The Know Insider Weblog

May 4, 2008

German Recipes

Wienerschnitzel/Schweineschnitzel

For us that speak English this would be translated to: Lightly breaded boneless veal or pork cutlet

Ingredients:

4 thin boneless pork chops or veal chops,

1/2 cup oil i.e. Olive oil,
3/4 c. fine bread crumbs,
2 eggs,
Salt & pepper,

2 lemons

Directions: Heat the oil in a large skillet at medium heat. Place each chop between two sheets of plastic and pound with the smooth side of a meat tenderizer until (1/4″ - 3/8″) thin. Beat the two eggs in a bowl that is wide enough to dip the meat into. Spread the breadcrumbs onto a plate or flat surface. Take each cutlet, season with salt and pepper and dip both sides of meat into eggs to coat. Then coat the entire cutlet with the breadcrumbs. Place in hot oil and cook until both sides are golden brown.

It only takes about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Serve each cutlet with half a lemon on the side. Some people squeeze the lemon onto the schnitzel before serving. Others squeeze the lemon juice onto the meat just before serving.

Other Options:- Use half a lemon instead of wedges so it is not as messy when you squeeze it.- Serve with a fried egg placed on top of the schnitzel.

Enjoy!

Joshua Spaulding - EzineArticles Expert Author

For more german recipes or just general Information on Germany please visit http://www.thegermantruth.com

Filed under: Fine Food — Admin @ 3:08 pm

May 1, 2008

Parsnips an Aphrodisiac or just plain Good Eats!

Parsnips are a creamy white skinned vegetable with a green leafy
top that are steeped in a rich history. Parsnips have been
cultivated since ancient roman times, it is even documented that
Emperor Tiberius brought parsnips to Rome from France and
Germany where they grew along the banks of the Rhine River.

Parsnips are a root vegetable from the Umbelliferae family which
includes such favorites as carrots, chervil, parsley, fennel and
celery. Parsnips are also an excellent form of nutrition. The
average 9″ parsnip has around 130 calories, no saturated fat, no
cholesterol and is high in fiber, folic acid, calcium, potassium
and vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, iron and zinc.

Parsnips have a wide range of uses, in Ireland parsnips are used
to make beer and wine. During World War II parsnips were used to
make mock bananas. The parsnips were mashed and mixed with
banana essence to curb the desire for bananas during the war.

Some people believe parsnips to be an aphrodisiac or even a cure
all for relieving a toothache or tired feet. In Italy parsnips
are used to feed pigs in Parma, these pigs then become delicious
Parma Ham.

Parsnips grow wild but are more common in commercial farms.
Commercial farmers have found that by harvesting the parsnips
and storing them for two weeks in temperatures ranging from 32
- 34F the starches in the parsnips will begin to turn to
sugars. Beware of wild parsnips for they may actually by water
hemlock. Water hemlock looks like parsnip but is poisonous.

When buying parsnips look for firm small to medium sized ones,
if the parsnip is too large it will have a woody center.
Parsnips can be kept raw in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks
in the vegetable crisper or in a vented plastic bag. After
cooking parsnips can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days.

Parsnips can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. Parsnips can
be:

* Steamed

* Boiled

* Braised

* Sautéed

* Roasted

* And made into chips

Filed under: Fine Food — Admin @ 2:26 am

April 29, 2008

Storage Tips for Tea

Tea is sensitive to moisture, aromas, heat, and light. An opened package of tea should be consumed as soon as possible. Leftover tea should be stored in light-proof container with tight fitting lid in a cool and dry place.

Moisture is the number one disaster for your tea. It not only contaminates the taste and aroma of your tea, but it also produces and feeds bacteria, all in a short amount of time. Fortunately, you do not need to vacuum seal you tea; it is not practical and not necessary. The easiest way is simply avoid any direct contact with open air by folding the tea storing bag and make sure it stays folded, or close the lid of your container tightly. Naturally, having the container dry in the first place helps tremendously.

Light and heat rob away flavours of tealeaves. If your tea is constantly exposed to light or heat, it tends to make a weaker brew, or decreases the number of flavourable infusions. The most convenient way is to put them in a non-transparent bag or container and away from any heat source such as ovens or heaters. If only glass jar is available, then put the jar in area away from light, such as in a cabinet.

Tom H. is the founder of O-Square Tea Company who specialized in supplying premium/organic loose leaf teas around the world. For more informations, visit http://www.osquaretea.com

Filed under: Fine Food — Admin @ 5:41 pm

April 28, 2008

Guide To Bunn Coffee Makers

Are you one of those people who can’t get moving in the morning without that morning cup of coffee? If you are, you aren’t alone. Homes across the country are home to Bunn coffee makers, espresso or cappuccino makers to get people up and ready to face the day. Bunn is one of the best known names in home coffee machines and has a solid reputation for quality.

Features of Coffee Makers

The company makes seven different machines, with features for every need. Models come in single servings all the way up to a ten-cup machine. The number of coffee drinkers in your house and the number of cups each drinks will help determine the size of the machine you need. You can choose other features for convenience.

Timers are a great feature to have in a coffee maker. You can get everything ready before you go to bed and wake to a deliciously brewed pot. Fill the machine with water and coffee grounds and set the timer for just a few minutes before your alarm clock will go off. The machine will do the rest.

The machines made by this company have a smaller footprint than other machines of the same size. This helps save space in your kitchen. They will fit either under your cabinets or in the corner of your kitchen counter, without taking up too much space in your cooking area. A variety of colors and styles are available to match your d©cor.

The History of Coffee Makers

Bunn has a long history as a pioneer in home coffee making. The company developed the first paper coffee filter. These were initially created for use in commercial machines and later for home use. They also developed the first pour over machine and the first automatic drip machine.

The cost of these machines is slightly higher than those made by other companies. You are paying for quality in this price difference. They are better quality and more durable than any other machine. The Bunn o Matic is the machine chosen most by restaurants and coffee houses. In the home market, this company also has the best reputation.

NHB Bunn Coffee Makers

The company continues to improve their products with the new NHB machine. The NHB has a pour over system to brew a great cup and also makes hot water for tea or hot chocolate. The thermostat ensures the perfect temperature and the water distribution system helps the water flow evenly over the grounds. Other great features of this machine include:

The showerhead water dispersion system gently diffuses the water over the grounds. This helps extract the maximum flavour.

The pour over heating system stays on and ready to brew. If you are going away for more than a few days, turn off the vacation switch in the back of the machine.

The commercial thermostat maintains the perfect temperature.

A descaling rod is included to clean out build up from the spray head. Directions are included to clean the machine properly.

A ceramic warming plate keeps the drink at the perfect temperature. This is controlled with a switch.

o The water reservoir funnels water into the broiling system, where the water is heated.
o The machine comes with special filters, a user’s manual and the descaler tool.

Jack Blacksmith contributed a lot of articles to www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com .He is working on topics such as bunn coffee makers and espresso machines.

Filed under: Fine Food — Admin @ 5:12 pm

April 27, 2008

Many wedding receptions edible.

A favorite at many wedding receptions edible wedding favors will always please the vast majority of guests. The next decision to be made is which type to use; sweet or savory and whilst there are no hard and fast rules on this, most guests will prefer to have sweet! Quite often, a bar of chocolate candy in a specially designed wedding wrapper is effective enough to make a good impression. I haven’t come across many people that won’t eat chocolate in any of its varieties especially if it has a special flavored center. Most brides and grooms opt to have their names plus the date of their wedding printed on the wrapper and to select a wrapper design which relates to love, weddings or the specific theme of the wedding.

Some brides and grooms may even decide to have their pictures on the wrapper along with their names and the wedding date. Other edible wedding favors can come in the form of small pieces of candy in tins. These tins become mementos of the big day if the bride and groom have gone to the trouble of having the wedding details placed on every tin. You can guarantee your guests will take the tins away with them even if they are empty because not only will they be a reminder of the day but they are practical as well. Most people will tuck into an edible wedding favor even if they do not normally eat candy because the occasion makes them more susceptible.

By using a large glass bowl in the center of every table, the bride and groom can fill them with their own choices of candy for everyone to share. Otherwise a small container, which can be themed if appropriate, can be used instead. You can guarantee it won’t take long before the guests start filling their boxes with the candy. An unusual edible wedding favor is a cookie that can be made especially for the day. You can select cookies which are rather plain in nature but place them in keepsake boxes with the bride and grooms’ names as well as the date of the wedding.

Filed under: Assistance, Fine Food, Style of Life — Admin @ 5:25 pm

April 17, 2008

Outdoor Chefs Choose Gas Grills

How many of you remember dad trying to get the charcoal started? The mess, time and burgers tasting of lighter fluid are some reasons why outdoor chefs are choosing gas grills for their recipes for BBQs over a charcoal barbecue. A gas grill offers many advantages for BBQ over charcoal. An outdoor chef doesn’t want to wait for the coals to heat up when a turn of the knob quickly gets the barbecues started. A gas grill offers the ease of a push button start, temperature control and no mess.

Before you buy, consider these points. Is the size of the gas grill important to you, or do you require portability? Would you like to cook an entire meal, or just use it for traditional BBQ grill recipes? This purchase will be an investment so check for sturdiness. If it wiggles, it may fall apart on you at home. Look for one that has high grade stainless steel and baked on enamel as these will last the longest. The better grills also have the grates that are stainless steel because grates made of other materials will rust. Consider a scale for the tank so you won’t run out of propane right in the middle of a party. You could also purchase a grill that can be hooked directly into your home’s gas line. If cost is a big deciding factor for you, you will probably want to purchase a charcoal grill. Many can be found in all ranges, even as small as the one person hibachi grill. If it’s a complete outdoor kitchen you really want, you can find built in grills that will be perfect for your design. You can create a terrific entertaining outdoor room by adding a few appliances to your backyard. An outdoor fireplace or built in gas grill can become a focal point of your backyard. Your guests will love sitting around talking to the cook, watching you develop your scrumptious creations. You can find everything from “soup to nuts” or should I say BBQ ribs to barbecued chicken”, in the stores or online. Grilling is a perfect opportunity to experiment with new recipes for your family and friends. Why do you think there are so many barbecue cookoffs? Everyone thinks they have the best barbecue sauce so have fun developing your own.

Don’t wait for warm weather. People are using their gas grill all year even if they live in the North woods. The speed of cooking allows you to enjoy your favorite BBQs even when it’s cold outside. Flavor is a great debate for people as some think you get only the best flavor from a charcoal grill. You can always use a selection of woods for that wonderful smoky flavor. Barbecues with apple wood are somewhat traditional, so be daring. Use some of the more exotic woods available such as guava, almond and apricot to spice up your standard grill recipes. Outdoor cooking is quickly becoming a first choice for any home and garden party.

Bev Hlavka is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying outdoor kitchens, hammocks, picnic tables and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.patio-furniture-4u.com. She gives information and tips at http://www.patio-furniture-4u.com/Gas%20Grills.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.

Filed under: Fine Food — Admin @ 6:21 pm

April 12, 2008

Live the Life of a Civil War Soldier When you Drink your Mornin’ Coffee

Civil War soldiers, Confederate and Union, used to make
their coffee in pots. But on the march, they just used
their boilers. Remember: don’t boil coffee. Confederates
and Union soldiers had a little bit of coffee, chewin
tabaccie, and that was it. Moreover, Confederates usually
had tobacco, and Union troops had the coffee. When the
troops would cross paths during the war, they would trade
coffee for tobacco and vice versa. Soldiers would take
their hardtack biscuits and soak it in coffee and get some
fat and put it in a frying pan and fry a crust on the
hardtack like chicken…real nutritious diet.


Civil War soldiers drank from large tin cups. Hot liquid
filled all the way up in a tin cup will burn yer lips.
Soldiers needed at least an inch or two at the top. So they
would only fill it two-thirds full and let it cool a little
so they could tolerate it. Don’t drink from old tin cups
that you might find in an antique store. They have lead
solder. Buy a reproduction of one at a Civil War
reenactment or from a Sutler who advertises in some of the
military history magazines. Coffee boilers are large tin
cups with a handle on them. Some of them even have lids on
them. They hold 22-24 ozs. of liquid. They look like a
cup that is a coffee pot.


For more information on coffee drinkin’ and the Civil War
soldier, email lifecwsoldier@coachscoffee.net


Drinkin’ from an antique cup definitely enhances the coffee
drinkin’ experience. The vibes of all the people who have
gone before have left their energy and spirit in the fiber
of the cup. Antique tin and enamel cups can be found in
antique stores Enamel cups are not as hot as a tin cup,
but it has that “nostaaaalgic” cup quality. I like drinkin’
from antique cups because I like that “antiqueness” of it.


Enamel cups can be found in antique stores. They range in
price from five dollars to thirty dollars. Rare ones are
those that are a unique color like brown or gray. Most
enamel cups are white with a blue, green or red trim or
just plain white. Blue is a common color also. Enamel cups
are not as old as tin cups, but they have been being made
for about fifty to sixty years. Enamel cups have been
around since World War I and are still being reproduced
today in a variety of colors. A reproduction of an enamel
cup can be acquired for about five dollars.



Everyone needs to have his or her own identity when
drinking coffee. Cat people have cat cups, etc. you need
just the right cup for drinkin’ coffee. A decent coffee cup
size should be in the 12 - 16 oz. region because a small
cup does not quite get it. It needs to be bigger.

How you drink it is up to you. Be sure you have good
quality Arabica beans and that the water is at just the right
temperature. Coffee should never touch boilin’ water.

For specifics directions on the exact temperature of the
water, the feel of the fine grind, what to look for before
you stir, what type of strainer to use, and how to serve,
and for more information, email openpotbrewing@coachscoffee.net

2003 permission granted to reprint this article in print or
on your website so long as the paragraph above is included
and the contact information is included to
coach@civilwaruniforms.net

Coach and Paula McCoach have been serving coffee in the
field to America’s reenactors since 1997. Cups of coffee
made with their special coffee makin’ technique, Open-Pot
Brewin’ have been enjoyed by thousands Coach’s Coffee is
the creator of many blends and coffee enjoyin’ techniques.

Filed under: Fine Food — Admin @ 4:15 pm

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