Cachaça, pronounced, ka-cha-saw
The national liquor of Brazil. Both rum and cachaça are made from the sugar cane plant - rum is made from distilled molasses while cachaça is made from pure, fermented sugar cane juice. With origins that date back to Portuguese settlers in the 1600s, the liquor became a symbol of Brazil in the 1920s. It ranges in age and colors, similar to a tequila, and is sipped on the rocks all throughout Brazil.
When I dined stuffed my face at the Brazilian steakhouse, it was really difficult to not devour the complementary mini loafs of cheesebread. Known as Pão de Queijo, these little puffs are made from tapioca flour and are so light and fluffy and surprisingly dense at the same time. When we decided to highlight Brazilian food today, I knew I'd have to use the opportunity to dig up a recipe. It's pretty easy to follow, just make sure you don't underbake them (which would result in an uncooked/doughy middle). To knead up your own batch, check out the recipe, just read more
This morning I told you about bacon cupcakes and now I'm telling you to check out Andrea's no-longer-secret recipe for chocolate vanilla olive oil cupcakes.
Did you ever dream of running your own chocolate factory? How about becoming a chocolate tycoon? If you answered yes to either of those, then have I got a game for you. Our pals at PlayFirst (who are sponsoring this advertorial) have created a new game called Chocolatier. In it you are helping the Baumeister Confection Company rebuild their brand by starting with a chocolate factory and a simple chocolate bar recipe. In order to rebuild the empire, you have to find the best ingredients (varietal cacao beans, Trinidad lemons, Madagascar vanilla, etc.) at the best prices and compete in adventures to obtain recipes, factories and more. There are over 130 quests to complete, 64 recipes to find, 6 factories to conquer and 14 cities to travel to.
If you're interested, you can download a free 60-minute demo - be warned, just like chocolate, it's a bit addictive. If you like what you see, it's available for $19.95, but if you use one of these coupon codes (all lower case) you'll receive $5 off.
PC version: yumsugar
Mac version: yumsugarmac
The offer expires June 30, 2007 and is non-stackable with other offers. Best of luck to all of you budding chocolatiers!
A caipirinha (pronounced kai - preen - ya) is the national cocktail of Brazil, made with the national liquor Cachaça. Within the last ten years, caipirinha's popularity has grown tremendously thanks to the International Bartender Association's addition of it to their official cocktail list. Although it's not common in the majority of bars, there are a growing number of establishments where caipirinhas appear on the menu. The ingredients and drink making technique are similar to that of a mojito. To learn how it's made, read more
My girlfriend Melissa is moving back to California and I'm in charge of planning her welcome back party. This morning I made invitations inspired by the route Melissa and her boyfriend will travel from Seattle to San Francisco. Now I have to put together a menu of passed appetizers that includes both vegetarian and meat-friendly hors d'oeuvres. The party not only celebrates the return of my friend, but it also highlights the local cuisine, culture, and atmosphere of the area that Melissa has desperately missed for the last two years. I'll be buying all of the ingredients for the menu at the farmer's market to ensure the produce is local and the cheese artisan. I'll use recipes from some of the Bay Area's most celebrated chefs so check out what I'll be cooking, just read more
Sometimes your hands can be the best tools, better than a pair of tongs or a spatula. When tossing salads of dainty greens and perfectly cut vegetables, don't crush them with metal tongs, instead drizzle the dressing or vinaigrette and toss gently with your hands to mix.
When grilling, instead of cutting a piece of meat open to determine the doneness feel it you don't want any of the flavorful juices seeping out. Touch with your index finger, it should feel like your earlobe for rare, like the tip of your noise for medium, and like your chin for well done.
