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Cooking, Recipe and Food Blog

5 Ways To Spice Up Your Cooking Methods

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sous-vide-recipes

There are a few different ways to expand your cooking horizons. You can try new recipes. You can attempt new genres of food preparation. You can use new dishware, or just try adjusting some of the ratios of ingredients that you typically use.

Or, for a more extreme change in cooking behavior, consider spicing up your kitchen activities by changing your cooking methods themselves. Consider trying the sous vide method, adding some more gadgets to your repertoire, combining multiple cooking methods together, and reading cooking magazines and blogs to see how other people are expanding their abilities. And in the end, the more you experiment and fail, the bigger a knowledge base of cooking that you’ll have to work with in the future.

Try Sous Vide

One interesting way to cook that you may not have ever thought of or even heard described before is the sous vide method. At its core, you’re heating food in a sealed container inside of hot water. This will usually take the form of vacuuming sealing something like a steak inside a cook-safe plastic bag, and then dipping the bag in a hot water vat with a controlled temperature. The results can be nothing short of amazing if done correctly, and it will produce a unique flavor and texture that everyone will love.

Use Gadgets

At the center of many new cooking methods is the kitchen gadget. It may chop, slice, blend, heat, freeze, or dry out food in a new and unique way, and that’s what makes it worthy of being in your kitchen. There are new kitchen gadgets coming out all the time, and once they’ve been in the public eye for a minute, you’ll start to see reviews of how they work, and decide if there’s a new technique you’re willing to incorporate.

Combine Methods

Have you tried baking something, and then frying it to finish it off? Have you tried mixing pan frying, stir frying, and microwaving all together? One of the more interesting ways to spice up your cooking methods is simply to combine several different ways together. You can get some truly interesting results by mixing pan searing meat with baking it at different points in the cooking process, for example.

Reading Cooking Magazines and Blogs

If you’ve never read a cooking magazine or blog, then you don’t know what you’re missing when it comes to continuing education about cooking. Certain types of recipes and diets go into and out of vogue, but you can always rely on cooks to progress when it comes to their actual methods of cooking – go ahead and borrow from them!

Experiment, Fail, and Experiment Again

If all else fails, at least failure teaches you what not to do again, and that goes especially for cooking methods. After you burn something to a crisp or boil it into oblivion, take some mental notes about why it didn’t work. And then, put on your chef’s thinking cap and give something a bit different ago. The people you eventually will impress with your cooking will be glad of your early efforts!

On the Streets: American Street Food

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We can’t talk about street food and not discuss American street food. As varied and cross-cultural as its customers, American street food is comprised of food from different parts of the globe. Anything that can be taken on-the-go can be considered street food in the US. For the bustling American, food stalls, food carts and even food trucks are where the best cuisine can be found.

image by ceiling

With the emergence of the food truck, different kinds of food can now be eaten while walking down the street. Anything from gourmet sandwiches to exotic wraps can be found right around the corner. But what are the classic American street food?

Falafel

Though its origins can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, falafel has found its home in the American palate. A mixture of chickpeas, garlic, parsely and coriander, the falafel is most commonly served wrapped in pita bread with some beets and fresh vegetables. Add some tahini sauce and you’re good to go.

Hot Dogs

The classic all-American street food, the hot dog. With the many variations available it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly defines a hot dog. Simply a sausage in a bun can’t quite cut it. There are regional characteristics that can easily identify a hot dog as coming from Chicago or New York. This treat is so popular you can be assured that you’re never a block away from a hot dog stand.

Ice Cream

On hot summer days, what’s better than ice cream? Tracing it’s origins back to China, the cool dessert had no problems assimilating into the American culture. The never-ending debate between chocolate or vanilla may never be settled but one thing is for sure, ice cream is as American as it gets.

Churros

Another sweet street food are churros. A simple treat made from butter, eggs and flour, the churro has warmed its way into America’s heart quite easily. Most often served with a light dusting of sugar and a cup of hot chocolate, the churro is a great breakfast treat easily found on the streets of America.

 

Superfoods: Honey – Relieves and Replenishes

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If you’ve read the post about Superfoods: Yogurt, then you’d be interested to find another superfood that is more than meets the eye.

image by hotblack

Honey is often used as a sweetener. Though on its own it’s very versatile, there are still many ways to use honey that doesn’t include  a honey dipper.

1. Relieve Dry Skin

Honey is a great moisturizer. Mix some of it with eggs and flour and you’ll have a gentle moisturizer that would be safe for those with sensitive skin. It can be used as a face mask, body or hand lotion. Honey can also help with dry elbows. After taking a bath and scrubbing, rub some honey to soften the skin covering the elbows. Wait for thirty minutes, then simply rinse it off. It’s even great for dry lips! Just add some beeswax and almond oil and you have your own natural lip balm.

2. Remove Pimples

A generous helping of honey can also clear away acne. If you are experiencing a zit attack, simply apply some on the affected area and cover with adhesive bandages. Constant exposure to honey can quickly fade pimples. It’s a gentle and effective way to clear acne.

3. Kill Parasites

If you’re suffering from worms or other parasites, then you should be reaching for a jar of honey and some vinegar. Mix water, honey and vinegar together to create a homemade parasite killer solution. When you suspect that you may have unwanted intruders in your body, regularly down ample amounts of this solution. The acidity of the vinegar as well as the therapeutic effects of the honey would clear your system right away.

4. Makes Hair Beautiful

Honey can easily get rid of fizz and give your hair a shiny and healthy look. For eliminating fizz, add some honey to the tips of your hair after you shower. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse. For a shinier do, mix one teaspoon of honey with water and pour it over your head after washing. Let it dry.

Superfoods: Yogurt – For a Healthy and Beautiful You

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Yogurt is best known as a healthy breakfast food. You can it it plain, add some fruits, buy the flavored versions or grab a frozen treat for dessert. It’s a very versatile dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacteria. Because of this, yogurt can be used for more ways than amping up breakfast time.

image by janineomg

Here are some unusual, yet helpful ways, of using yogurt. From health to beauty, this superfood should be a staple in any household.

1. Treat Yeast Infections

For those suffering from yeast infection, immediate treatment is a must. Going to the doctor for a prescription may be embarrassing while rolling the dice and getting non-prescription medication may be harmful. A quick and cost-efective way to get rid of the infection is by eating yogurt. Some may suggest using yogurt topically but ingesting it orally is just as effective, or even more so.

Take a healthy helping of yogurt daily to decrease the incidence of yeast infections as well as prevent urinary tract infections.

2. Homemade Facial

The lactic acid in yogurt is so mild that it’s great to use on highly sensitive skin. When applied to the face, throat and chest, yogurt can even out skin tone, tighten pores and cleanse skin. Simply (apply) a layer after your normal cleansing routine and rinse off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.

It can also soothe sunburn pain with topical use.

3. Aid in Lactose Intolerance
Aside from using yogurt as an alternative to milk, this superfood has actually been found to improve lactose tolerance in children and adults. As yogurt works its way within the digestive system, it is able to help with the digestion of lactose.
Even if you don’t feel like having a bowl of yogurt for breakfast, make sure to keep some handy. You never know when you’d be needing relief from yeast infection or a quickie facial.

Weird Burgers and Why We Love Them

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You might have read this post on Crazy Pizzas You Might Want to Try. Well, to continue the wild and crazy series about food, here are some burger variants you might have once thought were too weird to be true. While the previous post may have some homemade wonders, these burgers are all for sale and are being served up in various fast food chains.

In a double whammy-type situation, KFC gives us two unique burgers that are sure to raise eyebrows. The first is the Double Down burger. Most patrons of the fast food franchise may already be familiar with the tasty delight. Instead of burger buns, the Colonel decided to have two chicken filets sandwiching some bacon, cheese and sauce. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then I don’t know what will. This cholesterol-packed menu item was first announced during April Fools day. What a lovely prank.

The other concoction thought up by KFC execs in the Philippines is the Cheese Top Burger. The name says it all. Instead of having the slice of cheese in the middle of the sandwich, it was placed on top. Now, this seems like an April Fools joke to me. The new item garnered a lot of buzz (and criticism) for it’s head-scratching concept. It even got a spot on Jimmy Kimmel’s show. They do say that there’s no such thing as bad publicity.

Another Filipino first is the Chow Pao. Quite similar to the Chinese Meaty Buns or Siopao, this burger has an oriental twist. Instead of the steamed buns in the Chinese dish, these are fried and then filled with various meats, and veggies.

For those who have a sweet tooth, Krispy Kreme has something right up your alley. Part dessert and part main course, their burgers mix sweet and savory. Though I don’t recommend this dish for frequent consumption, it’s alright to indulge once in a while. Just don’t forget to exercise afterwards to keep your body from telling the world how much you love burgers.

That’s it for now! If you know some other funky burgers out there, hit the comments section and share your weird burger experiences.

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.

 

Shawarma: The Newest Food Sensation

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image by TheHungryDudes

Due to the popularity of the recent Avengers movie, the sale of Shawarma has sky-rocketed. The masses became aware of the Middle Eastern treat after a scene in the movie showed the main characters sitting around a table and enjoying their own Shawarma.

The dish is actually an Arabian fast food which originated in Turkey. Shawarma consists of shaved meat (either lamb, goat, beef or mixed meats) served in a flat bread with an assortment of vegetables. What makes it so unique may be the way the meat is cooked. Various layers of meat is skewered on a stick and slowly roasted by flames on its sides. The cooking process can last for hours and hungry onlookers can drool while it is prepared.

Another special thing about Shawarma is the sauce that accompanies it. There are a lot of different sauces that are used on Shawarma. The most popular may be the Yogurt Garlic Paste. Creamy and white, it resembles the sauce commonly used for gyros. The Tahini sauce is a middle eastern staple and is sesame-based. You can also use Falafel sauce and the not-so-secret Tahini sauce. Though more commonly prepared wrapped in a pita, it’s also possible to eat Shawarma over rice.

Shawarma has already invaded the Philippines, Singapore and is a staple in most of the Middle East. . It’s about time this Arabian delight reached Americans’ tastebuds.

Great Food and Drinks at a Barbecue

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As the weather turns in our favor, it’s time to take the tarp off of the barbecue and call up a few friends. If you fancy yourself to be a grillmaster, this is your time to shine.

The perfect barbecue is all about good food, good beer, and good friends. As far as good friends go, that’s up to you, but we can help with the food and drinks. Read on for some tips on just what to eat and drink at a barbecue. [Read more…]

Risotto Demystified

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Risotto is a dish that is intrinsically Italian. But unlike pasta or pizza, risotto is that one Italian dish that is either met with trepidation by people who cook and or is improperly done if the fear of cooking it is eventually overcome.

Risotto is rice dish that is made with a specific type of rice – Arborio, Carnaroli or Vialone Nano. These rice grains have a lot of starch content and is able to absorb an amazing amount of liquid without breaking down or turning into mush. [Read more…]

St. Patrick’s Day Recipes: Eat Like You’re Irish

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Every year on March 17th, nations around the world start indulging in that goodness that Guinness is, around 08.00AM usually.

OK, ok. I exaggerated. More like 08.25AM. But there’s more to St. Patrick’s Day than just Guinness. Again this year St. Patrick’s day also falls together with Lent.

To find recipe ideas for St. Patrick’s day you can of course easily check Recipe Finder Recipe Finder for St. Patrick’s Day recipes, but our friends over at Recipe Finder also wrote an entry with several recipe ideas for today: St. Patrick Day Meals: Eat Like You’re Irish. Go check it out now!

Photo Credit: Photo by TadDonaghe.

Classic Valentines Day Meal

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The first meal for the week is a classic menu.

A rough time frame has been included to help it easier to plan and prepare, just to help the special night or day go without a hitch!

Starter
Starting with a true classic starter – Smoked Salmon Pate. A smooth, creamy dish, with plenty of flavour and a treat for the eyes. A simple dish, but widely loved – and quite quick to make at just forty minutes including time to chill!

If you’re not a fan of Fish Pate for a starter, try creating the Walnut, Egg and Cheese Pate. A different taste, so it may be worth preparing some before the big day, and making sure you like it. This pate can also be used as a filling for Stuffed Tomatoes, Peppers or Mushrooms as well! Including time taken to chill, you’re looking at about forty-five to fifty minutes.

Main Course
A true classic dish – Crispy Pork Belly. Although this meal is a Filipino dish, the range of flavours in it give the traditionally popular dinner a great twist. Serve it with some freshly cooked seasonal Vegetables – Roast Potatoes, Parsnips, Carrots and a lovely thick Gravy.

This dish takes around one and a half to two hours to cook – not counting the time used to freeze the meat.

Dessert
White Chocolate Pots – A simply divine White Chocolate and Rum Mousse, this dessert can alternatively be served with Orange Zest or Dark Chocolate to mix the flavours up.

This dish takes around three or four hours to prepare, once the time to chill has been counted!

Valentines Day Menus

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Being able to cook for you other half is always a good thing to be able to do – it’s cheaper than eating out, the both of you can get involved if wanted and you can have much more fun too!

Valentines Day

If you’re trying to impress a new beau, or cooking a classic dinner for an old flame then look no further; these meal ideas will be a sure-fire hit, regardless of your ideal outcome!

For the rest of this week, there’s going to be a few different posts going up on different menus – based around the time taken to cook (i.e., last minute ‘oops I forgot’ menu or big and extravagant), the different ingredients and level of cooking skill required, so hopefully there’ll be something for everyone.

Some of the menus will have a slightly modern twist – not everything has to be candles and soft music after all! For best results, practice the dishes before you serve it, so that you can make sure that there are no hidden surprises, and that you’ll like the tastes and textures that are in the meal. And, of course, so that you can seem much more confident whilst explaining how you lightly glazed the vegetables before roasting them, or how you marinated the meat for two or three hours to improve the flavours, textures and aromas in the dish.

Photo Courtesy of: jonathanb1989

Tabbouleh Salad

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A very popular Middle Eastern salad, the Bulgar Wheat is easy to prepare. The longer you store the Wheat, the stronger the flavour is – Bulgar Wheat is very good at absorbing flavours and tastes.

Tabbouleh Salad

To Serve 2
125g Bulgar Wheat
600ml Boiling Water
1 Red Pepper, halved
3tbsp Olive Oil
1 Garlic Clove, peeled and crushed
½ Lime Rind, grated
1tbsp Lime Juice
1tbsp Fresh Mint, chopped
1tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
4 Spring Onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
8 Black Olives, pitted and halved
45g Large Salted Peanuts or Cashew Nuts
2tsp Lemon Juice
70g Gruyere Cheese
Salt and Pepper

1. In a large bowl, place the Bulgar Wheat and cover with the Boiling Water – it should finish about an inch (two and a half centimetres) above the top of the Bulgar. Leave to soak until most of the Water has been absorbed and it’s cold – around an hour.
2. Cook the Halved Peppers on a grill, skin side up on a Moderate heat, until thoroughly charred. Peel the Skin and discard the Seeds. Chop the flesh into half-centimetre strips
3. Whisk the Oil, Garlic, Lime Rind and Juice together, and season to taste. Add one and a half tablespoons to the Peppers, and mix lightly, making sure the Pepper is well covered.
4. Drain the Bulgar Wheat off, and squeeze dry in a clean, dry cloth and place in a bowl. Mix with the Chopped Herbs, Spring Onions, Olives and Nuts and toss thoroughly. Add the Lemon Juice to the remaining Lime and Oil mixture, and stir through the Wheat well. Spoon onto plates.
5. Serve fresh, with the Cheese diced, and the Pepper flesh served on the side of the plate, along with Warm Pitta Breads or Crusty Rolls.

Photo Courtesy of: John C Abell

Eats by the Beach

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I love to travel, but it isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about eating as well. I like trying local dishes, although I must admit that I am not very adventurous when it comes to exotic food. I never eat frogs, turtles, snakes, lizards, crickets or sometimes even duck.  I can’t even try the jumping salad, simply because the shrimps jump.

It’s the thrill of trying something new that catches my interest. I have a picky taste palette, so it is difficult to please me. That’s why it’s always pleasant to find good eats from new places or restaurants.

During my last trip to the beach with a friend, we ate the day’s fresh catch. So we had to adjust the menu all the time. It felt like we were in Iron Chef.  The excitement made the dishes more delicious. Since we were in an island, it was difficult to find ingredients. We had to be creative or depend on what the cook could prepare.

It was fun to cook using firewood outdoors. I’ve always thought that the food cooked this way tastes better. We were so glad it did not rain; otherwise it would have been impossible. We had squid, octopus and fish. All were cooked in different ways: squid in vinegar (kilawin), grilled squid, squid pasta, fried fish, octopus stew (adobo), octopus with mongo and coconut milk. Most of the food was prepared by the cook. I personally made the pasta and shared it with the resort staff that took care of us well.

We usually ate breakfast and lunch by the beach. The ambiance made each meal more perfect than it already was.

Photos Courtesy of: Kate

Delicious Reads: The School Of Essential Ingredients

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The School of Essential Ingredients

My sister, who is aware of my slight obsession with food literature- and an excellent cook herself- gave me this book, The School of Essential Ingredients, which tells the story of Lillian, a chef who holds cooking classes every Monday night at her restaurant.

These are no ordinary classes, of course- each class is interwoven with the personal story of one of its students. From Tom the sad widower, to Chloe the klutzy waitress, to beautiful Antonia who designs kitchens, the characters are well rounded and realistic- many of them similar to people we’ve known, or are.

This is definitely “light reading”- I enjoy its lyrical prose and delicious descriptive passages, but would have liked the author to delve deeper into the stories of each character. As it was, I felt like I was just getting an amuse bouche of each character, without any entrees to follow.