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Archive for the ‘Cooking’ Category

Cooking with Wine

Saturday, July 9th, 2011


In order to cook with wine you need to know what wine is made of and what will be the effect on certain dishes when wine is used in the cooking process.

Wine is made up of water, grape acids, tannins and alcohol. All of these players, individually and together, affect the final result. Alcohol itself is tasteless, but it affects the release of flavour and fragrance molecules from the other components. It helps fats to dissolve and penetrate the food, bringing out hidden flavours. This is a chemical reaction that “ordinary” liquids, like water or stock, or even fats such as butter or oil cannot achieve. For this reason, when wine is added to the pot it should be allowed to simmer, uncovered, so that the alcohol and some of the volume evaporate. Never add wine at the end of cooking.

When red wine is made, the seeds and the skins are in prolonged contact with the grape juice, so red wine is rich in tannins. White wine is low in tannins because the juice does not come into contact with the skin and seeds during fermentation. Thick-skinned grapes (such as cabernet sauvignon) will result in tannin-rich wine, in contrast to thin-skinned varieties (like merlot).

White wine is low in tannins because the juice does not come into contact with the skin and seeds during fermentation. Thick-skinned grapes (such as cabernet sauvignon) will result in tannin-rich wine, in contrast to thin-skinned varieties (like merlot).

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Bajan Desserts For Your Sweet Cravings

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

The tropical country in the east Caribbean is known for its pinkish sand beaches, luscious flora, and a variety of scrumptious feasts that include delicious and sweet desserts. Travelers can choose to dine in Barbados travel hotel, as most have classy bistros that serve Bajan food. Heading to the local restaurants and cafes on the island is also an option. Eating in a fancy bistro is surely a treat for tourists. However, dining outside on the local eateries is quite an experience. Also, asking locals about where to find cheap but tasty meals is a good way to save money, and at the same time enjoy scrumptious meals.

Most Bajan dishes are quite spicy, and it is therefore recommended to have something sweet at the end of each meal. Bajan Macaroni Pie, Bajan Black Eyed peas rice, Pudding n Souse, Flying Fish Cutter, Cod Fish Cakes are some of the heavy and stomach filling meals. After having your tummy filled with these meals try following it up with these specials.

Going natural

The Caribbean island is tropical and has many different kinds of plantation and vegetation that is growing in the country, which includes strange but tasty fruits. If you are tired of the usual banana, try eating plantain. It is a close relative of the banana but looks quite unappealing when raw. Usually served fried and topped with cinnamon. Another unique fruit is breadfruit. It has similar taste and texture to the regular potato but it is a bit sweeter. Among the must try fruits in the island are their cherries, with the bright red berries often turned to juice. It is also quite bigger than the regular cherries.

Yummy Candies

There are many Bajan candies available to satisfy every tourist’s sugar cravings. Local candies like guava cheese, tamarind balls, peanut brittle, and chocolate fudge are few of the candies that will surely make tourist’s meal complete. There are various types of candies available in the tropical country, and choosing a favorite may be a bit challenging since all of these candies have their own unique flavor.

Pastries

For diners who are looking for something heavy even after a stomach filling meal, the tropical country has a variety of cakes and pastries to satisfy every hungry visitor. The best known pastry on the island is coconut bread. For those who want fancier breads and pastries, they can choose from Bajan baked custard, lemon meringue pie, and chocolate icebox pudding. Those who are looking for something simple and classic, of course there is good old cheesecake or chocolate cake.

There are also candy shops and special cake stores inside some Barbados travel hotel that will satisfy every tourist’s confectionery cravings. There are also many Bajan desserts which are must-try for everyone visiting the country. Just keep in mind not to eat too much sweets or a trip to the dentist might be your next itinerary while touring around Barbados.