Ideas & Tips

Wine is virtually a culture of its own. As much a science as it is an art, culture, agriculture, geology, genetics and history all play a role in the creative process of making wine. Furthermore, for as intricate as the development of a good wine has always been, time has only added to its complexity. For centuries wines were known by the region where they were made, but with wine now being a global product, geography is no longer as secure of a way of identifying it as it once was. Here are a few geographical facts about wine: Changes in taste: Occasionally,...

With beer and wine being two of the world's most popular beverages, there isn't a great need to explain why they are both also popular for making at home and sharing amongst friends. Nevertheless, for some, the appeal doesn't come as easily, even when the White House brews it's own beer as well.  For those who are curious, here are a few motivations for brewing your own beer at home: Drink to your health: The healthy properties of a beer often depend on the recipe, but according to an article by Beersmith, a 12 ounce of beer can have fewer calories...

Some healthy meals to get your day started on the right foot and keep you full until lunch. For a summer mid-day meal, we love light, healthy fare that takes minimum of preparation and doesn't require heating up the kitchen. After all, who wants to stand over a hot stove when the mercury is climbing! Try these delicious ideas for tomorrow's lunch:  Beans: Pre-cooked beans are fast and filling when you mix them with fresh vegetables and seasonings for a quick meal. Try this recipe from Martha Stewart, which uses a little Parmesan, basil and lemons to add flavor.  Chilled...

Cheese has been adding culinary joy to societies for thousands of years. One of the most obvious signs of how popular cheese is can be found in the large assortment of options. There are countless cheeses for different occasions, created exclusively in various locations and meant to be served specifically in certain types of ways. With all of the love, science and energy that goes into cheese, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to do with it besides eating and riding the wave of euphoria that follows.  But here are a few tips to remember:...

Our brilliant stainless steel tumblers are perfect for enjoying iced tea or chilled coffee during the dog days of summer. However, after a season of regular use, you may notice some light staining. Here are several ways that you can remove the residue:  Baking soda: Dampen a non-scratch pad or cloth and gently rub baking soda on the stained area. After this, rinse. For deep stains, mix the baking soda into boiling water and soak the stainless steel in the solution overnight.  Cornstarch: Make a paste of cornstarch and vinegar and apply to the tea or coffee residue. Let sit...