Posts Tagged ‘Food’
Life In France Needs Language Skills
France is the world leader in tourism and lots of people would agree that it is a most attractive country. But vacations can be very different from actually residing somewhere. However, although money is still a difficult area for many of us, it doesn’t seem to have stopped people leaving the U.K. to experience living in France.
Only 21 miles across the channel from us at its narrowest point, France has always held the promise of something foreign with its language and the old Parisian reputation for artists and lovers. Yet our long entangled histories means that there’s a long aspect of familiarity to this country.
What about the French language? It’s true that many of us learned it at school (“la plume de ma tante” etc), and that modern teaching offers an emphasis on real communication. That doesn’t stop many British people from being shy and unconfident to the extent that they refuse to try using the language when in France.
Others believe that they will be visited by an ability to speak French once they live amongst the French. In fact some French people also believe it and this can give rise to many difficulties for English speaking ex-patriots in France. I find it very frustrating that some French people quite clearly believe that I’m rather stupid in every aspect of life because I don’t speak perfect French! Of course, these are usually people who have never had to learn any foreign language.
It’s vital to make plans to learn to communicate in French. This isn’t about learning verb conjugations or lists of prepositions; it’s about understanding and using everyday vocabulary and phrases. The more you learn of these and some of the “etiquette” of France (such as greetings as you enter a shop, etc), the more confident you’ll become about learning and using others. Confidence is important and enables you to take some risks and to improve constantly. It will certainly get a good reception from the French who applaud attempts to learn their language.
And it’s this attitude that is important in making a success of living in France.
It’s difficult to let go of inhibitions and to try really using French, but it is an important factor in improving your skills. So think about this when planning your language work.
Of course, some of us are naturally theatrical and can communicate with gestures and facial expressions when words fail. Rewards will probably be the French providing the necessary words and much can be gained from such exchanges.
Not all of us are naturally so self-confident and it might be necessary to really push yourself in just one situation. See how it goes and what you might do next time. Pick a situation which is vital to you personally, for instance a visit to the vet to discuss your dog’s health. Think about how you’ll describe the dog’s condition and even write a little script. This allows you to look up any vocabulary you don’t know. Include questions you need to ask. It’s often best to start by explaining you’re learning French and to ask for the vet to be patient with you and to speak slowly.
Since the French are only human, there will be times when the response is less than friendly. Just remind yourself that it’s their problem, not yours. You’re the one making great effort which is to your credit, so carry on to the next situation where you’ll hopefully get your just reward.
Given your interest and determination, what are the best supports to use to work on your French?
New language learning methods arrive as new technology develops and old favourites still remain. Some examples: – selecting an individual telephone tutor; following one of the freely available on-line courses (try Radio France Internationale or the BBC), or buying a well-established tape or CD or video programme.
You may also find local French courses, and there’s also the option of paying a local teacher to come to your home to help one or more family members.
We all vary in learning styles and it’s important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.
In the end however, it’s your interest and impetus that will ensure you learn and thus make the very most of living in France.
French Life and the benefits of Life in France have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To get a first hand account of French Life take a look at Amanda Lawrence’s new blog at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of real life stories and anecdotes from the Quercy. It takes you right there – you’ll never want to leave. Don’t forget to register for her free newsletter. Author of White Stone Black Wine.
Tags: Food, France, French, French food, French life, French living, French recipes, holidays, life in France, Travel
Home Brewing : A Recipe For Success
Home brewing is something which has been popular for many years. Still, many are resolute that convenience is best for them and continue to drink only beer that they have paid for at a liquor store or at a bar. However, as with everything else in life, convenience costs. It may not be much at the time, but add it up over a years worth of parties, games, dinners and nights out and it starts to amount to a lot.
Paying for your own beer brewing supplies may not seem to make sense at first, as you will think to yourself that you could have a few nights worth of drinking for the same price and not have to go to the effort of ensuring that your brew tastes like it is supposed to. However, look at the situation beyond just a few weeks ahead and you’ll see that home brewing is a much better option. After the initial amount that you pay for the kit and supplies, which is little more than the cost of a few crates anyway, you’ll have the potential to make enough beer to see you through the next couple of months.
To some people, the idea of making their own beer is too much like hard work. That’s why we have major breweries to do it for us, is it not? Well, yes, the breweries are there to make your life easier, but think of it this way – it’s like eating out at a restaurant all of time compared to cooking at home yourself. The longer you keep practising, the better your beer will get, and before too long you will have your own recipe which will be customisable to give you the taste you want every time.
Beer brewing supplies are easily sourced. Most larger towns will have a specialist store that stocks the required equipment and ingredients, but don’t worry if your town doesn’t as there are plenty of suppliers on the internet. In fact, buying via the internet may be the best option anyway as the prices tend to be lower. Do a little online research first to find out what you need. There are various beer brewing forums that are full of like-minded beer lovers who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Once you have bought the necessary equipment and supplies, you will just need to follow the instructions that come with them. It is simple enough, just remember not to miss out any of the steps. The best way to learn how to do something right is to keep doing it and get the technique down. Once you have the basics learnt, you can then start deviating from the standard processes in order to make your own special recipes. Brewing your own beer may sound like too much hassle but its really worth the effort.
Luke Porter is a home brewing beer enthusiast, and an expert author. You are invited to discover the simple secrets of brewing world class beer from the comfort of your home by reading his latest book, “Home Beer Brewing Secrets” – available online today!
Tags: alcohol, beer, beer brewing, brew your own beer, Food, home brew, home brewery, home brewing, Parties, recreation
Why To Eat Nuts
Nuts are tasty, loaded with good fat, protein, fiber, nutrients and phytochemicals that are heart healthy and potentially good for the waistline. Barring allergies, there aren’t many reasons not to include nuts in your diet. Let’s take a look at some interesting studies, tips and tidbits about nuts.
Nuts and the Heart
A study of 31000 Seventh Day Adventists that ate nuts more than 4 times per week were half as likely to die of a heart attack than those who ate nuts less than once a week. The Iowa Women’s Health Study came to a similar conclusion: Women who ate nuts or seeds 4 times per week were 40% less likely to die from heart disease than similar women who didn’t eat nuts. The Nurses’ Health Study showed that those who ate at least 140g/week of nuts were 35% less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than those who ate less than 30g/month. Nuts and Weight
Most studies have shown that adding nuts to the diet does not cause people to gain much weight, if any at all. As an example, researchers gave participants 45-70g of almonds every day (320 calories worth) and gave them no further instructions about food intake. After 6 months, participants gained a very miniscule amount of weight (.2 lbs in women, 1.4 lbs in men). This study was funded by the almond industry.
There aren’t many studies that show nut consumption to help people lose weight, but one study showed that a low calorie diet that included almonds led to greater weight loss than an equal calorie diet that did not include almonds.
The Seventh Day Adventist and Nurses Health Study showed that those who regularly ate nuts weighed less than those who did not.
The Best Nuts
Are some nuts better than others when it comes to health benefits? All nuts contain good fats, fiber and proteins, but different kinds of nuts have different nutrient profiles.
Almonds are richest in vitamin E (35% recommended daily intake) and calcium (8%) per 1 oz. (30g) serving. Brazil nuts are highest in selenium with just 1 supplying a days worth. Cashews are richest in copper and zinc Peanuts (technically a legume) contain the antioxidant resveratrol, and are highest in protein and arginine content Walnuts have the most alpha linolenic acids (plant-based omega-3’s) How much?
Nuts are healthy but are a dense source of calories. 1oz/30g of nuts supply about 170-180 calories. Here is a chart that shows how many nuts are in 30g.
Number of Nuts in 30 grams (1oz)
Almonds: 20-24 Brazil nuts: 6-8 Pecans: 18-20 (halves) Cashews: 16-18 Pine Nuts: 150-157 Pistachios: 45-47 Walnuts: 8-11 Hazelnuts: 18-20
Stephen Trenen is trainer in a sport club and he runs his own practical website about Best Diet Plans, check it out to learn more tried-out Diet Plans.
Tags: advice, blogs, diet, education, Fitness, Food, free, Health, help, Illness, sickness, weight loss
Wine Clubs: Membership Perks
Wine clubs are an interesting new way to get high quality wines regularly without having to deal with a lot of choosing or the difficulty of getting them. If you live in a place where it’s hard to get good wine, or you don’t like going out to find new varietals on a regular basis, this could be great. Whether you’re a long time wine lover, or you’re just getting interested, you should find out if a wine club is what you’ve been waiting for.
Wine club memberships have a lot of benefits. Special pricing is available for wine club members only, and you’ll get access to unreleased types that aren’t available to the public yet from many vineyards. If you’re a member of a club that belongs to a specific winery, there’s also a good chance that you’ll get invitations to exclusive events, free winery tours, and even private tastings if you make an appointment.
Winemaker and owner dinners and tastings are two types of events that club members may receive access to, in addition to delivery of high quality wines on a regular basis. Newsletters and email lists are often created for club members only, and allow them to keep in touch with what is going on at the winery.
The majority of wine clubs have a theme, and provide wines according to that theme. These wines may be distributed seasonally, and may be reds, whites, a combination of the two, or may even include unusual or specialty wines.
Although relatively new, wine clubs are continuing to grow as more people become aware of them and realize all the benefits they have to offer. Wine appreciation is growing, and so are the number of people with memberships in this kind of club.
There are lots of different options, but a few things are generally consistent in the many wine clubs out there. You’ll usually get to pick how many bottles you want to get, according to your membership level, and you’ll often get information about each wine when it comes. Wine clubs are great ways to learn about wine.
Generally, wine clubs that ship to members on a monthly basis will send between one and four bottles. Clubs which ship on a quarterly basis may send anywhere from two bottles to twelve. This makes it simple for members to tailor their club memberships to their consumption.
There are clubs out there that ship from a number of different sources all over the world, from specific wine regions, and even which ship just one varietal. Single vineyard wine clubs are among the most popular type there is.
This kind of club gives you the largest number of extra benefits, plus you’ll know that the quality of service and wine will be consistent. Quality information about the wines and the vineyard are also offered in most cases, so you’ll learn more about your hobby.
For anyone who loves wine and wants to be able to sample many different varieties, a wine club is an excellent choice. Your local vineyard probably has one, allowing you to experience some of the best wine around, and always have a bottle for your table. Investigate your options – you may be surprised by them.
Tags: Food, wine, wine clubs, wineries
The Benefits Of Cooking With Mediterranean Food Seasoning
Like in all other type of cooking in the cuisine of the Mediterranean, people actually utilise Mediterranean seasoning. Evidently, the food of the areas surrounding the Mediterranean sea is the Mediterranean cuisine. The truth is that the Mediterranean cuisine contains foods from different cultures. Given the geography of the Mediterranean, these nation-states have influenced each other in time and the cooking process evolved into sharing common rules. Flexibility and a broad range of ingredients and many regional varitions characterised the Mediterranean cuisine. The area inclined to favor goats and sheep rearing.
Fish dishes are also very common, although today much of the fish is imported since the fisheries of the Mediterranean Sea are no longer what they used to be. Seafood is still outstanding in many of the standard Mediterranean dish recipes. It is quite clear that certain sorts of fruits and meats or vegetables, which is the case in Mediterranean cuisine, ask for specific and typical seasoning, and in this case Mediterranean seasoning. Mediterranean foods and dishes include barbecue or grilled meats, pita bread, hummus and falafel which ordinarily demand for special seasonings which are to be found in the area of Mediterranean seasoning obviously.
Talking of Mediterranean seasoning you must know that olive oil, though not necessarily a condiment, is produced in the Mediterranean countries ” Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Spain, as well as others. An important ingredient in Mediterranean seasoning is represented by garlic, which is utilized a lot throughout Mediterranean cuisine. Adding to the peculiar taste of food are garlic and olive oil which are used in the Mediterranean seasoning and cuisine in general. Besides, it is unanimously believed that the ingredients in this kind of cooking and in Mediterranean seasoning, and we have in mind especially the olive oil, are a major contributor to the longevity and good health state of the Mediterranean people.
You will no doubt need Mediterranean seasoning if you are interested in preparing Mediterranean dishes, or you will not achieve real Mediterranean food. You may easily purchase different commodities which are labeled Mediterranean seasoning from stores around the country, all the same, my suggestion is for you to try to prepare your own Mediterranean seasoning because it is not difficult at all.
You only demand the right ingredients and a true Mediterranean seasoning recipe in order to attain a good Mediterranean seasoning. I call this combo Mediterranean seasoning. How much you use does not matter, all you need to do is to combine the ingredients in the following proportions in a bowl, whisk, and then pour into a shaker. Place it in a container and then put in the refrigerator, there it is when you require to apply it for a cursory dusting on a grilled meat, or for a marinade:one part cinammon, 1 part coriander, one part cumin, 1 part dried mint, and then one part Italian seasoning or oregano; Besides, put one part onion powder and one part garlic powder.
Tags: cooking, cooking tips, Food, herbs, mediterranean seasonings, nutrition, seasonings, spices
Easy Meals With Sandwich Wraps
For busy people who want a quick grab-n-go meal, sandwich wraps are the perfect choice. Using only simple ingredients that you have on hand, you can put together delicious and healthy meals in minutes. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks whenever you are short on time or energy.
Here is a simple procedure to put a healthy and delicious wrap together in just a little bit of time. It’s quick, easy, and flexible and allows for your own tastes, the seasons, or for what you may have on hand at the time you make your sandwich wrap. Just take the ingredients you are using and layer them down the center of the wrap, leaving an inch or so at the bottom to close the wrap when you are finished.
1. The type of wrap you choose can be anything from soft tortilla shells (plain, whole grain, flavored varieties like spinach, tomato, etc.), kale leaves (just be sure to cut out the hard stem and use the soft leafy portion and use raw or steamed), or large lettuce leaves, or even some steamed cabbage leaves.
2. Select a spread for the wrap base. This is what will go underneath all of your ingredients. Spread a layer, as thin or as thick as you like, on the wrap that you have selected. Here are a few ideas for ingredients to spread on your wrap: mayonnaise, cooked sweet potatoes, sour cream, olive tapenade, or plain or flavored cream cheese.
3. Fill the wrap. Choose a single item or a combination of items and place as much as you like down the center of the sandwich wrap. Try tofu (bake and seasoned), cheese (sliced or shredded), leftover cooked chicken or steak, avocado, canned salmon or smoked salmon slices, etc.
4. Add some vegetables or fruit to the wrap. This is a painless way to get vegetables and fruit in your diet. Place your chosen vegetables or fruit on top of your filling. Here are some simple and flavorful suggestions:
Vegetable Suggestions: shredded lettuce, peeled and thinly sliced jicama, thinly sliced cucumbers, marinated artichoke hearts, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, fresh tomato slices or diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, sliced scallions, sliced roasted red peppers, sliced sweet bell peppers, very thinly sliced fennel, chopped or diced onion, etc.
Fruit Suggestions: diced or sliced apples or pears, peach slices, sliced strawberries or mango, raisins or dried fruit of choice, cubed papaya, etc.
5. Add a little flavor topping. This just puts a little extra zip into the wrap. Place as much of the flavor topping as you like on your vegetable or fruit layer. Depending on the type of wrap you are making, here are some topping suggestions.
Crunchy/Salty/Spicy Flavor Toppings: cooked and crumbled bacon bits (regular or vegetarian), pickle relish, peanut sauce, a little chopped fresh herbs of choice like mint, basil, dill, oregano, or cilantro, chopped nuts, salsa, oyster sauce, or a sprinkling of soy sauce
Sweet/Spicy/Crunchy Flavor Toppings: a spoonful of marmalade or all-fruit spread, nutmeg or cinnamon, a little chutney, or something crunchy and/or sweet like granola, chopped nuts, mini-chocolate chips, shredded coconut, etc.
When you have everything added to your wrap sandwich, just fold up the bottom flap over your ingredients and then fold in each side, one over the other to close it.
A few simple and flavorful wrap sandwich ideas are listed to get you started making these quick meals in minutes.
- whole grain tortilla wrap, mayonnaise, cooked boneless chicken breast (thinly sliced), shredded lettuce, mango chutney
- whole grain tortilla wrap, peanut butter, canned (drained) fruit cocktail, brown sugar
- spinach flavored tortilla wrap, garlic hummus, grilled chicken slices, thinly sliced cucumber, sliced apples, chopped fresh mint
- whole grain tortilla wrap, peanut butter, sliced pears, blueberries, honey, nutmeg
- lettuce leaf, mustard, smoked turkey slices, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta cheese
- whole grain tortilla wrap, tomato pesto, sliced hard-cooked egg, fresh spinach leaves, pitted and chopped black olives, spoonful of sour cream
- whole grain tortilla wrap, Dijon mustard, scrambled egg, marinated artichoke hearts (drained and chopped), sour cream, pitted and chopped green olives
- whole grain tortilla wrap, mayonnaise, cooked and flaked crabmeat, chopped celery and scallions, lemon zest, diced avocado
For more quick meal ideas, like these sandwich wraps, visit Quick Salad Recipes.com. Laura Cokherell, an avid cook, shares simple solutions for daily meal planning with a varied collection of quick recipes that use short ingredient lists, fresh and natural food, and simple preparation, for everything from breakfast through dessert, for busy people everywhere.
Tags: cooking, easy lunch ideas, easy recipes, Food, lunch idea, meals in minutes, quick lunch, quick meals, quick recipes, recipes, sandwich ideas, sandwich wraps
Save Your Back With A Picnic Backpack
Think about a romantic little picnic with your sweetheart. All right, even if you are married, your spouse should still be your sweetheart and a picnic is a romantic gesture. Just the two of you, a walk in the woods and a picnic basket. Screeching halt! Who is going to carry that stupid basket? It is cumbersome and the wicker scratches the legs of the bearer. There should be a better way.
Of course there is. Enter the picnic backpack. No more long arm since the weight of all you are carrying is distributed across your back. Backpacks were designed to carry much more weight than most of us will eat at a little picnic.
Backpacks have been popular for at least the last 30 years. From kindergarten through college, students carry their books back and forth in a backpack. First used in the military and then by hikers, backpacks allow a person to carry a larger load easier than holding that same load to the side or in front of you.
Think with me about a backpack that has a strap or pocket for each knife, fork, cup and plate. Additionally, there is an insulated pocket to keep food cold and bacteria free. How romantic is food poisoning? Doesn’t the picnic backpack sound like a great idea?
Picnic backpacks are lightweight insulated fabric. The lining is waterproof so that any spills will be contained within the pack. They are not only great for that romantic walk in the woods, but for a trip to the beach with the family. Why not pack one for your next road trip. You know that you can eat much healthier with food that you pack than when you stop for fast food.
You will find picnic backpacks in most stores that have a sporting goods section. You can also buy online, where you will find a larger selection and better prices.
Not only do picnic backpacks have advantages over the picnic basket, they are also much more convenient than an ice chest. Many ice chests require two hands to carry and are very bulky. Try carrying one of those on your romantic little walk. The backpack requires much less space for all you will need. It will keep dry those thing that need to be kept dry.
Did anyone remember to give that dog a bone?
Tags: backpacks, bags, Food, leisure, outdoors, picnic, Travel
Your First Home Wine Making Kit
If you are looking for a new way to spend your weekends that provides endless opportunities then you might want to consider making your own wine. A home wine making kit makes it easier than ever to fill your own wine cellar with spectacular wines. You can make your own wine from scratch and modify each batch to your taste.
Many wine lovers enjoy the freedom of making their own wine. This is perhaps one reason why the home wine making kit is such a popular gift. Sellers find that their kits are generally in high demand. Making your own wine is an enjoyable hobby with many possibilities.
Not only will your home wine making kit make you a hit with all of your friends and coworkers but you could even end up with a fine product to sell to the public at large. Many people get into the wine market after they find that they can create a wine that tastes as good or better than the top sellers in the grocery store.
In today’s society it is possible for the home wine maker to compete with top wine sellers from around the world. You will find that once you master the basics it is easy to create new wine recipes that stand out from the pack. Once you understand the fundamentals of wine making than you can begin to experiment until you create your perfect wine.
Making Your Wine Into Money
Many of the wines you drink in the store started out in someone’s home or garage. Your home wine making kit has the potential to make you money if you take the time to market your new wine. You will need to name your fledgling winery and devise a clever slogan for your wine labels.
Luckily there are many great books than can teach you what you need to know about marketing. Once you learn how to market your wine you have the potential to earn a lot of money.
Before you start marketing your wine you need to perfect a recipe. This is where the real fun of a home wine making kit comes. Once you have assembled the wine making apparatus and acquired all of the necessary ingredients, you can begin experimenting.
You will find that the process of refining your recipe is rewarding in itself. When you finally make the perfect wine that tastes like no wine you’ve ever had before then it is time to share it with the world.
Tags: beverage, easy wine recipes, Food, home wine making equipment, home wine making kit, home wine making kits, home winemaking supplies, homemade wine recipe, wine, winemaking starter kits
Wine Racks: Six Methods to Storing Your Wine
Temperature of the room: Most wines taste best when served at room temperature, or 55 degrees. Here’s where that rule gets confusing — sparkling wine is best served chilled, so wine refrigerator storage is best, while white wines are best kept in temperatures of 45 degrees. Temperature controlled wine refrigerators will allow you to set the temperature based on the wines you most frequently have, but a simple wine rack placed in a cooler spot of your home will also do the trick. Just make sure that the spot you decide to store your wine isn’t next to a heater or vent, as fluctuations in temperature can impact the taste and quality of the wines.
Height where wine will be stored: When using a wine rack, remember to keep sparkling wines on the bottom shelf, white wines in the middle, and red wines on the top. Since heat rises, the wines that are best served cooler will do best towards the bottom of the wine racks.
Surroundings: Did you know that keeping a wine next to fruit or vegetables can cause the wine to mold? Foods that can rot may send the moldy flavors into a cork of the wine, causing the wine to have unfavorable smells and tastes.
Keep Wine Away from Sunlight: When wine is exposed to light, it can age faster and lose it’s flavor. Keep your wine racks or or any wine stored in a rerigerator away from any sources of natural light, and preferably in a darker area of your home.
Sideways: Keeping wine on it’s side will keep the wine in contact with the cork, preventing air from escaping into the wine bottle. Different types of wine racks will allow you to tilt the wine to an optimal level, allowing the wine cork to stay wet and prevent oxygen from coming in.
Air Circulation of storage room: Wine can mold. If wine is kept in a closet or dark room, make sure that there is a steady amount of circulation. Just like you wouldn’t keep clothes in a moldy closet, make sure your that the place you choose to store your wine is clean and free of mold.
Tags: apartment, Decorating, dining, drinks, Food, furniture, gourmet, Home, kitchen, luxury, Travel, wine, wine rack, women
