Spring Cleaning....

Spring cleaning. Now, there’s a phrase with some dust on it. When the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom, this is one annual ritual that nobody looks forward to. Besides, why should all of your hard work be hidden behind closet and garage doors? This season, try out a new tradition that celebrates the end of winter in fresh and colorful style: spring redecorating. And, don’t worry about that tight budget. You can do everything from sewing new curtains to painting your walls without burning a hole in your wallet. Next Time I will share a few tips to renovate your room.

Kitchen towels and fruit bowl available @ Shirocos
632 1st St. Benicia. CA.

15 Best Foods to Boost Your Metabolism

Remember the days when your metabolism was like a caffeinated mouse in a wheel? Yeah, me neither. If you aren’t one of those lucky gals who can eat whatever she wants and burn it off thanks to an annoyingly fast metabolism, look to these helpful foods to boost your metabolism. (And check out this post on additional tips to speed up a sluggish metabolism.)

Grapefruit

This diet super fruit (above) lowers the insulin levels in your body that trigger your system to store fat. Plus, it is rich in fiber, and your body must burn extra calories in order to break it down.

Green Tea

Green tea is the main source of epigallocatechin gallate, known better as EGCG. This healthy catechin speeds up your brain and nervous system, causing your body to burn more calories.

Yogurt

The high levels of protein present in natural yogurt require a lot of energy to be processed. Plus, the pro-biotic cultures found in yogurt help regulate your digestive tract.

Almonds

Almonds’ essential fatty acids help raise your body’s metabolism. Just don’t overdo it because they’re also very high in calories.

Coffee

Coffee has caffeine, which does give you a boost. Just ensure that you don’t exceed 2 or 3 cups a day, or you risk a host of side effects, including irritability and jitters.

Turkey

This protein-rich meat builds lean muscle tissue, which causes your body to burn extra calories and raises your metabolism.

Apples

Like grapefruit, this low-calorie snack is high in fiber, which your body must burn calories to break down. Plus, since apples help you stay full for longer, you’ll eat less.

Spinach

Popeye was right about one thing: spinach can help make you strong and healthy. In addition to speeding up your metabolism, it’s a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin C.

Beans

Low in fat and packed with protein, beans keep you full for long durations, and your body must burn extra calories in order to process this fiber-rich food.

Jalapenos

The capcaisin found in jalapenos causes your body to burn extra calories for hours after you ingest them, speeding up both your heart rate and metabolism.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains a highly effective metabolism-boosting team of nutrients: calcium and vitamin C. Calcium acts as a metabolic trigger, while vitamin C helps your body absorb more calcium.

Oatmeal

Because your body takes a long time to break down the fat-soluble fiber in oatmeal, this healthy food lowers your body’s insulin level and speeds up your metabolism as a result.

Soy Milk

Fortified soy milk is loaded with calcium, which helps boost your metabolism. Just stay away from the sweetened varieties.

Curry

Like jalapenos, curry increases the amount of calories your body burns and speeds up your metabolism.

Cinnamon

A little bit of cinnamon can go a long way. Add some zing to your daily cup of tea with this tasty spice to help your body metabolize sugars more effectively and maintain steadier blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can also help lower your cholesterol.

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

Rich and delicious, this chicken dish features complex flavors that will surprise and delight you!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
3 tablespoon Blue Cheese Mustard  ( Available @Shirocos )
1 tablespoon honey 
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
pinch salt    
1 green onion, chopped    
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 

Directions:
In a bowl, combine all ingredients except chicken and green onion. Set aside 1/3 cup mustard mixture. Grill chicken, brushing frequently with mustard mixture until chicken is cooked, and juices run clear. Serve chicken with reserved mustard mixture and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Makes 4 Servings


Mustard, Honey and Apple Vinegar available @ Shirocos 632 1st. St. Benicia. Call us 707 747 1298 open every day 

Shiroco's Kitcheniesta!!! Tell us what you like.

 I’ve been thinking recently that when I used to cook more often, it was easier to cook. Back when I used to have a regular job, I loved cooking at home on my days off. Now that I have a store, cooking is a little more challenging, with all the cleaning, shopping for products, setting up displays. Cooking at home has become secondary. Now, I’m embarrassed to say, my refrigerator is pretty much always bare, even though I still look in wonder at all the cookbooks.  

While reviewing the store’s gourmet inventory recently I took note that many of the packaged local foods we carry, like olive oils, mustards and syrups, were selling better than expected. Shiroco’s has been developed as a place that celebrates international home décor, with the creative local talents of gourmet flavors a nice side treat.  

But the success of these products got me thinking: why not bring more of these kinds of goods? It seemed to be a great way to listen to my customers and might give me a chance to get back in touch with my culinary style. Nothing wrong with being a kitcheniesta!  

But here is my problem: What kind of products should I add to the inventory? Full grocery stores have a few of lots of what passes these days as gourmet products, and I need to remind people to come here for my selections instead of turning to those commercial alternatives.  

With the economy being so bad, people are going to want to stay home and impress their guests with their culinary abilities. Not to mention to show off the home décor they’re buying at Shiroco’s! But Trader Joe’s or another grocery outlet becomes easier unless they are convinced our small store can offer something special.  

We did our honey and cheese pairing and have already added great local natural products, which people love. Soon we’ll being doing a Tour de Lite with the American Diabetes Association, where mustards and tapas will be introduced.  

But what else might our great local customers enjoy? What will allow Shiroco’s to celebrate our local food artistry or at least help make us even closer to our artistic and historical connections?  

I came up with this list of ideas that are unique but affordable, some of which we already have and others of which are on their way:  

Mustards, flavored with honey, Habanera, mojo, blue cheese and more

Gourmet popcorn made in Benicia

Drinks that can be made using pomegranate and other elixirs

Chocolates from San Francisco

Tea’s of Berkeley

Balsamic vinegars

Tapenades

Margarita, Mimosa jellies

Canned salmon (a tribute to Benicia’s historical past)

Grilling planks, BBQ sauces, Rubs and salts

Flavor olive oils of the world (from local business people)

Simple syrups made by a Benicia guy

And more and more spring and fall Benicia Honey 

Benicia doesn’t really have a “kitchen/gourmet food store.” So help me out.  

If you’re one of Shiroco’s customers already enjoying some of these products or want even more, here’s your chance to share what products you’d like to see. My store is your store and here’s a great way to show that.  

My goal is to keep Shiroco’s the same store you’ve come to enjoy. We just want to grow the food (and kitchen) goodies you really like. We’ll never overtake a Trader’s Joe or Napa Style, but we can clearly let everyone know that Benicia has its own great taste in gourmet excellence.  

Send along a note at this point to me at Shirocos@gmail.com. Or stop in and let me know what you’re thinking. You might even be one of the first to try some of the award-winning mustards and gifts that are already here!  

You do was your pillow, don't you?

You do wash your pillow, don’t you?
We spend almost 1/3 of our lives sleeping. That’s 262,974 hours eyes shut, horizontal and hopefully in a REM-like state of restfulness. That’s a lot of time spent with our heads nuzzling the same old pillow.
Pillows are one of the most overlooked and neglected of household items, often used way beyond their expiration date.
I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of critters that collect inside a pillow over time; I cringe at the very idea of dust mites in such close proximity to my head. Thankfully, there are ways to keep pillows clean and fresh, and even extend their lives.

First, always use a pillow protector – in organic cotton of course. This adds an additional barrier against dirt and grime. Some sources recommend washing them every 6 months, while others say it’s fine to wait up to a year between washings. Hand or machine-wash – both are safe and effective. The choice is yours.
Now for pillow washing 101:
1. Remove the pillow protector (machine wash it separately).
2. Fill sink or washing machine with HOT water and a mild, low-suds detergent or gentle soap.
3.  Dunk the pillow and agitate for several minutes.
4. Rinse three to five times. This step is important.
5. Remove and press out excess water with a cloth towel – do not wring or twist!
6. Place pillow in the dryer and air dry with a tennis ball (to fluff) – or hang it outside to dry and fluff manually.
7. Lay your head on one very clean, very fresh pillow and….zzzzzzzzzz.

Wine And Food Pairing

With all the Wine and cheese pairing I've been testing on my way to learn more about Cheese, Wine and the creation of our new Honey and cheese book. The only problem? I need some stylish storage for my new hobby, of course! 

Released just in time to save them from a life in the pantry, the Riddling Wine Rack @ shirocos Facebook is at the very top of my wish list (ahem, friends and family). 

This chic and functional piece of décor is named after a process utilized in the renowned wineries of France. Better known to the French as remuage, riddling is a method in which winery workers frequently turn aging bottles of Champagne stored in similar racks called pulpits. What a perfect piece to spark conversation (and show off your knowledge) at your next wine and cheese party!