I don't maintain a home bar, more of a selection of flasks hidden in cupboards so that I don't find them all should I bring people back at 3 in the morning when all sensibility is gone.
Unlike food, where freshness is key, liquor maintains for an extended period - not 'forever' as some people imagine but long enough for the right occasion to occur. As such it's easy to build up a bit of a collection when you have the funds and enjoy it when you don't.
Anybody who reacts to the following list by questioning the 'essential' nature of the items needs to grow up. Fast.
Spirits/Liqueurs
Young Cuban Rum (e.g. Havana Club, Matusalem) - Dry, fresh, citrusy and the perfect answer to a hot, sunny day. The bottle really should say 'just add lime.'
If it were a sportstar: Cuban all star high jumper Javier Sotomayor - lively, zesty and, in his field, unmatched.
Peaty Islay Malt (e.g. Lagavulin, Ardbeg) - Full of character and conversation.
If it were a sportstar: Scottish former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly - Fiery and assertive but after the initial venom, makes perfect sense.
Aperol - Maybe it's just me, but I adore this stuff. Made with bitter orange and rhubarb and, at just about 11% ABV, essentially harmless.
If it were a sportstar: Former Italian footballer and current West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola - lightweight and a little camp but pound-for-pound genius.
Dry Gin (e.g. Tanqueray, Millers) - Not just for your gran.
If it were a sportstar: Gold medal ice skater Jayne Torvill - Classically English, reserved, elegant and always better on ice with a partner.
Something Special - It's no fun if there's not one item that makes you salivate at the thought of its rare nectar. Perhaps a 20 year old Brora or Chateau Audry XO or some Grappa (notes taken from last year's letter to Santa).
If it were a sportstar: Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo - Seems like a luxury at first and you always pay through the nose but worth every penny.
Wines
Brut Champagne (e.g. Henriot, Billecart-Salmon, Ruinart) - Even cheap champagne is reasonably expensive and the market is full of pretty average mass produced options. If you get it right, you'll forget the need for a celebration.
If it were a sportstar: Former world's most expensive footballer Zinedine Zidane - Undeniably French despite roots elsewhere, travels well and definitely the man for the big occasion.
Alsatian Riesling (e.g. Weinbach, Zind-Humbrecht) - Pure, steely focused white wines that match so many dishes and are also delicious on their lonesome.
If it were a sportstar: Five-time Tour de France and Giro d'Italia winner Eddy Merckx - Racy, intense, classy and versatile.
Chianti (eg. Montegiachi, Cellole) - Perfect food wines made from Sangiovese and now, particularly from the 01' and 04' vintages, fantastic value.
If it were a sportstar: Inter Milan- Did not offer a lot in the eighties and nineties but now, with new direction, better than ever.
Australian Cabernet Sauvignon (e.g. Mitolo, Heartland) - Ripe, voluptuous stand-alone wines to savour.
If it were a sportstar: Aussie swimmer and triple gold medalist Stephanie Rice - Dark, muscular, sexy and at the height of her powers.
Red Burgundy (e.g. Antonin Rodet, Rollin) - Delicate and brilliant wines that can stretch the purse strings but everybody, everybody should get the chance to try some of the best wines from the region.
If it were a sportstar: Refined waistcoat wearing Tennis ace Roger Federer - Best. Ever.
Fortified
Dry Sherry (e.g. Lustau) - Daphne: What about someone from your wine club?
Frasier: Oh well truth be told Daphne, those people are insufferable bores unless they have a glass in their hands. Sherry, Niles?
Niles: Please.
If it were a sportstar: Former Spanish footballer Luis Suarez - Almost forgotten now but used to be all the rage and even in modern viewing, genius.
Single Quinta Port (e.g. Vesuvio, Roriz) - Bold, rich and modern wines that are an inexpensive alternative to proper vintage port.
If it were a sportstar: Inter Mialn boss Jose Mourinho - Not been around long but here to stay and always good value.
Recioto/TBA/Sauternes/PX....or some such sticky dessert wine - As a fan of seemingly everlasting dinners, an excuse for another course or drink is too good to pass up.
If it were a sportstar: Golfer Miguel Jimenez - Good fun and always better with a cigar.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Beta Blagging: Kitchen Essentials
I found myself cooking earlier and became mildly enraged at the lack of ingredients that I presumed would be in my kitchen. I blame the anger on the heat emitting from the stove but either way, once I’d cooked and eaten my dinner I decided to write a shopping list for tomorrow to replenish the larder.
Here’s the list, supplemented by the items that I find equally essential:
Bottles
Olive Oil - Can’t remember the last time I cooked and didn’t use some. Probably never.
Balsamic Vinegar - For salads and strawberries. Trust me on the latter.
Sherry Vinegar - Amazing stuff. Makes the mediocre instantly interesting.
Red Wine Vinegar - Only started using it a couple of years ago. I resign the previous years to amateurism.
Vermouth - Far more useful than white wine in my opinion.
Soy Sauce - The Asian sensation. Soy + Tuna = Always good.
Tabasco - Spicy wonderfulness. It’s about flavour people.
Herbs/Spices
Sea Salt - What will kill me. Totally worth it.
Pepper - It won’t kill me. But I’d let it.
Paprika - Spanish for ‘yes please.’ Also a part of my not so secret olive marinade recipe.
Fresh Basil/Parsley/Rosemary/Thyme/Oregano - More important than most people think. Dried substitutes tend to lack flavour and any fresh herb can enliven fresh fish and seafood more than any other ingredient.
Fruit/Vegetables
Limes - Ok, so I’m more common to seeing them accompanying Rum, Gin, Tequila…but they offer a more subtle and often more appropriate citrus alternative to lemon.
Lemons - Can you imagine a world without it?
Tomatoes - For everything.
Red Pepper - For everything part II.
Melon - More of a luxury, but, when in season, irresistible
Broccoli - Underrated.
Garlic - I am Italian…
Celery - Not just for the health conscious. Peppery, crunchy and energising. Really.
Red Onion - A Mediterranean staple.
Avocado - Full of good fats, potassium and fibre. More importantly, full of options.
Aubergine - Cook the hell out of it. Then cook it some more.
Cucumber - Preferably Mediterranean or Persian as they pack that much more punch.
Potatoes - A thousand ways to cook them and they all taste good.
Preserved
Tinned Anchovies - Far more than a pizza topping.
Dried Chilli - Spice is not always to be over subscribed to but most chillies aren’t all that hot.
Canned Tomatoes - For sauces.
Capers - More…more…a little more…more…
Chicken Stock - I’ve made my own stock a few times but hey, I’m a very part-time blogger now so who’s got the time?
Dijon Mustard - It stings the nostrils…
Meat/Fish
Bacon - Just the fat alone is a necessity. Pretty good for bacon sarnies too.
Parma Ham/Iberico Ham - Don’t wrap stuff in it. Just eat it.
Tuna Steaks - Any fresh fish is great but in the absence of a local monger or market, tuna keeps well and is very versatile.
Ribeye Steak - Having been a vegetarian for my formative years, I find myself still getting excited by steak pretty much daily. Ribeyes offer an excellent balance between flavour, fat and price.
Dairy
Feta - Simon, Jason…this is for you. And so much more.
Creme Fraiche/Greek Yoghurt - Making your own tzatziki or salad dressing begins here. Also a fantastic replacement for milk in scrambled eggs (more to come on that).
Mozzarella - I could add parenthesis to the end of each statement stating…(quality of ingredient is key)…applies here as much as anywhere.
Butter - Fat is good. Not too much but don’t be afraid of it.
Milk - Add cereal and eat morning, noon and night.
Grains
Arborio Rice - For Risotto’s, king of dishes.
Pasta - Came home one day when there wasn’t any. It was hard to even type that.
Fresh Bread - Sandwiches aren’t snacks, they’re a way of life.
Ramen Noodles - Quick, easy and delicious.
Other
Hummus/Pesto - Neither are difficult to make but both sit in tubs in my fridge.
Eggs - Scrambled would be my preference if you’re thinking of making breakfast.
Brown Sugar - I prefer savoury to sweet but many sauces need sugar for balance.
Pine Nuts - Always berated my mother for putting them in everything but it seems to have rubbed off. She’ll be glad something did.
Here’s the list, supplemented by the items that I find equally essential:
Bottles
Olive Oil - Can’t remember the last time I cooked and didn’t use some. Probably never.
Balsamic Vinegar - For salads and strawberries. Trust me on the latter.
Sherry Vinegar - Amazing stuff. Makes the mediocre instantly interesting.
Red Wine Vinegar - Only started using it a couple of years ago. I resign the previous years to amateurism.
Vermouth - Far more useful than white wine in my opinion.
Soy Sauce - The Asian sensation. Soy + Tuna = Always good.
Tabasco - Spicy wonderfulness. It’s about flavour people.
Herbs/Spices
Sea Salt - What will kill me. Totally worth it.
Pepper - It won’t kill me. But I’d let it.
Paprika - Spanish for ‘yes please.’ Also a part of my not so secret olive marinade recipe.
Fresh Basil/Parsley/Rosemary/Thyme/Oregano - More important than most people think. Dried substitutes tend to lack flavour and any fresh herb can enliven fresh fish and seafood more than any other ingredient.
Fruit/Vegetables
Limes - Ok, so I’m more common to seeing them accompanying Rum, Gin, Tequila…but they offer a more subtle and often more appropriate citrus alternative to lemon.
Lemons - Can you imagine a world without it?
Tomatoes - For everything.
Red Pepper - For everything part II.
Melon - More of a luxury, but, when in season, irresistible
Broccoli - Underrated.
Garlic - I am Italian…
Celery - Not just for the health conscious. Peppery, crunchy and energising. Really.
Red Onion - A Mediterranean staple.
Avocado - Full of good fats, potassium and fibre. More importantly, full of options.
Aubergine - Cook the hell out of it. Then cook it some more.
Cucumber - Preferably Mediterranean or Persian as they pack that much more punch.
Potatoes - A thousand ways to cook them and they all taste good.
Preserved
Tinned Anchovies - Far more than a pizza topping.
Dried Chilli - Spice is not always to be over subscribed to but most chillies aren’t all that hot.
Canned Tomatoes - For sauces.
Capers - More…more…a little more…more…
Chicken Stock - I’ve made my own stock a few times but hey, I’m a very part-time blogger now so who’s got the time?
Dijon Mustard - It stings the nostrils…
Meat/Fish
Bacon - Just the fat alone is a necessity. Pretty good for bacon sarnies too.
Parma Ham/Iberico Ham - Don’t wrap stuff in it. Just eat it.
Tuna Steaks - Any fresh fish is great but in the absence of a local monger or market, tuna keeps well and is very versatile.
Ribeye Steak - Having been a vegetarian for my formative years, I find myself still getting excited by steak pretty much daily. Ribeyes offer an excellent balance between flavour, fat and price.
Dairy
Feta - Simon, Jason…this is for you. And so much more.
Creme Fraiche/Greek Yoghurt - Making your own tzatziki or salad dressing begins here. Also a fantastic replacement for milk in scrambled eggs (more to come on that).
Mozzarella - I could add parenthesis to the end of each statement stating…(quality of ingredient is key)…applies here as much as anywhere.
Butter - Fat is good. Not too much but don’t be afraid of it.
Milk - Add cereal and eat morning, noon and night.
Grains
Arborio Rice - For Risotto’s, king of dishes.
Pasta - Came home one day when there wasn’t any. It was hard to even type that.
Fresh Bread - Sandwiches aren’t snacks, they’re a way of life.
Ramen Noodles - Quick, easy and delicious.
Other
Hummus/Pesto - Neither are difficult to make but both sit in tubs in my fridge.
Eggs - Scrambled would be my preference if you’re thinking of making breakfast.
Brown Sugar - I prefer savoury to sweet but many sauces need sugar for balance.
Pine Nuts - Always berated my mother for putting them in everything but it seems to have rubbed off. She’ll be glad something did.
Monday, 22 June 2009
The Top Twenty of Twenty20
The top 20 players from the twenty20 world cup
20. Abdul Razzaq, Pakistan - Not even in the original squad, Razzaq was one of the catalysts for Pakistan’s run of form to the title and took 3 key wickets to restrict the Sri Lankans in the final.
19. Niall O’Brien, Ireland - An aggressive presence who always seems to perform when his country upset the major powers. 6 dismissals and 81 runs including an excellent 40 in beating Bangladesh.
18. Kevin Petersen, England - The only English batsman that appeared to truly grasp the nature of twenty20 at this level. His side’s top scorer in their two victories and not present in their humbling defeat to the Dutch.
17. Dale Steyn, South Africa - Took wickets in every game (9 in total) and, along with Wayne Parnell, formed a formidable and slightly moody opening pairing for the Proteas.
16.Yuvraj Singh, India - Hit the most sixes (9) and furthered his reputation as one of crickets most fearsome hitters but couldn’t quite match his feats from the last World Cup and fire the 2007 champions to another final. Stuart Broad can probably sleep easy now.
15. Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka - He may not be quite as terrifying as the Murali of old but even at the age of 37 managed to take 9 wickets at an economy rate of 5.85. Something about form being temporary but class...
14. Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka - Unfortunate to be on the losing side after such a strong, mature innings in the final (64 off 52 when his team were floundering) but captained his side well throughout and had 9 dismissals.
13. Roelof Van der Merwe, South Africa - 10 wickets at under a run a ball combined with some great catches for the burly spinner.
12.Wayne Parnell, South Africa - Given a large level of responsibility at the tender age of 19 and returned the faith shown with 9 wickets at a rate of under 6 an over. Surely a star of the future.
11. Younis Khan, Pakistan - Retired immediately after the tournament citing being ‘too old for this kind of cricket.’ Held together numerous innings throughout and, with a few exceptions, did a stellar job of captaining a team that appears unmanageable at times.
10. Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka - ‘The Slingers’ lethal combination of yorker, bouncer and particularly his slower ball made fools of opposing hitters and brought him 12 wickets.
9. AB de Villiers, South Africa - A wonderfully gifted player who exemplifies the modern game. Dynamic with the bat (strike rate of 155 lead all players who scored more than 60 runs) and in the field (5 catches), he puts virtually every opposition bowler and batsmen under duress.
8. Chris Gayle, West Indies - 151 runs came in just two innings, the West Indies first and last of the tournament, but there is arguably no more likely a match winner in world cricket. Oh yeah, and he can hit the ball really, really hard.
7. Saeed Ajmal, Pakistan - The off-spinner is a late arrival to the international scene but looked anything but out of place as he accrued 12 wickets with an economy rate of 5.82. Along with Afridi, held the key to the middle-over pressure created by Pakistan.
6. Dwayne Bravo, West Indies - The energy of the team. 154 runs, 66 not out off just 36 balls in their victory over India, and 10 wickets. Another who seems at home in the twenty20 format.
5. Jacques Kallis, South Africa - 2nd highest run scorer (238 runs at an average of 59.5) and kept his team in their semi-final against Pakistan. Chipped in with 3 wickets and appears to be getting back to his best after a poor 2008.
4. Ajantha Mendis, Sri Lanka - A real find over the past year. His deliveries were seemingly impossible to read, backed up by an economy rate of 5.5 and 12 wickets at an average of 11.91.
3.Umar Gul - Bowler of the tournament. Took the most wickets (13) for the second straight World Cup, including a record 5 for 6 against New Zealand, and was incredibly consistent in the high-pressure late innings.
2. Dilshan Tillakaratne, Sri Lanka - Lead the competition with 317 runs including a tournament best 96 not out in their semi-final victory over the West Indies. All this and still able to ‘invent’ a new shot - The Dilshan (although its just an incarnation of ‘the ramp’ if you ask me). Should be remembered for everything but his duck in the final.
1. Shahid Afridi, Pakistan - Batsman, bowler, talisman, fairytale hero. This version of the game seems tailor made for ’Boom Boom’ and, with 11 wickets at a miserly 5.32 economy rate, 176 runs and match-winning performances in both the semi-final and final, unquestionably the man of the tournament.
20. Abdul Razzaq, Pakistan - Not even in the original squad, Razzaq was one of the catalysts for Pakistan’s run of form to the title and took 3 key wickets to restrict the Sri Lankans in the final.
19. Niall O’Brien, Ireland - An aggressive presence who always seems to perform when his country upset the major powers. 6 dismissals and 81 runs including an excellent 40 in beating Bangladesh.
18. Kevin Petersen, England - The only English batsman that appeared to truly grasp the nature of twenty20 at this level. His side’s top scorer in their two victories and not present in their humbling defeat to the Dutch.
17. Dale Steyn, South Africa - Took wickets in every game (9 in total) and, along with Wayne Parnell, formed a formidable and slightly moody opening pairing for the Proteas.
16.Yuvraj Singh, India - Hit the most sixes (9) and furthered his reputation as one of crickets most fearsome hitters but couldn’t quite match his feats from the last World Cup and fire the 2007 champions to another final. Stuart Broad can probably sleep easy now.
15. Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka - He may not be quite as terrifying as the Murali of old but even at the age of 37 managed to take 9 wickets at an economy rate of 5.85. Something about form being temporary but class...
14. Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka - Unfortunate to be on the losing side after such a strong, mature innings in the final (64 off 52 when his team were floundering) but captained his side well throughout and had 9 dismissals.
13. Roelof Van der Merwe, South Africa - 10 wickets at under a run a ball combined with some great catches for the burly spinner.
12.Wayne Parnell, South Africa - Given a large level of responsibility at the tender age of 19 and returned the faith shown with 9 wickets at a rate of under 6 an over. Surely a star of the future.
11. Younis Khan, Pakistan - Retired immediately after the tournament citing being ‘too old for this kind of cricket.’ Held together numerous innings throughout and, with a few exceptions, did a stellar job of captaining a team that appears unmanageable at times.
10. Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka - ‘The Slingers’ lethal combination of yorker, bouncer and particularly his slower ball made fools of opposing hitters and brought him 12 wickets.
9. AB de Villiers, South Africa - A wonderfully gifted player who exemplifies the modern game. Dynamic with the bat (strike rate of 155 lead all players who scored more than 60 runs) and in the field (5 catches), he puts virtually every opposition bowler and batsmen under duress.
8. Chris Gayle, West Indies - 151 runs came in just two innings, the West Indies first and last of the tournament, but there is arguably no more likely a match winner in world cricket. Oh yeah, and he can hit the ball really, really hard.
7. Saeed Ajmal, Pakistan - The off-spinner is a late arrival to the international scene but looked anything but out of place as he accrued 12 wickets with an economy rate of 5.82. Along with Afridi, held the key to the middle-over pressure created by Pakistan.
6. Dwayne Bravo, West Indies - The energy of the team. 154 runs, 66 not out off just 36 balls in their victory over India, and 10 wickets. Another who seems at home in the twenty20 format.
5. Jacques Kallis, South Africa - 2nd highest run scorer (238 runs at an average of 59.5) and kept his team in their semi-final against Pakistan. Chipped in with 3 wickets and appears to be getting back to his best after a poor 2008.
4. Ajantha Mendis, Sri Lanka - A real find over the past year. His deliveries were seemingly impossible to read, backed up by an economy rate of 5.5 and 12 wickets at an average of 11.91.
3.Umar Gul - Bowler of the tournament. Took the most wickets (13) for the second straight World Cup, including a record 5 for 6 against New Zealand, and was incredibly consistent in the high-pressure late innings.
2. Dilshan Tillakaratne, Sri Lanka - Lead the competition with 317 runs including a tournament best 96 not out in their semi-final victory over the West Indies. All this and still able to ‘invent’ a new shot - The Dilshan (although its just an incarnation of ‘the ramp’ if you ask me). Should be remembered for everything but his duck in the final.
1. Shahid Afridi, Pakistan - Batsman, bowler, talisman, fairytale hero. This version of the game seems tailor made for ’Boom Boom’ and, with 11 wickets at a miserly 5.32 economy rate, 176 runs and match-winning performances in both the semi-final and final, unquestionably the man of the tournament.
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