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Do You Use a Wine Decanter?

YumSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:45:59 -0800

YumSugar Gift Guide: What to Give Gramps

partysugar — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:03:33 -0800

My grandfather is so unbelievably cool - think Austin Powers meets Frank Sinatra - that gift shopping for him is incredibly fun. He already owns everything from a fancy wine cooler to a digital meat thermometer, so I have to get super creative when looking for gifts. I suggest you do the same when searching for the perfect gift for gramps. Customized matches with his name or initials and gourmet, comfort food like lobster pot pie are two wonderful options. Or ask everyone in the family to donate money to buy a case of Champagne. This is a gift that he can enjoy with grams (or his lady friends!) and the entire fam when they come to dinner. For more ideas scroll below.

Custom personalized matches and matchbooks ($2.40 each)	Riedel Martini Glass ($35.00)
Ravenscroft Ultra Magnum Decanter ($49.99)	Lobster Pot Pie ($79.00)
Ultimate Picnic Set ($120-250)	Case of Champagne Dom Perignon 99 ($1,379.88)

Definition: Decant

YumSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 04:18:11 -0700

Decant
To pour the upper layer of liquid into a new vessel, leaving behind the heaviest part (solids or another liquid) that has settled. If done correctly, when pouring from the bottle to a new container, the residue and sediments formed at the bottom of the bottle will be left behind. It is usually used in regards to wine. Decanting a wine will also allow it to breathe and "open up" faster than would otherwise.

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Yum Gift Guide: Wine Lovers

YumSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 07:54:12 -0800

Steady Sticks - Think about the last time you took a bottle of wine to a picnic in the park. You found a nice shady spot on a hill, rolled out the blanket, pulled out the cork, poured the wine and then, oh... nowhere to put the glass. Well thanks to the handy Steady Stick, you can now put your glass anywhere there is grass or sand. Made of weather resistant stainless steel, these sticks will make a perfect gift for the wine lover on your list. Set of two Steady Sticks for $11.95.

ReServe Wine Preservation Kit - Once a bottle is open, there's no way my favorite wine lover doesn't finish it on the same day. You see, the taste just isn't the same the next day. However, imagine if she could open up a bottle on Sunday and have it taste just as great next Sunday. Well with the Sommelier-Endorsed ReServe Wine Preservation Kit, she could do just that. Using a simple on/off twist seal, the preservation adaptor releases pure argon gas to safely displace air in open bottles. This prevents oxidation and preserves the wine. Three piece Wine Preservation Kit available for $149.95.

Three more, so read more

Riedel "O" Wine Tumblers - Stems are great for looking fabulous at parties, but sometimes it's nice to have a glass that doesn't run the risk of tipping over easily. Lucky for us, Riedel has managed to create lovely, yet delicate, stemless glassware. Their innovative casual shape is perfect for everyday use and enjoyment. Different styles available to suit your wine lover's favorite wine. Set of two Riedel "O" Glasses available for $20-$22 (depending on the style).

Professional Connoisseur's Wine Set - With this set, they'll never have to struggle with another cork again. Ergonomically designed to "effortlessly lift the cork in one smooth motion and serve as the centerpiece in the kitchen or beside your bar," this set also includes two wine bottle stoppers, foil cutter, wine pourer, and a replacement worm. While the actual opener resembles a mini drill, it’s virtually fool proof and it will have their bottle of Chardonnay open in half the time it takes to open with an old school opener. You can find the Professional Connoisseur's Wine Set for $60.

Duck Wine Decanter - Every wine lover worth their weight in grapes knows that a good red wine should be decanted prior to serving. Decanting provides the oxygen needed to release the full bouquet of the wine. This particular one is shaped for proper aeration and is somewhat whimsy without being too cutesy. Duck Wine Decanter available for $29.

Off to Market Recap: Wine Decanters

YumSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:00:20 -0700

If you're looking to upgrade your home bar in style, then a decanter is a must-have. I asked you to help me look for a comely carafe that would create conversation as much as it would soften a tannic red wine. You bookmarked your favorite decanters in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Wine Decanters. I love globes, so I was particularly intrigued by this delightful decanter that SweetnLow discovered. To look at the entire collection, scroll below.

Off to Market: Wine Decanters

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:00:55 -0700

Long before I understood their purpose, I was mesmerized by wine decanters. With their crystal-clear form and graceful presence in a room, I've always thought decanters are as beautiful as sculptures.

As it turned out, these carafes aren't just sitting pretty. Using them keeps unwanted sediment out of your glass, and also aerates wines, allowing tannic bottles to soften.

Let's set off to market for an extra-special decanter that is both gorgeous and functional. Bookmark your finds in the Yum Market with the keyword tag Wine Decanters. I can't wait to see your finds!

To learn more about the bookmarking feature, please read geeksugar's explanation.
Don't know where to start searching? Check out a list of my favorite online stores when you read more.

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens 'n Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1 Imports
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams-Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market

Food Section Sampler - May 6, 2009

YumSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:50:47 -0700

Does snapping asparagus truly yield the most tender results? - New York Times
A behind-the-scenes look at the sustainable farm featured in The Omnivore's Dilemma. - Washington Post
Experts spill their secrets for making the best-ever meatloaf. - Chicago Tribune
Now more than ever, restaurants are taking note of food allergies. - Boston Globe
One Japanese contemporary is bringing the traditional tea ceremony into the 21st century. - Wall Street Journal
Is decanting your wine really all that important? - Los Angeles Times
Taste-tested: store-bought strawberry frozen yogurt. - San Francisco Chronicle

Connecticut First State to Tackle Counterfeit Olive Oil

YumSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:00:47 -0800

Everyone from health experts to Rachael Ray has touted the benefits of olive oil. As demand for expensive, higher-quality olive oil has grown, however, so has the problem of fraud. Last year, Connecticut officials discovered that some of that state's olive oil was a little too slick. As a result, beginning next month, the state will be the first in the country to set quality standards for olive oil. The state's new regulations prohibit additives and define virgin olive oil as "obtained from the fruit of the olive tree solely by mechanical or other physical means . . . which have not undergone any treatment other than washing, decanting, centrifuging and filtration." California and New York have expressed interest in enacting similar standards because counterfeit olive oil poses a potential health risk to consumers. Some people experience adverse reactions from unscrupulous olive oil, possibly as a result of food allergies to soybeans, tree nuts, and peanuts.

Often, when I'm buying cooking olive oil, I look for bargain prices. Now I'll take more interest in the brands that I choose. Will you do the same? Does this type of criminal activity surprise you?

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YumSugar Gift Guide: The Mixologist

partysugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:15:51 -0800

The mixologist in my life is named Aaron. He's let me host parties at his bar and even created a cocktail specifically for me, so it's only natural that I want to surprise him with a fabulous gift. I selected a bunch of items that are ideal for Aaron, and any guy interested in the art of making cocktails. Every month they'll think of you when the scotch of the month club sends them a bottle of scotch. Give them a beautiful crystal decanter to display and aireate the scotch. Two books - Dale DeGroff's The Craft of the Cocktail and David Wondrich's Imbibe! - provide a wealth of knowledge on classic recipes and the history of the cocktail.

Browse the bartending boy gifts below and when you're done head over to HolidaySugar for more inspiration.

What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:00:56 -0700

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