bFeedme

Cooking, Recipe and Food Blog

Archives for June 2012

The Science of Coffee

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Many of us love to drink coffee. For some, it’s a prerequisite to a wonderful and productive day. With the rise of commercial breweries and coffee shops, the caffeine-powered drink is more popular than ever. Teens as young as 14 indulge in the sugary variations while the more mature enjoy simple black coffee. It’s no wonder there are so many coffee drinks available in the market.

But did you know that making coffee is not just an art but a science? Getting the perfect balance of taste and characteristic entails days, months or even years of training. The Specialty Coffee Association of America has even created a chart that represents the perfect, optimum balance.

The SCAA brew chart outlines the exact amount of coffee solids you would need with how much water to get this perfect brew. And if it seems overly technical and scientific, that’s because it is. There are also different standards in Europe and Norway. Now, pouring hot water over some ground coffee seems much more complicated.

Don’t fret because you wouldn’t need to experiment with your coffee to know what the perfect brew is. As long as it’s to your taste then go ahead and take a sip.

Here’s another thing you might not know about coffee. The coffee bean is actually part of a coffee fruit. It’s the seed of what is sometimes known as the cherry of the coffee tree.

The bean is extracted, dried and then ground to give you the coffee you are drinking in the morning. Now, you might ask why not just grind the entire fruit. In truth, the whole fruit would make coffee that’s too bitter. Though, there are supplements in the market made from whole coffee fruit that serves to provide high amounts of antioxidants to the body.

Going Totally Organic: A Guide to Growing Your Own Food

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image by woodleywonderworks

Markets are now overflowing with “organic” produce. Though these foods may contain less chemicals than their non-organic counterparts, you’re still not 100% certain that they are grown without pesticides and other biohazards. One way to get around this is to try growing your own food! You don’t need hectares of land to keep your pantry filled with all-natural produce; all you need is a small patch of land in your backyard.

Benefits of Growing Your Own Food:

1. Healthier Food – Nothing beats fresh vegetables when it comes to healthy eating. You get your food fresh from the garden every time. It’s also a great way to get your kids exposed to veggies. You’ll always have some vegetables to serve for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2. Certified Safer Food – Now, you 100% sure that the food you are consuming is free from pesticides and other chemicals. You are in control of what your food is exposed to and what you put into your body.

3. Reduce Environmental Impact – In this small way, you are helping repair the planet. Without the pesticides in the soil or leeching into the water supply, you are reducing pollution. Also, you are effectively using less fossil fuels than if you buy your greens at the grocery store.

4. Good Food All Year Round – Because plants grow during different seasons, you can have a variety of food available 12 months of the year. For example, you can harvest tomatoes, eggplants and zucchini in February and then have some carrots, radishes and spinach in October.

So, with all that in mind, you should be itching to grab a spade and start gardening. Watch this site for more tips on growing your own food in the coming weeks.

 

Which Italian restaurant in Manila Will You Discover?

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The Philippines is a great place to dine. Not only is their culture centered on food and dining, the archipelago is rich in restaurants offering different kinds of cuisine. Its capital is a boiling pot of cultures and foods. One of the more common types of eating establishment is the Italian restaurant Manila is known for. Though there are more formal terms to describe Italian restaurants, I’ve broken them down to three basic types that you would come across in the Philippines.

image from desarellano.wordpress.com

1. Fast Food Italian – Here are establishments that may serve Italian food on-the-go. I’ve included in this category some pizza places since, in Manila, they serve more than just pizza. Prices here are very affordable but the quality of the food may not be so. Because their customers are most likely rushing, the cooks may not take that much time and effort to perfect their craft. Don’t worry, the food are palatable just don’t expect to be wow’ed by them. You may or not be entertained by waiters and have to pay as you order.

2. Family Italian – These kinds of restaurants usually serve families and groups of friends. They may be characterized by large servings and a cozier atmosphere than the Fast Food Italian places. The prices here are a little higher than the previous type and the food a smidgen better. They may have more variety to their pasta and pizza menu (aside from the basic sauces and toppings). You are waited on by the staff but they may not have a host/hostess. These restaurants are usually patronized during special occasions like birthdays, graduations or reunions so expect a rowdy crowd.

3. Fine Dining Italian – The third kind is the Fine Dining Italian restaurant Manila is popular for. These places usually entail a hostess, reservations, a sommelier and a lot more forks. Their menus are mostly likely filled with dishes referred to by their Italian names. They have a more subdued atmosphere and a higher price list. You can expect excellent Italian food in these establishments. Usually visited by couples and executives, the Fine Dining Italian restaurant is a great place for a complete Italian dining experience.

As was mentioned, the different types of Italian restaurants have more formal terms and characteristics. But because of the globalization of Italian cuisine, these terms are seldom followed to the letter.

Ristorante – A ristorante is a full-service Italian restaurant. It is like the Fine Dining Italian restaurants described above. Usually equipped with a professional kitchen staff,  knowledgeable wait staff and sommelier, this type of establishment charges premium price for its quality.

Trattoria – This type of restaurant is less formal than a ristorante. Sometimes thought of as a family-owned establishments, they may or may not have a hostess and their food is available for take out. Prices are average and the food are served family-style.

Osteria – Osterias are originally places that offered lodging and then would provide food. Now, osterias are more akin to taverns  – places where people gather to eat and drink.

Pizzeria – Authentic pizzerias are those which only serve pizza. Nowadays, it’s common to find other dishes offered alongside pizza. They are also an informal establishment with prices in the middling range.

Crazy Pizzas You Might Want to Try

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Pizza, though originally from Italy, is now a globally enjoyed snack. It’s the go to food for college students, families, groups of friends, colleagues and kids. Everyone loves a good slice of pizza. But would you still eat one if it were made of rice? How about if it was 122 feet in diameter? Here are some of the more unusual pizzas out there.

Rice Pizza – Because every country has its own definite palate, it isn’t unfathomable to expect crazy variations on different dishes. Take Pizza Hut Taiwan and South Korea, for example. They have a menu that would make most Americans do a double take. One thing on their unique menu is the Mizza. Simply put, it’s rice pizza. Instead of a dough base, the Mizza has rice! Their website describes it as “surprisingly delicious” and a “novel personal meal”.

Chocolate Pizza – Now, something I can definitely get behind. Behold the chocolate pizza! It basically has a chocolate base, chocolate toppings and (presumably) some chocolate sauce. A lot of companies are now specializing in this tempting delight.

Pizza Burger – For those with an appetite that knows no bounds, the Pizza burger may just be right up your alley. This monstrous creation may cause some to faint (or collapse due to coronary failure). To make this, take two whole pizzas and slap them on either side of countless pounds of burger meat. Please check with your physician before attempting this dish.

Pizzas on a Pizza – If you have watched the movie “Inception” then you know this is going to be another awesome hit. The pizzas within a pizza are great for those who have problems deciding which kind of pizza to get. Just get them all!

World’s Largest Pizza – According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the title holder of the World’s Largest Pizza is a supermarket in South Africa. This feat measures 122 feet and 8in in diameter.

 

Herbology: More Herbs (Part 2)

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I wanted to continue my post, Herbology: Know Your Herbs (Part 1), with three more basic herbs used in cooking. This isn’t a comprehensive nor detailed list. But I think it’s important to show everyone what these herbs look like fresh from an herb garden. Feel free to do your own research and find out more about these herbs. For now, let me  introduce you to Oregano, Tarragon and Thyme.

image from stuartxchange.org

Oregano

Usually found in Mediterranean and Mexican cooking, oregano has an aromatic flavor that goes well with pizza, mushrooms and salad dressings. It’s best added at the end of the cooking process to preserve its taste and flavor. Whenever possible, buy oregano fresh as that would give the most flavor.

image by William Meppem

Tarragon

This herb is an integral part of French cooking. It’s also great to add to fish, egg and chicken dishes. Countries like Armenia, Russia, Georgia and Ukraine use tarragon to flavor their carbonated drinks. If you steep some fresh springs in vinegar, you have your very own Tarragon vinegar. This seasoning is also predominately used in French cooking.

Thyme

Thyme is a great herb to add to bean or vegetable dishes. It has a fragrance that is easily recognizable. Aside from its flavor, thyme is used for its iron and manganese content. Cook thyme for sauces and soups. Just remember to add them later on since heat can deteriorate its taste. Feel free to sprinkle some sprigs of thyme over the poaching liquid if you’ll be poaching some fish.

When in the Philippines, Eat as the Filipinos do

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As they say, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Well, in the Philippines, one way to indulge in the culture is to eat Filipino food. If you’re planning a visit or thinking of trying out a new cuisine, don’t pass up the chance to try out Filipino staple dishes.

image from lagingbadtrip.tumblr.com

Balut – You may have seen this delicacy on shows like Survivor and Fear Factor, but in the Philippines Balut is nothing to cringe about. Balut is a boiled duck embryo that is eaten like one would eat a regular boiled egg. It’s so common that you’d probably encounter a street vendor selling some at every corner. Kids, grandparents, girls, guys, teens and everyone else in between eats balut in the Philippines.

image from cribformythoughts.blogspot.com

Lechon – Though not unique to the Philippines, Lechon is a must have at every big gathering. It’s a roasted sucking pig that is enjoyed by Filipinos the world over.

image from whatsup-raffy.blogspot.com

Halo-halo – Because the Philippines is a tropical country, desserts like halo-halo are very popular. Literally meaning “a mix” or “mix”, its ingredients vary from bowl to bowl. Basically, it’s a crushed ice dessert topped with beans, fruit, evaporated milk, jack fruit, tapioca, and anything else you can think of.

Sorbetes / Dirty Ice Cream – Another cold favorite is Sorbetes. Don’t worry, it isn’t really dirty. It only gained that moniker because this ice cream is sold right on the street. What makes it different from regular ice cream is the fact that it is made from coconut milk. Kids of all ages love this treat and would run out whenever they hear the bells of the vendor.

Best Brain Boosting Foods

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We all know food nourishes the body, but there are also some foods that nourish the mind. Everyday, your brain requires up to 20% of the energy supplied by food. That means, the more you eat the more your brain can function. But , of course, there are certain types of food that can make your brain work better.

1. Coffee – The caffeine contained in coffee has been found to enhance short term memory and prevent problems caused by ageing. So, in the morning, don’t be afraid to reach for that cup of coffee. Just be sure not to overdo it as caffeine may mess with your sleeping patterns and this can wreak havoc on your noggin.

2. Blueberries – This delicious fruit is capable of a whole lot when it comes to your brain. For one, it can improve long term memory. The antioxidants found in blueberries are also said to prevent damage from free radicals.

3. Mixed nuts – Reach for that bag of mixed nuts next time you feel the need for  a brain boost. Nuts like walnuts, peanuts and almonds have enough brain building power to last you a lifetime. You get anything from memory enhancers, insomnia fighters and omega-3 fatty acids in one handful of mixed nuts.

4. Salmon and Mackerel – Speaking of Omega-3, salmon and mackerel pack a whole lot of those as well. These fatty acids are the basic building blocks of brain tissue so they are great for increasing your brain’s thinking capacity. Plus, salmon has been found to fight off Alzheimer’s and other age-related brain disorders.

So next time you feel sluggish and need to work on a term paper or business report, put down that energy drink and those sugary delights and grab a cup of coffee and some nuts. You need all the brain power you can get.

Vegan/Vegetarian Temptations for the Meat Lover

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I’ve often thought about how my life would be different if I were a vegetarian. As someone who has grown up with eating a lot of meat, it’s a daunting endeavor. For one, I wouldn’t know where to start. I’ve seen recipes and pictures of food that people claim taste like meat but are actually tofu. There are also a lot of restaurants that offer a vegetarian menu. But as an outsider, I don’t really have an idea about which foods to eat.

As I understand it, and please feel free to comment below with corrections or clarifications, vegetarians stay away from meat but are OK with dairy and eggs. Vegans, on the other hand, don’t consume anything that has come from animals (meat or any by-product like milk or eggs). Now, both concepts seem quite a challenge for me but as part of my research, I looked up appetizing dishes that either a vegetarian or a vegan may eat and would not seem like such an alien meal for someone like me.

Here are some vegetarian dishes I think might just convince me to try the vegetarian or vegan route:

image from compleattraveller.blogspot.com

Veggie Bean Burger – Though I’m not so certain about what comprises this delicious-looking burger (aside from beans?), I’m certain I’d enjoy taking a bite of it.

image and recipe from genxmoms.wordpress.com

Roasted Bell Peppers Stuffed with Quinoa -this looks like a fun and interesting dish. I’d love to taste one of these morsels. It seems like a fun party plate to serve to guests.

Everything on the cover of this book looks divine! I wouldn’t peg any of them as vegan at first glance. I’m guessing my sweet tooth will still survive even on a Vegan diet.

image and recipe from vegiehead.com

Tomato, olive and artichoke pasta – I’m a sucker for pasta and this looks delicious! I wouldn’t mind going vegetarian if I’m served this for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hamburger Buddy Recipe

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Kids are such picky eaters. If you have small children or have taken care of a relative’s or friend’s child you’ll know that making them eat can be an exercise in futility and holding back your temper. All of the parents I know wish there’s a formula to make their kids eat without any fuss or battles.

One good tactic to make kids eat is to serve food that they love. This is where the Hamburger Buddy comes in. This is an easy to make pasta dish that kids will definitely want second helpings of – it’s pasta for god’s sake, and I haven’t met a kid yet who doesn’t like eating pasta. [Read more…]

What (not) to eat: High Cholesterol Foods

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Cholesterol, the dreaded word for dieters and those with heart conditions. We’re often told to stay away from foods high in cholesterol in order to lose weight and keep our bodies healthy. Well, saying all cholesterol is bad would be wrong. LDL or low density lipoprotein is the ‘bad’ cholesterol which you should be avoiding while HDL or high density lipoprotein is believed to remove plaque in your arteries. So in short, aim for more HDL and keep LDL away from your diet.

Eggs vs Oatmeal

In deciding which breakfast food to wake up to, choose oatmeal over an omelette. Eggs can contain up to 200mg of cholesterol. This is bad considering the recommended daily dose of cholesterol should be 300mg/day. Oatmeal, on the other hand, is high in soluble fiber which lowers your LDL numbers by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed in your bloodstream.

Steak vs Fish

Eating just one 4-ounce portion of steak can take up to 22% of your daily cholesterol intake. Not to mention the large amounts of saturated fat in each bite. Instead of chowing down on some meat, choose a nice serving of fish. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids which are heart-healthy and can reduce your blood pressure and the risk of blood clots.

Walnuts vs Chips

When it comes to snacks, a handful of fries or chips doesn’t seem like a big deal. In truth, the amount of trans fat in certain snacks can turn them into high-cholesterol foods. Instead, grab a bad of walnuts or almonds. Walnuts have polyunsaturated fatty acids which are great in keeping blood vessels healthy. Just stay away from nuts coated with sugar or those that are salted.

Indulging in meat, eggs and chips may be alright once in a while but make it a point to balance out your diet with some heart-friendly dishes as well.

 

Spicing Up Your Cooking: A Guide to Some Spices

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After dealing with some essential herbs in one of my previous posts (Herbology Part 1), I thought it would be helpful to take a look at spices. Spices come from all over the world and can be made from almost every part of a plant. In this post, I’ll be highlighting some common spices that are made from a plant’s seeds.

ANISE or ANISEED

This aromatic spice is most commonly used to sweeten things up in the kitchen. It has a distinctive flavor, reminiscent of licorice. Anise is sometimes used in Indian cuisine in their braised dishes and pilafs. It’s also used to give cookies and cakes that added sugary taste.

CARAWAY SEEDS

More popular in European cooking, caraway seeds have an interesting taste that you’d either love or hate. They are best used on pork and other fatty meats and are added to rye bread. You may also opt to sprinkle some over salads, cream cheese on breads, and coleslaw.

MUSTARD

Everyone knows mustard as the sauce but dry mustard can also be used to heat up soups, potato dishes, curries and chilies. Because of its hot and biting taste, brown mustard seeds are often used as flavoring in Indian food. Mustard seed can also be used to enhance meat, fowl and fish dishes as well as additives to sauces and dressings.

NUTMEG

  • Another sweet spice, nutmeg is often used in eggnog, pumpkin pies, custards and alike. But, it’s also versatile enough to be added to curry mixes. It is better when freshly grated though it is sold in its ground form. If you want a stronger flavor to your savoury meat dishes, substitute nutmeg for black pepper. Use nutmeg sparingly, though, as too much of the spice can cause nausea and stomach pains.