|DICASTIO|

Posted: 08 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST

Caviar is highly sought after for its sweet, buttery, and nutty flavorings. While caviar is often regarded as being an expensive food item, it is actually more affordable than you might think. Choose between the different grades of traditional caviar, which is the harvested eggs, or roe, from sturgeon fish, or opt for roe originating from paddlefish, bowfin, and salmon. Then experiment with different ways to serve or prepare it—eat it plain and savor the flavor, or pair it with blinis, chives, and eggs.

EditSteps

EditServing Caviar

Eat a small spoonful of the caviar plain to experience the flavor untainted. To get the most from the experience, use your tongue to roll the buttery eggs around in your mouth. This will allow you to experience all of the flavors the plain caviar has to offer. If you chew the caviar, you will miss some of the more subtle notes.^[1]
- Treat tasting plain caviar like tasting wine. Sniff the aromas before tasting, and then swirl the eggs around in your mouth.^[2]
- Caviar is meant to be tasted or served in small amounts. If you are eating it plain, aim for 1/2 tsp (2.67 g) of caviar per tasting. If you are including it in a meal or as an appetizer, use approximately 1-3 tsp (5.33-16 g) of caviar.^[3]
Roll up a blini with caviar and chives for a classic appetizer. The grains from the blini and the zesty flavor from the chives perfectly complement the buttery flavor of the caviar. A blini is a Russian pancake or crepe that is made from wheat or buckwheat flour.^[4]
- Other traditional toppings to include on the blini are sour cream and butter to enhance the natural creamy mouthfeel of the caviar.^[5]
Spread crème fraiche on a toast point with caviar for a creamy appetizer. Crème fraiche is a mixture of heavy cream and buttermilk, sour cream, or yogurt. The crustless, triangular bread provides a needed crunch to balance out the creaminess of the crème fraiche and caviar.^[6]
- Some additional ingredients to consider adding to the toast points are sliced hard-boiled eggs, butter, a spritz of lemon juice, diced red onion, or chopped chives.^[7]
Eat the caviar for breakfast with eggs and buttered black bread. For a garnish, sprinkle the assembled meal with minced onions. The texture of scrambled or gooey eggs blends nicely with the caviar. The flavors from the black bread and minced onion will round out the nutty taste of the caviar as well.^[8]
- Black bread is similar to a dark rye bread, but incorporates licorice notes from fennel seeds, and has a distinct tangy flavor from the vinegar that is added to the dough. For a more subdued flavor, use traditional Jewish rye bread instead.
Sip on a glass of vodka or Champagne to cleanse your palate. Serve the drinks in a chilled glass or over ice while tasting the caviar. Since caviar is a traditional Russian delicacy, it is often paired with vodka. The vodka complements the flavors of the caviar and cleans the palate between tastings. The dryness of the Champagne contrasts nicely with the buttery texture of the caviar.^[9]
- Other common drinks to pair the caviar with include sparkling wine and a dry, white wine.^[10]
Transform tired meals by incorporating caviar into the recipes. Treat caviar like any other food, and don't just save it for grand celebrations. Serve some caviar in a salad during brunch and enjoy it with a group of friends, or invite some family over to try caviar on a vegetable pizza. Have fun experimenting with caviar beyond the classic serving styles.^[11]
- Create a hardy dinner appetizer with twice-baked potatoes that are stuffed with minced chives, butter, sour cream, and a caviar of your choosing.^[12]
- Elevate the creaminess of your traditional egg salad and mix in some caviar to taste.^[13]
- Freshen up your classic cucumber salad with sour cream, lemon juice, and caviar to taste.^[14]

EditPurchasing Caviar

Choose a grade of caviar to fit the occasion and your budget. Start with the lower grades of caviar if this is your first time eating it, and work your way up to the higher grades if your budget allows for it. The price of caviar has decreased over the years, but that does not mean you should empty your wallet for a food you might not even enjoy.^[15]
- For 2 people, it is often recommended to purchase at least a 1 ounce (30 g) tin of caviar. Keep this in mind when purchasing it.^[16]
- Caspian Sea sturgeons—the beluga, ossetra, and sevruga species—are considered the finest delicacy because the eggs are large, lightly colored, and very flavorful. Since the sturgeon species found in the Caspian Sea are endangered, the caviar from these fish is a banned import to a number of countries.^[17]
- Mid and low-grade caviar include eggs from the Israeli, European, and American ossetra sturgeon; the Siberian sturgeon; the white sturgeon; and the American Hackleback sturgeon. The hackleback sturgeon is particularly known for its buttery flavors, and affordable pricing that can be as low as $20.00 (17.19 euros) per ounce.^[18]
Save money by purchasing a caviar that is not made of sturgeon eggs. Non-sturgeon caviar is usually a more affordable option for people who like to experiment with caviar in different recipes. The two most popular non-sturgeon roe come from paddlefish, bowfin, and salmon.^[19]
- The small silver eggs of the paddlefish is a popular non-sturgeon caviar. This is the most expensive of the non-sturgeon caviar variety, starting around $25.00 (21.48 euros) per ounce.
- A lower-priced non-sturgeon caviar would be from the bowfin fish that starts around $12.00 (10.31 euros) per ounce. The bowfin is highly regarded for its strong nutty flavors.
- Some other non-sturgeon caviar includes the eggs from salmon and capelin.
Taste caviar with additive flavors if you're feeling adventurous. Enjoy a variety of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors that typically coat low-grade or non-sturgeon caviar. Flavored caviar is considered the bottom of the caviar market, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy the flavor combinations it has to offer.^[20]
- Some store-bought flavors include wasabi caviar; and lemon, ginger, or smoke-infused caviar.
Ask to taste the caviar before purchasing it. The surest way to tell if you are getting the caviar you are paying for is to taste it. Most reputable sellers will allow you to taste the product before purchasing it, so don't be afraid to ask.^[21]
- If the caviar is in a clear glass jar instead of a tin, you will be able to tell the quality of the product just by looking at it. High-grade caviar will consist of large, lightly colored eggs. Medium or low-grade caviar will consist of small, dark-colored eggs.^[22]
- Purchase your caviar from a reputable seller to get the most for your money. Some popular sellers include Petrossian, Khavyar, Sterling, Dean & DeLuca, Russ & Daughters, and Zabar's.^[23]
Store your purchased tin of caviar in the back of the refrigerator. If the back of your refrigerator does not have a temperature different from the front, surround the tin with ice packs to preserve it. Do not open the tin until you are ready to eat it. Once opened, the caviar will only have a shelf life of 1-3 days.^[24]
- It is a good idea to only purchase the amount you expect to eat in a single sitting, but if you do have leftover caviar, you can store it. Simply return the leftovers to the original tin, place a piece of plastic wrap over the top before closing it, and put the tin back into the refrigerator to keep the taste fresh.^[25]
Use a bone, crystal, or mother of pearl spoon to handle the caviar. If you do not have one of these special spoons, grab a simple plastic or wooden spoon instead. Avoid serving the caviar with a metal spoon or dish, as the caviar will absorb the metal flavors. Only use coated dishes and spoons.^[26]
- You can purchase these specialty spoons at your local department store in the kitchenware section or online with major retailers.
- Keep the caviar chilled on crushed ice while you have it sitting out. This will help preserve the flavors and quality of the product.^[27]

EditRelated wikiHows

Serve Caviar

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EditQuick Summary

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How to Be a Stay at Home Dad

Posted: 08 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST

Stay at home dads are increasingly common, but still face unique challenges. Take pride in your hard work and embrace your role, whether it's a personal or practical choice. Before you get going, discuss duties and expectations with your partner. Getting on the same page will help you both adapt to your roles. Being a full-time dad is a 24/7 job, but remember you still have to meet your own needs. To avoid burnout, do your best to squeeze some me-time into your routine whenever possible.

EditSteps

EditDefining Your Role

Talk to your partner about dividing responsibilities. Make sure you're both on the same page when it comes to your duties and expectations. Do they expect you to have dinner ready when they come home? What about housework and other chores? Gray areas can lead to arguments, so work together in advance to divide and conquer responsibilities.^[1]
- For example, maybe you'll cook dinner on the weekdays, and they can cover the weekends. Maybe they work from home 1 or 2 days a week and could handle those nights, too.
- You could team up and do daily chores as a family. After dinner, they could do the dishes, you could put food away and, if they're old enough, your youngster can wipe down the table and counters.
Come up with a consistent parenting strategy. Work with your spouse to set consistent rules and consequences for your kids. Discuss parenting decisions together whenever possible, and offer each other assurance that you're equal co-parents.^[2]
- Sometimes, a working spouse may feel left out of the decision-making process. Creating a clear parenting strategy together can help you both adapt to your roles and prevent disagreements.
- For instance, decide bedtimes, set rules about watching TV or playing video games, try to anticipate potential misbehavior, and establish punishments for specific broken rules.
- Unless a situation needs immediate attention, try to hold off on making any big parenting decisions without getting your partner's input.
Seize opportunities to become a better nurturer. Adapting to a new role as a full-time parent is tough, and the many details of childcare can seem overwhelming. Don't feel insecure if you're nervous, and be open to advice from your partner and other loved ones. You could also try reading parenting books and articles or attending classes.^[3]
- All parents, whether male or female, make mistakes, and there's no such thing as a perfect superdad or supermom. Don't be hard on yourself if you need pointers on changing diapers or testing the temperature of formula.
- Men who are more confident in their parenting skills tend to be happier about their roles as full-time parents.^[4]
Embrace your role and take pride in your work. While the number of stay at home dads is increasing, you still might encounter stigma. Don't get caught up in social norms or gender expectations. Remind yourself that being a dad is hard, important work.^[5]
- Whether being a full-time parent is a personal choice or a matter of finances, try not to worry about what other people think about your decision. Take pride in the fact that you've stepped up to the plate for your family.
Be honest with your partner if you feel insecure about your role. Stay at home dads often miss their careers, think that being a full-time parent isn't masculine, or feel that their working partner has more power in the relationship. It's better to deal with these feelings than to bottle them up, so be open with your spouse if you're unhappy.^[6]
- Venting and getting a pep talk from your partner might do the trick. For example, you might say, "I need to be honest about how I've been feeling lately. I love being a dad, but I miss working, and I get insecure whenever I have to answer the question, 'What do you do for work?'"
- While these feelings are normal, remember that being a stay at home parent doesn't have anything to do with masculinity or femininity. If anything, caring for your kids makes you even more of a man.

EditEstablishing a Routine

Get your kids used to a set schedule. Children thrive when they have a predictable schedule, and it'll be easier to wrangle your rascals if you stick to a routine. Your agenda will depend on your child's age and your specific needs. Just try to schedule meals, naps, playtime, bedtime, and other parts of their routine at the same times every day.^[7]
- If you have an infant or toddler, for instance, they might get up at 7:00 a.m. You might feed them shortly thereafter, then get them dressed and brush their teeth. A late morning routine might include playtime or arts and crafts, and you might try to work a bit while keeping an eye on them.
- After lunch at noon, they'll nap for at least an hour (a younger toddler will probably need 2 daily naps), then have an afternoon snack.
- Running around outside, going to a playground, dancing, or another form of exercise can come next so they can burn off some energy. That way, it might be easier to get dinner ready, feed them, bathe them, and get them ready for bed.
Plan on unforeseen disruptions to your routine. A set schedule is an helpful guide, but expect to find creative ways to handle disturbances on a daily basis. Life will throw curve balls like diaper disasters, temper tantrums, cases of the sniffles, and random errands. Keep your cool, handle each situation as it arises, and get back on track when you can.^[8]
- Suppose your child is sick. They're cranky, it's a 20-minute struggle every time you give them medicine, you've spent all day trying to soothe them, the house is a mess, and you didn't have time to make dinner. Stay calm, order delivery, tidy up as best you can, and try to get some rest.
- If your kids can communicate, it's helpful to keep them in the loop about changes to the routine. You might say, "I know we usually play with blocks and draw pictures in the morning, but we have to run some errands today. Don't worry, it'll be like an adventure!"
Be open to advice, but figure out what works for you. If your partner previously stayed at home and you're switching roles, their tips and tricks might help keep you sane. You'll likely find that other friends and loved ones will also eagerly offer advice. Listen and learn, but establish a routine that works best for you and your kids.^[9]
- Don't worry if you do things a little differently than your spouse. Maybe they had time for daily trips to the park, but you work from home and can't spare the extra 45 minutes to drive to and from the park. You can go to the park now and then, and find other ways to keep your kids active on a daily basis.
Schedule uninterrupted office time if you work from home. If you're one of the many stay at home dads who work from home, you still need distraction-free time to be productive. Work with your partner to find blocks of time when they can take over parenting duties.^[10]
- For example, your office hours might be before they leave for work in the morning and after dinner. On the weekends, your partner could spend quality time with the kids while you squeeze in a few hours of work.
Work with your spouse to manage any changes in the schedule. When things come up, team up with your partner to find a win-win solution. Have a talk ahead of time, and come up with a plan to tackle blips in the routine.^[11]
- Suppose you work from home and have a conference call at 5:30 p.m. Let your partner know; they might be able to come home early to watch the kids or grab some take out since you won't have time to make dinner.
- If your partner has to work late, they should let you know so you can plan the kids' evening routine accordingly.

EditOvercoming Obstacles

Treat mistakes as learning opportunities. Some stay at home dads feel pressured to be perfect in order to prove that they're competent caregivers. Remember that no parent is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. Instead of getting down on yourself if you mess something up, brush it off and seize the opportunity to learn.^[12]
- Maybe you're not great at brushing your child's hair, or you just can't figure out how to put them down for a nap. Don't get down on yourself. There's a learning curve, and you'll get the hang of it in time.
Maintain your physical and mental health. More often than not, you might find yourself exhausted, with spit-up stains on your shirt, and in dire need of a shave. That's totally normal, but do your best to see to your own needs as best you can. You'll burn out if you don't take care of yourself, so try not to run yourself ragged.^[13]
- Eat a healthy diet packed with fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein sources, and dairy products (or calcium-rich dairy alternatives).
- Do your best to get as much as sleep as you can. While it might seem impossible, aim for 7 to 9 hours each night. If you're short on rest, try sleeping when your child sleeps or naps.
- Stay physically active, and get some exercise every day. A 30-minute jog around the neighborhood after dinner or before your partner leaves for work could also provide valuable me-time.
Set aside time for yourself whenever possible. Being a dad is a 24/7 job, but you're still a human being, and you need some personal time. Try to find a few minutes every day to take a breather. In the long run, keeping up with your own hobbies and interests can help you be a better father and partner.^[14]
- If you love to read, grab a good book and read a few chapters while your child naps. Maybe a sibling or friend has kids, too. They could take your tykes for an afternoon, and you could return the favor another day.
Join a stay at home dads group. Spending most of your time at the house and being the only dad at the playground or on play dates can get lonely. Even though stay at home dads are more common, you might not know anyone in the same shoes as you. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can connect with other full-time dads.^[15]
- Try looking for a local dad group on the National At-Home Dad Network: http://athomedad.org.