Aug 27, 2007

EARL GREY TEA

Originally "Earl Grey Tea" was made with unsteamed China black tea, but is now usually made with Indian and Sri Lankan (Ceylon) black tea. Many sources state that Charles Grey, 2nd Earl (also Baron Grey and Viscount Howick) was given the recipe by a Chinese mandarin with whom he was friends (and/or whose life either he or another British diplomat saved).

The Bergamot Orange is the flavoring used in Earl Grey Tea. Oil of bergamot is extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia or Citrus aurantium bergamia), a small pear shaped sour orange which is cultivated today mostly in southern Italy.

Latest genetic research indicates that the Bergamot orange is most likely a cross (natural??) between the sweet or pear lemon (Citrus limetta) and the Seville or sour orange (Citrus aurantium) [First International Citrus Biotechnology Symposium, August 2000)] The sour orange is native to southern Vietnam, hence the Chinese connection.

More Recipes?
You want recipes, well the Carnival of Recipes has new recipes every week. This week's carnival features the theme “Lunch”

Go to the following blog and see for yourself.
http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2007/08/recipe-carnival-lunch.html

Aug 22, 2007

Ham and Swiss Stuffed Burgers Recipe

1 pound low fat chopped meat
2 tablespoon fresh minced parsley
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
Cooking spray
8 hamburger buns
8 slices tomato
4 large leaf lettuce leaves
8 thinly sliced red onion slices

Prepare grill. In a large bowl, combine the chopped meat, parsley, Worcestershire, salt, garlic and pepper. Mix well.

Divide mixture into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a round patty. Top 4 patties with 2 tablespoons cheese and 1/2 ounce ham, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Add the remaining patties to the cheese and ham patties. Press edges together to seal.

Place patties on grill rack coated with cooking spray.

Grill 3 minutes on each side or until done.

Place the buns on grill rack open side down; grill 1 minute until toasted.

Add in layers to each of 4 buns: 1 lettuce leaf, 2 onion slices, 1 patty, and 2 tomato slices.

Add the other half of bun on top of the layers.