Luxury Ships Of The Silver Seas (The Silver Shadow)

This is a cruise ship strictly for the discriminating traveler who is accustomed to fine living and accommodations. The attention that you will receive while on board will be unbeatable. You see it's an all suite ship which is what makes the Silver Shadow the ship to sail a golden voyage on. An all - inclusive cruise includes round trip air fare, premium deluxe hotel stay, all on board beverages including wines and spirits, all port charges, transfers a shore side event and yes even gratuities.

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When boarding you will be given the White Glove Greeting with White Glove service. Beginning with cold Moet Chandon Champagne. This is the official champagne of the Silver Seas Cruise line. After adjourning to your suite with walk - in closet space you can relax in a white marbled bathroom lavished with bvlgari soaps, lotions and shampoos wrap yourself in a thick plush robe and enjoy a cocktail or two from your in suite bar that is constantly stocked with your favorites to be drank from cut crystal glasses.

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I you have the time for a nap before dinner. Sink into a queen sized bed with crisp linens. Then it's on to the open seating dining room and cordon bleu signature dishes served on signature Silver Seas China and Christofle Silverware on top of Frette Table Linens. The Silver Shadow and her sister ships are smaller than the new age millennium mega ships. The Shadow only accommodates 384 passengers. All suites have an ocean view and all service is six star, for instance if you booked a Grand Suite.

Accommodations:

Grand Suite: This suite has floor to ceiling glass doors which lead onto 1 of 2 teak wood verandas with patio furniture. It has 2 bedrooms with twin beds or a queen size, a sitting area which has remote controlled Plasma T.V. a T.V. with DVD player a 3 changer CD player VCR, in suite movie channels, Direct Dial Telephone, beverage cabinet (stocked daily with your selections) at your request, a writing desk with personalized stationary, newspaper of your choice, large walk - in closet, with dressing table and a safe.

Daily replenishing of fresh flowers and fruit, ice, afternoon canapés, espresso maker, chocolates, butler services and complimentary laundry service throughout your voyage. There will be nights that you will be seated and dinner at the Officers Table. The suite has 2 marbled bathrooms with double vanities one has a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, the other has a tub with shower, separate water closet (toilet) with a bidet, a powder room and European amenities.

Fine linens, plush robes choice pillows, twice daily suite service with nightly turn down and complimentary concierge service round out the services of the suites. With an 80% view of the ocean from any suite the only difference in the Grand Suite and the others is the square footage size, the amenities are the same in the Owners, Royal, medallion, Silver, Veranda, and Vista Suites with the Vista being the smallest it has a large picture window.

Dining:

Le Champagne: intimate atmosphere with excellent wines selections with every culinary creation and for a true culinary experience, order from the Epicureans List. Reservations suggested

La Terroza: alternative dining from around the world with casual surroundings for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Poole Grille: poolside grill with all American favorites cooked and served the way you like them

Cruiselite: delectable low carb low fat meals for the health consciences and the vegetarian

In Suite Dining: order 24 hours a day from the Restaurant Menu and have your meal
Served course by course if you like

Special Diet Needed : If you need a special diet, every effort will be made to accommodate you, Please notify us at least 75 days in advance.

Nightlife:

The Bar: Complimentary cocktails canapés and Live Music

Show Lounge: Classical musical concerts, variety shows and feature films

Moonlight Movies: Latest feature films shown poolside

Panorama Lounge: Live music with Ballroom, Dinner and Rock & Roll Dancing along with the latest Club Mixes, Complimentary drinks

Amenities:

Spa: Hot Lava Rocks, Massages, Elemis Japanese Silk Booster Facials, Elemis Aroma spa Ocean Wraps

Boutique: loaded with Designer jewelry, fashions, perfumes and Silver Sea Logo items.

Luxury Ships Of The Silver Seas (The Silver Shadow)

Rebecca Robbins offers travel tips on Luxury Cruise Ships Luxury Cruise Ships on her blog at http://www.myluxurycruise.info.

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Wildlife Attractions in Orlando, Florida

If some of you may be Disney fans or movie geeks the attractions in Orlando, Florida will definitely keep you satisfied, but the more recent additions to the attraction groups has followed the theme of nature and wildlife. It all started with SeaWorld, an attraction park showing off the amazing display of Shamu the killer whale and various other aquatic creatures such as dolphins and sea lions. This was the formula for success for SeaWorld and the park branched out, opening sister parks such as Aquatica and Discovery Cove.

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Another recent successful park which themes itself around wildlife and nature is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. With over 2,700 animals, this is one of Americas largest zoological institutions, with tigers, orangutans and rhinos, it is no surprise then that Busch Gardens take strides to involve themselves in conservation.

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However, it's not all animals and safari at Busch Gardens. To keep the whole family interested, you can find shows and attractions for all ages. Sesame Street Safari for Fun is aimed at younger children and features characters from the popular TV series such as Elmo and Big Bird.

Other attractions include:

Jungala - A jungle village located within the park allowing you to come face to face with Bengal tigers and orangutans.

Myombe Reserve - A misty habitat for the resident gorillas and chimps.

Edge of Africa - A self guided safari tour to see lions, hyenas and meerkats up close.

Not forgetting the fact that Busch Gardens has some of the most daring rollercoasters in the world including:

SheiKra - A vertical drop rollercoaster reaching speeds of up to 70mph.

Sand Serpant - A family rollercoaster, weaving in and out with hairpin turns and curves.

Montu - One of the tallest and longest rollercoaster in Busch Gardens and event the world!

Busch Gardens has also recently completed and opened the anticipated Cheetah Hunt rollercoaster. Opening in May 2011, this ride lets you experience the speed of the cheetah zipping past waterfalls and valleys.

All in all, Busch Gardens has evolved into a great park with the central theme of nature. It has grown in size over the years to what it is now; a 335-acre plot with amazing thrill rides and fascinating attractions. It is no surprise then that is has become one of the top parks to visit when travelling to Orlando, rivalling the popularity of even Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. It's advisable to plan in a day of your holiday time to visit this amazing park. The whole family will appreciate it!

Wildlife Attractions in Orlando, Florida

Richard Skidmore
Attraction World - Online Marketing Manager

http://www.floridatix.co.uk - Florida Tix is the UKs leading supplier for Disney Tickets, SeaWorld tickets and Universal Orlando tickets.

ORLANDO

The Best Deals in Orlando

If you're looking for the Best Deals in Orlando, Disney - Big Thrills, Fun Rides, and Spectacular Attractions, then you've stumbled upon the right article. First let's cover why Orlando is the ideal place to visit. If you have children, then you already know the answer to that, but we'll cover it anyway. And if you're visiting as a couple, Orlando can offer more adventure and romance than anywhere else in the United States.

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There are tons of attractions in Orlando, but the top seven are Disney World, Epcot Center, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom Park, Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Wet 'n Wild Park. We'll soon go over some of the Best Deals Orlando Disney - Big Thrills, Fun Rides, and Spectacular Attractions. But first let's look at some and go over some brief details for the top seven attractions in Orlando.

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Disney World has seven different lands full of adrenaline-pumping rides, celebrity characters characters, and offers an overall feeling of happiness when you're there. Epcot Center is for those who are interested in what the future might be like. Hollywood Studios is best suited for those who want to feel as though they're in some of the most exciting movies of all time. Animal Kingdom Park is for nature and animal lovers who would like to see animals in their natural habitats. SeaWorld is for anyone, but especially for anyone who wants to see dolphins,whales, sharks, penguins, sting rays, and much more. Discovery Cove is the ideal location for a dolphin lover; you will even have a chance to swim with the dolphins. And Wet 'n Wild Water Park is for people who love to stay wet while having fun in the sun.

There are many great deals to take advantage of in Orlando. Some of the Best Deals Orlando - Big Thrills, Fun Rides, Spectacular Attractions, will be listed here. For instance, if you'd like to visit Epcot Center, there's one deal that offers a 4-day package including hotel, tickets to Epcot, and the water park for 9. There's a similar 4-day deal for the same price in which you would have access to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld and if Discovery Cove is your priority, a 4-day package for 9 will include hotel, swimming with the dolphins, and SeaWorld tickets.

The above are great options, but there are terms and conditions to consider. An easy online search should lead you to the Best Deals Orland Disney - Big Thrills, Fun Rides, and Spectacular Attractions.

The Best Deals in Orlando

Are you planning to visit Orlando and would like to get best deals orlando hotels or seaworld orlando deals, be sure to check out FreeOrlandoHotel.com

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Cooking Boneless Chicken Recipes in a Crockpot

Boneless chicken is economical, versatile, and very tasty. You can make all kinds of boneless chicken recipes including chicken parmesan, chicken cordon bleu, chicken soups and stews and much more. If you have a crockpot, there are plenty of crockpot boneless chicken recipes you can try as well. Boneless chicken cooks very nicely in a crockpot. It becomes really soft and tender and takes on the flavors of the other ingredients you are using in the recipe.

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Crockpot Cooking Tips

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If you are on a tight budget, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in many recipes. One and a half thighs are about equal to a chicken breast, or two thighs if they are quite small.

Test your chicken after it has been cooking for six hours on low. Chicken can become mushy if you cook it in the crockpot for too long, so it is best to keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time.

An Easy Crockpot Recipe for Chicken Tacos

This is a great recipe if you like Mexican food. You can even double or triple the recipe if you have a big crockpot and this would be great if you are having a buffet or if you want to make Superbowl party recipes or feed a crowd. If you do not have taco seasoning, you can use cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt and pepper as an alternative seasoning.

The leftover chicken is versatile and you can use it in all kinds of other boneless chicken recipes. This recipe makes enough to feed ten people and if you want an easy recipe, which cooks itself, or if you are going to be out all day, this crockpot chicken recipe is perfect.

You will need:

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 cups salsa 1 chopped green bell pepper 1 chopped onion 1 envelope taco seasoning 1 package flour tortillas, to serve
How to Make it:

Put the chicken breasts in the crockpot with the bell pepper and onion. Sprinkle the taco seasoning into the salsa, stir well to combine, and then pour this over the chicken and vegetables.

You can add a little water if you think the dish requires more liquid but remember the chicken and salsa produce more liquid as they cook. Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken mixture on high for about five hours or on low for about seven hours. When you can easily shred the chicken with a fork, it is done. Take the chicken breasts out of the crockpot to shred them, and then serve the chicken in the flour tortillas.

Remove the onion and bell pepper pieces with a slotted spoon and add these to the tacos. Garnish the tacos with any toppings you like. Good toppings include lettuce, grated cheese, sour cream, salsa, olives, guacamole, and tomatoes.

Cooking Boneless Chicken Recipes in a Crockpot

Boneless chicken goes with all different flavorings and sauces and you can use it in many dishes, including international chicken recipes. Perhaps you already have a favorite chicken dish like chicken Parmesan or chicken cordon bleu. You can find plenty of easy chicken recipes at our site including the very best crockpot chicken recipes for busy moms.

BonelessChickenRecipe.com - Chicken so delightfully, moist you can almost smell it through your monitor.

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Venison Medallions Grand Veneur With Braised Fennel With Pernod

Grand Veneur has the meaning of great hunter or great forest man or hunter. This is a recipe for the best of the venison meat. It consists of the loin on venison. It is the most tender part of any meat on any type of game. I know most people do not like the taste of deer meat or venison. I however have change my thoughts on the matter after I had this dish. It does have a different flavor than beef and it is not as mild as elk in flavor, but it has a taste that will compliment all of the components in this dish.

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The step that will take the longest is getting the braised fennel ready so I suggest starting this first.

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Items you will need for the Braised Fennel with Pernod:

1 Each Fennel Bulb

2 Tablespoons of white wine

1 Teaspoon of sugar

1 Tablespoon of canola oil

2 CUps of chicken stock

1 Tablespoon of Pernod

First you will cut the top off of the fennel and save the bottom half and about 3 inches of the lower part of the stem. You will saute the fennel to get some color but not too much. You will then deglaze the pan with the white wine, and then you will add your chicken stock, sugar, and the pernod and cover with a lid and cook until done. It needs to be tender.

Items you will need for the Venison Medallions:

1 6 ounce loin, 2 each 3 ounce portions

Salt and Pepper To Taste

1 Ounce of butter

1 Ounce of white wine

6 ounces of Sauce Poivrade. You will make this after you saute the venison medallions. The instructions are below.

2 Teaspoons of red currant jelly

1 Ounce of Heavy Cream

First thing you will do is add salt and pepper to the vennison medalions. You will take a small saute pan, heat the pan, add a small amount of canola oil, and pan sear the full venison loin to a medium rare. You rill remove from the pan and cover them and hold in a warm place but do not continue to cook the venison loin.

Ingredients for the Sauce Poivrade:

1/2 Ounce of carrots chopped

1/2 Ounce of celery chopped

2 Ounces of onion Chopped

1/2 Ounce to 1 ounce of canola oil

1 Bay leaf, 1 thyme sprig and 1 parsley stem

4 Ounces of vinegar

1 Ounce of white wine

1 Cup of demi glace, you can pick this up at Whole Foods Market

1 Teaspoon of crushed peppercorns

1 Tablespoon of butter

You will add your wine and vinegar to the pan you just sauteed the venison loin in. This will deglaze the pan and get all of the extra flavor from the fond on the bottom of the saute pan. You will take the mirepoix which consists of the carrots, celery and onion, and the thyme and the bay leaf and the peppercorns and add them at this time. You will now add the demi glace, heavy cream, and red currant jelly and reduce. When it has reduced by half you will remove from the heat and add the butter and swirl until melted. You need to plate at this time.

You will take the fennel from the pan and place it on the place. You will then take your venison loin and cut it into 1/2 inch medallions on a bias cut and add them to the plate for presentation. You should have a strainer handy to strain your sauce reduction, and add some of the sauce across your venison medallions. It is now time to eat!

Venison Medallions Grand Veneur With Braised Fennel With Pernod

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude, Le Cordon Blue graduate and Executive Research and Development Chef, for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA. Shelley is also the desserts editor for BellaOnline.com.

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Florida Theme Parks in Orlando - Where to Start?

If you're looking for the ultimate of all attractions, then you can't find anywhere better than Florida Orlando. Over the past decade there may have been some potential contenders, but the Sunshine State still remains the number one destination for theme parks. Amongst the world's top 20 theme parks, Florida is home to 7 of them, drawing in 48 million visitors every year. Many of the visitors are theme park veterans and return to Orlando with the family because they consistently have a great time every time they go.

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Hold on there! Before you even book your tickets you will need to plan your trip with military-like precision. It's easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer amount of things you can do in Florida's theme parks and over 100 attractions. It's best to get advice from the veterans or travel agents before you go to make sure you see exactly what you want, because after all, this could be a once in a lifetime trip.

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The first to open was Walt Disney World in 1971, which still remains as the top attraction. However, with new theme park technology and creative roller coasters being built every year, Florida has noticed that the competition is heating up. That's why each year, Orlando opens new expansions and rides which are world class, with blockbuster movie title attractions, safari parks and water rides, there is something for everyone.

Not just Rollercoasters and Rides

Not all the family may enjoy white-knuckle rides and it is important to remember that Orlando offers much more than just rollercoasters. Dotted around the state you may find other attractions such as organic breweries in the southeast and airboat rides in the Everglades where you can keep an eye out for alligators. Florida is also home to the Kennedy Space Center which will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the famous control rooms which guided the Apollo missions to the moon and get up close to some of the gigantic rockets. Of course, the warm weather and sunshine is also a perfect place for golfers, with almost 200 courses to choose from.

So when visiting Orlando, make sure you get to see everything. It is much more than just rollercoasters and thrill rides and has something for everyone. Planning is key and for the best experience is best to plan out the day's activities, allocating time to each attraction. For the veterans, this should come second nature, but for the new visitors it's best to get advice before you book your Florida tickets.

Florida Theme Parks in Orlando - Where to Start?

Richard Skidmore
Attraction World - Online Marketing Manager

http://www.floridatix.co.uk - Florida Tix is the UKs leading supplier for Disney Tickets, SeaWorld tickets and Universal Orlando tickets.

ORLANDO

Cheap Hotels in Orlando - Orlando Place of Attraction for Kids on Tours

Orlando is located in the central region of United States, in Florida and this is one of the largest counties in the Orlando. Orlando country has many attractions for the tourists and to comfort them, this county holds many resorts, hotels and guesthouses to offer the best accommodation for the tourist visiting this wonderful land of attraction across the world.

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Cheap Hotels in Orlando offers the world-class services for the visitors at cheap rates. The services are the best and the hospitality by them makes the tourist feel pleasant and attracts them to visit again. Orlando County holds the second largest number of rooms in the hotel in United States. This huge accommodation has enhanced many to plan a vacation easily to Orlando. Moreover, best service at cheap rate is another outstanding feature to attract many towards this great county.

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Some of the cheap and best hotels in Orlando include Hotel Orlando Marriott Downtown Orlando, Hotel Orlando Centroplex Travelodge Orlando, Hotel Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Orlando Convention Center Orlando, Hotel Extended Stay Deluxe Orlando Universal Studio Orlando, Hotel Masters Inn on International Drive Orlando, Hotel Residence Inn and many other hotels. The rates for accommodation are very affordable by anyone and these hotels offer a high-class accommodation for those who prefer it. Many hotels include spa, outdoor pool, complementary internet accesses at high speed, buffet breakfast every morning during the stay, guest parking, laundry facilities, and includes barbecue grills.

The online advertisements of the hotels have enhanced many tourists to know about the facilities offered by them and the packages included in it. They can also know the rates and compare with other hotel. This helps them to choose the one that well suits their budget with world-class services. It is also possible to reserve the accommodation even before your vacation. This will also help you in getting some discounts on the overall rates.

Cheap flights from London to Orlando are another great opportunity to visit Orlando easily and at a cheaper cost to enjoy the vacation with your family and friends. Many airlines offer discount flight rates to Orlando to attract many on tourism especially. This exclusive discount rate by the airlines is the best travel deal to Orlando and offers the best flight. During off seasons in Orlando it is possible to get a flight at cheap rates from London and if you have planned for your vacation during the on season times then booking in advance would help you get cheap flights from London to Orlando. The online facility has enhanced in knowing the different rates offered by many airlines and compare it. By this, you can buy your tickets easily at low cost and reduce your expenses on your vacation.

Cheap Hotels in Orlando - Orlando Place of Attraction for Kids on Tours

Saini Vinod is SEO Expert, and promoted articles on Cheap Hotels in Orlando, cheap airline tickets, best hotels in Orlando.

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Mary Janes - Comfortable, Cute Shoes

Comfy cute shoes are only a step away when you choose a pair of mary janes. They tend to be more generous in the toe and don't require any theatrical designing to stay on your feet, that strap across the instep keeps them feeling good for long walks, days at the office, shopping and even a night on the town.

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Which brings up another lovely bonus about the comfortable cuteness of this shoe style: they come in a myriad of styles and colors to match any outfit or look, whether it's sexy slinky or platforms for kickin' it to school. Dress or casual, high steppin' or flat ballet style; the looks, colors and finishes are endless.

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We think every gal would do well to have a pair of black leather mary janes in her closet, they're such a great go-to pair of shoes. But with all those other choices, a pair of them ala sneaker style makes for some thoroughly comfortable cuteness and adds a touch of femininity to a casual knockaround weekend look.

When choosing your pair of comfortable cute mary janes, look for a bit of padding in the sole for soft stepping. Natural uppers such as leather or fabric will breathe better than patent leather and look for a sturdy heel if you're planning on doing a lot of walking - that'll give you the support you need without looking too clunky (unless that's the look you're going for, have at it!)

So enjoy your shopping experience and we wish you the cutest pair of comfortable shoes for women around!

Mary Janes - Comfortable, Cute Shoes

For a huge selection of this fabulous shoe style, visit Mary Jane Shoes. Our Black Mary Janes are our most popular section, so give that a look-see while you're there.

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A Helpful Guide To Baking Chicken

There are few meals that are simpler, inexpensive, and more filling than a classic baked chicken dinner. Baking is an ideal cooking method for preparing chicken as it enhances the flavor of the poultry perfectly and you can use an incredible number of different seasonings for making a resistible meal.

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The basic tools you will need for baking chicken include a roasting pan, sharp knife, meat thermometer, and of course, the oven. A few tablespoons of olive oil and simple seasonings like a few pinches of salt, black pepper, rosemary, oregano, and thyme are all you would need for creating an incredibly tasty baked chicken.

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When using a whole chicken you will first need to remove the giblets and rinse the inside and the outside of the bird with cool water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with the herbs and spices of your choice.

Feel free to experiment with a variety of ingredients like garlic, mushrooms, onions, and even fruits such as oranges and lemons for making a delicious baked chicken dish.

For making a whole chicken, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the chicken in roasting pan uncovered for about an hour to an hour and a half. When the outside of the chicken as turned a golden brown color, check it with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked inside.

Your baked chicken is done when the temperature of the breast reaches 170 degrees and the thighs are 180 degrees. If you do not happen to have a meat thermometer, check to see that the inside of the chicken is no longer pink and that the juices run clear.

After removing from the oven, allow the chicken to sit untouched and cool for about 10 minutes before carving with a sharp knife and enjoying.

Baked Lemon and Mushroom Chicken Recipe

What You Need

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 lemons 1/2 stick butter 3 cups white mushrooms, chopped 1 teaspoon tarragon 2 tablespoons flour 2 cans chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon garlic Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use the olive oil to coat the chicken breasts then squeeze the juice from 1 lemon evenly over top of each.

With the other lemon, cut into 8 thin slices and place 2 atop each chicken breast.

Bake the chicken for 40 minutes or until the juices run clear.

About 20 minutes before the chicken is done baking, melt the butter in a medium sized skillet and then add the chopped mushrooms with the tarragon. Lightly saute the mushrooms for about 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and tender.

Slowly stir the flour into the mushroom mixture then slowly add the chicken broth. Continue to stir while gradually increasing the heat and bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep boiling gently for about 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens and turns into a creamy sauce.

Spoon the sauce over the baked lemon and mushroom chicken and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

A Helpful Guide To Baking Chicken

Fried chicken with creamy gravy, biscuits, and side dishes like potatoes, rice, or salad are all you need for a filling and delicious meal for lunch, dinner, or when having friends and family over. A classic southern fried chicken recipe will be appreciated just about anywhere as this incredibly easy way to make chicken results in the moistest, most flavorful meat.

SouthernFriedChickenRecipe.com When it has to be Real Fried Chicken

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Commercial Landscaping in Orlando

As a business owner in the Orlando region, you have stiff competition when it comes to curb appeal. The presence of multibillion dollar budgets for theme parks, and high-end retailers stacked end to end in some areas of the city raises the bar for everyone with a commercial business. To catch the eye of passing motorists in their air-conditioned cars with tinted windows, you need a WOW factor that extends beyond your signage. Whether people realize it or not, plants can add pizazz to their storefronts.

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Great Pizza-Maker, Terrible Gardener
If you are a successful business owner, you are probably great at your individual business niche-you would have to be, to survive today's rough and tumble economy. However, you may not be a super gardener. That is where commercial landscape companies fill in. It is a worthy investment to give your business, real estate holdings and other commercial a face-lift by hiring a commercial landscaper. A commercial landscaping business will know the ins and outs of creating a beautiful entrance for your business. They have the manpower and purchasing power to efficiently design, install, and maintain your commercial landscape. A couple of petunias in a pot will not cut it. To compete for people's attention, a rainbow of well-designed color is in order.

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What your Commercial Landscaper can do for You
There is more to landscaping than planting some annuals and turning on the sprinkler. Landscapes in high-traffic areas such as strip malls, shopping malls and pedestrian plazas take a beating-intentional and otherwise. Contracting with a commercial landscaper can give you peace of mind that whatever happens to your property, it can and will be fixed promptly and efficiently. Just a few things that routinely happen to commercial landscapes: graffiti, run-over sprinkler heads, kicked sprinkler heads, stolen plants, insect infestation, litter, leaf litter, storm damage and more. Commercial landscapers can take care of each of these situations to help you put your best foot forward.

Permits and More
A good reason to hire a landscaper certified by the FNGLA, the governing body of commercial landscapers, is that your certified commercial landscape contractor will know what permits are needed for new installation, and municipal rules and restrictions for landscape maintenance. A certified commercial landscaping company will also have all of the necessary insurance and pesticide licenses and training to keep you and your customers safe and happy. There is more to building a sidewalk than putting in a few bricks in the sand. Let a certified commercial landscape professional install your new landscaping and hardscape to keep your business current with all construction and accessibility regulations.

There are hundreds of landscaping companies listed in the phone book. Before you sign a contract, be certain to check their licenses, insurance, certification and references. Doing so will help ensure that you have a positive experience with your commercial landscaping contractor.

Commercial Landscaping in Orlando

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Pastry Chef Courses - Baking the Finest

If you are looking for a career in making some of the finest foods, than you can begin to look into going to school for culinary arts. One of the specialties that you can begin to move into is becoming a pastry chef. Finding the best pastry chef courses in order to enhance your career as a chef is your first step towards putting the right topping on every cake.

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When you begin to look into the pastry chef courses that are offered, you will typically find courses and classes that are based off of the specialization of making the finest in desserts. This will begin with courses in things such as candy making and chocolate sculpture, allowing you to put the side desserts on the table through the different mixtures that you are able to learn. You will also be able to learn things such as international recipes for sweets, such as tarts, pies, icings and cakes.

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The next set of courses that you will be able to stir up when you are studying pastries is the ability to move into baking skills with bread. Because there are so many different types of pastries, you will have the ability to learn about how to make the textures and methods for making the best dough. With this, you will be able to learn how to bake quick breads, cakes and cookies with the different recipes available, allowing you to make the most out of every dessert.

Among these courses will also be the ability to learn how to work within the field of culinary arts. This will start with things such as the presentation of pastries and will move into the theories and techniques that are the most important. Beyond this, the courses will move into ways to do things such as display masterpieces and how to manage the dishes that you serve. There will also be the capacity to move into areas such as how to effectively cater and help with complete management with food.

If you are looking for different courses, you can choose from a wide variety, all which will offer these different sets of classes at different levels of becoming a chef. You can find a variety of chef schools that are designed in order to help you to become a pastry expert and can also look into the different fields of food technique through online classes offered. If you are interested in moving to an institute, you can look into larger schools, such as Le Cordon Bleu, all which will offer a different touch to making pastries.

If you want to put dessert on the best table, than starting with taking pastry chef courses is the first plate to set down. By taking the different courses and examining what is available, you will have the capacity to make desserts that are mixed together to completely indulge in. Knowing what types of courses are available and knowing where to find them will provide you with the best in pastries.

Pastry Chef Courses - Baking the Finest

For more information on Chef Schools [http://www.chefschoolsprerequisites.com] and courses for a career in cooking visit => [http://www.chefschoolsprerequisites.com]

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How To Make Cooking Easy And Simple

Most of us treat cooking as a torturous chore that has to be endured at the end of a long working day. We all look and marvel at people who enjoy cooking and look forward to cooking at home and wonder what went wrong with us. To tell you the truth, the basic difference between people who enjoy spending time in the kitchen and those who don't is just a little bit of planning. With proper planning, you can easily fix good home cooked meals for the whole family within half an hour and once you find cooking fast and easy, you will look forward to making and eating wholesome home cooked meals. Some tips that will help you in making cooking both easy and simple are:

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Start with easy and simple: The key to making food fast and without fuss is to start with easy and simple recipes. Don't try preparing cordon bleu menus on weekdays. Leave them for the weekends if you like cooking and for the restaurants if you don't. Instead aim at making wholesome and healthy food at home and start with easy to make salads, stir fries and soups. Baking with bottled marinades is not only easy and fast; it also produces great tasting, healthy non-vegetarian dishes.

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Plan meals in advance: Plan your meals before you go to pick up your weekly supply of groceries. This way, you will be able to buy all the ingredients that you will need for your dishes instead of having to abandon making something in the middle because of the absence of a crucial ingredient. Planning meals will also help you in picking up stuff that is better suited to your dishes. For example, if you are planning to make stir fries a lot during the week, then going for chopped vegetable will be better than buying whole vegetables.

Put your appliances to better use: Most of us under use almost all of our appliances, specially our food processors, microwaves and crock pots. Washing the food processor and changing different attachments is a chore, but not if you have to do it only once or twice a week. Chop vegetables and prepare stuff for the whole week on the weekend using your food processor and keep different ingredients in different boxes in the fridge. Most vegetables and pastes will last for at least a week if stored in airtight containers. Similarly, you can use your microwave for making basic dishes. Start using your crock pot for preparing soups and rice dishes while your prepare the main course to save time.

Keep your fridge and kitchen stocked with RTC ingredients: A well stocked fridge and kitchen are the keys to making cooking simple. Keeping different types of pasta, marinade and salad sauces along with ready to mix seasonings can save you a lot of time and energy at the end of a hard day at work. Similarly keeping chopped vegetables and ready to cook meat and poultry pieces in your fridge and freezer ensure that you save on cleaning and cutting time every day.

How To Make Cooking Easy And Simple

Get more information regarding crock pot

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Exceptional Wine - Perrin Cote Du Rhone

Perrin Reserve is a Cote du Rhone from the Rhone valley of France.

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This is an exceptional wine with a smooth taste and practically no aftertaste. It is settling on the palate and has a clean finish. One of the best wines in the market today, because its taste is so impressive and pleasing that you would have a hard time refusing a second or a third glass. It is so reasonably priced that you'll be totally amazed. It is perhaps one of the best deals in the market for its taste and price.

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As proprietors of Chateau de Beaucastel in Chateauneuf-du-Pape of Rhone valley, the Perrin family has demonstrated exceptionally high standards for nearly a century. Jean Pierre and Francois Perrin have taken particular care that this Cotes du Rhone meets their stringent standards of excellence. It is made from 60% Grenache grapes, 20% Syrah grapes and 20% Mouvedre grapes.

Every time I serve it at my house or take it to a party or a gathering, I get high compliments.

Cote du Rhone is probably one of the most accommodating, and inexpensive wines of France that is smooth and delightful in taste, with a cranberry color. It can be considered an excellent every day wine that a wine drinker shouldn't be without.

Most vineyards offer good wines in the region, and the Perrin Reserve is perhaps one of the most impressive productions of the Cote du Rhone in France. Best of all it is readily available in the markets all over North America.

Buy one at your higher end specialty or super market and make yourself and a friend real happy.

Exceptional Wine - Perrin Cote Du Rhone

Mike Samii,
Cordon Bleu Chef/Author

To obtain our e-book "The Right Wine For Your Food," and get access to a directory of 279 types of food and 80 types of impressive wine that match them, visit us at http://www.tastefullyamerican.com

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Top Lawn Care Tips For Orlando

Part of the fun of living in Orlando is the ability to grow a lush lawn in every season. Outdoor recreation is enhanced by a beautiful lawn. For the best looking lawn in your neighborhood, twelve months out of the year, follow these lawn care tips for Orlando homeowners.

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* Keep your grass mown at the tallest possible height for the grass species in your lawn. Grass grows a root system that is directly proportional to the height of the grass plant above ground. To encourage healthy root growth, and reduce the need for watering, keep your grass as high as is optimum for the species.

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* Keep your mower blades sharp. Sharp mower blades have several benefits. First, you will use less fuel to mow the lawn if mower blades are kept sharp. Second, your lawn will look cleaner and greener. The *whitish haze* on newly mown lawns is caused by mowers with dull blades that tear rather than cut the grass. The incomplete tears dry up and turn brown, rather than healing cleanly and staying green.

* Get a soil test at least once a year and amend the soil accordingly. Soil test instructions and kits are available from your local cooperative extension office. A qualified landscape professional can also collect a soil sample and send it for analysis. Before spending money on fertilizer, it is a good idea to have a soil test. The nutrients your grass needs might be in the soil already, but unavailable due to soil pH or the lack of organic matter. (A common problem in the sandy soils of Florida.) You may need to adjust the soil type or acidity before fertilizing to get the most bang for your buck.

* Leave grass clippings on your lawn. Warm season grasses are prone to thatch problems, but grass clippings do not cause thatch buildup. If you remove no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at any time while you are mowing, the clippings will dry up and decompose quickly, adding precious organic matter back into the soil.

* Aerate in the spring or fall, but not during the summer. Aerating is both beneficial and stressful for your grass. During hot Orlando summers, aerating can cause unnecessary stress for the plants. A spring or fall aeration schedule will allow your plants to recover quickly from being sliced apart. For best results, top-dress with a compost/topsoil blend. This will help amend the soil and add organic matter, as well as counter the effects of soil compaction. Aerating is especially important for lawns that see a lot of recreational use.

* Water deeply and infrequently. Depending on the time of year, your grass will need more or less water. December-March, your lawn will need about 1/3 as much water as during the summer months. This is because the grass is mostly dormant and not actively growing. This watering technique will also help your grass plants grow deep roots, which will come in handy during a drought.

* Calibrate sprinkler heads. To be certain that your lawn is being watered evenly, check your sprinkler system. Put five straight sided cans or pans around your yard and turn on the sprinklers for a timed run. After the cut off, measure the amount of water in each pan. If one contains more than the other, you need to re-calibrate the distance and overlap of the sprinkler heads, or check for leaks.

A well-maintained lawn can provide hours of peaceful relaxation after the work is done. For the healthiest lawn in Orlando, Florida, follow the above lawn care tips.

Top Lawn Care Tips For Orlando

Sprinklers, Orlando Landscape Contractors

ORLANDO

Orlando Florida Attractions

If you want a vacation that can offer you everything from family fun to an exciting singles lifestyle then you are looking for the Orlando Florida attractions. The city of Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the United States both because of the vacations that the area has to offer along with it being a large center for business meetings. If you are going to be in Orlando for any length of time, then you should really get out and enjoy some of the Orlando Florida attractions that are in the area. If you missed them then you will regret it until you are able to come back again.

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Some of the most well-known Orlando, Florida attractions are those that are associated with the theme parks in the area. These would include Disney along with all of its theme parks as well as sea world and Universal studios. Of course the theme parks are not the only thing to see while you are in the Orlando area. They also offer some of the best night life for both singles and couples that the world has to offer. You can do anything from dining in some of the best restaurants in the world to visiting night clubs that pepper the streets of the city. There really isn't a limit to what you can do when you are in the Orlando Florida area.

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So when you are in central Florida make sure that you check out the Orlando Florida attractions for some of the best entertainment that the city has to offer. It is sure to have something that will please everyone, and often gives you a surprise or two if you just look hard enough for it. I have never been disappointed with my visits to Orlando or any of the attractions that I have visited.

Orlando Florida Attractions

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The Stem Gem Is a Diamond in the Rough!

You may consider yourself a gadget aficionado of sorts, or maybe you're just one of those people that love going to your local cooking store in search of the latest and greatest to add to your junk drawer. Whatever niche you may fall under, I promise you will love this.

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I myself fall under the aficionado category. I consider myself a 'tool Sommelier' of sorts, if you will. No, I do not have a background in gourmet cooking and I did not attend 'Le Cordon Bleu'. I do, however, have a little over 5 years experience working as a merchandiser for one of the top Gourmet cooking stores which allows me first hand experience with all of the new kitchen lovelies.

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My newest favorite and the entire purpose of this post is the 'Stem Gem' by Chef'n. Maybe you've heard of it, maybe you haven't. Their products are sold at retail locations all over the country and all well designed and most importantly, affordable. They pride themselves on innovative designs that are visually appealing and also functional.

The Stem Gem's fun design- a strawberry of course!- makes it fun to use, and really easy to spot in a drawer. I don't care how organized you are, most often times tools fall under the same blah design category which makes things almost impossible to spot in the heat of your cooking moment.

Now onto the usage- There is a lever at the top that you push in which releases the claws at the opposite end, which you place over and push into, the top of the strawberry. Do a simple twist to either side and pull out. What you are left with is an amazingly clean, stem-less strawberry. Long gone are the days of wasting almost half of your precious fruit by maiming it, or yourself for that matter, with a plain old paring knife. The basic scoop design of the 'huller's' of the past are basically obsolete now as well- save those for your citrus garnishes people. The Gem also works superbly on tomatoes! Save some precious minutes the next time you're making homemade pasta sauce. This little gadget is also dishwasher safe although it's so easy to clean, a dishwasher run is hardly necessary!

With the Stem Gem priced at around .00, you can afford to get one for yourself, get a gift for that person that has everything, or save it for a stocking stuffer!

The Stem Gem Is a Diamond in the Rough!

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Advantages of Culinary Training

Just like with any other course or ones chosen field of interest, proper training is very much necessary in order to make you successful in whatever field you choose take. When it comes to culinary arts and cooking, the proper training which you can get from some of the best and most renowned culinary schools could definitely make all the difference for you.

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Culinary training could provide you with the widest range of advantages. In fact, if you come to think of it, you can get everything that could make you a true success if you undergo proper training.

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This kind of training could also provide you not only with knowledge and information about cooking but of everything else that you need to know and are regarded to be very important when it comes to cooking courses. Also, you can even get first hand experience as well as information when it comes to training.

This training could also provide you with an idea of how the professional world of cooking actually goes and how you could carve your niche in the industry. The good thing about this training is that it could provide you with a background on training and how it could be of benefit to you.

With the proper training from a good culinary arts school, you will be equipped with the right armor when it comes to culinary arts and how you can actually excel in it and have the right amount of confidence that could make you successful as a future chef.

Advantages of Culinary Training

Want to become a chef? Start your culinary career now.

LE CORDON

Shrimp Embrochette With a Chipotle Aioli, Great Hors De Oeuvres Recipe

Shrimp Embrochette Hors de Oeuvres

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INGREDIENTS (for 3-4 servings):

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1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 (6 ounce) can crabmeat, drained
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic
½ teaspoon of salt or to taste, you can omit the salt if you prefer but it does help add seasoning to the shrimp.
25 large shrimp , 5 will be deveined and chopped and the other 20 will be peeled, deveined and butter flied.
20 thick slices bacon par cooked which means it is semi cooked but not cooked all the way.
Skewers, or Toothpicks that have been soaked in water to prevent burning when grilling.

PREPARATION:

To par cook your bacon add the bacon pieces to a sheet pan and put them in a 350 - 400 degree oven for about 10- 15 minutes. You will then remove them from the sheet pan and lay them out on a paper towel to remove all of the excess bacon grease.

In a medium bowl, mix together the 5 chopped shrimp, bread crumbs, crabmeat, jalapeno pepper, pepper jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, canola oil and garlic salt. You will mix well and make sure that the shrimp and crab mixture are holding together well due to the fact that it will be stuffed in the shrimp. You do not want your mixture to run out of the bacon wrapped shrimp.

You can cook these on a hot grill, pan sauté, or oven broil these little babies. Your choice but my preference is on a hot grill and that is why I par cook the bacon. I try and remove as much of the bacon fat so the grill will not flame or flare up when cooking on the grill. I like to use Mesquite wood when grilling mine for the added flavor.

You will put your par cooked bacon strips out on a clean work surface. Take a heaping spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture and stuff it into the butter flied shrimp, and wrap with bacon, and repeat until all are wrapped up. You will then secure with two toothpicks or wooden skewers if you like. The wooden skewers need to be soaked in water just as the toothpicks do if you are using them on the grill. It will keep them from burning. If you are going to use the skewers use 2 of them and run them about a ½ inch apart so it will look like you are making a shrimp ladder. If you are using the toothpicks, you will need to make sure to secure the bacon and you can run them parallel or make an x if you like, either will work just fine. You are ready to grill or cook your shrimp Embrochette.

Regardless if you are cooking on the grill, pan or oven watch your shrimp once it starts to become really nice and salmon pink it is done, do not overcook because it will become chewy. If you cook for about 5-8 minutes on each side depending on the heat you are cooking over, and after the bacon crisps up you should remove them from cooking surface and let cool for about 3-5 minutes. There will be carry over cooking and you want to make sure that the inside has caught up to the outside and that it will be cooled down enough not to burn your guest, and then serve.

Chipotle aioli:

Add 1 Cup of Mayo, about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro, 1-2 teaspoon of chipotle powder- you can add more or less depending on the heat level you desire, 2-3 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, pinch or two of salt and pepper. Stir and add to a bowl for dipping.

Shrimp Embrochette With a Chipotle Aioli, Great Hors De Oeuvres Recipe

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude, Le Cordon Blue graduate and Executive Research and Development Chef, for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon,

LE CORDON

When Visiting Orlando Florida - Some Tips

I have some friends coming from London this year and they asked me where and when to stay - these were my thoughts:

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1. In mid summer the weather is very hot, the parks are packed and the lines long

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2. In October or November the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists. The first three weeks of December are the slowest and it is a lot cooler, but you can get hotel rooms for a steal.

3. If you are coming from Europe you can stay on International Drive. You can walk up and down in the evening and don't need a car as much.

4. If you are coming with a family and don't mind driving a bit you can rent a vacation home - Vacation homes can be very nice, can house many people and can be much cheaper than renting several hotel rooms. They also can offer your own private pool and you can cook in fully equipped kitchens; some homes have up to seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Typically most of the vacation homes are in Kissimmee or Davenport. Check the quality and location before you book.

5. Convenient hotels in Orlando from a European perspective:

-Luxury - Peabody Orlando - Location great, quality great

-Mid Market - Rosen Plaza - Big, great facilities and great location

-Economy - Quality Inn International - Clean, well run and great location

So there you have our opinion and it is only an opinion as many other people may disagree. We don't warrant the hotels we like, its just ones we have had friends stay at and give us the best feed back. There are some great sites out there to check hotel quality - try trip adviser.

When Visiting Orlando Florida - Some Tips

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Orlando Senior Vacations

Vacations are the perfect getaway. Holidays allow people to de-stress and face their daily routine with increased vigor. When considering a visit to the state of Florida, Orlando stands out as the perfect destination. Holiday trends reveal that travel agents and tours offer multiple senior vacation packages designed to meet the special needs of the elderly.

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Orlando senior vacations are organized to safeguard and uphold the interest of senior citizens, as they tend to be different in requirements and preference. These vacations are usually planed for a group of seniors and revolve around group activities and participation. When considering an Orlando senior vacation, it is possible for vacationers to find reasonably priced lodgings and other benefits as a result of the large group discounts that are widely available.

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It is advisable to book accommodations in advance and inquire about lodging conditions in order to avoid any hassles upon reaching Orlando. People should determine a budget and choose a package that is affordable. It helps to have adequate funds for other activities and shopping without being financially strained. People may choose from star rated hotels, suites, apartments, cottages and motels. A number of villas and cottages are designed for group accommodations. They offer multiple bathrooms, spacious sitting areas and fully equipped kitchens. Rather than opting for trekking and strenuous physical activities, this special group of tourists can opt for relaxed recreational activities. Holiday planners understand these needs and design tailor- made Orlando senior vacations that are attentive to such requirements. This includes planned rides to Discovery Cove, Orlando's water parks, Sea World, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and other popular theme destinations. Teeing, boat rides, sight seeing and shopping activities are also included in these packages. These vacations allow senior citizens to share their experiences amongst contemporaries and build everlasting bonds.

Orlando Senior Vacations

Orlando Vacations provides detailed information on Orlando Vacations, Orlando Discount Vacations, Orlando Family Vacations, All Inclusive Orlando Vacations and more. Orlando Vacations is affiliated with Orlando Vacation Home Books.

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Culinary Colleges Are Not an Easy Ride

If you are a member of the culinary community as either a chef or someone who just cooks as a hobby, then it may be mind blowing to accept the fact that some people hate to cook. Either they just hate the time spent on cooking or they simply do not know how to cook.

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For those aspiring culinary students, it is a love from which they want to make a professional career. They do this by attending any one of the culinary colleges that have sprung up across the country and the world. They are willing to make the sacrifices in order to make their dreams come true.

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Are you someone who loves to cook? Well if you are and you plan to attend one of the culinary colleges found throughout the world, then you need to know a few facts. It is difficult to gain admittance into the best culinary schools in the country.

You will have to have an exceptional resume, a high grade point average and a background in the culinary community. The second thing you should know is that it is not going to be easy. Be prepared for hard labor, long hours, studying and leaving your ego at the door.

Now it is time to review what you will learn at one of the premier culinary schools in the United States. The Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School is probably the one school most people have heard of through ads and watching television.

Students can expect to learn skills that will prepare them for the food service industry, such as hospitality, restaurant management, knife skills, proper food sanitation and much more. The goal for the instructors is to provide enough instruction and practice so that the budding chef is able to handle any number of potential situations.

A career in the food service arena is not one to be taken lightly. Yes, there are chefs who have not had any formal training, such as Food Network's Rachel Ray. But there are others, such as Gordon Ramsey and Todd English who have had formal training and are now celebrity chefs.

If you should decide to check out culinary colleges, then you need to seriously evaluate your skill level and what it is that you hope to gain from attending such a school. Perhaps with enough hard work you can have your own television show on the Food Network. It is possible.

Culinary Colleges Are Not an Easy Ride

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KAE-SU-LUK - The Ancient Art of Carving

The ancient art of carving fruits and vegetables into a variety of shapes and objects, originated in Thailand in 1364. Today this custom delights and entertains people around the globe.

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Chef Ning Crook, of Las Vegas believes, "People eat with their eyes. Food should always please the eye as well as the palate. It's fascinating to watch ordinary fruits and vegetables like watermelon, carrots, red peppers, cucumbers and even pumpkins change character and form. A turnip, or a radish, even an onion, can be carved into a beautiful flower or a whole bouquet. These creations enhance the visual effects of the food and add a 'wow' factor".

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Pam Maneeratana, world-renowned Kaesaluk Master, originally from Bangkok, Thailand has been teaching and giving demonstrations on Kae-sa-luk in the United States for the past 20 years. As the host of fruitcarving.com. Pam believes vegetable carving is not difficult. One must first understand the concept behind the basic forms of carving and understand how to use the knife correctly. While there are a variety of tools used for this art, the knife is the most important. "I use only a good pairing knife. Good means sharp, sturdy and thin. A good knife is the answer to all good cuts. Learning how to hold your knife in your hand and feeling comfortable with it is just like when you learned how to hold a pencil when you learned to write. My students are told to ruin their first projects. If the students try to make the perfect piece on their first try, they will become frustrated and it will be hard to get to the point of perfection." I asked Pam about painting and dyeing the carvings. "I never color or dye my carved vegetables. It is more fascinating and more challenging to transform them from their original formation."

Chef Jason Brandin of the Las Vegas Harley-Davidson Café learned the art of carving from his grandmother. She taught him the "idea of making food look nice" and sat him down with a pumpkin and a carving kit. He later refined his skill at Le Cordon Bleu in Las Vegas, which ultimately led to his 3rd Place Award in the vegetable carving competition at the 2004 American Culinary Federation food show at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. "Fruit and vegetable carving is the marriage between art and the love of food," said Chef Jason. "This started as my hobby and then I learned the importance of it. These elegant garnishes improve your plate presentation by making the food on the plate more appealing, and it also adds value to your plate. An entrée that may normally sell for .00 can sell for .00 when you take an ordinary piece of food and make it look like something. Have you ever been in a restaurant and been served an 'ungarnished' plate? It looks terrible!"

I asked him if carving was something that could be self-taught. "Yes, you can actually teach yourself and perfect and challenge your skill with practice. There are several books and videotapes on the subject. The thing to remember is not to let the art intimidate you. Have fun with it. Although you need a good eye for what you want to design. Take a picture of a rose and deconstruct it; imagine how it's made and then try to reconstruct it onto the vegetable. It's like taking an engine apart: you have all the pieces, now you have to figure out how to put it back together. Practice is the best advice I can give. Buy a bag of carrots and potatoes and practice, practice, practice. Carving is a skill you can use for the rest of your life. It's a piece of you on the plate; a form of expression." As he picked up a button head mushroom and carved a design onto it, he said, "Look how good that looks! Your guests will appreciate the extra time you take. No matter how you display these carvings, you can be sure they will be conversation pieces".

The relationship between the food and the garnish is as important as their placement. The items selected and the pattern carved should be artistically and strategically arranged, balanced according to size and shape, color, texture and flavor, and appropriate in design for the meal presentation. Whether these intricate works of art are used to add drama and flair to a buffet as an exotic eye-catching centerpiece or a simple garnish to accent a plate display, Kae-sa-luk adds elegance, style and personality to the occasion. These artistic culinary creations, with their unique designs, will enchant the dinner, reflect the talent and passion of the carver, and pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Thailand where this beautiful art originated.

FEW HELPFUL POINTERS:

Fruits and vegetables must be cleaned and unblemished before carving.

Use a knife made of stainless steel or bronze; any other type of metal will cause oxidation and result in bruising.

Proper storage is critical if the carvings are expected to last up to 2-3 days. Chef Jason suggests putting the finished product in ice water in the refrigerator. "Ice water will keep the carvings fresh and crisp, and it will also help some of them bloom. It's also a good idea to keep them separate".

Pam Maneeratana wraps her creations in "resealable plastic" before storing them in the refrigerator.

KAE-SU-LUK - The Ancient Art of Carving

Kate Mazzarella-Minshall
Director of Events
Harley-Davidson Cafe / Thunderbolt Associates, LLC, (NYC)
3725 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89113
katemazzarellaminshall@gmail.com
http://www.harley-davidsoncafe.com

LE CORDON

Chocolatier Classes - Turn Your Love of Chocolate Into an Amazing Career

Looking for a place to attend chocolatier classes? Look no further. There are culinary schools in several countries that have a chocolatier program -- and a handful of schools actually specialize in chocolatiering. Some schools have a chocolatier certificate program, while others have full degree programs, with emphasis on pastry and baking arts.

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Ecole Chocolate

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Ecole Chocolate has multiple programs that range from 100% online to advanced study programs. The Professional Chocolatier Program consists of an intensive 3 month part-time curriculum in chocolate making. It is delivered through online videos, lectures, chat sessions, open forums, and student interaction. Ecole Chocolate believes the longer course design allows you extra time to hone your skills by having time to practice and research between sessions. It will also allow you flexibility around your personal schedule. Once you complete these courses you can advance to the Master chocolate program.

Le Cordon Bleu

This culinary arts school has multiple campuses across the Unites States and around the world. They offer degrees in pastry and baking arts with optional emphasis on chocolate making.

The Arts Institutes of America

The AIA offers culinary degree programs that include pastry and baking as well as courses on chocolate. They have locations across the US, with campuses in just about every major city.

Notter Institute

The Notter Institute provides several avenues to achieve a diploma in culinary arts. They specialize in European bakery and pastry techniques. The founder is Ewald Notter, a chocolatier and author of the book, The Art of the Chocolatier. He is a world renowned confectionery and pastry chef with multiple awards to his name. This school offers a 24 week program to teach fundamentals as well as advanced techniques.

Career Options for a Master Chocolatier

Some master chocolatiers open their own chocolate shops. Others work in the hospitality industry on cruise ships, at world renowned hotels, at resorts and casinos. Some will go on to work for big chocolate makers like Nestle or Callebaut. Still others will link up through professional associations and become Pastry/Chocolate chefs at the best restaurants in the world.

Once you have achieved the first levels of knowledge, and if your heart is still obsessed with chocolate, you can then take it to the next level by becoming a Master Chocolatier. Once you gain this distinction--a Master Chocolatier-- your knowledge will be so extensive that you will know how to create, shape, combine, form, manipulate and do just about anything you can think of with chocolate!

Chocolatier Classes - Turn Your Love of Chocolate Into an Amazing Career

Find a culinary arts program with chocolatier classes and turn your passion into an amazing career!

LE CORDON

Low Fat Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu is an Italian dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake soaked with coffee and brandy or liqueur layered with mascarpone cheese and topped with grated chocolate. This version is lighter than its traditional recipe, substituting a reduced fat cream filling for much of the mascarpone.

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To make the cream filling:

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1 Cup 2% milk

1/4 Teaspoon of cinnamon

2 Teaspoons of a good vanilla bean paste

1/4 Cup sugar, plus 3 tablespoons for beating the egg whites

1 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch

3 eggs, 1 whole egg, plus two egg whites, discard the yolks

1 1/2 Teaspoons lemon zest

1/4 Cup of room temp low fat cream cheese

1/4 Teaspoon cream of tartar

Remainder of ingredients of Tiramisu:

24 Ladyfingers

1/2 Cup cold espresso or regular coffee

1 Tablespoon Brandy

1 Tablespoon of Rum

1 Tablespoon water

4 Tablespoons sugar

3-4 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

First, prepare the cream filling:

You will combine the milk, cinnamon, vanilla bean paste, and one tablespoon of the sugar in a small pan. You will gradually bring the mixture to a slight boil, more if a simmer actually while stirring frequently so that the milk does not burn. Remove from the heat and let stand, or start to cool. You will then get a small bowl and start to whisk together three tablespoons of sugar and the cornstarch into about a tablespoon of water. Add the whole egg and the lemon zest, and whisk these together. A micro plane would work well for this recipe, but if you do not have one use your knife.

You will then whisk the scalded milk, into the egg mixture very slowly so you will not cook the eggs immediately. You will then, return this mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, or until the cornstarch does its job and it becomes a very thick mixture. Remove the pan from the heat, and whisk in the low fat cream cheese.

Beat the two egg whites and cream of tartar until they are glossy but not dry, adding the rest of the three tablespoons of sugar as the egg whites stiffen. Fold these egg whites into the warm custard mixture, and let it cool to room temperature.

To finish the dessert, arrange a dozen ladyfingers, you can also use sponge cake for this recipe for an even lower fat recipe, it does not taste as well though, and put into a serving dish or platter with sides a nine inch pan will work fine. You will then combine the espresso, brandy, and rum, water, and 4 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Then whisk the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. Brush half of this mixture on the ladyfingers, ideally with a pastry brush. You will spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top, and sprinkle with half of the cocoa. Its best to sprinkle the cocoa by using a fine strainer or a sifter.

Then, place the second layer of ladyfingers on top, followed by brushing on the remaining espresso mixture, and then the rest of the mascarpone. Refrigerate the dessert for 3-4 hours, and then sift the rest of the cocoa on top before serving.

Low Fat Tiramisu Recipe

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude, Le Cordon Blue graduate and Executive Research and Development Chef, for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA. Shelley is also the desserts editor for http://www.BellaOnline.com

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Fine Dining Restaurant in Orlando

Are you heading for Orlando? Have you got the tickets yet? And have you already booked the hotel? Ok then, lucky you! Everything seems to be ready, and you are on the right track. However, do you think you know everything you need to know about this fabulous place? Aren't you missing something? For instance, have you found out anything about Orlando's cuisine? You might not have thought of it, but food is also an important issue to take into account when you are planning to travel somewhere; especially if you are heading for a place you do not know very well. You should do some kind of research on the types of foods that are served at restaurants, such as traditional dishes, specialties and so on and so forth; so that you get a broader picture of what kind of cuisine you can encounter. What will help you be even more organized for your trip is to do a search for the best fine dining restaurant in Orlando. By now, you should know that the cuisine may also make your journey a much more memorable one, and finding a fine dining restaurant in Orlando should be made a priority.

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So then, let me give you my top recommendation on one of the most trendy and well known restaurants in this city based on the best ratings for a fine dining restaurant in Orlando.

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There is, for instance, a very well known, Northern Italian style restaurant called Christinis. This luxurious place is located right in the heart of the restaurant row on Sand Lake Road.

According to different surveys carried out based on tourists' opinions on the best cuisine spots, plus top reviewers like Frommer, it has come to light that Christinis is a favorite one among visitors and rated as a top fine dining restaurant in Orlando by many people from different places. Apparently, this place is regarded as the perfect venue to enjoy a memorable meal with your family, with your friends, and even your colleagues!

This place is suitable for every kind of situation or special event. For instance, business people are often attracted to this place. They enjoy the intimate atmosphere, and the unique comfort of this restaurant, which is perfect for holding business meetings at, or just gathering together to relax a little bit after their usually hectic days at their workplace. Having meetings in the private dining room is also very popular among business people. There are special discounts for them at lunchtime. So then, if you are aiming at a fine dining restaurant in Orlando, Christinis sounds like a great place to enjoy.

In addition, you can also organize a romantic dinner and really surprise your date. Why not plan the most romantic dining experience for Valentine's Day in Orlando? Sounds great, doesn't it?

Christinis also offers you a Tiramesu that nobody can resist. Guests have actually flown in just for this dessert!

Due to its cuisine and top quality service, this world class restaurant is considered to be one of the A A A Four-Diamond restaurants in Orlando as well as a member of Distinguished Restaurants of North America.

You should also note that Christini's Ivy Room, has gained plenty of fans from all over the world. This private dining room has been especially designed to create an intimate, memorable atmosphere. The Ivy room as it has been set up, has been designed to hold a small group of people to create a more intimate atmosphere. The special room is suitable for up to 55 guests.

As a result, Christinis sets the example as a fine dining restaurant in Orlando, and is likely to be the perfect venue for any kind of gathering or meeting in which the atmosphere, as well as the great dining, makes a perfect combination nobody would dare to miss.

Fine Dining Restaurant in Orlando

Caterina Christakos is a published author and reviewer. Read her latest reviews of cruise vacation deals and blue man group discount tickets.

ORLANDO

"The Conscious Cook" - First Vegan Cookbook With Mainstream Appeal

Being vegan in Tokyo can often make one feel isolated in the world's most populous city, but last weekend my partner and I counted ourselves a very lucky minority to meet acclaimed vegan chef and author of the "The Conscious Cook" cookbook, Tal Ronnen.

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While Japan is known for originating the predominantly vegetarian macrobiotic diet, and "macrobi" restaurants are ubiquitous here, veganism is extremely rare in Japan. As a result, our vegan cooking school and vegan recipe website came up near the top of the web search Chef Tal did before his recent visit to Tokyo.

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We were aware Tal had cooked for Oprah Winfrey's 21-day vegan cleanse and catered Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi's wedding, but not of his fondness for Japan, inherited from his Australian father who had lived in Japan 3 years. Tal said Japanese food was his favorite, and asked our recommendation for Shojin Ryoori (traditional Buddhist temple food).

Not wanting to disappoint Tal, we consulted the Michelin Guide which led us to Atago-Daigo, a 2-Star restaurant where we enjoyed a most elegant and delicately prepared bento. Highlights included sashimi made from hearts of palm (a shoe-in for Awabi-giant clam), tempura using puffed rice seedlings, sweet potato necks simmered in white soy sauce, and matsutake mushrooms in a clear broth.

I observed that while Tal did not finish everything, he appeared to savor the items he ate with every cell in his being, fitting perfectly the "Conscious Cook" moniker. Tal said he doesn't eat much while he's working, either, because he's so focused on the act of creating.

While we would have been delighted to taste Tal's cooking firsthand, he did present my partner a copy of his attractive cookbook (#3 New York Times bestseller, highest ranking ever for any cookbook), inscribed "Keep spreading the vegan lifestyle in Japan".

In the private tatami-room overlooking a serene Zen garden, Tal guided us through his book, which contains not only dozens of mouth-watering plant-based recipes (accompanied by beautiful photos Tal styled himself) and techniques, but serves as a tribute to other chefs and partners he has worked with during his cooking career. 

Chef Tal, who graduated from a traditional culinary academy and conducts vegetarian workshops at Le Cordon Bleu, also shared his view on the importance--even for vegan chefs--to have strong grounding in French cooking techniques.  

Among Tal's other valuable advice:

Using cashew nuts to make cremes for use sauces, deserts, and raw cheeses (tellingly, cashew creme sauce is the first very first recipe in the book). I've already made a log of Chad Sarno's cashew cheese recipe from the book.  VitaMix blender--"most critical tool after a good knife" (he advised which type of VitaMix to purchase, too!). Secret of cooking meat analog tempeh (braising it a looong time).

Tal was excited there seemed to be more vegan eating options in Japan compared with his first visit 15 years ago. Although my partner and I wish for many more choices, Chef Tal's energy, creativity and passion inspire our own efforts to make vegan food as commonplace in Japan as it is has become in North America.

Note to vegans interested in visiting Atago-Daigo (Tokyo): the restaurant requires 2 days notice if you would like food prepared without using any katsuo (bonito) dashi or chicken eggs, or if you would prefer to substitute white rice with genmai.

"The Conscious Cook" - First Vegan Cookbook With Mainstream Appeal

If you're considering eliminating meat and other animal products from your diet, I'm just the guy to provide you heaps of advice and encouragement. Until age 44, I'm certain my diet consisted of more eggs, milk, and red meat than the average American's. I ate lots of chicken, too (especially liked parts with skin), low-fat yogurt every morning, and loads of cheese. While a plant-based diet may at first seem a sacrifice, I assure you it is not. Therefore, if you are contemplating it yourself, don't let anyone discourage you. Give it a try and I assure you, you will begin to feel healthy and youthful. Take it from me - paying attention to the foods you eat (and don't eat) is the best way to maintain good health, and a plant-based diet is a great way to begin. If you are interested in learning about benefits of adopting a plant-based diet, or seek coaching on healthier diet and exercise habits, please check out my blog at http://www.VeganDietGuy.com

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Leaf Pulling Grape Vines

Leaf pulling or the removal of leaves is one of the summer manipulations you simply cannot just ignore, if you are serious about growing good quality grapes.

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Why leaf pulling? Not only will leaf pulling improve the coverage and penetration of your spray applications, but it will also improve sunlight penetration and airflow into the vine, which on the other hand makes your grape vines less susceptible to diseases. As the UV-rays and air penetrates the vines, it will create less ideal conditions for the inoculation and spread of fungal diseases. Remember for fungus diseases to spread, a hot humid climate is needed. The removal of leaves will allow the vines to dry off much quicker after rain or heavy dew and thus will make the vines less susceptible to the spread of fungus diseases.

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Many grape growers ask me why their vines dont have any grapes and the first question I ask them is how they do summer manipulations. In 90% of the cases, they don't do leaf pulling. I will almost go as far as to say that, leaf pulling is just as important as proper pruning techniques! I know, this is a bold statement, but without proper sunlight penetration, the chances are good that your vines will only have shoots and leaves and no grapes!

Leaf pulling is done just after flowering, when fruit set is complete so you won't disturb the pollination process. In the southern hemisphere, it is round about middle to end November and in the northern hemisphere in May (off course this may vary from climate to climate). If you grow table grapes or dessert grapes, then leaf pulling will improve the overall cosmetic quality of the grapes, as it will minimize the bruising of the grape skins from leaves scratching it's surface. For wine and table grapes, it will improve the overall grape and wine quality, as the vines are using the nutrients available more efficiently.

Tests done with a light sensitivity meter shows that the first layer of leaves on the grape vine canopy, get the most sunlight and will use the sunlight to produce more than 90% of the carbohydrates inside a vine. They are the most efficient leaves on the canopy, which is obvious as it gets the most exposure.

The second layer of leaves inside the canopy, only gets about 7 - 10 % of the sunlight and will contribute only that percentage to overall carbohydrates.

The third layer only receive about 3% of the sunlight. Now, the following is important; your grape vine needs leaves to produce carbohydrates, but on the other hand use up nutrients for normal assimilation processes. Therefore, some leaves are using energy they produce to create more energy but some are only using energy and do not produce enough energy themselves. These are the leaves that will make less energy available for grape development and they need to be minimized at all cost. The leaves at the base of each shoot (leaves 1 to 3, counting from the spur or cane) are the ones that are not contributing to improve grape quality.

By only removing those leaves, you will improve the sunlight penetration into the base of the canopy and will also improve the airflow by up to 40%! Leaves touching the structure or cordon of the vine and those touching grapes clusters needs be removed. Don't forget leave pulling, I know it's a time consuming job, but you will reap the rewards in the end.

Leaf Pulling Grape Vines

Danie has been growing grapes commercially for more than a decade and owns an export table grape farm. For more grape growing tips like this one, please visit My Grape Vine

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Pasta Puttanesca, Lady Of The Night Pasta, Great Dish As A Main Course

This is a great dish, and it has many great and different flavors. It was originally made for the working women in Italy. It was supposedly very easy to make if you were in a time crunch, and the ingredients were not expensive. The women did not have much time to eat and not very much money to spend on food. I assume that the carb values also came in handy. This sauce should take maybe 20-30 minutes, so if you want a fast and easy meal this is one to try. It is not for the faint pallet. You must like bold flavors in order to want to try this dish.

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Ingredients list: 1 pound of dried pasta, 2 cans of Italian tomatoes, 1/4 cup of a good olive oil, 1 tsp of oregano preferably fresh, 2-4 garlic cloves minced, 1/2 cup of black olives, Nicoise, 1/4 c of capers, 4-6 anchovy fillets that have been washed and chopped,1/2 cup of Italian parsley for garnish, salt and pepper to taste, be careful on the salt levels you will get plenty from the capers, anchovies and olives.

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1. Boil your pasta according to the instructions on the box. If you know how to make fresh pasta then of course that would be the best choice. There are some stores that have a good fresh pasta source so try them out if you like.

2. while your pasta is on the stove cooking you will start preparation on the Lady of the night sauce or Puttanesca sauce. Open the canned tomatoes and drain well, and then give them a rough chop. This is to be a rustic sauce and dish.

3. Add olive oil to the pan over med to low heat and add your tomatoes. Raise the heat to a nice simmer or med-high to a high heat. Just be careful not to burn the tomatoes. You will then add garlic, oregano,, olives, anchovies, capers. Add one at a time and sir until you get them all incorporated into the sauce. Reduce the heat and let simmer and reduce the contents of the sauce by half or until it is at the desired thickness. ***Reduce by half= if you have 1 cup of liquid over heat if you reduce it over the heat you are taking the contents down to 1/2 a cup.

4. Drain your pasta, but do not rinse. Add to your serving dish or bowl and pour sauce over it and garnish with the parsley.

This is a great dish! I like to eat this dish with a good Merlot and some nice garlic bread. It is a very tasty and flavorful dish. It will open your taste buds like never before. This is an easy dish to prepare, and you should probably look up some history on the dish too.

Pasta Puttanesca, Lady Of The Night Pasta, Great Dish As A Main Course

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude, Le Cordon Blue graduate and research and development chef for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA.

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Heavenly Angel Food Cake Recipe

Angel Food Cake is a very light textured dessert cake. The reason the cake is so light in texture is due to the incorporation of whipped egg whites. The process of which this cake is made is really pretty cool. The whipped egg whites, when folded in ever so gently, and when put into the bundt pan. The eggs act as a leavening agent when cooking, making the cake rise, until the finished product is light, and fluffy. It is also one of the low fat desserts. You can add fresh fruit, and a non fat dairy topping to go along with this. It will be a delicious treat.

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Ingredients you will need:

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1 1/2 cup powdered sugar sifted

1 cup granulated sugar1 cup unbleached flour sifted

1 1/2 cup egg whites -- just blended- will eventually whip all into firm, soft peaks.

1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla bean paste

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350. Mix powdered sugar and flour in a mixing bowl; set aside. In separate mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla bean paste, salt, and almond extract at high speed until well blended. You will gradually sprinkle in granulated sugar about 2-3 tablespoons at a time while beating at high speed. Beat until the sugar is dissolved and egg whites are whipped into stiff peaks. Do not scrape sides of bowl during beating, this will deflate the air that you are incorporating into the egg whites. Fold in flour mixture about 1/3 at a time, with a rubber spatula just until flour disappears. Pour mixture in unprepared 10" bundt pan. Cut through batter to break large air bubbles with metal spatula. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until a nice golden,or until done. Remove from oven and set upside-down until cooled.

Heavenly Angel Food Cake Recipe

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude, Le Cordon Blue graduate and Executive Research and Development Chef, for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA. Shelley is also the desserts editor for BellaOnline.com.

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The Latest De Laurentiis Production in Chef Coats and Chef Pants

The Food Network's popular hostess Giada De Laurentiis has become a celebrity due not only to her extensive culinary training background but also to her tremendous personal charm and alacrity. A master chef of global renown, she continues to demonstrate her extraordinary talent and accessibility with the great success of her line of food products, brand alliances, bestselling cookbooks, and her presence on The Today Show as well as her Food Network programs.

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Giada was born in Rome and grew up in a big Italian family in which food culture was a centerpiece. She is the granddaughter of noted movie producer Dino De Laurentiis; and as a child she spent much of her time in her grandfather's DDL Foodshow restaurant, as well as in kitchen aprons in her family's kitchen. She graduated with an anthropology degree from UCLA, and made a decision to work in the culinary field. At Le Cordon Bleu in Paris she specialized in both pastry and cuisine. Afterwards she returned to California where she worked at the world-famous Fine Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton; and at Wolfgang Puck's chic Beverly Hills restaurant Spago. She also founded a Los Angeles catering company, GDL foods.

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In 2002 a Food Network executive read an article about her and her family in Food & Wine magazine, and invited her to put on chef pants and audition on the network. Since that time Giada has become one of the Food Network's most popular hostesses, and she won an Emmy for Outstanding Lifestyle Host. She won another Emmy for Everyday Italian, her daytime cooking program. In 2007 she launched her primetime program, Giada's Weekend Getaways. This show takes Giada to North American destinations where she explores the best restaurants and leisure activities in each city she visits. Giada has also starred in Food Network's special programs, including Capri and Santorini; Giada in Paradise; and in the role of judge on The Next Food Network Star.

Giada's bestselling cookbooks allow the viewers of her television programs to experiment with and to share their own favorite recipes. Giada's first book was Everday Italian, which was a showcase for the great recipes demonstrated on her daytime television program. Her second cookbook, Giada's Family Dinners and her third book, Everyday Pasta, quickly rose to the number one spot on the New York Times' bestseller list. Her fourth cookbook, Giada's Kitchen, was published in October 2008 by Random House; and is eagerly awaited by her fans. In addition to her television and writing successes, Giada has changed chef coats to become a spokeswoman for Barilla - the largest manufacturer and producer of pasta in the world. In 2008 Barilla's Italian subsidiary, Academia Barilla, licenses and produces four Giada De Laurentiis brand products: Sea Salt with Lemon Zest; Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Tuscan Herb Mix; and Balsamic Vinegar. These Giada products are exclusively available at Crate and Barrel stores.

Giada was a frequent guest on The Today Show. At the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin she was a correspondent; which in turn led to her promotion as a co-host on The Today Show where she highlights the latest trends in cuisine, lifestyle, and travel. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Todd; they have one daughter, Jade.

The Latest De Laurentiis Production in Chef Coats and Chef Pants

The De Laurentiis family is famous for a lot more than putting on chef coats and wearing chef pants. Giada's creativity and her sweeping cosmopolitan worldview are the latest De Laurentiis production; this time wearing kitchen aprons and a sparkling wit.

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Marinara Sauce, Or "Sailor Sauce" It Is A Simple Italian Sauce Flavored With Tomatoes, Garlic & Herb

Marinara Sauce: This is a really simple sauce, and it is meant to be simple, as most Italian sauces. This sauce is traditionally flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The translation of Marinara or "Marinaro" means Sailor, and thus means Sailor Sauce. There are several different variations of this sauce, and they are easy to make, and just as popular. There is a Cacciatore sauce and, a Pizzola sauce which I are at the bottome of this recipe.

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The ingredients you will need: 2 Tbps of a good olive oil 2 cloves of garlic, or as one of my chef instructors would say toes of garlic 4-5 lbs of fresh tomatoes, the best and ripest you can find, cut into 1/2"-3/4" pieces 1/4 - 1/2 c up fresh basil depending on your taste or love of basil, chopped, or chiffonade Salt and Pepper to taste = the level of salt or pepper you want in your sauce

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Lets make Sauce: In a large sauce pan you will heat your olive oil over a medium heat. When the oil is starting to shimmer in the bottom of the pan you will add your garlic and saute for around 15-30 seconds, do not burn your garlic. It will make your sauce taste bitter. You want a very small amount of color, or it to look translucent. Add your tomatoes with all of the juice from them, and stir with the garlic. You will bring to a simmer, which is a very low bubble in the pan if at all. You will stir occasionally to make sure it is cooking evenly, and not sticking to the bottom of your pan. You do not want to burn the sauce. After about 30- 40 minutes you will taste for salt and pepper content, and this is when you will add them to fit your taste. Then you will add your fresh basil and stir. If you want to garnish your sauce on top of your favorite pasta, then save some of the basil, and add after you plate your pasta dish. Some Parmesan cheese as garnish on the top would go well with this sauce if you prefer.

If you would like to put a full meal together. I suggest while your sauce is simmering, add a pot of water to the stove and start over a high heat. Bring the water to a boil, and before you add the pasta you prefer add a generous amount of salt to the water. Add your pasta, and stir to keep it from sticking. While your pasta is in the boiling water you will have about 7-10 minutes of free time to get a salad ready and possibly some garlic toast. I hope that you enjoy this recipe it its very easy, and it is fresh, and much better than a jar sauce. It will show those that matter most, that they are special, and that you cared enough to make a great family meal. Enjoy.

I am going to list 2 other variations of this sauce one is a Pizzola, and the other is a Cacciatore.

This is a Pizzola Italian sauce and will be great for any type of pasta dish. It is very simple to prepare and will be a definate hit for a family meal.

Ingredients you will need:2 T of Olive Oil ,2 Cloves of Garlic , 4-5 Lbs of the freshest Tomatoes you can find , 2 T of fresh Basil for garnish , 2-3 T of dried Italian herb mix= Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Oregano , 1 tsp of crushed Red Pepper flakes , 1/4-1/2 shredded Parmesan Cheese for garnish

Lets make Pizzola sauce: In a large sauce pan you will heat your olive oil over a medium heat. When the oil is starting to shimmer in the bottom of the pan you will add your garlic and saute for around 15-30 seconds, do not burn your garlic. It will make your sauce taste bitter. You want a very small amount of color, or for the garlicit to look translucent. Add your tomatoes with all of the juice from them, and stir with the garlic, and add your dry herbs and spices. . You will bring to a simmer, which is a very low bubble in the pan if at all. You will stir occasionally to make sure it is cooking evenly, and not sticking to the bottom of your pan. You do not want to burn the sauce. After about 30- 40 minutes you will taste for salt and pepper content, and this is when you will add them to fit your taste. If you want to garnish your sauce on top of your favorite pasta, then save some of the basil, and add after you plate your pasta dish. Some Parmesan cheese as garnish on the top would go well with this sauce if you prefer.

The Cacciatore sauce is just another variation of the Marinara sauce. If you have looked at my Marinara recipe the cooking principles are the same, other than a few additional ingredients.

The ingredients you will need: 2 Tbps of a good olive oil 2 cloves of garlic sliced thin, or as one of my chef instructors would say toes of garlic. 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, thin sliced with the stem and pith removed, no seeds. 1 can of slices button mushrooms, or 4-6 ounces of fresh button mushrooms if you prefer fresh ones. 1-1/2 to 2 tsp of dried Italian spice blend which is oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary. 4-5 lbs of the freshest tomatoes you can find cut into 1/2 - 3/4" cubes with all of the juice. 2 T of fresh basil, thin slices or chiffonade. Salt and Pepper to taste = the level of salt or pepper you want in your sauce

Lets make Sauce: In a large sauce pan you will heat your olive oil over a medium heat. When the oil is starting to shimmer in the bottom of the pan you will add your bell peppers, and mushrooms and saute for around 3-4 minutes, do not burn them just lightly saute. Then add your garlic, and saute for around 15-30 seconds. If you burn them it will make your sauce taste bitter, so be careful not to over cook. You want a very small amount of color, or them to look translucent, or tender. Add your tomatoes with all of the juice from them, and your herbs and stir. You will bring to a simmer, which is a very low bubble in the pan, if at all. You will stir occasionally to make sure it is cooking evenly, and not sticking to the bottom of your pan. You do not want to burn the sauce. After about 30- 45 minutes you will taste for salt and pepper content, and this is when you will add them to fit your taste. If you want to garnish your sauce on top of your favorite pasta, then add some of the 2 T. of basil from your ingredients list, on the top of the sauce, on your pasta dish. Some Parmesan cheese as garnish on the top would go well with this sauce if you prefer.

Marinara Sauce, Or "Sailor Sauce" It Is A Simple Italian Sauce Flavored With Tomatoes, Garlic & Herb

Chef Shelley Pogue, Cum Laude, Le Cordon Blue graduate and Executive Research and Development Chef for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA.

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