My Food and Drink Blog

Archive for the ‘Cooking’ Category

There is very little worse than arriving home from the grocery shop loaded up with fresh foods to retain and running out of space in the freezer cooler. If you have a standard refrigerator/freezer arrangement, you realize how disheartening saving iced foods may be. Individuals who ultimately get tired with food slipping out of the particular freezer cooler due to over crowding or food stuff getting storage freezer burned because of the inadequate air conditioning mechanisms in many regular coolers, consistently chose coolers as the best selection option for cold food storage.

Grocery charges are generally one of the particular largest costs for every household. Folks invest a whole lot of funds on goods and cannot afford to have meals destroyed due to the fact of freezer storage. Today’s freezers allow individuals to store plenty of food in conditions that will keep food fresh and tasting great, whether or not you make it in a handful of days or even in a few weeks. Chest freezers have the storage space capacity and freezing abilities which used to only be available in specialist kitchens, but right now individuals may have them right in their own properties.

One of the many important factors for people contemplating a cooler is floor room. When you get a new freezer, you are adding another huge appliance to your own residence. Numerous folks find that they don’t possess room in their kitchens for chest coolers. This particular issue is generally prevented by keeping coolers in the storage area or in a cellar. A bit of putting in order usually allows enough room for a food freezer in the majority of houses. Remember that you can utilize the top of your food freezer cooler as kitchen counter area on the move if you need to. An individual could also pick scaled-down food items storage freezer to permit for sufficient room in your house. The particular brand-new safe-keeping room which foods storage freezer allow for food can make getting a food freezer a great financial commitment.

People that determine to get a freezer cooler for food items ought to have in mind the common functions which the majority of designs have got. Every model may differ somewhat in characteristics presented, but there are some basics that consumers should be on the watch for. Here tend to be some of those typical food fridge freezer features: Inside Brightness, Manually operated Defrost Setting, Seals, Drains, Adjustable Thermostat.

Most of these features appear standard on chest freezer coolers, but you should examine with the merchant just before acquiring to make sure. People who get food stuff roomy freezer in their own home frequently wonder how they got by all those many years without one. Freezer coolers allow you to just have to keep the daily essentials in your cooler while every thing else stays newly stored in the freezer.

The author is a recognized expert on chest freezers and freeze foods.

Bookmark to:

Everyone knows that one thing you need to have in your kitchen that is absolutely vital is one of the best chef knives available by today’s standards. When it comes to kitchen utensils it is important that you have one of the best chef knives available to supplement all of your cutting needs. There are many things to consider when purchasing your knife and many variables of each knife that determine just how good their quality is no matter which knife you may choose whether it be a Forschner Victorinox, Global, Ginsu, Wusthof, Rachael Ray, or even a Henckels.

Here are just a few quality related facets to consider when purchasing a knife:

1. Shun Classic – Great Knives 2. Rachael Ray Knives – Wonderful Brand Recognition 3. Misono – Best Kitchen Knives 4. Forschner Victorinox Knives – Great Kitchen Knives For Low Cost 5. Wusthof Classic Knives – Consumer Report Recommended Knives 6. Global Knives – Top Chef Endorsed 7. Chicago Cutlery Metropolitan Knives – Great Starter Knives For Chefs On A Budget

Another consideration to take to heart is how the blade is made. There are two ways to make a blade, either you can stamp it, or you can forge it. Also you need to think about what the blade is made out of be it carbon steel, stainless steel, ceramic, or laminated. Depending on your knife there are there ways to keep your knife sharp and hone the blade. One way is to use a normal grinder, another is is to use sharping steel, and finally there is a whetstone method.

But when grinding Japanese knives you must always use a whetstone, any other way may break the blade or cause it to become even more dull. Many chefs believe that it is important to sharpen their knives before each time they use them to keep them in top shape.

If you are having difficulties finding the best knife for your kitchen here is a list of the top recommended knives:

1.The material used and the corrosion resistance. 2.The level of craftsmanship. 3.The sharpness of the knife, it should have a finely ground surface. 4.Retention of the cutting edge. 5.The knife balance. 6.The comfort and safety of the knife. 7.The ease of washing.

1) How sharp is it? Is the surface ground finely? 2) How long does it hold its cutting edge? 3) How well is it made? 4) Do you feel comfortable holding it? 5) How well is it balanced? 6) What is it made out of? Will it corrode easily? 7) How easy is it to clean after I’m done?

It is important to note that Japanese knives should never be sharpened with anything other than a whetstone. A chef knife is one of the most important kitchen utensils and makes for a good investment. Like any tools, it does not pay to go for cheaper models; find a proven brand and think long term. The higher quality knives come with lifetime warranties and you can always have them sharpened if need be.

Get more info onhenckels knife sets and/or a shun knife set, please visit these sites.

Bookmark to:

In our Western society, a common nutritional belief is that meat and animal products must be consumed in order to maintain a well-balanced, muscle-building healthy diet.

In most cases, if someone dares to stray away from this line of thinking, they’re immediately branded as being some sort of a hippie, or just downright weird.

Fortunately however, more and more people are starting to discover the many health benefits to be had from eating a vegetarian diet. On top of that, many doctors and other health professionals have begun prescribing vegetarian meals to people who are suffering from certain conditions.

Although the concept of vegetarianism is seen by many as being a relatively new concept, it has in fact been around for hundreds of years already. In fact, this is especially apparent in countries such as India for example, where a large percentage of the population refrain from eating meat, either for spiritual reasons or for health reasons. Interestingly enough, a group of people living near the Himalayan Mountains, known as the “Hunza”, are devout vegetarians, and if reports are anything to go by, many of them live past the age of 100.

According to the American Dietetic Association, a vegetarian diet includes the following benefits: 1) lower body fat; 2) lower levels of saturated fat; 3) lower cholesterol levels; 4) higher levels of antioxidant vitamins and minerals; 5) lower blood pressure; 6) lower instances of some cancers; 7) lower rates of type-2 diabetes; lower rates of heart disease.

Obesity is a serious health concern in many Western countries, and yet it can be controlled by means of vegetarian diets which increase fiber intake while at the same time reducing protein and fat consumption. Because a vegetarian diet results in people having a lower Body Mass Index, they can be effective at managing several chronic illnesses.

One common question asked by anyone considering a vegetarian diet is: “Will I get enough protein?” That is certainly a valid concern, as protein is necessary for the building, maintenance and function of all body cells. However, according the American Dietetic Association, a varied and well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the protein the body needs from eating such things as whole grains, beans, nuts and soy products.

On the other hand, the average meat based diet provides the body with too much protein, and this of course can be harmful. According to one particular report, too much protein can result in a person losing approximately 30% of their kidney function by the time they reach their senior years. Some studies also suggest that too much protein can result in the body pulling excessive calcium out of the bones, and if that happens, it can lead to osteoporosis.

Becoming a vegetarian does not mean you are limited to eating celery sticks, apples and nuts. There are many types of vegetarians that eat meatless diets in a variety of combinations. Some of the more common types include:

Lacto vegetarians, eat dairy products, but don’t eat meat or eggs.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat, but will eat dairy products and eggs.

Ovo vegetarians will quite happily consume eggs, but they won’t eat meat or any dairy products.

Vegans don’t consume meat, dairy products, eggs, or any animal products at all.

There are many medical and health organizations that promote, endorse, and support people on a path toward changing their dietary lifestyle to one that includes more plant-based foods.

Likewise, practically all restaurants and grocery stores now stock a wide range of vegetarian meals and other vegetarian foods so that people may find it easier to live a healthy lifestyle.

For those who would like to discover more, there’s a wealth of information available on the Internet and also via several medical providers and health organizations.

At the end of the day, being a vegetarian is perfectly acceptable, and in fact, the benefits are so numerous, they could even end up saving your life one day, or at least, they could help you enjoy a better quality of life.

Tap into Charles Carr’s extensive cooking experience as a home cook, and what he has learn from a few master chefs by getting free access to his vegetarian guide. Also, here’s a free special report Master Chef Secrets on how you can save a ton of money on your cooking equipment.

categories: vegetarian,vegetarian recipes,vegetarian diet,vegetarian cooking,vegetarian meal ideas,cooking,recipes,vegetarian,food,food and drink,food and beverage,gourmet,diet,health

Bookmark to:

Italian recipes for pasta have existed for a very long time, even if many of the ingredients have changed over the centuries. It’s interesting to think that what people consider the two most essential ingredients of these dishes, namely the tomatoes and the pasta itself, may actually have come to Italy from elsewhere. Certainly, tomatoes did not originate in Italy. Yet there’s no doubt that in everything, from complex to simple Italian dishes, the cooks of Italy have made every ingredient distinctly their own.

Different regions of Italy have always produced different types of food, and this is partly why an Italian recipe can vary so much when it comes to pasta. Recipes that originate in the northern regions will reflect early German and Roman cultures, while the south was more influenced by Arab trade, which carried Mediterranean influences quite widely.

The northern dishes will consist of more pork recipes, fish, sausages and cheeses. Foods of central Italy tend more toward ham, sausage, tomatoes and tortellini. To the south, you’ll also find tomatoes, with olives, peppers, garlic, artichokes, zucchini and capers.

The e-rcps.com website, which features Italian recipes with some Middle Eastern recipes as well, has an entire Italy-related section called “Pasta Recipes Listed by Region.” Here you can see all these differences illustrated in the recipes you choose for the different areas. For example, a recipe from Lombardy, a northern area, is “Pasta with Cheese and Green Cabbage,” the cabbage showing early Roman influences, whereas a typical recipe from Campania to the south would be “Vermicelli with Hot Pepper and Anchovy.” Italian food isn’t nearly as uniform as North Americans tend to portray it, and tomatoes are not always the primary ingredient.

It’s hard to imagine Italian recipes without tomatoes, but it’s true that when they were first introduced in Europe, it took a long time until people felt safe eating them. How times have changed! Now you can rarely find Italian made sauces that don’t feature this vegetable. Yet long before it made its first appearance, the foods of Italy were already distinct and had their own special characteristics. And those still exist today, even if the tomato has been added to the traditions.

Find more great meal ideas at the Cooking Site. We have lots of recipes, cooking tips and fascinating facts about food to keep you reading for hours!

Bookmark to:

No matter which model you may own, the right Weber BBQ parts are available. As well as replacement parts and pieces there are a range of accessories and tools to make barbecuing an simple and creative. Whether you own a gas or a charcoal griller the right pieces and parts can easily be found wherever you may be grilling.

The Weber charcoal barbecue’s iconic style has changed little over the years and there are some who may own a model which has been passed down to them from their child hood. No matter when it was made, a charcoal BBQ may require new parts to keep it working well. New wheels, the standard six inch size, can keep the barbecue easy to move from place to place, season to season.

A new grill rack to hold charcoal or a cooking grate for a charcoal griller can be purchased for most of the sizes Weber has manufactured in the past. New racks should be considered if rust or other damage has made the originals no longer suitable for cooking. If considering a new cooking grate, a hinged variety is also available, which can make adding additional fuel easier while cooking.

New parts, such as a charcoal fuel rail make it possible to cook in different ways in the barbecue. Fuel rails hold burning charcoal in one area of the barbecue so that indirect heat can cook foods, such as poultry. Foods cooked with indirect heat are baked rather than grilled.

Weber gas barbecues may require new pieces to maintain their reliability and safety. Parts such as igniters or gas tubes for burners can keep the barbecue operating as well as it did in its first days of use. It is possible that ignition systems or gas tubes of the barbecue may become blocked or worn by constant use.

Other barbecue parts, such as thermometers, can be useful for telling the internal temperature of large cuts of meats as well as the general temperature of the barbecue if it is not already fitted with a thermometer. Knowing the internal temperature of meat which is cooking in a barbecue can be important for the sake of doneness, for example the internal temperature for a medium-rare roast should be between 145 degrees and 155 degrees Fahrenheit. In the case of roasting a whole chicken the internal temperature is extremely important in order to prevent salmonella, it should be 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other parts for a gas barbecue can include different grilling racks and pans or griddles. These other tools can increase the way you use your barbecue. Griddles can be used for breakfast grilling pancakes or even pizzas. Kabob skewers and rib racks can make cooking these styles of dishes easier and roasting pans can add lasagnas or even cakes and brownies to your barbecuing repertoire.

It is important to keep a barbecue clean between uses and at the end of the grilling season. Tools such as steel brushes and scrapers can prevent rust in grates and grilling racks, making these pieces last longer. Keeping the barbecue protected with one of the covers specifically made for your model will prevent the barbecue from being damaged in changing seasons or bad weather.

Many Weber BBQ parts are available either as replacements for worn pieces or as additions to a barbecue. Despite the variety of models, many parts are standardized so a replacement, even for older grillers can be found. Other accessories can add to the functionality of a barbecue, making outdoor cooking more than just a repetition of grilled meals and inviting inspired home chefs to experiment in using their barbecue in a variety of ways.

I have even more reviews and information about Weber grill parts and Weber BBQ parts at my website. I will also let you in on a little secret: Where to get them cheaper than anyplace else on the web;) Many thanks for reading, and good luck!

Bookmark to:

Among combination microwave ovens, the Kitchenaid KEMS308SSS is at the top of the class. It combines many of the most advanced options available in both standard and microwave oven classes into one great kitchen appliance.

Key Microwave Features

The KEMS308SSS combination oven is a real space saver. This is especially important in kitchens with limited space. This combination utilizes the empty space that would be created if two different appliances were installed in the same space. By utilizing this empty space, room is created beneath the standard element for extra cabinets.

The microwave unit does a lot more than simple reheating and defrosting functions. It includes convection cooking which functions much like cooking in the full sized oven that is attached beneath.

This KEMS308SSS also features KitchenAid’s CrispWave technology which allows you to grill and fry foods right in the microwave. Just imagine being able to grill in the comfort of your kitchen in the middle of winter. Frying in this microwave is healthier because less oil is required than when frying on the stove top.

Finally, the units special steam feature helps you retain the vitamins and minerals in your favorite vegetables and other foods while cooking them perfectly!

Standard Size Oven Features

The standard oven component offers 4.3 cubic feet of cooking space. This is large enough to accommodate larger food items like turkeys, ham or large casseroles.

Like its microwave counterpart, this oven features a convection heating element. Cooking with the convection element makes it possible for your food to be cooked evenly throughout. Your food will be cooked to perfection every time — no cold centers or over-cooked edges.

The dehydration feature in this oven gives you the capability to dehydrate fruits, vegetables and meat. This feature is great for making trail mix, cooking seasonings and jerky. You can make great after school snacks for your kids.

The self-cleaning feature of this oven takes all the work out of cleaning up after the spills that inevitably occur when doing a lot of cooking. Just set the self-cleaning option and the oven will take over from there. No more work on your part.

When searching for combination microwave ovens, you won’t go wrong by considering the KitchenAid KEMS308SSS. It features advanced cooking options that will help expand the way you cook. Its sleek stainless steel trim will add a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

Get more information on KitchenAid combination microwave ovens on my blog. Click this link to check out my review of the KitchenAid KEMS308SSS.

Bookmark to:

Cooking in Class C motorhomes can be fun and easy when boondocking. You may be used to preparing foods and meals when camping with Class C motorhomes, so read the following tips to be as prepared for boondocking. Turn the challenge into something fun for the whole family.

Suggested Class C motorhomes meals when boondocking

You will need to be resourceful and conservative when cooking in Class C motorhomes while boondocking. One pot meals and using the grill are two types of meals that work well when cooking and boondocking in Class C motorhomes. Grilling saves on cleaning and one pot meals can combine lots of different items for succotash type substance.

Use foil when cooking in Class C motorhomes and boondocking

Cooking with foil is a great way to cook when boondocking in Class C motorhomes because the clean up is easy. Foil can be placed on the grill or directly on a campfire or coals. Favorites for meals with Class C motorhomes are meat, potatoes, and cheese wrapped in foil. Use spray oil (non-hydrogenated) to help prevent sticking. Add vegetables for a more balanced meal. Some people even pre-cook the meats prior to leaving to camp.

Plan and prepare before you leave town

When boondocking, you will find that there are no quick trips to the grocery store. This means it is important for you to plan and prepare ahead of time. Look at sample recipes in RV cookbooks or online. They can give you good ideas for your weekly menus. Some suggestions: fruit, granola, cookies, energy or protein bars, canned goods, and peanuts. These are items that you can store in your recreational vehicle for lengthy periods of time. You want to keep it simple, even if you used prepared foods, so start the prep at home before you leave town.

Take only the necessary cooking materials

If you will be utilizing a camping grill, then you should think about packing extra gas. You won’t be able to purchase these in a lot of places, so pack them ahead of time. Also, think about using biodegradable utensils, plates, and cups. These can be tossed, are environmentally friendly, and will help you save on using water.

Pack only the necessary pots and pans. Take a small can opener. Another good idea for boondocking is a plastic storage bin that you can pack foods in.

When you boondock in your Class C RV, you will want to pack in and pack out. Be simple, but have fun planning your meals and menu!

Julie Jacobs loves to travel and write about Class C Motorhomes. Read more RV articles at www.pedatarvcenter.com.

Bookmark to:

If you are going to spend money on a quality set of Chef knives, you should make sure that you store them properly. Knives which have not been stored correctly will end up becoming pretty much useless so read this article carefully.

The first tip is… don’t just stuff a sharp chefs knife in to your kitchen draw. They are SHARP!!! If you forget it’s in there and go to grab something next to it, you could end up cutting yourself pretty bad. If you do need to keep them in your draw, use a knife sleeve. These protective casings keep your knives safe, and you will store them safely in your kitchen draws.

Knife cases are great if you need to travel with your knives, as they ensure that the blades don’t move around and stay well protected. Professional chefs often use a knife wrap or a chef knife roll to have their blades safe.

Chef knife blocks are an easy way to store your sharpest knives. Blocks don’t touch the blade, and all the weight and pressure is placed upon the knife handle. Make sure your knives fit perfectly into the block, or chef knife box, and they’re clean and dry before you put them away.

A magnetic knife rack or magnetic knife strip both work equally well, but the blades often remain exposed with this chef knife storage option. It’s best to avoid this knife storage solution for those who have small children running around your kitchen.

For safety and to prolong the lives of all your kitchen knives, you should have a plan for storing any knives or knife sets you buy. Sometimes the decision is made for you as in a case where the set you buy has a block or if you’re in a situation where you have no available drawer space but plenty of room on your counter top. Ultimately, several factors will contribute to determining the manner in which you store your knives. Your budget, your available space, the number of knives you have, and other circumstances will need to be considered in order to choose the best option for you.

Come over to the shun kitchen knives site.

Bookmark to:

Making bagels is similar to making doughnuts; bagel equipment is similar to doughnut making equipment. There are 2 primary differences between bagels and doughnuts. Bagels are boiled while doughnuts are fried. The dough is also prepared a bit differently; obviously the dough that’s used to create doughnuts is far sweeter than the dough that is used to create bagels.

Making the dough is done similar in both cases, the dough is prepared than is left to rise. Each process requires the utilization of special risers, these risers are basically built like stand up ovens that only reach a certain temperature and keep the environment moist so that the dough is encouraged to rise.

Another important part of the process is that the dough is rolled out and cut into shape. The bagel dough is left a bit thicker than the doughnut dough. Bagel equipment is set to be sure that the dough is no longer flattened as much. There’s also far more air that is left is bagel dough.

The air from time to time is added using an aerator to speed up the process of creating the dough.

There is a huge device that’s used to cut the bagels out of large sheets of bagel dough. This is used to guarantee uniformity so when the bagels are finished they all look just about identical.

Bagel equipment ensures that all the bagels are in perfect condition to be presented to the world.

Bagels are usually boiled and than baked just enough to get that familiar brown color. The bagels are cooked in huge vats of boiling water only for a few minutes, than they’re immediately transferred to the ovens where they remain until they’re golden brown.

The bagels have to be cooled, so large cooling racks are used to cool the bagels. These racks typically have rows and rows of racks with bagel shaped forms to hold the bagels as they cool so that they don’t loose their shape while they are cooling.

After the bagels have cooled they are transferred to other racks to hold them either for sale or they are packaged for sale.

Bagel equipment is used in commercial establishments from beginning to end of the process. This equipment is heavily relied upon to create a terrific bagel, without the right equipment it’d be extremely difficult to create bagels for sale.

Bagel equipment is needed to operate this kind of business. Click this blog for even more information on this topic.

Bookmark to:

The kitchen is the perfect place for making memories. When you spend time baking, cooking and enjoying meals with your family, you create happy memories you and your children will cherish forever.

The benefits of preparing and enjoying food as a family are clear. You save money and eat healthier meals. You create opportunities to connect and communicate with your children and spouse. And most importantly, you show love for your family when you spend time cooking and eating with them. Children of all ages need your attention and your time. By working together to create a meal or bake a batch of cookies, you spend valuable time together.

So, here are 10 steps to get your family cooking up memories.

Step 1: Teach small children the fun of cooking by helping them bake cookies and cakes. If you are short on time, you can use a boxed cookie mix and spend more time decorating.

Step 2: Encourage the littlest ones to play pretend cooking. Kids love to play with real mixing bowls, strainers and wooden spoons. These make harmless toys and can be easily thrown in the dishwasher for quick cleanup.

Step 3: If you live by your day-timer, schedule in baking cookies with your kids. Our schedules can be so hectic that something as simple as baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies can get skipped over. Write it down and do it.

Step 4: If you have teenagers, let them play their favorite music while they wash the lettuce and set the table.

Step 5: Work together with your spouse to prepare the dinner and use the time to catch up on each other’s day.

Step 6: Even if you are in a rush preparing dinner, remember to reduce your stress and focus on creating a fun atmosphere that naturally encourages the whole family to participate.

Step 7: When spending time preparing food with your children, include lessons about healthy eating choices. Keep the conversation positive and avoid listing foods they can’t have.

Step 8: On days where you anticipate time will be tight, consider taking a short cut by using a frozen stir-fry mix or pasta with a jar of pre-made sauce. Your family will appreciate your relaxed mood much more than a made-from-scratch dinner.

Step 9: Share the job of grocery shopping. One week have mom take one of the children as a helper, the next week dad can go with another child. Always work from a grocery list and let your children help you retrieve items and cross them off the list.

Step 10: Have big family meals where you share about your day. Keep the conversation fun and avoid negative lectures over dinner. Remember to laugh.

Take these steps today and make your kitchen a fun and memorable place for your whole family.

You can find more Cooking Articles at Articoolz.com

Bookmark to: