Sunday, February 28, 2010
Top Five Recipes For Diabetic Meal Plan
Top five recipes are mentioned here for diabetics.
Chicken Vegetable Pasta: Cook chicken in oven and then cut it in small pieces. Boil some pasta. Add mixed vegetables into water in which pasta is being boiled. Drain pasta and vegetables and take it out in a bowl. Add some salad dressing and then add shredded lettuce and dressing.
Spanish-Style Egg Roll-Ups: Dice onion, pepper and some cayenine. Add these into a pan of scrambled egg. Sprinkle cheese on top. Spoon in a tortilla and simply roll it.
Go Green Pasta: Cook pasta and put it aside. Heat olive oil in skillet and add some green beans, broccoli, green onion or zucchini. Add few drops of water and cook until the vegetables are done. Mix pasta and vegetables. Finally top with cheese.
Baked Chicken with a Zing: Take skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Marinate it in Italian dressing. Place it in the fridge overnight. Roll it in a mixture of herbs, bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Put it in a pan and bake it at 350 degrees for around 30 minutes or until brown. Serve with fresh vegetables.
Cream Cheese and Jam Toast: Mix creme cheese (low fat) with a spoon of strawberry jam. Spread it on whole wheat toast.
Have more delicious recipes at Signs Of Diabetes. Also enjoy free diabetic meal plan specifically designed according to your requirements. Feel free to check Diabetic Testing Supplies.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Snow Fungus and Fish Maw Soup Recipe
Soup have always been the mainstay of my family meals, as this is the easiest dish to imbibe especially for my daughter. After hours of simmering, all the essence of the ingredients must have been incorporated into the soup and this ease body digestion.
To make it flavorful, I added in some spiced vinegar and it's really stimulating the appetite upon first sip of soup!
Fish maw (large fish gas bladder, in Chinese) is usually served braised or in stews, and mostly used in soups. It often served in Chinese households during Chinese new year and is considered a food delicacy in some Asian cultures and one of the luxury ingredients in Chinese cuisine. Fish maw is regarded as a nourishing tonic which is said to promote blood circulation and general health.
Fish maw need to be soaked for an hour until it's pliable, then rinse and scrub clean with paper towel. If you're not comfortable with fishy odour (which most of us do!), the pre-soaked fish maw then bring to boil with a stalk of spring onion, a slice of ginger and half a litre of water, for roughly 10 minutes. Then remove the fish maw and shred.
Ingredients :
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 50g fish maw, soaked until soft and shredded
- 1 piece canned bai lin gu (Pleurotus ferulae mushroom), shredded
- 1 piece snow fungus, soaked and cut into small pieces
- 6 water chestnuts, peeled and shredded
- 1 small carrot, peeled and shredded
- 150g shrimps
Seasoning :
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chicken stock granules
- 1/2 tbsp light soya sauce
- 2 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Dash of pepper
- 1000ml water
- 2 tbsp corn flour, mixed with
- 4 tbsp water, for thickening
- 2 egg white, beaten
Method :
1. Heat up oil, add in shaoxing wine and followed by all the ingredients and seasoning. Bring to boil and then simmer at low heat until all vegetables are cooked.
2. Thicken with corn flour water and then mix in beaten egg white. Serve hot.
A passionate home cook, a discerning wife and mother, also a webmaster for
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Exciting Chicken Salad Recipes
Grilled chicken has an incredible flavor and you can use it to make the most delicious chicken salad recipes. One great idea is to serve a warm chicken salad. Make a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, chopped cabbage and anything else you want, for the base, and then top it with a mixture of warm grilled chicken and crumbled bacon.
Add blue cheese and walnut halves and serve some Caesar dressing or ranch dressing on the side. Chopped pineapple, pine nuts, maraschino cherries, black olives or raisins would also be nice with such a salad.
Instead of serving grilled chicken with a salad, what about a smoked chicken salad? Smoked chicken tastes fantastic and you can add it to any salad recipe to give an extra flavor dimension.
Even processed chicken slices can be chopped and added to a mixed salad, but cooking some boneless chicken pieces and adding those to a salad is the best way to make the most appealing and wonderful chicken salad recipes.
How to Make a Fancy Chicken Salad
If you are looking for chicken salad recipes which are suitable for a dinner party, you will also want them to look elegant. Use mixed salad leaves and arrange smoked chicken or grilled chicken on top.
For a buffet you will want to serve the dressing on the side, else the salad might go soggy after a while. Use fresh herbs for an elegant garnish and perhaps some colorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh peach or fresh cilantro to add visual appeal.
Recipe for Grilled Chicken Salad with a Lime Dressing
This recipe is simple to make and the warm grilled chicken is served on a bed of lettuce which has been tossed with a lime dressing. A smooth, delicious peanut butter sauce is drizzled over the top and this Asian inspired recipe is sure to thrill anyone you serve it to. This recipe makes enough for two people.
You will need:
2 warm grilled chicken breasts
4 tablespoons hot water
4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon ground ginger
4 teaspoons honey mustard
1 teaspoon black pepper
7 1/2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 head iceberg lettuce
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup lime juice
2 cloves minced garlic
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
How to make it:
Combine the peanut butter, hot water, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil in one bowl. Mix together the lime juice, honey, honey mustard, salt, pepper, oil and garlic in another bowl and stir in the lettuce.
Divide the lime and lettuce mixture between two bowls. Slice the chicken breast and arrange it on top of the lettuce. Drizzle the peanut butter sauce on top and serve.
You can serve chicken salad recipes at any occasion and these recipes range from basic and healthy to luxurious and gourmet. If you enjoy grilled chicken recipes why not make a grilled chicken salad, pairing the warm, juicy chicken with your favorite salad leaves and salad dressing?
BonelessChickenRecipe.com - Chicken so delightfully moist, you can almost smell it through your monitor.
Cooking Vegetarian Family Meals
Every family can benefit from increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in their diet. Even if you are not vegetarians, consider cooking a couple of "meat free" meals each week. People who follow a vegetarian diet tend to have lower cholesterol, stronger immune systems and are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight.
Here are some tips to help you make the switch:
- Start with a "family favourite" recipe, such as lasagna or bolognese, and modify the recipe for a meat free version. Remember, you don´t have to make the meal solely from vegetables. Use one of the many soya-based meat equivalents.
- If you find the thought of cooking a vegetarian meal from scratch a little daunting, buy a couple of supermarket ready meals first. Most stores offer a great choice of dishes and it should be easy to find one that appeals to the family´s taste.
- Buy a cheap vegetarian cookbook or download recipe ideas from the internet. There is a wealth of information out there, so there are no excuses for serving limp salads!
- When eating out, try to switch to a vegetarian option. Even the fast food chains offer vegeburgers and bean burritos, so making the switch is easy. Just make sure that you go easy on the side orders. French Fries might be made of potato but they are still loaded with fat!
- If you find the taste of some vegetarian meals a little bland, use herbs, spices and seasoning to add taste and flavor.
- Think of all the recipes that your family enjoys and eats anyway. Chances are that there are quite a few vegetarian meals in the list! Tomato soup, bean salad, coleslaw, macaroni cheese..it should be easy to put together a vegetarian menu a couple of times a week.
- Go easy on the higher fat foods such as cheese. It is still possible to gain weight on a vegetarian diet if you eat the wrong foods in large portion sizes. Remember to check that any cheese you buy is vegetarian, as some cheeses are made from animal rennet. Increase your consumption of beans and pulses in tasty stews and casseroles. Legumes are a good source of protein.
- If you don´t think you can miss meat out of your recipes altogether, try giving up red meat instead. Switch to chicken or turkey mince in pasta sauces and burgers, as the fat content is considerable lower.
- Most cooking styles will have a wealth of vegetarian options available, meaning you can have an extensive and varied repertoire of family meals. Italian pasta sauces, stir fry recipes, mexican food, curries.. the choice is endless.
- Many vegetarian dishes can be easily cooked in your slow cooker. Vegetable stew, Winter Vegetable Casseroles, soups and curries. Save time, effort AND calories with these healthy choices.
Try making the switch and see if your family can tell the difference. The first time I made lasagna to the usual recipe, but with soya mince, no-one around the table even noticed. And if your family enjoys the meals so much that you decide to make a lifestyle change, remember that you will have to start checking the ingredients on every food item that you buy. Read the nutritional labels of every product carefully, as animal products do turn up in the strangest places!
You can even adapt your favourite
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Paterson
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Three Crockpot Chicken Recipes
My crockpot gets quite a bit of use. In the winter, it's wonderful to have a hot meal ready after we all get home in the evening. And in the summer, it's great to not have the oven going during the hot days. I'd like to share some of our favorite chicken crockpot recipes with you:
Chicken and Veggies in the Crockpot
4-6 pieces of chicken
16 ounces of frozen veggies
1 can cream of celery soup
8 ounces of shredded cheese
There are many combinations for this recipe. If you're using chicken breasts, use 3-4 of them. If you use thighs, use 4-6 of them. When I buy the frozen veggies, I look for the combination pack of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. You can also use artichoke hearts or asparagus. It really depends on the flavors you want. If you prefer fresh veggies, chop up celery, carrots, onion, broccoli, cauliflower and even onions.
I'm not a mushroom fan, so I don't use cream of mushroom. Play around with the many cream soups. Try cream of celery or cream of broccoli or any other family favorite. When it comes to the cheese, I try to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey jack. I think this provides a wonderful taste. Other people really like the taste of swiss cheese or Italian blend cheese.
Place the chicken in the crockpot. Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook on low five to six hours. For a great finish, place a bit more cheese on top ten minutes before serving.
Our other favorite crockpot chicken recipe is chicken and stuffing:
1 box of stuffing mix
4 -6 pieces of chicken
2 cans cream of chicken soup
Follow the package directions on the stuffing mix to moisten. Instead of putting the stuffing into a casserole dish, spread it into your crockpot. Place the chicken on top of the stuffing. Now pour the soup on top. Depending on the size of your crockpot, one can of soup might be enough. If you do use two cans of soup, consider using one can cream of chicken soup and one can cream of broccoli soup.
Cook six to eight hours on low.
The last recipe I'd like to share with you is chicken and fruit. I call it chicken and fruit because you can use whatever fruits you like:
4-6 pieces of chicken
1 can of fruit
1 onion, quartered
Plain chicken broth (optional)
We have tried this with peaches, with apricots and with pineapple. Each recipe came out great. Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Put the onions around the chicken. Place the fruit on top along with the liquid from the fruit. If you do not have enough liquid from the fruit add in plain chicken broth until you have the correct amount of liquid. Cook on low six to eight hours. I hope your family enjoys these dishes as much as my family does.
Audreys mom always entertained when she was growing up. Audrey learned to prepare for large groups and has often entertained 15-30 people in her home at a time. You can find more great recipes at
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Honey and Black Pepper Beef Recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients for the honey and black pepper beef recipe:
oil, for cooking
500 g (1lb) round steak, cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, sliced
300 g (10 oz) sugar snap peas
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
3 teaspoons cracked black pepper
Directions for the honey and black pepper beef recipe:
1. If you are interested in combining honey with black pepper beef recipe into making a nice meal, first you should heat the wok until very hot, add 1 tablespoon of the oil and swirl it around to coat the side. Stir-fry the beef in batches over high heat. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Next step begins by heating the wok. Then add 1 tablespoon of the oil and stir-fry the garlic, the onion and the sugar snap peas until softened and the remove from the wok and set aside.
3. Step 3 begins be adding the honey, the soy sauce, the oyster sauce and the cracked pepper to the wok. Then bring to the boil, and after reduce the heat and simmer for 4 minutes
4. In last step you should increase the heat. Soon after return the meat and the vegetables to the wok, and then toss for 3-4 minutes until well heated through.
Nutritional Value for the honey and black pepper beef recipe:
Protein 30 g; Fat 15 g; Carbohydrate 20 g: Dietary Fibre 4.5 g: Cholesterol 70mg; Energy 1400kJ (335cal)
Hints for the honey and black pepper beef recipe:
1. Heat the wok, then add the oil and swirl it around to coat the side of the hot wok.
2. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the wok and drain on paper towels.
3. Add the honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce and cracked pepper and bring to the boil.
Shirley M. Duran is a mother of two and a cooking enthusiast and at her website you can find recipes like the
Copyright © Shirley M. Duran, All Rights Reserved. If you are interested in using this article make all the urls (links) active. Thank you!
Cooking Vegetarian - Simple Ways To Cook Vegetarian Food
The simplest of all dishes is a one pot stew or casserole. There are vegetarian versions that taste just as good as meat based ones. If you have the essential ingredients to hand you can make a very simple vegetarian casserole.
All you need to do is add a tin of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, butter beans of flagellate beans to a root vegetable casserole. You can develop some variations on this theme by adding a topping of breadcrumbs with or without grated cheese and putting it in the oven for a few minutes. You could even add a pastry crust or a cobbler topping and bake it. Dumplings are an excellent addition and make a hearty vegetarian meal.
Vegetarian soups are just as simple. If you cook some lentils, carrots and onions for about 15 minutes you can whizz the whole thing in a food processor to make soup. Season to taste and stir a spoonful of yogurt or creme fraiche into each dish as you serve it. A sprinkling of chopped coriander or parsley adds a special touch.
A pea soup is even easier. Cook some frozen peas in boiling water with a sprig of mint. When they are cooked put them in the food processor. Season to taste and serve. A slice of wholemeal bread makes a satisfying vegetarian lunch.
Another one pot stand by is risotto. A mushroom risotto makes a quick and easy vegetarian supper. Arborio rice cooks in about 10 minutes and it will take about the same to chop up some onions, garlic and mushrooms.
Stir fry is a great vegetarian stand by. The great advantage of this kind of cooking is that you can adapt it to whatever vegetables you have available. If you have some tofu in the store cupboard it is easy to make a vegetarian stir fry. Mushrooms also make a good vegetarian stir fry.
A stir fry is not quite a one pot dish because you will need to cook some rice or noodles to go with it. But noodles are very easy and only take about 10 minutes or less.
Cooking brown rice can be a slow business which puts many people off using it. But the best way to make this essential vegetarian food easy is to invest in an electric rice. cooker. Your rice will be done perfectly every time and become the basis of many easy vegetarian meals.
Abhishek is really passionate about Cooking and he has got some great Cooking Secrets. up his sleeves! Download his FREE 88 Pages Ebook, "Cooking Mastery!" from his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com/770/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Orange & Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe
Since there are many people who cannot eat dairy, eggs or any other animal by-products for ethical, environmental, and health reasons, I wanted to create a quick and easy alternative treats book in the easiest format that you can take full advantage of straightaway. Thus, here's a sample recipe from our book for you to enjoy, rich in flavour, yet quick and easy to prepare.
Lemon & Orange Poppy Seed Cake
Ingredients you will need:
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp bicarbonate soda
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
2 Tbsp pure orange juice
1 Tbsp pure lemon juice
Grated rind of 1 small orange
Grated rind of 1 small lemon
3/4 cup water
2/3 cup raw cane sugar
13/4 cups wholemeal Self Raising Flour
1/4 cup vegan margarine (May be substituted with 4 tsp vegetable oil)
This is a dairy-free vegan suitable recipe.
Method for Making ths cake:
1. Mix the flour, sugar, salt, bicarbonate soda, and poppy seeds in a large bowl. Use a wooden spoon to mix.
2. Add the margarine, juices, rinds, and water. Mix well with wooden spoon.
3. Pour the mixture into a well greased cake tin.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes or until the cake springs back up when lightly pressed. Leave to cool.
Then ice it with your favorite icing recipe or simply serve dusted with icing sugar and dairy-free vegan ice cream. You will find vegan and dairy-free alternatives to cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, chocolates, truffles, ice blocks and ice cream, plus healthy based treats and raw foods.
And you will also find some helpful tips on substituting certain ingredients in your cooking in the 'Vegan Secrets Wicked Treats Recipe Ebook' - follow the below link for more information. Rebecca has worked in the vegetarian and vegan industry for many years. She is the founder of
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sushi Made Easy - Top 5 Tips to Making Authentic Sushi
After all fattening ourselves with chocolates and bacon and lots of wine throughout the festive months, it is time to start thinking and eating healthy.
What better way than to try our palates on some sushi? If you are squeamish about raw fish, don't worry. Sushi is much much more than raw fish. There are gorgeous California rolls, Avocado rolls and literally any kind of rolls that you can conjure which does not involve raw ingredients.
'Credit Crunch', I hear you say? Yes, indeed, I know just too well how expensive sushi is. I have been a victim to my addiction for sushi and had paid silly prices in sushi bars and restaurants. However, I have found a sure proof way to get around this problem.
I was lucky to be let into a little secret, which taught me just how easy it is to carve my own authentic sushi! I just have to share this secret with all Sushi Lovers.
It may sound unbelievable, but you are only 5 Steps away from dishing up an Authentic Looking and Tasting Sushi Platter.
5 Steps to the Perfect Sushi
1) Sushi Rice
This is the essentially the heart of sushi, so if you get this right, you are 80% to making the perfect sushi! It is therefore not surprising that Sushi Experts place so much emphasis on how to prepare Sushi Rice.
Unlike normal long grains, sushi rice grains are a lot starchier. Therefore, the rice grains have to be rinsed in clear water for about 5 times before actually cooking it.
Once the sushi rice has been cooked, loosen it with a wooden ladle and transfer it to a wooden (preferred) or glass bowl. Use a damp clean cloth to cover the bowl to prevent the sushi rice from losing moisture.
*Important* Never store sushi rice in the fridge as the sushi rice will lose its moisture and taste exactly like the hard and gunny sushi that you get from supermarkets or even some sushi restaurants and bars
2) Nori
Very often, we think of nori as just the seaweed sheet for rolling sushi. However, nori plays a very important role in delivering the flavour and aroma of sushi.
To get the most out of a nori, lightly toast it over the hob for 2 seconds. That will give it a crisp texture when you sink your teeth into the sushi roll. Toasted nori are also more aromatic.
Over handling of the nori is a mistake that many sushi amateurs made. Remember to wipe your hands dry before handling the nori and minimise touching the surface of the nori unnecessarily. This will prevent the nori from becoming damp and losing it crispiness.
3) Rolling the Roll
A pretty sushi looking sushi will whet a person's appetite even before he/she bite into the sushi. Hence, care must be taken in rolling the sushi.
Rolling the sushi roll is actually not difficult. The key to this is not to overstuff the sushi with rice and ingredients. You want the sushi to look sufficiently pack, but not overflowing to the point that the nori is not large enough for all your contents.
A thin layer of sushi rice that covers the surface of the nori is sufficient. It may look very little when you spread the rice onto the nori, but once you add your strip of cucumber and carrot or other ingredients that you fancy and roll the sushi, the sushi will get its bulk.
The other trick is to always remember to leave 0.5 inch border on one length of the nori when you spread your sushi rice i.e. there should be a 0.5 inch border on one length of the nori that is not covered with sushi rice. This will allow the nori to sealed easily when you roll it.
4) Cutting the Roll
Have you ever been amazed at how clean cut each piece of sushi looks in restaurants? If you drive a knife through a sushi roll and try to cut it, you will find it very hard to complete your sawing motion. This is because sushi rice is sticky, so the knife will not be able to move smoothly through the roll.
What you need is a sharpen knife so you can avoid excessive sawing motion and more critically, you need a slightly wet knife so that it will run smoothly through the roll. The knife needs to be lightly wet for every single cut.
5) Garnish & Decorations
When it comes to packaging, Japanese is King. It is no different when it comes to their local delicacy. What makes sushi so attractive is not just the colours in the sushi, but also the garnishing and decorations that goes with the sushi platter.
Of course it helps if you are an expert at vegetable carving, but in reality, how many of us are that proficient? That's where play dough cutter comes into play. Just use small vegetable cutters to cut out flower from carrots and cucumbers. To give it more colours, you can use red, green or yellow capsicums as well. Even just strips of these colourful vegetables will spice up your platter tremendously.
Sushi is a very neat dish, so don't scatter your garnishing all over, but place them neatly along side the sushi.
Just remember these tips and tricks and you can most certainly present a platter that's of restaurant standard.
To find out more about how to make sushi, watch a video demonstration of making sushi and obtain more information about The Art of Sushi Dining and get more Sushi Recipes, visit http://www.HowtoMakeSushi.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maggie_Tan
A Great Foccaccia Bread Recipe
I adore bread. Indeed, it is almost an addiction with me. My favourite is probably brown bread. I love its nutty taste and what can be better than a few slices of fresh brown bread with either homemade marmalade or thick slices of cheddar cheese? It also brings back memories of childhood, when brown bread was baked daily in houses throughout the land and shop-bought bread came to the table as a treat.
Of course, brown bread is very easy to make. All that you need to do is mix the dry ingredients together with the buttermilk and then pop the mixture into the oven. I mention all this because I have often thought that it is because our traditional brown bread is so easy to bake that we Irish have been deterred from making yeast breads. My own Mother is a good example of what I mean. She was an excellent cook but dismissed any baking with yeast as "too complicated, dear". The truth of the matter is that the baking of most yeast breads is a simple culinary task, only appearing complicated when compared to the ease with which a cake of brown bread is produced.
I am Continental in my habits insofar as I invariably eat bread with any meal that comes with sauces. I particularly have in mind pasta dishes. For example, it would be a misery for me to eat Spaghetti Bolognese without some decent white bread to mop it all up. In this case, brown bread simply will not do. On the other hand, apart from being simple to make, to the point of being foolproof, the recipe which follows delivers a bread that is perfect for this purpose and, like so many of the recipes shared with you, is much appreciated by my adult children. It has been largely inspired by Nigel Slater.
450g strong white bread flour
1½ tsp salt
1 7g packet of fast-acting yeast
400ml warm water
cornmeal
1 tbsp chopped rosemary leaves
olive oil
sea salt flakes
Put the flour, salt (it seems a lot but focaccia is a salty bread and if you want to achieve the required taste, this is the amount needed.) and yeast into a baking bowl and stir in the water. You will end up with a sticky dough.
Flour the work surface, turn out the dough and knead lightly.
Incorporate the flour from the work surface and if the mixture is still wet and sticky (it should be wetter than a normal bread dough).
Knead in a little more until it no longer sticks to the board. Knead in no particular fashion for five minutes or so, then put it into a floured bowl and set aside, covered with a tea towel, until it is has risen to twice its size.
This part of the process will take a good 40 minutes to an hour.
Lightly oil the bottom of a baking tin 30cm in diameter and sprinkle it with a thin layer of cornmeal. The tin is a requirement of the original recipe and it so happened that I had one with the necessary measurement. However, if you don't, I can see no reason why this bread could not be cooked on a large baking tray. In such circumstances, you will then have to roll out the dough until it is roughly 30cm in diameter. Needless to say, it doesn't matter if you fail to produce the perfect circle that is the inevitable result of using a tin. Set the oven at 240C/gas mark 8.
Remove the dough from its bowl (it will sink, but no matter) and then push it into the baking tin.
Cover as much of the bottom as possible but don't worry if this does not prove possible.
Set aside, covered with a tea towel, for a further 20-25 minutes until well risen.
Then, using a floured finger, push several holes into the dough before brushing it all over with olive oil. Scatter on the chopped rosemary (or thyme, if you would prefer) and salt flakes and bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is a pale gold, crisp on top and springy within.
While the bread is still warm, free from the tin, with a palette knife if necessary.
Now, I live on my own and this recipe clearly serves more than one person. Thus, as soon as it has cooled, I cut the bread into twelve triangular pieces, wrap them in cling film and shoot them into the freezer. Thereafter, I extract them as and when required. Happy eating!
This article is part of The Mutation, an Irish arts and culture blog. The Mutation is the voice of http://www.mutantspace.ie, an online arts co-operative, based in Ireland. We publish articles on everything from music to visual art, theatre to food, book reviews to websites and travel to fiction.
We're always interested to hear what you have to say so if you have something to contribute email admin@mutantspace.ie The Mutation is a free publication and can be found at http://themutation.com
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Home Made Detox Recipes For Cleansing
Detoxification refers to the process of removing toxic substances from the body. For most people, this means the residue of all of the undigested unhealthy foods that we spend so much time consuming. Benefits of using detox a recipe includes that you will both bring your body to a healthier level, and help you with weight loss.
A detox recipe may include a diversity of ingredients, depending on which area of your body you want to cleanse, as well as what your personal tastes and preferences are. The goal is to detoxify your body with healing foods that will revive your body from within, and increase your energy and overall well being.
Lemon Detox Diet Recipe
One of the easiest detox recipes to make is a lemon drink for replacement of all solid foods for a period of up to a week or even two. You could also simply substitute a meal or two each day with the lemon beverage if you prefer. This drink is created by adding two tablespoons of brown rice syrup along with two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to a glass full of water. You may add a dash of fresh grated ginger for taste and to help your digestive system function. Use in place of solid food whenever hunger strikes.
Fresh Fruit Detox Recipes
Fresh fruit like bananas, apples and strawberries can be used to whip up satisfying detox salads. You can use strawberries, lemon zest, extra soft tofu, and honey to make a delightful dessert.
The apple detox diet advises three days of eating only apples and applesauce, and drinking apple juice and cider. Fruit is a great way of cleansing the body and bringing wellness and vitality to your life.
Prior to having a new detox recipe, you should spend, at the minimum, seven days eating a light nutritional fare for cleansing your colon and readying your body for the more dynamic detox recipes. This includes avoiding junk foods, and maintaining the healthy diet for a full week. Look for detox recipes which include only wholesome ingredients like fresh fruits and vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, unsalted nuts and seeds, and herbal teas.
Searching for a way to cleanse your body and bring it to a healthier level, why not try a detox recipe? Visit
Cod Fish Recipes
Cod fish recipes are delicious, healthy, and an easy way to make dinner. The great thing about cod fish is that you can make it in a variety of ways. You could bake it or fry it. You can dress it up with vegetables or you can serve the dish bare. The great thing about the dishes is that you can take what you like and incorporate it into the dish to make for a truly unique and delicious meal. You can't go wrong when it comes to making cod fish.
First, when choosing between recipes, consider your needs. Do you want something healthy? If so, avoid frying the fish, as it isn't the healthiest of ways to prepare the dish. Do you want something flavorful? Then consider choosing a recipe that involves using a variety of vegetables or sauces. Do you want something simple? If so, consider a bare-bones recipe that focuses on preparing the cod fish without any other garnishes or ingredients.
Also, consider the amount of time you have to make this meal. If you're in a rush, you may not want to prepare sauces to soak or coat the fish in. Know the amount of time you have to spend making cod fish recipes before looking for the right one for your meal. Also, consider where or not you want fresh or frozen cod fish.
The following is just one of the many cod fish recipes you can make for yourself for others. Though easy to make and inexpensive, this recipe will taste like a dish you might have a fine dining establishment. The recipe is simple and involves tomatoes and cheese, but otherwise, its fairly bare bones.
First, you will need to know your ingredients. You will need: 1 1/2 pounds of frozen cod fillet, 1 teaspoon of butter, salt and pepper, four sliced tomatoes, Swiss cheese (as much as you'd want on the fish), and 1/2 cup of half and half.
To make the cod fish recipe, first remove the fish's skin and bones. Dry the fish using a paper towel. Your oven should be preheated at 375 degrees. Take the butter and melt it. Take your fish and top it with the tomato slices. Sprinkle on as much cheese as you'd like, pour the cream on the fish, and add the butter to a baking dish or pan. You are now ready to bake your fish. Cook your cod fish for 25 minutes or until the fish appears to flake.
You can of course substitute many of the ingredients. For example, if you dislike Swiss cheese, you could always go with cheddar cheese. If you dislike tomatoes, you could always use green peppers instead.
Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about Cod Fish Recipes, please visit Fish Recipes Online for current articles and discussions.
How to Make the Best Creamy Soup Recipes
It can be very pleasant to enjoy a mug or bowl of soup on a cold day and soup can be a drink or a meal in itself. There are lots of types of soup recipes to choose from and some people prefer thin, watery types of soup and others like rich, creamy soups.
How to Make Soup Creamy
The obvious answer to the question of how to make soup creamy is to add cream but that is not the only way. If you want to add a touch of creaminess you can use milk or Half & Half instead of cream.
Adding cheese can also enhance the creaminess factor. Adding a splash of milk to a chicken soup recipe or pumpkin soup gives it a richer flavor without adding a lot of calories.
A lot of cream soups are pureed in a blender or food processor because a thick soup does not need chunks of vegetables, fish or meat for texture. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, but you can add texture and color to a cream soup with the garnishes.
What about a creamy pumpkin soup recipes for example? Imagine a bowl of bright orange-colored pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream and a handful of chopped scallions? This is a delicious meal with a perfectly balanced flavor and appetizing appearance.
Recipe for Cheddar and Broccoli Cream Soup
The following recipe makes a deliciously thick and flavorful cream soup recipe. Half & Half is used to thicken it up and the onion, broccoli and carrots are nutritious and tasty. Sharp cheddar cheese adds to both the flavor and the creaminess. This tasty soup is based on chicken bouillon. For a vegetarian soup you could substitute vegetable bouillon if you wanted to. This soup makes enough for four small servings or two big ones.
What you will need:
1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 cups chicken bouillon
2 cups Half & Half
1/4 cup butter
1/2 lb fresh broccoli
1 cup julienne-cut carrots
1/2 onion, chopped
8 oz grated cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to make it:
Melt the butter in a small pan, and then saute the onion until it is tender. Transfer the onion to a plate using a slotted spoon. Pour the butter into a stockpot. Whisk it for 4 minutes, then gradually and the Half & Half and keep whisking the mixture. Stir in the chicken bouillon and keep whisking.
Turn the heat down to low and add the onion, carrots and broccoli. Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, and then add salt and black pepper to taste. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until it is smooth, and then put it back into the stockpot. With the heat on low, add the cheddar cheese and stir in the nutmeg. Serve this cream soup recipe hot with bread for dunking.
Sometimes nothing but a cream soup will hit the spot and whether you like chicken soup,
Find all the best pumpkin soup recipes at PumpkinSoup.org
Monday, February 15, 2010
Two Pork Casserole Recipes
Here are two casserole recipes to warm up the winter evenings. Assemble them, pop them into the oven, and enjoy the aroma throughout the kitchen. Add a salad and a beverage for a simple meal.
Ham and Veal Casserole
3/4 pound of veal
1/4 pound of ham
2 tablespoons butter
12 button onions
1 cup tomatoes
1 cup stock or water
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cubed potatoes
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons cold water
1 cup cooked green beans or peas or both
Cut veal in 4 even pieces and ham in strips. Fry until brown in 2 tablespoons butter. Place in casserole dish. In remaining butter, brown onions. Add to meat with tomatoes and stock heated in frying pan, celery salt, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook for one hour. Add potato cubes and cook until potatoes are soft. Thicken gravy with flour mixed with cold water. Add green beans and/or peas and serve hot.
Breaded Pork Chops with Tomato Celery Sauce
4 pork chops
Dry bread crumbs
1 onion
1 green pepper
2 1/2 cups tomatoes
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 allspice berries 2/3 cup vinegar
Few grains cayenne, if desired
Season chops with salt and pepper and place in a casserole dish. Sprinkle top of each with dry breadcrumbs, pour in 1 cup boiling water, cover casserole, and bake at 325 for 1 1/2 hours.
Remove cover, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs on top and bake until crumbs are brown.
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Awesome Homemade Apple Pie
My children and I have a lot of fun making homemade apple pie. Over time, we have been blessed to learn how to make a tasty apple pie. We have also learned, through the process of trying, what equipment and techniques to use in order to cut down the pie making time. I remember making homemade pies with my mom and grandma. Thanks to their love and guidance, I learned how to make good quality pie crust and how to make a good apple pie filling. I am so pleased and grateful to be able to teach my children as well. The kitchen gets a bit messy, but the goal of teaching my children, along with the opportunity for us to spend time together, is well worth having to clean up afterward. To me, having them learn through trial and error about what works and does not work is a valuable life lesson. In addition, having a sense of accomplishment is also very important. I do not think they would learn these lessons of life by simply putting a frozen apple pie into the oven, or adding a can of pie filling to a store bought pie crust. Like many others, we appreciate it when effort is put forth. When it comes to apple pie, the homemade version is definitely worthwhile. The smell of homemade apple pie on a cool autumn evening is simply splendid.
The following recipe is one of my favourites for a tasty homemade apple pie. I highly recommend using ice cubes in the water as really cold water is quite helpful. I also find that a ceramic peeler, the kind that is often used to peel potatoes, also works great for peeling apples. I like to peel the apples over a flexible cutting board as this allows for easy clean-up once the peeling process is completed.
Preheat oven to 190 Celsius, or 375 Fahrenheit
Ingredients for crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening (recommended: Crisco)
Ice water
The recipe for the pie filling follows below.
In a medium-mixing bowl cut the shortening and salt into the flour by hand or with a pastry blender hands until it is the texture of cornmeal. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ice water over the mixture and mix just until the dough is moistened. Add more tablespoons of water, one at a time, until all the dough is just moist. In most cases, you will only need a few tablespoons of water. Please be careful not to add too much water. Take care not to over mix. Divide the dough in half and roll into a ball. Roll 1 ball into a circle to fit a 9 to 10-inch pie plate. To transfer the pastry to the pie plate, wrap it around a rolling pin and ease it into the pie plate. Be careful not to stretch the pastry. Be sure to put a few pierce the crust with your fork to allow steam to escape. It is especially important to put steam holes in the crust that covers the pie crust filling. Trim it even with the edges of the pie plate. Add the apple filling (ingredients listed below) into the pastry lined pie plate. Make sure they are laying flat. Cut butter into small pieces and put it on top of the filling.
Roll the remaining pastry into a 12-inch circle. Place the crust on top of the pie filling. Trim off 1-inch of crust beyond edge of the pie plate. Crimp the edges as desired. Cut slits to allow steam to escape when baking.
Cover the edges with foil to prevent over browning, or use pie crust shields. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Ingredients for pie filling:
1/2 cup to 1 cup all-purpose flour
6 to 7 cups apples cut into thin slices
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter
In a medium bowl combine the apples, with the brown and white sugar. Add flour, cinnamon and continue mixing until they are well coated.
Be sure to cool pie on a cooling rack. The pie is best served after it has had some time to cool off and "settle" a bit. I cook the pie in a glass pie pan, such as one made by Pyrex. Enjoy!
Laura James is a team leader for Global Resorts Network. Laura is single parent to her children, including her youngest child, her daughter, who has autism. Laura bases her dealings with people on her Christian faith and integrity. She is devoted to helping you find success within the multilevel or network marketing fields.
Please visit Laura's website at
How to Make Diabetic Friendly Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Yes, we diabetics like desserts, too! I have always had a sweet tooth and would prefer dessert over the meal any day. Since becoming diabetic, about four years ago, I have put a lot of effort into coming up with desserts that taste, well almost, as good as the old desserts I loved. These delicious Blueberry Cheesecake Bars can make you forget you are eating "diabetic dessert"!
SPLENDID BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS CRUST:
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs*
1/4 cup Splenda Granular
1/3 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, Splenda granular and butter; mix together well. Firmly press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
FILLING:
12-oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup Splenda Granular
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
TOPPING:
1/4 cup reduced-sugar apricot preserves
1 tbsp water
With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the Splenda, beating until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the sour cream and vanilla, beating just until blended. Gently stir in the blueberries. Pour the mixture over the crust in the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until firm. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Combine the preserves with the water in a small saucepan. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the preserves melt. Spread over the filling. Cut into twenty bars before serving.
*If you are worried about the sugar in the graham crackers, substitute some sugar-free butter cookies, crumbled fine.
For this dessert to be healthier, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream. This will not hurt the recipe.
Enjoy!
For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com
For her regular dessert recipes visit her blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Easy Instructions to Make a Summer Salad Recipe
In this article I will highlight some recipes that are great choice for summers. Basically, summer is a time to relax for many people. Many people prefer to pass their summer holidays on beach. They love to enjoy water and cool winds and sands. However, it is also a truth that everyone can not afford such a luxury. If you are living away from beach then it would be more difficult for you to rest on beach. For those people who really feel it difficult are advised to have some special foods and drinks to enjoy summers. You can do an open air party with some seafood which will be a great treat for you.
You can easily find various recipes and drinks which are suitable for summer season. In summer season, sea foods and salads are the most preferred varieties. People love simple dishes and foods that are not so difficult to prepare. Several fresh fish salads are also preferred in this season. Here in this article I will tell you about Classis Salad Recipe which is a favorite of kids as well as adults who also prefer it in summer season. So, here is the list of ingredients that you will need in the preparation of this recipe: 2 pound of shrimp, half cup of onions that are green and chopped properly, chili sauce according to your taste, chopped parsley, pepper, boiled eggs that are properly sliced, tomatoes, mayonnaise, cream and shredded lettuce.
Here are the instructions that need to be followed. In a small or medium sized bowl, mix the ingredients including green onions, chili sauce, mayonnaise and pepper. After that stir parsley well and sprinkle pepper and salt to add some taste. Finally add heavy cream and mix it gently. Your dish is ready. Now it is time to present it attractively. First of all determine whether you want to arrange in one big serving or in individual plates. Arrange lettuce on main dish or plates according to your requirement. Now place the shrimp on these lettuce leaves. Garnish the whole serving with boiled egg, lemon wedge and tomato. This would make a perfect salad for your summers and your kids will definitely like that.
Come visit the author latest websites on Gourmet Magazine Recipes and Refinishing Wood Floors
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Farah_N
Four Delicious Fish Recipes
Many people underestimate the health benefits that fish can provide. Fish is a low fat food that provides an abundance of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. It also contains the Omega 3 fatty acid. This is an essential fatty acid that has been proven to help fight heart disease when included in a healthy diet. In fact, many health professional recommend eating fish twice a week. Finding a tasty fish recipe can sometimes be a challenge, which is why I have included four of my favorite fish recipes below. I hope you enjoy them!
Poached Citrus Salmon
Ingredients: 2 1/2 lbs skinless salmon fillet, 1 qt chicken stock, 1 qt orange juice, 2 cups white wine, 1 small yellow onion (chopped), 2 tbsp minced garlic, 2 cups chopped lemon grass, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp white pepper
Directions: Cut the salmon into equal portions. In a large sauce pan, pour in the chicken stock, white wine, orange juice, onion, lemon grass, and garlic. Mix the ingredients together, then add in the salt and white pepper. Allow this mixture to boil for about five minutes, then reduce it to a low boil. Drop the salmon into the mixture and let it cook for about five minutes, or until it becomes tender and flaky.
Baked Cod
Ingredients: 1 cup seasoned croutons (crushed), 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley, 2 cod fillets, 1 tbsp ranch salad dressing, Butter-flavored spray
Directions: In a bowl, mix together the parsley and crushed croutons. Baste the cod with ranch dressing, and then roll it in the crouton mixture. Spray with butter-flavored spray, then place it into a lightly greased 11 x 7-inch pan. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until the fish has become flaky.
Fish Cakes (Catfish)
Ingredients: 1 lb catfish fillets, 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 tsp prepared yellow mustard, 1 tbsp creamy mayonnaise (recommend: Miracle Whip), 1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning, 2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed Ritz crackers, 1 egg, 1 cup vegetable oil (to fry).
Directions: Put the catfish into a sauce pan and add just enough water to cover the fish. Allow the water to come to a boil and cook the fish until it is well done. It should flake well with a fork. Drain out the water and mash the fish with a fork or potato masher. Add in the mustard, Old Bay seasoning, egg, cracker crumbs, onion, and salad dressing. Mix the ingredients well. Now you need to prepare the skillet for frying. Pour the oil in and bring it to a medium-high heat. Press the fish mixture into the shape of a patty and fry both sides in the oil until well done. Drain the excess grease using a paper towel.
Creamy Tilapia
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets Butter-flavored spray, 4 tsp margarine (melted), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill weed, 1 tbsp lemon-pepper seasoning, 4 tsp cream cheese, 5 tbsp lemon juice, or to taste 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill weed.
Directions: Grease a baking sheet and place the tilapia on the sheet. Give them a light spray with butter-flavored spray. Drizzle a bit of melted butter and lemon juice over each fillet. Season with lemon pepper as well as 2 tbsp dill. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is done. It should flake easily with a fork. While the fish is in the oven, mix together the cream cheese, 2 tbsp dill, and 5 tbsp lemon juice. When it is well mixed, microwave for just over a minute, then stir. Place the cooked fillets onto plates and spoon the sauce on top of the fillets.
If you're looking for recipes, take a look at the Platinum Recipes Collection.The
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Carpen
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Best Chicken Soup Recipes For the Family
If you are making soup for a family, you will want easy yet delicious soup recipes. A chicken noodle soup recipe or chicken tortilla soup makes a wonderful dinner, as does a pumpkin soup recipe or mixed vegetable soup.
The plainest chicken soup recipes might contain chicken, vegetables, and broth but if you cook the soup for a long time you can get so much flavor out of the ingredients. Crockpot cooking is an especially great way of maximizing the flavor of your chicken soup recipes because this slow cooking method extracts every last bit of the flavor from each ingredient and it also means you will end up with tender, juicy chicken and soft, perfectly cooked vegetables, as well as a balanced and well rounded broth.
Different Types of Chicken Soup
When you are cooking for a big family money might be an issue, which is another reason why chicken soup is a great meal. Whether you opt for chicken tortilla soup, chicken noodle soup or another kind, chicken soup is warming, tasty, nutritious and something that the family will never tire of because there are so many variations of this delicious dish.
You can use potatoes, noodles, barley, or rice to make it filling. You can make your chicken soup spicy, sweet, or tangy. You can make hundreds of different chicken soup recipes, all different yet all mouthwateringly good.
How to Make an Easy Crockpot Chicken Soup
This delicious recipe makes enough chicken soup for the whole family, with some left over to reheat the following day. Leave out the Tabasco sauce if you are cooking for small children and you will find the soy sauce adds enough flavor to liven up the soup.
This is a healthy chicken soup recipe. The potatoes, onion, carrots, and celery are full of nutrients and the chicken is also healthy. If you wanted to, you could use some dried herbs to add flavor instead of the soy sauce.
Oregano, thyme, basil, parsley and rosemary all work nicely with this chicken soup recipe. If you are using dried herbs add them at the beginning. Fresh herbs should be added half an hour or less before the end of the cooking time, else they will lose their flavor.
You will need:
3 lbs chicken pieces
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 sliced carrots
3 sliced ribs celery
Salt, to taste
How to make it:
Put all the ingredients in a crockpot. Cover and cook for four hours on low. Remove the chicken and take the meat off the bones. Return the chicken meat to the crockpot, cover it again and cook the soup for another four or five hours, or until the vegetables are soft.
Stir the soup occasionally and add some water if it seems to be drying out. Taste the soup, adjust the seasoning, and serve hot. This soup is nice served with a slice of crusty bread and butter.
If you want to make nutritious meals for your family, soup is always a winner. Choose a tasty
Look for Our Heart Health Recipes at ChickenNoodleSoups.com
Delicious Ground Beef Recipes
There are many recipes using ground beef. Some of the best recipes include the ground beef chili recipe and ground beef potato pie. These recipes are easy to follow as long as you have all the ingredients required.
The beef with chili recipe can be cooked in thirty minutes by having the complete ingredients namely; three pounds of ground beef, one big onion, one green pepper, two ribs of celery, two cans of beans, one can of tomato paste, one jar of fresh salsa, tomatoes that have been diced, one can of broth (beef kind), two cups of water, one fourth cup of powdered chili, two tablespoons of Worcestershire, one tablespoon of grounded basil, two teaspoons of cumin, two teaspoons of sauce for steaks, one teaspoon of powdered garlic, one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of powdered pepper, onions that have been chopped and cheese.
1. The first step is cooking the beef as well as the onion, green pepper and celery in a big pot until it becomes brown and the celery become tender. Then drain off the oils. Then add the beans and all the other ingredients but don't add the cheddar and the other onions yet.
2. The second step is bringing all the ingredients to a boil and then letting it simmer without the pot's cover for thirty minutes. Then make sure the chili is already thick. Serve it in bowls topping it with the onions and the cheese.
The second one of the best ground beef recipes is the ground beef potato pie. This recipe became a third place winner in a cooking contest in Florida. The ingredients for this recipe include one and a half pounds of ground beef, two cups of bread crumbs, three cups of onions that has been chopped, two big eggs, one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of pepper, two tablespoons of oil, four cups of potatoes that has been shredded, one half pound of cheese and one tomato for the garnishing.
1. The first step is preheating your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit. Then mix the beef with the bread crumbs, onions, salt, eggs and pepper.
2. The second step is putting the mixed beef in a thick pan.
3. The third step is baking it for fifteen minutes. Then sauté the potatoes and the onions for eight minutes and constantly turning it so it does not stick together. Add the result to the baked beef and add the cheese.
4. The last step is baking it again for twenty five minutes until it gets brown in color.
Please click these links if you want to know more about best ground beef recipes or how to truss a chicken in general.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Pork Chop Recipe Ingredients - Keeping it Healthy
Pork chops are one of the easiest dishes that you can make in your own home, and the amount of pork chop recipes that you can find will absolutely astound you. Pork is a very versatile meat -- so much so that it is difficult to actually make it not work with a particular sauce or seasoning. In most cases, it actually takes more effort to make a pork chop taste bad than it does to taste good.
Though it is easy to come up with good pork chop recipes, coming up with those that are absolutely astounding is a little more tricky. Some tastes just blend together better than others, and while pork is versatile, it does go best with certain flavorings.
If you are on a diet, then you are likely also looking for pork chop recipes that are healthy. More people are looking to get healthy than ever, especially due to the fact that it is just difficult to find the time to carefully prepare meals. Luckily, there are dozens of perfectly healthy ingredients that are also a pleasure to the taste buds. With red meats such as beef this is more difficult as beef goes well with other strong flavors, many of which are unhealthy. Pork can be cooked with light and healthy ingredients easily, and those ingredients will not be overwhelmed by the taste of the pork itself.
Barbecue is something that everyone loves to eat, and most of it is made just for pork. It is possible to make your own barbecue pork chops, and you can make them healthily. Most of the time when you purchase barbecue sauce from the grocery store and take a look at the nutritional facts you may be inclined to put it back on the shelf. Creating your own is easy, and can be much healthier than the store-bought varieties.
For a healthy barbecue base, you will likely want to start with tomato sauce. This makes a nice, thick sauce that is full of flavor -- but is not full of sodium like vinegar or mustard are, which are the two most common barbecue bases.
The most unhealthy thing that you will need in your sauce is Worcestershire sauce, which you only need to use a small amount of to get the sauce started. After that you can add anything you would like: onions, paprika, pepper, garlic, ginger, oregano; you may be surprised at the sheer amount of spices and ingredients you can put into your own barbecue pork chop recipes that will only make it more delicious. What may be even more surprising is that if you negate the tomato and Worcestershire sauce, you can use those very same ingredients to make a completely different-tasting pork chop.
Go to
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richie_Gordon
Making Great Cookies - 5 Tips to Help You Bake Amazing Cookies
Making homemade cookies is a rewarding activity. It's even more rewarding if the cookies are great tasting, soft, and buttery. The tips below will help you take your homemade cookies from good to amazing!
1. Butter or Shortening? Knowing the differences between butter and shortening can help you decide which ingredient is right for your cookies. The main reason for using shortening instead of butter is that it has a higher melting point. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, leaving you with a puffier, more cake-like cookie. Butter's lower melting point increases the spread of the dough during baking, resulting in a flatter, browner, and crispier cookie. Butter also has water in it naturally, while shortening does not. If you plan to use shortening in a recipe that calls for butter, you may want to add some water to the dough; about 1.5 teaspoons per ¼ cup of shortening. Most people will still prefer the taste of butter over shortening.
2. Do Not Over mix. With most cookies, mixing the dough too long can result in cookies that are dry and tough. Once the flour is introduced to the dough, only mix until the flour is incorporated. Once flour is moistened and mixed or kneaded, the gluten in the flour develops a strong network which gives structure to the dough. If you prefer soft cookies, be sure to keep the mixing to a minimum.
3. Do Not Over bake. Follow the baking directions on the recipe, but consider removing cookies from the oven at the low end of the suggested baking time. Cookies should look underdone in the center when they are removed from the oven. If the centers appear done, the cookie will cool a bit too crunchy and lose its soft and chewy quality. Do not remove them from the cookie sheet right away, because they will continue to cook and set up on the hot sheet. After about 2 minutes, it is safe to move them to a cooling rack. Cooling on a rack helps keep them from getting soggy bottoms.
4. Use a Good Baking Sheet. Shiny baking sheets work the best for cookies. Sheets which are dark can cause the cookies to get too brown on the bottom and around the edges. It is best to allow baking sheets to cool between batches, as well. Cookies dropped onto hot cookie sheets can melt too quickly, which causes them to spread too much.
5. Store Cookies Properly. Once cookies are completely cool, they should be stored in a plastic container, a cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid, or a plastic zipper-bag. This will keep them from drying out and getting too hard or crunchy. If your cookie has frosting, be sure to separate layers with wax paper or parchment paper, otherwise the cookies will stick together. Most cookies can be frozen in plastic containers and thawed prior to serving.
BONUS TIP: Always "poison-check" your dough and cookies before serving! After all, the one who makes the cookies should get the first taste!
Jennifer Stott is a wife, mom, blogger, piano teacher, cookie maker, self-help nut, and super hero. I've gained all my cookie-making skills from experience, and a little wisdom from those who have gone before me. Get insights and great recipes at my blog,
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Amazing Pound Cake Recipe
Pound cakes were the cakes made by our moms, our grandmothers, and our great-grandmothers. The actual name 'pound' was first given to this cake since the original recipes were comprised of 1 pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
These days, we often have altered some of these ingredients, nevertheless it remains to be a beautifully rich and buttery dessert that has a wonderful golden brown crust. As in the past, it is important to have the butter and eggs at room temperature so the highest amount of air can be beaten into the batter. There's a tendency of the batter to curdle while adding the eggs but having the eggs at room temperature and also adding every egg individually should help to stop this. But don't worry if you have curdling as once the flour is added the batter will certainly smooth out.
Whether you enjoy a piece of this cake plain with only a dusting of powdered sugar or with whipped cream or ice cream, it's without a doubt a king among cakes. You might also like to try toasting a slice or, an even better choice, would be to make grilled pound cake. It is easy to whip up a lovely looking cake right away, just beat an egg with two tablespoons each of milk and Grand Marnier and then dip each piece of cake into this combination, as you would French Toast. Then position the pieces of cake around the grill, browning every side. Dish out for dessert coupled with fresh new berries and whipped cream. Pound cake recipes are absolutely luscious.
Claire Cooper is an aspiring chef who loves to be in the kitchen and runs a popular blog on
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Cooper
How to Make Easy Fish Soup Recipes
Fish soup might not be the most common type of soup but it does make a warming lunch or a deliciously different dinner. When was the last time you made fish chowder or a fish soup recipe? Fish soup can be really flavorful and you can even invent your own fish soup recipes.
Aromatic herbs like dill and parsley go well with fish and you can make fish soup with all kinds of fish, such as tilapia, salmon, tuna, cod and more. Remember that fish only takes about ten minutes to cook in this way, so add the fish near the end of the cooking time, else it might become tough. As soon as the fish is opaque and flakes easily, it is done.
Famous Soup Recipes
There are lots of famous fish soup recipes, such as French bouillabaisse and Singaporean sliced fish soup. Vietnamese sour fish soup, Hungarian paprika-spiced fisherman's soup and Scottish "Cullen Skink" which is a delicious combination of potatoes, onion, cream and smoked haddock, are other examples.
Cioppino is an Italian-American fish soup made with different types of fish, as well as tomatoes, and clam chowder is also a well known dish. You can use many different types of fish and seafood to make fish soup recipes. Simply add some herbs and vegetables to water to make a broth and add some chopped fish.
How to Make Tilapia Soup
This recipe is really easy and you just need to simmer the soup ingredients and fry some bread to make homemade croutons. The soup is flavored with dill, lemon, and parsley and the flavor of the tilapia clearly shines through.
This is one of the most easy soup recipes and it makes a change from the chicken soup recipes and pumpkin soup recipes you might usually make or buy. If you see some tilapia on sale, snatch it up, because this soup is really tasty and well worth making.
What you will need:
2 tilapia fillets
1/2 teaspoon dill
1 pint water
1/2 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
Juice from half a lemon
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1 slice bread, for making croutons
Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make it:
Bring the water to a boil in a pot, then add the celery, carrots, and onion and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the dill, parsley, and pepper, and then let the soup boil until the carrots are soft. Add the tilapia fillets and let the soup simmer gently.
Cut the bread into cubes and fry them in the oil to make croutons. Add the lemon juice to the soup when the tilapia is opaque and white and break up the fish fillets using a spoon.
Blend the soup a little bit with a hand mixer but leave it chunky. Add some salt to taste and serve it hot, topped with the croutons.
Soup is so easy to make and even soup varieties that you have not considered before, like tilapia soup, are very easy. Classic soups will also never go out of vogue and if you want to make an easy
Find all the best pumpkin soup recipes at PumpkinSoup.org
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Beef Recipes For Burgers and Sandwiches
Recipes are unique as they draw inspiration from the place from where they originate. There are certain spices or certain ingredients that are found only in certain areas which add that unique flavor to the recipe. We have such recipes for you that are native to these certain areas from where you get some of the best grass fed beef.
These recipes take on their names from the regions that they originate from:
The Georgina Greek Feast: You will require 150 grams of juicy, tender and char grilled beef burger, some roasted red capsicums, feta cheese, some olives, salad and some basil pesto.
Birdsville Organic Burger: Beef Burger Pattie on a wattle seed bun accompanied by some beetroot relish, coz lettuce, tzatziki, bacon, tomato, some cheese and egg.
Classic Cooper Beef Burger: You will require 113 grams of juicy, tender organic burger, served on wattle seed bread with truss tomatoes, lettuce, caramalised onions and some salsa.
The Thargo Works Burger: You will need a beef burger, organic eggs, free range bacon, some tomatoes, sliced onion (red), organic cheese and some Dijon Mustard served on Turkish Bread.
The Bulloo Burger: Organic burger, free range eggs, short rindless bacon, pineapple, cheese, beetroot and some aioli on toasted wheat bun.
Strut Steak Sandwich You will need some organic rib eye roll steak, baby rocket leaves, caramalised onions, cornichons that is baby gherkins and some tomato chutney.
You can buy organic grass fed beef with OBE Organic Beef. For more info please visit their website at
Simple Grilled Chicken Recipes For an Indoor Grill
Outdoor grilling can be a lot of fun but sometimes it is not possible. If the weather is bad, you can grill delicious recipes on an indoor grill.
An indoor grill is good for just about anything that you can grill outdoors, so if you like spicy grilled chicken recipes, hot dogs, fish, vegetables, hamburgers and more, you might want to invest in an indoor grill.
There are various types of indoor grills, you can get contact grills with heated lids, and bottom plates, meaning you can cook your food on both sides at once. Other grills are open and have a large cooking surface. Removable cooking plates are important because this makes cleanup easy.
If you have a big family or you like to have people over, choose a grill with a big cooking surface so you can cook enough food at once.
How Long Does Chicken Take to Grill?
Cook boneless chicken pieces for about five minutes per side over a high heat, for the best results. When the outside is golden brown and there is no pink in the center of the chicken, it is done. Obviously thicker chicken pieces will take longer to cook. You can grill plain chicken pieces or use a rub or marinade to add extra flavor.
Check the internal temperature of the cooked chicken if you have a meat thermometer. Chicken should be 165 degrees F in the center, in order to be safe to eat. If not, give the chicken a bit longer on the grill.
Recipe for Spicy Grilled Chicken
The chicken in the following recipe marinates in a tasty, spicy marinade, and then you grill it. This is one of the most simple grilled chicken recipes and it is nice served with rice and a green salad.
You can add some extra red pepper flakes for extra spiciness if you enjoy really spicy grilled chicken recipes but be careful not to add to much because red pepper can overpower the gentler flavors in the marinade.
You will need:
6 chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
2 crushed garlic cloves
How to make it:
Combine the lime zest, lime juice and canola oil in a bowl, then stir in the salt, red pepper, black pepper, garlic and oregano. Add the chicken breasts to this mixture, turning them a few times so they are well coated in it.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in this mixture for an hour, turning them a couple of times. Preheat the grill to medium high and oil the cooking plate. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill it for about 7 minutes per side or until the outside is golden brown and the juices from the center run clear.
An indoor grill is a useful addition to any kitchen and spicy grilled chicken recipes are just one example of what you can cook on there. Whether you want to grill fish, vegetables, simple grilled chicken recipes or something else, indoor grilling is a healthy and easy way to make delicious meals for the whole family.
BonelessChickenRecipe.com - Chicken so delightfully, moist you can almost smell it through your monitor.
Detox Recipes You Can Easily Make at Home!
It is well recognized that our bodies need to be cleansed of the toxins that accumulate inside of our digestive systems. Unfortunately, due to the current economic situation, many people do not want to go in to the doctor to perform an expensive, uncomfortable, and time consuming colon irrigation detoxification program. Luckily, there is another solution that accomplishes the same results!
Performing a detoxification regimen at home is becoming increasingly popular. With the incredible benefits of added energy, better skin, a strengthened immune system, and rapid weight loss, more and more people are looking toward home made detox recipes to make their general overall health better. There are a few key things to consider, however, if you are going to truly undertake a actual homemade detox program.
First, you have to include lots of water in your regimen. A detox program will oftentimes rid your body of lots of the toxins, and along with it, lots of water as well. Your body will be working hard to get back into the healthy shape it should be in, so you need to hydrate in order to support that. Additionally, it is very rare, but in some cases, your body may shed pounds too quickly and will leave you in a situation in which your body doesn't know how to support the weight loss. It may start to atrophy your muscles as it runs out of fat to process, leaving you feeling weaker than when you started. This is quite uncommon, but should be something you should be on the lookout for if you are going to be using homemade concoctions to detox your body.
With that in mind, here are a few pointers on how to generate the ideal homemade detoxification recipe for the benefit of your health. You should be blending a smoothie every morning that gets your body moving and in the mindset of detoxification. Since breakfast is the most important part of the day, it is vital that you always include this vital beginning glass. Then, when you have meals, you should be including foods such as:
Fruits
Vegetables
Oats
Beans
Potatoes These foods provide the large amount of starch needed to help your body process the toxins, while at the same time maintaining your nutrient count as high as it needs to be for your body to keep itself healthy. You should also be avoiding, at all costs, foods that are high in fat, such as any kind of junk food or sweets, red meat, or dairy products. The fat is extremely hard for your system to process, and it takes away a lot of the energy your body needs in order to detox.
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