This week's culinary and lifestyle roundup takes you on a journey from simple comfort food to the heights of fine dining, with a detour into the world of wine and a surprising survival story. Let's dive in!
Elevating the Humble Baked Bean
Baked beans: a staple in many pantries. But are you making the most of them? Food writer Melek Erdal suggests a flavor explosion by toasting spices like cumin and coriander, then adding ginger, garlic, and chilli. "Add the beans, crumble feta on top, then pop it in the oven until the top caramelises," Erdal advises. For a brunch twist, add a drizzle of tahini, creating a unique take on shakshuka.
Eleanor Maidment, author of "Pulse," takes a similar approach, recommending a base of chorizo and red peppers. "Baked beans are quite sweet, so savoury things work really well with them," Maidment says. Consider frying onions and bacon, then adding the beans and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.
The Rise of Single-Vineyard Wines
In the world of wine, a shift is occurring. Forget lengthy aging processes; it's all about location, location, location. Single-vineyard wines are gaining popularity, emphasizing the unique terroir of a specific plot of land.
Traditionally, wine classifications focused on time, like the Spanish rioja reserva and gran reserva. German methods prioritized sugar levels at harvest, resulting in classifications like kabinett and trockenbeerenauslese. But the emphasis on single-vineyard wines signals a move towards valuing place above all else.
Secrets Behind the Kitchen Door
Ever wondered what it's *really* like to work in a four-star restaurant? One former employee pulls back the curtain on Jean-Georges, a prestigious establishment in New York City. The pursuit of perfection comes at a cost, with stringent rules and unforgiving expectations for staff.
“There’s no pleasure in a four-star dining room, no joviality," the author writes. Servers face a litany of restrictions, from nail polish colors to how they carry a glass. It's a world of extravagance and precision, but also of immense pressure.
Six Days Trapped in a Ravine
Matthew Reum's story is a testament to the will to survive. On a foggy night in Indiana, Reum swerved to avoid what he thought was a deer, sending his truck plunging into a ravine. Trapped and injured, he waited for help that didn't come.
For six agonizing days, Reum remained pinned inside his vehicle, battling the elements and his injuries. His incredible story of resilience is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life.
The Quest for the Perfect Pillow
Finally, we delve into the surprisingly complex world of pillows. Given that we spend a third of our lives sleeping, finding the right pillow is crucial for comfort and support. But navigating the options can be overwhelming.
The article highlights synthetic alternatives to traditional feather and down pillows, particularly beneficial for those with allergies. Top recommendations include the Brightr Nox vegan down pillow, the Hanse Select feather-free pillow, and the Richard Haworth Soft micro-down hypoallergenic pillow. Sweet dreams!