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Around The World

Local Beers of the World

July 6, 2018

Thanks to the internet and the established idea of a shared global economy, the world has become a true tapestry of international cultures which is in stark contrast from the isolated glass case that it once was for each of its continents.

This notion has also brought about a beautiful amalgamation of art, food, and entertainment, with the phenomenon also prevailing in beer, one of the simplest forms of joy known to mankind.

Found all through the world, beer is a staple beverage in our everyday lives where we drink it while banging heads to our favorite music performances, nodding at a heartfelt moment in a TV show, or just while having a good old fashioned drink at a bar, watching sports or simply engaging with conversation with someone interesting.

While Europe is known for housing the most enthusiastic beer aficionados, the types of beer that gets brewed throughout the world are not limited to your Budweiser or Bud Light, as each continent has its own take on this world-favorite beverage which only makes it all the more special.

Fortunately, you do not have to take a crash course in mixology to tell your IPAs apart from your roasted malts, as this handy world beer map has got you covered.

Thanks to this nifty tool, we have been able to select a few choices taken from all over the world to curb that enthusiastic beer fan in you.

No matter if you like your beverage to be aromatic or to leave a strong taste to savor for minutes after you have finished it, the world itself has got something for everyone (where else would you have it if not on the planet you live in?).

Stella Artois – Pilsner

Originating from Belgium as the nicer replacement for your store beer, this Pilsner is one of the most famous beers in the world. It is distinctive due to its slightly sweeter taste as compared to other Pilsners, which also makes it be more in demand by people who want to enjoy a drink without feeling too heavy about it.

And along with its taste, Stella Artois’ alcohol by volume (ABV) ratio helps achieve that goal, since it only has an ABV of 5.2%.

Pilsners are known for their light-amber color which could remind you of a golden hue on a shade of yellow, and Stella Artois goes the same way in appearance.

Erdinger Weissbier – Wheat

This German-brewed beer that hails from the Bavarian region is another gift from Europe to the world, where it is one of the most consumed beers not just for its Wheat-style of drinks, but just as a beverage that is known for its malty notes and the combination of the cozy yet refreshed feeling that it leaves you with after you have consumed it.

Having an ABV of 5.3%, it is easier to down a glass without feeling drowsy.

Wheat beer usually has a pale yellow color, and Erdinger Weissbier stays true to its name of “white beer” by following the same color swatch.

Punk IPA – Indian Pale Ale

Quite different from the Indian Pale Ales of the 18th century, the modern take on this beverage that is most famously produced within the UK is known throughout the world, and Punk IPA by Brew Dog seems to be one of the prime examples of the beer-type.

IPAs are known for their fruity taste and various degrees of hops, and often leave a dry taste in the mouth which is appreciated by those who like to savor their drinks that way. Punk IPA takes the same route and remains on the stronger side of beers which make them perfect for a casual social gathering, with an amber color that is rich in aesthetics.

Punk IPA has an ABV of 5.6%, which is lower than the usual 8% which was recorded in the early iterations of the beverage.

Heineken – Pale Lager

If you live in this world at all, then chances are that you may have come across the signature green bottle and red star of Heineken, which in many regions is synonymous with beer.

Brewed in the Netherlands, Heineken is a Pale Lager that is distinctive for its hops, with a clear taste that has made it one of the most famous beers in the world to the point where even people in remote areas can look at a Heineken bottle and instantly recognize it for being the exemplary beer that it has established itself to be.

Having a pale golden color that proverbially shines within its official packaging, Heineken has an ABV of 5%, which makes it a go-to choice for anyone who is looking for a crisp tasting beer without having to feel drowsy for drinking it.

Bourbon Barrel Russian Imperial – Stout

Brewed in the lively location of Las Vegas, United States, the Bourbon Barrel Russian Imperial has set itself apart within the region by offering a Stout that is meant for experienced beer drinkers.

With a taste that reminds its drinkers instantly of some of the richest elements in the world such as coffee, chocolate, oak and bourbon, the beverage is a delight like no other which imprints an unforgettable experience for anyone who is up to enjoying it.

The Bourbon Barrel Russian Imperial has a rich dark brown color that is instantly reminiscent of the aforementioned flavors. This stout has an ABV of 9.5%, which makes it an evening drink and one to be enjoyed by those who like a kick in their beer.

The Beer World Is Your Oyster

Since getting your hands on an international brand is not that difficult these days, you can find most of these brands at a popular local establishment or an online store. All that you need to do is to know exactly what you are buying so that you do not end up with something that you would not enjoy.

With the world beer map, you have the opportunity to learn more about these beers and many others in a better manner, which would not only add to your knowledge of the world to impress the ones in your circle but would also leave you with a sense of familiarity whenever you are up to trying a new style of beer yourself.

Food

Unique Jacket Potato Recipes

June 28, 2018

Intro

Summer is here! Well, at least some of the time. On those random hot days, you want to make the most of every minute outside when you get home from work, not spend hours in the kitchen.

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Jacket potatoes are the perfect summer meal: healthy, speedy, and light, coming in at around 200 calories (before you put the butter on!).

If it’s too hot or you’re short on time, skip putting the oven on and cook them in the microwave, or get the best of both worlds with McCain Ready Baked Jacket Potatoes – slow baked but finished off in the microwave in just five minutes.

Once they’re piping hot and ready to go, here are some unique recipes that’ll turn the humble jacket potato into your favourite summer meal.

Pro tip: don’t cut the potato open until you’re ready to add the topping. The inside will actually continue cooking for a little while so it’ll be extra fluffy and piping hot once you’re ready to tuck in.

Creamy leek and bacon

If you’re looking for a hot topping with your jacket potato, leek and bacon is a great combination.

Save prep time by buying bacon lardons that are already chopped, rather than rashers.

Chop the top and bottom off the leek, then put it under the tap, allowing water to run through it like a straw to remove any traces of soil before chopping it in to small pieces.

Add your leeks to a frying pan with some butter on a low heat. Once they start to soften, throw in your bacon bits and turn up the heat a little.

After about five minutes, turn the heat right down to a low simmer and add the crème fraîche.

Stir and season generously with salt and pepper, and it’s ready to go.

Greek-inspired

Super speedy – you’ll only need one pan to prepare this Greek-inspired jacket potato recipe.

While your potato is cooking, grab some halloumi and cut it into slices. They don’t have to be too neat and tidy, but do try and get them roughly the same width so they cook at the same rate.

You’ll only need a little oil in the pan for frying halloumi as it’s a naturally oily cheese. Once it’s in, turn every minute or so until it starts to brown.

With the halloumi on, prepare a Greek salad to finish the dish. You’ll need cucumber, cherry tomatoes and olives. Although feta is a Greek-salad staple, you won’t miss it thanks to the halloumi.

Dice the cucumber into chunks then put it in a bowl with the tomatoes and olives – you want equal amounts of each.

Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of oregano, and serve.

Sausage and Mushroom

Making sausages for dinner? This is the perfect recipe to put on on your meal planner for the night after. Just cook a couple of extra bangers and set them aside for a really quick dinner the next day.

To get started, chop an onion into thin slices – don’t dice it. Gently fry until it turns translucent.

While the onion is cooking, chop the mushroom into small chunks – it’ll give the sauce more texture.

Cut your leftover sausages into chunks the width of a fat £1 coin rather than lengthways.

Add the sausage and mushrooms to the onions and cook for another two minutes, adding a teaspoon of oregano and paprika.

Take a tin of chopped tomatoes and add it to the mix. Crumble in a stock cube and stir. If you have a bottle of red wine open, add a splash for extra depth and character.

The result is a warm, thick tomato sauce with just a hint of warmth that’ll bring out the flavour of the sausages.

No-cook option: tuna salad

This recipe uses a handful of fresh ingredients but also store-cupboard staples – ideal for a low-effort dinner at the end of the week.

In terms of fresh stuff, you’ll need finely chopped spring onions and a diced red pepper.

From the cupboard, grab a small tin of sweetcorn, kidney beans, and tuna – be sure to give the kidney beans a good rinse first.

Mix the spring onion, pepper, and tinned ingredients, and sprinkle generously with a tablespoon of paprika, as well as some salt and pepper.

That’s all there is to it! Crunchy, colourful, and fresh – and minimal effort.

No-cook option: cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and olives

For even less prep but plenty of flavour, these three ingredients make a great low-effort topping for jacket potatoes.

Sun-dried tomatoes can be on the large side, so chop them in half before serving and dab off any extra oil with kitchen paper.

The olives work better when they’re sliced, so keep your chopping board out or look for ready-sliced olives when shopping. Black olives work better with cottage cheese than green.

To serve, dollop a generous amount of cottage cheese on your potato, then sprinkle over the sun-dried tomatoes and olives rather than mixing them in. A pinch of pepper and you’re ready to tuck in.

Food

Sulfites in Wine: What Are They?

May 24, 2018

 

How often do you check the ingredients list on your wine? Perhaps you looked once or twice out of curiosity, or perhaps you are a connoisseur who pays attention to the fine details. Whatever the reason, you may have noticed the phrase ‘contains sulfites’ on your wine label.

What Are Sulfites?

In terms of molecular structure, ‘sulfites’ refers to sulfur dioxide, a preservative which plays an integral role in the winemaking process. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that temper the oxidation reactions which cause wine to spoil. To some extent, sulfites are used as a preservative in many food-related industries.

Are They Harmful?

Studies suggest high levels of sulfites in a person’s diet can lead to worsened morning after headaches, nasal congestion, skin ailments, upset stomachs, and low blood pressure.

Individuals who suffer from severe asthma or a rare enzyme deficiency may experience mild to life threatening symptoms from the consumption of sulfites. The FDA estimates these susceptible individuals amount to less than 1% of the population of the United States.

What Level of Sulfites Does Wine Contain?

Since sulfites are a natural byproduct of fermentation, every wine contains a small amount of sulfites. Many winemakers add more sulfites as a preservative. Sulfite levels in a bottle of wine will vary depending on vineyard and winemaking practices, and can range from 40-80 mg/liter. Any wine whose sulfite content is greater than 10 parts per million must state ‘contains sulfites’ on the label.

Can I Remove the Sulfites from My Wine?

Some people prefer to purchase wine free of sulfites either for health reasons or taste. Given the widespread use of sulfites as a preservative, this is not possible. However, it is now possible to remove the sulfites from your wine. If you want to store your wine for a while, then you will want to leave the sulfites in and remove them when you consume the wine.

So how do you remove those sulfites? It is, sadly, not a simple and straightforward process that can be attempted with everyday household items. Instead, you have to buy a specialized product like StiQit. The StiQit is made with proprietary, FDA-permitted ingredients that remove the sulfites from the glass of wine with a stir.

Do European Wines Have Sulfites?

One common misconception is that wines from countries outside of the U.S. don’t contain sulfites. The truth is that they just don’t label it. The US requires a sulfite warning label that indicates a wine bottle ‘contains sulfites.’ Wines from France, Italy, Australia and Chile still contain sulfites. Survey studies show that European wines contain an average of 80 mg/L sulfites, just like the U.S.

If you are one of the unfortunate few who are particularly susceptible to the effects of sulfites then having such a simple and portable solution to the problem is a godsend!

Have you or a loved one experience symptoms associated with sulfite sensitivity? What solutions have you tested?

Food Gadgets

The Best Turkey Fryer Available

May 9, 2018

A turkey-fryer can be used any time of the year. But, with holiday season being here, deep-frying a turkey is something many people want to do. But, you need the right turkey-fryer to do so. These are a few top options to consider when buying a turkey-fryer.

Char-Broil TRU 

Oil-less at its finest. This turkey-fryer simply requires you to put the turkey in the fryer, and you’re ready to go. It can handle a turkey up to 16 pounds in weight, it cooks faster than oil cook-times, and you can coat the meat with a rub prior to cooking, to really enhance the flavours.

Bayou Classic 

This 32-quart fryer is ideal for larger turkeys, or deep frying in less time. It is a stainless-steel finish, so it is not going to get damaged, dirty, or too messy with various uses. It is non-reactive, so it won’t overheat, and it will cook your turkey evenly throughout in less time. It is great at conducting heat as well, so you don’t have to worry about oil or grease fires when deep-frying a turkey.

MasterBuilt Butterball Fryer 

For indoor use, you can’t go wrong with this turkey-fryer. It is compact, quick, efficient, and deep fries any bird in no time. The electric fryer can hold a turkey up to 14-pounds. You can simply set the electric dial using the LED screen. It also uses about 1/3 less oil than typical fryers, so it will taste great, but won’t be overly greasy.

There are many great turkey-fryers. Regardless of size, material, finish, or features. If you would like to see some reviews on turkey fryers then is a great place to start. these are among the top options to consider if you are looking for something easy to use, efficient, and durable for years to come.

Culture

The Culture and Cuisine of Kuching

May 3, 2018

Situated on the tropical island of Borneo, Kuching offers a taste of authentic Malaysia. Look past its modern shopping malls and high rises and discover old colonial buildings, historic temples, bustling bazaars and handicraft shophouses. A melting pot of cultures, it’s a place where grand Indian mosques vie for attention with ornate Chinese Temples, and streetfood vendors sit side by side with chic waterfront restaurants.

You’ll find plenty of tourist guides online if you want more information on Kuching. In the meantime, here’s a quick look at the city’s rich culture and cuisine.

The riverfront

To soak up the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, head to the riverfront along the Sarawak River. Lined with craft shops, café terraces and hawkers, this newly redeveloped area is a thriving hub of activity. The mile-long esplanade offers fantastic views of traditional houses and historic landmarks such as the The Astana and Fort Margherita. Don’t miss the chance to take in the sights from the water with a ride on a wooden sampan boat.

Many historic buildings have been preserved along the banks, including the Chinese History Museum, the Square tower and an open air amphitheatre. Also overlooking the waterfront is the colourful Tua Pek Kong Chinese temple, which dates back to the 19th century and hosts various festivals throughout the year.

The city’s oldest street, Main Bazaar, runs alongside the river and offers a rare glimpse into local life. The street oozes charm from a bygone era, where tradesmen, tin-smiths and antique collectors eagerly await new business and Chinese shophouses beckon with intriguing crafts and trinkets.

Museums and attractions

Culture vultures won’t want to miss the Sarawak Museum, the city’s oldest museum, which houses an array of unique displays including rare taxidermy, indigenous artifacts and one of the best natural history collections in southeast Asia. The historical Chinese Museum on the waterfront is also well worth a visit, or for something a little bit different, check out the world’s first Cat Museum, containing over 4,000 artifacts and exhibits. Kuching’s cat obsession is evident throughout the city, with numerous feline-themed statues and sculptures dotted around its streets.

If you’re keen to learn more about Borneo’s rich heritage and local traditions, a day trip to the Sarawak Cultural Village is a must. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Santubong just outside of the city, the 17-acre park is home to over 150 people and describes itself as ‘the living museum’. You can easily spend a day here wandering among the traditional houses, watching the village residents make handicrafts and perform traditional dances in costume.

Where to eat

When it comes to food, Kuching is a trove of gastronomic delight. With new establishments opening every day, the ever-expanding dining scene and café culture offers visitors a truly diverse and exciting experience. The city’s multi-layered ethnic make-up is reflected in the restaurant menus, with everything from Asian and Chinese fusion food to traditional Italian pizza and Swedish meatballs.

If you want to dine like the locals, head to the open-air Top Spot food court. Unusually located on the top level of a multi-storey car park, after making the climb you’ll be greeted by a range of neon-lit hawker stalls serving cooked-to-order meals.

The city’s street markets are also some of the best places to sample authentic Sarawak delicacies. One of the most popular with visitors is the Siniawan Night Market, where you can sample favourite local dishes such as pork satay, kolo mee noodles and the rainbow-coloured kek lapis cake. You can also pick up a variety of exotic fruits from the rainforest and various other fresh produce.