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One by one, tycoons who built their wealth on China’s economic rise have been giving up their trophy homes in Hong Kong. Two apartments in a Frank Gehry glass-and-steel tower that twists out of the mountainside. Three European-style mansions with turrets and swimming pools. Four white villas sitting in a row. Creditors seized the homes of Evergrande chairman Hui Ka Yan, which were collectively worth more than $US190 million, after the company collapsed. One of them sold this year for $US58 million, less than half of the $US130 million that a company tied to Evergrande and Hui had paid for it in 2009. Credit: Bloomberg All but two of the properties have already sold for tens of millions of dollars each. And while it might be hard to believe, each one was a steal — snatched up for discounts of one-third to more than half of the previous values. Hong Kong’s housing market has long had an are-you-kidding-me feel to it. For nearly 20 years, property prices have climbed higher and higher, turning it into one of the most unaffordable cities in the world, where the poor rented subdivided apartments so small they were colloquially known as “coffin homes.” Now, many of the same people who contributed to the housing market’s inequities, from the builders to the wealthy speculators, have found themselves being forced to sell their prized homes fast. Their riches had swelled with an unfathomable rise in China’s real estate market, and its collapse and aftermath have left many short on cash. Most notable among them is Hui Ka Yan of the onetime property giant China Evergrande. Creditors seized his European-style homes, which were collectively worth more than $US190 million ($291 million), after the company collapsed . One of them sold this year for $US58 million, less than half of the $US130 million that a company tied to Evergrande and Hui had paid for it in 2009, according to the global real estate firm Knight Frank. A Hong Kong court ordered China Evergrande to liquidate this year, setting off a search by its foreign investors who were owed money for anything that could be sold off. Chinese authorities took Hui away last year and accused him and Evergrande of fraud. “Everyone is asking for money,” said Joseph Tang, the chair of real estate firm JLL in Hong Kong. Businesses are under pressure as the economy continues to slow, the broader property market is under strain and the cost of borrowing has climbed steeply. “The only thing that is sellable is residential property because, if you lower the price enough, there will be buyers,” Tang said. China’s rich are losing so much money that 432 men and women were stripped of their status as billionaires over the past three years, according to the Hurun China Rich List, published by a wealth research firm based in Shanghai. In Gehry’s Opus Hong Kong building, which has 12 luxury apartments, two of the recent sellers were once among China’s richest men: property developers Chen Hongtian and Chen Changwei. Credit: NYT Famous for its skyline of glass towers that once symbolised the city’s economic prowess, Hong Kong’s landscape is now a visual reminder of its problems. The city is still trying to reclaim its title as a hub for international finance and recover from the collateral damage caused by years of strict pandemic policies that made travel to the city at times impossible. In addition, political changes in Hong Kong have raised the legal stakes for Western companies. It was not just the owners of fancy homes who were caught out when the tide receded. Landlords of signature Hong Kong office buildings that housed the world’s best-known financial, legal and corporate institutions are scrambling to bring in new tenants to replace companies that have left. Busy shopping areas once crammed with small stores are still suffering from fewer tourists, and some storefronts remain boarded up. Nearly 17 per cent of commercial property is empty, according to CBRE, the real estate firm. The changes are rippling through the financial system, too. Banks that were once reliable lenders to Hong Kong’s property sector have suffered a surge in defaults from commercial real estate this year. The property sector is “working through its worst downturn since the Asian financial crisis” of 1997, and the sharpest pain is being felt by financial institutions, analysts at the ratings agency S&P Global wrote in a report. In response, lenders are charging more to landlords and developers whom they lend to. Famous for its skyline of glass towers that once symbolised the city’s economic prowess, Hong Kong’s landscape is now a visual reminder of its problems. Higher interest rates and a strong currency have made it even more difficult to bounce back. The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar, and for four years, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates high to fight American inflation. As the Fed cut rates this year, Hong Kong’s monetary authority followed, lowering the interest rate in September to 5.25 per cent. But that is still the highest point since 2007. The fate of Hong Kong’s currency may depend on the US central bank, but its economy is closely linked to the rest of China, where growth has slowed and prices have fallen. Hong Kong real estate is feeling China’s pain. “Overall, the economy of China has always had a close relationship with Hong Kong, and the property market has always been highly correlated,” said Hannah Jeong, an executive director at CBRE. “When China’s economy goes down, Hong Kong’s economy follows,” she said. The high-end luxury property sales have been dominated by what are known as “distressed sellers,” including some who are heavily exposed to the Chinese economy, according to Jeong. In many of these cases, their homes have been seized by a bank or creditors that are owed money. Four villas on Plantation Road recently sold for $US141 million, a little less than half the previous sale price in 2017. Credit: NYT Most of these properties were bought during a different era, when Hong Kong was flush with money from a booming China. In Gehry’s Opus Hong Kong building, which has 12 luxury apartments, two of the recent sellers were once among China’s richest men: property developers Chen Hongtian and Chen Changwei. (They are not related.) Local news reports said Chen Hongtian’s apartment was one of a number of properties seized by lenders, including a 9000-square-foot home that he had purchased soon after the Opus property in 2015. His Opus apartment was “a little bit too tiny,” he told the local South China Morning Post in 2016. He also told the newspaper that luxury homes for sale in Hong Kong were “extremely rare.” No longer. A short drive away from Opus, along a winding road, is Black’s Link, where a cluster of three mansions once tied to Hui of Evergrande is. They are on sale for more than $US190 million — one has been sold so far. The prices on the other two have come down since they were first listed last year. Nearby on Plantation Road, four mansions recently went for $US141 million, nearly half of what the sellers paid for it. Property experts expect more deals to come. Nearly two dozen properties, each worth $US50 million or more, have come on the market in Hong Kong this year. This article originally appeared in The New York Times . The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning .
The WEW1-1600 Air Circuit Breaker: A High-Performance Solution for Electrical Safety, Reliability, and Efficient Operation 12-26-2024 05:42 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: ABNewswire The Air Circuit Breaker WEW1-1600 [ https://www.w9-group.com/news/the-wew1-1600-air-circuit-breaker-a-high-performance-solution-for-electrical-safety-reliability-and-efficient-operation/Air%20Circuit%20Breaker%20WEW1-1600/ ] is a high-performance, withdrawable-type air circuit breaker (ACB) designed for robust protection and efficient operation in electrical distribution systems. This breaker is specifically tailored for applications requiring substantial current handling capabilities, making it an ideal choice for both industrial and commercial environments. In this detailed article, we will explore the key features, specifications, and benefits of the WEW1-1600 ACB, emphasizing its role in ensuring electrical safety and reliability. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/1205/image_product/2024-11/1-52.png Introduction to the WEW1-1600 Air Circuit Breaker [ https://www.w9-group.com/air-circuit-breaker-wew1-1600-breaker-withdrawable-type-acb-fixed-type-400vac-690vac-1600-amp-3-4p-acb-product/ ] The WEW1-1600 Air Circuit Breaker is a fixed-type ACB with a rated current of 1600 amps and designed for use in systems with voltages of 400V and 690V. Its primary function is to provide reliable protection against overloads, short circuits, and ground faults, ensuring the safe operation of electrical systems. The ACB is engineered for high performance, offering advanced features and exceptional durability to meet the demands of modern electrical distribution networks. Key Specifications * Rated Current:1600A * Number of Poles:3P/4P * Rated Working Voltage:400V/690V Key Features of the WEW1-1600 ACB The WEW1-1600 Air Circuit Breaker is distinguished by several advanced features that contribute to its high performance and adaptability. Below are the essential characteristics that make this ACB an ideal choice for various high-demand applications. 1. High Current Rating The WEW1-1600 ACB is rated for 1600 amps, making it suitable for high-current applications where robust protection is essential. This high current rating ensures that the breaker can handle substantial electrical loads without compromising performance or safety. Its capacity to manage significant currents makes it ideal for use in large-scale industrial setups and high-demand commercial applications. 2. Versatile Pole Configuration Available in both 3-pole (3P) and 4-pole (4P) configurations, the WEW1-1600 ACB offers flexibility to suit various application needs. The 3-pole version is typically used for three-phase systems, while the 4-pole version provides additional protection for neutral conductors in four-wire systems. This versatility ensures comprehensive protection across different electrical configurations. 3. Dual Voltage Rating The WEW1-1600 ACB is designed to operate efficiently at voltages of both 400V and 690V. This dual voltage capability allows the breaker to be used in a wide range of applications, from low voltage environments to more demanding high voltage settings. Its adaptability to different voltage levels enhances its utility across diverse industrial and commercial applications. 4. Advanced Trip Unit The breaker is equipped with a sophisticated trip unit that provides precise and reliable protection against overloads and short circuits. The trip unit continuously monitors the electrical system for abnormal conditions, such as excessive current flow or faults. When such conditions are detected, the trip unit triggers the breaking mechanism to interrupt the current flow, preventing potential damage and ensuring system safety. 5. High Breaking Capacity The ACB breaker boasts a high breaking capacity, enabling it to safely interrupt high fault currents. This feature is crucial for protecting the electrical system from damage caused by short circuits and other fault conditions. The high breaking capacity ensures that the breaker can handle severe fault conditions without sustaining damage, maintaining system reliability and safety. 6. Modular Design Featuring a modular design, the ACB breaker offers ease of installation, maintenance, and expansion. The modular construction allows for quick and straightforward replacement of components, minimizing downtime and enhancing overall system reliability. This design also facilitates the integration of additional features or upgrades, providing flexibility to adapt to evolving system requirements. 7. Withdrawable Type As a withdrawable-type ACB, the WEW1-1600 allows for easy removal and replacement of the breaker unit without disrupting the entire electrical system. This feature is particularly valuable for maintenance and servicing, as it enables technicians to work on the breaker without affecting the ongoing operation of the electrical system. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/1205/image_product/2024-11/2-47.png Applications of the WEW1-1600 ACB The WEW1-1600 Air Circuit Breaker is suitable for a variety of applications, including: * Industrial Facilities:The breaker's high current rating and robust protection capabilities make it ideal for use in industrial settings with high electrical demands. It ensures reliable operation and protection for machinery, motors, and distribution systems. * Commercial Buildings:In commercial environments, the WEW1-1600 ACB provides essential protection for electrical distribution panels and circuits, ensuring safety and reliability for critical operations and equipment. * Power Distribution Networks:The breaker is well-suited for use in power distribution networks, where its high breaking capacity and modular design contribute to efficient and safe power management. * Infrastructure Projects:The WEW1-1600 ACB is used in large infrastructure projects, including data centers, hospitals, and transportation systems, where reliable circuit protection is crucial for uninterrupted operation. Benefits of Using the WEW1-1600 ACB The WEW1-1600 Air Circuit Breaker offers several advantages that enhance the safety, reliability, and flexibility of electrical systems. Here's a closer look at the key benefits this robust breaker provides. 1. Enhanced Safety The advanced trip unit and high breaking capacity of the WEW1-1600 ACB ensure that electrical faults are promptly detected and addressed. This enhances the safety of the electrical system, protecting both equipment and personnel from potential hazards. 2. Operational Reliability With its high current rating and durable construction, the WEW1-1600 ACB provides reliable performance even under demanding conditions. Its ability to handle significant electrical loads and fault currents contributes to the overall reliability of the electrical distribution system. 3. Flexibility and Adaptability The modular design and dual voltage rating of the WEW1-1600 ACB offer flexibility and adaptability for various applications. The breaker can be easily integrated into different electrical systems and configurations, making it a versatile solution for diverse needs. 4. Ease of Maintenance The withdrawable-type design simplifies maintenance and servicing, allowing for quick and efficient replacement of the breaker unit without disrupting the entire system. This minimizes downtime and ensures ongoing system reliability. The Air Circuit Breaker WEW1-1600 is a sophisticated and reliable component designed to provide robust protection for electrical distribution systems. With its high current rating, versatile pole configurations, dual voltage capability, and advanced trip unit, the WEW1-1600 ACB offers exceptional performance and safety for a wide range of applications. Its modular and withdrawable design further enhances its utility, making it a valuable asset in both industrial and commercial settings. As an essential element in modern electrical systems, the WEW1-1600 ACB ensures the continuous and safe operation of power distribution networks, contributing to overall system reliability and efficiency. As we look ahead, W9 Group remains poised for continued growth and success, driven by its unwavering focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey and experience the future of low-voltage electrical products firsthand. For more information or to inquire about our products and services, please feel free to reach out to us at nicy@w9-group.com. [mailto:nicy@w9-group.com.] Together, let's create a smarter, safer, and more efficient electrical future. Media Contact Company Name: W9 group Technology Electronic Co,. Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=the-wew11600-air-circuit-breaker-a-highperformance-solution-for-electrical-safety-reliability-and-efficient-operation ] Phone: +8615906878798 Address:No. 36, Punan Second Road, Yueqing Economic Development Zone City: Wenzhou State: Zhejiang Country: China Website: https://www.w9-group.com/ This release was published on openPR.Urfan Sharif told social workers that his daughter Sara “brings a smile to my face” before he went on to murder her, new documents show. Sharif, who was convicted of Sara’s murder on Wednesday, also described her as “one of the best kids” when visited by social workers in February 2015. But staff at Surrey County Council had previously recorded that they did not “trust” Sharif, and described his parenting style as “quite dictatorial”. Sharif was found guilty of murdering his daughter in August last year along with her stepmother, Beinash Batool. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was convicted of causing or allowing her death following a trial at the Old Bailey. Documents previously released to the media from three separate sets of family court proceedings – which were allowed to be published following the verdicts – showed that concerns were raised by Surrey County Council about Sara’s care within a week of her birth in 2013, with Sharif and Sara’s mother, Olga, known to social services as early as 2010. But new documents, released on Thursday, show that in 2014, a social worker said engagements with the parents “causes the local authority not to trust” Sharif. The same year, the council applied for Sara to be taken into emergency care, telling a family court it had “significant concerns” about the children returning to Sharif, “given the history of allegations of physical abuse of the children and domestic abuse with Mr Sharif as the perpetrator”. As part of that application, the council told the court that in 2013, Sharif was assessed as having “repeatedly overlooked” the needs of Sara and her siblings, and said “there is no evidence to suggest that this assessment of Mr Sharif would be any different now”. The report added that “there is evidence to suggest Mr Sharif poses a risk” to Sara, and that she was at “immediate risk of harm”. As part of the same set of proceedings, a report by a social worker said: “Mr Sharif described Sara as ‘one of the best kids, she is very good and brings a smile to my face. She gives hugs and kisses, she plays with you, she understands what you say to her and knows what she needs when going out. She has very good hygiene and is not a messy eater.” Despite the council’s concerns, Sara remained in contact with her father, and later moved to his home in Woking in 2019. Having previously said in 2015 that there is “no violence in our home”, Sharif later admitted to jurors at his trial that he hit Sara with a cricket bat as she was bound with packaging tape, repeatedly throttled her with his bare hands, and battered her over the head with a mobile phone, in a campaign of abuse. He will be sentenced alongside Batool and Malik on Tuesday. Following the guilty verdicts, Rachael Wardell, executive director for children, families and lifelong learning at Surrey County Council, said: “Sara’s death is incredibly distressing and we share in the profound horror at the terrible details that have emerged during the trial. “We cannot begin to comprehend the suffering that poor Sara endured at the hands of members of her family who should have loved, protected, and cared for her. “The focus of the trial has been on the evidence needed to secure the convictions of those responsible for Sara’s death. This means that until the independent safeguarding review concludes, a complete picture cannot be understood or commented upon. “What is clear from the evidence we’ve heard in court is that the perpetrators went to extreme lengths to conceal the truth from everyone. “We are resolute in our commitment to protecting children, and we are determined to play a full and active part in the forthcoming review alongside partner agencies, to thoroughly understand the wider circumstances surrounding Sara’s tragic death.”( MENAFN - The Peninsula) QNA Doha: The registration for the 16th edition of Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2025) came to a close today, December 26. Under the patronage of HE sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the festival will take place from January 1 to February 1, 2025, at Marmi area in Sealine. The final day of registration was held at Qatari Al Gannas Association headquarters in Katara Cultural Village, with strong participation from falconers across Qatar and GCC countries. Chairman of the Marmi Festival, Muteb Al Qahtani, explained in a statement that the number of participants in each competition will be determined individually, followed by a draw, and results will be published and shared with participants. He also mentioned that the date for Young Falconer Championship would be announced later, but registration will take place on-site. Al Qahtani revealed that generous prizes have been allocated for the festivals winners, supported by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM). The winner of Al-Muzayen competition in "Al-Hor Ashqar" category will receive QR 700,000, the second-place winner will receive QR 500,000, and third-place winner will receive QR 300,000. For "Al-Hor Adham and Black" category, the first-place winner will receive QR 400,000, the second-place winner will receive QR 300,000, and the third-place winner will receive QR 200,000. In Haddad Al-Tahaddi competition, the qualifier will win a cash prize of QR 100,000, along with two Lexus cars for the final, and a QR 100,000 prize for the winner of the final. The winner of Al-Talaa competition will take home QR 300,000, the second-place winner will receive QR 200,000, and the third-place winner will earn QR 100,000. In the local Al Daou competition across seven rounds, the first-place winner will receive QR 200,000, the second-place winner will receive QR 100,000, and the third-place winner will receive QR 50,000. For the international Al Daou competition, the first-place winner will receive QR 100,000, the second-place winner will get QR 70,000, and the third-place winner will be awarded QR 50,000. The winner of Elite Race will receive QR 300,000, with the second-place winner taking QR 200,000, and the third-place winner receiving QR 100,000. In Saluki Racing competition, the first-place winner in each category will receive QR 100,000, the second-place winner will take QR 70,000, and the third-place winner will receive QR 50,000. As for Young Falconer Championship, the first-place winner will be awarded QR 25,000, the second-place winner will get QR 20,000, the third-place winner will receive QAR 15,000, the fourth-place winner will take QR 10,000, and the fifth-place winner will earn QR 8,000. MENAFN26122024000063011010ID1109033623 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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Single heat wave wiped out millions of Alaska's dominant seabird“Cassoulet, that best of bean feasts, is everyday fare for a peasant but ambrosia for a gastronome.” ~ Julia Child When winter heads our way, bringing chilly temperatures and close, dark nights, my thoughts turn to Cassoulet, the iconic comfort food from southwestern France. It has it all – juicy beans, duck leg confit, sausages and sometimes pork or lamb, slowly simmered in well-seasoned broth, then baked in a wide-mouthed, glazed terra-cotta dish called a cassole . Like any truly traditional dish, there are multiple versions, all claiming to be the “authentic one.” Cassoulet originated in southwestern France. Toulouse claims it — and so does Castelnaudary and Carcassonne — and the recipes vary. Toulouse adherents eschew adding cubed pork. Castelnaudary purists add a bit of lamb, while Carcassonne’s adds partridge. In most restaurants, cassoulets are served in an individual cassole , bubbling with hot juices,and with a bit of duck leg peeking through the top. But at Hostellerie Etienne , a vast indoor- outdoor restaurant on the edge of a forest near Castelnaudary, the cassoulets come to the table in family-size cassoles , big enough to serve two, four, six or even 10 people, so you can share the dish with your dining companions. I don’t know if Etienne’s even has a single-serving bowl size. I didn’t see one, when I was there as the guest of a bean trader from Castelnaudary. According to him, Etiennne’s has the best cassoulet anywhere, and they use the Lauragais lingot beans known as the Castelnaudary bean. Copious doesn’t begin to describe the cassoulet scene there, with stacks of cassoles lined up in Etienne’s kitchen, next to caldrons of simmering beans, ready to be filled and popped into the vast ovens. Here in the Bay Area, we have our own go-to restaurants for cassoulets. Some, like the Left Bank Brasseries in San Jose, Menlo Park, Oakland and Larkspur, and Reve Bistro in Lafayette, only serve it during the winter months as a special. (Reve will be serving cassoulet Dec. 10-14, for example, and Jan. 7-11; reserve it when you reserve your table.) Others, such as Bistro Jeanty in Yountville and Le Central in San Francisco, always have it on the menu. Both Reve Bistro and Bistro Jeanty use cassoles made by potter Kathy Kernes at her Crockett Pottery in Crockett, and they are every bit as beautiful and as practical as those you’ll find in southwestern France. Kernes’ makes cassoles in six sizes ($38-$210), ranging from individual to “extra large plus,” which is very large indeed. (Browse the possibilities at www.crockettpottery.com.) Reve Bistro offers take-out cassoulets if you pre-order the week the dish is on the menu. Pick it up — in a takeout container, not a cassole! — then heat it at home. Just note that chef-owner Paul Magu-Lecugy only makes a limited number of portions. “It’s time consuming,” he says, noting for him, it is a two-day process. Le Central’s cassoulet is one of the more elaborate around, with lamb, pork shoulder and boudin blanc, as well as the all-important duck leg confit and slightly garlicky Toulouse sausage. Left Bank uses chef-owner Roland Passot’s recipe (see below) and keeps it simple, limiting the meats to duck leg confit and Toulouse sausages. (Don’t panic. If you’re making this at home, some specialty markets sell duck confit.) The beans are key to cassoulet. Once cooked, they should not be mushy, but hold their shape after the long cooking. In France, tradition calls for either Tarbais beans, a plump, white bean, or lingot beans — a strain of cannellini beans — in making cassoulet. As Passot suggests in his recipe below, you can substitute cannellini beans or Great Northern beans. Rancho Gordo produces a variety called cassoulet , a West Coast-grown bean from the Tarbais strain. Cassoulet isn’t difficult to make. It just requires time and patience. You can make it a couple of days ahead, refrigerate it and then slowly reheat it. That way, there’s nothing to do on the day of but sip a glass of wine while the beans and meats slowly heat to bubbling. Add a green salad and some crusty bread, and you’ll have the perfect winter meal. Or put your coat on and head to one of our local restaurants, where the cooking is done for you. All you need is a reservation. Serves 6 to 8 Beans: 4 cups dried lingot beans (white kidney, cannellini or Great Northern, will all work) 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped 1 small onion, diced (about 3⁄4 cup) 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 pound slab bacon or extra thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 sprigs of thyme 1 bay leaf Cassoulet: 1⁄4 cup duck fat (lard will do in a pinch) 2 pounds pork butt cut in 2-inch cubes 1 cup onions, diced small 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1⁄4 cup tomato paste 1 small can diced tomatoes 11⁄2-2 cups reserved bean water 6 Toulouse sausages 1 small garlic sausage 4 confit duck legs, purchased or homemade (see note below) 1 cup panko bread crumbs 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Note: If you are making your own duck confit, start the night before by rubbing the duck legs with a “green salt” mixture — kosher salt, parsley, a couple of bay leaves and thyme ground together. The next day, rinse the duck legs well, pat dry and place in an oven-safe cooking vessel with enough duck fat to cover the legs. Roast in a 225-degree oven for 21⁄2 to 3 hrs. The night before, place the beans in a deep pot and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Let beans soak overnight. The next day, rinse the beans well. Add the rinsed beans, carrots, onions, garlic, bacon, thyme and bay leaf to cold water and cook, over low heat, until the beans are tender. Strain the beans, saving the water, and set aside the beans. In a large braising pan, melt the duck fat over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, brown the pork butt pieces without stirring. When beginning to brown, start stirring, making sure you scrape the bottom if it starts to caramelize. The pork doesn’t need much color, but it does need to cook in the duck fat for a while. Add lots of salt and pepper. This is not a shy dish. When the pork is nice and brown on all sides, add the 1 cup onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and cooked through. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes and reserved liquid from the beans. Stir, using a rubber spatula to clean the side of the pot. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Bring the heat under the braising pan up to high. Once at a rolling boil, turn down to low heat and add all the sausages. When they are cooked through, remove and set aside. Slice the garlic sausage in half and cut into 1-inch pieces. Return the whole and sliced sausages back to the pot along with the cooked beans. Continue to cook on low heat until the pork is cooked through. Taste for seasoning; add more salt and pepper if needed. Transfer the beans and pork to a heavy, wide mouth, earthenware, clay or cast iron baking dish that can hold 5 to 6 quarts. Bake at 250 degrees for about 11⁄2 hours, checking at least every 30 minutes. It may require a bit more time. If the dish is starting to look too dry, add a small amount of reserved bean broth or chicken stock. Add warmed duck legs to the cassoulet and make a breadcrumb topping by combining the panko, garlic, parsley, thyme and extra virgin olive oil. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking until the crumbs brown on the top. — Courtesy Roland Passot, Propriétaire, Chef Culinary Officer, Vine Hospitality
COP29: Advancing work for Climate Finance and for Climate-Adapted Agri-Food Systems
Zara McDermott gives relationship update after spending Christmas Day without Sam ThompsonWhen winter heads our way, bringing chilly temperatures and close, dark nights, my thoughts turn to Cassoulet, the iconic comfort food from southwestern France. It has it all – juicy beans, duck leg confit, sausages and sometimes pork or lamb, slowly simmered in well-seasoned broth, then baked in a wide-mouthed, glazed terra-cotta dish called a . Like any truly traditional dish, there are multiple versions, all claiming to be the “authentic one.” Cassoulet originated in southwestern France. Toulouse claims it — and so does Castelnaudary and Carcassonne — and the recipes vary. Toulouse adherents eschew adding cubed pork. Castelnaudary purists add a bit of lamb, while Carcassonne’s adds partridge. In most restaurants, cassoulets are served in an individual , bubbling with hot juices,and with a bit of duck leg peeking through the top. But at , a vast indoor- outdoor restaurant on the edge of a forest near Castelnaudary, the cassoulets come to the table in family-size , big enough to serve two, four, six or even 10 people, so you can share the dish with your dining companions. I don’t know if Etienne’s even has a single-serving bowl size. I didn’t see one, when I was there as the guest of a bean trader from Castelnaudary. According to him, Etiennne’s has the best cassoulet anywhere, and they use the Lauragais lingot beans known as the Castelnaudary bean. Copious doesn’t begin to describe the cassoulet scene there, with stacks of lined up in Etienne’s kitchen, next to caldrons of simmering beans, ready to be filled and popped into the vast ovens. Here in the Bay Area, we have our own go-to restaurants for cassoulets. Some, like the in San Jose, Menlo Park, Oakland and Larkspur, and in Lafayette, only serve it during the winter months as a special. (Reve will be serving cassoulet Dec. 10-14, for example, and Jan. 7-11; reserve it when you reserve your table.) Others, such as in Yountville and in San Francisco, always have it on the menu. Both Reve Bistro and Bistro Jeanty use made by potter Kathy Kernes at her in Crockett, and they are every bit as beautiful and as practical as those you’ll find in southwestern France. Kernes’ makes in six sizes ($38-$210), ranging from individual to “extra large plus,” which is very large indeed. (Browse the possibilities at Reve Bistro offers take-out cassoulets if you pre-order the week the dish is on the menu. Pick it up — in a takeout container, not a cassole! — then heat it at home. Just note that chef-owner Paul Magu-Lecugy only makes a limited number of portions. “It’s time consuming,” he says, noting for him, it is a two-day process. Le Central’s cassoulet is one of the more elaborate around, with lamb, pork shoulder and boudin blanc, as well as the all-important duck leg confit and slightly garlicky Toulouse sausage. Left Bank uses chef-owner Roland Passot’s recipe (see below) and keeps it simple, limiting the meats to duck leg confit and Toulouse sausages. (Don’t panic. If you’re making this at home, some specialty markets sell duck confit.) The beans are key to cassoulet. Once cooked, they should not be mushy, but hold their shape after the long cooking. In France, tradition calls for either Tarbais beans, a plump, white bean, or lingot beans — a strain of cannellini beans — in making cassoulet. As Passot suggests in his recipe below, you can substitute cannellini beans or Great Northern beans. Rancho Gordo produces , a West Coast-grown bean from the Tarbais strain. Cassoulet isn’t difficult to make. It just requires time and patience. You can make it a couple of days ahead, refrigerate it and then slowly reheat it. That way, there’s nothing to do on the day of but sip a glass of wine while the beans and meats slowly heat to bubbling. Add a green salad and some crusty bread, and you’ll have the perfect winter meal. Or put your coat on and head to one of our local restaurants, where the cooking is done for you. All you need is a reservation. Serves 6 to 8 4 cups dried lingot beans (white kidney, cannellini or Great Northern, will all work) 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped 1 small onion, diced (about 3⁄4 cup) 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 pound slab bacon or extra thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 sprigs of thyme 1 bay leaf 1⁄4 cup duck fat (lard will do in a pinch) 2 pounds pork butt cut in 2-inch cubes 1 cup onions, diced small 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1⁄4 cup tomato paste 1 small can diced tomatoes 11⁄2-2 cups reserved bean water 6 Toulouse sausages 1 small garlic sausage 4 confit duck legs, purchased or homemade (see note below) 1 cup panko bread crumbs 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil If you are making your own duck confit, start the night before by rubbing the duck legs with a “green salt” mixture — kosher salt, parsley, a couple of bay leaves and thyme ground together. The next day, rinse the duck legs well, pat dry and place in an oven-safe cooking vessel with enough duck fat to cover the legs. Roast in a 225-degree oven for 21⁄2 to 3 hrs. The night before, place the beans in a deep pot and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Let beans soak overnight. The next day, rinse the beans well. Add the rinsed beans, carrots, onions, garlic, bacon, thyme and bay leaf to cold water and cook, over low heat, until the beans are tender. Strain the beans, saving the water, and set aside the beans. In a large braising pan, melt the duck fat over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, brown the pork butt pieces without stirring. When beginning to brown, start stirring, making sure you scrape the bottom if it starts to caramelize. The pork doesn’t need much color, but it does need to cook in the duck fat for a while. Add lots of salt and pepper. This is not a shy dish. When the pork is nice and brown on all sides, add the 1 cup onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and cooked through. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes and reserved liquid from the beans. Stir, using a rubber spatula to clean the side of the pot. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Bring the heat under the braising pan up to high. Once at a rolling boil, turn down to low heat and add all the sausages. When they are cooked through, remove and set aside. Slice the garlic sausage in half and cut into 1-inch pieces. Return the whole and sliced sausages back to the pot along with the cooked beans. Continue to cook on low heat until the pork is cooked through. Taste for seasoning; add more salt and pepper if needed. Transfer the beans and pork to a heavy, wide mouth, earthenware, clay or cast iron baking dish that can hold 5 to 6 quarts. Bake at 250 degrees for about 11⁄2 hours, checking at least every 30 minutes. It may require a bit more time. If the dish is starting to look too dry, add a small amount of reserved bean broth or chicken stock. Add warmed duck legs to the cassoulet and make a breadcrumb topping by combining the panko, garlic, parsley, thyme and extra virgin olive oil. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking until the crumbs brown on the top.There are plenty of exciting matchups on Friday in college basketball play, including the Duke Blue Devils squaring off against the Arizona Wildcats — that’s one of the two games our computer model likes in terms of picks against the spread. Watch men’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. 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