Authentic Sacher Torte

Exclusively available at the Hotel Sacher Wien, the Hotel Sacher Salzburg, the Café Sacher Innsbruck, the Café Sacher Graz and at the Sacher Shop in Bolzano. Just like 175 years ago, the cakes are covered with apricot jam, iced with chocolate and packed in wooden boxes by hand. 
This Hotel Sacher specialty is a purely natural product, made without chemical preservatives. The "Original Sacher-Torte" is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream and a cup of "Original Sacher Café". More than 300,000 cakes are produced at the Hotel Sacher per year, more than half of them are sent to destinations all over the world. 


If you missed your flight to Vienna this weekend, order takeout: Order by December 8th to receive prior to Christmas: Original Sacher-Torte 19.50-39.50 EUR plus 26 EUR for 14 day air mail delivery (aprox $59-$85U.S.).

Pick of the Crop

What are you having for breakfast? It's cold outside and you need something that sticks to your ribs to power you up for the day. Eat oatmeal. For 150 years John McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal product hasn't changed a bit. The packaging is virtually the same too. Well, they have added a few quick cook versions, for those that can't wait 30 minutes for the traditional Irish porridge way. I prefer mine topped with 2% milk and a little Turbinado Sugar.

Words from McCann's...

"Steel-Cut Oats are whole grain groats (the inner portion of the oat kernel) which have been cut into two or three pieces using steel discs. Golden in colour and resembling mini rice particles, they are as nature intended – nothing added and nothing taken out.

Grains are essential to a healthy lifestyle and form the foundation of the food pyramid. Steel-Cut oats are inherently full of nutritional value and are high in B-Vitamins, calcium, protein and fiber while low in salt and unsaturated fat. One cup of Steel-Cut oatmeal contains more fiber than a bran muffin and twice as much fibre as Cream of Wheat. The quality of Irish Oats and the distinctive crunchy texture make McCann's Steel-Cuts a gourmet delight."

 Did I mention- it's good for you?

Lifestyle Food Trends Review

December First is here. Before we jump into 2010, let's take a look at my 2009 Top 10 Lifestyle Food Trends posted back in January 2009 and see how I did.

At first glance, I stayed pretty much on target. OK, so South African wines didn't become wine leading importer to the US; but I've felt really good about the quality of their wines ever since I first sampled them in South Africa in the late 80s. As for the rest of my picks, I was pretty much on target. Have a look for yourself- only 31 days 'til 2010. Next month I'll pass along my Top Ten Lifestyle Food Trends for 2010. 

 

Turkey Countdown: Thanksgiving Dinner Wine Suggestions

24 hours from now you'll be plating-up Apple Brined Turkey, Herb Gravy, Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie. 

So, tonight let's whip up a quick-n-easy light pasta with a zesty red sauce. I’ve prepared my Eggplant and Rigatoni on my TV show and for many of you at my cooking classes and book signings. Simply the best quick pasta sauce, period. So tonight let's keep it easy. 

While nibbling on some Brie Calzone and Savory Crab Cakes, you may want to consider these wines. First I always say- any wine you enjoy is a great wine; but if pairing with turkey and need a suggestion; Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are two good vino choices. 
image, © Douglas Allen | istock.com
We’ll be posting Daily FOOD posts very early on Thanksgiving and Friday. If you happen to wake up early on Thanksgiving to watch the parade, I’ll have some great breakfast and brunch recipes waiting for you. And, on Friday, when you’ll be busy shopping, I will have you covered with some easy leftover ideas and recipes.