Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Wine and Beer Are Good for Us? Yes! (Second in a Series)

This is my second in a series of articles about the pleasantly surprising health benefits of some of our favorite indulgences. I hope you’ll read my related articles on coffee and tea, and chocolate. Wine drinking began more than 7,000 years ago in the mountainous region of Iran, where the wild grape Vitis vinifera grew. People discovered that breaking the skin of the grapes allowed the yeasts,. . .

Coffee and Tea Are Good for Us? Yes! (First in a Series)

You’ll be pleased to learn that many of the foods and drinks you love are not just “okay” as an occasional indulgence—they’re good for you! Let’s begin with coffee and tea…and I invite you to read my related articles on wine and beer, and on chocolate.Coffee is made from the roasted and ground seeds of several tropical trees or shrubs of the genus Coffea.An Arabian legend tells of a goatherd wh. . .

Christmas Cheesecake

This is a cheesecake that I have been making for over 20 years if you follow the recipe to the tee you won't have any problem, it is also colorful as well as the most lucious piece of pastry that you ever put in your mouth.1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs2 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons butter ir margarine melted2 pounds cream cheese1 cup sugar8 ounces sour cream2 eggs1 cup flour3/4 cup heavy w. . .

Experience The Joy Of Eating At A Restaurant

Restaurants offering a variety of cuisines are dotted all over the United States. They provide not just lip-smacking food but a great ambience too. Most restaurants also pride hemselves on their standards of cleanliness. You can choose to sit in comfort and enjoy a leisurely meal at a host of estaurants or order a take-away meal that you can eat at your convenience elsewhere. One great advantag. . .

How to Cook a Really Crispy Duck or Chicken

How to Cook a real Crispy Duck If you’re like me you love the skin on the outside of duck, if it’s crispy. The texture of the meal can totally be changed with a crispy skin. The secret is to make sure the duck is scored across the front and salted heavily. This helps dry up the skin and makes for a super crispy skin. You will not be the only one that enjoys this Crispy Duck Recipe, but every. . .

Grandmas Fruitcake

This is the recipe that my grandmother brought with her when she and her family left Russia in the early 1900"s. As a child around 1920's or so, while living on a farm in Pennsylvania which at that time there were a great amount of of people comming from europe, you needed to be able to do for yourself, she learned from her mother how to make a most delicious white fruit cake, a white fruitcake. . .

Coffee Storage

Proper coffee storage makes a lot of difference in how your coffee tastes once you go to use it. Here are a few tips for storing coffee beans and ground coffee to keep your coffee tasting as good as possible.For roasted whole bean coffee storage use an airtight ceramic canister that blocks light. The ceramic canister needs a rubber seal around the lid so air cannot get inside.Fill the ceramic c. . .

3 Non-Traditional Ways to Prepare Your Holiday Turkey

3 Non-Traditional Ways to Prepare Your Holiday TurkeyDeep-Fryed Turkey3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed1/4 cup Creole seasoning1 white onionIn a large stockpot or turkey fryer, heat oil to 400 degrees F. Be sure to leave room for the turkey, or the oil will spill over.***** Side Note *****How to determine the amount of oil you need:. . .

Choosing Foods For Your Special Event

Choosing the right menu for a special event can be just as important as choosing a location. Food can communicate a theme, convey a feeling or set the mood of an entire night. If you are planning a high-class extravaganza, hot dogs and beer might not be appropriate. However, they might be the perfect choice for a birthday party at the lake. Taking great care in planning a menu shows your guests. . .

Strawberry Jammed Out

Latest news from the strawberry jam front – the tide of strawberries is advancing, threatening to engulf me in a wave of strawberries waiting to be processed, taking up whole shelves of the fridge, lurking in corners just when I thought I’d done the last batch. Heaving a sigh of relief as the last pot is filled and sealed, I turn around only to find the kitchen table groaning under a fresh sea . . .

Grandma's Apple Pie

One Year my parents gave my wife and I several bags of apples from a local orchard. Most of them were Golden Delicious and we were instructed not to cook with these,"..they are for eating only.". When we arrived home my wife's Grandmother stopped by and spotted the bags of apples. She said "Would you like me to make a pie with those?". We instantly responded YES! The pie was incredible! So, her. . .

Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes - One Recipe with Many Var...

There are so many Christmas cookie recipes around but often so little time to bake during the busy holiday season. The solution? A great tasting basic cookie recipe that quickly and easily turns into such a variety of easy to make Christmas treats, friends and family will think you poured over all your favorite Christmas cookie recipes.Let's start with the basics.Basic Cookie Dough Recipe 1/2 c. . .

Three Rules For Choosing The Right Dinner Wine

RULE NO 1: Drink the wine that you like. Sounds obvious, doesn't it? Sometimes, however, we get so caught up in what is the right wine and what is the wrong wine that we forget the most important thing: we have taste! We have our own individual taste and love drinking the wine we love to drink. Sure, certain wines traditionally match certain foods and flavours, but ultimately you are the judge . . .

And You Thought Coffee Was Bad For You!!

I am sure that if you are a coffee enthusiast, you have heard this, but if not let me state it here. "Coffee is good for you!"Recent research has shown that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet. Antioxidants, are nutrients that are responsible from protecting your body's cells from being destroyed by toxins. This destruction has been linked to an increased risk o. . .

Christmas Recipes: Delicious Christmas Puddings

Pudding Recipes given here are easy to cook and absolutely delicious. Properly made Christmas puddings will be extremely tasty and make your Christmas celebrations a memorable experience. Enjoy these Puddings with your loved ones during this Christmas.Christmas Pudding (1).Ingredients of Christmas Pudding:-1 lb. raisins (stoned), 1 lb. chopped apples, 1 lb. currants, 1 lb. breadcrumbs, 1/2 lb. . .

Food and Drink – What To Expect In Costa Rica

A traditionally mild, not over-spiced cuisine, the Costa Rican food has absorbed influences from the Caribbean, South America and Europe into its culinary cauldron. Many dishes are simple with the staples of rice and beans tending to form the basis of most rural cooking. Costa Rican’s are also heavily dependant on locally grown fresh produce, particularly members of the squash family including . . .

Gourmet Cheesecake Recipes

Cheesecake, do you think that cheesecake is hard to make, well if you do then you are wrong, cheesecake is one of the easiest deserts to make as far as I am concerned, it is even easier and less messy than making cookies. Just go to Yahoo or MSN and type in the search box Free Gourmet Cheesecake Recipes and click search and you will find my site or just click on the link below about the author . . .

Cinnamon - Trivia of Spice

Origin: Imported from China to Egypt as early as 2000 B.C., Cinnamon was given as a prestigious offering to Monarchs. It is even featured with positive and symbolic meaning in the NY Times All-time Best Seller, The Bible, in the books of Exodus and Proverbs.Plant: A small evergreen tree with oblong leaves and little green flowers with an unpleasant smell. Inside the tree’s small purple berry is. . .

Healthy Eating Shopping List

Healthy eating starts with careful planning and organization. Since fresh produce has a very limited shelf life, regular grocery shopping is a must. Creating a menu for the week and writing out a shopping list will save you time and money; while helping you stick to healthy recipes. Local health food stores and farmer markets are very money-wise solutions. Plus, frequent visits will allow you e. . .

Traditional Armenian Barbecue Recipe

Each nation or ethnic group has its own way of making barbecue. Everyone has heard of so many various Barbecue sauces and an average supermarket is full of them.Armenian barbecue stands uniquely next to Southern American Barbecue, Eastern Mediterranean Shish Kabob and Greek Gyros. Before you make your barbecue you should always be circumspective of barbecue safety issues and the information a. . .

Okra - The Little Veggie That Could

Origin: Okra originated in Ethoipia in 12th century B.C. Travelers introduced it to the middle east and eventually it entered into the southern area of North America through the slave trade.Types: There are three main Okra pods to choose from: Annie Oakley (a compact plant with extra tender pods), Dwarf Green Long Pods (longer, ribbed pods) and the Clemson Spineless.Benefits: Not much of a popu. . .

A Guide To Gourmet Coffee

Even a Coffee Bean or San Francisco Coffee outlet frequenter won’t be able to master the art of appreciating true gourmet coffee unless they know the history and info about gourmet coffee. Oh, of course, you don’t have to an EXPERT to enjoy and understand gourmet coffee, but knowing a little bit more than the grocery store owner who sells instant coffee would help you appreciate the taste, smel. . .

Enjoy Colorado Wines

Announcing! One of the Best Kept Secrets in the World of Wine...Do you remember hearing that the best wines are now coming from California?Forget everything you've heard about California wine and listen, on my summer vacation I discovered one of the best wine growing areas in the United States. And it's not on the West Coast.As it happens, my daughter asked me to take a trip with her to look. . .

Espresso Machines: Not For The Coffee Shop Anymore!

Instead of going to the local coffee shop, use your espresso machines instead. There are some excellent opportunities out there for you in these new, must have options for your kitchen. Once only used in coffee shops and in restaurants that were high end, these machines have been made so that anyone, anywhere can use them rather easily. Espresso machines are available in several ways. You may h. . .

Cheesecake Can It Be Frozen

Yes cheesecake can be frozen and it freezes very well, if you are having a party next week and you won't have time to prepare your cheesecake at that time, as I'm sure you won't, you can bake your cheesecake a week or so in advance and freeze it, but you must package it properly, but not by wrapping it with tin foil as many people do.Tin foil is a metal and will cause freezer burn, what you nee. . .

17 Popular Quotes about Chocolate

1. "Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression, in turn reducing the stress of depression. Your stress-free life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate!" - Elaine Sherman, Book of Divine Indulgences2. "Strength is the cap. . .

Capt'n Salsa's Fool Proof Chile Heat Index

Chile heat index? Scoville units, what? Capsaicin? My mouthand hands are on fire, ouch! Well here I am making some delicious homemade salsa for theMonday Night Football game and my mouth and hands arekilling me. How can you stop the burning and get thissalsa recipe ready to go without hurting your guests.Now, don't take Capt'n Salsa the wrong way, I love the heatof a good chile, but there is a . . .

5 Ways to a Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is always a busy time and of course you want your Thanksgiving Dinner to be perfect, but each year you seem to behind. Guests show up and dinner is not ready. Well, these five ways for a perfect Thanksgiving Dinner should help ease your stress, so you can also enjoy your meal.First and foremost, plan ahead. Last minute preparation is not what you want to run into. A shopping list w. . .

Italian Biscotti So Delicious

I’ll bet that you never had biscotti as good as mine! Just kidding I know that you probably make a biscotti that is very good but I wish you would try this recipe and see what you think of it, this recipe is as good as they come. Now remember that all ingredients should be at room temperature.6 eggs1 cup sugar2 teaspoons anise seeds2 teaspoons vanilla1 cup melted butter (not hot)3 cups flour3 t. . .

Healthy Fruit Smoothie Recipe

Who doesn’t love a fruit smoothie? How about a healthy one that has a taste that cannot be beat? You can stop your search today because this smoothie recipe has it all. This healthy fruit smoothie recipe is chopped full of wholesome fruit pieces and the sweet taste of honey. Blend one up today.Ingredients:1 cup plain flavored fat free yogurt½ cup crushed ice1 cup unsweetened apple juice½ cup wa. . .

Paczki! The Original Polish Donut

Paczki, is what is known as the original Polish donut, no one will ever agree on how to pronounce them, but everyone will agree that you cannot eat just one or even two. Paczki are maid and eaten on Fat Tuesday the day before Ash Wednesday. Paczki are round sugar coated, fruit filled Polish pastry. Originally Paczki were maid to use up the lard and eggs, which were prohibited during lent. Toda. . .

Barbecue Islands - Taking Your Kitchen Outside

Barbecue islands are an amazing way to have fun with family and friends while having everything you need at your fingertips for cooking. You'll be able to bring your indoor kitchen outside. Barbecue islands are perfect for covered porches or patios.While choosing an outdoor kitchen which can be as big as 48 inches to 108 inches in size, make sure to find one that has 6 inch overhangs for the mo. . .

Bubble Bread It Can Be Satisfying

Bubble bread is one of the breads that I have found to be kind of unique and definitely different, but good.I like the taste and texture of this bread and the aroma will make you want more.1 cup warm milk½ cup shortening½ cup sugar1 teaspoon salt1 package dry yeast2 beaten eggs4 ½ cups flour sifted½ cup raisinsMix warm milk, sugar, shortening and salt together then add yeast.When yeast is disso. . .

How to Stay Sane on Turkey Day

Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love ThanksgivingCooking a huge meal for over a dozen relatives and friends during the holidays is one of the most stressful challenges that the average home cook will undertake.What's the key to keeping your sanity? Plan, plan, plan, then plan some more... Cook as much as possible 1 or 2 days ahead of time. For the big day itself, I like to write out a tim. . .

7 Reasons To Grow Your Own Organic Vegetable Garden

During the last decades there has been a change towards mechanization and homogenization of farming, which uses pesticides, additives, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and mass-production techniques. All this is clearly affecting mankind's health, and new diseases are spreading rapidly amongst humans and animals (bird's flu being the most recent one). The World Health Organization produces rep. . .

Christmas Recipes: Edible Gifts. No.2 of 8 – Shortbread

Traditional Scottish produce and ideal in a box or tin for a christmas gift.Christmas recipe makes: 2 to 3 dozen Calories per biscuit: 180-270 Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesNot suitable for freezingChristmas recipe ingredients:butter, 450 g (1 lb)sugar, caster 225 g (8 oz)flour, plain white 450 g (1 lb)rice, ground or flour 225 g (8 oz)salt, pinchsugar, colored granulated. . .

The Original Old Fashion Punczki Recipe

This is the original recipe for making punczki that was brought from Europe by my wife’s grandmother when she first arrived at Ellis Island and the onward to Pennsylvania Where she finally settled.Just how old this recipe really is I have no idea but the only thing I know is how good the punczki’s are. You must follow this recipe exactly or it will not work well, I know, I have tried to create . . .

Proper Food Storage

Using proper food storage is very important to your health and your family’s health. It is up to you to provide proper storage solutions for every type of food that comes into your home. This is no easy task. If you plan to store large amounts of food, you need to have the room. It is also important to realize that foods go bad quite easily and quickly. Taking the time to find the right solutio. . .

Turkey Gravy Secrets Revealed

To make the best tasting turkey gravy you need three things; well-seasoned fat, flour, and a good rich broth. For each cup of finished gravy you will need one tablespoon of fat, one tablespoon of flour and 1 cup of broth. Start by making up some rich turkey broth. You can use the turkey neck, heart, gizzard or other parts usually found packed inside the turkey cavity. Add some minced onion, di. . .

Caffeine in Coffee

Caffeine is only one of several hundred chemicals found in coffee. However it is the most notorious because of the many physiological affects it has on the human body. Caffeine naturally occurs in many other plants apart from the coffee bush, such as tea and cocoa plants.There is a long established link between coffee and mental stimulation, which gives a cup of coffee a certain appeal. In f. . .

Old Time Banana Cake

As a child this was and still is my favorite cake, it is a really moist and tasty cake as well, ok lets get started, I assume that everyone knows that all ingredients should be at room temperature.½ pound butter4 eggs1-1/2 cups sugar1 cup sour cream½ cup mashed ripe bananas1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups flourCream your butter and sugar together then ad. . .

Chocolate Is Good for Us? Yes! (Third in a series)

This is my third in a series of articles on the happy health benefits of some of our favorite indulgences. Please read my related articles on coffee and tea, wine and beer.When the Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes came home from Mexico in the early 1500s, he brought with him the sacred drink of the Aztecs. Made from the roasted seeds of Theobroma cacao, the drink was flavored with a blend of exot. . .

There Is More Then One Way To Prepare the Perfect Swiss S...

More than likely your recipe will call for either round or chuck steak, but you can also use cube steak. The type of steak you use is entirely up to your palate. Swiss steak can also be either baked in the oven, cooked in a slow cooker or crockpot, or even cooked in a large skillet on top of the stove. You will not find many recipes that tell you how you to cook Swiss steak on top of the stove,. . .

The Emerald Restaurant in Austin Texas

On my last trip to Austin, Texas I stopped in on my favorite restaurant - The Emerald Restaurant. Imagine a cottage that could have been picked from the emerald fields of Ireland. Now transport an entire Irish family with it and you have this warm quaint little restaurant set in the Texas hill country. Start with some warm homemade bread and rich hand- churned butter, in a variety of flavors. C. . .

Brew Pubs and Beer Labels - New, targeted pixel ads are here

So much beer, so little time. With thousands of beer labels in the world and dozens of beer festivals in Canada alone, it’s been difficult to keep up with what’s new and exciting in the world of beer — until now. Three beer aficionados from Excalibur Communications have launched TheBeerHomePage.com, a website devoted entirely to beer.TheBeerHomePage.com is made up of one-million pixels that bre. . .

Christmas Recipes: Edible Gifts. No.1 of 8 – Florentines

Christmas recipe makes: 12 Calories per biscuit: 170 Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 8-10 minutesNot suitable for freezingChristmas recipe ingredients:cherries, 25 g (1 oz)almonds, flaked 40 g (1.5 oz)butter, unsalted 60 g (2.5 oz)sugar, caster 50 g (2 oz)cream, double 30 ml (2 tbsp)sunflower seeds, 25 g (1 oz)mixed peel, chopped 20 g (0.75 oz)sultanas, 20 g (0.75 oz)flour, plain whi. . .

Romantic Meals On A Budget

Food and romance go hand in hand. But, if you’re on a budget, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to show your sweetie that you love him. You can have a romantic meal at home – for the cost of a regular meal. The food you choose is not nearly as important as the atmosphere you create. You could easily make a very romantic meal from pizza or sandwiches if you take the time to create the perfe. . .

A Recipe for Rye Bread

The more I make bread, the more I am convinced of the importance of the kitchen being in the best position in the house. When we designed and built our house, I was determined that the kitchen should have a view and be on the front of the house. Now that it’s six-fifteen of a summer morning and I’m up early, kneading bread, because we’ve run out again, I’m especially happy to be looking out ove. . .

Healthy Foods That Your Kids Will Love

Is getting your kids to eat healthy foods is a battle in your home? If so, you’ll love these tips that will make your kids happy and give you the satisfaction of knowing you are feeding them foods that are good for them. Start the Day Right You can give your kids a delicious, healthy breakfast by getting rid of the ready to eat cereals and pastries and replacing them with bran pancakes and low-. . .

Cheap And Easy Party Food - Throw A Great Party Without S...

If you are planning a party, you already know that food can be one of your biggest expenses. However, you can take several steps to cut your party food costs. It is not necessary to purchase expensive appetizers and beverages to throw a great party. A little imagination and effort can make your party a memorable occasion. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you save money on food when t. . .