it's all about good food and great beverages

easy recipes : omelete rice

2008-02-18T19:06:00.003+07:00

This is one of my favorite food. Why? Simply because its tasty and so easy to make. This one is truly an easy recipe. The ingredients is so simple too, I believe you can find it all in your kitchen. I saw many restaurant in Japan served this dish, and they decorate this dish so beautifully make it so appetizing and tasty. But if you can’t decorate the dish don’t worry, I believe its still taste delicious. Enough talking, start cooking !
The ingredients :
- 2 eggs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onions
- Soy sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Ketchup
- Olive oil
- White rice, you must make sure that the rice is cold

How to make it :
- put olive oil on the frying pan
- chop some onions, when the oil become hot put the onions that have been chop into it
do this for about 5 minutes
- stir the two eggs in a bowl, put some salt, pepper, ketchup, and teriyaki sauce
- add this into the onions

- in the different frying pan put some olive oil
- after the oil get hot, put the rice into it
- put some salt, pepper, teriyaki sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce
mixed it well
- after all the rice covered with the spices put it into the omelete
- wrap the rice with the omelete, so it will looks like a football ball
- put some ketchup on top of the omelete
- served it while its still hot

Enjoy !

Satay recipes

2008-02-06T23:55:00.000+07:00

hay hay... this week i'm gonna give you a recipes one of my favorites food, SATAY!!
yes i loved this food! its a barbeque grill chicken meat or lamb meat or beef with additional peanut sauce! believe me, its so delicious! so i recommended this food for you to try it..

Ingredients :
1 lb. meat- chicken, beef or pork
2 cloves of garlic
1 cup shallots
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 inch piece turmeric root
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon cooking oil
and about 35 bamboo sticks

How to make it :
Cut meat into small thin pieces.
Grind together until very fine: shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, cumin seeds & turmeric.
Combine ground spices with salt & sugar.
Season meat with the ground spices and let marinate.
When you are ready to grill soak the bamboo sticks in water so they won't burn, skewer the meat with the sticks, don't overcrowd.Grill satay sticks over a charcoal fire (barbecue grill), basting occasionally with evaporated milk combined with oil. Or, for the brush, use the head of lemon grass, smash and flatten to resemble a brush

And now the peanut sauce...
Ingredients :
8 dried chillies (soaked until soft). Remove the seeds if you do not like it too hot.
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup shallots
4 candle-nuts or substitute with macadamia nuts.
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 cup peanuts (finely ground)
1/4 cup thin tamarind juice ( get the tamarind paste, add a little warm water and squeeze the juice, strain)
1/4 cup evaporated milk diluted with 1 cup water.
1 tablespoon sugar
salt to taste

How to make it :
Grind together until very fine: chillies, garlic, shallots & candle-nuts.
In a wok or saucepan, fry ground ingredients in hot oil for 5 minutes.
Stir in ground peanuts and tamarind juice.
Bring to the boil.
Add diluted milk and salt to taste and bring to the boil again.
Serve with satay

Is My Wine Real

2008-02-06T23:54:00.000+07:00

Is My Wine Real by: Kenneth J McCormick
There are a lot of counterfeit items in this world. Just to mention a few, there is counterfeit money, counterfeit credit cards, counterfeit identities and from what I have been hearing lately about some of the Chinese cars, there may be some counterfeit cars also. When one tends to think of counterfeit items, I really don't think they give much thought to counterfeit wine. I know that I certainly don't give wine much of a thought, but on the other hand I am not a wine drinker so I can't speak for them. I was very surprised to learn that there are quite a few bottles of counterfeit wine on the market. I really shouldn't have been, because some of the really old bottles are worth quite a bit of money and when money is involved so is crime. I have to wonder though, if somebody plops down a couple of thousand dollars for a rare wine and he and his friends drink it, if most people ever really know the difference? I just have to wonder how many people have done this? The reason that I told you that I don't drink wine is that I don't want you to think that this article is being written from the point of view of a wine expert, since I am anything but. I just wanted to clear that point up. I was reading about wines the other day without really knowing why? In the article it talked about counterfeit wines and called them Château Faux. For some reason I felt that this was kind of intriguing. We all know about the big problems with Chinese imports that we have been experiencing, but how many people know that counterfeiting wine is also a big industry in China? Some of the wine bottles from as recently as 20 years ago are no longer manufactured the same way. In order to counterfeit some of these wines from that time, most counterfeiters would have to refill an original bottle. Here is the thing however, the bottle has to be perfect and the labels also have to be in order. One might not know that this was a counterfeit product even if he was an expert, until the cork was pulled. Most of the time, I have been told, that you can tell by the cork, if you know what you're looking for, if a bottle has been refilled. Here is something that I just learned, the corks in wine bottles may have a vintage burned into their side. I don't know if this exists on the older brands, but I do know it does exists on some. One dead giveaway is when you pull the cork on an expensive bottle of wine and this area has been smoothed out, if this brand usually had it burned into the cork. So here is the way that works, this type of wine would have the name and the vintage on the cork. .The particular bottle of wine I am talking about was said to have been purchased for $2000. Just like US currency, some of the makers of very expensive wine are using high-tech labels and engraving, hoping that this will make counterfeiting their product, much more difficult. This doesn't hold true if somebody gets a hold of an empty bottle. There are some people out there that collect rare wines. Can you imagine how many of them think that they have the genuine articles stored in their wine cellar, when they really only have a counterfeit? About the only saving grace in wine counterfeiting is that the people that usually buy these expensive bottles of wine can afford the loss. This does not make the crime any less serious however. I have always said a crime is a crime is a crime. It doesn't lessen the crime just because you're taking advantage of the richer segment of our society. The counterfeiting of wine has become so widespread in the United States, that the FBI is now involved in it. Some feel that some of the biggest wine auction houses in the world are turning a blind eye to the question of whether bottles are authentic, or they are not. Perhaps this is because nobody wants to have to pull the cork to answer that question, they feel they would destroy the value of the wine. The truth is that even if you opened a bottle or two from a large consignment of wines to be auctioned, this certainly does not guarantee that the rest of the wine is authentic. This is truly a huge problem for wine connoisseurs and collectors. When wine collections are auctioned from completely honest people, that doesn't mean that they unknowingly don't have counterfeits in their collections. So how much wine is sold at auction houses? Well, The Independent, states that last year Christie's is said to have sold about $58 million worth of rare wine from London and Paris to New York and Los Angeles. That's an awful lot of wine just from one auction house. It has been said that there is some kind of deal between the Italian Mafia and Chinese manufacturers of fraudulent wines. This problem is so bad that it is believed that some of the very old wines may have been forged many years ago and went undetected. I can see it all now, some multi-rich executive is hosting a dinner party and pops open a bottle of Château Lafite-Rothschild, which he paid thousands of dollars for and all his guests drink it and praise the flavor, but in truth it is a forgery and nobody has even noticed. I really don't know, but I do suspect that it just might be possible for a wine to be imitated in a lab. They may not get it exactly right, but it just might be close enough to fool many people. After all, if you gave a bottle of this stuff to somebody who had never tasted it, how would they know it was a forgery. So it seems to me that you would have had to have tasted the real thing at least once, before you could judge the next bottle. When we talk about wine counterfeiting in China, we are not saying that the Chinese government condones this practice. As a matter of fact, they are actively cracking down on wine counterfeiters. The problem in China is that there are actually whole factories there dedicated to this. So these are not small operations, they are more like wholesale wine counterfeiting operations. As I said above, many of these factories have ties to organized crime and are working hand-in-hand with the Mafia in Italy, the Australian mob and many other gangster organizations. I guess one of the real big problems will happen when they have perfected counterfeit wines to the point where you wouldn't be able to tell the counterfeit from the real without a lab analysis. In this technological world of ours this cannot be viewed as an impossibility. Looking at the art community for example, it is now possible for a computer-controlled machine to make an exact copy of an original painting so perfect that a law has been passed that states that it must say on the painting that is a reproduction. It may just turn out that the same thing will happen in the wine market in years to come. In a way, while this might be a bad thing for wine collectors and wine aficionados, it might turn out to be the beginning of a good thing for the rest of us. What I am talking about here is food that can be manufactured without using real animals and yet be so close in taste that we would not know the difference. We know that much of the foreign wine that is being sold in Beijing is not genuine.This is mostly a problem for the Chinese however. Europe has also been accused of high-end wine counterfeiting. Many believe that this is actually where wine counterfeiting began and that it is only recently that an Asian market has developed for it. You want to impress your boss so you got him a bottle of wine that cost a few hundred dollars. Later you begin to think about your purchase. You start to worry that the bottle may not contain the genuine product and that maybe you boss, who's coming to dinner at your house with his wife, has tasted the genuine article and will know the difference. What should you do? Should you take the chance and put this wine out on the table, or should you get something a little less exotic, that has less of a chance of not being genuine? This may be the choice that faces all wine drinkers in the future. It is nice to think that you have something rare, but it is not so nice when you have to worry about its authenticity. Well I have people coming over tomorrow. I guess I'll go out and get myself a box of wine, nothing is too good for my guests and I know for a fact that it is genuine Gallo.

Barley Wine and Cigars: A Dynamic Duo

2008-02-06T23:53:00.000+07:00

Barley Wine and Cigars: A Dynamic Duo by: Jennifer Jordan
The saying, “it’s lonely at the top," is true for cigars. A type of smoke that makes the Marlboro man look weak rather than rugged, cigars have a way of excluding themselves from the group. Yet, you can’t fault the cigars. They might not want us to elevate their reputation and status by deeming them synonymous with luxury and sophistication; for all we know, cigars are standing in the background - looking lovingly at pipes and cigarettes - yelling, “Can’t we all just get along?" Luckily, cigars might have found something to relieve their loneliness: they just may have a lifelong companion in barley wine. Upon performing research, I was surprised to find how many websites laud the combination of cigars and barley wine. And, naturally, I was even more surprised to find these websites weren’t just the ones that sell barley wine. For those not familiar with barley wine, the simplest way to remember it is by the term “barely wine." Truth be told, barley wine isn’t really wine at all; because of its high alcohol content, it only thinks its wine (ironically, after a few too many bottles, I sometimes think this same thing about myself). With wine like characteristics, the big difference is in the ingredients: barley wine is made with grain instead of fruit. If it were cereal, barley wine would be Wheaties while wine would be Fruity Pebbles. Still, barley wine is not without some fruit flavor. It displays both sweetness and bitterness at the same time, giving it a unique taste among beers. While it originated in England, barley wine is available worldwide. However, when sold in the US, barley wines are required to be sold with the label, "barley wine-style ales," thus avoiding confusion for the wine-seeking consumer. Barley wine is sometimes aged, much like wine, and used for celebratory occasions. It is this last sentence that undoubtedly makes the ears of cigars - with their penchant for celebration - prick up. Cigars and barley wine compliment each other nicely. With a slightly peaty taste, barley wine does maintain some whiskey-like characteristics and, as most of us know, cigars have never found a whiskey they do not like. Unlike wine, barley wine doesn’t always go well with food, but, luckily you don’t eat a Churchill. Many cigars, depending on your individual palate, do well with barley wines, in particular Old Nick Barley wine, which, according to many consumers, is one of the best barley wines on the market. Overall, the key to pairing a good barley wine with a good cigar is to keep the tastes in cahoots, you don’t want the flavor of the beer and the flavor of the cigar fighting each other for your attention. It’s also a good rule to pair up beers of lighter color to cigars with lighter wrappers. This may help keep one from overpowering the other. When it comes down to it, barley wine and cigars are good friends, and you just might find yourself - as you beg to be included - asking the duo to become a trio.

Champagne, A Luxury Product – Blessing Or Curse

2008-02-02T10:14:00.000+07:00

Champagne, A Luxury Product – Blessing Or Curse by: Laura Hope
Champagne has always been seen as a thing of luxury. Most commonly found at celebrations be they weddings or on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix, Champagne's image has always been one of success. But perhaps that is where the brand that is 'Champagne' suffers. If Champagne is primarily associated with special occasions then it must alienate a large majority of wine consumers solely on this point. Herein lies the problem – Champagne's success is also its failure. The top brands dominate not only the UK market but also those in the USA and Japan – names such as Moët et Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Perrier Jouët and Mumm crop up time and again as the best sellers. Prestiges cuvées such as Dom Pérignon, Cristal, Krug lead the way in terms of value of sales with rappers such as 50 Cent and P Diddy endorsing their products in their music, again ensuring the image of Champagne remains one of wealth and success. The exclusivity of Champagne and the confusion surrounding the name does little to help the average consumer in their choice, however. As a retailer, there have been many occasions when I have been asked to advise on 'Champagne' for a wedding when the consumer has been talking about sparkling wine, especially Cava, rather than Champagne itself. In this way, as I mentioned before, Champagne has become associated with celebrations and is often used as a 'catch all' term for both Champagne and sparkling wine. Studies actually show that Champagne is an infrequent purchase in supermarkets with an average of 1.8 purchases per person, per year as opposed to five purchases per person, per year for sparkling wine as a whole (not including Champagne). The research also suggests that 60% of consumers drink Champagne for social or entertaining reasons and that the average age of a Champagne consumer is between 35-64, although there is a strong female following of Champagne too in the 17-24 year old bracket. In sum, it seems that Champagne retains an aura of exclusivity, although, in the market place, the word 'Champagne' often conjours up images of a sparkling wine drunk predominately on special occasions to those who are not au fait with the strict guidelines set by the CIVC to protect the name and image of Champagne. There is no doubt that the market for non-Champagne sparkling wine is increasing, especially in the off-trade where total volume sales increased by 8.1% in 2004. This is particularly pertinent when compared to Champagne sales by volume which were down by 2.1% in the same year. The statistics finally show that sparkling wine's share in the UK wine off-trade (by volume of sales) is currently 4% as opposed to Champagne's 1% and still light wine's 87%. One must remember that the 'volume of sales' is not the same as 'value of sales' as it is here that Champagne takes the crown with a market share of 6% compared to sparkling wine's 4%. The main worry that the Champagne industry has when faced with the increasing dominance of good quality sparkling wine is that, unless heavily discounted, Champagnes are not able to compete in the £7-£10 price point which remains the domain of sparkling wine. Cava is the most popular sparkling wine on the UK market at present with a total volume share of 54.6%. Two producers continue to dominate the market – Codorníu and Freixenet, the market leaders is Spain. They, like an increasing number of Champagne houses, own vineyards in the New World, California in particular to increase their stake in the global sparkling wine market. These wines are rarely seen on the UK market however, possibly as a result of the strength of their Cavas. New World sparkling wines from California, Australia and New Zealand are also increasingly important in the UK market, especially brands such as Mumm Cuvée Napa, Green Point by Chandon and Lindauer owned by Montana (another brand owned by the now Allied Domecq/Pernod Ricard conglomerate). It is interesting to see that traditional Champagne houses have diversified into these areas. They seem to bridge the price gap between non vintage Champagnes and cheap sparkling wines as they mostly retail at around £10-12 (discounts depending) without compromising on the quality of the product to which they lend their name. This seems to be an astute move in a market where deep discounting of Champagne is happening less and less and where brand image is so important. To say that the growth of sparkling wines in the market place threatens the Champagne industry would be untrue and the Champenois would certainly disagree with the idea wholeheartedly. Perhaps the key is to concentrate on marketing their Champagne brands at the sparkling wine consumer who purchases quality sparkling wine at a price point at which the Champagne houses are unable to compete.

Benefits of Green Tea

2008-02-02T10:13:00.000+07:00

Benefits of Green Tea by: Kelly Hunter
We have access to more information about our health now than any time in history. It seems like everyday there is a new miracle, a new cure for the things that ail us, another pill or potion that will make us feel better. Green tea is the “now” nutritional supplement. It has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, but is it worth all the hype? What exactly are the benefits and are they effective enough to consider? The Food and Drug Administration has not officially approved green tea or endorsed any of its properties, but believers swear by them. One of the pros (or cons, depending on your side of the fence on the issue) of green tea is its caffeine content. The tea contains about have the caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. There are several schools of thought on caffeine’s effect on the body. It’s definitely a stimulant, and some choose to avoid it for that reason. Some dieters say going decaf helps them curb their sweet tooth. Others say the little caffeine boost helps rev them up for their workout. Another unsubstantiated perk of this beverage is its ability to delay and sometimes alleviate the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Most such diseases involve the build up of a certain kind of plaque in the brain, which restricts blood flow and leads to the nerve damage that is characteristic of such illnesses. In a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the antioxidant EGCG has been shown to positively affect the amount of harmful beta-amyloid protein plaque in lab mice. The animals that were treated with a daily injection of EGCG exhibited a whopping 54 percent less of the harmful plaque than the animals that weren’t treated. If green tea is what it takes to stave off such dreadful diseases, why isn’t everyone drinking it? Simple, it’s just not enough. Other antioxidants found in the tea water down the effect of RGCG. In order to reproduce the same effect in humans that the lab mice experienced, the dose would have to be about 1,500 or 1,600 milligrams a day. The large amount has been tested on humans and found to be safe. Advocates of green tea also say it contains thermogenetic qualities that speed up metabolism and help with weight loss. To get the maximum health benefits of green tea, you’d need to drink the concentrated form of RGCG, which can also be found in vegetables. People who make a point to consume foods that contain RGCG keep themselves detoxified. Doing so reduces their chances of developing cancer and other diseases. Be aware that the health hype of green tea has aided its commercialism. Beverage brands have been quick to jump on the bandwagon and offer a plethora of variations on the theme. Just because it says “green tea” on the label doesn’t mean it has all the nutritional benefits you’ve heard about. After processing, it might not even be good for you at all. Always read the nutritional information on the back of the label and be sure of what you’re consuming.

Coffee - Is It Good for You?

2008-02-02T10:11:00.000+07:00

Coffee has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for at least a thousand years. Apart from it's wonderful aroma, the attraction of coffee lies in its properties as a stimulant. In many people, coffee enhances alertness, concentration and mental and physical performance. This is due to its caffeine content. The average cup of instant coffee contains about 60mg caffeine while filter coffee contains about 85mg. For those who are sensitive to caffeine and prefer decaf blends, the decaffeinated beverage contains only 3mg. Some have worried that coffee is not good to consume during pregnancy, but there is no sound evidence to suggest that modest consumption of coffee has any effects on the wellbeing of an unborn infant. There is also no evidnece that coffee increases the risk of breast, ovary, pancreas or kidney cancer in women. There is also evidence that coffee protects against colon cancer and some preliminary evidence that it protects against male breast cancer. Some even use coffee for colonic irrigation. There is no evidence that coffee increases the risk of heart disease. Some have reported heart palpitations and a rise in blood pressure after coffee consumption, but there is no persistent hypertensive effect in the long term. Others have claimed that drinking coffee promotes indigestion, but this is not the case in the majority of people, although it has been known to produce heartburn in people with gastro-oesophageal reflux problems. But there is no evidence that coffee increases the risk of peptic ulcers and there is some evidence that it protects against gallstones. Evidence is growing that coffee might protect against developing Parkinson's disease and possibly Alzheimer's. Diabetes is still under investigation. Because coffee is a diuretic, it is important to drink enough fluid to replace what is lost. Coffee is rich in anti-oxidants, far moreso than other common beverages. This is due to compounds formed during coffee bean roasting. Anti-oxidants prevent free radicals from multiplying and are a major deterrent of chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. In recent years the gourmet coffee industry has come of age. Discerning consumers have come to expect distinctive coffee tastes and aromas with all the passion of fine wine connoisseurs. Coffee lovers all over the world are discovering the experience of the finest gourmet coffees which can be ordered with a few mouse-clicks on the internet and delivered to your door or workplace shortly after. Boca Java gourmet coffee and teas are fast becoming one of the main players in the online coffee market.

Sauteed Salmon with Teriyaki Sauce

2008-02-02T10:09:00.000+07:00

this one is my moms favorite dish..
its delicious and its healthy, and its easy!
The ingredients :
4 or 5 filets salmon
Cornstarch
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
DIPPING SAUCE:
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. sake (Japanese rice wine)
TERIYAKI SAUCE:
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. sake

How to make it:
Mix dipping sauce ingredients and steep salmon in the mixture for 1 hour. Pat salmon dry with a paper towel and coat thinly with cornstarch. Heat vegetable oil in frying pan and saute salmon until well cooked and take out. In clean frying pan, heat teriyaki sauce mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Put the salmon into the frying pan and flavor with teriyaki sauce.

Chicken stock

2008-02-02T10:04:00.000+07:00

The basis of a good soup is usually a good stock. Once you know how to make a good stock, you can use it for an almost endless variety of soups. This is a recipe I use for chicken stock that's easy to make, and tastes delicious.
The ingredients :
1 Whole Chicken, about 3 pounds
8 cups water
2 carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces
2 stalks of celery, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut into large chunks
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2-3 sprigs of parsley
1-2 sprigs of sage
2 sprigs of rosemary
2 sprigs of thyme
2 tsp. salt

How to make it :
Cut the chicken up into pieces. Put the chicken, and the rest of the ingredients into a large kettle, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer for 3 hours. Remove the chicken, and place in a bowl to cool. Pour the stock through a colander lined with cheesecloth, and chill. When the chicken has cooled enough to handle, remove the skin and the bones, and freeze or refrigerate the chicken for another use. Skim the fat off of the stock, and refrigerate, freeze, or use immediately. Yield: About 6 cups of stock, about 4 cups of chicken. Don't feel constrained by the ingredients and amounts listed in this recipe. You can use other herbs for a different flavor. You could add ginger peels and lemongrass for an Asian flavor. Just let your imagination run wild. You don't need to use a whole chicken either. You can buy the bone-in chicken breasts, and remove the bones before cooking. Then just put the bones in a plastic bag, and put them into the freezer. Then when you're ready to make the stock, just take the bones out and use them in the stock.
Try it, and enjoy!

Me Back!

2008-02-02T10:01:00.000+07:00

hi!! just like my promise i'm back to update my blog, to give you recipe and article about food and beverages..

so be prepared...hhehehe

what a day!!!

2008-01-26T18:13:00.000+07:00

yeah, i called it what a day!
i'm so tired and happy at the same time...there so much i want to share with you guys but what can i say, i think my body had just reach its limit...hahahhaa
so thats it for now
BUT don't worry, just like i said that i'm gonna update this blog at least once a week..and i'm gonna bring you all the fresh recipe and all the best article that internet can have hehee..
so until then... =)

Chocolate's Versatility

2008-01-26T17:58:00.000+07:00

Chocolate's Versatility by: Jon Sherwood
It would be so nice to be able to begin this article with the words, “Who doesn’t love chocolate?” Unfortunately, there are some poor souls out there who are either allergic to this yummy delight or who, for some unknown reason, think that they do not like the taste of it. Oh, well, that just leaves more for the rest of us. Chocolate in any form really is an appropriate gift for any occasion. You can give it to someone for nearly any holiday and in the case of some holidays like St. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter; they would almost seem empty without some chocolate. The other fact about giving a gift basket of chocolate goodies is that even though expensive foreign chocolate may be far superior in quality to the selection that is readily available at your local store, it is still a gift that is just as appreciated no matter where the chocolate comes from. So, while the chocolate that is defined as “imported” or “handmade” sounds nice and probably is very nice, don’t let that stop you from creating your own gift basket of local chocolate treats. If you have your heart set on it and you really want to give chocolates that are imported and unusual, there are many companies that specialize in putting together gift baskets and they can create a chocolate assortment using chocolates from anywhere around the world. It just so happens that chocolate gift baskets are one of the most popular styles of gift baskets because they get such a welcome reception whenever they are given. The great benefit about giving a gift basket of chocolates as a gift is in its versatility. Whether you are giving a chocolate gift basket to your mother, your sweetie, or to your business associates, chocolate is always an appropriate and appreciated gift. It always seems to express just the right sentiment. A good chocolate gift basket is one that includes a large variety of chocolate products. Not only a diversity of chocolate candies, but chocolate cookies, cakes, fudge, chocolate covered peanuts or pretzels and even hot cocoa or chocolate flavored coffee. Now, that’s a chocolate gift basket! You can choose to put these baskets together yourself or you can order one from a local gift basket company or a company online. The average price of a chocolate gift basket that you can have delivered runs from about $50 to $200, depending on its size and the variety of items in the basket. Of course, you can always make the gift yourself and you may be able to purchase a lovely basket and different chocolate items for less that having one specially made and delivered, but you probably won’t be able to include all of the variety that a gift basket company can. Once you decide on whether you will use a company that specializes in gift baskets and put in an order or if you decide to make one yourself, a chocolate gift basket can be given for absolutely any occasion. For instance, a basket of mugs, hot cocoa mix, cookies and chocolate treats would be perfect as a gift for a family on Christmas Eve. Place all of the items in a Christmas themed decorative basket or dish or even a Santa’s sleigh and add a bow. What a lovely way to say, “Merry Christmas.” How about the Superbowl? If you are invited to a Superbowl party, don’t come empty-handed. Throw some homemade or store bought chocolate snacks in a football shaped bowl or a football helmet and watch everyone move you out of the way in order to gather around it. Baskets, chocolate, and Easter naturally go together. Put them together and create a beautiful centerpiece for the holiday table or make one for your office to share as the holiday approaches. There are so many chocolate choices available at this time of year that it will be hard knowing when to stop. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are two more occasions when a delectable chocolate gift basket would be appreciated. In order to add some originality, place the chocolate selection in a beautiful crystal bowl or vase for Mom and in a cigar humidor or a toolbox or tacklebox for Dad. Even Independence Day can be an excellent occasion for giving chocolates. Add little American flags to the candies and present the whole gift in a star shaped container. You can even add streamers or string-pulled confetti poppers to the container in order to help celebrate the fireworks later in the evening. Or, if you know someone who will be camping out this summer, a great gift basket is to make a “S’more themed basket”. Fill a bucket with chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows and let the fun ensue. Halloween is an easy holiday to celebrate with a chocolate gift basket. There are different varieties of available candy everywhere and you can readily find a basket or a container in the shape of a jack-o-lantern or witch’s cauldron. This is another wonderful creation to make and then set out at work for your co-workers and visiting clients to partake in. Besides holidays, there are birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming parties, graduations, baby and wedding showers, and “just because I love you” occasions. Add some chocolate covered popcorn with a favorite movie and create a great any occasion gift. Another way to use chocolate in a gift basket is to fill it with chocolate treats all from one area of the country or the world. This is a welcome gift for someone who is from that area to remind them of home. In addition, a chocolate gift basket is great as a way to help cheer a friend who is down. A small chocolate gift basket is also a perfect gift for all of your children’s teachers and it makes a lovely thank you gift for anyone else, as well. Next time you are facing an occasion and you need to bring a gift, don’t forget the sweetest gift of all, a gift of chocolate. It may be one of the simplest gift baskets to put together, but it is one of the most appreciated. Just tell everyone that they can begin their diets next week.

Cigars and Port: A Couple of Luxuries

2008-01-26T17:57:00.000+07:00

Cigars and Port: A Couple of Luxuries by: Jennifer Jordan Cigars and alcohol have been a dynamic duo for thousands of years. From scotch and a Montecristo to brandy and a H. Upmann, they have been escorting each other to weddings, galas, and celebrations all over the world. Though there are shelves of alcohol that go well with cigars, there is one that smokers often overlook: Port wine. Sitting in the back of a wine cellar simply waiting for someone to drink in its glory, port wine knows it important when it comes to cigars. Nearly as sweet as a spoonful of sugar, Port would probably have been the preference of Mary Poppins had she let her hair down and decided to have a drink. Known also as Vinho do Porto, Oporto, and Porto, Port is fortified wine hailing from the northern parts of Portugal. Though there are Port-like wines made in other countries, such as the US, Portugal lays claim to true Port. The others are, in a simple alliteration, Port Posers. Made from grapes in the Douro Valley, Port has a long and colorful history. Produced in Portugal since the mid 1400’s, it didn’t gain popularity until the Methuen Treaty of 1703. A treaty that was used to – as treaties are known to do – solve war related conflicts, this agreement also put Port on the European map by strengthening the Port wine trade. Soon, England was very important to the world of Port. The process of making port is an arduous one. It initially involves picking grapes, smashing them (don’t worry, they use stunt doubles), and then placing the remnants in a tank where they are chopped further into tiny pieces. After sitting in this tank for close to twenty-four hours, the grapes begin to ferment and their sugar evolves into something else: alcohol. With Port wine, after fermentation begins, timing takes over. This is where Port becomes somewhat special and a whole lot different. Once half of the grape's sugar has been converted, fermentation must be stopped. In order to do this, the wine is mixed with clear brandy containing a proof of 150. The alcohol in the brandy kills the yeast in the wine, causing fermentation to cease. The ending result is a wine that is sweeter and higher in alcohol content than most. Though there are many styles of Port - White Port, Ruby Port, Young Tawny Port, Aged Tawny Port, Vintage Character Port, Late Bottled Vintage Port, Traditional Late Bottled Vintage Port, Vintage Port, Single Quinta Vintage Port, Crusted Port, and Garrafeira Port - most styles fall into two broad categories: Bottle aged or Cask aged. Because doing the tiniest thing different will result in a different taste of wine, the two Port processes greatly dictate the flavorful outcome. While Bottle aged Ports generally behave like wine on Botox, keeping their color and their fruitiness well into maturity, Cask aged Ports lose flavor quickly. They are ready to drink right away and should be consumed quickly. Some of the best Ports to know are the Taylor Fladgate Tawny Port, W. & J. Graham's Tawny Port, Smith Woodhouse Vintage Character Port, Niepoort Vintage Port, Quinta do Infantado Single Quinta Vintage Port, and Adriano Ramos-Pinto Late Bottled Vintage Port. Port wine, because of its innate sweetness, is usually served with desserts, and cheese. But, when accompanied with a cigar (hand rolled ones make a particularly ideal pairing), desserts don’t hold a candle and the cheese, as a Tawny Port ditches a block of cheddar for a Camacho Corojo, stands alone.

How To Buy Good Wines Cheaply

2008-01-26T17:55:00.000+07:00

How To Buy Good Wines Cheaply by: Louise Truswell No matter what you may have heard elsewhere, buying good wines cheaply is easy. Simply follow these useful tips and you’ll be well on the way to finding great value wines without compromising quality. Firstly, always “back the little guy”. By this, we mean hunting down small, boutique wineries, which don’t have large advertising budgets to convince you to buy their wines, or cash to buy space on supermarket shelves. Instead, the only way that they can get their wines noticed is to ensure that the quality is of a very high standard. Wines of this type can be bought from retailers who support small producers. When looking for a decent, cheap wine, a good tip is to seek out less fashionable regions. The wine trade is obsessed with fashion and the result of this can be a compromise in quality. Wine estates in Bordeaux and California for example, are often more known for their investments by millionaires, rather than the wine itself. So to enjoy good wines without the fashion tag, you should search out the retailers who source their wines from places that make similar wines. Chilean Cabernet Merlot is a good alternative to Bordeaux, while Grenache/Syrah blends are a perfect substitute to Chateauneuf du Pape and Chilean Chardonnay is to Chablis. And don’t forget New World fizz if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to Champagne. Another useful hint is to avoid wine brands and heavily advertised wines. Why? Well, large brand wines are produced in significant volumes, using mass production techniques, and as winemakers look to achieve consistency, they compromise quality by using artificial processes such as adding sugars and adding citric acid to their wines. In addition, they heavily promote and market their wines, meaning that significant mark ups are likely. Similarly, big name bargains are a definite no no. Although, through their buying power, supermarkets and large wine retailers can force producers to sell wines at incredibly low prices, they can only do this at the expense of the quality of the wine. To make ends meet, producers will be forced to plant on land that isn’t good enough to bear the region’s name or worse, they will increase yields and dilute the wines. So while a bottle of Chablis for a fiver may sound great, we guarantee that it will leave you feeling disappointed! Finally, make sure that you buy your wine from an online wine retailer. Online wine retailers will offer you far better value for money compared to supermarkets and ordinary merchants, as they don’t incur many of the building costs, which are then passed on to you, the customer. Also, as online retailers aren’t restricted by shelf space, they can offer an unlimited range of wines that ordinary merchants don’t necessarily have space for.

How To Store Your Wine

2008-01-26T17:53:00.000+07:00

How To Store Your Wine by: Jennifer de Jong
So, you love wine, you've bought a few of your favorite bottles and you store them in a wine rack on your counter or on top of your refrigerator. Then one day your friend brings you a bottle and you get another bottle for a gift and you begin to run out of room on your counter. Then you begin thinking...where is the best place to store my wine. Most wine lovers have seen the day that requires graduating from a couple bottles in a rack to coming up with some sort of system to sort, store, and keep wine accessible. The following are some tips for keeping your wine healthy and tasting good long-term. Wine is best stored under cool, dark, airy conditions, free from vibration, odors and dampness. A cellar need not be under the house. The single most important factor is temperature stability. Wines stored where the temperature varies gradually with the seasons are better off than wines stored in a room which is heated during the day and then allowed to cool to winter temperatures at night. The ideal cellar temperature is 12-15oC(53-59F) with a relative humidity of 65-75%. It is worthwhile using a thermometer to monitor summer temperatures. It may be a cause for concern if the cellar temperature goes much over 18oC(64F), as warm conditions will accelerate the development of your wines, possibly reducing the pleasure to be had from them. Store wine on its side, ideally with the neck sloping slightly upwards so that the cork remains wet, the bubble of air is in the shoulder and any sediment will collect at the bottom of the bottle. This will make the wine easier to decant. Place the bottle with the label facing up or use written neck tags so you do not disturb a wine to identify it. Align the bottles so that the corks are visible - this will allow easy inspection for problems such as leakage. Depending on the size of your cellar and your budget, your wines can be stored in either racks or boxes. There are various racking and storage systems available ranging from metal individual bottle storage racks through to custom-built wooden systems. Cardboard cartons in which wines are packed provide efficient insulation and also protect the wine from light. Another alternative, albeit an expensive one, is specially designed styrene boxes, which provide excellent insulation and double as wine racks. Air conditioning and refrigeration may effectively reduce temperatures but will also reduce humidity causing cork shrinkage. Buckets filled with water and regularly topped up will usually solve this problem. Alternatively, several companies now offer cellaring cabinets of varying sizes, that are, effectively, modified refrigerators with humidity control and these same companies can also supply humidity control units for rooms. It is important to note that your wines will mature more quickly if your cellaring conditions are not ideal. If you are like me, you have more everyday style wine in your cellar than anything. These wines are better to drink quickly rather than store for years and years. However, proper storage conditions will keep your wine from spoiling too quick and you may be surprised with the excellent aging results you achieve with some higher end or more complex styles such as Bordeaux or Pinot Noir/Burgundy. Try asking your local wine merchant to suggest some wines for you that age well and have fun starting a collection of age worthy wine to go with your everyday wine.

Fun, Healthy, Delicious Food – Can You Really Have it All?

2008-01-26T17:52:00.000+07:00

Fun, Healthy, Delicious Food – Can You Really Have it All? by: Sahar Aker
Is there really such a thing as food that is fun, healthy, and delicious? So many people think grub that’s good for you automatically takes all the fun out of eating. After all, healthy food can’t possibly taste good, can it? Of course it can! I have been busy gathering some ideas for fun, healthy, delicious foods to share with you. If you have kids, these are recipes I think they’ll like too. And here’s another bonus – they are all easy to make: • Have you seen those “Flatout Mini” soft wraps? I love these! They are small-size wraps that are low in calories, convenient, and very versatile. Try this easy recipe – all you need are the wraps, cooking spray, Mrs. Dash, and Parmesan cheese. Cut each wrap into 16 wedges and place on a cookie sheet coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with a little Mrs. Dash and a bit of Parmesan. Bake at 350-degrees for about ten minutes or until lightly brown and crisp. • Fruit kabobs – This is a fun alternative to a plain old bowl of fruit. Just pick a few of your favorites – maybe apples, pineapple, bananas - and cut them into chunks. Slide the fruit onto a skewer. Next, roll the skewer in a plate of nonfat yogurt… then roll again in a plate of shredded coconut. Voila! A fun, healthy, delicious snack! • Sandwich kabobs - Cut whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese, and your favorite deli meat into cubes. Slide them onto skewers along with some veggies like grape tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and olives. Dip into fat-free or low-fat Italian dressing. • For a quick mini-pizza, top an English muffin (go for the whole grain ones) with spaghetti sauce and a little shredded low-fat mozzarella. Broil until the cheese melts. • Pop a frozen waffle or pancake into the toaster and top it with warm applesauce and cinnamon. Too easy, huh? • Freeze some grapes, bananas, cherries, or maybe peaches and blend with yogurt for a fruit smoothie. • Yogurt pops – fill paper cups with your favorite non-fat or low-fat yogurt and put a popsicle stick in each cup. Freeze and enjoy! • Creamy Coolwich (from Nabisco World) - put 2 tablespoons of sugar free Cool Whip in between graham cracker squares. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for three hours or until firm. Yum! • Blueberry Cracker Bites (from Kraft Foods) – spread 1 teaspoon light cream cheese on a reduced-fat Ritz cracker and top with 5 frozen blueberries. Too fun! So, you see – healthy foods can be fun and delicious. Now, I am a firm believer that the key to a successful, healthy lifestyle is to choose fun good-for-you foods and exercises when you can. It’s a tough enough fight out there whether you’re trying to lose or maintain weight. But enjoying the journey is half the battle.

Hot White Chocolate From The Ancient Cacao Bean

2008-01-26T17:50:00.000+07:00

Hot White Chocolate From The Ancient Cacao Bean by: Dean Forster There are almost endless possibilities when it comes to choosing and buying chocolate. There are as many chocolate assortments on the market as many people's tastes for this treat. The term chocolate includes a number of foods that are produced from the seed of the tropical cacao tree, native to lowland tropical South America. People used to drink liquid chocolate beverages as back as 3000 years ago by the native Mayans and Aztecs. Chocolate is also associated with the Mayan god of fertility. A lot of the hot white chocolate consumed today is made into bars that combine cocoa solids, fats like cocoa butter, and sugar. White chocolate is a special chocolate type. One of the first things you should know about it is that although it is called chocolate, white chocolate isn't really chocolate at all. Yes, the white assortment comes from the same cacao plant, but it turns white because of a different production process. White chocolate was first made in New Hampshire after World War I and of course, hot white chocolate first appeared back then but only with isolated requests. Hot white chocolate isn't as popular as generic hot chocolate is, but it has way more demand than it had in those days. Chocolate is made from useable items extracted from the ancient cacao bean. While dark chocolates use the cocoa powder ground from the seeds, the versions of white use only the butter. Actually, this is the reason for which the hot white chocolate has that very light color. White chocolate contains neither chocolate liquor nor cocoa solids. Because of this fact, the lack of chocolate syrup from its creation process, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not even consider white chocolate at all to belong to the chocolate family. Some people also state that hot white chocolate hasn't got anything to do to hot chocolate in anyway. To create this delicious treat, producers use cocoa butter, milk solids, vanilla, sugar and lecithin; these being its main ingredients of course, for hot white chocolate, all of these are powdered (or should be). If real, natural cocoa butter is used, the result is a better tasting, higher quality product. Other producers will not use natural cocoa butter, but vegetable fats (these products are known as confectioner's coating or summer coating). Doing so, they end up with a lower quality chocolate product. If you read on the chocolate bar that vegetables fat has been used, you would better buy another assortment, made using real cocoa butter. It will simply taste better. When they are made with natural cocoa butter, white chocolates have an ivory color. They are a tasty combination of cream and vanilla and no producer making white chocolate using vegetable fat will ever manage to match it in taste. You can also distinguish white chocolate made using cocoa butter from that made using vegetable fats by their consistency, taste and ability to be stored. White chocolate can be stored for many months before it expires.

How To Enjoy A Glass Of Beer

2008-01-26T17:49:00.000+07:00

How To Enjoy A Glass Of Beer by: Jon Caldwell Drink and be merry is a familiar phrase that people would usually say back to you when you are on a vacation in Cork, Ireland. Car hire can provide assistance in bringing tourists to the various bars and pubs located all over Ireland. In the same way, this allows them total flexibility, since car for hire vehicles allow tourists the benefit of choosing the desired place, or to be able to hop from one bar to another. These benefits are limited in a way when people disregard their need for mobility and transportation, having to look at time always to be able to ensure that they go home safe and sound, without the hassles of needing to worry about their means of getting back to their lodging accommodations. Unimportant as it may seem for most people, a vehicle for hire really has a lot of benefits rather than worrying about the expenses. Not only concentrated on the pubs, but car hire also extends its coverage into other tourist wants, as nearby sites, drinking, dining and other activities that tourists would prefer while they are on vacation. Ideally, people will be restless once they are in Ireland. Thinking of what to do and where to go are only some of the issues that they have to address. Car hire also extends assistance on this aspect, providing tourists with information as to what ideal places would be worth their while. This car for hire organization is not solely aimed at providing vehicles for profit, but would also like to ensure that such tourists will get the most out of their vacation. Besides, a one shot deal is nothing compared to customer loyalty on their next visit and referral to their friends, if people are to find a trustworthy organization when they go on tour in Ireland. Among the alternative places where people may meet and bring women would be that of bars. Mixing alcohol with music and some pleasantries along the way are a good mix of better things to come, even perhaps leading to a stage where they can be able get to know each other better. Part of this of course comes from enjoying the company of each other and this proves to be an advantage on the part of the guy. You see, one of the hardest parts of trying to gain the nod of women is providing them a good time and impressing them that they made the right decision in giving in to your company. By all means, this is one hard thing to do if a man is not careful. The judgment phase, that of which is trying to win the woman’s nod is perhaps the most invigorating part that cannot promise anything frugal. It is an open battle field for them as they try to save face or obtain their trophy of trust from the apple of their eyes. Women of course will not give in to easily. Men have to find out the funny bone of their intimate and romantic desires. The things that make them click as a whole are the most important aspect since women rarely have the time to waste time for men who pursue them without purpose. Flings may be possible but honestly, women today have become wiser. Time is an essential element in maturity and this can be seen once a woman shows that she is not playing around with men. Companionship is one thing but going towards the next level is something else. Moreover, women value the effort and persistence. A woman will automatically not entertain the would-be suitors if they are not interested. With an open minded, most women would provide equal chances. If in the first try you are turned down, then perhaps it would be better not to pursue or expect more. The whole thing will become useless and moot. These are the realities in love and relationships. Many would want to get intimate and take on life together even if there is not seen bond just yet. However, for most people wanting something serious, their road towards it will say it all. Persistence and sincerity will be tested and all of these can be seen sooner than they think.

5 Steps to Guilt-Free Dining Out

2008-01-26T17:47:00.000+07:00

5 Steps to Guilt-Free Dining Out by: Susan Collmorgen
Perhaps dining out is something you and your family really enjoy doing. After all, it’s a great way to spend quality time together and engage in conversation, and you don’t have to be the one to cook the meal or clean up the mess. But can you really enjoy dining out together and still maintain a healthy lifestyle? The answer may surprise you. When done in moderation, dining out can still fit in with a healthy family lifestyle. So long as you make wise food choices and keep nutritional value in mind, you can enjoy your dining experiences without the guilt. The following are five steps to guilt-free dining: Step 1.) Skip the appetizers. Most restaurant appetizers are high in fat and calories. Rich chip dips, mozzarella sticks, potato skins, and Buffalo wings are tempting, but they should be avoided if you wish to feel good about your food selections afterwards. Keep in mind that at many restaurants, the main course will automatically come with bread, salad, soup, or in the case of a Mexican restaurant, chips and salsa. If you simply must order an appetizer, limit it to one to share with everyone at the table. Step 2.) Choose your entree carefully. When it comes to your main dish, pay attention to the listed ingredients. Avoid items with cream sauces or high-fat meats. Pass on fried side items like French fries and onion rings as frying adds additional fat. Consider steamed vegetables or rice as a side dish, or ask for the side items to be left off completely. Step 3.) Control your portions. I cannot stress this enough. Whether dining out or eating at home, portion control is perhaps the most important factor to consider when trying to maintain healthy eating habits. When you can, order from the lunch menu since the portions are generally smaller. Also consider asking for a to-go box when placing your order so you can split your meal immediately and avoid the temptation of over indulging. This also gives you a second meal later. Another option would be to split an entrée with your spouse or child. Step 4.) Avoid alcoholic beverages. A mixed beverage or beer with your meal may be tempting, but try to limit alcoholic beverages to special occasions. Alcohol is very high in empty calories. Step 5.) Say no to desserts. Desserts may be hard to resist, but you’ll thank yourself for doing so. Not only are they very high in calories; they’re generally just as high in fat. If you’re really craving a dessert, make it a point to split one dessert with someone else. That way you’ll only take in half the fat and calories. Of course, on special occasions, it’s alright to cheat a little. Just don’t make it a habit.

Low Cholesterol Pizza Recipes? You're Kidding!

2008-01-26T17:45:00.000+07:00

Low Cholesterol Pizza Recipes? You're Kidding! by: Bretislav Slansky That is the reaction for most people. But as soon as you try these simple low cholesterol pizza recipes, you'll know it's true. Personally I love pizza. I can't live without the smell of freshly baked, cheesy tasting pizza with bunch of veggies or other stuff. Every time I watch movie at home, I have to bake a pizza. Otherwise I do not enjoy myself watching the movie. Which is about once a week. I think that having pizza once a week is not a bad thing. If you do not overeat of course. And if you know how to cook low fat low cholesterol pizza, you have nothing to be ashamed for. Ok, let's stop talking, put on some chef’s uniform and presto; you have just become healthy pizza chef. Healthy Pizza Recipe Preparation: When trying to prepare healthy pizza, start with a fat-free pizza dough or crust. I love to prepare pizza out of pita bread. For all pizza, use substitution like fat-free cheese, fat free tomato sauce, crushed red pepper or garlic (which has cholesterol lowering properties). Just be creative. Follow the samples of low cholesterol pizza recipes below and let your imagination create something great. Here are samples of my favorite pizza recipes: Breakfast Pizza You can just scramble some egg whites and put it on the top of your pitta bread or fat-free pizza crust. If you can find whole-wheat one, you are better off. Top it with: -smoked turkey "bacon" -grated fat-free cheddar cheese -diced green onions Bake or broil your pizza until cheese melts. Cool down for a 5 minutes and enjoy. Vegetable Pizza Start with a whole-wheat crust. Top it with these: -fat free mozzarella cheese, shredded -sliced mushrooms -diced red and greed peppers -diced onions Again bake it as an example above. Until cheese is melted. Hummus Pizza On top of your crust spread fat free hummus and top with: -diced tomatoes -chopped parsley -ground cumin Bake or broil until heated through. About 10 minutes on 350 degrees F. Like I said before, experiment with these samples and you can create your own low cholesterol low fat pizza. Hope you will get a lot of good ideas on how to make great tasting, yet healthier pizza. And remember, you can use pita bread, all vegetables on your pizza. You can also cut skinless chicken breasts on stripes, grill it using something like George Freeman Grill and add that on top of your pizza. Use your imagination!

How To Make Cappuccino In 3 Simple Steps!

2008-01-26T17:44:00.000+07:00

How To Make Cappuccino In 3 Simple Steps! by: Ebenezer Heng
Consider this the basic in the how to make cappuccino series. This article would highlight the steps to make cappuccino like the baristas you see in Starbucks and most coffee shops... Before moving on to the 3 simple steps to make the cappuccino, do you know what is cappuccino? The key to understanding this, would be invaluable to learn how to make it. Knowing the components of a cappuccino enables you to visualize the procedures later. Cappuccino is actually an espresso filled with 2 types of heated milk, i.e the steamed milk and the frothed milk. And, it is the frothed milk that gives cappuccino that classic look and it is also the "so difficult " frothing that lead world coffee bodies in using the froth to evaluate the skills of baristas. The proportion of cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 heated milk and 1/3 frothed milk. We would not touch on espresso in this article, as it warrants one entire article on how to get a good espresso, here we would highlight the other 2 components, the steamed and frothed milk, to better your learning in how to make cappuccino. You would get steamed milk when the heat source (usually the steam wand) is injected into the milk, slightly below boiling point. As the injection of hot air is controlled to a minimal, there would not be any change in the milk volume except for a small amount of micro bubbles or froth. To get more bubbles, i.e. to get frothed milk, place the steam wand at the surface of the milk, and this would creates more of the micro bubbles, remove the steam wand, when the froth has the look and feel of whipped cream. Now, let's learn how to make cappuccino in 3 simple steps: i. when using an espresso machine, while waiting for the espresso to brew, steam and froth the milk in a frothing pitcher. Once done, set it aside for approximately 30 seconds. This is to allow the milk densities to separate. To speed up the process, you can try what Starbucks or most coffee shops' baristas are doing -by knocking the frothing pitcher on the table, this would separate the steam from the froth milk. ii. Then, take a large spoon to keep the milk foam as you pour out the steam milk. As you pour the steam milk into a mug, do it slowly to prevent breaking the froth, and stop when you reaches 1/3 of the mug. With the 1/3 steam milk done, spooned up the froth milk and put it on top of the steamed milk, this foamed milk should take up another 1/3 of the mug. iii. For the last 1/3 of the mug, pour in the espresso down the middle of this foamy sculpture. And there you have it, a foamy cappuccino! Not that complicated right? No need to ask how to make cappuccino like that Starbucks baristas anymore right? You can do it with 3 simple steps!:)

Best Food And Wine Pairings

2008-01-26T17:42:00.000+07:00

Best Food And Wine Pairings by: Jack Wells
Are you looking forward to pair your favorite meal with a good quality wine, then you require to have an extensive knowledge about pairing the wine and food in a correct order. In case, you fail to do so, you will spoil the whole fun. In fact you would be spoiling the taste of the best quality wine and the best food item. The bad qualities you may introduce via pairing wine and food in an incorrect form include extra sweetness, bitterness, alcoholic properties and non-desirable metallic flavors. You can easily adopt several foolproof methods to pair food and wine in correct form. First and foremost, you should remember that the food and wine you want to pair should have similar characteristics. You should think of a porter if you want to have red wine in your lunch or dinner. The reason is that both these items have strong flavors. You should not mix and pair food and wine that consist of characteristics different from each other. Most people try to pair sweet wine with steak and end up getting undesirable results. Mixing wine and food of different characteristics will prove to be a very bad experience for you. Proper pairing will work towards providing a distinct and pleasant element to your overall wining and dining experience. Experts believe that wine with citrus taste will go well with chicken laced with butter and garlic sauce. You would simply love the outcome. You should follow certain rules before starting off to prepare new dishes for wines with high alcohol flavor. High alcohol flavored wines should be combined with barbecued dishes such as barbecued meats. If you happen to pair your favorite wine with light flavored dish, then chances are that wine will overpower the dish. You will end up feeling that you have been just having a glass of wine for so long. In case, you like wines that consist of a lot of tannin, then you should pair them with dishes rich in salt or protein content. You can also enjoy desert wine via mixing sweet wine with your favorite dessert that is sweet in moderate amount. Do not look for sweets that have too much sugar content. This will over seventeen your dish. You should also trust you own instincts prior to combining foods and wines together. Try to figure out what you want to drink and eat. Thereafter, slip some wine and take a bite of the food you have prepared in order to figure out what will suit your taste buds. You should not go for wine that you don’t like or a dish you have never tried before. Experimenting is good but don’t try to go for anything that may provide you bad taste. Best food and wine pairings result from a lot of research and experiment. You should learn a lot about wine, different types of cuisines and the results these provide when in combination. You would definitely be able to make great pairs if you make some efforts towards research work.

Coffee: What Are The Health Benefits?

2008-01-26T17:40:00.000+07:00

Coffee: What Are The Health Benefits? by: Aaron Matthews Morgan
If you are a coffee drinker, you no doubt have asked yourself how much coffee is it safe for you to consume on a daily basis. This is not surprising since so much has been blamed on coffee. Heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, you name it. At one time or another, coffee has been made to blame. Coffee has joined the ranks of red wine and chocolate as a guilty pleasure that may actually be good for you. As much as it is a great way to get that fix in the morning, recent studies have shown that coffee has been found to be rich in antioxidants and contains hundreds of pain-relieving and anti-bacterial compounds. Although one should not drink coffee with wild abandon, it's comforting to know that maybe that cup or two in the morning may be good for you. Here is a statistic to ponder: did you know that there are over 160 million coffee drinkers in the Unites States alone? In terms of consumption, the average American consumes 8.8 lbs. of coffee per year. But consider this: the world leader in terms of consumption is Finland which comes in at nearly 30 lbs per year. That's a lot of coffee! Another statistic is that there have been well over 19,000 studies done to analyze the effects of coffee. Now, studies can often be skewed to show whatever the author wants, but here is what is generally agreed: consuming 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day is often considered more beneficial than harmful. Recent studies have shown that moderate coffee drinking can reduce the risk of colon cancer (due to it's ability to keep you regular), gallstones, cirrhosis of the liver and more, due to the fact the it is loaded with healthy antioxidants. So loaded, that studies have implied that coffee contains higher levels of antioxidants compared to other commonly consumed beverages, such as tea and fruit juice. Coffee has joined the ranks of red wine and chocolate as a guilty pleasure that may actually be good for you. As much as it is a great way to get that “fix” in the morning, recent studies have shown that coffee has been found to be rich in antioxidants and contains hundreds of pain-relieving and anti-bacterial compounds. Although one should not drink coffee with wild abandon, it's comforting to know that maybe that cup or two in the morning may be good for you. Several studies are also being conducted on Parkinson's and diabetic Patients. Research has shown that just one cup of coffee per day can halve your risk of Parkinson's, the brain disease that causes tremors and affects movement. Caffeine may protect the brain cells typically lost to Parkinson's disease. However, it has been noted that women on hormone therapy do not seem to benefit. It is felt that Estrogen may dilute the effectiveness of caffeine. It has also been found that if a woman drinks three cups of coffee a day, she can reduce her risk of Type 2 Diabetes by twenty to thirty percent. Coffee may help promote the delivery of insulin to the tissues. Experts believe that coffee's antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid and caffeine acid, deserve the credit. There are also on going studies that are producing favorable reports on coffee helping to fight Alzheimer's due to the caffeine stimulating the cognitive area of the brain. This is just the tip of the ice berg. People with asthma who drink coffee can have up to 25 percent fewer symptoms because one of the compounds in coffee - theophylline - acts as a bronchodilator. A recent Brazilian study showed that consumption of coffee promotes better sperm mobility - and now studies are in progress to determine whether caffeine can help infertile men. Coffee contains polyphenols, substances that may reduce the risk of cancer and coronary artery disease. Caffeinated coffee, as opposed to decaffeinated coffee, makes you a better thinker. Studies have shown that coffee keeps you focused, particularly when you are doing not-so-pleasant work. A researcher with the U.S. Army stated caffeine improved scores on a range of cognitive tasks, such as decision making, learning, and attention in the sleep-deprived. Coffee can also boost your mood, probably by making you feel more energetic. A little known fact is that coffee contains antioxidants which have been shown to imporve oveall health. Here is a short list of some benefits which have been shown to be present in coffee: Reduce symptoms of Parkinson's Disease Antibacterial ingredients Reduce the risk of developing gallstones Preserve mental accuity Reduce risk of developing type 2 Diabetes (if you have diabetes, reduce your consumption If you are free of hypertension, coffee will not likely produce it Headache relief Reduce the risk of some types of cancer Improve physical endurance

Coffee Travel Mugs Is 1 Surefire Way To Enjoyed Coffee While Spending Less!

2008-01-26T17:38:00.000+07:00

Yes, make no mistake -this is an article dedicated to coffee travel mugs. I simply felt that this fellow having been slighted for so long, should be given its due credit. This simple mug at worse can save you a few bucks, at best might be able to save you a few hundreds! We all know that coffee, the most traded item after oil is expensive. If you would to look at it, as a daily expense, it seems little. However, this being a lifestyle, a daily necessity, a couple of dollars multiple by the days, weeks and years -it can add up to probably a trip to "that part of the world" you always wished you went. 1. The cost of good Coffee from Coffee house There are so many variety of coffee out there, but let's say you always go for a cuppaccino which cost about 3 dollars and you have 2 per day. Assuming that you have the same pattern everyday, you would be spending: $3 X 2cups X 365days = $2190 (about that amount for a tour?). Of course, the couple of dollars refer to the gourmet coffee that you would purchased from Starbucks or similar. Making it at home cost much less, and similarly having a coffee maker in your office would equate to much less than dollars spent -however it brings with it another financial outlay, the initial one. Do you see the pattern forming on how coffee travel mugs can save you the extra few dollars. Okay, I would not jump the gun and would slowly bring you through it. Imagine, making coffee at home is great, but if you want to enjoy the same standard in the office, other than cajoling your boss to get a unit, it would be to get one yourself. 2. The cost of good coffee from office coffee machine (self purchase) We still stick to the assumption that you love your cappuccino, so you would not be getting any drip or vaccum coffee maker, it would have to be an espresso machine. **Hint: the cheapest cappuccino machine around would be the Mr Coffee Maker ECM 250 which can make a simple cappuccino and is less than 50 dollars. To enjoyed the same standard in the office, is another 50 dollars outlay. That is not forgetting that you would have to "treat" your colleagues who is so envious of your sweet smelling cappuccion! The beans would probably cost you at 0.20 dollars per serve. You consume 2 cups but would probably have to "treat" anything from 5 to 10 cups. Let's say you "treat" 5 cups per day. The total cost of your coffee would be: 7cups X $0.20 = $1.40, lesser than what you would pay to Starbucks, but not the best savings! You spent a total of S$50(initital investment) + S$1.40 X 365 = $561.00 just to enjoy your 2 cups of cappuccino. 3. The cost of good coffee from coffee travel mugs. Using a coffee maker for the office still cost you about $561.00 every year. It is cheaper than the $2190.00, but to us, it is not good enough. Imagine, where the $561.00 can get you to? If you are travelling to Asia, this amount probably can bring you from Japan to another few days stay in Hong Kong! Now, let's see what savings, coffee travel mugs can get for us: Everything remains the same, you still drink 2 cups of cappuccino everyday. The difference is you get yourself a great Nissan or Frontgate coffee travel mug, that can keep coffee warm for hours! The initial outlay is approximately $20.00. You do not have to share your coffee as your coffee travel mug is personal, so folks would not come to you for "treats" and nobody likes sharing from the same mug -so you save the "treats". The total cost for the good coffee from coffee travel mugs would be $20.00 (the purchase of a good thermal mug) + $0.20 (the cost of beans) X 2 serve per day X 365 days = $166.00. Between having a coffee maker in the office and bringing it from home -you save close to $400.00 and you would saved more than $1500.00 simply by using coffee travel mugs and not buying from coffee house. So, what do you think? Simple thing yes, but in the era where cost is rising so rapidly, I seriously think that the savings from coffee travel mugs can go a long way for working folks like all of us!

Putting Taste Into Health Bars

2008-01-26T17:37:00.000+07:00

I met the managing director of Desire Tree International, Biddut K. Roy, and discovered the wonderful taste of their health bars (also known as nutrition or energy bars) under the trade name of "Wonderbar". In my conversation with Mr. Roy, I asked how he became involved in manufacturing such a wonderful food product. Mr. Roy replied, "I grew up preparing and serving healthy food to others...it is traditional as well as a good deed so my inclination was there." He further explained, "As for manufacturing food items, several years ago I took care of a business for friends and later I felt inclined to do something with my own team--with the scope to develop and grow a unique company. I was disappointed that many "energy bars", "health bars" or "nutrition bars" in the market are too bland for the consumers to be inspired about. Even parents expressed that they cannot get their children to eat them. Knowing this, our team wanted to make natural, healthy, tasty and nutritious health bars." Formulating the Wonderbar I sampled several Wonderbars made by "Desire Tree International" and WOW!, the products are very tasty and satisfying. The combinations are excellent with fresh nuts and dried fruits carefully prepared and packaged. An excellent product! Mr. Roy went on to tell me, "My new partners and I worked for weeks and months formulating the product with different combinations of ingredients. We use only the finest, highest quality ingredients that are natural, free of chemical additives, without GMO, free from allergy causing substances as well as no added sugar. We looked at many sweeteners and decided that honey would be the best ingredient. It is energy giving, naturally healthy, plus the taste is great. We worked with food nutritionists and studied necessary food guideline information to work out the food value, prepare and print wrappers, boxes, and acquire machines for proper mixing. We rented a suitable premise, registered our company and took care of the many details required to open our licensed company, "Desire Tree International." After extensive preparations were made, we were finally ready with a line- of products in eight flavors: cashew almond pineapple, almond apple cranberry, pistachio apple, hazel date almond protein, almond apple ginger, pumpkin seeds sesame raisin, and macadamia pineapple.