Bacon Freak Blog

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.

What started out originally and primarily as the proud and protected bastion of the Food Network was eventually recognized as a veritable “gold mine” and eventually spread to other networks / channels such as Bravo and TLC and now, as the trend begins to crest even higher than anyone could have ever expected, has not only gone totally “loco,” but totally “local” as more and more television channels “not affiliated with the networks” are profiting profusely from the mass appeal, crowd pleasing, trend setting wave of culinary celebration that I like to refer to as “GOUR-MANIA!”

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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.

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.

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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, prime steaks found anywhere in the world, from the America’s to Japan!

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.

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.

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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.

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 “Neal Caffrey” 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.

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By Lesley Lopez

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.

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.

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