The Gourmet Shop

5 Points | Columbia SC

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Decanting Uncorked

Beautiful to behold, but are they worth it? Throughout the history of wine, decanters have played a significant role in the serving of wine. Below we discuss some facts and information on decanters to help you make the best decision when it comes to purchasing.

It’s a common misconception that decanting is used only for removing sediment from older wines, but decanting young wines is like speeding up the aging process. A decanted wine will show more character and depth. A simple comparison of a decanted wine to a non-decanted wine will show you the difference a little oxygen can make!”

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Pregnancy-Safe Cheese Boards

Our Cheesemonger Leah is expecting her first bundle of joy this summer, and she wanted to share her favorite pregnancy-safe cheese board selections. This is by no means an exhaustive list and may not be right for every pregnancy, but by listening to your body and your healthcare practitioner, you can enjoy snacking on a beautifully delicious cheeseboard without stressing the details.

Cheese can be a wonderful addition to your pregnancy snacking due to the high levels of calcium and protein. I have {maybe selfishly} tried to beef-up TGS’s stock of pasteurized cheeses since becoming pregnant, and I’d like to share some favorites + accompaniments with you so that the cheese board of your dreams is still a possibility…even while growing baby!

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Choosing The Right Coffee Maker

There’s a maker for every brew style and a brew style for every individual. It can get a little complicated, so we want to make sure you have all the info you need to purchase the best coffee maker to fit your tastes.

There are a lot of considerations that go into choosing a coffee-making method, including quantity, economy, and convenience. Just as every individual is unique in their flavor choices, so varied are the choices for coffee maker.  In this blog, we will try to break it down into cost, ease of use, flavor quality, and brew time.

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Cheese Storage Tips & Tricks

One of our most popular questions at TGS is how to properly store cheese. It’s actually more complex than one might think! So, to get the inside scoop, we asked our fav Cheesemonger, Leah for her best tips and tricks.

There are many different opinions on storing cheese, but as someone who has spent her fair share of time behind the counter, I have a few thoughts on what actually works and what doesn’t.

– Leah Mossman, Cheesemonger

 

Firstly, put away the plastic wrap. For all cheeses. Do it. Step away from the plastic wrap. Cheese is a living, breathing, even growing thing that requires oxygen (different levels for different types, but we’ll get there) and plastic wrap is nothing if not a barrier between cheese and its ability to breathe. So, now let’s talk cheese paper. What is that you ask? Basically, a thicker parchment paper that’s waxy (aka moisture-wicking!) on the inside, both allowing the cheese to breathe and also protecting it from too much oxygen which would dry it out. I told you it was complex. [Read more…] about Cheese Storage Tips & Tricks

Cooking With TGS: Authentic Seafood Paella

Recipe Spotlight:

No dish is as synonymous with Spanish cuisine as this pan of fragrant, saffron-infused rice, seafood, and veggies. The key to making a good paella is starting with the right basic ingredients and then knowing which shortcuts to take to arrive at maximum flavor with minimal hassle (meaning more time spent relaxing with your family and friends!)
At TGS we have a range of authentic ingredients that will make it look and taste like you have spent hours in the kitchen. So, grab a bottle of wine, get the fire-pit started and invite your friends and family over for a dish and evening they won’t soon forget! [Read more…] about Cooking With TGS: Authentic Seafood Paella

Cooking With TGS: One-Pot Truffle Fusilli

Recipe Spotlight:

One-pot pasta has been the go-to for busy moms & dads for years, but in true TGS fashion, we like to take things to the next level! Whether it be for Valentine’s Day, stay-at-home date nights, or any other occasion when you want a simple yet tasty meal, follow the directions for this One-Pot Truffle Fusilli pasta dish and prepare to be amazed. [Read more…] about Cooking With TGS: One-Pot Truffle Fusilli