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5 Asian Beverages You Must Try

admin | March 2nd, 2013
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coconut juice
Asian cuisine is vibrant and captivating, and that is why the Western palate is looking eastward for inspiration. If you are into beverages, there are lots of options waiting for you west of the Pacific. If you must, here are our top picks for best Asian beverages that you should try.

Yakult
Yakult is like yogurt. It is milk with a culture of bacteria, lactobacillus to be exact. This dairy cultured drink is being drunk by millions of Asians each day. The packaging says that each bottle of Yakult has five billion active lactobacilli that aid in the digestion. It is the poster child of Asian probiotics, even before the term became a household name. The drink improves nutrient absorption and helps boost the immune system.

Pearl Milk Tea
Pearl Milk Tea is indigenous to Taiwan which has spread internationally. It is also known in some circles as Bubble Tea. This tea originated in the tea shops of Taichung which comes in different flavors most of which are fruit based. The staples are Almond Milk Tea and Honey Green Milk Tea. The milk is mixed with tea with tapioca balls hence the name bubble.

Fresh Coconut Juice
You can find this beverage anywhere in tropical Asia. Fresh Coconut juice is perhaps the safest form of beverage in the planet. The water inside the coconut remained untouched by the elements until the coconut is opened. Coconut water is known for its electrolytes which hydrates the body better than water! It is great as a detox beverage that helps the digestion and is beneficial to treat symptoms of urinary and kidney diseases.

Sago’t Gulaman
Sago’t Gulaman is the Philippines’ answer to Bubble Tea. It is peddled in the streets as a thirst quencher especially during the dry months from March to early November. Sago or tapioca balls are added to a mix of water, milk and sugar. What sets the sago’t gulaman from the Bubble Tea is the absence of tea from the list of ingredients. Aside from tapioca balls it also has diced gulaman related to gelatine which is actually dried seaweed that is used to make flan or jellies.

Vietnamese Filter Coffee
Chocolaty, strong and thick these are the adjectives that are used to describe the Vietnamese Filter Coffee. Served using a small cup, the coffee is perfect for anyone who wants to unwind and spend lazy afternoons in the streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This beverage was introduced during the French colonization era which has become a staple in Vietnamese modern life. Western countries have imported this coffee as gourmet but in Vietnam you can sample the real deal each day with a fraction of the cost.

If you want to sample the drinks Asia has to offer, drink it with an open mind. You will soon capture the essence of Asia through the drinks. The drinks reek of health benefits that will surely make your time worthwhile.

This was a guest post provided to us by Ashlee Harsh. She is from the website How Much Is It — A large resource of over 2,300 cost helping guides.

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Cooking Recipes With Wine

admin | December 20th, 2012
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cooking-with-wine
Before you start pouring glasses of wine into every dish you make, there are some things to remember. Firstly the advantage of cooking with wine is that the dish will be enhanced by the natural wine taste, yet all the alcohol will evaporate.

During the cooking process the alcohol evaporates and leaves a delightful wine taste to the dish. Cooking for fifteen to twenty minutes can ensure all the wine evaporates and you are not left with drunken guests.

As a personal choice I only use wine I would normally drink when adding it to my dishes, the reason is that cooking wine can often be bitter and unpleasant, but when you cook with wine that you would normally drink, you get to enjoy the natural wine taste which comes through in the dish you are making.

What Wine To Use
The wine you will add to your recipe will really depend on what you are making. Work it the same as you would when ordering wine with a meal. A hearty red will work beautifully with game, beef and lamp while a white wine or rose will work wonders with a seafood dish or chicken.

I use wine in all my pasta dishes using red wine in my own personal bolognaise recipe and white wine in my chicken and mushroom pasta dish. Of course wine can be used in a range of recipes not only pastas, the wine brings out the flavor of the dish.

I know people who choose to add wine to their recipes instead of a spice, this is because the taste can bring the whole dish together perfectly blending the flavors and offering a taste bud sensation.

Great Recipe Ideas
The first recipe is my ultimate favorite, you don’t use too much wine and the recipe is quick and easy.

My chicken and mushroom pasta recipe is so easy anyone can make it and the white wine gives a wonderful natural taste to the dish. I prefer chicken breast, but that’s my own personal taste because I really don’t like the brown meat of chicken.

You will need some chicken breasts, a punnet of mushrooms, a container of double cream and a glass of your favorite white wine.

Dice your chicken and place in a pan with some olive oil, then dice your mushrooms and add those, allow the chicken to start to brown and your mushrooms to start softening before adding your glass of wine.

Leave your dish to simmer, allowing all the alcohol to evaporate for around fifteen to twenty minutes, then add your cream. Allow to cook until your sauce starts to thicken and serve over your favorite pasta with some parsley on the top for a beautiful finish.

You will find the wine taste really shines through, apart from a little salt and pepper you don’t need to spice the sauce much, the wine does all the hard work for you. This is a wonderful light dish and is so quick to make that you can make it for the family or when you have guests over.

As I mentioned before I also use wine when I make my bolognaise sauce, for this I use a red wine that compliments the meat that I am using. A glass of your favorite red wine will enhance the dish and if you make your bolognaise like I do, it will be simmering for hours, so you don’t have to worry that any alcohol has been left behind.

Some people prefer reducing the amount of wine they add to the dish, but a half a glass of your favorite red wine can do wanders to a beef stew where your favorite white can really enhance seafood paella.

Author Bio: Charlotte Rivington is a passionate blogger about Food, Recipes and is a bit of a wine geek. From new inspiring food recipes to tips for drinking wine (find out more about natural wine Roberson Wine http://www.robersonwine.com/shop/natural-wine/).

Category: Drinks and Beverages, Other Food Stuff

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The Best Beers in Thailand

admin | December 9th, 2012
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different-thai-beers
Thai people have been brewing beer in the country since the early 1930s, and although international beers were mainly exported in to the nation, its own brewing quickly became popular among Thai people as its quality began to increase and its market value made it better value for money than international brands. Most beer brewed in Thailand is lager, which is ideal as a refreshing beer in a hot climate.

Famous Singha Beer
One of the more popular brands in Thailand is the Singha beer, it is also served as a lite version (with less calorific value) and is available in bars and pubs on tap and served as a drought beer. Singha lite is not particular strong at 3.5% ABV and a slightly stronger brew of lager has in recent years come onto the market in Thailand to rival (or accompany) Singha lager – Chang beer. Chang was brewed to compliment the typical cuisine and culture of Thailand and even began outselling Singha beer just four years after it entered the market.

Once Chang had become a success in Thailand, it began to export out to Europe, Americas and Australia. Its unique flavor and exotic taste was developed to compliment any Thai cuisine dish. Chang has become so popular internationally that it now sponsors Everton, one of the English Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Micro Brews
Thai Beverages make Chang beer and the brewery is not the only success story in Thailand. Boon Rawd Brewery makes a beer called Leo, which also includes a super strength version called Leo Super, which is 6.5% ABV. Thai breweries have managed to spring up with regularity followed the runaway success of Chang, Siam and Phuket Beer are beers that are well loved by ale enthusiasts across the world. Phuket Beer is brewed in accordance with German Purification Laws, which insist on high quality and beers made from natural products. Siam Beer is a brewery which sells its beer overseas only and not in Thailand.

There are over thirty beers made in Thailand, unfortunately the small brew pubs have not made a big impact into the market that is dominated by rich Thai families, www.gogoflorist.com also offers more information on the Chang Export partnerships and Thailand in General.

The Thai government has encouraged local breweries to try and dominate the local market by introducing a protectionism policy. In 2010 ASEAN implemented a free trade agreement between member states, (other Asian countries in the group) to relieve import tariffs on alcoholic beverages that originated in an ASEAN country. This would mean beer from Singapore would be cheaper, the Thais in their wisdom, implemented a 60% “handling fee” instead to any imported booze. This is against the ASEAN free trade agreement. Many large multinational brewers have set up a partnership deal with local Thai breweries to manufacture their beer in Thailand to avoid these illegal “handling fees” imposed by the Thai authorities.

Gogo Florist is Thailand premier flower delivery specialist, they are happy to offer free advice so you can send the perfect color and types of flowers for the occasion.

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3 Unique Cocktails from Around the World

admin | October 28th, 2012
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3-Unique-Cocktails-from-Around-the-World
Ah the glory of sitting down after a long day of work to enjoy a cocktail, or heading into a bar and ordering your favorite concoction to begin a night of revelry. It’s a sophisticated option to simply ordering a beer and because there are so many variations of cocktails from across the world to choose from, you can use your knowledge to impress those around you and even teach a bartender a thing or two.

The original definition of a cocktail was any mixed drink that included any kind of spirits mixed with water, sugar, and most importantly some kind of bitters. An “Old Fashioned” has those ingredients and was named because it is made in the old fashioned way, whereas modern cocktails can include just about anything.

The Martini

The Martini: the king of cocktails. It is the drink of choice of James Bond, while satirist H.L. Mencken said of the martini “it is the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet”. This cocktail is as versatile as it is delicious. The traditional preparation can be done with either vodka or gin, and the amount of vermouth used varies greatly from one taste to the next. Generally a ratio of five to one is accepted as standard, but those who prefer a drier martini have been known to suggest otherwise. Winston Churchill was said to merely whisper the word ‘vermouth’ to a glass of gin, while Sir Noel Coward was quoted as saying one should “fill a glass with gin then wave it in the general direction of Italy.” There’s just so much to enjoy about a martini, it’s easy to see how it earned its crown.

The Margarita

From an American classic to a traditional Mexican beverage, let us now consider the margarita. Like most great cocktails, it combines simple ingredients and has a myriad of variations that make it a cocktail that can be tailored to the specific tastes of the preparer. There are a lot of commonalities between the margarita and the martini, in that the origin of the drink is unknown and greatly disputed, there is a traditional recipe and a cornucopia of offshoots, they have their own glassware, and the garnishes are nearly as important to the enjoyment of the drink as the ingredients themselves.

The G and T

Finally, let’s focus on a traditionally English drink, the G and T, or gin and tonic. This one has a history that started as a medicinal remedy. In areas where Malaria was a way of life, it was discovered that quinine was an effective treatment, but as the tonic was so hard to get down, it was commonly mixed with gin to help ease the passage down the palate. It too has a good number of variations, though it’s not as prolific as the previous two cocktails, unless you believe Douglas Adams “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” which states that about 85 percent of all cultures have a drink called the gin and tonic.

Whatever your cocktail of choice, anywhere in the world you’ll be able to find one being mixed up. As the saying goes, “it’s five o’clock somewhere!”

Todd is a bar tender at Flying Fish Restaurant in Sydney, Australia. Todd loves end of year party season, because it gives him the chance to try out some of the cocktail recipes he has been working on all year long. Todd also loves putting a modern spin on some of the cocktail classics.

Category: Drinks and Beverages

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Types Of Wines In The Market

admin | October 27th, 2012
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Types-Of-Wines-In-The-Market
Market is full of different types of wine like fortified wine, vino senza solfiti, red wine, etc. They are classified basically by the type of grapes, which are used in the manufacturing process. The reign where the grapes are grown also adds to the type, there are many different varieties of wine. Basically there are two types, red and white which are very much popular and known among people. There are many other types which can be classified on the type of their taste and texture like:

• Tannin
• Dry
• Sweet
• Velvety
• Acidic

Other than these, some popular wine types are:

Red wines: They are made by using the red grapes; the natural color is the extract of the grape skin. The intensity of color of the red wines depends on the soaking time and differs from one wine to other. The taste and the texture varies, people like them a lot as they taste perfect.

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Rioja
• Pinot Noir
• Barolo
• Zinfandel

White wines: They are colorless as they are made by using different varieties of white grapes. Their texture varies from dry to sweet and is very popular all over the world. They are classy and are best for every type of occasion; there are many popular names like:

• Chardonnay
• Semillon
• Riesling
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Moscato
• Gewurztraminer

Fortified Wines: These wines are made by using small quantity of grape spirit, with time many different types have emerged in the market. They are sweet and dry in nature and are very much popular among wine lovers. Some of the popular fortified wines are:

• Port wine
• Madeira
• Sherry
• Marsala wine

Sparkling Wines: They are fizzy; carbon dioxide creates the frothiness in their nature which looks great and is very much liked by people. In many reigns, they are used for every occasion; here are some of the popular names:

• Rose Champagne
• Prosecco
• Sparkling Red Wine

Rose wines: They are also known as blush wines; they have the reddish tinge and look pink like rose. They are made by using different varieties of grapes; Zinfandel is the popular name in this type of wine.

Sweet Wine or Dessert Wines: They are made by using residual sugar, which gives that extra sweetness to the wine. They are mostly used to serve with the desserts; the texture varies from dry to sticky sweet wines. Some of the popular names are:

• Botrytis
• Ice Wine
• Raisin wine
• Late Harvest Wines

All these types of wines are very popular and are easily available in the market. People can buy them as per the choice and need and can enjoy the drinks with the loved one.

Author Bio: Anna is a person with a passion for writing. She has written many articles on various topics as vino senza solfiti, for more information you can check her other blogs.

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Litsiyas at Buko (Lychees and Coconut)

admin | October 1st, 2012
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lychee-and-coconut-mix-drink

Ingredients for Litsiyas at Buko (Lychees and Coconut)

2 coconuts
1 can of lychees
1 can pineapple juice (unsweetened)
1 cup gin
1/4 cup lime juice
1 cup red sugar

How to Prepare Litsiyas at Buko (Lychees and Coconut)

1. Place the coconut juice and the coconut meat in a punch bowl.
2. Add the lycheese, pinapple juice, gin, lime juice and red sugar.
3. Stir very well.
4. Cool either using ice or placing it first inside the cooler.
5. Serve cold.

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5 Drink Recipes to Try Before Summer is Over

admin | August 23rd, 2012
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Summer cocktails should be three things: cold, sweet and plentiful. I really like mixing drinks that pull in a lot of summer fruit flavors, like citrus and watermelon, topped with plenty of ice to keep things chilled. These five recipes are a must have in the few weeks of summer we have left, and I’m sure you’ll be saving the recipes to try once winter starts to thaw.

Pomegranate Daiquiris

Pomegranates (and pomegranate juice) are freely available now, and I wholeheartedly endorse you trying to fit it into you recipes. This cocktail contains some bold flavors that will be sure to please a tangy palette. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3.5 cups of pomegranate juice
• 1.5 cups of rum
• 1 cup of cranberry liqueur
• 1/3 cup of lime juice
• Garnish: lime wedges, frozen cranberries and pomegranate seeds

Mix up all the ingredients (besides the garnish) in a large pitcher. Then cover and let sit for at least four hours before serving. If it’s a bit too sour for you, a dash of sugar never hurt anyone. Serves 12.

Orange Squeeze

Oranges are the perfect balance of sweet and sour, being one of the sweeter citrus fruits. That and the bright orange color make this refreshing beverage a delicious style addition to any picnic table. And now, your ingredients:

• 2 ounces of citrus vodka
• 1 ounce of Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 splash of lime juice
• 1 splash of orange juice
• Garnish: orange slices and wedges

Not a lot of special preparation, here. Simply stir up all the ingredients in a pitcher and stir vigorously. If you like, sugar the rim of your glasses and add your garnishes.

Cucumber Lemonade

I love putting cucumber in just about any drink, even lemon water. Something about the cucumber just cools any drink down, and adding it to lemonade is a logical step. The agave syrup keeps this recipe from being too sour, and the rosemary adds a bit of spice.

• 3 – 4 large cucumbers
• 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
• 1 cup of water
• 6 ounces of gin
• 1/2 cup of lemon juice
• 3 tbsp of agave nectar or syrup

Take two-and-a-half cucumbers, peel them, chop them up, and put them in your food processor with the rosemary until pureed. Use a fine strainer to squeeze the juice out of the pulp. Add the water, lemon juice, agave and gin to the cucumber juice and stir well. Slice up the last of the cucumbers for garnish; mix them in or set them on the rim. Serves 4.

Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler

What says summer more than watermelon? Watermelon with cucumber, that’s what. Now, this recipe can vary a little bit, depending on how slushy you want the coolers to be. If you like the texture of watermelon, use a sieve with a less fine mesh. Here are your ingredients:

• 5 cups of seedless watermelon
• 1 large cucumber
• 1/4 of a cup of lime juice
• 2 tbsp of honey
• 2/3 of a cup of vodka

Puree the watermelon in a food processor and remove most of the pulp with a fine strainer (should yield about 2 cups of juice). Then do the same with the watermelon and strain the juice into your watermelon juice. Mix the lime juice and honey together until fully dissolved; then add to your watermelon-cucumber mixture. Pour over ice and serve with cucumber slices.

Raspberry Sparkler

A little bit of fizz always refreshes on a hot summer afternoon. Raspberries have such a short season, but you can actually make this recipe out of season with frozen raspberries if needed. You can also experiment with different types of soda, which I recommend if you have a favorite brand, or like sparkling lemonade instead of orange.

• 1 cup of fresh raspberries
• 1 lime
• 0.5 ounces of simple syrup
• 0.5 ounces of Campari
• 1 ounce of reposado tequila
• Orange soda

Stir the raspberries into the lime juice and simple syrup. Add the Campari and tequila, followed by ice and orange soda. Stir briefly and serve.

A refreshing summer beverage is the crown jewel to your backyard get-togethers and barbecues, and I hope one of these recipes makes your next one special. Do you have some summer favorites when it comes to cocktails?

Author bio: When Vanessa Lee isn’t passed out on a lawn chair after too many raspberry sparklers, she writes on entertaining, home décor, parenting and celebrity topics at WhatsBestfortheNest.com.

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