The idea of a casual dinner can be far too easy to take for granted. The wrong choice of dishes or drinks can ruin an otherwise enjoyable evening. Do you need certified sustainable wine for your guests? You can find it and more delicious offerings at sansimeonwines.com. Planning what to serve for guests that are delicious and save you time is not always easy, but these nine matches will make you look like the culinary champ of your group!

1. Lamb Chops With Cranberry Glaze and Rosemary Potatoes

With a wine such as the Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse, your guests will enjoy the fruitiness of this crisp white. The high acidity of the wine will make it a great pairing to perfect the taste in your mouth while you enjoy the tenderness of your lamb chops. The fruitiness of the wine also complements the sweet taste of the glaze. The rosemary potatoes will add more flavor to this dish and can be accommodated with a more balanced wine such as a white like Chianti, full-bodied red, or even rosé.

2. Roasted Duck and Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is an often overlooked option by consumers, but it has the ability to bring out the flavor of your food without overpowering your taste buds. The depth of this wine will complement the caramelized flavor in your duck, while also balancing the bitter taste of your potatoes.

3. An Asian Salad and Dry Riesling

The crisp taste of the Riesling can complement your salad’s taste without being too intense. The floral notes in the wine will also go well with the salad, while also complementing the slightly sweet taste of the dressing.

4. Grilled Lamb Scarpariello With Parmesan-Lemon Sauce

A Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect choice for this Italian dish. The tannins in the wine will balance the high acidity of the grilled lamb scarpariello with parmesan-lemon sauce so that you will not be overpowered by either taste. The smoothness in the taste of this wine will ensure any spices added to this meal remain in your mouth while you enjoy a meaty cut of lamb.

5. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries With Champagne

A glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne will set the mood for any party, especially a casual dinner with friends. The smoothness of this wine is also a good pair to your chocolate-dipped strawberries. You will not be overpowered by either flavor and you can enjoy your dessert with little effort.

6. Pulled Pork With Slaw and Bourbon BBQ Sauce

With a Pinot Noir such as the Chardonnay, you can be assured that the crisp flavor of the wine will complement your meat and potato dish. The sweet taste of this wine will also go well with your slaw. The slight touch of sweetness in the wine’s taste will go well with the tangy taste of the dressing. Pinot Noir is also a good option because it has the ability to open up your palate with little effort.

7. Turkey Salad With Zinfandel and Romaine Lettuce

A Zinfandel is an appropriate choice for this dish because of its youthfulness. The fruitiness in these wines will pair well with your citrusy turkey salad. The wine is also a good choice because it is able to complement the pickiness of your lettuce, while also balancing out the sweetness in your dressing.

8. Italian Meatball Sub and Red Sauvignon Blanc

The 2013 Black Stallion Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice to compliment your meatball sub. The wine has a crisp, dry taste that will complement your sub’s taste as well as the tomatoes. It also has a strong aroma that will also be able to balance out the garlic in your meatball sub. The wine is also an option for those who want a rich glass of white to add more flavor to their meal without having to use much of it.

9. Fried Fish Tacos and Malbec

Malbec is a perfect choice for this Mexican-themed meal. The youthfulness in the wine’s taste will balance out the spiciness of the dish, while also taking away any bitterness you might have experienced with fried fish. The slight acidity in the wine will balance out the vegetables in your dish, while also complementing the tomato, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, and iceberg lettuce.

As you can see, whether you are planning a casual dinner for friends or a more formal dinner party, there is no shortage of good food and wine pairings to make your meal perfect. With a little creativity and imagination, you can use these tips to create your own unique dish, as well as a perfect wine pairing for it.

 

The loss of a loved one is tragic, but it is inevitable – we have all experienced it at different points in our lives. But it’s one thing to experience a loss – it’s quite another to be involved in the funeral. Planning a funeral for your loved one can be difficult; there is so much to consider. You also want to make sure that you have a fitting send-off and have done everything they have wanted you to do. Often, it’s challenging to do it alone, and many of us rely on funeral directors. A funeral director will tell you, for instance, that one of the first decisions you have to make is whether or not to have a burial or cremation. But what are the differences between the two? If you decide that a burial is a right step, you must know what it costs and what is involved. Here, then, is your guide to burials: the cost, the requirements, and more.

The paperwork/documents you need

The paperwork you need for a burial is not that difficult to acquire, provided you have guidance from a funeral director who will confirm the necessities. According to the funeral directors in Leeds from Carroll and Carroll Independent Funeral Services, you first need to present a burial certificate or a green form. You can obtain this when you register your loved one’s death, which is the first thing to do after someone’s death.

Afterwards, you also have to fill out an application form for a burial plot to purchase an entirely new grave or open a burial plot. The form is given by your local cemetery or council. Typically, the right of burial is for 75 years, and the plot will have a few conditions to it, depending on the kind of grave you want. If you or your family already owns the rights to a burial plot, you can present a Deed of Exclusive Rights of Burial or proof that you are the right person to have the right of burial.

If a coroner is involved, you will have to present a burial form 101 instead of a green form.

Where to hold a burial service

You have several options when deciding on a burial service, which include a cemetery, a churchyard, or a woodland burial. The plot will be prepared in advance to ensure it has the right size for the coffin and is in the proper location.

What happens at a typical service

As mentioned, the burial service often happens after the primary funeral service. It is common practice for the mourners to scatter bits of soil on top of the coffin once it has been lowered onto the plot; some prefer to spread flowers onto the grave instead. Once you are done with the ceremony, you can place tributes of flowers near the deceased’s grave.

What is the cost of a burial?

The cost of burial will change depending on where you are in the UK, and it is more expensive near major cities. The cost includes the EROB or Exclusive Right of Burial, the internment (for the preparation of the plot), the removal of an existing memorial, and the purchase of a new headstone or memorial. It also includes the cost of a casket or coffin for the deceased.

 

 

 

Motorcycle lubrication is black alchemy. Your engine’s oil does more than just lubricate it; it also helps clear up the exhaust and, in some situations, preserves fuel efficiency. Sites like Motorcycle Supersite suggest that you use oil as recommended in the bike’s manual if you are unfamiliar with this black alchemy. If you prefer changing your own bike engine’s oil, here’s how to choose your subsequent engine lubrication.

Bike Engine Oils Types:

• Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is a type of lubricant that does not include any complex chemical compounds. It is recommended that you use this type of oil if you do not ride your bike frequently. However, if you ride frequently or in harsh conditions, this engine oil is not the ideal choice for sustaining your engine.
• Semi-Synthetic Lubricant: The name comes from the fact that this oil combines synthetic and natural compounds. It extends the life of your motorbike engine while also protecting it from heat. This type of oil would best fit your needs if you are a motorcyclist who enjoys going for rides now and then.
• Fully Synthetic Lubricant: Fully synthetic engine oils often have excellent heat resistance and lubricating qualities. If you ride your motorbike frequently or live in an area with harsh conditions, this engine oil is advised.

How to Choose the Right Engine Oil?

• Read the Instruction Manual: The advised oil for your motorbike will be specified in the owner’s manual. Comply with the instructions in the manual if you wish to go the easy route.
• Know What Kind of Oil You’ll Need: Choose between mineral oil, semi-synthetic engine oil, or fully-synthetic engine oil based on your motorcycle usage. Also, be careful that you do not interchange engine oil with gear oil or so.
• Different Oils Used in Motorcycle Engines: The engine oils produced for cars differ from those developed for motorcycles for one fundamental reason: most bikes also splash the clutch in the engine oil, necessitating the addition of friction. Hence, do not interchange car and bike lubricants.
• Oil Grade: This gives the oil the ‘W’ rating. The number indicates the lubricant’s viscosity. A single-grade lubricant will be identified by a single digit followed by the letter ‘W,’ such as ’10W.’ A multi-grade lubricant, such as ’10W50,’ will contain two digits on both sides of the letter. It’s best to stick to the oil grade advised by your manufacturer.
• Additives: Experts recommend engine oil with additives to ensure that your engine runs smoothly. These additives aid in the cleaning and corrosion prevention of the motorcycle’s engine. Even while additives aren’t required, they can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

As reputed sites like Motorcycle Supersite advocate, irrespective of your experience, you are always learning. And while learning, you should not be afraid to experiment but always know your limitations. To summarize this post, motorcycle engine lubrication comes in a dizzying assortment of options, but you won’t go wrong if you stick somewhere close to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Proper lubrication will ensure the smooth functioning of your motorbike, and you’ll avoid the dreaded situation of engine seizure.

 

Christmas is all about celebrations and get-togethers. The love and affection you feel at this time are unmatched by any other. A bevy of wonderful people coming together and sharing the Christmas spirit is what Christmas is all about. This time also marks the joy of giving. More importantly, it emphasizes the love you put into what you give.

The winter nights, the smell of freshly cut Christmas trees, the sparkling lights, and the fragrance of baked cookies instantly turn on the festive mode in you. This feeling is enough to inspire you to share the happiness you feel on this day. Many prefer visiting friends and giving them gifts; many even share the gifts with the homeless on the streets. What is common that brings everyone together on this day is meeting loved ones and giving a token of care and love.

While the gifts are an excellent way to share this happiness on Christmas, giving cards with your love notes and thoughts to the people you care about has a special place. You can also design your Christmas cards to give them a personalized touch. When you put effort into designing a Christmas card, it shows, and your family and friends feel privileged to be part of your circle. If you are also thinking of sending customized cards to your loved ones this Christmas, then below are some ideas that you can use to get the best holiday card this year.

Christmas card design ideas

Idea 1: ditch the square

It is very common to see most of the cards coming in squares and rectangles. You can make your Christmas cards stand out from the rest by changing the shape of your card. Ditch the square shape and opt for something unconventional. For example, rounded cards would look good. You can also go for ticket pattern cards; there are also bracket patterned cards available online; you can just decide what shape you want your car to be in and let them know the design specification you would like to see on your Christmas card to make it unique.

Idea 2: Make a collage

Whenever you are searching for a Christmas card, you often find different ways of sending best wishes to your friends and loved ones by choosing or for the photo portraying your kids. sending holiday photo cards has been a tradition on Christmas for as long as there were photographs, but this tradition has always upgraded and changed with time. So today, you can just move on with a new theme of building a photo collage that can be added to the Christmas card, and you can design the placement of photographs on these cards. When sending a photo card, it is very difficult to choose one photograph from so many memories you have. This idea would help you choose more than one photograph, maybe even five, to get a beautiful collage and share different moments from your life to send your best wishes to your loved ones.

Idea 3: handmade cookies

Cookies and Cards go hand in hand with Christmas nights. You would have mostly seen people visit their friends and family on Christmas Eve to share their gratitude and love for one another, and cookies make this time really special. So even if you are not able to visit your friends and decide on sending holiday cards, you can add a touch of your love by packing a small handmade cookie along with the Holiday card in the card envelope. You can use this for friends you are visiting also. It is not necessary that the handmade cookies are meant only to send to family and friends whom you couldn’t meet this Christmas. You can carry them with you to your friends when you are visiting them so you can design the shape of the cookie for them, and they would know how deeply you care and take efforts in making cookies for them as well. You can also design the shape of these cookies and decorate them as you like.

The final word

Finally, you have to understand that designing your own Christmas cards is a way of feeling happy and sharing them with others. There are many ways in which you can design your own Christmas cards, but if you have limited time and decide on buying cards online, you don’t have to feel guilty. You can even design the cards you order online. You can follow the above-given points, or you can go ahead and take creative freedom in designing Christmas cards.

 

Chef Javier Burillo has some delicious recipes for Thanksgiving pies, and we’ve got them for you. If you’d like the recipes, just click on the following links:

Pumpkin Pie

This Thanksgiving favorite is fantastic. So full of nutrients, it is a healthy treat your family will love!

Make sure to use ripe pumpkins to get the best flavor and aroma of this pie. New England varieties like Sugar or Cheese pumpkin are considered ideal for baking if you can find New England varieties. A good alternative is regular big-sized pumpkins which are available in the supermarkets up to the holiday season.

Mix 1 egg, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Pour into a pie shell or pastry you made yourself or used store-bought refrigerated pie crusts. Place in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 325 degrees for 25 minutes.

Rhubarb Pie

This is a very popular pie in the United States. The beautiful red color makes it stand out from other pies, but its sweet flavor makes it a winner.

Make sure to use fresh rhubarb stalks for this easy yet tasty pie recipe. Fill your pastry or refrigerated pie crust with about 1 cup of chopped rhubarb. Pour a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon over the rhubarb. Cover with a crust you made yourself or used store-bought refrigerated pie crusts. Arrange slits for steam on the top of the pastry, then place in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Lemon Meringue Pie

This is one of those classic American desserts that has become part of our traditions on Thanksgiving Day. Lemon lovers will love it! If your family loves citrus too then, you need to try this recipe.

Make sure to use fresh lemons for this pie. It will give the pie a much better flavor and aroma than using artificial flavoring. The zest of 3 lemons should be enough for 1 cup of juice. Pour the lemon juice over 4 egg yolks beaten until smooth, then mix in 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel (add more if you like it extra tart), and 7 tablespoons butter. Bring this mixture to a simmer on low heat, constantly stirring with a whisk or wooden spoon. Now add your prepared pastry or refrigerated pie crusts into the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then 350 degrees for 10 minutes more.

Spicy Apple Pie

Apples are great fruits that can be eaten fresh or baked into delicious treats. This recipe is perfect for both occasions. Try it out and see how your family enjoys this tasty pie!

Mix 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, and crushed cloves (if you like) in a bowl. Take 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples (about five medium-sized ones), then pour the mixture over these slices along with 3 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces. Place all this in an oven-friendly dish or pastry lined with dough crusts that have been refrigerated until ready to use or made yourself—Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. If you’d like a little extra tartness to the filling, add a total of 3 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of lemon juice into a bowl, then mix until no lumps remain.

 

In the past few years, the number of high-tech companies in Silicon Valley has grown by leaps and bounds, yielding an ever-increasing demand for employees with technical skills. Also consider that the future is now. More and more companies are looking to hire individuals who are technically adept and prepared to work with the technologies of the future. Will you be one of those employees? San Francisco Bay University helps prepare you to get future-proof jobs. Now, let’s take a closer look at the types of degrees and skills you’ll need to ensure a successful career in Silicon Valley.

Types of Degrees

Big Tech companies need people who understand how to apply their technology to real-world problems. Therefore, they are looking for people with a strong technical background who also have business sense and can communicate effectively. Remember, there are both business management and technological skill sets required to succeed in Silicon Valley. The following are the types of degree programs that students will be able to study:

Business Administration

SFBU’s business degree programs focus on the development and management of technology in a business environment. Courses cover principles of marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation, business law, principles of macroeconomics, web page construction, and Python for commerce. These courses will set students up for a successful career working in the technology sector, and many Silicon Valley businesses require them or look for them in potential candidates.

Computer Science

Coding and computer science skills are highly sought after in Big Tech, and the computer science degree offers courses designed to teach students how to apply these skills in business settings. Courses include:

• Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
• Blockchain Technology and Applications
• Introduction to Data Science
• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
• JavaScript and Internet Programming

Getting Hired

Once they have completed their degrees, graduates will be prepared for careers in Big Tech. As the demand for data scientists has grown, salaries have skyrocketed. As a result, students who choose the right educational track will have an advantage in the job market.

Why It’s Important

Let’s face it, Silicon Valley represents the future of work. From high-demand tech jobs to support services and more, Silicon Valley is simply where the nation’s top job seekers go to find a career they can be proud of. Pay is also an important consideration, and companies in Silicon Valley often pay a lot more than industry average when it comes to their employment base.

A Local Touch

Silicon Valley tech companies love to hire people in their local area. Fortunately, here at SFBU, we are a local university. Based in beautiful Fremont, California, we have close access to institutions and companies that matter to big tech companies in our area. While recruiting from across the nation and abroad is important, companies want to know they are giving back to their local community, so recruiting within the local community is important to them. That’s where we come in. Join us and embark on an educational journey that will change your life.