Food, Flavors, Life & Passion

While agave (pronounced ah-GAH-vay) is best recognized as the plant from which tequila is made, it has also been used for thousands of years as an ingredient in food. The nectar made from the plant is known in Mexico as aguamiel, or “honey water.”

The Aztecs prized the agave as a gift from the gods and used the liquid from its core to flavor foods and drinks. Now, due to increasing awareness of agave nectar’s many beneficial properties, it is becoming the preferred sweetener of health conscious consumers, doctors, and natural foods cooks alike.

Thomas Keller’s “ad hoc at home”. is one of the finest cook books I have
come across. A great book that is not very complicated, fine recipes,
and great ideas to make any home cook feel like a pro.

Effinheimer Beer from the Lagniappe Brewing Company in Minneola, Florida. I really enjoy the Hefenweize (Effy Heffy), but don’t let that stop you from trying all the other beers…freshly brewed!

AKINA SUSHI BAR & ASIAN FUSION BISTRO in Clermont, Fla.
Family and I enjoyed a great dinner here tonight.

Paul Newman’s Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This olive oil is produced in Tunisia and is extra-virgin, which is considered the finest and fruitiest of the olive oils. It’s wonderful for dipping or grilling bread, drizzling over ripe, red tomatoes when in season, added to a hot vegetable soup just before serving, using with pasta sauces, sautéing vegetables, cooking meats, making fresh mayonnaise, pesto’s, hummus, and so many other dishes. I guarantee this is one product  will become a daily staple for you and your family. Produced by Newman’s Own Organics.  I give it a 5 for consistency and price/value. Found in most local supermarkets.

Earth Balance Butter: Oh by the way – this is a vegan product, but don’t let that scare you.
I first became aware of Earth Balance from Chef Tal Ronnen, considered one of the best vegan/vegetarian chefs in the country, by Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. I believe Earth Balance to be a fabulou…s product and well worth adding it to your refrigerator. It doesn’t taste exactly like butter, but it’s really close, and it has a similar texture and melting temperature (exception to high heat, use extra virgin organic olive instead- which I will talk about another day) which means it, bakes much like butter in recipes.
Full of unsaturated and omega-3 fats, Earth Balance spread has lots of good ingredients, and no bad ones. With no downside, and lots of upside (carbon footprint, health, etc.), there’s no reason not to make the permanent switch.

Rating food from 1 to 5 with 5 the highest. I would give it a 5.

We are enjoying a glass of Wrongo Dongo from the Wine Barn in Orlando.
Cindy and I have started a wine journal. Rating wines from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest.
We grade this wine a 5! We fired up the grill and enjoyed it with our family favorites. Please try and let us know your thoughts.

The 2008 Wrongo Dongo is 100% Monastrell sourced from a Gil family estate vineyard. Purple-colored and exceptionally fragrant, the nose gives up notes of underbrush, mineral, spice box, and blueberry. Round, smooth, and easy-going on the palate, this wine would make a first-class match with paella. Drink it over the next three years.
Retail price in Orlando- $12.00