The right knife for the job.

I’m sure there is many a person out there reading this now who has watched their fair share of cooking shows like; Mastechef or Top Chef .  Watching intently as the various recipes are being made by the contestants, admiring the knives they use under pressure to cut their protein or delicately score the skin of a sumptuous cut of pork belly.

Now you are thinking it’s your turn to take the next step in your culinary journey, maybe to make a living of it and maybe just to up your game in your kitchen at home.   Well what better way to begin by building up your collection of chef knives.  

Finding the right knife is really important as there is a massive difference between a good knife and a great knife.  The quality may not be visible immediately but give it one to two months and you will start to see the difference in quality.  So this is where we come in.  The Quick Ten know you are serious about cooking so we have not mucked around here, we have gone straight for proven quality in creating this Top 10 list.

Nenox Karin Gyutou

Wusthof Classic

Global GF-33

Tojiro-DP Gyutou

MAC Brand Mighty

Misono UX10 Gyutou

Shun DM0706 Classic

J.A. Henckels

Chroma Type 301

Rober Welch Signature

The wine growing region of Sicily

Italy is famous for many things like; pizza, pasta, passionate people, mafia, the Roman Empire, and ancient architecture to name a few.  But it also produces some of the finest wine this world has to offer, with it being served in some of the finest restaurants and bars.

Italy has some of the oldest wine grown regions in the world with the production of wine starting back in 800AD when viticulture was introduced in Sicily by the Mycenaean Greeks.  The climate and soil is often reflected in the wines created here with it commonly being described as a “touch of the land” in every bottle, or in basic terms, earthiness.

So to help you cut through the plethora of their popular Bianco (white) and Rosso (red) wines we have collated a list of the best wines they have to offer.  We have not broken it down into red or white wine but included them together in the one list and matched it with one of our preferred recipes (or take a look at these great recipes from Masterchef), which will compliment the earthy undertones. Buon appetito!

Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon – Produced by Tenuta San Guido which works well with a winter warmer: Italian Sausage Soup

San Angelo Toscana Pinot Grigio – Produced by Castello Banfi and is a good food match with: Cioppino

Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese – Produced by Masi and with it’s deep rich flavor works well with: Salt Encrusted Prime Rib Roast

Peppoli Chianti Classico – Produced by Antinori with this refined Chianti going well with: Chili Rubbed Pork Tenderloin With Apricot Ginger Glaze

La Segreta Rosso – Produced by Planeta which could be drank with a nice meal of: Cajun Crawfish and Shrimp Etouffe 

Moscato D’Asti – Produced by Saracco and will sit nicely after a desert like: Strawberry Cheesecake 

Malvira Roero Arneis - Produced by Saglietto and could be paired with: Wild Salmon

Chianti Classico Riserva – Produced by Il Molino di Grace and works well with: Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Moscato d’Asti Scrapona – Produced by Marenco with this light sparkling white going well with: Astoria Crab Pasta

Anselma Barolo – Produced by Famiglia this red wine could be matched with: Sausage and Bean Ragout

Counting calories is unhealthy!

Let’s face it, keeping healthy is some what of a weighty issue (excuse the pun) these days and not the most enjoyable part of our lives. Watching calories, not eating too much, going to the gym, staying away from the booze etc etc etc.   Sometimes it even feels like its a full time job but as we all know there is no gain without a little pain (mental or physical).

So if you are looking to kick start your healthy lifestyle and get back in shape then why not start by researching what some of the most famous celebrities are doing? Sure they might have a few personal trainers here and there but they are also the type of people that will only use a diet if it works (or if they are paid an inordinate amount of endorsement money by companies like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers).  If the diet’s didn’t work then they might not pick up that next movie deal and oh the drama that would cause them.

One thing is for sure with this top ten list, is that we have not included the “sell you soul” approach to dieting that Kirstie Alley has shown over the years.  We have looked at the research and provided the best celebrities diets that we think could be a  real option for you but as always remember to check with your doctor if you have any health issues or concerns.

5-Factor Diet: Celebrities on this total fitness and food diet include;  Lady Gaga, Megan Fox, Halle Berry  - Try it Out

The Dukan diet: A high protein diet that is essentially the French version of the Atkins but it’s broken up into four key phases. Kate Middleton used the diet before her wedding, need we say more? – Try it Out

The Macrobiotic Diet: An evolution of a Japanese diet which is focused on high fibre and low fat. Includes celebrities like; Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna – Try it Out

The Raw Food Diet: Pretty self explanatory but loved by celebrities like; Demi Moore, Alicia Silverstone, Carol Alt. – Try it Out

The Zone Diet: Staying away from the junk food (no brainer) and then making sure you have 3 small meals and 2 snacks a day is less strict diet which attracts celebrities like: Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston. – Try it Out

6 Week Body Makeover: It has a body blueprinting system which essentially means you will have custom meals created to your body type and has attracted the mother of all dieters, Oprah Winfrey – Try it Out

3 Hour Diet: Eating small meals every three hours has attracted celebrities like; Jessica Biel, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez – Try it Out

Hamptons Diet: Mixing up a healthy mix of carbs and sufficient protein this diet has attracted celebrities like: Sarah Jessica Parker, Renee Zellweger – Try it Out

Sonoma Diet: One of the more attractive diets as it fits in with your lifestyle hence why the following star use it; Jessica Alba, Salma Hayek – Try it Out

Blood Group Diet: This one is a little on the strange side as it tailors diet based on blood type but seems to be working for celebrities like; Courtney Cox, Liz Hurley – Try it Out

The coffee machine brand 'Elektra'

Coffee has become one of the biggest beverage industries in the world spreading far and wide, giving it’s energizing hit with gay abandon.  Crazy to think that coffee’s origins started back in the 13th century in the country of Ethiopia, eventually spreading through Europe and the world.

With the spread of the black elixir came the love for; what it could do, how it could smell and what it could taste like. This love for coffee has driven people to take it home with them to brew in favor of trusting their local Barista.  Not only has this given these people the benefit of experimentation of the perfect brew but also the ability to help them with their hangover without leaving the comfort of their abode. 

So if you are considering forgoing the local coffee shop and bringing a coffee machine into your kitchen?  Then this top ten list is going to help you choose the best possible coffee machine for your taste buds and budget.

Try these amazing organic coffee beans!

1. Elektra: This is the best in terms of design, pedigree, features and is sure to impress the people you choose to entertain.  A must for the coffee nut! – View Now
   
2. Luca Trazzi XI: Not only does it provide classic retro looks but it makes amazing coffee.  We should know as we have one and have done for quite a while. - View Now
3. Bugatti Diva: The design is not merely a gimmick, the shape helps spread heat to the top to heat the coffee cups and keep them and the perfect temperature for making the perfect brew. – View Now
4. Rancilio Silvia: Just make sure you get a great coffee grinder to ensure you utilize this little gem of a coffee machine. – View Now
5. DeLonghi: They may not be the best looking coffee machines but they are certainly the best value for money in terms of cost and quality of coffee produced. – View Now
6. Miele: Whilst this might break your budget a little bit, it is truly one of the finer coffee machines in the market that will make you as good if not better then in Barista within a 5 mile radius. – View Now
7. Gaggia  Titanium Super Automatic: We are not big fans of automatic coffee machines that require zero intelligence or passion to operate but if you are in need of a great coffee and quickly in the morning then this one is our pick – View Now
8. Saeco Aroma: Although not brimming with features it offers great value for money and can whip up a mighty fine coffee. – View Now
9. Nespresso CitiZ: A stylish, small, yet simple addition to your kitchen.  Probably for the lazy Barista is us but hey if the coffee is good then who cares. – View Now
10. Phillips Senseo: The main reason why this machine has made the list is becuase of it’s size or lack there of.  If you are short on space and a bit of cash then this one is for you. – View Now

These two made the TV Masterchef format popular

Masterchef – Get recipes from this show: Masterchef at Home

Gordan Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares - See where it all began:Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares: Complete UK Series 1

Top Chef - Get recipes from this show: Top Chef The Cookbook

Hell’s Kitchen - Get recipes from this show: Damn Good Food: 157 Recipes from Hell’s Kitchen

Nigella Bites - Get recipes from this show: Nigella Bites: From Family Meals to Elegant Dinners

Top Chef Masters - Get recipes from this show:How to Cook Like a Top Chef

The Naked Chef - Get recipes from this show: The Naked Chef

Iron Chef - Get recipes from this show: Iron Chef America/Supreme Cuisine

Great British Menu - Get recipes from this show: The Great British Menu Cookbook: Book 2

The Next Food Network Star - Taken a look behind the scenes with: Food Network Star: The Official Insider’s Guide to America’s Hottest Food Show

Bangers and Mash anyone?

Comfort food is the type of thing to serve on a cold winter’s day after a game of footy, when you are ill or just plain hung over and feel like shit.

Wholesome comfort food evokes childhood memories, so everyone’s idea of comfort food differs slightly, especially if from another country. A good pie often hits the mark for the Anglo Saxon Kiwi, the sexy Swedes love a good meat ball, paella or churros in Spain and goulash in Hungary.

Comfort food isn’t supposed to be the healthiest. Usually it is hot, sometimes it is meaty, sometimes its sweet but it always cheers you up, so if you’re feeling glum try one of these and stop being a miserable sod.

Check out all your comfort food recipes here!

1. Apple and rhubarb crumble with custard
2. Soup (chicken, bacon and vege, onion)
3. Macaronni cheese
4. Bangers (sausages) and mash with onion gravy
5. Roast dinner with all the trimmings – Beef, chicken, lamb or pork
6. Hot chocolate pudding
7. Baked potatoes
8. Beef stew and dumplings, (any stew chicken chasseur, coq au vin, beef n guinness, beef bourguinon
9. Toast and egg
10. Cottage pie (not to be confused with cottaging)

My pot is bigger than yours!

Are you an avid fan of the hit series Top Chef (now fast approaching double figures in terms of series)?  Have you always agreed with what Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and Padma Lakshmi had had to say about the contestants and their recipes? Well don’t worry about what they have to say, as we have sifted through the episodes and got what we think are the Top Ten Recipes from the show.

No longer will your dinner parties lack panache or excitement as you start perfecting the below dishes to wow your guests.  Just remember to make sure you have all the right ingredients and utensils for the job so that you don’t have to make your way to the local takeaway joint.

So with out further a due here are the best recipes delivered by the Top Chef contestants:

1. Crispy Gulf Snapper with Pulled Pork & Citrus Grits by Richard Blais – Recipe and Utensils required
2. BBQ Kobe Beef with Cardamom, Tomato and Ginger Broth by Jennifer Carroll and Kevin Gillespie – Recipe and Utensils Required
3. Quinoa Pasta with Salsa Verde, Gremolata and Tomatoes by Michael Chiarello – Recipe and Utensils required
4. NY Strip with Red Wine Reduction, Beets, Truffles and Herbs by Jennifer Carroll – Recipe and Utensils required
5. Calamari Steak, Scallops, Salmon, Shiitake, Shiso with Rice Noodle Salad by Jennifer Carroll – Recipe and Utensils required
6. Slow Baked Turbot, Eggplant Caviar & Black Olive Jus by Ed Cotton - Recipe and Utensils required
7. Steamed Mussels, Yukon Gold and Blue Potatoes with Lemongrass Potato Sauce by Jennifer Carroll – Recipe and Utensils required
8. Chorizo, Bacon and Tongue Tacos with Guacamole and Pickled Onions by Rick Bayless – Recipe and Utensils required
9. Crispy Lamb Chop with Artichoke 3 Ways by Tre Wilcox and Richard Blais – Recipe and Utensils required
10. Sous Vide Chicken, Mushrooms, Yams, Lobster Sauce, & Lobster Hash by Mike Isabella -Recipe and Utensils required

Two more beers please sir.

There are many culinary treats in this world that make eating food an absolute pleasure.  But striping it right back to basics, there are some combinations of food that truly compliment each other.  Existing in an relationship of symbiosis, defying normal logic but pleasing none the less to our palette.

Oh yes, it’s these very combinations that have built the basis to not only many different meals, snacks and recipes but built an industry that has made millions of dollars for many different businesses.  But what enviable pairing of foods is the best in the world?  What could we never live without?

1. Beer and Pretzels
2. Milk and Chocolate
3. Bacon and Eggs
4. Apple Crumble and Vanilla Ice Cream
5. Cheese and Crackers
6. Ham and Pineapple (on Pizza)
7. Bread and Butter
8. Strawberries and Cream
9. Sour Cream and Chives
10. Potatoes and Gravy

If you are looking to utilize some of these great food combinations in your next meal then check out the best recipes from the US Masterchef show.

More donuts anyone?

1. Oprah – We don’t have a crystal ball but we think this will be a safe bet.  The queen of day time TV and one of the richest woman in the world has loads of money to make her feel better so we don’t feel too bad about this positioning.
2. Sir Winston Churchill - Not only did he fight them on the beaches, in the air but also at the restaurants around London.  The cigar smoking legend supposedly down roast beef and yorkshire pud like it was going out of fashion.
3. Elvis Presley – Obviously the older version of Elvis but never the less he managed to put away enough donuts to see him tip the scale at around 320 pounds.
4. John Candy – The stereotypical fat funny man may have lost the battle with obesity but he will always be a comedic legend.
5. Marlon Brando - Another in our list that started his career as a lite weight, but then Marlon ballooned to a reported 300 pounds or 136 kgs by the 1990′s.
6. Pavarotti – This opera singing Italian not only loved music but he loved his favourite pasta dish of “Rotolone spinaci e ricotta” in abundance.
7. B.B. King – This musical icon is defying some of the other heavy set celebrities who passed before their time and is still going strong(ish) at the ripe old age of 85.
8. Cass Elliot – Another unfortunate loss to the musical community when at 32, Cass passed away from an apparent heart attack in a flat in London.  From our research we can safely say that no ham sandwich was involved in the death as some urban myths allude to.
9. Chris Farley – Drugs don’t usually mix well with obesity and in the end proved the downfall of this young mix of Belushi and Candy.  But Farley in is short career managed to make a substantial impact on the comedy scene.
10. Kirstie Alley – We don’t really care what she does next either but it is amusing to see her attempt to make cash out of yo yo diets.

You better fucking like my show!

Did you enjoy the 2010 series of MasterChef (we rated this the best cooking show format back in August 2009)with Gordon Ramsey ramming abuse down the television set like sausage meat into the submucosa (commonly known as the sausage casing)?  Well it was not all swearing and under cooked fish, oh no, there were actually some pretty good dishes cooked during the first season.  But what were the best recipes?

Without trifling (excuse the pun) around anymore we thought we would round out the Top Ten recipes from the show.  They might not be endorsed by Gordon Ramsay but fuck him.

Apple-Raisin Stuffed Pork Loin with Natural Pan Jus - Blue Team Recipe

Dungeness Crab Salad with Fresh Avocado and Gazpacho Andalouse Sauce – Lee Knaz Recipe

Beef Tenderloin with Port-Plum Sauce and Shrimp with Passion Fruit Glaze – Lee Knaz Recipe

Truck Stop Meat Loaf Burger with Spicy Barbecue Sauce – Red Team Recipe

Nutty Orange Chicken with Rice – Mike Kim Recipe

Hazelnut and Pistachio Cupcake with Hazelnut Cream Cheese Icing – Sharone Hakman Recipe

Chef Graham’s Texas-Style Chili – Chef Graham Recipe

Profiteroles with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Caramelized Bananas – Whitney Miller Recipe

Venison Tenderloin with Red Wine Blueberry Reduction over Creamed Brussels Sprouts – Sheetal Bhagat Recipe

Saffron Butter-Poached Scorpion Fish with Israeli Couscous and Roasted Peppers – Dave Miller Recipe