Fort Blog - For What You Need To Know » Food

• Fort Blog - For What You Need To Know Home

Archive for the 'Food' Category

Next Page »

Open Your Road to Coffee Connoisseur Basics - Simple Tips

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 by www

Jamaican Blue Mountain Wallenford Estate Coffee

Unless you are a true coffee connoisseur, the title of this article may have you wondering is there really a blend of coffee bean with such a long and distinguished sounding name? There is, and this type of premium Jamaican coffee delivers a unique flavor that justifies its reputation - and its name.

Wallenford estate coffee is grown in the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica, which is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean island. The climactic conditions of this region are ideal for growing a premium coffee bean - mountainous and moist, with good amounts of rain. Coffee grown at high altitudes is always sought after, and the Blue Mountains of Jamaica reach a peak of 7400 feet, making Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee one of the highest grown in the world.

Another distinguishing factor about this climate is the fog that shrouds the plants every day, causing them to mature more slowly than average. This makes the process of growing and harvesting the beans slower and more labor intensive than anywhere else. Finally, the coffee is shipped in basswood barrels, rather than in the burlap bags used everywhere else. Blue Mountain Wallenford Estate is one of the rarest and most expensive coffee beans in the world.

Coffee first came to Jamaica in the 1700s, when Arabica seedlings were imported from Martinique. Jamaica turned out to have some of the best growing conditions in the world for coffee, so it quickly became a native industry. Because of the renown of Blue Mountain coffee, it is important to know that you are getting the real thing. There are many cheaper Jamaican coffees on the market. Some are even quite good, but they don’t compare with Blue Mountain. To ensure that standards are met, the Jamaican Coffee Industry Board must approve and certify all Blue Mountain coffee. This approval is by no means a mere formality given to all coffee producers; standards are rigorously enforced to preserve the integrity of Jamaica’s truly premium coffees.

Just as all Jamaican coffee is not Blue Mountain, not all Blue Mountain coffee is Wallenford estate, which has long been considered the best of the best of Jamaican coffee. Jamaican Blue Mountain Wallenford Estate coffee is rightfully one of the most prized in the world. While it is not cheap, experts and true lovers of the beverage believe it’s well worth the cost.

Coffee Glossary

Wallenford Estate. At one time the most celebrated and best of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. Now simply any Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee from the Wallensford mill.

Washed Coffee also Wet-Processed Coffee.

Wet-Processed Coffee, Wet Method Coffee, Washed Coffee. Coffee prepared by removing the skin and pulp from the bean while the coffee fruit is still moist. Most of the world’s great coffees are processed by the wet method, which generally intensifies acidity. In the traditional wet process, the coffee skins are removed (pulping), the skinned beans are allowed to sit in tanks where enzymes loosen the sticky fruit pulp or mucilage (fermentation), after which the loosened fruit is washed off the beans (washing). In the shortcut demucilage or aquapulp method, the pulp or mucilage is scrubbed from the beans by machine.

Whole-Bean Coffee. Coffee that has been roasted but not yet ground.

Read more about best espresso coffee maker.

Amazing Homemade Easy Snacks

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 by www

When you’re in hurry and when you have no time to eat right, it could be that more than just stress is getting you down! When we are flustered or constantly in a rush, there is a good chance we aren’t getting the proper nutrition that we need. Although nothing is going to take the place of a healthy meal, healthy food snacks can help fill in the gap during the times that we are in a hurry. When you think of healthy food snacks, you may be thinking of overpriced protein bars or things that take ages to prepare, but the truth of the matter is that snacks that are good for you are a great way to stay healthy even when your mind isn’t necessarily on your lunch!

1. Fresh Fruits
You’ll find that fruit is a great way to get a healthy dose of healthy sugar and energy during the middle of your day. Apples and oranges can get you some much needed vitamin C, while bananas do a great deal for your potassium levels. If you have a real sweet tooth, bring along some packets of honey to dip your fruit in.

2. Homemade Granola Bars
Take a different approach and try making your own granola bars. All you need to do is to start with a mix of thick oats, sesame seeds, assorted fruits, tahina, brown sugar and honey. You’ll find that when you make granola bars at home that you can easily change up the mix to match your taste in a much less expensive way.

3. Rice balls
If you have a love of Japanese food, you’ll find that this healthy snack is right up your alley. Cook up half a cup of white rice and then flavor it with rice vinegar to taste. Wet your hands and cup a small piece of rice in your palm and put some tuna, avocado or imitation crab meat into it. Then put some more rice on top to cap off the ball and compress it in both hands. This makes a Japanese rice ball, find it a great snack to carry to school or work.

4. Popcorn
When you are looking around for a healthy snack, you’ll find that this one is right up your alley. Popcorn is quite good for you, especially if you leave off the butter and the caramel. like sweet stuff, just add a little bit of brown sugar to the popcorn while its still hot, and you’ll have some terrific tasty snacks that are fairly good for you.

5. Chopped vegetables
When you are feeling a bit hungry and aren’t sure what to eat, remember to keep some chopped veggies handy. You’ll find that a cup of baby carrots, even with two tablespoons of ranch dressing, only come to around a hundred calories, as do a cup of jicama sticks with salsa. These 100 calorie snacks are a delicious way to keep your energy up as well as to stay healthy.

There are lots of ways to make yourself up some healthy snacks, whether you decide to make your own granola bar or to simply pop some popcorn, so take some time and learn what kind of benefit those healthy food snacks can have for you and your family!

Bottled Alternatives To Drinking Water

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 by www

Water is a fact of life. It is all around us. In fact, it covers most of the earth and is what comprises most of the human body. Without water you would simply not exist. But not all water is good for you to drink.

Drinking water is in short supply in many countries due to lax environmental laws that allow chemicals, wastes and other pollutants to seep into their source water. If there are not precautions to keep it safe and free from harmful pollutants, then it may be very poor quality drinking water and unsafe to drink.

best drinking water
Safe water is an issue everywhere in the world. Anytime there is a chance that bodily fluids and decay come into contact with drinking water system, the authorities must take precautions.

They will issue a boiling order. A boiling order is a proclamation that all water must be boiled before it is used. This usually excludes water used for bathing but anything that will be consumed must be boiled until the source water has been purified and cleaned.

So how does the water that you drink become safe water? Well, it goes through water treatment plants and water purifiers to ensure that no microscopic bacteria are present that will cause you harm.

the best drinking water
Many cities and towns try to utilize biological purification systems before adding chemicals or other treatments to the water to ensure that you will not become sick by drinking the water. Water contamination is serious business, and in North America stringent drinking water standards are the norm. Gastric problems can be quite serious for some individuals who already suffer from a lower immune system, such as the young or elderly.

No matter how many times it must be said, drinking water is an absolute must in your life. You cannot get all the fluids you need from soda pop. Even if you hate the taste of tap water, there are alternatives out there from which to choose. Why not try some of the new flavored waters that come chock full of vitamins? You can be getting your daily dose of water and have a great tasting beverage to enjoy. Get some water in your diet!

Organic Food: Worth Paying Extra For?

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 by www

Organic food has become one of the best things to happen in a long time to the grocery market. When certified organic food was first introduced in the 1960’s, the reality was that it had already been around for many, many years. Organic food is food that has no additives, no preservatives, and little to no pesticides used. As long as food has been grown, organic has been available. But, the actual term organic food did not come around until the renewal of spirit that the 1960’s brought. Organic food has been a plus that society has been lacking for some time.

Fresh organic food is now available in almost every grocery store in the world. The convenience of selecting natural and organic food over processed food has become almost second nature. No longer does a person have to travel a long distance to find a local organic food supplier. With the Whole Foods Market grocery chain, the United States and Canada have access to over 196 stores that offer gourmet deli’s, organic vitamins, and even organic household cleaners. And with the introduction of the internet, individuals around the world can order fresh organic food twenty four hours a day.

Another positive that certified organic food has brought is the revenue that has been generated in the grocery market. The speciality of organics brings in close to $29 billion in the United States alone. That is just a fraction of what the grocery market brings in yearly, however, it is still a significant number to be contended with. If people continue to be more health conscious, the organic food market is sure to keep booming and bringing in more cash than ever.

One of the main things about the organic food that is a plus is the health benefits that every age group can gain. Children are one of the main age groups that can benefit from this speciality food. Because of the rise in obesity, kids are getting heavier day by day. However, if parents start early in making healthy choices, young ones will hopefully keep the good choices going for the remainder of their lives. Even older people can benefit from eating certified organic food. In actuality, it is never too late to start making healthy choices.

Organic food has changed the way that people around the world eat. No longer are they limited to processed foods that contain artificial ingredients or “mystery meats”. Fresh organic food is readily available from the local grocer or the local farmer’s market down the street. Organic food can make going green easy for any person in the world to do.

Restaurant Equipment For The Discerning Buyer

Saturday, September 27th, 2008 by www

The chore of finding for restaurant equipment can be a difficult errand even for experienced buyers; but for a new person in the industry, it can be a chore that will lead to stress, large expenses, and overall a time consuming errant[/spin].

Hospitality industry people in Sydney are privileged that they will not need to endure the stress that plagues other catering equipment buyers.

Having the Catering Equipment Warehouse within reach, bargain hunters on the lookout for upscale and high quality restaurant equipment will find great value coupled with a stunning selection of top of the line gear choices. Ovens with large volume capacity, cookware specially manufactured for the hospitality business, elegant uniforms, sleek glassware, stylish utensils, and professional bar ware are available for the shrewd shopper’s consideration.

For those that are starting p and may be conscious of sticking to a strict budget, the section which contains the used equipment promises amazing bargains on well maintained, modern restaurant equipment. There are cook tops - like the ROBAND 13 Countertop Hot Plate - which comes with a warranty of three months., food processors, chicken rotisseries, pizza equipment, along with many more essential items.

Adding value to the transaction is the online functionality and automation of the shopping experience. Buyers of cooking and additional restaurant equipment who sign up for a first time account with the Catering Equipment website are eligible to receive between 10 and 25% off!

In addition, the internet availability makes these products more easily reasonably priced and obtainable to astute restaurateurs from all across the country, and since the shipment services utilized — Hunter Express, Clipper,Couriers Please, Mail Corp, and TNT. — have great reputations for providing reasonably priced yet excellent delivery of any catering equipment ordered, fitting out an eatery is definitely a lot more easily achieved.

Peruse the wares available on the Catering Equipment website now, then you’ll see why so many members of the hospitality industry recommend their goods and would never think of shopping for their catering or restaurant equipment elsewhere.

Slow Metabolism

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 by www

Have you thought about trying hypnosis for weight loss, this may be a viable option for you if you have already tried other weight loss programs which have not worked. Hypnosis may be able to help you change the way you think about and deal with food, this it would then become quite a good investment.

Many people feel that hypnosis works and is thus an effective weight loss solution. Others argue that attempting weight loss with hypnosis isn’t a good idea, whilst some feel it a natural and viable option.

However, hypnosis is obviously a very personal decision and may be a good option for you if you often find yourself thinking “I wish I could look like that” when looking at your thinner friends.

Many people who want to lose weight but are tired of endless dieting may choose to hire a hypnotherapist to aid them in hypnosis for weight loses. They are able to get to utilize hypnosis to relax the mind and suggest things to make you desire less sugar and carbohydrates.

Hypnosis for weight loss is even something you can do on your own privately at home. Self-hypnosis kits are available that will help you achieve a trance and make the suggestions to you. So far there are no studies that show self-hypnosis is any more or less effective than hypnosis done by a professional.

You use hypnosis to basically fool your brain into thinking that you want to eat less and exercise more often. Hypnotherapists place subconscious suggestions like these into your mind, so that you prefer fruits and vegetables to red meat and fatty foods.

However, using hypnosis for weight loss may not be as helpful as once thought, according to some new studies. There is some concern that this could ultimately harm the way the patient eats, and cause them to become worse.

Hypnosis can help to retrain your sub conscious mind to build better eating habits. It can alter your thinking, giving you a fresh outlook on your weight loss goals and eating habits and thus help you may be beneficial in your weight loss program alongside other techniques.

Cuisinart Gives All The Home Cook Needs

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 by www

The brand Cuisinart, founded in 1973 by Carl Sontheimer, is made up of various products created to aid in preparing foods quicker than usual. The first and most popular product is the food processors they manufacture. Today there are a huge range of products, including items like coffee makers, bakeware and more. Their website makes doing any kind of business with this company quick and easy. From there, or in certain retail stores, you can study and make purchases for you or someone you know who loves cooking and baking. All of these products make great gifts.

Whether you are a breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert lover, Cuisinart has every kind of product you could want. A food processor is the most popular item they sell, but they have upgraded in the last 30 plus years to a huge variety of products. Today they offer baking collections, coffee collections and other items that every kitchen needs. For the cook that has it all, there are fun little gadgets to add to any kitchen collection. Electric can openers and hand mixers, ice cream makers and specialty appliances, including cookware, make a trip to the website or any store carrying this brand a fun trip. Price wise, some of the products can put a decent dent in your purse, but the quality of the products is outstanding and, therefore, is worth the cost.

If you know someone who loves to cook, bake or enjoy the ease of kitchen appliances, a Cuisinart product could be just the thing he or she has been wanting. The touch they add to any kitchen decor can put a smile on anyone’s face. So can the customer service department of the company itself. With rave reviews they make the smallest thing, such as replacing a part, simple and stress free. These are just added bonuses to a line of products that make cooking and baking easier.

From easing the cook’s workload, to making them smile at the sleekly designed products, Cuisinart is a company that is second to none. With baking tools, cookware and more, the perfect gift, decorative touch or splurge for yourself is easy to find and worth the cost. Every product is given a mark of high quality. So surprise the cook or baker in your life, even if it is yourself, with a product that is sure to win them over through its style and ease of use while cooking or baking or both.

How Banana Nutrition Facts Can Lead To A Longer Life

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 by www

The banana has been referred to as “the fruit of the wise”. The more you learn about the banana, the more this makes sense. It contains minerals and vitamins that are essential for a healthy body.

Bananas are an ideal food for everyone. It is easy to peel, easy to take somewhere, easy to eat, and loved by children, athletes, grandparents, workers, in fact anyone looking for a healthy.

Banana Nutrients

Bananas are a great source of minerals and vitamins. They contain riboflavin, potassium, Vitamin A, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, thiamin, myth associated with bananas is around the question of constipation. They are actually high in fiber which, as well as making them great for your cardiovascular health, also helps avoid constipation.

Bananas also have nutritional value for eyesight. Banana is given to premature babies and has been evidenced to aid malnourished children.

The plantain banana, when cooked, shows higher levels on the nutritional scale of minerals and vitamins yet similar to the fruit banana in fiber content and protein.

Banana Calories

An average sized banana has around 100 calories and a large banana around 130 calories. Just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. The banana is rated the number one fruit with the world’s top athletes.

Most of a banana is just water, although 35% percent of it is actually sugars. They are accountable for more than 50% of the calories in a banana.

Bananas have more digestible carbohydrates than any other fruit. The body burns off calories from carbohydrates more easily and quickly a lot of the vitamins and lowers the nutrients. For example, take banana that has been dried like banana chips and you will find that there are over five times the calories of a fresh banana.

As you can see, the way that the banana is prepared is extremely important to the nutritional value.

Potassium in Bananas

The banana is high in potassium and has very low levels of sodium, so it can be included in a diet to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. A diet high in potassium is said to decrease the risk of hypertension and stroke.

Potassium helps in developing of muscle and protein synthesis. Potassium stimulates nerve impulses for muscle contraction.

Bananas are a favourite with young people because they provide a fast and simple source of carbohydrate which is needed to provide power for the brain and your muscles. The best food selection for sport are foods that are strong in carbohydrates so you can see why bananas are so popular with sporting people.

Cheddar’s Family Restaurant - Where Does Their Popularity Come From?

Sunday, September 21st, 2008 by www

Are you a big fan of Cheddar’s Restaurant? You’re not the only one! Since 1978, which was when Doug Rogers and Aubrey Good opened the premeir Cheddar’s restaurant outside of the Arlington, Texas Six Flags, Cheddar’s family restaurants have become an American institution. They are a consistent favorite of hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom eat at Cheddar’s more than once a week!

Especially since Cheddar’s commitment is recipes made from scratch and fresh food, it is no wonder that their chain outlets and their cooking style has become so very popular. Cheddar’s is widely known for their friendly, attentive waitstaff and their delicious and economical dishes. Since the opening of their first restaurant thirty years ago, more than sixty additional Cheddar’s outlets have opened all across the country.

I, for one, greatly enjoyed my trip to Cheddar’s when I was visiting a friend on the east coast. We ate out at no less than 10 establishments over the course of my week-long trip, and Cheddar’s was by far the best. As a matter of fact, we went there 3 different times! You just can’t beat the gourmet-style food and family-style prices. Additionally, the atmosphere was cheerful and fun and the wait staff was friendly and attentive.

The menu focuses on family-style cooking, much like the atmosphere focuses on being family-friendly, as well. Cheddar’s has appetizers ranging from Cheese Fries to Chicken Tenders to Nachos. The entrees are even more delicious, including such fare as Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa, Key West chicken and Shrimp, Dijon Chicken and Mushrooms, and Honey Barbecue Baby Back Ribs. Make sure you save room for dessert. Cheddar’s specialty is the Cookie Monster Wow! and it is described as awe-inspiring. It’s made to order, and it consists of a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie, baked in a skillet, topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped creap, a cherry, and chopped nuts.

Doesn’t that seem amazing?

Luckily, you can now impress your friends and family and cook Cheddar’s Secret restaurant recipes at home for a fraction of the price! Check out vovvar.net/restaurant-recipes to find out how.

The Life Of The Party With Sparkling Wines

Friday, September 19th, 2008 by www

Sparkling wines and champagne are one of the most exciting forms of alcohol. Many happy and celebratory occasions are celebrated by opening a bottle of sparkling wine.

Exciting occasions, like weddings, will have sparkling wine present. This makes sparkling wine the beverage of choice for parties. Sparkling wine has a very fascinating history and how it is made is also quite interesting.

award winning wines
It is said that sparkling wines were created by accident. Supposedly, some monks from Champagne, France discovered the method because they incorrectly fermented some wine. When they uncorked it, the wine had that bubbly appearance and they thought it was spoiled.

It actually took years for champagne making to be recognized as a intentional process, rather than a mistake. The old way of making sparkling wine was through temperature changes. The wine was cooled below fermenting temperature before all the sugar turned into alcohol.

The wine was then reheated later on to the fermenting temperature, which created the carbon dioxide reaction that forms the sparkling bubbles. Real champagne wine only comes from Champagne, France and a group of localized wineries there. Any other winery that claims to make champagne is faulty unless they actually use grapes that are specifically from Champagne.

best wines
The process of making sparkling wine has stayed pretty much the same throughout the years. The process has become modernized, but for the most part retains the spirit of the old ways. The first step in making champagne and sparkling wines is to pick the grapes over a period of time so that every grape is at its ripest.

Sometimes, different grapes from different vineyards are used to retain the best qualities of each variety. The grapes are then pressed and stored, usually in stainless steel barrels to ferment. This is done over a period of at least three weeks, until all the sugar is turned into alcohol.

The wine is then separated from the bits that sunk to the bottom of the barrels and is transferred to other barrels, sometimes wood, to ferment longer or is mixed in with older wines to retain a particular flavor.

italian wines
For the second fermentation, extra sugar and yeast is put in with the wine to make the bubbly texture. That is how sparkling wine is made! There are many different kinds of sparking wines and they are all made a little differently, but the basic process is the same.

The process of the creation of sparkling wines began long ago. Since then there have been so many different kinds created that it is impossible to mention them all. A wine club or a resourceful website can help you to discover more information about wines. Of course, the most important fact to remember is that Champagne, France is the only true origin of champagne.

Next Page »

Work From Home

Copyright © 2008 Fort Blog - For What You Need To Know