10 Fantastic Christmas Gift Ideas For Kitchen Lovers!

The Christmas season is upon us, and stress has begun to fill the air!  Sometimes we just don't have the time to be creative!  As giving should never be a source of stress I felt the need to share my personal gift ideas for Christmas this year for those who find it difficult to get out of the kitchen.  I hope you find inspiration!

1. Cookware.  Every cook loves new cookware.  No surprise there, but there are ways to make this gift more special.  For example a new sauce pan would be a wonderful present for under the Christmas tree, but in addition, find a great sauce recipe to be used as a stocking stuffer along with all the required ingredients!
2. Flavored Oils and Vinegars.  A sure way to create a new or improve an old dish!  New oils and vinegars are always a treat for a cook, you can never have enough!  Walnut oil, Avocado oil, Truffle oil, simply take a look around your local specialty food store and you will be amazed at the variety today!
3. Plastic Storage Containers.  They must be of the best quality which are able to go into the freezer, dishwasher, and microwave!  I don't know how but these containers always seem to disappear and you can never have enough of them or enough sizes.  Why not buy several different shapes and sizes but fill them full of special nuts or candies to make this gift more special than plain old plastic!
4. Liquor.  Although we all like to have a little Christmas cheer, there is another wonderful use for liquor in the kitchen.  It is essential for creating beautiful demi-glazes for your favorite meat dishes and most likely your cook at home will not splurge on such luxurious liquids.  So why not help your favorite chef out and purchase a few bottles of liquor to cook with!  Brandy, Sherry, Bourbon and Madeira are all fantastic to use.
5. Wine.  Like liquor wine is also essential for deglazing pans and creating incredible sauces.  Again, why not include a recipe as a stocking stuffer as well.  Inspiration is always welcomed by any cook.
6. Coffee & Tea.  Most kitchen lovers love coffee if not to drink, to cook with.  So why not create a specialty coffee gift basket?  It's easy to find local free trade coffee in you neighborhood specialty food store and while you're there by some cinnamon sticks, honey, flavored syrups etc.  Why not also throw in some specialty coffee mugs and some liquors such as Baileys or Kahlua.  What a treat!!  Tea is also widely used in kitchens today.  Instead of boring brines, use tea instead!
7. Cookbooks.  Again another ''no-brainer'' but if they truly love to cook then they LOVE cookbooks.  We never get tired of cookbooks, but be sure to find the best ones.  Look for a specialty cookbook store and you'll have a fantastic gift in your hands.
8. Microplane.  If you're special chef does not have one then here is another must have kitchen item.  They are inexpensive and vital when adding or enhancing flavor in dishes.  Why not combine a Microplane with several of its favorite counterparts like whole nutmeg, whole cinnamon, whole star anise etc.  That way your chef can get right down to business!
9. Appliances.  Maybe not an oven or a fridge but why not a new electric mixer or Panini press?  Here's a shopping tip ... when wanting to purchase any of these items this year buy on-line!  Small appliances are almost always less expensive when purchased on-line and shipping is often waived as well.  Stores charge a premium this time of year so save yourself time and money and buy on-line!
10. Tableware.  If they love to cook then they love to entertain.  Why not find beautiful glassware, or placemats, or service plates that they can show off their creations with.  Unique paper napkins make great stocking stuffers and linen napkins with gorgeous napkin rings are always a treat.

So don't let stress take the fun out of Christmas this season.  There are truly plenty of ways to put smiles on faces this year.  And for one last suggestion:  make your own Specialty Gift Basket!  Create your own gift basket by combining several of the above ideas.  Now that is an incredible gift for any kitchen lover!

Why Bake At Home When You Can Enjoy The Perfect Chocolate Brownie From The Metropolitan Bakery

The chocolate brownie is known worldwide as being one of the top treats humans enjoy.  And it is no wonder, they are soft, chewy, and delicious, especially with a tall glass of cold milk.  Kids and adults everywhere love these little treats.  Many of us grew up with these in our lives, happily enjoying them several times a year.  One of the best things about them was they did not seem to need a special holiday or occasion in order for them to be made.  They were just there, it seemed like, and what a great treat they were.

For anyone a little older, you may recall that there was a time when the chocolate brownie was made almost exclusively at home.  It was rare to actually eat a store-bought one.  In many cases, baking was actually a family event where everyone got in on the action by doing something to help out.  But times have changed, and many families simply do not have the time needed to use in baking anymore.

The Metropolitan Bakery is now offering its gourmet quality chocolate brownie to the general public.  They can do this through their website, which is now open for business.  Carmen Paponetti, owner and master baker, has spent many long hours honing his skills and developing some of the finest recipes available.  His dedication to his craft shows in his work.  The proof of his skill is in the taste of each and every item he sells.  Nothing leaves his store without his seal of approval, and Carmen can be hard to please at times.

Besides the chocolate brownie, The Metropolitan Bakery also offers many other varieties that are also of gourmet quality.  This quality is achieved through the use of only the best ingredients and the use of Ghirardelli chocolates.  The flavor combinations they offer are exquisite!

Carmen is constantly working in the test kitchen to create new and even more exciting items, and while his store caters to the individual family, they are also well equipped to handle larger orders as well.  Anyone tasked with providing treats for an office event or family reunion might do well to visit this website and let them do the work for you.

All items are shipped UPS and all items come with a ''freshness'' guarantee that assures you that your order will be as fresh and delicious when it arrives at your office or home as it was when it came out of the oven.  They also provide a free tip sheet on how to keep your gourmet items once they arrive.

The website is well worth the time spent visiting the site and browsing the numerous gourmet products offered.  The Metropolitan Bakery also offer discounts on larger orders, and they are always happy to answer customer questions or comments.

Why Are Online Organic Food Delivery Services On The Increase?

After a hard week at work or looking after children or relatives, the last thing you want to do is spend time pushing a big heavy shopping trolley around your local supermarket or walking around the busy town or shopping centre.  Have you realized how much time you spend, and how much energy you use when shopping?

Are you sick and tired of having to waste this precious time, when you could be spending it with your family, chilling out or doing something of your choice?  If so, then you need to start looking into deliver services in your area.  Delivery services are becoming more and more popular as the growth of the internet means that nearly everybody has access to a computer and can save time by ordering online.  You can even save money as its not as easy to get tempted into impulse buying when you cant see the packaging in front of you.  Just think, no more dragging young children around the supermarket and watching in dismay as they try to pull everything off the shelves!

At the moment nearly every region in the UK has a delivery service that is easy to find online, GuideMeGreen has loads of local and national organic, fair-trade and special diet delivery services with an increasing range of food and non-food products.  You often have to sign up or register with these sites and then you can begin your shopping right away.  They are easy and fun and so convenient that you will find yourself with almost too much time on your hands!

Obviously, different companies offer different foods for delivery but you can often buy most if not all of your favourite groceries and more from these companies.  You can find a vast selection of fruits and vegetables, both organic, locally grown and sometimes imported.  You will find exotic fruits and vegetables as well as the old staples like potatoes and carrots.  No matter what you need you can get it from these great food services.

You will also find a huge selection of organic dried and canned goods that you can have delivered right to your door any day of the week.  Canned soup and dried pasta are just a few of the great items you can have delivered to you each week.  Most of these services even have goodies like organic cookies and even some organic cakes!  Many companies have non food lines such as eco friendly washing and laundry products.

You will get a choice of delivery.  You may choose to have your food delivered after work or while you are at work.  Many people choose to have their shopping dropped off while they are at work so that they are there when they get home.  You can even ask that the goods be left in the back garden or with a neighbour so that they do not get stolen.

Organic food delivery services are flexible and convenient and they are something that every one can benefit from.  The increasing number of people using these services is testament to that.  The choice comes when you decide which ones to use -- should it be supermarkets where you can buy anything and everything in one go or should you support the smaller companies where you may not be able to buy everything that you are used to ... ill let you decide.

Using Cookware To Fight The Flab

It may be true that obesity is caused by a number of different things, but it is correspondingly true that eating superfluous fat contributes to the condition.  This is something parents of young children in particular have to watch carefully.

It's generally true that children like fried food, because this manner of cooking slightly caramelizes the food by burning natural sugars.  In short, it makes it taste sweet.  Grilling, which can be less of a problem, has a similar consequence, and so too does roasting.

But the real felon where fat consumption is concerned is frying, because the food often has fat added to it, the main purpose of which is to prevent meat from sticking to the pan it's cooking in.  Oils such as olive and peanut may seem healthier than, say, butter, but they are still fats and should still be viewed with suspicion.

However, one effective way to avoid this problem is to use non-stick cooking pots and pans and leave out the extra fat altogether.

Unfortunately this sort of cookware has received some bad press recently, which suggested that there is a danger to pets associated with its use.  There has been much supposition that the death of caged birds has been linked to toxic fumes given off from heated non-stick surfaces.

While there may be some truth in this, it's important to understand that these criticisms are aimed at Teflon coated surfaces in particular.  There are lots of other non-stick surfaces available which have not had this type of criticism levelled at them.  In fact the use of this type of cooking surface has now become so universal, it has led to a new style of healthy home cooking using those fashionable double-sided grills.

These are great because during cooking any grease cooked out of the meat runs away into a separate tray, and of course no added fat is necessary to properly cook the food.

This means that low fat cuts of meat such as chicken and loin of lamb remain just that, relatively fat free.  This is a big plus not just for those of us fighting obesity, but for anyone who cares about having a healthy diet.

It's very easy to cook with these grills, and this in itself may well encourage people to eat more home cooked food and less bought-in takeaways.  In addition, both fish and meat cook very quickly, further assisting the busy family cook with little time to spare.

If the healthy living assertions don't convince you to at least try using non-stick pans, perhaps the budgetary ones will.  Most non-stick cookware makes use of aluminium, making it much cheaper to buy than the stainless steel or cast iron equivalents.

And just to make life even easier, a simple rinse in warm, soapy water is all that is called for to keep non-stick surfaces clean.  Even the most over-weight of us can surely manage that.

Top Coffee Recipes To Impress The Loved Ones

Have you ever tried preparing fancy coffee adding whiskey or other things?  Yes!  Coffee can be prepared adding various recipes to it for the taste you want.  The tradition of serving coffee with a different relishing flavor has been there since ages.  There are as many ways to prepare coffee as there are races in the world.

Discover here the art of preparing a variety of the most experimented beverage in the world.  There is no longer any need to step in a restaurant for sipping your favorite cup.  You can prepare it with a difference, every day to the wish of your gusto and enjoy a cupful of it being hypnotized in its flavor.  The modus operandi is very simple and you simply need the ingredients of the recipe for the kind of the taste you want.

Let's reveal the secrets of some of the ecstatic flavors of coffee beans:

Cafe Borgia

This Italian serving needs hot chocolate, whipped cream and grated orange peels as its main ingredients.  Take two cups of strong Italian coffee and mix it with another two cups of hot chocolate.  You can make the proportion as per your need but the coffee and the chocolate ratio must be the same.  Pour it in the mug and add the cream and the orange peels ... And its ready for an amazing sip!

Irish Coffee

A cup of Irish Coffee lights up the mood and fascinates truly in Irish way.  A cup of it requires Irish whiskey, cream, and sugar.  Prepare a cup of strong coffee, then add one shot of Irish whiskey and the amount of sugar you need.  Put the cream over the top.  It's ready for the shot!

Caribbean Coffee

This is a sweet coffee for a sweet mood.  Feel the taste of coco in a tart flavor.  You need baked grated coconut, coconut water, milk, sugar and cream if you are willing for a little change.  Make three cups of strong coffee.  Mix the grated coco, milk and coco water in a pan and heat it till it is creamy.  Put some extra grated coconut in the cup to be served, pour the coffee and the milk mixture prepared along with some sugar.  The sip of it will take you to the beaches of Caribbean!

The Mexican Mocha

You require two cups of strong coffee, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, whipping cream for the mocha to comfort you in the scorching sun.  Mix the chocolate syrup, cream, cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg in a cup.  Pour strong coffee prepared into the mug and add little bit of cinnamon in it.  Add some chocolate syrup and stir well.  Pour the mixture of cream over it.  Have it and feel it!

While trying these coffee recipes, you will be a coffee expert.  Be innovative in your coffee preparations and give it name you want and surprise your friends and loved ones.

This Thanksgiving, Serve A Turducken And Delight Your Guests

Each year at Thanksgiving, my family discusses what we will make for Thanksgiving dinner.  Some of us are traditionalists, who shudder at the thought of anything but turkey with all the trimmings.  Others are more adventurous -- especially me, since I did not grow up in the United States and I am not beholden to memories of Thanksgiving Past.  I am always ready to try something new, and I believe (much to the fury of the traditionalists) that Thanksgiving is a great time to experiment with the menu.

And so it came to pass, last year, that I won the fight about the Thanksgiving menu, and, with the reluctant approval of the traditional family members, was given a free rein in the kitchen.  And that's how the "turducken" Thanksgiving began.

What's a "turducken" you say?  It was quite a task but well worth the trouble.  I started the Wednesday before Thanksgiving by purchasing a 12 pound organic turkey, a 6 pound duck and a 3 pound fresh chicken.  I carefully boned each one leaving their structure intact.  You must cut carefully, especially the turkey, if it is to look natural.

I made a stuffing from the giblets of all three, adding some sage, thyme, dried apricots, and Grand Marnier.  I had a little Grand Marnier too ... (not recommended if you're under 21!).  The first thing you do is lay the turkey out, skin-side down, open.  You then put down an even layer of the stuffing, careful to not go too close to the edges.  Next, you lay open the duck skin-side down right on top of the layer of stuffing.  It is smaller so you can put a good layer of stuffing on it.  Simply repeat the process with the chicken.

Now, the tricky part ... You carefully wrap the turkey back up into its original shape, tying the drumsticks, breast, and rear together.  You cover it and bake it slow and low until the innermost temperature is 165ºF.  Be sure to baste often and remove fat as well.  The duck is quite fatty.  Leave it covered until the last half hour or so.  You can remove the foil and it will turn a nice golden brown.  Let it rest for a half hour before carving.  You may want to rest a little bit yourself, also.

The big surprise comes at the table when you proudly stand to carve the ''turkey''.  Using a serrated knife you slice through it like a loaf of bread.  Your guests gasp, wondering what has happened.  What is this thing laid before them?  Then, they are treated to a meal that they have never imagined before, and a new Thanksgiving memory that will last a lifetime.  (And maybe become a tradition of its own!)

Things To Look For In Automatic Coffee Makers: Buying Guide.

Automatic coffee makers come in all shapes and sizes.  You can find ones that make regular coffee, and those that make specialty drinks like espresso or latte.  No matter what your coffee fetish may be, you can find automatic coffee makers to suit your needs.  Some come with coffee grinders right in the machine and many can be automatic so your coffee is hot and ready to go when you wake up for work in the morning.

You will find that automatic coffee makers will last longer if you take care of them.  Always remember to turn it off when not in use to make sure a longer life.  If you drink a lot of coffee, your machine will have to work harder, and you'll find yourself replacing your machine more often.

Also remember to keep it clean by running a mixture of water and one cup of vinegar though the machine once in a while.  This keeps the insides of automatic coffee makers clean, and keeps the coffee tasting better.  Don't forget to run water through a few times after using vinegar to make sure there is no vinegar left in the machine.

If you choose to buy automatic coffee makers with timers on them, you save at least ten minutes of time in the morning.  You fill the machine at night, and the coffee will be prepared when you tell it to.  So if you have to get up at six am to get ready to go to work, you might want to set your coffee maker to start preparing at 5:45.

This way, your coffee is done and ready to go.  If you are impatient, they make automatic coffee makers with flow interruption.  This means you can pull the flask from the machine to pour a quick cup, and the flow of coffee will stop momentarily.

Automatic coffee makers come in all sizes, colors, and varieties, so shop around.  You can find a color to compliment you kitchen decoration, and a model with the features you need.  There are coffee makers that will prepare full pots, models that will make one quick cup, and still others that make four cups.

Buy according to what you drink.  There is no sense in making ten cups a day if you only drink three.  You can also find automatic coffee makers that are moveable, perfect for camping trips, or when you are staying with friends or family who don't drink coffee or own a machine of their own.

The Power Of Supermarkets And Changing Attitudes?

More and more concerns have been raised about the impact of the supermarket giants both on food production as well as on workers rights.

A recent report by War on Want and the British GMB, investigating the case of Wal-Mart (ASDA), shows how the relentless pursuit of supermarkets of the lowest possible prices has a negative impact on the supermarkets local communities as well as their suppliers, often based in the poorest countries of the world.

A few years ago, the supermarket retailer Safeway (now owned by Asda AKA Wal-mart) sent letters to their farmer suppliers asking for a contribution of £20,000 per product line, in order to improve marketing of the products.  They went on to invoice their suppliers for these sums.  Supermarkets have tended to only do business with the largest scale suppliers at the lowest cost wherever they may be located.  Next time you go to the supermarket take a closer look at the food labels, you will see New Zealand lamb and vegetables from Israel.  But this is not what most shoppers would choose -- when asked, they say they prefer British farm food.  Supermarkets are moving towards this as many are now offering vegetable and meat box schemes stocked only with local and often organic food.  Many small firms have spent years building organic box schemes and organic delivery into a viable business only for supermarkets to jump in on the act as it becomes more mainstream.

Britains supermarkets are damaging British business, are bad for consumers and bad for the environment.  Farmers and consumers are paying the price of its uncontrolled expansion here and overseas.  MPs must act now to curb the growing market power of supermarkets and ensure that Britains booming supermarket industry does not kill off farmers, consumer choice and the traditional British high street.

The UK Competition Commission has been called upon to look at the actions of supermarkets which many say are damaging almost everything that they touch.

Tesco controls nearly one third of the UK grocery market, setting the standard across the retail sector.  But while the company boasts about its commitment to fair trade and corporate responsibility, a new report from Friends of the Earth shows that Tescos practices are putting many UK farmers out of business;  while on the high street, some 2,000 independent stores went out of businesses in the last year alone, unable to compete with promotions and planning and taxation policies which favour the multiples over smaller shops.

One in five people think that supermarkets are most influential when planning decisions get made, over the council or local people.  Often people cannot get obtain planning permission to build an extension yet the supermarkets are often granted permission to build huge stores the size of football stadiums

But, things are changing for the better -

Supermarkets are trialing having tractors deliver goods straight to the supermarket door to save on food miles.

Tesco are installing solar panels and using renewable energy in certain stores to show how green they are becoming.

Waitrose has started its own fair-trade scheme.  The cash has been raised as part of the food retailers initiative to return a sizeable proportion of profits it earns on sales of citrus fruits to the farmers who grow them.

Ikea is to become the UKs first major retailer to regularly charge customers for plastic bags, to try and tackle waste and environmental damage.

The success of Marks & Spencers ethical marketing drive that urged shoppers to "look behind the label" has dwarfed all its previous advertising campaigns, according to research from a leading City brokerage.

Supermarket Sainsburys is to sell more than 500 of its own-brand products in compostable packs instead of plastic as it seeks to cut packaging waste.  It says the scheme, already trialled on some of its organic range, will save 3,550 tonnes of plastic a year.

Is this a genuine change in attitudes by the supermarkets or merely a change in public relations direction to ensure they get all the green pounds that tend to be spent in local markets and shops?  Ill let you decide.

The Iron Chef

Do you remember that old television series about cooking called ''Iron Chef'' which ran from 1993 to 2002?  Since over 300 episodes of that show have been aired (and are still actually in syndication today), I'm pretty sure that anyone remotely interested in the culinary arts will remember that show.  So, who was your favorite chef on that landmark cooking program?  Chances are, you will select Chen Kenichi, better known as Iron Chef Chinese.  Kenichi was the only Iron Chef to be on the show from start to finish.  In addition, Chen won the Iron Chef competition 67 times and is now widely regarded as one of the great chefs of the world.

Born on January 5, 1956, Chen is actually the son of another great chef, Chen Kenmin, who is known in Japan as the father of Sichuan cuisine.

You can tell his father's influence on Chen by his choice of his special dish, ''Prawns in Chili Sauce,'' which was inspired by a similar dish introduced by his father in Japan.  Naturally, where several generations of excellence are involved in the same area of endeavor, comparisons between father and son are inevitable.  The same applied to the Chen father-and-son combo as well.  But the spectacular success of the younger Chen on the Iron Chef series has established in many minds that he is the superior chef between the two.

Since leaving the show, Chen has continued to be a successful chef.  He currently runs the restaurant chain Shisen Hanten in Japan, which is a huge commercial success, with outlets in Akasaka, Ikebukuro, Roppongi, Tokushima, Kure (Hiroshima Prefecture), Matsuyama and Hakata

Ironically, it was the success of Chen's restaurant chain that almost prompted him to leave the show.  Ironically, and this is a little known story, it was Chen's rival on the show, the so-called Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai, who prevailed up Chen to stay, smartly pointing out that the show would not be the same without Chen aboard, which was probably true.  The two rivals shook hands and agreed as gentlemen that if either one of them left the show, so would the other.  Both great chefs honored the gentleman's agreement until the very last episode of the show's decade-long run.

Reasons For You To Eat Whatever You Please

In the past, I had trouble naming one specific favorite food of mine.  Today though, I tend to love pizza best.  However, for those who have trouble answering this question I think it is fair to say that they can at least point out a broader area of cuisine they prefer, such as Italian, Mexican, American ... you get the idea.

In our society today, we are fortunate to have a vast array of food choices before us, which makes it all the more easier finding a great place to eat out.  America is becoming a nation of obese people not because we are lazy -- not in the least.  It is the wide ranging food choices and the portions they are served in that have caused it.

Owning a food business, much like investing in real estate, is often a good venture to undertake because people are always going to need to eat just like they are always going to need a place to live;  however, the challenge behind owning your own restaurant lies in building a credible reputation for serving outstanding cuisine.

But owning a restaurant is beside the point.  What I want to focus on is finding great restaurants and eating.  I'm an avid traveler and I love it.  The biggest reason behind my love of travel is the many opportunities it provides for me to try eating at different places.  I can't even explain the rude awakening I got the first time I ate a meal in a different country.  It has probably never crossed your mind if you've never had such a chance, but there is a huge distinction between American food and the food served in other countries, especially Europe.

In America we take food and make it our own, meaning that the Chinese food you had last week was probably not as authentic as the sign above the restaurant claimed.  Of course, I'm not complaining.  I've had occasion to eat out in several different countries and I always leave feeling that the American versions are much better, especially in regards to taste.

Ethnic restaurants in America take big steps when it comes to making a great presentation of the food, as well as what ingredients go into it to add taste.  Americans have a sense of flavor all their own and quite different from the rest of the world, which is why when a Chinese or Mexican restaurant opens and becomes successful you know they put together the right ingredient to please consumers.

If you are like me and enjoy eating, make it a point not to eat at the same two or three places all the time.  There is so much out there to try so be adventurous.  If you're unsure about what restaurants are out there, then do a search on the Internet.  The Internet has thousands of websites that specialize in providing people with lists of restaurants in their area, as well as reviews, so you can better decide if a place is worth your time and money.

So what if America is full of obese people.  Eating is fun and provides many pleasant oral experiences.  Stop listening to all the specialists who claim we're all going to die of heart disease.

Purchasing Espresso Beans

A short guide to purchasing chocolate covered espresso beans wholesale

So you know you want to purchase chocolate covered espresso beans wholesale and going online will give you the best selection and the best prices.  The only thing is you aren't sure how to do this and keep your credit card safe.  Well, no problem this will show you how to get your product and keep your identity safe from thieves.  We've all heard bad stores about people who've had their bank accounts plundered and their identity stolen.  If you follow a few simple tips you can keep safe when shopping for espresso beans, coffee, or even an espresso maker!

Buying espresso beans or any other coffee product on the internet doesn't have to be as hard as you think, you just need to make sure you know what you are doing when you want to use your credit card to shop on the internet.

You need to always be sure of what you are purchasing.  Even though a web site says it has the best product on the market, make sure you read the description of the product carefully and study the photographs as well.  You want to pour over the fine print and see if there are any clues that might indicate that what you are about to order is not the same as what you are seeing online.  You need to keep in mind that if you think you are getting a great deal that seems to be too good to be true, than it probably is too good to be true!

You also need to take care with how you buy your products online.  Before you punch in a single number online you should carefully read the website and see all the options they accept for payment and how they will ship your brand new espresso maker or yummy espresso beans to you!  If your site asks you for private information like your Social Security number, driver's license number, or your bank account number then you should stay away.  No one should be asking you for this kind of information to buy espresso beans or an espresso maker.

Keeping excellent records of your online purchases can keep you safe too.  You will want to keep hard copies of all email correspondence, shipping information, and payment transactions.  Make sure you have all the details of your business dealings with the company to make sure you get what you paid for.

If you still don't feel safe ordering things online, then you can always use a trusted 1-800 number to order over the phone.  You could also request a wholesale catalog, the old fashioned way -- through the mail!

Pour On The BBQ Sauce!

When I was growing up, I loved the flavor of bbq sauce.  I ate it on everything from hamburgers to onion rings.  Much to my mother's disappointment, bbq sauce graced our dinner table every night.  She didn't really like the fact that I slathered all of her good cooking with bbq sauce, but I guess she figured it was good that I was cleaning my plate even if I soaked my dinner in sauce to do it.

As I entered into adulthood, I became a little more discriminating when it came to bbq sauce.  I still loved the flavor and bbq sauce was my favorite dip of choice for French fries, but my taste buds became more conventional when it came to my use of bbq sauce.  I liked to dip my steak in it or make oven baked chicken basted in a nice hickory bbq sauce.

With my love of any meat cooked with bbq sauce, it was inevitable that I eventually visit the south.  The south is the bbq capital of the world.  I had heard about the world famous bbq's in the Deep South and my mouth watered in anticipation as I packed my bags.  I tried to do a little research to find out where the best bbq sauce was served.  Everyone told me that I had to try a pulled pork sandwich and wash it down with sweat tea if I wanted to experience true Southern bbq.

The day I arrived in the state of Alabama, I bundled to the closest bbq joint.  You could smell the meat cooking a mile away and as I pulled into the parking lot, I breathed deeply of the exciting scent.  I had my moist towelettes.  I had a spare shirt.  I was ready for the sauciest bbq sauce and a pile of pulled pork.  I placed my order and waited impatiently for my dinner to arrive.  When the waitress placed it in front of me, I took one look at it and told her she had made a mistake.

''There isn't any bbq sauce on my pork.'' I explained.

The waitress just laughed as she poured me a glass of sugary iced tea.  ''Darlin' that is real Southern bbq.  We don't use bbq sauce.  The secret is in how we cook the meat, we don't want to ruin it by drowning it.''  She saw my disappointment and brought me some bottled bbq sauce on the side.  I did try her traditional pulled pork minus the bbq sauce and it was good, but for me, it tasted so much more familiar when I slathered it with my favorite sauce.

Popular Malaysian Fruits

Malaysian fruits are becoming very popular with an increasing number of people.  Some of the more popular Malaysian fruits are pineapple, durian, watermelon, papayas, rambutan and citrus.  Not only are Malaysian fruits very beneficial to your health they also taste very good.

One of the most popular Malaysian fruits is the Durian.  The name of the fruit comes from "duri" which means thorns.  The durian has tiny thorns which cover the outside of the fruit.  The Durian is a seasonal fruit which is grown from may to August.  many people boil the durian with water and sugar to eat or cook it in coconut juice.  It is also used as a relish.  The flesh of the Durian is supposed to act as an aphrodisiac.

Watermelon is another popular fruit grown in Malaysia.  The watermelon is 90% water and is eaten mostly as a cool refreshing snack.  watermelons are a leading source for Lycopene.  Lycopene is a natural pigment that gives watermelon and tomatoes their color.  Lycopene helps reduce the risks of developing cancers, such as prostate, colon and rectum cancer.  Lycopene also helps reduce the risks of heart attacks.  Watermelon seeds are rich in protein and carbohydrates.  Watermelon seeds are normally dried and eaten as a snack.

Rambutan gets it's name from "Rambut" which means hair.  The skin of Rambuten is covered with whiskers giving the fruit a hairy appearance.  Rambutan is used mostly for jams and fruit cocktails.  The seeds of this fruit are said to be poisonous when eaten raw, so it is better to cook them before eating.

The citrus family includes Kaffer limes, sweet limes, sweet orange, sour orange, grapefruit and lemon.  The uses are pretty common from juices to being used to flavor food.

Papayas are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.  papayas are used mostly for canned fruit cocktails.  They are also used in soaps, creams, and lotions.

Malaysian fruits are becoming popular for their unique taste.  Malaysian fruits are a great place to begin a healthy diet.

Oh Boy! Its Time For Beef Jerky.

With the low carb fashion that has hit the nation beef jerky is again very popular.  One of the main reasons that beef jerky is healthy is the fact that to make the jerky last for so long the fat needs to be neat or the beef will go bad unless a lot of salt and preservatives are added.

Considering that there is much more of the beef than the fat in jerky it makes it very high in protein and without a lot of carbs.  This is good news to the legions of people that follow the Atkin's diet.  Also many people that are conscious about their health prefer marinating and then smoking their own meat because it affords them the knowledge of exactly what they are consuming.

If you are looking for a healthy and suitable snack to take anywhere, this is it.  It is especially great for camping as it is compact, gives needed nutrients, tastes great, and does not go bad.  Many people that backpack carry beef jerky just for these reasons.  It is also light and easy to carry.  It is often put in vacuum preserved packaging to pack in the freshness so no matter how long you carry the beef jerky for it stays fresh.

Even though its origins are thought to be from South America during the 1800's, Americans love their beef jerky.  The Quechua tribe of Indians made a product similar to beef jerky which they called ch'arki which is where the name jerky came from.  They used elk, deer, and buffalo meat and added salt to them before drying it out or placing the meat over the fire.  This made for the preservation of meat that was needed when food was not as available for whatever reason.

The Spaniards took to making this popular snack as well when they inhabited parts of South America and then introduced it worldwide.  American cowboys and the early pioneers took to it as beef jerky became a stable of their diets on the border.  The early explorers of the country would construct smoke huts and then they would cut strips of meat to be smoked, dried, or put over a fire.  The real beef jerky came along when the meat was first flavored.  By adding spices the meat became better tasting.

With more people being wary of what they are eating and at the same time looking for low cost healthy foods, beef jerky is seeing something of a rebirth.  It's a great snack for adults and kids alike and everyone has to admit that eating a stick of beef jerky is much better for you and better tasting than a high fat treat.

How To Make An Espresso?

Coffee drinks are the taste of many tongues.  Indeed coffee lovers need coffee anywhere and everywhere -- whether at home or at work or for that matter when out for shopping.  And espresso is among the best flavors of coffees.  The credit for their popularity goes much to their easy availability.  Yes, the cup of espresso is easy-to-make (via espresso machine) and too-delicious-to-drink.  You can have your favorite sip at a local coffee house.  But if you want a unique flavor, make it yourself.  So, wanna learn how to make an espresso?  It is too simple, just read on to learn!

Literally ''espresso'' is an extraction of coffee with high pressure from a special espresso machine.  You might need some special instructions if your type of espresso machine is different from the other types of machines.  But, the basics of making an espresso coffee are indeed the same.

Some foolproof instructions to go about

First of all, get a good quality espresso machine.  In case, you are a ''real'' coffee lover, look for the best espresso machine available in the market.  One feature to get in a quality espresso machine is to be sure that it has built-in grinder.  I presume you know that the finest grind of beans is the key to make a good coffee.

Take cold and clear water and pour it in your machine's water chamber.  You should make it sure that the boiler cap is secure.  Give one shot of espresso that is a propos one ounce.  To give a double shot, you should give two ounces.  In few machines you can also give as much as four shots in one go.

Then, place the basket of coffee in filter holder.  You can place a little pack in ground coffee.  The filter has a measure for the amount of espresso you are preparing.

Brush off the grounds if any on the top or sides of the filter.  Place the filter holder inside the espresso machine.

Keep the present glass carafe of your machine under the spout.  You should then turn on the machine.  The espresso machine will make the water warm to a proper temperature.  Force the water up to the coffee grounds.  You can use a cup, if the machine you have doesn't have a carafe.

The brewing of your espresso should take just 15 or 20 seconds.  As the coffee starts flowing in the cup, the foam starts forming on the top.  The foam has a brown color and is known as Crema.  As the foam takes an almost white color, your best tasting liquid is not flowing any longer.  It is time to stop now.  Remove the cup immediately.  Your hot cup of espresso coffee is now in your hands.

A few tips to get the best results

Select and roast the beans particularly for espresso.  The beans are available on most of the coffee specialty shops or grocery stores.

To get the best espresso, better buy an espresso grinder.  When grinding the beans for espresso, make it sure your grinding machine is efficient enough to give a fine grind.

Use filtered water or bottled spring water.  Do not use your tap water if it is hard.

Is Coffee Good Or Bad For You?

Did you know that coffee is the primary part of dietary antioxidants?  Now let's be clear:  that does not mean that your morning coffee is a substitute for fruits and vegetables.  But serious java drinkers will surely get a jolt from the news that coffee is a top resource of disease-fighting antioxidants.  Current analysis reveals that, taken in moderation, coffee is a safe beverage that may even offer some health benefits.

Coffee is one of the few beverages that is consumed world-wide.  It is consumed in most countries of the world and coffee is the second most widely traded commodity in the world (behind petroleum) and one of the most widely consumed beverages.  It may be a world commodity that is second only to oil, but an excellent cup of coffee tastes a lot better than an excellent cup of petroleum.  And, in today's world of high fuel prices, a lot more fun to consume.

So, can we call coffee a health foodstuff?  Well, that may be stretching it!  Caffeine, which is the "guts" of the coffee, is one of the world's most widely used drugs, and it has been part of the human diet for centuries.

Caffeine is one heck of a stimulant and is the element that gives coffee and many other beverages their jolt.  It is definitely a central-nervous-system stimulant.  It acts as a mild stimulant to the central nervous system and both regular and decaf coffee can irritate the stomach.  Drinking caffeine in boundless amounts as coffee or tea (which may actually have more caffeine than coffee) over a short period of time has been shown to raise blood sugar.  So if you are prone to blood sugar issues, beware!  And, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, lower your current caffeine intake to less than 300 milligrams a day or three cups of coffee.  Or, to be safe, cut it out altogether.

But you should be able to look forward to a early-day cup for reasons beyond the caffeine rush.  The general conclusion is that moderate amounts of caffeine do not lead to arrhythmias and drinking a modest account of coffee should not increase your risk.  Check with your health professional to be sure, though.

So, is coffee injurious?  Surely you should be aware that some experts argue that coffee is bad for you.  And nobody is saying coffee is entirely benign.  But if you have reasonable health and enjoy drinking coffee, an excellent cup of coffee is worth it.  But remember, coffee is not for everyone.

Well, I must go.  I need to refill my cup of coffee.

History Of The Espresso

There is nothing great than sipping a hot cup of coffee in the chilly mornings.  It simply feels great having the espresso.  Yes, we are talking espresso, which is one of the most famous and preferred coffee types across the globe.  Well, since we started talking about espresso, why not take a brief sneak peek into its history and what exactly it is.  What do you say?

Basically espresso is a flavorful and strong coffee beverage prepared when hot water is forced under a high pressure and made to pass through finely ground coffee beans.  The color of the coffee is typically dark brown with brown/red colored foam on the top.  Espresso is commonly served in small portions.

Unlike other drip-brewed coffees, espresso is identified with its robust flavor and thick consistency.  Following its potency, straight espresso or espresso served without milk or sweetener is generally considered to be an acquired taste.  In the United States, this espresso is served in small amounts known as shots.  Many avid coffee fanatics even order single or double espressos along with a glass of water to void the taste.

Espresso was basically originated in Italy in the 20th century.  Indeed Espresso is an Italian word that means fast.  A gentleman named Luigi Bezzera made a coffee machine that had four divisions and a boiler in 1901.  He even got the machine patented.  This machine used to force boiling water and steam via coffee into the container or cup.  This very machine is regarded as the inception of espresso.

In 1903, Desiderio Pavoni purchased the patent from Luigi Bezzera and the Pavoni Compnay started developing coffee machines in 1905 which were based on Luigi's patent.  The machines produced by the company came to be known as the ''La Pavona'' and became famous immensely.  These machines even reached the America in 1927.

The flaws in these early machines soon came forward.  The boiling water and the steam that was forced via machine gave coffee a certain kind of burn flavor.  So, Cremonesi in 1938 built a piston pump that forced hot water rather than boiling water through the coffee.  Moreover, this design was also incorporated in Achille Gaggia's coffee bar.  During the World War II the Gaggia's small quantity of machines were destroyed by a bomb and any further developments of espresso machines got hindered.

As the war came to the end, Gaggia began manufacturing a viable piston pump.  As the machine used the spring lever, it was considered very innovative.  Following the use of the spring lever, the coffee could be pressurized which was entirely independent of the boiler.  These earlier machines used to employ the force of the boiler pressure to force water through the coffee.  The coffee that was produced from this machine characterized a Creama which became the hallmark of espresso coffee.  In true terms, this was a major inception of espresso machines.

Further in 1961, M Faema made an improvement in the Gaggia's machine.  Faema developed machine that consisted of an electric pump.  This pump used to force water through the coffee.  This machine underlined the inception of pump driven machines which paved way for the modern espresso machines.

Hanging Tapestries -- The Right Way To Do It

In contrast to a framed print, each tapestry is made on the loom separately and it is because they are made individually that there may be differences in the weave, hanging undulations and moreover, they may not be square in shape.

Several of the concluding jobs are done by people, who specialize in tapestry, on pieces, which are obtained immediately from the loom.  Afterwards, these wall decors are completed using hands by including linens, rod pockets and borders so that they can be hanged without much trouble.  Some tapestries may also have tabs or loops (not necessary for the purpose of hanging).  The cushion is then completed by wrapping or covering it with velvet backing, which are available in five colors, along with a concealed zip fastener and matching piping.

Hanging tapestries with rod pockets can be done by in a number of methods.

First chop of a particular length of round rod of wood.  Now you put in tiny cup-hooks in to both the ends of the rod and then you place them over tiny picture hook pins.  Now isn't this a simple, fast and cheap method?

You can also buy a metal rod along with finials from an interior store or a local drapery shop.  You can hang the tapestry off the wall by making use of the brackets given.  Moreover, you can also hang the rod over two nails on the wall hammered at a forty-five degree angle.  You may also include a pair of cords with tassels to both sides if you wish to link the tapestry to your present decoration.  You may want to make use of this technique in case your tapestry has hanging loops by placing the rod above the tapestry on the wall.

However, in case your tapestry is not lined then you can frame it like you frame a manuscript or a good painting.

Gourmet Coffee -- You Can't Resist The Second Cup

Could you ever resist the craving to have a second cup of that beautiful, strongly aromatic and lazily steaming cup of coffee?  Perhaps no one can do it.  A passionate Gourmet's delight, freshly brewed, thick and dark brown and irresistible coffee just brightens up your day like no other drink or anything else can do.

Why Is Gourmet Coffee So Special

One might be tempted to ask why gourmet coffee is so special.  Well, here is the answer.  For starters, gourmet coffee is always made by high quality fresh Arabica coffee beans which are always hand picked unlike other commercial coffees which are mostly machine graded.  Hand picking of coffee beans eliminate chances for dirt such as twigs, leaves etc to sneak in and spoil your coffee.

Secondly, gourmet coffee beans are specially treated with oils after roasting which enhances its flavor to no end.  The oil used for coffee bean treatment is a blend of many natural oils which do not have their adverse effect on the shelf life or stability of the ground powder unlike synthetic oils.  The oils are so mixed that their characteristic flavors neutralize each other.

You can have different tailor made roast for your gourmet coffee.  Deep roasted beans some what loose their natural aroma and this is why you feel the ''roasted flavor'' when drinking it.  Rather you would prefer a lighter roasting which retains its entire natural aroma.

Arabica coffee beans are ground to the exact perfection of fineness to get its best taste.  But generally a finer grind results in a full-bodied cup of coffee, but as many would like it, coarser grinds are preferred to make coffee with coarse filters.

Finer grinds are preferred by those who like espresso but true lovers of gourmet coffee will almost invariably go with the coarse ground coffee powder as boiled water takes its own sweet time to pull out the flavor completely, especially in drip type filters.

Arabica coffee beans are never stored in warehouses as they are dispatched quickly after harvesting.  It is the same story after roasting and grinding them, too.  The beans from Arabica trees are, by nature, tastier than Robusta, another cheaper variety.

To its credit, Robusta coffee bean offers you higher caffeine content along with that characteristic acidic taste.  Another little known fact is some marketers mix a small percentage of Robusta with gourmet coffee beans.

Fruit Dehydration Techniques

There are no firmly established fruit dehydration techniques because the variables change from case to case.  This article will go over some basic guidelines for dehydrating your fruits.  The temperatures and cook times will very from oven to oven.  Follow these basic guidelines but start with a small amount of fruit at first.  Starting out with a small amount of fruit will help you test out what techniques work best for you.

Solar drying is a very popular way to dry fruit.  Solar drying is very simple but if largely depends on the weather.  In order to practice solar drying the temperature outside should be above 95 degrees.  Next the humidity must be very low.  When you have these two factors in your favor you can dry your fruit outside.

Drying fruit in a oven is a much more common technique.  The temperatures I am about to give depend on many factors, like your oven power and what fruits you are drying.  Remember you are not cooking the fruit but drying it.  Your oven's temperature should be around 150 to 160 degrees to evaporate moisture quickly.  As soon as the outside of the fruit begins to feel dry the temperature should be dropped around 20 to 30 degrees.  If you do not dry the fruit properly it will burn or the outside will dry too fast, trapping the moisture inside.

Rapid dehydration is what you are aiming for.  When drying fruit outside remember humid airs slows down evaporation.  Also you do not want to heat the fruit, let it cool, and reheat it.  Doing this will cause bacteria and fungus.  If you let the fruit cool before it is completely dry, you are better off throwing it away.  Drying fruit takes time and effort.  Do not expect to get it right on the first time.  If you have never dried fruit before I suggest trying it first because the taste does differ from fresh fruit.  Drying fruits cuts down on the levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.  Fruit dehydration techniques vary so it is best to find what works best for you and stick with it.

Foggy Wine Glasses Are Not The End Of The World!

Perhaps one of the most troubling problems which usually occurs that takes the enjoyment out of having a glass of wine is when even though your glasses are clean, look very foggy.  We have all encountered it at one time or another and probably all can agree that there is something detracting about a foggy wine glass.  Before you decide to throw out your glasses or invest in a set of inexpensive ones with the thought that fogging is inevitable so you might as well be ready to throw them away when the time comes, there are a few things that you can do to prevent fogging and bring back the glorious sparkle and shine to foggy glasses that you remember from when they were first purchased.

I know that some think that it's perfectly all right to put wine glasses in the dishwasher, and some machines even have special sections on the top rack to hold wine glass stems in place.  We all know that crystal should never be put in the dishwasher, so I assume said stem holders are for everyday glasses.  My dishwasher has them and I still won't use it to wash wine glasses.  Why?  There are two main reasons for this, the first is that dishwasher detergent tends to be a lot more harsh and abrasive and can etch your wine glasses making it fog with repeated washing, and second is that the temperature in a dishwasher can become so hot that it can actually cause a glass to crack.

With that being said, when washing wine glasses by hand the best method is actually quite simple, especially since you should be able to simply rinse out yours glasses to clean them.  First, it is important to remember to use lukewarm water and not hot water.  Abrasive cleaning agents should be avoided at all costs;  and if you feel the need to use soap it is best to only use mild liquid dish soap.  Remember to never use hard scrubbing sponges and cloths and to rinse the glasses thoroughly or the soap will leave a film deposit which will fog with build up and time and thus defeats the purpose of taking care when washing your glasses.

If you have taken care of your glasses and hand-washed them and still find they are starting to fog, there is still something you can do.  Soak the foggy glasses in straight white vinegar for two to three hours.  Then wash with warm water and mild liquid dish soap and repeat the soaking process if necessary to remove the remaining residue.  It might be a bit of a time consuming process, but it will be worth it in the end when you have sparkling glasses that look beautiful!

First Thankgiving And Pies

In 1621, the Pilgrims and the Indians got together for three days of feast and celebration.  The Wampanoags, a neighbor group of Indians brought the turkey and corn and the Pilgrims brought the pies.  12 selections.  Everyone could choose their favorite kind.  It had to be the pies that were the 'hit' of the feast.  The pies were so good that the Indians invited the Pilgrims to stay.  It had to be the pies.

Pie history according to PJ's Totally Awesome Pies.  PJ's has 12 selections too.

Real Pie history

Pies were baked in America as soon as the early settlers set-up housekeeping on dry land.  Beyond mere preference, however, there was a practical reason for making pies, especially in the harsh and primitive conditions endured by the first colonists.  A piecrust used less flour than bread and it did not require anything as complicated as a brick oven for baking.  More important, though, was how pies could stretch even the most meager provisions into sustaining a few more hungry mouths.

The first pies were very simple and generally of the savory (meat and cheese) kind.  Flaky pastry fruit-filled turnovers appeared in the early 19th century.  Some pie-type foods are made for individual consumption.  These portable pies ... pasties, turnovers, empanadas, pierogi, calzones ... were enjoyed by the working classes and sold by street vendors.  Pie variations (cobblers, slumps, grunts, etc.) are endless.

Pie -- the filling and baking of sweet (fruits, nuts, cheese) or savory (meat, fish, cheese) ingredients and spices in casing composed of flour, fat, and water is an ancient practice.  The basic concept of pies has changed little throughout the ages.  Cooking methods (baked or fried in ancient hearths, portable colonial/pioneer Dutch ovens, modern ovens), pastry composition (flat bread, flour/fat/water/crusts, puff paste, milles feuilles), and cultural preference (pita, pizza, quiche, shepherd's, lemon meringue, classic apple, chocolate pudding?)  All figure prominently into the complicated history of this particular genre of food.  The basic concept of a pie is taken to mean a mixture of ingredients encased and cooked in pastry.

Finally, Find The Perfect Brownie Online!

There are few baked goods that bring up memories of days past as well as the brownie.  How many of us recall the deep aroma filling the kitchen as a mother or grandmother baked her delicious treats for us?  And how many recall her stern admonition of ''that's hot'' when they came out of the oven?  Then the long wait as we stood around the counter or the kitchen table, hopping on one foot and then the other, all the while eyeing those dark chocolate treats as they cooled.  And they never cooled fast enough!

But eventually they would cool and that sweet dear woman would hand us one, still warm, and we would take that first bite of the brownie and we knew that there was a heaven.

For many homemakers, it is becoming harder and harder to find the time to bake.  As most of us know, the two-earner family is more common today than it ever has been.  Baking takes time, and many are unable to devote extra hours to this activity.  It takes time to gather up the ingredients, prepare the ingredients, and then the actual oven time on top of that.  For many families, baking is simply not an option.

Thankfully, The Metropolitan Bakery can do the work for you now.  This is an online bakery that has perfected the art of the brownie.  Chef and owner Carmen Paponetti, has spent years developing his skills in baking and now he shares that experience and expertise with the general pubic through his online bakery.

A visit to the site will immediately show you just how well he has mastered his craft.  His gourmet treats come in many different flavor varieties and combinations.  All of his baked goods are made with only the highest quality ingredients, and he uses the world famous Ghirardelli chocolates.  When all of this is put together by a master baker, the resulting brownie is simply delicious.

The Metropolitan Bakery makes it easy for you to order as well.  They have a simple, yet effective, ordering system that allows you place an order and track it if need be.  All orders are shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS).  They package their gourmet treats in such a way that they can guarantee freshness upon arrival at your home or office.  They have also been kind enough to write up a helpful tip sheet on how you can best keep your purchase fresh once you get it.

It is true there are other online bakeries, but you might be hard pressed to find another one that offers so many varieties at such affordable prices.  And, again, these are gourmet quality items, and the proof is in the taste and texture of each item that they send out.

Stop by and explore the many kinds of baked goods The Metropolitan Bakery offers.  There is sure to be something there for everyone!

Everything You Need To Know About Tapestries

Tapestry is defined as a weighty cloth material that is fabricated with rich multiple colors that depicts certain scenes or designs and it is usually placed on the walls as a décor and sometimes to hide the furnishings.  The American Heritage dictionary has given this definition.

The process of weaving originated from the making of baskets in the early period where stiff fibers were used.  People started to use flexible fibers with the creation of the loom.  The loom holds the distorted strands tightly whereas the crosswise thread strands are woven.

Before the eighteenth century, small changes were made to the loom.  After this period, different inventions eventually lead to the mechanization of looms.  The Englishmen mostly made these inventions.  Weaving with hands was more or less discontinued throughout the Industrial Revolution although it was still carried continued as skilled work in some countries.

All through the different periods, the principles of weaving did not change be it the pegs on the floor (which were used before) to the mechanized loom that are available nowadays.  Making of the sheds, picking and beating are the three aspects of weaving.  The foundation of the cloth is the warp and in order to form the weave, the threads are woven and then the design is made.  Similarly, with the weft threads all the way through, the warp threads are lifted to go through the shuttle.  Now shed is the space, which is produced.  Pick refers to the row of threads, which is to be woven.  In order to ensure that the pick is even and pressed downward of the earlier pick, beating is undertaken.

The wonderful and appealing tapestries, which you see in art museums, churches and other places, have been made with hand carefully.  The noblemen would carry the decorative tapestries from one home to another and the cathedrals would hang them on certain events.

The tapestries, which are available nowadays, can be hanged on the walls or placed on cushions.  Regardless of where it is placed, a tapestry can be used as a family heirloom to be passed from one generation to another.

Don't Just Throw You Wine Rack On The Counter!

A counter top wine rack is a perfect solution for wine enthusiasts (or wine enthusiasts at heart) looking for a short term storage solution for smaller quantities of wine.  Not only are they stylish, but they are also available in so many varieties of styles, materials and capacities that there is a counter top wine rack to fit the personal tastes of almost anyone.  What most people don’t understand, however is that using a counter top wine rack is not as simple as placing it on a counter and filling it with bottles of wine.  If your wine is going to be consumed quickly this might be ok, but if you are looking to store a bottle of wine for even more than a couple of weeks there are a few things which should be kept in mind to help keep your wine tasting it’s best when you pop the cork.

1. Temperature:  A wine rack should never be placed where it is going to be in close contact with extreme heat, whether it is a counter top wine rack, floor standing or wall mounted.  Never place a wine rack near a heater, stove, oven or other appliance that generates heat.  Wine that becomes too hot can “cook” and degrades the wine.  On the contrary, some wines should never be store in extreme cold either.  For example, a wine rack storing red wine should never be stored near cold drafts.
2. Sunlight:  can also affect the aging process.  It is important to keep wines out of direct sunlight, which is one reason many wines, especially reds, are distributed in tinted bottles.  As such, white wines are usually the most susceptible to sunlight.  Even though UV rays can still affect and if left long enough ruin, a bottle of wine, if your are using a counter top wine rack for short term storage of wine just keeping the bottles out of direct sunlight will be sufficient.
3. Vibration:  If storing wines for any length of time it is best to put it in a place where large heavy vibrations will not be occurring.  For example in my kitchen I have an under counter washing machine/dryer which tends to vibrate and shake quite a bit when in the spin cycle.  It would be unwise of me to put a counter top wine rack on that counter because the vibration from the washing machine would cause the wine to become shaken up and disturb the sediment.

Keeping these three simple factors in mind might initially make it a little more difficult to find the perfect place to put your counter top wine rack, but you will thank yourself for it when you open your first bottle of wine and it tastes perfect!

Different Types Of Malaysian Fruits

Malaysian fruits have many benefits that are very helpful to humans.  Some of the different types of Malaysian fruits are Mangosteen, Starfruit, Pulasan, Jackfruit, Rambutan, Mango and Dragon Fruit.  Malaysian fruits are an excellent source for healthy eating and taste great at the same time.

Mangosteen is grown in Malaysia.  It is probably one of the best tasting fruits I have tasted.  Mangosteen fruit helps with the prevention of cancer and heart disease.  The skin is reported to be the healthiest part of the fruit.

Starfruit is available all year long.  Starfruit is often used for decorations.  Starfruit is also a good source for potassium, fiber, vitamin c and copper.

Pulasan is also only grown in Malaysia.  This fruit is grown seasonal normally grown between August, September and December, January.  The skin of Pulasan tastes like a sweet grape.

Jackfruit is also grown only on Malaysia.  This is also a fruit that tastes really good.  Jackfruits are very large in size, so one Jackfruit can be fed to many people.  Jackfruit is low in calories and contains good amounts of potassium and Vitamin A.

Mangoes are grown all over the world.  The Chokanan Yellow Mango is a great mango to eat.  The Chokanan Yellow Mango has a very sweet taste to it.  Chokanan Mangoes are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.  Chokanan mangoes are an excellent source for dietary fiber, protein and amino acids.

Pitaya is also called Red Dragon Fruit.  Pitaya is grown on a cactus.  The color of Pitaya is awesome, it has a fuchsia color to it.  Pitaya tastes somewhat like a Kiwi.  Pitaya has large amounts of antioxidants and it is a great source for Vitamin C.

These are only some of the Malaysian fruits available but finding other Malaysian fruits should not be to hard.

Dazzling Birthday Cakes Look As Good As They Taste

What makes a birthday cake special?  It's got to taste great, no doubt, but visual appeal makes a cake truly dazzle.  In Portland, Oregon, Papa Haydn's is famous for incomparable birthday cakes that look as fabulous as they taste, so we asked co-owner Evelyn Franz to share a few of her secrets for cake decorating success.

Evelyn helped her sister and brother-in-law Heidi and Jeff Van Dyke, who founded Papa Haydn's in the late 1970s, create their legendary dessert menu.  Since then, Papa Haydn's has become Portland's dessert destination, consistently winning awards and accolades from food lovers and restaurant critics alike.

With an MFA in sculpture and a lifelong love of baking, Evelyn guides her pastry staff in combining visual appeal with exceptional flavor and texture.  ''I think it's as important to pay attention to looks as it is to flavor,'' she says.  ''The looks can make a huge difference in terms of what you actually taste on your palate.  I don't think it's a successful dessert unless it looks as good as it tastes.''

If you want to try your hand at creating spectacular cakes for the birthdays, anniversaries and weddings in your life, consider these helpful hints from Evelyn.

• Tie a yellow ribbon:  An easy and elegant way to jazz up birthday cakes is by tying a colorful ribbon around the bottom of the cake.  ''You can use chiffon or just a French ribbon to really doll up any cake,'' says Evelyn.  Just remember to remove the ribbon before serving.
• More terrific toppers:  Check out cake decorating stores for ideas, says Evelyn, who likes to adorn birthday cakes with dragees or candy pearls.  Silk or edible flowers also make elegant cake toppers, turning an ordinary layer cake in to a birthday cake to remember.
• Fabulously frosted:  With a little practice, you can turn frosting into an intricate birthday cake design.  By alternating vertical and horizontal ribbons of frosting, for example, you'll create a delicate woven pattern that dazzles the eye.  Even simpler designs can be achieved by creating swirls or peaks with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
• Wrap it up:  For the more advanced pastry chef, wrapping a cake in a thin layer of another cake can add an elaborate touch that dazzles even after a birthday cake or anniversary cake is sliced.  Papa Haydn features such delicacies as White Chocolate Mint Truffle Torte, wrapped in a patterned chocolate sponge cake, Hazelnut Mousse Torte, wrapped in a striped almond sponge cake, and Georgian Peanut Butter Mousse Cake, wrapped in a polka dot sponge cake and topped with ground peanuts.  It takes some practice, but the effect is well worth the effort.
• The fine art of chocolate:  Evelyn and her crew are well-practiced in the art of decorating with chocolate, too.  Simply spread a thin layer of melted chocolate on a cooled marble slab or baking sheet, then carefully make curls or ribbons with a metal spatula to decorate your special cakes.  For birthday cakes, you can cut out rectangular banners of dark chocolate, write a ''Happy Birthday'' message with white chocolate or frosting, then place the banner upright on the cake for an edible birthday greeting.  This, too, takes practice, but once you've mastered the technique, you'll be a cake decorating star.
• Designing from the ground up:  Another way to create dazzling birthday cakes is to layer different cakes and fillings for a variety of flavors and textures.  ''We'll do a cake that has meringue in it as well as chiffon and maybe a flourless chocolate cake,'' says Evelyn, ''to give it a nice texture and a little crunch.''  Using cakes and fillings of different colors adds to the visual appeal as well as the taste.

If you approach cake baking and cake decorating as Evelyn Franz does -- like a true artist -- your birthday cakes, anniversary cakes and even wedding cakes will dazzle your guests before, during and after they enjoy the delicious taste!

Cooking: 3 Ways To Bring Summer Dishes To The Table Year Round

When it comes to summer foods, most people want to look forward to it.  Summer food cooking does not have to be limited to the summer months, though.  Even during the fall and winter, you can get out that grill and make some great dishes that will feel good and remind you of warmer days of relaxing.  Here are three ways to easily bring the memories of summer to the table.

1. Use your grill year round.  It's that simple.  Your favorite ribs and your tasty steaks can be cooked on your grill during all months of the year.  If you have a porch or a garage, then you can have your grill.  Use caution, of course, to make sure that nothing bad happens, but there is no law that says the grill is only for cooking during the summer months.
2. Grill indoors.  One of the best tools that you can have in your kitchen is a grill pan.  These have little ridges on them to create those grill marks that are so important.  To spice up any meal, use one.  A great treat is to make cut up veggies on these pans.  Simply cut the veggies rather big.  Use a bit of extra virgin olive oil on them to keep them from sticking and you have an amazing summer side dish.  Do this with squashes, peppers, onions…just about anything.
3. Add some heat!  To make sure that the summer heat comes through, ad some heat to virtually any dish.  If you like spices, then you know your heat levels.  But, if you haven't had a lot of heat in your food before, start with a milder hot pepper or spice and work your way up.  Consider cayenne, for example.  Adding pablano chiles to any meal will bring the heat up and remind you of summer months.

Cooking for summer doesn't have to be just in the summer months.  With so many supermarkets providing high quality produce all year round, there is no reason not to have the best of the best when it comes to summer meals.

Coffee The Columbian Way

If you're a coffee drinker you have heard of, and probably tried, a cup of Columbian.  Bland, sometimes adequate, and sold everywhere.  But that's predominately coffee shop or grocery store coffee.  Would you criticize the fine food of a four star restaurant by comparing it to a cheap diner before you've tasted both?

Like any major producer, Columbia does generate a lot of average beans.  If you're willing to look a little deeper within that huge output you will find some great gems.

By contrast to Brazil, which dry-processes most of its coffee berries, almost all Columbian coffee is washed, which helps carry away impurities.  Done properly, it can still produce a flavorful, robust cup.

Soaked in cold water for 24 hours, the soaking initiates fermentation, which aids in producing a great aroma.  The beans are then washed in order to remove twigs, dirt and an outer layer of unpleasant material.

During the process, unacceptable beans are selected and discarded.  The beans are then dried on large open-air terraces and rotated frequently to provide even drying.  The result is a lower acid, smoother cup.

This has been going on since the early 1800s when coffee was first introduced into the country.  Today, Columbia is one of the largest producers in the world, providing 12% of the total.  The central region, along with Bogota and Bucaramanga in the eastern mountains produce almost the entire amount.

While much of that is simply ordinary, grocery store quality, the finest blends are the equal of any coffee anywhere.  The product from Buraramanga is heavy bodied, while coffee from Bogota is rich and low in acid.

Supremo from the state of Narino is another fine example of Columbian.  Providing an excellent cup when lightly roasted, it's perfect for a late afternoon drink when you want a rich cup, but don't want to be overwhelmed with acid and caffeine.

A line of 'Triple Seal' organic coffees from Columbia are becoming ever more popular.  Shaded Santos from eastern Columbia, gives a smooth, mellow cup of coffee.  Open a bag and you instantly smell a rich coffee aroma.

Though the actor who has portrayed 'Juan Valdez' for years in countless commercials is retiring, you can rest assured that Columbian coffee will still be offering some of the finest coffees anywhere.

Buy Local Food To Reduce Food Miles

I have to admit, I am becoming obsessed with checking where my food comes from and this is driving my partner mad.  Whether you are in the local market or a supermarket, it says South African apples, Israeli pears and peppers from Chile.  You would think that the UK and USA does not produce any food, if this is the case then where has the billions of pounds gone that our two governments pay in farmers subsidies?

By buying food from abroad, developing countries get to market their produce world-wide and we get out of season food all year round.  Everyones happy except the environment.  Food transportation across the globe is making a significant contribution to climate change.  Just look at the following examples:

• Food in the UK travels 65% further than it did two decades ago
• Heinz ketchup eaten in California is made with California-grown tomatoes shipped to Canada for processing and returned in bottles
• In one year, the port of New York City exported $431,000 of Californian almonds to Italy, and imported $397,000 of Italian almonds to the US

What is local food and how can it help?

For many, local food is interpreted as unprocessed food, to be transformed by the consumer or a local shop rather than by the food industry.  The food originates from as close to home as possible such as on a regional or national level.  As such, local food reduces or eliminates the costs of transport, processing, packaging, and advertising.  The go local food movement is currently flourishing with over 15% of people buying food locally and this number continues to rise as the number of farmers markets and local vegetable box schemes increases.

The benefit of locally grown fresh food is that it can be consumed almost immediately after production leading to an increase in food quality and taste as it may be sold fresher and usually riper.  Also, the need for chemical preservatives to artificially extend the shelf-life can be reduced or eliminated.

Buying local food does not necessarily mean giving up all food coming from distant countries, but rather favoring local foods when available.  Why buy apples from South Africa when you can buy British apples?  But often buying food produced abroad can be cheaper (yes, cheaper) than locally produced food due to the subsidies the farmers receive and economies of scale from these large plantations.

It is also argued that national borders should preferably not be used to define what is local and instead measurements made in miles.  The growth of Sat Nav systems maybe able to help in calculating the exact number of food miles that food has undertaken.  For people living in, say, the south of England, food produced in northern France is more local than food produced in Scotland as it is closer.  The local food movement in the European Union has been furhter complicated and hindered by EU rules requiring items produced in the EU, including food, to be marked as products of the EU, rather than as products of any particular country.  The instinct of customers to buy nationally produced food in the name of patriotism was deemed to be a barrier to free trade and anti EU.

Studies need to be undertaken so that people can have faith and knowledge that the food that they are buying is actually reducing their carbon footprint on the earth.  For example, we need to assess whether it is likely to be more environmentally friendly for tomatoes to be grown in the hot climate of Spain and transported to the UK than for the same tomatoes to be grown in greenhouses in the UK requiring huge amounts of electricity to light and heat them.

Brewing Beer

Beer drinkers see a pint of beer as a magical golden brew.  Many have said that it's surely the Nectar of the Gods.  In reality, most beers are based on a basic four-ingredient recipe, and undergo a simple brewing process before bringing joy to the parched bar patrons of the world.

Beer is created using a basic mixture of water, hops, malted barley and yeast.  Depending on the type of beer being brewed, taste enhancements such as flavourings and sugar will be added.  Starches are also incorporated into the beer so that sugars will easily ferment during the brewing process.  The fermented sugars add body and flavour, while increasing the alcohol content.

Water

Beer is mainly composed of water, so the source of the water and its characteristics has an important effect on the character of the beer.  Many beer styles were influenced by the characteristics of water in the region.  Some beer makers claim that spring water or mountain water create their unique flavour and body.  Understanding the effects of water minerals can be complex, but basically soft water is suited to light brews, where hard water is more suitable for dark beers.

Hops

Since the seventeenth century, hops have been used as a popular bittering agent in beer.  Adding hops is important, as the bitterness helps to counteract the sweetness of the malts.  Hops also contribute a variety of aromas ranging from herbal to citrus.  The bitterness in beer is generally measured using the International Bitterness Units scale.  Hops also provide an antibiotic effect that favors the activity of brewer's yeast over less desirable microorganisms.

Malt

Every beer requires malt in its basic recipe.  Brew masters can choose to use malted oats, rye, wheat or rice, but malted barley is most commonly used.  Malted barley has high amylase content, and a digestive enzyme that helps break the starches down into sugars.  The choice of malts depends heavily on what grains are cultivated locally.  To create malt the grains are soaked in water, allowed to germinate, then dried in a kilt.  As grain is malted, naturally occurring enzymes work to gradually convert starches into fermentable sugars.

Yeast

Yeast is a living microorganism that creates fermentation.  The brew master will choose from different strains of yeast, depending on the type of beer produced.  Yeast helps metabolize sugars extracted from the grains, and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide as a result.  Before the functions of yeast were fully understood, beers were fermented using wild or airborne yeasts.  Today there is a variety of yeasts available, with ale yeast and lager yeast being most commonly used.

Clarifying agent

Many brewers prefer to add one or more clarifying agents to beer, but are not required to publish these agents as "ingredients".  Isinglas, bentonite, gelatin finings and Irish moss powder are all commonly used as clarification agents.  Isinglas is a gelatinous substance obtained from the swim bladders of fish, so if you're concerned about consuming animal products, be sure to ask of detailed content information from the brewer of your preferred beer.

Next time you pour yourself a cold pint, stop to consider the careful choice of ingredients and the lengthy brewing process that were involved in creating your little glass of heaven.  Raise a toast to your brew master, and leave your car keys at home.