Joe Ferri's Blog – November 2008 Archive (6)

Jerez-Xeres-Sherry

Simply known as "Sherry" in English, this Spanish grape spirit enjoys a tradition that dates to Roman times. Produced near the Rock of Gibraltar, in chalky soils, influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Jerez is made from Palomino Fino grapes.

The process of making Jerez (Sherry) is distinguished from other wines only after the fermentation process. A naturally occurring yeast film "flor" is allowed to grow on the wine's surface. This keeps the young wine from oxidizing… Continue

Added by Joe Ferri on November 21, 2008 at 8:08pm — No Comments

Bitters

Made from cassia, angostura bark, orange peel, quinine and a host of other herbs, bitters have been a part of our beverage heritage since at least 1824. Originally known for their medicinal properties, they are now commonly used as flavorings for cocktails, as well as both aperitifs and digestifs. Their newfound notoriety (due to the current popularity of exotic mixed drinks) has led to mixologists creating ever newer concoctions. Even collectors of vintage bitters bottles have emerged. Rare… Continue

Added by Joe Ferri on November 21, 2008 at 8:05pm — No Comments

Raw Food

A culinary movement ,of sorts, has been gathering momentum among foodies - the Raw Food lifestyle. Primarily associated with Veganism, raw foods can also include both meat and dairy products in its broader sense. Sprouted and fermented foods are preferred to those thermally treated to 115 degrees F.

Most of us are quite familiar with salads, carpaccio, sashimi, and raw milk cheeses. Other choices for the raw foodist include chocolate products, dehydrated veggies, honey, fruits and… Continue

Added by Joe Ferri on November 21, 2008 at 8:04pm — 4 Comments

Power to the People

An unexpected "winter" storm caught me off-guard last week, knocking out power at home for 57 hours. It was a humbling experience. Being one that relies heavily upon modern conveniences, it was a slap of reality when I could no longer surf the net, watch the tube, or even get a cold one from the fridge.

This got me to thinking about the green initiatives that have come to dominate our thoughts in the equipment industry. Conservation is not an option. It is a mandate. Of the $10… Continue

Added by Joe Ferri on November 21, 2008 at 8:02pm — No Comments

Goat, the Other Red Meat

A lot of attention has recently been paid to the alternatives to beef: bison, lamb, boar, horsemeat, and goat. With the rising popularity of Caribbean cuisine, it is only natural that we should be taking notice of goat. Thought to be the oldest domesticated animal besides dogs and sheep, goat now ranks as one of the top sources of animal protein in the Middle East and Africa. Goat kids, being less fatty than adults, are typically slaughtered under a year old. Males yield a lower fat meat, and… Continue

Added by Joe Ferri on November 21, 2008 at 8:00pm — No Comments

Spanish Wines

Most of us know Sherry and Rioja, some of us have even heard of the Duero Valley, but who amongst us is familiar with Aire'n? This, the most widely planted grape in the world, is only planted in a million acres in the center of Spain, the world's third largest wine producing country. From Albarino, Tempranillo, Moristel, Prieto Picudo, and even Sauvignon, Spain grows and vints a huge variety of varietals most of which are native only to the Iberian Peninsula.

After centuries of… Continue

Added by Joe Ferri on November 21, 2008 at 7:56pm — No Comments