Blogs

Discover the Perfect Date Night Idea: Melbourne Couples Cooking Classes
Discover the Perfect Date Night Idea: Melbourne Couples Cooking Classes
| 1 Likes

Looking for a date night idea that’s both romantic and unique? Look no further than couples cooking classes in Melbourne! Cooking together is the perfect way to bond and create lasting memories with your significant other. From learning new culinary skills to enjoying delicious meals at home, there are countless reasons why Melbourne couples cooking classes should be your next date night destination. 

1. Become More Confident in the Kitchen Together

One of the most exciting things about taking a couples cooking class is the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques together. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned home cook, these classes are designed to be fun and accessible for all levels. You’ll leave feeling more confident than ever in the kitchen and ready to take on new challenges together. 

2. Enjoy Cooking Simple, Delicious Meals at Home

Looking for a way to elevate your weeknight dinners? Couples cooking classes are the perfect solution. You’ll learn how to create simple, delicious meals that you can recreate at home anytime you want to impress your partner. Plus, cooking together is a great way to bond and relax after a long day at work. 

3. Travel the World and Enjoy Culinary Experiences Together

One of the coolest things about Melbourne couples cooking classes is the chance to explore different cuisines from around the world. From Italian to Thai to Japanese, there’s a class for every palate. Not only will you learn new cooking techniques, but you’ll also gain insight into the cultural significance of each dish. It’s like taking a mini-vacation without ever leaving home! 

4. Learn How to Save Money and Meal Prep

Cooking at home is a great way to save money and eat healthier, but it can also be time-consuming and intimidating. Couples cooking classes can help take the stress out of meal prep by teaching you how to plan ahead, shop for ingredients, and prepare meals efficiently. You’ll save money and time, all while enjoying delicious home-cooked meals together. 

5. Surprise Each Other by Cooking Their Favourite Meal

Finally, what could be more romantic than cooking your partner’s favourite meal for them? Surprise them on Valentine’s Day or their birthday with a homemade dinner they’ll never forget. Take the skills you learned in your couples cooking class and put them to the test. It’s a thoughtful and personal gift that shows how much you care. 

Whether you’re looking to learn new culinary skills, enjoy delicious meals at home, or surprise your partner with a homemade dinner, Melbourne couples cooking classes are the answer. Not only are they a fun and unique date night idea, but they also offer long-term benefits such as increased confidence in the kitchen and healthier eating habits. So why not give it a try and see where your culinary journey takes you?

Learn more
Cooking Classes in Melbourne: Start Your Culinary Journey Today
Cooking Classes in Melbourne: Start Your Culinary Journey Today
| 1 Likes

Cooking can be a daunting task for many people; however, it is a skill that can be learnt and mastered with a little effort and guidance. Do you find yourself always ordering takeout or relying on simple recipes? Melbourne offers a wide range of cooking classes for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, who want to improve their culinary skills. In this blog post, we will explore some of the advantages of taking cooking classes in Melbourne and why everyone should give it a try.

Start with the basics: 

One of the advantages of enrolling in cooking classes in Melbourne is that you can start with the basics. You do not need to be an experienced cook to attend these classes, as they are tailored for all skill levels. Local Melbourne chefs offer simple, easy-to-follow cooking lessons that will make you feel relaxed and confident in the kitchen. In a friendly and informal environment, you can learn essential kitchen skills such as chopping, boiling, and whisking, which will enable you to cook more complex dishes later on.

Get familiar with spices and herbs: 

Once you have mastered the basics, you can now move on to the fun part: experimenting with spices and herbs. Melbourne offers a diverse range of cooking classes, which focus on different cuisines from all over the world, such as Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Italian. By attending these classes, you can learn about different herbs and spices and how to incorporate them into your dishes to create new flavours and aromas. You may even discover new dishes that you will love to cook and share with your friends and family.


Plan ahead and save time: 

Cooking classes in Melbourne are not only a fun and exciting way to spend your time, but they can also help you plan and prepare your meals ahead of time. Most classes offer practical tips and advice on how to shop for ingredients, plan menus, and cook efficiently, which will save you time and money. Additionally, cooking classes can be a perfect team-building activity, where you can gather your colleagues and learn how to cook together as a team. It is a great way to bond, unwind after a long day, and cook nourishing dishes that will make you feel happy and satisfied.


Master delicious recipes at home: 

The most significant advantage of attending cooking classes in Melbourne is that you can learn how to cook delicious and healthy meals that you can recreate at home. By mastering new recipes and cooking techniques, you will be able to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. You can create a foodie community and connect with other people who share the same passion for cooking. Additionally, learning how to cook will provide you with a valuable life skill that you can enjoy for the rest of your life.


Conclusion: 

Cooking classes in Melbourne  are a fantastic way to start your culinary journey, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced cook. From learning essential kitchen skills to experimenting with different herbs and spices, these classes offer a wide range of benefits. By enrolling in a cooking class, you can plan ahead, save time and money, and master delicious recipes that you can recreate at home. So why not take the leap and sign up for a cooking class in Melbourne today? Your taste buds will thank you!

Learn more
9 Couples Cooking Classes Perfect for Date Night
9 Couples Cooking Classes Perfect for Date Night
| 0 Likes

On the hunt for exciting date night ideas to spark connection? Look no further than these romantic cooking classes in Perth! These couples cooking classes are the perfect way to connect with your partner and try something new together. Held in welcoming and intimate culinary schools and local restaurants across Perth, you can don your apron, roll up your sleeves and get excited to create delicious, homemade meals.

Cooking together in the kitchen helps you connect on a whole new level as you create mouth-watering dishes together as a team. Plus, you can travel the world without ever leaving Perth through our culinary experiences. From Thai cooking classes to pizza making classes to pasta making classes, these couples cooking classes are sure to tempt your taste buds and satisfy your wanderlust.

Make your own fresh bread

Have you ever wanted to make your own bread? Well, in these cooking classes, you can learn how to make fresh bread right in your own home! Your friendly teacher Derek will provide all the equipment and ingredients required so all you need to bring is a love of baking! During the full-day class, you will learn all you need to know about fermentation, shaping, proofing and baking your own bread. Then you’ll get a chance to make homebrew stout bread and a rich fruit dough that can be turned into delicious cinnamon scrolls.

The great thing about cooking in your own home is that you are familiar with your own kitchen and will help you feel more confident to continue baking loaves of bread with your partner. After all, these cooking clases in Perth are not just a one-time thing but you leave the class with newfound baking skills too.

Cook Spanish paella and churros

 

Join The Cooking Professor in Mount Hawthorn and learn to cook Spanish paella! Making a paella can be tricky given the variety of ingredients from rice, shellfish and chicken to cook together but chef Rikki will help you break it down and time everything to perfection. Cooking classes for beginners offer a relaxing and casual atmosphere for you to learn cooking skills and master simple, delicious meals. Plus, at the end of the session, you’ll get to make homemade churros for the perfect ending to a Spanish feast.

Learn how to decorate cupcakes

 

If you have a sweet tooth, cupcakes are perfect for creating cute and adorable decorations! In this fun cupcake decorating class, you will learn how to frost, stack and create incredible designs using a range of colours and flavours. With step-by-step instructions from a professional pastry chef, you’ll be able to make anything from simple swirls to beautiful roses.

It might be your first time decorating cupcakes but with the help of experienced instructors, you’ll find that these cooking courses Perth will leave you wanting more! Bring along your spouse for a special treat as cupcakes are always better when shared! At the end of the class, you can take home a box of cupcakes you decorated yourself and have the confidence to create stunning designs for your own cupcakes at home!

Enjoy a French three-course cooking experience

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Perth this weekend or after some romantic date ideas, join French Michelin Star Chef Francois Morabito for an exclusive French three-course cooking experience. During this hands-on class, Francois will show you how to make a three-course dinner menu from quiche lorraine, duck breast à l’orange to dark chocolate souffle for dessert. Afterwards, you can sit back and taste the dishes you have prepared, paired with a glass of French champagne. Held in his private kitchen, these couples cooking classes offer a relaxing and inviting atmosphere to have fun with your date and inspire you to prepare these delicious dishes at home.

Make handmade chocolate for each other

 

Do you and your partner adore chocolate? If so, these cooking classes in Perth are the perfect date night idea to create your own handmade chocolates together. During this French cooking class, you will learn all about the history of chocolate in France and how to make a variety of chocolate desserts. On the menu is a delicious chocolate creme brulee, dark chocolate tart and many more! The best part is that you get to take home a box of chocolate desserts for each other as a special gift.

These Perth workshops are perfect for any chocolate lover who wants to spoil their date and keep the romance alive.

Book a private global cooking class for two

If you want date night experience gifts that are out of the ordinary, then join Latasha’s Kitchen in North Perth where she teaches couples how to create delicious meals from all around the world! You can choose from a wide range of cuisines from Africa, Persia, India, Vietnam to Thailand. Once you have chosen your particular cuisine, you can learn all about the ingredients and techniques before creating a culinary masterpiece in your very own kitchen.

The Perth cooking lesson includes instruction on choosing the right ingredients, as well as hands-on experience with making small side dishes like dhal and raita. In these Perth cooking classes, the food that you’ve made can easily be taken away in containers so you can serve it as a dinner party for your family or friends. Bon appetit!

Indulge in truffle luxury dishes 

Have you ever tasted truffles? Well, these culinary classes in Perth will teach you how to make your very own truffle dishes! During this truffle feast class, you will learn how to make a variety of delicious meals that are all made with truffle! You can discover new flavours and ingredients like truffle parmesan creme, truffle gratin and even a truffle creme brulee. These Perth activities are a must do for any foodie who loves discovering new things to eat.

Make Japanese sushi from scratch

Want to travel to Japan with your lover without breaking the bank? In these Perth cooking classes, you will learn all about the different types of sushi, as well as how to make them from scratch. The best part is that you get to make your own rolls with a skilled chef! After learning all about sushi rice and how to choose high quality fish, you’ll have a chance to roll your own sushi. Then you can throw some seaweed around your tasty rolls and dip it in some soy sauce for the perfect bite!

Calling all pasta lovers!

 

Are you and your partner long-time pasta lovers? If so, you’ll absolutely love these cooking classes in Perth that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this Italian cooking class, you will learn all about the history of pasta and how to make a variety of different types of fresh pasta. The best part is that after the class, you’ll be able to taste delicious, freshly cooked pasta with your date.

This is definitely an experience gift for couples who love Italian food and want different things to do in Perth. Also, if you have never made fresh pasta before, this class is ideal for beginners as it provides step-by-step instructions and guidance from a professional chef. You can bring along your spouse or partner so both of you can get hands-on experience with making delicious food together!

Learn more
4 Cuisines You'll Learn at Vegan Cooking Classes
4 Cuisines You'll Learn at Vegan Cooking Classes
| 1 Likes

Are you a vegan food lover looking to expand your culinary knowledge? You're in the right place. Vegan cooking classes are an excellent opportunity to learn new recipes and techniques to create delicious, plant-based dishes. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through four popular cuisines that you can learn at vegan cooking classes. From Japanese and Korean dishes to Vietnamese and Indian-themed meals, our guide presents recipes that will expand your culinary horizons.


Japanese Cooking:


Japanese cuisine is full of exquisite dishes and a perfect solution for those looking for vegan options. With vegan Japanese cuisine developed around Buddhist temples, you can expect flavorful and satisfying dishes. At vegan Japanese cooking classes, you'll prepare dishes like chirashi sushi, colorful sushi rice topped with fresh veggies, and yaki ganmodoki, pan-fried tofu cakes. Other recipes include kenchin-jiru, a hearty root vegetable stew, horensou goma ae, spinach in sesame sauce, and tsukemono, seasonal Japanese pickles. 

Korean Cooking:

Korean vegan cuisine is known for its spice, variety, and flavour. You'll learn to prepare dishes like yeonnik-bap, sticky rice wrapped in a lotus leaf, oi-baek-kimchi, white cucumber kimchi, tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes with seasonal vegetables, doboo jeon, fried tofu, and vegetable patties. Also, cho-gochjang, a sweet and spicy bean paste sauce, is sure to brighten up your meals. Korean cuisine is a great option for anyone looking for unique and flavorful vegan meals.


Vietnamese Cooking:

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh and light flavours, perfect for health-conscious foodies. At Vietnamese vegan cooking classes, you'll learn to prepare nuoc cham, a sweet and sour dipping sauce, banh it tran, steamed rice and mung bean dumplings, goi cuon, rice paper rolls with seasonal vegetables, and dau phu xot ca chua, deep-fried tofu with herbs and tomatoes. Another popular recipe is bun bo hue chay, a lemongrass soup with tofu cakes.


Indian Cooking:

Indian vegan cuisine boasts a wealth of spices and flavours that make your taste buds tingle. At vegan Indian cooking classes, you will be guided through the preparation of classic dishes such as aloo bajji pakora, potato fritters, oralu chitranna, Kerala festival rice, malai kofta, cashew, and tomato curry with potato and tofu balls, kurma, mixed vegetables with grated coconut, and kara or palak chutney, tomato-tamarind, or spinach sauce.

In conclusion, vegan cooking classes offer an excellent means to explore new and exciting cuisines. With Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes to choose from, you can take a culinary tour of Asia, right from the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you're a vegan foodie or looking to add vegan dishes to your cooking repertoire, the recipes we've introduced here will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings. Happy cooking!

Learn more
Learn 3 Easy Recipes at Italian Cooking Class
Learn 3 Easy Recipes at Italian Cooking Class
| 0 Likes

Get ready to make your first pasta or pizza and don your apron at Italian cooking classes in Melbourne! Whether you’re a beginner or a more confident home cook in the kitchen, these three easy Italian recipes will help take your Italian food to the next level.

Otao kitchen's Italian cooking classes create a fun and casual environment for you to learn authentic Italian dishes from scratch. From homemade pizza to classic pasta making, these authentic dishes will make you feel like you’ve travelled to Italy.

Learning to cook is best when you’re with your favourite people! So, if you’re looking for exciting date night ideas, team building activities or birthday party ideas, gather your loved ones and learn how to create delicious meals together in the kitchen. In fact, these recipes are so simple and easy that you will want to recreate them at home! 

Roll dough and make pasta

Have you always wanted to learn how to cook your own hand cut pasta? Guided by an expert chef, you will learn the art of rolling dough and using your hands to cut the pasta  the ravioli. Once you’re finished, you can sit down and enjoy the delicious pasta you made, paired with our local Victorian wines!

Learn how to toss a pizza

With our Pizza making party, you can take home your handmade pizza dough, along with learning tips and tricks to make your own pizza at home! You will have the confidence to toss pizza dough in your kitchen and cook it up for your family and friends.

Immerse yourself in making Ragu Al Genovese pasta sauce

You and your loved ones will learn to make a classic Italian sauce for your pasta. Not only that but you also have an opportunity to watch a pasta making demonstration and make your own sauce but you also  learn how to cook these simple recipes so you can recreate them again at home!

Create a Pork Cutlet with Rocket Salad 

Under the guidance of experienced chefs, you will learn how to miranade your pork for its juicy main, crumb and cook these beautiful pork for your main meal.

You will love the chance to learn to make some favourite Italian dishes, including pasta from scratch. Immerse yourself in Italian culture through its food, and learn more than you would just eat these dishes at a restaurant. You will work with your partner or the chef and will sit down at the communal table to eat their delicious creations afterwards.

Learn more
The Essential Ingredients in Sri Lankan Cuisine
The Essential Ingredients in Sri Lankan Cuisine
| 3 Likes

The leaves are from a tree related to the citrus family, curry leaves are often fried in oil before using in curries and chutneys. Although also available in dried or powdered form, they are at their aromatic best when fresh. 

Pandan leaves

Sri Lankan households normally grow the plant whose long green leaves are used to perfume curries and rice. Pandan is often referred to as the ‘vanilla of Asia’, such is its beautiful aroma.

Drumsticks

A long dark green pod with a slightly bitter flavour that are a popular ingredient in vegetable curries. Discard the outer skin before scooping out the pulp in the soft centre.

Green chillies

Green chillies are renowned for their heat with Sri Lankan food. They use several types of chillies to enchance hot curries and zingy sambols.

Ghee

A clarified butter made by simmering butter to remove the milk solids. It has a distinctive flavour, heats to temperatures well above butter without burning and keeps for extended periods of time unrefrigerated.

Red lentils

For a partially vegetarian population, these pulses are a key element in the Sri Lankan diet. Dhal is eaten with most meals and always with curry and rice.

Coconut

The coconut palm is referred as a gift of the gods. Every part of the tree is used in building, for utensils, right down to the milk, the oil and of course the flesh. Finely grated in sambols added to curries and baked into sweet delights, it is the quintessential Sri Lankan ingredient.

Maldive fish

Spiced, dried, smoked and finely shaved bonito, Maldive fish is the shrimp paste or fish sauce equivalent for Sri Lankan cuisine. It is a key ingredient in the essential pol (coconut) and seeni sambols and is also sparingly used as a thickening agent in curries. Store Maldive fish in a screw top glass jar as it’s quite pungent!

Samba rice

A rice native to Sri Lanka, the samba rice grain is about a third of the size of basmati. It has a distinctive flavour and aroma. The rice hard texture results in a denser and more filling meal than most other varieties. 

Chutneys, pickles and sambols

Every meals in Sri Lanka can be without accompaniments. This makes the flavours of curries and awaken the tastebuds. They range from savoury eggplant and tomato pickles, tangy lime and date chutneys to fiery sambols based on salt, lime, Maldive fish, chilli and onion.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a fragrant cooking oil to be used sparingly due to its high saturated fat content.

Goraka

A souring and thickening agent unique to Sri Lanka, goraka is a fluted orange fruit whose segments are dried, turning black. It can be soaked in hot water and ground to a paste or added whole and removed after cooking. It is most commonly used in fish curries such as ambul thiyal.

Fenugreek

No Sri Lankan curry is complete without these small, brown square-shaped seeds, which add a slight bitterness and have a thickening effect on sauces. They must be heated slowly to prevent bitterness.

Curry powder

Ceylon curry powder gets its colour, aroma and distinctive flavour from dark roasting of its spice components, including coriander, cumin, fennel seeds, fenugreek and cardamom. Sri Lankan curries has three types:

  • white: mild and rich in coconut milk
  • red: rich in chilli powder or ground chillies
  • black, in which powered spice mixtures are given a deeper, richer flavour by pan toasting them until they are blackened.
Learn more
6 Kitchen Safety Do's And Don'ts
6 Kitchen Safety Do's And Don'ts
| 2 Likes

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the workhorse of a household, given all the cooking, baking, meal prepping, and washing of dishes that are done multiple times daily. The kitchen is also identified as one of the home’s riskiest areas. A lot of accidents can happen, albeit preventable by practicing good safety practices.

In the kitchen, safety can mean a whole lot of things like avoiding fires, electrocution, slips, falls, cuts, and even as to food handling as well. They might seem nitpicky, but they should never be compromised.

With that said, remember to practice these kitchen safety do’s and don’ts, so anyone working in your kitchen can avoid burns, cuts, and other kitchen hazards:

 

Do: Have A Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Many modern homes today come with all sorts of safety features like fire alarms and water sprinklers. It’s an added price to pay to have those installed, but it’s certainly worth it in the name of safety. Homeowners of new properties, however, often have no choice as many local laws today require having those fire safety equipment and machines before their occupancy permits may be approved.

For older houses, this doesn’t mean your home should be any less safe. A good alternative to built-in water sprinklers is to have a fire extinguisher. Once you have one, learn how to use it too, in case you have a kitchen fire or something similar.

 

Do: Check All Your Wires And Cords

If you have old appliances, check them from time to time so you can be sure they’re still worthy of being used. By this, it means going through all the wires and cores to see that no wires are frayed. Old and worn-out wires and cords are a top safety hazard, so you have to be careful with using those.

Along with wires and cords, check the overall condition of the appliances too. Like wires, old and dysfunctional appliances are a safety hazard as they can overheat, for instance. There are so many new appliances nowadays with reasonable prices, so you can still find a few within your budget.

 

Do: Wash Your Hands Before Meal Prepping

No matter how much of a rush you’re in, wash your hands before prepping or touching food. Always have hand soap ready by your kitchen sink, within reach of anyone who needs to wash their hands.

This is a basic safety practice that helps ensure proper food safety and handling. When not practiced, food contamination can happen and unfortunately, this can mean getting sick after eating the food you’ve prepared.

 

Do: Practice Proper Fridge Organization

Properly organizing your fridge isn’t just about having an aesthetically-pleasing one, as you may see across various TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube videos. Rather, it’s also a matter of safety.

This means that food is placed on the right levels and sections in order to avoid spoilage and to keep it fresh. Moreover, proper fridge organization also means preventing heavy food containers and liquids from falling on you or your kids when you open the fridge simply because everything is a mess inside.

 

Don’t: Wear Loose And Flowing Clothes When Cooking

No matter what the occasion may be, if you’ll still be cooking in the kitchen, skip the loose, flowing, or billowy clothes. You’ll be in a rush and too busy trying to finish all the cooking that the last thing you want is for your clothes to get trapped somewhere. In worst instances, your clothes may get caught in a fire.

Always wear tight and properly-fitting clothes when cooking. You can always change to your dress later on once you’ve finished.

 

Don’t: Try To Catch A Falling Knife

Attempting to catch a falling knife means potentially cutting yourself. Rather than try your best to catch it, a better practice is to take a step back instead and let the knife fall on the floor. Just be sure you’re alert enough to move far enough so the knife doesn’t land on your foot as well.

 

Conclusion 

Sure, you’ve heard of all the horror stories of accidents in the kitchen, both big and small. The kitchen should be a happy place, but if you aren’t careful enough, it can also be a hazardous one. Especially when you’re doing a lot of cooking as in during parties, it’s all hands on deck that safety can easily be placed on a backseat. All the do’s and don’ts above point to one important conclusion: when in the kitchen, always have the presence of mind and be alert. Accidents can easily be avoided when you focus on the task at hand.

Learn more
8 Tips For Storing Drinks And Beverages
8 Tips For Storing Drinks And Beverages
| 3 Likes

8 Tips For Storing Drinks And Beverages

Drinks and beverages are a great way to bring your guests together. No matter the occasion, you can find a drink to fit it perfectly. However, there are some considerations you should know to serve the best beverage possible.

Whether you're a small restaurant or just having people over for dinner, no cafe is complete without a commercial drinks fridge or a modern home more inviting than with a dedicated wine cabinet. Most people, however, are unaware that they’re storing their beverages incorrectly. This article would discuss everything you need to know.

Here are some tips on how to store drinks and beverages properly so you can keep them fresh longer:

1. The Refrigerator Is King

The refrigerator is the best place to store drinks and beverages. It keeps them cold, preserves their flavour, and prevents flatness. The refrigerator can also keep your drinks from spoiling if you open them frequently as well as from being contaminated or spoiled by bacteria or mould.

When you’re serving soda, tea, or a cocktail at a party or get-together, it's important to serve these beverages at the right temperature so they taste great. This means keeping them cold in your refrigerator until they're ready to be served.

2. Storing Milk

While milk has a shelf life of three to five days, you can increase the time it stays fresh by keeping it in the refrigerator until you need it. Keeping milk in a closed container and not allowing it to become too warm will also help extend its shelf life. Don't store milk in the freezer, however, because this causes ice crystals that affect both taste and texture.

3. Storing Water

Storing water and other beverages in the fridge is a good option because it’ll keep them cool for long periods. You can also use a cooler if you need something simpler or don't have access to a refrigerator. The temperature of these drinks should be around 40-45 °F when stored in this manner.

4. Storing Coffee

If you're storing coffee, keep it in the bag it came in, and then put that in the freezer or refrigerator if you won't be using it soon. The airtight seal will help keep it fresh.

5. Storing Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages should be kept in a separate cabinet with a lock and out of reach of children and pets. The temperature at which you store your alcoholic beverages is also important. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources like stoves or direct sunlight.

If you’re storing wine, it should be kept away from direct light and stored in a dry dark place. Wine is more likely to be damaged by light than other beverages. Wine is also more likely to be damaged by heat and moisture than other beverages.

6. Use Glass Containers

One of the most important things to keep in mind when storing drinks is you should always store them in glass containers. The reason for this is that plastic can leach chemicals into your beverage, which compromises its quality and taste.

In addition, if you choose to store beverages in plastic containers, it's also important to make sure they're clean and free from contaminants before filling them with liquid. This way, there are fewer opportunities for bacteria or mould growth inside of the container.

7. Store Drinks Away From Direct Sunlight

Heat can damage the quality of beverages over time, so make sure you don't store them next to windows where they could get too hot during the day; also, never leave them out overnight. If possible, try locating them near air conditioning vents if there are none on hand. This will help keep things as cool as possible while still staying out of direct light from windows or lamps nearby.

8. Keep Away From Pets And Kids

Don’t store around pets or kids. This one goes without saying, but remember that pets have sharp teeth, which could easily puncture through any packaging. Children may knock over glasses and containers as they roam around the house, so you need to keep the beverages out of reach as well.

Conclusion

That's all you need to know about storing drinks and beverages. It can be easy if you follow these tips. You’ll notice that they’re mostly common sense, but it’s always good to have a reminder from time to time. The main thing is that your beverages last longer when stored properly and taste better too. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you plan and prepare.

Learn more
6 Best Foods To Pair With Oolong Tea
6 Best Foods To Pair With Oolong Tea
| 3 Likes

Many tea lovers agree that a cup of tea can be the perfect drink accompaniment for almost any food item. Whether sweet, savory, or anything in between, tea goes well with many dishes, fruits, snacks, or desserts. Aside from its versatile flavor, oolong can also cleanse the palate with each sip, allowing the diner to savor the taste of the meal with more clarity. Ultimately, freshly brewed tea offers warmth, ideal for cold days or relaxing the body after a long day.  

Oolong tea is one popular variant characterized by its smooth and rich flavor that's more complex than other types. Besides its light and dark variants, oolong has the desirable traits of black and green tea, making it an instant crowd favorite. Moreover, this tea boasts many health benefits that aid in weight management, relieve stress, and enhance cognitive functions.  

Where to Buy Oolong Tea

You can easily purchase your oolong online, from a wide range of retailers. If you're in the UK, then you can buy oolong tea at rareteacompany.com, where they have a variety of options including some very rare varieties of loose leaf tea.

 

Oolong Tea from Rareteacompany.com

Flavor-wise, oolong can be paired with light snacks, sweets, and savory food items such as curries and meat dishes. Aside from these, here are some more food pairing ideas with a delicious cup of oolong tea. 

  1. Fruits 

Are you looking for a refreshing snack to serve your guests for a fun, relaxing afternoon? Then, you can consider serving oolong tea with a platter of cut-up fresh fruits such as: 

  • Cherries 

  • Berry varieties such as strawberries, blueberries, and others 

  • Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons 

  • Apples 

  • Plums 

  • Mangoes 

  • Peaches 

  • Apricots 

  • Pineapple 

  • Pears 

For the perfect pairing, you'll need to use a lighter variant of oolong or something with a fruity hint to achieve better flavor balance. You can also use mint oolong tea for a pleasant, cooling effect.  

  1. Charcuterie Cheese Board 

Do you want to host a unique afternoon tea party? Then, you can serve your guests a charcuterie cheese board filled with nuts, cold cuts, crackers, olives, and cheese variants. This pairing would make an enjoyable light meal while chatting with guests in a casual gathering. Moreover, you can play with different flavors and textures to make it an exciting dining experience for your guests.  

The variety of items you can include on your cheese board depends on your liking, though the selection of cheese should be able to match the flavor profile of your oolong tea to achieve a pleasant balance. For instance, if you have oolong teas with fruity or floral notes, you can serve them with hard-pressed uncooked cheese such as: 

  • Edam 

  • Gouda 

  • Reblochon 

  • Monterey Jack 

  • Cantal 

  • Cheddar 

To add variation to the flavor profile of your cheeseboard, add sweet and savory sauces and dips, as well as a pot of honey. However, if you're serving your tea hot, it may be advisable to avoid spicy foods because the cooling effect required to tone down the spiciness is insufficient. 

  1. Savory Dishes And Snacks 

Many tea lovers would enjoy a glass of ice-cold oolong tea served with their favorite savory dishes. You can pair this versatile drink with food items such as: 

  • Soups 

  • Chips 

  • Salads 

  • Fried, stewed, roasted, or curried meat dishes 

  • Vegetable dishes 

  • Pasta varieties 

  • Meat or vegetable-based wraps such as tacos and burritos 

  • Cold cuts 

Iced oolong tea is perfect for serving savory dishes heavy with oil, cream, or spices because of its naturally tart and refreshing taste, which can help cut intense flavors and cleanse the palate. Moreover, you can explore fruit and floral oolong varieties if you want to boost the fragrance and taste of your iced tea.  

  1. Sandwiches 

Sandwiches can be served with either hot or cold beverages, and oolong tea also makes an excellent pairing. Moreover, there are various ways to serve oolong tea with sandwiches. For instance, you can serve finger sandwiches with a pot of freshly brewed tea, sugar, and cream for afternoon tea. Meanwhile, you can also serve iced oolong tea with a squeeze of citrus, or a few mint leaves for a cooling drink with a clubhouse sandwich or burger and fries.  

  1. Pastries 

Pastries are some of the most popular food items paired with different types of tea. They can be either sweet or savory and can have a variety of flavor profiles. Examples of pastries that go well with oolong tea include: 

  • Pies 

  • Quiche 

  • Croissants 

  • Bread-based appetizers such as canapes, crostini, and bruschetta 

  • Pretzels 

  • Macarons 

  • Biscuits 

  • Cookies 

  • Tarts 

  • Scones 

  • Donuts 

Oolong tea has a flexible flavor that's easy to match with any pastry of your choosing. The trick is to find the best variant for your food item. For instance, dark oolong tea has a depth of flavor suited for creamy and savory pies, croissants, or appetizers. Meanwhile, light and tart oolong teas would go well with mild-flavored pastries such as biscuits, scones, or cookies.  

 

 

  1. Desserts 

Oolong tea can also be the perfect drink for those with a sweet tooth. This type of tea is ideal for pairing with various desserts, such as: 

  • Cakes 

  • Teacakes 

  • Gelatin-based sweets such as panna cotta 

  • Spiced or sweetened fruit desserts such as cobblers or poached pears, apricots, and nectarines 

  • Meringue 

  • Pavlova 

  • Custard 

As with other food types, selecting the correct oolong tea is essential to match your dessert. Moreover, you can also add more flavors to your tea to match your food. For instance, if you're serving fruit poached in liquor, you can add a hint of the same liquor in your tea to make the flavors complement each other.  

Conclusion 

When choosing the best food item to go well with your oolong tea, you'll need to consider the weather, temperature, time of day, and what would suit the occasion. Moreover, you'll also need to factor in the flavor profile of your tea and the food item you'll serve. If you're serving a fruity version of light oolong tea, you'll need to select an accompanying dish, snack, or dessert that would go well with the tart or citrusy profile. Meanwhile, deep-flavored black oolong tea would be the perfect drink to match a heavy sauce-based dish or a chocolate dessert.

 

TEA

Learn more