Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Why Australia for Fine Wines?

Australia, the land DownUnder, has become a major and exciting force in international wines. Australian wine is taking the world by storm, due to the quality of the grape stock combined with the skill and experience of its winemakers. This enables it to produce a superb and wide range of Australian wine styles. This island continent features wines as varied as its terrain. Most people know of A. . .

Baking with Jam

Jam-making is over for the year, the summer heat has finished off the strawberries, the apricot season went by in the blink of an eye, it’s too hot to think of cooking anything at all until evening cools the air. Even the memory of standing over a simmering pot of jam makes me perspire. The dog days of summer have us heading for the beach or pool, sandwiches for lunch, the swiftest of stir-frie. . .

12 Holiday Favorites That Fatten Your Waistline

It’s once again holiday season and like all good holidays, there’s plenty of tasty food being served with loads of calories and fat. The most fattening foods are often our favorites to eat during this special time of year. If you’re watching your diet, you’ll have to do a little research on how much fat is in certain types of foods, then plan a strategy for how you’re going to eat as healthy as. . .

Kid Recipe

How To Teach Your Children To CookIf you're ready to teach your children how to cook (with kid recipe), here are some simple tips for teaching them the basics, and giving them skills that will last them a lifetime!First of all, think safety. Any child that has to stand on a stool or chair in order to reach the stove is too young to cook. Start younger children off by letting them help set and c. . .

Christmas Recipes: Main Dishes. No.7 of 12 - Garlic Pouss...

Christmas recipe Serves: 6Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 1 hourCalories per serving: 580Not suitable for freezingChristmas recipe ingredients:poussins, 3, about 700 g (1.5 lb) eachsalt and pepperkumquats, 225 g (8 oz)garlic cloves, 16olive oil, 30 ml (2 tbsp)unsalted butter, 25 g (1 oz)bay leaves, 2dry cider, 450 ml (15 fl oz)apple juice, 200 ml (7 fl oz)double cream, 200 ml (7 fl oz. . .

Unique Gift Basket Ideas

Gift baskets are ideal for any number of occasions throughout the year. In fact, when searching online for gift baskets, you will find an endless assortment of gift baskets available. Further, online manufacturers and distributors make shopping for gift baskets both easy and affordable! Gift baskets are perfect gifts for any occasion and many gift baskets are specifically created for major holi. . .

Best Recipes: Banana Split Brownies

Your family and friends will absolutely do flips over these Banana Split Brownies. Just like the ice cream version, these delights blend the flavors of chocolate, banana, and strawberries to perfection. In fact, these brownies are so good, you can probably use them to bribe folks into just about anything. “If you do this, I’ll make you some Banana Spit Brownies.” Yeah, these are as good as gold. . .

Garam Masala - The Spices of India

India is known for its excellent cuisine, it's unique regions of cooking, and a pleasant dining experience. India is distinguished in the world's cuisine for it vegetarian dishes. One thing all of the regional cuisines of India have in common is it's use of spices. Garam masala is an essential ingredient in the cooking of the Punjab region of northern India. Loosely defined, "masala" is any . . .

An Introduction To Thai Food

If you mentioned Thailand to a westerner say 30 years or so ago, more than likely they would confuse the country with the Chinese Republic on Taiwan. Or, if they even knew the name at all, all it was probably through Hollywood’s slightly libelous version of Thai “history” as portrayed in Anna and the King of Siam. Nowadays, of course, Thailand is known throughout the world, and the reason is th. . .

Kitchen Pantry - A Cook's Secret Weapon

Doing any job is easier when you have the right tools on hand. One of a cook's best tools -- and secret weapons -- is having a well-stocked kitchen pantry.Cooking is much simpler if you know that you've already got what you need on hand, and aren't going to have to run to the corner market every time you want to fix a meal. Having a well-stocked pantry is also the secret weapon especially when . . .

Just like KFC Potato Salad! Well almost! Try this delicio...

Just like the Colonel made it! Well almost! If you love the taste of KFC potato salad, and want to impress your family and friends at your next get-together, try this recipe. It's tried and true, and always gets me rave reviews. I tinkered with the recipe for a while, and added a few special ingredients...but, I think your clan will agree that it's the best tasting side dish, they've ever had.T. . .

Best Recipes: Pumpkin Pie Bars

A great treat to make for Halloween parties and Thanksgiving get-togethers are Pumpkin Pie Bars. These scrumptious cookie bars taste like mini pumpkin pies, and best of all, they’re portable. A yummy way to celebrate the arrival of the fall season. 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces 1 15 oz. can pumpkin 1 14 oz. . .

Best Recipes: White Chocolate Brownies

Here’s a twist on the traditional chocolate brownies. Flip the script and make these delicious brownies made with real white chocolate. White Chocolate Brownies are a different, but equally yummy taste sensation. The chocolate chips sprinkled throughout, not only add traditional flavor, but make them look pretty too. ¼ cup UNSALTED butter 6 oz. white chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 eggs ½ cup sug. . .

Always Hungry, But Don't Know What To Make?

Wouldn’t you like to be able to make something else than just the same old dishes you have been serving up for years now?Believe me, you are not the only one who gets tired of having the same meals served day after day. Your family does too.If your family is anything like mine they are probably to polite to say anything or they have just gotten in the habit of eating what they are being served.. . .

A Special Christmas Gift

Would you like to personalize your Christmas gift giving this year? If so, think about a Christmas gift basket. A Christmas gift basket is a wonderful gift and will make Christmas gift giving an easy and enjoyable experience.A Christmas gift basket is the perfect gift for family members, friends and co-workers. If you own a business or have people working for you a Christmas gift basket make. . .

The Olive – History and Production

The Olive tree dates back to early ancient times in both biblical and classical writings. In these early writings, the olive oil is referenced as a symbol of both goodness and purity, and the tree represents peace and happiness. In ancient times, the oil was also burnt in sacred lamps at temples during the Olympic Games, and the victor was crowned with its leaves. Olives have been cultivated . . .

Best Recipes: Chocolate Goody Bars

Every once in a while, you’ve got to treat yourself for being good, you know? You work hard, you put up with other peoples wants, needs and desires. Well, now it’s time to take a break and give yourself a little chocolate TLC. These Chocolate Goody Bars are definitely an indulgence. A sweet indulgence of chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter. You will adore the crispy chocolate, floating over a. . .

Blue Lobsters Are Real!

Lobsters are supposed to be red right? ... Well, yes and no.Most live american lobsters are naturally colored an olive green or mottled dark greenish brown. In rare cases, lobsters come in shades of bright blue, white (albino), yellow, black, and red have been reported from time to time. Perhaps the most unusual colors are the "half-and-half" lobsters with a line straight down their backs where. . .

What Is Corked Wine?

What is corked wine?Keeping a wine bottle-sealed is probably the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a good wine. A cork is essential, as it keeps oxygen out of the wine bottle. If a bottle of wine is not airtight then it may become oxidized and undrinkable. Different types of corkTraditionally, the only corks worth considering were those actually made of cork. Recently, however,. . .

Comfort Food Trends Bring Us Back to our Roots

Comfort food. It even sounds warm and welcoming - like cuddling up by the fire on a cold winter day. Comfort food trends have seen a real resurgence in recent years and our desire for comfort food seems to be holding strong. So what is comfort food? Generally it's the food we have good memories about, the food we think of when we hear the word homemade, and that reminds us of simpler times. The. . .

Brazilian Cuisine

It began as most ‘ethnic food movements’ do – with small restaurants in the neighborhoods where immigrants settled, diners and lunchrooms and tea rooms opened by those who wanted to offer a taste of home to their fellow émigrés. Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern, Thai – from family run bistros, the cuisine spread as those outside the cultures of the ‘neighborhood’ learned of the good food and th. . .

Cooking Tips

You open the cookbook and see a recipe title or a photo that tempts your taste buds. Then you start to read the recipe, realize the preparation is more difficult than you first thought, and put the book back on the shelf.Sound Familiar? Well here's a simple cooking tip to help get you started: 1. Abbreviations for MeasuringTsp. = teaspoon Tbsp. = tablespoon, which equals 3 teaspoons C = cup. Co. . .

16 Quick Tips for Eating at Restaurants or Work

Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of reasons; time and convenience are the most common motives. Below is a prepared list of quick tips for eating out of your home. If you eat healthy food or sensible portions, that you like, you can stick with eating healthy for life. Your portions should be spaced out over the course of the day. Water should be a part of every meal. After you eat, yo. . .

Puerto Rican Cuisine

Puerto Rico is an island nation that is officially a territory of the United States. Puerto Rican cuisine has evolved from several strong influences, including those of the original peoples, such as the Tainos, and the Spanish conquerors that drove most of the natives out and enslaved the remaining. African and Caribbean influence is also reflected in the cuisine of the island, which has also b. . .

Pizza

The pizza pie is an ubiquitous symbol of both Italian cooking and Americana. Oven-baked, thin-crust or deep-dish, round or square, it is a common favorite throughout the United States, with a wide number of regional variations.The most traditional pie is the pizza Napolitano, or Neapolitan pizza. Made of strong flour, the dough is often kneaded by hand and then rolled flat and thin without a ro. . .

Middle Eastern Cuisine

‘Middle eastern cuisine’ is a broad term that encompasses many different cooking styles from a number of different countries. Moroccan, Syrian, Greek, Arabian – the various cuisines of the middle east share a great deal – and have many differences.The food of the Middle East is a celebration of life. No matter which country, the staples are the fresh fruits and vegetables that grow in the hills. . .

Christmas Recipes: Main Dishes. No.6 of 12 - Turkey and M...

Christmas recipe serves: 4Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesCalories per serving: 640Not suitable for freezing.Christmas recipe ingredientsOnion, 175 g (6 oz)Green pepper, 125 g (4 oz)Garlic clove, 1Turkey, cooked 225 g (8 oz)Mango, 1 fresh or mango pieces 400 g (14 oz)Oil, 30 ml (2 tbsp)Lemon grass, chopped 15 ml (1 tbsp)Green Thai Curry Paste or Mild Indian curry paste, 20 m. . .

United States Regional Cuisine: Soul Food

The history of American soul food can be traced all the way back to the days of slavery. More often times than not, the slaves were given the most undesirable part of the meal, the leftovers from the house. Pairing this with their own home-grown vegetables, the first soul food dishes were invented. After the slaves were freed, most of them were so poor that they could only afford the most undes. . .

The Evolution Of Pizza

Trying to trace the history of the first pizza is a surprisingly controversial subject. Some claim that this popular food is based on early unleavened breads served in the early centuries in Rome. Others trace a connection from modern pizza back to the pita breads of Greece.It's fairly well established that the first pizza as we know it today was created by a man named Raffaele Esposito from Na. . .

Szechwan Cuisine

The cuisine of the Western region of China is well-known for its spiciness, but many Western palates overlook the complex interplay of savory, sour, hot and sweet flavors that underlie the fiery spice of the Szechwan pepper and other spices that give the Szechwan cuisine its characteristic burn.For decades, most of the world was familiar mainly with Cantonese cuisine, and thought of it as ‘Chin. . .

Regional Cuisine Hunan Cuisine

Hunan cuisine shares many commonalities with its close, more well-known cousin, Szechwan cooking, Both cuisines originate in the Western region of China. The climate there is sub-tropical – humid and warm enough to encourage the use of fiery spices to help cool the body, and to require high spicing of food as a preservative. With similar climate, the two regions also share many ingredients – ri. . .

How Coffee is Decaffeinated

First, let’s start with a really quick history. Coffee was first decaffeinated by Ludwig Roselius, a German coffee merchant, in 1905 after he received a coffee shipment that had gotten soaked during a storm at sea. He experimented with the brine-soaked coffee, and found out that benzene could be used as solvent to bond with the caffeine. Since caffeine is water-soluble at temperatures above 175. . .

Enjoy the Fall Harvest with Delicious Squash Recipes

Autumn is harvest time. You can certainly enjoy these tasty squash recipes any time of year, but they seem particularly good as the weather cools down and we go back to using our ovens again. Time to cook delicious comfort foods. Either of these recipes can be made with a variety of squashes. I have just listed the squash I prefer to use. They are so easy. They just bake alongside a roast beef . . .

Japanese Cuisine

Tempura, sukiyaki, sashimi, sushi – even the words used to describe the most basic of Japanese dishes are exotic and beautiful. Japanese cuisine is easily one of the healthiest in the world, with its concentration on fresh fish, seafood, rice and vegetables. The pungent sauces and delicate flavors of fresh foods complement each other beautifully, and the methods of presentation turn even simple. . .

Christmas Recipes: Main Dishes. No.10 of 12 - Lamb with C...

Christmas recipe serves: 6calories per serving: 450preparation time: 15 minutescooking time: 20 minutesnot suitable for freezingChristmas recipe ingredients:chestnuts, peeled cooked, 175 g (6 oz)tomatoes, cherry 75 g (3 oz)bacon, rindless streaky, 175 g (6 oz)lamb, 3 racks trimmed, 900 g (2 lb)garlic, 3 clovespepperolive oil, 100 ml (4 fl oz)parsley, finely chopped fresh, 60 ml (4 tbsp)caster s. . .

Coffee Storage Myths; Freeze Your Fresh Roasted Coffee a...

So you are finally fed up with that bland black liquid, you once called coffee, brewed from the finest can of generic supermarket grinds. You are finally outraged at the price of a single cup of designer coffee shop coffee. It’s now time to take matters into your own hands!You invest in the latest technologically advanced coffee maker, including your very own coffee bean grinder. Even the en. . .

Coffee Makers For Different Coffee Types

There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning, stumbling to the kitchen and finding your favourite coffee brewed and waiting for you. Of all the drinks in the world, coffee seems to have universal appeal. But if you have ever travelled you quickly discovered that one person’s coffee can be quite different from another’s.A World Wide Business—Coffee Types Coffee is grown on five different. . .

Eating Correctly Using The Food Groups

Eating properly can help keep you healthy and fit. As long as you eat nutritionally your overall life will be more rewarding. Learning to eat nutritionally will keep you fit and usually you will be able to keep the proper weight for your size.There are six food groups that you should add to your diet. These six food groups form the food pyramid as some people refer to it.The base of the pyramid. . .

Quick and Easy Recipe

Another day, another dinner to prepare. Are you having a difficult time finding easy to prepare meals that can satisfy your growing family? You want to give your family the best, but time is in short supply and preparing a healthy meal has become a chore. Too often take out or frozen dinners have to do. Is there a way to combine healthy eating with convenience?Healthy Family Meals - Better for . . .

How to make great Chocolate Gourmet Caramel Apples

Do you want to make yummy chocolate caramel apples, but don't know where to start. Well, its quite simple. Simply start with the following:Granny Smith apples2 Large bag of Kraft caramel squaresPopsicle sticks2 Bag of Milk Chocolate Candy Melts from Michael's Craft storeNutsWash apples thoroughly and add sticks. Melt caramel squares in microwave. Dip apples in caramel and let dry for 15 min. . .

Beating Back the New Year's Bulge: Cheating Away those Ho...

It's January 2, the day of reckoning. You glance at a full-length mirror as you dress in the morning, and you don't like what you see. Before Thanksgiving, you were on your way to becoming a thinner, healthier you. Now, every canapé, slice of cheesecake, and glass of wine you indulged in over the holidays seems to be laughing at you from its new-found perch in your belly, butt, and thighs. Of c. . .

Christmas Recipes: Cakes & Tarts. No.7 of 7 - Christmas S...

Christmas recipe makes 8 slicescalories per serving: 720 calsPreparation time: 45 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesNot suitable for freezingChristmas recipe ingredientsoil for greasingcaster sugar, 125 g (4 oz)flour, plain 75 g (3 oz)eggs, 3cocoa powder, 30 ml (2 tbsp)chestnut paste, can of sweetened 440 g (15.5 oz)icing sugardecoration, holly sprigsChristmas recipe instructions1. Prepare a swiss. . .

Homemade Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen - Make your Own...

Many of us would love to give hand made holiday gift baskets. Christmas gifts from the kitchen are always welcome and Christmas gift baskets, especially home made food gift baskets, are a real treat. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the thought of making your own holiday gift baskets but with a few easy recipe ideas it is easy to create a personalized and thoughtful hand made Christmas food g. . .

How To Create The Perfect Backyard Barbeque

Planning the perfect barbeque is easy. Just follow these five easy steps towards creating a memorable barbeque. 1. Because good company is what makes or breaks a successful backyard barbeque make sure you organize your guests first. Send out invitations or call as much in advance as you can to guarantee that the people you want to come will be able to come. 2. Choose a theme and decorate the b. . .

How to Begin Wine Collecting

Some people collect wine for money…and some people collect wine because they have a passion for wine. Irregardless of whether you’re collecting wine for profit or for pleasure, collecting wine requires some investment. Enjoying wine is a completely different thing from collecting wine, bear this in mind. When it comes to collecting wine, one of the most important thing to consider is where you’. . .

What Are Coffee Pods?

People drink coffee to stay awake and get more things done. But how can you get more things done if you’re waiting around for your coffee to brew. Oh sure you can go buy a cup of coffee but at some point you going to want a cup at home. With a coffee pod maker you’re only 30 seconds away from an excellent cup of coffee. Senseo was one of the first coffee pod makers available. And having sold mo. . .

Give a Swiss Fondue Party

A Fondue Party is ideal for an informal evening with friends. This popular dish comes from Switzerland where villagers in the mountains had to rely on local produce, like cheese, wine and home baked bread during the long winter month. The name fondue comes from the French word "fondre", which means to melt or blend. Fondue meaning melted cheese in wine. You will need a chafing dish over a spiri. . .

Wine Tasting: Four Easy Steps to Hosting a Great Wine Ta...

Thomas Jefferson said, “Good wine is a necessity of life for me”. No wonder he was one of our founding fathers!More and more people are drinking wine these days and why not? It’s readily acknowledged by the medical community that drinking red wine in moderation has a myriad of health benefits including lowering your risk of contracting heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer and catarac. . .

Convenience Food Tips

While it would be ideal to make all of our own snacks and meals from scratch everyday, the plain and simple truth is that most of us simply donÕt have that kind of time. This is where we turn to convenience foods to meet our dietary and weight loss needs. However, the right convenience foods in the right amounts can easily be integrated into almost any diet. Shop Smart - Never shop on an empty . . .

Choosing The Best Ice Cream Maker

You can make delicious ice cream at home, as good as any premium store brand, if you choose a good ice cream maker and follow a few tips. Ice cream makers can range in price from under $100 to over $500. The more expensive models contain built in freezing compressors. The less expensive models are perfectly suited for use in the home and come in two basic types. There is the type that uses rock. . .