In the past few years, we have tasted and rated many regional wines from America. The best wines tell a compelling story, even if they are not from the West Coast. They are enjoyable to drink. Many offer exceptional value.
It can be an exciting adventure to find them. Some are as rare as they are sophisticated because production can be just a few hundred cases. They are rare and rarely distributed, so it is essential to interact with producers to obtain them. This is often where the real adventure begins. Often, it’s in remote tasting rooms that do not offer warm welcomes.… Read the rest
You can celebrate Mardi Gras at home with the famous traditional Louisiana dishes. Whether you’ve visited New Orleans during carnival season or not, there is a lot to learn about the party leading up to Fat Tuesday. Read up on some of the most fascinating history, trivia, and fun Mardi Gras facts before you “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler.” Plus, get our most festive Mardi Gras recipes!
You’ll hear “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” over and over again at Mardi Gras parties. It means “let the good times roll” in Cajun French. We can get behind that idea!
In New Orleans, Carnival season starts on Epiphany, also called Three Kings Day. Many smaller parades are hosted leading up to the 12-day parading period. But the past five days comprise the most important weekend (from Thursday night until the dawn of fat Tuesday) when the biggest parades run back-to-back… Read the rest
Purchasing “made in America” appliances is a smart decision as the money is reinvested into our nation. However, you’d think buying American-made would be easy. Most major manufacturers may have U.S. employees (excellent) with foreign ownership (not as good).
Some American brands import some goods under their name to round out their line-up of products. Either way is not really 100% made in America created by the strictest definition.
For instance, if you’re thinking about a steam or microwave oven, it’ll be created in Europe or Asia, even using a national label. US-based Viking produces their ranges in Mississippi, although their dishwashers are imported from the Turkish Blomberg company.… Read the rest
Some people call it soul food. Yet others call it down-home country cooking. However, some call it just good ole comfort food!
Down-home southern cooking is more than a recipe. Southern cooking tips are all about making meals from the heart to share with friends and loved ones.
For it to be good, you have to learn to put your love and soul into it. These ideas for cooking will bring you simplicity in the kitchen so you can enjoy the best of what Southern cuisine has to offer!
Among the best things about southern cooking is that there is always something new to try. When trying a unique combination of ingredients or practicing a technique, there is usually a new cooking secret to be uncovered.… Read the rest
Trader Joe’s supermarket is famous for its selection of private label and cheap wines. Unfortunately, some of its just plain bad. However, there are some gems to be found in this large group of cheap wines, and we reveal our entire favorite picks in this list of the best wines at Trader Joe’s. Continue reading to see our complete guide to Trader Joe’s supermarket wines to drink.
From Chianti and a primary Cotes du Rhone to even Amarone, Barolo, and Napa Valley Cabernet TJ offer just a bit of everything, usually at prices that balance the sweetness. If you’ve been thinking of some of those wines that can probably be good, you’ve come to the best place because we have tried just about all of them. (We have also poured a heck of a good deal of them down the drain!)… Read the rest
There are a certain warmth and charm to a southern kitchen. When it is about creating this comfortable look in the center of the house, there’s no lack of kitchen decorating concepts, from weathered wood boards and painted cupboards to rocky marble floors and plantation tables.
This design brings a casual and inviting feel to any home, whether in the city or countryside and seems equally posh in both little spaces and large homes. We have gathered an array of southern kitchens that are filled with inspiration to help you create the kitchen design of your dreams.
Discover southern kitchen ideas that are sure to add beauty to your space and inspire your next renovation.
Whether you’re making a complete kitchen overhaul or you are just looking for a few quick and simple upgrades, these creative kitchens are sure to inspire you.… Read the rest
When you remember the most significant moments of your life–graduations, birthdays, weddings, and even funerals–, it is possible the occasion marked by a gathering that included a cake. If you are Southern, the events must have included cakes.
You may remember the variety of cakes loved over the years, but the only one you probably never ate was the one served when you were born. The popularity of cake trends come and go along with American culture and society. The Americans love to jump on the bandwagon and have a piece of whatever everyone else is having.
Carrot Cake, in one form or another, has been around for centuries due to the simplicity of using carrots (along with other naturally sweet vegetables) instead of sugar. Sometime during or after World War II, if it was an increase of health-conscious public or a consequence of sugar rationing, the carrot cake “made a comeback” and was popular both in restaurants and at home.… Read the rest
Once again, Christmas holidays are with us, and the mood for festivities is gaining momentum. Delicious dishes usually accompany the festive season so you should know various cooking tips. There are multiple cooking shortcuts and tips that can make your life easy during busy Christmas holidays.
The following are some of the cooking tips that can make your holiday enjoyable with peers and colleagues. These tips can also help you avoid certain kitchen mishaps while at the same time serving delicious dishes to your guests. The following are also cooking tricks that improve the taste of food.… Read the rest
Imagine the situation. There is a group of guests coming over for a dinner party, perhaps colleagues or potential clients that the host must impress. These invitees all need good entertainment, hospitality and – most importantly – great food and the right wine for a party.
But, the host barely knows these people. The host will have a hard time understanding what type of wine the dinner guests would expect at the party.
What is a good host to do, especially with so many individuals attending?
Figuring out the type of wine for each guest is too difficult. There is no way to please all of the guests all of the time when stocking up on wine.
For starters, hosts can’t start going around asking for individual preferences. This tactic is time-consuming and a little over-kill in some circumstances. This asking approach also runs the risk of high costs. Finding individual bottles for each guest is impractical.
Instead, hosts need to stock up on an inexpensive crowd-pleaser that will get the job done. Stocking up may seem like a risky strategy with deals and relationships on the line. But, it is possible to make a great choice with the right considerations.
This guide to choosing the right wine for … Read the rest
Food is one of the most basic human needs. Subsequently, this fact makes the kitchen one of the most important rooms in the house. After all, it is in the kitchen that people prepare and cook food. Every kitchen must have certain wares and appliances which streamline the processes of preparing and cooking food.
Factors To Consider
These days, there are many kitchen appliances on the market. Additionally, some of these appliances have highly specialized functions such as making and keeping sandwiches, making juice and even creating soda drinks. However, homeowners must keep in mind that they do not necessarily need some of these appliances. … Read the rest
The South is famous for many things, and desserts are definitely among those things. Many food enthusiasts will agree that there is no shortage of delicious desserts and treats in the Southern cuisine. Here are 10 Southern dessert recipes that are not only easy on the taste buds but also surprisingly easy to make at home.
Here are 10 Southern dessert recipes that are not only easy on the taste buds but also surprisingly easy to make at home.
1. Chess Pie
This old-fashioned Southern dessert is perfect for people who do not mind indulging in some extra sweetness. It is custard based and has a caramelized top that is made from simple and easy to get ingredients. The recipe serves 1.… Read the rest
This is the season for pool parties or better yet, grill out in your backyard or by the lake, watching the children and friends skiing in the waters while sipping on some of these cool refreshing best summer wines.
In summer, the perfect soiree features light, simple offerings paired with subtle and thoroughly refreshing summer wines. It is true that people can drink all types of wines all through the different seasons. Nonetheless, some wines are perfect for the searing heat of the summer and some even more perfect for pairing with the signature juicy grilled steaks of summer.
With all the entertaining that people do during the summer, it is essential to have a rich collection of thirst-quenching summer wines for the different indoor and outdoor occasions. However, with thousands of wines in the market, the process of selecting summer wines is often confusing and full of dilemmas.… Read the rest
Southern-Style Collard Greens
A love of Collard Greens is a cultural thing. These greens are unusual to many US residents that did not grow up with them. Some of us get the fun of experimenting with them as a substitute for kale or cabbage. However, the scary part of using collards come when your Southern spouse starts reminiscing about their grandmother’s recipe. The following tips and tricks are designed to help you understand these southern greens a little better. With practice and experimentation, you can create some amazing dishes.
Collard Greens Need A Long, Slow Cooking Process
This vegetable is a staple of Southern cooking and rarely seen in more northern parts. This is mainly due to the cooking time. Greens usually mean simple, leafy produce that cooks down in a few minutes. They are certainly more convenient that way. You need more love and patience with collards, which is why they suit Southern cuisine so well. It can take 2 hours to slow cook these greens to the perfect texture. They need time to soften and soak up the flavors. Chefs that take the time to treat them right don’t look back.… Read the rest
Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson has planted another bold flag in its quest to dominate the design of vacuum cleaners. Few companies have such a stellar brand reputation and following, so any new release from Dyson is big news.
Last year, for example, Dyson jumped into the crowded robotic vacuum cleaners market with mixed results. The release of the new Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner is the latest example.
This cordless stick vacuum cleaner is its new and improved addition to their stick vacuum cleaner range. The Dyson V8 is designed to be tougher, faster, quieter and more user-friendly than the Dyson V6.
At the same time, it offers the best alternative to the BIG Ball which is on their normal-sized vacuum cleaner.… Read the rest
Packing Tips And Tricks For your Picnic
There is nothing that is better than a family picnic away from home on a lazy summer’s afternoon. The kids can run around the park, swim in the sea and play games in the woods. The adults can get back with a glass of wine and some food in a relaxing environment. This is all made so much easier when the picnic is packed, prepped and presented in the perfect way. This guide to tips and tricks for picnics will look at some of the different packing considerations.
There are lots of questions to ask yourself before you go. What food should you make? How can you show off your Southern cooking skills at this picnic? How should it be packed? What else will you need to bring? There is a lot to think about but the more prepared you are, the smoother the trip will be.… Read the rest
So Many To Choose From…
A lot of Southerners like me now work from home, and this means a rise in demand for good-quality air conditioning to create a comfortable work environment.
The addition of computers, extra lighting and simply people working in a small room all day can overwhelm your existing HVAC unit. Upgrading your central air conditioning system for a home office can be powerful and effective, but this is also expensive.
The other solution is to opt for a cheaper, portable air conditioner that you can install in a few minutes. Demand for portable climate control is growing, and this means that there are lots of products on the marker to choose from.
Many of the machines look similar and have similar specifications, and this can make the decision more difficult. The website, CoolAndPortable.com, has a great buying guide for finding the right portable air conditioner for your room size and needs.
This guide will first look at some tips for buying the best portable air conditioner. Then it will discuss some of the best models based on online reviews.… Read the rest
Southern Cooking Tricks: Fried Chicken
Southern fried chicken is not rocket science. This is what you have undoubtedly been told by family members every time you marvel at their recipes. These southern recipes are a simple staple of many homes and are relatively easy to make.
However, the perfect batch of fried chicken still relies on precise science. This brief guide on southern cooking tricks for frying chicken will look at how science creates a perfect crispy chicken.
Best Holiday Wine Picks
Thanksgiving dinner is those meals that have to be perfect. There are kids to satisfy, in-laws to impress and hungry spouses wanting a good meal. The food is the star of the show – more specifically the turkey.
The wine is sometimes the last consideration with so much else going on. Ideally, you want a well-balanced bottle that compliments the bird, stuffing, sauce and everything else on the plate. This guide to top international and US wine picks for the holidays is here to help.
This list covers a diverse selection of whites and reds to suit different tastes.
