Author: blogger

French Door Refrigerators More Than Classy Kitchen Appliances

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French door refrigerators are the modern answer to the ubiquitous food storage appliance. There was a time when the side-by-side refrigerator was the kitchen must have. Newly unveiled in the late sixties, they pleased the aesthetically inclined who were tired of the ?ice box” look that had changed minimally in the last century. By the twentieth century however, the side by side was becoming a tired trend, and many owners were bored with the design that proved to be cumbersome in daily use. They needed something lovely but completely food storage friendly; enter French door refrigerators.

French door refrigerators trickled onto the appliance market in the nineties, and are now offered by nearly every major appliance manufacturer. In recent years, the popularity of these refrigerators has soared, and for good reason. French door refrigerators combine great design with excellent usability. The refrigerator’s double doors operate like a pair of French doors in a home, equally sized and used to access the large refrigeration ?room”?unlike a side-by-side refrigerator which houses refrigeration behind one long door and the freezer behind the other. The French door refrigerator’s freezer compartment is accessed by a single door the width of the refrigerator beneath the double doors.

Common complaints about side by side or even standard refrigerators relate to accessibility and storage. It’s not difficult to lose a carton of blueberry yogurt in the back of a fridge, or have trouble stuffing a twenty pound turkey in amongst the week’s shopping. French door refrigerators on the other hand, have an extensive amount of space within their double doors. Even though its cubic feet may match that of your bisque beauty, it’s the smart layout of that interior refrigeration space and its shelves, cubbies, and drawers that make the difference. Additionally, with the refrigeration compartment at eye level, there’s no stooping or squatting to find foods or clean shelves. The freezer of the French door model wasn’t overlooked in the design phase; most have multiple drawers of varying depths to make organization of frozen foods simple.

It isn’t just enough that a refrigerator be practical; it has to be pretty too. Ideally, you want your refrigerator to be a workhorse when it comes to function and a beauty when it comes to form. French door refrigerators offer the best of both worlds; ease of use and classic styling updated for this century. French door refrigerators are easily at home in a suburban Colonial kitchen or a Manhattan penthouse. Makers provide an extensive selection of colors and finishes for their French door refrigerators, from the classic white, almond, and black, to stainless steel and titanium. You can also opt to select a wood finish for your French door refrigerator that matches that of your kitchen cabinetry.

French door refrigerators aren’t a fad; their quality of design and handsome good looks are capable of taking anything a family of six can dish out, while still looking impeccable for a late night dinner party with friends. The side-by-side may have been the new kid once, but French door refrigerators are a smart appliance choice that is here to stay.

french door refrigerators

Why Acidic Foods Are Bad For Your Health

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It is stated a medical fact that all diseases thrive in environments characterized by high levels of acidity. If we want to lead a healthy life, it is imperative for us limit our intake of acidic foods. I ignoring this comes at a high price

Foods rich in acid may cause diseases like obesity, osteoporosis, flu, skin disorders, and even cancer. High acidity also results in cramps, spasms, headaches, joint and muscle pains, and fatigue. Eating too much acidic food and not enough alkaline food can also result to insomnia, stomach ulcers, water retention, and constipation.

Also, besides weakening the immune system, indulging in acidic foods can bring forth a decrease in strength and stamina, slow mental reaction, and ineffective digestion.

Acid foods per se can post a threat to our health, but the ubiquity of these foods even furthers the damage. You see, these foods are almost always splattered in peoples daily menus: from breakfast staples like white rice, eggs, cheese, milk, coffee to main courses like pasta, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, to light meals composed of chocolates and peanuts, beer and soft drinksand the list stretches longer than canteen tables! Foods that are rich in phosphorus, sulphur, and chlorine are not spared from the list since these elements are acid-forming.

So how do we steer clear of acidic foods? While it may seem impossible to escape these usual hunger-solvers, there is still a way to counteract their harmful effects on our health. The so-called alkaline diet, which is designed to neutralize the outcomes of acidic food ingestion through consumption of alkaline-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and other low-sugar foods, is a viable option. An alkaline diet can help restore the balance between acidity and alkalinity. According to Robert Young, who is a prime promoter of alkaline diet and alternative medicine, it is ideal for the body to have a diet that constitutes an intake of 70-80% alkaline foods and 20-30% acid foods.

So what it all boils down to is moderation. Acidic foods are not all bad for our health. In fact, they are an integral part of the balance Young is pointing out. It is even said that a little amount of acidthe right typecan help lower our blood glucose levels. Acetic acid, which is the chief acid in vinegar, can significantly reduce the glycemic index of a starchy meal.

Cottage Food Laws Making Profits From Your Kitchen

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If you search for a baking forum, several will pop up showcasing discussions about women worldwide using their home-based kitchens to bake cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads and more, all in an effort to make extra income and show-off their culinary talents. In 2002, Warren Brown, moonlighted as a cake baker, eventually leaving his job as a Washington DC lawyer to take his deliciously amazing cakes to the masses two bakeries. Today Brown has seven locations across Maryland, Virginia and the nations capitol.

Everyone knows someone who can create a delicious cake or pie; In fact, if you stroll through any community farmer’s market you will see folks selling their homemade baked goods, apple butter or heirloom candy? The ability to sell a food specialty is made possible in most United States (U.S.) communities by the existence of “cottage food laws;” a special law giving home food processors permission to make potentially non hazardous food products from the home kitchen. In the U.S., cottage food laws are different for every state so home food processor’s must check with their individual state regulatory agency to learn about specific food processing rules and food labeling requirements; while all other states may require the use of a licensed commercial kitchen.

Today eleven states currently have house bills pending, and the residents are hopeful these cottage food laws will pass bringing that much needed shot in the arm to their local economies. There is really no way of knowing how many home-based bakers and small food processors there are across America, however one thing is for certain, today the consumers desire for homemade, clean label foods with no preservatives opens the door for all food entrepreneurs ready and willing to become essential commodities in their community.

The list of states below have cottage food law legislation pending:

Arizona
HB2103 – 501R – I
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/1r/bills/hb2103p.htm

Arkansas
The newest state to pass a cottage food law
http://www.arkansashouse.org/public/php/pdf_viewer.php?pdf=ftp://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/2011/Public/HB1323.pdf

Maryland
http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa12262.html

South Dakota
South Dakota Bill (HB1240)
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/1r/bills/hb2103p.htm

Washington State
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2011&bill=5748

Food And Wine Pairing Made Easy!

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If you like to follow the rules then here are two basic ones that should get you through the night:

Rule One: Drink red wine with meat, white wine with fish and poultry.
Rule Two: Disregard rule one and eat and drink what you like. You will hear this over and over again and it’s so true. Always go with your personal preference first!

Of course, there are some classic matches that satisfy again and again and bring out the best in both wine and food. Wine can often enhance the flavors of your food tantalizing your taste buds in ways you never knew possible and vice versa. A prime examplemy husband HATES white wine. When he tries it he makes a face like someone just gave him a spoonful of cough syrup. One day we went to a wine and cheese paring and he was given Blue Castello and Sauvignon Blanc. It was then that I heard words I never though would come out of his mouth, “This wine is not bad. I actually like it.” It was a breakthrough among breakthroughs! It was his first true experience of food enhancing wine and bringing out flavors in the wine he had never experienced before. Food can have that sort of magical effect on wine and when you find that magic you just can’t help but searching for more of it.

Here are some of our favorite and classic food and wine pairings. I also like to say if you don’t know what to serve, then serve champagne or sparkling wine. It’s fun and extremely food friendly.

APPETIZERS & STARTERS
ANTIPASTO – Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Malbec
ARTICHOKES – Usually a no no with wine, but I love them with Chardonnay
ASPARAGUS – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc
CARPACCIO (beef) – Pinotage, Shiraz, Shiraz/Pinotage blend, Malbec
CARPACCIO (tuna) – Sauvignon Blanc
CAVIAR – Chenin Blanc, Champagne!
COLD MEATS – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
NUTS AND/OR OLIVES – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
OYSTERS (raw) – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
PASTA SALAD – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc
PASTA WITH CREAM SAUCE – Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
PASTA WITH SHELLFISH – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
PASTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz
PASTA WITH VEGETABLES – Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinotage, Malbec
PATS – Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
QUICHE – Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage Ros, Merlot
SCALLOPS – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
SMOKED FISH (Trout, Herring) – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc

SEAFOOD
CRAB – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
LOBSTER – Chardonnay, Chardonnay/Sauvignon blend, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
MUSSELS – Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
RED SNAPPER – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
SALMON – Pinotage Ros, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
SASHIMI, SUSHI – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
SHRIMP – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
STRIPED BASS – Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
SWORDFISH – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Pinot Grigio
TUNA – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay
OTHER WHITE FISH – Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc

MEAT & POULTRY
CHICKEN – Chardonnay, Merlot, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage
CHICKEN SALAD – Chenin Blanc, Pinotage Ros, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
CHICKEN (smoked) – Pinotage, Merlot, Malbec
DUCK – Pinotage, Merlot, Pinotage Ros, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec
HAM – Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage, Malbec, Pinotage Ros
HAMBURGER – Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Malbec
LAMB (grilled, broiled) – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage
PHEASANT – Pinotage, Shiraz, Malbec
QUAIL – Pinotage, Malbec
RABBIT – Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz, Malbec
SAUSAGE – Chenin Blanc, Pinotage Ros, Shiraz, Merlot, Malbec
STEAK (grilled, broiled) – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz, Malbec
TURKEY – Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinotage Ros
VEAL – Chardonnay, Merlot
VENISON – Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
COUSCOUS – Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage Ros
CURRY, FISH or CHICKEN – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage Ros
PIZZA – Merlot, Pinotage Ros, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Malbec
SPICY CHINESE – Savignon Blanc, Pino Grigio, Merlot, Pinotage Ros
SPICY MEXICAN – Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Malbec
THAI – Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio

CHEESES
*GOAT – SOFT: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage
– HARD: Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

*COW & SHEEP – MEDIUM: Pinotage, Shiraz
– HARD: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc

If you are a true rule follower here are some more:

Generally, wines and foods belonging to the same culture are compatible; for example, think Italian wines with Italian food.

Good red wines tend to be dry and rich, sometimes with a tart or astringent quality. They will go better with hearty or highly seasoned foods such as beef, pork, game, duck, goose and pasta dishes. The ‘red with red’ rule works well because the astringency of the tannins cuts through the viscosity of the fat. Reach for a tannic Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Petite Syrah or Zinfandel, especially if the meat is served with a heavy sauce. Rare prime rib tastes almost sweet, so it’s perfect with a lighter bodied Merlot or Beaujolais.

White wines are usually lighter in body and flavor and can range from dry and crisp to sweet and fragrant. Serve these wines with foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, ham and veal. Pair a honey or brown sugar glazed ham with a white wine that’s not too dry – possibly a Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer or Riesling.

Ros wines are in fact pale red wines; their lighter color is due to the shorter time the skins are left with the juice during fermentation. Ros, or blush, wines can range from dry to sweet. These wines should compliment ham, fried chicken, shellfish, cold beef and picnic style foods.

Ahhh, holiday stress. In my opinion if you can’t decide what wine to serve, then serve Champagne. You can find a great budget friendly champagne that will really get the festivities kicked off in the right way. Gloria Ferrer has some really nice sparkling wines to try that won’t hurt your wallet. ORIf you serve turkey with sweet side dishes like glazed carrots or sweet potatoes, choose a white wine with a hint of sweetness, like Chenin Blanc, Riesling or Gewurztraminer. If some dishes have a more savory flavor, try Sauvignon Blanc or a lighter bodied Chardonnay. For a bird with spicy sausage stuffing, serve Pinotage or a try a Pinot Noir.

Don’t match strong to delicate. Pairing a big, powerful, high-alcohol or high-tannin wine with a light, delicate dish (and vice versa) is rarely a good idea.

Acidity is your friend. People tend to be wary of wines described as “high acid,” like Sauvignon Blanc or Muscadet. But there’s no better quality in a wine for matching rich, creamy or cheesy sauces, deep-fried foods or fish dishes; also note, tart wines go better with tart foods.

Follow the don’t-upstage-the-star rule. If you have an amazing bottle of wine you want to show off, especially an older vintage (they tend to be more subtle, their flavors less flamboyant), don’t serve a wildly complex dish with it. A simple dish will allow the wine to be the center of attention.

Dessert, or fortified wines, are heavier and sweeter than table wines and frequently have a higher alcohol content. They are usually served alone or with cheese, nuts, fruit or sweets at the end of the meal.

If you don’t like rules, like me, then toss all of these out the door and start experimenting. I’d love to hear about combinations that have worked for you that you can’t get enough of. My rule-breaking favorite is steamed artichokes dipped in butter and a nice oaky California style Chardonnay. Send me your favs and I’ll post them here!

CHEERS!

Morphy Food Processor In India

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The day to day task of cooking comes over as a tedious and monotonous task for the home makers. Undeniably preparing the raw food or the ingredients to be used to prepare the ultimate dishes is one of the most important tasks that every home maker has to perform.

The ready to process food is what is set demanded by the modern home makers. When one looks out for a food processor that can serve the option of dry grinding then the best brand standing in the market to be looked up to buy Morphy Richards Food Processors.

Like all the other food processors, the food processors are simply superb in performing the basic functions of whipping, mincing, grinding, grating, slicing, chopping etc. Morphy Richards food processors are designed quite compact and are accompanied with a number of disks jars and blades.

Morphy Richards is devices that will you a lot while working in kitchen. The use of this device promises to cut short the time of cooking invested in the kitchen. These food processors are incorporated with different kinds of blades such as Chutney blade, Wet Grinding blade, Whipping blade and Mincing or Grating blade so as to take them into different usage.

The blades instilled are proficient to perform all kinds of blending, grinding and mixing. Within seconds, one can extract juices or can make chutney by taking the help of these food processors. Buy Morphy Richards Food Processors as they consume 600 watts of power and are very economical where on the energy consumption. This will not serve much into ones the electricity bill. These devices work with power supply having 240V single phase.

The design of Morphy Richards Food Processor is designed to give comfort and great maneuverability. These food processors work as a very small unit and take quite less space in the kitchen. It comes with various different discs, jars as well as blades that are used for different purposes. These jars are set made up of Polycarbonate and remains rust free to ensure a longer life.

Along with these Food Processors, there are set three different jars that are provided by Morphy Richards Food Processors. These jars are categorized as the Liquidizer or as the Blender Jar and cab be tagged as Grinding Jar. With these jars one can prepare fruit juices in just few seconds.

Online you can compare Morphy Richards Food Processors to have a decent selection within your budget.