Thursday, November 13, 2008
Review: Cuisipro Measuring Spoons
We got a couple of sets of measuring spoons in from Cuisipro to test, and they've already supplanted others in our kitchen as the working favorites. That's for three reasons, listed in ascending order of importance:
- They look cool, with a modern design sensibility.
- They are made of heavy-gauge stainless and are sturdy.
- The shape is not only aesthetically pleasing, but a case of smart engineering. Curves taper down toward the bottom, which means that when you pack something in, the contents release easily.
My wife checked against other measuring spoons we have to see if the actual measurements were accurate, and they were. (That may seem silly, but I've heard of measuring sets named after at least one TV celebrity chef that were off.)
There are two sets. One is a traditional collection of fractional teaspoons, teaspoon, and tablespoon, and that's the one I reach for. The other includes 'pinch', 1/8 tsp, 2/3 tsp, 1 1/2 tsp, and 2 tsp. I yawned at the latter, but my wife explained that I am, indeed, a dope (we both knew this) and that she uses such odd sizes all the time. So listen to her and buy both sets. Now I'll have to pick up one of the nested sets of measuring cups.
Labels: gadget, measurements, product, reviews
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Review: Beck's Oktoberfest Beer
I'm not sure that I've ever had Beck's Oktoberfest variety before, although I believe that it has come out every year at around this time to tie in to Germany's festival (and excuse for rampant beer-drinking) of the same name. No matter - it has a complex taste, a little bitter at the end but pleasingly so (even if you're not a big fan of hops), and a hint of caramel with good body. This is a dark beer that isn't overly heavy or aggressive, and worth picking up. I know for a fact that it goes well with meatloaf, and would probably find a good setting with heavy comfort food, the taste being strong enough to work its way through, but enough lightness in the execution to avoid being overbearing.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Review: Reed's, Virgil's Sodas
A case of drinks came in from the people who make Reed's and Virgil's sodas. Although I'm not typically a big fan of sodas, these are worth the purchase. They are brewed (presumably instead of adding syrup to carbonated water) and have clean, full taste. After some years of walking away from Coke, I can no longer abide the product, and never liked Pepsi. But the Virgil's Cola was outstandingly good. (The cola with Chinese herbs didn't grab me as much, but my wife liked it.) The cream soda and root beer are also admirable in their quality. The Reed's ginger-based drinks have a swaggering refinement - a kick you have to respect. Unfortunately, I didn't seem to get samples of the diet root beer or cream, which are now supposed to be naturally flavored. (I'm guessing that they use one of the sugar alcohols that have a sweet taste but no calories.) Pick some flavors up and remember why people invented soda in the first place.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Review: Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale by Black Sheep Bottled Beers
I was a bit surprised and tickled when a family friend brought over a couple of bottles of Monty Python's Holy Grail ale. The g and r are crossed out on the label, so you have Holy Ail as a result. Apparently the beer "was commissioned to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pythons." If you're a Wickan, you may not appreciate the "tempered over burning witches" line at the bottom. Actually, I wasn't too crazy about it, but did like the rest of the label. The brew is a bit on the bitter side, but well rounded and enjoyable. I hear it's good with spam, spam, spam, eggs, and spam.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Review: 2005 Vale do Bomfim Reserva Douro DOC by Dow
When a sample bottle of 2005 Vale do Bomfim Reserva Douro DOC, a Portuguese wine from Dow, came in, we decided to bring it along with us to some friends and test it there. Don't make the mistake we did of immediately pouring it into a glass and drinking, because the result was unpleasantly astringent. But given a few minutes to breathe, it's a dry, rich, pleasant red with lots of fruit (no more details there - I'm not an olafactory greengrocer). We had it with grilled food and the wine held up well. A bottle will run about $12.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Review: Barefoot Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
A brief review of great value wines: Barefoot Cellar's merlot and cabernet are worth getting. Don't let the oversized bottle and low price per volume ($13 in my area) fool you. These wines have great character and balance, and are pleasant even a few days after you opened one and popped the cork back in. I came across them by accident in a liquor store and, cheap person that I am, decided to give the merlot a shot. Because they are so drinkable, they become fabulous wines for cooking, as you get quality without feeling that you must carefully meter when you deglaze a pan or add some to a sauce. I haven't had any of their other wines (there's a good number), but given my experience so far, I'd try them with some degree of confidence.
