Saturday, October 31, 2009

Make Your Pumpkin Soup Recipe Easy And Fast

By Ken Kudra

Does the idea of cold pumpkin soup sound strange to you? If you are from the United States, you have probably never had this smooth, delicious soup, but you might want to try it. There are types popular all over the world, from South African pumpkin soup to Australian and Parisian varieties.

Pumpkin soup is a real taste treat, even if the idea of an orange soup seems a little strange. Many people have never even tried the more common hot pumpkin bisque that is often made for Thanksgiving. However, if you have not had sweet, delicious cold pumpkin soup yet, you are missing out on a really delicious experience.

Serve it up in mugs, bowls, or even in a hollowed pumpkin as a great central dish. Add a little chopped parsley or ground cinnamon or cloves on top to complement the color and taste, and be sure to enjoy. Your family might be skeptical at first, but hot or cold, pumpkin soup is a delightful option.

Pumpkin soups are not just creamy and tasty enough to make you come back for more. They are also packed full of vitamins A and C, iron, fiber and many other important nutrients. You will not feel like you have to virtuously eat your vegetables when you make pumpkin soup, however. Even the kids will love it.

Try a southeast Asian inspired pumpkin soup recipe easy and quick. With a little carrot and coconut, you have a spicy, exotic treat that is great served during those last hot late summer days, when pumpkins first appear at roadside stands. Of course, to try this soup when pumpkins are not in season, just used frozen or canned products.

The best kind of pumpkin to use for these soups is a small type, usually referred to as a pie pumpkin. Do not use a jack-o-lantern pumpkin! They are harder, woodier, and less flavorful than their smaller, sweeter, more tender cousins are. Pumpkins can be easily prepared for cooking by slicing them in half, cleaning out the seeds, and cutting them into smaller pieces.

Next, you either peel the pumpkin and cook the flesh, or cook the pumpkin and spoon the pulp from the skin. Save the skin for stock, or put it on the compost pile, then take the pumpkin flesh and run it through the food processor to get a consistent, smooth puree.

Savory ingredients that go well with pumpkin include garlic and onion, as well as chicken and vegetable broths. Add in coconut, soy, or cow's milk, or some cream or half and half. Then blend partially or completely to get a smooth result, with or without some textural pieces. Chill and serve for a real taste sensation.

About the Author:

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Baby Gifts and Great Baby Shower Food Make the Party Fun

By Edie Mindell

One of the components that guests look forward to the most is, of course, the food! Contrary to popular belief, baby shower food does not have to be pricey or expensive to make. This article will provide some easy-to-follow baby shower menu recipes that are sure to awe all your guests. These recipes will make people believe that you spent a fortune on the menu, yet they will cost a fraction of what people generally spend on catering for events like showers.

Some of the easiest appetizers and snacks come already pre-made! Buy refrigerated croissant dough, biscuit dough, and cookie dough. Use baby-themed cookie cutters like diaper and baby bottle shapes, and roll croissant dough in the shape of diapers. You can also use pastel-colored sprinkles for the cookies to add a cute touch. These snacks are easy, inexpensive, and delicious!

Another idea is to make adorable, little baby-themed cupcakes. Buy cake mix and add the other ingredients as directed on the box. Bake in cake cups and decorate with frosting and sprinkles. A couple of drops of food coloring can be added to plain, white frosting to create light, pastel colors. Heart-shaped cupcakes stand out a bit more and look beautiful, but the size and shape of the cupcakes are entirely up to you.

The next recipe is a delicious and colorful salad recipe. This recipe is nutritious yet very appetizing, and will definitely be loved by all the ladies! In one or two large salad bowls, mix 2 to 4 bags of spring mix lettuce (depending on the size of your shower and the number of guests), 1 to two small packages of baby tomatoes, 1 to 2 cups of diced cucumber, " to 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 to 2 cans of canned, sweetened tangerine slices, " to 1 cup of raisins, and " to 1 cup of caramelized pecans. Serve chilled with honey mustard or a sweet style vinaigrette.

An amazing fruit salad, popular in parts of Latin America is made using strawberries, mango, melon, sliced bananas, grapes, sliced oranges, sliced apple, and sliced pear. You can adjust the types and variety of fruits to fit your taste. Mix all the fruit pieces in a large decorative bowl and generously drizzle with sweetened condensed milk. Add caramelized almonds if desired.

A fabulous spinach dip that can be served with both corn chips and crackers calls for 1 " cups of real mayo (you can use light mayo if preferred), " cup of softened cream cheese, 1 package of frozen spinach (cooked and drained), " cup chopped green onion, " teaspoon of salt, " teaspoon of pepper, and parsley to taste. Combine all ingredients and serve warm. If desired, you can melt Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the dip before serving. Provide an assortment of crackers and crunchy corn chips to eat the spinach dip with.

These easy to follow, pre-made recipes will take up almost none of your time, and are guaranteed to bring compliments!

About the Author:

Monday, October 26, 2009

Quick Sandwich Ideas For Meals In Minutes

By Laura Cokherell

Quick meals are important with the hectic schedules we deal with everyday and sandwich wraps are a great way to make a quick and healthy meal anytime. With just a few ingredients you can create a meal in minutes when you are short on time or just want something simple and flavorful. They are the perfect grab-n-go quick meal.

Here is a simple procedure to put a healthy and delicious wrap together in just a little bit of time. It's quick, easy, and flexible and allows for your own tastes, the seasons, or for what you may have on hand at the time you make your sandwich wrap. Just take the ingredients you are using and layer them down the center of the wrap, leaving an inch or so at the bottom to close the wrap when you are finished.

1. The type of wrap you choose can be anything from soft tortilla shells (plain, whole grain, flavored varieties like spinach, tomato, etc.), kale leaves (just be sure to cut out the hard stem and use the soft leafy portion and use raw or steamed), or large lettuce leaves, or even some steamed cabbage leaves.

2. Pick a spread. This will be the flavoring that goes underneath all your ingredients. Spread a layer of your chosen spread over the surface of the wrap. Some simple ideas for spreads are cooked, mashed beans (like black beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans), nut butter, mustard, or cream cheese (either the whipped or regular variety).

3. Pick a hearty filling. Place a filling or combination of fillings on the wrap down the center in a strip. Some simple ideas are: cheese (sliced, shredded, or crumbled varieties), tempeh, tofu (baked varieties), leftover cooked chicken (sliced thinly), canned or fresh cooked tuna or salmon, or hard-cooked eggs, etc.

4. Pick out some vegetables or fruit to add to your wrap sandwich. Make it a healthy quick meal by adding a variety of these delicious and nutritious foods to your sandwich.

Vegetable Suggestions: select a variety from broccoli slaw, fresh tomato slices or diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, peeled and thinly sliced jicama, marinated artichoke hearts, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, sliced scallions, sliced roasted red peppers, sliced sweet bell peppers, very thinly sliced fennel, chopped or diced onion, thinly sliced cucumbers, etc.

Fruit Suggestions: use banana slices, fresh berries, diced or sliced apples or pears, sliced grapes, peach slices, sliced strawberries or mango, raisins or dried fruit of choice, etc.

5. Add an extra layer of flavor. These are food items that boost the flavor of your sandwich wrap. Use as much and as many as you would like. Here are a few ideas for flavor accents to add depending on the type of wrap you are creating.

Crunchy/Salty/Spicy Flavor Toppings: salsa, pickle relish, peanut sauce, oyster sauce, a sprinkling of soy sauce, cooked and crumbled bacon bits (regular or vegetarian), chopped nuts, a little chopped fresh herbs of choice like basil, dill, oregano, mint, or cilantro

Sweet/Spicy/Crunchy Flavor Toppings: a spoonful of marmalade or all-fruit spread, nutmeg or cinnamon, a little chutney, or something crunchy and/or sweet like granola, chopped nuts, mini-chocolate chips, shredded coconut, etc.

Once you have placed all of your ingredients in layers on your wrap, simply fold up the bottom end and then fold in the sides to close the sandwich.

Here are a few easy ideas for some quick and delicious wrap sandwiches.

- whole grain tortilla wrap, mayonnaise, cooked boneless chicken breast (thinly sliced), shredded lettuce, mango chutney

- whole grain tortilla wrap, tahini, chayote slices, chunky applesauce mixed with some plain, Greek yogurt, cinnamon

- spinach flavored tortilla wrap, cocktail sauce, (shelled, cooked, and chopped) shrimp, (canned and drained) mandarin orange slices, feta cheese

- whole grain tortilla wrap, peanut butter, sliced pears, blueberries, honey, nutmeg

- lettuce leaf, mustard, smoked turkey slices, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta cheese

- lettuce leaf, mustard, deli ham slices, roasted red pepper slices, goat cheese

- whole grain tortilla wrap, apple butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded apples, raisins, nutmeg

- tomato flavored tortilla wrap, tomato pesto, cooked and mashed black beans, sliced cucumber, sliced roasted red peppers, shredded cabbage, crumbled goat cheese, sprinkle of dried basil, a drizzle of Italian dressing

About the Author:

Sunday, October 25, 2009

The Benefits Of Using Baked Chicken Recipes To Feed Your Family In A Cost Effective And Healthy Way

By Scott Maples

In a quest to find cheaper, healthier alternatives, I've been trying to find new dishes to cook for my family.

In addition to being kinder to my wallet and better for my health, they also had be simple, quick and, most importantly, they had to be recipes my children would actually eat!

The biggest hit has been with baked chicken recipes baked chicken recipes.

You may wonder why such an old concept as baked chicken is so popular with my family?

1. Recipes that include baked chicken produce healthy meals.

A low cholesterol meat, chicken is high in protein which means it is more filling. And baking the chicken is much healther than breading and frying it.

And it turns out that adding baked chicken to our meals has helped all of us to eat a more balanced diet. Another advantage to chicken is that it is compatible with a wide variety of fresh ingredients, which means that we're eating a lot more fresh vegetables now too.

2. Baked chicken recipes are also much faster to prepare than many other options.

The last things anyone wants to do after a long day at work is to spend hours in the kitchen. Many of the baked chicken recipes we found are 'one pot' recipes that take little preparation and cook themselves.

Quick and effortless.

3. Baked chicken recipes can be altered in many ways -- and always taste good.

Some parents fall into the trap of cooking separate meal for faddy eaters in the family but this can be avoided.

This problem can be solved with baked chicken recipes as such a variety of ingredients and flavors can be used, it's possible to please all the people all of the time.

4. Baked chicken meals are not difficult to prepare.

I don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, and I am hardly an experienced cook, but the baked chicken recipes have been easy to make even for me. I've been absolutely amazed at just how easy it is to make baked chicken.

One thing that helps is that you can purchase chicken in a variety of types, from whole chicken to boneless, skinless breasts and everything in between. But it is also true that it is just the nature of a baked chicked recipe that it's quick and easy to assemble.

Even an inexperienced cook like me can follow the recipes with ease and produce impressive results.

5. Baked chicken recipes also have the added benefit of being cheap.

Our family is on a tight budget these days, so it's necessary to keep our grocery bills as low as we can.

Like most people, we are trying to stay on a budget, and a major part of our budget is groceries. Baked chicken recipes can be prepared for a fraction of what would be spent on a convenience meal.

6. Baked chicken recipes even please picky eaters.

The kids have really enjoyed the baked chicken meals, and it continues to surprise us how much they enjoy them. Our eldest actually has favorite baked chicken recipes that he loves and will ask for several times a week.

So the simple fact that we can make fast, nutritious meals that keep everyone happy is a miracle!

If you're searching for simple, low-cost, healthy, delicious meals, my advice is to try baked chicken recipes. Come on, give them a try!

About the Author:

Have You Ever Held A Cookie Exchange?

By Marion Wilkinson

Have you ever dreamed of having so many different cookies at Christmas and you didn't have to bake them all yourself? Well, here's were a Cookie Exchange comes into play. With a bit of planning ahead, you can have a great exchange with little effort.

First thing to do when planning a Cookie Exchange is determine the number of guests you would like to invite and send out invitations. Be sure to include the number of cookies each person should bring with them. At my home, in a warm moist climate, cookies always get soft real fast, so what I do is have each person bring 1/2 cookies per bag times the number of people attending and a couple extra bags for serving with coffee, tea or punch.

Having a different setting for each Cookie Exchange you host, always is a nice surprise for your guests. A Victorian theme always is a big hit, using magnolias, roses and beads as decorations. One year my theme was all Santa, all the time. I used Santa everywhere and it made my guests feel like kids again. Use your imagination, it keeps the party interesting.

Another feature of a Cookie Exchange are the games. There are so many options, my favorite being Christmas Bingo. This is always a big hit. Download pictures from the internet, I did 35 in all and make up bingo cards for each guest using a variety of these pictures. Other games include Christmas movie trivia and word scramble. Whatever you choose, their will be plenty of laughs going around. I purchase small, less then $5.00, gifts all year long and store them just for this occasion.

Have your guests bring a copy of their recipe the day of the Cookie Exchange so that you can compile them and make a booklet for everyone. This is a real bonus for your guests, especially if there is a special cookie that they really like. Not only that but you have another cookbook to add to your collection or pass on to your children and grandchildren.

Remember that this party is so that you can have fun and eat cookies without feeling guilty. Share the responsibility with a relative or friend and make it an annual event. No one wants to work hard to have an event like a Cookie Exchange, that's why you have it in the first place. Enjoy yourself, eat cookies and relax, that's what it's all about.

About the Author:

Friday, October 23, 2009

Do You Know the 5 Reasons to Use Copycat Recipes at Your Home

By Bill Lane

Can you picture the last time you were going to your favorite restaurant? Did you wait in line? Once seated did you have to wait for your food? After it arrived, did you get that finally feeling when the waitress set it down on the table. You gazed at it and everything was perfect? Or was it? Was it cooked just right? Was it warm enough? Did they forget to put a topping on? How was the feeling when you got the bill? Were you as happy as when you got there? Well I am going to reveal to you how these annoyances associated with going out to eat can be avoided. It's all done by using reliabe and tested copycat recipes. Do you know the 5 main reasons to cook your favorite foods at home?

Cost How much will it really save you to use copycat recipes? Let's say you and your significant other head out to eat. You get an appetizer, 2 entrees and maybe split a dessert. Now let's addon a tip and some drinks. You have easily spent anywhere in the neighborhood of $60-$80. You could have made this same meal at home for $25-$30, less than half of the price of eating out! And not sacrificed any flavor in the process. In these economic times, that is a huge savings. That sounds great but how many recipes are we talking about?

Variety Just about every popular restaurant has copycat recipes for their dishes. Not just one or two, I am talking about upwards of 30 or so for the bigger restaurants. And the restaurants are well known. Here are some examples: Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesday, Macaroni Grill, Cracker Barrel, Outback Steakhouse and many, many more. So, do any of these restaurant copycat recipes offer healthier options to substitute?

Health This is the great thing about using copycat recipes in your home. The exact recipe is provided but you can switch up any ingredients you like. If you are trying to give the food a distinct flavor or you are wanting to add some of your own vegetables you are in total control. You can even add lite or fat free ingredients if you are watching your weight or have allergies. You are given the precise steps but can definitely change it up at your convenience. How do we know these recipes actually taste like the real thing?

Quality Several food scientists collaborate to bring these exact copycat recipes to you. They are tested over and over to be positive you are receiving the exact ingredients and cooking instructions. If you went online I'm sure you could find several recipes claiming to be copycats of many popular restaurants. And they are probably free. That is because they are not the true copycat recipes. They're not tested, not developed by professional chefs and are not that good. I will show you how to obtain the true copycat recipes and gain back your freedom using them.

Freedom Any idea how many hours you spend eating out? Do you realize how bound you are being forced to eat only when "they" are open? Can you eat at your favorite restaurant at 2am? Can you eat there and watch your favorite show? You have to drive to the restaurant, wait for a table, wait for an appetizer, wait for food, wait for dessert and then wait to pay. Care to add up how much waiting you have done? I'm guessing like 2-4 hours total. Live free, make your own favorite meals at 2am. Fix a classy copycat recipe at home and watch your favorite show. You decide when you eat your favorite copycat recipe dish, not the restaurant.

About the Author:

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad and Barbecued Chicken

By Mike Jackson

I absolutely love Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, don't you? If you don't, don't worry, you can easily make it at home and try this homemade recipe out. Here is the easiest recipe for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad:

Here are the ingredients you will need: 3 Cups Macaroni Pasta, 1/4 Cup (grated) Carrots, 1 Cup Mayonnaise, Black Pepper (to taste), Salt (to taste), 1/4 Cup Milk. Short list of ingredients, right?

Here are the directions you will follow for your delicious Hawaiian Mac Salad:

1. Cook macaroni for 8-9 minutes, drain and rinse under running cold water.

2. Add grated carrots, mayo, and milk until well coated. Add Salt & Pepper to taste. Use more mayonnaise if needed (some like a lot of mayo and some like just a little bit of mayo).

3. Chill everything in refrigerator. When ready to serve you may want to add more mayonnaise (again, only if you like mayo. taste before you add).

4. Tip: If you desire, you can add ham, peas, or boiled eggs.

Why stop with Hawaiian Macaroni Salad? Make some delicious Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken for an awesome picnic. Here is a simple recipe for Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken:

Ingredients: 1 12 ounce jar of Apricot Jam, 1 (8 oz.) bottle Kraft Russian Salad Dressing with Honey Russian Dressing, 1 envelop Onion Soup (Dry - Packaged), Whole Chicken.

The Easy Cooking Directions: Put the chicken pieces in a pyrex pan. Combine fruit preserves, salad dressing and soup mix. Pour over chicken and bake at 300 degrees F for 2 1/2 hours. Baste frequently during baking.

Here are some tips on having a great picnic:

1. Keep extra condiments from fast-food restaurants and drive-throughs in a drawer in your kitchen, just for use on picnics! It'll save a lot of room in your cooler or insulated food compartment.

2. Help your thermos keep food cold or hot longer: For hot food, place the thermos in boiling water just long enough to heat it up well, then fill it (carefully - be sure to let it cool down enough to the touch so it won't burn your skin). For cold contents you could place it in the freezer, or in some ice before packing.

3. Recycle your plastic bags from the grocery store for use as garbage bags on picnics.

About the Author:

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Frosting Recipes, Make Your Own Like Grandma Did

By Maura Luke

Buying ready made frosting from the stores is unnecessary, expensive and not even all that much more convenient. Whereas using frosting recipes to make your own, will taste better, be free of preservatives and other artificial ingredients and give you a sense of achievement. They look better, taste better and contain more of the good stuff.

Store bought frostings are just another indication of how we Americans expect to have everything ready made and out of a tube. The rule of thumb should be if Grandma didn't recognize it as being food then it isn't. Can you imagine her looking for cheese in a store and buying it in a tube? That is not how cheese is supposed to look, and neither is frosting.

Frosting does not take a huge amount of time to make and with the great kitchen appliances we now have, it is even easier and quicker to make. The appliance just goes in the dishwasher afterwards, so it is no extra work. Home made frosting, even using the gadgets instead of a wooden spoon and bowl, will still taste just as good at the frosting you remember your Grandma making, and you don't want to deprive your children of this one small pleasure.

Just make use of a single frosting recipe you and your family enjoy, change the color and flavor to suite your needs and hey presto, you have the best frosting in the world, just like Grandma made. If you want different colors and flavors, split the batch, use cream cheese instead of butter, add fresh blueberries, lemon or orange zest and juice or strawberries for color and flavor. Add chocolate for that flavor we all know and love and go crazy.

There are so many different and healthy flavorings you are able to use when you whip up a batch of frosting. You can even buy store bought cakes and cookies if you want and frost them at home, the kids will love helping you, and your cakes and cookies will be extra special.

Just a few tips, don't confuse granulated sugar for confectioners sugar there is a huge difference and one cannot be traded for the other, also use butter not margarine. Always frost your own home made cakes when they have cooled completely, and any left over frosting can be kept refrigerated for later use.

About the Author:

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

All You Require To Know About Vegan Style of Living

By Nick Trutickoff

Starting with the moment when Elsie Shringley and Donald Watson utilized the word "vegan" for referring to the non-dairy veggies, this way of living was taken to be really uninteresting. Some of the unsympathetic vegetarians detached themselves from this movement. The very act of veganism became a real health crazed conception. The diet of the vegans became all the more popular and especially with countercultural groups like those of the hippies, but still enjoyed its quite own individuality. With enormous developments in the society, hundreds of vegans now plan to erase that self righteous reputation and promote the act of veganism as a really interesting and healthy way of living. This will further aid them drive the attention of more and more people, thus contributing overall to the practice of veganism and to a vegan globe.

The vegan way of living also tries to be changing from being associated to self sacrifice to being associated with fun. The persons looking forward to become vegans are literally more attracted to the environmental, ethical and health advantages. This practice often requires going deep into understanding the belief more clearly. The vegan diet is normally a bit complicated to follow and requires support from the professionals and experienced vegans.

The people who are planning to become vegans not just lay emphasis on the health benefits related with the cause. Their main goal is to enjoy and lead a life that is purely cruelty free. The vegans also believe in the fact that lower consumption or no consumption of animal goods will assist into more use of the plant foods by humans than the livestock, thereby helping to have a better world to live in. Where everyone has something to eat.

These vegans likewise restrict themselves from using the products made from animal bodies like leather, wool and silk as well as cosmetics and dyes. Even trading performed in wool silk and leather products for the Payless kicks in addition to hemp worked as a sacrifice for these vegans. These days, the vegan professionals offer the grand aesthetic which is made voguish and cruelty free. The fashion designer, popular Stella McCartney uses fake leather and natural fibers to offer her line of clothing collection.

As a matter of fact, there are two reasons because of which people often lead a vegan life-style. These two reasons are the cause there are distinct types of vegans having different objectives and unconditionally different lives.

The first and foremost rationality is that they see the ethical benefits of the vegan life style and believe that they can do good to the world by serving as a vegan. Enjoying vegan life-style contributes a lot in lowering down the demand for various animal products such as meat, leather, dairy products, gelatin and eggs. Even the employees working in companies which fabricate animal products most of the times have a sense of guilt of what they are doing to the animal race and to the entire world.

Some common practices that are performed with real cruelty towards the animals include keeping them in cages that are not properly maintained and are very little in size. The pigs, cows and chicken are all put in the cages that are really small and they often suffocate them to various diseases and even death.

Another indispensable rationality that helps people to pick the vegan style of living is the health benefits which can be offered by a vegan diet. Vegan way of living is as a matter of fact a little better when compared to other that are not vegan.

The vegan eating habits are emphasized more on the items that are full with vitamins in addition to nutrients and less in calorie value. This further helps the vegans to lead a fit, slim and trim life. In fact, the benefits of meat and cheese that are utilized in a plain diet can be added in vegan life style by replacing it with protein affluent foodstuffs like tofu, legumes. The omega 3 fatty acids are also sometimes utilized in vegan diet as such acids can be naturally found in flax and hemp seeds.

To conclude, veganism serves to be the lifestyle which is introduced to pay due respect to all living things of this world. These vegans attempt respecting the animals along with the human beings. They don't believe in using animal bodies for fulfilling their own needs. This further means that they are against of using any kind of animal fur, fiber, eggs, honey, flesh, cocoons, milk, feathers or wax. Vegans even don't use the animals for sustaining any explore work. They, in turn, try the best of their capabilities to have fruitful connection with the animal race.

About the Author:

Monday, October 19, 2009

Traditional Turkey Recipe For The Perfect Christmas

By Mark Knowles

Christmas will be here soon, and it is time to search for the tastiest roasted turkey recipe. Well, look no further, you have come to the right place.

You must first thaw the turkey. Think ahead for this step, because every 5 lbs. Of turkey requires 24 hours of thaw time in the refrigerator. Using the refrigerator to thaw is the best way, and will prevent bacteria from growing or spreading.



OK, now it is time for the fun part. The turkey cavity will be filled with the neck and giblets. Remove those before preparing the bird. After the turkey has been thoroughly washed, coat the skin of the bird and the cavity with unsalted and softened butter. You can use basic seasoning as well, if you choose to.

Place the turkey in a cooking pan, breast side up. A shallow pan is best, and a dark pan is better than a shiny pan, as it will reduce cooking time. If you choose to stuff the turkey, do so just before putting the bird in the over. Add a few cups of turkey stock to the bottom of the pan to keep it moist.

Covering, or not covering, the turkey is up to you. If your roasting pan has a lid included, that will work best. An aluminum tent is another option, as is a roasteding bag. It is not advisable to use a paper shopping bag. Many shopping bags contain recycled paper and could contain toxins.

Place the traditionaling pan in an oven preheated to 325 degrees. Higher heat is also an option. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices from the bottom of the pan. If you covered the bird, remove the cover after 2 hours of cooking. Cooking times will vary, depending on where you live. Ask your local butcher for his or her advice on cooking times.

See, that was not difficult. This roast turkey recipe promises to be simple and will please your whole family.

About the Author:

Saturday, October 17, 2009

What Does It Take To Be Vegan?

By Nick Trutickoff

When the quite famous Donald Watson and Elsie Shringley used the term VEGAN to define the nondairy vegetarians, the life-style and the diet were actually misunderstood. Many vegetarians likewise refused to associate themselves with the radical movement. The practice of veganism started a health crazed and clubby fame. Their diet eventually became really admired and popular with the countercultural organizations, specially of the hippies, but it still sustained its individuality. These days, a big number of vegans try to escape the self righteous personality and even promote the cause of veganism as a fashionable and fun style of living.

The vegan life-style seems to be now transforming from the one linked with self sacrifice to the one associated with happiness and fun. The potential vegans who are motivated by the environmental, ethical and health benefits of veganism should not neglect more research on this practice. The vegan diet is actually a complex one requiring advanced aid so that the followers do not compromise their health.

People dream to turn into vegans not just to benefit their health conditions. Their mission is as well to have a cruelty free style of living. The vegans as well retain a opinion that by not utilizing the animal by products and items, abundant plant foods are more utilized for human consumption rather than by the livestock, that ultimately results in diminishing the world hunger.

Vegans even abstain from using any animal products such as dyes, wool, glues, silk and leather. Trading the leather shoes, wool pants or silk blouses for the earthy looking hemp and Payless kicks was considered to be a grand sacrifices made by the vegans. But now the vegan designers present the latest aesthetic - the one which is well made, chic and cruelty free. Stella McCartney, the famous fashion designer uses just the imitation leather and natural fibers to fabricate her clothing line.

A large number of people often inquire the reasons because of which one should lead a vegan way of living.

The principal reason to have a vegan way of living is because of ethical factors that help a person to serve the world as a vegan. Enjoying an amazing vegan life helps reducing the demand of various animal based products like fur, meat and eggs. Even the manufacturers producing these animal based items often sense guilty of their act but are then overpowered by the necessity to acquire a living.

Some universal practices that are performed with real cruelty towards the animals include keeping them in cages that are not properly maintained and are very small in size. The pigs, cows and chicken are all put in the cages that are truly little and they often suffocate them to various diseases and even death.

Another reason why various vegans select to have their own life-style is for health advantages that the vegan diet can convey. The vegan lifestyle is much better for one's body as compared to the non vegan one. Eating habits of various vegans are actually centered on consumption of the foods items that are calorie free and wealthy in nutrients and vitamins. The vegan life style can actually help any individual remain fit, well nourished and trim.

The vegan eating habits are emphasized more on the items that are full with vitamins as well as nutrients and less in calorie value. This further helps the vegans to lead a fit, slim and trim life. In fact, the benefits of meat and cheese that are utilized in a simple diet can be added in vegan life style by replacing it with protein wealthy foodstuffs like tofu, legumes. The omega 3 fatty acids are as well sometimes used in vegan diet as such acids can be naturally found in flax and hemp seeds.

In short, veganism is the style of living that is specially designed to pay respect to the living things. Vegans attempt truly hard to respect sentiments of the animal race likewise. They don't use the animal bodies for their own self centered reasons. This simply means that they don't use the animal flesh, fur, honey, wax, fiber, cocoons, feathers, milk or eggs. The vegans likewise don't use the organ systems of these animals for any kind of explore. They attempt their best to have to do with fruitful relationships with other living things of the world and most of all, they consider them as living beings and not just as any property.

About the Author:

Juicer Recipes - 3 Vegetables for Heart Health

By Darren Haynes

A great way to get the healthy nutrients you need from vegetables is to juice them. Here are three vegetables that have been researched and shown to have heart healthy benefits. What are they you might ask?

SPINACH

Vitamins A and C are found abundantly in Spinach. These are both well established nutrients that protect cholesterol from getting sticky and protect the arteries from hardening. Sticky cholesterol is able to attach itself to the arteries causing a build up of plaque and the restriction of blood flow.

Spinach also contains potassium and magnesium. These two minerals are essential for the proper regulation of the heart muscle. Therefore, potassium and magnesium can lower blood pressure.

Further more, spinach contains a vitamin called folate. Folate is essential for keeping the blood levels of homocysteine at safe levels by converting excess homocysteine into more benign chemicals. High blood levels of homocysteine is a definite risk factor for developing heart disease.

Juicer recipes idea: You will need a good amount of spinach to get enough juice. I recommend four to five cups or even more. You can also add an apple juice to sweeten. Spinach juice alone isn't very palatable and apple also has heart healthy benefits.

BROCCOLI

Broccoli contains good amounts of the cardio-protective vitamin C and vitamin A (see spinach above for benefits). Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, a phytochemical that can protect the heart. It appears that sulforaphane "tells the body" to release a protein called thioredoxin.

According to researchers at the University of Connecticut, thioredoxin protects the heart from cell damage.

Juicer recipes idea: Be sure to juice the stalks as well as the flower heads to get more juice out of this vegetable. This will also increase the variety of nutrition in the juice.

TOMATOES

Are tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable? Well it is heart healthy enough to make it to this list, so I will leave the answer at that. Tomatoes contain a plant chemical called lycopene which is responsible for its vibrant red color. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant which protects the tomato from the harmful effects of heat and light from the sun. Lycopene is equally powerful at protecting our arteries from cellular damage. In a recent study from Harvard women taking lycopene were 50% less likely to develop heart disease over a five year period. Furthermore, lycopene is considered to have beneficial effects on blood pressure.

Juicer recipes idea: You can make soups or salsa with the left over pulp.

About the Author:

Quick Oatmeal Recipes For Simple Breakfast Meals

By Laura Cokherell

Make quick breakfast meals by adding some extra flavor to an old favorite with these easy oatmeal recipes. These simple breakfast recipes take only a few minutes to prepare and are a delicious way to add a healthy grain like oatmeal to your diet.

There is a large selection of flavorful oatmeal varieties on the market these days. Unfortunately there is also a lot of sugar added to these prepackaged items and some of them are not as natural as you may want them to be. By preparing your own plain oatmeal and adding some simple, natural additions, it is much easier to control the amount of sugar that you are consuming, as well as, the quality of the ingredients

For these easy recipes, use plain oatmeal (instant, rolled, or steel-cut oats). Just follow the package directions when preparing the oatmeal. All you need to do is add these additions on top of your cooked oatmeal and swirl them into your hot cereal and enjoy.

_________________________________________________________

Stir in any nut butter that you like into the oatmeal

Try a combination of raisins, cinnamon, and a light sprinkle of brown sugar

Add a little texture and sweetness top with some chopped pecans and diced apples

A spoonful of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt and diced peaches with a dusting of nutmeg

Try some ground flaxseed along with some dried or fresh, pitted and cut-up cherries

Sliced bananas with some low-fat plain or raisin granola

Try dicing up some dried apricot and add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Take some fruit cocktail (in fruit juice not heavy syrup), drain it and add as much as you want

Cinnamon or berry applesauce makes a nice sweet addition

Swirl in some sliced or diced strawberries and mini chocolate chips

Try a combination of golden raisins, diced golden delicious apples, and dried sweetened cranberries for a nice fruity topping

For a creamy style oatmeal, try spooning in a flavored yogurt like apple cinnamon, mixed berries, or cherry

About the Author:

Thursday, October 15, 2009

An Overview on Popular Coffee Maker Accessories

By Celia Hand

Did you know that coffee is the most ordered beverage in the world other than tea? For more than a century, this particular drink has captured our sense of taste and smell due to its aromatic features. A sip of this brew is as important as our meal for most of us coffee lovers.

Coffee differs in tastes and aroma depending on which tropical country it has been produced. Its taste may vary because makers have their own method in producing coffee beans and in the way they roast, mill, and grind it.

But to have this wonderful brew right at your fingertips without ever visiting your local caf? you need to have your own coffee maker and equip it with accessories important in making a blend. Some of these essential accessories are water filters, coffee filters, warmers, and coffee grinders.

To start with, a water filter is one of the most important coffee maker accessories because it separates tap water particles from mixing with your blend. Regular or tap water is considered as hard water because of the mineral contaminants in it. The most ideal kind of water for a fantastic brew is soft water which is filtered water.

Other important coffee maker accessories are coffee filters, which strain out the ground coffee beans and keep them from mixing with the brew. If you have these in your coffee maker, you can always be sure that you will never get to sip any ground coffee residue while enjoying your freshly brewed coffee.

One can choose from three different coffee filters available in the market. The most common is the paper filter. They are cheap so you will be able to save some money but you can expect some paper aftertaste when you use them while brewing your coffee. There is also a cloth filter which is more durable than paper filters. You can reuse them after rinsing without tearing them apart. The most expensive are gold filters which are even more durable than the above two mentioned and are lined with real gold along its edges.

An additional coffee maker accessory are the millers. If you have these in your home, you will be able to make your own ground coffee by grinding the coffee beans yourself. Its razor sharp edges make it very efficient in grinding and milling hard coffee beans.

Warmers are also a type of add on. They help you keep your pot warm so you never have to sip cold brew any more. Aside from your coffee pot, you can also use this to heat your soups or any beverages you wish to keep warm.

About the Author:

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I Love Cookbooks

By Deborah Keegan

Cookbooks inspire me. The inspiration they provide me with is not just to cook but almost more importantly inspiration for life. A good cookbook has the ability to take the reader on a voyage that affects you intellectually, spiritually and philosophically. A platter of figs and other recipes is one of these and is one of my favourites. Chef and author David Tanis artfully illustrates seasonal, simple and skillful cooking. The book is about the pure pleasure of eating, supporting local producers and maintaining a sustainable kitchen.

David Tanis is a lucky man. For half of the year he is the chef at Chez Panisse, the renowned California restaurant founded by Alice Waters and a group of friends in 1971. For the remainder of the year Tanis can found in Paris. Yes Paris! Here he spends his time cooking at home for a small group of friends dining club known as Aux Chien Lunatiques. In this diminutive centuries old apartment with an ill equipped galley kitchen, David proves that attention to detail and respect for food enables anyone to cook with even the barest essentials.

A Platter of Figs is divided into four seasons comprised of 24 menus - six for each season and illustrated with photographs that remind me of home. And that's exactly where Tanis wants you to be. No fussy food here. Imagine the luxury of lingering over a fabulous meal with no waiters moving you along to accommodate a second seating. Where you start with the clean crispness of raw fennel and olive oil; followed by a steaming plate of spaghetti alio e olio with a just ripe pear and Parmigiano Reggiano for dessert. A simply perfect autumn meal.

Tanis's book will take you to lock stock and barrel to place and time of inspiration. He accompanies each menu with a tale of the ingredients, who he shared each meal with and how or where he found his inspiration. Menu number 14 tells where Tanis experienced eating anchovy sandwiches alone in a Barcelona bar after a performance of the Belgium's Bejart Ballet. Feeling Italian part three is Menu 22 where he recounts a memory of his Aunt Sally, a stylish sophisticate from Cleveland who gloried in her elegance and was renowned for her spaghetti evenings. Aunt Sally's many guests would have to wait while she prepared 1 pound of pasta in one pot of water at a time. She made him promise always to follow her pasta cooking instructions and he did. But despite the never forgotten lesson Tanis tells us Aunt Sally was remiss in cooking for him.

Tanis illustrates in A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes that he is an artist. The book is disarming in its simplicity but do not be tempted to elaborate. Take his vision and match it with your own. To cook this way requires the each reader to teach themselves about the products and to use their characteristics as inspriation. Do it simply. Do it slowly and enjoy the experience. The charm of this style of cooking will make you as famous as Aunt Sally.

About the Author:

Honey Sugar And Honey Recipes Made From Honey Sugar Are Good For You

By Esther George

The strength and stamina that honey offers to athletes has been a well-known fact since the ancient Greek and Roman times. Maybe refined sugar just became easier to manipulate over the course of time in recipes but we are losing out on the antioxidant content that honey delivers.

Flavanoids - more commonly known as vitamin P - and phenolic acids, which can be found in honey, help the body fight free radicals. And did you know that there are dozens of honey recipes you can make at home that give you the same, sweet flavor offered by the processed sugars you pick up at the store?

Take honey barbecue sauce for example. Is there really any honey in that bottle that you purchased last week for your backyard barbeque? Try this quick, easy and nutritional honey recipe for barbecue sauce. Mix 1 can of condensed tomato soup, cup honey, 2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce, 2 TBSP salad oil, 1 TBSP lemon juice, 1 tsp mustard and a dash of hot pepper sauce. Mix all in a saucepan, bring to a boil, simmer and remove.

If you have an insistant sweet tooth, you can get some custard or frozen yogurt and put together a honey caramel sauce fit for a four star restaurant. It's far less calories than ice cream with chocolate syrup, and you'll be consuming many necessary vitamins with the honey-based treat. Combine 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp butter, cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla and 1/8 tsp salt into a heavy saucepan. After cooking the first two ingredients, take away from the heat and add the rest of the ingredients. The sauce will thicken into something truly delectable.

Tasty snacks made from honey recipes can be prepared weeks in advance and stored for your convenience. Granola is a healthy substitute for candy and chips, and can even be eaten as breakfast cereal with milk. Salty and sweet can be mixed to your taste from a variety of honey recipes, but here's a simple one you'll be sure to enjoy:

Combine 4 cups of rolled old-fashioned oats, 2 cups nuts coarsely chopped and 1 cup of raisins in a large bowl. Mix together well and set to the side. In a large saucepan, mix cup honey, cup melted margarine, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla and a dash of salt. Stir and bring to a boil, cooking for 1 minute. Remove and pour over oat mixture, tossing until blended then turn onto a cookie sheet that is greased. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, mixing every 5 minutes. Cool and crumble. What a treat!

If you make an effort to replace your granulated sugar with a small amount of honey sugar, it won't be long before you don't even notice that absence of refined sugar. Test your regular recipes with honey sugar, taking care to account for the liquid measure. Remember to reduce your liquids by a quarter cup per each cup of honey, and add half a teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used in baked goods.

As we take a long, hard look at natural foods, comparing organic and homemade to store bought and chemically 'improved,' we begin to realize how our bodies are affected by the empty calories we get from fast food and processed sugar. Honey recipes are easy to use and give us all the flavor of sugar, with honey sugar being so much better for us. Be creative and try making your own honey recipes to serve your own family.

About the Author:

Monday, October 12, 2009

Vegan Diet Plan - Healthy Wealthy And Wise

By Janine Rose Morley

Restaurants " Indulge yourself to a night out. Ethnic venues, in particular Thai, Indian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Mexican, are more often than not a good choice, as they offer a huge range of vegetarian and vegan meals.

Fast food " Grab a quick snack on the move. As a rule ,chains offer a vegetarian meal of some description. Select from: Tacos, veggie burgers, baked potatoes, pasta, falafel, salads and more. Vegans can order pizza lacking cheese but loaded with vegetable extras, like peppers, mushrooms, olives and artichokes.

Supermarket chains and natural health food shops ordinarily have available quick vegetarian food items. Select from: Savoury pies, seasoned tofu, veggie burgers, chili, a broad variety of soups, and more.

Veggie convenience produce. Make a meal consisting of some of the following items. You can add your own veggies, rice, noodles, cooked grain, wraps, or breads. Mock meats " If you like the fibrous consistency of meat, there are many products that can be added to your meals. Pick from bite-sized chunks of "chicken" or "beef", meat analogs that are crumbly like ground beef, or ample offerings like vegetarian "turkey" substitutes. It is a helpful thought to try a few different brands, as there is a broad variety of styles and quality.

Mock meats, nondairy cheeses and milks, and other vegetarian foods are retailed in nearly all major supermarkets these days, and health food provisions offer even more.

Tofu " a pre-cooked soy produce that is terrific for picking up flavours from the veggies and seasonings that you cook it with. The firm way is superlative, marinated, baked, or stir-fried. Soft tofu can be blended to produce creamy dressings, puddings, dips, and smoothies.

Tempeh " a cultured complete soy produce accessible at natural food supplies. Fry till golden and crispy, then add to a dish or dish up on the side with Dijon mustard.

Seitan " a chewy meat-like produce made from wheat gluten. To be had at natural food stores. Canned items " chickpeas, lentils, white beans, refried beans, hearty soups, etc.

Adjust the meals you presently churn out.. Breakfast and lunch are easy. Try muffins with fruit spread, toast, or cereal for breakfasts. Make sandwiches with spreads like hummus, veggie pate, black bean dip, nut butters, or white beans with lemon and garlic. Pasta, rice or potato salads, and even dinner snippets make fantastic lunches.

Combined with light excersises, These meals are a great fast track to healthy weight loss as well. Ahh, The Benefits.

Healthy Lunchbox Meals For Vegetarians

By Laura Cokherell

For a healthy meal choice, vegetarian lunches are not only one of the best choices but one of the easiest meals to make. Because there are so many options from pure, fresh ingredients, quick lunches can be made in no time.

With just a few ingredients from any grocery store, these easy vegetarian recipes require just a minimum of preparation and make putting together vegetarian lunches easier than you might think.

A simple meal can be made with plain yogurt (regular or soy) mixed with cut up fresh fruit, like berries, bananas, apples, or peaches, some sweetener like honey or agave syrup, and some chopped nuts, like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Mix it all together and serve along with some whole grain crackers or some toasted whole grain bread slices.

Serve a quick potato salad made with cubed cooked potatoes mixed with sliced scallions, chopped fresh dill, cut up cooked vegetarian sausage links, and a combination of mustard and Greek style plain yogurt. Serve salad on salad greens with melon slices on the side.

For a really quick meal, serve up a cooked vegetarian hotdog or burger on a whole grain bun with some flavorful toppings (ketchup, mustard, sliced pickles, tomato slices, cheese, etc.) and serve with a simple side dish of steamed vegetables tossed with some olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper.

You could also take the cooked burger or hotdog and cut it up and place it in a bowl with mixed salad greens, pickle slices, diced tomatoes, and some shredded cheese and toss with Italian dressing and serve along with a cup of soup.

For a quick lunch, try a wrap sandwich made with a simple bean spread of canned chickpeas (rinsed, drained, and mashed) combined with some cumin, shredded carrots, diced red onion, and low-fat sour cream. Spoon the bean mixture into a soft tortilla shell and add some flavorful toppings like radish sprouts and chopped, pitted green olives. Serve this easy wrap sandwich with some baked pita chips.

Black bean salad made with canned (rinsed and drained) black beans, chopped tomatoes, chopped walnuts, corn kernels, chopped fresh cilantro and rice vinegar served with warm rolls and whipped cream cheese spread

Thinly slice some button mushrooms and toss with a little low-sodium soy sauce, lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes or so. Take a soft tortilla shell and spread with some whipped cream cheese spread or hummus, top with the mushroom mixture (allow the excess liquid to drain off before putting in the tortilla shell), a sprinkling of vegetarian bacon bits, fresh sprouts, and thin slices of avocado. Fold up the bottom of the tortilla and then fold in the sides to close and serve this easy wrap sandwich with a side of frozen and thawed mixed vegetables dressed with your choice of dressing.

Take two slices of crusty bread, toast, and spread one side of one slice with mustard and the other slice with some basil pesto. Layer the mustard side with thinly sliced baked tofu and top with some marinated artichoke hearts (drained) and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Place the sandwich under a broiler or into a microwave or toaster oven just until the cheese melts and then top the sandwich with the other slice of bread. Serve sandwich with celery and carrot sticks and baked potato chips.

About the Author:

How to Create Copy Cat Recipes in Your Own Kitchen

By Dave Pane

Why go out and spend $50, $75 or even $120 or more at your favorite restaurant when you can make those same excellent meals at home with a copy cat recipe for a third or less of the price? That?s right, all your favorite out-to-eat meals made method to save money in these economic times without giving up your favorite foods.

I don't mean just several recipes from some less than average restaurants. I am talking about the popular dishes from many well known establishments. Applebees, Outback Steakhouse, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Chilis, Ruby Tuesday, Red Lobster are just to name a few. The creators of the Recipe Secrets cookbook series are a set of professionals who are cooking and perfecting these dishes to make sure that you are getting the exact guide for your favorite meals. Imagine mezmorizing your family and friends with Applebee?s Honey Riblets or Outback Steakhouse?s Bloomin Onion. And to think of the money you will be saving by cooking these excellent meals right in your own home.

on top of all this, Ron and his chefs have added even more to this special deal. You not only get versions 1 and 2 of America?s Copycat Recipes, you also get:

Secret Sauces Exposed!: The Savory Sauces of 5-Star Restaurants Good Ole Home Cooked Foods: The Go-to Recipes They?re Sure to Love The Grill Master?s Guide to Grilling and Smoking Special Occasion Cookbook: The Special Recipes for Special Times Diabetic Delights: The Healthier Version of Your Favorite Foods Kid Tested Cookbook: Awesome Dishes the Kids Will Dig

You get 8 cookbooks in all totaling over 800 recipes at your fingertips. These bonus cookbooks are amazing. I am especially pleased with the Grilling Cookbook extra. If you are at all new to using a grill or a smoker, this cookbook will be well worth the cost of this entire package. They really guide you through the simple, easy to understand steps with explicit instructions so your cullinary outcomes are a success. As a huge bonus using a smoker will open up a whole new universe of flavor like you have never witnessed. I also reference the Special Occasion Cookbook for fixing those traditional holiday dinners that you just can't seem to get right like mom or grandma did. These bonus cookbooks will definitely permit you to make those traditional holiday meals with ease, following simple instructions and achieving top rated chef results.

Now, there are some free publications of a few of the recipes on the internet however, there is a reason that they are free. They are not the ?real? recipes. They are missing something. They haven?t been tested by a professional chef. The recipes here are the ?real? deal. They have been tried and perfected to provide you ?the? ingredients and step by step plans to create your favorite restaurant dishes at home. You won?t find any any more authentic anywhere else, and they have bought themselves in just one meal. But don?t take my word for it, try it out for yourself at Copy Cat Recipe.

About the Author:

Choosing and Cooking Different Cuts of Steak

By K.C. Kudra

Do you have trouble telling your steaks apart? Many of us do, especially if we eat mostly steak prepared for us in restaurants. That can make it pretty tricky if you decide you would rather start preparing your own gourmet steak dinners. Here is a look at what kind of steaks you can buy and how they are best prepared, to help you in your steak cooking endeavors.

Rib Eye - One of the best cuts for all around cooking, this is a steak with a high fat level that makes it almost impossible to ruin. Even beginners can turn out a tender, flavorful, juicy rib eye steak with minimal difficulty. This steak is great under the broiler, in the pan, or on the grill.

New York Strip - Also, this versatile and tender cut is relatively flavorful. It is best prepared by pan frying or grilling, not broiling. The fat can be trimmed, but do it only after cooking - the fat is what adds the flavor to this great steak.

Tenderloin - This is one of the most expensive cuts of steak on the market, and is extremely tender and lean. That has why many decide to pan sear it in butter, or cook it in a wrapping of bacon. Due to its price, most people only cook tenderloin as a special treat.

T-Bone - This is one of the classic steaks, combining a tenderloin and a New York Strip. The familiar Porterhouse is a kind of t-bone steak cut further up the loin, and known for tenderness and size. They can be tricky to cook, since the bone makes it hard to get the center fully done - this is not a steak for those who like theirs well done. Avoid searing or pan frying this steak in favor of putting it on the grill or under the broiler.

Flank Steak - This long thin cup of meat is traditionally used for making London Broil. Many people like it during grilling season, as it is a good choice for large groups. This steak is more flavorful but tougher than the above steaks, and should be marinated, grilled or broiled whole, and sliced across the grain on the diagonal.

Skirt Steak - This cut is a lot like flank steak in flavor and toughness, and is an old cowboy favorite that has a number of different cooking options. This is a great choice, whether you are cooking steak indoors or outside. Use it in fajitas, or stuff and braise it.

Top Sirloin - A popular budget steak, top sirloin is more tender than flank steak but tougher than tenderloin. This lean cut ought to be pounded and marinated, and is great in kebabs. However, it can be cooked in an assortment of other ways.

About the Author:

Save Money and Cook Applebee's Recipes at Home

By Bill Lane

Having the great taste of Applebee's in your own home is easy to do. I want to show you how you can have the unique flare of Applebee's in your kitchen.

What could taste better right now than an Applebee-tini with some artichoke and spinach dip followed by a juicy Bourbon Street Steak or some saucy baby back ribs finished up with a slice of orange creamsicle cake? Not much I don't think. Applebee's recipes are definitely one-of-a-kind and have their very own delicious taste. But let's be honest, eating out at Applebee's several nights a week is beyond anyone's budget, especially in these economic times. So what's an Applebee's lover to do?

Well, you are in luck. You can have the same great taste of Applebee's recipes in your very own home. And I am not talking about just a few generic recipes. I'm talking over 25 mouth-watering, taste like you are in the restaurant real deal recipes. Here is a list of just a few of the Applebee's recipes I am talking about:

-Applebee's Spinach Pizza

-Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad

-Applebee's Aztec Chicken Salad

-Applebee's Bourbon Street Steak

-Applebee's Chimi-Cheesecake

When I first began searching for Applebee's recipes, I tried several that I found online for free. Well, it's very apparent why they were free. They were not the recipes. Many were not even close. So I broke down and spent a little money to buy this cookbook and was I ever surprised (pays for itself with one meal). I'm now the "In Your Neighborhood" chef spending a third of what I would if I were eating out.

Sitting in Applebee's enjoying a meal is a good time but cooking Applebee's in your own home is an awesome time. And cheap! In addition to Applebee's recipes you will also get recipes from Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Red Lobster, PF Changs and the Macaroni Grill just to list a few.

About the Author:

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Looking for the Best BBQ Chicken Recipe? Look no Further!

By James Swelling

When choosing a BBQ meat chicken is one of the most popular across the world because of its availability, affordability, it is filling and a great protein. It also of course tastes great! It is versatile in how it can be cooked, whether in an oven or on a grill or smoker and anyone can do it. So out of the thousands of recipes for BBQ chicken how do you find one that won't disappoint? There are certain ingredients to look for in a recipe that make it tasty so that at your next BBQ you and your friends can enjoy it.

Mustard, ketchup, garlic, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, cinnamon and sometimes beer are all ingredients to look out for if it is a traditional BBQ chicken you are after. If you want a more asian flavor to it look for ingredients like Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. BBQ chicken is about personal taste and there are a lot of recipes for it because it is a flexible dish. A good and easy recipe that you may want to try out is from Paula Deen and her show 'Paula's Home Cooking'. It is one that can be grilled or put in the oven and is called Deen's Brothers BBQ Chicken. It is as follows:

Ingredients:1/4 cup dark brown sugar packed, 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder, tablespoons orange juice, teaspoon cayenne pepper, teaspoon liquid smoke, teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, chicken (3 1/2 pounds) cut into eight. Preparation: preheat the oven to 375F or if cooking on the grill brush it with olive oil. In a large bowl mix in all the ingredients apart from the chicken. Put aside a third of the sauce for later and then add the chicken in the bowl and move it around so that BBQ sauce coats it. If cooking in the oven place the chicken in a roasting pan and cook for 40-45 minutes or until properly cooked. If cooking on the grill cover it. Remember to use the BBQ sauce you set aside to baste the chicken after twenty minutes of cooking.

The great thing about this recipe is that as well as tasting good it is easy! Liquid smoke may pose a problem for some of us more inexperienced grilles, but it is just to give the chicken a smokey flavor without going through a long difficult procedure of smoking the meat. It doesn't have to be used if you prefer not to.

Although chicken is not an expensive meat, especially when you buy one whole, some people prefer not to have to cut up a whole chicken themselves. Therefore thighs are a great alternative, as they are cost effective taste good and cook in less time. This means you and your guests get to eat them quicker! Or look for a mixture of chicken parts, there are legs, wings and breasts too.

About the Author:

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Quick Lunches For Vegetarian Meals

By Laura Cokherell

For a healthy meal choice, vegetarian lunches are not only one of the best choices but one of the easiest meals to make. Because there are so many options from pure, fresh ingredients, quick lunches can be made in no time.

With just a few ingredients from any grocery store, these easy vegetarian recipes require just a minimum of preparation and make putting together vegetarian lunches easier than you might think.

A simple meal can be made with plain yogurt (regular or soy) mixed with cut up fresh fruit, like berries, bananas, apples, or peaches, some sweetener like honey or agave syrup, and some chopped nuts, like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Mix it all together and serve along with some whole grain crackers or some toasted whole grain bread slices.

Make a simple vegetable salad with steamed edamame beans, jicama cubes, chopped red bell peppers, and pitted black olives tossed in a store-bought olive oil vinaigrette. Serve this salad along with a bowl of cooked rice tossed with some soy sauce and lemon juice.

A cooked vegetarian burger or hotdog makes a quick meal and can be served on a whole grain bun with a selection of toppings (mustard, ketchup, tomato slices, pickle slices, cheese, etc.) along with a simple side dish of steamed vegetables dressed with some salt and pepper, olive oil, and vinegar.

For a quick salad meal, try cutting up the cooked vegetarian burger or hotdog into pieces and add to some mixed salad greens, pickle slices, diced tomatoes, and some shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss are good choices) and toss with Italian dressing and serve with a cup of soup on the side.

Try a simple bean spread made from canned chickpeas (rinsed, drained, and mashed) combined with shredded carrots, diced red onion, cumin, and low-fat sour cream. Take a soft tortilla shell and spoon the bean mixture into the shell and top with some chopped, pitted green olives and radish sprouts. Serve some baked pita chips with this simple wrap sandwich.

A salad of canned black beans (rinsed and drained), corn kernels, chopped tomatoes, chopped walnuts, chopped fresh cilantro, and rice vinegar all tossed together makes a quick lunch. Add some warm rolls and whipped cream cheese spread for a simple side.

A sandwich always makes a quick lunch meal. Use some cheese slices on whole grain bread and top with thinly sliced tomatoes, sprouts, fresh basil leaves, and thin slices of avocado. Serve a bowl of vegetable soup and baked sweet potato chips on the side.

Take some crusty bread and cut two slices and toast. On one side of one slice of bread, spread some mustard and spread some basil pesto on the other slice. Layer the mustard side with flavored baked tofu, thinly sliced, and top with some drained, marinated artichoke hearts and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Melt the cheese by placing the sandwich under a broiler or in a microwave or toaster oven until cheese melts and then top with the other slice of bread. Serve sandwich with carrot and celery sticks and baked potato chips.

About the Author:

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Losing Weight Fast

By Owen Jones

Besides physical appearance, weight affects a person in many ways. It could be the overall quality of life, self-confidence, depression, health problems, or physical incapabilities. There are a lot of plus-points to losing weight, which is why lots of people are looking for a weight loss technique that will slim down those extra kilos and get a beautiful, jaw-dropping body.

The first thing that an overweight person ought to do is find a health care expert to recommend the best weight loss program. This will only be done after a complete physical examination, which leads to the determination of a proper weight loss plan. To lose excess weight fast and permanently, four aspects of one's life has to be altered: what to eat, how to eat, behaviour and amount of activity.

Here are a few fast recommendations that can affect an over-weight persons's whole life:

1: Quick weight loss is achieved by a multi-faceted technique that comprises mindset, exercise, and, in some cases, dietary supplements. Begin by following a diet regimen that can be effortlessly adopted into your current way of life. Start an exercise regimen that requires at least fifteen minutes a day brisk walking, running, swimming and/or dancing.

2: Set yourself achievable goals. The ability to focus and have a proper mental outlook allows a person on a diet to quickly shed those extra pounds. You have to develop discipline and a proper outlook, a dieter will not get disheartened and pack it in

3: Listen to what your body is saying. everyone's body reacts in a different way to different quick weight loss programs. Try substituting one program for another to assess the body's reaction. The exercise regimen must be suited to one's body, because some are not able to exercise as rigorously as others. If walking is all that you can do, then walk, for this is one of the best exercises. Remember that muscles burn calories so it's definitely a good idea to put on a little more muscle - it looks sexy too.

4: Eat more fibre because it makes you feel fuller sooner and takes longer to digest, making it longer before you will be hungry again. For example, a couple of slices of whole grain bread will remain in the body longer and put off hunger longer than white bread, which turns in to sugar more quickly. giving you a quick, sugar spike, which soon dissipates, leaving you hungry again.

5: Stay away from fried food especially deep-fried, since it contains a lot of fat. However, although fish and chicken are considered to be leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than beef when it is fried. It is recommended for those on a strict diet opt for grilled food as it does not contain much fat after the food is cooked.

6: Take in lots of fluid. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body 'flushing' and because weight loss depends on how the body gets rid of bodily waste, the body has to stay hydrated.

All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to fast weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and the correct amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in a quicker weight loss than having a massive action campaign that is only followed by a return to your bad old habits, as this would only lead to gaining more weight than before the diet was started.

About the Author:

Food Budget For Busy People

By Mike Jameson

Well, the recession is technically over. It sure doesn't feel like it, however. Employers are still not hiring and you may have been lucky enough to keep your job, but you wouldn't mind saving money each month. Especially, on your monthly food budget. How can you do this? You'll need help from the internet.

You can do it the traditional way and look into your pantry and refrigerator for what food you already have in your kitchen. Then, go to your cookbooks and see what you can make with what you already have in the kitchen. Write down the ingredients you need to buy and head to the grocery store with your shopping list. That's a good method, but that's how things were done in the 1950s. Nowadays, you can utilize the internet to keep your family on a food budget.

Why would you find recipes the old fashion way, which will take an hour? You can utilize the internet and get the job done much much faster. Simply search "recipes by ingredients" and select from the list of recipe websites.

You have now found the recipe website you like the best. Make sure to bookmark it in your web browser. Jump onto the recipe site, type in the ingredients you already have and the website should tell you what recipes you can make. A good recipe website will allow you to plan your meals for the week.

Typically, I do this each Sunday for the entire week. Basically, I add in all the ingredients I already have at home and then select 5 recipes for the week. This will generate a list of groceries I need to buy for these 5 recipes. I print this list out and head to the grocery store.

We spend around $50 for 2 people (my wife and I) for the entire week (Monday through Friday) and that includes lunches. We use our leftovers for lunch throughout the week. After all, who has money to spend $8 on lunch each day? We spend around $200 per month and this saves us probably around $100 each month or $1,200 per year in savings. These websites are free (never use a recipe website that is going to cost you money).

About the Author:

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Simply Scrumptious Dessert Dishes

By Kristen Thorpe

The main purpose of dessert is to help the digestion process of the previous meal. Desserts should not be heavy or else it would do the opposite. Eating desserts with fresh fruits- sliced and mixed is a good and healthy treat. It will refresh your taste buds and your digestion of the meal you just had will be easier and quicker too. You can always add some kind of dressing or sauce to bring an extra essence and also, choose fruits with more anti oxidants.

Bananas Senegalese is eaten in many countries of the world as dessert. This item is very easy to prepare and is also very delicious. It is made with bananas, green crme de menthe, maraschino cherries, brown sugar and butter. First you have to cut the bananas in half, which must be divided lengthwise. Then you put them on the serving dish and after, pour the green mints that youve prepared, on them.

When you are done with all the bananas, place them flat side downward, on the serving dish. Add the green mints prepared, by pouring them on top of the bananas and make sure to spread evenly as you do this. Now pour some brown sugar and mix them up and be careful not to break the banana shapes. Place this in the broiler flame and wait for about 7 minutes. Afterwards, you may serve it while it is warm.

The next dessert can serve a family of 6 and is one of the classic desserts. You just need cherries, ice cream, brandy and rum to prepare it. First you need to drain the cherries to extract the juice. Then place them on a chaff dish and pour the rum and brandy over it- with a little amount of the juice. You may want to heat this up for about 30 seconds or so, while you get the ice cream ready; a nice working scooper would come in handy at this point. When the mixture is somewhat hot, serve it with the ice cream youve prepared individually, for 6 persons.

The next item is called the Eve's Dessert; it is named after the inventor. This is delicious and will refresh your taste buds, leaving the taste in your mouth, for quite some time. Cherries, apples, strawberries, sour cream, melon balls, brown sugar and macaroons will be needed. Buy macaroons which are not that fresh, so you can serve them as larger crumbs. Just peel the thin layer of the strawberry and chop the apples and then mix them in a bowl. Add the other ingredients and viola, the dessert is already done.

Before getting into these desserts, make sure you have everything that you need. That means having all the ingredients, as well as all you kitchenware. Whether you need cutting knifes, mouse whips, pots, skillets, and more- you must have them handy. This way, whoever comes over and whatever the occasion, there will be no problem when it comes to making something in a limited amount of time.

Check and see if you have everything needed and if you notice that something is missing, go ahead and get it today. Just like everything else, it is always good to be ready and prepared. Imagine your visitors coming over unexpectedly; you need to have all the materials and of course the ingredients ready, so that you can serve something right away. Your guests will surely wonder how you made something so delicious in such a short time.

About the Author:

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Skyline Chili Recipe

By Deschain Anderson

If you have never tasted the world famous Skyline Chili, you don't know what you're missing! The "Official" chili of the Cincinnati Reds, the Columbus Blue Jackets and King's Island Amusement Part, this award winning chili is in a class all it's own. It's not a California style chili, made with tomatoes and beans. And it's not a Tex-Mex chili, made with big chunks of meat. It's Cincinnati Chili and it has a secret blend of spices that gives it a very distinctive taste. Instead of the beans, it's usually served over hot dogs or spaghetti.

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Skyline Chili restaurant chain was established in 1949 by Nicholas Lambrinides, who had just immigrated from Greece. Because the first location had a beautiful, panoramic view of the Cincinnati skyline, the restaurant was named Skyline Chili. By 1953, Lambrinides and his new fangled chili had become such a success that he was ready to open his second location. The business quickly grew and at the turn of the centure, there were well over 100 locations, primarily located in Ohio, but also in Kentucky, Indiana and Florida.

Just like the Colonel's Famous Recipe, this chili recipe is a well kept family secret. Over the years other restaurants have tried to duplicate it, but no one has succeeded so far. The best guess, though, is that it contains cinnamon and chocolate, two key ingredients in Greek cooking. But no one really knows for sure.

A first time visitor to a Skyline Chili restaurant may be a little surprised when they overhear the regulars ordering Three Ways and Four Ways, and wonder just what they've gotten themselves into. Not to worry, though, these are just the traditional names of Skyline's signature dishes. Here's a brief rundown that you should carry in your pocket - just in case! Skyline Chili - Menu Translation * Two Way - spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili. * Three Way - spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili and cheese. * Four Way - spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili and cheese and your choice of beans or onions. * Five Way - spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili AND cheese AND beans AND Onions!

Mr. Lambrinides died in 1962 at the age of 82, but his sons continued to operate and expand the company. They retained the original recipe unchanged, though. According to William Lambrinides, "Dad always said, 'Don't change a thing with the recipe " don't add anything, don't take out anything, it's perfect the way it is'.

About the Author:

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Have Fun With Your Homemade Wine

By Annie Phelan

Have you ever considered making homemade wine as a great hobby? I can tell you there is something about opening your own bottle of wine, tasting it, and knowing that you just created something that rivals expensive wines. Making homemade wine does have a learning curve, but it is a lot of fun and well worth it.

Before beginning your wine making endeavor, there are some important things that you need to have a real understanding of. There are plenty of experts, websites and books where you can learn the basics and nuances of wine making. There are a lot of places where you can pick up all the equipment needed at reasonable prices both online and at a brick and mortar.

Utilizing a wine kit is most likely the best way to begin making wine at home. These kits make it easier for beginners to succeed.

While it might be a good idea to use quality equipment for wine making it is more important to use top notch ingredients. The higher the quality of ingredients the better your wine will taste, but fear not, if you are on a budget you can still make wine from juice concentrate!

The time it takes to make wine varies, but you should expect anywhere from eight to ten weeks to complete the entire process. It is important that you are not tempted to drink your wine early because wine gets better with time so be patient!

There are many books and websites that offer great recipes for homemade wine from anywhere to spiced apple wine to pinot noir. You can easily make wine for gifts tailored to that specific persons taste. Personalized wine is a great gift to give to the wine lover.

Your packaging for your homemade wine can be just as important as the taste. The bottle shape and color, the kind of cork you use, and what you put on your wine label all give it that special something. The wine label, in fact, is the most important way to personalize your wine.

Wine labels help to give an overall impression and feel for your homemade wine. They can be used for expressing the type of wine you made, putting a message to personalize the wine for a gift or for putting your logo on it! It is all about having fun so just do it!

About the Author:

Friday, October 2, 2009

Save Money and Cook Outback Steakhouse Recipes at Home

By Bill Lane

Serving up an Outback Steakhouse recipe from your kitchen is closer to reality than you think. I want to show you how this can be done.

An appetizer of grilled shrimp on the barbie followed only by a pound of steamed crab legs topped off with a Sinful Sydney Sundae. Wow, if that doesn't make you hungry I don't know what will? Recipes from Outback Steakhouse have their own unique taste and signature flavors. However, one can't afford to eat at Outback several days a week, especially in these tough financial circumstances. So what's an Outback fan to do?

Well, luckily you can have the same great taste of Outback Steakhouse recipes in your very own home. And I am not talking about two or three generic recipes. I'm talking over 25 mouth-watering, taste like the real thing recipes. Here is a list of just a few of the Outback Steakhouse recipes I am talking about:

-Outback Steakhouse Original Steak

- Outback Steakhouse Sydney's Sinful Sundae

-Outback Steakhouse Sauteed Mushrooms

- Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion

-Outback Steakhouse Pork Chop Sauce

Originally, I found some recipes online that claimed to be Outback Steakhouse recipes. So I tried several and guess what? There is a reason they are free. They have not been tested and perfected by a professional chef, nor do they taste anything like Outback Steakhouse food. So I bought the recipe book and man was it ever worth it. One meal paid for the book and now I eat Outback Steakhouse whenever I want for a third of the cost.

Outback Steakhouse recipes produce really good food in the restaurant, but produce really great food when it's in your own home. Give it a try today mate. And Outback Steakhouse recipes are not the only one's included. Applebees, Chilis, Olive Garden and TGI Fridays are some others just to name a few.

About the Author:

Thursday, October 1, 2009

A Recipe for Pumpkin Soup Could Make Your Meal

By Kc Kudra

The idea of seasonal eating is becoming a more popular one these days, as more of us find out about how we can have better food and more contact with the natural world. While modern technological advances allow us to enjoy winter strawberries and late summer rhubarb, it cannot ensure that the produce is the same quality all year round. Everyone has had a hard, pink winter tomato, so you know that simply because we have the ability to grow it does not mean it will be great.

This is why so many people are taking up eating seasonally, instead of buying whatever is available. Produce grown when it is naturally supposed to be is better tasting, more nutritious, and of higher quality. Strawberries belong in June and oranges in January. While it can be frustrating to have to wait for your favorites, it is worth it in the end.

Once you remember that in season foods are the tastiest, you will not want to try them out of season. A peach in winter usually is not worth your time, after all. Delicious summer beets and peppers, spring spinach and lettuce, and many other foods just taste best in season.

For fall, there are all kinds of great options that do not get a lot of attention. Fresh corn and new potatoes come in at summer's end, and as the autumn continues, you will get to enjoy nuts in season, hard winter squash, and the familiar pumpkins. If you have been making all your pumpkin pies out of a can, and you do not think much about this great vegetable beyond that, it might be time to think again.

Pumpkins are delicious and good for you, and packed with plenty of fiber and essential vitamins. They are also simple to prepare in all kinds of dishes, both sweet and savory. Sticking to only making this great vegetable on holidays would be a mistake. It is great in so many other situations.

This large orange squash can be cooked in many delicious ways, including slicing it thin and sauteing it in a mix of veggies, roasting it in oil and herbs, and choosing to make a recipe pumpkin soup. Pumpkin soup is a rich and delicious addition to your table that is not necessarily sweet. Combine it with great savory ingredients for a creamy delight that you will not want to give up.

Take the time to be a little adventurous, and you will be surprised by the results. Pumpkin soups and stews can make your fall dinners a lot more interesting. Pumpkin chili adds a sweet note to go with your cornbread and salsa. Pumpkin curry is wonderful over rice or Asian style noodles. The possibilities are almost endless!

Are you sick of having the same old thing all the time? Seasonal eating might be the answer. You will find all kinds of foods you might have forgotten about, including pumpkins. Take the time to try a wonderful recipe for pumpkin soup this fall and enjoy the great new flavors.

About the Author: