New England Fine Living's fall issue is out

Our fall issue is out!  If you are not already a subscriber, you can subscribe to New England Fine Living's magazine by clicking on this link or you can view the online version here. 

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I finally had some caviar and liked it!

 Caviar Photo from New England Fine Living

My first introduction to caviar was years ago when it was passed to me on a perfect little wafer crisp.  It wasn't very intimidating, so I tried it.   Not so bad.... Hmmm.   My next official introduction to this odd little treat, was at a wine tasting event many years ago.   Now, I was intimidated.  In front of me were little jars of red, black, gold caviar that were available for mini tastings.  Along side the jars were bowls of cracker crisps.  Huh???  There is no one to serve me?  What if I take too much and get my hand slapped?  The only person available is talking to someone else and the line was backing up behind me.  Panic!  How do I put it on the cracker and how much can I take?   Do the different colors taste different? What kind of fish produced these?  I wanted to know. Oh but please don't tell me how the eggs are taken from the fish while I eat it.

This situation, is one of the many reasons I started New England Fine Living.  To share my  information with you.

Here are a few tips on eating caviar. Geeeeeesh,  I wish I knew this before the wine tasting event.  If you want to find out more about where caviar comes from and some of the nutritional facts, you can read more HERE on my caviar page, but some of the tips are here below that I found.

Caviar Etiquette: 

   Serve cold out of a non-metallic bowl.

   So as not to ruin the flavor of caviar, scoop it out of the container using mother-of-pearl utensils.  If necessary use a wood or plastic spoon.  NEVER  use a metallic spoon metal oxidizes the eggs), which will create an unwanted metal flavor.

Don’t dig deep and mush the caviar while you’re serving yourself or others.  Caviar should be scooped from the container vertically from top to bottom to avoid crushing the egg.

   If caviar is passed to you in a bowl or crock, with its own spoon, serve a teaspoonful onto your plate.  Many times it is passed with just toast points, but if it is followed with accompaniments, use the individual serving spoon found in each containter to take small amount of minced onion and sieved egg whites and yolks, as well as a few lemon slices and place on your dish.

    Assemble a canapé to your taste with a knife, then use your fingers to lift it to your mouth.

   If you're at a cocktail party or reception, where prepared caviar canapés are being passed on trays, simply lift one off the plate and pop it into your mouth.

   When served caviar as an hors d'oeuvre, no matter how much you might be tempted by its luscious flavor. It's considered bad taste to eat more than an ample serving of about two ounces, or about two spoonfuls.

Purple Haze Martini

On these hot summer days, I have fond childhood memories of drinking ice-cold Grape Kool-Aid that my mom used to make by the pitcher.  As an added touch of flavor, she would add fresh orange slices.  But now that I'm a grown woman, maybe a Purple Haze Martini, with an orange slice, will do the trick  "Oh Yeah!"  The recipe below was sent to me by Hypnotiq®.  I also have the recipe posted with some other purple party ideas on my "purple party page" click HERE if you would like to see more photos.

1 oz. freshly squeezed pomegranate juice -

1 1/2 oz. Hypnotiq®  - a great liquor

1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice shopping list

orange rind and apple slice for garnish shopping list

How to make a purple martini:

Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker over ice.

Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Mind Your Peas & Cukes! Buffet Etiquette

Photo: Traditional Home Magazine

These helpful tips were sent to me by Diane Gottsman, a Nationally recognized etiquette professional

Buffet Manners

“Buffet” is not synonymous with “All You Can Eat”.  Go through the buffet line and select a small portion of each food item.

Hold only one plate through the buffet line.  Don’t use the old excuse “This one is for my wife”.

No seconds until everyone has gone through the line once.  Allow other’s to enjoy the buffet before getting back in line for another plate of food.

Start at the beginning of the line.  Follow the food line rather than going against the normal buffet flow of traffic.

Set your drink down before going through the buffet line.  Select a place where you will sit and place your drink at the table.  It’s much easier to hold your plate and select your food items without a drink in your hand.

If you go back, and if available, grab a new plate.

Go back for dessert.  Don’t put your dessert on your entrée plate.  You will appear a bit anxious and somewhat glutinous.