Las Vegas strip. From whimsical to decadent, here's a top 10 list of Las Vegas' Most extravagant and expensive Cocktails...
10.) Warp Core Breach - $29.50
Star Trek fans will this themed drink made to resemble something that might be ordered on Deep Space 9. Made at Quark's Bar in the Las Vegas Hilton this $29.50 drink has enough punch to make a Klingon dizzy. Made with 10 ounces of liquor from five different-flavored rums, Razzmatazz and fruit juices this drink is big enough to share. The drink comes in a Star Trek-like glass and a little dry ice ads to the ambiance by making this concoction bubble over and smoke.
9.) Goddess Elixir Margarita - $99
From a place a little more down to earth but just across the border comes the next most extravagant cocktail, the Goddess Elixir available at Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar in Treasure Island. This drink which is assembled table-side by your very own Tequila Goddess, is big enough to share with 3 of your closest friends. The Goddess Elixir comes with big chunks of pineapple and citrus buoyed by Herradura Selección Suprema, 100-year old Grand Marnier Centenaire, Cointreau and fresh citrus syrup.
8.) Liquid Gold - $175
Fleur de Lys in Mandalay Bay offers Liquid Gold by the ounce for $175. Made with Grand Marnier Centenaire, Louis XIII Cognac, Krug Grand Cru Champagne, Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters and raw sugar garnished with 23-karat gold leafing and a burnt orange twist.
7.) Seablue Martini - $275
What's Las Vegas without martinis? The Seablue Restaurant at the MGM Grand has one of the best martinis in Vegas. Made with super-premium vodka and Beluga caviar this drink carries a price tag of $275.
6.) Gotham Martini & High Roller Martini - $1,000
In order to order this drink, you really have to be doing well at the progressive slots. The Capital Grille at the Fashion Show Mall serves drinks made just for High Rollers. Each of these $1000 martinis come paired with a piece of Lagos jewelry. The Gotham Martini comes with a strand of pearls. The High Roller, named for the Vegas Strip, includes a diamond pave ring. For each cocktail sold, about $500 goes to Share our Strength, a charity that battles hunger around the globe. No word on what sorts of liquor are used to make these drinks, but it seems the value is really in the jewelry and the feeling of giving to a good cause.
5.) King Richard's Pride - $1,000
In Vegas why not be treated like royalty? King Richard's Pride is a $1,000 a drink consisting of Hennessy Richard, Dom Perignon Rosé 1996 and Chambord Liqueur Royale de France, splashes of lime and cranberry juices and one orange slice, all served in a keepsake Baccarat cocktail glass. BOA is located at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
4.) The Presidential - $1,000
The Body English Nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features a $1,000 martini called The Presidential. This drink includes Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac and Dom Perignon champagne.
3.) Duvet Passion - $1,500
The Seablue Restaurant at the MGM Grand also has the 4th most expensive cocktail. The Duvet Passion featuring a mix of rare aged cognacs and a mix of rare vintage champagnes garnished with a vanilla orchid petal can be purchased for a mere $1500. This passionate drink which was introduced on Valentine's Day in 2005, is sure to get you some love.
2.) High Limit Kir Royale - $2,200
Also at the MGM Grand, you can double down on the High Limit Kir Royale. This $2200 libation is only available at The Teatro Euro Bar. Louis Roederer Cristal Rose champagne, Hardy Perfection cognac, Grand Marnier Cent Cinquantenaire and fresh muddled raspberries go into making this extravagant cocktail.
1.) Ménage a Trois - $3,000
If you're feeling a little frisky why not order a Ménage a Trois at Tryst at the 5 Diamond Award-winning Wynn Hotel. This sexy cocktail is made with Cristal Rosé, Hennessy Ellipse and Grand Marnier Cent-cinquantenaire. 23-karat gold flakes and liquid gold syrup decorate this decadent cocktail. For $3,000 you can sip this drink through a golden straw studded with a 9-point diamond -- yours to keep of course.
Wondering what was the most expensive drink ever sold in Vegas? The most expensive Vegas Cocktail was served by Master Mixologist Francesco Lafranconi at Wolfgang Puck's Postrio on May 7th, 2003 . This drink which was sold at live auction for $8,000 to benefit Alzheimer's Research during "One Cool Night", was served in a Christofle Limited Edition Cocktail Glass by Adam D. Tihany. This outrageous cocktail was made up of a delicious blend of Hennessy Timeless harmoniously combined with Grand Marnier 150th Anniversary liqueur, topped with Dom Perignon Oenotheque 1973 vintage, garnished with 22-karat gold leaves, and stirred with a diamond swizzle. Unfortunately, this drink was a one-time deal, although if you're looking to spend $8,000 for a drink be sure to ask your Maitre`di. In Las Vegas I'm sure they will be able to accommodate you.
Listen to the Special Las Vegas Episode at Universe of Luxury.
Whether you're celebrating your big wins at the Craps table, or drowning in your sorrows after losing your house on Blackjack, Las Vegas has a drink that's perfect for you. Make sure to bring your American Express though, some of the world's most expensive cocktails can be found on the Las Vegas strip. From whimsical to decadent, here's a top 10 list of Las Vegas' Most extravagant and expensive Cocktails...
10.) Warp Core Breach - $29.50
Star Trek fans will this themed drink made to resemble something that might be ordered on Deep Space 9. Made at Quark's Bar in the Las Vegas Hilton this $29.50 drink has enough punch to make a Klingon dizzy. Made with 10 ounces of liquor from five different-flavored rums, Razzmatazz and fruit juices this drink is big enough to share. The drink comes in a Star Trek-like glass and a little dry ice ads to the ambiance by making this concoction bubble over and smoke.
9.) Goddess Elixir Margarita - $99
From a place a little more down to earth but just across the border comes the next most extravagant cocktail, the Goddess Elixir available at Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar in Treasure Island. This drink which is assembled table-side by your very own Tequila Goddess, is big enough to share with 3 of your closest friends. The Goddess Elixir comes with big chunks of pineapple and citrus buoyed by Herradura Selección Suprema, 100-year old Grand Marnier Centenaire, Cointreau and fresh citrus syrup.
8.) Liquid Gold - $175
Fleur de Lys in Mandalay Bay offers Liquid Gold by the ounce for $175. Made with Grand Marnier Centenaire, Louis XIII Cognac, Krug Grand Cru Champagne, Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters and raw sugar garnished with 23-karat gold leafing and a burnt orange twist.
7.) Seablue Martini - $275
What's Las Vegas without martinis? The Seablue Restaurant at the MGM Grand has one of the best martinis in Vegas. Made with super-premium vodka and Beluga caviar this drink carries a price tag of $275.
6.) Gotham Martini & High Roller Martini - $1,000
In order to order this drink, you really have to be doing well at the progressive slots. The Capital Grille at the Fashion Show Mall serves drinks made just for High Rollers. Each of these $1000 martinis come paired with a piece of Lagos jewelry. The Gotham Martini comes with a strand of pearls. The High Roller, named for the Vegas Strip, includes a diamond pave ring. For each cocktail sold, about $500 goes to Share our Strength, a charity that battles hunger around the globe. No word on what sorts of liquor are used to make these drinks, but it seems the value is really in the jewelry and the feeling of giving to a good cause.
5.) King Richard's Pride - $1,000
In Vegas why not be treated like royalty? King Richard's Pride is a $1,000 a drink consisting of Hennessy Richard, Dom Perignon Rosé 1996 and Chambord Liqueur Royale de France, splashes of lime and cranberry juices and one orange slice, all served in a keepsake Baccarat cocktail glass. BOA is located at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
4.) The Presidential - $1,000
The Body English Nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features a $1,000 martini called The Presidential. This drink includes Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac and Dom Perignon champagne.
3.) Duvet Passion - $1,500
The Seablue Restaurant at the MGM Grand also has the 4th most expensive cocktail. The Duvet Passion featuring a mix of rare aged cognacs and a mix of rare vintage champagnes garnished with a vanilla orchid petal can be purchased for a mere $1500. This passionate drink which was introduced on Valentine's Day in 2005, is sure to get you some love.
2.) High Limit Kir Royale - $2,200
Also at the MGM Grand, you can double down on the High Limit Kir Royale. This $2200 libation is only available at The Teatro Euro Bar. Louis Roederer Cristal Rose champagne, Hardy Perfection cognac, Grand Marnier Cent Cinquantenaire and fresh muddled raspberries go into making this extravagant cocktail.
1.) Ménage a Trois - $3,000
If you're feeling a little frisky why not order a Ménage a Trois at Tryst at the 5 Diamond Award-winning Wynn Hotel. This sexy cocktail is made with Cristal Rosé, Hennessy Ellipse and Grand Marnier Cent-cinquantenaire. 23-karat gold flakes and liquid gold syrup decorate this decadent cocktail. For $3,000 you can sip this drink through a golden straw studded with a 9-point diamond -- yours to keep of course.
Wondering what was the most expensive drink ever sold in Vegas? The most expensive Vegas Cocktail was served by Master Mixologist Francesco Lafranconi at Wolfgang Puck's Postrio on May 7th, 2003 . This drink which was sold at live auction for $8,000 to benefit Alzheimer's Research during "One Cool Night", was served in a Christofle Limited Edition Cocktail Glass by Adam D. Tihany. This outrageous cocktail was made up of a delicious blend of Hennessy Timeless harmoniously combined with Grand Marnier 150th Anniversary liqueur, topped with Dom Perignon Oenotheque 1973 vintage, garnished with 22-karat gold leaves, and stirred with a diamond swizzle. Unfortunately, this drink was a one-time deal, although if you're looking to spend $8,000 for a drink be sure to ask your Maitre`di. In Las Vegas I'm sure they will be able to accommodate you.
Listen to the Special Las Vegas Episode at Universe of Luxury.
Wine Collector Info
Author: David Feller
Wine collector? Some things you should know
You can make money by storing wine. It has become very trendy and popular to have own and trade fine wines. Some of the best wines are made from Pinot Noir Grapes. Pinot noir thrives in France's Burgundy region, particularly on the Côte-d'Or which has produced some of the world's most celebrated wines for centuries. Burgundy wine is considered by some to be the finest wine because of the high quality Pinot Noir Grapes. They are also among the most expensive wines in the world. They can be described as varied, complex, human, and sophisticatedly homely. They are highly regarded because of historical tradition, and arguably because they transmit well the flavor of the land, what the French call terroir. Merlot is another type of wine derived from the merlot grapes its flavor that ranges from purple plums to red cherries. The best Merlot wine comes from Bordeaux, France and some Israeli-wines in the Middle East. In fact Merlot plantings in many vineyards around the world now outpace those of Cabernet Sauvignon.
In these type of wines can appreciate over time at a very high rate. One can make money, lots of money just by buying wine and waiting. Sounds easy? It isn’t.
Firstly you need to choose a wine that will age and improve with time. Some wines are so exquisite that just owning them without ever drinking them is enough. In fact the most expensive wine in the world if consumed would probably kill. That would be the 1787 Chateau Lafite Bordeaux that sold for $160,000. That would be about $40,000 a glass about $10,000 a gulp. That is if you were crazy enough to open and drink the wine. Even the best wine does not last more than 50 years. So you could buy a bottle of a 2001 Bordeaux for $200 and in 5 years the bottle could be worth $1,000. A great investment by any standard. That’s the relatively easy part. Buy the wine and then store it. Right? Wrong.
Storing wine is not as easy as it used to be. People often had natural cellars where wine could be stored away from sunlight in a cool damp place. This was optimum for the proper storage and aging of the wine. Those natural ways of storage are mostly unavailable and companies have even sprung up that imitate perfect wine storage conditions. They either sell small refrigerators or sell space in a large wine warehouses. These wine storage companies are doing brisk business as many investors are buying quality wines both for business and pleasure.
Bottom line it’s a great hobby that can make someone lots of money.
Wine collector? Some things you should know
You can make money by storing wine. It has become very trendy and popular to have own and trade fine wines. Some of the best wines are made from Pinot Noir Grapes. Pinot noir thrives in France's Burgundy region, particularly on the Côte-d'Or which has produced some of the world's most celebrated wines for centuries. Burgundy wine is considered by some to be the finest wine because of the high quality Pinot Noir Grapes. They are also among the most expensive wines in the world. They can be described as varied, complex, human, and sophisticatedly homely. They are highly regarded because of historical tradition, and arguably because they transmit well the flavor of the land, what the French call terroir. Merlot is another type of wine derived from the merlot grapes its flavor that ranges from purple plums to red cherries. The best Merlot wine comes from Bordeaux, France and some Israeli-wines in the Middle East. In fact Merlot plantings in many vineyards around the world now outpace those of Cabernet Sauvignon.
In these type of wines can appreciate over time at a very high rate. One can make money, lots of money just by buying wine and waiting. Sounds easy? It isn’t.
Firstly you need to choose a wine that will age and improve with time. Some wines are so exquisite that just owning them without ever drinking them is enough. In fact the most expensive wine in the world if consumed would probably kill. That would be the 1787 Chateau Lafite Bordeaux that sold for $160,000. That would be about $40,000 a glass about $10,000 a gulp. That is if you were crazy enough to open and drink the wine. Even the best wine does not last more than 50 years. So you could buy a bottle of a 2001 Bordeaux for $200 and in 5 years the bottle could be worth $1,000. A great investment by any standard. That’s the relatively easy part. Buy the wine and then store it. Right? Wrong.
Storing wine is not as easy as it used to be. People often had natural cellars where wine could be stored away from sunlight in a cool damp place. This was optimum for the proper storage and aging of the wine. Those natural ways of storage are mostly unavailable and companies have even sprung up that imitate perfect wine storage conditions. They either sell small refrigerators or sell space in a large wine warehouses. These wine storage companies are doing brisk business as many investors are buying quality wines both for business and pleasure.
Bottom line it’s a great hobby that can make someone lots of money.
Red Wine is Very Good for Health
Author: Paul Rodgers
Red wine is very good for health and its keeping health condition. So drinking red wine is good for your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain and more. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than is white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol. Red wine is a particularly rich
source of antioxidants flavonoid phenolics, so many studies to uncover a cause for red wine's effects have focused on its phenolic constituents,
particularly resveratrol and the flavonoids. However, the evidence seems clear that regular, moderate consumption of red wine is beneficial to
your health.
If your goal is a healthy, fit body, a red-wine habit is not the worst vice in the world. Recent research has indicated a substance called
resveratrol, which is found in the skin and seeds of grapes used to make wine, has promising heart-healthy benefits. It has been linked with all sorts of health benefits over the years: the heart, the lungs, prevention of breast cancer, prostate cancer, tooth decay, longevity and just
general wellbeing. The main health benefit of moderate alcohol use appears to be related to its effect on the development of atherosclerosis or
the accumulation of fatty plaques in the blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries that supply the heart. Recommendations to consume
moderate amounts of wine are limited to individuals with a clean bill of health. Similarly, in countries like Australia, the US and the UK, wine drinkers are believed to smoke less,exercise more and generally lead 'healthier' lifestyles than most beer drinkers. It could therefore be that healthy lifestyles associated with wine drinking are protective against heart disease, rather than wine drinking itself.
The so-called "Mediterranean diet", which includes a larger intake of wine, has been credited with lower rates of heart disease in those countries, despite a higher intake of saturated fats. The pro-red wine studies suggest antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. It's not yet known how beneficial eating grapes or other foods might be compared with drinking red wine when it comes to promoting heart health. It's interesting to note that if I have a second glass of wine at the end of a busy week, my heart rate and blood pressure drop significantly. However, more research is needed before we know whether red wine is better for your heart than are other forms of alcohol, such as beer or spirits.
" One to 2 drinks per day of any alcohol type have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol by about 12%. Some researchers believe that resveratrol
might be the key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces "bad" cholesterol and prevents blood clots. Other
studies also indicated that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the Good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) from forming.
One of the well-known and most studied benefits of red wine is its heart protective effect. The diversity of red wine is such that it can match any type of food. A succulent fillet steak washed down with a glass of fine red wine is one of the great gastronomic double acts. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail, and the medical findings that red wine is actually beneficial for one’s health will pave the way toward adopting the red wine consumption on a larger scale.
Red wine is very good for health and its keeping health condition. So drinking red wine is good for your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain and more. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than is white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol. Red wine is a particularly rich
source of antioxidants flavonoid phenolics, so many studies to uncover a cause for red wine's effects have focused on its phenolic constituents,
particularly resveratrol and the flavonoids. However, the evidence seems clear that regular, moderate consumption of red wine is beneficial to
your health.
If your goal is a healthy, fit body, a red-wine habit is not the worst vice in the world. Recent research has indicated a substance called
resveratrol, which is found in the skin and seeds of grapes used to make wine, has promising heart-healthy benefits. It has been linked with all sorts of health benefits over the years: the heart, the lungs, prevention of breast cancer, prostate cancer, tooth decay, longevity and just
general wellbeing. The main health benefit of moderate alcohol use appears to be related to its effect on the development of atherosclerosis or
the accumulation of fatty plaques in the blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries that supply the heart. Recommendations to consume
moderate amounts of wine are limited to individuals with a clean bill of health. Similarly, in countries like Australia, the US and the UK, wine drinkers are believed to smoke less,exercise more and generally lead 'healthier' lifestyles than most beer drinkers. It could therefore be that healthy lifestyles associated with wine drinking are protective against heart disease, rather than wine drinking itself.
The so-called "Mediterranean diet", which includes a larger intake of wine, has been credited with lower rates of heart disease in those countries, despite a higher intake of saturated fats. The pro-red wine studies suggest antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. It's not yet known how beneficial eating grapes or other foods might be compared with drinking red wine when it comes to promoting heart health. It's interesting to note that if I have a second glass of wine at the end of a busy week, my heart rate and blood pressure drop significantly. However, more research is needed before we know whether red wine is better for your heart than are other forms of alcohol, such as beer or spirits.
" One to 2 drinks per day of any alcohol type have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol by about 12%. Some researchers believe that resveratrol
might be the key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces "bad" cholesterol and prevents blood clots. Other
studies also indicated that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the Good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) from forming.
One of the well-known and most studied benefits of red wine is its heart protective effect. The diversity of red wine is such that it can match any type of food. A succulent fillet steak washed down with a glass of fine red wine is one of the great gastronomic double acts. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail, and the medical findings that red wine is actually beneficial for one’s health will pave the way toward adopting the red wine consumption on a larger scale.
Wine as a Gifts
Author: Rozita Daud
Wine can be found in all shapes such as in boxes, bottles with screw-on caps as well as corked bottles. Thus, wine is always a call for wine gifts for holidays, birthdays or any special occasion. It also can be found in an expensive jug wine or wine gifts for the specialist that may cost thousand of dollars; there are wines that will make the recipient happy.
If you are looking for wine gifts for someone who has a small collection, storage racks for wine are very popular. Available for holding three to 100 bottles, depending on their collection and your budget, these storage racks may make appreciated wine gifts. If the recipient already makes their own wine, they will probably never have enough corks or bottles and sending them a small collection of these supplies will surely be appreciated.
However, if you are determined to give them a bottle of wine, nearly anything you choose in the way of wine gifts will be acceptable if you are taking it along for dinner party. However, if the gift is for a special occasion you will want to do some research into the types of wine they prefer before spending the money.
Many red wines are aged in barrels, giving them more of a hearty flavor, while white wanes are often lighter in flavor and taste. Before buying the expensive bottles as wine gifts, make sure it is the type they will drink and not make a part of their home collection.
So, if you happen to have a wine connoisseur on your shopping list this holidays time and you really want to give an impressive gift that they will continue to thank you for in the months to come, then you really should consider sending them a wine gift.
Wine can be found in all shapes such as in boxes, bottles with screw-on caps as well as corked bottles. Thus, wine is always a call for wine gifts for holidays, birthdays or any special occasion. It also can be found in an expensive jug wine or wine gifts for the specialist that may cost thousand of dollars; there are wines that will make the recipient happy.
If you are looking for wine gifts for someone who has a small collection, storage racks for wine are very popular. Available for holding three to 100 bottles, depending on their collection and your budget, these storage racks may make appreciated wine gifts. If the recipient already makes their own wine, they will probably never have enough corks or bottles and sending them a small collection of these supplies will surely be appreciated.
However, if you are determined to give them a bottle of wine, nearly anything you choose in the way of wine gifts will be acceptable if you are taking it along for dinner party. However, if the gift is for a special occasion you will want to do some research into the types of wine they prefer before spending the money.
Many red wines are aged in barrels, giving them more of a hearty flavor, while white wanes are often lighter in flavor and taste. Before buying the expensive bottles as wine gifts, make sure it is the type they will drink and not make a part of their home collection.
So, if you happen to have a wine connoisseur on your shopping list this holidays time and you really want to give an impressive gift that they will continue to thank you for in the months to come, then you really should consider sending them a wine gift.
Tasting Wine at Napa Valley Wine Tours
Author: shijina
Napa Valley area is about 30 miles long with more than 46,000 acres are planted dedicated to grapes. Its breadth arrays from five miles close to the metropolis of Napa to just one mile where this valley narrows by the civic of Calistoga. Globally recognized as one of the globe’s supreme wine regions, it is about one-eighth the size of Bordeaux, France. When you take Napa Valley Wine Tour, you will see that food and wine combination is a highly appreciated.
The famous rules - first and foremost red wine along with red meat and white wine along with fish and chick- however, do not just stick on to the earlier way, today international and delicately flavored foods and the matching huge range of wines from across the globe are now expediently available to everyone with the wine country tours. Most recently you are more probable to come across food and wine pairing ideas than cast-iron rules. There's substantial way for testing and appearance of your own character in combing food and wine. Napa tours and wine tasting are actually amazing way to attempt special wines and study that you really favor. Then start with the foods along with wines you enjoy.
Choose a high-quality wine and couple it with your meal and probably you would not go wrong. While wine is created in many various areas of California, the Napa Valley and Sonoma County are only regions, which many people think of when they want a wine tour around California. Napa Valley is also recognized as an American Capital for Wine and delicious food. You can further get and explore the rich tradition and the specialties of the world renowned and family oriented wineries across Napa and Sonoma Valley.
If you planning to take up a wine tours then just be seated back and calm down while tasting flattering sparkling wine in one of the latest you will come across during your tour around any Napa or Sonoma tours. In addition, you can get wineries of your taste or in case you want to opt for one of the set itineraries to choose from - the choice is yours, so make it wise!
Napa Valley area is about 30 miles long with more than 46,000 acres are planted dedicated to grapes. Its breadth arrays from five miles close to the metropolis of Napa to just one mile where this valley narrows by the civic of Calistoga. Globally recognized as one of the globe’s supreme wine regions, it is about one-eighth the size of Bordeaux, France. When you take Napa Valley Wine Tour, you will see that food and wine combination is a highly appreciated.
The famous rules - first and foremost red wine along with red meat and white wine along with fish and chick- however, do not just stick on to the earlier way, today international and delicately flavored foods and the matching huge range of wines from across the globe are now expediently available to everyone with the wine country tours. Most recently you are more probable to come across food and wine pairing ideas than cast-iron rules. There's substantial way for testing and appearance of your own character in combing food and wine. Napa tours and wine tasting are actually amazing way to attempt special wines and study that you really favor. Then start with the foods along with wines you enjoy.
Choose a high-quality wine and couple it with your meal and probably you would not go wrong. While wine is created in many various areas of California, the Napa Valley and Sonoma County are only regions, which many people think of when they want a wine tour around California. Napa Valley is also recognized as an American Capital for Wine and delicious food. You can further get and explore the rich tradition and the specialties of the world renowned and family oriented wineries across Napa and Sonoma Valley.
If you planning to take up a wine tours then just be seated back and calm down while tasting flattering sparkling wine in one of the latest you will come across during your tour around any Napa or Sonoma tours. In addition, you can get wineries of your taste or in case you want to opt for one of the set itineraries to choose from - the choice is yours, so make it wise!
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 9 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2551
How to Make Cake Decorating Frosting Recipes
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
Cake decorating frosting recipes can sure come in handy. In cake decorating, frosting or icing is the most important part. If your frosting is good then you can decorate the cake with different designs. If the frosting is not good then your beautiful design does not look attractive.
Here is a simple cake decorating frosting recipe for Buttercream frosting.
You will need
* 1/2 cup of butter
* 1/2 cup solid shortening
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 4 cups sifted confectioners sugar
* 2 tablespoons milk
Take the butter and solid shortening in a bowl and beat it with electric mixer at medium speed. Add vanilla. Gradually add the confectioner's sugar one cup at a time. Keep beating the mixture well. After all sugar has gone in the bowl the mixture will look dry. Add 2 tablespoons milk and beat the mixture until it appears light and fluffy.
Your basic Buttercream frosting is ready.
But when you are decorating your cake at times you need different consistencies in frosting. You can make frosting with various consistencies at home. For that you will need,
* 4 cups of confectioners sugar
* 1 cup solid vegetable shortening
* 1 tablespoon egg white powder or meringue
* 2 tablespoons water, warm
* 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon light syrup
In a large mixing bowl mix sift the confectioner's sugar and the egg white powder. Dissolve the salt in the warm water. Cream the shortening. Add the cream and the salted water together. Start adding one cup of sugar to the mix at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl. At a medium speed mix it for 5 minutes with a hand held mixer. If you are using a stand up mixer use it on low for 2 minutes.
The above mixture will give you frosting with a stiff consistency. If you want to make flowers remove one cup from the bowl and keep aside to make flowers.
Add 2 teaspoons of water to the remaining mixture. This will give you a medium consistent frosting. You can use it for flowers with petals that lie flat. You can remove 1 cup of medium consistent frosting and add light syrup. This will give more elasticity to the frosting.
If you want a colored frosting you can use gel colors. It is easier to mix gel colors to make different colors. Use flat toothpick to streak your icing. Each time use a different toothpick to add the color so that the basic gel color jar will not be contaminated with other colors.
Cake decorating frosting recipes can sure come in handy. In cake decorating, frosting or icing is the most important part. If your frosting is good then you can decorate the cake with different designs. If the frosting is not good then your beautiful design does not look attractive.
Here is a simple cake decorating frosting recipe for Buttercream frosting.
You will need
* 1/2 cup of butter
* 1/2 cup solid shortening
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 4 cups sifted confectioners sugar
* 2 tablespoons milk
Take the butter and solid shortening in a bowl and beat it with electric mixer at medium speed. Add vanilla. Gradually add the confectioner's sugar one cup at a time. Keep beating the mixture well. After all sugar has gone in the bowl the mixture will look dry. Add 2 tablespoons milk and beat the mixture until it appears light and fluffy.
Your basic Buttercream frosting is ready.
But when you are decorating your cake at times you need different consistencies in frosting. You can make frosting with various consistencies at home. For that you will need,
* 4 cups of confectioners sugar
* 1 cup solid vegetable shortening
* 1 tablespoon egg white powder or meringue
* 2 tablespoons water, warm
* 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon light syrup
In a large mixing bowl mix sift the confectioner's sugar and the egg white powder. Dissolve the salt in the warm water. Cream the shortening. Add the cream and the salted water together. Start adding one cup of sugar to the mix at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl. At a medium speed mix it for 5 minutes with a hand held mixer. If you are using a stand up mixer use it on low for 2 minutes.
The above mixture will give you frosting with a stiff consistency. If you want to make flowers remove one cup from the bowl and keep aside to make flowers.
Add 2 teaspoons of water to the remaining mixture. This will give you a medium consistent frosting. You can use it for flowers with petals that lie flat. You can remove 1 cup of medium consistent frosting and add light syrup. This will give more elasticity to the frosting.
If you want a colored frosting you can use gel colors. It is easier to mix gel colors to make different colors. Use flat toothpick to streak your icing. Each time use a different toothpick to add the color so that the basic gel color jar will not be contaminated with other colors.
How to Spruce Up your Cake With Cake Decorating Flowers
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
Cake decorating flowers help spruce up the cake. And of course, decorating a cake is the most difficult part of the entire process. If you can come up with innovative ideas to decorate the cake, everyone appreciates the delicious cake thoroughly. Cake decorating flowers give a new dimension to your cake.
You have a choice to select cake decorating flowers. You can use the real edible flowers to decorate your cake. Before you use real flowers to decorate your cake here are some things that you should keep in your mind.
Pick up only those flowers that you are absolutely sure are edible. Make sure the flowers you use are from your own backyard. So that you are sure that no pesticide is used. Do not use flowers bought from a florist. If you pick up flowers from garden centers or nurseries they may be treated with pesticides which can be harmful to you.
Some of the edible flowers that can be used are daisies, nasturtiums, Johnny-jump-ups, roses, calendulas, violets and lavender. Sometimes only petals are used to decorate the cake instead of the entire flower. Only thing is go easy on flower decoration as sometimes people have allergic reaction to the flowers.
You can sugar glaze the flowers by covering the flower with egg white and then sprinkle the flower with sugar. Let them fry which will take a few hours. The end result will be sugar glazed cake decorating flowers for your cake.
Another option is to use artificial flowers. You can choose from the wide variety that is available in the market. Cut the stems short. Put together the flowers. Arrange in any way that you feel looks good and put it on the cake.
You can get edible sugar flowers. With the help of food colors in paste form and dusting powder you can change the color of the sugar flowers to match the theme of the occasion. If you are decorating a wedding cake then you can match the flower color to the theme of the wedding hall or to the colors of real flowers the girls are carrying. The possibilities are immense as well as endless.
There are different types of flowers made from different ingredients. You can get flowers made with Buttercream, Royal icing, gumpaste or readymade silk flowers. Royal icing is used for making many flowers such as roses, pansies, daisies, violets etc. The royal icing dries hard so the flowers made from this icing can remain firm and do not wilt easily.
But if you want really hard flowers use gumpaste. It is sugar dough that can be easily rolled out. It can be shaped like flowers. Flowers made from the gumpaste look very realistic.
You can use Buttercream to make roses with or without leaves.
You can use the cake decorating flowers directly on the cake. Some of the manufacturers have come up with flower holders. You can use those holders to arrange your cake decorating flowers. Or you can bake the cake which has some space in the cake. You can put some kind of flower holder in that gap and then put real flowers in it so the flowers will not touch the cake but a stunning effect will be achieved.
Cake decorating flowers help spruce up the cake. And of course, decorating a cake is the most difficult part of the entire process. If you can come up with innovative ideas to decorate the cake, everyone appreciates the delicious cake thoroughly. Cake decorating flowers give a new dimension to your cake.
You have a choice to select cake decorating flowers. You can use the real edible flowers to decorate your cake. Before you use real flowers to decorate your cake here are some things that you should keep in your mind.
Pick up only those flowers that you are absolutely sure are edible. Make sure the flowers you use are from your own backyard. So that you are sure that no pesticide is used. Do not use flowers bought from a florist. If you pick up flowers from garden centers or nurseries they may be treated with pesticides which can be harmful to you.
Some of the edible flowers that can be used are daisies, nasturtiums, Johnny-jump-ups, roses, calendulas, violets and lavender. Sometimes only petals are used to decorate the cake instead of the entire flower. Only thing is go easy on flower decoration as sometimes people have allergic reaction to the flowers.
You can sugar glaze the flowers by covering the flower with egg white and then sprinkle the flower with sugar. Let them fry which will take a few hours. The end result will be sugar glazed cake decorating flowers for your cake.
Another option is to use artificial flowers. You can choose from the wide variety that is available in the market. Cut the stems short. Put together the flowers. Arrange in any way that you feel looks good and put it on the cake.
You can get edible sugar flowers. With the help of food colors in paste form and dusting powder you can change the color of the sugar flowers to match the theme of the occasion. If you are decorating a wedding cake then you can match the flower color to the theme of the wedding hall or to the colors of real flowers the girls are carrying. The possibilities are immense as well as endless.
There are different types of flowers made from different ingredients. You can get flowers made with Buttercream, Royal icing, gumpaste or readymade silk flowers. Royal icing is used for making many flowers such as roses, pansies, daisies, violets etc. The royal icing dries hard so the flowers made from this icing can remain firm and do not wilt easily.
But if you want really hard flowers use gumpaste. It is sugar dough that can be easily rolled out. It can be shaped like flowers. Flowers made from the gumpaste look very realistic.
You can use Buttercream to make roses with or without leaves.
You can use the cake decorating flowers directly on the cake. Some of the manufacturers have come up with flower holders. You can use those holders to arrange your cake decorating flowers. Or you can bake the cake which has some space in the cake. You can put some kind of flower holder in that gap and then put real flowers in it so the flowers will not touch the cake but a stunning effect will be achieved.
Cake Decorating Equipment That Can Turn a Plain Cake Into a Work of Art
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
Cake decorating equipment is essential to the cake decorating craft. Once you have baked your cake the next step is to decorate the same. Simple decoration can turn a plain cake into a work of art. But in order to do that you need cake decorating equipment.
When you start to decorate your cake you start with icing or frosting the cake. The purpose of the icing is to provide a smooth surface to decorate the cake further. Then you can put some flowers on the cake or some figures or you would like to write some message on the cake.
To fulfill your imagination and make it real on the cake you need proper tools with you. Cake decorating equipment makes your work easier. In modern times you get lots of cake decorating equipment in the market.
When you think about decorating your cake, generally icing is used. In order to cover your cake completely you need to spread the icing evenly on the cake. You need spatula to do that. If you have angled spatula the task becomes easier and you will get a professional looking cake on your hand.
After the icing is done then comes the decoration. For that you need a icing bag which you can fill and start your cake decoration. The icing bag or a syringe comes with different tips so that you can make different shapes on the cake.
If you have a turntable your job of decorating a cake becomes much easier. The turn table helps you to turn the cake so that you can have a look at the cake from all the sides. The turntable is easy to maintain and clean.
If you want to decorate the cake with a scene after you put in other things, you need to paint the back ground. To help you in this task the airbrush comes in handy. The food colors that you get help you to create magic on the cake.
If you want to decorate the cake using flowers you can do so by using fresh flowers of make flowers on your own. The flower making accessories that you get in the market make life easy. The flower nails help you to decorate the cake better as it helps the flowers to stay in place.
With the help of modeling tools you can make various models to adorn your cake. If you are using frosting that can be rolled out you need a non stick board and rolling pins. Some rolling pins come with a self design. You can make interesting designs with their help. Vines for flowers and leaves help you to create real looking flowers and leaves for your cake decoration.
It is always good to have a cake decorating kit with you as well as cake decorating equipment because these make the task of decorating the cake simple. You enjoy creating the master piece on the cake. Plus your family and friends will love looking at eat and relish the fantastic looking cake.
Cake decorating equipment is essential to the cake decorating craft. Once you have baked your cake the next step is to decorate the same. Simple decoration can turn a plain cake into a work of art. But in order to do that you need cake decorating equipment.
When you start to decorate your cake you start with icing or frosting the cake. The purpose of the icing is to provide a smooth surface to decorate the cake further. Then you can put some flowers on the cake or some figures or you would like to write some message on the cake.
To fulfill your imagination and make it real on the cake you need proper tools with you. Cake decorating equipment makes your work easier. In modern times you get lots of cake decorating equipment in the market.
When you think about decorating your cake, generally icing is used. In order to cover your cake completely you need to spread the icing evenly on the cake. You need spatula to do that. If you have angled spatula the task becomes easier and you will get a professional looking cake on your hand.
After the icing is done then comes the decoration. For that you need a icing bag which you can fill and start your cake decoration. The icing bag or a syringe comes with different tips so that you can make different shapes on the cake.
If you have a turntable your job of decorating a cake becomes much easier. The turn table helps you to turn the cake so that you can have a look at the cake from all the sides. The turntable is easy to maintain and clean.
If you want to decorate the cake with a scene after you put in other things, you need to paint the back ground. To help you in this task the airbrush comes in handy. The food colors that you get help you to create magic on the cake.
If you want to decorate the cake using flowers you can do so by using fresh flowers of make flowers on your own. The flower making accessories that you get in the market make life easy. The flower nails help you to decorate the cake better as it helps the flowers to stay in place.
With the help of modeling tools you can make various models to adorn your cake. If you are using frosting that can be rolled out you need a non stick board and rolling pins. Some rolling pins come with a self design. You can make interesting designs with their help. Vines for flowers and leaves help you to create real looking flowers and leaves for your cake decoration.
It is always good to have a cake decorating kit with you as well as cake decorating equipment because these make the task of decorating the cake simple. You enjoy creating the master piece on the cake. Plus your family and friends will love looking at eat and relish the fantastic looking cake.
Why you Should Consider Attending Cake Decorating Classes
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
Cake decorating classes are taugh round the globe and online. With the overwhelming growth and increased social life of individuals, these days' conglomerations, birthday parties, large scale weddings are increasing a lot. Due to all a change have do come to the menus including variety of desserts in them like pastries,choco fudges and decorative cakes in turn demanding professionalism and a lot of accuracy ,variety ,flavors in it. With increasing demands of beautifully decorated cakes, emergence of a lot of cake decorating classes is on the height these days.
Various culinary schools and institutes as well as small scale classes are serving a lot these days finishing their students in the art of cake decorations building a professional attitude in them along with their passion towards his art. Large number of craft stores makes available these cake decorating classes. various books and DVD's are also available these days till the popularity of the classes is in the sky as the accurate practical methods ,knowledge of right use of utensils and equipments at right time and taking care of hygiene with the finish to provide the decoration a professional touch can only be found in the classes. Most people prefer classes rather than institutes due to their cheap fees structure and various available batches at all time in a day. You can choose the best the time that suits you best with convenience without stopping your other already going works.
The provision for classes and workshops is increasing and with that there is also a big growth in the rate of students urging to join the classes to learn professional cake decoration skills. The booking for your seat in the class can be booked even online these days.
The classes for decorating cakes proves to be lot helpful in expressing your art on cakes in right way providing knowledge of technical skills to be utilized. The class prepares you as a perfect cake decorating professional having technical knowledge blended with your personal creativity and art .the employment they find in this field deals with baked products. Further growth in the field of decorating cakes depends entirely on ones effort dedication, and creative talent.
A lot of techniques and tricks you get to learn in lasses can't be refined by you at home learning from books. Some of them include:
Cake decorating classes are taugh round the globe and online. With the overwhelming growth and increased social life of individuals, these days' conglomerations, birthday parties, large scale weddings are increasing a lot. Due to all a change have do come to the menus including variety of desserts in them like pastries,choco fudges and decorative cakes in turn demanding professionalism and a lot of accuracy ,variety ,flavors in it. With increasing demands of beautifully decorated cakes, emergence of a lot of cake decorating classes is on the height these days.
Various culinary schools and institutes as well as small scale classes are serving a lot these days finishing their students in the art of cake decorations building a professional attitude in them along with their passion towards his art. Large number of craft stores makes available these cake decorating classes. various books and DVD's are also available these days till the popularity of the classes is in the sky as the accurate practical methods ,knowledge of right use of utensils and equipments at right time and taking care of hygiene with the finish to provide the decoration a professional touch can only be found in the classes. Most people prefer classes rather than institutes due to their cheap fees structure and various available batches at all time in a day. You can choose the best the time that suits you best with convenience without stopping your other already going works.
The provision for classes and workshops is increasing and with that there is also a big growth in the rate of students urging to join the classes to learn professional cake decoration skills. The booking for your seat in the class can be booked even online these days.
The classes for decorating cakes proves to be lot helpful in expressing your art on cakes in right way providing knowledge of technical skills to be utilized. The class prepares you as a perfect cake decorating professional having technical knowledge blended with your personal creativity and art .the employment they find in this field deals with baked products. Further growth in the field of decorating cakes depends entirely on ones effort dedication, and creative talent.
A lot of techniques and tricks you get to learn in lasses can't be refined by you at home learning from books. Some of them include:
- making your first cake in a well organized manner without any confusions.
- providing smooth décor to the cakes like the one seen in bakeries.
- layer filling without overflowing.
- making 3-D cakes.
- technique to use rolled fondant efficiently and using pastillage with it.
- chocolate blending with other eatables.
- angles of using pulled sugar techniques.
In addition to worlds two most famous cake decorating classes Wilson's and Ronald's, a lot of other institutes providing a professional degree do exist .some of them include:
- The art institute
- Le cordon Schools North America
- Florida Culinary Institute
Kendall College
- Oregon Culinary Institute
- Arizona Culinary Institute
- Culinary Institute of America and many more.
Introduction to new ways and methods of decorating cakes, and reinventing the use of different eatables in the cakes, pastries and other choco desserts with their increasing demand is crowning the classes with loads of profit as they provide the market with high consistency.
The Art of Using Cake Decorating Airbrushes
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
Cake decorating airbrushes rock. In fact, cake decorating is an art. The sugar art of cake decorating is present from 17th century. Cake decorating art still has been used in many parts of the world. One can think about cake decorating as job or hobby. Cake decorating mainly includes icing and decorating of cake. Then decorative materials like cherries, candies, sugars, icing, and chocolate, fondants, gum paste are used to decorate the cake. In many ceremonies like wedding, anniversaries, birth day parties' decorative cake is a vital item. It's very difficult to anybody to just watch a yummy cake covered with glazy items.
There are so many styles of decorating a cake:
The most famous cake decorating style is European style. In this type of cake decorating, cake is covered with smooth icing of fondants. It is covered with designing borders, flowers of icing.
Victorian style is a traditional style. It is used in wedding ceremonies in Europe. It is a ladder styled cake, having pillars of flowers. This ladder styled cake is decorated in each tier. Nowadays, many styles of cake decorating are available in the market. Like wedding cake is decorated with flowers and at the top bride and groom which is made by plastic are placed. Fondants are specially used to decorate wedding cake. Fondants give smooth look to cakes.
In Lambeth style, layers of icings are applied on the cake. The layers of icing are applied in such a way that the layers gets dimensional look. This old method, Lambeth originated from the countries like New Zealand, North America, South Africa, and Australia.
Australian style is same as Lambeth. In this style cake is fully covered with fondants. And, icing is applied in piping structure.
In Wilton method uses icing of butter cream. And, flowers and decorated borders are applied on the cake so beautifully.
To decorate a cake is not so easy a job. You can do it by hand. But if you want o decorate it in glamorous way, you have to use some tools available in market. Generally, for decorating cake compressors, airbrush, and spray guns are used. Cake decorating airbrush is used to apply color schemes on cake or to cover background of cake with colors. The airbrush compressor includes a color cup. When the trigger is pressed, the air flow blows out and color spreads on the item which we wants to decorate. Some company provides airbrush compressors which does not need maintenance. These are available in various range and colors. The smooth, soft cake can be prepared maintaining moisture. There are varieties of multiple amazing colors available for cake decorating. In market, decorative bags are also available. These bags are made up of paper, plastic or cloth and triangular in shape, packed with icing. These are used to draw pipes, borders, flowers on cake. With the help of the decorating tubes, you can draw roses, borders. These tubes are available in different shapes of the tip.
Some schools, institutes provide cake decorating techniques. Nowadays, media is also participating in cookery shows. So global public also gets knowledge of these things. You can easily learn it by sitting at home. In market, cake decorating books, DVDs are available. Some cake decorating professionals conducts classes, workshops of cake decorating techniques. Its easy now to prepare a beautiful, attractive, decorative cake for your celebrations.
Cake decorating airbrushes rock. In fact, cake decorating is an art. The sugar art of cake decorating is present from 17th century. Cake decorating art still has been used in many parts of the world. One can think about cake decorating as job or hobby. Cake decorating mainly includes icing and decorating of cake. Then decorative materials like cherries, candies, sugars, icing, and chocolate, fondants, gum paste are used to decorate the cake. In many ceremonies like wedding, anniversaries, birth day parties' decorative cake is a vital item. It's very difficult to anybody to just watch a yummy cake covered with glazy items.
There are so many styles of decorating a cake:
The most famous cake decorating style is European style. In this type of cake decorating, cake is covered with smooth icing of fondants. It is covered with designing borders, flowers of icing.
Victorian style is a traditional style. It is used in wedding ceremonies in Europe. It is a ladder styled cake, having pillars of flowers. This ladder styled cake is decorated in each tier. Nowadays, many styles of cake decorating are available in the market. Like wedding cake is decorated with flowers and at the top bride and groom which is made by plastic are placed. Fondants are specially used to decorate wedding cake. Fondants give smooth look to cakes.
In Lambeth style, layers of icings are applied on the cake. The layers of icing are applied in such a way that the layers gets dimensional look. This old method, Lambeth originated from the countries like New Zealand, North America, South Africa, and Australia.
Australian style is same as Lambeth. In this style cake is fully covered with fondants. And, icing is applied in piping structure.
In Wilton method uses icing of butter cream. And, flowers and decorated borders are applied on the cake so beautifully.
To decorate a cake is not so easy a job. You can do it by hand. But if you want o decorate it in glamorous way, you have to use some tools available in market. Generally, for decorating cake compressors, airbrush, and spray guns are used. Cake decorating airbrush is used to apply color schemes on cake or to cover background of cake with colors. The airbrush compressor includes a color cup. When the trigger is pressed, the air flow blows out and color spreads on the item which we wants to decorate. Some company provides airbrush compressors which does not need maintenance. These are available in various range and colors. The smooth, soft cake can be prepared maintaining moisture. There are varieties of multiple amazing colors available for cake decorating. In market, decorative bags are also available. These bags are made up of paper, plastic or cloth and triangular in shape, packed with icing. These are used to draw pipes, borders, flowers on cake. With the help of the decorating tubes, you can draw roses, borders. These tubes are available in different shapes of the tip.
Some schools, institutes provide cake decorating techniques. Nowadays, media is also participating in cookery shows. So global public also gets knowledge of these things. You can easily learn it by sitting at home. In market, cake decorating books, DVDs are available. Some cake decorating professionals conducts classes, workshops of cake decorating techniques. Its easy now to prepare a beautiful, attractive, decorative cake for your celebrations.
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