Merry Christmas to all my readers. Enjoy this day with family and friends. I hope you received many food related gifts!!!
Liz
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Luxury of Good Eating
I end this series of luxury eating with the best luxury of all food on the table. It's Christmas Eve around the world right now still and many will sit down to sumptuous meals. Many will not.
Enjoy what you with good friends and family. Treasure every bite and think about others who can't or who are separated from loved ones. Truly sharing a turkey or Christmas cake is a luxury no matter how small you may think it is.
A good holiday to my readers around the world. Thanks for the year long support you 've given me and Foodie Pantry. Having devoted fans like you is truly a luxury for me.
Enjoy what you with good friends and family. Treasure every bite and think about others who can't or who are separated from loved ones. Truly sharing a turkey or Christmas cake is a luxury no matter how small you may think it is.
A good holiday to my readers around the world. Thanks for the year long support you 've given me and Foodie Pantry. Having devoted fans like you is truly a luxury for me.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A Time For Champagne
The holidays are officially here and that means toasting them with a good bottle of champagne. The problem is which one? What sparkling wine best signifies the holidays? let;'s face ti there are so many choices that it;s hard to decide.
Luckily there is Eric Asimov' Wines Of The Times column in yesterday;s Wednesday's Dining section. There he described the different sparkling wines He mentions the unique Puet Petillant which is not fermented int eh usual way. Champagnes are made from a second fermentation in which carbon dioxide is trapped inside the vat , carbonating the wine.With this particular brand it's done during the first fermenting in which the grapes ferment into wine. A smaller amount of CO2 is released, creating a less fizzier sparkling wine. It's a smoother , more subtler taste.
Mr. Asimov also mentions a Langlois Chateau Cremant de Loire from France. This is a type of champagne with less carbon dioxide than a regular champagne. This was from Burgundy and had a fresh taste. He also tried Domaine Agape which was a bubbly Chardonnay . This had a spicy taste different from the usual sec or brut flavors the drink is known for. Of course there are also the Italian champagnes from the light crisp Prosecco to the very sweet and frothy Asti Spumante. For luxury of course, there is Angel Champagne, one of the world's most expensive.
Any champagne will do for the holidays. Use this as a guide or simply follow your own tastes. Whatever you choose it'll be the best glass of bubbly to celebrate this festive season!
Luckily there is Eric Asimov' Wines Of The Times column in yesterday;s Wednesday's Dining section. There he described the different sparkling wines He mentions the unique Puet Petillant which is not fermented int eh usual way. Champagnes are made from a second fermentation in which carbon dioxide is trapped inside the vat , carbonating the wine.With this particular brand it's done during the first fermenting in which the grapes ferment into wine. A smaller amount of CO2 is released, creating a less fizzier sparkling wine. It's a smoother , more subtler taste.
Mr. Asimov also mentions a Langlois Chateau Cremant de Loire from France. This is a type of champagne with less carbon dioxide than a regular champagne. This was from Burgundy and had a fresh taste. He also tried Domaine Agape which was a bubbly Chardonnay . This had a spicy taste different from the usual sec or brut flavors the drink is known for. Of course there are also the Italian champagnes from the light crisp Prosecco to the very sweet and frothy Asti Spumante. For luxury of course, there is Angel Champagne, one of the world's most expensive.
Any champagne will do for the holidays. Use this as a guide or simply follow your own tastes. Whatever you choose it'll be the best glass of bubbly to celebrate this festive season!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Still Working
There's an interesting article in today's NY Times Dining section about stills.Yes, stills, those symbols of illicit Prohibition fun. These are different though than those , however. They represent a kind of new wave of micro distillery,.
The article written by Toby Cecchini tells about a variety of distillers who use organic products. Distilling is nothing new to these parts. New Jersey first had applejack while Massachusetts surprisingly manufactured rum. Pennsylvania and Delaware made ryes long before bourbon came into being. it was a large part of the colonial trade. Nowadays it has a slightly different twist. Distillers are offering more wholesomely grown products appealing to the push for all things natural including spirits.
One good thing is that smaller distillers can put a twist on regular flavors. For example molasses can be added to rm for a sweeter, huskier flavor. Fruits can be added to brandies much as they did two or three centuries ago. Botanical can be added to gins to produce something purer in form to the Dutch genever. Another plus is that the alcohol is distilled in aged wooden casks too, similar to European wines.
Smaller distilleries , it seems are making a comeback, It should be interesting to watch what the public thins of them and how they'll grow. They may be the next trend in organic spirits.
The article written by Toby Cecchini tells about a variety of distillers who use organic products. Distilling is nothing new to these parts. New Jersey first had applejack while Massachusetts surprisingly manufactured rum. Pennsylvania and Delaware made ryes long before bourbon came into being. it was a large part of the colonial trade. Nowadays it has a slightly different twist. Distillers are offering more wholesomely grown products appealing to the push for all things natural including spirits.
One good thing is that smaller distillers can put a twist on regular flavors. For example molasses can be added to rm for a sweeter, huskier flavor. Fruits can be added to brandies much as they did two or three centuries ago. Botanical can be added to gins to produce something purer in form to the Dutch genever. Another plus is that the alcohol is distilled in aged wooden casks too, similar to European wines.
Smaller distilleries , it seems are making a comeback, It should be interesting to watch what the public thins of them and how they'll grow. They may be the next trend in organic spirits.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Keep A Well Stocked Holiday Pantry
This last few days before Christmas are hectic. there;s still last minute shopping to do. pageants to attend. Guest lists to write out. We may pride ourselves on at least keeping our pantries well stocked for the big day however they do get empty. Also we may also forget to pick up even the e most basic essentials. Before you do anything make sure your holiday pantry is well stocked.
Ask yourself what you'll be needing? if you have more guests inviting themselves then have a few extra cans of veggies. There;s nothing like stocking up on string beans or creamed corn. Ditto for the mashed potatoes. A few boxes of plain or flavored can go a long way in extending a meal.Another is instant or jarred gravy During any big family get together gravy is usually the first thing gobbled up, so make sure you even have instant packets for extra. For guests staying over make sure you have breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon and pancake mix at hand for those mornings when the kitchen looks more like a restaurant.
Another idea is to keep your dessert pantry filled too. have extra cookies and candies around for nibbling. Kids gobble these up pretty fast and you don;t want to be without. Other foodstuffs that go are soda and juice. Take advantage of the sales right now and buy five to ten bottles during one trip. You may also want to get extra bottles of wine and champagne for the more grown up celebrating. They're probably also going to be heavily used when you make your famous punch.
This holiday don't find yourself low on any food or drink . Keeping a well stocked pantry makes your holiday better. It also is one less headache to worry about during these busy last few days.
Ask yourself what you'll be needing? if you have more guests inviting themselves then have a few extra cans of veggies. There;s nothing like stocking up on string beans or creamed corn. Ditto for the mashed potatoes. A few boxes of plain or flavored can go a long way in extending a meal.Another is instant or jarred gravy During any big family get together gravy is usually the first thing gobbled up, so make sure you even have instant packets for extra. For guests staying over make sure you have breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon and pancake mix at hand for those mornings when the kitchen looks more like a restaurant.
Another idea is to keep your dessert pantry filled too. have extra cookies and candies around for nibbling. Kids gobble these up pretty fast and you don;t want to be without. Other foodstuffs that go are soda and juice. Take advantage of the sales right now and buy five to ten bottles during one trip. You may also want to get extra bottles of wine and champagne for the more grown up celebrating. They're probably also going to be heavily used when you make your famous punch.
This holiday don't find yourself low on any food or drink . Keeping a well stocked pantry makes your holiday better. It also is one less headache to worry about during these busy last few days.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Last Minute Foodie Gifts
Christmas is literally right around the corner if you haven;t picked up anything for your favorite foodie, now is the time. The problem is what to get. Do you panic like crazy and pick up the first thing you see? Or debate and deliberate until someone takes it off the shelf before you? The best bet is to calm down. Foodies like everything about food. There's a wide array of stuff you can give.
The first thing you need to do is write a list. Write down if she or he is into creating dishes or more into eating. if it;s creating you can even visit your local supermarket for last minute gift ideas Think about a bask filled with sea salt, peppercorns and favorite spices. Those are always fun. Another idea is cookie cutters, and decorations along with an icer. for the bakers in your life. Gadgets are always of great use. Any Target or K-Mart has a big selection. Every cook needs new whisk and spatulas along with fun things likes decorative timers and cheese graters. Another lovely gift are place mats, napkins and napkin rings. These are perfect for the foodie couple in their first place. Fancy tablecloths also are appreciated too.
For the foodie who likes to eat. you can either create a memorable food basket or give a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant. baskets are fun to make up. You can have a theme, like international teas or coffees or their favorite flavors, like chocolate or caramel. You can even have a soup basket full of dried soup mixes or a pizza lover's basket full of the ingredients to make a pie. Luckily there are also restaurant gift certificates that cater to every taste. Even the smaller , family owned ones offer ones so you can buy from both chain and privately owned for a fun dining experience.
Don't fret if you haven;t bought your favorite foodie her or his gift yet. You still have plenty of choices yet. There are still so many gift ideas to choose from. Have fun !
The first thing you need to do is write a list. Write down if she or he is into creating dishes or more into eating. if it;s creating you can even visit your local supermarket for last minute gift ideas Think about a bask filled with sea salt, peppercorns and favorite spices. Those are always fun. Another idea is cookie cutters, and decorations along with an icer. for the bakers in your life. Gadgets are always of great use. Any Target or K-Mart has a big selection. Every cook needs new whisk and spatulas along with fun things likes decorative timers and cheese graters. Another lovely gift are place mats, napkins and napkin rings. These are perfect for the foodie couple in their first place. Fancy tablecloths also are appreciated too.
For the foodie who likes to eat. you can either create a memorable food basket or give a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant. baskets are fun to make up. You can have a theme, like international teas or coffees or their favorite flavors, like chocolate or caramel. You can even have a soup basket full of dried soup mixes or a pizza lover's basket full of the ingredients to make a pie. Luckily there are also restaurant gift certificates that cater to every taste. Even the smaller , family owned ones offer ones so you can buy from both chain and privately owned for a fun dining experience.
Don't fret if you haven;t bought your favorite foodie her or his gift yet. You still have plenty of choices yet. There are still so many gift ideas to choose from. Have fun !
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Holiday Roasts
With Christmas a week away and New Year's a mere two weeks its time to start thinking of what you;re going to be cooking. Moat of you have visited your butchers or your grocery;'s meat counter. Some of you are still in a quandary over what to serve. The best bet is the traditional roast. Here's the question. Roasted what?
Most people usually go for ham or turkey. If you're of German descent the first is always the preferred choice. Ham is relatively easy to bake or roast.It usually just takes an hour and can be glazed with a number of coverings. Pineapple juice and ginger ale are the most popular simply because they break down the pork enzymes, rendering the meat almost butter soft. Turkey again is a great choice because you can feed a large number of people with it it;s also more kid friendly too. Besides there's nothing like leftover turkey too the next day,.
For other ideas think about a whole roast pork or even London broil. Loin of pork can be intimidating to cook at first because of the size. However it;s really no different than any other roast. it takes about two hours to cook. and it's a dry roast. Unlike other roasts you can have fun flavoring it. Try a marinade in either lemon juice or vinegar to break down the enzyme s to make it tender. You can also use a flavorful rub for added taste. London broil is another good holiday choice. It does have to be marinaded for about four hours. You can use garlic, soy or even balsamic vinegar for flavor and then cook for half an hour. London broil is great for smaller dinner parties and just family gatherings.
A holiday roast is always special .You can have tradition with ham or turkey or something new with pork roast or London broil Whatever you choose will be perfect for your Christmas or New Year's table.
Most people usually go for ham or turkey. If you're of German descent the first is always the preferred choice. Ham is relatively easy to bake or roast.It usually just takes an hour and can be glazed with a number of coverings. Pineapple juice and ginger ale are the most popular simply because they break down the pork enzymes, rendering the meat almost butter soft. Turkey again is a great choice because you can feed a large number of people with it it;s also more kid friendly too. Besides there's nothing like leftover turkey too the next day,.
For other ideas think about a whole roast pork or even London broil. Loin of pork can be intimidating to cook at first because of the size. However it;s really no different than any other roast. it takes about two hours to cook. and it's a dry roast. Unlike other roasts you can have fun flavoring it. Try a marinade in either lemon juice or vinegar to break down the enzyme s to make it tender. You can also use a flavorful rub for added taste. London broil is another good holiday choice. It does have to be marinaded for about four hours. You can use garlic, soy or even balsamic vinegar for flavor and then cook for half an hour. London broil is great for smaller dinner parties and just family gatherings.
A holiday roast is always special .You can have tradition with ham or turkey or something new with pork roast or London broil Whatever you choose will be perfect for your Christmas or New Year's table.
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