Fruitcakey/ Flickr

Do you think you may know the difference between vanilla and vanilla flavored ice cream?

Well last time I checked vanilla tasted like plain old vanilla… right? Well apparently not!

Here is a little insight into what Real Vanilla Ice Cream is.

• Vanilla: This is made from pure Madagascar vanilla beans. 

• Vanilla flavored: Means that vanilla only contains up to 50 percent artificial vanilla. 

• Vanilla beans: Includes specks of vanilla bean that intensifies the flavor and enhances the ice cream appearance. 

• French vanilla: This ice cram must contain at least 1.4 percent egg yolk, more than most vanillas. By this the ice cream will have a distinct yellow color and a custardlike taste.

• Double vanilla: Made with twice as much vanilla as the original.

• Slow churned or double churned: This special processing results in a smooth, rich, creamy texture. 

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• Recipe of the week: Fire Roasted Jerk Shrimp, so Yummy!

• Having fresh herbs last over a period of time is always difficult, learn how to preserve them.

• Hectic week and need a Quick and Easy Recipe: Caribbean Chicken and Pineapple Salsa

• A great new kitchen tool, Bandai’s Gyoza Maker, makes dumplings quicker and easier

• Hot Tip: Freezing Leftover Buttermilk

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In honor of celebration of Bastille Day, the French 75 is the perfect drink to honor France’s Independence. French 75 is a cocktail made from gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar.

C’est Délicieux!

French 75

– 1 1/2 oz Gin

– 2 oz Lemon Juice

– Champagne

– 2 tsp Superfine Sugar

– Garnish: Cherry

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice except champagne. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne. Garnish with cherry.
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Each week we round up our most yummy posts and recipes from our friends at the Kitchn.

This week, the kitchn asked all of us if when we vacation do we cook and if so what food do we look for to eat.  Definitely good questions to ask.

Also in the kitchn, tips on how to cook at home while moving, setting up a basic home bar, and what to do with that leftover pickle juice, and liquor to have on hand even if you don’t drink.

• 5 Tips To Help You Cook At Home While Moving: These are some of the most handiest things to know when moving and still wanting to function normally.

• Summer Entertaining: How to Build a Basic Bar:  Evaluate your liquor bar and get up to date.

• What Can I Do With Leftover Pickle Juice?: Re-use pickle brine and make some pickle juice.

• Liquor To Have On Hand Even If You Don’t Drink:  Stock up your liquor cabinet anyways.

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Most fresh herbs do not last the whole duration of time after they are purchased from the grocery store, but can if they are stored properly.

Follow these guidelines to preserve the following herbs:

• Thyme: Thyme freezes well on the branch because of its sturdiness, so simply store it in a resealable freezer-safe plastic bag for up to six months. Best to toss it into a pot of soup or a braised meat dish straight from the freezer.

• Parsley, dill, basil, and cilantro: These delicate herbs are very fragile due to its water content.  These herbs work best when frozen in some form of fat, like oil or butter. Purée the herbs in a food processor with just enough oil and butter to coat them, then freeze in a resealable bag for up to six months.  Tip: When pureeing, the herbs may turn dark because of the presence of the fat. Throw in a few crushed ice cubes to keep the mixture bright green.

• Rosemary: Drying rosemary will make it become needlelike and spiky. Instead, pull the leaves off the stem and chop them. You can mix the leaves with just enough olive oil to coat the rosemary, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag for up to six months.

• Bay leaves, marjoram, mint, oregano, sage, and tarragon: All of these herbs need air for circulation. Hang these herbs to dry on a wire rack, or place them upright in a glass for about a week. This will help preserve the essential oils in these herbs for up to six months. 

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The contestants have been announced for this years sixth season on Top Chef in Sin City, which will premiere Wednesday August 26 at 9:00 pm on Bravo.  In this season there will be 17 contestants all vying to become “Top Chef.”  Guest judges include Wolfgang Puck, Natalie Portman, and Tyler Florence, among others. 

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I always find my self inspired when I eat out at different restaurants and tell myself, I can re-create  this delicious dish.  Maybe it is just the foodie in me that is so curious to know if it would taste the same or better.  Take the last dish I re-created, the Seafood Chowder, I had ordered it at Bahama Breeze and knew I just had to try it at home.  I was so glad I did because it turned out delicious.

But now I have hit it again, Fire Roasted Jerk Shrimp.  I, too was inspired by this dish by Bahama Breeze, they have something similar on their menu.

The only catch is that you have to, have to, like spicy food.  That’s the best part and if you are anything like me you not only like it but LOVE it!

Trust me when I say, that by the time these babies are done in the oven all you will need is a fresh warm baguette and you will be in heaven.
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Would you sacrifice your dignity for free food?

Well if the answer is YES, then your in luck!  In honor of celebrating the fast food chain’s fifth annual Cow Appreciation Day, Chick-fil-A will be handing out a free combo meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner).  The only catch is that you MUST come dressed in cow costume, and they mean from head to toe.  However, for those who come with just a piece of cow clothing (T-shirt, bandanna, purse, etc.) will get a free entree.

So, when Friday July 10th rolls around don’t be scared if you see and hear a lot of MOOOOO ing going on! 🙂

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So I am feeling under the weather but needed to tell you all about this easy recipe you can pretty much do in 30 minutes or less.  I know that sound just ideal and music to the ears because sometimes we just need a quick recipe that we can run to… well here it is guys.  Caribbean Chicken and Pineapple Salsa… how yummy does that sound!

Though when you makes this dish you may not be in the caribbean you sure will think you are.  Enjoy! 🙂
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SO you may be wondering what this little nifty machine this is, well its Bandai’s new gyoza (dumpling) maker.  The gyoza maker was made for 8 to 12-year-old girls only, and their parents, and will be available starting on July 25 for ¥3,150 on better yet, about $33.00.

To make these fabulous little dumplings all you need to do is place the dumpling skin on the rollers, use the included spatula to add filling of choice, close the lid, and crank away… next thing you know down below in a little secret drawer will pop out you ready made gyoza.

Forget being a kid, I think I would love it and I am an adult, Just Perfect!

What do you think?

Source
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