27 June 2010 | |
Walking the streets of most French towns will invariably land you near a century-old building, its large windows decorated with bottles of wine and baguettes. Inside, the rich smells of meats and cheeses will enliven your senses. The variety of cheeses, much of it local fare created by decades of crafters, offers a delicious array of flavors that gourmet chefs relish as the secret ingredient in their dishes.
Gourmet cheese is something of a national identity in several countries like France, Italy and Switzerland. Of course, there are many other countries where cheese has been a cherished staple for many centuries, like England, Portugal and Holland. These fine cheeses are crafted from many sources including cows, sheep and goats to allow the creation of soft and hard varieties as well as fragrant, mild and strong fromage types.
Finding a supermarket in America with something other than Kraft cheese is difficult; even specialty stores don’t stock an equal variety of cheeses as some of these country French markets. Online providers are one of the best ways to procure gourmet cheese and expand your cooking selection.
Foie Gras falls into the same category of hard-to-find gourmet food items. A delicate and delicious spread, this sweet p?t? is wonderful on toast or artisan bread. The varieties of Foie Gras are considerable and include large a selection of p?t?s with goose and duck. Bringing the local fare right to your home, an online gourmet store can offer an incredible selection of these spreads.
Making the most of the international palate, chocolate is a favorite the world over. Every region crafts its own unique style and flavor of this sweet confection. Some of the best chocolate in the world comes from Switzerland, and sending chocolate gifts is a great way to please friends and family. Swiss, French, American and Italian specialty chocolates that may not be available in retail stores near you are available online for gifts and cooking. So just order some of your favorites, and bon app?tit!
21 March 2010 | |
For centuries, truffles have been considered a delicacy due to both their elusiveness and their extraordinary flavor. Truffles have a musky aroma and distinct, nutty flavor. Delicious treats such as truffle oil, truffle butter, and even truffle honey are made from these delectable morsels. Even though they have historically been quite rare, truffle enthusiasts are finding ways to successfully cultivate these culinary treasures into meals. You can also now buy truffles online at amazing prices.
French truffles are typically black or white. They are quite delicious, and most are grown in an area called “Perigord,” located in the Dordogne region of France. You will see many French truffles preserved in water and salt. They are preserved this way so that they can maintain freshness for up to one year.
White truffles are used to make truffle oil, truffle honey, and decadent purees. Another way that white truffles can be used is to grate them whole, over a gourmet dinner, for an extra burst of melt-in-your-mouth flavor. White truffles are typically Italian or French, and can smell similar to shallots.
You can buy truffles that are winter or summer varieties. Summer truffles often have a more mild and subtle flavor than the more prized winter varieties. Whether you have white truffles or French truffles, they all need to be stored at room temperature for the best preservation; this will also keep the flavor optimal. Winter truffles are considered the best specimens and are usually stronger, in both taste and flavor, than summer varieties. But the truffle you prefer is largely a matter of personal taste.
Although Europe has historically been the signature producer of truffles, as of late, Asia is also cornering the market with some very tasty truffles. Buy truffles for the perfect gift if you have a chef in your family, or if you have a close friend who loves new culinary journeys.
21 March 2010 | |
These days, it’s easy to forget the small luxuries that make life feel so rich and fulfilling. However, the kind of boost that the occasional high-end treat provides is needed more than ever in times of financial hardship. A special occasion such as an anniversary, holiday, or birthday warrants this sort of decadent, one of a kind splurge. So why not consider surprising a loved one with the gift of gourmet food online, such as succulent Beluga caviar?
Everything about the consumption and idea of caviar is indulgent. For centuries, primarily royalty and upper class society consumed roe, as it was considered a delicacy. Even the task of eating roe is ceremonious in that it typically involves special silverware, as well as certain pairings to bring out the optimal taste. To create the most delicious caviar experience, you will want to purchase your caviar of choice, some cr?me fraiche, and a quality “blini,” or buckwheat pancake.
Choosing what kind of caviar you would like can be a fun and educational task. The color of caviar can vary from black to red. The taste can be nutty, smooth, and intense in flavor. Caviar is traditionally harvested from the sturgeon fish. There can be a surprising difference of flavor depending on the waters in which the roe was harvested. Since Sturgeon isn’t the only fish that caviar is harvested from, the taste could also vary. Caviar can also be comprised of Paddlefish and Whitefish.
Buying caviar online is a great deal because there are often sales, discounts at checkout, and gift sets with tremendous value. Shipping is typically overnight, so your precious gift stays as fresh and ready for consumption as soon as possible. If you are environmentally conscious, farmed caviar is often harvested in sustainable and cruelty-free ways. But not to worry, they still have the same delectable taste as wild caviar. A wide variety of high-quality options are available in farmed roe, such as the prized Beluga caviar.
19 March 2010 | |
For centuries, truffles have been considered a delicacy due to both their elusiveness and their extraordinary flavor. Truffles have a musky aroma and distinct, nutty flavor. Delicious treats such as truffle oil, truffle butter, and even truffle honey are made from these delectable morsels. Even though they have historically been quite rare, truffle enthusiasts are finding ways to successfully cultivate these culinary treasures into meals. You can also now buy Gourmet Food Online at amazing prices.
French truffles are typically black or white. They are quite delicious, and most are grown in an area called “Perigord,” located in the Dordogne region of France. You will see many French truffles preserved in water and salt. They are preserved this way so that they can maintain freshness for up to one year.
White truffles are used to make truffle oil, truffle honey, and decadent purees. Another way that white truffles can be used is to grate them whole, over a gourmet dinner, for an extra burst of melt-in-your-mouth flavor. White truffles are typically Italian or French, and can smell similar to shallots.
You can buy truffles that are winter or summer varieties. Summer truffles often have a more mild and subtle flavor than the more prized winter varieties. Whether you have white truffles or French truffles, they all need to be stored at room temperature for the best preservation; this will also keep the flavor optimal. Winter truffles are considered the best specimens and are usually stronger, in both taste and flavor, than summer varieties. But the truffle you prefer is largely a matter of personal taste.
Although Europe has historically been the signature producer of truffles, as of late, Asia is also cornering the market with some very tasty truffles. Buy Caviar Online for the perfect gift if you have a chef in your family, or, if you have a close friend who loves new culinary journeys, you can buy the Beluga Caviar too.