Posts Tagged ‘gourmet’
What Are Coffee Pods?
I’m sure you’re asking, as would many; exactly what are coffee pods? Are they little spaceships in which coffee travels? Obviously not, but the term coffee pods doesn’t exactly jump out at you with an explanation, does it?
What Are Coffee Pod Brewers?
Coffee pods are basically packages of coffee that are pre-packaged with their own filter. Although coffee pods are very convenient, they can only be used with certain types of coffee makers. To use coffee pods, one has to own a coffee maker that is designed specifically for coffee pods. Unfortunately this convenience is unavailable to those of us with normal, cheapo coffee makers. To use coffee pods, you’ll need to obtain a type of coffee maker known as a coffee pod brewer. There are quite a few to chose from, and not all are compatible with all types of pods, so there is some confusion as to which pods and which brewers to use. All coffee pods are single serve, single cup.
Which Companies Make Coffee Pods?
Fortunately, however, coffee pods are sort of an open format. Although they require special pieces of equipment to brew, pretty much any company can make and sell coffee pods, which means there is a very wide variety of coffee pods available to purchase once you have obtained your coffee pod brewer. Coffee pods are available for as little as $5, though some of the more premium pods sell for over $30. As with everything, it’s really up to you how much you want to spend and if you taste a flavor difference between them. If you, personally, don’t notice a difference between the cheapest and the most expensive, then there’s obviously no reason to waste the extra money.
Coffee Pod Brewers Can Be Pricey
Coffee pod brewers range from $10 to well over $400 for personal one cup brewers, and upwards of $1100 for commercial grade brewers. They can be purchased from most regular department stores, as well as online. As with most things, if you have the patience to wait for it, it’s probably better and cheaper to order it online.
Are They Worth It?
I’m sure you’ve noticed by now; yes, coffee pods are quite a bit more expensive than your normal, every day coffee makers. Not only is the brewer itself pretty pricey, but the pods aren’t exactly cheap, and they don’t last nearly as long as your typical coffee grounds in a filter type setup. What you get in return, though, is the convenience of having it all in one package, and the ability to brew coffee that’s much closer to what the retail places have to offer.
Corky likes to write articles about pod coffee makers and gourmet coffee pods.
Beat the Winter Blues with a Lobster Clam Bake
Man, it’s really starting to be the worst part of winter, isn’t it? Every day seems like it’s filled with more snow and slush. When the days get like, this, short and cold, everyone needs a little vacation to someplace warm and breezy, maybe a beach somewhere or an island. Wouldn’t we all like to get away for a few days, leave the cares of work behind, kick our feet up and really let our hair down?
Unfortunately, with the economy the way that it is, most of us can’t afford to take that long of a break from work, let alone pay for it. So why not take a staycation, and invite over your friends to your home, giving them a little bit of warmth from the cold. You can even make it feel like a real island vacation with a lobster clam bake.
By ordering a lobster clam bake, you can bring some of the best parts of a vacation into your home, with much less effort, and at a fraction of the cost. But what will you find in a lobster clam bake? There are many essential elements, all of which add to the excitement and enjoyment of this great dish. First, of course, is the lobster. You’ll get several beautiful fresh lobsters, ready to be steamed. Under those will go several pounds of clams and shrimp, to give the clam back it’s signature flavors. Just throw in some water, carrots, and onions and steam!
When you order a lobster bake, you’re getting more than just a pre made party feast. You’re also getting some of the freshest food that you can find in the winter. Often, what you’ll find in the grocery store during the colder months isn’t fresh at all, because it needs to be trucked from somewhere that isn’t too cold to grow food. But lobster is a fish that is caught fresh almost all year long. This means that even during the long cold winter months, you’ll be getting fresh lobster when you order your lobster clam bake, which is a great way to beat the winter blues!
Ordering a lobster clam bake is a great idea for your next party because it’s so ridiculously easy. You don’t have to go out to the grocery store, or for fancy and hard to find ingredients. All you’ll need is a stock pot, water, and some normal vegetables. Then all you need to do is head online and start deciding what you’d like in your clam bake. You’ll pick how many lobsters you would like, and what size. You’ll also select what kind of clams and other seafood you’d like to have. And then they’ll all come straight to your door for a great party!
When you’re ready to say goodbye to winter and hello to a good time, it’s time to invite your friends over for a lobster clam bake. It’s a great way for everyone to beat the winter blues for a night and relax. And with online ordering, it’s never been easier!
The Traditional Use Of Dairy Produce: Part 4 – Eggs (cont.).
Basic Preparation Of Foods: Dairy Produce.
Eggs: Part II
Poaching: boil 1.5 inches (40mm) water in a frying pan; add 5 g of salt and a teaspoon of vinegar. Crack an egg into a cup, inspect and pour into boiling water. Turn down the heat. Fold the white around the unbroken yolk with a spoon and continue to simmer for another 3-4 mins. Lift out with a draining spoon and serve on hot buttered toast.
Scrambling: beat the eggs well; add salt, pepper to taste and a dash of milk. Melt enough butter to cover the bottom of a shallow pan. Heat the eggs slowly, stirring constantly. Cook in a basin floating on boiling water, if preferred. Dish up when almost completely set, in about 5 minutes.
Fried: Melt enough fat to easily cover the bottom of (a|the shallow pan. Tip egg in gently and gather the whites around the yolks. When the white has solidified, baste the yolk to taste and remove whole with a draining spoon.
Baked Eggs: lightly grease an oven-proof dish and pour the egg(s gently into it. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and butter to taste. Bake in a medium oven and serve in the same pan after the whites have set to your liking.
Omelette: buy a pan and keep it only for omelettes! The base should be smooth and clean. Allow two eggs per person; beat lightly and add salt and pepper to taste. Heat enough butter to cover the bottom of the frying pan. When the butter is hot, pour in the eggs; as it sets, lift up the handle and draw the set mixture up towards the handle, allowing the liquid egg to run down onto the hot pan. When all the liquid is set, tilt the pan forward and roll the omelette up. Serve immediately on a hot plate. It can be filled with almost anything, before being rolled up.
Pouring Custard: lightly beat 2-3 eggs for every pint of milk. Heat the milk and gradually pour over the eggs; add sugar and flavouring to suit your taste; heat in a double pan or jug and hot water until the required consistency has been achieved. If it is not to be served up immediately, pour a thin layer of water onto it’s surface to stop a skin forming on top.
Baked Custard: proceed as above and then pour the custard into greased dish; sprinkle with nutmeg; and place dish in water to halfway up its sides. Bake at 350 F for 35-45 mins; test by inserting a knife – it should be clean on removal.
Steamed Custard: proceed as for above, but cook in a steamer or a pan in boiling water. The length of cooking time is about the same too.
Custard Tarts: pour pouring custard into unbaked pastry cases and bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes. A little jam can be placed in the bottom of the pastry case first, if preferred.