September 30, 2005
September 26, 2005
Recipe News: Microwave Italian Pot Roast Recipe
"Oh, no, you had a flat tire and company is coming in just 2 hours. That pot roast you were going to cook in the oven will never get done in time. Move the popcorn out of the way and get that roast cooked to perfection in your microwave!"
Includes recipe for:
Full article
here
September 26, 2005
Food News: Are parents or the food industry to blame for obesity?
"9/26/2005 - Most adults blame parents for America's current adolescent obesity crisis, though the proliferation of junk food remains a critical concern according to a new report.
More than 77 percent of adults surveyed by Mintel cited that parents are to blame for the national crisis.
Data from the Bureau of Labor cites that both American children and parents are spending increased time commuting from work, school and activities. Eating takes place en route from one venue or another, making sitting down to a home-cooked, carefully balanced meal even less of a reality for families.
The absence of regulated family eating schedules was cited as one of the main causes of poor dietary habits. But other major concerns cited by respondents should serve as a warning to food makers that they are not about to be let off the hook just yet. "
Full article here
September 26, 2005
Wine News: Wine online
"UNTIL THIS May, Massachusetts wine lovers could only dream of a day when a rare Pinot Noir from Oregon, a choice Cabernet from California, or a prized Riesling from New York could be routinely delivered to their doorstep, direct from the winery. But the Supreme Court in May told states they have to change laws that prohibits these sales. Local oenophiles need to tell their legislators the time has come to let the wines in.
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure is working on a bill now, but it is hearing from liquor store owners and wholesalers who don't want competition from the likes of the Joseph Phelps Backus Cabernet or the Ridge Buchignani Zinfandel, two wines from California not available in Massachusetts liquor stores -- even though they can be ordered from the winery in the 30 states allowing direct sales."
Full article here
September 25, 2005
Food News: Women still struggle to become a top chef
"PHILADELPHIA - (KRT) - In a historic move last month, the White House hired its first female chef, a petite, 42-year-old mother of a toddler who is now charged with cooking hundreds of meals for President Bush, his family and guests.
The move was lauded by women chef organizations, who had asked first lady Laura Bush to hire Cristeta Comerford to make a statement to the culinary world that women can and should hold more top positions."
Full article here
Wine News: Fruity, full-bodied wine best for pizza
"Back in the dark ages, we always drank beer with pizza. We never thought about drinking wine with pizza.
Times change. While beer still flows at pizza restaurants, you also find wine being served.
In picking a pizza wine, we suggest you look for a lot of fruit and substantial body to stand up to the strong flavors such as sausage, onion and pepperoni. It has to be easy drinking — and, of course, not expensive if it's going with pizza."
Full article here
Coffee News: Coffee perks up ordinary recipes
"Your familiar morning beverage, coffee, has a hidden side - a dark side, you could call it.
You've seen it in a variety of light drinks from the hot or cold latte made with milk to a white Russian made with vodka and coffee liqueur.
It has pushed your calorie budget over the edge with sweets when paired with chocolate for mocha-flavored cakes, or cream for a dreamy coffee milk shake.
What you might not have thought about is the aspect of coffee that enhances savory foods. You have to dig a little harder to find recipes for sauces, soups, marinades and entrées featuring coffee as an ingredient."
Full article here
September 23, 2005
Recipe News: Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe
"This light and fruity salad dressing is quick and easy to make – whether you need enough for one salad or an entire banquet. Just follow the recipe and you’ll have a delicious and anti-oxidant rich vinaigrette in minutes. This dressing is particularly good on spinach or mixed green salads."
Includes recipe for:
Full article
here
Coffee News: Coffee becoming more than a quick fix for university students
"It is estimated that 90 percent of Americans get a daily fix of caffeinated coffee. However, according to some students, it's more than just a quick fix.
Julie Hollon, a chemistry major, admitted to drinking white mochas several times a week "because I either get a craving for it, or in the mornings, it gives me a little pep-up," she said.
Researchers at John Hopkins University discovered that drinking just two and a half cups of coffee a day could lead to an addiction. The caffeine is a mood lifter, increases alertness and increases endurance levels, both physically and mentally. However, this feeling only lasts for a short period of time."
Full article here
September 20, 2005
Recipes: SUPERFAST RECIPE: Tangy Turkey Tenderloins with Angel Hair Pasta
Includes recipe for:
- Tangy Turkey Tenderloins with Angel Hair Pasta
Full article
here
Wine News: Fine Wine From The New York Vine
"Mike Doria (Keuka Lake, NY) 09/20/05 -- The business of wine making in New York State is bigger business than ever; a new study finds New York wineries are pumping $3.3 billion into the economy annually.
The recently published study shows that New York has more than 30,000 acres of vineyards and just over 200 wineries. That makes New York the third largest wine producer after California and Washington. "
Full article here
Food News: Doctors call for healthier hospital food
"WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- A physicians' organization is calling on U.S. hospitals to offer healthier dining options for patients, visitors and employees, because many do not provide enough low-fat, cholesterol-free foods.
A survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found less than one-third of hospitals offer either a salad bar or a daily low-fat, cholesterol-free entree, and high-fat foods, such as fried chicken, pizza and enchiladas, remain among the top-selling entrees.
"The amazing thing to me is that there isn't really a healthy option every day at all hospitals," Dr. Amy Lanou, senior nutrition scientist with PCRM, told United Press International. "I understand food service operators saying, 'I can't get rid of chicken nuggets or burgers,' but what they can all do is provide at least one healthy hot entree every day, and they're not doing that, which is really striking to me."
Full article here
September 19, 2005
Recipe News: Recipe: Mushroom puffs
Includes recipe for:
Full article
here
Recipe News: Recipe: Crab and artichoke baskets
Includes recipe for:
- Recipe: Crab and artichoke baskets
Full article
here
Recipe News: Recipe: Fruit salsa with cinnamon chips
Includes recipes for:
- Fruit salsa with cinnamon chips
Full article
here
Wine News: Wine-and-grape business feeds $3.3 billion into N.Y. economy
"With 31,000 acres of vineyards and 212 wineries, the burgeoning wine-and-grape industry sends more than $3.3 billion rippling through New York's economy, a Napa Valley-based research firm said Monday.
"The direct income from grape, grape juice and wine sales is just the beginning of the total economic impact the industry has on many sectors of the economy," said Barbara Insel, managing director of MKF Research in St. Helena, Calif. "There is a huge multiplier effect."
The preliminary, state-sponsored analysis, expected to be finalized in October, found that wineries, grape producers and related industries, from makers of bottles, glasses and labels to trucking, real estate and liquor stores, accounted for at least 23,250 jobs and a payroll of $786 million in 2004."
Full article here
Recipe News: Fruit flavors add juice to pasta recipes
"WASHINGTON -- When a research team from the American Institute for Cancer Research were developing material for their new cookbook, they set their sights on finding a recipe for hot citrus sauce served over whole-wheat pasta.
The quest produced not just one but three intriguing recipes. It had to be a sauce dominant enough to stand up to the assertive taste and texture of the pasta, explains Jeff Prince, AICR vice president for education and team leader of the cookbook compilers.
The result of the team's work, "The New American Plate Cookbook," (University of California Press, 2005, $24.95), is subtitled "Recipes for a Healthy Weight and a Healthy Life." It is a collection of some 200 recipes in a nicely designed volume with a generous number of exceptionally attractive color photos."
Includes recipes for:
- Three-Fruit Pasta
- Fettuccine With Figs and Chilies
- Whole-Wheat Linguine With Citrus Sauce and Vanilla
Full article
here
September 17, 2005
Recipe News: Oven Fried Parmesan Fish Recipe
Includes recipe for:
- Oven Fried Parmesan Fish Recipe
Full article
here
Recipe News: Recipe: Dumplings make the grade, fried or steamed
"So it's senior year, and apparently the powers that be (i.e. my parents who sign the checks) have decided that I'm finally grown-up enough to have my own kitchen. After two years of common-room-less living in Morse, I've finally taken the plunge and moved off-campus. Equipped with a kitchen (i.e. the capacity to make meals) and a living room (i.e. capacity for more than one guest), it didn't take long before I caught the Martha bug, the condition when one suffers from a compulsive desire to entertain. But the difference between Martha and me is that I lack 16 on-call apprentices (not to mention two nationally televised programs and a felony conviction).
Entertaining is lots of fun, but very few of us enjoy or for that matter have the time necessary for the preparation involved. In addition to preparation, there's also that time when your friends have arrived, you're still stuck in the kitchen cooking last minute, and they are"
Includes recipes for:
- PORK AND GINGER FILLING (makes 50 to 60 dumplings)
- VEGETARIAN DUMPLING FILLING (makes 50 to 60 dumplings)
Full article
here
September 16, 2005
September 15, 2005
Recipe News: Food/Recipes: Thai Turkey Wrap with Peanut Sauce
"FOOD -- Wrap sandwiches are becoming ever more visible, appearing in more than 33 percent of all restaurants across the country, and it's no wonder. Because they contain a medley of protein, vegetables and seasonings wrapped tightly in a tortilla or pita, they're both satisfying and easy to eat. Today's recipe, The Thai Turkey Wrap with Peanut Sauce, combines the great taste of Thai with fresh vegetables. "
Includes recipes for:
- Thai Turkey Wrap with Peanut Sauce
Full article
here
Recipe News: Recipes: Swiss With Spinach Fondue, Olives Baked in Cabernet, Swedish Pancakes
"REPLACE_QUOTE"
Includes recipes for:
- Swiss With Spinach Fondue
- Olives Baked in Cabernet
- Swedish Pancakes
Full article
here
Recipe News: Outdoor recipe: Campire Chili
"Lorie Roach, of Buckatunna, Miss., earned the title of America's best campfire chef at a Redwood Creek wines campfire-cooking contest. Her prize included a $10,000 ''adventure grant'' and a $5,000 donation to the national park of her choice.
Her winning recipe - sweet onion, apple and bratwurst campfire chili - is a one-pot wonder that's ideal for cooking outdoors. Most of the prep work can be done at home. Roach recommends freezing the bacon and bratwurst (which can be sliced first), to store in an insulated bag or with an ice pack. The cook will need a Dutch oven with lid, and a wooden spoon. "
Includes recipe for:
Full article
here
September 14, 2005
Coffee News: P&G: Coffee may be out of stock
" Folgers and Millstone coffee might not be available temporarily, Procter & Gamble Co. told retailers this week, because its New Orleans roasting plants have been closed."
Full article here
September 13, 2005
Wine News: Wine Tastings 9/11
"In an age of instant gratification, most people buy wine to drink tonight. Saving a bottle for a special occasion may mean placing it in a rack where it gathers dust for a month or two. At best, cases might be stored in a cool closet or basement and consumed within a year of purchase.
For those who have had the pleasure of enjoying properly cellared older wines, I don't need to tell you there is nothing like it. One Incline Village wine collector likened the experience to liquid sex. But before this image sends you scurrying to the wine cellar, you need to know that not all wines will benefit from aging.
Determining what to cellar and what to drink now takes experience. As a general rule, the more you pay the more likely you are to have a wine that will benefit from aging, although this is not always the case. Many California wines costing upwards of $50 don't have the structure necessary for aging. Perhaps a better indicator is the "pucker" effect. A red wine that tastes coarse and rough when opened contains substantial tannic acid. The firmer the tannins in young red wine, the more likely it will improve with age as the tannins soften. If a wine is smooth and soft when opened, drink it now."
Full article here
Coffee News: Taking drive-thru coffee to the next level
"EUREKA -- Rick Roberts chuckles when he recalls the first time his wife Kris first broached the subject of opening a drive-thru coffee shop in July of 1996.
”The coffee thing was my wife’s idea,” he said. “I just kind of blew her off.”
To set the scene, Roberts explains that at the time, the couple was at a crossroads in their life. After years of dedicating their lives to a Eureka youth ministry, the Robertses were ready to do something different. One sunny afternoon in a ministry fireworks booth in the Long’s Drugs parking lot on the corner of Myrtle and West, Kris told her husband that the corner would be a perfect place for “one of those” drive-thru coffee places.
A few months later while on a family vacation in Oregon serendipity brought them to a drive-thru coffee shop. It was a slow time, and the owner was ready and willing to tell the Robertses the ins and outs of the exploding drive-thru coffee market. "
Full article here
September 11, 2005
Wine News: Kids learn early to choose tobacco and wine, study finds
" CHICAGO - Children as young as two are influenced by whether their parents smoke and drink alcohol, researchers said this week.
In a study of 2 to 6-year-olds, children who were told to "shop" for groceries for a doll were four times more likely to choose cigarettes if their parents smoked and three times more likely to pick wine or beer if their parents drank at least once a month.
Children who viewed PG-13 or R-rated movies were five times as likely to choose wine or beer. Of the 120 children in the study, 28 per cent bought cigarettes and 62 per cent purchased alcohol.
"Children's play behaviour suggests that they are highly attentive to the use and enjoyment of alcohol and tobacco and have well-established expectations about how cigarettes and alcohol fit into social settings," wrote Madeline Dalton of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. "
Full article here
September 10, 2005
Recipe News: Omelette recipes
Includes recipes for:
- Spinach Omelette
- Asian Omelette
- Cheesy Chicken Omelette
Full article
here
Recipe News: Special requests: Catnip cocktails and Pup Tarts
" Maybe YOU think the dog days of summer have passed, but your pet may feel differently. "The Crazy Kids Guide to Cooking for Your Pet" ($14.95, Crazy Pet Press) by Crazy Dog -- aka Barbara and Missy Denzer -- is one way to amuse yourself while pampering four-legged companions.
The slim volume has recipes for treats as well as advice about owning a pet. It is written for children, ages 6 and older, with cute illustrations that are both corny and colorful."
Includes recipes for:
- MICROWAVE PUP TARTS
- CATNIP COCKTAIL
Full article
here
September 9, 2005
September 8, 2005
Recipe News: Olive recipes
Includes recipes for:
- OLIVES BAKED IN RED WINE
- RED PEPPER FETTUCCINE WITH TUNA AND BLACK OLIVES
- OVEN-DRIED TOMATO TART WITH GOAT CHEESE AND BLACK OLIVES
- CITRUS-MARINATED OLIVES
- MINTED MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS SALAD
- GRILLED PEPPER AND BLACK OLIVE RELISH
Full article
here
Wine News: Move over, beer: Wine is No. 1 choice
"What could it mean? For the first time since the Gallup Poll began keeping track in 1992, more Americans have reported that their alcoholic beverage of choice is wine, not beer. Almost a year after Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry was caricatured as a Chardonnay-sipping Francophile, and somehow less American for it, the French national beverage seemingly has become our preferred swill.
According to Gallup, 39 percent of American drinkers said they drink wine most often, while 36 percent said they drink beer most often. (The rest prefer liquor, and a small percentage said they like all three equally.) Technically, the pollsters said, the numbers put wine and beer into a statistical dead heat when the margin of error is considered.
Still, the trend inspires speculation: Is the slippery-floored college keg party going to be replaced by civilized gatherings with string quartets? Will American guys trade their beer and baggy board shorts for Petite Sirah and man bikinis? Is our country, in other words, on some ineffable road to effete? "
Full article here
Wine News: Controversy mounts over best way to seal wine bottles
"LET'S GET SOME closure. One of the most controversial topics in the wine industry is the use of natural cork to seal a bottle. There are many alternatives being researched, with varying levels of success.
Cork is harvested from the bark of a variety of oak tree, Quercus Suber L. The bark is usually harvested every nine years. More than 50 percent of the world's cork production comes from Portugal, where the soil and the climate enable the trees to live longer.
As a natural product, it is environmentally sound. The problem with cork is that it is subject to mold. This is caused by a chemical called TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole for you technical people out there)."
Full article here
Recipe News: Quick and Easy Italian Stuffed Peppers Recipe
"Microwaves aren't just for popcorn! This tasty dish is simple to make. A great recipe for after work, in a small apartment, single person, or couple."
Includes recipes for:
- Quick and Easy Italian Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Full article
here
Recipe News: Ray's recipes low in fat, carbs
"Here are some of Rachael Ray's favorite recipes from one of her most recent cookbooks, "30-Minute Get Real Meals," (Clarkson Potter, $18.95). The recipes are designed to help health-conscious cooks enjoy generous portions of good food without loading up on carbs and fat.
"If you eat well, you can eat more. That's the concept," said Ray."
Includes recipes for:
- GINGER-GARLIC TUNA BURGERS ON CUCUMBER SALAD WITH SALTED EDAMAME
- GRILLED BALSAMIC CHICKEN WITH PUTTANESCA SALAD
- COCOA-NUTTY HAYSTACKS
Full article
here
September 6, 2005
Wine News: Try these old-fashioned pie and wine country-inspired recipes
"Grapes are so easy to eat — you don’t have to peel them or cut them. Maybe that’s why we’ve forgotten that we can bake with them.
Although dedicated cooks have used grapes for making jellies and jams or wine, and for occasional baking, through the years these time-consuming tasks have been done less frequently. One recipe that’s been too often forgotten is the Concord grape pie.
In addition, seedless varieties of grapes shipped from California can be used as an ingredient in cakes and coffee cakes, in main dishes and salads. "
Full article here
September 5, 2005
Recipe News: Grilled Rack of Lamb With Cherry and Thyme Recipe
"This recipe uses a touch of garlic and two great flavors - cherry and thyme - that partner perfectly with this grilled rack of lamb. You'll never think mint and lamb again."
Includes recipe for:
- Grilled Rack of Lamb With Cherry and Thyme Recipe
Full article
here
Recipe News: Recipe: Cherry chocolate chip cookies
Includes recipe for:
- Cherry chocolate chip cookies
Full article
here
Coffee News: Coffee prices rise sharply
"BOGOTA, Colombia - Hurricane Katrina may have destroyed 1.5 million sacks of coffee stored at warehouses in New Orleans, raising the global price of coffee and benefiting coffee growers across the world, officials said yesterday."
Full article here
September 3, 2005
Coffee News: Risk to coffee stocks after hurricane supports price rises
"Prices for the omnipresent beverage and confectionery ingredient coffee leapt this week after flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina put inventories of beans in New Orleans at risk.
New Orleans, the second-largest coffee port in the US, was struck on Monday by a severe hurricane that has left the city in an apocalyptic state.
Reports estimate that New Orleans is currently storing some 1.6 million 60 kilogram bags of green coffee, representing over a quarter of all US green coffee stocks.
The uncertainty as to the fate of these beans has created bullish prices, with New York commodity markets seeing coffee prices rise the most in six months, a picture reflected on the London-based futures market Liffe."
Full article here
Wine News: How to recognise faults in wine
"It's not always easy to identify faults in wine. Some consumers have higher sensitivity to smell or taste faults than others, while some have a higher tolerance which makes faults less recognisable.
Faults in appearance, however, are easily observed. They generally fall into the category of hazes, clouds or precipitates, and can be easily avoided by a winemaker. "
Full article here
September 2, 2005
The Best of the Blogpire
It's September and Summer is slowly wrapping up around the Blogpire. The students are back in Boston and causing traffic madness wherever you go, the nights are a bit cooler, but we all know we've got a few weeks left of some really nice late Summer weather and some great late Summer blogging.
Single Serve Coffee has news of the Keurig Elite B40 & Special Edition B60 Available at Keurig.com and their Single Serve Coffee.com Monthly Round Up for August 2005
Just The Chips looks at Phil Gordon's Little Green Poker Book and the PSP World Series of Poker
Kitchen Contraptions reviewed the simplehuman Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder and also has a great Monthly Round Up for August 2005
Shaving Stuff found
