The Lucky Cabin

March 4th, 2010

Ice Tea

Posted by admin in Be Fit Now, Fine Food

Tea is always been the most preferred beverage for many people around the world. If it is the most refreshing and stimulating drink that one can consume whenever they feel tired, down or out. Made from the most exclusive and delicate tea leaves which are imported from countries such as India, Sri Lanka and China, tea has become an internationally significant drink that has managed to create avid supporters of the beverage. Many tea enthusiasts prefer to consume their favorite beverage hot and steaming. However, on the other hand there are a few that prefer iced tea. The preparation of iced tea is relatively simple where instead of boiling the beverage, it is simply avoided. Instead ice is added to the preparation and is mixed thoroughly. Such iced teas are preferred by people who love to lay back on a summer’s day or spend a nice afternoon getting tanned on a beach. Irrespective of wherever all went ever one may love to consume their iced teas, it has yet managed to be the most preferred beverage on the menu. There are a few brands on the market which have gained international significance of which information can be found on the World Wide Web. A quick search will yield a number of results including ice tea by Tazo.

February 9th, 2010

Exquisite and Easy Themes for Valentine’s

Posted by admin in Fine Food

Take joy in simmpleness this Valentine’s Day by creating an easy and elegant dinner party for 2. Dust a red petal path leading to a dining table rich with aphrodisiacal menu. Flirt your paramour with a gesture from the heart, such as a line of verse during dessert. It is as easy as that. While a bouquet of roses can charm one’s heart, strewn rose flower petals can surely play on the heartstrings. The regular rose bloom issues nearly 25 petals and will occupy a 4-inch square area on your tabletop. Produce this sumptuous mass of flower petals and contribute tealights for a smooth table centrepiece.

Make a party! Observe with all girlfriends, pairs, or mixed singles. Collect all of your girls for a Valentine’s ladies luncheon. Assemble at a playful restaurant, or give a affair for everyone at your household. Celebrate with a pair’s dinner party. Invite a couple of pairs over for a seated dinner party. Order in from one of your preferred eateries, or if you are feeling ambitious, fix your individual Valentines Day ideas for your invitees. Host a Singles Party. Invite over all of your individual acquaintances and have them bring over a unattached acquaintance of the opposite sex.

From 1840 to 1860, Valentine’s Day cards were functions of artwork oftentimes hand painted and decorated with silk, lace, fresh flowers or sachets, glass decoration, and gold-leaf accents. Howland is credited as the first person to sell and mass produce these lavish Valentines at a cost that extended from $5 to $30 for one card. A pretty penny in the middle 1800’s! The art grew a trifle less elaborate, but late 19th century cards were nonetheless adorned with items such as plumes, synthetic blossoms, and costume jewelry.

January 29th, 2010

A Messsage for You about Gourmet Gift Baskets

Posted by admin in Fine Food, Nutrition Tips + More

If you want to send something exciting to a business connection, colleague, family member, or loved one, 1800Flowers has provided you with a revolutionary new website — 1800Baskets. A simple means of gift ordering and delivery, 1800Baskets.com has a global presence.

Whatever you want them for — a holiday, a special event — the 1800Baskets.com gift baskets will overflow with excellent gifts. Customers should be particularly confident of the foodstuffs found in the baskets. Meats, cheeses, fruit, and crackers are placed together by skilled hands to provide delectable meals everyone can enjoy. These collations are often accompanied by fine wines comprising a full creation destined to bring a smile to the lips of all involved. Don’t worry if you’d rather choose something on the sweeter side, as options abound. So you like candies, right? Perhaps you only want bonbons, or maybe they’re only portion of your order — everyone has their own tastes. Cakes and treats are certain to satisfy the recipient’s craving for sweet delicacies. Even the sweet-toothed among us are aware of health concerns and so forth. Consequently, 1800Baskets.com have introduced a variety of hampers intended to provide sweet tastes which don’t use refined sugar. Tropical gift selections packed with pineapples, pears, and citrus fruits, boxes of one particular variety of fruit, or baskets of cheese and fruit offer up a unique mix of treats. And of course there are non-edible options, chief among them the spa set offering bathing luxuries. As with any gift company, much of their output caters to the holiday season. To fill beautiful boxes and baskets they lavish crackers, treats, chocolates, wine, trinkets and others to decorate your home. Decide on the style that suits you best — is it a family-friendly Santa Claus, or would you settle on a formal basket suited more to the office? Either way, they’ve got what you need. Clearly, Christmas is not the only important date on your calendar, so you needn’t worry — they offer specials connected to anniversaries, birthdays, closing a business deal, weddings, not to mention other major events.

Baskets introduce new ways to brighten your friend’s day, no matter where they may currently be. You can send a basket to anyone, and owing to to 1800Baskets’ superior quality, and expert network of providers, you can be sure that what you paid for is just what will arrive.

January 28th, 2010

Latest Japanese Restaurants

Posted by admin in Fine Food

Just like technology, cuisines all around the world evolve in to something more modern as time goes by. How do you classify modern cuisine? Some say, when non-traditional foods or non-traditional preparation methods are worked into that culture’s way of cooking it then gets modernised by the people of that ethnicity. The most influence on cuisines and how they change stems primarily from the West. One of the cuisines most influenced by the West is Japanese cuisine.

In the land down under, modern Japanese restaurants are becoming more and more popular. Japanese restaurants offer a mixture of menu items, which appeal to most people. There are heaps of yummy choices to choose from, such as wagyu beef, Japanese bbq, and salmon carpaccios, just to name a few. Wagyu beef, cattle consociated mainly from Japan, according to some, it is extremely moist and tender. It is probably one of the most pricey cuts of beef because very high standards are put in place to raise them. Most people are familiar with Japanese barbecue. Typically, different meats and vegetables are brought to the table raw and barbecued on either a charcoal or electric grill. As the meats and vegetables are cooking special japanese sauces are primarily used to season the food. Regular Asian constituents are used in the sauces, such as; garlic, sesame, soy sauce, and sake. Salmon Carpaccio is a exquisitely prepared dish. There are a few variances of the recipe, but usually very thin pieces of salmon lay on the serving dish with pickled ginger scattered throughout the salmon. Sometimes one would see edamame beans with the salmon as well. For the finishing touch, a sauce is drizzled over the top, usually sesame oil or miso based.

In the land down under, many Japanese restaurants offer their patrons a assortment of Japanese bbq styles and also diverse entrees of wagyu beef. Veggies, seafood and various meats seemed to popular for Japanese barbeque at many restaurants, with an assortment of cooking sauces to choose from. Wagyu beef can be served as: beef tenderloin with a garlic-ginger ponzu sauce, wagyu beef as a sirloin or in a roll form.

December 28th, 2009

The Charming History of Fannie May

Posted by admin in Fine Food

Irrespective of the fact that Fannie May is an easily recognizable brand all over the country nowadays, the business had humble beginnings. This well-known chocolate business began trading in 1920 in Chicago, and during 85 years in business it has turned into one of the nation’s favorite sweet shops. Fannie May’s gift of blending cocoa, sugar and other premium ingredients in precisely the right way made them such a favorite that they expanded to just below forty eight stores in only fifteen years. During wartime food shortages, the doors of the chocolate shops were temporarily shut, because they refused to shave the quality of any products. A few of these secret recipes are still being used and eaten in the twenty first century.

As you’d expect, each and every chocolate looks every bit as delicious as it tastes. Exquisite gift boxes and tins add that something special to make a present anyone will appreciate. How much you give is totally your choice, ranging from a single chocolate to a tower crammed with each type of truffle, caramels and even luxury pretzels. If you would like to purchase unique chocolates that’s easily done, nevertheless a tremendous choice of carefully designed gifts are on offer as well. Fannie May nowadays have stores not only in America but in numerous other nations all over the world. This makes it easy for you to send these famous treats throughout America and all over the world without even leaving your computer. There are a couple of items which are not suitable for transportation during the summer, however Fannie May can have presents delivered three hundred and sixty-five days a year and guarantees the standard of the products when they are delivered. Particular dietary demands aren’t any problem. Fannie May’s make chocolate with no added sugar and many other sweets as well. If you are supplying a special occasion like a wedding, tiny gift boxes and wedding favors are a specialty. Pick up the phone or send them an e-mail for a quote.

For more tips, we suggest you take a look at this detailed reliable source for chocolates information

You can see why Fannie May gourmet chocolates are such a successful chocolate shop. In fact, the most difficult part is picking from the vast assortment of alternatives on the web site. With everything from nougat to vanilla readily available, you are going to find exactly the perfect present.

November 29th, 2009

Bond with Fete Invitees with these Select Fun Thoughts

Posted by admin in Fine Food

Having the tykes sleep on Christmas Eve is quite a job for any parent. Chances are they’ve been munching on Christmas cookies all day, and bouncing off the walls with fervor.

Christmas themed games and ideas are a extraordinary means to channel that vigor, while still letting the youngsters have fun without depreciating their Christmas spirit. From traditional Christmas skits to leaving welcome signs for Santa, we have all the fun themes you will need to tire the small ones, so you can begin your duties and have a small Christmas festivity of your own.

Here are a few activities altered from Christmas party ideas to let Santa recognize that he’s welcome at your house. These are remarkable to do with kids. Start with a sign finished in the snowfall! Never experienced you could paint the snow? Well, you can and it’s so fun, you will wish to get in on the activity with your kids. Environmentally safe pigment will bring out the Arctic creative people in your children, as they mark the front yard for Santa and his reindeers to land. Ornament any area white with snow with these spraying cans. The paint melts away with the snowfall for effortless clean up.

Christmas Santa Claus is a internet site with a short, interactional Naughty or Nice quiz, that tykes can take to see where they stand! After winning the quiz, they can publish a certification as official proof of their ranking. The site also has a cute letter to Santa pattern and a great deal of festive holiday stuff.

Ultimately, producing the home Santa-ready with the children is a tradition they will not shortly forget. Biscuits and milk are evident for Santa, but don’t leave out those 8 reindeer! Be sure to leave some carrots for Rudolph and his friends.

Caroling is thought to have commenced in England around the middle ages. As was the tradition on many holidays, those hoping for a contribution of food or money sang songs as they moved from household to house. Today, we carol with our neighbors and at occasion celebrations, as it always fills one with the Christmas feeling.

August 9th, 2009

Fabulous Japanese Cuisine

Posted by admin in Fine Food

If you are in the mood for a culinary masterpiece, then you should visit Takumi. This Melbourne Japanese restaurant is the best of its kind. The food is top notch and the design and atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing.

Takumi is the only Melbourne Japanese restaurant that serves Wagyu beef. Wagyu is a premium grade cut of beef that is second to none. It is tender and juicy it melts in your mouth. Being an expert in Wagyu, this beef is offered in many dishes in the restaurant. Many customers enjoy it as a burger, grilled and marinated with Sukiyaki sauce. If you do not fancy having burgers, order the Wagyu Yakiniku lunch set. The beef is served raw and is cooked on a tableside grill. Accompanied by salad and a complimentary glass of beer or wine. Not only does this taste delicious, but being able to see it prepared adds an added touch of magic.

This Japanese restaurant may specialize in Wagyu beef, but that is not the only Japanese delicacy it has to offer. Frequent lunch patrons also enjoy the bento box. The restaurant offers several selections on the main entree for the bento box. A favorite Japanese entree is Gyoza. These pan fried dumplings are extremely good and addictive. You cannot stop at one. If you are in an adventurous mood, give the Unagi bento Box a try. Unagi is smoked grilled eel and is a very popular and delicious Japanese restaurant dish.

The interior decoration and lighting of the restaurant has a very zen-like feel. It is relaxing and inviting which makes you feel like you are right at home. The sleek and comfortable tan chairs and subtle decorations have a sedating affect and allows you to feel like you are having a quiet meal at home, even though you are in the presence with other people.

Overall, Takumi is a marvelous Japanese restaurant. From their delicious menu offerings, to the many different Sake choices, this Melbourne Japanese restaurant is number one on my book.

May 23rd, 2008

My Cherry Swirl Cheesecake Bake Contribution

Posted by admin in Fine Food

Recently I participated in a local bake sale to raise money for
the local animal shelter. I volunteered to bake a dessert, and I
chose to do a couple of Cherry Swirl Cheesecakes.

I’m a very picky eater and have never been a fan of cheesecake,
so I had to have my mother be my taste tester to see if I’d done
an adequate job. She helped me by giving me a couple of
pointers, and after a couple of tries I managed to bake two
pretty good cheesecakes (or so my mom says).

Cherry Swirl Cheesecake

Vegetable cooking spray
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
2 (8-ounce) packages fat free cream cheese
1 (14-ounce) can low fat sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg whites
1 large egg
1/3 cup bottled lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsifted all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 300. Spray bottom and sides of an 8-inch
spring form pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle graham crumbs on
the bottom of the pan.

In electric blender or food processor container, puree cherry
pie filling until smooth. Add the orange rind and set aside.

In mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in low
fat sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add egg whites, egg,
bottled lemon juice, vanilla and mix well. Stir in the flour.

Pour half of batter in prepared pan. Spoon 1/2 cup cherry puree
evenly over batter. Top with remaining batter. Drop by spoonfuls
1/2 cup cherry puree over batter; with knife or spatula gently
swirl. Put remaining puree aside.

Bake 60 to 65 minutes or until center is set. Let it cool, then
chill it in the fridge. Serve with remaining puree if desired.
Refrigerate any leftovers.

I was thinking of using fat free cream cheese for this
cheesecake, but apparently that type of cream cheese makes the
cheesecake kind of rubbery on the inside and chalky on the
outside. The lower fat cream cheese makes the dessert harder and
crumbly, so you’re best using full fatty cream cheese for the
best taste and texture.

Also make sure the ingredients, especially the cream cheese is
at room temperature before you start mixing…not making sure of
that was my first mistake. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy
Cherry Swirl cheesecake.

The bake sale itself went pretty well. We’re planning on having
another one soon, and I think the only thing we need to do
better next time to draw more people is advertise a bit sooner
and not have it at 2 pm on a Sunday afternoon :-).

About the Author

This article provided by Kori Puckett, publisher of 300+
delicious, old fashioned, homemade dessert recipes at
http://www.VintageSweetTreats.com.

May 9th, 2008

Two for One Dinners: Eggplant

Posted by admin in Fine Food

If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright “yuck,” then here are some ideas to put the “zing” back into mealtime. With a little creativity your home-cooked meal can easily become a delicious meal another night. There are a six articles in this series, today we are going to look at what you can do with eggplant.

DINNER - NIGHT ONE: Eggplant Parmesan

Layer baked eggplant slices with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses and tomato sauce, then top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a delicious vegetarian take on comfort food. Best when baked in a glass baking dish. Store leftovers, covered tightly, in the glass baking dish. Serve with steamed broccoli and bread twists.

DINNER - NIGHT TWO: Rigatoni with Eggplant Sauce

Up to two nights later, chop the leftover casserole coarsely, then toss it with leftover tomato sauce and mix with cooked rigatoni for a great pasta dish. Serve with a tossed salad and bread (optional).

Publishing Rights: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author’s information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Copyright 2005, Michele Webb. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

Michele Webb owns her own website and is a member of a number of organizations for women Netpreneurs and business owners. She currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada USA with her two dogs.

You are invited to visit her website at: http://www.ebooksnstuff.com. Or, you can email the author at: support@ebooksnstuff.com

May 7th, 2008

Father’s Day Crab Omelet

A sumptuous breakfast omelet made with Pre-Shredded Crab Delectables, mushrooms & brie sure to put a smile not only on Dads face, but Mom & the kids too!!

Ingredients

Imperial Metric Ingredient
3 tbsp 45 mL butter (approx.)
8 oz 250 g sliced cremini or white mushrooms
1 pkg 200 g Clover Leaf Crab Delectables™,Shreds
1 1 green onion, finely chopped
1/4 tsp 1 ml finely grated lemon peel (optional)
1/2 tsp 2 ml each salt and pepper (approx.)
4 oz 125 g cold, cubed Brie cheese
12 12 eggs
water

Nutrition Details

Amount Nutrition
About 460 Calories
32 g fat
34 g protein
8 g carbohydrates
1 g fibre
820 mg sodium

Nutrition Features

  • * Excellent source of vitamin A (40 %DV), vitamin D (100 %DV), folate (45 %DV), riboflavin (80 %DV), phosphorus (50 %DV) and zinc (30 %DV).
  • * Good source vitamin E (20 %DV), iron (25 %DV) and magnesium (20 %DV), vitamin B6 (15 %DV).

Heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the butter in a nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Stir in the crab, green onion, lemon peel (if using), salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, just until warmed through. Remove to a bowl and wipe out the pan.


Whisk 3 of the eggs with 1 tbsp (15 mL) cold water. Season with salt and pepper. Add a dab of the remaining butter to the pan, using a pastry brush to distribute it evenly. Pour the eggs into the pan and cook, stirring with a heat resistant rubber spatula, for 30 seconds. Cook, without stirring for 30 seconds. Smooth the top with the flat side of the spatula. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until eggs are almost set.


Spoon one quarter of the filling onto one side of the omelet. Sprinkle with 1/4 of the cubed cheese and fold over the remaining side. Transfer to a buttered baking sheet and set in a warm oven. Repeat with remaining eggs and filling, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.


Tip: For a splash of colour, add 1/4 cup (50 mL) lightly packed baby spinach leaves to each omelet before folding.

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