Archive for the 'Gourmets + Gourmands' Category

The Charming Tale of Fannie May

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Fannie May started out small, and it has demonstrated that great service, high quality, and a carefully picked selection are the secret recipe for results. This well-known chocolate business began trading in 1920 in Chicago, IL, and over 85 years of trading it has grown into one of the nation’s favorite sweet shops.

Fannie May’s ability to mix the freshest ingredients in just the right manner made them such a favorite with the public they grew to about 48 outlets in merely 15 years. As an interesting aside the company was so committed to the standard of its candies they opted to close their doors instead of changing their formulas during the food shortage of WWII. Quite a number of these traditional recipes are still still being used and eaten all these years later. Naturally the chocolates look as delicious as they taste. Lovely presentation packages add that special touch and you’ll have a present anyone will treasure. How much you give is wholly your choice, going from a single chocolate to a tower crammed with each kind of truffle, nuts and virtually any other sort you can imagine produced by Fannie May. It is simple to purchase a carefully designed mixture on the internet or you can personalize the order with particular varieties to make sure everybody gets plenty of the pieces they love best.

Unlike many of its rivals, Fannie May has many providers all over the nation and around the world. This makes it possible for you to send these tasty chocolates across America and all over the world without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. There are a couple of items which are not recommended for shipping during the summer, but Fannie May will happily ship presents anytime and always guarantee the quality of the chocolates when they are delivered. Special diets should not be an obstacle. Fannie May’s have diet friendly candies and a lot more goodies as well. If you are catering a special occasion like a wedding, tiny gifts and wedding favors are available as well. Pick up the phone or send them an e-mail with your plans and ideas. It’s easy to see the reason why Fannies May’s products are such a big hit with the public. Indeed, with varieties like each type of chocolate, nut, fruit, and maple fillings, the most difficult part will be picking what to send.

Popcorn – the American Gift

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Just imagine, for just a moment, what 1.000.000.000 pounds of unpopped popcorn kernels must look like – and when you realize that that is just one year’s American retail purchases alone, suddenly it becomes plain precisely how many of your friends and family love the snack. And upwards of one million pounds come from the Popcorn Factory, pre-prepared as popcorn favors, tins of popcorn, popcorn balls and gourmet popcorn, yearly.

Whatever your favorite flavor or arrangement, the Factory stand ready to supply all the popcorn you want. Exactly as they have for thirty years. Preparations begin employing domestic grain chosen carefully to achieve the best possible taste. If you use corn oil, you can keep that flavor as the kernels pop, meaning you can add other flavorings easily. They then pack it up and send it out immediately – while it’s still fresh. Their product with the biggest reputation is their popcorn tins, with the smaller tin containing two and a half gallons and the large tin’s capacity being six. Just one of these is big enough to last you and your friends for quite a few movies or feed a number of employees at a company. Plain, naturally, and buttered – but they’re also on offer in white chocolate raspberry or banana cream pie.

On the other hand if that’s too much, they do offer other options; among them the delightful gift boxes. Designed to say “congratulations”, to celebrate any special occasion, or to send a message, they’re tailor-made to be presents. If that isn’t enough, you could up the ante, having a meaningful image, a clever note, or the name of the recipient added.

Plenty of popcorn lovers prefer a particular flavor and simply purchase a large package. You might alternatively choose an assortment or even a sampler. When you require more, but want to keep that range of flavors, you can always order a tower. Comprising a collection of packs placed on top of the others and fastened together, you may order them as particular combos or alternatively pick and mix your favorites.

They offer an incredible variety of popcorn in practically any flavor your heart desires. Purchase them as gifts or as treats. We’re confident that you can already see the gift ideas.

Get Ready for the Spectacular Game with these Marvelous Occasion Tips

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Super Bowl Sunday is a time when family and friends gather in front of a big screen in a small room! And usually that room looks even tighter given that the maximal occupancy is topped by at least five large men. It is a time when shouting dibs on the arm of the couch is entirely suitable because it implies you will not get stuck seeing the activity from the floor next to the dog. I love hanging with friends on Sunday consuming comfort treats and observing the games. If you’re giving or going to a Super Bowl celebration this yr, try making one of these delicious recipes. I promise you each one of these recipes is simple to produce and your household and acquaintances will definitely savor them.

Forget the marching bands and pep talks – halftime is for huddling together around a Super Bowl of Vegetable Chilli! Serve up with delicious cornbread and honey butter. Shuffle together your beloved butter or butter spread with honey. Salami and Cheese Loaded Pepperoncini are refined yet super hearty super bowl recipes for your party. The onion dip is highly charming to make, and guests forever appreciate a hot and toasty nosh. You will score a knockout blow with this classic dessert! Pineapple upside down cake is both jubilant and a snap to make. Serve with a dollop of light whipped cream to really get the crowd cheering. Make a classic Bloody Mary except sneak in tabasco for a thrilling game day treat. Dress with the fluffy end of the celery stem!

Keep your direction on the menu and team up on cocktails with your guests. When asked, “What can I take to the party?” hint some of these items: 6-packs of soft drinks or beer, Individual-size water, Disposable cups, Ice. The Halftime show will be more festive if you don’t have to run out for more beverages. Make an event out of the drinks by displaying them in a playful, inflatable, football-themed cooler. For flashy cocktails, jazz up beverages in glasses with light-up football ice cubes!

So You’re Looking for Pointers Touching on Cheryl and Company’s Online Cookies Service, Huh?

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Did you ever want to send those close to you the type of tasty cookies your grandma baked? Cheryl and Company can do just that. Regardless of where in the US you might want to send a gift to, they deliver a huge selection of baked items directly from the oven. Each and every purchase is attractively boxed and quickly delivered right to the recipient’s home with every bakery item in tip-top condition. Can you think of a better means to please your family, not to forget your clients?

The first bakehouse opened for business in Ohio in 1981. Just 7 years after opening their first bakery they had already extended their range of baked goods. It wasn’t long until the cookie provider had launched a seasonal catalogue, and then introduced a section devoted to medium to large businesses. The company made use of online technology to better serve the public and are now a member of the 1800Flowers.com group. Quality is the top priority of this company. Every order is shipped promptly to make sure it is received at the peak of freshness.

Everything is made using only natural ingredients. Chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter, raisin, and cookies with icing in a a myriad of exquisite colors are for sale as well as a range of unique recipes, such as cinnamon pumpkin. Your most difficult task is picking what not to send. Or why not choose a few brownies or even the finest chocolates? When time is an issue, an enormous variety of carefully chosen gift baskets are featured on the internet. Or, you can pick out an arrangement and then choose the goodies you think the recipient will enjoy best. The delicious brownies come frosted, with nuts, filled with all sorts of fruit, and also in bite-sized sample sizes.

Tasty cookies and brownies in a traditional presentation box or tin are the perfect gift for business contacts. A fun or novelty basket is a marvelous idea to let family know you are thinking of them. Of course there are also cookies and brownies produced especially to celebrate Xmas, Easter, and many other holidays to make sure you can send the ideal present speedily and easily.

It does not matter if you want to give your valentine a gift to remember, a thank you or you need to cheer up someone dear to you, you can be sure that Cheryl & Co will have something perfect.

Popcorn — the American Gift

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Just imagine, if you will, how huge one billion pounds of unpopped kernels must be — and when you realize that that is a single year’s American retail purchases alone, it will swiftly become apparent just how many of your acquaintances love their popcorn. So if you want some, order from the market leader — sending upwards of a million pounds each year to lovers of gourmet popcorn balls.

Considering their thirty years of experience, you can be sure you’re in good hands, no matter what type you crave. Preparations begin with American grown grain carefully screened to ensure the ideal level of taste. Then, corn oil comes into play, popping the kernels allowing the flavors to infuse into the fluffy flesh. It’s then packed up and shipped out right away — while it’s still fresh. Their speciality tins are a decent supply, sized for 2.5 and 6 gallons and filled completely. There’s nothing better for making sure your loved ones have snacks — or even a staff shindig. Plain, as you’d expect, and buttered — but they’re also on offer flavored with banana cream pie or white chocolate raspberry.

On the other hand if that’s not your thing, they do offer other alternatives; most popularly the beautiful smaller tins and boxes. Designed to say “thank you”, to celebrate any special occasion, or to send a message, they’re tailor made to be presents. If that’s not enough, you can actually raise the stakes, adding an appropriate picture, a clever note, or the recipient’s name. Plenty of customers just want one variety and ask for a large order. Those with wider tastes might prefer the assortment packages and samplers available.

And if you need to acquire more than just a small sample of assorted varieties, you need to hear about towers. Quickly created by stacking boxes together and fastening them to each other, you can choose specific combinations or mix and match. They offer an assortment of snack foods in nearly any flavor you’re likely to want. Owing to their presentation we promise you they make fantastic gifts. I’m confident that you can already see the gift-giving ideas.

The Charming Story of Fannie May

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Besides the fact that Fannie May is an easily recognizable name all over the Midwestern US in recent years, the organization started out small. The story started in Chicago in the early twenties. Since then this innovative business has evolved from a single shop to a successful organization providing the country with scrumptious candies. Fannie May’s ability to mix quality ingredients in exactly the right manner made them so popular they expanded to just under 48 outlets in just 15 years. During WWII rationing, the doors of the stores were temporarily shut, because they refused to cut back on the quality of their chocolates. A few of these much loved recipes are indeed still being made use of and eaten in the 21st century. Of course the candies are beautifully boxed. Stunning gift packages add that special flourish and you’ll have a present anyone will appreciate. Have a box or tin delivered for birthdays or to say thanks, or maybe ask for an enormous tower of candies for friends, loved ones or business contacts. There are many extraordinary hampers online, or you can request specific sorts and then choose how you would like them wrapped. On top of all that, Fannie May has a strong network of franchises all over America and around the world. This makes it easy for you to send these much loved chocolates throughout America and all over the world without even having to leave the comfort of your home. There are some delicate chocolates which are not suitable for transportation during the summer, but Fannie May has the ability to deliver the vast majority of gifts internationally. Even if you are diabetic or have an allergy, there’s something suitable for you. Cakes and other treats are available not to mention chocolate with no sugar added. If you are supplying a large event like a wedding, individual table gifts and wedding favors are a specialty. Pick up the telephone or contact Fannie May online for more info.

You can see the reason why Fannies May’s chocolates are such a booming company. And, with types like white, milk and dark chocolate, fruit, and caramel fillings, your hardest part will be choosing from the tempting array of options.

Happy New Year! Have it Count with a Terrific Fete

Monday, December 21st, 2009

A thriving New Year’s jubilation would not be perfect without delightful food, jolly beverages, friends, kin and a couple of games. When one year finishes, some other year sets out; it’s the ageless cycle of life. From family-friendly parties to raucous street scenes, there is a New Year’s celebration for everyone. A Champagne wassail at midnight on New Year’s Eve tops the celebration for many. But what if you’re planning a party on a budget and cannot afford the boutique bubbly? Put the happy in “Happy New Year’s” by engaging invitees in some playful celebration activities and ring in this New Years with our laborsaving hints.
Here are some New Years Eve party ideas for tykes that will keep them moving till midnight. Have them sit in a circle while you (or the babysitter) explains what resolutions are and state some of the most average kinds. Make each youngster a opportunity to say his New Year’s resolution, and put down each one for the kid to hold. Spare cash on elaborate celebration provisions for New Year’s Eve and let the children ready celebration hats and noisemakers to function at midnight. They may not be as chichi as factory-made versions, but producing them will hold little ones busy while the adults mix and mingle. Kids can prepare noisemakers employing beans, rice and pearls in plastic beverage bottles and party chapeaus applying heavy cardboard paper for the hat, sparkle paste, and long pieces of bright crepe paper.

Read up on these fun facts and trivia to round out your New Year’s Eve celebrations. As you wait for the clock to strike midnight, create your own version of trivial pursuit with questions about the history and festivity of New Year’s Eve. Kissing your significant other is a favorite New Year’s Eve tradition meant to guarantee a good relationship and affections throughout the next year. About 75% of American New Year’s Eve parties involve 20 people or less. Eating for good luck is a popular tradition in cultures around the world. Try 12 grapes at midnight (Spain), doughnuts (Holland) or black-eyed peas (American South).

Pretty Ornamentations and Special Advice for the Holidays

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Spread holiday sunshine throughout your region with a modernized hors d’oeuvres celebration! The thought of a progressive fete is that a group of revelers journey on foot from one household to another, delighting delicious starters and drinks at every stop. Whether you live in a house or an apartment, this celebration is a great means to blend with your neighbors and ring in the holiday season.

You are preparing a holiday party and want to make it full with festive holiday party games and a absolutely matching holiday menu. Wine is most delightful to accompany the traditional turkey so many households love over the holidays. The perennial occasion favorite needs a clean and sparkly wine to accent its effortless lusciousness. If you want to dish out red, try the American favorite Pinot Noir (we are inclined to those from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, but for something a little less expensive and just as delicious, go for Pinots from the Sonoma Coast. The Pinot’s deficiency of tannic acids absolutely emphasizes turkey’s tones and will make everyone glad. For white lovers, introduce a Sauvignon Blanc. Its well-balanced acidity and the touch of herbs found in its palette provide some necessary complexity for your turkey dinner party.

Host a occasion biscuit exchange fete to catch up with acquaintances and trade recipes along with delicious baked goods. For some, the holiday season isn’t perfect without a cookie exchange! Whether you go all out and have an recognized holiday celebration centered around the “swap” or take in a few guests over for java and biscuit accumulating, this get together is a remarkable way to share gifts from your kitchen and pass time with friends.

Host a Creepy Party at Home for Halloween

Monday, August 17th, 2009

Wicked has grown a grand phenomenon with dedicated lovers across the nation, and when individuals are passionate about a volume or musical they enjoy any reason to dress up like the characters. If you, your acquaintances or your household are Wicked fans, gather your favorite witches and wizards together for a merry ‘Wicked’ themed Halloween affair. This Halloween occasion idea is fun for all years, but can also be pitched more towards grownups by containing more cocktails and leaving the tykes at home. Read on for smart ideas on incorporating Wicked details into the night for a fun, different Halloween celebration.

The starting step to reducing down on food prices and keeping guests happy is to bill your Halloween affair as a “small bite and drink” party. Then, start the party at an hour that gives guests enough time to grab dinner beforehand. Generally, if the party begins at 8 pm invitees will plan on eating up food before they come. This is one of those Halloween party ideas that you only have to render starter type foods for invitees to pick on as they savour their beverages and mingle. Produce the look and experience of an deserted historical household with spider webs, leaves and white sheets.

Since invitees are coming for a cocktail celebration, it’s essential to provide a few crowd-pleasing intoxicant drinks. Pumpkin beer is a perfectly on-theme choice, and our hints on Halloween vinos offers many perfect options for spooky wine to serve guests. To reduce on the price of stockpiling a thorough bar, call a bulk retail merchant like Beverages and More, Costco or Sam’s Club to buy handles of two or 3 types of unique alcohol. Then, plan the drinks around these kinds of spirits and throw in a few classical mixers for individuals who wish to make their own beverages. For Halloween-worthy beverage creations, find our article on Haunting Beverages. In general, supplying standards like vodka, rum and gin along with club soda, juice and tonic will always fulfill a crew without blowing your occasion budget.

Italian Recipes That Say Come Again

Sunday, June 8th, 2008

This article tells you some great unique recipes from Italy.

-Great Meat Sauce with Spaghetti

-You will need a 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef.
-2 jars of pasta sauce (any kind is good)
-1 1/2 white or yellow onions (small diced)
-1 teaspoon of oil (corn oil or olive oil)
-1/2 teaspoon of salt
-some pepper
-spaghetti or any pasta you like
-Parmesano cheese grated
-fresh sweet basil

First sautee the ground beef with the oil and finely diced onion
salt and pepper until there is no more red in the meat.Add the
pasta sauce and 1 half of jar of water from the pasta sauce
jar. Add sweet basil leaves. And cook about 35 to 40 minutes stirring often.

Meanwhile put to boil a quart of water in large pan and add
some salt about almost 1 tablespoon. Add pasta when water boils.
Cook as directed but don’t cook too long because you will want
you’re pasta cooked right not too soft. Taste to see.
When it’s done add cool water to pasta water about 2 cups to stop the cooking process and stir and drain. Mix the meat sauce to the pasta and serve. Sprinkle with grated parmesano cheese.
And there you have it. A spaghetti/pasta dinner to remember!

Country Style Pork Spare Ribs:

-Pork spare ribs with little bone and meaty.
-salt & pepper
-1 can of tomatoe sauce or some barbecue sauce.
-1 cup of wine (any kind)

Cook the spare ribs in a large baking pan with salt & pepper to taste. Temperature must be 350 degrees in oven.
After a half an hour add tomato sauce (like contadina is optional)
Or brush on your favorite barbecue sauce over spare ribs.
Cook until tender and before they are done add the cup of wine.
Cook a couple of minutes more. And take them out of oven and let them stand for 15 minutes.
Served best with corn or potatoes.

Breaded Meat Country Style:

-Cube steaks
-bread crumbs seasoned or plain
-parsley fresh or dried parsley seasoning
-1 clove of garlic
-3 tablespoons corn oil
-grated parmesano cheese
-a dash of salt & pepper
-2 eggs

In a bowl combine the bread crumbs add parsley salt & pepper to taste, the garlic crushed & parmesano cheese.

In a separate bowl beat eggs.

Meanwhile put about 3 tablespoons of corn oil on medium heat in a skillet. Dip the steak one at a time into the egg mixture
and then in the bread crumb mixture and when oil is hot add the
breaded steak into oil and fry and turn over and cook on both sides until they are golden brown. You don’t want to cook them too much just until they are cooked with no more red in the meat.

And serve with potatoes or rice this dish is sure to please.

These are the 3 Best Recipes.
Try these recipes I’m sure you’ll love ‘em.

Written by Frangesca D’Antoni
I like cooking. I live with my husband which I’ve been with 7 years now. We are both Italian. And enjoy rides at the beach.
And a good car. And a good cup of tea after a long day.
Or email:fdantoni80@hotmail.com

Visit her website: http://www.dontforgettotakeyourvitamins.com/folco