Gourmet Foods For Every OccasionWritten by Duane Smith
Enjoying fine food is definitely one of pleasures of life. There is so much fast food and bland tasting dishes today because of lack of time to really prepare food right, that when you do get to enjoy gourmet fine food, it's a special treat.So what makes any food or drink qualify to be called "gourmet"? Well, in general it means that a particular food or drink is considered above average in quality, and will appeal even to those who have most discriminating tastes. It also usually means that a lot of time and effort has gone into it's preparation too. What comes to mind when you think of gourmet foods? Here is a list of many fine foods and beverages that can be found in gourmet food category: 1. Coffees - Gourmet coffees include many exotic coffee blends from around world and flavored coffees. Frequently you can get a nice mixture of various gourmet coffees that allow you to sample them before buying more of each kind. 2. Teas - There are several specialty teas from all over world that qualify to be called gourmet tea.They can be either green, black, oolong or herbal teas. Again, you can often get sampler packs of these exotic teas to try them out first. 3. Chocolates - Whether milk, dark or white chocolate,gourmet chocolate assortments often come with fruit, nuts, and cream centers that are just incredibly delicious. 4. Caviar - If you really want to taste good life, enjoy any of various kinds of caviar, from American Golden to Russian Dark variety. Of course this is one type of gourmet food that can get really pricey fast, but there is a caviar for pretty much any budget if you look carefully enough.
| | Traditional Meat Entrees Get a Makeover: Going MeatlessWritten by Sylvie Charrier
If you're trying to watch your carbs, meat typically isn't a problem. In fact, meat is actually one of low carb dieter's best friends. But, what do you do if you are vegetarian who wants to go low carb? Until now, your low carb vegetarian "cuisine" was limited to number of ways you could blend your tofu with your peanut butter. But, with a little creativity, you can put gourmet back into your meals with vegetarian and low carb ingredients. But, if you do, don't be surprised when you hear friends and family exclaim, "This can't be vegetarian!" Here are three traditional meat-based classics where we've taken out meat and carbs to make a believer out of you. VEGGIE "HAM" QUICHE Real men might not eat quiche, but hungry people everywhere are going to eat this delicious Veggie Ham Quiche. Quick and easy to make, this crustless creation takes best of your traditional quiche and makes it better. With only 3 grams of net carbs per slice (4 slices total), you might just want to make two—yes, it's that good! Simply preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray a large quiche or pie pan with your favorite nonstick cooking spray. Shred 1 cup each of mozzarella and cheddar cheese and sprinkle into bottom of your pan. Top cheese with a ½ lb. of chopped veggie ham and 3/4 cup chopped broccoli. If broccoli isn't your veggie of choice, substitute any of your favorites. If you go with traditional spinach, be sure to drain it very well or you'll end up with one mushy quiche. In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup water, 5 eggs, and salt, pepper, dill, and dry mustard to taste. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and center is firm. This amazingly tasty treat is best served hot, but is equally tantalizing when served cold. LOW CARB "BEEF" STROGANOFF There are few dishes meatier than traditional beef stroganoff which makes it a perfect candidate for a low carb vegetarian transformation. With only 5.4 net grams for a 1.3 cup serving, you'll quickly find this traditional dish becoming a new classic. For best results, use vegetarian beef tenderloin or beef-style seitan (gluten). Cut your veggie beef in strips about 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long, put them on a large plate, and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. With a damp paper towel, wipe 12 ounces of small-button mushrooms clean and trim off hard ends of stems. Heat a large, heavy skillet on medium-high and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Quickly brown veggie meat in hot oil on both sides, about 2 minutes total, and then remove meat to a holding plate. Return skillet to stove and lower heat to medium-low. Add 1 ounce of butter and mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 3/4 cup beef-style stock or broth to deglaze skillet. Then, add 2 tablespoons of Wondra flour, stir into broth, and simmer for 2 minutes on low heat. Add veggie meat and 3/4 cup sour cream and heat through. Adjust seasonings to your liking, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of parsley, and serve immediately. To complete dish, serve over any type of low carb pasta or converted rice.
|
