Wine around the world

I have learned many valuable tips today from a new book I’m reading by Ewen Chia “How I Made My First Million On The Internet And How You Can TOO!”

(Side Note: If you are not reading to keep up with online marketing, affiliate marketing strategies, internet business, etc., you and your business will fall behind the curve.)

I had to get that off my mind because all the books I read implore people to keep up with the basic fundamentals that made their business a success in the first place. Example of this: Keyword Execution. Brush up on it if you haven’t lately….

My favorite tip of the day had to deal with how you manage your website. My original web page was set up by someone else who had affiliate links placed in the body of the article before my visitor was invited to join my newsletter. What a huge loss of profits and opportunity.  The opt-in box is the money making goldmine to anyone’s online business success. This is where you supply your customers with solutions to their problems, and in return, earn commission from companies you refer them to. I was suspicious that my web page setup was lacking in major ways. When I read Ewen’s book, I was happy to learn my suspicions were correct. All is fixed now and I love the new web site.

I’m so excited about my ezine as well, I graduated to the next level and have 5 published articles as of right now. I learned a bit more about keyword research today and will apply that knowledge to my article writing so I better target my niche.

Speaking of niches…I’m going to expand my internet business to focus on various interests I share with other internet users. I’m not all work. I love wine so I’m going to start a newsletter that discusses wine for the novice drinker…I’ll keep you posted…if you love wine you’ll love my critiques and tips for better drinking experiences.

Back to Ewen. I want to throw him props on my blog. As I read on I’ll get his info for you to access his incredible knowledge on affiliate marketing and easy to follow tips on success.  LOVE the book and can’t wait to finish it.

Regards,

Kitty Scarless

P.S. If you haven’t checked out my web page yet, Click Here. I have some special free bonuses for you if you sign up for my newsletter today!

The Autumn season moves on and I am finding myself to love the fall brews the more I try them. Blue Moon’s summer style was a let down for me, but I figured I would give them a second change with their fall style. I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful the Harvest Moon really was! It was full bodied with a great smooth finish with a hint of pumpkin. This was very different from the summer brew which was very sweet, which I was expecting with this one. It had the right amount of spice and the perfect amount of sweetness too it making it a great autumn beer. It is getting cold out now so warm yourself up with a Harvest Moon.

How long does…

…weed stay in your system?

Although its effects usually wear off within a few hours to a day, marijuana, or more precisely THC, can stay in your body for a variety of time based on the amount that is smoked or ingested, how often it is used, and how fast a person’s metabolism. Usually a minimal testable amount would be burned off within thirty days, although urine tests can detect THC up to ninety days after the most recent used. HOWEVER: because hair is simply dead cells, THC can’t metabolize and it will remain in hair for as long as the hair is long, thus up to three years. Short answer, stop getting baked and get a haircut you dirty hobo.

…it take to get a passport?

The State Department is claiming that they will get a passport out routinely within six weeks from the time the application is received or within three weeks if the application is expedited. From personal experience the amount of time can vary considerably, from just a couple weeks, to several months during backlog, so if you need it, reasonably give yourself half a year, just to be safe.

…alcohol stay in your system?

Normally, alcohol will be metabolized by the liver within ten to twelve hours by an average sized, healthy drunk individual. This can vary depending on body mass, gender, and most importantly, how one’s liver is functioning. For an alcoholic whose liver handles large quantities of alcohol often, there might be a backlog simply because the liver is weakened, and can’t process it as quickly. In extreme cases, alcohol can still be detected in the blood up to a week after the last drink is drunk.

…it take to get pregnant?

I’m not really sure what this means, but let’s assume that it’s asking how long it takes a woman having regular unprotected sex to become knocked up. In this case, after about four months, she has a 50/50 chance of being pregnant, and after a year, about a 90% chance. After that if she’s still not pregnant, she just doesn’t want it enough.

…sperm live?

This is another quite ambiguous question. In a vagina? In ideal conditions, they can survive for about five days, but realistically any that haven’t fertilized an egg within the first day or so probably won’t, and will soon die. On a guy’s stomach? They can live until about the point that they dry out, so according to the magic internets about an hour. Of course, why a guy has a live baby juice colony just chilling on him for an hour or more, I can’t fathom, but whatever floats your boat.

…implantation bleeding last?

Apparently when a woman becomes pregnant, she’ll bleed for a period of time shorter than her menstrual bleeding. The correct answer is barely at all to two days.

…xanax stay in your system?

The effects of Xanax can last for up to six hours, side effects being a different story, although it can be detected in urine for up to seventy two hours. Of course, if someone is concerned about failing a urine test, it shouldn’t matter as long as they have a valid prescription.

…nicotine stay in your system?

The answer for this is similar to that for weed, although usually it is metabolized within a couple weeks. Crack is whack.

…vicodin stay in your system?

Seriously, how many drugs are Google users on? There is no way these aren’t all mixing with disastrous results. Vicodin’s effects can last from four to eight hours, side effects more. However, the hydrocodone can be detected up to seventy two hours after the last use. According to online forums, probation officers will ask their clients if they have taken any pain medications up to five days prior to testing, implying that that is the unofficial government line is that you will be effed up for five full days.

…it take to boil an egg?

There are various answers, from five to fifteen minutes, although it is certainly affected by size, egg temperature, and importantly, altitude. In somewhere high add a few extra minutes to account for air pressure differences. Except Amsterdam. You can boil an egg normally there.

- Nic

I went to Chicago Gourmet Fest this weekend. Totally ruled. Tons of Italian food and white wine. And champagne. And cooking demos. And wine tastings.  Here’s a slideshow of my favorite moments…That I can remember that is.

I am so excited, my usually rambling headers have been limited to a single important word: Harvest! Its harvest time for those wonderful spheres of juicy joy that will be made into some of the most interesting and complex (as well as the most painfully dull) beverages in the world.

My friend sent me this picture from a new local vineyard:

There have been promises made that I will be able to be part of this harvest ritual and I could not be more excited. Those who can get out and see a vineyard during this season, please go and experience!

This week we are suggesting good reads that pay tribute to the Victorian brial tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue (or in our case, something true).

Our wine and food pairings undertake the same theme, looking at the old-stand-by’s, new cuisine and vintages, foreign dishes and wines and simple no-fuss finger-foods that work with a variety of labels.

Each of this week’s dishes can be served individually, or if you’re feeling really ambitious, make all four.

The  M E N U

Teiglach: Grandma’s Honey-Nut Cookies

Black Soybean and Veggie “Sushi”

Tea Sandwiches with Lemon, Honey and Ginger

Mediterranean Red Lentil Pate

The  W I N E

California’s Montevina Pinot Grigio 2007

I love the description, “Sunshine in a glass.”  It is indeed a very bright, light, fall/summery wine that can be paired with all of the dishes. A perfect wine for our theme, Montevina is both a new and old wine. Pinot Grigio is the Italian term for Pinot Gris, the gray grape of France. A mutation of Pinot Noir, for generations it grew in the vineyards of Burgundy among its red relation and field blended to add softness and acidity to red wines. Today, Pinot Gris (Grigio) is considered one of the five noble varieties in the Alsace region of France.

The  R E C I P E S

S O M E T H I N G  Old

TEIGLACH

GRANDMA’S

HONEY-NUT COOKIES

This is a treat that requires a lot of time in advance, so keep that in mind when planning to make these delicious cookies. You can complete step 1 a day before and step 2 the day of your event.

Most women’s teiglach recipes were kept secret and shared only with daughters and grand-daughters. They were the jewel in her culinary crown, and made her shine at occasions like baby showers and receptions. This version comes from a long line of such grandmothers and grand-daughters.

Makes 20-25 pieces.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 lb honey
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Sugar
• Powdered ginger

Step 1 Directions

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Make a well in the center and break the eggs in it. Scramble the eggs lightly with a fork.

Add oil. Gradually pull flour into the center, mixing until dough is formed.

Add a few drops of water if dry flour is left in the bowl.

Knead the dough until it is smooth, then lightly oil the surface.

Allow dough to rest for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Divide the dough into five equal pieces.

Use your hands to roll each piece into a long “snake”, about ½ inch to ¾ inch in diameter.

Sprinkle flour on a cutting board, dip the knife into the flour, and cut the rolls of dough into small nuggets, about ½ inch wide.

Bake the nuggets on an ungreased cookie sheet for 20 min or until they are light gold in color.

Step 2 Directions 

Using a heavy pot, bring the honey to a boil over medium heat.

Lower the heat and add the baked nuggets. Stir often with a wooden spoon to keep the bottom and sides of the pot from burning. Make sure the honey doesn’t boil over.

After 30-50 min, the honey will begin to coat the nuggets. Continue cooking and stirring until all the liquid is gone and the honey hangs in strings from the sides of the pot.

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in nuts. The honey will be quite thick; it will cling to the nuggets and harden as it cools.

Turn the mixture out onto a wet wooden cutting board and use a wet wooden spoon to pat out a 15-inch square, approximately 1 inch thick.

Cover the top with generous amounts of sugar and ginger.

When the tieglach has cooled, cut it into 2-inch squares using a heavy knife (tap the knife gently with a hammer or wooden mallet) or break the teiglach into pieces with your hands. It will be crunchy, sticky and somewhat dry, like brittle.

S O M E T H I N G  New

BLACK SOYBEAN

and

VEGGIE “SUSHI”

This fresh and delectable recipe comes from The New Vegan Cookbook by Lorna Sass. Not only are these “sushi” easy to make and high in protein, but they are vegan as well. Plus, the spread can be made a few days in advance to save time. Perfect meat-free finger food!

Ingredients ( Black Soybean)

• One 15-ounce can organic black soybeans (reserve liquid)
• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 Tablespoon Japanese soy sauce (shoyu or tamari)
• 2 Tablespoons pickled ginger
• Chili oil to taste (optional)

Ingredients (”Sushi”)

• 4 sheets nori
• 4 tortillas, 8 to 9 inches in diameter (whole wheat are nice)
• 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 8 strips red bell pepper, about ¼ inch wide
• 8 carrot sticks, about 1/8 inch in diameter and 5 inches long
• 1 cucumber (pickling Kirby recommended) halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 8 sticks

Directions

To make the Black Soybean Spread: In a food processor, combine the ingredients for the spread. Blend in enough of the reserved bean liquid (usually 1-2 tbsp) to create a thick but spreadable paste. Add more soy sauce and/or pickled ginger if needed, to give the spread an assertive taste. Season with chili oil if desired.

To assemble the “sushi”: Stack the nori and use kitchen scissors to trim the sheets into circles about ½ inch smaller than the tortillas.

Spread 2 tbsp of the soybean mixture onto one of the tortillas, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Distribute ¼ cup of the cabbage over the spread. Gently press a piece of nori on top. Spread another 2 tbsp of the soybean spread on the nori. Set 2 red pepper strips horizontally about 1 inch from the bottom of the tortilla. Arrange 2 carrot and 2 cucumber sticks in a cluster in top.

Wrap the bottom edge of the tortilla over the vegetables and roll tightly. If necessary, moisten the top edge of the tortilla lightly with soybean spread or water to seal.

Gently press roll to shape it into an even log. Repeat steps to fill and roll remaining tortillas.

Set each roll on a cutting board, seam side down, and use a very sharp knife to trim off edges. Holding the roll firmly with one hand, use a gentle sawing motion of the knife to cut the roll into 5 or 6 pieces, making every cut on the diagonal. Arrange the pieces flat side down on a platter and serve.

S O M E T H I N G  Borrowed

TEA SANDWICHES

with

LEMON, HONEY & GINGER

Not only are tea sandwiches a treat for the eyes, they are a luscious way to pack flavor into a small bite. This version is borrowed from Top Chefhost and cookbook author Padma Lakshmi. She recommends serving them with tea or sherry.

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 10 slices of good white brad, toasted on both sides
• 2 preserved lemon halves (sold in specialty food stores)
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 Tablespoon freshly minced ginger
• 10 thin slices Italian cheese like pecorino or caciotta

Directions

Arrange the toast on a platter.

Chop the preserved lemons, being sure to remove any seeds first. Place them in a food processor or blender with the honey, red pepper, and ginger and make a smooth paste.

Spread the paste on the toast and top with a slice of cheese.

Diagonally cut each slice to make equal triangles from each toast.

You can serve as is or heat them in an oven to 350 F for a few minutes, until cheese is melted and barely toasted.

S O M E T H I N G  True

MEDITERRANEAN

RED LENTIL

PATE

After reading Michael Pollan’s book, ‘In Defense of Food’, it became clear that true foods are whole foods. His manifesto of “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” is echoed in this savory appetizer, which happens to be vegan. Not to worry, with flavorful ingredients like fennel and garlic, you won’t be sacrificing a thing – and, you’ll be true to your body’s needs. One note: this will take about 2 ½ – 3 hours to make, so begin the night before or very early in your day for your evening book club.

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil, plus more for oiling ramekins or loaf pans
• 3 Tablespoons toasted sunflowers seeds or chopped pistachios
• 1 ½ cups finely diced onions
• 1 cup finely diced shallots
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, gently crushed in a mortar or under a chef’s knife
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
• ¼ cup dry white wine or vermouth
• 3 cups water
• 1 ½ cups red lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Accompaniments for serving: olives, slow roasted tomatoes, pickled onions, cornichons, marinated mushrooms or artichokes

Directions

Brush oil on the bottom and sides of the loaf pans or ramekins. Sprinkle sunflower seeds on the bottom. Set aside.

In a large, heavy, nonreactive pot, heat the oil.

Cook the onions and shallots over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown which should be about 6 minutes.

Stir in the fennel, thyme, garlic, and tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds.

Add the wine and scrape up any browned bits sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until most of the wine evaporates, about 30 seconds.

Add the water, lentils, and bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.

Add the salt and pepper and continue cooking longer until lentils have melted into a coarse puree, 10 – 20 minutes longer.

Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasonings to your liking (check for salt).

Stir well, smashing any whole lentils onto the sides of the pot to create a fairly smooth, thick mixture, with a texture similar to oatmeal. If the puree is loose and soupy, boil it uncovered, stirring frequently, until it thickens.

Ladle the puree immediately into the oiled loaf pans or ramekins. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cool to room temp.

Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

If you want to unmold the pate, first run a knife along the edges. The set a plate on top, turn both loaf pan and plate over. This step is not necessary.

Bring pate to room temp and arrange on a platter or individual plates with accompaniments.

On July 1^st, Mead’s @ Karma Resort opened it’s doors. The theme is casual upscale, fresh fish from the market and friendly service. The ambiance is warm with a baby grand piano with live music every evening. The price balance is terrific. The Menu is diverse with something for everyone.

The secret weapon is our new ‘Oyster Lounge’ with a share tapas menu and a range of fresh oysters. The Oyster lounge is perfect for private dining, small weddings, and cooking classes. It’s fresh and cool, looking over our beautiful resort pool.

For more information on Meads @ Karma http://www.karmajimbaran.com/meads-at-karma/
Reservations: wmead@karmaresorts.com

I just love Don Shelby. He’s an anchor here in Minnesota and I just had to put this one in. He has a segment each evening called “Good To Know” and I usually agree with him all the way. Here’s the one from Tuesday Sept 22.

Don spent an evening with concerned parents listening to Joseph Califano, the founder of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. He’s written a new book called “Raising a Drug Free Kid.” He says parents are the key. Don has a story of one parent that might be good to know.

It is in Secretary Califano’s book, and it is priceless.

“The parent’s name is Jane Hambleton of Fort Dodge Iowa. She bought her son an Oldsmobile Intrigue and attached one rule. No booze in the car. 

Three weeks later she found a bottle of liquor. Her son said it was a friend’s, and her son had been the designated driver. 

She believed him. Then, she took the car away and sold it. 

Here’s the ad she ran in the Des Moines Register: Quote: “OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally un-cool parents who obviously don’t love their teenage son, selling his car — Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom, who needs to get a life, found the booze under the front seat. Three thousand, seven hundred dollars or best offer. Call the meanest mom on the planet.” 

Miss Hambelton, if you are ever in the Twin Cities, I would like to buy you dinner. That is totally cool.”

What do you think?