Last week we covered the health benefits of wine. This week we cover the benefits of Beer. That’s right drinking one beer per day may be good for your health because it has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Why? Some experts suggest these reasons: Beer contains vitamin B6, which prevents the buildup of homocysteine, a chemical linked with heart disease. Moreover, studies have shown that one serving of beer provides roughly the same amount of heart-healthy antioxidant protection as red wine, and that consuming moderate amounts of beer lowers one's chances of coronary heart disease by 30-40 percent, compared to those who don't kick back with the occasional brew. Lab studies have found constituents in beer that lower triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol in mice. Drinking one beer per day reduces blood clotting so some studies found that cardiovascular patients who drank one beer per day also lived longer. Other studies have found that women who consume one beer each day have improved mental health. Drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages in moderation may also improve bone density.
What about liquor? Drinking moderate amounts of any kind of alcohol -- be it beer, wine, or hard liquor -- will raise your good HDL cholesterol levels, says Lisa Young, adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University and author of The Portion Teller Plan.Most of the information about hard liquor benfits are home remedies for ailments so here they are. Feel free to post any of your own remedies and recipes in the comments section of this post.
Angostura bitters are used for sluggish digestion, poor appetite, or flatulence, try taking a teaspoon of Angostura Bitters before or after meals (experiment to see which works best for you). If you do not like it straight, try diluting it with sparkling water to make a (relatively) nonalcoholic "mocktail." Gentian root is quite harmless and quite effective. Also try eating a slice of lemon which has been soaked in angostura bitters to cure your hiccups.
One of the Remedy’s we get a lot in our store is brandy for a cold. A lot of people choose a fruit flavored brandy like blackberry. There is also another cold remedy the Hot toddy. To make this drink bring approximately 3 oz. of water to a boil-enough to fill a teacup nearly to the top. You may want to use tea instead to add a different flavor, but plain hot water allows you to enjoy the mellow taste of the brandy mixture. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 oz. of brandy into a teacup, depending on your preference. Brandy has several properties to recommend it as a treatment, such as the antimicrobial properties of the alcohol and its ability to thin the mucus built up by the cold. In proper amounts, it can also be very calming. Add the hot water to the brandy and then stir a spoonful of honey (to taste) to the mixture. Honey is soothing for sore throats and irritated mucus membranes; it is also believed to have sedative properties and relieve coughs and stuffy noses. Cut a wedge of lemon and squeeze it into the Toddy. Lemon has loads of citric acid and vitamin C to help loosen phlegm and boost the immune system. Lemon also has astringent qualities, which will reduce swelling in the throat and is an excellent anti-oxidant. Drink the hot brandy just before bed to help you relax. You'll sleep more easily and the ingredients will help you to breathe more freely, cough less and ease the pain and irritation from the cold. You could also use whiskey or rum instead of brandy.
Here is another home remedy that we have people coming in for Gin raisins to help with arthritis. How to Make Gin Raisins for Arthritis. Although there are several variations of this arthritis remedy, the basic recipe goes something like this: Get a box of golden raisins or as many as you want to make at one time (they are sometimes called white raisins, the key being not ordinary black raisins). Put the raisins in a container (shallower makes it easier). Pour gin over the raisins just enough to cover them (how much depends on how many raisins you have). Let the raisins soak for a few weeks until the gin evaporates. Then eat approximately nine raisins per day. (you will see this number change for different variations of the recipe)
What type of gin you use doesn’t really matter as long as you don’t buy the cheapest bottle. You can make any amount that you feel comfortable with using a ratio similar to one cup of raisins to every 2 cups of gin.
Last but not least Tonic water. A Medline search turned out that quinine may help in the treatment of muscle spasm.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Your Health and Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits (Part One)
Last May Wine Spectator Magazine did a whole issue about the Healing Power of Wine. Most people have heard that wine is good for you, but do you know why? This was a very informative issue. Many studies are being done on wine right now and some of the results might surprise you. Wine contains a compound found in the skins of red grapes, called resveratrol that protects us from heart disease, cancers and other diseases and ailments.
According to recent studies, it has been found that red wine with regular and moderate use (1 glass for women and 2 glasses for men per day) promotes good health. It can reduce heart disease up to 35 %, because the resveratrol prevents the formation of protein that reduces heart pumping efficiency. It also reduces production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad stuff) and boosts high density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol (the good stuff). Lastly the alcohol protects the heart mainly by acting on platelets to prevent clogging, thus helping your blood pressure. The resveratrol in red wine also helps with the reduction of cancer by boosting the immune system and blocking cancer formation with chemical components acting as antioxidants. It also prevents molecules from doing cellular damage inhibiting tumor development.
Studies are also being done that show how wine can cut your chances of getting a cold or the flu. There are even studies being done that show that drinking wine can increase your lifespan by 5 yrs. The most beneficial red wines are Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Petite Syrah. Now there are studies being done to show the benefits of white wine, I found an article on Web MD that states that whites maybe just a beneficial as reds.
Here in Yankton our Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits Manager Lynn Schieffer has done speeches for Heart Healthy events at our store and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Before starting any new diet changes be sure to consult with your doctor and do your own research. There are tons of studies out there.
Next Week we will discuss some health benefits of other wine and spirits products.
According to recent studies, it has been found that red wine with regular and moderate use (1 glass for women and 2 glasses for men per day) promotes good health. It can reduce heart disease up to 35 %, because the resveratrol prevents the formation of protein that reduces heart pumping efficiency. It also reduces production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad stuff) and boosts high density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol (the good stuff). Lastly the alcohol protects the heart mainly by acting on platelets to prevent clogging, thus helping your blood pressure. The resveratrol in red wine also helps with the reduction of cancer by boosting the immune system and blocking cancer formation with chemical components acting as antioxidants. It also prevents molecules from doing cellular damage inhibiting tumor development.
Studies are also being done that show how wine can cut your chances of getting a cold or the flu. There are even studies being done that show that drinking wine can increase your lifespan by 5 yrs. The most beneficial red wines are Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Petite Syrah. Now there are studies being done to show the benefits of white wine, I found an article on Web MD that states that whites maybe just a beneficial as reds.
Here in Yankton our Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits Manager Lynn Schieffer has done speeches for Heart Healthy events at our store and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Before starting any new diet changes be sure to consult with your doctor and do your own research. There are tons of studies out there.
Next Week we will discuss some health benefits of other wine and spirits products.
January 17th Weekly Selections
Wine of the Week
BV Coatal Estates 2006 Cabernet
Dark ruby-violet color. This Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon promises much, and delivers more! The aromas suggest black and green peppercorn, with currant-mint and black tea overtones. Medium bodied, the aromas are echoed on the palate, and completed by hints of dark chocolate. Finishing with a light, velvety texture, this wine is very easy to drink.
Beer of the Week
Bud Select 55
A smooth, light golden lager with 55 calories and the crisp, clean finish of Budweiser Select. Select 55 is brewed with caramel malts and a blend of imported and domestic hopping. Select 55 has a light golden color and offers aroma notes of toasted malt and subtle hopping. This beer has 1.9 grams of Carbohydrates and 2.4% Alcohol.
Spirit of the Week
Angostura Bitters
ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters is a highly concentrated food and beverage flavouring. Made from a secret formula, it is a unique blend of natural herbs and spices which is used to flavour a wide variety of foods and drinks. The "secret" was developed in 1824 by Dr. J.G.B. Siegert, a Surgeon General in Simon Bolivar's army in Venezuela. He used his aromatic bitters to improve appetite and digestive well-being of the soldiers. The word "Angostura" came from the town of that name in Venezuela where Dr. Siegert was based. Angostura aromatic bitters is a unique flavour enhancer for food preparation, beverages and deserts; just a few dashes can enhance the flavour of any dish. It is not bitter when added to food & drink, but rather has the ability to marry flavours, bringing out the best in them without masking their taste. It is great with the following, just add a few dashes to add a burst of flavour:-Fruit juices and fresh fruit salads -Coffee -Ice Cream (especially vanilla, coconut, rum & raisin) -Seasonings & marinades (especially for meats) -Soups & sauces
Cocktail of the Week
Champagne cocktail (Week 2 of Valentine's day theme)
BV Coatal Estates 2006 Cabernet
Dark ruby-violet color. This Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon promises much, and delivers more! The aromas suggest black and green peppercorn, with currant-mint and black tea overtones. Medium bodied, the aromas are echoed on the palate, and completed by hints of dark chocolate. Finishing with a light, velvety texture, this wine is very easy to drink.
Bud Select 55
A smooth, light golden lager with 55 calories and the crisp, clean finish of Budweiser Select. Select 55 is brewed with caramel malts and a blend of imported and domestic hopping. Select 55 has a light golden color and offers aroma notes of toasted malt and subtle hopping. This beer has 1.9 grams of Carbohydrates and 2.4% Alcohol.
Angostura Bitters
ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters is a highly concentrated food and beverage flavouring. Made from a secret formula, it is a unique blend of natural herbs and spices which is used to flavour a wide variety of foods and drinks. The "secret" was developed in 1824 by Dr. J.G.B. Siegert, a Surgeon General in Simon Bolivar's army in Venezuela. He used his aromatic bitters to improve appetite and digestive well-being of the soldiers. The word "Angostura" came from the town of that name in Venezuela where Dr. Siegert was based. Angostura aromatic bitters is a unique flavour enhancer for food preparation, beverages and deserts; just a few dashes can enhance the flavour of any dish. It is not bitter when added to food & drink, but rather has the ability to marry flavours, bringing out the best in them without masking their taste. It is great with the following, just add a few dashes to add a burst of flavour:-Fruit juices and fresh fruit salads -Coffee -Ice Cream (especially vanilla, coconut, rum & raisin) -Seasonings & marinades (especially for meats) -Soups & sauces
Champagne cocktail (Week 2 of Valentine's day theme)
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Champagne
- 1 oz brandy
- Orange slice
- Maraschino cherry
Place the sugar cube in the bottom of a Champange flute. Use the dashes of angostura bitters to saturate the sugar cube, Pour Champange into the flute. Add brandy. Garnich with the orange slice and Cherry.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
January 10th Weekly Selections
Wine of the Week
Stella Rosa
From the beautiful village of Santo Stefano Belbo in Piedmont comes our delicious Stella Rosa. A refreshing red wine to be served chilled and accompanied by fresh fruit and cheese. Tasting notes: Very floral on the nose with what seems to me like roses. Also cranberry and grape jam coming through. Carmel initially on the palate and then the cranberry and roses showing on the midpalate. Carmel comes through again on the finish. Sweet and very slightly frizante. (Review from Cellar Tracker)
Beer of the Week
Leinenkugel’s 1888 Bock
Its back! The leinenkugel’s 1888 bock features a robust head that seizes the rich aroma of toasted and carmel malts. This full-bodied brew has a smooth, toasted malt flavor. This was a big seller last year.
Tasting notes: 1888 Bock pours a clear, dark golden brown color with a medium-height tan head. The beer’s aroma is of slightly sweet malt with some caramel malt and floral hop hints. This beer’s flavor starts dry, with some slightly grainy, bready malt notes. There is a relatively substantial (considering the beer’s not-overwhelming malt profile) floral hop bitterness at the back and sides of the tongue. 1888 Bock is listed as being brewed with Cluster hops and is 18 international bitterness units.Modest amounts of dark fruit flavors show at mid tongue. Also appearing at mid tongue is a bit of a sourdough-ish tang that I found a tad out of place.1888 Bock’s finish is dry with a bready, malty flavor that finally ends on a slightly astringent floral hop bitterness. (Review by Tim Hynds (Sioux City Journal)
Seth Fox takes pride in the fact that his vodka is made from Kansas grain. “The best grain in the world,” he says. In fact, the best grain in the world grows right around the corner from his home; Fox buys all the grain used for production from his neighbor. Every component of Most Wanted Vodka is produced either right here in Kansas, or in the United States.His best seller, Most Wanted vodka, is a hit at local liquor stores. His ultra-premium brand, Fox vodka, is served at some of the finest restaurants in his region. "Customers like that it's from right here," said Dustin Hundley, owner of the Metropolitan Steak House in nearby Leavenworth. "We did a taste test against some of the better-known brands and it was just as clean and crisp, if not better. We run out of it." Mr. Fox's sales are driven mostly by word-of-mouth locally, and beyond the state through a network of microdistilling aficionados. "I get calls from all across the nation asking, Where can I buy your vodka?" Mr. Fox said. "I say, You've got to come to Kansas. Who grows the best grain in the world?"
Cocktail of the Week This starts the beginning of our Valentine’s day cocktail theme.
Flirtini
Stella Rosa
From the beautiful village of Santo Stefano Belbo in Piedmont comes our delicious Stella Rosa. A refreshing red wine to be served chilled and accompanied by fresh fruit and cheese. Tasting notes: Very floral on the nose with what seems to me like roses. Also cranberry and grape jam coming through. Carmel initially on the palate and then the cranberry and roses showing on the midpalate. Carmel comes through again on the finish. Sweet and very slightly frizante. (Review from Cellar Tracker)
Beer of the Week
Its back! The leinenkugel’s 1888 bock features a robust head that seizes the rich aroma of toasted and carmel malts. This full-bodied brew has a smooth, toasted malt flavor. This was a big seller last year.
Tasting notes: 1888 Bock pours a clear, dark golden brown color with a medium-height tan head. The beer’s aroma is of slightly sweet malt with some caramel malt and floral hop hints. This beer’s flavor starts dry, with some slightly grainy, bready malt notes. There is a relatively substantial (considering the beer’s not-overwhelming malt profile) floral hop bitterness at the back and sides of the tongue. 1888 Bock is listed as being brewed with Cluster hops and is 18 international bitterness units.Modest amounts of dark fruit flavors show at mid tongue. Also appearing at mid tongue is a bit of a sourdough-ish tang that I found a tad out of place.1888 Bock’s finish is dry with a bready, malty flavor that finally ends on a slightly astringent floral hop bitterness. (Review by Tim Hynds (Sioux City Journal)
Spirit of the Week
Most Wanted VodkaSeth Fox takes pride in the fact that his vodka is made from Kansas grain. “The best grain in the world,” he says. In fact, the best grain in the world grows right around the corner from his home; Fox buys all the grain used for production from his neighbor. Every component of Most Wanted Vodka is produced either right here in Kansas, or in the United States.His best seller, Most Wanted vodka, is a hit at local liquor stores. His ultra-premium brand, Fox vodka, is served at some of the finest restaurants in his region. "Customers like that it's from right here," said Dustin Hundley, owner of the Metropolitan Steak House in nearby Leavenworth. "We did a taste test against some of the better-known brands and it was just as clean and crisp, if not better. We run out of it." Mr. Fox's sales are driven mostly by word-of-mouth locally, and beyond the state through a network of microdistilling aficionados. "I get calls from all across the nation asking, Where can I buy your vodka?" Mr. Fox said. "I say, You've got to come to Kansas. Who grows the best grain in the world?"
Cocktail of the Week This starts the beginning of our Valentine’s day cocktail theme.
Flirtini
- 2 pieces fresh pineapple
- ½ oz Cointreau
- ½ oz Vodka
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- 3 oz Champagne
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Scotch Whiskey & Scotch Tasting
With the upcoming Scotch tasting I thought it would be a good time to give you a little info about Scotch.
Essentially, Scotch tasting is done through the nose. A handy tool for tasting is a tulip-shaped glass or Scotch snifter that will enhance the taste by allowing the aromas to gather at the bottom and drift to the top. Adding a little water will open up the flavor by releasing the whisky’s aromas.
Four categories of Scotch: single malt, pure malt, blended and single grain. Single malt and blended scotch are the most popular. Single means that a Scotch is from a single distillery, while blended means that the product is composed of whiskies from two or more distilleries.
The flavor of every Scotch is affected by a variety of factors: the type of wood barrel it is stored in; the water and type of stone it flows over; and the aging process. Some Scotch’s even get aged in two different types of wood barrels.
A smooth-flavored Scotch means that the high alcohol content is not obvious at first taste, and the initial harsh bit is missing. Scotch is usually drunk at room temperature with a touch of water, no ice. This lets the Scotch whisky release it flavors to a maximum. As always, the golden rule of Scotch drinking is that since you pay for it, you should enjoy it anyway you want.
(Parts of this article comes from Dwight Dehl, Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits, Waterloo, IA)
Essentially, Scotch tasting is done through the nose. A handy tool for tasting is a tulip-shaped glass or Scotch snifter that will enhance the taste by allowing the aromas to gather at the bottom and drift to the top. Adding a little water will open up the flavor by releasing the whisky’s aromas.
Four categories of Scotch: single malt, pure malt, blended and single grain. Single malt and blended scotch are the most popular. Single means that a Scotch is from a single distillery, while blended means that the product is composed of whiskies from two or more distilleries.
The flavor of every Scotch is affected by a variety of factors: the type of wood barrel it is stored in; the water and type of stone it flows over; and the aging process. Some Scotch’s even get aged in two different types of wood barrels.
A smooth-flavored Scotch means that the high alcohol content is not obvious at first taste, and the initial harsh bit is missing. Scotch is usually drunk at room temperature with a touch of water, no ice. This lets the Scotch whisky release it flavors to a maximum. As always, the golden rule of Scotch drinking is that since you pay for it, you should enjoy it anyway you want.
(Parts of this article comes from Dwight Dehl, Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits, Waterloo, IA)
January Wine of the Month
Chilean Wines
A lot of great wines are coming out of South America recently, particularly Chile. With ideal growing conditions and reasonable vineyard land and labor costs, it is no surprise that Chile is becoming one of the world’s leading producers of wine with a high ratio of value to price. For wine producing grapes, like Malbec, Torrontes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and a few others the Chilean climate is ideal. Chile is the fifth largest exporter of wine to the United States & the number of wineries has grown from 12 in 1995 to over 70 in 2005. According to an article of the Wine Spectator magazine the quality of Chilean wines has improved impressively over the last few years with 60% of the wines reviewed ranking at least 85 points or better, and three fourths of them retail for less than $20. The ones reviewed that we carry are La Joya Merlot (88) & Cab (84), Santa Rita Reserve Chardonnay (86), & Casillero del Diablo Carmenère (88). Chilean wines have also ranked very high at some international competitions according to wikipedia. At the 2005 Berlin wine tasting Chilean wines took 5 of the top 7 places and the 2006 Tokyo tasting Chilean wines had 4 of the top 5 places. Chilean Cabernets are distinctive & very easy to drink with soft tannins and flavors of mint, black currant, olives and smoke. Chardonnays are less distinctive and follow the new world style. Carmenère have softer and gentler tannins than Cabernet with flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco and leather.
Stop in to Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits and check out these wines from Chili: Cono Sur Cabernet, Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Rita Chardonnay, Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere or Cabernet, and Lajoya Carmenere, Cabernet, or Merlot. While shopping you might notice that some wineries buy Chilean wines from the open market, so what used to be Californian wine is now Chilean wine. A few of these would be Pepperwood, Corbett Canyon, and Inglenook.
Present Your Regal Wine Club Card and receive a 10% Discount on all Chilean Wines. Only available on non advertised wines. For More information about the Wine Club or how to join send an E-mail to hyveewineclub@gmail.com
A lot of great wines are coming out of South America recently, particularly Chile. With ideal growing conditions and reasonable vineyard land and labor costs, it is no surprise that Chile is becoming one of the world’s leading producers of wine with a high ratio of value to price. For wine producing grapes, like Malbec, Torrontes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and a few others the Chilean climate is ideal. Chile is the fifth largest exporter of wine to the United States & the number of wineries has grown from 12 in 1995 to over 70 in 2005. According to an article of the Wine Spectator magazine the quality of Chilean wines has improved impressively over the last few years with 60% of the wines reviewed ranking at least 85 points or better, and three fourths of them retail for less than $20. The ones reviewed that we carry are La Joya Merlot (88) & Cab (84), Santa Rita Reserve Chardonnay (86), & Casillero del Diablo Carmenère (88). Chilean wines have also ranked very high at some international competitions according to wikipedia. At the 2005 Berlin wine tasting Chilean wines took 5 of the top 7 places and the 2006 Tokyo tasting Chilean wines had 4 of the top 5 places. Chilean Cabernets are distinctive & very easy to drink with soft tannins and flavors of mint, black currant, olives and smoke. Chardonnays are less distinctive and follow the new world style. Carmenère have softer and gentler tannins than Cabernet with flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco and leather.
Stop in to Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits and check out these wines from Chili: Cono Sur Cabernet, Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Rita Chardonnay, Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere or Cabernet, and Lajoya Carmenere, Cabernet, or Merlot. While shopping you might notice that some wineries buy Chilean wines from the open market, so what used to be Californian wine is now Chilean wine. A few of these would be Pepperwood, Corbett Canyon, and Inglenook.
Present Your Regal Wine Club Card and receive a 10% Discount on all Chilean Wines. Only available on non advertised wines. For More information about the Wine Club or how to join send an E-mail to hyveewineclub@gmail.com
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wine Tip: Chocolate and Wine Pairing Video | Wine Tips | News & Feature
This is a great video with Valentine's Day fast approching.
Wine Tip: Chocolate and Wine Pairing Video Wine Tips News & Feature
Wine Tip: Chocolate and Wine Pairing Video Wine Tips News & Feature
January 4th Weekly Selections
Wine of the Week
Benziger 2005 Merlot
The 2005 Sonoma County Merlot has flavors of red cherry, plum, blueberry, pepper and toast. Well integrated tannins give the wine a soft, textured mouthfeel and lingering finish.
Beer of the Week
Stella Artois
Stella Artois is a classic Belgian lager, golden in color with exceptional clarity and a spicy hop character. Stella Artois is brewed using only the finest natural ingredients – water, barley malt, hops, non-malted grains and Stella Artois’ unique yeast strain – a much-cherished secret that has been kept throughout the years. Stella Artois was originally brewed as a special holiday beer. It was christened Stella, which is Latin for “star.” The beer was so well received that it became available throughout the year.
Spirit of the Week
Kahlua Coffee Cream
This is a limited edition to the Kahlua family. This is an exotic sensation that combines natural cream with the original Mexican coffee liquor made from hand-selected 100% Arabica beans. Serve on the rocks, straight or with coffee.
Cocktail of the Week
Kahlua French Vanilla Butterfly
Benziger 2005 Merlot
The 2005 Sonoma County Merlot has flavors of red cherry, plum, blueberry, pepper and toast. Well integrated tannins give the wine a soft, textured mouthfeel and lingering finish.
Beer of the Week
Stella Artois
Stella Artois is a classic Belgian lager, golden in color with exceptional clarity and a spicy hop character. Stella Artois is brewed using only the finest natural ingredients – water, barley malt, hops, non-malted grains and Stella Artois’ unique yeast strain – a much-cherished secret that has been kept throughout the years. Stella Artois was originally brewed as a special holiday beer. It was christened Stella, which is Latin for “star.” The beer was so well received that it became available throughout the year.
Kahlua Coffee Cream
This is a limited edition to the Kahlua family. This is an exotic sensation that combines natural cream with the original Mexican coffee liquor made from hand-selected 100% Arabica beans. Serve on the rocks, straight or with coffee.
Cocktail of the Week
Kahlua French Vanilla Butterfly
- 2 parts Kahlua French Vanilla
- 1 part Amaretto
- 2 parts Orange Juice
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour over ice and garnish with an orange wedge.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)