Sabtu, 24 November 2012

What To Consider When Choosing Paper Napkins For Your Wedding Day


Every bride-to-be is excited when it comes to planning their wedding. However, the planning process can also be challenging. There are various decisions that have to be made. Many women planning their weddings on their own often find that they are overwhelmed by the decision making. However, the process can be simpler with the right help.


The setting of the tables for your wedding reception is vital. Every detail counts if you want to ensure that your wedding is a success. It is therefore important to take your time to select the right paper napkins for your tables.

The tips provided here will help you select paper napkins that will make the dinner tables at your wedding reception spectacular. It is important to note that everybody is unique and has their unique taste. Ensure you select the napkins that reflect your personality and the theme that you have chosen for your wedding.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing paper napkins is the color of the napkins. It is important to choose the right color for your napkins. The color will mostly be influenced by the theme color you have chosen for your wedding. You can choose the same color as your theme or a different shade of the same color. You can also choose a color that contrasts or matches with the theme color.

When choosing the color of the paper napkins it is important to remember not to choose a color that is similar or the same as the color of the table cloths. This is a mistake that is commonly made by brides. It is important to choose a color for your napkins that contrasts with the color of the tablecloths. This will ensure that your guests are drawn to the setting of your table and not the tablecloths.

You need to consider what you want done to the napkins for the setting. If you intend to have the table set with folded napkins, you should choose paper napkins that will not tear up when folded. You can choose lighter paper for napkins that will not be folded so elaborately.

You should also decide on whether you would like embossed or plain paper napkins. Most people who are planning traditional weddings opt for embossed patterns. These napkins add an elegant touch to the table settings.

Sabtu, 10 November 2012

Cast Iron Cookware: The Key to Authentic Caribbean Cooking


Shortly after relocating to the continental United States, I found myself having the desire to indulge in authentic Caribbean food. However, this desire was met with some challenges because many of the ingredients and items we often used were not readily available. Yes, I had no difficulty finding the fresh onions, green pepper, celery, and thyme that most Caribbean dishes cannot go without, but when it came to the seasoning for the meat, that seemed to pose a problem.


As the years went by, I was introduced to places like the various farmer's markets in the area and I was able to find a few of the seasonings and spices that was often used in the islands when cooking. Now, my dishes had the ground seasonings like garlic powder and the traditional complete seasoning (which is a blend of ground onion, garlic, salt, pepper). However, something still appeared to be missing in the food. Although these well prepared dishes were quite tasty, something was still missing; the taste that I was longing for was still not achieved.

One day, I came across a cast iron pot. Just seeing the pot reminded me of the islands. I now reminisced on how good the food seemed to taste when they were prepared in these pots. Growing up in the islands, the cooking with the cast iron pot usually occurred outdoor. I could remember, whenever I saw that pot come out the cupboard, I knew that the meal that day was going to be delicious. Something about those cast iron pots, it's almost like the pots themselves were needed to give that food the flavor.

So I decided to invest in the cast iron Dutch oven and went home to prepare one of my favorite island meals. Finally, that authentic taste that I was searching for suddenly seemed to have reappeared. With every bite you tasted the herbs and seasoning and the authentic flavor of the islands. Who would have thought that the Dutch oven (also known as the dutchy) would have made the difference in the flavor?

Truth be told, if you are trying to "lock in" the flavor and the seasoning that we often use in our Caribbean dishes, and you hoping to bring out that true "back home" authentic Caribbean flavor, I suggest, you start by examining the types of pots you are using. Cast iron cookware is a key ingredient!