27.5.10

The Perfect Poached Pear

Posted by Stephanie |



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I love pears, they're gentle yet flavourful, smooth yet gritty, and juicy yet not overpowering. Pears truly are a fruit that is close to perfection.

Poached pears are an ideal dessert for entertaining. They're easy to make, easy on the eyes, and are always impressive. Check out this recipe from Martha Stewart for Poached Pears.

Need the perfect pairing for your poached pears (a bit of a tongue twister, no?)? Serve the same wine as you use in the recipe, it'll ensure that there will be no conflict in flavours.

Have you ever poached pears? What's your favourite use for pears?


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Weeknight meals can be tough: you may not have time to go shopping on your way home, or you may have a million things to do in the evening. That doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste or nutrition. Not to say that this recipe is chock full of nutrients, but it offers a little more than most quick meals. A little added bonus: it also uses ingredients that you'll probably have on hand.


Quick & Spicy Tomato Pasta
Serves 4

1 can diced tomatoes (796ml)
1 handful fresh basil, torn
1/2 tsp crushed chili flakes
3 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 tsp olive oil
Red wine, splash
Salt, to taste
1/2 package Catelli Smart Spaghettini (about 220g)
Parmesan cheese, grated

1) Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.
2) In a medium pot, mix tomatoes, basil, chili flakes, garlic, olive oil, and wine. Cook over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
3) Combine pasta and sauce, serve. Sprinkle parmesan on top.

A wine tip: use the same name in the sauce as you are serving with dinner. It ensures the meal will be well balanced with the wine and there will be no conflicting flavours. A great option is Concejo Bodegas - 2007 Carreduenas; it's very well balanced, oak aged for 6 months, and goes great with spicy dishes.







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26.3.10

Beer Me!

Posted by Stephanie |



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It's Friday! What does that mean to you? I'm going to take a wild guess and say that a nice cold beer is probably part of the equation: whether you're chilling on a patio with your closest friends, having a barbecue with your family, or just winding down after a tough week of work, a brew or two is likely to be consumed.

But, have you ever considered eating beer? Not in the same way you'd use a fork and knife to make your way through a Guinness, but actually using beer in your food?

Beer-based recipes are becoming more and more popular, with many breweries cooking up their own products like sauces, marinades, and even ice cream. So are you willing to give beer-based food a try, or would you rather stick to a traditional cold one?

Check out The Beer Store for a huge assortment of recipes using beer. You’ll be surprised at what you find: brownies, soup, burgers, marinades, and more. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for Smokin Beer Butter Shrimp.

Want to try some pre-made beer goodies? Pop in at a local brewery or order this tasty Beer Infused BBQ Sauce from The Grizzly Paw.


Pint of beer by peanuts


Not a fan of eating your beer? Keep in mind that beer-food pairings are almost as important as wine-food pairings; there is practically an art to it. A few things to remember when selecting a beer:

Pale Ales, such as India Pale Ale, tend to be hoppy and bitter and go great with spicy foods.
Dry, Dark beers go good with heartier foods – stews and rich meat dishes.
Medium bodied beers, like Ambers and Reds, are very versatile and go well with nearly anything.
Lighter beers, such as Pilsners, are ideally paired with lighter foods – chicken dishes, salads, and fish.

Want more info? Download this guide from the Brewers Association.

Cheers!
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