by: Susanne Myers

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A recent study has shown that women who skip breakfast consume an average of 100 calories more than those who eat breakfast. Enjoying a healthy breakfast in the morning will also keep your blood sugar levels even, which will help you stay more alert and in a better mood.

With our busy lives, it is sometimes hard to find the time to fix breakfast in the morning. Here are a few quick ideas that take hardly any time at all to prepare and most of them you can carry with you and enjoy on your way to work or when you get there.

1. Whole grain cereal with skim milk

All you need is a bowl and a spoon. This should take you about 1 minute to prepare and 5 minutes to eat. A nice and easy breakfast idea when you are running late.

2. Breakfast Parfait

You can make your own healthy version of the breakfast parfait. Put some low-fat vanilla yogurt in a container. Keep some snack-sized bags of granola in your pantry and some small bags of frozen berries in your freezer. Or use fresh fruit when available. Just grab everything as you head out the door and enjoy your parfait at work.

3. Whole Wheat Bagel with Peanut Butter (add a piece of fruit)

Toast a whole-wheat bagel with some peanut butter for a filling breakfast. Grab a piece of ?portable? fruit such as an apple or a banana before you leave the house and breakfast is done.

4. Boiled Egg Sandwich

Keep a few boiled eggs in your fridge for a protein rich and filling egg sandwich for breakfast. Just slice the egg on some honey wheat bread and sprinkle a little salt on top. If you?d like you can add a small amount of mayonnaise as well.

5. Breakfast Smoothie

Breakfast Smoothies were invented for busy people. Pour some milk or yogurt and juice in your blender and toss in some berries or a banana and a scoop of protein powder. There are many other great recipes available. Visit http://www.healthymenumailer.com/articles for a free ebook of breakfast smoothie recipes.

Try a few of these ideas and you?ll find yourself more alert and in a better mood in the morning. Starting your day off right, will also help you snack less during the day and will keep your metabolism running high. No more excuses to skip breakfast ? just spend a few minutes each morning putting one of these meals together.

About The Author Susanne Myers is the co-creator of Healthy Menu Mailer. Busy Moms love the easy-to-prepare healthy dinner recipes, grocery lists and encouragement to stay healthy every day of the week. Get 7 free easy-to-prepare recipes that everyone in your family will enjoy by visiting http://www.healthymenumailer.com/sample.html.

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/Healthy-Fruit-Smoothie-Recipe/articles/13206 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:15:24 +0000 Healthy Healthy+Fruit+Smoothie+Recipe Recipe Fruit http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/Healthy-Fruit-Smoothie-Recipe/articles/13206 Healthy Fruit Smoothie Recipe

 by: Hans Dekker

Who doesn?t love a fruit smoothie? How about a healthy one that has a taste that cannot be beat? You can stop your search today because this smoothie recipe has it all.

This healthy fruit smoothie recipe is chopped full of wholesome fruit pieces and the sweet taste of honey. Blend one up today.

Ingredients:

1 cup plain flavored fat free yogurt

? cup crushed ice

1 cup unsweetened apple juice

? cup watermelon, cut into small cubes

? cup strawberries cut into halves

? cup mango, cut into small cubes

? cup peaches, cut into small cubes

1 tsp. vanilla extract

? cup honey

? cup almonds, crushed

Toppings:

Fat free cool whip

Couple sprigs fresh mint

To Make:

Frozen fruit may be substituted for this recipe, however fresh fruit will provide the best taste for these smoothies.

Before making your smoothie, cut up the watermelon, strawberries, mango, and peaches according to the directions listed above. Then, in a small bowl, combine all the fruit pieces and the honey together.

Make sure all the pieces are covered by the honey. Let fruit mixture chill in refrigerator for at least half an hour. Remove the fruit bowl from the refrigerator and let it stand for 10 minutes. Combine the fat free yogurt, apple juice, and crushed ice into a blender.

Blend this mixture for less than one minute before adding the fruit. Add the fruit and honey mixture to the liquid in the blender. Add vanilla and blend on high until all the fruit is mixed well.

Remove blender from the base and pour smoothie mixture into tall milkshake glasses. Top off each of the smoothies with a dollop of fat free cool whip. Then sprinkle crushed almonds on top of the cool whip.

A sprig of mint on the side of the glass completes this refreshing, healthy smoothie. Serves 2

About The Author Hans Dekker is an enthusiast cook and owner of http://www.steaks-guide.com/. Visit us for a wealth of recipes.

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/How-To-Help-Your-Overweight-Child/articles/11765 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:58:59 +0000 Fruit Your How Help http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/How-To-Help-Your-Overweight-Child/articles/11765 How To Help Your Overweight Child

 by: Kim Beardsmore

With the rise of obesity and the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes occurring in children, many parents are now faced with helping an overweight child. This may not be a daunting as first seems and here are some simple, but effective steps to take to help your child develop eating habits and active lifestyle that will assist improve their health.

Be supportive

? Tell your child that he or she is loved, is special, and is important. Children's feelings about themselves often are based on their parents' feelings about them.

? Accept your child at any weight. Children will be more likely to accept and feel good about themselves when their parents accept them.

? Listen to your child's concerns about his or her weight. Overweight children probably know better than anyone else that they have a weight problem. They need support, understanding, and encouragement from parents.

Encourage healthy eating habits

? Buy and serve more fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned). Let your child choose them at the store.

? Buy fewer soft drinks and high fat/high calorie snack foods like chips, cookies, and candy. These snacks are OK once in a while, but keep healthy snack foods on hand too and offer them to your child more often.

? Eat breakfast every day. Skipping breakfast can leave your child hungry, tired, and looking for less healthy foods later in the day.

? Plan healthy meals and eat together as a family. Eating together at meal times helps children learn to enjoy a variety of foods.

? Eat fast food less often. When you visit a fast food restaurant, try the healthful options offered.

? Offer your child water or low-fat milk more often than fruit juice. Fruit juice is a healthy choice but is high in calories.

? Do not get discouraged if your child will not eat a new food the first time it is served. Some kids will need to have a new food served to them 10 times or more before they will eat it.

? Try not to use food as a reward when encouraging kids to eat. Promising dessert to a child for eating vegetables, for example, sends the message that vegetables are less valuable than dessert. Kids learn to dislike foods they think are less valuable.

? Start with small servings and let your child ask for more if he or she is still hungry. It is up to you to provide your child with healthy meals and snacks, but your child should be allowed to choose how much food he or she will eat.

Healthy snack foods for your child to try:

o Fresh fruit

o Fruit canned in juice or light syrup

o Small amounts of dried fruits such as raisins, apple rings, or apricots

o Fresh vegetables such as baby carrots, cucumber, zucchini, or tomatoes

o Reduced fat cheese or a small amount of peanut butter on whole-wheat crackers

o Low-fat yogurt with fruit

Foods that are small, round, sticky, or hard to chew, such as raisins, whole grapes, hard vegetables, hard chunks of cheese, nuts, seeds, and popcorn can cause choking in children under age 4. You can still prepare some of these foods for young children, for example, by cutting grapes into small pieces and cooking and cutting up vegetables. Always watch your toddler during meals and snacks.

Encourage daily physical activity

Like adults, kids need daily physical activity. Here are some ways to help your child move every day:

? Set a good example. If your children see that you are physically active and have fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active throughout their lives.

? Encourage your child to join a sports team or class, such as soccer, dance, basketball, or gymnastics at school or at your local community or recreation center.

? Be sensitive to your child's needs. If your child feels uncomfortable participating in activities like sports, help him or her find physical activities that are fun and not embarrassing.

? Be active together as a family. Assign active chores such as making the beds, washing the car, or vacuuming. Plan active outings such as a trip to the zoo or a walk through a local park.

? Because his or her body is not ready yet, do not encourage your pre-adolescent child to participate in adult-style physical activity such as long jogs, using an exercise bike or treadmill, or lifting heavy weights. FUN physical activities are best for kids.

? Kids need a total of about 60 minutes of physical activity a day, but this does not have to be all at one time. Short 10- or even 5-minute bouts of activity throughout the day are just as good. If your children are not used to being active, encourage them to start with what they can do and build up to 60 minutes a day.

About The Author Kim Beardsmore is a weight loss consultant. Tons of recipes, articles, free ezine, meal plans and resources to help you lose weight through excellence in nutrition. Estimate your healthy weight, free newsletter and more at http://www.weight-loss-health.com.au

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/What-Fruits-To-Add-To-A-Fruit-Basket/articles/13021 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:35:51 +0000 Basket What+Fruits+To+Add+To+A+Fruit+Basket Add What http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/What-Fruits-To-Add-To-A-Fruit-Basket/articles/13021 What Fruits To Add To A Fruit Basket

 by: Donna Somerkin

If you want to give a unique gift that is guarantee to be used an enjoyed by the recipient, consider a fruit basket. Fruit baskets are fabulous ways to provide your friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker, or client with a delicious?and healthy?treat that looks like a million bucks, but is actually budget friendly. When looking a fruit basket, you can either choose to purchase one pre-made or make your own to save you some of your hard-earned cash. Regardless where you get your fruit basket, carefully consider the contents and personalize the gift to the recipient.

The most important thing about a fruit basket is indeed the fruit itself. When looking for what fruits to add to a fruit basket, consider these popular options:

? Apples: This hearty fruit is a fruit basket favorite. Most everyone loves an apple, so you do not have to worry about less adventurous tastes avoiding the goodies. Also, apples tend to travel or ship well and have a long shelf life, so you do not have to worry about the fruit in your basket arriving spoiled or crushed.

? Pears: Like apples, pears are another fruit basket favorite. However, due to the more delicate nature of the pear, they may need a bit more protection?especially if the basket is to be shipped. Most pears are purchased in some protective covering, usually either a plastic container or foam wrapping, so consider leaving this protection in place when assembling your fruit basket.

? Citrus: Oranges, grapefruits, nectarines, tangerines, and clementines are perennial favorites in a fruit basket. In addition to adding a fantastic color, these sweet treats are favored by most individuals. However, keep in mind that some citrus, mainly oranges and grapefruits, are large in size and heavy in weight. If you plan on adding many of these juicy delights, ensure your basket is of the appropriate size to handle the fruit.

? Pineapples: Usually, the thought of fruit baskets and pineapples go hand in hand, as these elaborate fruits add a tremendous punch to the baskets appearance. Before you throw in a pineapple ?just because,? consider also purchasing a pineapple cutting, a small, inexpensive device that will allow your guest to enjoy the delicious meat of the fruit.

? Grapes and Berries: More delicate fruit, including grapes and berries, should be added judiciously. Since these fruits generally do not ship well, you should reconsider adding these fruits to baskets going great distances. In addition to their fragility, these fruits do not have a long shelf life, meaning they can potentially be spoiled upon arrival of the gift.

? Unique Fruits: Depending on the type of basket you are assembling, you may decide to include unique fruits. Usually tropical in nature, consider adding kiwi, star fruit, plantains, and even coconuts if the recipient will enjoy this more unusual fare.

About The Author Donna Somerkin specializes in Fruit Basket Designs http://www.u-fruit-baskets.com.

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/How-To-Find-Fruit-Basket-Companies/articles/13015 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:48:39 +0000 How+To+Find+Fruit+Basket+Companies Fruit Find To http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/How-To-Find-Fruit-Basket-Companies/articles/13015 How To Find Fruit Basket Companies

 by: Doug Mahopac

If you are in the market for a fruit basket, the next step is where to purchase the gift? Luckily today, fruit baskets are available through a wide range of shops, websites, and individuals who can ship these edible presents all over the world. In addition to purchasing a pre-made fruit basket from a professional or company, consider assembling the basket yourself to save some cash and personalize a basket especially for the recipient.

There are fruit basket companies all over the world that specialize in creating every type of basket imaginable. If looking to find a fruit basket company that meets your needs and budget, consider utilizing the following resources:

? Phone Book: The phone book is an excellent place to find local fruit basket companies. More and more individuals are entering into the gift business, creating everything from fruit baskets to fantastic creations of gifts packaged in unique methods, such as balloons. Once you have contacted a fruit basket company, ask for a meeting or visit to their office to see their work. Most companies that specialize in creating fruit baskets will have a portfolio or catalogue to give you an idea of their work.

? Supermarket: If may seem strange, but most supermarkets will order you a delightful fruit basket. If you are interested in this service, speak to someone in your local grocery store to find the ordering options, prices, and estimated delivery time. Most grocery stores do not ship fruit baskets, so you will need to arrange a pick-up.

? Community: Ask around in your community to see if there is an individual who specializes in creating fruit baskets as a side project. Many individuals look to make extra cash by establishing an unofficial fruit basket business, so the price may be a great deal less than professional companies.

? Florists: Most florists have the capacity to order fruit baskets. Additionally, these baskets are usually able to be shipped all over the world, making this option perfect for the recipient located at a great distance. Your local florist will most likely have photographs of available gift baskets.

? World Wide Web: The internet is a fabulous place for finding everything under the sun, including gift baskets. Consider ordering a gift basket on the World Wide Web if you plan on shipping the gift to a recipient out of town. The sheer number of fruit basket companies setting up shop in cyberspace is amazing. A quick internet search will provide you with countless companies that await your order.

? Catalogs: Before the introduction of the internet, there were catalogs. Today, catalog companies are still going strong, although many of them have also branched out to cyberspace. Popular fruit basket seller, Harry and David, are perennial favorites, as are baskets purchased through companies that sell flower arrangements, including Hallmark and FTD florists.

About The Author Doug Mahopac specializes in Fruit Basket Designs http://www.i-fruit-baskets.com.

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/What-To-Look-For-When-Purchasing-A-Fruit-Basket/articles/13017 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:12:23 +0000 Purchasing To Fruit Basket http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/What-To-Look-For-When-Purchasing-A-Fruit-Basket/articles/13017 What To Look For When Purchasing A Fruit Basket

 by: John Marcus

Fruit baskets are excellent gifts for all occasions. Whether you choose to purchase a fruit basket for a birthday, holiday, or any day, the receiver will surely enjoy the beautifully packaged basket of goodies. When looking for a fruit basket for a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor, consider the contents carefully, as well as the size and overall appearance.

The first thing to look for when purchasing a fruit basket is the fruit itself. What type of fruit does the basket contain? If you are buying a fruit basket for a specific party, keep their preferences in mind. Also, if anyone has an allergy to a specific type of fruit or food, these items should be avoided. Finally, if you are planning to ship the gift basket, consider how well the basket?s contents will handle shipping. Keep in mind, more fragile fruits?especially berries?may not be the best choice, since they can possibly be crushed while the basket is in transit.

Secondly, consider the size of the basket. If you are sending a fruit basket to a large family, then send a large basket. However, if you are sending a basket to an individual, carefully consider the size and the amount of fruit the basket contains. Far too often, lovely fruit baskets are sent to individuals who simply cannot consume the contents of the basket before the fruit spoils. Instead, consider a mixture of fruit with nuts, candies, and other goodies that have a longer shelf life.

Thirdly, look to the recipient to determine his or her tastes. College students are the perfect recipients for fruit baskets, since they are most likely tempted to stray from healthier foods and indulge in junk food. If fruits and other healthier fare is located within arms reach, your student is more likely to consume a better diet. Also, individuals who are just moving to an area or find themselves in a new home appreciate fruit baskets, since the contents can be used to fill the refrigerator or cupboard that was previously empty. The elderly also enjoy fruit baskets, since the gift can be consumed and enjoyed instead of another gift that will serve to clutter or sit in disuse.

Finally, look at the basket itself. Consider giving a fruit basket that uses a creative container that the recipient can use after the contents have been consumed. More and more these days, traditional baskets are being replaced with clever packaging ideas, like boxes, bags, pots, bowls, or any other lovely container that can be reused with ease. Also, keep in mind the space constraints of the recipient?s office or home. Fruit baskets are a popular gift for college students, especially around examination time, but keep in mind that a large, extravagant fruit basket may very well overwhelm a tiny dormitory room.

For whatever reason, a fruit basket is the perfect gift. Although today?s gift baskets contain a good deal more than the simple apples and oranges of yesterday?s baskets, the thought is still the same. Strive to find baskets with unique contents that will tickle the fancy of the recipient, but will still provide him or her with foods and snacks that are health oriented. The gift of a fruit basket is one that requires a bit more thought than simply sending a gift card or monetary gift, and is guaranteed to be used at the end of the day. If you are in the market for a fruit basket, know that there are endless varieties and options out there, so everyone is sure to find a basket that suits the recipient?s every need.

About The Author John Marcus specializes in Fruit Basket Designs http://www.1-fruit-baskets.com.

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/Why-Fruit-Baskets-Make-A-Good-Gift/articles/13014 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:57:56 +0000 Fruit Gift Why Make http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/Why-Fruit-Baskets-Make-A-Good-Gift/articles/13014 Why Fruit Baskets Make A Good Gift

 by: Bill B. Carmel

If you are at a loss when it comes to the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend, family member, or neighbor, or are trying to find a suitable gift for a colleague or client, consider a fruit basket. Fruit baskets make excellent gifts, especially for those individuals who have everything. Instead of giving a monetary gift or gift card that lacks personality, consider choosing a fruit basket that includes the recipient?s favorite fruits and healthy snacks. Since the contents are generally healthier fare than the typical junk foods that tempt the taste buds and expand the waist line, a fruit basket can be enjoyed guilt free!

Fruit baskets make great gifts for:

? College students: College students are notoriously poor eaters. Especially during stressful times surrounding midterms and final exams, college kids do not receive the proper nutrition?and proper nutrition will allow them to excel in their studies. Gift your college student with a fruit basket filled with fresh fruit and other healthy, nutritious snacks to show your love and support. Furthermore, since fruit baskets can be consumed, they will not take up precious space in dormitory rooms like other superfluous gifts.

? Campers: For those with younger children, consider sending a fruit basket to your favorite camper to ease homesickness while providing a healthy approach to snacks. Campers enjoy the thought of gifts while away from home, and fruit baskets are perfect for sharing the contents with bunk mates and newly made friends.

? Dieters: What better way to show your support of a dieter who has either just begun a newer, healthier lifestyle or is currently working his or her way to the goal line. Fruit baskets will relieve some of the sweet temptations that cause most dieters to stray while showing the individual that you support their decision to eat and live healthier.

? Business Associates: When it comes time to purchase gifts for those in the business world, the task can be quite daunting. Unwritten rules in the business world provide razor-thin guidelines for what gifts?and price ranges?are appropriate, so instead of trying to figure out who receives what, send a fruit basket instead. Perfect for new clients or old business relations, fruit baskets allow you to express a sentiment without having to worry about what to buy and how much to spend. Also, fruit baskets can be shared within the company easily, so everyone can enjoy the gift.

? Elderly friends, neighbors, or family members: Many elderly individuals find themselves faced with too much ?stuff? in their lives. Especially if they are downsizing to a more comfortable home, these extras can quickly overwhelm their homes. Instead of purchasing gifts that will only add to the space problem or sit unused, consider sending a gift basket instead. Gift baskets are perfect ways to provide elderly friends, neighbors, or family members with healthy fare while giving a lovely gift.

? New Homeowners: If you have been recently invited to a housewarming party or know of a couple or family who has just moved into a new home, then consider giving a fruit basket. Especially when faced with meeting new neighbors, a fruit basket is an excellent gift that everyone will enjoy. Furthermore, a fruit basket will provide the family with a bit of healthy food while the cupboards are still being stocked.

? Anyone: Regardless who you gift, a fruit basket is the perfect idea. Allowing you to provide a gift that requires thought without knowing a great deal about the recipient, a fruit basket will save you a great deal of time, hassle, and worry about finding that perfect gift.

About The Author Bill Carmel specializes in Fruit Basket Designs http://www.fruit-baskets-u.com.

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:15:32 +0000 Basket Checklist%3A In The http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/ Fruit Basket Checklist: Are You In The Know?

 by: Linda Harrison

How many of these mistakes are you making?

1) You buy items on impulse and nothing else.

2) You don't comparison shop before spending your hard earned money.

3) You like spend more money and get less than you really should.

Well, I was like you too until I discovered a little thing called the internet. The internet makes comparison shopping much easier than it was just 10 years ago. Finding that a product is similarly priced between vendors makes the decision process a lot easier. Fruit basket shopping is no different than any other type of shopping and the internet has revolutionized it as well.

Let's take a look at your fruit basket shopping checklist and help you get a feel for what you should be looking for when fruit basket shopping.

1) Delivery. This is one of the most important things to look for when shopping for a fruit basket. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that you are buying a fruit basket for someone else as a gift instead of yourself. Not that many people buy fruit baskets and deliver them to themselves. Pay special attention to the delivery qualifications of the vendor you are looking at. In my opinion, FedEx is always the way to go. They get things delivered all over the world. A fruit basket delivered by FedEx can make quite an impression.

2) The quality of the fruit in the basket. Fruit varies in quality from the perfect to the rotten. So do fruit baskets. If you are buying a basket for the first time, make sure the merchant has a reputation for delivering quality goods. Look around the merchant's website for testimonials from happy customers who have used and liked merchant's services and goods before.

3) Get informed about the different types of fruit baskets. The first 2 points pale in comparison to getting in the know about the different types of fruit baskets. Some are great, some aren't. Learn all about them by doing some homework.

About The Author Linda Harrison is author of ?Get a Great Fruit Basket.? Pick up your copy at http://www.fruitbasketing.com.

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/How-to-Grow-Grapes-for-Excellent-Wine/articles/13097 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:14:40 +0000 Grapes to for Grow http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/How-to-Grow-Grapes-for-Excellent-Wine/articles/13097 How to Grow Grapes for Excellent Wine

 by: Brian Cook

I think it quite safe to say that more has been written about the cultivation of grapes than has - or ever will be - written about any other fruit. This is not surpris?ing, considering that the grape is probably the oldest of known fruits.

Surprisingly, grapes do not need loads of manures and fertilizers; they grow well on quite poor soils and need little after-attention. The roots will search out and find what they want; all we have to concern ourselves with is where to put the top-growth - the vine itself.

If one wall of your house faces south, south-west or even west, that problem is solved very easily. If you cannot plant the vine under that particular wall, plant it round the corner and train the vine round to the sunny side of the house. Grapes may be grown in the open garden in similar fashion to loganberries, or they may be trained over sheds, garages, out-houses and such-like.

Vines are not expensive, and if two are planted, the yield may be regarded as fantastic when considering the value of the wine that may be made for many years.

Planting is best carried out in autumn and in any case before Christmas. If planting against a wall, take out a hole about two feet each way and plant so that the stem of the vine is about fifteen inches away from the wall itself. Dig deeply and work in any compost that may be available and some builders' rubble if you can get some. A dusting of lime forked in will be helpful. Spread out the roots well and plant as recommended for fruit trees.

Having planted the vine, spread a little manure above the roots: this will not be necessary in subsequent seasons, but the vine will benefit from a mulch each spring if you can give it one.

Vines must not be allowed to fruit the first season; therefore they must be cut back to about four buds.

Having planted the vine and cut it back, we must decide how to train it to cover the wall.

The best plan is to use special wall nails, run wires to and from these and train the vine to the wires.

The four long growths that come from the four buds you left when cutting back are stopped at the bud nearest the growing point. These four leaders are the basis from which the vine will be built up to cover the wall. If flower buds form during the first season, they should be nipped off so that the vine uses its energy producing wood for subsequent fruiting. First-season fruiting often permanently weakens a vine.

When pruning, remem?ber that next year's fruit will be borne on the wood made this year. But we do not want masses of long, straggling growths hanging about all over the place, so during the summer it is best to cut some of them out. Those left to bear next year's fruit should be cut back to five or six buds in autumn or early winter. Only new growth should be cut during the summer; never cut old wood during summer - indeed old wood must never be cut after Christmas, as this can cause profuse bleeding which may be quite impossible to stop. By all means cut away some of the old growth to make way for new wood, but if this has not been done before Christmas leave it until the next winter.

Many varieties ripen in September - or earlier if the summer has been good. This is especially advantageous because the weather is still warm enough for a satisfactory fer?ment when you come to make the wine. This is not so important to those who carry out their fermentation in the house, but where it has to be carried on in a shed or outhouse the warm weather is a great help.

About The Author Brian Cook is a freelance writer whose articles on home wine making have appeared in print and on many websites. You can find more of these at: www.makinggreatwine.com

]]> http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/We-Keep-Fighting-Over-a-Pavlova---Find-Out-Why-And-Try-The-Recipe%21/articles/12862 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:04:14 +0000 - The Over Fighting http://www.smartfruitinfo.com/We-Keep-Fighting-Over-a-Pavlova---Find-Out-Why-And-Try-The-Recipe%21/articles/12862 We Keep Fighting Over a Pavlova - Find Out Why And Try The Recipe!

 by: Jean Morrison

Australians and New Zealanders maintain an ongoing "controversy" over who concocted the famous Pavlova. The Aussies lay claim to it but the Kiwis think very differently. Each claim it as one of their national dishes.

Firstly, how do you pronounce the word Pavlova. Here we go: pav-LOH-vuh with the emphasis on the LOH part of the word.

The word Pavlova is taken directly from the name of the famous ballerina, Anna Pavlova. There is no argument about that fact. Anna Pavlova visited Australia in 1926 and then came back again in 1929 visiting New Zealand as well on this second visit. She was billed as the greatest dancer of all time. As can be imagined, she was very light on her toes.

Back at that time there was a very creative chef working in the kitchens of the Esplanade Hotel in Perth, Western Australia. To celebrate the visit of Anna Pavlova he created a meringue-style dessert which was very light and airy. His delightful dessert was considered to be lighter than air, just like Anna's performances were. Consequently his invention was called a Pavlova - that is the Australian version of how the Pavlova got it's name.

Now the Kiwis debate the fact that an Australian invented the dessert. They say it was being made in New Zealand as far back as 1919, although it was not called a Pavlova. The chef in Perth included a small amount of vinegar in his recipe and it is the vinegar which gives the meringue its soft marshmallow centre. It seems the New Zealand version lacked vinegar in the recipe. The dispute continues but that is enough debate for me....

Let me tell you more about the Pavlova and then you can make one yourself. It certainly has the appearance of a very large meringue, measuring as much as 9" to12" in diameter. Pavlovas can stand anything up to 3" in height. They consist mainly of egg whites and sugar and they are cooked very slowly in the oven. When they have cooled they are topped with whipped cream and then very colourful fruits are arranged on the top of the cream. The whole creation is quite spectacular and most usually quite rich and sweet. There are several variations of the Pavlova recipe. I use this one:

Ingredients

4 egg whites,

1 teaspoon vanilla,

1 teaspoon white vinegar (or lemon juice),

1 cup of caster sugar,

1 cup whipped cream,

Fruit to decorate

Method

Line a baking tray with foil or baking paper. On the foil or paper draw a circle with a 22 cm (9") diameter. In a glass or china bowl beat egg whites, vanilla and vinegar (or lemon juice) until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, one tablespoonful at a time. When sugar is fully dissolved into egg mixture pile it onto the baking tray, keeping the mixture within the circle. Smooth the top but leave a slight hollow in the central area.

Bake at 120 degrees centigrade (250 degrees fahrenheit) for approximately 1 and 1/4 hours. When cooked, the Pavlova should be a very light beige colour. Turn off the oven. Leave Pavlova to cool in the oven.

When cold, top with whipped cream and decorate with fruit. Colourful fruits are good to decorate Pavlovas, ideas being sliced banana, strawberries, kiwi fruit and passion fruit. Passion fruit is particularly nice, in my opinion, as its tartness complements the sweet Pavlova so well.

If you are making the Pavlova in advance then store it in a cool dry place, not in the fridge and then decorate just before serving.

About The Author Jean Morrison is, by day, the owner of Heritage Ceilings (www.heritageceilings.com.au) and, after hours, maintains Cheap And Easy Recipes (www.cheap-and-easy-recipes.com) a website for people who want hearty food that is easy and cheap to make. Her recipe website is anecdotal reflecting back to incidences in her life as far back as school cooking lessons with the infamous Miss Haughton.

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