Category: Foods

Matching Champagne And Food

Champagne is regularly served as an aperitif or as a toast at the end of a meal, so it is often overlooked when it comes to food. However, because Champagne is naturally acidic, it makes a really good food match – and not just for oysters and caviar as you might expect, but for a number of different foods.

Non Vintage Champagne

This is the cheapest and probably most common type of Champagne available. Non-vintage Champagne is blended from wines from several years and, in doing so, this ensures that a consistent style is achieved. Non-vintage Champagne is younger and, generally, fruiter than other Champagnes, so is a perfect match for slightly lighter foods, such as egg or mushroom based dishes, hard cheeses, pasta or risotto (particularly with a cream or mushroom based sauce), vegetables, fish and seafood. Strange as it may seem, non-vintage Champagne also goes really well with fish and chips, as the acidity of the Champagne helps cut through the oiliness.

Vintage Champagne

Vintage Champagne is made from a blend of wines from a particular year, when the quality of the wine is good enough to declare a vintage. Because it has been aged for a few years, it has as slightly more complex structure than a non-vintage Champagne, so can stand up to stronger, fuller flavours. For example, all types of fish and seafood, especially when accompanied with a creamy sauce are a perfect match for vintage Champagne, as are lightly smoked foods, cheese, duck, caviar and poultry with a rich sauce.

Blanc de Blancs

Champagne is made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which are red grapes, along with Chardonnay, which is a white grape. Blanc de Blancs, however, is Champagne which is made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape. This is a rare style of Champagne and goes well with lighter style foods and, in particular, sushi, oysters, goats cheese, gently flavoured white fish and vegetables.

Blanc de Noirs

This is Champagne made from just the red grapes, Pinot Noir and / or Pinot Meunier. If you come across a bottle, try teaming it with full flavoured foods such as meat and cheese.

Demi Sec

Demi sec style Champagne is sweeter than traditional brut champagne and is a good match for foie gras or foods that have a slight edge of sweetness to them. It also goes well with desserts (as long as they arent too sweet), as well as red berries – particularly strawberries.

Ros

Ros based Champagne goes very well with seafood, including prawns and lobster, or slightly pinker style meats including lamb, ham and game.

Instagram’s Effect on the Food Industry

Everyone loves looking at pictures. Whether they are photos of nature or wildlife, photos of family and friends, cooking experiences, or even pictures of fun events, people take pleasure in living vicariously through other individuals via these photographs. This has come to include the interest of seeing a delicious meal that another food enthusiast was able to sit down and enjoy. Over the previous few months, I have really begun to see the affect that Instagram has had on the food industry, whether it is home cooking, eating out or trying new restaurants, people’s photographs have proven to be a unique promotional tool for anything food related. Often times, I have had to make a mad dash towards the kitchen cupboards in order to satisfy my cravings after seeing one of these mouth-watering photographs. Chefs that are cooking from home or individuals that have visited a certain restaurant are able to snap quick photos from their phone and post them to social media resources like Instagram for the world to see. As a result, it can spark another’s interest in trying that recipe, visiting that food establishment or it may just simply activate that person’s hunger for any food.

I have been on Instagram for about one year now and during this period I have really enjoyed seeing the lives of friends and family through pictures and short videos. However, during this time frame, one trend that has really stood out to me was how proud these cuisine fanatics were about their food orders they put in or the meals that they had prepared. Eating is one hobby or activity that is going to be a part of everyone’s life and why not share your favorite recipes or cooking experiences with the social world? Any individual with access to the internet can snap photos of their appetizers, main dishes, desserts or even fancy beverages that they were able to consume, upload it to Instagram and within seconds, that tasty photo will be potentially visible to thousands of followers on some of the largest social media resources around the world. In addition to that, there are numerous different apps that will enhance these photos or even dozens of filters that will make the food and beverage item look even more mouth-watering. Even the most unappealing of food items can be made appealing through some of these fancy advancements in technology.

Another fun perk of using Instagram for meals is that this photo app also works with another app called Foursquare, which allows the user to share their location on a map with their followers. Individuals can “check-in” at certain food venues, buildings or other locations to let their friends know what they are up to. From this partnership, I see Instagram as being a unique marketing tool not only because restaurant goers and food consumption specialist are able to take appealing photos of their food and drinks, but they can also attach a location with that photo so if other interested parties want to experience that same menu item then they know right where to find it. Even if Instagram is not considered one of the most effective forms of media right now, I would recommend the free application to any chef, group or small business owner that is looking to promote any product or service.

Over the past year, this unique photo-related application has at times, proved to be sort of a motivator for me by seeing others accomplishments, it has helped me better engage in people’s lives that I do not see on a regular basis and it has even brought some awareness to me on certain things like local events or charity information. For example, I have found myself saying things like “well I didn’t know they served that food there”, or “wow that healthy meal plan has really paid off for that person” or maybe even “dang, I did not know that bar had that fun promotional there last weekend!” and by seeing photos of individual’s experiences in this situations, it has lead me to want to try new things, get more involved or not miss another similar event. Now is this going to be the feeling that everyone has who sees these photos? Not likely, but for being a free tool that anyone can use, why would groups and businesses not want to use Instagram as a marketing method? It definitely would not hurt the business or group at all!

Instagram can be a fun tool to utilize for any small business or non-profit that may not be looking to spend tons of money on marketing. For example, I began a kitchen related retail business recently with a blog, Twitter and Facebook page and as a fun marketing method I created a separate Instagram account from my personal account that was strictly for this ecommerce business. It allowed me to upload unique photos to all my other web sites as a way of interacting with my followers and visitors and my website has seen an increase in activity and engagement because of it. Now showing fancy photos of recipes that I prepared or menu items that indulged in will not necessarily sell products or make me a ton of money, but it can promote user engagement on all my pages and that is something that I want for my business.

The promotional photo options are endless and that is why I would really recommend including this resource in one’s marketing plan. Business owners like myself can snap and upload pictures of basically anything associated with their business, such as people having a great time using their products, the reactions of individuals tasting new foods, specials or discounts that are being offered for a period of time, or just photos of all the different menu items or product lines that managers and owners want to promote more. In my opinion, Instagram has not become as utilized of a free marketing tool as Facebook and Twitter, but I do think it could eventually reach that point, especially with the ease at which these users can integrate their Instagram with these other major social media sites. From all of this, restaurants and bars can promote their menu options through their visitors at no cost as long as those hungry patrons enjoyed their meal.

Increase Platelets – Eliminate These Foods If You Have Itp Blood Disease

If you have Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura can you increase platelets by eating the right foods?

Or for that matter can you decrease platelets by eating the wrong foods?

The answer is yes on both accounts. Eating properly can have a major impact on your ITP disease. But just how can you increase platelets?

First you must be very mindful of what you put into your body in the way of food. Rememberthat ITP is a breakdown of your immune system mostly caused by rampant inflammation in the body. Many foods are known antagonists to your immune system and should be avoided like the plague. Also, you may be sensitive to certain foods and they can irritate your system and cause your ITP disorder to worsen.

On the opposite side of the fence, there are also many super foods out there that can build up your immune system thereby helping you increase platelets.

Foods to Eliminate if you want to increase platelets.

Sugars table sugar, commercial syrups, (especially high fructose corn syrup which basically wreaks havoc with our metabolism and immune system causing inflammation in the body- unfortunately now days HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup is prevalent in a majority of our foods )

Refined Grains white flour, white rice, processed breakfast cereals, pasta etc. (these foods have had most of the good stuff removed and then a bunch of synthetic vitamins added which are not good for your battle to increase platelets.

Processed Food Packaged food AKA dead useless food. Not only do these foods do nothing for your health but they are actually in the long run harmful and will do nothing to help you increase platelets. The cardboard box is probably better for you than what is in it!

Bad Fat Commercial vegetable oils, margarines and especially trans fats (partially hydrogenated vegetable oils) If you want to increase your platelets be sure to eliminate all the above from your diet!

Nutritional Supplements Not all vitamin and mineral supplements are created equal and a large percentage of supplements on the market have been proven to actually cause free radical formation which in turn causes inflammation which will never help increase platelets. Instead they could actually cause you to have low blood platelets.

Dairy So many people are actually sensitive to dairy products without even knowing it, and our commercially available dairy products will not help you increase platelets. With all the hormones and antibiotics that are given to our cows, coupled with the processing that is used, dairy products as we know them today are very acid forming in our body, which in turn will increase inflammation and never help to increase platelets.

Fast Food Increase platelets? No way. These are highly processed foods laden with highly saturated fats for longer shelf life and chock full of all sorts of chemical preservatives and fillers. Not only will you get fat by eating fast food, you will become inflamed and get sick. Fast food will NEVER increase platelets!

Five Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Bloated Face

Nobody wants a bloated face. Picture this: you stare at the mirror and all you see is a swollen lump as big as a pumpkin. It doesn’t look or feel good, does it? Having a puffy face will definitely make you more conscious about your appearance, and that’s not good if you’re trying to impress a date or have your photo or video taken.

Is it possible to shed off unwanted fat on your face? Yes, it is! The key to making your face slimmer and sharper is to lose weight and excess water in the body. The following are effective tips to help you get that toned face you’ve been wishing for a long time.

1. Avoid eating salty foods.

Salt causes your body to retain much water, and this leads to facial bloating. When you snack with food loaded with lots of salt, you’re likely to feel thirsty and your face will swell the next day. So this means you’ll have to say goodbye to chips, burgers, pizza, and other foods with high sodium content. A good trick is to prepare your own food at home so that you can control the amount of salt you consume.

2. Be alcohol free.

Alcohol is known to make the belly bigger. But did you know that alcohol can also make your face bloat? Alcohol dehydrates the body and adds a huge amount of calories, thus leading to facial bloating.

3. Drink plenty of water.

You need to stay hydrated to lose your face fat. The belief that drinking lots of water can make your face bloat is a myth. If you don’t drink the right amount of water daily, your body will store as much water as it can to make up for the deficit of water. This leads to bloating on your face. If you drink at least eight glasses of water every day, your body will have enough water in it. As a result, your body will eliminate all the excess water, so your face becomes leaner.

Also, avoid drinking soda and other sweetened beverages because the sugars they contain make your face bloat.

4. Undergo cardio and weight training.

Workouts are a great way to slim down your face. Weight training and cardio exercises, when combined with a balanced diet, can help you burn more calories and lose face fat.

5. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Ditch those processed foods in the fridge. Opt for something natural like fruits and veggies to reduce the bloating on your face. These natural and healthy foods contain water that keep you hydrated and prevent your face from retaining water. Try to eat not less than three servings of veggies and three servings of fruits a day. Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar, snack on a fruit salad or a bunch of grapes. Fruits and veggies contain fewer calories, more fiber, and more anti-oxidants; that’s why they are recommended to those who want to stay fit.

Soft Cat Food Choices

Soft cat food

Cat food is specially made to meet the specific nutritional requirements of cats. One element that should be paid attention to in their diet is that cats need the amino acid taurine. Make sure your cat food has little or no grains and only a small amount of vegetables. The right cat food is critical in keeping your cat happy and healthy!

Adult

The ingredients in kitten, adult cat, and senior cat food is really all alike. Adult cats (1 year) may be given food once or twice a day. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and drinking milk will give them diarrhea. Kittens and aging cats need more food than the adult cat. Also, kitten nutrient needs are greater than an adult cat’s because they are growing SO very fast!

Balance

There are many nutritionally balanced cat foods that you can get in both the canned and dry forms. August, 2007: The FDA recalled several foods under the Natural Balance Eatables product line due to botulism toxin contamination. It’s really simple to get the nutrients out of balance and seriously compromise your cats health. Try to use cat-treats that are nutritionally balanced so as to minimize any disruption in your cat’s overall diet.

Foods

While the Menu Foods recall was the largest pet food recall in the history of commercial pet food, don’t think that this was the first time that many cats and dogs have died after eating commercial pet foods that have been contaminated with chemicals, bacteria, and bacterial or mold toxins. Foods like Science Diet, although more expensive than the average, are usually better for your cat.

Kittens

Kittens have other special food needs, so be sure to get a kitten formula for kittens. Give them food that’s dry as soon as the kittens teeth are strong enough to chew hard food (8 to 10 weeks). Kittens will need supplemental food as early as 2-1/2 weeks after birth and surely by 4 weeks because mom’s milk isn’t going to be an efficient nutrient food source. Kittens should only be given kitten replacement milk (like KMR), never cow’s milk.

Nutrition

Your cat’s nutritional needs will change as she grows from a kitten into an adult. Giving her a premium cat food formula for each stage of her life gives her nutrition that will help her stay fit and healthy. My cats are very special to me and I feel it is important for them to eat a diet that is equal in nutritional quality to what I would eat myself. Purina one cat foods are formulated with high-quality ingredients to give your cat all of the nutrition he needs. Nutro natural choice cat food contains the finest natural ingredients with essential vitamins and minerals for superior nutrition, taste and performance. Evo cat and kitten food was created to supply the key nutritional benefits of a raw food diet in a safe and convenient manner. Diamond cat food gives your pet high quality nutrition at an affordable price. This is important, since every pet is unique, and has different nutritional needs. Over the years we are glad to have witnessed an increasing trend of caregivers becoming more participatory in understanding their feline companions’ dietary/nutrition needs.

Owners

In reading the survey results, it seems that many cat and dog owners don’t know quite as much as they think they know about the food they are giving their pets to eat. Many cat owners are turning away from commercial pet foods and are feeding their cats homemade organic pet food. The quality of ingredients in cat food has become more vital than ever in many owners’ eyes, especially following the pet-food recalls of last recent yeras. Today cat owners are being tortured by the uncertainty of it all.

Problems

Even though bones are the most natural and optimal source of calcium, one of the most common problems that people run into in their cats when starting to feed a raw diet is them getting constipated. In theory, we should not need to remove any bone when using chicken thighs but if your cat is experiencing some problems with constipation, try removing 20% of the bones and see if that helps. Do not use canned fish as a protein source for cats that are prone to urinary tract problems. Did you know that wheat and corn can cause skin problems and diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs. Whole brown rice (not rice gluten) is about the only grain that provides some good nutrition for a cat or dog and doesn’t cause allergies or digestive problems for your pet. There are variations for cats with kidney problems (lower protein), cats with weight issues (more bulk like wheat bran and water-filled veggies), etc. Forget about buying anything for “Urinary Tract” problems because these are still the same old cheap pet foods with a fancy name so people will buy the product.

Soft

The three main types of cat foods are dry, soft-moist and canned products. Soft-moist cat foods generally offer higher palatability as compared to dry diets, are convenient to serve and store easily. Soft cat food is also sometimes the only alternative to feeding your cat because that’s all they really enjoy sometimes!