Published on December 5th, 2008
December 5th is Repeal Day. That day back in 1933 that ended those dark days of “The Great Experiment” that failed. For those who where sleeping during American History class, the Volstead Act was repealed by the Amendment XXI to the US Constitution:
AMENDMENT XXIPassed by Congress February 20, 1933. Ratified December 5, 1933.
Section 1.
The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
Section 2.
The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or Possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.
Section 3.
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.
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Published on December 3rd, 2008
“If you can make a batch of cookies, you can can.”
If the idea of home canning leaves you in overwhelming, uncomfortable culinary territory, take heed of the above advice from Linda Amendt, a woman on a mission to help us rediscover the joys of homemade preserves. Winner of over 900 awards in state fair culinary competitions and author of two cookbooks — Blue Ribbon Preserves: Secrets to Award-Winning Jams, Jellies, Marmalades & More and 175 Best James, Jellies, Marmalades and Other Soft Spreads – Amendt focuses on keeping things simple and satisfying.
Here are four starter tips from Amendt on getting started in canning homemade preserves, the easiest route for novice canners.. While the summer fresh produce season is – sniff – behind most of us, fresh apple cider is still available and makes a great beginner project (recipe after the jump) and creative holiday gift. Read the rest of this entry »
Published on November 20th, 2008
With the holidays approaching and the economy on the downturn, I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels the pinch in my wallet. There’s not much you can do to lower rent or mortgage, utility bills, or car payments, so your food budget will likely be what gets cut back. If the thought of eating nothing but rice and beans for your holiday meals scares you, don’t worry! You can trim your food budget while still eating well and keeping it green. In fact, there are many ways to lower your grocery bill while helping the planet out at the same time.
Following are some of the ways I’ve tampered my food spending, but please comment with your money (and earth) saving ideas!
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Published on November 20th, 2008
One of the biggest headaches when entertaining, especially during Thanksgiving, is deciding what beverages to serve with dinner. As Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg (authors of What to Drink with What You Eat) wrote in the Washington Post,
The prospect of choosing a bottle that will please all of your guests and complement all of your dishes can perplex the most confident holiday host.
Even avid wine lovers can be struck with a temporary case of oenophobia — fear of wine — around Thanksgiving. The prospect of choosing a bottle that will please all of your guests and complement all of your dishes can perplex the most confident holiday host.
So what do you do? BYBO is one answer. Another is to let me help you choose a few bottles to uncork without breaking the bank or cashing in that IRA.
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Published on November 11th, 2008
I was so inspired by the “lovin fresh - lavender-lemon soda recipe” and “Vanilla Rose Spritzer” in recent posts that I had to share this delightful treat called a Rosemary Lemon Fresca. Have you ever tried Rosemary flavored refreshers? This can be turned into a cocktail or healthy desert drink.
Lemon is cleansing and purifying for the system “Fresh squeezed lemon in a glass of ample water is said to cleanse the liver. It is also said that lemon helps to stimulate the metabolism.” Rosemary is clarifying and flavorful. Read the rest of this entry »
Published on November 3rd, 2008
Originally recommended to me by Reenita when I was asking about a tummy healer, Tulsi tea has proven to be one of my favorite refreshments. Organic India makes a variety of chai, green, jasmine and more, and it is a known comfort in India. Called Holy Basil, this tea aids digestion, and overall internal health for a healthy external glow. My choice Tulsi tea now is Organic India, please see their admirable vision and mission:
“To be a vehicle of consciousness in the global market by creating a holistic sustainable business modality, which inspires, promotes and supports well-being and respect for all beings and for Mother Nature.”
and, Read the rest of this entry »
Published on November 1st, 2008
Researchers at Kingston University in London have found something surprising in wine: heavy metals. The researchers, Professor Declan Naughton and Dr. Andrea Petroczi, used an EPA testing method to look at the health risks (yes, you read that correctly) from drinking wine.
Red wine has been extolled for its health-benefitting properties in recent years, and may even protect people from food-borne diseases. Wine has been investigated as a possible disinfectant by a researcher at Oregon State University, and has even been found to potentially fight tooth decay. So, with all that good, there has to be some bad, right?
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Published on October 30th, 2008
Have you ever cracked open a bottle of your favorite wine to find it didn’t taste as good as you remembered?
Or taken a sip from the House wine at some fine dining establishment, and tried to quickly recover from the pursed lips that would reveal it tasted a bit sour?
You probably chalked these experiences up to simply a bad bottle, or the Sommelier at the restaurant likely whisked it away uttering something about the batch of grapes that particular year.
But did you know that the culprit was most likely the continually changing climate?
Experts say that grapes grown to make wine are more adversely effected than any other crop, making it even more critical for wineries to focus on reducing the negative effects on the environment. So, from organic wine (wine that has been produced from organically grown grapes) to biodynamic agriculture (organic farming that excludes the use of artificial chemicals on soil and plants), the wine industry is committed to this important initiative.
In addition, certified ‘green’ programs like the ‘Napa Valley Green Certified Winery’ are popping up all over the world, establishing sustainable and green business practices for wineries. Certified wine production facilities demonstrate a commitment to conserving water and energy, reducing waste and preventing pollution with the primary goal of reducing their overall carbon footprint. The result is less carbon emissions and more flavorful grapes. Read the rest of this entry »
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Published on October 29th, 2008
Even those who cannot commit to an extravagant chocolate creation or a rich fruit dessert will find solace in the satisfying sweetness and texture of this simple and moist dessert.
This cake has the texture of a quick bread and the autumn flavors of pumpkin and “pumpkin pie” spices. Pumpkin is one of those tastes that you either love or hate. This cake is designed so there is no doubt that you are eating pumpkin.
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Published on October 28th, 2008
Editor’s Note: This post was provided by one of our sponsors, the juice manufacturer Odwalla.
These days, consumers are increasingly interested in the environmental and social responsibility of the companies that manufacture their favorite products. Public companies must answer to shareholders and have largely adopted transparent reporting initiatives that detail their corporate responsibility. Food and drink manufacturers that depend on raw materials – like fruits and vegetables – are committed to environmental stewardship programs that ensure consistent supplies of produce. Read the rest of this entry »
