The French Press
Posted: 07/13/2011 Filed under: Drinks, Gluten-Free, Recipes, Vegan | Tags: brewing, coffee, drinks, French press, Recipes 1 Comment »I like my coffee black and bold. A real cup of coffee that tastes fresh and smells of a far off place. It’s such a simple thing, a good cup of coffee, but it’s often the simple things that get you out of bed in the morning…
There are many ways you can make coffee: drip, espresso, moka… but, ever since I learned to make French press coffee, this method has remained one of my favorites. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Milk an Almond
Posted: 07/11/2010 Filed under: Drinks, Gluten-Free, Raw Foods, Recipes, Vegan | Tags: Almond Milk, Raw Foods, Recipe, vegan Leave a comment »While most people don’t have access to a cow in order to have fresh, raw, milk, you can easily find raw organic almonds and make a creamy and healthy (and delicious) almond milk. Almond milk was always a favorite of mine back in the States, but, since moving to France, I’ve pretty much stopped drinking milk altogether. This is mainly because a lot of the cow milk sold in France is UHT sterilized, and, even after a couple of years in France, the idea of not having to refrigerate milk kind of eeks me out. Plus, the taste just isn’t the same. You can find fresh milk at certain outdoor markets (and when you do it’s wonderful), but, when you just want to pick up a carton of milk from the corner grocery store, you’re usually out of luck.
In France there is a strong movement towards eating healthy and ecologically. You can easily find organic nut milks, but the problem is that they are still very expensive. Luckily, almond milk is really easy to make. Almonds are also really great for you. They are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. They even help prevent osteoporosis and regulate blood pressure. In a recent conversation I had with an Ayurvedic practitioner, she mentioned the great health benefits of almonds. She also said, however, that almonds need to be peeled in order for the body to absorb the nutrients. Almond milk is thus a great way to consume and maximize the benefits of almonds.
Vin Chaud
Posted: 12/17/2009 Filed under: Drinks | Tags: France, Recipe, Vin Chaud, Wine Leave a comment »During the past couple of weeks, signs advertising vin chaud have been popping up all over France. In the local cafés, vin chaud is written in chalk on the “specials” board, and the vendors at the many celebrated Christmas Markets are prepared to warm up the crowds with their versions of vin chaud. While many countries have their form of mulled wine, in France it’s vin chaud, which literally means “hot wine.” Drinking a glass of vin chaud is sure to warm you up on the coldest of days, but it is also extremely easy to make yourself.
People began making vin chaud as a way of saving wine that had gone bad. By adding sugar and spices, the wine was again drinkable. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should reach for the half bottle of red wine that’s been sitting out for a few weeks. You can make vin chaud from almost any type of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais Nouveau). Be careful not to boil the wine, and be sure to serve with a slice of orange. Vin chaud is also a great accompaniment for pain d’épices, a French spice cake that is similar to gingerbread. Read the rest of this entry »
