Dec
15
Blanca, one of North County San Diego’s newest fine dining restaurants is definitely suitably named. With snow white dining plates, table linens, pendant lanterns, and a prominent concrete bar, Blanca is elegant, classy, and cool-just like Solana Beach and the surrounding North County area.
Proprietors Seth Bass and Debbie Hugonin named the restaurant Blanca for this exact reason. They envisioned an establishment with the same hip sophistication that Solana Beach restaurants carry. Their vision “was to bring together all that [they] cared about into one place; family, friends, great food, and fine wine. [Their] vision became Blanca.”
The cuisine at Blanca innovatively fuses contemporary California cuisine with the sensibility of traditional French technique. Blanca uses local organic produce and local, sustainable seafood whenever possible. Executive Chef Wade Hageman is constantly adding new dishes to the ever changing menu and the General Manager and Sommelier Zubin Desai serves up charisma and top notch wine pairings in the front of the house.
The tranquil, minimalist dining room has perfectly dimmed lighting, comfortable seating offering both booths and tables, and accommodates up to twenty-two guests. Blanca boasts a private, outdoor patio complete with a fifty-two inch plasma monitor and iPod docking port. With polished servers, a stunning bar and lounge, and a classy clientele, Blanca is easily holding its place as one of North County San Diego restaurants most desired dining locales.
Beginning with the starters, Blanca offers moderately priced finger foods such as Heirloom Wisconsin Black Popcorn with finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Truffle Salt, Truffled French Fries with Black Truffle Mayonnaise, Crispy Baby Violet Artichokes with Baby Fennel and Garlic Aïoli, Tempura Salt and Pepper Jumbo Prawns with Tellicherry Pepper-Lime Dipping Sauce and Scallions, Deep Fried Baby Zucchini with Fresh Tomato Sauce, and Dungeness Crab Deviled Eggs.
Raw appetizers include Market Oysters on the Half Shell with Champagne Mignonette and Lime Cocktail Sauce, Hawaiian Kona Kampachi Yellowtail with pickled Radish Salad and crystallized Ginger Vinaigrette or a Sushi Rice Cake and fermented Black Bean Vinaigrette, and Niman Ranch Filet Mignon Tartare with Quail Egg Yolk and toasted Peanut Oil served “Thai Style.”
Traditional starters vary from a Young Greens Salad with toasted Pine Nuts, Laura Chenel Goat Cheese, and Oven-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette, Linguini with Clam Sauce with Manila Clams, Monterey Bay Calamari, and Sweet Butter-Chili Flake Emulsion, Summer Watermelon Timbale with Micro Cilantro, Greek Feta Cheese, and Champagne Vinaigrette, Crispy Petaluma Quail with Haricot Verts, Buttermilk Potato Purée, and Red Eye Gravy, to Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Griddled Strawberry Broiche and Strawberry Gatrique, Squash Blossom Soup with Baby Zucchini and Chive Essence, and Chino Farms Corn Soufflé with Black Truffle Cream.
At this point you will likely be ready for one of Blanca’s signature martinis or cocktails. Try the “Peach-Pom,” made with Absolut Apeach Vodka, Pama Liqueur, and Peach Purée, or the “Lemon-Ginger Cooler,” made with Lemongrass-Infused Vodka, muddled Cilantro, and Schweppes Ginger Ale.
Other irresistible libations include the “42/43,” made with Don Julio 1942, Licor Cuarenta Y Tres Cazadores, and Vanilla Sweet-Salt, the “Feng Shui,” made with Sake-Infused Vodka and Crystallized Ginger, the “Blackberry Mojito,” the “Fleur de Lys,” made with Skyy Vodka, St. Germain Liqueur, Chambord, and a Champagne floater, the “Perfect Gentleman,” made with Hendricks Gin, Essence of Noilly Prat, and Preserved Lemon Stuffed Olives, or the “Desert Rose,” made with Prickly Pear-Infused Vodka, and Strawberry and Vanilla Essence. Blanca also offers a full bar and an extensive, dynamic wine and champagne list.
Blanca’s entrée menu includes Executive Chef Wade Hageman’s signature dishes, seasonal dishes, and grilled dishes. Signature dishes range from the Merlot Braised Short Rib and Bacon Wrapped Day Boat Diver Scallops to the Niman Ranch Filet Mignon “Rossini.”
Seasonal dishes currently vary from Oregon Porcini Risotto and Air Dried Corn Crusted Wild Alaskan Halibut to Indiana White Pekin Duck Breast “En Sous Vide” and Mediterranean Loup de Mer “En Papillote.”
Grilled dishes come with one side of choice and one sauce/butter of choice. Choose from the Organic Niman Ranch Pork Chop, the Snake River Farms Kobe “Flat Iron Steak,” the Colorado “Boneless” Rack of Lamb, the Niman Ranch “28 Day Dry-Aged” New York Steak, or the Prime Nebraska Corn Fed “Eye” of the Ribeye.
Sides vary from Crème Fraîche and Chive Potato Purée, Macaroni and Cheese Gratin, Bellwether Farms Ricotta Gnocchi, and Buttered Summer Squash, to Parmesan Creamed Spinach, Organic Baby Broccoli, and Roasted Marble Potatoes.
The sauces/butter that accompany these delectable grilled entrees include Pinot Noir Demi-Glace, Classic Béarnaise, Port Wine Reduction, House-made Worcestershire, Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese Butter, 3 Mustard Compound Butter, or Meyer Lemon-Chive Beurre Blanc.
In the event that there is still room for dessert, sample one of Blanca’s sinful finales. Indulge in the Butterscotch Pot de Crème, Tahitian Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, Sticky Toffee Pudding, “Rocky Road” Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake, “Peanut Butter and Bananas,” Farmers Market Strawberry Soufflé, or the Trio of House-Made Sorbets. Don’t forget an accompanying glass of dessert wine, port, or sherry.
Blanca is ideal for locals and San Diego tourists alike, perfect for a private dinner for two or a large celebration, and has raised the bar in North County San Diego for contemporary-cool restaurants with a distinctive and delicious menu.
By: Sarah Martin
About the Author:
Proprietors Seth Bass and Debbie Hugonin named the restaurant Blanca for this exact reason. They envisioned an establishment with the same hip sophistication that Solana Beach restaurants carry. Their vision “was to bring together all that [they] cared about into one place; family, friends, great food, and fine wine. [Their] vision became Blanca.”
The cuisine at Blanca innovatively fuses contemporary California cuisine with the sensibility of traditional French technique. Blanca uses local organic produce and local, sustainable seafood whenever possible. Executive Chef Wade Hageman is constantly adding new dishes to the ever changing menu and the General Manager and Sommelier Zubin Desai serves up charisma and top notch wine pairings in the front of the house.
The tranquil, minimalist dining room has perfectly dimmed lighting, comfortable seating offering both booths and tables, and accommodates up to twenty-two guests. Blanca boasts a private, outdoor patio complete with a fifty-two inch plasma monitor and iPod docking port. With polished servers, a stunning bar and lounge, and a classy clientele, Blanca is easily holding its place as one of North County San Diego restaurants most desired dining locales.
Beginning with the starters, Blanca offers moderately priced finger foods such as Heirloom Wisconsin Black Popcorn with finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Truffle Salt, Truffled French Fries with Black Truffle Mayonnaise, Crispy Baby Violet Artichokes with Baby Fennel and Garlic Aïoli, Tempura Salt and Pepper Jumbo Prawns with Tellicherry Pepper-Lime Dipping Sauce and Scallions, Deep Fried Baby Zucchini with Fresh Tomato Sauce, and Dungeness Crab Deviled Eggs.
Raw appetizers include Market Oysters on the Half Shell with Champagne Mignonette and Lime Cocktail Sauce, Hawaiian Kona Kampachi Yellowtail with pickled Radish Salad and crystallized Ginger Vinaigrette or a Sushi Rice Cake and fermented Black Bean Vinaigrette, and Niman Ranch Filet Mignon Tartare with Quail Egg Yolk and toasted Peanut Oil served “Thai Style.”
Traditional starters vary from a Young Greens Salad with toasted Pine Nuts, Laura Chenel Goat Cheese, and Oven-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette, Linguini with Clam Sauce with Manila Clams, Monterey Bay Calamari, and Sweet Butter-Chili Flake Emulsion, Summer Watermelon Timbale with Micro Cilantro, Greek Feta Cheese, and Champagne Vinaigrette, Crispy Petaluma Quail with Haricot Verts, Buttermilk Potato Purée, and Red Eye Gravy, to Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Griddled Strawberry Broiche and Strawberry Gatrique, Squash Blossom Soup with Baby Zucchini and Chive Essence, and Chino Farms Corn Soufflé with Black Truffle Cream.
At this point you will likely be ready for one of Blanca’s signature martinis or cocktails. Try the “Peach-Pom,” made with Absolut Apeach Vodka, Pama Liqueur, and Peach Purée, or the “Lemon-Ginger Cooler,” made with Lemongrass-Infused Vodka, muddled Cilantro, and Schweppes Ginger Ale.
Other irresistible libations include the “42/43,” made with Don Julio 1942, Licor Cuarenta Y Tres Cazadores, and Vanilla Sweet-Salt, the “Feng Shui,” made with Sake-Infused Vodka and Crystallized Ginger, the “Blackberry Mojito,” the “Fleur de Lys,” made with Skyy Vodka, St. Germain Liqueur, Chambord, and a Champagne floater, the “Perfect Gentleman,” made with Hendricks Gin, Essence of Noilly Prat, and Preserved Lemon Stuffed Olives, or the “Desert Rose,” made with Prickly Pear-Infused Vodka, and Strawberry and Vanilla Essence. Blanca also offers a full bar and an extensive, dynamic wine and champagne list.
Blanca’s entrée menu includes Executive Chef Wade Hageman’s signature dishes, seasonal dishes, and grilled dishes. Signature dishes range from the Merlot Braised Short Rib and Bacon Wrapped Day Boat Diver Scallops to the Niman Ranch Filet Mignon “Rossini.”
Seasonal dishes currently vary from Oregon Porcini Risotto and Air Dried Corn Crusted Wild Alaskan Halibut to Indiana White Pekin Duck Breast “En Sous Vide” and Mediterranean Loup de Mer “En Papillote.”
Grilled dishes come with one side of choice and one sauce/butter of choice. Choose from the Organic Niman Ranch Pork Chop, the Snake River Farms Kobe “Flat Iron Steak,” the Colorado “Boneless” Rack of Lamb, the Niman Ranch “28 Day Dry-Aged” New York Steak, or the Prime Nebraska Corn Fed “Eye” of the Ribeye.
Sides vary from Crème Fraîche and Chive Potato Purée, Macaroni and Cheese Gratin, Bellwether Farms Ricotta Gnocchi, and Buttered Summer Squash, to Parmesan Creamed Spinach, Organic Baby Broccoli, and Roasted Marble Potatoes.
The sauces/butter that accompany these delectable grilled entrees include Pinot Noir Demi-Glace, Classic Béarnaise, Port Wine Reduction, House-made Worcestershire, Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese Butter, 3 Mustard Compound Butter, or Meyer Lemon-Chive Beurre Blanc.
In the event that there is still room for dessert, sample one of Blanca’s sinful finales. Indulge in the Butterscotch Pot de Crème, Tahitian Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, Sticky Toffee Pudding, “Rocky Road” Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake, “Peanut Butter and Bananas,” Farmers Market Strawberry Soufflé, or the Trio of House-Made Sorbets. Don’t forget an accompanying glass of dessert wine, port, or sherry.
Blanca is ideal for locals and San Diego tourists alike, perfect for a private dinner for two or a large celebration, and has raised the bar in North County San Diego for contemporary-cool restaurants with a distinctive and delicious menu.
By: Sarah Martin
About the Author:
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, leisure, home improvement, and fine wines and dining. For more San Diego restaurant reviews, please visit http://www.sandiegomagazine.com
Dec
5
Every mother wants the best for her child. You want your child to look healthy, grow proportionately, feel energized and have a great immune system. So, why do most parents in America feed their children junk food by the time they start eating table food? Why do most restaurants serve French fries or macaroni and cheese for side orders and not steamed broccoli? It is really a sad situation to watch young children who are obese. Even schools offer peanut butter and jelly or ice cream for lunch.
To ensure that your child is eating correctly you must feed them plenty of fruits and vegetables. But the trick is to make it delicious and fun. For instance, for breakfast, arrange a platter of fruit, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, they will love it! Make faces out of the fruit. Have them drink only water and no sugar 100% fruit juice that you juice yourself. Get them used to eating vegetables that are uncooked. Whenever they get hungry, offer small baby carrots, or celery, they will grow to love the taste just the way it is. You can introduce a new vegetable each week and learn how to hide it into your food. For instance, chop up Portobello mushrooms in a chopper and add it to your pasta sauce and watch them gobble it up, barely noticing the mushrooms. Make blanched broccoli (plain) and eat that for dinner. If they see you eating healthy, they will learn early on to eat that way. Do not let them eat packaged foods, such as macaroni and cheese, or fried chicken fingers, or anything fried for that matter. Make sure that they eat vegetables at every meal and be careful when you go out to eat.
Offer natural desserts that you have made at home, such as homemade sorbet, or fruit smoothie, or peach cobbler pie (all natural). Stay away from cakes, cookies, etc that have preservatives and other unnatural flavorings. Make it yourself and offer it occasionally. You will find that they watch you and what you eat and if you incorporate a much healthier menu, so will they.
The best part of raising your children to learn to love fruits and vegetables is that you will notice that they will turn down junk food when you are not around. At that point you will know that you have done your part in raising healthy adults.
By: Jude Simons
About the Author:
To ensure that your child is eating correctly you must feed them plenty of fruits and vegetables. But the trick is to make it delicious and fun. For instance, for breakfast, arrange a platter of fruit, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, they will love it! Make faces out of the fruit. Have them drink only water and no sugar 100% fruit juice that you juice yourself. Get them used to eating vegetables that are uncooked. Whenever they get hungry, offer small baby carrots, or celery, they will grow to love the taste just the way it is. You can introduce a new vegetable each week and learn how to hide it into your food. For instance, chop up Portobello mushrooms in a chopper and add it to your pasta sauce and watch them gobble it up, barely noticing the mushrooms. Make blanched broccoli (plain) and eat that for dinner. If they see you eating healthy, they will learn early on to eat that way. Do not let them eat packaged foods, such as macaroni and cheese, or fried chicken fingers, or anything fried for that matter. Make sure that they eat vegetables at every meal and be careful when you go out to eat.
Offer natural desserts that you have made at home, such as homemade sorbet, or fruit smoothie, or peach cobbler pie (all natural). Stay away from cakes, cookies, etc that have preservatives and other unnatural flavorings. Make it yourself and offer it occasionally. You will find that they watch you and what you eat and if you incorporate a much healthier menu, so will they.
The best part of raising your children to learn to love fruits and vegetables is that you will notice that they will turn down junk food when you are not around. At that point you will know that you have done your part in raising healthy adults.
By: Jude Simons
About the Author:
Information on mango seed can be found at the Mango Fruit site.
Nov
4
Dining out can be a challenge for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet
Filed Under Food And Beverage | Leave a Comment
Dining out can be a challenge for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Many restaurants have an extremely limited selection of vegetarian dishes and are unwilling to modify menu items to meet the needs of vegetarian diners. At Paul Martin’s American Bistro®, we provide vegetarians with superior meals created from local, sustainable and mostly organic fresh ingredients. An equally important part of our mission is to ensure that every diner has a memorable meal and dining experience, we are happy to personalize our dishes to create an inspired plate that meets any conscientious food choices.
Our mantra of “Eat organic. Believe in sustainable. Buy local.” embraces the basic values of health, taste and preserving the rural landscape. We have thoughtfully handpicked our vendors to provide the freshest in-season produce for our vegetarian offerings. Our vendor list includes local growers such as Coke Farms in San Juan Bautista, who have demonstrated their strong commitment to sustainability and growing organic fruits and vegetables in Northern California for more than two decades. Our diners benefit from the superior taste and freshness of produce from Earthbound Farms, where environmentally friendly farming methods are a top priority. Our menu features an assortment of certified organic exotic mushrooms from local mushroom farming pioneers, Gourmet Mushrooms. We are proud of establishing an extensive network of vendors who share our values, vision and commitment to quality.
When dining at Paul Martin’s American Bistro, vegetarians can look forward to a selection of crisp, fresh salads such as the Butter Lettuce and Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese (http://pointreyescheese.com) salad with candied walnuts, apples and maple vinaigrette. Start your meal with our Roasted Summer Tomato Soup with basil pesto, or add an organic green or house Caesar salad and fresh organic artisan bread to round out your meal. Vegans will enjoy our Fresh Linguini and Farmers Market Vegetables, featuring the freshest in-season vegetables and a tomato saffron broth. Our soul satisfying Macaroni and Cheese or Spinach Dip (Heirloom Organic Bloomsdale spinach grown by Heirloom Organics) white cheddar cheese from the Fisculli family in Modesto http://www.fiscalinicheese.com/ sauce and sun dried tomatoes are delicious choices for those whose diets include dairy products.
With the extensive selection of seasonal fresh produce we keep on hand at all times, the choices for vegetarians are limitless. Our chef is happy to prepare special requests for vegetarian and vegan diners. Simply let your server know what appeals to you and we’ll create a customized meal that will delight your palate.
Of course, you can top off a delicious meal with fresh fruit or perhaps a Lemon Meringue Tart made with tree-fresh lemon curd, shortbread crust, and chocolate, drizzled with fresh fruit coulis. Sit back and sip a cup of organic and free trade coffee from Mr. Espresso or organic tea from China Mist after your meal, enjoy the atmosphere and your dining out experience.
Paul Martin’s American Bistro
® in Roseville and El Segundo
By: Paul Martin’s American Bistro
About the Author:
Our mantra of “Eat organic. Believe in sustainable. Buy local.” embraces the basic values of health, taste and preserving the rural landscape. We have thoughtfully handpicked our vendors to provide the freshest in-season produce for our vegetarian offerings. Our vendor list includes local growers such as Coke Farms in San Juan Bautista, who have demonstrated their strong commitment to sustainability and growing organic fruits and vegetables in Northern California for more than two decades. Our diners benefit from the superior taste and freshness of produce from Earthbound Farms, where environmentally friendly farming methods are a top priority. Our menu features an assortment of certified organic exotic mushrooms from local mushroom farming pioneers, Gourmet Mushrooms. We are proud of establishing an extensive network of vendors who share our values, vision and commitment to quality.
When dining at Paul Martin’s American Bistro, vegetarians can look forward to a selection of crisp, fresh salads such as the Butter Lettuce and Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese (http://pointreyescheese.com) salad with candied walnuts, apples and maple vinaigrette. Start your meal with our Roasted Summer Tomato Soup with basil pesto, or add an organic green or house Caesar salad and fresh organic artisan bread to round out your meal. Vegans will enjoy our Fresh Linguini and Farmers Market Vegetables, featuring the freshest in-season vegetables and a tomato saffron broth. Our soul satisfying Macaroni and Cheese or Spinach Dip (Heirloom Organic Bloomsdale spinach grown by Heirloom Organics) white cheddar cheese from the Fisculli family in Modesto http://www.fiscalinicheese.com/ sauce and sun dried tomatoes are delicious choices for those whose diets include dairy products.
With the extensive selection of seasonal fresh produce we keep on hand at all times, the choices for vegetarians are limitless. Our chef is happy to prepare special requests for vegetarian and vegan diners. Simply let your server know what appeals to you and we’ll create a customized meal that will delight your palate.
Of course, you can top off a delicious meal with fresh fruit or perhaps a Lemon Meringue Tart made with tree-fresh lemon curd, shortbread crust, and chocolate, drizzled with fresh fruit coulis. Sit back and sip a cup of organic and free trade coffee from Mr. Espresso or organic tea from China Mist after your meal, enjoy the atmosphere and your dining out experience.
Paul Martin’s American Bistro
® in Roseville and El Segundo
By: Paul Martin’s American Bistro
About the Author:
Oct
20
We can’t all be adventurous eaters, so thank goodness there is plenty of American food to keep our hunger pangs at bay. But if you are new to American cuisine or you’ve just tried to avoid it all of these years for heath reasons, you’re really missing out. There are so many deliciously unhealthy delicacies that you must absolutely try before you die. I’ve narrowed my list to the top five foods you should try, but the list is really endless. Check out my list and prepare to salivate.
1. McDonald’s. Yes I said it, McDonald’s. Even though it’s gotten a pretty bad rap from both health nuts and animal rights activists, no one can deny that McDonald’s has some pretty delicious, finger licking foods. If you’ve never had it before, I suggest easing your way into the explosive flavors. Start out with a classic cheeseburger and fries. Throw in a coke fountain drink or maybe even a McFlurry if you’re feeling mighty adventurous.
2. Chicago deep dish pizza. You certainly don’t have to go all the way to Chicago to try this delicious crust. Your local Pizza Hut will suffice. Make sure to load your pizza up with tons of sauce, cheese and vegetables. Maybe even throw on some pepperoni or sausage if you’re feeling really crazy, and then experience the thick crusty perfection.
3. American cavier. Yes that’s how we spell caviar in America and our stuff is real classy. If you’ve never experienced the uniquely bold and fishy flavor of raw fish eggs, then you’re truly missing out. Make it an elegant evening for you and all of your friends. Stock up on plenty of cavier, at least an ounce per person. Also make sure you’ve got some ice cold vodka. Then spoon out the cavier with a non-metal utensil and wash it down with the vodka.
4. Macaroni and Cheese. This is one of the most wonderful American dishes around. It’s cheesy, buttery and warm. Just one bite and you’ll be hooked, but avoid the Kraft variety. It really doesn’t do the dish justice. If you’re still feeling hungry, throw in a grilled ham and cheese to finish off your appetite.
Yes Americans are a tad overweight, but that’s because we have the best food around. Experience it firsthand and you’ll never want any type of food ever again.
By: Kasan Groupe
About the Author:
1. McDonald’s. Yes I said it, McDonald’s. Even though it’s gotten a pretty bad rap from both health nuts and animal rights activists, no one can deny that McDonald’s has some pretty delicious, finger licking foods. If you’ve never had it before, I suggest easing your way into the explosive flavors. Start out with a classic cheeseburger and fries. Throw in a coke fountain drink or maybe even a McFlurry if you’re feeling mighty adventurous.
2. Chicago deep dish pizza. You certainly don’t have to go all the way to Chicago to try this delicious crust. Your local Pizza Hut will suffice. Make sure to load your pizza up with tons of sauce, cheese and vegetables. Maybe even throw on some pepperoni or sausage if you’re feeling really crazy, and then experience the thick crusty perfection.
3. American cavier. Yes that’s how we spell caviar in America and our stuff is real classy. If you’ve never experienced the uniquely bold and fishy flavor of raw fish eggs, then you’re truly missing out. Make it an elegant evening for you and all of your friends. Stock up on plenty of cavier, at least an ounce per person. Also make sure you’ve got some ice cold vodka. Then spoon out the cavier with a non-metal utensil and wash it down with the vodka.
4. Macaroni and Cheese. This is one of the most wonderful American dishes around. It’s cheesy, buttery and warm. Just one bite and you’ll be hooked, but avoid the Kraft variety. It really doesn’t do the dish justice. If you’re still feeling hungry, throw in a grilled ham and cheese to finish off your appetite.
Yes Americans are a tad overweight, but that’s because we have the best food around. Experience it firsthand and you’ll never want any type of food ever again.
By: Kasan Groupe
About the Author:
Aug
12
Cheese Making: On Making Cheese
Filed Under Food And Beverage | Leave a Comment
Cheese has slowly become an important part of our everyday lives. From the macaroni and cheese snacks to the pizza deliveries, even in snacks as simple as the ham and cheese sandwich, cheese is there to add spice and flavor to a food. But have we ever wondered how this yellow marvel is created? It has become so regular in our lives that we have failed to actually appreciate the tiresome and delicate process behind cheese making, the creation of this worldwide favorite. Moreover, the love of cheese is all encompassing, as cheese is loved not only in selected countries but all over the world.
Origin of Cheese
To be really scientific about it, cheese is a protein and fat containing food that comes mainly from the milk of buffalo, cow, sheep, or goats produced through the coagulation of casein, a milk protein. Cheese making requires coagulation that causes the separation of solids brought about by the addition of the enzyme, rennet, to the acidified milk. The solids are then pressed firmly and compactly to take its final form.
Another important aspect of cheese making is the action of bacteria. This manifests itself in the form of curds and whey that form in the process of making cheese. The bacteria are responsible for making the curds and whey thicker. The types of bacteria that are usually used in cheese are the Lactobacilli, Lactococci, or even the Streptococci.
The Types of Cheeses
Cheese making of hundreds of types depends mostly on the type of milk that is being used, which includes the diet of the source animal. The type of cheese produced depends on factors, such as:
- Whether the milk is pasteurized.
- The butterfat content of the milk.
- The type of specie of the mold and bacteria.
- The length of the processing.
- The flavoring agents used, whether spices, herbs, or wood smoke.
- Agents that are added to get its color.
Strictly speaking there are two primary types of cheese-the hard cheese and the soft cheese. With regards to the soft cheese, you only need raw materials to actually make it. This type is best represented by the cottage cheese as anybody can actually make this sort of cheese provided that the raw materials. These types of cheese are usually used in sandwiches or whatnot. For hard cheese, cheddar being one type, the thing that separates it is pressure. Traditionally, people used bricks and buckets of water to put pressure and come-up with the brick-like forms of cheese.
Luckily, we have our friends from the Internet to help us with information on the subject of cheese making. If one is really interested in making cheese, it is important that he equips himself with enough knowledge and know-how through reading and brushing-up in the internet. Cheese making is a tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation it is important that if one partakes in this grand tradition they make sure that they do not make epic failures. So visit The Grape and Granary now.
By: Jean Kokus
About the Author:
Origin of Cheese
To be really scientific about it, cheese is a protein and fat containing food that comes mainly from the milk of buffalo, cow, sheep, or goats produced through the coagulation of casein, a milk protein. Cheese making requires coagulation that causes the separation of solids brought about by the addition of the enzyme, rennet, to the acidified milk. The solids are then pressed firmly and compactly to take its final form.
Another important aspect of cheese making is the action of bacteria. This manifests itself in the form of curds and whey that form in the process of making cheese. The bacteria are responsible for making the curds and whey thicker. The types of bacteria that are usually used in cheese are the Lactobacilli, Lactococci, or even the Streptococci.
The Types of Cheeses
Cheese making of hundreds of types depends mostly on the type of milk that is being used, which includes the diet of the source animal. The type of cheese produced depends on factors, such as:
- Whether the milk is pasteurized.
- The butterfat content of the milk.
- The type of specie of the mold and bacteria.
- The length of the processing.
- The flavoring agents used, whether spices, herbs, or wood smoke.
- Agents that are added to get its color.
Strictly speaking there are two primary types of cheese-the hard cheese and the soft cheese. With regards to the soft cheese, you only need raw materials to actually make it. This type is best represented by the cottage cheese as anybody can actually make this sort of cheese provided that the raw materials. These types of cheese are usually used in sandwiches or whatnot. For hard cheese, cheddar being one type, the thing that separates it is pressure. Traditionally, people used bricks and buckets of water to put pressure and come-up with the brick-like forms of cheese.
Luckily, we have our friends from the Internet to help us with information on the subject of cheese making. If one is really interested in making cheese, it is important that he equips himself with enough knowledge and know-how through reading and brushing-up in the internet. Cheese making is a tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation it is important that if one partakes in this grand tradition they make sure that they do not make epic failures. So visit The Grape and Granary now.
By: Jean Kokus
About the Author:
Find out more about cheese making only at http://www.thegrape.net/
Jul
15
Comfort Food Trends Are Bringing Us Back To Our Roots
Filed Under Food And Beverage | Leave a Comment
Comfort food. Even the words sound warm and welcoming - like toasting your toes up by the fire on a cold winter day. Comfort food trends have seen a real resurgence in recent years and our desire for comfort food seems to be holding strong. So what is comfort food? Generally it’s the food we have good memories about, the food we think of when we hear the word homemade, and the food that reminds us of simpler times.
The list of favorite comfort foods can be different for each of us. While homemade macaroni and cheese and meatloaf with mashed potatoes have been staples for many of us, for some of us comfort food may include a delicious cheesy lasagna, or yummy pad thai. We all tend to love the food that takes us back to our roots - the foods we grew up with.
Some Of Our Top Comfort Food Choices Were Found To Be:
- Soup
- Meatloaf
- Pasta sauces
- Pot pies
- Mashed potatoes
- Pizza
- Potato salad
- Macaroni and cheese
- Biscuits and scones
- Chili
- Beef stew
- Fruit pies
- Chocolate chip cookies
Why the increased desire for comfort foods? It seems to be a combination of things. People are busier and more stressed than ever. The last few years have also resulted in many of us feeling less safe in the world. We want to feel warm and safe again, the way we did when we were young and the world seemed simpler.
There are people who watch food trends. These comfort food trend watchers say that we are craving the foods we grew up with. People enjoy their homes and want to entertain at home. We’re expressing an interest in cooking everything from easy party food recipes to BBQ to slow cooked roasts with all the trimmings.
We also want to experience different tastes, sometimes tastes from around the world, sometimes the familiar foods we love, with twist or an extra bit of pizzazz. So we have things like garlic mashed potatoes, four cheese macaroni and cheese and thin crust gourmet pizzas.
We’re also a population that is becoming more aware of health and making healthy food choices. Aging baby boomers are creating a bulge in our populations, but don’t want a bulge in their waistlines, so healthy lifestyle trends are front and center. We want fewer calories but all the taste, healthier eating with the comforts of our favorite foods. So where does this leave us? How do we combine comfort food trends with healthier lifestyle trends?
As much as we love our comfort foods many of us now look for ways to turn them into healthier choices, with a lower fat content and fewer calories. We tweak those great recipes from the past so we maintain (or sometimes even improve) the taste but forgo some of the fat, unhealthy carbs and sugar content. And while most of us are still eating our favorite comfort foods, maybe it’s just a little less often. We might decide to share that piece of amazing cheesecake so we get the taste but not the pounds.
We’re going back to our roots - but with healthy food choices in mind and a few wonderful, tasty twists along the way.
By: Karen Ciancio
About the Author:
The list of favorite comfort foods can be different for each of us. While homemade macaroni and cheese and meatloaf with mashed potatoes have been staples for many of us, for some of us comfort food may include a delicious cheesy lasagna, or yummy pad thai. We all tend to love the food that takes us back to our roots - the foods we grew up with.
Some Of Our Top Comfort Food Choices Were Found To Be:
- Soup
- Meatloaf
- Pasta sauces
- Pot pies
- Mashed potatoes
- Pizza
- Potato salad
- Macaroni and cheese
- Biscuits and scones
- Chili
- Beef stew
- Fruit pies
- Chocolate chip cookies
Why the increased desire for comfort foods? It seems to be a combination of things. People are busier and more stressed than ever. The last few years have also resulted in many of us feeling less safe in the world. We want to feel warm and safe again, the way we did when we were young and the world seemed simpler.
There are people who watch food trends. These comfort food trend watchers say that we are craving the foods we grew up with. People enjoy their homes and want to entertain at home. We’re expressing an interest in cooking everything from easy party food recipes to BBQ to slow cooked roasts with all the trimmings.
We also want to experience different tastes, sometimes tastes from around the world, sometimes the familiar foods we love, with twist or an extra bit of pizzazz. So we have things like garlic mashed potatoes, four cheese macaroni and cheese and thin crust gourmet pizzas.
We’re also a population that is becoming more aware of health and making healthy food choices. Aging baby boomers are creating a bulge in our populations, but don’t want a bulge in their waistlines, so healthy lifestyle trends are front and center. We want fewer calories but all the taste, healthier eating with the comforts of our favorite foods. So where does this leave us? How do we combine comfort food trends with healthier lifestyle trends?
As much as we love our comfort foods many of us now look for ways to turn them into healthier choices, with a lower fat content and fewer calories. We tweak those great recipes from the past so we maintain (or sometimes even improve) the taste but forgo some of the fat, unhealthy carbs and sugar content. And while most of us are still eating our favorite comfort foods, maybe it’s just a little less often. We might decide to share that piece of amazing cheesecake so we get the taste but not the pounds.
We’re going back to our roots - but with healthy food choices in mind and a few wonderful, tasty twists along the way.
By: Karen Ciancio
About the Author:
Karen Ciancio is a cook and lover of all things food and cooking related. Her website CookingNook.com contains lots of recipes for comfort foods, plus a hundreds of other recipes, cooking tips, measurement conversions and kitchen ideas.