Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Serving Wine

Serving TemperaturesThe flavors of both red and white wines fall apart if they are too warm. It is advisable to chill your reds in the fridge for about twenty minutes before serving them, and whites can generally be left in the fridge altogether. When in doubt, it's better to serve the wine colder and let it warm in the glass than to serve it too warm.More flavorful, fuller bodied white wines c. . .

What Do I Have To Do To Become A Good Chef

Being a chef is a very physical profession. You are required to remain on your feet almost constantly. Along with that, you must also be stirring, kneading, and chopping your foods. Many times, you will have to do all of this while also having to ordering foods for hungry customers and critical customers. A kitchen is almost scorching hot year round so you should be quite prepared for that. Eve. . .

Employees - Treat them the way they Expect to be Treated

When you have to deal with one of your team who's complaining to you, rather than allowing your negative programmes to take over, get your thinking part in gear and try to see the situation the way they see it. You don't necessarily have to agree with them but perhaps you can empathise with their point of view. The successful manager thinks about the people they have to deal with, is sensitive . . .

Helen's Pan Fried Seabass

Fish is, as they say, good for you. It contains a wealth of 'good' fats and protein, not to mention vitamins. Most people, however, seem a little restricted in their choice of fish, sticking with trout and salmon mostly. So why not experiment a little with some of the other wonderful fish out there? like sea-bass, or example! Sea-bass is a light white fish with a very mild flavor, and this easy. . .

Chocolate Is Good For You

Great news on the chocolate front! Chocolate is good for you. Under certain circumstances.Katherine Tallmadge, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, says, in the February 9, 2005, WASHINGTON POST, that “cacao, or cocoa beans, contain ‘flavanols,’ naturally occurring plant compounds also found in tea, red wine, and apples. Their properties have been studied as heart disease inhi. . .

Mint-Chocolate Coffee Spoons

A quick and easy way to enjoy mint-chocolate coffee!My sister-in-law makes these, and they sell them at school events to raise money for the parochial school where her son is enrolled. She says they "sell like hotcakes." Suggested price: 2 for $1. If you want to make gifts for people for birthdays or Christmas or other special occasions, or as party favors, the coffee spoons work well for that. . .

Nu-Way vs. Varsity Hot Dogs!

Have y’all been keeping up with what’s going on at the movies lately? One of the biggest surprises over the past couple of years has been the success of the film, “Freddy vs. Jason.” It was the top box office grossing film for two straight weeks, and has taken in close to ninety million dollars. This success has really taken critics by surprise, but, if you really think about it, it probably sh. . .

Helen's Homemade Sheperds Pie

Shepherd's pie (or 'cottage pie' it should more properly be called - real 'shepherds pie' is made with lamb!) is one of the all-time favorite 'comfort' foods. On a cold winter's night, nothing is as welcome as a big plate of well made shepherd's pie, with some crusty bread - or at least that's what we believe here at www.helensrecipes.com!. And making it is nowhere near as difficult as you migh. . .

Ratin' Fast Food

Sometimes I get the strangest emails. A couple of days ago, I had a woman write and ask me if I’d consider writing some restaurant reviews. She said she felt that most restaurant critics are highbrow types, and that it’d be a nice change if “a regular person” wrote some reviews. She then went on to suggest that I should start with the fast food chains first, then write about more locally based . . .

The Forrest Gump of Food

Let me paint an honest picture for ya’ll this week. As I write this, it’s 3:23 am in the morning. I’m sitting here typing in one of my Nu-Way t-shirts and some plain white drawers. There’s no light on in the house other than the light emanating from my computer. Everyone else is sound asleep, and will be for another two to three hours. Everyone, that is, except me.I‘m sure some of ya’ll are won. . .

Favorite Desserts For A Diabetic Husband

It's easier than you think to create delicious desserts for your diabetic husband. When I had to get right down to it the ideas came flying at me out of my kitchen cupboard!Here's a few of his favorites:Easy Orange/Banana Parfait1 pkge Lite Orange Jello (no sugar)2 cups vanilla yogurt (fat free, no sugar but artificially sweetened)1/2 tsp vanilla2 tsp Splenda1 banana1/8 cup Lite cream cheeseMak. . .

Pineapples: The Healing Fruit of the Tropics (includes a ...

For a natural and tasty way to improve your health and boost your healing capacity, add fresh pineapple and pineapple juice to your diet. Pineapples are nutritionally packed members of the bromeliad family. This delightful tropical fruit is high in the enzyme bromelain and the antioxidant vitamin C, both of which plays a major role in the body's healing process.Bromelain, a natural anti-infla. . .

How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes

The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the States. Here are some tips on how to grow your own bountiful crop of tomatoes. Tomatoes should be grown in full sunlight. Tomato plants require abundant moisture. Tomatoes grow well in many types of soil but prefer fertile, well-drained soil with pH of about 6.5. Garden soil may be improved by adding rotted manure, leaf mold, peat moss, or . . .

Introduction to Italian Wine

Each year, it is not uncommon for Italy to find itself at the top of a number of wine-related lists, not the least of which ranks it as the largest producer, exporter and consumer of wine in the world. This fact is all the more impressive when you consider that Italy is not a very large country - indeed it is less than three-quarters the size of California. Even considering the roughly 8 billio. . .

Garlic Compound Allicin Prevents Chronic Pulmonary Hypert...

A study suggested that eating two cloves of raw garlic a day could protect against a severe form of pulmonary hypertension.The study was performed on rats. A small dose of monocrotalline was used on rats to induce vasoconstriction of the pulmonary arteries. Within three weeks, the control group of rats developed chronic pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary arterial pressure markedly increased . . .

The Cabbage Soup Diet Explained

This one is almost certainly in the 'Fad' camp. And you REALLY have to like cabbages in order to try this diet! You probably won't be surprised to find that this 7 day diet plan requires you to eat cabbage soup, constantly. The rationale behind the Cabbage Soup Diet is that cabbage can somehow 'flush' fat from your body. Of course, this claim is unsubstantiated, and has no medical research to b. . .

Coffee Cupping For The Fun Of It

Coffee cupping is a method to compare the different characteristics of a coffee bean. Cupping lets us compare different coffees against each other to evaluate the uniqueness between them. This information can give us a better understanding of each different region and their basic tastes. Having a coffee cupping party at home is a great way to socialize and enjoy coffee while evaluating and sh. . .

The GI Diet Explained

The latest 'hot' diet to hit the market is the 'GI Diet' or 'Glycaemic Index' diet. Used by stars such as Kylie Minogue and Helen Porter, the GI Diet was invented in 1981 by Dr David Jenkins and is actually well respected by qualified nutritionists too, so it's not just the latest 'celeb fad' diet.Dr Jenkins based his ideas on his observations into how different carb-rich foods affect human blo. . .

Best Recipes: Chicken with Apples

Ingredients 1½ cups quick-cooking rice 2 large onions, thinly sliced 250g snow peas, trimmed 1 large red cooking apple, cored and coarsely chopped, not peeled 2 tbsp curry powder 1 tbsp plain flour ¼ tspn salt 1 cup chicken stock 3 tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup milk 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice ¼ tspn black pepper 2 cups diced cooked chicken ½ cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts1. Cook the rice . . .

Using Bargain Wines to Your Advantage

Using bargain wines is often preferable for occasions when it would be unwise to to invest a large amount of money in expensive wine. Do you really want to use top-notch red wine for making sangria or for serving up at parties, when friends have already had enough to drink? No, I didn't think so!Drinking Bargain WinesBlended wine is usually cheaper and a reasonable bet in terms of drinkability.. . .

Gourmet Espresso Coffee Gifts? Mmm, Mmm Good!

Do you know an espresso drinker that you want to get a gift for? Perhaps you’d like to get yourself some gourmet espresso. Well, buying gourmet espresso coffee gifts is easier than ever. With more and more stores online selling gourmet espresso at fantastic prices with cheap shipping, everyone can afford it now. We recommend 3 of the best merchants online on our Coffee and Tea Gifts page (h. . .

Raise A Glass To The Best Wine Of The Month Gifts!

Are you looking for some of the best wine of the month gifts? We have taken out all the hard work and done your research for you. See our Wine Gifts page (http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.com/wine-gifts.htm) for our suggestions, but here’s a little information you need before buying any wine of the month gifts.First, you need to decide your budget. If it’s small, that’s not a problem. There ar. . .

Oil or Butter? They Are Both Fat!

Newsflash: there is a world beyond olive oil.Look, I like olive oil as much as the next person and I use it extensively in my cooking. However there are alternatives and there are very good reasons for using some of them. But let’s just stay with olive oil for a second or two longer.How often have you seen this statement in a recipe; ”use the best olive oil you can afford.”Well I’m here to tell. . .

Aphrodisiac Dinner Date

Dinner dates with new companions can make or break a budding romance. First dates can be nerve racking. Planning the date can be particularly difficult. Where should you go, what should you do and what would be enjoyable? You might worry that your date will not like the restaurant, the food or worse yet, the company. Once the date begins you may sometimes struggle with conversation, feel a. . .

Chocolate : A History of Chocolate

Did you know chocolate was originated in Central America? That it used to be a treat only to the rich? Chocolate has a fascinating history!The Olmecs occupied a small area south of Veracruz and were the first cultivators of the cacao pod. The Mayans were next, just south of present day Mexico, to elevate chocolate to status of the Gods. They named the cacao tree Cacahuaquchtl (tree) as they wer. . .

Low-Carb Pastry Pizzazz

This delicious treat adds only 1.9 grams of carb for a Superb Roll of any size. Just add a glaze to the rolls once they are baked. While the rolls are baking, make ½ or ¼ of the below mentioned glaze. Apply the glaze thinly with a pastry brush to the tops of the hot rolls. It will set within minutes. The rolls will freeze well, even with the glaze. Thaw at room temperature or follow directions . . .

Want To Buy Shrimp Online? No problem!

Are you looking for places to buy shrimp online? They’re not so easy to find. That’s what we’re here for. We’ve done all the hard work for you and researched which online stores sell the best and reasonably priced shrimp. If you’re a seafood lover or buying for a friend or loved one, it’s never been easier to get shrimp on the internet than now. You also have a nice variety of sizes to choose f. . .

Don't Burn It - Roast It!

Despite plenty of evidence to the contrary, I still see recipes that insist you should cook meat at high temperature for the first twenty minutes or so to seal it and then lower the level for the rest of the cooking time.This has become the fashionable way and I’m not sure why. Maybe it has something to do with a lack of time in an age when both partners tend to work for a living.What I am cer. . .

Restaurant Dining for the Health Conscious Eater

Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant meal has over 1,000 calories? That's enough to blow any healthy eating plan. Fortunately, by following a few simple guidelines, you can dine out without having to sacrifice good taste and nutrition.1. Avoid ordering an appetizer. It's a little known fact that some appetizers have more calories and fat than the main course. Plus, many . . .

Tips on Growing Lettuce

Lettuce is an easy to grow spring and autumn vegetable. It's two worst enemies are hot temperatures and slugs. Here are some tips to grow lettuce all summer long, even when temperatures soar. Make sure soil contains a good supply of nitrogen for good leaf production. Make early plantings in full sun. Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep in a wide row, 6 inches apart in all directions. Plant every . . .

Gyokuro Cheesecake Recipe

This Gyokuro cheesecake makes an elegant dessert. Perfect for any occasion, and pretty easy to make. Gyokuro Cheesecake Ingredients 10 chocolate graham crackers 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup low-fat margerine, melted 3 pkgs. (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened 3 eggs, lightly beaten. 1 1/4 cups organic sugar 1/4 cup cocoa (unsweetened powder) 3 ta. . .

Cake And Candy Gifts Will Make Them Feel Like A Kid Again!

So you have a friend that has a sweet tooth and you need to get them a last minute gift, or just a gloriously well thought out gift? Consider give cake and candy as gifts. Of course, you don’t have to give both, cake or candy is fine also. There are lots of wonderful options for both, just visit our Sweet Gifts page (http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.com/sweet-gifts.htm) for more information. . . .

Raisin Roll Delight

Ingredients:¾ cup cold water plus 2 Tablesps (very important)6 Tablesps butter (¾ stick)¾ cup vital wheat gluten flour1/3 cup unbleached, all-purpose wheat (white) flourtrace of salt (two light shakes or to taste)1 ½ ounces of raisins3 eggs *1 egg whitePreheat oven to 425About The AuthorrJan NicholasAre you hungry for more tasty and healthy recipes? Go to http://www.personaltrainingclasses.com . . .

Save Money on Groceries: Part I

One universal of humanity, no matter who you are or where you come from, you have to eat. Unless you grow your own food, you will have to go to the grocery store to get it. That means money. Here are two very simple but highly effective methods for saving money on the food you buy.Save Money on Groceries: CouponsWhile you can find them everywhere, people rarely use coupons. If you are one o. . .

A Shopper Thrives On-Line

The Internet SHOULD be “the place to shop” for low-carb dieters, diabetics, celiacs, and anyone else on a special diet. The posted prices are well below those in retail stores, the variety is greater, you are dealing with firms whose specialty is dealing with your need, and the products for sale are described fully in type that is designed to be read (isn’t that a pleasant contrast to the packa. . .

Eat Well On a Budget

Shopping on a ShoestringEating properly for health on a limited budget is always a challenge. One of the biggest money gobbling culprits is ready made processed and packaged foods and too many trips for fast food. Although they’re quick neither of these ways are cost effective. When it comes to shopping on a shoestring and planning great tasting menus at home you’ll be surprised how well you ca. . .

French Wine

Since the Roman times, France has made its wines, producing it from freshly cut grapes. The Romans are the first to disseminate the arts of winemaking. Wine is generally produced from freshly picked grapes; however, today's wines also are made from watermelon, apricots, peaches and other fruits. French wine is produced with freshly cut grapes, cultured yeasts, that are converted from sugars int. . .

The Wine and Green Mushroom Caper

We were really looking forward to our visit with Andy and Gwen. Old college buddies, while I chose the medical profession, Andy chose sales. After a few years, Andy joined a wine distributor and eventually evolved into a master vintner. He is semi retired now, but as we reached his villa on a high hill in Napa, California, all we could see was grape vines twisting gracefully along rows fading o. . .

The Basics of Cigar Humidor Care

Seasoning a Cigar Humidor:To keep the things we cherish in our lives working properly, there is an element of regular garden tending that needs to be undertaken. Whether it comes in the form of frequently changing the oil in a car, storm-proofing a rosewood deck, or seasoning a cigar humidor, without proper tending and maintenance our investments turn into disappointments. Interestingly, most c. . .

Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company was founded in 1971 by three businessmen in Seattle, Washington who had a love for coffee and tea. It was important to them that the city of Seattle to have access their coffee. The Starbucks Coffee Company grew slowly but by 1981 had 4 retail stores and a roasting plant that sold whole bean coffee in Seattle only.By 1983 the marketing manager had a vision of re-creat. . .

Herb Facts

Herbs were recorded in use as early as 2500 B.C. Ancient clay tablets reveal that the Sumerians used Herbs. The ancient Assyrians knew about the virtues of 250 herbs. The ancient Egyptians also used herbs as early as 1600 B.C. The Herbs they used included elderberry, pomegranate bark, wild lettuce, wormwood, hemlock and other herbs for health. The Greeks of old used herbs such as mustard, cinna. . .

Locusts for Lunch

Could bugs be the next cuisine trend?Just imagine it: 'Restaurant Arthropod's'.Now serving: Locust Louis; Mealy Bug Meatloaf; Centipede Souffle; Moth Broth; Mosquito Fahito au jus.; Chigger Juice.Insects for Dinner?No-no, not the squashed fly between the pages of your plastic menu or the little roach that scrambles out from under your plate in a restaurant, but the one that gets delivered in yo. . .

Fun Facts About Ice Cream

To this day, the history of ice cream remains a mystery. However, many say that the first ice cream is credited to Emperor Nero of Rome. It was a mixture of snow, nectar, fruit pulp, and honey. Others proclaim that Marco Polo, a 13th century adventurer, brought ice cream to Europe from the Far East. However, regardless of where it came from, today's average American consumes 23.2 quarts of ice . . .

How to prepare the best Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Would you like to prepare the best Garlic Mashed Potatoes that you enjoy at your favorite restaurant, but have no idea where to start to achieve that wonderful and delightful flavor?There are a variety of ways to create the best garlic mashed potatoes that you have ever tasted but when it comes down to which way is best is according to your own taste buds. When you take a look at garlic you wil. . .

Ancient Secret So Powerful It Is Even Mentioned In The Bi...

For thousands of years, herbs have played an important role in man’s life. The ancients used them for improved health and wellbeing, and today, even with the miracles of modern medicine, herbs continue to play a significant role in keeping us strong, safe and robust. No matter what your problem or need, there is likely to be an herb that’s just right for you!Did you know that most people refer . . .

FOCUS ON FIBER: How Much is Enough?

The average American only gets about half the amount of fiber they need everyday for their body to function optimally. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), fiber helps lower cholesterol and is important for the health of our digestive system. Both the AHA and the National Cancer Institute recommend that we consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Dietary fiber is a transparent sol. . .

How To Prepare The Perfect Garlic Lemon Chicken

If you want to prepare the perfect garlic lemon chicken then you should try this recipe. This is one of the easiest and best recipes around for creating delicious garlic lemon chicken.Let’s get all of the ingredients together that you will need to prepare this wonderful chicken dish. You can either purchase a whole chicken and then cut it into pieces or just buy the cuts that your family enjoys. . .

Ten Facts You Probably Did Not Know about Tea

Legend has it that a Chinese emperor was the first to discover Tea when some leaves were blown by chance into a bowl contain some boiling hot water. The tea we drink today is exactly the same and the brewing process has never been interfered with. It is now known that men who drink black tea which contains catechins are 50% less likely to die of ischemic heart disease. This happens when our art. . .

Pinot Gris Or Grigio, This Grape Makes Great Wine

One of the most popular imported wine styles in America is Pinot grigio. Nearly all of the Pinot grigio consumed in the US comes from Italy, but as we shall see this is likely to change soon. Pinot grigio is very popular with consumers, but it receives mixed reviews from wine judges and wine critics. One reason may be that wines made from Pinot grigio do not have a consistent and distinctive va. . .

Cracking Down on Cigar Counterfeiters

In the most rewarding new industries, there is often a convergence of factors that make them lucrative and sustainable. Factors like the emergence of new technologies, a ripening of the consumer market, or a political climate that spawns laws and regulations that give a particular business model oomph can revolutionize an industry. Over the last two decades, the counterfeit cigar industry in th. . .