Wine Cents Guide: Wine and Seafood Pairings

by Winecents

Photo: celebrations.com

Seafood preparation alone can be intimidating, not to mention finding the perfect wine and food pairings. But with the following guide to wine and seafood pairings, you can wow your next dinner guests with expert knowledge and a flavorful flair.

When it comes to fish and seafood, white wine is generally considered the best standby, with the exact variety dependent upon the type and flavor of the dish. For simple dishes with lean white fish, dry white wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio are a good bet. These will work well with tilapia, flounder, halibut and oysters, to name a few.

Those who prefer a more delicate wine for more delicate fish like the tilapia might try the Fune Blanc or Orvieto. With hints of apple overtones, these wines tantalize the taste buds when paired with a simply prepared lean white fish. 

Exercise the versatility of dry white wines by also pairing them with fattier, meatier fish such as sea bass, catfish or lobster. These dry wines hold their own against the natural, fatty and meaty flavors of these heavier fish. More full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or Viognier also work well with the meatier fish, as well as oilier fish. 

Planning to cook shellfish like clams or scallops? Try a light, slightly sweet wine like pinot grigio, the Spanish-produced Albarino or the Portuguese Verdelho. For spicier Thai or Vietnamese seafood dishes, opt for fuller, slightly sweet wines like Riesling or Roussane.

Alternative wine and seafood pairings

White wines are by no means the be-all, end-all of the seafood world. Light reds can work just as well for certain types of meatier, fatty fish that pack a flavorful punch. Lobster, tuna, salmon and swordfish, for instance, pair well with Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, or Chianti when prepared in a simple, non-spicy manner or in a tomato-based sauce.

Rosés are another good choice for heavily saucy seafood dishes and tomato-based seafood dishes. Blush wines are the perfect go-to for in-between dishes too heavy for whites but not quite full red-friendly either. These wines also make a nice light seasonal wine to complement popular summer dishes like tuna steak.

Lastly, sparkling wines pair well with fried seafood, though it is perhaps an unexpected combination for novice wine enthusiasts. The first resort for many diners in this category is a light beer, as wine tends to fall flat in the shadow of heavily battered foods. However, bubbly sparkling wine is just fizzy enough to hold its own against fried seafood dishes "�" and it"��s a healthier alternative to beer! Along those lines, another unexpected pairing option for sparkling wine is caviar.


Of all the wine and food pairings, seafood presents some of the most exciting choices. The possibilities are practically endless when it comes to types of seafood on the market and preparation options for each. But don"��t just settle for a food adventure alone! Dive into the wonderful world of wine to make the entire seafood experience more fun and flavorful.

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How to Make Beans With Coconut Recipe

 By: Twinomugisha Charles

Photo: globalveggie.wordpress.com

Beans with coconut recipe is perfect for satisfying that craving for vegetarian foods without being an overly rich cream-based soup or a bland concoction of random ingredients. Even those who are not particularly partial to coconut will more than tolerate them. This gourmet recipe is classy yet simple. While this East African traditional recipe is delicious as is, there is plenty of room for adjustment to suit each individual's tastes.

Beans with coconut recipe is one of Tanzania's traditional food recipes you shouldn't miss when you visit Tanzania. On this page we are privileged to bring you all ingredients and methods used to make this recipe.

By the way its best served with rice or commonly called wali in Kenya and Tanzania. You can definitely make coconut rice in a rice cooker but the amounts of liquid might need some tinkering. Rice does not seem to absorb coconut milk at the same rate as water.

You could start with these amounts and if the rice comes out too dry add hot water and microwave (or leave on keep-warm) until it is absorbed

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE BEAN WITH COCONUT

•3 ea garlic cloves, crushed

•1 ts chili powder

•1 tb cumin

•1 tb Coriander

•2 ts turmeric

•1 tb Fresh cilantro, chopped

•1 c Dessicated coconut

•1 c Black-Eyed Peas, cooked

•1 c potatoes, diced & parboiled

•lime juice or lemon juice to taste

•2 tb coconut oil or vegetable oil

•salt

DIRECTIONS TO MAKE BEAN WITH COCONUT

1.Heat the oil & sizzle the garlic together with the chili powder for half a minute.

2.Next, add the cumin, coriander, turmeric & cilantro leaves.

3.Cook for another minute or two, stirring often to blend.

4.Add the coconut & mix this in too.

5.Add the cooked Beans & potatoes.

6.Season & then pour in the lime or lemon juice.

7.Cook for another 10 minutes or so until everything is blended together.

8.They serve with green vegetables.

Who said that you don’t how know to cook? Having been born from a family of many girls, I was not supposed to cook when all my sisters are present but when I joined work and start to live on my own, that’s when cooking lessons became a reality.

Of course not every person like cooking but for those who enjoy to explore new foods and have the taste for delicious yummy yummy, this recipe in a must not miss.

Twinomugisha Charles is a writer who enjoys sharing his knowledge on various topics about Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. More of his articles can be found at Bean with Coconut Recipe Cooking Tips and at Tanzania Coconut Cooking Guide

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How to Make Apple and Banana Salad

 By: Twinomugisha Charles

Photo: wellsphere.com

If you want to learn how to make Apple and Banana Salad, you'll be pleased to know it is not a difficult undertaking. Every time is the perfect time to gather fresh Apples a fresh Bananas and make the recipe for apple and banana salad recipe. It's easy, and it's delicious. Apple and Banana Salad is one of the best Tanzanian salad recipes. On this page we will guide you about ingredients and methods of making this Tanzanian fruit salad.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE APPLE AND BANANA SALAD

•1x egg, separated

•2/3cup Sugar

•2tbl flour

•2tbl butter

•1cup water

•1tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS TO MAKE APPLE AND BANANA FOOD SALAD

1. Beat yolk of egg, Add Sugar, flour, and butter and mix thoroughly.

2. Put in saucepan and put on stove.

3. Add water and stir constantly until it boils.

4. Let this cool completely.

5. Add vanilla and gently fold in egg white which has been stiffly beaten.

6. Pour sauce over diced Apples and bananas.

Enjoy your delicious Tanzania Apple and banana salad recipe with your friend and guest.

One of the true blessings of our modern age is the all-year round availability of fresh vegetables and fruit on the shelves of supermarkets. Using them in salads is a fast and easy way to boost your health, supply your diet with vitamins and antioxidants, and ensure that your waist always stays lean.

Furthermore, did you know that fresh veggie salads eaten with the right fats on a daily basis, are one of our best protectors against coronary heart disease and cancer?

You may wish to arrange salads elegantly on large plates to celebrate the dish in the European fashion. Whichever way you choose to eat them though, salads can be a quick, refreshing and delicious part of your healthy lifestyle!

Who said that you don’t know how to cook? Having been born from a family of many girls, I was not supposed to cook when all my sisters are present but when I joined work and start to live on my own, that’s when cooking lessons became a reality.

Of course not every person like cooking but for those who enjoy to explore new foods and have the taste for delicious yummy yummy, this recipe in a must not miss.

Twinomugisha Charles is a writer who enjoys sharing his knowledge on various topics about Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. His website, Uganda-visit-and-travel-guide.com, More of his articles can be found at Step by Step to Make Apple and Banana Salad Recipe and at Best Kenyan Food Cooking Tips

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Quick and Easy to Make Meatloaf Recipes

 By: Reggie Bean

Photo: firehow.com

When you talk about good old fashioned comfort foods, meatloaf has to be near the top of the list. Not only is it quick and easy to make, it can also be very inexpensive and made with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. The recipe possibilities are endless. All you need is a ground meat such as beef, lamb, or pork and a good imagination and you can create an easy meal for you and your family. Just add mashed potatoes and gravy and a vegetable of your choosing, and you have a delicious home cooked meal that every one in your family will enjoy. With that said, here are some quick and easy meatloaf recipes that I hope you will try.

Easy Breezy Crock-Pot Meatloaf

What you need:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 c Italian style dried bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 package dry onion soup mix
• 3/4 c ketchup
• 1/4 t pepper

What you do:

In a large bowl, combine beef, bread crumbs, eggs, soup mix, pepper and 1/2 c ketchup; form into loaf. Place loaf in slow cooker and spread remaining 1/4 c of ketchup on top of loaf. Cook, covered, for 8 hours on low.

Easy Meatloaf

What you need:

• 11/2 lbs ground chuck
• 1/2 c converted rice, uncooked
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 c milk
• 3 T ketchup
• 1 T Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 c onion, diced
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 t dry mustard
• 1/2 t salt
• 1/4 t black pepper

What you do:

Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Mix together thoroughly and shape into a loaf. Place in a loaf pan and cook, covered, for 1 hour in a 350 degree preheated oven. Uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Cheeseburger Meatloaf

What you need:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 c sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 11/2 c Italian style bread crumbs
• 1/4 c green pepper, chopped
• 1/3 c celery, chopped
• 1/2 c onion, chopped
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 t salt
• 1/4 t black pepper
• ketchup

What you do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients except ketchup and form into a loaf. Spray a loaf pan with non stick spray. Place meatloaf in pan and spread a thin layer of ketchup on top. Cook, covered, for 45 minutes. Remove cover and continue cooking for 30 more minutes.

For more easy recipes, cooking articles and food related links, visit Easy Breezy Recipes at http://www.easybreezyrecipes.com

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Basics of bread making

 By: Kelvin S L

Photo: reluctantgourmet.com

Using Yeast
The easiest type of yeast to use is active dry yeast. It should always be fresh, so make sure to look at the expiration date on the packets. Having and using fresh yeast is important because you want the bread that you make be fresh as well.
For the water, you must get the temperature just right. Water is used to make the yeast dissolve and added to a mixture of yeast and flour. In order to get the right water temperature, get a thermometer. The temperature is supposed to measure between 110 – 115 degrees after the yeast has dissolved in the water.

For a flour and yeast mixture, the temperature for the liquid must be between 120 – 130 degrees.

Adding Flour
In order for the finished product to have the right quality, you have to choose the right kind of flour. One of the best kinds of flour that will do your bread justice is bread flour. Bread flour can make the best kind of bread.

It has a high content of protein or gluten. Gluten is important because it can make your bread have a special texture. Gluten helps the dough to stretch in the form of a web. When the yeast ferments, air bubbles will try to emerge. Using gluten will trap them.

All-purpose flour can also be used to make the bread. Cake flour is not recommended because it does not contain a lot of protein. Your bread will not bake right due to the cake flour not being strong enough to deal with the gas pressure from the yeast.

With whole grain flours, there is not enough gluten to justify making a loaf of bread. You would have to include all-purpose flour or bread flour to provide it with structure.

Using Liquids
Depending on what type of liquid that is used in the dough will determine how it will come out. If you use water, the crust will be crisper and the bread will have more of a wheat taste to it. If you use cream or milk, the bread will have a richer taste and a fine texture.

Using cream or milk will cause the bread to brown quicker. There is more sugar and butterfat included in the dough. If orange juice is added, it will still be sweet and will help to kill the strong taste of the whole grain effect.

Fats
When you use shortening, oils or butter, the bread will have more flavor. It is not a good idea to use margarine or whipped butter because they have water. Water is also found in low fat items, so they are not good to use either. Your loaf of bread will not hold up very well.

Using Eggs
Your bread dough will have flavor when you add in the eggs. Eggs also give the dough richness and color. Eggs give your bread a nice taste.

Adding Salt
Whenever you make bread, you should always include salt. Salt helps with how the yeast is developed and the bread will not rise more than it is supposed to. The bread will also have a good flavor. Of course, there are some people who would prefer not to use salt. They can substitute it with items such as yogurt to help the bread to rise normally.

Baking homemade bread is fun and good for the health of your family. Here is all you need to bake your own gourmet, delicious, nutritious bread at home. Visit my website at www.bakinghomemadebread.com for more ideas.

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Easy to Prepare Miso Soup Recipe

 by corrieduana

Photo: woksfordinner.com

Have you ever wondered how the Japanese attain the longest life expectancy in the world? While children in the west crunch on corn flakes and crisp bacon for breakfast, the children in the East are consuming naturally fermented soups such as rice porridge with vegetables and, of course, miso soup.

A miso soup recipe has a long tradition of being a healthy soup enjoyed by children all throughout Japan. It's a classic Japanese soup although it actually originates from China where numerous other cultural and culinary heritage of Japan comes from. A miso soup recipe is a simple warm soup that concocts tofu and miso - both are products of the healthy soybean that provide essential nutrients children and adults alike, need.

Since the miso soup recipe's arrival in Japan in the 10th century, it was easily adapted by the Japanese and quickly gained recognition for being a healthy and delicious food. One cup of miso soup enabled the classic Japanese people to endure a long day of hard work even without animal products. After all, they can derive a variety of nutrients and protein from miso.

There are many variants of miso soup recipe all using different ingredients but is soybean-based, that differ in flavor depending on other ingredients used. For many centuries, Japanese mothers often tell their children who skip breakfast to finish their miso soup at least to stay healthy.

If you want to taste the goodness of a miso soup, here is a classic Japanese miso soup recipe to offer to someone who's feeling feverish and ill. You will need: 1 ½ tablespoons wakame, 2 ½ cups water, 2 teaspoons granulated dashi, 2 tablespoons white miso, ½ pound tofu, and 2 stalks scallion cut diagonally into ½-inch pieces.

The first thing you will do is to soak the wakame in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, then drain using a strainer and by pressing out the liquid. Set it aside for later use. Next, pour water into a pot and place in dashi, then bring to a boil for a few minutes. Reduce heat to lowest to preserve the living enzymes in miso that are destroyed in very high temperature such as boiling water.

Mix in miso until it dissolves prior to adding tofu and heat through for 30 seconds. Immediately after, add the wakame and scallion and reheat for 30 seconds. Stir to keep the ingredients from settling at the bottom before serving.

A simple miso soup recipe that will certainly warm every soul not only in the midst of the winter freeze but for the rest of the year.
Find insightful and useful information about Food and Drink or Soups at ArticleMash.com.

Corrie Duana, an expert in Soups, is a writer for ArticleMash.com.

Source: ArticleTrader.com

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Gourmet cooking recipes: Tips Of Making Cooking Easier

by: john

Photo: xtremezambia.net

Gourmet food recipes  present  is the most thoughtful things, which you may do for your family & friends.  You can take advantage of making delicious meals in many occasions. These  occasions comprise of housewarming parties, holidays and birthday. You may feel  a need to thank someone for something that they did. Gourmet food present is a  best idea that you can implement. Food has special means to communicate to the  people and it is very important to take complete advantage. There are companies  who sell gourmet food products and one example is Northwest gourmet present  that will inspire you.         Let Us See Examples Of The Gourmet Food Gifts    Gifts are placed in gourmet food basket, which is well  thought of and this package will leave people impressed. In order to get these  ideas and examples of gourmet food present, it is very vital to search on  Internet. Internet can reveal many companies and will direct you in right  direction. Also, there are recipes, which you can follow in order to make sure  that the results are outstanding. Following is the recipe for gourmet food  present and you can do simple salmon burger, which is mouth watering to your  recipients. You will require egg, salmon, shallot, cream, lemon zest, pepper,  parsley, salt, wheat buns, canola oil, and garnishes.         This is the best gourmet food gift, which you can make and  in one bowl, you will have to mix salmon and other ingredients. After mixing  them well, form mixtures in parties that you can heat in oil. Five minutes of  cooking may do and you have to ensure that you cook in a moderate heat and when  you cover that with wheat buns, you are set to garnish. This is one yummy  gourmet food gift that is served with tomatoes as garnish. Some other good  examples of the food present include grilled chicken and list continues.         There are gourmet food gift drinks and most common drinks  that you will do are wines. Oregon wine is popular & you can astonish your  friends & family with one good bottle. There are many types of brews that  you can get and beers make a good gourmet food present. Inspiration is  overwhelming and you will have to look for something, which is perfect for the  occasion that you have in your mind. You are certain to make people pleased  with good thought & gourmet gifts for foods.         Gourmet Cooking Recipes from Web    Going on internet to search for the gourmet food recipes,  can give you a wide range of irresistible and mouth watering recipes that you  will be able to print out and try at home for family and friends. The  professionals protect lots of recipes on web, however there are innumerable  recipes, which you may print out and you can find suited to your family's  taste. All these Gourmet  recipes are  given by the people who know the need for unique recipes. You can look for any  particular kind of food on Internet, and print that out within no time.       

About Author: Gourmet Cooking Recipes from Web .Going on internet to search for the gourmet food recipes, can give you a wide range of irresistible and mouth watering recipes that you will be able to print out and try at home for family and friends.
Article Source: BestToRead.com

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