<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Hounds In The Kitchen &#187; Drink</title>
	<atom:link href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/category/spirits/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com</link>
	<description>food and family in Columbus OH</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:14:45 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Bincho-tan at Freshstreet Yakitori</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/31/bincho-tan-freshstreet-yakitori/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=bincho-tan-freshstreet-yakitori</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/31/bincho-tan-freshstreet-yakitori/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:48:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[double happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[freshstreet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[freshstreet yakitori review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yakitori]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=9052</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Freshstreet Yakitori (previously Section 8 Yakitorium) has received a good bit of press lately. The reviews are universally great but no one has picked up on exactly what makes the Yakitorium so tasty and authentic. It&#8217;s the bincho. Bincho-tan is a special hardwood charcoal produced and imported from Japan. So far as I can find, no one else in Columbus (and possibly the state) is using this cooking fuel. Bincho-tan is produced from oak by [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/31/bincho-tan-freshstreet-yakitori/">Bincho-tan at Freshstreet Yakitori</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Freshstreet Yakitori (previously Section 8 Yakitorium) has received a <a href="http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2012/01/19/restaurant-review-section-8-yakitorium.html" title="Yakitorium Columbus Alive review"  target="_blank">good</a> <a href="http://alteatscolumbus.com/2011/12/28/section-8-yakitorium/" title="Section 8 yakitorium alt east columbus"  target="_blank">bit</a> of <a href="http://columbuscrave.com/crave/blog/1/56066580-Section-8-Yakitorium" title="Section 8 yakitorium columbus crave"  target="_blank">press </a>lately. The reviews are universally great but no one has picked up on exactly what makes the Yakitorium so tasty and authentic.<br />
<center><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9134-1.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9273" title="bincho yakitori grill columbus" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9134-1-300x295.jpg" alt="bincho yakitori grill columbus" width="300" height="295" /></a></center></p>
<h2>It&#8217;s the bincho.</h2>
<p>Bincho-tan is a special hardwood charcoal produced and imported from Japan. So far as I can find, no one else in Columbus (and possibly the state) is using this cooking fuel.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9132.jpg" ><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9272" title="binchotan charcoal box" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9132-300x200.jpg" alt="binchotan charcoal box" width="300" height="200" /></a><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9143.jpg" ><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9275" title="unheated bincho charcoal" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9143-300x200.jpg" alt="unheated bincho charcoal" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>Bincho-tan is produced from oak by steaming the wood at high temperatures. The resulting charcoal burns at a lower temperature but for longer periods of time than traditional coals. More importantly to cooks, bincho-tan does not smoke.</p>
<p>Yakitori stands prefer bincho-tan, therefore, because it allows the true taste of the meat to come through the flames. The charcoal also powers a grill for many hours, allowing the chef to cook through a meal shift.</p>
<h2>Yakitori the Freshstreet Way</h2>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9147-2.jpg" ><img src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9147-2-242x300.jpg" alt="grilling yakitori at freshstreet with bincho" title="grilling yakitori at freshstreet with bincho" width="242" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-9292" /></a>Kenny Kim and Misako Ohba first brought Japanese street food to Columbus with their Foodie Cart crepes. They later added takoyaki (pancake-batter like savory balls filled with octopus or corn) and moved into a shack in the Short North. Yakitori is their latest endeavor, served late nights at the Double Happiness bar in the Brewery District.</p>
<p>Kenny and Misako import their bincho-tan from Japan through a Chicago importer. Several other ingredients including ramen noodles are obtained in this way. They invest great cost in importing these authentic goods because they are not satisfied with lesser replacements.</p>
<p>The pair skillfully skewer small bits of meat, some of it local, on wooden spikes so the meat rests evenly across the yakitori grill bricks. Traditional Japanese chicken thigh and skin are offered, as are more adventerous cuts like beef cheek, pork belly, tongue, and tuna. At least one vegetable is always available. Skewers run between $2-4.</p>
<p>Yakitori are grilled over hot bincho-tan to order. Some are served simply with lemon and salt; others are dipped in a soy-based sauce. The resulting meat has the crisp texture of a grilled product without excessive smokiness.</p>
<p>Wise visitors order a variety; I was surprised at how much I loved the unctuous beef cheek and also that I enjoyed okra cooked yakitori-style, as I don&#8217;t like it in any other preparation.</p>
<p>Other Japanese specialities compliment the yakitori, including an excellent take on okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancakes) for $4. Diners can eat at the Double Happiness bar or in their comfy lounge. The bar makes notable soju (barley spirit) and sake cocktails, well matched to the Freshstreet food.</p>
<p>Despite, or perhaps because of, the Japanese street food authenticity, Freshstreet Yakitori is widely appealing to many palates. Kids will enjoy meat on a stick as much as adults. There is something for every diet and adventure-level.</p>
<p><center><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9135.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9287" title="freshstreet yakitori menu" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9135.jpg" alt="freshstreet yakitori menu" width="473" height="315" /></a></center></p>
<p><strong>If you go:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Freshstreet Yakitori at Double Happiness is a bit hard to find. It is just over the 70/71 split from downtown at Front and Brewer streets. Look for the slender building on the east side of the street across from Wasserstrom and Via Vecchia.</li>
<li>Current hours are Thursday &#8211; Saturday 6:30 &#8211; 11:59 pm.</li>
<li>Find parking on the street or nearby garages.</li>
<li>Prepare to wait 5-10 minutes for your food. Every dish is made to order.</li>
<li>Freshstreet crafts their menu to have options for gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, and low-carb diets. Be sure to specify if you are gluten free, especially, so that there is no contamination on the grill.</li>
</ul>
<p>Freshstreet Yakitori at Double Happiness<br />
482 S Front St<br />
Columbus, OH 43215<br />
(614) 220-5558</p>
<address><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/freshstreet" title="Facebook Freshstreet"  target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/freshstreet</a><br />
<a href="http://www.doublehappinessohio.com"  target="_blank">www.doublehappinessohio.com</a></address>
<p><em>NB. I will be cooking yakitori with the Freshstreet folks in Cleveland at a Brick &amp; Mortar pop-up<a href="http://freshstreet.eventbrite.com/" title="Freshstreet event tickets"  target="_blank"> Japanese Festival</a> this Thursday, February 2, at 6:30 pm. Tickets are still available for the event. Columbus Food Adventures has a few spots left for their <a href="http://columbusfoodadventures.com/2012/blog/event-fresh-street-japanese-carnival-pop-up-restaurant-in-cleveland" title="Columbus Food Adventures Road-Trip"  target="_blank">road-trip adventure</a> that includes the festival dinner, ride from Columbus and back, and a meet and greet with Chef Jonathon Sawyer.</em></p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/31/bincho-tan-freshstreet-yakitori/">Bincho-tan at Freshstreet Yakitori</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/31/bincho-tan-freshstreet-yakitori/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Fizzy Water with SodaStream</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/19/fizzy-water-with-sodastream/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=fizzy-water-with-sodastream</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/19/fizzy-water-with-sodastream/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:27:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[club soda]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cocktails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fizzy water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[soda water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sodastream]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=9046</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Remember when I had a SodaStream on my holiday wish list? I put it on there because when I have sinus pain and pressure, nothing is more delightful to drink than some sparkling water. But I have always hated the packaging waste of bottles of water. My friend Faith saw my list and said &#8220;Why don&#8217;t you just ask Soda Stream for one? They are promoting them with bloggers.&#8221; Duh. I asked and amazingly the [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/19/fizzy-water-with-sodastream/">Fizzy Water with SodaStream</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9188.jpg" ><img class="alignright  wp-image-9048" title="fizzy water from a soda stream" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9188-247x300.jpg" alt="fizzy water from a soda stream" width="178" height="216" /></a>Remember when I had a SodaStream on my <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/11/21/on-my-list/" title="On My List" >holiday wish list</a>? I put it on there because when I have sinus pain and pressure, nothing is more delightful to drink than some sparkling water. But I have always hated the packaging waste of bottles of water.</p>
<p>My friend <a href="http://faithdurand.com/" title="Faith Durand"  target="_blank">Faith</a> saw my list and said &#8220;Why don&#8217;t you just ask Soda Stream for one? They are promoting them with bloggers.&#8221; Duh.</p>
<p>I asked and amazingly the company quickly sent out a SodaStream unit and a selection of their SodaMix flavor syrups.</p>
<p>I spent five minutes setting it up and then had my first drink. I giggled. Fizzy water from a machine right in my kitchen!</p>
<p><strong>How It Works</strong></p>
<p>Lil doesn&#8217;t care for sparkling water or sodas but she loves to use the SodaStream. Here&#8217;s a quick video of how it works:</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0wnJRVV-aP4?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="420" height="315"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Flavorings</strong><br />
<a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9123.jpg" ><img class="alignright  wp-image-9049" title="adding flavoring to soda stream water" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9123-166x300.jpg" alt="adding flavoring to soda stream water" width="132" height="239" /></a><br />
SodaStream produces an array of flavoring syrups called SodaMix including common soda knock-offs, a line of all natural (i.e. sweetened with cane sugar) selections, and no-cal flavored water. We found the taste of the flavors to be satisfying when we were looking for a shot of sugar.</p>
<p>The carbonation unit can only handle plain water, so to use the SodaMix syrups you have to pour it in after adding the bubbles. Each package comes with a measuring unit to fill the entire 1 liter bottle.</p>
<p>We found that we prefer to measure a bit of syrup into a glass and then pour soda water on top. We just don&#8217;t drink enough sweet drinks to go through a whole liter before it de-carbonates.</p>
<p><strong>Other Uses</strong></p>
<p>Honestly, I prefer the un-flavored fizzy water. Sometimes I enjoy a glass with a twist of citrus or splash of lime juice. Sparkling water makes for a great no-calorie drink.</p>
<p>And of course we also use the sparkle to make cocktails. <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/03/meyer-limoncello-recipe/" title="Meyer Limoncello {Recipe}" >Limoncello</a> over ice topped with soda water is the most refreshing thing in the world. We top whiskey sours with soda water and mix <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2009/12/13/cranberry-liqueur/" title="Make it Yourself: Cranberry Liqueur" >cranberry liqueur</a> with bubbles. Once our store bought tonic water runs out, I will experiment with making my own tonic syrup so that summer gin and tonics will have a lower environmental footprint.</p>
<p><strong>Is It For You?</strong></p>
<p>The basic SodaStream costs around $100. CO2 cartridges cost $30 for a new cartridge or $20 for a refill. As each cartridge lasts for about 60 liters, the cost of bubbles per 12-ounce glass is $0.12.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s hard to adjust for the amortization of the initial $100 investment for the machine because I don&#8217;t know how long it will last. The unit is simple with few moving parts so I expect it to withstand many refills.</p>
<p>We typically pay about 60 cents for a 12-ounce can or bottle of club soda. Even if the unit only lasts through two refills, the SodaStream will beat the price of store-bought club soda AND eliminate recycling or reusing the cans/bottles. Plus, there&#8217;s no denying that pressing the button and buzzing the water full of air bubbles is fun!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Disclosure: SodaStream provided me with a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SKHQS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwbaying-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002SKHQS4" >Genesis Soda Maker</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00457LHCY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwbaying-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00457LHCY" >Sodamix Variety 12-Pack</a>, and a half dozen bottles of SodaMix syrups. My opinions remain my own.</em></p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/19/fizzy-water-with-sodastream/">Fizzy Water with SodaStream</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/19/fizzy-water-with-sodastream/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Meyer Limoncello {Recipe}</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/03/meyer-limoncello-recipe/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=meyer-limoncello-recipe</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/03/meyer-limoncello-recipe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:28:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes & Meals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cocktails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lemons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[limoncello]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[liqueur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meyer lemons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vodka]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=8770</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Seasonal foods are hot and heavy in the spring, summer, and fall as we eat our way through herbs and asparagus to peas and beans to tomatoes and squash. What about winter? Hot houses do produce fresh food in Ohio but there are only so many ways to eat greenhouse-grown lettuces and greens. Even homegrown squashes and potatoes are starting to scream &#8220;get me out of storage and eat me now!&#8221; I expand my local [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/03/meyer-limoncello-recipe/">Meyer Limoncello {Recipe}</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1260-1.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8864" title="homemade limoncello recipe" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1260-1-227x300.jpg" alt="homemade limoncello recipe" width="227" height="300" /></a><br />
Seasonal foods are hot and heavy in the spring, summer, and fall as we eat our way through herbs and asparagus to peas and beans to tomatoes and squash.</p>
<p>What about winter? Hot houses do produce fresh food in Ohio but there are only so many ways to eat greenhouse-grown lettuces and greens. Even homegrown squashes and potatoes are starting to scream &#8220;get me out of storage and eat me now!&#8221;</p>
<p>I expand my local circle a little south and look for seasonal foods elsewhere. 500 miles to the south are pecan farms sending up buttery fabulous-fresh nuts. Travel a little further and citrus orchards are ripe with fruit.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1198.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8858" title="limoncello ingredients" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1198-217x300.jpg" alt="limoncello ingredients" width="217" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>While one can buy an orange any day of the year in a grocery store, fresh seasonal citrus has a flavor of its own. Oranges are floral and grapefruits more sweet during the winter when they are shipped fresh from the orchard.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1207.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8859" title="peeling lemons for limoncello" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1207-300x207.jpg" alt="peeling lemons for limoncello" width="300" height="207" /></a></p>
<p>The gem of the citrus season crown is the Meyer Lemon. These small, thin fleshed lemons were originally brought to America from China by an agricultural explorer in 1908. They grow on dwarf trees and are available as indoor plants for those who live in Northern climates. One of my very first Hounds in the Kitchen entries tells about <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2009/01/13/meyer-lemon-in-the-house/" title="Hounds in the Kitchen Meyer Lemon" >our Meyer Lemon tree</a>. It produced beautifully last winter but we have no fruits ripening yet this year.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1211.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8860" title="limoncello recipe ingredients" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1211-300x200.jpg" alt="limoncello recipe ingredients" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>Fortunately, <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/04/26/green-b-e-a-n-delivery-review/" title="Green B.E.A.N. Delivery Review" >Green B.E.A.N. delivery</a> currently offers organic Meyer lemons for subscribers. I nabbed a half dozen to enjoy two weeks ago and ordered another batch this week. I spied them today while shopping at Whole Foods and Andersons for $2.99/pound. Though I have never bought them directly from a farmer, a quick internet search reveals that <a href="http://www.naplescitrus.com/Meyers-Lemon/productinfo/ML/" title="Naples Citrus"  target="_blank">Naples Orchard</a> and <a href="https://www.fourwindsgrowers.com/secure/consumer/order_form.php3#misc" title="Four Winds Growers"  target="_blank">Four Winds</a> offer Meyers for purchase. The Meyer lemon season ends in early February, so shop soon.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1212.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8861" title="juicing meyer lemons for limoncello recipe" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1212-300x251.jpg" alt="juicing meyer lemons for limoncello recipe" width="300" height="251" /></a></p>
<p>Meyer lemons have an enchanting floral scent and mild lemon flavor. With little bitter pith, whole slices of Meyers can be incorporated into baked goods. They are excellent candied and I imagine they would make a very fine marmalade. Our favorite way to preserve Meyer lemons is by transforming them into limoncello.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1215-1.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8867" title="homemade meyer limoncello aging" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_1215-1-178x300.jpg" alt="homemade meyer limoncello aging" width="178" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Homemade limoncello takes little more than half an hour of preparation and the patience to wait three or more weeks as the limoncello ages. Those who wait are justly rewarded with a tart but mellow, bright and fresh liqueur. Keep it in the freezer and nip it directly from there or mix with club soda for a refreshing drink.</p>
<p>
    <div id="zlrecipe-container-2" class="zlrecipe-container-border" style="border: 1px dotted;">
    <div id="zlrecipe-container" class="hrecipe serif">
      <div id="zlrecipe-innerdiv">
        <div class="item b-b"><div class="zlrecipe-print-link fl-r"><a class="butn-link" title="Print this recipe" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="zlrPrint('zlrecipe-container-2'); return false">Print</a></div><div id="zl-recipe-link-2" class="zl-recipe-link fl-r">
		  <a class="butn-link" title="Add this recipe to your ZipList, where you can store all of your favorite web recipes in one place and easily add ingredients to your shopping list." onmouseup="getZRecipeArgs(this, {'partner_key':'houndsinthekitchen', 'url':'http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/03/meyer-limoncello-recipe/', 'class':'hrecipe'}); return false;" href="javascript:void(0);"></a>
		</div><div id="zlrecipe-title" class="fn b-b h-1 strong" >Meyer Limoncello </div>
      </div><div class="zlmeta zlclear">
      <div class="fl-l width-50"><p id="zlrecipe-prep-time">Prep Time: <span class="preptime">30 minutes<span class="value-title" title="PT30M"><!-- --></span></span></p><p id="zlrecipe-total-time">Total Time: <span class="duration">30 minutes<span class="value-title" title="PT30M"><!-- --></span></span></p></div>
      <div class="fl-l width-50"><p id="zlrecipe-yield">Yield: <span class="yield">1 quart</span></p><div id="zlrecipe-nutrition" class="nutrition"><p id="zlrecipe-serving-size">Serving Size: <span class="servingsize">2 ounces</span></p></div></div>
      <div class="zlclear">
      </div>
    </div><div class="img-desc-wrap"><div id="zlrecipe-summary"><p class="summary italic">Homemade limoncello requires nothing more than a bit of time and patience. The reward is a tart, aromatic, alluring meyer lemon liqueur.</p></div></div><p id="zlrecipe-ingredients" class="h-4 strong">Ingredients</p><ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list"><li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" class="ingredient">5 meyer lemons</li><li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" class="ingredient">1 orange</li><li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" class="ingredient">2-3 small bits of aromatic whole spices such as 1 one inch cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, and 1 branch star anise</li><li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" class="ingredient">3/4 to 1 1/2 cups simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved in 1 part water) or honey</li><li id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" class="ingredient">3 cups 80 proof or higher vodka</li></ul><p id="zlrecipe-instructions" class="h-4 strong">Instructions</p><ol id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" class="instructions"><li id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" class="instruction">Very carefully peel just the colored zest of the lemons and orange. The white pith is bitter, so avoid it as much as possible. I like my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004OCIP/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwbaying-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004OCIP" class="instruction-link" target="_blank">OXO swivel vegetable peeler</a> for this purpose. Place zest in a 1/2 gallon non-reactive container, like a glass jar.</li><li id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" class="instruction">Slice fruit in half and juice. Pour juice (straining out seeds) into jar.</li><li id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" class="instruction">Place spices and 3/4 cup simple syrup or honey into jar. (Make simple syrup by heating one part water to one part sugar over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.)</li><li id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" class="instruction">Add 3 cups of vodka to the jar and swirl to stir. Rain vodka is a neutral spirit made from organic grains and much of it is bottled (relatively) locally in Bardstown Kentucky. This is not the time to use top shelf liquor because you want the taste of the Meyer lemon to shine through.</li><li id="zlrecipe-instruction-4" class="instruction">Place jar is a dimly lit, cool place. Swirl once every two or three days. Taste weekly, adding additional sweetener as you wish. When the taste is to your liking, strain out peels and aromatics.</li><li id="zlrecipe-instruction-5" class="instruction">Keep limoncello in the freezer. Serve straight from the freezer or mix with soda water or cocktails.</li></ol><div class="zl-linkback" >Google Recipe View Microformatting by <a title="ZipList Recipe Plugin" href="http://www.ziplist.com/recipe_plugin" target="_blank">ZipList Recipe Plugin</a></div><div class="ziplist-recipe-plugin" style="display: none;">1.4</div></div><div id="zl-printed-copyright-statement">Copyright 2012 Rachel Tayse Baillieul </div></div>
		</div></p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/03/meyer-limoncello-recipe/">Meyer Limoncello {Recipe}</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2012/01/03/meyer-limoncello-recipe/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Make Your Own Stainless Steel Straws</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/11/28/stainless-straws/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=stainless-straws</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/11/28/stainless-straws/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eco-friendly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bpa free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade gift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[make your own gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stainless steel straws]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[straws]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=8384</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I rarely use a drinking straw. In the entirety of my nearly 11 year marriage to Alex, we have only purchased one box of 100 plastic straws, many of which were used for crafting, not drinking, purposes. Along came Lil and our family&#8217;s straw consumption sky rocketed. Straws are fun for kids and easier to use than a drinking glass. Lil is more likely to finish a drink, especially a smoothie, if she uses a [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/11/28/stainless-straws/">Make Your Own Stainless Steel Straws</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0438.jpg" ><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-8450" title="stainless steel straws" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0438-249x300.jpg" alt="stainless steel straws" width="249" height="300" /></a>I rarely use a drinking straw. In the entirety of my nearly 11 year marriage to Alex, we have only purchased one box of 100 plastic straws, many of which were used for crafting, not drinking, purposes.</p>
<p>Along came Lil and our family&#8217;s straw consumption sky rocketed. Straws are fun for kids and easier to use than a drinking glass. Lil is more likely to finish a drink, especially a smoothie, if she uses a straw.</p>
<p>As the straw waste and news reports about the dangers of BPA began to pile up, we found ourselves looking for a safe and reusable alternative.</p>
<p><a href="http://glassdharma.com/index.html" title="Glass Dharma Straws"  target="_blank">Glass Dharma</a> and other companies make beautiful glass straws. At $7 each, even with a lifetime guarantee against breakage, we just couldn&#8217;t see investing in this option.</p>
<p>Alex, a materials scientist by education, thought he might be able to make straws at home from a safe, easily attainable material. Stainless steel is free of potentially dangerous chemicals like BPA, unbreakable, and easy to clean. With just a few simple tools, most of which we have around the house for plumbing, Alex created a set of stainless steel straws.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0315.jpg" ><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-8451" title="tools to make stainless steel straws" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0315-150x150.jpg" alt="tools to make stainless steel straws" width="150" height="150" /></a><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0337.jpg" ><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-8443" title="using pipe cutter for straws" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0337-150x150.jpg" alt="using pipe cutter for straws" width="150" height="150" /></a><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0378.jpg" ><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-8446" title="standing stainless steel drinking straw" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0378-150x150.jpg" alt="standing stainless steel drinking straw" width="150" height="150" /></a><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0412.jpg" ><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-8447" title="stainless steel straw bending" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0412-150x150.jpg" alt="stainless steel straw bending" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>Here&#8217;s how:</p>
<p>1) Buy tube stock from <a href="http://www.mcmaster.com/#" title="Mcmaster-carr supplies"  target="_blank">McMaster-Carr</a> hardware supply. A shipped 6-foot length of 5/16-inch diameter <a href="http://www.mcmaster.com/#8457k546/=f4ft8p" title="Mc Master Carr stainless steel tube"  target="_blank">round tube 304 stainless steel</a> costs around $40. Other diameters are available.</p>
<p>2) Use a pipe cutter (available for around $10 at hardware stores) for to cut the steel into usable lengths. We like 8- and 6-inch lengths. The 6-foot length of tube makes 5 long and 5 short straws.</p>
<p>3) Optionally, bend one end at a 45 degree angle with a pipe bender (available for $20 at hardware stores).</p>
<p>4) Sand edges and outside with fine (220) grit sanding sponge and/or Dremel tool with a sanding point.</p>
<p>5) Wash well with soap and water or in the dishwasher.</p>
<p>Our home made straws have been in heavy use for over two years now. We rinse them immediately after use and wash in the dishwasher.</p>
<p>Unlike when we first made them, stainless straws are now offered on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MulledMind?ref=seller_info" title="Mulled mind etsy"  target="_blank">Etsy</a> and at green living stores like Columbus&#8217; <a href="http://www.generationgreenstore.com/" title="Generation Green Columbus"  target="_blank">Generation Green</a>. The most basic straws are cheaper to purchase than make from scratch.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0421.jpg" ><img class="size-medium wp-image-8448 aligncenter" title="homemade stainless steel straws" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_0421-300x155.jpg" alt="homemade stainless steel straws" width="300" height="155" /></a></p>
<p>When you create the straws yourself, you can play with bends, diameters, and lengths. They are a fun project to make as a family. Create a bunch and package sets in beautiful fabric carrying cases for unique, eco-friendly gifts.</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever used a stainless steel straw? Would you consider making them yourself?<br />
</strong></p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/11/28/stainless-straws/">Make Your Own Stainless Steel Straws</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/11/28/stainless-straws/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>12</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Momo Sake {Recipe for Peach Week}</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/08/08/momo-sake-recipe-peach-week/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=momo-sake-recipe-peach-week</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/08/08/momo-sake-recipe-peach-week/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:20:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cocktails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[drinks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[momo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sake]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=6993</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to Peach Week! I declare it so because peaches are in season in Ohio and I love them! Before I get to the fruit of today&#8217;s post, let me introduce the creator of the recipe, Anna. Anna is a 20 year old Japanese college student staying with us for two weeks. She is a chaperone to a group of 100 Japanese youth staying with host families throughout the state of Ohio. Anna was matched [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/08/08/momo-sake-recipe-peach-week/">Momo Sake {Recipe for Peach Week}</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_0113.jpg" ><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6996" title="momo sake peach drink recipe" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_0113-213x300.jpg" alt="momo sake peach drink recipe" width="169" height="238" /></a><em>Welcome to Peach Week! I declare it so because peaches are in season in Ohio and I love them!</em></p>
<p>Before I get to the fruit of today&#8217;s post, let me introduce the creator of the recipe, Anna. Anna is a 20 year old Japanese college student staying with us for two weeks. She is a chaperone to a group of 100 Japanese youth staying with host families throughout the state of Ohio. Anna was matched with our family because she like gardening, agriculture, and cooking.</p>
<p>When Anna arrived at our home Thursday evening, I showed her the peach (<em>momo</em> in Japanese) juice leftovers from Wednesday&#8217;s peach canning extravaganza. With two other ingredients from the fridge, Anna showed me how to make Momo Sake, a delightfully refreshing summer drink.</p>
<p>Her pairing of peach nectar and sake is something I never would have arrived at myself. Cross cultural tastes are one of the things I love about hosting exchange students &#8211; they introduce us to the most delicious ideas.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="print-this-button-shell">
<button type="button" class="print-this-button" onClick="parent.location='http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/08/08/momo-sake-recipe-peach-week/?printthis=1&printsect=1'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Print This!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</button>
</div>
<!-- Print This Section 1 Start -->
<div class="print-this-content"></p>
<p><strong>Momo Sake</strong></p>
<p>2 ounces seishu sake or shochu (Anna prefers shochu, I like sake)</p>
<p>2 ounces peach nectar</p>
<p>4 ounces club soda, or to taste</p>
<p>one half cup ice cubes</p>
<p>1. Fill a high ball glass with a half cup of ice cubes.</p>
<p>2. Pour sake, peach nectar, and club soda over ice. Stir vigorously with a spoon for 5-10 seconds.</p>
<p>3. Enjoy!</p>
<p><div class="clear"></div></div>
<!-- Print This Section 1 End -->

<p>Stay tuned for sweet and juicy stories during Peach Week, including a review of Branstool orchard, peach cobbler recipe, and tips for canning.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>PS. The <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/08/02/pork-belly-cake-camp-and-a-giveaway/" title="Pork: Belly, Cake, Camp and a Giveaway!" >pork giveaway</a> ends tonight, Monday, at 8 pm. Leave a quick comment for a chance to win a cool piggy cutting board, $25 gift card, and more!</p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/08/08/momo-sake-recipe-peach-week/">Momo Sake {Recipe for Peach Week}</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/08/08/momo-sake-recipe-peach-week/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sour Boozy Cocktail Cherries {Recipe}</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/07/05/sour-boozy-cocktail-cherries/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=sour-boozy-cocktail-cherries</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/07/05/sour-boozy-cocktail-cherries/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:32:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Preserving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bourbon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[canning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cocktail cherries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cocktails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[liqueur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sour cherries]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=6602</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I love a good cocktail but I despise maraschino cherries. The rubbery red-flavored spheres resemble the natural fruit in name alone. I decided to tackle creating cocktail cherries at home when faced with an extra quart of fresh local sour cherries after making sour cherry preserves. While searching for a recipe, I discovered a bit of history. Apparently cocktail cherries used to be pitted cherries soaked in maraschino liqueur, hence the name. During prohibition, one [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/07/05/sour-boozy-cocktail-cherries/">Sour Boozy Cocktail Cherries {Recipe}</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_0867.jpg" ><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6606" title="canned cocktail cherries" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_0867-300x200.jpg" alt="canned cocktail cherries" width="300" height="200" /></a>I love a good cocktail but I despise maraschino cherries. The rubbery red-flavored spheres resemble the natural fruit in name alone.</p>
<p>I decided to tackle creating cocktail cherries at home when faced with an extra quart of fresh local sour cherries after making <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/06/28/sour-cherry-preserves-recipe/" title="Sour Cherry Preserves {Recipe}" >sour cherry preserves</a>.</p>
<p>While searching for a recipe, I discovered a bit of history. Apparently cocktail cherries used to be pitted cherries soaked in maraschino liqueur, hence the name.</p>
<p>During prohibition, one of <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2010/12/05/repeal-day-rant/" title="Repeal Day Rant" >America&#8217;s cultural mistakes</a>, cocktail cherries had to be remade without the alcohol. The sickeningly sweet, artificial maraschino cherry was born.</p>
<p>Most recipes for DIY cocktail cherries either fall in the camp of the traditional (soak in maraschino liqueur) or modern (can in sweet, flavored syrup).</p>
<p>All recipes recommended pitting the cherries but I came across a suggestion that the pits themselves could <a rel="nofollow" href="http://whatjuliaate.blogspot.com/2011/07/cherry-pit-liqueur.html" title="cherry pit liqueur"  target="_blank">make a liqueur</a>.</p>
<p>I combined all these ideas into my sour boozy cocktail cherries. They are boiled in vanilla syrup and canned with pits and bourbon. The result is a flavorful hybrid with balanced sweetness that begs to be made into an old fashioned.</p>
<p>My hope is that the pits will age and flavor the syrup so that when the cherries are gone, the syrup will be an enticing liqueur of its own.</p>
<div class="print-this-button-shell">
<button type="button" class="print-this-button" onClick="parent.location='http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/07/05/sour-boozy-cocktail-cherries/?printthis=1&printsect=2'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Print This!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</button>
</div>
<!-- Print This Section 2 Start -->
<div class="print-this-content"></p>
<p><strong>Sour Boozy Cocktail Cherries</strong></p>
<p><em>makes 4 half pints</p>
<p></em></p>
<p>1 1/2 cups demara sugar</p>
<p>1 cup water</p>
<p>4 allspice berries, crushed</p>
<p>1 vanilla pod, sliced open</p>
<p>4 cups fresh sour cherries, pitted with pits reserved (approximately 1 quart)</p>
<p>2 cups bourbon (we like Bulleit)</p>
<p>1. Mix sugar, water, allspice, and vanilla in a heavy bottomed pan. Heat over medium high until boiling.</p>
<p>2. Add the sour cherries and pits. Boil for 5 minutes.</p>
<p>3. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Pour in bourbon.</p>
<p>4. Ladle cherries into sterilized jars. Cover with some of the steeping liquid and pits to quarter inch head space.</p>
<p>5. Top with a new lid and finger tighten a ring. At this point, cherries may be stored in the fridge for up to one month. If you desire to preserve them longer, can using the following directions.</p>
<p>6. Boil in hot water bath for 10 minutes. Remove to a level surface and allow to cool completely. Remove rings and wipe off jars.</p>
<p>7. If excess syrup remains, strain and use for cocktails or dessert topping. Store in refrigerator.</p>
<p><div class="clear"></div></div>
<!-- Print This Section 2 End -->

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Added to <a href="http://amoderatelife.com/2011/07/happy-independence-day-and-hearth-and-soul-hop-at-a-moderate-life-55/" >Hearth and Soul 55.</a></em></p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/07/05/sour-boozy-cocktail-cherries/">Sour Boozy Cocktail Cherries {Recipe}</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/07/05/sour-boozy-cocktail-cherries/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>10</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Are You 21?</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/11/are-you-21/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=are-you-21</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/11/are-you-21/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 13:29:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[derby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[liquor laws]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=5870</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today&#8217;s guest post comes from the man of the homestead, Alex. This isn&#8217;t a sexist classification, it&#8217;s the truth: Alex lives with two female humans, two female dogs, and four female hens. He&#8217;s the only guy around to take on demanding issues like horse racing and distillery websites. Apparently there is a race-inside-the-race held prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby. It is called the “Turf Classic” and is on grass inside the main [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/11/are-you-21/">Are You 21?</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Today&#8217;s guest post comes from the man of the homestead, Alex. This isn&#8217;t a sexist classification, it&#8217;s the truth: Alex lives with two female humans, two female dogs, and four female hens. He&#8217;s the only guy around to take on de<strong>man</strong>ding issues like horse racing and distillery websites.</em></p>
<div id="attachment_5873" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 258px"><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0750.jpg" ><img class="size-medium wp-image-5873" title="brothers and moonshine" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0750-248x300.jpg" alt="brothers and moonshine" width="248" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Alex, his brother, and a bottle of Tennessee&#39;s finest.</p></div>
<p>Apparently there is a race-inside-the-race held prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby.  It is called the “Turf Classic” and is on grass inside the main dirt race course at Churchill Downs.  I was excited to see this event sponsored by <a href="http://woodfordreserve.com" title="woodford reserve"  target="_blank">Woodford Reserve</a>, one of my favorite bourbon distilleries.  In fact, Rachel and I visited there last year on our trip to <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2010/11/16/bourbon-country-mini-vacation/" title="Bourbon Country Mini Vacation"  target="_blank">Bourbon country</a>.</p>
<p>So, I decided to hop over to their website to see if they had any interesting Derby information.  Upon arriving at their front  page, I was confronted by the ubiquitous “must enter age” to view this website.  The rationale they give is that alcohol should be responsibly enjoyed by those of a legal age.</p>
<p>Now I can understand wanting people to drink responsibly, I can even understand the desire to see age limits enforced (although I could write for hours on the <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2010/12/05/repeal-day-rant/" title="Repeal Day Rant"  target="_blank">stupidity of liquor laws</a> in our country). However, what is the point of restricting access to a website?</p>
<p>I mean, I can’t get drunk from accessing a website, can I? Believe me, I would be exceeding AT&amp;T’s bandwidth caps if this were the case.  I can’t order liquor for delivery from their website.  I don’t think there is anything I can do on their website that is legally restricted for those under the age of 21.</p>
<p>It seems to me that the main purpose of this exercise is to promote an image of corporate responsibility on the part of liquor companies.  This is all well and good, but what is to keep a minor from entering a false birth date?  For myself, I usually claim to be a 108 year old male from Afghanistan when asked upon entry.  And what will actually happen if the underage gain illicit entry to one of these websites? Not a damn thing.</p>
<p>The image of corporate responsibility cultivated costs a liquor company almost nothing and only serves to piss off their customers. If these companies really cared about alcohol abuse among the younger generation there are lots of concrete actions they could take.  However, to actually do good in these areas of social concern costs money.  By putting up an age restriction on a website, a company has spent nothing, but taken “real action.” It’s the best of both worlds for the corporation concerned.</p>
<p>Now I realize I may be coming off as some sort of a teetotaler.  Nothing could be further from the truth as I enjoy my alcohol immensely.  I would simply like to see companies think about what they are doing, and if they really want to support a cause, do so in a truly meaningful way.</p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/11/are-you-21/">Are You 21?</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/11/are-you-21/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Happy Handmade Wedding</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/01/happy-handmade-wedding/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=happy-handmade-wedding</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/01/happy-handmade-wedding/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 03:40:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ben]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[origami]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[taystee cake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wedding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=5759</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Alex&#8217;s brother Ben married Kim this weekend. It was a happy handmade affair featuring: home-brewed beer by Alex, a home-sewn flower girl dress for Lil by Grandma Cindy (Thanks Mom!!), home-cooked food by Kim&#8217;s brother-in-law and a Taysetee cake by my sister Heather, origami flowers folded by the bride and groom for centerpieces and bouquets, and, the piece de resistance, one thousand gently folded paper cranes arranged as a background for the ceremony. Ben and [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/01/happy-handmade-wedding/">Happy Handmade Wedding</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Alex&#8217;s brother Ben married Kim this weekend. It was a happy handmade affair featuring:</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0781.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5761" title="homebrewed wedding beer" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0781-300x200.jpg" alt="homebrewed wedding beer" width="300" height="200" /></a>home-brewed beer by Alex,</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0945.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5766" title="handmade lavendar flower girl dress" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0945.jpg" alt="handmade lavendar flower girl dress" width="257" height="543" /></a>a home-sewn flower girl dress for Lil by Grandma Cindy (Thanks Mom!!),</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0785.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5762" title="handmade wedding cake taysetee cakes" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0785.jpg" alt="handmade wedding cake taysetee cakes" width="321" height="481" /></a>home-cooked food by Kim&#8217;s brother-in-law and a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Taysetee-Pastry/181078145260013" title="taystee pastry"  target="_blank">Taysetee </a>cake by my sister Heather,</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0939.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5764" title="handmade origami bouquet" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0939.jpg" alt="handmade origami bouquet" width="640" height="427" /></a>origami flowers folded by the bride and groom for centerpieces and bouquets,</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0944.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5765" title="origami crane display for wedding" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0944.jpg" alt="origami crane display for wedding" width="640" height="388" /></a>and, the piece de resistance, one thousand gently folded paper cranes arranged as a background for the ceremony.</p>
<p>Ben and Kim, congratulations! May your marriage reflect the patience, love, and beauty of your handmade wedding details.</p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/01/happy-handmade-wedding/">Happy Handmade Wedding</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/05/01/happy-handmade-wedding/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Friday Five: Why Alex Brews Beer</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/04/01/friday-five-why-alex-brews-beer/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=friday-five-why-alex-brews-beer</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/04/01/friday-five-why-alex-brews-beer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:59:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home & Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alcohol]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brewing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[friday five]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=5304</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m not back quite yet. April Fools! I convinced one more person to write for me this week, my husband Alex. Here&#8217;s a little bit from him about beer brewing. If you want more details or a tutorial, let me know in the comments. I&#8217;ve been brewing beer for over a decade now.  The justification at first was that I could save money by brewing my own tipple.  However, between the cost of the equipment [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/04/01/friday-five-why-alex-brews-beer/">Friday Five: Why Alex Brews Beer</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>I&#8217;m not back quite yet. </em><em>April Fools! </em><em>I convinced one more person to write for me this week, my husband Alex. Here&#8217;s a little bit from him about beer brewing. If you want more details or a tutorial, let me know in the comments.</em></p>
<div id="attachment_5309" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 210px"><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/IMG_9937.jpg" ><img class="size-medium wp-image-5309" title="yeast ready to pitch into beer" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/IMG_9937-200x300.jpg" alt="yeast ready to pitch into beer" width="200" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">yeast ready to pitch into beer</p></div>
<p>I&#8217;ve been brewing beer for over a decade now.  The justification at first was that I could save money by brewing my own tipple.  However, between the cost of the equipment and the beer kits the savings just never materialized.  The kits contained liquid or dry malt extract which is fairly expensive thus I moved to the next stage of brewing: all grain.</p>
<p>In 2003, I set up a mash-tun and started brewing from grain.  Grain costs less than extract but it still couldn&#8217;t cover another cost increase: drinking good beer makes you want to buy more and different kinds of expensive, good beer.  The moral here is don&#8217;t expect to save money brewing beer.</p>
<p>Here are the five real reasons I brew my own beer:</p>
<p>1. The satisfaction of a homemade product &#8211;  I like being able to serve and see people enjoying something I have made.</p>
<p>2. Having beer on tap in my basement &#8211;  Ever since I went to kegs, it is awesome to be able to walk downstairs and come back up with a pint of draft beer.</p>
<p>3. Brewing styles that are hard to buy &#8211;  Ales and lagers are everywhere, but styles like Kolsch, Altbier and some of the more exotic Belgian ales are harder to come by. If you brew it yourself, any style is easily within reach.</p>
<p>4. Fermentation and yeast are awesome &#8211; There is something magical about using yeast in food production.  I bake bread as well and love the smell of yeast loaves rising.  Watching beer ferment is fascinating as the yeast flocculates, rises and swirls around in the carboy.</p>
<p>5. The vocabulary &#8211; What other hobbies have words like: sparge, wort, mash tun, trub, strike, flocculate, lovibond and others.  All of these describe some aspect of the brewing process as well as just being fun to say.</p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/04/01/friday-five-why-alex-brews-beer/">Friday Five: Why Alex Brews Beer</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/04/01/friday-five-why-alex-brews-beer/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Liquor Cabinet &amp; Homestead Log: March Challenges</title>
		<link>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/03/01/liquor-cabinet-homestead-log-march-challenges/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=liquor-cabinet-homestead-log-march-challenges</link>
		<comments>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/03/01/liquor-cabinet-homestead-log-march-challenges/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:10:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home & Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[journal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[liquor cabinet challenge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[march]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pantry challenge]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://houndsinthekitchen.com/?p=4977</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[March is coming in like a lamb this morning. Sun is streaming through the windows, I hear birds chirping, and I see the green tips of daffodils poking through the soil outside. Before the heady gardening month of April, we are challenging ourselves two ways in March. Liquor Cabinet Challenge I&#8217;m issuing our family (well, Alex and I) a new twist on a pantry challenge this March: drink only what is in the liquor cabinet [...]<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/03/01/liquor-cabinet-homestead-log-march-challenges/">Liquor Cabinet &#038; Homestead Log: March Challenges</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>March is coming in like a lamb this morning. Sun is streaming through the windows, I hear birds chirping, and I see the green tips of daffodils poking through the soil outside. Before the heady gardening month of April, we are challenging ourselves two ways in March.</p>
<p><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9478.jpg" ><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4980" title="liquor cabinet contents" src="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_9478.jpg" alt="liquor cabinet contents" width="800" height="487" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Liquor Cabinet Challenge</strong></p>
<p>I&#8217;m issuing our family (well, Alex and I) a new twist on a <a title="Pantry Challenge" href="../2011/02/01/pantry-month-final-update/">pantry challenge</a> this March: drink only what is in the liquor cabinet as of today. Like January&#8217;s pantry challenge, this one has two purposes: reduce grocery bills and cull the dozens of jars in the liquor cabinet, tucked into other cabinets and overflowing onto the counter. It really looks like we have a drinking problem around here!</p>
<p>Our count at the beginning of the month is as follows: 28 bottles and jars of strong drink. 10 of these are handmade infusions and <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2010/11/09/how-to-make-fruit-liqueur/" title="How to make fruit liqueur" >liqueurs</a>. All of the handmade ones are unlabeled and a few unidentified. We&#8217;ll be making some mystery cocktails!</p>
<p>We will not buy beer or wine for home consumption, as we have 2 kegs of home brew, many bottles of miscellaneous beer, seven liters of hard cider and several bottles of wine on hand. Non alcoholic mixers may be purchased during the month. Restaurant drinks are not included in the challenge.</p>
<p><strong>Homestead Log</strong></p>
<p>When we travel and hike, I always bring along my field log. I record wildlife species, the weather, and locations. Initially a project for a high school class, I have been keeping such logs for over a decade. They are a fantastic reference of places we&#8217;ve been and things we&#8217;ve seen.</p>
<p>I pledge during March to begin the same type of record keeping for our homesteading activities. I bought a new <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8883701127?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwbaying-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=8883701127" >Moleskine</a> notebook in which to record a daily log of the planting, harvest, canning, pressing, wood chopping, travel and events of our lives. I hope this will become a useful planning reference in years to come.</p>
<p><strong>What are your plans for March? How are you challenging yourself?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><p><center>~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<p><center><i><a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/03/01/liquor-cabinet-homestead-log-march-challenges/">Liquor Cabinet &#038; Homestead Log: March Challenges</a> is a post from <a href="http://houndsinthekitchen.com">Hounds In The Kitchen</a>.<p>
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8F2LK9U39B96L">donation</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.houndsinthekitchen.com/shop">Hounds in the Kitchen shop</a> for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="8F2LK9U39B96L">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
</a></center> </i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://houndsinthekitchen.com/2011/03/01/liquor-cabinet-homestead-log-march-challenges/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

