Mediterranean Herbs – The Rocket

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:30:13 +0000

This mustard-like plant with pale yellow or whitish petals is cultivated as a salad plant. The plant part used are the seeds, 1 to 2 mm in diameter. Although called “white mustard”, the seeds are yellow to light brown. Some people believe that the seeds make an excellent salad, others, however, detest their pungent taste. Nevertheless, the plant has captured the imagination of Italian, Greek and American gourmets.

Its Latin name derives from the Roman verb urere meaning “to burn” and refers to its pungent taste. Agapios Monachos the Cretan (15th c. A.D.) reports: “The rocket, cress, and celery are hot and good for digestion. They tempt the flesh and cause headaches, [therefore] it is best to consume them with such cold greens as purslane, lettuce, and chicory…” It is consumed raw, rocket stimulates the appetite.

Pick the fresh leaves before the plant blossoms to get the most out of their pungent taste. Always buy little bunches where the leaves are fresh and whole. Keep the bunches of rocket in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

The rocket flourishes mainly in hot climates, mainly in the Mediterranean, where 3-4 species have been recorded. The plant is easily cultivated from seeds which should be planted at some distance. Water regularly. For better results sow the seeds during the winter. If you sow in sunny locations, harvesting can take place in 4-5 weeks. Transplanting the rocket is not recommended. All three species can be found in the market.

The fresh piquant rocket leaves are used in Italy with a touch of vinegar, olive oil for meat or pasta stuffing. Mixing rocket leaves with lettuce, purslane, tomatoes, dill and fresh broad beans or onions makes an excellent salad.
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Melitta One Cup Coffee Maker

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:03:49 +0000

Instead of purchasing your cup of coffee in a cafe, use single serve coffee brewers like the Melitta One Cup Coffee Maker to make your own cup of coffee from the convenience of your own home.

This is a good investment because not only will it save you a lot of your time, it will also give you big savings.

The Melitta One Cup Coffee Maker is one of the first coffee pod brewers introduced in the United States. This brewer has been redesigned to have a more modern look (it now resembles a rocket ship) and aside from making an excellent coffee brew, it can also brew tea.

There are two variants of the new Melitta One Cup Coffee brewer available: the MES5B and MES2R.

Despite the coffee maker being loaded with features, brewing coffee with it is as easy as 1-2-3. It is a one pod brewing system that allows the user to brew directly into one or two coffee cups.

Its brew chamber can accommodate single serve and double serve coffee pod holders. You can choose your brew size from the 5, 8, and 14 oz range available.

Most coffee connoisseurs recommend setting to the 5oz for a strong cup and 8oz size for a regular cup of coffee. Another added element is the auto shut-off after brewing feature so there is no need for the user to worry about the coffee brewing when he leaves the coffee machine while it is still in the brewing process.

Brewing time takes about 45 to 60 seconds and the brew temperature is consistent between 185 to 195F. One notable difference and improvement from the original version is that the new Melitta one now has a universal pod holder that accepts other pod sizes, including the 62mm pod.

Previously, the Melitta One only accepted their own brand java pods. Now, it can be paired with premium coffee blends such as those from Green Mountain coffee, she will unfailingly produce rich, flavorful coffee one cup at a time.

The best thing about this machine is the fact that it is so affordable, with a retail price ranging from $35-45 for MES2R and $50 for the MES5B.

With that price to beat, you would be crazy to choose any other machines coffee in the market and not to make her a staple in your home kitchen. It also comes in a variety of colors – red, white, and black – to match your home kitchen decor.
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The Rocket Stop » Food And Drink

Mediterranean Herbs – The Rocket

Melitta One Cup Coffee Maker