Food and Beverage Blog

The most common machine that applies the simplest method of brewing is a drip brews or filter machine. Resembling its name, this machine requires a paper filter for the brewing process. All you have to do is to put the filter on top of your mug or carafe, put the grounds on it and pour hot water. The grounds will be extracted by the paper filter and you can have a cup of ground-free coffee. It’s just as simple as that.

The second type is a French press machine that’s one step more advanced than the drip machine. Basic principle of this machine is to press the grounds by the built-in filter into the bottom of the pot. After 3 minutes of brewing process, you can enjoy your fresh and delicious coffee.

Vacuum machine is the most unique method compared to the others. This machine usually consists of two pots. The lower pot is functioning as a water reservoir while the upper one is used for the brewing process. After the machine is heated, the water vapor from the lower pot will brew the ground at the upper pot. Once the heating process end, the brewed coffee will push back to the lower pots because of the vacuum condition. This brewing process will ensure optimum extraction of the ground that will result cups of flavorful coffee.

The last but not least is the drip percolator machine, which unlike a vacuum machine only consists of one pot. Inside the pot, you can find a basket hanging in the middle of it functioned as the ground container. Therefore, the ground will automatically separate during the brewing process.

Drinking tea is truly an art, and this statement is not just a saying but a real fact for those avid tea drinkers always willing to buy the latest tea mixes and tea accessories available on the market. Tea is a beverage traditionally associated to social activities and traditions, just like the afternoon tea in the Great Britain, but tea lovers enjoy a cup of their favorite drink the same sharing a table with friends that alone at home.

When it comes to solo drinking, tea for one sets are the most sought-after accessories tea lovers want to keep at hand when spending a delightful tea time on their own comes to mind. Individual sets are nowadays more commonly seen in department stores and retailer shops almost anywhere. If you are enthusiast about tea and want to shop around, do not go with the first set coming your way.

There are two different styles of tea for one set, the traditional style and the innovative sets, characterized for their ingenious designs. Although the items in a traditional set are smaller in size, an innovative set generally includes a larger saucer and a cup that accommodates the teapot resting at the top of these three stacking pieces that come with matching colors and patterns.

On the other hand, traditional tea for one sets come with a tray, like any regular tea set, but the teapot, sugar bowl and creamer are smaller in size as the tray itself. However tea for one set should not be confused with miniature tea sets, which are more likely toys for children or decorative pieces for collectors. It is believed that traditional teapots produce a superior quality tea according to the British traditions.

Although every person has his/her own style when drinking tea, one main advantage that small-sized sets provides is how well they fit in almost any place, including your work area. Therefore, tea for one sets are handy, decorative and practical to enjoy a tea drink at any time of day or night.

Sometimes a nice chilled salad is just the thing to hit the spot. Other times, a salad makes a great compliment to a main dish. Whether you just want a quick snack or a unique course for a meal to impress friends or family, you should start by opening your mind to new recipes. What better way to impress your friends’ tummies (and your own!) than to serve something different? To get you started, this article has four recipes for simple yet unique salads that you are bound to love!

Spinach and Cranberry Salad

1 lb spinach, rinsed and torn into pieces
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp minced onion
3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1/4 tbsp paprika
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar

Heat a small skillet at a medium heat and melt the butter. Add the almonds and cook until toasted. Allow the almonds to cool. In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, cranberries, and almonds. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, white wine vinegar, vegetable oil, cider vinegar, poppy seeds, onion, paprika, and sesame seeds. Just before serving, toss the spinach in the dressing mixture.

Broccoli Salad with a Twist

1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tbsp mayonnaise
4 bacon strips, cooked and chopped
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp white vinegar
1/3 cup mandarin oranges

In a large bowl mix together the broccoli, bacon, onion, and cheese. In a separate bowl, combine the mayo, sugar, and vinegar-mix well. Pour the sauce over the broccoli mixture and mix together. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour. Just before serving, sprinkle chilled mandarin oranges over the top.

Pear and Pecan Salad

1 bag Italian salad greens
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pecan halves
1 pear (peeled, cored and diced)
1/3 cup Italian salad dressing

Toss all ingredients (except for dressing) in a bowl. When ready to serve, drizzle a bit of Italian dressing over the mixture and toss well to ensure an even coating. Garnish with lemon or mandarin oranges.

Pistachio Fruit Salad

1 cup reduced-fat whipped topping
1 package instant sugar-free pistachio pudding mix
1 can fruit cocktail, drained
1 can crushed pineapple
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup maraschino cherries
handful of mini marshmallows

Drain the pineapple juice into a large bowl. Whisk in the pudding mix for about two minutes. Add pineapple, oranges, fruit cocktail, cherries, and marshmallows. Carefully fold in the whipped topping to keep it fluffy. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.