Your Cooking Tips and Recipes

A gift can be a token of friendship, appreciation, kindness, or respect as well as of love and affection. Food that you prepare yourself is a gift of your time and talents. Certain foods are traditionally given on certain holidays or special occasions. For example, candy on Valentine's Day or a cake to mark a birthday or anniversary. Food Presents Look through catalogues for mail order foods. You will find a a variety of good gifts listed. Many, however — baskets of cheese or fruits, for example — you may be able to assemble yourself for less money than the catalogue price, and your selection could be more appropriate and more personal. In deciding what foods to give, select those that keep well unless you plan to deliver your gift right away. Many food gifts can be prepared a month or two ahead and either refrigerated or frozen. Avoid fragile foods that cannot be transported well. But with care, you can gift someone delicious cookies or chocolates. Breads - Various

Years ago, a delicious, protein fortified cookie was developed. Because it contains the same amount of protein as a hot dog, this cookie can be used as a light meal. In addition, it is moist and will not crumble; it will keep for more than 3 months without losing flavor or nutritional value. Four varieties of the new cookie are now available: oatmeal, brownie, toffee and sweet potato. Types of Cookies Drop cookies - Made from a soft dough, which is pushed from a spoon onto a baking sheet in the size desired; less evenly shaped than rolled cookies Rolled cookies - Cut from a thin sheet of a stiff dough with cutters of various shapes; evenly shaped and usually thin Refrigerator cookies - Cut from a roll of a dough which has been chilled until very stiff; less evenly shaped than rolled cookies, and thick or thin, as desired Molded cookies - Made from small portions of a stiff dough that are shaped or molded with the hands; may be left in shape of balls or slightly flattened

You might elect to take your family favorite casserole to the family pitch in meal at holiday time. If a close relative is ill, a main dish casserole might provide the help that is need. Layer 1 - a cooked starch. Use 470 ml (2 cups) of one of the following: Beans Corn, Noodles, Macaroni Potatoes Spaghetti White, brown, or wild rice Layer 2 - a cooked protein food. Use 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) of the following: Cooked, cubed beef, lamb, pork, or veal Cheese(firm) Cooked or canned chicken or turkey Chopped or sliced hard - cooked eggs Browned ground beef Cooked, sliced ham Canned tuna, shrimp or crab meat Layer 3 - a cooked or canned vegetable. Use 360 ml (1 1/2 cups). Broccoli Carrots Eggplant Green beans Squash Peas Sauteed green peppers, celery, and onions Layers 4 - the sauce. Use one 10 ounce can of soup mixed with 80 ml (1/3 cup) of one of the liquids. Soup: Cheddar cheese Cream of celery Cream of chicken Cream of mushroom Cream of pot

What Are Vegetarian Diets? A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat. Vegetarianism is not new. It is a pattern of eating that has been followed for centuries by followers of some religions and by those who have not had meat available to them. Vegetarian diets are increasingly popular in the world. People become vegetarians for many reasons. Religious doctrine may restrict followers from eating food from animal sources. Some vegetarians have a moral position against taking animal life. Others follow a vegetarian diet for health reasons. Cost may also be a reason. Vegetarian alternatives are less expensive than meat. There are several different vegetarian food patterns. Almost all vegetarians eat vegetables, fruits, dried beans and peas, nuts, and enriched bread and cereal products. But some eat animal products, such as milk and eggs, and others consume poultry or fish. Here are various styles of vegetarians diets. See below. Types of Vegetarians Vegans: strict vegeta

Many parents worry about their kids health and so they have to know if their children is eating appetizing and nutritious food at school. There meal should be balance;both appetizing and nutritious, for them to eat all the food you prepare. Here are minimum requirement for a school lunch that will guide you in preparing your kids lunch box. Meat and Meat Alternates 56g (2 ounces) edible portion of lean meant, poultry or fish, or 56 g (2 ounces) of cheese; or 1 egg; or 125ml (1/2 cup) of cooked, dry beans or peas, or 60ml (4 tablespoons) of peanut butter; or an equivalent combination of these foods Vegetables and Fruits 180ml (3/4 cup) serving consisting of two or more vegetables or fruits or both. A serving [60ml (1/4 cup) or more] or full-strenght vegetable or fruit juice may be counted to meet not more than 60ml(1/4 cup) of this requirement *Vegetables and fruits count sas two of the five components of the school lunch Bread 1 slice of whole grain or enriched bread

Treat yourself and kids with cookies! This nutritious oatmeal recipe is will make your heart healthy. And there's more, you can form cookies in any fancy shapes that surely your kids and yourself will enjoy. 240 ml (1 cup) butter or margarine, softened 350 ml (1 1/2 cups) sugar 2 eggs 5 ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) flour, unsifted 5 ml( 1 teaspoon) baking powder 5 ml (1 teaspoon) salt 5 ml (1 teaspoon) all spice 720 ml (3 cups) quick-cooking rolled oats 240 ml (1 cup) raisins, chopped. Directions Cream butter or margarine and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and all spice. Add oats and raisins. Mix well. Divide dough into four parts. Shape each part into a roll about 15 cm (6 inches) long and 3.8cm (1 1/2 inches) in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper. Freeze. To Bake: Preheat oven to 176°C (350° F) -- moderate. Grease baking sheets. Remove a roll of dough from freezer. Remove wrapping. Slice into roun

You are probably too busy in your work or preparing for kids meal every morning. A quick pancake recipe will go well with breakfast partnered with a hot milk or coffee. Ingredients 3 eggs 15 ml (1 tablespoon) brown sugar,packed 240ml (1 cup) flour, unsifted 15ml (1 tablespoon) baking powder 2.5ml (0.5 tablespoon) salt 160ml (0.66 cup) buttermilk 30ml ( 2 tablespoons) oil Desired Syrup Desired Fruit Directions Preheat griddle Beat eggs with brown sugar until very light, about 2 minutes. Mix dry ingredients. Stir gently into beaten eggs. Add buttermilk and oil. Stir only until mixed. Batter will be lumpy. For each pancake, pour 60ml (1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle). Cook until surface is covered with bubbles, turn, and cook other side until light brown. Cool on rack. Place pancakes in airtight container with wax paper between layers. Or wrap singly in foil. Label and store in freezer. To Reheat in Toaster Remove from freezer and unwrap pancakes to be re

Chicken Cordon Bleu The phrase cordon bleu (kôrdon' bloe') means "blue ribbon" in French and was once the symbol of high military honor. It later came t omean excellence in cooking. One of France's most famous cooking schools took this as its name. Chicken cordon bleu originated there. It is a boned chicken breast that has been rolled around pieces of ham and cheese and secured with a toothpick. It is then baked. Chicken Curry A curry is an Indian dish of meat, fish, poultry, or vegetables in a sauce seasoned with curry powder. The word curry means sauce. Curry powder is a blend of spices and usually includes, turmeric, cardamon, coriander, mustard, saffron, and allspice. The yellow color comes from the turmeric. A chicken curry might be served with side dishes of chutney(a spicy fruit relish), raisins, nuts, or shredded coconut. Chicken Paprika Paprika is the ground powder of a pepper plant. It is bright red and varies in flavor from mild to v

Convalescence is the period of recovery from an illness. Food is an important part of recovery. It provides nutrients for fighting disease and repairing body tissue. Unless a special diet is prescribed by a doctor, meals for a sick person are similar to normal meals. A sick or convalescing person is less active. The food offered should provide fewer calories, without cutting out essential nutrients. If a sick person does not have much appetite, smaller, more frequent meals might be more appealing. Mealtime can break the monotony of an inactive day for someone in bed. You might help the person help the person sit comfortable before bringing the tray. Make the meal appetizing. Set the tray conveniently and attractively. Put a nice place mat and napkin on it. Add a flower if you can. Use colorful dishes and glasses that do not tip easily. Use attractive garnishes, especially if the menu prescribed by the doctor appears bland. When helping a sick person at mealtime, remember th

Whenever we watch movies or any of our favorite shows, popcorn is the most favorite snack to dig in. I will share to you guys how to make popcorn balls. Ingredients 60 ml(2.5 cup) butter or margarine 240 ml(1 cup) popcorn 2.5 ml(0.5 teaspoon) salt 120 ml(0.5 cup) molasses 120 ml(0.5 cup) dark or light corn syrup 7 ml(0.5 tablespoon) vinegar another 22 ml(1.5 tablespoons) butter or margarine Directions Melt 60 ml butter or margarine in a large skillet Add popcorn and spread evenly on bottom Cover tightly and shake skillet over heat until corn is popped Put popped corn in mixing bowl, sprinkle with salt, and mix gently. Put molasses, corn syrup, and vinegar in large saucepad, and mix. Boil, stirring occasionally, until syrup reaches soft-ball stage,  115° C(240°F). Continue to boil, stirring constantly, until syrup reaches soft-crack stage, 132°C(270°F) Add butter or margarine, and stir until just melted. Pour syrup over popped corn, stirring gently to mix thoroug

Several wheat products have become popular in the United States in recent years. Bulgur, or blugur wheat(also known as cracked wheat), originally came from the Near East. It is made from whole wheat that is first cooked, then dried and cracked. Blugur wheat is a source of protein, niacin, and other B vitamins. It gives a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to groud meat dishes, pilafs, salads, and stuffed vegetables. Wheat germ is made from the germ of the wheat kernel and has an even higher food value than whole-grain cereals. Wheat germ is toasted to improve its flavor and increase its shelf life. Corn flour or corn-germ flour is made by grinding up one of the most nutritious parts of the corn kernel-- the germ. This flour contains a lot of low quality protein. Corn germ flour represents the first use of corn as protein fortifier. You will find corn germ flour in cookies, muffins, bread, and ground meat dishes. Soy flour comes in full fat and low fat varieties. You can use

Nowadays, we have to develop how we control the sugar in diet especially to those who are diagnosed with diabetes. Planning a set of nutritious breakfast with the consult of doctor will help you a lot to control your sugar. Here are some tips and ways how can we control our sugar daily. Consult a specialist or your physician before doing this tips. Drink fruit juice or unsweetened ice tea instead of soft drinks. Eat fresh fruit for snacks or desserts. Buy fruit canned in its own juice rather than in heavy syrup, or drain the syrup and rinse the fruit. Use plain gelatin and unsweetened fruit juice instead of sweetened gelatin powders. Compare foods at the stores and buy those without added sugar. Use less sugar in tea, coffee, and other beverages. Buy unsweetened breakfast cereals and sweeten them with fresh fruit rather than sugar. Add fruit to unflavored yogurt rather than buying flavored varieties. Stay active. Exercise! Prefer eating foods rich in fiber, protein and gr

What is Fat? Fat is both a nutrient and a food. As As a nutrient, it supplies concentrated energy. As a food, it adds flavor to meals. A scientific name for fat and fat like substances is lipid. Fat itself is a compound of many types of fatty acids and a body chemical called glycerol. Your body can make most fatty acids from the fats you eat. But some fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body. They must be present in the foods themselves. These essential fatty acids are necessary for good health. Like carbohydrate and protein, fat is made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The chemical structure of fat is like a chain. Fat can be saturated, unsaturated, or polyunsaturated, depending on how much hydrogen is on the chain. A saturated fat molecule has as much hydrogen on its chain as it can hold. An unsaturated fat has less hydrogen, and a polyunsaturated fat has still less hydrogen. You can actually see the effect of this chemical structure. The more saturated a fat is, the m

Why do we eat the foods we do? People select and reject foods for many reasons. The role a specific food plays in health is important. But often its nutritional role is less important to people than what the food means to them. Food choices and the pat terns they form are affected by several factors. Physical, psychological, social, and cultural needs all influence food choices. What we eat is also influenced by what food is available to us and the personal resources we have to allocate for food. Food styles is the term used to describe the ways in which people prepare and eat food. Food styles are influenced by all the factors discussed in this chapter. You will learn more about specific dishes that are popular in different parts of the United States and in other countries. Why do we eat the foods we do? People select and reject foods for many reasons. The role a specific food plays in health is important. But often its nutritional role is less important to people than what t

Are you restricting yourself to drinking fruit juice at breakfast and eating an occasional piece of fruit in season? If so, you are missing out on the opportunity to enjoy fruits prepared in many other ways. For Meals Fruits can be nutritious and appealing part of any meal. Cold strawberry soup with sour cream makes a satisfying snack in warm weather. A salad made with lime gelatin and pear halves can be a refreshing side dish at any meal. The variety of colors, textures, and shapes of fruits, such as bananas, peaches, apples, oranges, and grapes, makes them appealing as a main-dish salad when served with yogurt, cheese, or nuts. You can serve raw fruits as appetizer, in bread, in soups, in salads, as garnishes, in beverages, and as desserts. Try making fruit sauces from apples, cherries, cranberries, peaches or rhubarb to add interest to a meal. Broiled or pan-fried apple rings, bananas, peaches, and pineapple go well with meat dishes. Baked apples, peaches, and pears are

Everything you eat, whether it is fresh or processed, is made up of a combination of chemicals. An apple for example, is naturally composed of pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose, starch, sucrose, glucose, fructose, ascorbic acid, and other substances. The addition of still another chemical will cause changes in the apple. Here is an example. When you cut an apple and expose it to the air, it will turn brown. But if you add citric acid or ascorbic acid to the cut, the apple will not change color. In simple terms, this is the concept of additives. Food additives are substances added to foods during production, processing, storage or packaging. They are purposely added for specific functions. Some are unintentionally present in the final food product, such as the minute amounts of packaging material that get into food. Food additives have been used through out history. Salt has been used as preservative. Spices and condiments have added flavor. And color agents have change the appea

Consumers today are asking more and more questions about the relationship between food and health. They face an increasing number of food choices in the marketplace. They also hear conflicting reports about new ways of eating. Today, we will discuss subjects that you may have questions about, like food processing. What really is Food Processing? Almost every food you see in a store has been processed in some way. Fluid milk has either been pasteurized and homogenized before being placed in the dairy case, or it has been evaporated, condensed, or dried before being put on the grocery shelf. Flour has been milled. Vegetables and fruits have been blanched and frozen, or canned. Coffee may have been freeze-dried. Processing refers to all the steps used in preparing and keeping food safe for human consumption. Some consumers process their own foods at home. They freeze, can, or dry produce grown in their own gardens. Or prepare quantities of homemade baked goods to freeze, make jams a

Water is one of the most important substances on earth. All plants and animals must have water to survive. If there was no water there would be no life on earth. Apart from drinking it to survive, people have many other uses for water. (source Health.com) Water is also need for making our foods and it's essential for some cooking techniques. Now, Here are simple tips you can do to make your water clean.     Boil it for 10 Minutes     Add Iodine tablets from the drugstore     Mix 6 to 8 drops of laundry bleach(5% chlorine bleach) with a gallon of water and let it stand for an hour This method is not satisfactory at high altitudes, where water boils at too low a temperature to kill the bacteria

Scrape dishes and utensils as soon as possible after using them. Soak mixing and cooking utensils before you sit down to eat. Rinse dishes having egg, milk, or starch on them in cold water. Rinse or soak other dishes in very hot water. Wipe greasy pans with paper towels or newspapers before washing. Arrange the dishes in the order that they will be washed: glassware, flatware, dinnerware, cooking utensils. If you are right-handed and the sink has a drainboard on both sides, place the soiled dishes on the right side of the sink. Working from right to left uses fewer motions. Work from left to right if you are left-handed. Immerse a few dishes at a time in a pan of hot water, with enough detergent to make the water sudsy. The usual order is to wash glassware first, then the tableware, the dinnerware, and finally the cooking utensils Wash the dishes thoroughly with a clean dishcloth. Scour pans that have hard to remove food. If you have very many dishes to wash or i

This is a lipid very much like fat. Many people know the word (cholesterol because of its possible link to heart disease. Yet few people realize that cholesterol is an essential part of every cell in the human body. Cholesterol helps form vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. It is also an important part of many hormones and bile. Cholesterol comes from foods that are high in animal fat. But your body makes most of your cholesterol. Even if you limit your cholesterol intake, your body will make what it needs. Scientists do not fully understand how cholesterol, high-fat diets, and cardiovascular diseases are related. However, cholesterol is found in fat deposits inside some pe0ple’s arteries. If your blood contains high levels of cholesterol, you may have a greater risk of heart disease than other people. Unless you have a doctor’s advice, do not drastically reduce the amount of cholesterol in your diet. But most nutrition experts agree that people should eat only

Quick and easy to prepare smoothie recipes, packed with refreshing fruits and perfect for diet. Adding Smoothies in your breakfast will help you rev up your metabolism in the morning. It contains lot of nutrients that includes protein and fiber that will keep you full until your next meal. It will absolutely help you to lose your weight, so here are the best smoothie recipes. Breakfast Energy Smoothie (Mixed Berries Smoothie) Ingredients: 2 cups orange juice 1 cup vanilla yogurt (you can use flavored yogurt) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups mixed fresh or frozen berries (mixed berries, like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) Procedure: Place all ingredients into blender (liquid ingredients first). Blend on high for 2 minutes or until smooth. Scrape down sides and blend for another 30 seconds. Anti-Bloat Smoothie (CuCu Ginger Smoothie) Why Ginger? Ginger plays an important role in our smoothie since it is a natural anti-inflammatory food

Okra (o’kra) is an important part of Southern and Creole cooking. The okra pods, which originated in West Africa, are cooked as a vegetable or used as an ingredient in soups. They can be stewed, French-fried, served with a sauce, or baked Au gratin (with cheese) or with tomato and rice. Okra is also used to thicken and flavor This famous Louisiana soup contains tomatoes and other vegetables and spices, in addition to meat or poultry and okra. This picture shows okra shrimp gumbo.(You can also use chicken instead of shrimp) Ingredients     1lb medium shrimp (cleaned and devined)     2 Cups okra (chopped)     2 Cups peppers (chopped)     4 Large tomatoes (chopped)     1 onion (chopped)     1 bunch spring onion (chopped)     2 Stalks celery (chopped)     4 Cups chicken stock     2 Tbsp coconut oil     1/2 cup dill (chopped)     1 Tbsp ginger (paste or shredded fine)     1 Tsp old bay seasoning     1/2 Tsp cayenne (or chili)     2 Tsp sea salt     1 Tsp cumin Dire

Food of Love. There is nothing who can beat this romantic recipes that will surely help couples to get in the mood in Valentines Day. Aphrodisiac is a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire. The search for sexy foods is an ancient pursuit, and aphrodisiacs come in so many natural forms. For centuries, people have sought out aphrodisiac foods to help increase fertility and sexual desire. Now, you can reap the rewards of all that research. Spice up a romantic dinner with delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts that not only please the palate, but trigger feel-good chemicals that can spike your mood and enhance your bedroom performance. (And, just in case you needed any more reason to indulge, chocolate  is  considered a popular aphrodisiac.We've rounded up recipes (some seriously indulgent and others on the lighter side) considered sexy for their suggestive shape, texture, or color. Regardless of your diet these days, if you're on the prowl for a d

Another hot and exciting recipe for charming couples out there. This dinner recipe contains two aphoristic foods: chiles and honey. Chiles get your blood pumping, increasing circulation and stimulating nerve endings so that you feel more turned on. Honey is filled with B vitamins, needed for testosterone production, and boron, which helps the body use and metabolize estrogen. Lore has it that the term 'honeymoon' comes from an old tradition in which newlyweds drank a honey drink for 30 days after marriage to help them get acquainted in the bedroom, and thus set the foundation for a healthy marriage. Preparation: 10 Minutes Cook: 10 Minutes Makes 2 Ingredients 2 4 ounces wild salmon filets 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon chili paste 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 1 teaspoon soy sauce Directions Preheat oven to 425. Sprinkle salmon with salt, and bake for 8 m

You know what is romantic? Having a candlelit dinner with steak! A Gordon Ramsay recipe.. Gordon takes teak and chips to a new level with a sharing slab of prime rib-eye that's just right for sharing. The perfect Valentine's treat for any steak lover. Ingredients     1 bone thickness rib-eye steak, about 600g     4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil     4 garlic clove, left in their skins     handful thyme sprigs     1 bay leaf For the basil hollandaise  100ml white wine vinegar     small bunch basil, stalks roughly chopped     1 bay leaf     few peppercorns     2 egg yolk     250g unsalted butter, melted and skimmed to give about 200ml (See 'Know how' below)     squeeze lemon juice Without Hollandaise Method     Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Put the steak on a plate and rub with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and plenty of black pepper and flaky sea salt. Leave to marinate at room temperature for about 10 mins. Heat a heav