The Gourmet Cupboard

Some time ago we reviewed a Kosher Sauvignon Blanc from the famous Sonoma County, California. Its producer, Weinstock Cellars, seemed to have no web site. Now we are reviewing a Kosher for Passover Cabernet Sauvignon from the next door, the even more famous Napa County. Same producer, same absence of a web site. Their distributor, Royal Wines, had very little to say about the Winery. Of course that isn’t what really counts. Our companion wine is another Kosher for Passover Cabernet Sauvignon. At half the price it comes from southern France.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Weinstock Cellar Select Cabernet Sauvignon Kosher for Passover Mevushal 2008 13.5 % alcohol about $20.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: The nose here offers up suggestions of redcurrant, cassis, ripe raspberry, cinnamon, toast and touches of mocha. The palate is dry, ripe and sunny, with excellent fruit and a backbone of fine ripe tannins. Both red and black fruit notes emerge, along with roasted red pepper and more spice and chocolate. This will drink well for the next 3-5 years and will make an excellent pairing for braised meats, or even a meaty pasta dish or pizza. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2011).” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was long, round, and mouth-filling but its fruit was light. Since I tasted this wine before Passover Japanese rice crackers were on the menu. They served to render the drink multilayered and brought out the plums. Slow-cooked meatballs rendered the libation even more forceful. When paired with the potatoes, the drink presented lots of chocolate (but not Passover chocolate). The salad composed of broccoli sprouts, cucumbers, orange and yellow peppers, tomato, cilantro, and Portabello mushrooms imparted the taste of chocolate and black cherries.

My next meal cleared our freezer of packaged Baked Ziti Siciliano that I doused with grated Parmesan cheese. Now our southern France friend was oaky in a positive sense offering refreshing acidity and melt-in-your-mouth tannins. Fresh cantaloupe richened the taste of dark cherries. When paired with nut cake this Cab was very dark with some chocolate.

The closing meal’s centerpiece was a baked chicken leg in cardamom, cilantro, black pepper, and garlic. This drink was long and chewy. It was powerful and offered refreshing acidity that cut the dish’s grease. The side dish consisted of okra in tomato and onion sauce over white rice. Now the liquid’s acidity was muted but its chocolate and fruit remained strong. When our boy met fruit juice candy he softened but was still very present and very pleasant.

Final verdict. I would definitely buy this wine again. I have the feeling that it might be even better after cellaring for a few years.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but drinking fine Iwine with good company. He loves teaching computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. His global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com features a weekly review of $10 wines. His European travel website is http://www.traveleuropetravel.com .

By Nino Dan

One of the most important items that you will have to purchase for your home is a good set of cookware. You will be using this item on a daily basis because you will be eating regularly. This is why it is essential for you to make sure that you choose the right kind of cookware for your home. It is a good idea for you to begin your search on the Internet. This will make it much easier for you to see everything that is available before you make a decision. It is always better for you to know what your options are before you make a final decision on anything. This is especially true when you are searching for items that you will be using a lot, such as cookware. When you begin your search, you will find that there are numerous different sets of cookware for you to choose from. You will have to take your time in order to decide which the best set of cookware is for you.

You will definitely have to narrow down your choices of these items because there are so many of them. You will have a hard time making a decision if you are not able to narrow down your options. Once way that you can accomplish this is by figuring out how much money, you are willing to spend on cookware. You will find that there are many different sets available for many different prices. You will easily be able to narrow down your choices by getting rid of the sets that are over your budget. You should also make sure that you do not choose the most inexpensive sets because they may not last you very long.

You will be able to save yourself a lot of money if you check to see what kind of cookware you already have in your kitchen. If you have pots and pans that are still in good condition, then there is no reason for you to purchase new ones. You may find that you just need a couple of frying pans or pots. This is much less expensive that purchasing an entire set.

If you are looking for new cookware, you will be able to choose ones that are pleasing in appearance to you. For example, if your kitchen is mainly red, then you may decide that you would like to purchase pots and pans in that color. You can choose whichever color and pattern that you think will match your kitchen.

Kitchenaid cookware is one of the best ones in the market. Please visit our website for more cookware reviews.

By Troy J. Hollenbeck

Coffee makers can be bought for the home, and give such a good brew quality that it is no longer necessary to buy it elsewhere. Those who love the taste of espresso knows the importance of a good cup to start the day. This is why so many people all over the world invest time into discovering more about the blend they drink.

Many people will call in at their favorite café on their daily commute and do not go a morning without a cup of their chosen blend. There is something to be said about the quality and taste that comes from that first drink of the day. It is a little known fact that this quality of drink is actually much easier – and cheaper – from coffee makers that can be bought for the home. The only effort required is finding out which device is right for them.

People take knowing their blend as seriously as any pastime or even job. Someone intent on getting it right might look into the quality of water being used, the heat of the water during steeping and even the precise timing needed for certain beans. An adjustment in any of these factors can create a whole new taste within the drink. Top of the range coffee makers are known to control these factors for a better taste each time. Machines can be pre-programmed so that they control all of these elements for the perfect hot cup every time.

Coffee makers vary significantly in what they can do. Filter machines are best for infusing loose grounds as they allow the water to gradually seep through the filter to complete the brew. For purists, whole beans allow full power over the brewing process, from crushing the beans to infusing them in water. Drink ‘pods’ simplify the process with pre-packed cartridges that can be slotted into a machine and instantly turned into a hot drink. People are even able to automate their refreshment times in advance, by using machines that can be programmed to operate at certain times like a morning alarm clock.

With so many types of machine, there is no doubt that every drink enthusiast can find their perfect solution. From the simple one-touch models to the complex manual systems, everyone who likes a hot drink can find something right for them. Features such as automatic removal of waste beans and heating plates are elements which come with many coffee machines. The wide selection of machines means that café quality can now be achieved at home.

We all love our first sip of coffee in the morning with our best Coffee Makers or whether our Single Serve Coffee Makers.

Butter has a long and interesting history; ancient romans would use it for medical appliances such as treating burns and signs of aging. In these times, butter was made simply from shaking milk inside an animal hide or hollow log, but now there is a technical and precise method which is used to create the perfect taste and texture. So, how do the workers at the dairy involved with the creation of perfect butter create that taste and texture that we love so much?

The Butter Making Process

Firstly, a tanker truck containing 30,000 litres of raw cow’s milk delivers its contents to the dairy; it is tested for consistent colour and odour before being vacuumed out of the truck through large hoses. The milk is pumped straight into a large machine referred to as ‘the separator’; this machine quickly spins which divides the raw milk’s fat from the rest of the liquid. The separated fat is referred to as ‘butter cream’ and the rest is distributed as ‘skimmed’ milk. This buttercream is the essential ingredient in the production of butter, it’s think off-white colour and fat content (at around 38%) make it perfect for thickening and churning.

The buttercream is now transported into a ‘bulk tank’; it is now stirred constantly by giant mixers to maintain a good consistency, then the butter is aged and pasteurised for 24 hours, and the workers then transfer it into the ‘churner’. The churner is filled half way with around 1,500 litres of buttercream (the extra room is required to allow gas and air produced in the churning process to escape through vents in the top of the machine. The churner spins at 28rpm (around the same speed as a standard household clothes dryer, this causes the buttercreams fat molecules to bunch together and release air. This air is released and regulated at five minute intervals; the churner is reactivated as soon as the worker operating the system lets out the excess air through the valves.

After thirty minutes of churning, the fat molecules in the buttercream become creamy clumps which are referred to as ‘popcorn butter’ the remaining liquid (called buttermilk) left in this substance is drained and pumped into a container and is later used to make other products such as ice cream. The mass of remaining popcorn butter holds the same consistency of regular butter at room temperature, but can is easily be told apart from its lumpy appearance. Now around 14kg of salt is added to the popcorn butter, this is used to flavour the substance but batches are made without this step to produce salt-free butter. Now the churner is sealed once more with the use of large polymer o rings and a metal collar, this keeps the internal air pressure at the perfect level for the churner to work efficiently. Another thirty minutes of churning allows the fat molecules to thicken even more and blend properly with the salt.

Next, the nearly-finished butter is scooped into a milling machine; here the butter is moulded into the shape of a block and then placed into the open packages. The packaging contains aluminium to ensure light cannot penetrate the pack and make the butter rancid.

So there we have the technical but interesting methods used to create the tasty butter we know and love!

Vanilla beans are a wonderful and versatile thing. Everyone has had food that contained vanilla at one point or another. Whole vanilla beans can be used for a wide variety of things including ice cream, cakes, and much more. The beans can be used whole, or made into extracts and pastes. Using fresh whole beans can create much better flavor that using the traditional extracts that people most often use for baking. If you have ever wondered where to buy vanilla beans, they are much easier to find in today’s world with so many online retailers. They can be priced higher than other spices. This is because it is more labor intensive and costly to produce the crop. I will write more about the plants and production of vanilla beans in this article.

The species of orchid which produces vanilla beans that is most commonly grown is Vanilla planifolia. This species originated in Mexico and is now grown in many tropical climates. Madagascar is one of the world’s leading producers of the plant. The plant grows as a vine and climbs up a tree or pole. The seeds are what produce that great flavor we all know. The beans grow quickly, but then must mature on the vine until it is time to harvest them which is about 9 months. Harvesting at the right time is critical, and the plants must be checked daily when nearing maturity.

The values of the beans are determined by their length. They are often graded as either grade C, B, or grade A. Ones that are over 15 centimeters in length are the highest grade available. There are quite a few seeds inside each pod. A well established vine has the ability to produce a few kilograms of seed pods. After the harvest, they need to be cured and processed. This involves slow drying and conditioning of the pods. Once this is completed, they are shipped to retail stores where you and I can purchase them. When you purchase vanilla beans, it is best to store them in a cool, dry, and dark place until you use them. They will usually remain fresh for about six months. After they have been stored for a while, before you use them, it is best to let them sit in open air for a little bit first. Ice cream is usually the first thought when you mention the use of these tasty beans, but you can use them in a wide range of recipes. If you have never tried using them before, you do not know what you are missing. Have a great time and enjoy cooking.

Sinful indulgence or a gift from the gods? If you’re one of those, who cannot say ‘no’ to chocolate, and let’s face it, most of us fall into this group, then read on to find out about the health benefits behind chocolate and how to relish a guilt-free bite!

Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés, who first introduced chocolate in the 16th century to Europe, had this to say:

…the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food.

Chocolate as we know it, combined with milk, sugar and cocoa, is a delight that’s conquered the world’s palate. Increasingly, modern science is unravelling a host of health benefits associated with this delectable treat:

Chocolate is a high-carbohydrate, high-fat food and hence a good source of energy.

Chocolate contains iron, magnesium and niacin. While iron helps channel oxygen to all parts of the body, both magnesium and niacin facilitate the body in harnessing energy from various foods.

The warm glow that spreads within us when savouring chocolate comes from two endorphins or mood enhancers present in it, serotonin and phenylethylamine.

Chocolate health benefits also include trace quantities of several vitamins like A, E, B1, B2 and folate, the body’s requirement of these is common knowledge.

Does chocolate cause overstimulation of the nervous system? Theobromine and caffeine are chemicals in chocolate that both stimulate and energize. However, these are present only in small quantities and get further diluted when cacoa beans are processed into milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains larger quantities of theobromine, one reason why it’s typically consumed in tiny portions.

Like many other goodies, chocolate gets bad press, excess weight, tooth cavities, high cholesterol, acne and headaches are just some accusations hurled at chocolate. However, not all these claims are entirely true.

Milk chocolates are especially loaded with calories, but only overindulgence would cause weight gain.

Research from Mayo Clinic proved that stearic acid, a neutral fat present in chocolate, does not hike LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol. Also, oleic acid present in cocoa butter is similar to the monounsaturated fat found in olive oil and could actually improve levels of HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol!

As for cavities, it’s the sugar in chocolate that’s the villain leading to dental problems. One University of Pittsburgh study found little connection between chocolates and headache; it’s possible however, that migraine sufferers are a vulnerable group. Elsewhere, research has failed to find any connection between acne and chocolate. Alas, neither has science established that chocolate is a proven aphrodisiac!

Go ahead, indulge in moderation of course and reap energizing benefits of chocolates!

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Homeowners often opt to replace appliances when they breakdown. This is one possible solution to any problems, but when you consider that trying to repair the appliance tends to be cheaper than replacing, you should reconsider your actions. Prior to shopping for the latest and greatest ovens and refrigerators, it might pay to call an expert Sub-Zero repair company for an estimate.

There are great benefits to best appliance repair in Denver over purchasing a new product. The first and most obvious benefit is that it will save a great deal of money. Other benefits include the fact that it is more environmentally friendly to have repairs done. Throwing away older appliances for the sake of purchasing new takes up a vast amount of landfill space. Many of the appliances in landfills today could have been repaired to work properly.

Older appliances that are repaired work just as well as they did prior to the breakdown. New appliance can cost upwards of a $1000. That is a lot of money to spend unnecessarily. If the problem with older appliances is the outdated appearance, there are ways to update older appliances to give them a fresh, new look. For instance, appliances can be painted in order to give it a new look. Big appliances should never be thrown away simply because the appearance is no longer acceptable.

Proper repairs on appliances come at a minimal cost in many cases. For instance, a small part might have gone bad in one burner. That does not mean that the stove should be sent to the trash heap. It means that a repairperson should be called to replace the bad part to return the burner to its previous condition. That may cost less than $50; a great savings over a new stove.

If the appliance is beyond repair, there are still ways to keep it from dump sites. For instance, recycling it for the metal is a great way to get a little extra cash while helping to alleviate the strain on the environment. Used appliance stores or repair shops may be interested in purchasing old appliances for parts as well. The items can be stripped down for the parts and the left over metals can be sent for recycling. In either case, it helps keep the world a little more environmentally safe.

The appliance is beyond repair when it can no longer function properly with repair work. An example is when the refrigerator no longer cools food enough to keep it safe even after repair work has been done. The case may also arise that parts are not available for the older appliances, rendering repairs impossible. That is the only time that homeowners should consider purchasing new appliances.

If the homeowner has no way of moving the old appliance for recycling, other options are available. For instance, placing the appliance at the curb will attract those who recycle items for a living. The appliance will be removed from the curb free of charge. Consider all the possibilities when repair attempts have been exhausted completely.

Choosing kitchen major appliances isn’t just about features and price. Of course, those are some seriously important parts of the decision making process. But after you’ve settled on where your budget is and what features are an absolute must have (like dozens of defrost options on the microwave), then you can start thinking about the way these appliances actually look.

Your kitchen needs to come together with its décor and design. The most obvious thing to take into consideration is color. The color of your kitchen is reflective of your mood and the kind of person you are. Black kitchens give off a modern vibe, sleek and futuristic. Matching everything, black counters to major appliances, can look very cool, but be aware how dust will show up. Any lighter color dirt, dust and spills will be seen a mile away. Going the exact opposite with all white has a very similar effect, but can seem a lot more welcoming because it’s such a bright choice. It too will show a lot of dirt, so be aware of the upkeep. You might find yourself having to clean a little bit more often to keep things looking tidy.

Of course, black and white are the most common colors for small and major appliances. In general, those are what you’ll find because those colors are neutrals that can work with almost any décor. But that doesn’t mean that you are only limited to them. In the past few years, there have been appliances released in a plethora of colors, from red to blue, green to pink, and even with patterns like polka dots and stripes.

The clamor for more designer major appliances has really increased recently, because of their availability in a lot of major chain stores and because of the new generation growing up and getting their own places. A lot of young 20-somethings like the idea of a non-classic home, so bright colors and fun patterns are embraced. With these kinds of choices, your kitchen will have a younger feel that’s more outside the norm. That can be a welcoming change to guests.

So the next time you go out to buy a new appliance for the kitchen, consider how it could change the décor. You might want to start with one and then buy new appliances to match somewhere down the road. Before you know it, you’ll have a very different aesthetic in your kitchen that matches your personality.

SW Appliances is a major appliance dealer specializing in General Electric, Maytag, Thermador and Electrolux appliances.

Could you use a trip to the tropics right now? We all could, but for those that can’t let’s bring the tropics to us- a yummy pineapple cheesecake. Citrus flavored cheesecakes are quite tasty and are especially appealing as the temperature heats up. So as summer inches closer and the heat rises, why not make a fruity cheesecake? Plop some vanilla ice cream in a bowl and pour yourself a tall glass of iced tea and you’ve got yourself a treat. Want a truly tasty combination, try coconut ice cream with this cheesecake recipe. If you’ve never had coconut ice cream you are missing out, and none of that fake coconut flaky stuff, I mean flake-free, true coconut. It must be produced somewhere in southern Florida or imported from the Caribbean where you can access fresh coconuts within a stones throw.

Besides key lime cheesecake, pineapple cheesecake is my favorite. A key piece of equipment is a springfoam pan so if you don’t have one make sure you stop by the store to pick one up, they are not that expensive, anywhere from $6-10. It will help you produce a variety of great cheesecake recipes from scratch in your future. This recipe today is the baked kind, not no bake. I do like a lot of no bake recipes, but in my opinion they don’t beat the baked versions.

Once you complete this tantalizing treat you will only have to decide whether to eat it yourself or share. Any good treat makes a great edible gift so perhaps surprise someone special in your life with a homemade baked good as a “thank you” or even as a extra birthday gift. Or you might even have a friend in the office who is recovering from an illness. Drop them off a “get well” gift. Either place the cake in a large cookie tin lined with wax paper or find a cake box with window lid.

Onto the recipe…

Pineapple Cheesecake

Crust
1 Cup Vanilla Wafer Crumbs
1/4 Cup Margarine (Melted)

Filling
16 Oz Cream Cheese (Softened)
1/3 Cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Milk
2 Large Eggs

Topping
1/4 Cup Sugar
4 tablespoons Cold Water (Divided)
1 Can (20 ounces) Crushed Pineapple (Drained)
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine crumbs and margarine. Press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. In meantime combine cream cheese, sugar and milk and mix at medium speed with electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time and mix well after adding each. Bake again at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Cool for about 10 minutes. Then loosen cake from around inside of rim of pan with sharp knife. Chill in refrigerator for about 3 hours or overnight before unbuckling and removing the rim of the pan. Now for the topping. Combine sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in pineapple. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water until smooth then stir into pineapple mixture. Bring to a boil and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Cool completely. Spread topping over cheesecake.

By Lucinda Ribeiro

The traditional kitchen utility cart was like a trolley with a couple of slabs and wheels that could be used to either store stuff or carry it from one room to another. Many years back, the use of these carts was restricted to the commercial sector. However, times have changed and people now look at these carts as the most essential part of their kitchen. It is all thanks to the great minds who modified the designs and made them user friendly. There are many different uses for this cart.

In fact the name kitchen utility cart actually defines the product completely. Every kitchen is always welcome to any additional storage space and the cart provides exactly that. Whether you want an extra cutting board, a counter to roll the pastries on, or you want to just keep your utensils or pots on it, the cart is very handy. Most of these come with counters made of wood and can also be defined as a butcher block. These are as sturdy as the conventional butcher block and are perfect for people who love cutting and chopping.

Many kitchens have small cabinets installed on every wall for storing pans and pots. This makes it look very crowded. A good quality kitchen utility cart eliminates the need for such shelves and stores many things in the inbuilt cabinets. Since nothing in your kitchen will be scattered around, it will change the entire look. Now spending time in the kitchen and the movable space there will never be a problem. You can choose any material that matches your requirements while buying your utility cart. The wood ones are great but if the counter is made of wood, it may require some additional maintenance.

The stainless steel kitchen utility cart is much easier to maintain. However, it is not scratch resistant and prolonged use of knives on a metal counter for chopping may damage the knives as well as the counter. There are combination carts available too. So you can choose a metal body with a wooden counter or top and vice versa. There are also many different colors available so you can match your kitchen utility cart with your existing decor very easily. Keeping in mind the modern taste of today’s consumers, these are available in modern designs.

The quality of metal and wood used to manufacture the carts differs. Hence the price range varies from product to product. You can easily compare the various options available and then pick the one that matches your budget and taste. Most of them last for decades hence they are a great investment. If you are still thinking of the features and imagining the kitchen utility cart, then it is time you take a look. You are bound to be impressed in what you find.

The latest kitchen trends are using kitchen utility carts in your kitchen, it serves as a decoration as well as an unique piece of furniture.