E’ risaputo che la Calabria sforna tante originalità enogastronomiche provenienti dalla sua esclusiva tradizione culinaria, proposti sul mercato attraverso evoluti sistemi di commercio e/o portali di prodotti tipici, raggiungendo una capillare diffusione su tutto il territorio nazionale ed oltre. Sarebbe infatti superfluo ricordare il gusto unico dei salumi della regione (la nduja, soprattutto), la schiettezza degli agrumi (le rinomate clementine della Piana di Sibari), l’eccezionale sapore della cipolla di Tropea, e tutti i vari prodotti derivati da queste peculiarità.

La liquirizia rappresenta una delle particolarità del territorio, considerando che la relativa pianta (Glycyrrhiza glabra) è nota ed impiegata in zona da molti secoli e – secondo quanto afferma l’autorevole Enciclopedia Britannica – la migliore qualità di liquirizia “is made in Calabria”. Si tratta in particolare di una radice che nasce spontaneamente, dal gusto sorprendente e dalle innumerevoli proprietà benefiche. Dal relativo succo estratto si ricavano dei confettini neri e lucidi che tutti abbiamo assaggiato almeno una volta nella nostra vita.

Il gusto eccezionale di questo prodotto e la sperimentazione di aziende locali, volta a trovare usi alternativi alla materia prima sì da dimostrarne tutta la versatilità nell’uso, ha fatto sì che, particolarmente in questi ultimi anni, il prodotto avesse un utilizzo sempre più insolito e variegato.

Fu così che qualche lungimirante azienda ha provveduto a proporre la marmellata di liquirizia, anche se forse un po’ impropriamente si è attribuito tale denominazione, visto che per legge le marmellate sono solo di frutta, e considerando che una delle basi essenziali di questo composto è costituito, per l’appunto, dalla liquirizia: forse più opportunamente si sarebbe dovuto parlare di confettura di liquirizia.

In merito agli ingredienti utilizzati, infatti, si tratta di una preparazione a base di confettura di mele aromatizzata con polvere di liquirizia tassativamente calabrese, zucchero e null’altro. Dunque un prodotto totalmente naturale, senza conservanti e/o coloranti, così come il mercato dei prodotti genuini ed artigianali tassativamente impone e richiede. Ragione per la quale può, a giusta ragione, annoverarsi tra le specialità selezionate dall’ ACCADEMIA ITALIANA DEL PEPERONCINO.

La sensazione gustativa iniziale che si riceve è quella di una massa corposa che svela, in quantità, l’aromaticità della liquirizia. La dolcezza della confettura viene esaltata dalla “freschezza” che evolve in bocca e che lascia un retrogusto unico al palato e alle papille.

E’ ovvio che questa specialità alimentare può normalmente gustarsi in quanto marmellata, dunque come prodotto energetico da prima colazione, spalmata naturalmente su fette biscottate o crostini.

Tuttavia, la confettura di liquirizia dimostra tutta la sua originalità allorquando la si utilizza in maniera alternativa in cucina, così come suggerito nelle schede tecniche delle aziende che propongono il prodotto in rete. In fin dei conti è quanto si esige dalle originalità culinarie: stupire con delle preparazioni uniche, che sovvertano il ritmo frenetico del pranzo veloce di ogni giorno, magari rubato in tutta fretta durante una pausa lavoro.

Si appalesa, infatti, tutta la sua “sciccosità” gastronomica ove accompagni formaggi cremosi con componenti acidule e strutture compatte. La crescenza, lo stracchino o anche la ricotta possono esserne l’esempio più calzante, anche facendo riferimento al bel rapporto cromatico scuro/candido, per dei fine pasto originali ed eccellenti. Qui il contrasto dolce/salato servirà a concludere in maniera eccezionale ogni pranzo, garantendo sicuro successo accordato da tutti i commensali.

O, ancora, spalmandola o utilizzandola come farcitura per una semplice torta al cacao con copertura di cioccolato o zucchero a velo, appalesando l’ eccezionale accordo cioccolato/liquirizia, un tocco di esclusività che non passerà inosservato, anzi sarà di certo apprezzato da grandi e piccini.

Se tutto ciò serve a stuzzicare la vostra golosità, val la pena sperimentare la marmellata o confettura di liquirizia.

Giorgio Candia è il titolare di www.saporidellasibaritide.it Via Roma 24 87064 Corigliano Calabro (Cs) infotel 098382673

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/la-marmellata-di-liquirizia-gradita-novit-tra-i-prodotti-tipici-calabresi-1001036.html

Cooking is something that not many of us can do very well. We think that this is because we do not have the necessary accomplishments that individuals are naturally born with or learn from their parents or a professional culinary school. What several of us fail to realize is that cooking is easy and possible when you have the correct appliances.

People who only have a few pots and pans and little to no appliances are going to believe that it is hard to cook their preferred meats, cakes, and other delicious meals that we love. We have made a list of some of the most functional and popular appliances that will help to make cooking not only easier - but likewise more fun then you would have thought was possible.

Pots And Pans

I know that numerous of us own a skillet and one saucepan but this is not enough. There are just so many meals that you can fix in these pans. In order to broaden your horizons you should own a large and small skillet, a large pot, and some baking sheets and pans. Also grab some muffin pans and loaf pans so you can prepare those tasty desserts.

Blenders

Blenders are a great appliance that many of us don’t feel that we demand. But they permit you to fix floats, milkshakes, and also your favorite alcoholic frozen drink. These are designed to blend up any ice cream, ice, fruit, and other ingredients together and make some of the greatest you have ever tasted. These will also save you money from getting one at the ice cream shop.

Food Processor

It takes forever to cut up each of your ingredients separately. Instead you can buy a food processor that is able to do it for you. These are normally rather large to give you the power to place in all of your ingredients so that they are cut together. They can do them in large or also tiny chunks.

Make some ice cream and delicious meals this summer using your Cordless Blender and Cuisinart Food Processor.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/cooking-appliances-that-you-need-to-have-1009950.html

Are you getting bored of the same old food day after day?  Do you have problems planning the menu for your dinner party or birthday party?  Have you been looking for a healthy alternative to your favorite grilled cheese sandwich?  Panini are a great way to add some zing to any sandwich. 

Panini bread recipes that greatly evolved through time.  Chefs have tried to create new combinations out of basic sandwich concoctions.  Hence, panini are said to be versatile.  You can easily serve them at any occasion.  If you have guests who are on a strict diet, there is healthy vegetarian panini recipe ideal for them.  This is made out of fresh vegetables, low-fat dressing and wheat bread.  Your guests will not have to worry about counting their calories.  They can enjoy a full-packed meal without gaining extra pounds.

It does not take a lot of time to prepare panini.  Whenever you have an emergency get-together with your buddies, you can easily grab fresh fruits and veggies in your fridge and you can go with it.  Just provide different dressings for them, so that they can choose which one they want to mix with other ingredients.  If you have salami or pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, just add them to the panini.  The preparation time is less than preparing a full meal.

A panino is also a compact food.  It is not messy whenever it is eaten.  You can easily wrap it with paper towel in order for dressings and extra juices to drip into it and not on your lap or the floor.  Guests can bring panini anywhere they want. 

Whenever you have special occasions, the food you serve should have a unique and interesting presentation.  You do not have to exert more effort in the preparation of panini.  The grill marks on the bread are enough to make a nice presentation.  To add more color to it, you can put some chips or fries on the side.  Pair it with a cold fresh fruit shake or juice and you can now have an excellent menu for any occasion.  Try to be as creative as possible.  You can experiment with the ingredients in order to make panini taste and look great.  Make use of the lettuce, tomato and meat to compliment the entire look. 

In any social gathering, the menu does not have to be very extravagant.  If you don’t have much time to prepare, you can plan dishes that are easy to prepare but delicious at the same time.  However, if it is an emergency party, try to be innovative. Make use of readily available ingredients in your kitchen.  Choose foods that are easy to prepare.  Panini can be the best alternative for comfort food.  This will certainly let your guests discover the delightful taste behind an ordinary sandwich.

Sabrina Rocca
Author: Easy Panini Recipes
For more great panini recipes and tips, visit http://www.easypaninirecipes.com. Easy Panini Recipes contains over 50 easy to follow, step-by-step panini recipes that will make anyone look like a gourmet chef!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/panini-bread-recipe-perfect-for-any-occasion-1010177.html

Ah, the joys of cake decorating. The pros make it look so easy. Truth is, decorating a cake is an art and one that isn’t easily mastered. Sure, anybody can toss a glob of frosting on a cake but the true artist turns that cake into a visual masterpiece. Well, if you’re one of those aspiring cake decorating artists, this article should get you on your way to decorating cakes that look good enough not to want to eat.

At the very top of the list, and I do mean the VERY top, is making sure that you have the right tools for the job. You wouldn’t try to hammer a nail into a wall with a screwdriver would you? (Though I have seen many people try) It is absolutely critical that you have the right tools. What are they? Well, it all depends on what you’re decorating. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, most supplies come in kits and not all kits are going to do all jobs.

For example, let’s say you want to have some writing on your cake. You’re going to probably need some ready to use glitter piping gel. Some stencils will probably come in handy as well. What if you want to make a layer cake? Well, you’re going to need a couple of cake pans. Make sure they are both the same size. Cake pans and very sharp knives are probably the two things you’re not going to be able to live without if you’re going to do a proper job on your cake decorating.

Aside from the right tools, you want to make sure that you have a specific idea in mind before you even begin. The last thing you want to do is just start slapping stuff on your cake. Trust me, it won’t come out very good unless you are a natural artist. To this end, having a cake decorating design ready made is going to help a lot. Fortunately, there are tons of kits with ready made designs that you can purchase at any specialty store or even online. It’s not a crime to use a pre-made design. With so many to choose from, it’s unlikely that your guests will have seen yours.

If you are interested in checking out a review I wrote for a product called ‘The Art of Cake Decorating’ then click the link below. I highly recommend it because of the quality and also the cool bonuses that come with it!

Click Here to Check It Out!

I am not a serious writer but occasionally like to put together articles about things I am passionate about. I always excelled at writing in my college days and enjoy it now as a part-time hobby. I hope my articles can be of benefit to those who view them and appreciate comments and feedback. Enjoy!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/things-you-should-know-about-cake-decorating-1001979.html

The Hibachi grill is one of the lesser known types of barbecue when compared against the likes of leading manufacturers portable grills such as the Weber Smokey Mountain, the Cobb and the Cadac’s of this World, and it is safe to say that its age has definitely not affected its popularity as a portable grill solution.

Japanese in origin, the Hibachi actually originated in Japan as a type of brazier that was used by nobles as far back as the 6th century. Back then, Hibachi’s were commonly made from clay that was lined with wood, and as such was a functional and reasonably durable piece of cooking equipment.

These days, the Hibachi design has grown in popularity and these days is commonly made from cast-iron, using charcoal as fuel to provide a traditional style of cooking that is commonly used in contemporary barbecue grills.

Just like its modern counterparts, the Hibachi grill is produced by many difference manufacturers and is available in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs, and despite is ancient origins, performs just as well making the Hibachi a very popular type of grill to cook on thanks to it’s direct cooking and portability.

When buying a Hibachi grill, it is worth paying extra for a cast-iron version as these are superior in many respects to those that are made from aluminium which are not only inefficient to cook on, they are also not particularly durable.

Hibachi grills are available in different designs, being embellished with attractive symbols, different colour schemes and other aesthetically pleasing adornments making them eye-catching when displayed outside.

Their design varies considerably from one manufacturer to another, and for maximum flexibility it is worth considering purchasing a Hibachi that has adjustable grills that will give you more control over cooking your food. Some people prefer the basic, fixed design that does not allow for adjustments to the cooking grate height as this is considered to be a more “pure” form of cooking on the Hibachi grill.

One of the unique aspects of using a Hibachi grill is that many of them allow the charcoal to be placed at two different levels under the grill. This allows the cook to have two different temperatures to cook at, allowing larger items to be cooked at a higher temperature on one side, while smaller pieces may be cooked at a slower rate on the other.

It is worth noting that not all Hibachi grills are equal, and if flexibility is something you are looking for in this style of BBQ grill, then look for models that incorporate vents in them, which allow for fine adjustment of air intake which will allow you to have greater control over the cooking temperature. It will take some time to get used to using these vents as you cook, and this is all part of the great Hibachi cooking experience.

Cooking on a Hibachi BBQ grill is almost identical to any other charcoal grill, apart from the fact that the grill has the capability to have two different temperature zones, while this is an advantage the Hibachi is really only suited to cooking smaller cuts of meat, such as chicken pieces, wings, burgers, and kebabs.

When using the Hibachi, remember that cast-iron versions retain heat very well, so always operate the grill, having a good pair of heat-resistant oven mitts to hand. Also ensure that the Hibachi is placed on a strong steady surface that is level such as a stone or wooden floor, and always have a bucket of water or sand, or better yet, a small fire extinguisher close by.

The Hibachi is unique in many ways and will appeal to many people for a variety of reasons. One of the finest things about the Hibachi is the way that it is capable of cooking food just as well as many good quality grills that cost several hundred pounds as well as being an attractive focal point where ever it is used.

Take your time selecting a Hibachi grill and enjoy using it and tasting the great food that it produces in the traditional methods used by the people of Japan and China many centuries ago.

We hope you enjoyed finding out more about the popular Hibachi Grill For great tasting food for you to try at your next barbecue, choose from our selection of tempting and delicious barbecue recipes, we have hundreds to choose from!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/hibachi-grills-why-choose-a-japanese-hibachi-grill-1003118.html