Friday, December 26, 2008

Making Artisan Gelato or Winemakers Dance

Making Artisan Gelato: 45 Recipes and Techniques for Crafting Flavor-Infused Gelato and Sorbet at Home

Author: Torrance Kopfer

The word gelato, in Italian, simply means “ice cream,” but its meaning has shifted to define a type of high-end frozen dessert, made with milk, not cream. Gelato also has 35% less air whipped into it than ice cream, heightening its rich mouthfeel without tipping the scales. Gelato, in all its luxury, is simple to make at home with a standard ice-cream maker.


 


Making Artisan Gelato, following on the heels of Making Artisan Chocolates, will offer 45+ recipes and flavor variations for exquisite frozen desserts, made from all-natural ingredients available at any grocery store or farmer’s market.


 


From pureeing and straining fruit to tempering egg yolks for a creamy base, the gelato-making techniques included in Making Artisan Gelato ensure quality concoctions. Recipe flavors run the gamut—nuts, spices, chocolate, fruit, herbs, and more—with novel flavor pairings that go beyond your standard-issue fare. 



Book review: RealAge Diet or Cortisol Connection Diet

Winemaker's Dance: Exploring Terroir in the Napa Valley

Author: David G Howell

There is a saying among winemakers that "great wine begins with dirt." Beginning from this intriguing premise, The Winemaker's Dance embarks on an eye-opening exploration of "terroir" in one of the greatest places on earth to grow wine--California's Napa Valley. Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell weave a tale that begins millions of years ago with the clash of continental plates that created the Napa Valley and go on to show how this small region, with its myriad microclimates, complex geologic history, and dedicated winemakers, came to produce world-class wines. A fascinating look at the art and science of winemaking and the only comprehensive book that covers Napa's geology, history, and environment, The Winemaker's Dance will help wine enthusiasts better understand wine talk and wine writing and, most importantly, wine itself.
The Winemaker's Dance is animated by the voices of Napa's winemakers talking about their craft. The book also contains two driving tours through the valley that highlight the landscapes and wineries discussed. An array of unique illustrations--including shaded relief maps overlaid with color aerial photographs--provide a new and illuminating look at the region: its bedrock, sediments, soils, sun, wind, and rain. The expansive narrative considers how these elements influence wines from particular vineyards and how specific winemaking practices can bring out or mask aspects of terroir. It concludes with a discussion of the state of the winemaking industry today.
Unraveling the complex relationship between the people, the earth, and the vines of Napa Valley, The Winemaker's Dance brings the elusive concept of terroir to a broad audience, adding avibrant dimension to the experience of the valley's wines. It also provides insights that enhance our understanding of wines and winegrowing regions the world over.



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