Archive for November, 2009

Vanilla the orchid in your kitchen

Friday, November 27th, 2009

True vanilla is a appriciated flavour used in a wide variety of foods but did you know that it is derived from an orchids pod which don’t seem very tasty while still on the plant? It has to be cured to divulge its famous aroma; a truth which might have remained undiscovered if it hadn’t been for the Totonacos.

When scooping down vanilla ice-cream or preparing vanilla custard for your blueberry pie, you should send a thought of gratitude to the Totonaco people; the pre-columbian inhabitants of what is today the Vera Cruz region of Mexico. (more…)

How To Save Money This Christmas On Party Food

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

The event is soon approaching, and you want it to be memorable. Only thing is, since the economy took a turn for the worse, the pennies are kinda tight at the moment, getting in caters or calling your local Chinese restaurant is never cheap. Your event can also go off with a bang, without you having to spend loads. (more…)

Using tropical flowers to decorate cupcakes

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

One of the fun things about cupcakes is that they can be varied endlessly buy using different fillings, frostings and decorations. A fun way to make cupcakes a bit more fun and give them a little more pizzazz is to decorate them using tropical flowers. Using tropical flowers on your cupcakes always brightens up any day and is ideal for birthday celebrations and other special events. (more…)

Making Your Own Christmas Food Treats

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

The giving and receiving of gifts between friends and family is an important part of modern day Christmas. However, given the global recession, buying gifts is the last thing that many people want to do right now. But not all gifts have to be purchased you know, making delicious treats are a great alternative. (more…)

Eating orchids?

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

You probably already know that vanilla is derived from an orchid, but did you know that there are others orchids in our kitchens as well? Orchids are most common as food items in Asia minor.

The Early Purple Orchid, Orchis mascula, is a terristrial orchids primarely found in the mediterranean basin. (more…)

Emergency Beer Bottle Openers

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Theres nothing better than a cold chilled larger on a hot summer day or a nice chilled one to wash down a curry.Many people seem to prefer lagers to wines with their Christmas dinner. Easy to use beer bottle openers are of course essential to gaining access to the chilled liquid within and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Theres the simple classic bottle opener that resembles a key and in some senses it is a key to the golden goodness inside. (more…)