Blueberry Cassava Flour Pancakes

 By: The Food Hunter 

Cassava flour is a delicious grain-free alternative to white flour. It makes amazing pancakes that are significantly healthier than regular pancakes. Say hello to your new favorite healthy breakfast! 

Blueberry Cassava Flour Pancakes

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Cassava flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¾ cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Blueberries

1. In a large bowl, sift cassava flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter and mix until there are no visible lumps. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add blueberries and stir gently.
4. Heat butter on a large griddle pan over medium heat
5. Using a ¼ cup scoop pour batter onto heated pan.
6. Once it starts to bubble 3-4mins, flip and cook an additional 2-3 mins on the other side.

Apple Spelt Muffins

By: The Food Hunter

These Apple Muffins are incredibly moist and loaded with apples. The recipe is simple to make and uses common ingredients found in most pantries. I recommend Bob's Red Mill spelt flour which can typically be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. 

If you are looking for a reason to buy apples this recipe is it. The muffins bake up super moist and are chock-full of cinnamon flavor. I could literally eat one or even two every day!

 

Apple Spelt Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups Spelt flour
• 2-3 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/4 cup oil
  
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 apples, finely chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch of salt 
• cinnamon sugar
  

Step 1
Heat oven to 375 prepare a muffin tin. Peel, core and finely dice apples

Step 2 

Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl

Step 3
Whisk together the egg, oil and vanilla in a small bowl until combined. Combine both wet and dry until smooth.

Step 4
Scoop mixture into muffin tin. This will fill 6 muffin size or 12 cupcake size. 

Step 5

Top each muffin with some cinnamon and sugar and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.

 

Sicilian Wines To Drink While Watching Season 2 of The White Lotus

 By: The Food Hunter

Season 2 of HBO's hit show The White Lotus is proving to be just as clever and quirky as the first. In this season the satire unfolds at an exclusive resort on the picturesque island of Sicily; where once again it follows the insane adventures of guests and employees over the course of a week. Most of the episodes take place at the ornate San Domenico Palace hotel in Taormina; famous for its magnificent outdoor infinity pool. Sicily makes for a gorgeous backdrop, and The White Lotus does a wonderful job showcasing the Mediterranean’s largest island and the remarkable Mount Etna.

If you’ve been keeping up to date with Season 2 shenanigans, you know that wine plays a leading role as some of the characters embark to the region's volcanic vineyards to sip Etna Bianco—a local style of white wine made predominantly from Carricante. The cast is also seen sharing glasses of wine at the infamous Planeta Sciaranuova Winery —located at the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna.

Sicily is truly the crossroads of Mediterranean viticulture, an island with centuries of wine-making deeply ingrained in its culture, a long list of native grape varieties and a wide range of  different landscapes. While you may not be visiting Sicily anytime soon, you can at least drink the wines of the island; most of which can be shipped right to your door from either Wine.com or Roscioli Wine Club.

 Conca, Marabino 2019 Nero d'Avola 

The Marabino winery is located in Noto in the south east of Sicily in the ‘Buonivini’ and ‘Barone’ regions of the renowned DOC districts of ‘Eloro’ and ‘Noto’. Established in 2002 the winery overlooks 35 hectares of vineyards, its terracotta color dominating the surrounding landscape. The winery focuses mainly on the native vines of the region – Moscato di Noto and Nero d’Avola, together with a careful selection of Chardonnay clones. Marabino is now recognised as one of the top producers of fine wines from this area.

 Planeta, La Segreta Il Bianco, Sicilia DOC

Made from a blend of 50% Grecacico, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Viognier 10% Fiano the wine represents one of the most interesting interpretations of Siciliy, carved by one of the oldest wineries; Planeta, whose history as winemakers goes back to the 17th century. Citrus, ripe tropical fruit and an amazing sense of salinity in this wine make it a great introduction to Sicily and the gastronomic treasures that can be found on the island. A clear yellow colour with green hints which anticipate its freshness. Youthful citrus aromas and flowery notes, balanced by lively Mediterranean hints of peach, papaya and chamomile. Pair it with savory foods as well as your salads with bright acidity in the dressing. 

Carricante Terre Siciliane, ValCerasa 
Carricante is a full bodied white wine with power and acidity which pairs perfectly with chicken, duck, fish like swordfish, and a variety of vegetable pasta dishes.

DiGiovanna, "Vurria" Grillo 2020, Sicilia DOC
Siblings Gunther and Klaus Di Giovanna are among producers who are offering curious wine lovers the chance to enjoy their savory white made from Grillo variety. Produced in only 20,000 bottles per year, Di Giovanna “Grillo” Sicilia DOC 2021 is an organic wine which expresses on the nose aromas of citrus, herb and yellow flowers. On the palate it offers freshness and juiciness, with flavors of citrus, white stone fruits and a savory finish. At Di Giovanna they have embraced organic farming already many years ago as many of Sicilia DOC wineries. The appellation actively supports sustainable practices and has played a crucial role in allowing Sicily to become Italy’s first region as far as organic wine production.

A Culonna Etna Rosso, Scirto
Grapes for “A‘Culonna” grow in a vineyard at 600 meters above sea level, in contrada Feudo di Mezzo, where the soil is rich in pumice and also quite stony. This wine pairs well with grilled meats, eggplant parmigiano, and aged cheeses.

Mandrarossa Terre del Sommaco

Terre del Sommaco is part of the Storie ritrovate project conceived with the goal of producing wines from Sicilian native gapes, that represent the true essence of the territories they come from. Terre del Sommaco is made from 100% Nero d'Avola native grape variety grown in the Menfi area on limestone soils. The wine ages for 8 months in concrete tulipe and 19 months in large barrels, which allows for complex aromas where the fruit (cherry, blackberry and pansy) mix with spice and nut aromas. Perfect for stuffed turkey roast, grilled fillet.

A Gift Guide For The Food & Beverage Lover On Your List

 By: The Food Hunter

I received product and/or compensation for posts featuring the products below. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Don't let shopping be a chore this holiday season. I've curated this list of hand selected and used by me items to assist you in your quest for the best specialty food and beverage gifts out there.

Take a look, pick a few and since it’s the gift-giving season why not gift yourself something too!

 

My Favorite Cocktails Book by: The Food Hunter

This small book fits nicely on your home bar and shares over 90 recipes of various spirits that can be mixed easily and enjoyed by all. 

Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Griddle Pan

The 11-Inch Square Griddle pan from Calphalon is made with the new MineralShield™ Nonstick Technology. Made from some of Earth’s hardest minerals these pans are 5X more durable than the previous generation of Calphalon® Classic Nonstick allowing the user to feel more confident about cooking.

Brilla Prosecco DOC

A bubbly that will light up a special moment. 

 Hestan Cookware

Cookware handcrafted in Italy to the highest standards of fit and finish, making this an heirloom quality cookware set.

 

Aberfeldy Single Malt Scotch

A 12-yr-old Single Malt Scotch with a fruity whisky with rich, smooth and approachable taste.

Evolutions in Bread Cookbook, By Ken Forkish

Artisan Pan Breads and Dutch-Oven Loaves at Home is a baking book by the author of Flour Water Salt Yeast, Ken Forkish.

illy Classico Drip Gift Set

Great Jones Rye

A Rye whiskey crafted from 100% New York-grown rye grain and aged in American Oak barrels. The taste is layered with hints of vanilla, dried fruit and iconic rye pepper. A great gift for the Rye drinkers on your list looking for something crafted with ingredients from NY.

Vignoli Italian Food Anthology

Legendary flavors of Italy come together to create this exceptional collection of Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oils that will transport you straight to the rolling hills of the Italian countryside. Fresh, pungent sweet basil, citrusy Sicilian Mandarin orange, zesty lemon, and spicy red pepper infused Extra Virgin Olive Oils showcase the very best of Italy for this specially curated collection.

Stagioni by Olivia Cavalli

A celebration of the vegetables and fruits of Italy. 

 

Cardamaro

A delicious wine-based aperitif, infused with cardoon and blessed thistle

Liberty Beans Coffee Co. Whole Bean Coffee

A family-run coffee bean shop focused on providing premium coffee blends that will captivate your taste buds while helping the community too. All of thier sustainably sourced, premium coffee blends feature a spectrum of worldwide flavors designed to enrich every gourmet mug of fresh roasted coffee.

Robert Mondavi Barrel-Aged Wine

This is for the full-flavored wine lover on your list. The variety pack includes 375ml bottles of the Rye Barrel-Aged Red Blend, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet and a Rum Barrel-Aged Merlot.

Nutr Nut Milk Machine

A gift designed for those looking for a healthy, planet-friendly alternative to traditional dairy or store-bought milks. Designed to work with a variety of ingredients, this plant-based milk machine creates a tasty, nutritious nut milk everyone will love!

Giadzy Gift Boxes 

Everything needed to create Italian food memories at home. Pasta, olive oil, Italian condiments and desserts all in one box.

Redwood Empire Bourbon

Notes of caramel and vanilla on the nose and complex flavors of roasted pecan, tobacco, and a hint of black pepper on the finish. 

 

Circulon Tools Stainless Steel Kitchen Tools with Crock Set

This six-piece set of essential kitchen cooking utensils features a ladle, two spoons, a slotted turner, and a fish turner made from heavy duty, ultra durable stainless steel. Everything needed for the home cook.

 

Castle & Key Restoration Rye

Thoughtful detail from grain to glass

SMEG Coffee Grinder

The SMEG coffee grinder allows you to obtain perfect grind for every type of coffee. 

Rachael Ray Tools & Gadgets Over-the-Sink Stainless Steel Colander

Over-the-sink colander perfect for items of all size.  Now you can easily strain, drain, rinse, and serve.

Emile Henry Modern Bread Cloche

Made from refractory ceramic, the cloche produces the same level of humidity as a traditional bread oven. This is what creates a thick, crispy crust and a light, airy inside. It is the ideal tool for baking your crusty homemade bread! 

Calphalon Performance Air Fry Convection Oven, Countertop Toaster Oven

The Calphalon Performance Air Fry Countertop Oven offers versatility with 11 cooking functions including Air Fry, Bake, Toast, Broil, Roast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Pizza, Reheat, Keep Warm, and Defrost, all in a modern, space-saving design.  

 

Gianduia Crema di Chocolato

A chocolatey liqueur inspired by the pastry chefs of Piedmont. Mix it into cocktails (think Nutella Martini), drizzle it over ice cream or simply drink striaght from the bottle.

 

Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 Cup Food Processor

The 11 Cup Food Processor has a large feed tube and an industrial quality motor and isvbuilt to deliver professional results year after year. With two different slicing discs, a shredding disc, a chopping/mixing blade, and two sizes of pushers, you can make fast work of any recipe prep without breaking a sweat.

 

Fish Fixe

Perfectly portioned, premium seafood delivered to your door.

 Montecillo Wine

A combination of grapes delivers a potent aroma of cherry and bludberry with subtle spice notes. 

 Kruve Espresso Glass

A uniquely hand-blown & purposefully designed glass that gives you a more consistent and aromatic experience with every sip.

 Igourmet Cheese

Igourmet delivers gourmet cheese sourced from around the world.

Carandini Vinegar Products

Authentically Italian, the Carandini family offers a range of hand-crafted balsamic vinegar products created according to an age-old family tradition.

Arrowhead Mills Flour

A trusted organic brand flour that comes in several varities.

Templeton Rye

Balanced, velvety, and rich, with pepper, fruit, brown sugar and honey.

 

Board & Company

Hand-crafted, customizable charcuterie boards delivered to your door.

Hudson Rye Whiskey

New York's first straight rye whiskey in nearly a century. Bold and spicy, with notes of citrus and honey and a bright mint finish.

Prairie Street Prime

From source to seal, each step in our process is thoughtfully curated and Star-K approved to ensure your meat strictly adheres to kosher protocols.

Basil Hayden Bourbon

A light an approachable bourbon. 

Simple Pasta Cookbook by Odette Williams

A gorgeous collection of simple, tasty pasta recipe.

North Italia Gift Card

A family friendly restaurant known for their hand-crafted modern approach to Italian dining. Purchase  $100 worth of holiday gift cards will receive a complimentary $20 bonus card.

Balls Pantry Jars

Airtight stack-able jars to keep your pantry organized.

Quinta Da Leda Wine

A superior quality wine defined by its complexity and elegance.

Via Carota Cookbook by Williams and Sodi

A celebration of seasonal cooking. 

Campari Brands 

Campari, Averna and Cynar something for everyone depending on the flavor profile you are looking for.

Chemistry Pinot Noir Rose

A Bubblicious pinot noir rose with notes of watermelon and tart strawberry.

FERRARI PERLÉ

A vintage Trentodoc of indisputable quality, obtained exclusively from carefully selected Chardonnay grapes. It is seductive and elegant, with a very persistent velvety texture.

The Only Five Wines You Need This Thanksgiving

By: The Food Hunter

Are you still pondering over which wine will pair with your Thanksgiving feast? The 5 wines below are my choices. Tell me what you think.

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ($16) is a wine that showcases everything fresh and vibrant. This wine pairs well with roasted turkey and green bean casserole.

ASCHERI LANGHE NEBBIOLO SAN GIACOMO 2021 ($25) This ruby red color wine has an elegant bouquet, spicy and floral with velvety notes of violets and roses. It pairs well with lasagna or other pasta dishes.

Rubinelli Vajol Valpolicella Classico Superiore A lighter wine that offers a great pairing for the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Valdo Marca Oro Brut Prosecco DOC ($15) This Prosecco is characterized by a crispy palate and aromatic fruit flavors it compliments most light appetizers and seafood dishes. 

 

Ferrari Rosé ($37) On the nose this wine exudes refined hints of wild strawberries and redcurrants, and on the palate, it's fresh and fruity. It pairs well with desserts featuring fruit and nuts.