Eating Culture in Andalucia

Apart from the beautiful and varied landscape, the heat of the andalucian sunshine and the passion of the people, Andalucia is well known throughout the world as a very social and friendly place especially when it comes to enjoying food. Andalucia, the largest and southernmost region of Spain is famous for its gastronomic culture which involves long lazy lunches and many hours socialising over a tapa.

It is said that the andalucians and indeed the Spanish eat more food than their European counterparts. This may be true, but it is the manner in which the local people approach their meals that is so special.

First up is of course breakfast. However unlike the British where breakfast traditionally involves a large fry up or cereal topped with fruit followed by toast, the Spanish breakfast is the smallest of the day. Usually the day begins with a cup of tea or coffee or a glass of milk or a batido (chocolate milk drink). This is often accompanied by biscuits of some sort. In the 'desayuno' or breakfast section of the supermarket you will find all manner of biscuits from the healthy high in fibre ones to the kid's varieties packed with calcium and chocolate for good measure.

The true Spanish breakfast however is usually between 10 and 11am. Bars suddenly become full of people enjoying a 'bocadillo' which is a large sandwich made with French style bread. This is usually served with coffee, often with a drop of the local liqueur or even a beer. It is not uncommon, as you drive through the villages, to see workers sitting around with their sarnies and a communal bottle of beer which is passed round for all to share.

Apart from the bocadillo at mid morning, other traditional Spanish breakfasts include bread or toast rubbed with garlic or tomato a sprinkle of salt and olive oil. Then there is the 'pan con tomate y jamon' which is bread rubbed with a ripe tomato, thin slices of Serrano ham and a drizzle of olive oil. As the Spanish don't usually break for lunch until at least 2pm, this hearty mid morning snack is essential to keep them going.

Lunch is typically between 2 and 3pm but can go on until at least 4 or 5pm. This is especially true in Andalucia during the summer months as it really is too hot to do anything much and lunch time is an opportunity to have a good meal, get out of the sun and enjoy a siesta.
When a Spaniard says 'medio dia' he is referring to midday but here in Spain midday is not 12 o'clock but rather 2 o'clock as that is the midday break for lunch. Lunch is the largest meal of the day and can involve many courses, and not just for special occasions. There is usually a salad, followed by a starter. Then comes the main course with accompanying vegetables served separately. Then you will have dessert, coffee and sometimes liqueurs. Not surprising then that a long lunch break is required and a siesta a necessity after all that eating. The Spanish do enjoy a long walk after lunch and in cooler weather you will see families and friends out for an afternoon stroll to work off their large lunch.

Before lunch however, comes the famous 'tapa' tradition. Workers on their way home will often stop off in a bar to enjoy a drink and a chat with friends. This is the time when the tapas are usually at their best and you can get a little free sample of what is on offer for lunch in the bar that day.

After lunch and a siesta or a stroll, the working day usually begins again at four or five depending on the type of business. In some places shops don't open again until at least six or even seven pm in the summer months. It is not surprising then that dinner is a very late affair. There are, however, plenty of opportunities in between lunch and dinner to take advantage of a 'snack break' to keep you going. After children finish school, they often enjoy 'merienda' which is just a drink and a biscuit. Then there is 'la hora del aperetivo' round about 7 or 8pm and pre dinner tapas anytime between 7 and 9 pm.

Due to the late lunch and seemingly constant snacking in between, dinner doesn't usually happen before 9pm. Although smaller than lunch, the Spanish evening meal is still a social affair with the family sitting down together. Dinner can consist of two or three courses, or a bbq in the summer but sometimes it is just a yoghurt and fruit or something light such as a bowl of rice with vegetables or a bowl of soup. A light evening meal or supper is often the case during the winter months when children and parents have to get up early for school and work.

Holidays and fiestas however can often mean dinner at 10 or 11 pm and that is just the start of the evening. The Spanish are apparent night owls and young and old can be seen taking to the streets well after midnight enjoying the festivities or just frequenting the bars to chat and be social with friends over a drink and a tapa of course!

We mustn't forget of course the constant slicing of and nibbling on the famous Serrano or Iberico ham throughout the day whenever the mood takes you!

You do wonder then, after so much food and drink is put away each day, how the Spanish are not as big as houses. The Spanish are very social people and enjoy a taste of something here and a nibble there with friends and family. Plus there is the healthy Mediterranean diet of fresh fruit and vegetables with local fish and meat produce accompanied by plenty of olive oil. It is the quality of the food along with the social way in which it is eaten that makes the gastronomic culture here so special.

For The Ultimate Space Saving Coffee Machine Try A Built In Coffee Maker

If you hate your worktops full of clutter, you need a built in coffee maker. This appliance can be used at all times while still giving you the space to cook or entertain. A built in coffee maker allows you to enjoy your coffee while maximizing the space around you.

The built in coffee makers are plumbed directly into the electric and water supply so there is no need to have to keep re-filling it like a standard kettle or coffee machine.
Built in coffee makers can be very expensive but they do have the added convenience of just having to press a button to get a steaming cup of hot coffee in seconds.

You can even buy a built in coffee maker that has a built in coffee grinder attached to it. This will enable your coffee to be brewed using fresh beans, however built in coffee makers like this can cost thousands of dollars.

Built In Coffee Makers That Do Not Require Plumbing

If you are unable to afford the huge price tags that some of the coffee machines are asking then why not opt for a built in coffee maker that does not require to be plumbed in. These are far cheaper and can be fitted to a wall or underneath a cabinet or even on a bracket. These built in coffee makers still keep your surfaces clutter free.

There are a few advantages to the more expensive models of a built in coffee maker as they usually are self-filling, adding just the right amount of water after each brewing. All the user need do is add fresh grounds and turn it on.

A built in coffee maker is very popular these days as coffee machines have seen a surge in sales and they are currently the 'must have' product for your kitchen.The coffee machines are available at almost every electrical store but it would be best if you shopped around and internet prices are generally much cheaper than those on the high street.

Organic Vegetables - Do You Know What to Buy?

Do you know what vegetables to buy organic and what is not worth the trouble?

Organic vegetables are wonderful, and well worth their price, say some. Growing your own organic vegetables is best, of course. You feel safer knowing exactly what was used on your vegetables before they got to your table. But if you cannot grow your own organic vegetables, the argument goes, it is worth the trouble to find a store or farmers' market where you can buy them. So let's suppose you take that trouble. Let's suppose you find a source of organic vegetables.

Do you know what vegetables to buy organic? Are all organic vegetables worth the higher price?

Organic vegetables that are certified organic under U.S. Dept. of Agriculture regulations must be produced without most synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones, and feed made from animal parts.

Organic certification sounds like something most of us would want, but is it always necessary? Is it worth the extra money?

What Vegetables to Buy Organic

These 5 organic vegetables are usually worth the higher prices, since conventionally grown versions contain high amounts of pesticide residues.

1. Green beans: Conventionally grown green Beans can contain three organophosphates that are toxic to the nervous system: acephate, dimethoate and methamidophos. They can also contain endosulfan, an insecticide that disrupts endocrine secretion.

2. Potatoes: Non-organic potatoes are increasingly being exposed to pesticides, according to the Consumers Union. These potatoes may contain dieldrin and methamidophos. While this is bad enough for adults, children who eat potatoes are at risk for a high dose of aldicarb, a pesticide that pervades the inside of the potato.

3. Spinach: Spinach is ahead of all foods when it comes to DDT. Other pesticide residues are claimed to be falling as U.S. farmers are learning to use less quantities of synthetic insecticides. Nevertheless, spinach still can contain permethrin and dimethoate. Permethrin is thought to be potentially cancer-causing.

4. Tomatoes: Tomatoes grown by conventional means have been found high in chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos, also known as Lorsban for farm use and Dursban for home use, is the most heavily used insecticide in the United States.

5. Winter Squash: When tested, two-thirds of winter squash samples exceeded the safe daily limit for a young child of Dieldrin, a chlorinated, carcinogenic insecticide. Heptachlor, another powerful carcinogen was also found. Winter squash in baby food contained DDT.

What Fruits to Buy Organic

Organic vegetables are only part of the picture when it comes to produce. Organic vegetables are often peeled and cooked before eating. Organic fruits are often eaten unpeeled, especially by young children. Young children also consume much greater amounts of fresh fruit per pound of body weight than do adults. The pesticides are concentrated more highly in children.

So while you're thinking about what vegetables to buy organic, you should also consider these 7 fruits.

1. Apples: Apples can contain methyl parathion. Whether fresh apples, applesauce, or baby food, they can also contain chlorpyrifos.

2. Cantaloupe: Like tomatoes, cantaloupes grown by conventional means have been found high in chlorpyrifos.

3. Grapes: Imported grapes can contain dimethoate. Grapes grown in the U.S. contain methomyl and methyl parathion. Methomyl is a carbamate insecticide listed as an endocrine disruptor.

4. Peaches: Peaches are perhaps the worst of all fruits when grown conventionally. They contain high amounts of iprodione residue, classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a probable human carcinogen. Peaches also contain methyl parathion, an organophosphate insecticide.

5. Pears: All conventionally grown pears, whether fresh or in baby food, can contain methyl parathion, as well as other insecticide residues.

6. Raspberries: Organic raspberries may be expensive, but you will be avoiding the fungicide captan, iprodione and carbaryl.

7. Strawberries: If you go for the beautiful red color of conventionally grown strawberries, you should know that it is caused by the fungicide captan, believed to be a possible human.

What Organic Vegetables Should You Buy?

Some organic vegetables are probably not worth the extra cost. When organic vegetables and fruits pose a health risk high enough to be listed by Consumers Union, however, you may want to take notice.

Flavored Coffee - Coffee With a Special Twist

Flavored Gourmet Coffee Beans

Coffee tastes great by itself, but for an extra special taste sensation, try gourmet flavored coffee. Some of the newest gourmet flavored coffee includes vanilla, macadamia, and even peanut butter. Other flavored coffees include French Vanilla, Toasted Almond, Cookies and Crème, and Hazelnut.

Flavored coffee is usually sprayed immediately after roasting for the best absorption of flavor. When choosing flavored coffees, be sure the flavoring is natural and not a chemical.

The higher grown the coffee plant the better flavored coffee bean you'll get. The sooner you grind the bean and make the coffee, the fresher and tastier will be the coffee. However, vacuum sealing and freezer storage can slow down this process to some degree, giving you 6-8 weeks at the most to enjoy a real full flavored cup of coffee.

It is hard to beat a good gourmet flavored coffee bean. Whether you like flavored or natural, whole beans or ground, dark or light, smooth or robust, the coffee industry will surely provide you with a coffee bean that will tantalize your sense and keep you coming back for more.

Flavored Syrups and Creamers

Another important addition to the coffee world has been the addition of many flavored syrups and flavored creamers to add to your coffee. These drinks usually start with a flavored syrup that is mixed with hot espresso and stirred. There are a host of coffee flavors and different flavored creamers or syrups.

There is a wide range of flavored syrups, including vanilla flavored coffee syrups and chocolate flavored coffee syrups. Don't be fooled, though, by blends that are actually mixed with low-quality beans and flavored coffees made with low-quality coffee that is given a new flavor to hide its bitter taste.

Many coffee shops such as Starbucks now offer a wide assortment of flavored syrups and creamers. Go ahead; explore; sit back; examine the phenomenon of custom flavored coffee.

The first time you visit a Starbucks and struggle to decide on what you want to try, it can seem a bit daunting. With so many different flavors, syrups, creamers, and blends, it can seem impossible to make a decision.

Yet it's worth the effort. With such a vast selection you can have a seemingly infinite number of different flavors to try as you create different blends.

Not only do these flavorings add a variety of new tastes, but these flavored coffee beans also add a whole new robust aroma. Flavored coffee products specialize in the customization of coffee and coffee related products to the awaiting consumer. And whether you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or just want something different, flavored coffee syrups put a great kick into any drink.

Flavored Coffee - Coffee With a Special Twist

Flavored Gourmet Coffee Beans

Coffee tastes great by itself, but for an extra special taste sensation, try gourmet flavored coffee. Some of the newest gourmet flavored coffee includes vanilla, macadamia, and even peanut butter. Other flavored coffees include French Vanilla, Toasted Almond, Cookies and Crème, and Hazelnut.

Flavored coffee is usually sprayed immediately after roasting for the best absorption of flavor. When choosing flavored coffees, be sure the flavoring is natural and not a chemical.

The higher grown the coffee plant the better flavored coffee bean you'll get. The sooner you grind the bean and make the coffee, the fresher and tastier will be the coffee. However, vacuum sealing and freezer storage can slow down this process to some degree, giving you 6-8 weeks at the most to enjoy a real full flavored cup of coffee.

It is hard to beat a good gourmet flavored coffee bean. Whether you like flavored or natural, whole beans or ground, dark or light, smooth or robust, the coffee industry will surely provide you with a coffee bean that will tantalize your sense and keep you coming back for more.

Flavored Syrups and Creamers

Another important addition to the coffee world has been the addition of many flavored syrups and flavored creamers to add to your coffee. These drinks usually start with a flavored syrup that is mixed with hot espresso and stirred. There are a host of coffee flavors and different flavored creamers or syrups.

There is a wide range of flavored syrups, including vanilla flavored coffee syrups and chocolate flavored coffee syrups. Don't be fooled, though, by blends that are actually mixed with low-quality beans and flavored coffees made with low-quality coffee that is given a new flavor to hide its bitter taste.

Many coffee shops such as Starbucks now offer a wide assortment of flavored syrups and creamers. Go ahead; explore; sit back; examine the phenomenon of custom flavored coffee.

The first time you visit a Starbucks and struggle to decide on what you want to try, it can seem a bit daunting. With so many different flavors, syrups, creamers, and blends, it can seem impossible to make a decision.

Yet it's worth the effort. With such a vast selection you can have a seemingly infinite number of different flavors to try as you create different blends.

Not only do these flavorings add a variety of new tastes, but these flavored coffee beans also add a whole new robust aroma. Flavored coffee products specialize in the customization of coffee and coffee related products to the awaiting consumer. And whether you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or just want something different, flavored coffee syrups put a great kick into any drink.

Allure of Almond basic facts of almonds

I remember my childhood, specially the exam time , when my mother give me almond with milk in the morning and says that it helps you to keep alert and specially almond sharpen your mind and memory. And it really happens. Almonds or Badam as we call them in India.

Though the years we have discovered that almond have many other honorable qualities. Besides being used as a garnish in for everything from muffins to halwa, milk and lassi, almonds are basic ingredients of any sweets in india like khoya burfi and Boondi ka ladoo.
But before we begin to wax lyrical about the almond, lets backtrack for a little bit of history about the wonder nut.

Almond have also been one of the earliest cultivated foods, originating in Western Asia. From here they were taken to Greece, Turkey and middle east. Jews regards almonds as the symbolic part of the dinner that breaks the Yom Kippur. In India, Its customery at weddings to give five suger-coated almonds to signify the five qualities of happy marriage - health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

Almonds have been always favourite in Indian kitchen much before the health benefits of almonds was discovered. In India , a basket of nuts - almond , cashew, pistachio and apricot are must in a Diwali festival gifts. From Shreekhand to Sheera and Thandai to Malai-kulfi, almonds add a rich taste to the food.

The crunch and hardy bite of almond gives you eat less and eat healty.
Some of the famous almond recipe are Badam phirni, Rogan Josh, Almond muffins.

Benefits of Organic Peaches

Peaches prevent constipation, combats cancer, helps stop strokes, aids digestion, helps hemorrhoids, boosts your immune system, peaches are diuretic, depurative and detoxifying. Peaches are wonderful to eat on a weight - loss program. Peaches are also high in vitamin A and C. Organic peaches are even better for you. The USDA Organic program must certify any product with the USDA Organic label. Farms that follow the USDA guidelines for Organic farming do so without the use of harmful chemicals. Flash freezing traps nutrients and phytochemicals immediately after harvest while the produce is at its peak. Peaches are more than 80 percent water and are a good source of dietary fiber. This combination makes them a perfect remedy for constipation.

One medium size peach has 7 percent of the dietary fiber you need each day. Adding fruits like peaches to your diet can keep you regular and prevent straining during bowel movements. Straining has been linked to hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, hiatal hernia and even varicose veins. Peaches are low in calories and one 100 g peach provides almost three quarters of the daily vitamin C requirement. The fruit has a gentle laxative effect. Peaches are also rich in iron and potassium.

Strikes out Cancer


A study in China showed that men and women who ate peaches more than twice a week had less risk of developing cancers of the mouth than those who did not eat peaches. This study focused on oral cancer, but peaches, like other fruits and vegetables with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, are a good way to steer clear of all kinds of cancers. As you can see the benefits of peaches are enormous. That is why we produce an organic fruit drink with 100% whey protein isolate www.zoejuice.com All of our fruit is certified USDA organic. We use organic peaches and organic apple juice to create a healthy and tasty 12 ounce drink.

Food and Drink in Italy - Turin Restaurants

One of the great pleasures of visiting other countries is experiencing the local cuisine and Italy, the land of pizza and pasta, is naturally no exception.

Italian cooking is quite regional, with the local specialities a treat to find out, and so it is with Turin, which as well as having some excellent restaurants is much more affordable than many places, such as Rome, Paris or London.

Although pizza is enjoyed worldwide and is easy to find wherever you are in the world it is true that nothing can beat a real Italian pizza. I don't know whether it is in the way they kneed the dough, the type of flour, the olive oil used or any other factor, but the thin crispy base and perfectly flavoured toppings never taste anywhere near as good as in Italy. Turin is no exception and there are dozens of pizza restaurants vying for your custom and all of them seem equally good as one another. If the weather is good then many restaurants have tables outside and if you are sightseeing then don't forget the therapeutic power of half an hour watching the world go by while resting your feet.

Watch out for the fixed price menus, such as offered by Tre da Tre near the tower of La Mole and the University, where you can eat for around 7 euros including pizza and soft drink in relaxed and pleasant surroundings, or another option is to head for somewhere serving fixed price pasta menus - pasta with bolognese sauce or similar should cost no more than €10 per head including a drink and coffee and just like pizza, there is nowhere on Earth better to sample pasta dishes than in Italy.

Turin has a number of specialities, such the typical Italian breadsticks that were supposedly first baked to help cure a sick child-prince, later the first King of Piedmont, and are found in a wider variety of shapes and sizes than other areas of Italy, is famed for its chocolate and also is host to the biennial Slow Food Movement event held at the Lingotto Exhibition Centre.

The Slow Food Movement came out of the idea that meal times should be enjoyed as a social activity with family and friends, and taking time to shop for good quality ingredients and lovingly prepare the meal are part of this philosophy, in stark contrast to the fast food exports of America.

It was formed by Carlo Petrini in 1976 in Barolo, about 70 kilometres south of Turin, and exists to promote high quality, naturally grown ingredients, while defending traditional methods in the food industry. Membership is worldwide and events include food and wine tasting.

Turin is also famed for its antipasto, a variety of appetizers served by many bars in the evenings. Don't be surprised to be brought several dishes without asking for them for which you will be automatically charged, or let your waiter know if you only want a drink without the food accompaniment.

The Buzz on Caffeine

David Letterman told Esquire in an interview, "If it wasn't for coffee, I'd have no discernible personality at all". I dare say that this is a belief held by millions of people across the globe as they exist daily with their caffeine dependencies. On the popularity scale, coffee holds the title for the world's most popular beverage with a grand total of 400 billion cups consumed each year. That could potentially be a large number of caffeine dependencies.

Is David Letterman really serious when he says that his personality is a derivative of caffeine? Studies show that low doses of caffeine (up to 200 mg) alone can create positive mood effects such as increased well-being, happiness, energetic arousal, alertness and sociability. That means that we would all have great personalities if we stuck to two cups or less of coffee a day. But many coffee drinkers would have to confess that they typically consume two cups or more a day and studies show that higher doses of caffeine, (200 mg or greater) may produce negative impacts including increased anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness and upset stomach. Remember also that the affects of caffeine can also vary from person to person depending on their body weight, sensitivity, and any tolerance a person has built up toward caffeine..

Caffeine doesn't only hide in coffee. Although 75% of caffeine intake does come from coffee, it can also be derived from other sources as well. This stimulant that we call caffeine is found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, and chocolate but is also a popular added ingredient in carbonated beverages and some over-the-counter medications. Surprisingly enough, compared to an 8 ounce cup of coffee that has on average 100 mg of caffeine, a carbonated beverage such as Mountain Dew contains a whopping 55 mg of caffeine. So, you see sources of too much caffeine are not limited to only coffee alone.

With caffeine presenting itself in so many different foods and medications, it's difficult to say that we will just avoid it altogether. So the important question would be, "How much is too much". The American Heart Association states that one to two cups of fresh steaming coffee a day does not seem to be harmful for most people. This would mean 200 mg or less of caffeine intake. It's significant to note that, although caffeine receives a lot of bad press, those that consume moderate amounts, as suggested, can receive certain health benefits as well. These health benefits come from antioxidants and other substances which help regulate blood sugar, prevent gallstones and reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease.

If you are passionate about your coffee and feel that you can't live with only two cups of java a day, it is vital that you make yourself aware of the risks that are associated with increased caffeine intake. Studies that I have looked into explain that an increased level of caffeine can speed bone loss, increase heart risk and might reduce birth weight if too much caffeine is consumed during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should drink no more than two cups of caffeinate coffee per day and postmenopausal women should also stick to these limits..

The studies on the risks (and benefits) of caffeine intake are ongoing, but quite simply put, the buzz on caffeine is that it makes you feel alert and pumps adrenaline to give you energy. Grab yourself a cappuccino and voila, you now have the caffeine buzz.

Sprouts Give That Little Extra

Sprouted seeds have always been known as a wonder food because at the time of sprouting, the chemical resources of the seed are linked with the natural power-house controlling all growth.

During the time of germination of a seed, great energy is released and made available for human consumption. Because sprouts offer an efficient, high grade, and cheap nutritional resource, they have been sustained as part of oriental diet for centuries and an integral ingredient in the diet of a Yogi.

Sprouted seeds are an example of the best Sattwic, or vital foods, that we have, but must be grown well and under the most natural conditions as possible if they are to contain the nutrients we anticipate.

Methods of Sprouting Your Own Vitamins

There are many methods used in domestic cultivation of seeds that vary from earth boxes and glass jars to more designer type sprouting trays. Although large seeds like sunflower are best in soil, most require only water and indirect sunshine to encourage their growth. Most seeds can be cajoled into suitable sprouts for eating, but there are others that remain stubborn. In this latter case amateur sprouters become frustrated as seeds go to mould rather than to growth.

There are certainly some facts relating to direct experience in sprouting that are helpful to the beginner, such as gaining initial experience by using alfalfa (lucerne) seeds.

When a tray of healthy green sprouted seeds has grown the desired few inches, if not required immediately for a salad, they can be stored for a short time in the refrigerator, but will still require changing of the water. They will prove to be twice as nutritious and delicious than any sprouts you may buy pre-packed at the supermarket.

Popular seeds used in cultivating sprouts are alfalfa, sunflower, lentils adzuki bean, mung beans, pumpkin, fenugreek, wheat, barley, mustard and cress. Alfalfa was the first to be introduced to western diets. It contains all the known vitamins as well as important enzymes, starches, proteins, iron, calcium, silica, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and chlorophyll.

Sprouted Seeds yield vital health food that can be used fresh in salads, just prior to serving Chinese dishes, or in soups, savouries, garnishing and sauces.

Commercially grown sprouts offer a considerable range and the variety may be attractive. But there is nothing better than home grown sprouts. Even greater is their attraction should they have been nurtured by the children as an enjoyable hobby which allows them to make their contribution to the household.

In all my years of teaching Yoga, I have found that Yoga students and practitioners have always been the most avid supporters, growers and users of sprouted seeds.

Why don't you start growing some today?

A Southern Cornbread Recipe With Variations

Cornbread and corn sticks are traditional in the south. They are easy and quick to make, providing you know a few secrets. Since they are made with a chemical leavening agent such as baking soda or baking powder no lengthy risings are needed - thus the name "quick bread".

When making quick breads like cornbread it is important not to overwork the dough. Combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately. Once the two are combined be gentle. Over beating will develop the gluten in the dough and make the bread tough.

Southern Style Cornbread

Dry ingredients:

1 cup finely ground cornmeal

1 cup plain flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 Tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt

Wet ingredients

2 eggs, beaten

2/3 cup buttermilk

2/3 cup whole milk

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra to grease pan

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Grease a 9 inch square baking pan with melted butter. Place in the oven to heat.

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl, mix well. Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk well.

Make a well (hole) in the middle of the dry ingredients.

Pour the wet ingredients into the well and gently fold the dry ingredients in from the side. Do not over mix.

Spoon the batter into the hot pan. Bake in pre-heated oven (425) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and done.

Turn onto a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.

Variations: Corn Sticks

Use a cast iron corn stick mold to make corn sticks using the recipe above. Grease the mold and place in oven to heat. Make the corn bread batter as above, then re-grease the mold and spoon the batter carefully into the hot molds. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Tex-Mex Corn Bread

Add 4 cup cheddar cheese and 2 chopped and seeded jalapeno peppers to the batter.

This southern cornbread recipe can be varied in many ways. Choose the add-ins that your family prefers.

Gourmet Gift Basket - A Truly Special Present

The gourmet gift basket is a really special and wonderful present that you can give to someone you care about at any time of year and not just during the holidays. Certainly the most popular of all gourmet gift baskets that are available today are those which either contain food or wine (or even both). There are literally thousands of gift basket companies online, some of which are better than others and below we look at just a few of the more reliable and reputable ones that can offer you good quality gourmet gift baskets at a price to suit your budget.

1. Delightful Deliveries

This site offers a wide variety of gourmet gift baskets from ones made up of Bakery items to ones that either contain fruit, gourmet foods or gourmet wines. Really with this site you are spoilt for choice and the service they provide to their customers is very good also.

2. Fill-r-Up

This is a company which can offer you a customized gourmet gift basket and they have a retail store which is located in Manhattan (New York). The team at this company can offer you a brilliant collection of both creative and unique gift baskets and all of which are very reasonably priced.

3. Prime Wine

This is the site where you look for a gourmet gift basket that is ideal for the true wine aficionado. They can provide you with a selection of the most beautiful quality wines as well as gourmet foods such as cheese, smoked salmon and chocolates to complement the particular wines in the basket. Each basket that this company produces is made to order and so you can either choose the wines yourself or let one of their experts make the choices for you.

4. Zingerman's

This is one of the best places you will find to purchase a good quality gourmet gift basket from. They can produce a gift basket made up with some of the most fantastic foods that you are ever likely to find from Artisan cheeses, through to rare oils and vinegars and much much more.

The only problem you will have when looking to choose a gourmet gift basket to present to someone is which one you should choose. The best thing you can do is write down a list of the gourmet gift baskets that are available and then select the one which is best suited to the recipient of the gourmet gift basket that you will be sending.

Cook With Your Nose

A strange title, but it caught your attention, didn't it? You might have expected suggestions of cooking with your recipes, your hands, your brain, your kitchen appliances, but your nose? Here's a quick explanation.

Do you remember the "trick" you used to do in school? Give a friend an onion to smell and an apple to eat and they swear the apple tastes like an onion.

Think of walking into a house where someone has been preparing dinner or a special holiday meal. What about walking by a coffee shop, or driving by a bakery? Our nose, although not our strongest sense, is often overlooked. Most of us have eaten meals that look fabulous when presented to us, but really don't taste that great. Compare that with how many times you have had a meal that smelled great but didn't taste that wonderful. For me, I tend to trust my sense of smell when it comes to cooking a lot more than my sense of sight.

Try this - open your spice cupboard or go to your spice rack and smell these: garlic powder, oregano, and basil. What do you think of? Spaghetti sauce! How about cinnamon, cloves, and allspice? Pumpkin or apple pie, anyone? Cook with your nose - if you're unsure what your dish needs, start sniffing.

We often relate spices and herbs to certain kinds of foods, and it's true; different cuisines use different herbs and spices (often according to what's available to their region). As mentioned above garlic, oregano and basil are thought of as Italian spices. Cumin and chilis are used in Mexican dishes. Germans tend to use parsley, chives, black pepper, and thyme, while Greek food often contains a variety including basil, bay leaf, oregano, parsley, thyme, tarragon, and mint (among others).

In the end, it all comes down to taste and what you like in particular. Learn what spices you like by smelling and tasting. The next time you find yourself standing over a pot simmering with a bland meal, you can hop over to your spice rack and start sniffing, ensuring a tasty outcome.

Weekend Getaway and Bacchanalian Feast With Friends in Ireland

Imagine a progressive bacchanalian feast of traditional cuisine and festive merriment. The setting was Dublin, Ireland and the weekend was coming to a close. It was our last night on our impromptu weekend getaway.

On that night the four of us in my group of weekend explorers could not decide on where we wanted to eat dinner. That was when we hatched our idea, a delicious and perhaps slightly hedonistic solution.

"Let's restaurant hop!" one of us suggested.

In a cooperative spirit of eager anticipation, we selected a different restaurant for each course of our dinner. Our inspiration was a take-off from an entertaining idea that had been popular back at home before we had shipped off for our semester in London, England. Glossy American gourmet-type books and magazines had been showcasing intriguing feature stories on how their readers could create progressive dinner parties.

Succinctly put, that last night in Dublin could best be described as 'progressive dinner meets pub-hopping without the stout.' We were drunk, but not on intoxicating and forbidden ale, but rather on the great joy of traveling with friends and experiencing life's serendipitous and unforgettable moments.

Among the foods that we sampled that evening was one of the rustic entrees that Ireland is famous for.

"You must sample me Irish Stew!" the lad with the slurred Gaelic dialect told us. "Ai let me bring you out a sample. 'Tis the best in all of Ireland." The waiter promised before scuttling off to the kitchen.

Within minutes our Irish waiter returned to our linen covered table with a warm from the oven fragrant loaf of Irish soda bread, and shortly thereafter with four small steamy bowls of rich and earthy Irish lamb stew that we all later confirmed as simply divine.

An authentic Irish stew is made with large chunks of vegetables. However, in my version of the recipe, the chunks are prepared a tad bit smaller so that each person's portion of the stew can easily be ladled into individual round crusty loaves of homemade bread. These shepherd style loaves when hollowed out, brushed with flavor spiked garlic and herb melted butter and filled with mouthwatering lamb stew create a most delightful smile-popping presentation.

Add a crisp green salad, a basket of Irish soda bread, an impressive dessert, a carafe of Irish coffee, some fun Irish folk ballads and perhaps a small wrapped token of friendship at each place setting for a gracious Irish themed get together perfect for a St. Patrick's Celebration with friends in the comfort of your own home. Before you know it, your dinner companions will be singing ballads of joy and appreciation for blessing them with a wonderful and memorable moment in time.

My recipe for Old Fashioned Irish Stew is posted at www.letsentertain.blogspot.com

(c) 2007 Kathi Dameron, Kathi Dameron and Associates

Note to publishers: You may use this article in its entirety if you keep all copyright information and active links intact. Thank you.

Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

This is an easy recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs. While the cooking time is long, this can be mostly unsupervised, just give it an occasional stir. If you desire, you can use the crock pot or the pressure cooker for this recipe, those instructions are included at the end.

You can add other herbs to suit your liking. I've known cooks to add parsley, bay leaves, oregano, marjoram, or take the easy way out and use 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning mix instead of the thyme. Experiment until you find the mix your family prefers.

Italian Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

3/4 pound ground beef

1/4 pound ground pork sausage meat

3/4 cup dry bread crumbs - I like Italian style seasoned

2 small eggs

1 clove garlic, or 1 teaspoon minced garlic, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

12 ounces tomato paste

1 large can of tomatoes or 2 regular cans

1 cup water

1 medium onion, sliced

1 green pepper, diced

1 tablespoon sugar

1 4 ounce can mushrooms

1/2 teaspoon thyme or other herbs as desired

2 tablespoons olive oil

Mix the meats, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and eggs. Form into meatballs the about 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter. Brown in the olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven (if cooking sauce on the stovetop).

When meatballs are brown, remove from the pan and add the onion and green pepper. Saute for a few minutes.

Return the meat balls to the pot and add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 hours on the stovetop stirring occasionally. You're going to want to cover this, tomato sauces tend to spit occasionally.

You can simmer on low in the crock pot all day until you are ready to serve, or you can also pressure cook this for 20 minutes at low pressure (5lbs.) When using either of these methods, follow the instructions completely until the cooking step. When using the crock pot, I reduce the water to about 1/2 cup or until the thickness you desire.