Posts filed under 'Food & Drink'
What could be more fun than cooking great tasting food on the grill in the company of your best friends or family? The thing of course is finding the right place for grilling and barbecuing. One favorite spot can be own backyard or outdoor kitchen with their own brick barbecue pit. Actually, any open outdoor spot is a potential place for barbeque rubs party but truth be known, the best places for a barbecue are the safest ones.
When barbecuing in your backyard, be sure that you’re 5 to 10 feet away from your house. Also, be sure the grill is stable and is away from children or pets that may bump into it. It would also be a good idea to have a water supply nearby like a garden hose.
Choose a location for your BBQ grill that is away from trees, leaves, brush and overhanging limbs. Do not setup your gill in a high traffic area where someone may accidentally brush up against the hot grill. If you live in an apartment building with a balcony or rooftop or any other outdoor space, be sure to consult with your building administrator. Generally, using charcoal and gas grills indoors or anywhere above the first story is prohibited.
If you live anywhere that football is played, there is a type of BBQ cookout that is almost a religion. That of course is what is known as tailgating. The type of cookers and what is on the grill varies everywhere from propane hotplates to barrel smokers and from hotdogs and sausages to slow cooked BBQ brisket and all types of garden seasonings. Just make sure that you setup away from anything flammable. Start your barbecuing early enough so that your fire is out by the time the game is to begin or is to the point that it can be doused.
Another great place to barbecue is in a campsite. Barbecuing food over a campfire is definitely one of those practical yet cozy things you can do. Just be sure that you are at least 15 feet away from your tent and other camping gears.
Protect yourself by using the correct BBQ utensils such as oven mitts, thongs and a good spatula. Avoid wearing loose clothing while near the grill. This article was about places to grill in the great outdoors, but what if that’s just not possible for you. Stay tuned to the next article which will delve into what you can do in the oven to make the best indoor BBQ.
P.S. Can order takeaway online be better? Who knows, but even if you resort to it, better know how to do this smartly.
September 10th, 2008
HOW MANY CUPS OF COFFEE PER POUND?
How many cups of coffee can you brew from one pound of whole beans? The question is simple, it’s just the answer that gets a little complicated! It would be much easier if everyone had the same idea about the size of a cup?
Premium connoisseur peaberry coffee
Do you mean one of those dainty after-dinner coffee cups? Or maybe one of those big caffe-latte cups? Or a coffee mug even? And how much coffee do you put in the coffee maker? Do you add a little extra for a stronger cup of coffee?
As you can see, there is no accurate answer, because we all use different cups. But here’s a guideline for you, assuming you use an average sized cup. For each pound of whole coffee beans, you can expect to brew 30-40 cups of coffee.
Gourmet Coffees Cost Only Pennies Per Cup for Premium Coffee When Brewed at Home From Fresh Roasted 100% Grade A Arabica Beans.
Gourmet Coffee drinkers have become accustomed to paying $2 or more per cup for fresh brewed coffees at Premium coffee houses and many sources are predicting those prices may increase to as much as $4 per cup soon due to expected increases in green coffee prices.
Smart gourmet coffee consumers have long known that premium coffee brewed at home costs just 12 cents or less per cup. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you are using the right ratio of coffee beans to water for your favorite brew.
Many coffee producers recommend starting with 1 tablespoon of fresh ground gourmet coffee beans per standard 6 ounce cup of water. Starbucks recommends double that amount for stronger coffees at 2 tablespoons per 6 ounce cup.
A pound of gourmet coffee divided by 1 1/2 Ounces comes to roughly 10 pots of 10 cups (6 Ounce cups) equaling 100 cups for the cost of one pound of gourmet coffee beans. Be sure to check the size of the bag of coffee if you’re buying it from a supermarket. With all of the downsizing, it’s best to double check.
At the average of 1.5 tablespoons per 6 ounce cup and average size of 12 ounce coffee mug, you can expect 50 cups of home brewed coffee per pound of gourmet beans!
Prices of premium gourmet beans range between $12 and $18 per pound, making a cup of home-brewed gourmet coffee, made fresh to your liking, cost only between .12 cents and .25 cents per cup! Really sharp shoppers are buying in bulk.
Even the rarest and most expensive coffee sold, the exotic Kopi Luwak, at $175 per pound, is still less than $1.75 per cup when brewed at home!
Gourmet coffee consumers rarely consider the cost of their daily coffee in terms of how much it would cost to brew at home with prices of a pound of gourmet coffee beans versus a three cup a day coffee drinking habit at premium coffee house prices.
It is wise to be smart not only about coffee. Thinking about fruit diet weight loss - read more.
September 10th, 2008
Various myths and beliefs are surrounding food even in our modern age as they were centuries back. Even scientific proof sometimes fails to dispel them…
Food myths have been there across all cultures, races, and societies. They are like a part of folklore. Some originated as an attempt to prevent children from doing something, like swallowing a chewing gum or eating fruits along with seeds. The majority of modern food myths are connected to numerous diets, weight loss programs, as well as marketing all sorts of slimming food supplements and other products. In spite of the scientific researches and proofs, these myths still persist, producing a lot of confusion.
Some of the most popular are:
• Fiber is healthy, therefore the more the better.
While the first part is truth, too high fiber intake can slow down digestion significantly. Even your normal fiber portion takes up to 40 hours to be digested, and for people with digestive disorders, the process can take as long as a few days!
• Multigrain is the synonym of whole grain.
The only way to ensure that your multigrain product is actually whole grain is to check the label, where it should be clearly stated that it is 100% whole grain. This means, every grain component must be whole grain.
• Whole grain cereals are the healthiest option.
They may be, provided whole grain is the main component. However, in most so-called whole grain cereals, the content of whole grains is ridiculously low, while sugar, salt and/or fat are too high.
• Bananas contain a lot of calories.
An average banana has around 100 calories, which is very low if you consider the fruit’s ability to fill you quickly. In fact, bananas are a perfect slimming diet food choice, because of their zero fat content and lots of essential nutrients.
• Fresh food is always better than frozen.
Of course, it is better if it is really fresh. But what you get in your grocery store may only seem fresh thanks to careful storage and preserving chemicals. Some of the so-called “fresh” foods may be weeks and even months old and have little nutritional value. Fresh frozen foods are often frozen when really fresh, just hours after harvesting. In this case, they still contain all the original nutrients of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Organically grown food is more nutritious.
Nutrients don’t depend on the way the food was grown. Organic foods are definitely a healthier choice due to fewer chemicals contained in them, but traditionally grown fruits and veggies have the equal amount of vitamins.
• Olive oil is lower in calories.
The calorie density of olive oil is practically the same as in any other fat. The reason why olive oil is used in diets is because it is a “good” monounsaturated fat as opposed to saturated fat and trans fat.
• Vegetarian dishes are healthier than meat courses.
Not necessarily so: a vegetarian dish can still contain lots of fat, sugar, salt and other additives, while plain lean meat or skinless chicken cooked with minimum fat is low calorie and far healthier. Fish is another fantastic non-vegetarian example. But if you make your vegetarian dishes from scratch like these vegetarian crock pot recipes, then you know exactly what they contain.
• Dairy makes your cold worse.
Flu and running nose have nothing to do with dairy products. They don’t increase the mucus production in the body. On the contrary, warm milk can actually relieve sore throat and cough.
If you eat a healthy wide range of home cooked meals you can’t go wrong. The best way to cook at home is to cook from scratch and the easiest way to do this is with the good old crock pot and these simple crock pot recipes.
September 9th, 2008
Does eating out of a can get you down? Are you tired of the same boring meals through the week but do not want to eat out? Perhaps it is time you shake the dust off those cookbooks and find new recipes to liven up your tired palate. There is no need to panic. The trick is to keep it simple and not panic or become overly stressed. New recipes should be about adventure and bringing new experiences home.
kitchen cooking
The absolute worst mistake a person can make regarding any and all new recipes is choosing something they know they will not like. If you hate any type of fish, then avoid recipes that include fish. Yes, you should try new things but consider that step at a later date when you are more familiar with the kitchen. The joy of cooking comes from enjoying what you eat.
The second step to finding new recipes is to look at a variety of sources. Friends, family members and co-workers are great sources of recipes. There are also cooking light recipes on a variety of websites. Try using a search engine such as Google to find an ethnic cuisine or any other world recipes. The options for new dessert recipes are endless and are only limited by your ability to search.
food and cooking
Sometimes new recipes require a different set of cooking utensils. An example would be preparing sushi at home. One of the requirements for making a sushi roll is a bamboo sushi mat. Do not attempt to improvise on some utensils because it will prove to be harder in the long run rather than just buying the required cooking utensils right from the start. Read the recipe carefully and make a note of all the utensils you will need before beginning.
Here is one further tip when trying to create new recipes. If you are preparing a new recipe for a gathering, try making it a few days in advance. The added stress of trying something new when pressured for time can often be a recipe for disaster. This is especially true if the dish does not turn out quite like you imagined. Prepare the dish, taste it and then decide if it is something you want to share with friends or family.
dessert recipes
Take a chance and toss out the regular Taco Tuesday from your menu. Let new recipes, ideas add pizzazz into your life. Home-made gourmet meals are easy to make at home and can change your outlook on eating. Even if you choose not to go completely gourmet, you can still change up the menu. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or turn on the television to a food cooking show.
September 8th, 2008
Depending on where you choose to host your baby shower, food might be up to the restaurant to choose , or up to the planner to prepare or order. If you choose to have the baby shower at a banquet hall or at somebody’s house, you will have more of a say in what will be served to eat and drink. It’s not just about having the best newborn baby idea, it’s about the whole experience!
Presently , a popular trend for baby shower catering is to serve finger foods. people associate “baby finger foods” with the celebration for the expected baby. Baby finger foods ties in together with the baby concept for the shower, and is a creative way to emphasize the baby aspect of the event.
Although some people believe serving finger foods are a fancy custom, having a baby shower with finger foods and desserts can actually save you a lot of money. Finger foods can be very cheap and easy to make at home. With a few good recipes and good presentation, a finger foods menu can be a great concept and a hit at your baby shower. This article will provide some great suggestions and ideas for finger foods that will look and taste delicious.
A classic staple at any fine and luxurious event is cheese and crackers. Ritz makes a variety of crackers that are dandy. For a less expensive alternative, try a super market brand of crackers. For cheese, Provolone, Mozzarella, Muenster, and Cheddar are posh favorites. Serve this appetizer with punch, and you will look like you have spent a wallet full on the shower, reserving money for the unique gift newborn and Mom will love.
Baby shrimp also looks upscale to serve at festivities , and contributes to the baby concept. Buy frozen pre-cooked baby shrimp at your local grocery store, then thaw and season them. Serve this on a fancy dish along with a side of marinara sauce, and you have got a unique hors d’oeuvre for a great price!
Chips and dip does not have to be boring and conventional . Tri-color corn chips or scoop-shaped corn chips are very posh and delicious. Serve these crunchy treats with artichoke-spinach dip and you will change the whole definition of the common cliche’, “chips and dip”. Pita chips and whole grain tostadas are good , healthy alternatives to standard corn chips.
Mini quiches can also be bought frozen at a local grocery store. These are really cheap , yet they look and taste fine. Common flavors are spinach, corn, and cheese. All you have to do is open the package of frozen mini quiches, place them on a baking sheet, bake them, and voila! These are sure to finish quickly at your baby shower. They are a crowd favorite!
Tea sandwiches are a traditional British tradition for breakfasts and brunches. Produce standard sandwiches on white, honey wheat, or whole grain bread, cut off the crusts, and cut into four tiny sandwiches. posh types of tea sandwiches are ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, egg salad, and cucumber sandwiches.
Finger foods are easy, cheap , and look amazing at any get-togethers. “Baby finger foods” are sure to be a winner at your bash . Enjoy the party and have fun choosing your favorite newborn gift idea!
September 8th, 2008
If you would like to enjoy espresso drinks that are of “coffee house quality” right in the comfort and convenience of your own home, then you should take a look at the many types of espresso coffee machines that are available to you these days. If you are accustomed to spending ten bucks on a daily basis for the specialty gourmet coffees that you enjoy, then you can quickly justify the cost of having a home espresso machine.
In addition to the espresso makers that are available, there is also a great deal of optional espresso-making equipment that you can buy that will ensure making any caffeine drinks easier and more complete. If you want to have the very freshest and most flavorful espresso coffee possible, then you will want to buy gourmet espresso coffee beans as well. You can buy these already roasted, or you can opt for doing home roasting, as there is special equipment that you can also buy to do this type of coffee bean roasting in your home.
Even if you don’t want to deal with roasting the beans yourself, if you do decide to buy gourmet espresso coffee beans, then you will need to have an espresso grinder. Some types of espresso coffee machines have a grinder built into the unit and this set up can save countertop space and is often less expensive than buying a coffee grinder separately from the home espresso machine.
However, before you decide on buying any type of espresso maker, you should understand a few things about espresso making in general. When people look at the large and beautiful commercial espresso machines, they often fail to realize that these grand machines are large for a very good and important reason. The process of properly producing a quality cup of espresso requires a number of specific technical parameters, in order to produce espresso that is consistently of high quality.
Reproducing these exacting parameters in the kitchen of your home is not as easy as some would assume, and so the machines that are small enough for home usage must be well-built and high quality, if you want to enjoy the same quality of beverages that you have come to expect from your favorite coffee house. This type of home espresso equipment that produces consistent quality tends to be rather expensive.
However, there are many models of home espresso machines that you can choose from. You will be able to find basic models that sell for under $100, yet at the same time, if you go for a high-end model with all the of the bells and whistles, then you could easily spend $1,000. When it comes to Italian espresso coffee makers, just keep in mind that you will get what you pay for.
If you would like to truly replicate the quality of coffee shop espresso drinks, then you will need to make an even larger investment and look at a the low-end, commercial, espresso coffee machines. These kinds of machines will give you a great deal of capacity, so are perfect if you have a large family who loves espresso, or if you like to entertain and make gourmet coffee drinks as part of your socializing. These machines are not for everyone, as they require more space than home models and they range in price from $900 to $3,000.
September 5th, 2008
The wine making grapes for fruit wines that we have on this earth are a gift from the heavens because they provide us with ample taste and incredible explosive flavour. This creates the wine that we love and that we serve on many occasions, making us one of the luckiest places in the universe because of the grape. The grape is something that was likely worshipped by ancient cultures and sent to bear before wars as a peace offering. There is no telling how many wars wine making grapes have stopped because of their deliciousness or their flavour.
So with our ode to flavour complete, it is time to revel in the possibility of the wine making grapes and what they can do for our palette. In all reality, it is possible to assume that many of us have encountered a set of sour grapes in our lifetime. Many probably wonder if these grapes are completely useless as wine grapes, but the reality is that there are many wines that introduce the use of sour grapes as a way to combat the normalcy and complacency of normal wines. Sour grapes can be used to make brilliantly potent wines or even adaptable table wines.
Other Grape News
Many people are aware of the story of the frozen grapes and how they were converted into ice grape wine with a little bit of work and creativity. This type of error happens a lot as many people in the wine industry are aware. The truth is that wine making grapes are impressively hardy and are able to counteract with other fruits to create other variations of wines or different types of wines. This makes the grape an incredible specimen and belies a responsibility of the winery owner to try new things with the grapes and experiment with the whole process.
With this responsibility, it should be noted that many people will want to try grapes in any combination of things with their wines. There should be some decorum as there are ways of making citrus wine that just will not work out properly. Wine making grapes, although hardy and survivalist are also somewhat picky in terms of flavour mixing so always sample when you are combining grapes so that you can discover the process that best works with your wine intentions. As you create your own wine, be sure that it is as much about great taste as it is about your own individuality and all should go perfectly well.
September 4th, 2008
For many people, a steaming cup of espresso is the one and only thing that can effectively help them get their morning off to a good start and give them that burst of energy they need to get out the door and on the way to the office. For some, the lure of picking up their cup of java at their favorite coffee shop is enough to get them moving, but others need an espresso coffee maker in their own kitchen to get their fix.
Many of us are currently feeling the pinch and attempting to tighten the belts with cheap recipes, for some of us a proper cup of coffee is essential. If you have decided that it is time to bring espresso equipment into your home so that you can start making your own and have it any time that you get a hankering for it, then you will need to get familiar with the types of home espresso machines that are on the market these days. With the popularity of all kinds of coffee drinks, including espresso and cappuccino, it should not be surprising to learn that there is a huge assortment of espresso coffee makers to choose from.
The first thing that most people are surprised to learn when they start looking for an espresso coffee maker for their home is that there are actually eight different types of espresso makers. While not all eight types are readily available in the United States, it is good to be aware of the various types of Italian espresso machinery and the role these machines play in espresso making.
The stovetop espresso maker could be considered to be the original espresso machine. If you travel to Italy, Portugal or Spain, you will most likely find one of these stovetop models in just about every home that you might visit. These stovetop machines have three distinct chambers, each with a different purpose.
The top chamber holds the freshly ground coffee, the middle chamber functions as a filter, and the lower chamber is where the water is heated. As the water heats up in the stovetop espresso machine, the steam is forced to go up a tube to the top chamber and the steam then permeates the grounds, which in turn produces the espresso.
The steam espresso maker is similar to the stovetop model, in that most of these types are also heated up on the stovetop, but the internal workings are somewhat different. Another type of espresso coffee machines is the piston-drive model that is operated by the steam. This type of espresso equipment tends to be much more expensive and therefore, not as widely used. However, it was the piston-drive Italian espresso maker that was responsible for the introduction of cream in the espresso, which has become a standard for many people.
When it comes to an electric espresso coffee maker, there are five different types that you can choose from. There is the fully manual style, the semi-automatic style, the automatic style, the super-automatic style, and the fully automatic style. More and more people are opting for the fully automatic version because it has a water line running to it and with the push of just one button you can quickly and easily be enjoying your morning espresso in no time.
September 3rd, 2008
The quality of drinking water is a hot topic for debate these days - and for good reason. Contaminated drinking water can contribute to illness and health problems. Unfortunately, with each passing year it seems that there are more and more contaminants found in the water we drink, making it ever more important to use water filters to purify our water for drinking and cooking.
Water filters are wonderful devices that can significantly improve the overall quality of water. This can mean improvement in the taste, the smell and even the appearance of drinking water. But what about the things that cannot be seen by the naked eye? In most homes, everyday tap water contains harmful chemicals and other toxic substances.
water filters
Water filters and water filter systems are primarily used for making water clean and safe to use for drinking purposes and for use in cooking as well. Drinking water filter systems are the most convenient and inexpensive way to filter water and purify it to be safe for consumption. However, it should be remembered that no water purification method is 100 percent reliable and certain.
Generally, water filters are designed to remove only specific kinds of pollutants and substances. These particular materials that such devices are capable of removing will be listed on the label they come with, such as lead or chlorine specific filters.
Simple osmosis water filter are not capable of removing or killing microorganisms that might be found in your water. Basic home water filter units are intended only to be used with what is considered to be microbiologically safe water to begin with.
house water filter
For this reason, there is no single type of water filter system that is capable of removing all types of contaminants and unwanted substances, no matter what type of filters and purifiers are used. However, this does not mean that a home water filter cannot make the water in your home safe to drink without worry.
One basic question that comes to mind when talking about water filters is whether or not you need one for your home. A good way to figure this out is to try water test kits that can be used to identify the substances that are in the water in your home. The information from such testing kits will give you a foundation of knowledge as to what kind of water filter system will be best for your home.
If you live in a municipality that supplies your drinking water, then you may not need to worry about water filters. Most municipally supplied water is already treated so that it meets requirements for health and also aesthetics. However, the pipes in your home can be a source of contamination, especially for lead.
If you get your drinking water from a private source, such as a well, then there will no doubt be concerns about chemical and microbiological types of contamination. These are additional reasons for having water filters in your home.
reverse osmosis water filters
With such private sources of drinking water it is a good idea to pick up a few water test kits so that you can test the water periodically to be sure your water filter system is going to be sufficient to handle any contaminants.
The only real potential drawback to utilizing water filter cartridges comes up when the filters are not properly used or are used longer than is recommended by the manufacturer. When a water filter has been used too long, the contaminated particles can be fed back into the drinking water. This problem can be avoided by simply replacing the water filter cartridge according to the manufacturer recommendations.
September 3rd, 2008
Barbeque, in the southern and Midwest parts of the United Statesis about a slow-cooking meat over indirect heat. Chicken, beef, pork, sausage, ham, and ribs can all be barbequed and in certain places, like Kentucky, even mutton. With so many ways to make so many dishes, the perfect way to make barbequed meat can be a regional “bone” of contention. In Memphis, barbeque is almost a religion. Barbeque ribs, usually pork, are slow cooked for long hours, until the meat is so tender that it is ready to fall off the bone. The city is trully the pork barbeque capital of the world, and has over one hundred barbeque restaurants to back up that claim, many of whom participate in the annual pork cook off that is listed the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest pork barbeque contest anywhere. The contest, part of the celebration called “Memphis in May”, draws some 90,000 cooks and spectators.
Competitors come from fifty smaller cookoffs sponsored by the main contest. There is even a series of training seminars for potential barbeque judges. Good barbeque, they say, is all about being tender, without being too mushy, and being smoky, without being overpowering. Usually ribs are “wet,” that is, with barbeque sauce of some kind, usually mild and sweet in Memphis and basted on before and after cooking, or “dry,” (m-m-m, bbq dry rubs) with a dry rub of herbs and spices that is applied during or right after cooking. Regardless of which style is favored, the taste of the meat should come through - this is a major difference from something lathered with barbeque sauce and put in the oven for a few hours. In Missouri, there is not one, but two predominant styles of barbeque, both of which favor beef, which is not surprising given the history of both Kansas City and St. Louis as “cattle towns.” They share a tomato-based sauce that is added after cooking, and and you can do the same by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Interestingly, Missouri’s Ozarks are the source of almost half of the charcoal briquettes produced in the United States.
Kansas City, like Memphis, has a large number of barbeque restaurants and hosts several annual competitions. However, it is particularly famous for its sauces, which are thick, rich, tangy, and spicy. The sauce is based on during the last few moments of cooking, and more can be added thereafter. Dry rub, too, is common on Kansas City style barbeque. In St. Louis style barbeque, ribs are the flagship dish. These famous spare ribs are a rack of ribs with the chin bone and brisket bone removed. They are cooked with a sauce that is less vinegary, tangier and thinner than its cross-state equivalent, closer, in fact, to that served in Memphis. Whether sweet or spicy, dry or wet, slow cooked or grilled over an open flame, barbeque is one of the most diverse of all American foods, and one to which many cities lay claim.
Surely you can easily order takeaway online with a great BBQ, but nothing will change it to be better than one done within the reach of your mouthwater.
Each has its own unique character, so get some bread and crackers, or some Cole slaw, or BBQ beans, (all traditional barbeque side dishes) and give them a try. The most important is to understand that barbeque rubs beauty is limited by the imagination only.
September 2nd, 2008
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