Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Argentina Wines Are Closing In On #1

Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wines in the world, but apparently this South American country is gearing up for a first place finish! With more than 1,000 new wine companies opened for business in 2005, exports and profits rose more than one third from the previous year. This is wonderful news for Argentina's economy, as well as for those wine enthusiasts in other areas of the wor. . .

Why Do We Love To Eat Chocolate?

Do you ever wonder why we love chocolate so much? The answer may seem as simple as because it tastes good, but there may be more to it than that. There are actual studies to back up some of the physical effects you can experience while eating certain kinds of chocolates. The stimulation your body gets provides a pleasant feeling to your taste buds, making you always come back for more.Chocolate. . .

Italian Food...Buon Appetito!

The pleasures and love of Italian cuisine are known the world over. Italian cookery and recipes vary from region to region, and on the whole it is very healthy and nutritious, using natural ingredients that are in season. Most traditonal and 'speciality' dishes as we know today, are on the whole derived from simple peasant cookery, for example the Pizza, which could be found a couple of centuri. . .

How to Choose the BBQ That’s Right for You

No matter what kind of food you want to barbeque, there is a barbecue out there that is perfect for your needs and budget. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, or just enjoying a hot summer’s day, the barbeque is an important part of the whole experience. Whether you’re looking for portable and disposable models, or a stainless steal, state-of-the-art appliance with all of the latest gadget. . .

Taste The Difference When You Use A Coffee Grinder

We all enjoy a good cup of coffee to keep us refreshed and alert, but in today’s world of freeze dried and instants it is difficult to get that real coffee taste and aroma – in fact some people have never experienced anything other than instant, thus missing out on a truly rich and flavorsome taste. A coffee grinder is a piece of equipment that can put an end to the need for tasteless, weak dri. . .

Indian Cookery with a British Twist

In a traditional Indian home, the wife and mother does not go out to work. She stays at home and spends her days making sure that there is wholesome and tasty food ready for her family to eat whenever they may want it. If there are other older women in the household such as aunts or a grandmother, they will help too. An Indian girl will start learning to cook at a very early age and will be . . .

Some Irish Recipes to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th, and it is a “day for wearing green” and other Irish traditions. Even though the patron saint St. Patrick was not born in Ireland, everything that is Green (which symbolizes spring and the prospering of the crops), fun and Irish can be worn or used to celebrate this holiday. And it is a holiday for all ages. Here are some entertaining ideas to use on St. Patrick. . .

History of Coffee: Part IV - Commercialisation of Coffee

For many connoisseurs, the period from the mid-19th Century to the late 20th Century is the ‘Dark Age’ of coffee. During this era, coffee lost its Middle-Eastern mystical charm and became commercialised and, quite frankly, ordinary.When coffee was first introduced into Britain during the 17th Century, it was a drink enjoyed by every social class. While the rich would enjoy coffee almost cerem. . .

Low Fat Food Not No Fat Food Part II - Low Fat Fish Recipe

This low fat fish recipe is delicious, can be made easily and contains only 3.61 grams of fat. Try it out today.Mild Fish CurryIngredients:2 cups of Fish or Vegetable stock1 tspn of Chili Powder2 Potatoes1 1/3 Tblspns Corn Flour3 cups of Water1 cup of Frozen Peas1 cup of Jasmine and Basmati Rice2 tspns Korma Curry Paste (mild)9 Tblspns Non Fat Plain Yogurt1 1/8 lb or 500 g Raw PerchMethod:1. If. . .

Inexpensive Party Food

Parties are fun but they can be expensive. You have many options to keep the costs down, but the easiest thing you can do is watch how much you are spending on food. If you have hosted parties in the past you know that food can be one of the most expensive aspects of the event. You don’t have to hire an expensive caterer to have a good time. A little imagination and effort can make a low budget. . .

Best Gourmet Coffee – From Espresso to Exotic

One of the reasons for the worldwide popularity of coffee is that the number of variations it can be prepared in. It is a very versatile drink and can be adapted to suit a range of palates. If you are not very familiar with the kinds of coffee which you can choose from, here is a quick list with the USP of the coffee mentioned along with it. But what is the best gourmet coffee?Espresso: this i. . .

Dine Under the Stars on a Panoramic Ocean Terrace Overloo...

Those who stay at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan are likely to find a Mazatlan restaurant that suits their dining needs without even leaving the resort. Mazatlan offers a wide variety of dining options including authentic Mexican cuisine as well as a variety of other ethnic specialties and an assortment of steak and seafood restaurants. While Mazatlan does offer a wide variety of dining options at . . .

Growing Apples for Great Wine

There are countless varieties of apples in general cultivation in this country and all have their likes and dislikes - yet all the all-round varieties seem to do well almost anywhere.Like all fruits they like to be treated well and will reward those who remember this. I am concerned with growing apples and other fruits such as plums for wine-making; therefore there seems little point in coverin. . .

Tea and Decaffeination Processing

Decaffeination and tea is a subject that has long been misunderstood not only by consumers but also by industry professionals. I was taken by surprise when I recently read an excerpt from a newly released book, written by highly recognized tea industry professionals, that was clearly inaccurate when it came to the topic of decaffeination processing and tea.I began questioning my own information. . .

The Secret of Cigars

Cigars are comprised of surprisingly few component parts. Unlike cigarettes, which usually have filters, two different kinds and colors of paper, and filler ingredients other than tobacco, cigars are all tobacco. What makes one cigar so different from another is the type of tobacco, where it’s grown, when the leaves are picked, how the picked leaves are cured and fermented, and how the finish. . .

Secrets to Becoming a Wine Connoisseur

Wine is a broad term that refers to the fermentation of plant matter for the purpose of producing an alcoholic beverage. Of course, most people think of grapes as the basis for wine, but other sources include rice (sake), various fruits (elderberry, grapefruit, cherry, etc.), barley, and even honey (mead).For the purposes of this short explanation, we ll stick with wines made from grapes. The. . .

The Top 10 Quick Tips that will save common household rec...

1. Making great biscuits: biscuits are great from scratch because most recipes use only 5-6 ingredients. My personal recipe uses only baking soda, baking powder, flour, buttermilk, salt, and butter. The most important thing to remember to ensure that your biscuits come out fluffy is to make sure that you use cold butter and that you leave the butter in small chunks throughout the mixing proc. . .

Translation of Italian Recipes: Localization?

Translation - Translation is mostly about the conversion of a document from one language to another. The document is kept as it was originally intended and written, therefore having the same meaning.Localization - Then translation may involve localization. This is when the translation is completed ‘and’ adjusted for the target audience. The meaning remains.Now let’s talk about Italian food. Gen. . .

Hot Sauce – Heating Things Up

There is nothing like a dash of hot sauce to liven up even the blandest of all dishes. In fact, true to the genre of sauces all over the world, the hot sauce is not only an accompaniment but also does honors as the prime ingredient in many dishes.The term hot sauce could not have been more apt for it refers to any hot and spicy sauce made from chilly peppers or chilly extracts and vinegar. Thus. . .

Gas Grill Warranties - The Less Said, The Better

The proof of the pudding, so to speak, is the warranty coverage. Generally, the better the burner, the better the warranty.If this statement is true, then the grill company is willing to stand behind their burners to the point where they will replace their burners for whatever reason for as long as you own the grill, right?You would assume so, wouldn't you?So why would a company then limit the . . .

Gas Grill Burners: Getting to Know You

The cast brass and cast stainless steel burners have the smallest burrs -- by far. This will mean less chaos in the gas flow, fewer trapped particulate matter in the burner and a cleaner burning grill. The following comparison shows how the ports are formed.Why is port formation important? Several reasons. If the hole is punched into a sheet metal burner, it leaves a large tab inside the burne. . .

Eat Healthy Foods - It Makes Sense!

We all know the importance of eating healthy foods for their vitamin and mineral content. However, in recent years, scientists have discovered that there are hundreds of substances in food that have healing and disease prevention properties.So why, if there are foods that will heal many of our common ailments, have we not heard more about them? Maybe it's because, just as we've become a fast fo. . .

Barbeque Techniques: Two Methods to Consider

When it comes to barbequing, there are two main schools of thought for the techniques that you can use. The first of these techniques – and the most popular method for those who grill in their back yards – is the style where the food is cooked directly over the source of heat. This way, the food is rapidly cooked on a hot grill suspended directly over the charcoals, the wood, or the gas burne. . .

Organic Food vs. Non-Organic - Which is better?

Farming has been around for ages. At a point in time, this was what most people did until other things developed such as the automobile industry. The old way of farming otherwise known as non-organic involved the use of the following to fight pest infestations and to produce better crops.The first are pesticides and herbicides. This was discovered in foods that appear to have highly toxic chemi. . .

Coffee Roaster Machines - Java on Demand!

Most coffee lovers have a strong liking to freshly brewed coffee. They are not very fond of instant coffee and sometimes may even consider it demeaning to have coffee right out of the can. They will either grind their coffee and stir a cuppa or have one of the new fancy coffee roaster machines which promise a quick fix from the bean to the cup in a few minutes without loosing the authentic flav. . .

Home Espresso Machine

The coffee craze has swept the nation! Starbucks are popping up on every street corner, in grocery stores, book shops, shopping malls, and even libraries. This coffee fever has spread to fast food restaurants, cafes, and restaurants, who are striving to provide their customers with a wider variety that black coffee in a Styrofoam cup. Since everyone is walking around sipping espressos, cappucci. . .

How to Choose a Wine Rack to Fit Your Style and Budget

Cultivating an appreciation of wine is a growing trend in the US. Shops specializing in wine are appearing throughout the country, not just in the traditional vineyard regions of California, Oregon, and Virginia. People who may not have grown up around wine are now drawn not only to sampling but also to collecting it. Tasting parties and special wine pairing events are a common theme in rest. . .

Just How Is Chocolate Made?

How is chocolate made you are wondering? Chocolate is derived from a cocoa bean removed from the pod of the cocoa tree. Cocoa trees are found growing in equatorial zones in the South America region. Once the Cocoa beans have been harvested they are then placed into large shallow pans to be heated. This is also known as the fermentation process. In some regions where the climate is warm the bean. . .

The Secret Components of Cigars

Cigars are comprised of surprisingly few component parts. Unlike cigarettes, which usually have filters, two different kinds and colors of paper, and filler ingredients other than tobacco, cigars are all tobacco. What makes one cigar so different from another is the type of tobacco, where it’s grown, when the leaves are picked, how the picked leaves are cured and fermented, and how the finish. . .

Cooking Healthy For Radiant Health

Who can resist the mouth-watering pictures in a cookbook? Who doesn’t have childhood memories of the fragrances that wafted from the kitchen on holidays, and even on regular, ordinary days? Spices, bread baking, cookies fresh out of the oven – all these trigger a deep longing in most of us. As eating holds a guaranteed spot in everybody’s daily schedule, so do those who prepare it. They have be. . .

Tips for Selecting the Right Beef Cuts for Your Meal and ...

When we stand at the butchers counter, most of us may wonder what is the difference between a top sirloin and a porterhouse. If you ever come across a good beef cookbook, you will be able to appreciate a good diagram of beef cuts.Beef is the widely consumed animal protein through out the world when compared to any other meat. Hence it is important for a good steward to select a good piece of be. . .

Best Recipes: Broiled Santa Fe Steaks

This delicious southwestern beef recipe features juicy steak with fresh salsa.½ cup thick and chunky salsa½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped1 tablespoon lime juice1 ½ teaspoons chili powder½ teaspoon dried oregano4 boneless beef steaks (about 1 ½ pounds)DirectionsMix salsa, beans, onion, cilantro, lime juice, . . .

Best Recipes: Chicken Quesadillas

Do you enjoy the zesty yet mellow taste of chicken quesadillas? Now you can make your own at home with this tasty recipe.2 cups Mexican flavored cheese, shredded6 flour tortillas1 cup cooked chicken, chopped½ cup tomato seeded and chopped2 tablespoons canned green chilies, choppedFresh cilantro, chopped (optional)DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Sprinkle 1/3 cup of the cheese evenly over h. . .

Best Recipes: Southwest Chicken Skillet Casserole

Enjoy this chicken casserole recipe with its peppy southwestern flavor.1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces1 (16 oz.) bag frozen corn, broccoli, and red pepper1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained1 cup thick and chunky salsa2 cups tortilla chips, coarsely crushed1 cup cheddar cheese, shreddedDirectionsHeat oil in 10-inch ski. . .

Best Recipes: Baja Fish Tacos

Relax and enjoy a bit of the Baja vibe with these laid-back fish tacos.2 pkgs. Frozen grilled fish fillets (garlic butter flavor)2 cups coleslaw mix1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped2 tablespoons green onions, sliced1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil1 tablespoon lime juice1/8 teaspoon salt8 taco shells or corn tortillas, warmedRed or green taco sauceDirectionsBake fish according to package di. . .

Best Recipes: Taco Cookies

These taco cookies look really cute, are fun to make, and best of all, taste great!1 (18 oz.) pkg. Refrigerated sugar cookies1 cup whipping cream2 tablespoons sugar½ teaspoon cinnamon¼ teaspoon almond extract1 tablespoon powdered sugar3 cups assorted fresh berries1/3 cup chocolate flavored syrup2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional)DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Roll a 15-inch sheet of . . .

Best Recipes: Barbecued Chicken Nachos

This recipe is a marriage made in nacho heaven! Zesty barbecue sauce enhances the hearty flavor of chicken, chili beans, and melted cheese.1 ½ cups cooked chicken, chopped2/3 cup barbecue sauce8 cups corn tortilla chips1 (15 oz.) can chili beans in sauce, undrained1 (2 ¼ oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained1 cup plum (roma) tomatoes, chopped3 cups Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, shreddedDirectionsP. . .

Best Recipes: Taco Soup

Instead of the usual tacos, why not try this delicious taco soup featuring fresh roast beef and salsa?1 cup mild salsa¼ cup red or green bell pepper, chopped½ teaspoon ground red chilies or chili powder1 (14 ½ oz.) can ready-to-serve chicken broth6 corn tortillas, cut into ½-inch strips½ pound cooked deli roast beef, cut into 1-inch pieces1 large tomato, choppedDirectionsPreheat oven to 425 deg. . .

Best Recipes: Three Bean Enchilada Chili

A chili recipe with three kinds of beans means three times the flavor!1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 cup onion, chopped1 cup green bell pepper, chopped1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes, undrained1 (15 to 16 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained1 (15 to 16 oz.) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained1 (10 oz.) can enchilada sauce1 teaspoon dried . . .

Getting A Healthy Breakfast

Breakfast, like any other meal of the day, needs proper planning. No longer is it planned independently of the other meals. The three meals should be planned as a unit and balanced against the daily body requirement with enough allowance for good health.A light breakfast must necessarily be followed be a substantial meal, while a heavy breakfast must be followed by a light lunch. If both breakf. . .

Best Casserole Recipe: Vegetable and Bean Polenta Pie

Here’s a great meatless polenta recipe for those who enjoy this traditional Italian staple.Polenta1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal2 ½ cups chicken broth2 tablespoons margarine or butter1 egg, slightly beaten¼ cup grated Parmesan cheeseFilling1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil1 cup coarsely chopped onions1 cup coarsely chopped green bell pepper1 small zucchini, cut into ½-inch cubes1 (15.5 oz.) can dar. . .

Best Casserole Recipe: Potato Taco Casserole

Here’s a slight twist on the traditional taco casserole recipe. The cheesy potatoes add another level of flavor to the tasty beef and seasoned cheese. Run for the border indeed!½ pound ground beef1 package au gratin potatoes2 ¼ cups boiling water2/3 cup milk1 cup shredded taco-seasoned cheese1 cup coarsely broken tortilla chipsDirectionsPreheat oven to 400 degrees.Cook beef in 10-inch skillet o. . .

Best Casserole Recipe: Wonderful Wild Rice Casserole

Wild rice is healthy and delicious, but sometimes it gets boring. Well, here’s a wild rice recipe that will spice things up a bit.1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed3 cups water6 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces1 cup chopped onions½ cup chopped celery½ cup chopped carrot1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms1 (10 ½ oz.) can condensed chicken and rice soupDirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.In medium s. . .

Best Casserole Recipe: Hot Dog Casserole

This delicious hot dog recipe will add some fun to your dinner table.1 1/3 cups dry mash potato mix1 1/3 cups water1/3 cup milk2 tablespoons margarine or butter½ teaspoon salt¼ cup sweet pickle relish2 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing1 tablespoon instant minced onion2 teaspoons mustard4 to 6 hot dogsDirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Prepare mashed potatoes as directed on package, us. . .

Best Casserole Recipe: Texas Tater Casserole

Try this easy-to-make tater tot hotdish recipe the next time you’re in the mood for tater tots.1 pound ground beef1 cup onion, chopped½ cup celery, chopped2 cans (10 ¾ oz. each) condensed cheddar cheese soup1 (11 oz.) can whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained½ cup picante sauce2 teaspoons chili powder¼ teaspoon pepper1 (16 oz.) package frozen potato nuggets (tater tots)½ cup shr. . .

Best Casserole Recipe: Reuben Casserole

If you enjoy a hot, delicious, Reuben sandwich, you’ll love this Reuben casserole recipe. Instead of bread, it features garlic mashed potatoes – yum!3 cups hot water1 cup milk¼ cup margarine or butter1 tablespoon mustard1 package roasted garlic mashed potatoes1 (6 oz.) package sliced corned beef, cut into ½-inch pieces1 (14 ½ oz.) can sauerkraut, rinsed well and drained2 cups shredded Swiss che. . .

Best Casserole Recipe: Cheesy Barbecue Casserole

Here’s an Italian baked ziti recipe with an interesting twist – barbecue sauce. If you love the taste of barbecue, this casserole’s for you.3 cups uncooked ziti pasta1 pound ground beef½ cup onion, chopped¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped1 cup milk1 cup barbecue sauce1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese½ cups shredded cheddar cheeseDirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Grease a 2-quart casserole.Cook an. . .

How Are Jelly Beans Made

One of the questions that I hear all of the time as a candy manufacturer is "how are jelly beans made?" This is a very important question and one that has a solid place in history.All jelly beans are made up of a few basic ingredients. These ingredients include sugar, starch and corn syrup. These are the bases with which the jelly beans are made, there are of course other things used to flavor . . .

Best Casserole Recipe: Easy Tex Mex Hash

Here’s a great Tex Mex recipe if you love cheesy hash browns with a little extra kick.1 pound lean ground beef1 tablespoon oil3 cups (24 oz.) package frozen potatoes O’Brien with onions and peppers1 cup thick and chunky salsa2 teaspoons chili powder, optional1 cup shredded Colby Monterey Jack cheese blendDirectionsIn a large nonstick skillet, brown ground beef. Remove beef from skillet; cover t. . .

The Benefits Of Family Meal Planning

Are you ready to save some time, feed your family healthier meals and save some money along the way? These are just some of the benefits of family meal planning. Let’s look at all of them in a little more detail. Eat HealthierPlanning your family meals will cut down on your trips to your favorite fast food restaurant and the amount of pizza you have delivered to your door. Food you prepare at h. . .