About Drinks

DrinksAlthough sales of energy drinks in the United States were $3.5 billion in 2005, according to Beverage Digest, the category was only recently created with the launch of the Red Bull Energy Drink.Red Bull was created by Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian who adapted the energy drink from a Thai beverage called Krating Daeng, a popular drink with rickshaw drivers in Thailand. The key ingredient in the Thai energy drink was taurine, an amino acid that was first discovered in bulls (this association is responsible for the Red Bull urban legend that the drink's active ingredient is bull urine or semen). Red Bull was introduced to Europe in 1987 and to the United States in 1997.

Energy Drinks Contain CaffeineRed Bull, one of the most popular energy drinks, contains nearly 80 mg of caffeine per can, about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of brewed coffee and twice the caffeine as a cup of tea. Other energy drinks contain several times this amount. The amount of caffeine in an energy drink isn't always indicated on the label, so it is difficult to gauge how much one is consuming.Another problem with energy drinks is that unlike hot coffee or tea, which is sipped slowly, it's common for typical energy drink consumers to drink large amounts quickly.Some people are sensitive to caffeine and experience anxiety, palpitations, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and indigestion with relatively small amounts. People with heart conditions should avoid large amounts of caffeine, because it is a stimulant.

The Combination of Ingredients in Energy Drinks Has Not Been StudiedOne of the biggest concerns is that we just don't know enough about the effect of the combination of ingredients in energy drinks. Many ingredients are believed to work synergistically with caffeine to boost its stimulant power.For instance, one can of Red Bull contains 1000 mg of taurine. A German double-blind study compared a taurine and caffeine drink, a caffeine-only drink, and a placebo drink. Stroke volume--the volume of blood ejected with each beat of the heart--was increased only in the group taking the taurine-and-caffeine drink. Taurine appears to play an important role in muscle contraction (especially in the heart) and the nervous system. Red Bull also contains 600 mg of glucuronolactone, a substance that is naturally found in the body. There is a lack of published information on the health effects of glucuronolactone supplementation in humans or on the safety of this combination. Energy drinks contain sugar (although sugar-free energy drinks are now available), because it is a quick source of energy.B vitamins are sometimes added to energy drinks in small amounts. It makes energy drinks appear healthy, although they probably contribute little. B vitamins are needed to convert food into energy.Some energy drinks contain guarana, a South American herb that is an additional source of caffeine.
Energy Drinks Should Not Be Mixed With AlcoholRed Bull and vodka has become a popular mixed drink at bars because it has a reputation for reducing the depressant effects of alcohol (e.g. fatigue) while enhancing the "feel good" buzz. But while people may not feel impaired, their blood alcohol concentration is still high. People may consume larger amounts of alcohol as a result.A study compared the effects of alcohol alone to an alcohol plus energy drink combination. Researchers found that the alcohol plus energy drink significantly reduced subjective alcohol-related symptoms such as headache, weakness, dry mouth, and impairment of motor coordination, even though breath alcohol concentration and objective tests of motor coordination and reaction time didn't reflect this.The caffeine in energy drinks is also dehydrating, which may slow the body's ability to metabolize alcohol.

Energy Drinks Should Not Be Consumed During ExerciseEnergy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks such as Gatorade, which are consumed to help people stay hydrated during exercise. Sports drinks also provide carbohydrates in the form of sugar and electrolytes that may be lost through perspiration. The caffeine in energy drinks acts as a diuretic and promotes dehydration.

About Drinks

DrinksAlthough sales of energy drinks in the United States were $3.5 billion in 2005, according to Beverage Digest, the category was only recently created with the launch of the Red Bull Energy Drink.Red Bull was created by Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian who adapted the energy drink from a Thai beverage called Krating Daeng, a popular drink with rickshaw drivers in Thailand. The key ingredient in the Thai energy drink was taurine, an amino acid that was first discovered in bulls (this association is responsible for the Red Bull urban legend that the drink's active ingredient is bull urine or semen). Red Bull was introduced to Europe in 1987 and to the United States in 1997.

Energy Drinks Contain CaffeineRed Bull, one of the most popular energy drinks, contains nearly 80 mg of caffeine per can, about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of brewed coffee and twice the caffeine as a cup of tea. Other energy drinks contain several times this amount. The amount of caffeine in an energy drink isn't always indicated on the label, so it is difficult to gauge how much one is consuming.Another problem with energy drinks is that unlike hot coffee or tea, which is sipped slowly, it's common for typical energy drink consumers to drink large amounts quickly.Some people are sensitive to caffeine and experience anxiety, palpitations, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and indigestion with relatively small amounts. People with heart conditions should avoid large amounts of caffeine, because it is a stimulant.

The Combination of Ingredients in Energy Drinks Has Not Been StudiedOne of the biggest concerns is that we just don't know enough about the effect of the combination of ingredients in energy drinks. Many ingredients are believed to work synergistically with caffeine to boost its stimulant power.For instance, one can of Red Bull contains 1000 mg of taurine. A German double-blind study compared a taurine and caffeine drink, a caffeine-only drink, and a placebo drink. Stroke volume--the volume of blood ejected with each beat of the heart--was increased only in the group taking the taurine-and-caffeine drink. Taurine appears to play an important role in muscle contraction (especially in the heart) and the nervous system. Red Bull also contains 600 mg of glucuronolactone, a substance that is naturally found in the body. There is a lack of published information on the health effects of glucuronolactone supplementation in humans or on the safety of this combination. Energy drinks contain sugar (although sugar-free energy drinks are now available), because it is a quick source of energy.B vitamins are sometimes added to energy drinks in small amounts. It makes energy drinks appear healthy, although they probably contribute little. B vitamins are needed to convert food into energy.Some energy drinks contain guarana, a South American herb that is an additional source of caffeine.
Energy Drinks Should Not Be Mixed With AlcoholRed Bull and vodka has become a popular mixed drink at bars because it has a reputation for reducing the depressant effects of alcohol (e.g. fatigue) while enhancing the "feel good" buzz. But while people may not feel impaired, their blood alcohol concentration is still high. People may consume larger amounts of alcohol as a result.A study compared the effects of alcohol alone to an alcohol plus energy drink combination. Researchers found that the alcohol plus energy drink significantly reduced subjective alcohol-related symptoms such as headache, weakness, dry mouth, and impairment of motor coordination, even though breath alcohol concentration and objective tests of motor coordination and reaction time didn't reflect this.The caffeine in energy drinks is also dehydrating, which may slow the body's ability to metabolize alcohol.

Energy Drinks Should Not Be Consumed During ExerciseEnergy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks such as Gatorade, which are consumed to help people stay hydrated during exercise. Sports drinks also provide carbohydrates in the form of sugar and electrolytes that may be lost through perspiration. The caffeine in energy drinks acts as a diuretic and promotes dehydration.

my humble house

Exotic scent. Uncanny atmosphere and dim spaces. It is like exploring the unknown world. You would even feel the quickened beat of your heart.Here is the adult city, Ginza. At a corner in the city, there is the glamorous restaurant bar, My Humble House Tokyo. One such place has spiffy-looking and premium accents in every detail. Premises of the polished restaurant is black-themed with dim lights and slight color of red, which makes elegant atmosphere. It is separated into some zones; a lounge bar,a main dining area and a VIP private dining room. You can also lean back into a comfortable sofa while eating. You would fully enjoy yourself in a leisurely setting.

You would be fascinated with gastronomic delights, which is the mixture of ethnic and French. The main producer is Sam Leon chef, who has received a number of awards at international contests and has been selected as one of top chefs 20 in the world. If you would like the dish of the favorite, a la carte menu is recommended. If you would like to receive enough food, you could try trial dinner, 5300 yen or chef's special, 6800 yen. On the special day such as birthdays and anniversaries, reservations come highly recommended. You would be amazed at the depth of the assortment of wine. 150-200 bottles of wine are always placed in stock.

For your further requests, beers, cocktails and champagnes would be served.Music is fantastic as well. Other then dining, you can enjoy various live music, such as tango, salsa, Latin and jazz at a fixed time and days. These music are harmonized with epicurean food and vintage spirits. There is little doubt that you would be treated to a romantic evening. The concept of My Humble House Tokyo is "relaxing dinner". There are many people who spend about 3 hours. Why don't you spend an elegant night with someone special? You will have blissfulness and feel refreshed

Seven Great Reasons to Make Homemade Cookies

Americans love their cookies. Cookies are available everywhere. Grocery stores, coffee shops, sandwich shops, bakeries, gourmet specialty shops, and malls all provide easy access to this best loved treat. You can even order gourmet cookies online and have them delivered right to your door.

With so many choices available, why bother to bake cookies at home?
Here are 7 great reasons to make homemade cookies.

They taste better. Nothing can compare to a homemade cookie fresh from the oven. While commercial cookies can be good, I completely agree with James Beard who said, "I am still convinced that a good, simple, homemade cookie is preferable to all the store-bought cookies one can find."

You can control what's in them. Have you ever read some of the ingredient labels for your favorite store-bought cookies? They can have a lot of additives, preservatives, and hydrogenated fats. When you make homemade cookies the ingredient list is pretty straight forward - butter, eggs, flour, and sugar, which results in higher quality cookies.

It is fun. And a relatively easy way to connect with your kids, show someone you care, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The smells can be good for you. Baking cookies is one of my favorite forms of aromatherapy. In fact the smell of vanilla, a scent often associated with cookie baking, has been shown to calm the nerves, soothe stomach ailments, lift the spirits and reduce cravings. And the scent of cinnamon can increase alertness by 25%.

It's a great tradition. Cookie baking is one of the oldest culinary traditions and cookies can be found in most every culture.

It's economical. Baking cookies at home is less expensive than buying them in grocery stores and/or gourmet shops.

Shows you care. Cookies symbolize joy, caring, love, comfort, home, and caring. Sharing homemade cookies with those you love is a wonderful way to show how much you care.
Martha McKinnon is an avid home cook and cooking instructor who loves sharing everything she has learned through her years in the kitchen with all who are interested.

Where to Find the Top Places to Eat

The Midwest is often ridiculed for their lack of imagination regarding their food choices and top restaurants. Some top chefs, however, are finding their niches in these smaller cities, such as Cincinnati. A few of their top restaurants will be discussed here and the type of food that they serve ranging from lobster at DaVeed's to filet mignon at the Precinct to New York strip steak at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse.

Each year the city does a huge judging of all of the restaurants in and around the Cincinnati tri-state area compiling reviews from local diners, food critics and food and restaurant experts. They then create a top ten list in various categories depending on their location, the type of food and the type of establishment it is. If your restaurant makes the top ten overall restaurants, chances are your business will definitely be good and steady for the following year but so will the expectations. This article will just discuss the top five restaurants that made it in the year of 2008.

The number one restaurant for 2008 was awarded to Boca that is located in the Oakley section on Madison Road. It is an authentic Italian restaurant that many find a nice place to go to for a special occasion since the prices are a bit high but so is the level of the food.

The number two restaurant on the list goes to DaVeed's that is located in Mount Adams, a young trendy hillside neighborhood that looks down on downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. It has a wonderfully eclectic and international menu with different main dishes like roasted pheasant, Maine lobster and duck served with wonderful, unique sauces and side dishes. DaVeed's has made the top ten for several years in a row since it opened.

The third restaurant to make the list is Jean Ro named after a wonderful French chef that has had several different restaurants here in the area. It is a wonderful Parisian bistro that serves a combination of French and American dishes like steak frites, duck breast and a variety of vegetables and seafood too. The atmosphere is colorful and it really does make you feel transported to a little spot in Paris.

The number four and number five choices are both part of a group of restaurants owned by Cincinnati beloved Jeff Ruby who continues to close and open new restaurants throughout the Cincinnati area. The higher ranked one of the restaurants is Jeff Ruby's Precinct which is named for being located in a former police headquarters building built in 1901. They are known for top cuts of beef and even higher levels of service. Many people go here to celebrate an anniversary or even make a marriage proposal. The number five restaurant is called Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse which is located in downtown Cincinnati and also serves great steaks but in a more casual atmosphere than the Precinct. These are great choices for the meat and potato loving Ohioans that live here.

Soup As the Perfect Lunchtime Meal?

Soup is really popular where I work. Sometimes I look in the shared refrigerator and see a bunch of microwavable soups all in a row with name labels. It's kind of funny, in a way. So the question that I've been kicking around lately is whether or not soup can be part of the perfect lunchtime meal.

In many ways, I think this question revolves around what time of year it is. For example, if we're in the middle of the summer it is plausible that people might not really want to ingest something warm when it's already warm and muggy outside. The reverse is true in the winter months. If it's especially cold outside, it can really be convenient to have a nice warm bowl of soup for lunch.

My experience with soup has varied over the years. I've noticed that a lot of people seem to like soup regardless of the time of year. This is no doubt in part due to the fact that a lot of us really believe that soup represents a reasonably healthy alternative to some of the more popular lunchtime items like pizza and burgers.

Take a look around your workplace. Do you see people eating soup? The more you look, the more you'll notice that soups of all kinds of different varieties are around. An astonishing number of choices exist, it's just a matter of deciding to include soup as part of our lunch menu. Can soup really be the perfect lunchtime meal? By itself, probably not. But in combination with a few other things, sure!

Dominos Coupons Make Pizza Sweeter

Sometimes, you just do not want to cook. Perhaps you had a long day at work, or the kids are driving you nuts, or you are a bit under the weather. Whatever the reason, whipping up a meal for your family come six o'clock at night if you have not prepared anything before is not always the easiest things to do. So what can you do then? Well, one of the best ways to eat when you do not want to pull together a meal for your family is to order take-out. Perhaps not surprisingly, one of the most popular - if not the most popular - form of take-out in America is pizza. Indeed, it is so popular we do not even regularly think of it as takeout at all!

If you are like most Americans, you love pizza, and you are always trying to find ways to eat more pizza without breaking the bank. Although pizza doesn't necessarily cost a lot, it does add up, and when you divide the cost of one pizza between the number of people that are eating it, the per cost meal can be higher than you would expect. Dominoes is a company, like many pizza companies, that regularly offers pizza coupons. There are some people who teach couponing or who use coupons regularly who claim that you should actually never buy any pizza - from any chain pizza restaurant - without using coupons! There are simply so many coupons available all the time that you do not want to overspend when you do not need to!

TEA IS GOOD FOR HEALTH.

• The Hype About Herbal Chinese Tea

When herbal Chinese tea is mentioned, it is simply the medicinal herbal tea made from Chinese medicinal herbs. These herbs are boiled in water and served like a tea but without the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.

Men and Tea - Teaware, Tea Culture, and Gender

American tea culture is now looking to the east for new ways of neutralizing gender stereotypes relating to tea drinking. More American men find tea culture interesting, now that they are served with more masculine tea ware like the Chinese gaiwan and the Japanese tea bowl. While tea drinkers in America are typically female, the tea industry is traditionally male. As well, the leading tea masters of the world are also male.
Tea's Carbon Footprint Explored

Tea's carbon footprint has been dissected by tea industry consultant, Nigel Melican of Teacraft, Ltd. This article explores how the choices and behaviors of tea drinkers have a large impact on the environmental consequences of tea packaging, consumption, and discard. Is tea an environmental saint or sinner? Find out in this article.
Green Tea Side Effects - Get the Benefits Without the Risk

Any unwanted green tea side effects would likely have to do with the caffeine that it contains. Most people have no problem with drinking it or taking the supplement. But, there is a drug interaction that some people need to be aware of.
10 Health Benefits of Black Tea

Heard about Black Tea? Want to know more about the health benefits of Black Tea? Find out why you should be drinking Black Tea.
Tea Party Planning - Don't Panic

What better way to celebrate friendship and "practice hospitality" than with the warm celebration of a tea party? With planning, hosting a tea party can be done by anyone, anywhere and on any budget. A tea party doesn't have to be elegant. The purpose is not to impress your friends, but to extend hospitality and cultivate friendships.
Organic Earl Grey - Quality in a Cup

Organic Earl Grey tea produces a great drink, if you can find it. It can be a challenge today to find information about the amount of pesticides and materials used in the production of tea. Rest assured there are a few tools which you can use to help you find truly, Organic Earl Grey Tea.
The Making of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is what it is, not because of the plant it comes from, but from the way it is handled and processed. This article explores the wonderful process that brings us savor and health benefits.
Green Tea Benefits - Find Out How Green Tea Can Do Wonders For Your Health

It is a plain fact: Wanting to make yourself healthier is just part of wanting to be happier. People want to bring more quality to their lives. Becoming healthier is obviously the path which you should follow to make this wish come true. In this article, find out about the benefits of including supplements that contain green tea in your diet.
Smoking & Green Tea - What You Need to Know About Smoking and Drinking Natural Green Teas!

Research shows that habitual smokers who consume green tea face a reduced risk of being afflicted with cancer than those who do not drink tea. The polyphenols, called catechins, in green tea have been shown to have anticarcinogenic properties. There quality green tea extract in capsules like Green Tea Purity.
Tea - A Rainbow of Flavor

Tea comes in some many flavors and colors, but do you know what is responsible for the color of tea? Does color affect flavor? This article looks at all the colors of tea, and explain why it is so colorful and good for you.
Tea For the Popular - Coffee For the Lonely

Why should you drink tea instead of coffee? One reason is fellowship. You may have thought you could get together over a cup of coffee but the truth is it's harder to agree with other people when you drink coffee while tea is naturally a social drink.
5 Reasons You Should Be Drinking Silver Needle White Tea

Everyone knows that tea is a healthy beverage. In addition, most people know that white tea's are the healthiest variety, but that's where most people run out of knowledge on the subject. It's generally agreed upon that Silver Needle Tea is the best white tea out there. From it's tender, down covered buds, to the way it's carefully picked only on certain days of the year, this tea is truly a delight for even the most casual tea drinkers.
Use Tea to Differentiate Your Business

In the vast sea of shopping sameness, making your small-business stand out is vital. Differentiating your small business does not have to be difficult. A simple cup of tea can help your business stand out in a crowd.

Choose Essiac Tea

Essiac tea is named after the woman who created the herbal blend, Rene Caisse. Essiac is Caisse's name spelled backwards. Caisse was a Canadian nurse who started a free clinic in 1934, and which ran until 1942 in Bracebridge, Ontario, with the purpose of treating cancer patients that were critically ill.

Tea Houses TorontoTea Houses Dining In Toronto, ON Recommendations & Special Offers!www.MenuPalace.com
Green Tea ExtractNovanat, leading manufacturer of green tea extracts in Chinawww.novanat.com

A Glass Teapot - Elegant and Functional

If you are a tea lover you will become enchanted by being allowed to witness the once secret gyrations of your freshly brewing tea now revealed to you through the walls of a little glass teapot, your pleasure in the tea experience will be amazingly enhanced by the simple act of now being able to view the tea as it dances.
Everything Stops For Tea

It's an old expression in England and probably elsewhere as well, because there is a world wide appreciation of the therapeutic effects of stopping what you are doing for a cup of tea. So much so, that in a lot of places, a proper ritual must be observed.I don't know much about that, although I once saw a Japanese Tea Ceremony in Disneyland. Whether that has as much to do with a real tea ceremony, as The Pirates of the Caribbean has to do with the real pirates of the Caribbean, I really couldn't say.
Tea Herbs - All About Finding Herbs For Making Herbal Tea

The wonderful world of herbal tea is dependent on the quality of the tea herbs you use. Find out how to choose the best herbs, how to store and all about herbal tea ingredients.

Wu Long Tea Qing Cha - The Blue Green Wonder Tea

Wu-long tea is beneficial for many health related issues, this article gives a brief description of it's origins and a quick overview of the diseases it is proven to be affecting positively. Wulong tea is grown in the province of Jujian in China, and in Taiwan, and it is largely the most popular tea being served in China. It is said to have properties that no other tea can match.
Discover Or Rediscover the World of Tea

The world of tea is certainly one worth discovering, but be careful because once you enter this world, you might get so seduced by the flavors and wonders that you will find, that you might never come out again. The large variety of flavors are subtle, but yet so distinct from one another, that you can discover daily, the rich taste of Japan, China, India even Africa and England. Come on, come on in my world! Let yourself be tempted! Let's go and discover tea!
Tea - Spiritual Herb of Heaven

Tea is a heavenly elixir. That Heaven is the Place of Eternity far above the earth where God lives. But there's also lasting Bliss you can have within you down here. And there's an earthly paradise that's a locale a lot like the wonderful domain where most people want to live forever.
Green Tea Weight Loss - The Healthy Drink

Green tea weight loss drinks are becoming more popular by the week, as more people realize the health benefits of drinking it. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage on earth and has an over 4000-year history as a health promoting drink - and now the green tea weight loss benefits are boosting its consumption even more.
Health Benefits of Green Tea - It Will Keep the Doctor Away!

This article is designed to educate the reader on the importance of green tea on a person's overall wellness. Discussed is an overview of key ingredients, followed by 6 important health benefits associated with drinking this all natural beverage. The author is a Personal Wellness Coach whose mission is teaching and coaching others who are struggling with getting healthy, losing weight safely and keeping it off for good.
Does Green Tea Have Caffeine? Read This Article Right Now and Find Out the Benefits of Drinking Teas

Has the question, 'does green tea have caffeine?' ever crossed your mind? Well, caffeine, which can mildly stimulate the central nervous system and rev up metabolism. For those with little time to prepare tea, a good option is the Green Tea Purity supplement, which may be taken regularly.

White Tea Vs Green Tea - Know the Difference and Benefits of Drinking White Or Green Teas

Both green tea and white tea can be delicious, strong and robust and rich in antioxidants, flavoured, and enjoyed hot or iced. There are different types of teas, and for the uninitiated, a quick comparison of white tea vs. green tea may come in real handy. There's a quality innovation in the market called Green Tea Purity which is ideal not just in serving as a fat fighter but also in warding off disease.
Green Tea Side Effects May Not Be From Caffeine, But Other Highly-Toxic Components

Some users of green tea have reported adverse effects from drinking it. Green tea side effects can include increased urination, rapid heart beat, headache, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and other problems that are primarily associated with its caffeine content. However, green tea side effects could also be from high levels of other toxic components. Should you still drink green tea?
How to Brew Green Tea For Maximum Taste and Health Benefits

If you want to learn how to brew green tea for maximum health benefits, as well as taste, there's a few important details that you'll want to know; namely: how to buy and store green tea, the best containers and tea kettles to use, the right water temperature, and ingredients that you don't want to add to your cup of tea. Since a single ounce of tea should produce 15 to 30 cups, the best way to ensure your tea is fresh is to purchase it in small amounts...
Green Tea Purity Free Trial - The Benefits of Drinking Green Tea Purity For Weight Loss and More!

Have you ever imagined the health benefits of drinking natural green teas could be? Now you don't just image what you'll be benefiting, you now have the chance to uncover all the benefits that green teas have to offer by going for natural Green Tea Purity free trial offers today.
Discover the 5 Health Benefits of Chinese Tea

The western world may only just have discovered it's amazing health properties, but for centuries in Asia, Green, or Chinese tea, has been revered as a good health staple. And with good reason it seems. While the ancient Chinese may not have carried out extensive research, and mainly relied on results to make their decision about Chinese tea, it's recently been the topic of extensive research, all of which seems to back up the ancient Chinese claims.
Tea Fortune - Success in Your Future

What will happen in your life? If you look for your fortune in a pot of tea, you'll be blessed with a good future. It's always an auspicious omen you'll see when you sip on that cup of tea and look ahead.

Wine

Making Homemade Wine

Making homemade wine is a tradition that many people still continue today. Many people assume that making wine is a difficult process and I am here to tell you that it is not. Making home brew is simple but it can be time consuming and once you start it is hard to stop and what was once a small hobby becomes more like an obsession.

How to Grow Grapes - The Secret to Amazing Wine

Learn the ancient art of growing grapes to make amazing wine. Discover the varieties of grape and the importance of the right soil and climate.

Make Beer at Home

Home brewing is an expanding pastime for folks who need to make beer at home and drink something that cannot be found in the aisles of a local spirits store and it is becoming more popular all the time. Discovering the way to make beer at home is not that tricky, though new hands should trace recipes conscientiously to ensure results that are drinkable and palatable.

Homebrew Beer - 6 Great Reasons to Get Started Now

If you are a beer advocate and enjoy the fine taste of a delicious brew, then you will love what you can achieve with homebrewing. Making homebrew beer is a hobby enjoyed by a great many people, but what makes it so popular? Here are six top reasons why you too will want to get started now on brewing your own.

Beer Making Kit - 5 Points to Help You Decide

Are you considering buying a beer making kit, or maybe wondering whether homebrewing is for you? A wide array of people are already enjoying this fine hobby and its delicious rewards, but to help you to decide for yourself and about getting a kit, here are five points for you to consider.

Alessi Corkscrews - Wine Openers With Attitude

Do you like to think of yourself as a twenty four hour party person? Perhaps you're more a weekend socialiser who likes a few friends around to share good food, good wine and good times. Well, it's not a hot party if you don't have a few "A" listers. Don't know any? Well that's about to change. Let me introduce you to Anna G, Alessandro M and Don Banana to mention a few. They are certified "A" listers. They're part of the Alessi Corkscrew range.

I Love Kosher Wine - A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

I love kosher wine so much that I am doing a series on fine and perhaps not so fine kosher wines tasting them with a variety of kosher foods. This article explores a wine coming from what may be an unexpected source, New Zealand. Was it a bargain? I'll make specific recommendations, and won't be silent if I'm unhappy with a wine.

A Glass of Wine a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Drinking wine daily offers significant health benefits. Learn more about the advantages and how to best preserve wine when less than a bottle is consumed.

New Beer Products in Thailand

Fluid Asia Pacific, one of Thailand's leading beer importers recently announced its newest lineup of draught beers that will be available in the country as of March 1, 2009. The company has been importing beer into Thailand, both draught and bottled, since September, 2005 and now has its largest product line ever.

Storing Red Wine in Wine Bottle Refrigerators

When you think of wine bottle refrigerators, chances are, you think of storing white wine there. In North America, most people are accustomed to serving red wine at room temperature and white wine chilled. This is actually not necessarily the best way to go.

South African Dessert Wines

Dessert wines are, by definition, high in alcohol. This alcohol is made from the increased concentration of sugar in these wines and the two combine to define them. The ratio of water to sugar can be changed by actually adding sugar, unfermented grape juice or honey before fermentation or must afterward.

Kosher South African Wines

A wine begins its koshering once plucked from the vine, as it is sown and cultivated in the same way as other wines. It may be picked by anyone, not necessarily a kosher or Jewish person. The grapes to be used for the wines are then taken to the winery, where they are crushed.

South African Pinotage Blends

The Pinotage range of South African wines has not always been favored among local and international critics. However, it is gaining increasing acclaim as its flavors are refined and appreciated for their unique appeal.

The South African Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is originally from Bordeaux, and is indigenous to southwest France. It is a dry white wine that, due to its remarkably refreshing quality, is enjoyed the world over by many discerning palates. Although its origin is in Europe, Sauvignon Blancs are now being produced in America, New Zealand and Australia. It is also one of South Africa's favored varieties, and our vines have yielded fantastic produce.

Wine Making

Making wine is extraordinarily simple. Wine is made when yeast is added to grape juice or most any other kind of juice. The basic ingredients are juice, yeast, sugar and water. The yeast consumes the sugar in the juice mixture and produces carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. The carbon dioxide gas bubbles out of the juice and what is left is wine. It's just that simple.



Food and Wine Pairing For the 4th of July

Great Wine Ideas for the Grill, BBQ and 4th of July Celebrations! Suggested domestic as well as French white and red wines for the seafood or red meats.

Culinary Career Focus - What is a Sommelier?

If you are considering a career in cooking and you are a lover of wine, then working for the position of the Sommelier or the Wine Steward is the best cooking career choice for you. A Sommelier is a trained professional who works in fine restaurants. A Sommelier specializes in all the aspects of serving wine. It is a much more sophisticated role as compared to that of a wine waiter.

A Wine Lover's Weekly Review of $10 Wines - A Fizzy Low-Alcohol Kosher Italian Red

Times are tough. Don't give up on life's little pleasures. Each and every week this sommelier and wine enthusiast will review a $10 (or cheaper) bottle of wine, pairing it with food and cheese and give you his unbiased opinion, and lots of information on the wine, the grape variety, and the winery. You may find a bargain or save your hard-earned money. Get your wine rack ready.

A Wine Taster's Guide to Environmental Wines - A Look at Lageder Red

When looking at wines for your next wine tasting event, consider an environmental wine like the reds of Alois Lageder. A red wine club favorite, Lageder's wines offer a history of environmental winemaking perfect to share with your guests as you pour a glass.

Choosing the Ideal Summer Wine

If you plan to go on a picnic during the summer, packing a dependable wine bottle is a must in order to enjoy what the season has to offer. This is especially true if you plan to around some exotic locales and try to enjoy the best of what Mother Nature has to offer.

A Guide to Buying Port As a Gift

Port is a strong but sweet wine made from regular red wine that has some distilled grape spirits poured in during the fermentation process. This prevents the fermentation from completely settling in, boosting alcohol content while lending it a distinctively sweet flavour in the process.

How to Choose Among a Variety of Red Wines

Principal force among the french wines the Bordeaux region comprises over 125,000 hectares of vineyards which is greater than all of Chili. Among the more prestigious wines in the region are the grands cru classes of which the most popular ones are now selling at record prices. This price increase was mainly due to the exceptional vintage that was attained in the year 2005.

Wine For the Holidays

During the holidays, a good glass of wine is the perfect treat to top off the occasion. Holidays are a time of bonding and cheer, and having the perfect wine to go along with your festivities will make the celebration that much sweeter.

Home Brewing Beer - A Fantastic Hobby and Pastime - If You Know How!

Having spent a couple of hours with a friend the other day in our local bar I was staggered at how much the evening had cost. It was the price of a small mortgage! All so we could have a couple of drinks in a bar that had no atmosphere and very few people. The smoking ban really has reduced the amount of customers visiting bars these days. And the cost certainly doesn't help! So this got me thinking. Why not try brewing my own beer? Many years back I had tried my hand at wine making with some success, well I enjoyed it anyway.

Learn About the Varieties of Muscat Grapes

Muscat grapes are mostly grown for table grapes, raisins and more importantly, wine. It belongs to the species Vitis vinifera of which 99% of the world's wine is produced. Ranging from white to almost black in color, Muscat grapes are harvested very late in the growing season, which contributes to their very sweet taste. With over 200 varieties and derivatives read on to learn about some of the main varieties of muscat grapes and their origin.

Wine Tasting For Beginners - 3 Easy Steps

I hope you haven't allowed the 'rituals' of wine tasting to keep you from exploring many types of wine. Learning about and trying different types of wine can really be a lot of fun. It can be a nice way to spend an evening with friends and family sharing a bottle of wine that you just discovered.

Learn How to Store Wine

A small wine fridge is a perfect way to store your wines correctly. Available in a variety of sizes and qualities, these mini fridges are designed with your wine in mind.

Paso Robles Wine Region, Coming Into Its Own Style

The Paso Robles Wine Region is finally coming into its own, and getting past its Napa-want-to-be phase. We are seeing a style emerge that eventually will be uniquely Paso Robles. This is both good for wine lovers as well as Paso Robles.

Wine and Cheese For Beginners

There is a great deal to know about wine besides the difference between red and white. Wine can be a very enjoyable experience as long as you pick, store and serve it correctly. The ability to pair wine with food correctly is a great skill and can really make an impression on a date or at a dinner party.

Make Your Own Beer -

Have you tried to make your own beer yet? I love brewing my own beer and so do some of my female friends. Men might think that brewing beer is a male prerogative , but that is simply not true. There are a growing number of women who now brew their own beer. We love drinking it as well and that includes my 80 year old mother.

Eat it Raw - The Healthiest Ways to Eat Dark Chocolate

Why Raw Chocolate?
Raw cacao has a large concentration of minerals such as magnesium and sulfur, both of which are central to many of the body's processes. It also contains enzyme inhibitors that help sustain the amount of the chemical andandamide in our bodies. Andandamide contributes to feelings of happiness in the brain.

Cooking and processing dilutes the nutritional value of cacao. Cacao naturally contains small amounts of caffeine. However, the aromatic and tannic substances released during the roasting process amplify its effects and have also been known to contribute to insomnia, anxiety and mood swings.

So how do you reap the health benefits of dark chocolate? The answer: raw, organic chocolate. Here are two ways this nutritionally-rich and complex food can be enjoyed:

1. Cocoa Nibs
One of the best ways to consume organic raw cacao is in the form of cacao nibs. Similar to chocolate chips, they are great as an addition to trail mix, yogurt or blended into a chocolate shake. They are unroasted and often unsweetened but taste like true chocolate.

2. Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder has the largest amount of flavanols, which research suggests may help protect the body from disease. It's also high in antioxidants. It is the least processed form of cacao and contains no fillers. You can use raw organic cocoa powder to make soy ice cream, smoothies or coconut water shakes. Dairy products may inhibit the absorption of the antioxidants in chocolate, so blend cocoa powder into non-dairy products.

What To Buy
The majority of cacao products on the market today are made from roasted beans and aren't the place to derive maximum nutritional value. Organic raw cacao is the best option and is easily found in health food and some grocery stores. In the absence of raw, organic chocolate, the next healthiest form of chocolate is organic dark chocolate, particularly unsweetened or bittersweet. Milk chocolate should not be considered healthy in any way given the fats, oils and refined sugars it contains.

Chocolate Caramel Popcorn - Can You Say, Yummy?

How about a sweet treat for the kids? Caramel chocolate popcorn is a great treat for slumber parties, camp outs or just family movie night fun. So give this a try. Your kids will love it and you will too.

Ingredients needed 1 cup of popcorn for popping 1 pound of bitter sweet chocolate melted, may use a bag of chocolate morsels melted
For the caramel: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons of corn syrup Scant ¼ cup of water
Pop the popcorn. You may use a hot air popper if you like or any way you prefer.

To make the caramel:
Place the corn syrup, sugar, and water in a heavy bottom 2 quart sauce pan over medium high heat and cook until light golden brown. Use a nice large pan so you have room to add the popcorn. Use a wooden spoon to stir the popcorn into the caramel until it is evenly coated. Pour the caramelized popcorn onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and allow it to cool. If you don't have parchment paper, just lightly oil your baking sheet. When cool, use your hands to break up any clumps. Place the cool popcorn in a large bowl. Use a ladle to drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn, stirring with your wooden spoon as you go. Keep adding chocolate until the popcorn is evenly coated. Pour the chocolate coated popcorn onto a fresh parchment paper lined baking sheet until its cool.

This recipe makes 4 cups of popcorn.
Tips: When cool, place in decorative bags to give as gifts. Use milk chocolate and or white chocolate to coat the popcorn. Be careful when working with caramel, it gets very hot and can burn. Keep a bowl of ice and water beside you in case you get caramel on your skin.

HOME::Food-and-Drink/Chocolate X

As all chocolate aficionados know, you capture the greatest nutritional benefits when eating raw, organic chocolate as opposed to processed varieties. Once cacao beans are roasted, they lose the majority of their nutritional value. So, enjoy these chocolates as you would any highly-caloric sweet treat, and get your vitamins and minerals elsewhere.

Chocolate varieties
1. Bitter (unsweetened) chocolate has a small amount of cocoa butter and no sugar added. It's best suited for baking. Despite not having sweetener, many people find the naturally bitter taste of unsweetened chocolate quite satisfying.
2. Bittersweet (semi-sweet) chocolate contains sugar, more cocoa butter than bitter chocolate, and about 50% chocolate liquor, which is made from processed cacao beans.

3. Cocoa powder - This is actually the pulverized remains of cocoa butter and is commonly used in baking.

4. Couverture - A rich chocolate containing a high level of cocoa butter, making it particularly creamy. It's typically used in cake decorating and candy making.

5. Dutch process cocoa powder - A cocoa powder processed with alkali, it has a delicate flavor and is used in cakes and pastries. This alkalization process makes it neutral, so recipes using Dutch Process cocoa powder call for an acidic ingredient such as baking powder.

6. Milk chocolate - This popular type of chocolate contains condensed or powdered milk. Only a small amount of cocoa is required to make it milk chocolate. It is the most-consumed variety of chocolate due to its presence in candy bars and some desserts.

7. White chocolate - Containing the highest amount of sugar of all chocolate varieties, white chocolate is also made from milk fats and solids. It is not considered to be actual chocolate and with little to no cocoa solids, doesn't offer vitamins or minerals.
If you're looking for nutrients, eat chocolate that is processed as little as possible. Also ensure that the cacao beans are organic. Non-organic cacao may include pesticides and other fillers. Raw, organic cacao beans are incredibly rich in sulfur, magnesium and other minerals that are integral to the body's functioning.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Who's Got the Chocolate?

am continually amazed at how well dark and unprocessed chocolate fits into a solid health regime. I am amazed because it can be enjoyed and ingested daily, guilt free!
Being healthy is not a small thing, and something we no longer take for granted, especially as we get older. However, today, younger and younger people are cropping up with serious health issues. Diabetes is on the rampage...it's like a viral infection getting passed from one to another! Up until now, children with type II diabetes was unheard of.

The sugar industry is very powerful and wields an aggressive influence on eager but unknowing recipients. Sugar is included in most packaged, canned, frozen and dried food items. You name it and it has sugar in it, in one form or another. Who suffers from this sugar laden diet that is presented to us night and day, everywhere we look or turn? We all do, but most prevalently are the innocent and unsuspecting: our children.

It's impossible to resist the colorful and fun-filled commercials that stream into our homes via TV, internet, and radio without interruption. It's a billion dollar industry; but who is going to foot the billion dollar medical bill that has erupted? We have a generation of children growing up, with many of them manifesting serious symptoms: they are insulin resistant and obese, which is setting the stage for, and even resulting in diabetes. We hear news reports on this daily. Are people alarmed? I am not sure, but it is in fact, alarming!

This brings me back to the chocolate. Dark and unprocessed healthy chocolate supports the body at the cellular level; to nourish cells and tissues so they can do their intended job, which in part is ridding the body of toxins, wastes and fats that it's unable to use and doesn't want.

It also helps to manage and even prevent diabetes type II. In several different studies, scientists have discovered that flavanol-rich cocoa reversed the dysfunction of blood vessels in prediabetics. From their testing, these scientists concluded that high-dose flavanol cocoa improved insulin sensitivity. Cocoa was found to be just as effective in increasing insulin sensitivity as weight loss, exercise, medications and other dietary supplements. This should be encouraging news for anyone suffering from the ill effects of obesity, including type II diabetes.