by HOCAFF Team | Nov 29, 2016 | General
Unique Holiday Gift Basket Ideas from House of Caviar and Fine Foods
Finding the right gift is always a head scratcher for some of us every time the holidays roll around. Fortunately with these gift basket ideas, it does not have to be that way.The reality is that every person in your life is unique with their individual interests, hobbies and taste.Giving unique holiday gift baskets or personalized presents demonstrate your awareness of these differences as well as determine the level of pleasure the recipient will get from that offering.
In particular, for those individuals that have developed a palate for luxury foods like caviar, truffles and other gourmet treats, unique holiday gift baskets with an assortment of these delicacies becomes a memorable experience.The best part is that it also makes it easier to decide.For instance, customizing a caviar gift basket for a caviar aficionado would be entirely different from one chosen for a friend, lover or family member that has just begun to explore this cuisine. Likewise, a gift basket filled with decadent specialty foods like Rougie Mousse of Duck Foie Gras and Black Truffle Tartufata Sauce could spice up an avid gourmet cook’s holiday.As such, the key to giving unique holiday gift baskets is truly in the selection of items.
Gift Basket Ideas
If you are struggling with the gifting process this season, here are a few holiday gift basket ideas that may put a smile on the face of even the hardest to please recipient. Keep in mind that “gifters” have the option to personalize the following gift basket suggestions to facilitate the unique taste and interests of the receiver.
- The Imperial Caviar Gift Basket is a preferred choice for any caviar connoisseur.This gift basket features four exquisite caviar selections including Royal Imperial, Siberian, Golden Imperial Osetra and Hackleback.Also included in this luxurious gift from the Bemka collection is a Mother of Pearl Spoon and thirty traditional size Blinis.
- The Royal Collection Gift Basket is another sophisticated choice that’s sure to add a special touch to the holiday season for a caviar enthusiast.It features two Mother of Pearl Spoons, a Mother of Pearl Server, Crème Fraiche, 16 Blinis. Mini Wild Hibiscus and one ounce each of Royal Imperial Caviar and Golden Imperial Ossetra Caviar. Plus, there is seven ounces of Caramel Filled Red Presents in this elegant gift basket.
- What’s not to like about the Prestige Collection Gift Basket. It is as delectable as it is affordable.Providing two Mother of Pearl Spoons, a Mother of Pearl Server, Crème Fraiche, 16 Blinis, Caramel Filled Red Presents, Mini Wild Hibiscus and one ounce each of Paddlefish Caviar and Royal Siberian Caviar.
- For a true epicurean that is not necessarily a lover of caviar this gourmet cooks gift basket is designed to excite the palate in multiple ways. It contains Black Truffle Olive Oil, Rougie Mousse of Duck Foie Gras, Black Truffle Tartufata Sauce, Black Truffle Cream, Dried Shiitake Mushroom, Porcini Mushroom French Blinis and three speciality Honey produced in the Province of Pesaro e Urbino in the Italian region of Marche. The rich tone and creamy texture of honey infused with real lemon, strawberry and Hazelnut is perfect for drizzling over toast points or in hot tea sipped on a cool fall evening or chilly winter night.
Visit House of Caviar and Fine Foods for more unique holiday gift basket ideas that can be customized for your friends and family. All our holiday gift baskets are beautifully wrapped and can be shipped to directly to the individual front door. By using our easy online ordering and fast delivery service you can be sure your gifts will arrive in time to be enjoyed during the holiday season.
Also, follow House of Caviar and Fine foods on our Facebook page to explore the many ways to enjoy the freshest domestic or imported caviar and other specialty foods such as black, white and summer truffles, foie gras and other gourmet meats and accessories available from our online store.
by HOCAFF Team | Nov 23, 2016 | General
Using Fish Roe in Holiday Dishes
Whether it’s the visually stunning salmon roe or the rich flavor of the opulent sturgeon eggs, using fish roe in holiday dishes is now a seated trend. While the tradition of serving a pricey, ice bedded Ossetra accompanied by toast points and crème fraiche with the usual garnishes is still a staple at most elegant affairs; modern gourmands are getting creative about utilizing different types of fish roe for their holiday gatherings.
More and more people agree that the pop and burst of flavor when using fish roe in holiday dishes enhances the gastronomic pleasure of party fare. And, with so many fish roe options available today, party planners have an abundance of holiday recipe ideas that appeals to a wider range of guests. Inspiring creations such as layering caviar and other fish roe flavors for richer more festive presentations is a challenging though appealing concept when cooking with fish roe. Such was the case for food stylist Corine Kulak who turned a simple canape of bread, creme fraiche, golden whitefish roe, salmon roe and paddlefish roe into a luxurious arrangement of alternating concentric discs and colors.
Using fish roe in holiday dishes is one way you can ramp up the atmosphere of the season whether you are dining alone, with a significant other or a crowd. Here are some roe tips and holiday recipe ideas to pack price friendly panache using fish roe in holiday dishes.
- Create simple yet visually appealing fish roe platters with a variety of vegetables such as sliced cucumbers or endive leaves topped with the delicate sweet flavors and brilliance of Tobiko Flying Fish Roe.
- Opt for easy fish roe recipes when cooking with fish roe such as Ina Garten’s silky salmon roe dipwith all the ingredients combined in a single bowl and ready in thirty minutes or less from start to finish.
- Soups garnished with caviar or fish roe are a seasonal favorite.Use Herruga Caviar that is made from herring roe to add an intense, smokey flavor to any everyday mundane soup.
- Before you start setting up for that party, enjoy an early indulgence by folding black pepper bowfin roe, chives and other ingredient of your choice into a fluffy omelet. Bowfin Roe is a great alternative to sturgeon caviar.An even more ancient species than the sturgeon population, Bowfin or Amia Calva yields a black roe that has a distinctively spicy flavor and turns red when heated. Keep these interesting attributes in mind also when adding this fish roe in your holiday dishes.
- A variety of fish roe can be purchased at online stores, specialty grocery stores and seafood counters that offer gourmet options. When buying fish roe, it is important to note that according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only sturgeon roe can be labeled “solely” as caviar; roe from fish other than sturgeon roe must be prefaced by the name of the fish such as:Black Bowfin Roe, Salmon roe, Trout Roe, Tobiko Flying Fish Roe vs Beluga Caviar, Ossetra Caviar or Kaluga Caviar.
- If you are sensitive to environmental issues and sustainability in fish roe production, talk to your seller about where the fish is from, if it was captured in the wild or farm raised and methods used for harvesting the roe.
Remember, fish roe is a delicacy.Although many recipes call for frying, sautéing or baking; overcooked roe can lose its flavor. No matter how you chose to prepare it, fish roe comes in a range of succulent flavor profiles and colors that is a beautiful addition to any holiday menu.
Learn more about the best ways to eat, serve or how to incorporate caviar and fish roe into your holiday dishes by following House of Caviar and Fine food online or on Facebook. Since all our gourmet products meet the strictest importation and quality standards you can feel secure that you are getting the purest and freshest caviar and fish roe when you visit our online store.
by HOCAFF Team | Nov 11, 2016 | General
Everything you need to know about Russian Ossetra caviar
Russian Ossetra caviar is one of the most desired caviars in the world, prized for its rich, nutty flavor and sensuously buttery texture on the tongue. Russian Ossetra Caviar has served as the centerpiece at sophisticated gatherings for centuries, with discerning epicureans going to great lengths to indulge their taste for this delicacy. Overfishing once threatened the availability of this delightful taste treat, but sustainable farming methods have renewed the Ossetra sturgeon population, ensuring the supply of this high quality caviar for future generations. House of Caviar and Fine Foods makes Russian Ossetra and other exceptional caviars available through online purchasing, so discriminating connoisseurs around the world can enjoy the finest caviar at their table.
Where does Russian Ossetra Caviar come from?
The highest quality gourmet caviars are sourced from Beluga, Ossetra and Sevruga sturgeon fish. Russian Ossetra Caviar is obtained from the Ossetra sturgeon, which originated in the icy waters of the Caspian Sea. Ossetra sturgeon are slightly smaller than Beluga sturgeon and typically grow to around 10 feet in length, weighing between 50 and 500 pounds at maturity. They begin producing roe at fifteen years of age and can live up to 50 years. Ossetra Caviar once came exclusively from wild sturgeon, but overfishing began to threaten the extinction of the Ossetra sturgeon population. More sustainable methods of farming sturgeon were developed, and the highest quality Ossetra Caviar is now harvested in Russia and Iran from sturgeons sustainably raised in wild river fields and aquacultures.
Types of Russian Ossetra Caviar
Russian Ossetra caviar (also known as Aestra, Oscietra, and Ossetra) has medium sized, succulent pearls that vary in color from dark brown to a light pewter grey. It is one of the most exclusive caviars, second only to Beluga caviar. Some devoted fans even prefer Ossetra caviar to Beluga caviar, considering its salty, succulently rich taste as the most desirable. There are several grades of Russian Ossetra caviar available today. Ossetra caviar price is determined by the quality of grade and exclusivity of the caviar.
Golden Imperial Russian Ossetra Caviar is the most prized variety of this delicacy, with large elegant grains that are a distinctively mellow light golden shade. Its nutty, buttery taste, delicate pop, and rich, creamy texture make it instantly recognizable by caviar connoisseurs.
Crown Russian Ossetra Caviar has large brown grains with a remarkably nutty flavor and firm, juicy texture. A perennial favorite among caviar aficionados, Crown Russian has less than 3% salt content, marking it as a true “Malossol” variety.
Classic Russian Ossetra Caviar has medium sized globes with a firm texture that vary in color from medium to dark brown. This is the most affordable Russian Ossetra caviar, making it the perfect entry for those just venturing into Russian caviars.
Serving Russian Ossetra Caviar
For the best experience, Russian Ossetra caviar should be stored at in the coldest part of the refrigerator (26 to 32 degrees), and never frozen, as freezing temperatures may cause the pearls to burst. Discerning connoisseurs traditionally use mother of pearl spoons and dishes for serving caviar, because silver and metal service can impart a metallic taste to this gourmet delight. Russian Ossetra Caviar is often served with blinis and crème fraische, or enjoyed directly off the spoon by connoisseurs who wish to enjoy the taste and texture of the caviar in its virgin state.
To buy caviar online visit our House of Caviar and Fine Foods online store for the freshest, best quality caviar, fish roe, foie gras, truffles, other specialty foods, gourmet accessories, and gourmet gift baskets. Also, to learn more about this decadently delicious cuisine or for gift ideas, recipes and tips on how to eat caviar take a look at House of Caviar and Fine Foods Facebook page.
by HOCAFF Team | Nov 4, 2016 | General
Sophisticated caviar gift baskets your clients will love
As the holiday season approaches, so does the challenging task of finding the perfect corporate gift to send your treasured clients and associates. Since your most valued clients are apt to be inundated with gifts at holiday time, you need memorable, sophisticated gifts that recipients will recall with pleasure long after the seasonal festivities have passed. We have the perfect solution for you – our unique holiday gift baskets, laden with the finest caviar, foie gras, and other gourmet delights, are the ideal way to represent your company and strengthen corporate ties this holiday season.
Sending holiday gift baskets that contain caviar, truffles, and the finest epicurean delights makes a definite impression with your clients. A caviar gift basket demonstrates a sense of refinement and provides a welcome change from the traditional wine and cheese baskets that have become standard holiday fare. Caviar enthusiasts will eagerly embrace their favorites, while recipients who may be new to the caviar lifestyle will enjoy the elegant introduction to new cuisine. The following are just a few of the fabulous holiday gift baskets available from the House of Caviar and Fine Foods:
- Imperial Caviar Gift Basket Convey your finest holiday wishes to VIP clients with the deluxe caviar gift basket that includes some of the most highly prized caviar available. Includes one ounce each of Royal Imperial, Siberian, and Golden Imperial Osetra caviars, and American Hackleback Sturgeon caviar. Crème Fraiche, Blinis, and a mother of pearl serving spoon complete this elegant gift basket.
- Royal Caviar Gift Basket If you’re looking for a holiday gift basket that delivers simple, understated elegance, the Royal Caviar Gift Basket is a wonderful choice. It contains one ounce each of three sumptuous caviars – Royal Imperial Osetra caviar, Italian White Sturgeon Osetra caviar, and Paddlefish caviar, with traditional French Blinis and Crème Fraiche. A mother of pearl spoon and dish are included for serving to preserve the caviar’s rich flavor.
- Gourmet Cooks Gift Basket This appetizing gift basket is designed to bring out the gourmet in any cook. Chefs can infuse their dishes with the delectable taste of truffles with Black truffle olive oil, Black Truffle Tartufata Sauce, and Black Truffle Cream. Rougie Mousse of Duck Foie Gras adds an elegantly delicious note, with packages of dried Shitake and Porcini mushrooms and a generous selection of velvety honeys infused with the mouthwatering tastes of lemon, hazelnut, and strawberry to complete this delectable basket.
- If you need some more holiday gift basket ideas or tips on choosing caviar and other fine foods, the online resources at the House of Caviar & Fine Foods can help you select the ideal presentation for your company. For more than thirty years, we have been the online source that discerning epicureans rely on for the freshest selected caviar and gourmet meats, seafood, truffles, and other specialty foods from all over the world. Follow House of Caviar and Fine foods online on our Facebook page for serving suggestions, tips on the best ways to incorporate caviar into your lifestyle, and more.
by HOCAFF Team | Nov 2, 2016 | General
If you have ever wondered about the difference between fish roe and caviar, you are not alone. The Food and Agriculture Organization defines caviar as the salt-cured fish-eggs of the Acipenseridae or Sturgeon fish. The unique differences in this particular fish especially qualifies them to be used for caviar. As such, any argument regarding fish roe vs caviar typically begins by highlighting why this specie almost exclusively bear the name of this delicacy.
The fish roe vs caviar argument also hinges, to a large degree, on the fact that, with the exception of the American or Chinese Paddlefish, the morphological characteristics of Sturgeons has remained unchanged for over 200 million years. As such, these genus of fish are often referred to as “primitive” or “living fossils.” Another significant feature of longevity is its influence on the maturity rate of the reproductive system of the Sturgeon and quality of the roe or eggs they produce. Naturally, high quality fish eggs translate into firmer more succulent and flavorful caviar. Today, caviar is produced from a variety of sturgeons such as the Iranian, Russian, Chinese and American Acipenseridae.
As a result of these distinctions, although caviar and fish row essentially mean the same thing, all fish roe does not necessarily describe caviar. Even if fish roe from species other than Sturgeons are produced for consumption with the same methodologies, they are differentiated by the quality of the end product and labeling. For instance, wherever caviar is sold, whether in a restaurant or caviar stores or from caviar online resources, unless it is “Sturgeon caviar” labeling must indicate the following…
The type of fish or product such as
- Salmon Roe Caviar
- Trout Roe Caviar
- Kelp Caviar; and
Where it comes from
- Herring Roe from Iceland.
- Whitefish Caviar from the Great Lakes of North America
- Trout Roe from France
Additionally, in many instances, fish roe provides a wonderful alternative to pricey caviar as a garnish such as the lumpfish Roe from Iceland and the Tobiko Flying Fish Roe that complements sushi. This also sparks a debate over how to determine when it is safe to substitute fish roe in a dish that could work just as well or better with caviar. Since fish roe often mimic the appearance of caviar this is best determined by the flavor palate or budget of the consumer. From a culinary standpoint, if elegance and taste are primary concerns of the dining occasion then it may be beneficial to opt for authentic caviar and avoid substitutions. However, the hue of salmon roe types of caviar can make a stunning display at casual affairs. After a light steaming, salmon roe caviar retains its integrity and pairs well with many everyday ingredients such as rice, eggs or buttered toast.
Learn more about the best ways to eat, serve or how to incorporate caviar into your lifestyle by following House of Caviar and Fine food online or on Facebook. Since all our caviar products meet the strictest importation and quality standards you can feel secure that you are getting the purest and freshest caviar and gourmet products when you visit our online store.
