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	<title>Bacon Freak Blog &#187; Gourmet Food</title>
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	<description>All things Bacon, Wine and Food!</description>
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		<title>Red Wine As Perfect For Gourmet Dining As It Is For Your Health!</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/red-wine-as-perfect-for-gourmet-dining-as-it-is-for-your-health-1235</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/red-wine-as-perfect-for-gourmet-dining-as-it-is-for-your-health-1235#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2010 19:23:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latests Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine club]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=1235</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
These days, it seems that absolutely everybody who is “anybody,” is now out there, excitedly and enthusiastically sharing the “good news” that so many of us gourmands have known for decades, that premium quality, Red Wine is not only delicious to drink, but it is actually extremely good for your health. 
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/red-wine-glass.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1333" title="red-wine-glass" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/red-wine-glass-300x287.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="287" /></a></p>
<p>These days, it seems that absolutely everybody who is “anybody,” is now out there, excitedly and enthusiastically sharing the “good news” that so many of us gourmands have known for decades, that premium quality, <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/wine-of-the-month-clubs-red-wine-of-the-month-club.html " target="_new">Red Wine</a> is not only delicious to drink, but it is actually extremely good for your health.</p>
<p>Study after study, report after report, from “<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com " target="_new">Science Daily</a>” to “<a href="http://www.nytimes.com" target="_new">The New York Times</a>”, from “<a href="http://www.newsday.com " target="_new">News Day</a>” to “<a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com " target="_new">The Today Show</a>” and from such notably substantial, renowned and respected medical monoliths as “<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com " target="_new">The Mayo Clinic</a>” to Yale – <a href="http://www.ynhh.org " target="_new">New Haven Hospital</a> all are chiming in and joining the chorus that we gourmets have been singing for literal centuries.</p>
<p><span id="more-1235"></span></p>
<p>In fact, it was the world’s most famous “wise man,” Plato himself, who was quoted as saying &#8220;Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine was ever granted by the Gods to man&#8221; while Jesus, one of, if not “THE” world’s most respected, revered and followed teachers of all-time turned water into wine and beseeched his followers to regularly partake of the fruit of the wine.<br />
<a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/health-care.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1332" title="health-care" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/health-care-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>So what exactly have all of these “world renowned” Medical Research Institutions and Media Giants been teaching us all about red wine? Basically precisely what so many of us have known all along. That when enjoyed in moderation, not more than 2 glasses per sitting, while others teach only 2 glasses per day, it can serve as a powerful protector against everything from various forms of cancer to heart disease and from Alzheimer’s and coronary disease, to lowering our cholesterol level, stress and blood pressure.</p>
<p>For many centuries, people profusely pondered the perplexing paradox of the traditional “French Diet,” which is notoriously high in fats and “empty calorie” carbohydrates from pasta to bread, yet as a culture, the French have a far lower rate of heart attack, stroke and other forms of coronary disease than the rest of the world who eats “supposedly” better.</p>
<p>The difference being a society that freely raises its families on premium quality, small production red wines, from childhood through adulthood.</p>
<p>So what exactly does this “top shelf” red wine do for the human body. As it turns out, it’s all about the near miraculous healing powers of antioxidants. A powerful antioxidant that is called “Resveratrol,” as well as several other antioxidants are abundantly, naturally and organically found in red wine, due to the fact that the skin and even some varietals seeds are left in the wine during the fermentation process.</p>
<p>These antioxidants are extremely beneficial in preventing harmful elements in the body from attacking healthy cells in the body, thereby helping to heart disease while reducing lung tissue inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).</p>
<p>Resveratrol is also a remarkably powerful and plentiful source of “phytoestrogen” which naturally has remarkably similar properties to estrogen, the female sex hormone. Due to this similarity, “phytoestrogens” are able to help bind to estrogen receptors acting like the estrogen that is naturally produced in the body.</p>
<p>This serves to naturally help protect women from the adverse circumstances of low estrogen levels, by serving to minimize the effects of menopause, while simultaneously working to prevent breast cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.</p>
<p>Red wine also naturally contains substantial amounts of another healthy antioxidant which is a “flavanoid” known as “Catechin.” Research indicates that, along with the antioxidant “resveratrol,” the flavinoid “Catechin” plays an extremely important role in reducing the risk of heart disease. Meanwhile, “Saponins,” also found in red wine also protect against heart disease while “Guercetin” is a known as an effective inhibitor of lung cancer.</p>
<p>So to add it all up, red wine, when enjoyed in moderation, helps keep us free from a vast number of life threatening maladies, everything from heart attacks and strokes, to high blood pressure and cholesterol. Then, to that add its powerful effects in preventing, suppressing and healing the effects of numerous forms of cancer, from colon, breast and prostate cancer to melanoma and leukemia.</p>
<p><a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cab.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1331" title="cab" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cab.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="224" /></a><br />
Wow, I think I’m going to open up a nice bottle of one of my favorite fragrant and flavorful <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/wine-of-the-month-clubs-cabernet-wine-club.html" target="_new">Cabernets</a>, or perhaps a lush a fruity <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/wine-of-the-month-clubs-pinot-noir-wine-club.html" target="_new">Pinot Noir</a> or maybe even a mesmerizing and alluringly aromatic <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/wine-of-the-month-clubs-chardonnay-wine-club.html" target="_new">Chardonnay</a>, Hmmmm, they all sound so good, dare I risk moderation and happily imbibe a glass of each.</p>
<p>One never really knows, does one?</p>
<p>Cheers my friend!</p>
<p><em>Signing off at Pigging out!<br />
Rocco &#8220;Boss Hog&#8221; Loosbrock</em></p>
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		<title>True Gourmets Are Becoming Their Own “Home Baristas!”</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/true-gourmets-are-becoming-their-own-%e2%80%9chome-baristas%e2%80%9d-1231</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/true-gourmets-are-becoming-their-own-%e2%80%9chome-baristas%e2%80%9d-1231#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2010 02:34:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coffee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coffee bean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[starbucks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=1231</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the economy continuing to be sluggish and full, complete economic recovery still somewhere over that distant horizon, we gourmets need to continue to share information that will help us all continue to live the gourmand “life style” that we have come to love and desire, while using the wisest helpful tips to successfully cut back on costs on those things that have been deemed “nice,” but not necessarily “Necessary!”]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gourmet-food-clubs.gif"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1327" title="gourmet-food-clubs" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gourmet-food-clubs-300x118.gif" alt="" width="300" height="118" /></a><br />
With the economy continuing to be sluggish and full, complete economic recovery still somewhere over that distant horizon, we gourmets need to continue to share information that will help us all continue to live the gourmand “life style” that we have come to love and desire, while using the wisest helpful tips to successfully cut back on costs on those things that have been deemed “nice,” but not necessarily “Necessary!”</p>
<p>One truly excellent idea that is sweeping the nation in an ever cresting wave; is the idea of becoming your very own “Home Barista” by serving up your very own deliciously delightful cups, mugs and shots of your very own “Home Made” <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/all-of-our-clubs-coffee-of-the-month-club.html " target="_new">gourmet coffee</a>.</p>
<p><span id="more-1231"></span></p>
<p>This is by no means any sort of a slap in the face of <a href="http://www.starbucks.com" target="_new">Starbucks</a>, <a href="http://coffeebean.com" target="_new">The Coffee Bean And Tea Leaf</a> or any of your personal favorite coffee houses, be they national, regional or local franchises or that Independent “Ma and Pa” place where “everybody knows your name.”<br />
<a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/starbucks-logo.gif"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1326" title="starbucks-logo" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/starbucks-logo-300x300.gif" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Not at all, there will always be a time and situation when stopping by our very favorite “Brew Bistro” is the clear choice of choices. But then again, that’s just precisely what the point that I’m getting to is, the fact that, “IN FACT,” we really DO have a choice … don’t we?</p>
<p>As the prices of the all of our favorite, fancy gourmet coffee houses and franchises continue to rise astronomically, while these businesses constantly seek more and more ways to cut corners in order to try to survive without falling behind the stiff and stern competition, many of us have come to realize that for a LOT less money, we can have much higher quality coffee on a consistent basis, right here at home and have it “exactly as we want it!”<br />
<a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/yhst-16567792294536_2099_3229703.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1325" title="yhst-16567792294536_2099_3229703" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/yhst-16567792294536_2099_3229703.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="133" /></a></p>
<p>You see, some times economically hard times come along and remind us of the special things in life, like maintaining those deeply personal relationships by alternating amongst a group of close friends, whose home you will meet to have those wonderfully enjoyable, relaxing little “get together” over a cup or three of your favorite or favorite 3 coffees.</p>
<p>The biggest difference, besides the obvious huge savings in money, is the amount of pure comfort, privacy, intimacy and environmental control, from the specifics of the lighting to the seating arrangements, the amount of “socially unpredictable noise, interruptions and audible ambient sound infringing on your friendly conversations or time of peace and relaxation.<br />
<a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cbtllogo1jpeg.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1324" title="cbtllogo1jpeg" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cbtllogo1jpeg-255x300.jpg" alt="" width="255" height="300" /></a><br />
To be honest with you, how awesome is it to have absolute control of the style, type, genre, volume and clarity of music being funneled and often “distortedly blared” over you head through tiny, crackling, metallic sounding speakers while you continually ask one another “What did you say?”</p>
<p>I’m using this powerful, popular trend as the perfect opportunity to buy all of my friends and relatives the perfect and always appreciated “<a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/gourmet-coffee-gift-basket.html " target="_new">gourmet coffee gifts</a>” that ensure that no matter whose house we meet at, there is always plenty of everyone’s 1 to 3 personally favorite coffees on hand.</p>
<p>No more $18.00 per person, to sit together for a couple of hours and enjoy a few of our favorite flavors of the best darned coffee in “all the land.”</p>
<p>Wouldn’t you agree?</p>
<p><em>Signing off at Pigging out!<br />
Rocco &#8220;Boss Hog&#8221; Loosbrock</em></p>
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		<title>News Of Barbecue Sauce Health Benefits Now Spreading All Over Everything.</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/news-of-barbecue-sauce-health-benefits-now-spreading-all-over-everything-1224</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/news-of-barbecue-sauce-health-benefits-now-spreading-all-over-everything-1224#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:50:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latests Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle & Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Salsa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[barbecue sauce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=1224</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A truly delicious, gourmet barbecue sauce is about as American as Baseball, Apple Pie and Chevrolet, but it’s from our good neighbors to the north, the fine scholars and medical researchers of a new study coming out of The University of Western Ontario, who’s research results are spreading almost as quickly as this springs barbecue sauce.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/bbq-sauce.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1313" title="bbq-sauce" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/bbq-sauce-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a><br />
A truly delicious, gourmet barbecue sauce is about as American as Baseball, Apple Pie and Chevrolet, but it’s from our good neighbors to the north, the fine scholars and medical researchers of a new study coming out of The <a href="http://www.uwo.ca " target="_new">University of Western Ontario</a>, who’s research results are spreading almost as quickly as this springs barbecue sauce.</p>
<p>As it turns out, the results of the University study show some previously unforeseen health benefits to be found in premium quality, <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/our-top-clubs-bbq-sauce-of-the-month-club.html" target="_new">gourmet barbecue sauce</a>.</p>
<p>The latest fact finding research, which was led by Western’s biology and psychology postdoctoral fellow Raymond Thomas and co-authored by Mark Bernards and Christopher Guglielmo, of Western’s department of biology, clearly shows that many of the higher quality, natural, gourmet barbecue sauces, marinades and <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/all-of-our-clubs-salsa-of-the-month-club.html" target="_new">salsas</a> are a lot more than merely temptingly tasty fine food flavor enhancers, but actually extremely healthy and powerful sources natural antioxidants.</p>
<p><span id="more-1224"></span></p>
<p>As the researchers explain, these foods that are extremely rich in antioxidants play a very significant and nutritionally essential role in preventing such dangerous maladies as heart disease, cancer and several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and various inflammations and degenerative ailments closely associated with cutaneous maladies and the accelerated aging of the skin.</p>
<p>What’s interesting is it’s not just the prime tomatoes that provide these wondrous health benefits, but as it turns out, “Herbs and spices are excellent sources of antioxidants” explains Thomas. Of course, the more natural, organic the sauce is, for example, a top of the line gourmet sauce, as opposed to a cheap, mass produced sauce bought in bulk at a mega mart, will obviously have a lot more of the natural healing ingredients contained within.<br />
<a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/chicken_barbecue_sauce.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1312" title="chicken_barbecue_sauce" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/chicken_barbecue_sauce-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>This has led to a major upswing and nearly explosive trend in the usage of gourmet barbecue sauce, as people are now using it to spread on vegetables, use it as dips for chips, add to spicy beverages for a tasty tangy twist or even use it as, or as a part of, a deliciously hot and spicy salad dressing.</p>
<p>Now recently published in the “Journal of Food Composition and Analysis,” the findings are particularly relevant given current cultural concerns about the potential health risks and toxicity that has clearly been associated with the use of some of the commonly used synthetic antioxidants.</p>
<p>This concern has resulted in an ongoing search for safe and inexpensive antioxidants of natural origins, including those found in natural, organic tomatoes, herbs and spices of premium quality gourmet salsas and barbecue sauces.</p>
<p>Signing off at Pigging out!<br />
Rocco &#8220;Boss Hog&#8221; Loosbrock</p>
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		<title>The Amazing Health Benefits of Gourmet Popcorn</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-gourmet-popcorn-1220</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-gourmet-popcorn-1220#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:14:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latests Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[popcorn]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=1220</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Once viewed as just another tasty junk food made available at the movies, Doctors and Nutritionists alike are coming out of the wood work to promote the wonderful health benefits of “Gourmet Popcorn”.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/popcorn.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1308" title="popcorn" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/popcorn-300x236.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="236" /></a></p>
<p>Once viewed as just another tasty junk food made available at the movies, Doctors and Nutritionists alike are coming out of the wood work to promote the wonderful health benefits of “<a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/our-top-clubs-popcorn-of-the-month-club.html " target="_new">Gourmet Popcorn</a>”.</p>
<p>The truth of the matter is, pop corn has always been great for you, but unfortunately, over the years it has gotten an unfairly “bad rap” because of the low quality kernels often popped up and then overly salted after being doused, drenched and drowned in the greasiest, slimiest chemical concoction of artificial butter-like substances ever known to man, at so many theatres, drive-inns and fast food places, not to mention several of the cheaper, pre-packed store bought “stove top” and “microwave oven” versions of the popular “POP” product.</p>
<p><span id="more-1220"></span></p>
<p>Actually, there are numerous University and Medical Studies, including a recent study just carried out over at the University of <a href="http://matrix.scranton.edu/" target="_new">Scranton</a>, in Pennsylvania, that proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that popcorn has some seriously surprising health benefits.</p>
<p>First of all, it’s an amazingly awesome source of good, natural, organic fiber. That not only keeps you “regular,” but is a wonder natural cleanser of your digestive tract, clearing out left over food particles that could get lodged in the intestine or colon and cause cancer.</p>
<p>Also, popcorn is extremely high in antioxidants, most notably, polyphenols – a group of natural plant chemicals that have a wide ranging variety of health benefits. Polyphenols are the same group of compounds that give red wine, tea, olive oil, and chocolate their natural body beneficial properties.</p>
<p>Not only do they effectively seek out and destroy “free radicals” and protect against cell damage, they contain various, all natural, organic “anti-cancer” and “anti-heart disease” properties that are definitely life enhancing, and potentially life saving.</p>
<p>Popcorn is an all natural, “whole grain,” just like oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and millet, which are all known for their powerful health benefits. All of these grains retain the bran and germ of the plant which is the source of most of the grains vitamins and minerals.</p>
<p>Natural, whole grains include all three parts of a grain, the bran, the endosperm and the germ. The Bran is the multi-layered outer skin that protects the kernel from damage by weather, water, pests and disease. It contains lots and lots of valuable antioxidants, B vitamins and of course, lots of fiber.</p>
<p><a href="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/popcorn-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1307" title="popcorn-1" src="http://cvwine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/popcorn-1-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>The endosperm is located in the center of popcorn and it provides energy to the plant as well as anybody who is smart enough to eat it. The endosperm is the largest part of the kernel and it contains various nutritional natural carbohydrates, high energy proteins and various healthy vitamins and minerals.</p>
<p>Then finally the nutrient-packed germ is the embryo of the plant that will reproduce if fertilized by pollen. It contains several B vitamins, protein, minerals and what doctors and nutritionists refer to as “The Healthy Fats.”</p>
<p>Therefore, in contrast to many of the cheaper, refined grains, where these vitamin-rich components have been artificially stripped away, natural grains such a <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/how-our-gourmet-clubs-work.html " target="_new">gourmet popcorn </a>are a wonderful source of vitamins, minerals, and as previously mentioned, fiber.</p>
<p>This natural fiber helps create a sense of satisfaction, or satiety, the sense of being “full” and that sense can last for hours and hours at a time, so in fact, premium quality, gourmet popcorn is actually quite helpful in one’s efforts to lose weight.</p>
<p>Signing off at Pigging out!<br />
Rocco &#8220;Boss Hog&#8221; Loosbrock</p>
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		<title>Fiery Female Chefs Are Fanning The Flames That Keep The Kitchen HOT!</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/fiery-female-chefs-are-fanning-the-flames-that-keep-the-kitchen-hot-1197</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/fiery-female-chefs-are-fanning-the-flames-that-keep-the-kitchen-hot-1197#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:18:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latests Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle & Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[female chefs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food club]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=1197</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One extremely HUGE culinary component to the cresting of this increasingly growing "WAVE" of societal acclaim, esteem ... and dare I say ... demand, is the incredible "Female Factor" that the Lady Chefs of the world have brought to the dining table.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/PadmaLakshmi.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1198" title="PadmaLakshmi" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/PadmaLakshmi-222x300.jpg" alt="" width="222" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Have you ever stopped to wonder what exactly lead to this massive phenomenon of &#8220;<a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com " target="_new">Gourmet Food</a>&#8221; rising up from it&#8217;s once ignored position of near total obscurity just 30 years, to climb up to the absolute pinnacle of popularity that &#8220;GOUR-MANIA&#8221; now engenders and enjoys?</p>
<p>One extremely HUGE culinary component to the cresting of this increasingly growing &#8220;WAVE&#8221; of societal acclaim, esteem &#8230; and dare I say &#8230; demand, is the incredible &#8220;Female Factor&#8221; that the Lady Chefs of the world have brought to the dining table.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/cat_cora1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1199" title="cat_cora1" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/cat_cora1-261x300.jpg" alt="" width="261" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-1197"></span></p>
<p>It is without question, a veritable fact, that the progressive ascent that these wonderful woman chefs have journeyed to the very top of the mountain within the world of gourmet cooking, has worked wonders for the massively increasing popularity of gourmet food.</p>
<p>Now days, when someone says &#8220;Gourmet Chef,&#8221; you are just as likely to picture such notable and renowned &#8220;Culinary Creationists&#8221; as <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/bio/padma-lakshmi" target="_new">Padma Lakshmi</a>, <a href="http://www.nigella.com" target="_new">Nigella Lawson</a>, <a href="http://www.giadadelaurentiis.com " target="_new">Giada De Laurentiis</a>, <a href="http://www.rachaelray.com" target="_new">Rachael Ray</a>, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/simply-delicioso-with-ingrid-hoffmann/index.html" target="_new">Ingrid Hoffmann</a>, <a href="http://www.perfectdaytv.com/shows/perfect-day-tv/hosts/sara-la-fountain" target="_new">Sara La Fountain</a>, <a href="http://www.catcoracooks.com" target="_new">Cat Cora</a> and <a href="http://www.celebritychefsuk.com/chefs.asp?id=36 " target="_new">Shahena Ali</a> in your mind, as you might envision Wolfgang Puck, Alton Brown, Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay or Anthony Bourdain.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/rachael_ray1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1200" title="rachael_ray1" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/rachael_ray1-210x300.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>And just why might that be???</p>
<p>Well … perhaps if you are a woman, these ladies have done so much to not only help even out the playing field and break through the &#8220;proverbial glass ceiling, that these esteemed women are very likely your heroes and tour guides into the gourmet universe.</p>
<p>And if you are a guy &#8230; well &#8230; perhaps it could be because these ladies are not merely some of the world’s most amazingly talented chefs, but they are also strikingly attractive and wise enough to fully access and apply their powerful feminine charms and aesthetic allure in such a way to place themselves at a distinct advantage when it comes to drawing serious, long term attention, appreciation and increasingly expanding success and respect in the gourmet world.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/nigella_lawson21.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1202" title="nigella_lawson2" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/nigella_lawson21-220x300.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>In other words, these &#8220;Delicacy Diva&#8217;s&#8221; are NOT objectified victims who have had their womanly wiles thrust into the public consciousness against their will &#8230; no, just the opposite! These are smart, adept, in-tune and contemplative business women as well as consummately creative culinary connoisseurs, who understand that the artistic attraction and seductive presentation of a “dish” doesn’t just apply to the food they are cooking, but to the personal package they are serving up and presenting to a very hungry world indeed!</p>
<p>They wisely recognize that a major portion of their audience has a near addictive interest in Beautiful Women and Delightfully Delicious Delicacies and they are willing to lay out a spread that very few people can find the strength to easily ignore or turn away from.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/giada-delaurentiis-2-0807.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1203" title="giada-delaurentiis-2-0807" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/giada-delaurentiis-2-0807-230x300.jpg" alt="" width="230" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Some might say that it&#8217;s almost ironic; that had the well intended early efforts of &#8220;women&#8217;s liberation movement&#8221; of the 40&#8217;s &#8211; 70&#8217;s successfully had it&#8217;s own way; and women would have &#8220;en mass&#8221; submitted to the demands to throw off their chains and free themselves by setting aside their &#8220;frilly, feminizing frocks, &#8220;proudly vacating the culinary &#8220;cell&#8221; of their imprisoning kitchen &#8230;then the distinct prominence and preeminence that the &#8220;Gourmet World&#8221; now enjoys, would NEVER have come to pass.</p>
<p>But something magnificent rose out of the political / social and personal turmoil of the &#8220;liberation front,&#8221; as many women suddenly found a deeply sincere and inherent comfort and joy in their femininity, learning to embrace, utilize and draw from their uniquely female perspective and presentation &#8230; and that has come to make all the difference in the world.</p>
<p>I for one say &#8220;Viva La Difference!&#8221; and openly applaud that &#8220;self realization / actualization,” as it allowed these luminescent ladies to shine like the stars that they truly are.</p>
<p><em>Signing off at Pigging out!<br />
Rocco &#8220;Boss Hog&#8221; Loosbrock</em></p>
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		<title>Increasingly Popular Television Chefs Have Been Very Good For Us Gourmets!</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/increasingly-popular-television-chefs-have-been-very-good-for-us-gourmets-1189</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/increasingly-popular-television-chefs-have-been-very-good-for-us-gourmets-1189#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:30:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latests Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cooking shows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine club]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=1189</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the exponentially increasing popularity of Television Cooking and Chef shows that are simply taking the nation, if not planet by storm, the popularity of Gourmet Cooking, and therefore, the increased sales of gourmet foods and gifts, from the long time beloved and "in vogue" monthly fine wine clubs to the recently sought out and well received gourmet food clubs now online for your ease and convenience. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/TV-Chefs1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1191" title="TV-Chefs" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/TV-Chefs1-300x159.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="159" /></a></p>
<p>With the exponentially increasing popularity of Television Cooking and Chef shows that are simply taking the nation, if not planet by storm, the popularity of Gourmet Cooking, and therefore, the increased sales of gourmet foods and gifts, from the long time beloved and &#8220;in vogue&#8221; monthly fine wine clubs to the recently sought out and well received gourmet food clubs now online for your ease and convenience.</p>
<p>What started out originally and primarily as the proud and protected bastion of the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com " target="_new">Food Network</a> was eventually recognized as a veritable &#8220;gold mine&#8221; and eventually spread to other networks / channels such as <a href="http://www.bravotv.com " target="_new">Bravo</a> and <a href=" http://tlc.discovery.com ">TLC</a> and now, as the trend begins to crest even higher than anyone could have ever expected, has not only gone totally &#8220;loco,&#8221; but totally &#8220;local&#8221; as more and more television channels &#8220;not affiliated with the networks&#8221; are profiting profusely from the mass appeal, crowd pleasing, trend setting wave of culinary celebration that I like to refer to as &#8220;GOUR-MANIA!&#8221;</p>
<p><span id="more-1189"></span></p>
<p>So exactly what has the gigantic onslaught of hugely successful shows cooking shows like <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef" target="_new">Top Chef</a> and <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/iron-chef-america/index.html" target="_new">Iron Chef America</a> as well as the consistently viewed and absolutely adored &#8220;Television Chef Celebrities&#8221; like Graham Kerr, Rachael Ray, Paul Prudhomme, Paula Deen, Wolfgang Puck, Nigella Lawson, ,Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis, Emeril Lagasse, Cat Cora, Bobby Flay, Padma Lakshmi, Anthony Bourdain and Julia Childs done for the popularity and prestige of gourmet meals &#8230; ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!</p>
<p>Personally I honored to have this opportunity to humbly offer them all a tremendous, heart felt standing ovation, sincerest &#8220;Thank You&#8221; and deepest wishes for another million years or more, of sweet, sizzling success!</p>
<p><em>Signing off at Pigging out!<br />
Rocco &#8220;Boss Hog&#8221; Loosbrock</em></p>
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		<title>A Spring Afternoon</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/a-spring-afternoon-1130</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/a-spring-afternoon-1130#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:08:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chardonnay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latests Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cabernet wine club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California wine club]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=1130</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It seems that all the latest fashion is gourmet cupcakes. Every time I turn around I see a new boutique cupcake shop sprout up, with exotic and familiar flavors varying on a daily basis. With this new trend comes yet another delicious item that costs three dollars a craving, which in the end can run up a hefty bill. Also how many times can you visit any of those little shops, sit underneath the multi-colored umbrellas and not seek a different scene or a new adventure with the same delicious treats. 

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/yhst-16567792294536_2100_306021.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1131" title="yhst-16567792294536_2100_306021" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/yhst-16567792294536_2100_306021.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="160" /></a></p>
<p>It seems that all the latest fashion is gourmet cupcakes. Every time I turn around I see a new boutique cupcake shop sprout up, with exotic and familiar flavors varying on a daily basis. With this new trend comes yet another delicious item that costs three dollars a craving, which in the end can run up a hefty bill. Also how many times can you visit any of those little shops, sit underneath the multi-colored umbrellas and not seek a different scene or a new adventure with the same delicious treats.</p>
<p>A few solutions have actually already been presented to the general cupcake loving public to these two problems. One is the surge in cupcake cookbooks with everything from Martha Stewart to simple designs to easy bake. I’ve read a few articles and recommendations on cookbooks, the easiest way to save money on my newest addictive habit is clearly baking them at home. The second answer, the part about a new twist to an old adventure I discovered when reading about a new little cupcake shop in Palm Springs. This new place has decided to pair their trendy gourmet cupcakes with wine, a great little nook for an afternoon getaway.</p>
<p><span id="more-1130"></span></p>
<p>Now this is an idea I can work with, I might not take a few hours out of my day to visit this new little shop out in the desert. But I might just bake one afternoon and invite some friends over for cupcakes a la moi and pair them wines. I have no idea what cupcakes are going to go well with what wines having never thought about pairing the two items before so what better way to make informed opinions for the future but to use Coastal Vineyards many Samplers! The beauty of the idea is that there are so many different types of wines to choose from and no afternoon ever has to be the same.</p>
<p>For example I could throw one with wines from <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/wine-of-the-month-clubs.html" target="_new">The Gourmet Food Clubs Wine Club </a>. I provide the wine, call up a few friends letting them know to bring their baked gourmet cupcakes and we can start pairing. With something like <a href="http://www.gourmetfoodclubs.com/wine-of-the-month-clubs-red-wine-of-the-month-club.html" target="_new">Red Wine of the Month Club</a> we could let the wine and cupcake combination be a surprise. But if you want to be more prepared for what the outcome might be maybe try a <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/wineclub/cab/sampler.html " target="_new">Cabernet Wine Club</a> sampler and have friends make chocolate cupcakes. Or maybe try the Chardonnay with coconut cupcakes (my personal favorite), or even maybe something like the Pinot Noirs with Red Velvet. Like I said, I have no idea what to pair flavors with but that might be half the fun of this new adventure finding what you like, what tastes amuse you. I sense my afternoons this spring and well into the summer are going to be sweet and relaxing.</p>
<p><em>-Lesley Lopez</em></p>
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		<title>Is It REALLY Healthier Cooking Your Steak “Well Done” Instead Of “Medium Rare?”</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/is-it-really-healthier-cooking-your-steak-%e2%80%9cwell-done%e2%80%9d-instead-of-%e2%80%9cmedium-rare%e2%80%9d-1080</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/is-it-really-healthier-cooking-your-steak-%e2%80%9cwell-done%e2%80%9d-instead-of-%e2%80%9cmedium-rare%e2%80%9d-1080#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:18:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steak]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=1080</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I pride myself on personally enjoying and consistently providing my members, customers, associates, family and friends with the supreme and superior, top quality, prime steaks found anywhere in the world, from the America’s to Japan!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Steaks.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1081" title="Steaks" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Steaks-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>OK, everyone knows I pride myself on personally enjoying and consistently providing my members, customers, associates, family and friends with the supreme and superior, top quality, <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/steak/home.html" target="_new">prime steaks</a> found anywhere in the world, from the America’s to Japan!</p>
<p>So obviously,, as this is not only my “livelihood” but my “life,” I most definitely know more about steak than most people will ever even imagine that there “IS” to know about this juicy subject.</p>
<p>But to be quite honest with you, I have to honestly admit to you right now, that I was totally blown away and thoroughly surprised when I found out what the actual truth is regarding this very common question.</p>
<p><span id="more-1080"></span></p>
<p>If that’s not a big enough hint for you, I will add the following sentence to the explanation. “ The answer may not be at all what you probably thought it would be, based on what most of us know about nutrition, science, and health.</p>
<p>As you all know, I’m not really a doctor … nor do I even actually pretend to play one on television … so allow me to simply present to you the answer to this age old question about cooking steak, as explained to us by Dr. Janessa R. Slatky, RD, LD, who just happens to be a Clinical Dietitian for <a href="http://www.seton.net" target="_new">Seton Northwest Hospital</a></p>
<p>Dr. Slatky wrote a very fascinating explanation for a wonderful health oriented website that I turn to regularly, when I need medical or health information, and that website is “<a href="http://www.goodhealth.com" target="_new">Good Health</a>!”</p>
<p>Here is exactly what she had to say. I am confident that you will find this information as fascinating and thrilling as I do, because while I do want to make sure that myself and my family are always well protected, kept safe and secure and are consistently well taken care of and kept … uhhhhh …. Well …. “WELL”… I have to admit, that when you put a Prime cut of quality steak on the grill, you want to be sure to cook it in such a way that it is tender, juicy, flavorful and succulent, not simply burned to a crisp in order to avoid germs and potential illness.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Steak2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1082" title="Steak2" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Steak2-298x300.jpg" alt="" width="298" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>So here’s the GREAT NEWS, straight from the Doctors mouth:</p>
<p>“Only the outside of a steak is at risk for contamination because it is the only part that has been exposed to oxygen, a knife, and the person handling it. When you order a steak rare or medium rare, the outside of the steak is cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, destroying most possible contaminants. Of course there is going to be risk involved in eating meat that is not fully cooked and therefore anyone with a suppressed immune system (children, elderly, the ill) should always lean towards more fully cooked steak.</p>
<p>When beef is ground into hamburger, any contamination that was on the outside is now spread throughout the whole meat and should be fully cooked to 155 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds to destroy most possible contaminants. However, your favorite burger joint can still serve you a medium-rare burger at your request provided there is a consumer advisory on the menu”</p>
<p>Awesome, so it turns out it’s not true that you have to cook all of the tenderness and succulent, juicy flavor out of your prime, gourmet cuts of <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/steak/sampler.html" target="_new">steak</a>, just to ensure that you and your family stay healthy!</p>
<p>Now if you ask me … that’s really GREAT NEWS!</p>
<p>Dig In my friend, Dig In!</p>
<p><em>Signing off at Pigging out!<br />
Rocco &#8220;Boss Hog&#8221; Loosbrock</em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: Arial; color: navy; font-size: large;">&lt;!&#8211;subscribe2&#8211;&gt;</span></em></p>
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		<title>The romance of a bottle…</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/the-romance-of-a-bottle%e2%80%a6-925</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/the-romance-of-a-bottle%e2%80%a6-925#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:33:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latests Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cabernet wine club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California wine club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Celebration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chardonnay wine club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Valentine's Day]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=925</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Valentine’s Day can be an expensive holiday, but you don’t need to spend tons of money to be romantic. Also you don’t need to just be romantic one day a year, but one soapbox at a time. Currently I have an empty bottle of 2008 Monterey Chardonnay and a full bottle of 2006 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/empty-wine-bottle.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-926" title="empty wine bottle" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/empty-wine-bottle.jpg" alt="" width="697" height="1024" /></a></p>
<p>The idea of wine is essentially romantic for many of us. Personally when I think of wine and romance, the first thought that comes to mind is that Cleopatra seduced Mark Anthony on the Nile with this ancient wine that can still be found today. There’s no doubt that wine is romantic, it’s the drink of choice at proposals dinners in every chick flick ever created. So for the most romantic day of the year wine should be present, but it’s not just the drink that can spice up your special couples day.</p>
<p>As I’ve late, I’ve become a fan of USA’s White Collar. Aside from the main plot of the series, in the pilot the main character &#8220;Neal Caffrey&#8221; escapes prison just months before finishing out a four-year sentence. He is searching for his wife that apparently is leaving him. What he finds in her place is an empty bottle of wine.</p>
<p><span id="more-925"></span></p>
<p>It is explained that the empty bottle was a symbol of their relationship, it was a fancy bottle refilled with cheaper wine as a sign that they knew things would one day get better. Neal spends the better part of the first few episodes trying to figure out what hidden messages the bottle might hold for him. Being a hopeless romantic, I loved this idea and this story so much it got me thinking.</p>
<p>Valentine’s Day can be an expensive holiday, but you don’t need to spend tons of money to be romantic. Also you don’t need to just be romantic one day a year, but one soapbox at a time. Currently I have an empty bottle of 2008 Monterey <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/wineclub/chard/home.html">Chardonnay</a> and a full bottle of 2006 Paso Robles <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/wineclub/cab/home.html">Cabernet Sauvignon</a>.</p>
<p>Both wines are featured at <a href="http://www.cvwine.com">Coastal Vineyards</a>, specifically chosen from the California region and emphasis boutique and special qualities not often found at your local market. This already puts me a step ahead of the game; the wines themselves are special and not found in everyday markets.</p>
<p>The empty bottle can be used to leave a message in a bottle, a clue for your significant other. Taking a book out of Neal’s book, maybe it can be a wine from Santa   Barbara region like many of the <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/wineclub/home.html">Coastal Vineyards</a> wines tend to be because that’s where you met, or a place you both love to go? Write right on the label or stick a rolled up note into the empty bottle itself. Or use the empty bottle as a vase for a single red rose, no matter how romantic a dozen are a single rose is always somewhat more romantic. Leave the bottle in an obvious place, the dining room table or the bar? Or put it on a tray with breakfast in bed before you leave for work. Either way the message might be a delightful surprise. Now personally, I would use my full bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon with the romantic dinner.</p>
<p>Cabernet is often described as the king of wines and considered to be a great pairing for meats and cheeses. This leaves many options from comfort foods like four cheese macaroni to a grilled steak. The meal and the personal note would all depend on personal preferences but romance can come in all sorts of packages. This year might be a great year to venture into the realm of classic with a twist, wine and empty wine bottles make a great way to set up a memorable evening.</p>
<p>Lesley Lopez</p>
<div id="_mcePaste">Signing Off and Pigging Out,</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">Rocco “Boss Hog” Loosbrock</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">Be sure to visit our Wine of the Month Club by clicking HERE!</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.cvwine.com/wineclub/home.html</div>
<p>Signing Off and Pigging Out,Rocco “Boss Hog” LoosbrockBe sure to visit our Wine of the Month Club by clicking <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/wineclub/home.html">HERE</a>!</p>
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		<title>Wild Card Super Bowl Party</title>
		<link>http://blog.baconfreak.com/wild-card-super-bowl-party-898</link>
		<comments>http://blog.baconfreak.com/wild-card-super-bowl-party-898#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:28:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>baconboy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bacon Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bacon News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gourmet Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latests Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swine & Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swine and wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bacon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Super Bowl]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.baconfreak.com/?p=898</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A new snack idea occurred to me. Recently I discovered a smoked mozzarella cheese from Boss Hog a part of the Swine and Wine Club 
featured through Coastal Vineyards and Bacon Freak. 

The gourmet cheese would be a perfect addition to either bean dip or a new twist on a platter of nachos. Using a great bottle of wine from Vina Robles, featured as one of the Coastal Vineyards Wine Club selections I would be making chardonnay sangria. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/The-Super-Bowl-2010.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-919" title="The Super Bowl - 2010" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/The-Super-Bowl-2010.png" alt="" width="492" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>By Lesley Lopez</p>
<p>Not being an avid football watcher, there isn’t much I know about the anticipated game this Sunday. I have discovered this year it’s a match up between the Colts and the Saints, though even after some research on the teams themselves I still don’t really know which is favored to win. Aside from that I know that football is better experienced on a larger television and in groups, or so is the reasoning behind throwing a Super Bowl party.</p>
<p>When it comes to the party, I’m the quarterback of planners. Walking into any supermarket, I’m faced with the traditions and staples of all Super Bowl Sundays. Tortilla Chips, salsas, crackers, soda and beer in stalks around any market send the clear message: this is all you need for a successful party.</p>
<p><span id="more-898"></span></p>
<p>Not that I don’t agree, you could have a great party with just the essentials of what is right next to all the cash registers at your Vons. Not to mention the key selling point of no preparation time needed, just pull open the bags and set out the cans and you’re done. But this year, I want to stray off the beaten path and try a few things differently.</p>
<p>So veering away from the stalks of sodas, I headed towards the fruit section of the market. This year, I was thinking punch bowls of sangria for drinks. I picked up some pineapple, peaches, granny smith green apples, lemons and some ginger ale. Also on my way back towards the check out stands.</p>
<p>I caved and picked up some bean dip and chips because who can really have a Super Bowl party without tortilla chips? A new snack idea occurred to me. Recently I discovered a smoked mozzarella cheese from Boss Hog a part of the <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/swineandwine/home.html">Swine and Wine Club</a> featured through Coastal Vineyards and Bacon Freak. The gourmet cheese would be a perfect addition to either bean dip or a new twist on a platter of nachos.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Swine-and-Wine-Gift-Box-web.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-900" title="Swine and Wine Gift Box web" src="http://blog.baconfreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Swine-and-Wine-Gift-Box-web.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="361" /></a></p>
<p>Using a great bottle of wine from Vina Robles, featured as one of the <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/wineclub/home.html">Coastal Vineyards Wine Club</a> selections I would be making chardonnay sangria.</p>
<p>Now it might take some time to cut up all the fruit but not only can the pieces be used for the sangria itself but also for a selection of slightly healthier finger foods! Dumping all the chopped pieces into a bowl, I can pour in the wine and some of the ginger ale and presto like magic the sangria is finished.</p>
<p>I might even venture to make another bowl with a Merlot wine also featured in the Coastal Vineyard Wine Club. But maybe throw in some berries, club soda and triple sec into that one.</p>
<p>The possibilities are endless when making sangria, which means that my new Super Bowl tradition can be trying something different every year. Though, tasting the sangria with my new nachos I might not wait until next year’s Super Bowl maybe I’ll have a Oscars party too!</p>
<p>By Lesley Lopez</p>
<p>Signing Off and Pigging Out,</p>
<p>Rocco “Boss Hog” Loosbrock</p>
<p>Visit our Swine and Wine Club by <a href="http://www.cvwine.com/swineandwineclub.html">clicking here</a>! </p>
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