Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Our office appreciated saving money on Coffee this week, while trying Nescafé Taster’s Choice Instant Coffee (Stick Packs).  They’re made with real Coffee Beans and taste better than the Instant Coffee I remember from years ago, and would be preferred over some brewed Coffee.  Our favorites were the Gourmet Roast and 100% Colombian.  Might they be considered an inexpensive replacement for a daily Coffee Shop stop?  Maybe, but they can’t replace my occasional Latte out. 

* Try it for yourself on them — Click here to learn how.

I recently came across this Rhubarb Dry Soda at Bristol Farms — And first must mention that the Bristol Farms in Corona Del Mar Plaza is an amazing store.  It’s a bit cramped when crowded, but I usually want to buy almost everything I pass by.  This visit the Rhubarb Soda caught my eye.  Have you ever seen it before?  I hadn’t and rarely eat Rhubarb, but had to try it out of curiosity.  And the verdict is… Next flavor please.  I like the carbonation and flavor options of the Dry Soda Co. Sodas, but this flavor not so much.  It’s described as refreshingly tart and complex, which is true, but it also tastes a bit like Grass and Dried Cherries.  The initial taste isn’t good, but the after taste isn’t bad, if that makes sense.  We’d like to try their Kumquat, Lavender, Vanilla Bean, and maybe Cucumber flavors next time.  They also make a Juniper Berry and Lemongrass Soda.  Overall, we’re excited to see such unique flavors.  Bravo to the fun of that!

Hip hip hooray, we’re on our way to the Pala Casino Buffet to spend the winnings of Super Bowl Sunday.  It’ll be explained later, but now I’m happy to report a $100 win in a Super Bowl pool, as I luckily did last year.  Is it legal?  I don’t know — Oh well.  In celebration of ALL and because my Dad loves Budweiser, I’ve posted the quotes below.

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

– Benjamin Franklin

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“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”

– Dave Barry

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“Beer: Helping ugly people have sex since 3000 B.C.”

– W. C. Fields

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“Remember I before E, except in Budweiser.”

– Professor Irwin Corey

Damn this Lycheetini is good!  It’s at 8 Steers Fish & Steakhouse Restaurant in Costa Mesa.  It’s a Martini made with Lychee Fruit.  Before walking over to The Art Institute of California (Orange County) for a fundraising event, we had the best Martinis and $2 Kobe Sliders during Happy Hour.  What a deal.  The Kobe Sliders are fabulous with Horseradish Mayo and Dill Pickles.  I already want to go back for the same — Both are too tasty to switch up.  8 Steers serves terrific food and drinks, so get in there.  They need more business and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t have it.

I’m not sure if the following hangover remedies actually work, but thought the information was interesting and may be helpful to some.  Hopefully I won’t need ’em this year, but it’s handy just in case.

COFFEE:  While Coffee does NOT help sober you up, it can provide some relief for that pounding headache.

RAW EGGS:  Salvation for hangover sufferers could lie in downing raw Eggs as they contain a chemical ingredient called N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC).  It is thought that NAC boosts the body’s ability to mop up destructive chemicals called free radicals, which build up in the liver as enzymes break down alcohol.  Free radicals are normally destroyed by a naturally occurring enzyme called glutathione, but reserves can be low after periods of heavy drinking.  
 
BURIED UP TO YOUR NECK IN SAND:  In Ireland, it’s said that the cure for a hangover is to bury the ailing person up to the neck in moist river sand.  I don’t think I’ll be doing this.
 
PICKLE JUICE:  In Poland, drinking Pickle Juice is a common remedy.
 
Now why Fernet-Branca?  Fernet (pictured) is a type of spirit known as an Amaro – Italian for ‘bitter’.  One theory is that the bitterness is a cure for the body to begin producing saliva and digestive juices.  Herbalists say that it’s the combination of herbs found in Fernet that make it the ideal cure.  More than 40 barks, roots, herbs, fungi and spices go into Fernet.  These include Myrrh, Orris Root, Saffron and Cinchona Bark.  In fact, when the original formula was conceived in 1845, it was born as a medicine.  Decades later, Fernet is recognized as being healthful.  Give it a try, if necessary.

Although it’s the last day of National Pomegranate Month (November), Pomegranates are still in season and should be continuously enjoyed in recipes, drinks or alone.  They’re good for you too.  We celebrated by adding PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur to Champagne.  If searching for other uses, PAMA’s website has several excellent drink and food recipes.  Previously reported on Nibbles of Tidbits, our favorite drink recipes on the site include the Margarita and Martini.  And we haven’t yet tried it, but the PAMA Barbecued Salmon recipe sure sounds terrific.  Today it’s bottoms up.

It’s reported that Coca-Cola’s new aluminum bottle design keeps Coke 15% colder (longer) than a standard shaped can — I’m certainly a fan of that.  Nibbles of Tidbits previously ran a contest and the prize was a case (24) of them.  And since that time, I’ve learned they’re quite the hot commodity.  You’ll never see them in a boring grocery store — They’re way too cool!

We attended a Coca-Cola Tasting Event at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach, steps away from the sand.  It was on their High Rooftop Lounge, that’s broken down into stylish pod groupings overlooking the ocean and city.  We missed the sunset, but the city lights were beautiful too.

At this tasting event, 3 cocktails were made with Coca-Cola Classic®, Coke Zero™ and Diet Coke®, each mixed with a different liquor and served in its respective aluminum bottle.  As common in parts of Europe, drinks are made and served in the same can or bottle.  The bartender at this par-tay mixed the drinks over ice, then funneled them back into the bottles before serving ’em with a straw.  They were strong, but good — We liked the Lemon Chilled the best.

The appetizers were good too — There’s a fabulous Chef at the Hotel Erwin.  My favorite was the Mini Corn Dog on a Stick.  The batter was light and corny-crunchy, and they were served with a Coca-Cola Ketchup Sauce.  All went together well.

It was fun to meet other bloggers, like Peachhead, Coastal California, The Girl Blogger and their guests.  My Interior Designer guest requested a tour of a couple suites, which added to our overall cool experience — Down to the fun robes in the rooms.

One takes the elevator all the way up, then walks a scenic platform to the High Rooftop Lounge.  This evening we enjoyed appetizers and Coca-Cola’s hottest coldest drinks.  The bottle design is nostalgic and the drinks were served extra cold — Hope you stumble upon them at a hip place soon.

We were going to run this report on Examiner.com for National Liqueur Month (October), but didn’t have the necessary “Liqueur” to qualify for that category.  And since it’s now National Pomegranate Month (November) and I received POM Wonderful’s New Pomegranate Nectarine and Pomegranate Kiwi the very same day we planned this drink comparison, we substituted it in place of the Liqueur.

We set out to make 6 different Pomegranate Drinks and rate them.  The numbered rating cards are from one of my favorite boardgames, iMAgiNiff.  They come in handy for taste test comparison parties like this.  We got all our recipes from the PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur site, but used POM Wonderful’s Juice in place of the Liqueur.  We’ll post about the PAMA Liqueur later this month.  Overall, we found the recipes very adaptable and most tasted fantastic.

For this taste test, we made a Margarita and unblended Daiquiri, respectively posted above, and Pomegranate Juice with Club Soda, a Blushing Lady, a Pomegranate Juice Lemon Drop and a Martini, respectively shown below.  POM’s Juice substituted well for all — We particularly favored the Pomegranate Nectarine Juice, which is refreshing and flavorful on its own.

And since Pomegranate Juice is so good for you, we felt we received a healthier buzz, if you will. 🙂

We garnished the drinks with a variation of Lemon wedges and twists, Lime slices and Pomegranate Seeds (fabulously in season), then determined our favorites.  Our number one cards were awarded to the Margarita and Martini— Both tasted as if they were prepared by a professional mixologist and thus made us very happy.

We found the Pomegranate Juice and Club Soda a refreshing combination for any day, since it was the only drink without alcohol.  We’d probably pass on the Blushing Lady next time, but give the Pomegranate Lemon Drop an honorable mention.  Overall, we think PAMA’s recipes are good and look forward to trying their Liqueur.  And we always appreciate having POM Wonderful’s Juice — It’s the best 100% Pomegranate Juice.

A friend sent me this article a couple weeks ago and I found it very interesting.  It kind of makes sense to a layman.  I learned that it’s best to drink warm water after certain meals, instead of a cold beverage.  After reading the article, you may want to opt for a cup of Green Tea with your French Fries in place of a Soda.  Since there are many factors involved in a heart attack, we don’t purport that following this advice will avoid one, but don’t think it will hurt.  The report includes several links to additional beneficial (healthful) information.

Crystal Head Vodka— I haven’t yet tried it, but love the bottle.  It’s created by Dan Aykroyd.  Inspired by his long-time fascination with ghosts, spirits, and other un-worldly presences, as well as his interest in the legend of the 13 Crystal Skulls, screen legend Dan Aykroyd has created Crystal Head, a super-premium Vodka that’s quadruple distilled and then triple crystal-filtered through Herkimer diamonds, which are said to emit positive energy.  Dan’s favorite cocktail for Halloween is The Cranium: 

It’s 1 ½ oz. of Crystal Head Vodka, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine — Pour Crystal Head Vodka and Cranberry Juice over ice, then add a splash of Grenadine (unstirred) on top.  Garnish with a Blood Orange slice and you’re ready for Halloween.  It makes me want to party.

Have you wondered if there is Pomegranate Juice in Pom Wonderful’s New POMx Iced Coffee?  I did.  It doesn’t, but it does have an antioxidant rich extract from Pomegranates.  And a high caffeine content for an extreme energy boost — I was a little afraid of that, but it didn’t make me spazzier than I am.  Overall, they’ve got a well-rounded flavor and the Cafe Au Lait Iced Coffee (pictured here) isn’t fake creamy tasting, like some prepackaged Iced Coffees can be.  They’re found in the produce department and called a healthy buzz, and also come in Chocolate, Caramel, Vanilla and Chai Tea.

Fall is in the air, although it still feels like Summer in Southern California.  This Cappuccino was enjoyed on the garden patio at Sage on the Coast.

Thanks to all who entered a comment to win a case of the new aluminum Coca-Cola bottles.  And congratulations to the Cupcake Activist — We picked your name fair and square.  So you may enjoy ’em at your Labor Day Party, they’ll be shipped right out.  Nibbles of Tidbits appreciated the opportunity to host this giveaway.  Be sure to check back for future food and drink prizes worthy of winning.

What to make with the PRIZE:  All-American Apple Pie Slushie (recipe below).

6 ounces of Diet Coke®
6 ounces of Applesauce
1 cup of Ice
Cinnamon

Combine first 3 ingredients in a blender and process until smooth — Pour into a 16-ounce glass and garnish with Cinnamon.  Enjoy!

Coca-Cola's New Aluminum Bottles

The answer to the above question is YES.  Enter a comment HERE on Nibbles of Tidbits to have a FREE case of the new aluminum Coca-Cola  bottles delivered just in time for your Labor Day Party.  Right now they’re only found in the hippest of places.  Could that be your party?

Coca-Cola announces the arrival of the new aluminum bottles.  The redesigned packaging incorporates the classic iconic Coca-Cola look in a stylish 8.5 oz bottle that serves to keep beverages cooler longer, while also offering the perfect taste and carbonation.  Varieties available include Coca-Cola Classic®, Coke Zero^TM and Diet Coke®.

The new aluminum bottles are currently available in select hotels and bars throughout Los Angeles, including SLS Hotel and a variety of bars on Sunset Boulevard.  In celebration of the upcoming holiday, we’d like to offer a mixed case (24) of these exclusive bottles to one lucky reader.

Anyone may enter to win by simply leaving a comment on this post.  On August 31st, we’ll randomly draw (1) winner from all who commented.  For better odds, you may enter/comment once a day.  GOOD LUCK.

I love a Mango, but they are so darn hard to cut.  It’s the seed.  I can never tell where it is, and sometimes it’s thin and sometimes it’s wide.  Does anyone know the secret?  I haven’t researched it yet.  This post simply mentions its benefits — It’s high in Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene, but I’ll leave that to the health experts.  We’re just posting a couple helpful links to assist with healthy living through FOOD and more.  I appreciated the information.  And now it’s time for a Mango Smoothie, as recommended and linked below.

101 Healthy Smoothies For Your Health
101 Ways to Detox Your Mind, Body & Home
Best Foods for Weight Loss & To Feel Great

Post Title Inspiration — Sorry, there’s a 30 second commercial preceding it.

It takes too many Pomegranates, ARILS (seeds), stained fingers and possibly stained clothes to create what Pom Wonderful provides.  I grew up with a large Pomegranate Tree in the neighborhood.  All the kids loved the seeds, but it was a lot of work and a mess to get at them.  My Mom would tell us to open them up outside — Ever since that time, they’ve been a novelty in the supermarkets.  I’ll buy one occasionally, but the same obstacles to enjoyment still exist.

Due to the effort involved in getting at the goods, I was happy to receive a case of Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice in the mail.  I contemplated various recipes I could make with all of it.  Above I made Dried Cherry Scones with a Pomegranate Glaze — The Glaze is a mixture of Powdered Sugar and Pomegranate Juice.  And I’m calling them Pretty in Pink Scones.  I’ll be drizzling the Glaze over the Scones I’m entering in the Culinary Arts Competition during this year’s Orange County Fair.  In the long run this is the only recipe I made from the case, mostly because I couldn’t stop drinking them.  The bottles are so cute too.

Aside from liking the taste, I’m glad to read it’s good for you and grown locally in the sunny San Joaquin Valley.  And 100% Juice is always important to me.  When I ate Pomegranates as a kid, I didn’t know they were good for cardiovascular health and a superior source of antioxidants.  I didn’t care about that then, but I care about it now.  It’s good to find something I like that’s really good for me — I wish I could say that about more things.  Pom Wonderful appears to take pride in its products (literally) from tree to bottle.  Learn more below.  Knowing all these things, its value went up for me.  I need more. 🙂

Pom Wonderful DIRECT:
http://www.pomwonderful.com/?cmpid=71021&KNC-gle&&gclid=CIag7K6Z55oCFR0Sagodqi7PBw

What’s a Pomegranate?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate

I so enjoy these cute, sturdy triangular Tea Bags by Tea Forté.  They make me smile when I use them.  And the Teas (Silken Infusers) are superb.  I’m working my way through all the flavors.  I’ve almost finished the Exotics Box and my favorite is the White Ambrosia.  And now I’m enjoying the Dolce Vita Box, where I fell in love with the Raspberry Nectar (above) — It’s amazing!

Tea Forté INFO:  http://www.teaforte.com/

Tea Forté UNIQUE CUP:  http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1449

A Glass of Cruz Garcia Real Sangria Imported From Spain.  A friend brought over a bottle the other night.  Her Mom discovered it while traveling and brought back a case.  And the following week she saw it for sale at her local Grocery Store, HA.  I guess it was bad news and good news for her.  And this bottle included a toast to my VAY-KAY the next couple days.  We’ll be back with more fabuloso foodola.  Ciao. 

Related Links:
http://www.snooth.com/wine/cruz-garcia-real-sangria-93/
http://www.expotv.com/Cruz-Garcia-Real-Sangria-Wine/1V-ZNK

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is celebrating the coming of Spring with a Tea Party at all company-owned retail locations.  Tea enthusiasts are invited to attend the Tea Party at their local The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store to enjoy a complementary 12oz. Over Ice Tea Latte prepared with whole Loose Leaf Teas, including bold Chai, fruity Pomegranate Blueberry and aromatic Raspberry Ceylon — Invented by creative Coffee Bean team members, Over Ice Tea Lattes are Loose Leaf Teas freshly “espressed” through Espresso machines, then infused with Vanilla flavor, whisked and poured over ice.

Be sure to stop by one of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores between 2:00p.m. – 6:00p.m. on Thursday, March 5th ONLY to try one for FREE.  I’ve been advised that all California and Arizona locations are company-owned and most, if not all franchise locations are in Hawaii, so unfortunately there’s no free Tea in Hawaii that day.  Aloha.

Related Link: http://coffeebean.com/

For the daily readers, I’ll get to the Christmas Party Appetizers shortly, but now I have to mention the luxurious Tea I’m enjoying.  What a treat!  One of my fabulous party guests gave me an amazing gift.  Have you seen this before?  I hadn’t.  It’s cute, practical and the Crimson Nectar Tea is a layered flavor explosion.  I love it all — Thanks again.

Related Link:

http://www.teaforte.com/

Italian Organics sent me a couple bottles of their Organic Sicilian Blood Orange Juice.  They’re based in Staten Island, New York.  I did a little work for them some time ago and have been wanting to try this juice ever since.  Thanks for sending it Alfredo.  It’s tasty.  Italian Organics (I.O.) is working on finding more suppliers across the United States.  Right now it’s available in New York, but let’s hope it’s soon shelved in a store near us.

You can drink to your health knowing that Organic Blood Oranges contain Anthocyanins, which act as powerful Antioxidants.  I.O. harvests this exceptional fruit in volcanic soil near Mt. Etna Sicily.  Not only does it taste great, but it’s rich in Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Fiber, and Vitamins A & C.

And since it’s so good for you, if you want to make a Blood Orange Martini out of it, that’s okay.  The recipe I used is linked below.  Instead of using typical Orange Juice in your Martini, shake things up with this colorful juice.  It makes a prettier presentation too.  And I added a Sugared Rim to sweeten the deal.  Yummy!

Related Links:

http://www.iojuice.com/

http://www.iojuice.com/Pages/ContactUs.htm

http://www.recipezaar.com/282479

http://sarahacconcia.wordpress.com/2008/10/14/blood-orange-juice/

I hear the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is having its 45th Birthday.  I would have never guessed it.  I thought they were younger, but it appears they’re older and wiser.  Happy Birthday. 🙂

I like the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf because they don’t call their small drinks a “Tall” if you know what I mean — That really bugs me about their main competition.  I’m not going to call an obviously short cup a tall.  It’s blatant trickery I tell you.  And somehow the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores seem a little more hometown friendly, although they have 676 stores in 19 countries.  Apparently the first one opened in 1963 in Brentwood, California.

In celebration of their Birthday, they’re offering a SPECIAL EVERY TUESDAY in September through the first Tuesday in October.  The specials include 0.63 cent Coffees and Hot Teas, 20% off Pounds of Coffee and Tea Bag Tins, and a FREE Espresso Shot added to your drink.

The picture above is of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on 19th Street in Costa Mesa, California.

Related Links:

http://coffeebean.com/

The Orange County Wine Society (OCWS) started with a group of independent Wine makers, but has grown and evolved to include those who simply love to drink it.  The OCWS functions to enhance the knowledge of Wine-making (viticulture or viniculture) and the appreciation of Wine.  They’re a fun group who voluntarily pour Award Winning Wines during the OC Fair.

This year $7.00 will get you a tasting of 3 Wines, plus the OCWS’s 2008 Wine Awards Book.  And $3.00 will pour you a tasting of 2 Wines.  TIP:  You can get Cheese, Grapes and Bread from the Italian Restaurant outside the Wine Courtyard, all are shown below.

Related Links:

Orange County Wine Society – http://www.ocws.org/

Viticulture and/or Viniculture – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viticulture

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/viniculture