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Gastronomically Impressive: 5 Ways to Elevate Your Cooking Skills

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Around 36% of Americans cook daily at home. Considering one person in the household is often responsible for cooking at mealtimes, that’s not a bad figure.

Making the effort to learn to cook is a rewarding task. Not only is cooking at home often cheaper than eating out, but it’s healthier too. Having cooking skills means you can care for (and impress) your loved ones with your delicious dinners.

But as with any skill, you can always improve your cooking. Read these cooking tips to discover simple ways to fire up your foodie delights!

1. Take a Cooking Class

Most keen home cooks are self-taught unless they had a parent or grandparent who showed them the ropes. Even if you had a cooking mentor, there is still a lot you can learn to boost your cooking skills by taking a course.

You can learn how to hold a knife like a professional chef and how to chop food finer and faster. You could take a cooking class in a type of cuisine that you don’t know much about to expand your repertoire too.

2. Use the Right Tools

Emmert Wolf said, “a man is only as good as his tools.” This is 100% true with cooking.

Without a sieve, you have lumpy flour. And without a muffin tin, your bakes will never hold their shape.

To improve your culinary skills, know when to scrimp and when to save with the tools you need to have. Buying a $10 whisk instead of a $5 one won’t make much difference. But you need pristine, sharp knives and high-quality pans.

You’ll notice the difference straight away when you chop onions with a Japanese steel chef’s knife or cook steaks in Grizzly cast iron pans.

3. Lacking Flavor? Add Salt

This is one of the best tips to start enhancing your culinary skills today. If you’re making a stew or soup and it’s missing something, add a little more salt. Salt always heightens the other flavors in a dish so it’s an essential ingredient.

4. Experiment With Recipes

There’s nothing wrong with following recipes to the letter when you are a beginner. But if you want to progress, you need to take your cooking practice to the next level.

Try adding different spices and swapping out ingredients to see if you can improve the recipe. Challenge yourself to adapt existing recipes for different dietary needs. For example, gluten-free or vegan.

5. Shop at a Local Market

Sometimes, it’s not your cooking that needs improving, but your ingredients. Instead of buying fruit and vegetables in your grocery store, try a farmer’s market instead. The produce at markets is more likely to be fresher, tastier, and in season.

Spice up Your Cooking Skills With These Tips

There are 1,001 ways you can improve your cooking skills. But these tips will help you build a good foundation of culinary techniques and knowledge so they are a great place to start.

One of the great things about gaining culinary skills is that you can never learn too many. Browse our food articles for recipes and more meal inspiration!

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Food

Exploring The Best Winery Locations From All Over The World

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Winemaking is considered by many to be a form of art, with different techniques and methods used across the world that result in the creation of distinct and flavor-rich wines. 

We are all familiar with some of the more popular vineyard locations, such as the wine countries in California, Spain, or Italy. But, what about the wine countries from other locations in the world? In this article, we’re going to be exploring 5 of the best winery locations from across the globe, such as the vineyard that is in Missouri, mentioned in this article

Mendoza, Argentina

Nestled in the Mendoza region of Argentina, just south of the main city of Mendoza, is a truly exceptional winery and destination to visit for wine tasters alike. Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Catena Zapata has become a staple of Argentinian wine making and has led the country to be a world leader among wine producers.

The winery is inspired by Mayan temples, with pyramid-shaped structures all over the property – Catena Zapata is a destination for wine lovers and fans of history alike. 

As for the city of Mendoza itself, there are tons of things to explore and enjoy while you spend your time there. From dozens of other wineries to check out to horseback tours that guide you through the beautiful mountains of Mendoza, there is something for everyone.

Rioja, Spain

In the Rioja region of Spain is arguably the world’s most unique winery, with twisted aluminum ribbons used in the structure, it is a building unlike any other – and it is a sight to behold.

Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal is where the first ever bottle of Rioja wine was bottled, in 1862. They started the trend of covering bottles of Rioja in a golden mesh, and have been a staple of Spanish wine ever since.

If you choose to visit this winery, you may be lucky enough to stay in the extraordinary hotel mentioned earlier with the aluminum ribbon structuring along with so many other intriguing and fascinating styles of architecture. It was designed by Frank Gehry, and was opened in 2006. 

At the center of the winery is the Plaza del Reloj, where the original wine cellar still stands today and holds bottles from the first ever vintage. 

Cachapoal Valley, Chile

Bordering the Mendoza Province of Argentina is the Cachapoal Province in which one of the world’s most unique and visually stunning wineries is located. Situated on a 4,300 hectare plot of land in the Millahue Valley, VIK is both a winery and resort –  there are 22 hilltop suites and top quality dining experiences as well as a variety of activities for guests. 

The winery is relatively new, having opened in 2004. Alex and Carrie Vik spent two years searching for the perfect spot to make wine, and eventually found Millahue, which is also known as the ‘golden place’ by the native Mapuche people. 

Walker Bay, South Africa

Across the Atlantic in South Africa is our pick for the fourth best winery from all over the globe. Creation, also referred to as Hemel-en-Aarde, is a stunning 50 hectares winery located just a couple of hours down the coast from Cape Town. The winery was founded by Swiss winemaker JC Martin along with his wife Carolyn who is from South Africa. They built their estate from scratch in 2002 and opened their winery in 2006 with the first harvest from their vineyard. 

In addition to Creation, Walker Bay has many other world-renowned wineries such as the Newton Johnson Family Vineyards, the Benguela Cove Wine Estate, and Gabrielskloof. To find out more information about these locations, check out Wine Tourism’s article on wineries in Walker Bay. 

Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County is among many well known wine making regions in California, others being Napa Valley or Mendocino County. Our choice as the fifth best winery from around the world is from Sonoma, and it’s the Jordan Vineyard and Winery, which was established in 1974. It covers a huge swath of land, 485 hectares to be precise, 50 of which is planted. The estate is fully carbon neutral as the site runs completely on solar energy.

If you’re interested in touring the Jordan Vineyard and Winery, then you will need to make reservations to get a tour on their website

Wrapping It Up

Thanks for checking out this article on the 5 best wineries from across the globe. Keep in mind that this was all our personal opinion, and everyone will have a different list on the top 5 wineries. 

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The Different Types of White Wine Explained

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Have you tried to select a good white wine for a special meal, or as a gift, but get overwhelmed by the endless white wine options at your local winery? 

So many different bottles, with different labels and categories, can be frustrating. While you might not want to become a wine connoisseur, you wish you had a little knowledge of the types of white wine and its flavors.

The guide below will introduce you to the basic types of white wine and how to pair them with food. Knowing your white wine options and how they affect your palate will help you make the perfect selection later.

Chardonnay/Chablis

Chardonnay might be considered the “go-to” white wine for casual gatherings, rather than for a large meal. But, Chardonnay is actually a very full-bodied wine, and best paired with creamy, heavier food. 

There is a distinction between Chardonnay and Chablis. Chablis is a region in France where wine is made from the Chardonnay grape. Chablis is not usually cured in oak barrels, as is a lot of Chardonnay, so it has a much lighter taste and is often paired with light appetizers like raw oysters. 

Pinot Grigio/Gris

Pinot Grigio has really taken Chardonnay’s place as the “go-to” wine these days, due to it’s consistently dry, light, and slightly fruity flavor.

Lighter in color than Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio can be paired with pasta and heavy salads, as well as most seafood. A Pinot Grigio stands well all by itself as well.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon white wines are on the dry side, with a tart taste. Certain varieties, particularly those from New Zealand, have a more fruity taste. Many describe the taste as having a slight hint of grapefruit or sour apple flavor.

This is a great stand-alone wine, but pairs well with cheese, and fresh seafood.

Moscato

Moscato is a sparkling white wine that is often thought of as a “dessert” wine, due to its sweet flavor. But these days, Moscato is becoming a popular dinner wine, as it pairs well with spicy foods, and even with a refreshing summer salad. And, of course, you can pair it with your favorite dessert.  

Moscato is lower in alcohol content as well, making it a good starter choice for someone new to drinking white wine.

Reisling

Riesling is also a popular dessert wine, as it is quite sweet, though not as sweet as Moscato.

Again, pairing it with spicy Asian or Indian dishes is a great idea, or with fruity desserts.  

Gewurztraminer

From a region in Germany, Gewurztraminer is a great dry/sweet combination wine and is slightly fruity. This white wine is less popular in the United States, usually because the other wines listed here are more familiar. 

If you are unsure whether to go to a dry wine or sweet one, try a bottle of Gewurztraminer and pair it with cinnamon-laden desserts, creamy bisque soups, or curry dishes.

Choosing from the Types of White Wine 

With so many types of white wine, how do you choose? 

First, decide if the wine will be paired with food, and if so, what kind of food, and work from there.

If the wine is a gift for someone else, find out if they prefer a dry or sweet white wine. If the wine is for you, choose one from each of the types of white wine, and have a tasting party!

Do you love to travel, and dream of exploring the world?  Stick with this site for content that will help you expand your horizons.

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7 Ways to Eat Cashew Butter

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Are you looking for a versatile, healthy, and delicious snack? Look no other place than cashew butter.

Full of monounsaturated fats, plant-based protein, and vitamins and minerals, this nut butter has the ability to keep you fuller for longer. Even better, you can opt to purchase small packets so that you can take it with you to the workplace or on the go. 

With this in mind, read on for the top seven ways you can enjoy cashew butter today! 

1. Add to Smoothies

One of the easiest ways to enjoy cashew butter products is within your favorite smoothies. Regardless if you’re enjoying a green smoothie or a fruit smoothie, adding nut butter will add a creamy savoriness to the mix.

The added nutty flavor can also enhance fruit smoothies and add some extra protein so that you feel more full afterward. 

2. Create Healthy Desserts

If you’re a fan of nut butter products, adding cashew butter to a variety of treats can make them more decadent, delicious, and healthy. For instance, consider baking a sweet potato and topping it with sliced bananas, cashew butter, chia seeds, and cinnamon for a breakfast meal or a delicious evening dessert. 

You can also stuff dates with cashew butter and top them with sliced fruits or even chocolate. The sweet bite of the dates paired with the savory saltiness of the cashew butter is a pairing worth craving.

Cashew butter can be a dessert all on its own with some added flavors–see more here.  

3. Delicious Breakfasts

When it comes to eating cashew butter, we recommend not just eating it for lunch on a piece of bread. Instead, try having it for breakfast.

Mixing a little jam and cashew butter in Greek yogurt can create a sweet, protein-packed breakfast in only a few minutes. Consider topping your yogurt with berries, bananas, or even granola. 

You can also add cashew butter to your oats in the morning along with a drizzle of maple syrup, plant-based milk, and a pinch of salt. Remember to add your favorite berries on top to complete this healthy and delicious breakfast. 

4. Cashew Butter Snacks

Cashew butter is also a great snack, especially if you need some energy during the late afternoon. If you want to keep it simple, try adding a little cashew butter to your apple slices for a mixture of savory and sweet.

If you’re a fan of baked kale chips, consider drizzling them with some cashew butter before you’re about to eat them. Although this combination may seem dangerous, the creamy butter pairs great with the crisp kale.

Lastly, cashew butter protein balls are a delicious way to get some protein in your diet and curb your sugar cravings. Combine equal parts cashew butter, almond flour, shredded coconut, and chopped cranberries in a bowl till you get the texture of cookie dough.

Afterward, consider adding your favorite spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, along with one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add a tablespoon or two of coconut oil. 

After you form them into balls, you’ll be able to enjoy them throughout the week if you store them in an airtight container in the fridge. 

5. Vinaigrette and Dressings

Remember that you can use cashew butter in a vinaigrette for your favorite salads or to marinate meat. With equal portions, mix together your cashew butter, balsamic vinegar, and water.

Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl into their well-blended, and you’ll have yourself a flavorful vinaigrette that you can add to virtually anything! 

Cashew butter is also the perfect addition to an Asian-inspired dressing for your noodle dishes or marinade. With a third of a cup of almond butter, add two and a half tablespoons of tamari. Then add one tablespoon of:

  • Lime juice
  • Water
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Maple syrup 
  • Apple cider vinegar

Some garlic gloves and a teaspoon of minced, fresh ginger root will complete the dressing. You’ll be rewarded with a savory, tangy, sweet dressing that adds umami to any dish. 

6. Sandwiches

Our list isn’t complete without including sandwiches. However, you don’t have to do the normal nut butter, jam, and bananas combo. Consider adding peanut butter and strawberries to a piece of sourdough bread for a decadent dessert or simple lunch. 

Cashew butter and basil are also delicious and elevated pairings. On a toasted baguette, smear the nut butter on one side and add fresh basil leaves on the other. Add a drizzle of honey to the nut butter for some added sweetness. 

7. Dessert Hummus

Last but not least, you can create a delicious dessert hummus that resembles cookie dough with a combination of cashew butter and chickpeas. Process one can of chickpeas and half a cup of cashew butter in your food processor.

Add a third of a cup of sugar, a sprinkle of salt, and three tablespoons of plain plant-based milk to complete the mixture. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to add more depth to the flavor.

Remember to top it with some chocolate chips for a truly decadent dessert! 

Enjoy Cashew Butter Today

We hope these ideas have shown you that cashew butter is a versatile, delicious, and healthy addition to a number of meals, desserts, and snacks. One of the best reasons to use cashew butter is it’s easy. All you need to do is add a drizzle to any of your favorite recipes in order to enhance a meal and add a little protein. 

If you want to keep it as healthy as possible, remember to purchase cashew butter with no added salt or flavoring. You may also consider making your own if you have a food processor–just add cashew and a little bit of oil to process them down into a creamy base. 

Ready to learn more ways you can elevate your diet with healthy and delicious meals? Keep reading our blog! 

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