The Green Wine of Italy
Tocai is an aromatic dry white wine that is made from the grapes of the same name. It is grown in the Fuilia area of Italy and it is named after small eccentric glasses it is served in Italian taverns. The glasses are small and look like juice glasses. The grape is also sometimes known as Sauvignon Vert which translates to mean “green wine.” It is also grown in Chile and France. The name is pronounced Toe-Koi.
Tocai is not to be mistaken for a Hungarian wine called Tokay. These two wines are very different and in fact the Hungarian wine maker sued the Italian wine maker to exclusively own this name and lost. There is also a Japanese saki type wine known as Tokei. Tocai is quite different and is strictly grown in Italy.
This fussy and eclectic grapevine only grows in certain types of cool climates. It is rarefied because it is vulnerable to disease, much like Pinot Noir (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Pinot%20Noir/), and it often will rot if not grown near Fruilia. This is one of these wines that suffer if the crop is too big so most growers only keep a couple of the vines on their vineyards. The harvest for Tocai grapes is small each year. This is why the wine it creates is expensive and also very much prized by wine tasters.
The wine it creates is a pale yellow and often is strongly aromatic of pears, citrus and wild flowers. The beverage also has a clean, slightly crisp finish that is very fresh and dry on the palate. It is a sharp, yet perfumed wine that is quite strong. It goes great with sushi, Japanese food, grilled clams, and shrimp. This wine is usually of a very high alcohol content – 14%. It is also of a slightly thicker consistency than most wines. This means too that it stands up well to spicy cuisines such as New Orleans, Chinese, or Thai food.
Tocai (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Tocai/) is drank as a fancy wine in North America but in its native Spain this is a very pedestrian beverage that is drunk regularly the same way that we drink orange juice in the morning. The locals that drink it tend to eat it with humble foods including omelets, cheese, pork, and beans. It also pairs exceptionally well with chicken, fish, and pork. It is a serviceable cooking wine as well and excellent for frying up garlic onions.
The grape is usually harvested young which means midsummer. It is drunk young which means that it is not usually aged for long or at all. It grows best in sunny locations with well drained soils and in climates that have cold nights. That is why it grows so well in the mountains in Chile.
Other names for this thick and oily dry wine include Tocai Bianco Tokay Italian, Blanc Doux, Sauvignon ŕ Gros Grains, Sauvignon de la Corréze, Trebbianello, Sauvignon Vert, Sauvignonasse, Malaga. His wine is often mixed with Tokay, Tokay d’Alsace, or Tokaji which is a wine that is indigenous to Hungary.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, international cuisine, and fine wine varietals, such as Pinot Noir and Tocai. For a wide selection of wines, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.
Belgian Chocolate
There is chocolate and then there is CHOCOLATE.
There are the everyday variety to the more exotic Godiva and Ghirardelli-style that can be found in many coffee houses and specialty. Then there is Belgian, seen by many the best that can be had in chocolate. Belgian chocolates are considered the gourmet standard in which other chocolates are measured. Even by the Swiss, who are known for their own high standards of quality. The Swiss, who had imported the basic recipe from the French and the Belgian.
When chocolate first started to take off during the 1880’s it was supported by the Belgian Congo. There was about 10 million Africians that were killed under the Belgian ruler Leopold II to obtain the cocoa. In spite of the war going on, the Belgians were able to continue with the cocoa importing. But it was only when in 1857 that Jean Neuhaus used Couverteur a special version of chocolate. It was one hundred and fifty years later his grandson started to use Couverteur, he called to create what he called ‘pralines’. Which is not to be confused with the sugary treat that can be found in American candy stores these days. These pralines can be filled with a variety of flavored creams known as nougats: like coffee, hazelnut, fruit or more chocolate. It was in 1912 that Belgium chocolates were first used as a gift. These gifts were even wrapped in a special wrapper designed just for Belgian chocolates, this wrapper is called Ballotin.
There is another big difference between Belgian and United States chocolate is the percentage of cocoa per volume being used.
Belgian chocolate is prepared from the seeds of the Cocoa Tree. This tree bears large helmet-shaped seed pods that after being gathered, the beans are dried by the sun.
Even though Cocoa Tree was first initially discovered in America, this tree can now be found in many of the equatorial countries. Once dried the beans are sent to chocolate manufacturers. There they are roasted and crushed producing cocoa powder. The seeds are also squeezed to make cocoa butter.
The chocolate is then produced by the mixing of the powder, cocoa butter, sugar and milk powder.
When Belgian chocolate makers make their chocolate. They take extreme care to select the finest cocoa and components to produce the chocolate and ‘praline’ filling.
When the Belgian chocolate artisan makes the ‘praline’ it is made by hand especially the decoration.
In 1883 a pair of chocolatiers by the names of Michiels and Bieswal developed another kind of Belgian chocolate. It is known as ‘elephant’ chocolate because the cocoa beans are from the West African coast known as the ‘Gold Coast’ of Ghana. These beans are well known for the bold taste they produce.
Africa isn’t the only country noted for fine tasting cocoa. Brazil is as well, actually when a lot of people think of cocoa beans they think of Brazil. But unlike it’s African counterpart. The cocoa that some chocolatiers call Karenero, this cocoa has a mild hazelnut flavor.
So it was with great care and diligence of the course of about two hundred years that a chocolate delicacy was created.
This chocolate is known the world over as Belgian chocolate.
Chris enjoys writing about all kinds of food but especially chocolates. For more information on Belgian chocolates visit www.ultimatechocolateshoppe.com
All About Chocolate
From personal experience in dealing with a diabetic in my family, I know how difficult it is to look for a gift for a chocoholic who has to cut down sugar. The one thing about chocolate the diabetic person in my life is looking for is the one thing most chocoholics are looking for in sugar-free chocolate. That is that doesn’t taste like it that is sugar-free. Since regular sugar is what gives regular chocolate it’s taste, texture, feel good feeling. It is up to producers of chocolate to find the sugar-free alternatives.
Sorbotol, mannitol, isomalt, lactate, and xylitol are what you would look for in a sugar-free chocolate. Since these are sugar alcohols, they are slowly metabolized in the system because they are absorbed in the small intestine and are what produces the same mass, volume and texture of regular sugar based chocolate.
Meanwhile, polydextrose, otherwise known as aspartame, is what gives sugar-free chocolate that warm swarm soft feeling. Since it tends to copy sugar, it has a superior clean taste. However, the resulting chocolate still has a high fat content. It also contains lactose, which derived from milk. Not good for those who are lactose intolerant. Besides my family member says it sometimes gave him a migraine headache. That is caused in part by one of the additives used in giving aspartame an added sweetness.
Aspartame in itself is widely known as sugar-free but it is chemically made. So you may want to avoid it if you suffer from migraine headaches. This additive even though it is derived from the birch tree contains phenylethyamine.
Another such sweetener is Inulin, which happens to be a probiotic. A robotic, aka Activia, is a living microorganism which is what helps in the below mentioned maintaining regularity. So therefore, it is fermented in the lower intestine by beneficial bacteria called bifido bacteria. Inulin, since it has a lower calorie carbohydrate intake, is very is beneficial in the making of chocolate. Thus, helping people who need help in weight management. Since in the consumption of inulin, the blood sugar levels are not elevated, it makes a quality sugar substitute in chocolates for diabetics. Inulin also acts as a soluble fiber, which will help in maintaining regularity. Plus, inulin has been noted to have a positive effect people who are worried about calcium absorption like adolescents and postmenopausal women, which is an additional positive effect.
Now I have heard of Stevia. While it has no nutritional value and no caloric intake since it is derived from an herb, it could be the healthiest alternative in the long run. However, it has been noted that some diabetics had problems with it raising their blood sugar. Personally, my diabetic family member didn’t have this problem.
So armed with this knowledge about what makes up sugar-free chocolate. It is my hope that you as the person, who wants to indulge that special person in your life who either just wants to cut some sugar out of their life or needs to can make a healthy choice in the long run.
Chris Alleny writes about various subjects including food. For more information on great Diabetic chocolates visit http://www.ultimatechocolateshoppe.com.
Sugarfree Chocolate
Taken from the experience of someone who has spent countless hours searching in the past for sugar-free chocolates for the diabetic chocoholic(s) in their life. I remember hours of pouring over the numerous catalogs only to find only one or two chocolate items.
Then not too many years ago the age of inter-net shopping started. There was maybe a lot less paper but the problem was still remained. Simply because not many people at that time were interested in making sugar-free chocolate. But as more people are either finding out that they are diabetic or that they simply want to cut down on their carbohydrates, sugar-free chocolates has taken off.
So now the remaining questions are how much you want to spend, what kind of chocolate and from who do you want to order from.
One such place on line is Ultimate Chocolate Shoppe. There they have sugar-free dark chocolates, milk chocolates, white chocolates and specialty chocolates. Ultimate Chocolate Shoppe has been approved Feingold Program And meet the F.D.A. sugar-free requirement.
There are many companies on the inter-net that now cater to those who need to be or want to be sugar-free. However to claim that one is sugar-free must not raise blood glucose. And the way to do that is to use sweeteners like Maltitol. Their products are made from 70% all natural cocoa, they are sugar-free, low on trans fat therefore low on net carbohydrates, they are also gluten free, lactose free and peanut free. And to make it even more appealing their products are zero in cholesterol and high on antioxidants. So even those who are on a vegetarian diet will love these chocolates.
There are other place on line that have as a high standards as Ultimate Chocolate Shoppe in their sugar-free chocolates. For instance the developers at YC Chocolate have been developing a low carbohydrate, sugar-free dark chocolate bar with no artificial colorings, or flavorings, preservatives or sweeteners. YC Chocolate’s sugar-free chocolate has passed the natural foods criteria that they have set for what would be considered to be Natural and Clean. They have passed the F.D.A.’s requirements as well of not exceeding the 0.05% sugar from any source per any serving and is lactose-free.
This company are properly grown, harvested, and processed to create an unique and intense taste. Like Ultimate Chocolate Shoppe they use Maltitol which comes from corn, to sweeten the chocolate. Because Maltitol mostly doesn’t get digested it passes like fiber. This good for those who are in search of a low carbohydrate treat. Especially diabetic chocoholics because this chocolate don’t raise the blood sugar and because they use the minimal amount of Maltitol, the laxative effect reported is minimised as well.
These are just a few companies on the inter-net today that produce and sell many chocolate candies that will satisfy any chocoholics sweet tooth. Whether they are diabetic or just looking for ways to cut carbohydrates from their diet, know that there are places now that cater to those who are going sugar-free. Gone are the days of endlessly pouring over catalogs just to be disappointed at the selection.
Chris Alleny writes about various subjects including food. For more information on great Diabetic chocolates visit www.ultimatechocolateshoppe.com.
Health Benefits of Chocolate
It often takes several small-scaled researches that show promise before the government steps in to help in financing larger scaled research. Such was the case with the health benefits of chocolate. Mostly it’s because the FDA wants to know the preliminary studies done before they fund a major project.
It is the responsibility of the food companies to research the nutritional value of the products they produce. If they could fund the research through independent colleges and universities and produce exiting new data then the FDA that this is a worthwhile endeavor for the taxpayers’ money.
So where does chocolate fit into this?
Scientists are finding that chocolate has similar compounds that are in other foods like fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, and tomatoes.
The tea, grape, and chocolate industries are just starting to really explore the benefits of the antioxidants they contain.
So the researchers and scientists have good news for chocolate lovers. The preliminary research shows that chocolate may be healthy for you. Research so far shows that cocoa and other chocolates may lower blood pressure thus keeping your heart healthy. Reason being is the Nitric Oxide contained in chocolate.
Nitric Oxide helps healthy blood flow by preventing blood clots therefore helps in keeping your blood pressure. Nitric Oxide is found in the flavonoids in chocolate; that is why it has healthy potential. So far, scientists have found over 4,000 flavonoids further supporting the theory that chocolate. Incidentally in chocolate flavonoids are called flavonols.
.In another independent study involving forty people ages range between 20 to 40 year old people. The results of the prevention of blood clots supported the earlier research. The group took 25 grams of semi-sweet chocolate pieces and 81 milligrams of aspirin. Now, scientists aren’t recommending that people just rely on foods like chocolate to prevent blood clots. They found that aspirin lasts longer then flavonoids. In fact, the study showed that the body tended to adjust to the flavonoids so the effects went down.
When specialists in the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome field looked into chocolate, they considered chocolate to be one the substances that people who suffer from CFS should stay away from chocolate. The specialists noted that often times people who suffer from CFS have hypoglycemia so the sugar high that chocolate produces doesn’t cause the “crash” that follows.
However, for the rest of us, Cacao, from which chocolate is made, has antibacterial properties that fight tooth decay.
The smell alone might raise Theta brains waves and help in relaxing.
Men may consider it. Studies show that men who consume dark chocolate on a regular basis live a year longer than those who don’t.
So chocolate not only helps in keeping your heart healthy but also may help prevent tooth decay.
Chocolate also contains Serotonin in the brain increasing the general feeling of well-being.
The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleric acid, a mono-unsaturated fat that may raise your good cholesterol.
In the long run, the health benefit may out weight the negatives.
Chris enjoys writing about all kinds of food but especially chocolates. For more information on chocolates visit http://www.ultimatechocolateshoppe.com
Can Chocolate Make People Happier?
When we’re sad and stressed, what do many of us do? We resort to chocolate. There’s a long history of people using chocolate to make themselves happier, but the question still remains: is there a scientific basis behind it, or is the mood boosting ability of chocolate just an old wives’ tale? Here are the facts on the chemical composition of chocolate and how it can affect our moods.
One of the things that could account for the satisfaction we feel upon eating a lot of chocolate is that it’s so sweet and rich. Even dark chocolate has a high percentage of fat and sugar, and these properties stimulate the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the part of our brain responsible for pleasing sensations. When you eat chocolate to improve your mood, the sensations distract you from whatever’s making you upset.
In addition, chocolate can affect the amount of serotonin in the brain. This chemical is known for having an effect on mood, and is regulated by many anti-depressants. While the effect of chocolate is far less than that of medical remedies for depression, it does have a noticeable one on the way serotonin is released.
Chocolate also contains substances called unsaturated N-acylethanoamines. These may be responsible for activation of cannabinoid receptors or an increase of endocannabinoid levels - some of the same effects that occur with marijuana consumption, but on a much smaller level. That could result in euphoric feelings and heightened sensitivity - possibly responsible for chocolate’s reputation as an aphrodisiac.
One of the substances that makes unsweetened chocolate so bitter - theobromine - is similar to caffeine and theophylline. It, like those substances, is a stimulant. That means that consuming it could make you feel more alert and energetic, resulting in greater feelings of happiness. This chemical was first discovered in cacao beans in 1841 by a Russian chemist, but it wasn’t until 1878 that it was isolated from those beans.
It’s the primary alkaloid in cocoa powder and chocolate, with dark chocolate containing a lot and white chocolate containing only trace amounts. Theobromine also shows up in tea, kola nuts and guarana berries. Though it isn’t addictive, it might be responsible for the feeling we refer to as being a “chocoholic”, and has also been cited as one of the possible reasons some people consider chocolate to be an aphrodisiac.
Chemically, chocolate does have the ability to boost mood. However, to get much of an effect from these compounds, you’d have to eat a lot of chocolate. The fat and sugar content of this snack mean that it’s not ready to be used to fight depression, but a little bit might help you cure the blues.
Let’s just forget all the science for a moment though. I think most would say they are pretty happy while eating chocolate and after for a bit. Some things in life you don’t need a scientific test for. Eating chocolate is one of those times. If it tastes good and makes you feel good then enjoy your chocolate.
Chris enjoys writing about all kinds of food but especially chocolates. For more information on chocolates visit http://www.ultimatechocolateshoppe.com
Roussanne, The Pefect Blending Grape
Roussanne is a white wine grape grown that originated in the Rhône wine region in France, where it is often blended with the Marsanne grape to make quality wines. It is one of the few white varietal grapes that are grown in the highly regulated Northern Rhone regions which are mainly devoted to growing blended wines.
Roussanne is blended into white wines but it is also often blended into red wines. The name comes from the word that means russet brown. The grape itself is a golden greenish yellow tinged with color in a way that almost makes it look rusted. It is a very fragrant but quite delicate grape.
The Roussane grape is also cultivated in North America (particularly in Washington and California), in Australia, and in Europe (especially in Spain and Tuscany.) In Australia it is blended with Shiraz (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Syrah/Shiraz/) and grown mainly near Victoria. The grape is famous for rounding out the taste of wines so that they are fuller and sweeter tasting.
The grapes are a reddish brown color when ripe and the aroma that it creates when made into wine is often reminiscent of pears and honey. Grapes grown in cooler climates also have flowery notes that are detectable on both the tongue and the nose. Roussane grown in the Savoy region is more peppery.
The key word that is used to describe the flavor is mellow. Wherever the wine blend is sharp, the Roussanne (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Roussanne/) grape can make it mellower. It is also great as a single variety wine but it is harder to find. This is because of the high demand for these tasty grapes for use in wine blends. During some harvests they can be quite scarce because a great crop is not always produced.
This is a very late ripening grape and it is also not the profitable. It cannot be counted on to produce high yields year after year. Another drawback of this crop is that it is susceptible to a disease called powdery mildew. The grape is also difficult to prevent from oxidization and the acidity in the wine is often controlled by aging it in oak barrels. Grapes that are not grown well create a thinner, tarter more acidic wine. The wine fails if it tastes tart or acidic.
The wine is not always sold as a varietal. In California it is being sold as a single wine under the brand of Tablas Creek. These wines have a very strong nutty and fruity taste. The California wine is an everyday table wine and not necessarily that expensive as the quality of Roussanne grown in the New World is not as good as those grown in Europe.
Despite the fact that it is hard to grow you can find the Roussane grape being cultivated in vineyards all over the world. Other names for this wine include Barbin, Bergeron (in particular in the Savoy region), Greffon, Greffou, Martin Cot, Petite Rousette, Picotin Blanc, Plant de Seyssel, Rebellot, Rebolot, Remoulette, Roussane, Roussane Blanc, Roussanne Blanc, Roussette, and Altesse.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, leisure, international cuisine, and fine wine varietals. For a wide selection of wines including Roussanne and Shiraz, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.
Tile Coasters
Tile coasters are very hot right now. It is because you can print anything on them. They especially suit older works of art and if you go onto any of the big sites you will see that many types of tile coasters have actually now become collector’s items. They actually look like reproductions of vintage postcards with images on them by Diego Riviera, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Frida Kahlo and others.
You can also get humorous ceramic tiles. These have jokes, political statements or funny images on them. An example would be the image of a piggy bank saying the phrase “Change is good.” You can also get the old iconic signs like a big peace symbol, the big love image with the crooked “L” or the smiley face.
One drawback of tile coasters is that they are fragile and that they do break easily. Sometimes the condensation from the glass creates suction and this causes the drink coaster (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-Themed-Gift-Sets/Categories) to stick to the tile. This is usually noticed to late by the user of the glass and the tile smashes to the floor.
One of the most unique developments in the industry of tile coasters is AbsorbaStone. These are coasters that work great and look great .They have a textured finish that keeps them from bonding with the bottom of the glass so it does not pick the tile up, drop it and smash it.
This type of coaster is usually backed by cork to keep them skid free. This technology is also used to make cutting boards, trivets and memo boards. Another popular type of coaster is the recycled variety. These are made from recycled ceramic tiles. Images are painted on them and then they are lacquered so they are durable.
Thinking of getting a tile coaster of a different sort? You can now get tile coasters (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-1123/Air-Force-Academy-Box/Detail) that are actually made out of SCRABBLE Tiles. These are easy to make yourself. You simply glue Scrabble tiles to thin cork sheets in clever drink related patterns and then coat the whole thing with a sealant.
You can buy about 100 regular wooden tiles for about $100 from Hasbro, the manufacturer of Scrabble tiles. You can also go to garage sales and buy old games and collect the tiles for making your own tile coasters that way.
There are also plenty of places online where you can get your business logo branded onto some tile coasters. These make a great Christmas gift. These places online that sell customized tiles tend to allow you to upload some kind of image of your own which they then print onto the tile.
You usually order these in bulk although some suppliers of tile coasters will let you do this one by one. These can make great corporate Christmas gifts. The beauty is you can have any type of message printed up on a ceramic tile the way you can a button or a T-shirt or a mug. It is a great way to get the word out about your product.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, leisure, international cuisine, and fine wines. For a specialty drink coaster or for a variety of tile coasters, please visit http://www.thirstycoasters.com/.
Bar Coasters
Bar coasters are generally seen as away to brand a bar or restaurant business. The idea is that your customers are drinking off of coasters that have your establishment’s name on it. This is especially good for customers that you have sitting at an old long wooden bar. The bar coasters can help protect the wood from moisture which can mar it with ugly white markings.
There are a number of great ways you can put drink coasters (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-Name-Drops/Categories) to work for you. They are a great way to advertise your products and services including things like special drinks, upcoming events, bands that are playing, holiday specials and all kinds of things. They are very effective at creating brand awareness which is why beer companies have been using them for ages.
Bar coasters tend to be the same no matter who you buy them from. They are usually four inch circles or squares with round corners and they tend to be printed in four colors. Some coasters have printing on both sides. Most companies take about two weeks to print and deliver a standard order of about 1200 coasters. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for about 1200 orders and roughly around $400 to $500 for 2500 coasters.
Beer coasters make great bar coasters and they can help raise the revenues of your alcohol. Almost every brand of beer makes a beer coaster of one kind or another and they come in interesting shapes and sizes. You can get these as promotional items sometimes. It is a good idea to ask the beer company if they have any free before you pay for them.
The same goes for any of the drink or soda pop companies. Ask them if they are giving away any free cocktail coasters as part of a promotion. This could save you a few hundred bucks so that you don’t have to purchase them.
Studies have shown that bar coasters can definitely increase your sales. Brand awareness is where it is at with these promotional items. They are also a very affordable way to advertise as one coaster can go a long way per penny spent. For instance 400 dollars can get you a tiny advertisement in a newspaper for one week or even just a weekend but the same amount of money can buy you these useful “business cards” called beverage coasters (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-1013/Clemson-University-Car-Beverage/Detail).
There are also some companies online that specialize specifically in getting you bar coasters at a cut rate price directly from breweries. The smaller breweries who specialize in making more exotic beers especially like these coasters.
If you don’t like advertisements you can also get permanent drink coasters in different styles and sizes. These are usually made out of a natural wood like red wood. The red wood is usually and 3 ˝ inch square and inside there is a rubber circle upon which you set the drink. The nicest of these coasters are not lacquered that heavily so you can see the beautiful natural grains in the wood.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, leisure, fine wines, and internation cuisine. For a wide selection of cocktail coasters and other kinds of beverage coasters, please visit http://www.thirstycoasters.com/.
Popcorn Recipes: A Healthy Choice
Popcorns contain more fiber as compared to other snacks made out of flour. There are many different delicious popcorn recipes for health conscious individuals.
Popcorns are fun and convenient whole grain snacks. It is an excellent source of fiber. It also helps steady one’s blood sugar levels. Aside from this, it can be incorporated as a low-fat snack, having a lot of nutritional benefits.
By experimenting with some healthful ingredients on your popcorn, one can achieve a healthy balanced diet without any risks. Below are some of healthy popcorn recipes that can meet your daily needs, for a delicious and quick snack mixture.
Peppy Popcorn
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
• 14 cups popcorn, air-popped
• 2 tbsp. parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. paprika
In a small bowl, mix oregano, paprika and cheese. Sprinkle these onto the popcorn and toss. It can yield up to 14 cups. You can also melt organic raw cheese with organic milk and pour this over the popcorn.
Nutrition Data for 1 cup serving: 30 calories/0.5 grams fat
Spicy Peanut Curry PopCorn
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Number of serving: 1
Ingredients:
• 8 cups air-popped popcorn( no oil or salt)
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (Sambal Oelek)
• 2 tablespoons Better than Peanut Butter
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
Air-pop about ˝ cup of corn kernels. Put peanut butter on a microwave cup. Add sambal with small amounts of water. Stir in order to make out a creamy and thick peanut butter mixture. Microwave it approximately 30 seconds. Fold the peanut butter mixture onto the popcorn.
Praline Popcorn Crunch
Ingredients:
• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 cup firm-pack brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Grease a 15×10 inch baking pan and place the popcorn on top. Combine sugar, honey and margarine in a 1 ˝ quart saucepan. Cook and stir constantly with a wooden spoon. Place this in medium heat until it boils.
Cook this for about 5 minutes and then remove from the heat. Mix vanilla and baking soda then pour it over the popped corn. Next, add some pecans, stir until evenly coated and bake at 300 degrees for about 15 minutes. Stir gently for five more minutes and lay everything down on waxed paper. Lastly, allow to cool and break into chunks.
Popcorn Trail Mix
Full Recipe: 1 quart
Yield: 3 cups
Ingredients:
1 quart air-popped popcorn
8 ounces raisins
6 ounces dried fruit (apricots, apples, etc.), diced
Add diced fruit and raisins to a large bowl of popped corn. Combine and toss thoroughly.
Nutritional Information (based on 3-cup serving)
o Protein 8g; Calories 651; Carbohydrate 162g ; Fat 5g; Saturated Fat 3g; Fiber 15g; Sodium 420 mg.
Other nutritional ingredients that can be mix in popcorn are:
o 1 /3 cup chopped dried fruit provides iron and fiber
o 2 tbsp. soy nuts gives fiber and calcium
o 2 tbsp. whole almonds gives protein, iron and fiber
o 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese gives protein and calcium
o 10 pretzel sticks gives B vitamins
o 2 tbsp. pumpkin seeds gives protein and fiber
o 1 /2 cup dry unsweetened cereal gives iron and B vitamins
While enjoying your favorite movies at home you can prepare popcorn in just a few minutes. There are many ways to include popcorn on one’s healthy diet.
For more information on Popcorn Recipes and Air Popcorn Makers Reviews please visit our website.
The Most Interesting Presto Popcorn Makers
Presto popcorn makers are currently one of the most popular brands of popcorn makers in the market today. This popcorn maker varies depending on the users preferences, providing a healthier and convenient snack.
Most commercial popcorn makers are oil-popped types that give 45% of calories from fat. However, hot air popcorn poppers are for home usage. It started during the late 70’s.
These hot air popcorn poppers actually avoid oil usage and produces popcorn with 5% of calories, making it a healthier option. There are also different kinds of popcorn makers that can work in different ways. Presto product lines can provide a healthier eating of popcorn, without any mess.
Below are the Presto popcorn makers to choose from.
Presto Orville Redenbacher 4821 Popcorn Popper
Presto Orville Redenbacher 4821 is a faster and economical popcorn maker. It was created by Prestoý and Orville Redenbacher’sý. It pops with hot air, making 18 cups in less than 2 ˝ minutes. The model 4821 can provide a healthy and low calorie free snack with no unpopped kernels. This model comes with a removable butter melter that acts as a handy measuring cup. It has no “on” and “off” button but it has a power strip button that can be used to turn the device “off” and “on”.
Other features:
Cook Type: Hot Air
Overall Color: White
Price Range: $21to $30
Power: 1400 watts
Presto Powerpop 4830 Popcorn Popper
Cook Type: Hot Air or Oil
Overall Color: Transparent
Price Range: $26.99
The Presto Powerpop 4830 pops with or even without popcorn. It is a great gift idea because it can pop a corn faster and easier. Aside from this, it has a free fat option. Hence, the model 4820 popcorn maker is easy to clean a dish cloth is best used when wiping its base.
Users tend to discover that the middle of the popcorn or small batches can become burnt even without being able to listen to the popping sound so as to slow it down.
Other features:
Cook Type: Hot Air or Oil
Overall Color: Transparent
Price Range: $26.99
Presto PopLite 4820 Popcorn Popper
Cook Type: Hot Air
Overall Color: White
Price Range: $24 to $25.17
Power: 1440 watts
Dimensions: 14 in. by 9 in. by 6.5 in.
Presto PopLite 4820 is a faster and economical choice. It uses a regular or gourmet popcorn. It can pop up to 18 cups having virtually no kernels that are un-popped. Poplite 4820 can make a huge bowl of popcorn for about 2 ˝ minutes, making it 40 % faster than other leading popcorn makers. It is also easy to operate. Thus, it comes with a ˝ measuring cup or butter melter.
Other features:
Cook Type: Hot Air
Overall Color: White
Price Range: from $24 to $25.17
Power: 1440 watts
Dimensions: 14 in. x 9 in. x 6.5 in.
Presto Caramel Corn’R, Popcorn/Caramel Corn Maker
Presto Caramel Corn’R heats popcorns in hot air for about 2 ˝ minutes of a full bowl with no un-popped kernels. Its features are the same as the Presto’s Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper excluding the logo and color. The plastic cover cup can be easily removed when cleaning it with the use of dishwashing soap and water only. Presto Caramel Corn’R includes an instruction and recipe book inside its box.
Other features:
Cook Type: Hot Air
Price: $4.99
Dimensions: 14 in. x 9 in. x 6-1/2 inches
Warranty: 2 years
Most popcorn makers vary in size, color and style. Presto Popcorn Makers feature the following benefits:
• A quick job
• A healthy option
• Easy cleaning
• Dishwasher-proof
• Cool handles
• A measuring cup
• And clear lids among others
For more information on Presto Popcorn Makers and West Bend Popcorn Makers please visit our website.
Some Choice Restaurants In Tennessee
Tennessee is one of the most famous states in the Southern part of United States. This state is famous for its culture, lifestyle, restaurants and tourist hotspots. The state offers a great choice of hotels, resorts, spas and restaurants to the travelers.
If you are searching for restaurants in Tennessee and would like to enjoy a most luxurious and memorable dinner experience, check out several restaurant directories in Tennessee. These restaurant directories provide extensive restaurant lists, making your selection for the best restaurant a breeze.
Famous Tennessee restaurants
There are over 4,487 restaurants that can be easily located in Tennessee. And major cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga situated in Tennessee have many restaurants catering to varied cultural cuisines.
Some of the most famous restaurants are:
• Amerigo restaurant - This restaurant in Tennessee is well known for its Italian American food with a bounty of cheeses and pastas. The food offered by Amerigo restaurant is portioned large and is served in a very warm and efficient manner. Having a dinner at Amerigo restaurant is also known to be quite affordable.
• Brentwood grill- This bar-style restaurant is one of the best places to have a dinner with family. This restaurant offers American food with special drinks and wines at very reasonable prices. It is famous for its live jazz shows that make your dinner memorable.
• Pei Wei Asian diner restaurant- This restaurant offers great quality food, including appetizers, noodle bowls, dishes such as chicken, shrimp or scallops, beef and pork. This restaurant also offers vegetarian food and is well known for spicy foods
Knoxville, Tennessee has an abundance of restaurants. Some of the more popular ones are:
• Smoky Mountain Brewery restaurant of Knoxville provides tasty and outstanding appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and pizzas. This restaurant offers awesome live music and is specially designed for young generation.
• Applebee’s is an American restaurant with specialties, such as boneless Buffalo wings and crunchy onion rings. Its other distinct varieties include mozzarella sticks along with shrimp, chicken salad, cheeseburger and sirloin. This restaurant offers quality food and great service.
• Vinny & Me Trattoria Italiano restaurant is famous for Northern Italian food. Vinny’s spicy marinara sauce is the major attraction of the travelers to this restaurant. Meatballs and spaghetti with lots of spice is a dish that will surely please your taste buds.
There is no denying the fact that restaurants in Tennessee give a wonderful, warm welcome to their guests. The restaurants here serve a wide variety of cuisines - both vegetarian and non vegetarian - at very reasonable prices along with the best services.
If you are deciding on your next trip to Tennessee, don’t miss out enjoying a great dinner or lunch with your family at any of these stylish restaurants. A dinning experience at these restaurants will leave you with unforgettable memories.
If you are looking for restaurants that have a cowboy theme - something that is an integral part of Tennessee and its western way of life - there are many restaurants offering great dining experiences. You can enjoy a cowboy menu in your John Deere boots, surrounded by cowboy paraphernalia and décor while listening to country music.
For more info on where to get your own John Deere boots, visit: Rocky Top Leather and see what fine goods they have there like John Deer boots for adults and kids!
Is it a Good Idea Buying Wine Online?
Wine can be defined as an alcoholic beverage which is made by process of fermentation. Wine is generally made from fruit juices such as grapes, apple, berries, etc. Wine is primarily classified into red wine and white wine. The classification is required because the number of varieties is extremely large and to bring some organization in the wine industry, a standard classification is an absolute must. In Europe, wine was probably introduced in 4500 BC. Through out history wine played very important role in Christian and Jewish religion ceremonies. The word wine is derived from the word ‘Winam’. In Germany, beverages like beer were banned. On the other hand, consumption of wine was a sign of civilized and conversion to Christianity. During Islamic Golden Age, wine was forbidden in Islamic world.
Wine is produced in many regions of France, Italy and many regions of Southern Europe. France is the second largest in production of wines. Though many countries are known for production of wines, the most important aspect of wine industry is its sales. If there is no market for wines there would have been no importance to production of wines. The websites which give information about wine can serve as a guide for the consumers. By reading the information on the website the visitor can get knowledge and can take wise and correct decision about purchasing wine online. Wine is a gracious commodity.
Wine is a combination of nature and human skills. A layman cannot buy wine without advice. A true wine merchant is one who gives his customers what he demands but not what is present in the shop for sale. Today’s world is digital world. Now-a-days people prefer to buy wine online where all the information regarding the purchase is mentioned. The list of all the types of wine online is properly given including the price and mode of payment. Purchasing wine online may prove beneficial for people as they get their favourite beverage at their doorstep. There are many websites which offer a great variety to buy wine online. One can search wine by the brand name or ratings, vineyards, price, etc.
People may think if buying wine online is a safe method or not. The question also arises whether online purchase will cost them more, whether they will be handed over the right product and so on. All the details of the product such as its price, quantity, its manufacturer, etc are provided on the site. While placing an order for wine online, one needs to be careful to first check about the site which is offering this service. It is always good to check the feedback of the customers. One can see whether there are positive or negative feedbacks. It is always safe to make the payment through credit card as most of the cards offer reimbursement if the transaction is above $50.
We can thus say that buying wine online is an easy process provided you buy it from the right dealer. It saves your time as well as energy.
James Copper is a writer for http://www.cecwine.co.uk where you can find information on a wine club
Instilling Healthy Eating Habits in Little Ones
Preschool nutritional programs emphasize the importance of healthful eating by combining all food groups in a daily menu plan. Teaching little ones the value of a healthful eating plan as a child will guarantee that they learn good eating habits that will last a entire life.
Establishing healthful eating patterns for preschoolers includes modeling their eating patterns at home so that when they enter the school environment, they can make healthful choices.
The guidelines for teaching kids a healthful eating plan must include:
* Children should eat a diverse selection of foods. Each of the 5 major food groups contributes specific nutrients that are necessary for children’s growth and development.
* Teach preschoolers to balance the kinds of food they consume to maintain a healthy weight and a healthy body
* Teach children moderation in the amounts and kinds of foods they consume. Eating foods high in fat content or consuming too many sugary snacks should be limited.
You can determine the amount of food from each food group that is right for preschoolers depending on their age. The USDA has specific guidelines for preschoolers from the age of 2-8.
Finding a healthful eating plan for your child will include choices from each of the five food groups. These recommendations are based on the guidelines from the USDA food pyramid.
1) Bread and Grains: 6 servings a day
These foods provide energy for activity and growth. Little ones should eat some whole grain products. At least half of the grains consumed should be in the form of whole-grain cereals and sandwiches prepared with whole wheat bread. Look at ingredients on the product label to make sure that the product is in fact made with “whole wheat.”
2) Milk & Milk Products: 3-4 servings a day
These products provide needed calcium for stong teeth and bones. Little ones from 2 to 8 years of age should eat 2 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or its equivalent in milk products.
3) Fruits - 2 servings per day
The amount of fruits preschoolers should consume is determined by their caloric needs. But the base requirement as outlined in the food pyramid for this age group is at least 2 fruit servings per day.
4) Vegetables – 3 servings a day
Veggies provide the vital vitamins and minerals to protect eyesight and the body’s immune system.
5) Meats, Beans & Nuts: 2 servings per day
Meats, beans & nuts provide protein and iron to form muscles.
Past the age of two, the child’s diet should limit the types of fat and salt they eat. Role models should limit the intake of high saturated fats or salt (sodium) in the diet to reduce the risk of high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Total fat intake should be limited to 30 and 35 percent of calories for children ages 2 to 3 years, and between 25 and 35 percent of calories for children and adolescents from the age of 4 to 18.
Most fats should come from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
Limit the number and amount of sugary snacks your child is eating. Sugary snacks containweight problems and cavities.
Replace sugary snacks with healthful snacks like fruits, veggies, and whole grains which are all good choices.
For more fun preschooler friendly suggestions go to http://www.kidapprovedmeals.com
Italian Risotto
The Italian risotto became known as another Italian typical dish, even if rice isn’t original from Italy as pasta.
Rice is a cereal as corn or wheat, but less fat and is eaten by half world population. The Italian rice is appreciated for its high quality and today is widely exported as a gourmet product.
The Italian rice is classified in 4 groups, the COMMON rice (riso comune) has small and round grains and its cooking time is between 12 and 13 minutes. Ideal for broth or vegetables soups.
The HALF-THIN (semifino) type has round medium length grains. It takes a bit longer to cook (13 to 15 minutes) and are most used for antipasti, unique dishes, cold and warm.
The THIN (fino) type are tapered grains that need about 14 to 16 minutes to cook. Finally the SUPERTHIN (superfino) kind has big and long shaped grains, with a cooking time between 16 and 18 minutes and are specially indicated for risotto. The so known Arborio, Carnaroli or Boldo are part of this category and are the favorite ones of the big chefs.
The parboiled rice is often underestimated. It is done using an antique procedure used by Egyptians . They used to marinate it with hot water and dry it under the sun to better conserve it. This method was re-discovered by Americans after the II World war because it gives guarantees under the nutritional and long conservation side.
Today, with the new technologies, the rice is treated with steam at high temperatures and quickly dried on an air mattress. This natural practice jellies the starch, making it resistant and keeping many of the precious substances present on the surface pass to the inside of the grain.
So, the parboiled grain is richer of nutrients, more resistant, conserves better and easier to prepare as it takes only 10/12 minutes to cook and do not overcook.
One of the most known Italian risotto recipe is the Saffron one, also called in Italy as Milan risotto, as it is typical from Milan area. It is a tasty and delicate dish that has its strong point in saffron powder.
How to cook a Saffron risotto:
You’ll need (4 people):
• 400gr of rice (reading above to make your choice of rice)
• 2 spoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Half onion (not chopped)
• Approx. 1 liter of broth
• 3 or 4 spoons of grated good quality parmesan
• 2 spoons of good quality butter
• 1 bag of saffron
• salt
How to do it:
Put the oil inside the pan, turn on the gas and add the onion. Let it color a little and then add the rice. Mix it and let it fry for a moment. Then add some broth (about 2 cups), mix it and lower the gas. Keep adding broth as it dries, always mixing well at each time. Salt it, paying attention to the kind of broth you’re using. If you use cubes, add a little salt because cubes are very salty.
(an easy tip: usually you will need the double quantity of broth comparing to rice quantity. If you measure a cup of rice, you will then need 2 cups of broth)
After 10 minutes, taste it to see if it’s done. When it’s quite done, add the 2 spoons of butter, the grated parmesan cheese and the saffron. Turn off the gas, mix it all very well and close the pan for a couple of minutes.
Then you just have to open it, put your risotto on your serving plate and…enjoy!
Born in Rio and living in Italy since 1982, completed the studies of Economics and is taking a Master in Enogastronomy and Food Traditions. More about Italian food through her eyes in her website All ABout Italian Food
Gourmet Sicilian Sausage
If you’re against buying processed meat, or are tired of using the same old ready-made sausages, that often don’t yield the flavor you desire, you should consider making your own Gourmet Sausages for grilling.
Contrary to what you might think, making Gourmet Sausages is not a very difficult or expensive process at all. The ingredients and equipment you’ll need for this are quite easily available. Some of the specialized appliances necessary for this can also be bought low-priced, on the internet.
One of the first things that you will need, in order to make Gourmet Sausages, is a meat mincer, if buying one proves to be too expensive an option, you can simply ask your butcher to mince the meat, as per your requirement. Make sure that your meat isn’t sliced too finely, since sausages need to be quite meaty. If you do buy a meat mincer, confirm that it has the right measure of blade for mincing meat for sausages.
Another appliance you will require is a sausage stuffer, which is a simple mechanism that works like a plunger. It is called a screw-thread stuffer.
This sausage stuffing equipment can be made to function by attaching it to your food processor; however, a better option might be, to use a manually operated sausage stuffer, since you will be producing your sausages on a rather small scale, and a mechanical sausage stuffer is entirely unnecessary, unless you plan to make a large number of sausages.
Pick a sausage recipe based on your taste, you may want to stick to a simple recipe - adding 10 - 15 grams of salt to each kilo of meat, is recommended. Or, you can use a ready-made sausage mix, which already have salt added.
You can stick to using a known family recipe, or you can experiment. Try adding fennel seeds and rosemary to your mixture or make your sausages spicy by adding coriander, chili powder.
After you have got the basics right, you can go ahead and make your recipe a lot more interesting, and give it your own personal tough, by experimenting with different combinations and quantities of condiments, and ingredients.
Choose your casings carefully, since the can add to or take away from, the taste and quality of your Gourmet Sausages. You have various options, including collagen casings, sheep casings and hog casings.
Another important thing you must keep in mind, is the meat and fat consistency in your mixture, try frying some of the mixture and tasting it, before stuffing the sausages.
Gourmet Sausages are also a much healthier option, since they contain a much lower amount of fat, compared to their mass-produced counterparts. You can also be sure about the quality of meat that goes into the sausages, whereas you have no way of knowing what kind of meat is put into the ready-made variety.
Once you have tried making your own Gourmet Sausages, you will never want to revert to using the factory-produced sausages available in stores again.
Learn more about getting the freshest Sicilian sausage and Italian Sausage
Semillion the Varietal Grape
This is a varietal grape that is grown all over the world. It has been a very popular cash crop in both Australia and South Africa for over a century. It was once known as the most popular wine grape in the world. It was grown everywhere and it was drunk as a single variety or as a varietal component in all kinds of different wine blends. It is used to be called the “industrial grape” because it was used in so many different things from sparkling wines to port to ice wines.
In the early part of the last century, the Semillon used to cover ninety percent of the South African vineyards and over 75% of the vineyards in Chile. It is no longer that popular and in both countries the production of this so called “industrial” grape is down to less than 1%.
Chile is the largest producer of the Semillon in the world today even though the crop has dropped 74% in the last century, due to the popularity of other varietals such as Roussanne (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Roussanne/). Part of the reason for the drop is that wine growers began to regulate it as it was choking out other kinds of vines. Heritage grapes were being lost so many of the vines were pulled up by the mid-century of the 1900s so that the Semillion grape variety would not take over vineyards entirely.
The Semillon grape plant is very hardy and produces six to eight tons of grapes per acre. You don’t need a lot of these plants to produce a full crop. It is a pink grape with a thick skin that does best in hilly areas with sunny days and cool nights. The best Semillon grapes are those that are grown in coastal areas as it helps to make this naturally oily and alkaline grape more acidic.
This is an oily grape without much acidity. It is used to make Bordeaux wines in France and is essential to the product of sweeter wines like Sauternes. It is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. As a dry white wine it is commonly known as a Bordeaux Blanc. The acid and sugar in these wines is very complex.
The grape is also popular in Australia where it is nicknamed Hunter River Reisling. The Australian Semillon (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Semillon/) single variety wines are known for their buttercup yellow color and flavors of honey, fig, lemon, saffron, pear, bell peppers and asparagus. If it is aged in oak barrels it can also have aromas of vanilla, oak, smoke or toast.
The grape is also still grown in Chile and Africa. It is also grown in Argentina, New Zealand and in California in the U.S. However the grape grown in these places is considered to be too weak to really be sold on its own. Mostly it is grown to blend with Sauvignon Blanc (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Sauvignon%20Blanc/).
The Semillon grape also makes many premium ice wine including the famous d’Y’Quem which gets rave reviews from all of the critics. Y’Quem can be found in liquor stores world wide and it is also not that expensive.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in international cuisine and fine wine varietals such as Semillon and Roussanne. For more varietals, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.
An Ancient White Wine
Viognier is a very common and ancient white grape that used to be fairly common. Now it is a rare white grape and the wine made from it is usually quite expensive (but also quite good!).
This wine grape probably originated centuries ago in Damatia. Roman history says it was brought to history in 281 A.D. by the Empower Probus. Many people believe that it is named after the city of Vienne which was a military outpost for the Romans. It also sounds like the Roman phrase that means “the road to Hell.”
This might allude to the intoxicating effects of drinking the wine or it might be a reference to the fact that this grape is quite hard to grow. In fact due to a lack of attendance to the vineyards during World War II the Voignier grape vine almost became extinct, along with other grapes, such as Tocai (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Tocai/).
This grape is now grown only exclusively in the Northern Rhone area which grows mostly red wine grapes. There is a low production every year of only 1900 liters of wine. This is because it is vulnerable to powdery yields. The timing of the picking of the grape must be very precise. When picked too late in the season the grape can produce a thick oily wine without any pleasurable aroma. It is a very fussy grape that prefers the Mediterranean climate.
Another factor that affects the quality of the wine is the age of the grape plant. The vines don’t produce great wine until they are least fifteen years old. In the Rhone area of France vines exist that are over seventy years old. Ideally this grape will produce a wine that is thirteen percent alcohol. The best wine will have a deep yellow color. It prefers warm environments and long growing season.
Even though it does not take to every climate it has migrated successfully to California and Virginal in the United States. Virginia’s Monticello wine growing region is perfect for growing this type of grape. The grape is also grown in South Africa, New Zealand, and Japan.
In France, Viognier is grown as a single grape variety on the west bank of the Rhône River. This particular grape is also frequently blended with other varietal wines such as Roussanne (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Roussanne/), Grenache, Rolle and Marsanne. To make Beaujolais the wine can contain up to twenty percent of Viognier instead of five percent. One reason that Viogniers are added to wine blends is because it helps stabilize the red pigments in the wines so that the wine stays red.
Plantings of these vines have really grown in North America since the eighties. The California coast produces over two thousand acres of this grape. It can also be found in Colorado, New York, Washington and Virgina as well as the Niagara region and British Columbia province in Canada. It is also grown as a varietal grape in Chilean Argentina.
This grape is big in Australia and added to many Shiraz blends. Famous areas that grow the Viognier (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Viognier/) plantings include Murray River, Rutherglen, Nagambie Lakes, Cangerrie and Tenter.
The Viognier is prized because it is a floral wine. It must be consumed young as it does not age well. It becomes flat and scentless if aged. Don’t drink Viognier single varieties that are more than three years old. This wine is predominately very dry although dessert wines are also sometimes created by it.
This is quite an oily wine if it is made from the juice of the skins so some producers of this wine make sure the skins are removed. To increase its alkalinity it is sometimes stirred using a process called batonnage. This strongly perfumed wine pairs well with spicy cuisines like Thai and Chinese. It also matches well with sushi and strong French cheeses.
Dessert wines are created from Viognier grapes that are picked in October or early November. The grape is fragile so the grapes are shaken off the vine to avoid bruising while harvesting. Many wine experts say that this wine peaks at one year of age.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in international cuisines and fine wine varietals, such as Tocai and Viognier. For more great varietals, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.
Pecans: Ideal Snack Food
If you are not yet aware of all the goodness packed with every pecan nut, then this will all sound fascinating to you. Every little thing about the pecan nut is indeed interesting. From the nut to the shell, the tree and the making, praline or sugar coated or as a chocolate add-on, the pecan nut is undoubtedly one of the great wonders of the food world. Read on to find out what I mean.
If pecan trees are in itself perfect for they can provide home to a million animals, can provide shade during the hottest summer days, can give warmth and comfort to the earthworms during the cold winter days, then the experience of eating the delicious pecans is more than perfect. That’s just the beginning.
Tanner’s Pecans and Candies is ready to give your nibbling moments a wonderful experience worth remembering.
Pecans Are Nutritious
Pecans are loaded with a lot of nutritious goodness. This is something that has remained non-debatable ever since the nut was discovered to be edible. New research about this really delicious tree nut has shown that they are rich in chemicals called antioxidants that in such a way, a daily serving of pecans is encouraged, as they help ward off a lot of disease. The good thing about eating pecans is that they can also help prevent heart disease, lower the cholesterol level, and can even prevent the dreaded life threatening cancer. Pecans are loaded with phytochemicals – a group of micronutrients that are found in plants – that includes plant sterols, flavonoids, and sulfur compounds.
The Ideal Diet Snack Food
Now much concern has been raised regarding the health benefits brought about by pecan nuts. But all have been answered, and more have been surprised that not only is the nut not harmful to one’s health, it can even aid one face his weight problems. For people who are much concerned about losing weight or are anxious to go beyond their ideal weight, the best snack food for them are pecans. Pecans are low in carbohydrates, a very good source of protein that are easily digestible, and contain minimal sugar, low in saturated fat, and contain no trans fat. Compared to other snack foods, your pecan nut, when eaten in moderation, is definitely beyond compare in many terms. So instead of reaching out for that bag of chips while you’re on a movie marathon with friends, get yourself some praline pecans or some roasted pecans treats and you sure are not only satisfying your sweet tooth cravings, you’re also doing your health one big favor.
Tanner’s Pecans and Candies
Where can one get pecans that are exceptional for its quality, quickly shelled and roasted fresh from the tree, and better tasting that the rest of the pecans offered for sale in the market? You can find it at Tanner’s Pecans and Candies. So if you wish to bring a tin-full, canister-full or bucketful of pecans in your travel, movie date, or family outings, make sure not forget to drop by at Tanner’s Pecans and Candies.
Pecans are the ideal snack food. Come to http://www.tannerspecan.com for Pecans, Roasted Pecans, and Holiday Gift Baskets.
Praline Pecans For Sweet People
Praline belongs to the confections variety of sugar syrup and nuts. Praline alone was invented way back in the seventeenth century by one of the cooks in France. Back then, pralines are made up of whole almonds that are coated individually in caramelized sugar. Then, there have been many variations to the original pralines. Different nuts can be used other than almonds like walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and pecan nuts. Praline pecans are now popular and are the most sought after.
A Praline Pecan or Nougat?
Is there a difference between praline pecans and nougat? Well, if you taste them, you will say “no” but when you get to know the details of the two, then the answer is “yes”. Sometimes it is not easy to distinguish pralines from nougats but if you will take careful notice, you will find out that there is a slight difference between the two.
Like praline pecans, nougat comes also from the variety of confectioneries of similar origin that are made of honey or sugar and different roasted nuts which are sometimes also incorporated with candied fruits that are chopped into tidbits. Here now is the difference, if pecan nuts in praline is individually coated by the caramelized sugar, nougats are not. Instead, it is a sheet of caramelized sugar covering a particular nut or an assortment.
The Many Faces of Praline
Praline is not only limited to praline pecan. When the sugar coated pecan nuts is grinded, the powder that you get here is called pralin. Pralin powder can be used as an ingredient in pastries, cakes and ice cream.
Pralin powder when mixed with chocolate is now called in French, praliné, giving birth now to the famous Belgian chocolates, they are chocolate-coated various fillings. In Switzerland and France, when you hear the word praline, it refers to these Belgian chocolates, when in English it is simply termed ‘chocolates’.
Praline as Seen by Different Countries
In France and Switzerland, praline refers to Belgian chocolates; they are different fillings that are enrobed by chocolates.
In Germany, Netherlands and Belgium, when you talk about pralines, they refer to the pralin powder or pastes that are used as fillings by chocolates.
In the United Kingdom, pralines are commonly referred to as the fillings for chocolates, but some also refer them to the original pralines – meaning, the sugar syrup and nuts combination like the praline pecans.
The Pecan Advantage
Pecan nuts are among the numerous nuts that has an epidemiological benefit in our body. It has been proven by research that people who consume pecan regularly have a lesser chance of having coronary heart diseases. Pecan contains antioxidants that help in lowering the cholesterol level.
Get your Praline Pecans Now
If you want the best praline pecans in town, look for them at Tanner’s Pecan and Candies. Get them now, and experience the much talked about praline pecan. In the site, you will also find other variations of pecan products like the candied pecan, pecan pies, pecan logs, and a lot more. So hurry and indulge in our mouthwatering pecan delights!
praline pecans are the perfect treat for Sweet People. At http://www.tannerspecan.com, you can indulge in our fine Southern praline pecans.
Chocolate Pecan Pie: The Ultimate Southern Pecan Pie
For Christmas, you drive down to a friend’s house in the south. Homemade meat loaf, fried chicken with cream gravy, classic macaroni and cheese, Southern style cornbread, crockpot barbecue country style ribs. You think to yourself, “Wow, these southern ladies really know how to cook.” Just when you’ve stuffed yourself up to bursting, they serve the dessert: chocolate pecan pie.
You can’t resist the lure of this chocolate pecan pie. You take just a little teeny-weeny bite. Oh the glorious taste. The sweet sumptuous chocolate taste combines incredibly well with the buttery and rich pecan tang. This is certainly a great twist to the traditional pecan pie you’ve been eating. Every bite of the chocolate pecan pie makes you want to taste even more. You feel happy, slightly intoxicated, and so at peace with the world that you want to hug everyone in sight.
Maybe you’re letting yourself get carried away. But you feel like you’ve been taken back to the times when the Mayan people drank a warm unsweetened liquid chocolate for life and fertility. Chocolate was so precious then to the Mayans and the Aztecs who conquered them that it was used for currency. In the old Spanish courts where chocolate was brought after Cortes’ journey to the Americas, it was mixed with sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon to produce an enticing drink. You picture yourself in the French courts in the 1600s where chocolate was reputed to be an aphrodisiac. Even the famous Casanova was rumored to use chocolates laced with champagne to seduce ladies.
You indulge in the bittersweet buttery flavor from the pecans in the chocolate pecan pie. These pecans also have a great story to tell. Some Native American tribes considered the pecan tree a symbol of the Great Spirit, the creator of all things. You picture yourself in the pre-colonial North America worshipping the Great Spirit under the wide canopy of the pecan tree. The nuts were favored by the Native Americans for food during the lean months of winter. You imagine the creamy liquid powcohicora prepared from pecan nuts drunk for sustenance or being added to broths or meat stews. Pecan fruits or nuts were considered valuable, so much so that they were used by the Native Americans as currency to trade for hides and mats from the Spaniards.
Did anyone back then every think that they could make something as sinfully delicious as chocolate pecan pie from chocolates and pecans? You rouse yourself from your reveries to find your slice of chocolate pecan pie gone. You reach for another slice, just a small one and go back to your reveries.
The great pecan pie had its roots in New Orleans. When the French settled in this area, the Native Americans taught them about pecans. Several nutty experiments later, voila! The pecan pie. You can’t believe the first recipe for the pecan pie was made in 1925. It must have taken years to perfect the recipe for the perfect combination found in chocolate pecan pie. At least, that explains how the chocolate pecan pie became one of the most loved ingredients of a traditional Southern cooked meal.
For the best that Southern cooking has to offer, go to Tanner’s Pecans and Candies. They offer a homemade chocolate pecan pie and other pecan treats for desserts that complete every home cooked meal.
Pecan Pie is a great dessert to serve when everyone’s in town for Christmas! Pick up a Chocolate Pecan Pie or Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie today at http://www.tannerspecan.com
Peanut Butter Fudge: A Mixture of Sweet History
If you are a peanut butter lover, chances are you will love peanut butter fudge even more. Just imagine the rich and creamy taste that will fill your palate with every bite of this heavenly food. Peanut butter fudge is every sweet tooth’s dream come true. It gives your mouth a wonderful mixture of tastes that will surely satiate your buds. But how is peanut butter fudge made? And who was the genius who first made this delectable recipe?
Stories date back to more than a hundred years ago. In the 1800s, the word fudge meant a “cheat” or “hoax.” Some people even used it as an exclamation, saying “Oh, fudge!” whenever they were tempted to cuss. The word fudge was actually used for the first time to pertain to food when a batch of caramels did not turn out quite right. Rumor has it that that batch of caramel was “fudged,” thus, creating the food type that we now know as fudge. Another interesting tale is that American college women prepared concoctions that were later on called fudge as an excuse to stay up late. “Fudge” in lieu of “hoax” was used by these students to refer to their late-night activities.
Fudge is a type of confectionery made by mixing sugar, butter, and milk with a preferred flavor like chocolate, vanilla, or maple. Boiling these ingredients produce a toffee-like sweet concoction that has a flavor so divine it was alternatively called divinity fudge. Fudge is commonly identified with chocolate. Early recipes in America mostly showed that fudge was made with chocolate mixture. It has been said that recipes are not just “invented,” they evolve. Evidence of this is shown in copies of chocolate caramel formulas that date back to the 1880s. Early recipes of fudge are quite similar to chocolate caramel mixtures. It has never been exactly clear when peanut butter fudge was first created. It is believed to have come from experiments with peanut butter. Brilliant innovations in the kitchen produced the peanut butter fudge that many people love today.
Peanut butter fudge is actually quite easy to make. You’ll just need peanut butter, milk, butter, sugar, vanilla and a pinch of salt. There are variations in making peanut butter fudge, though, because people have different preferences. Some peanut butter lovers like their peanut butter fudge sweet while others like their fudge semi sweet. Another differentiation is the “gooeyness” of the mixture. Most people prefer their peanut butter fudges extra sticky while others like a more solid feel to their fudge. Whatever the preference, every bite into a peanut butter fudge is an experience unique to each and every type of peanut butter and fudge lover.
What makes the experience even more unique is the colorful history that has brought fudge on to our tables. There is hardly any North American kid that has not had the welcome joy of chewing a peanut butter fudge. This delightful concoction has woven its way from college women’s testing tables to the warmth of our homes.
To get the best peanut butter fudges, check out Tanner’s Pecans and Candies. It’s the top choice for desserts and sweets.
Peanut Butter Fudge is a mixture of sweet history, and at http://www.tannerspecan.com, you can try our own signature Peanut Butter Pecan Fudge.
The Benefits of Dark Healthy Chocolate For Weight Loss
People who are overweight at any point in their lives greatly increase their chances of developing diabetes, heart disease and numerous other health issues. Once you have decided it’s time to take action and pursue a healthier lifestyle, you may be wondering what types of supplements and tools can help you along your path.
It is well known that whole food supplements can improve nutrient and vitamin absorption and levels within our bodies. Raw, whole foods are chock full of antioxidants; the best known way to ward off disease and sickness. The benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss utilize this fact.
Due to the intricate process of making cold pressed cacao, whole nutrient levels are maintained in this whole food supplement. When compared to highly processed foods, the nutritional quality is superseded by nutrient levels in these products.
Benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss include ease in use. Remember when mom wouldn’t let you eat dessert before your dinner? Chocolate lovers rejoice! Many users of unprocessed healthy chocolate simply eat the delicious food prior to any meal. The nutrients found in the chocolate will “wake up” your digestive system and ready it for the work to come.
We are aware that in order to lose weight you need to feed your body the right foods, but also want to increase our basal metabolic rate. Our metabolism levels will determine how quickly we burn and utilize the nutrients we ingest. Anything that is not used will be turned into extra body fat.
The tannins and theo-bromine contained in this whole food increase the benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss journeys. These ingredients may help to metabolize your meals more efficiently, thus converting less food into extra fat.
The efficiency levels of your digestive system are the first way to increase metabolic rates. When your intestines are working at full steam, so are the other cells throughout your body - in order to use the resulting nutrients quickly enough to keep up with your digestion. This increase in work throughout your body burns more calories at a higher rate, even while you are sitting dormant.
Increasing your metabolism also allows you to eat normally and not feel deprived. Other benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss include the effect it has on your psyche. If you are a chocolate lover, you will never need to feel guilty about having a piece of your favorite sweet thing.
Preventing the feeling of being deprived will help you avoid overeating and consuming unhealthy sweet alternatives. Utilizing the benefits of dark healthy chocolate for weight loss, combined with a healthy diet and exercise, will help you reach your goals sooner than you thought possible.
Dark healthy chocolate for weight loss has just one of the many health benefits and perhaps some that we aren’t aware of at this time. The brand and reputation continues to grow with the scientific researches done nowadays. Helping friends and family better their health and improve their way of life can be achieved by eating dark healthy chocolate.
To learn more about dark chocolate for weight loss, please visit Richard’s Healthy Chocolate blog. Author: Richard is passionate about sharing health and wellness with others. He also devotes the time, energy, and effort into his team and works with them to ensure their success.
Beer, Vodka And.. Unicum? A Drinking Connoisseur’s Tour of Eastern Europe
If you are after the ultimate experience from an Eastern European stag weekend then its always a great idea to familiarise yourself with the local booze on offer. Here’s a guide to drinking in the most popular cities - perfect for getting ready for your stag weekend.
Budapest offers the best in Hungarian beers. The local brewery, Dreher, produces both világos, which is lager, and barna, meaning “brown” (like English bitter) that has quite a sweet taste. Köbányi világos is widely recommended as a very pleasing drink. However, Hungary has many opportunities for tasting something more exotic on your stag weekend.
Unicum is a popular herbal liquor, almost exclusively drunk in Hungary. A mix of up to 40 different herbal ingredients makes it an acquired taste for visitors – one person described it as a mixture of hairspray and weed killer - but a must if you want to indulge yourself in the different tastes at the local boozers. Drunk in shots it is one of the country’s most popular spirit brands with an unusual aroma oozing Hungarian tradition. It has been made for over 150 years and the recipe is said to be a secret of the Zwack family. Look out for the bomb-shaped bottles with a red cross!
Budapest also offers an extensive range of brandies and liqueurs. A popular Hungarian brandy you may wish to sample is Pálinka. Many of these can be very potent and are available in a variety of fruity flavours. Popular liqueurs include cherry-flavoured Bon Bon and a chocolaty tasting Kakao.
Bratislava also has a thriving beer culture. With a couple of breweries in the city, the best is marketed under their own labels. There are a range of pubs such as 17s that serve Czech beer and offer the traditional “beer hall” experience such as Prazdroj and Plzensky Dvor. Beers such as Budvar and Pilsner are Slovak favourites. If you want the ultimate beer experience then visit the beer festival, which starts in the first week of June.
The Polish city of Krakow offers the very best in vodka tasting. You can take part in sessions that offer historical and production facts in between tasting sessions of nothing but the best types of vodka, with accompanying chasers such as buffalo piss and mango juice! Learn about the history of Polish vodka that goes back to the 15th century, which marks the beginning of the popularity of drinking strong spirits in Poland. Typical Polish vodka such as Monopolowa vodka is around 80% proof and is traditionally drunk neat. Warsaw is another ideal place for a pub-crawl.
Riga offers the very best in pub-crawl experience. There are plenty of guides that offer to take you around the best pubs and clubs, so you get the ultimate crawl. From pubs like De Lacy’s which has an Irish theme to Fizzes cocktail bar where you can sweet talk the lovely ladies over a juicy one! Riga’s Balzams serves a drink of the same name that is a popular, black, oil-like liqueur.
With so many options, you can really go to town when it comes to drinking out in Eastern Europe. Just be sure to leave plenty of time so you can appreciate your hair of the dog the next day.
Josey Walker - The Founder & Managing Director of party organisers Stag Republic and Hen Nation. Stag Republic have been organising made-to-measure stag weekends abroad and hen weekends in Eastern Europe since 2000. More recently popular destinations include stag weekends in Budapest, Riga and Krakow. For interviews, images or comments contact: Josey Walker Stag Republic Phone: 00 3630 34 99 015 Email: info@stagrepublic.co.uk
Fresh Lobster Meat is the Best!
If you’re an adventurous home cook, it can be easy to run out of good protein options from your local grocery store. And you can’t serve a steak every night! Seafood is a great and healthy option to bring some change into your dinner line up, but it can be difficult to find quality fresh seafood, especially if you live far from the ocean. And who needs the mess of buying, boiling, and shucking their own lobsters! What you need is some fresh lobster meat from Quality Fresh Seafood!
Fresh lobster meat is a delicious treat that many enjoy. Dripping in butter, it’s tasty plain, or on pasta. However, it can be such a pain to make! It sounds simple, but finding a fresh, live lobster is a chore if you don’t live in New England. And if you do find a healthy lobster, you still have to handle it, boil it, and clean it, just to find the little bit of meat trapped in it’s knuckles, tail and claws. It is certainly time consuming!
When you order direct from Quality Fresh Seafood, you get the fresh lobster meat that you’ve been craving, without all of the hard work! And the best part is that no one needs to know. Use the hours you would have spent boiling and cleaning lobsters getting ready, and before you know it, you’ll have one to two pounds of fresh lobster delivered right to your door. It’s great for gatherings, or last minute visits by relatives.
Whatever type of fresh lobster meat you’re looking for, we have the right options for you. For small chucks of lobster for cooking, try our one and two pound packages which include meat from the tail, knuckles, and claws of the lobster. These pieces are the perfect size to pop in your mouth, or to include in an appetizer or soup. They’re also guaranteed to be delicious! Whatever dishes with lobster that you can imagine, you’ll now be able to easily create with our delicious lobster meat!
When you are planning a dinner party, you want to impress and save time! Imagine trying to clean a dozen lobsters, just for the tails. Where would you find that many lobsters! And even if you did, how would you keep them alive? Not to mention the pounds of excess lobster meat you’d have to crack out from its shell and store! Don’t worry about all of that work! Just order your fresh lobster meat tails from Quality Fresh Seafood and let us do all the work for you!
We at Quality Fresh Seafood are committed to giving you the best fresh lobster meat that we possibly can. When your order comes it, it is boiled right away, and packaged fresh, so that you’ll receive it the next day. That way you’ll know that the lobster you’re eating is as fresh as if you’d boiled it yourself, and without the hassle. Don’t waste time and money going to an expensive restaurant for a few ounces of old lobster. Treat yourself to fresh lobster meat from us!
Are you having a craving for Live lobster? Don’t waste your money going out for yesterday’s fish. And don’t hassle with boiling them yourself. Go online now to Quality Fresh Seafood and order some of our delicious fresh lobster meat today!
Fresh Smoke Salmon Makes A Great Snack
Do you love the taste of fresh smoked salmon, but never seem to find the time to buy it at the grocery store? As an indulgence this Christmas for you and your friends, fresh smoked salmon is a great treat. Everyone loves the rich smoky flavor of the salmon, and the smooth buttery texture, but few find the place on their shopping lists to treat themselves. This Christmas, let Smoked Salmon Delivered help you with your shopping list. All your friends are sure to be delighted.
We’ve all had the smoked salmon that you can find in the grocery store, and while it’s good, it doesn’t really satisfy you in the way that fresh smoked salmon does. Imagine waking up on a holiday morning to a buffet of delicious salmon, piled on top of a bagel? It sounds amazing right? Well, this year it will be easy for you to bring that amazing flavor to your friends and family, all with the click of a mouse!
Fresh smoked salmon has health benefits too. It’s filled with omega three fatty acids, the same type you’ve heard about on the news. These fatty acids are essential for heart health, and one of the easiest ways to find them is through smoked salmon! Whoever knew that health could be so delicious, and come served on a bagel! It’s just one of the great benefits of the salmon that you’ll find with Smoked Salmon Delivered.
Why go with fresh smoked salmon? It’s just more flavorful than any other option. Our wild caught salmon is captured off of the north western United States. Within days, it’s brought to our smoking facility in Alaska. This ensures that it will remain as fresh as possible, while also remaining an American product, which is important to us all. And the freshness makes our fish taste great! And who doesn’t love the taste of fresh smoked salmon, with it’s deep tones and rich, sea smell.
And fresh smoked salmon does taste great. Fresh roasting brings out it’s beautiful pink and red hues. And the deep, buttery flavor of the fish is enhanced through our techniques, honed through years of experience. Our fish is the best that you’ll find out there, and tastes great in a variety of preparations. Try it fresh on a warm bagel, with onion and tomato if you’re enjoying our salmon as a breakfast treat. For a dinner party, try it on some crisp water crackers for a satisfying crunch!
At Smoked Salmon Delivered, we delight in sharing with you the delicious tastes of smoked salmon. We know what an amazing treat fresh smoked salmon is, and we’d love to share it with you and your family. Our website offers many different gift options, sure to please everyone on your list, and designed to fit any budget. With web ordering, it’s so easy to share this amazing treat with everyone you know, wherever they may be. So come visit our site and give our fresh smoked salmon a try, you’re sure to be amazed!
Stumped on holiday gifts this year? One gift to consider is a Smoked Salmon Gift Basket. If you’re sick of giving your family and friends the same old gifts year after year, and can’t imagine going back to the mall, then don’t. Head on over to Smoked Salmon Delivered and give them the gift of fresh smoked salmon instead.
Cocktail Coasters
Cocktail coasters are used for more than just protecting your coffee table from rings and stains they are used to promote businesses, services, and causes of all sorts. Many people also have custom cocktail coasters made up to celebrate something like an anniversary or a wedding. They are an amusing type of business card that is also quite practical.
Cocktail coasters (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-Hope%20For%20The%20Cure/Categories) come in all kinds of materials. The diversity of materials is quite amazing. They have come a long way since they were made only out of wood. One of the most familiar materials is glossy board. These are heat resistant because they are covered with a glossy coating. You can print anything on this type of coaster – even a photograph. These come in square shapes or round cut out shapes. You can even get them in the shape of stars.
Another old standby is the cork coaster. These are cheap, classic and are usually small cut out circles. The advertisement is usually sealed on to the cork in some way. They can also be made out of thin rubber and the promotional message can be stamped on it. These are sometimes called no slip coasters.
Another popular type of coaster is the promotional 3D aluminum coaster. These are made of gold, silver or copper and are very cheap. They come in all kinds of shapes including round or circular as well. These can be quite elegant and classy looking.
Leather coasters can also be quite elegant looking especially if you want to stamp or print them with some type of seal. The seal is usually in gold or silver printing. You can also usually get these in all kinds of different colors as well with black and green being the most popular.
Even more elegant are the promotional ceramic coasters. These are round white coasters that will last a long time. They make a good gift because they do not get ruined easily so if you want the message on your coaster to persist then choose the porcelain materials.
A more casual choice is PVC. These are floppy non stick coasters that have an image or message imprinted on them. They also usually last a very long time and are easy to clean. Be careful not to spill alcohol on these types of beverage coasters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSoAwLgfwn0) as that can lead to the imprint sliding off. You can get these in many different colors as well. Gold imprints look good on a dark PVC coaster.
If you really want a unique look then try for coasters that are made from see through acrylic. These can be etched with the logo that you have in mind or you can have your logo or business card sandwiched in between layers of acrylic. The insert can be printed in full color and the effect can be very impressive.
Most promotional companies can give you the very latest graphic computer technology in order to make these coasters look as professional as possible. They do not cost a lot and they are a good way to get your word out about your business.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in international cuisine, fine wine, and travel. For a great selection of beverage coasters and cocktail coasters, please visit http://www.thirstycoasters.com/index.html.
Different Kinds of Coasters
Coasters come in all different shapes and sizes nowadays and you can get very fancy when it comes to putting graphics on them. There are also many different types of trends when it comes to what types of graphics are hot. There are a lot of coasters on the market that cater towards the tastes of movie or cartoon buffs.
Retro style coasters are very in and they feature pictures of famous movie stars. Pictures of Elvis, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe are very popular. The favorite retro style of coasters is roughly from 1968 and is the tin plastic type of drink coaster (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-Themed-Gift-Sets/Categories). These are very kitschy looking and are often also sold in a tin can as a set of four, six or eight coasters.
You can also get Elvis or Marilyn coaster sets. These are usually black and white images that have been tinted a bit with sepia to make them look even more retro and attractive. They usually are square and come in a boxed set that have four, six or eight coasters. The most popular way that these coasters are sold is usually in a novelty can or box as sets of four and the price is generally below five bucks.
The Beatles are also a popular theme, especially coasters with images from their most famous movie “Yellow Submarine.” This is a vivid and fun way to dress p décor in your home that may already be from the sixties or seventies. The vivid blues and yellows of the cartoon go well with retro-modern designs.
Another big favorite is retro humor bad girl coasters. These are actually based on images from famous old book covers. The look is very fifties and also very illustrative.
Cartoons also make a great coaster theme. You can get sets that feature The Simpsons, Wonder Woman, Superman, Spiderman, The Jetsons—you name the cartoon and there is probably a drink coaster designed in its name.
The most common type of coasters (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-Dining-&-Entertaining/Categories) are glossy cardboard ones, but you can get these in tin, PVC and cork. You can also get them in clear acrylic with the image embedded right into the object. Acrylic coasters are very durable and last a long time.
Ceramic coasters with images of cartoons or old movie star icons are also popular and a good choice because they last a very long time. You can also find some companies who will do these types of coasters in leather or aluminum.
These do not have to just be novelty items. You can also get your business inscribed on the back or front of one of these. Most promotional coaster companies can give you the very latest graphic computer technology in order to make these coasters look as slick as possible. They do not cost a great deal and they are good way to get your word out about your business. One thing you must make sure of before you put the name of your business on a coaster is to make sure that you have the copyright.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in international cuisine, fine wines, and travel. For a great selection of coasters and other drink coaster sets, please visit http://www.thristycoasters.com/index.html.
Grenache: A Wine of the World
Grenache is a very popular Spanish wine that is also called Gamacha in Catalan. It is planted everywhere in the world. It is a red wine grape that does bet in hot dry condition so it also does well in the South of France. It is thought to have originated in Spain, probably in the Aragon wine producing region.
It is not a boring wine. It is spicy and berry flavored and has a soft feel in the mouth. It can be more alkaline than most wines and it can be used to tone down more acidic wines such as Syrah, Cinsaut and Carignane. It is low in pigment and is used to temper the taste of harsher wines. It tastes of vanilla and blackberry.
In fact you find Grenache as a component in all kinds of wines. It is often found in the Southern Rhone wines and also in Australian Syrah and Mourvedre (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Mourvedre/) types of wines. It is also used as for rose in Spain and France. As it is high in sugar it can also be used to make port.
There are also all kinds of monikers to describe various subsets of this type of wine including black, which makes a dark blue and hairy wine which is made from a mutant Grenache grape that is covered with down. There is also a white version of this wine called Grenache blanc. It is sold on its own but it is also blended with many white German wines.
This versatile grape was also grown in Californian vineyards during the prohibition era in the United States. It allowed consumers to make small amounts of the wine in their kitchens at home. It was sometimes crossed with another grape called Petit Bouschet for the purposes of making “bootleg wine.”
Nowadays it is a bulk wine in California. It is has been supplanted by vines for making Merlot (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Merlot/) for the most part and is not really used for making premium wines from that state.
It is a vintage wine in Australia as it has been gown there in vineyards since 1832. Traditionally the grape was used to make Australian brands of port and other types as fortified wine. Nowadays Australia produces respected varietals with these grapes include Shiraz and Mataro blends.
In France it is found mainly in the Lagudoc Roussilon vineyards and in the Rhone valley where it is used to make many impressive dry red wines. It is the basis of specialty wines such as Gigondas where as many as twelve grapes are included in the blend. The French also use Grenache (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Grenache/) to make ports that are also sometimes called vins doux naturels. These are the sweet fortified wines from French Catalonia.
This vine is also very hardy and wine growers like it because it does not need trellises. In fact it grows with such vigor that vines often have to be pulled. The berries are of a medium size and are blue-black color. The grapes are plentiful one year and the plant is less fruitful the next so sometimes the wine is expensive. When it does produce it makes as many as sixteen tons of grapes per acre.
It goes by many names including Abundante, Navarro, Red Grenache, Redondal, Alicante, Canonazo, Uvi di Spangan, Elegante, Gamaccho Negro, Gamacha Negra, Tinto, Tentillo, Tocai Rosso, Toldanam, Bois Jaune, Aelante Pggiarelli and Aleante.
The kind of Grenache made with the hairier grapes goes by the names of Gamatxa Pelud, Laddoner Pelud and Gamatica Peluda.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in international cuisine and fine wines. For an amazing selection of wine varietals such as Grenache and Mourvedre, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.
A Wine From Wine Grower’s Paradise
Gewurztraminer is a grape that is used to make white wine. It is mostly grown in the prestigious wine grower’s paradise known as the Alsace area of France. It is also a cash crop that is familiar in Germany and New Zealand. Many areas in the United States also grow this sugary grape that produces a wine with a high alcoholic content. It is a very potent varietal with a strong smell.
The best versions of this wine come from Alsace where it is the second most planted vine crop in the country. Even though this world wide famous and quite traditional wine has a German name it is absolutely a French creation. It got its name as it was originally grown in the Tyrolean Alps. The Alps are on the German border and the vines used to thrive on the sunny mountainsides.
The wine that results from growing Gewurztraminer grapes can be very dry or very sweet. It is also often made into a dessert wine because it has very high natural sugar content. Some wine tasters say it tastes of lychees and roses, similar to a fruity Chardonnay (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Chardonnay/). The lychees back taste is a very desirable and rare quality as it makes the wine very smooth. Many varieties of Gewurztraminer also taste like melons.
The wine may also be a bit bubbly, not so much that it is carbonated but smaller bubbles called “spritz” might be part of the character of the wine. These are the tiny bubbles or two that sit around the rim of the beverage.
The grapes are a dark pink color. This produces a wine that is light yellow to gold in color. The riper that the Gewurztraminer grape is when it is pick the browner and golder the wine will be in tone.
This sweet wine goes well with cheeses and fresh fruit and is the perfect compliment for chicken and fish dishes. It goes well too with spicy foods such as Caribbean and Indian food. It is one of the few wines that also go very well with Asian cuisine.
The grape has been around since the Middle Ages and it also has been called Traminer. In reality Traminer vines are the parents to this wine. It was not until 1973 that the Gewurztraminer (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Gewurztraminer/) name was finally officially attached to this grape in France.
In Europe the grape is also grown in Croatia, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Croatia Luxembourg and Slovakia. It is also grown in Canada, Chile, and New Zealand and in the states of California, New York, Michigan, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Texas.
Gewurztraminer buds early in the spring, so it is vulnerable to damage from frost. This makes it more expensive. Gewürztraminer vines are simply not that productive. Precise harvesting is crucial or this wine tastes off.
Other names are Livor, Livora Cervenam, Noble Rose, Mala Dinka, Marzimme, Mirisavi Traminac, Noirer Traminerm Drumin, Drumin Ljboram Duret Rouge, Edeltraube, Fermentin Rouge Blanc Court, Bon Blanc, Gringet Gris Rouge, Haiden, Nature, Nature Rose, Kirmizi Traminer Christkindeltraubem, Clevene, Ruska, Ryvola, St. Klauser, Traminec, and Trammener.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in international cuisine and fine wines, such as Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. For a wide selection of wine varietals, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.