Sunday 1 September 2013

Healthy Corn Flakes


The nutritional value of your favorite breakfast recipes can be enhanced with the consumption of fortified breakfast cereals. Corn flakes include a number of vitamins and minerals with the power to meet the daily nutritional requirements. It includes no cholesterol and sugar. Therefore it is often considered to be a healthy food item that can be consumed for a complete breakfast. It is often consumed with nuts and chocolates too.

There are many health benefits associated with the use of cereals in healthy gourmet recipes. Today it is easy to find a wide range of breakfast cereals which include different flavors, nuts, fruits and so forth. Some of the most delicious flavors include strawberry, mango, pineapple, orange, banana and chocolate. Cereal breakfast can be bought in different varieties from most of the stores these days. These cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals. Daily intake of vitamins such as Vitamin C, D, A, and B6 are known to improve overall health of a person on various ways. A bowl of breakfast cereals with nuts, fruits, low fat cream or yogurt can help a person to stay healthy and energetic all throughout the day.

Moreover, these cereal products seldom contain fat or sugar and therefore it includes fewer calories compared to the other food items. It is also light weight and easy to digest. This ready-to-eat breakfast is among the most popular and widely consumed food items in the entire world.

There are breakfast cereal products with honey and high fiber which helps to lose weight. These types of cereals are hugely demanded due to constant rise of obesity and health issues in most of the people today. The modern lifestyle includes the consumption of junk food items such as fried food, burgers and pastries which increases the consumption of calories.

In addition to breakfast cereals, nut cookies and chocolates are also widely consumed by a large number of people all around the world. There are various types of delicious chocolates available today. Milk chocolates, dark chocolates and white chocolates with nuts and fruits are some of the most popular varieties of products.

Chocolates have many beneficial properties too. Dark chocolates have the power to boost body mechanisms and elevate the mood. It is considered to be healthy in many ways. There are a huge range of dark cocoa products which can be bought from most of the stores these days. It can also be bought from online stores at affordable price rates.

Nut cookies are another popular variety of food item which is loved by people of all ages. Many of the leading and reputed brands of companies manufacture different types of nut cookies. Cookies can be baked at home too although it is widely available in many of the stores these days. Nut cookies are both tasty and healthy as it includes a healthy source of nuts.

There are nut cookies with the inclusion of fruits and chocolates too which are quite tasty. Different types of food products can be bought from online stores too at affordable price rates.

Pumpkin Risotto


A rich and creamy Italian rice dish, risotto is a heartwarming meal that can be served as an appetizer, a side dish or a main dish. This simple gourmet recipe adapted from the Hotel Cipriani by Orient Express Hotels and made by Chef Renato Piccolotto is flavored with pumpkin and rosemary. Simple yet elegant, risotto with pumpkin and rosemary is best enjoyed with a bottle of Cotes du Rhone.

For a truly delicious risotto, only use Italian rice especially meant for cooking risotto for this delicious gourmet food. These are short-grain round rice that contains a lot of starch and absorbs a lot more liquid than regular rice without becoming mushy. Some of the popular Italian rice varieties for making risotto include Aroborio, Carnaroli, Nano, Baldo, and Vialone. When cooked, this kind of rice becomes lusciously creamy, sticky, and compact.

Cooking risotto takes a lot more effort, care, and patience than cooking regular rice. The rice needs to be sautéed first in butter and some onions until the grains turn a glassy appearance but not brown. Chicken or beef bouillon is then added to the rice but the bouillon needs to be simmering when it is added to the sautéed grains. If the liquid is added cold, it will result in unevenly cooked or hard kernels. Unlike regular rice where all the required liquid is already poured in the pot together with the rice and you only wait for it to cook completely, the liquid in the risotto is gradually added, a cup at a time, and wait for the rice to absorb the bouillon before pouring the next one, until the rice becomes tender and creamy.

The pumpkin should already be cooked before you add it to the rice. It should also not be cold, and ideally warm. To cook the pumpkin, peel and dice and sauté in butter with some onions and garlic until it becomes tender and starts to fall apart. Season with rosemary, salt and pepper.

Ingredients
8 ½ teaspoons minced onion
7 tablespoons butter
2/3 lb. round rice (Carnaroli)
about 12 ¾ cups beef or chicken bouillon
½ lb. Fondo di Zucca (pumpkin with garlic and rosemary; see recipe)
2 teaspoons minced rosemary
3 ½ tabelespoons grated parmesan cheese
salt, pepper

1. In a pot, allow the bouillon to simmer over low heat.

2. In a pan, sauté the onions in butter. Once the onions change color, add the rice, covering every grain with butter. Stir gently and cook until the rice turns glassy.

3. Add 4 cups hot bouillon and bring to a boil. Add more bouillon from time to time. Stir continuously and wait until the bouillon is almost evaporated before adding more bouillon. Take care that the bouillon does not evaporate too much.

4. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and creamy. When the rice is half cooked, add the cooked pumpkin.

5. Once the rice is entirely cooked, remove it from the heat and mix with butter and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve the risotto on a warm dish, decorated with rosemary.

Unfortunate Caffeine Allergy


caffeine allergy is a fairly common condition that is unfortunately not diagnosed very often. People who consume a lot of tea, coffee or chocolate are prone to suffering from allergies on account of their exposure to high amounts of caffeine. Caffeine is a very strong psychoactive substance and stimulant that has a negative effect on the nervous system if taken in extremes. So keeping healthy gourmet recipes might help you out of these kind of troubles.

A caffeine allergy can take the form of severe migraines, insomnia, dizziness, panic attacks and heightened heart beat. People can also become very aggressive when they have a negative reaction to this substance. People who are prone to skin problems such as eczema, rashes and itches can experience a heightening of their symptoms on account of an allergy to caffeine. In extreme cases, it can also lead to hallucinations and brain damage. However, it has to be admitted that these extreme reactions are quite rare. This allergy is a condition should be taken very seriously because its symptoms can lead to various complications. The simplest way to deal with this problem is to avoid consuming products that are rich in caffeine. While most people know that coffee, tea and chocolate are very high in caffeine, many are not aware that sodas and energy drinks also contain this substance. Certain over the counter medications and diet pills also contain caffeine. A person who is prone to this allergy should consume any new product only after studying its ingredients with a great deal of care. Paying attention to he labels of the ingredients even in simple gourmet recipes maybe will save your life.

It is not easy to stop consuming caffeinated products all of a sudden because the body gets addicted to it. You could use other natural products (ginseng, licorice) in case you are feeling the need for a stimulant. Physical exercise is another way to get a natural high without having to take any supplements or deprive oneself of products containing caffeine which help people increase their energy levels.

In extreme cases of a caffeine allergy the person can suffer from life threatening symptoms such as extremely heightened heart beat and difficulty breathing. It is necessary to get immediate medical attention in these cases. If the person goes into anaphylactic shock then adrenaline injections are the quickest way of dealing with the problem. Antihistamines also help suppress the symptoms fairly quickly. If the person is not able to breathe easily then bronchodilators are necessary. Thankfully, it is fairly easy to bring these symptoms under control with the appropriate methods.

Delightful Chocolate


This chocolate dessert is fun to make and simple to do. It is made of layers of goodness: a crust made of pecans butter and flour, a filling of cream cheese and whip cream, a layer of chocolate milk pudding, and another layer of whipped cream for an unforgettable treat. You can use premade chocolate pudding bought from the store or grocery or make one from scratch at home. There are many ways to enjoy this delectable treat. On its own, indulge in it during afternoon tea or serve it with coffee and enjoy with friends. Of course, this is an irresistible gourmet snack recipe for kids of all ages.

While this is not a healthy gourmet recipe, it is one of the most luscious and delightful. You can top this chocolate dessert with fresh fruits for a more colorful and elegant treat. Slice fresh strawberries, kiwis, bananas, peaches, currants, raspberries, or mandarin oranges and decorate this chocolate dessert. You can use one fruit two, three or more to make a medley that is a pleasure to the eyes as much as it is a pleasure to the palate and the tummy.

Another way of enjoying this rapturous dessert is to serve it with vanilla or peppermint ice cream and garnish it with mint leaves for a fancy touch. You can also decorate the top with nuts. Since the crust contains pecans, you can decorate the dessert with whole pecans or with almonds, cashews, or walnuts for a crunchy contrast. Fruit and nut also makes a wonderful combination and go excellently with chocolate.

If you want to go totally out on this, drizzle this gourmet snack recipe with some cherry or strawberry syrup. Whisky or rum sauce also goes well with this for strictly adult guests. Serves as many as sixteen to twenty, or as few as three if you guests or family have a big appetite for chocolate.

Ingredients
Combine
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 stick butter, at room temperature
Press evenly in a 9- by 13-inch glass baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until light brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Combine
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup Cool Whip
Spread onto cooled crust.

Mix:
2 small boxes instant (can substitute any flavor)
3 cups milk
Beat 2 minutes. Spread on top of cheese mixture. Spread 1 cup of Cool Whip over top. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

1. In a bowl, mix flour, pecans, and butter. Press evenly in a 9- by 13-inch glass baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until light brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

2. In another bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip. Spread onto cooled crust.

3. In a saucepan mix chocolate pudding and milk. Beat 2 minutes. Spread on top of cheese mixture. Spread 1 cup of Cool Whip over top. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

4. Cut into squares and serve.

Chocolaty Almond Coffee


Hazelnut mocha latte is a delectable coffee drink. It is a real treat and simple gourmet recipe to make at home. A good cup of freshly brewed espresso coffee, steamed milk, hazelnut sauce, chocolate sauce and white sugar are all you need. This white chocolate almond coffee recipe is a variation of mocha coffee which is a delicious dessert drink which consists of espresso with milk and chocolate which is fit for the gods. To treat yourself make it at home to a divine drink. Or make it for your friends and family and feel like a professional barista.

You only need a tablespoon of espresso coffee to make a cup of white chocolate almond coffee, as opposed to a third of a cup as is standard when making mocha. The milk is the dominant ingredient in this simple gourmet recipe. The chocolate sauce, almond sauce, and espresso coffee give flavor the milk and transform it into a delightful and quite memorable drink. To sweeten the concoction white sugar is also used in this recipe. You can lessen the milk if you want a stronger kick and use a shot or a double shot of espresso to make this recipe. You can adjust the recipe depending on your preference.

Use white chocolate chips which you can melt when steaming the milk. As it is heating up make sure you stir the liquid well so that there are no solid granules that will surface on the drink or sink at the bottom. Using a low setting for intervals of 30 seconds until it has completely melted you can also melt the chocolate in the microwave before adding it to the drink. This will ensure a smoother and creamier texture. Over low heat you can also melt the chocolate in a saucepan or a double boiler.

In large mugs serve the white chocolate almond coffee drink and top with whipped cream. With shaved white chocolate or shaved dark chocolate garnish the coffee for an elegant contrast.

Ingredients

1 cup steamed milk
1 Tablespoon chocolate sauce
2 tablespoon almond sauce
1 tablespoon espresso coffee
1 tablespoon white sugar

1. Steam the milk and chocolate, almond sauce, sugar and pre- made espresso coffee. Then stir well.

2. Top it with whipped cream, nuts, and little more chocolate sauce. Then serve hot.

Saturday 31 August 2013

Exotic Foods on the Table


A saying rightly goes, "The road to the heart is through the stomach". Yes, the best way to please your guests is to make them awe-struck by your flattering and exotic servings of not only healthy gourmet recipes but also by the way you present the dishes on the platter. It would not hurt if you do "pliage de napkin" right?

When it comes to playing host to a handful of the chosen and specially invited guests, there can be no better way to impress them than to prepare a delicious, nice-smelling and never-seen-before combination of exotic and simply superb items that are prepared with a personal touch! You can prepare food at home or order from a reputed restaurant that is well-known for its unique quality and sophisticated presentation of dishes. Make sure you are able to mirror the tastes of your guests in the items prepared.

A few points to note here are:

I. Study the menu

Ensure that there are dishes that will perfectly match the composition of the group invited. If there are kids expected to attend your party, then allocate a certain space for their likes and include items like ice creams and rich, creamy desserts.

II. Check with the restaurant if they offer fusion items

Instead of sticking on the old-fashioned items, you can include dishes that are innovative in taste and appearance. For example, you can order a menu that has the goodness of Oriental and Mediterranean tastes. This is just a clue about how to mingle different styles of cooking. You can create any number of combinations you want by using your creativity.


III. In case you are organizing a lunch or dinner party, you can reserve tables in advance in the restaurant itself so that guests are treated well through hot and steaming dishes served straight from the BBQ.

IV. Generally, buffet-type of lunch or dinner parties are very popular among both the hosts and the guests because of the unlimited servings they can avail.

V. In the event of just a small get-together you plan to organize during a weekend, you can consider choosing any kind of combos that is offered. Usually, a drink is offered free of cost as a complimentary gift for bulk orders.

VI. You can also customize your menu by ordering a dish that is not offered in the normal course. Their expert chefs will be only too happy to fulfill your wishes earnestly.

On the whole, you can immensely please your guests by treating their taste buds to some fine dining experience in one of the best restaurants in your locality.

There are many reputed restaurants in almost every major town today that offers you a wide range of dishes to choose from. For example, there are exotic Oriental items included in the menu along with some traditional yet lip-smacking British food like grill chicken and omelets.

Great Turkey Salad


Leftover turkey can be made into a scrumptious salad sandwich. Added with almonds and raisins and mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, cider vinegar, red onion, a bit of sugar, salt and pepper, you have a tasty, healthy gourmet recipe and a lip smacking salad dish that can be served on top of a bed of lettuce. With this easy and elegant recipe any day can be a holiday.

You may serve gourmet turkey sandwiches on rye buns, a uniquely French treat the French baguettes or whole wheat bread paired with a lovely Rosé, a pink wine with a fruity flavor with hints of wild strawberry, cherry, and watermelon if you are feeling extra festive. Actually, this combination will also make an idyllic and memorable picnic lunch. Serve this turkey sandwich with a hearty bowl of soup and a glass of Viognier, a dry white wine with hints of apricot and peach for a light and uncomplicated gourmet dinner. You may use to top it over round crackers and serve it as elegant appetizers for a lovely dinner party. Or you can also make small cocktail sandwiches with this recipe, As hors d’oeuvres, they will pair remarkably well with a nice fruity just perfect Riesling, not to dry, not to sweet. Or why not try it with a beautiful bottle of Pinot Noir, a bold red wine with cherry, red berry and truffle flavors.

Turkey salad with almonds and raisins will make an exotic dip for chips and served with soda or ice cold beer for an informal get-together. This recipe can be made ahead and stored for two or three days. Actually, it even gets better overnight and is best eaten the day after because the turkey absorbs all the flavors and the spices meld together to create a tantalizing sensation in the palate. Many people find turkey a bit dry but in this recipe they will find the turkey moist and juicy and no one will be able to resist biting into this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients
3/4 cup salad dressing or mayonnaise
1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
1 tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
1/2 cup gold raisins
1/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup toasted almonds, slivered
3 cups cooked turkey breast meat, diced

1. Mix in the mayo or salad dressing in a bowl, Dijon mustard, sugar, vinegar, raisins, celery, and onions. Blend well until the sugar dissolves and all the ingredients are well incorporated.

2. Stir in the turkey and also the almonds. Chill.

3. If desired, garnish with some additional almonds, and serve.

Delicious Burnt Milk


Burnt milk is Mexican-style fudge. It is known as “leche quemada,” which is the Spanish translation of “burnt milk.” Actually the milk is not burnt but heated on low temperature with sugar for more than half an hour or until it turns a nice golden brown color. To avoid the bottom from burning the mixture needs to be stirred constantly. This sweet treat can be enjoyed alone. Or like fudge, it is used to flavor other desserts and sweets. This simple dessert recipe also uses baking soda and cinnamon stick to give it texture and a subtle and aromatic spice aside from milk and sugar.

Perfect for ending heavy meals or spicy main courses this burnt milk recipe makes a rich yet light dessert. There are number of different ways to serve this light desert. The mixture can be placed in molds to take on any kind of shape like making jelly while it is still warm. A thin glaze forms on the surface of the burnt milk and encases the creamy interior once it is chilled. You can place the cooked mixture in tint bowls, glasses, or sheets or you can also cut them into tiny squares when they have chilled and hardened a bit. With chopped nuts some like to sprinkle burnt milk before they set for crunch, texture and flavor.

Making them into candies is another way to enjoy this delicious dessert. Simply roll the burnt milk into balls. When they are cool enough to handle coat them with chopped nuts, cocoa powder or coconut flakes. Then wrap them in colored plastic candy wrappers and place them in a pretty box. You can give them away as a gift to friends or family on special occasions. Served with some tea or coffee burnt milk candies make a delightful snack. For the holidays such as during Christmas or the New Year’s they also are perfect to serve or give away as gift as they are very easy and quick to make.


Ingredients
4 cup milk
2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cinnamon stick

1. Mix 3 cups of milk and sugar in a saucepan, and allow it to cook over a low heat. Keep stirring often to avoid burning. Let it cook until golden brown.

2. Stir together soda, cinnamon stick and 1 cup milk in a separate saucepan. Allow it to boil. Remove the cinnamon stick once done.

3. While stirring continuously pour this milk to the above reduced milk mixture.

4. Place over a low heat when all the milk is incorporated. Until the mixture is thick, cook very slowly.

5. Cool slightly then pour into a glass serving bowl. Chill.

Frothy Bananas


To make a sumptuous treat you don’t need to bake a pie or your favorite gourmet dessert. This recipe for banana froth you can make in less than 10 minutes. For those who are not familiar with baking or cooking this is the perfect simple dessert recipe since it does not require any cooking at all. It only needs to be assembled as it is simple and very easy to prepare. It has the same texture and sensation as pudding and tastes wonderful. Banana froth makes a wonderful presentation served neatly on pudding dishes. For an elegant and refreshing touch garnish it with mint leaves.

To make banana froth you only need three simple ingredients: whipped cream, white sugar, and large bananas. Most of these ingredients can be found in every kitchen pantry. You can easily make banana froth for them if you need to whip up something really fast for dessert or unexpected guests are coming over. After a full meal this makes a light and refreshing treat. It is easy to digest and finish and also helps cleans the palate.

For those busy weekdays banana froth is the perfect treat when you have no time to make a full-blown dessert but crave for something special. When there is no cake or pastry available to indulge on you can try this out anytime of the day or week. To treat yourself to a splendid tasting dessert dish you don’t need expensive ingredients.

To make this recipe use large sweet bananas. You can also use the small or baby bananas. But you will have to double the amount used to make the same amount as in this recipe. If you have fresh cream, before combining it with the bananas whip it first using an electric beater until it is nice and frothy.

Ingredients
3 large bananas, peeled and mashed
1 cup whipped cream
5 tablespoons white sugar

1. Stir together the sugar and the bananas in a bowl, to form a puree.

2. Then add the whipped cream and stir gently.

3. Pour spoonful into pudding dishes. Serve at room temperature.

Sour Dough Types


Sourdough has always been one of the most popular styles of bread. With its strong, distinctive flavor and the ability to mesh well with a wide variety of sandwiches, soups, and other foods, it's not hard to see why it is the bread-of-choice for many. Most stores and bakeries offer traditional loaves or rolls, but there is a whole variety of different styles of sourdough bread, making it even more suitable to a wide range of dishes and uses. Here are five of the most popular types of sourdough bread you may or may not have tried yet:

Traditional Sourdough Bread

While traditional sourdough bread can be found just about anywhere, a great sourdough bread is not nearly as an easy gourmet recipe to find, or make. Making your own authentic sourdough starter and allowing adequate time for proofing and shaping can be a painstaking process, but they are necessary to experience the best taste and consistency with the piquancy and open crumb that good sourdough is known for.

Sourdough Round Rolls

These small rolls are great for buttering up or dipping in a soup. While not big enough for sandwiches, they will make a decent bun for sliders because of their size and the crusty consistency of their exterior. They also complement any delicious dinner spread as a tart dinner roll.

Sourdough Stubby Bread

Unlike the round rolls, Sourdough Stubby bread has a thin crust, and both the inside and outside consistency is relatively light. This style of sourdough bread is good for either sandwiches or to make a delicious garlic bread with. With a broad body and extremely thin exterior that won't overpower the taste of ingredients, sourdough stubby makes a great surface to build the perfect sandwich on.

Sourdough Baguettes

This thin loaf is often made free-form, with minimal shaping utensils, and yet its iconic look is familiar to nearly everyone. It is probably most famous as being used for submarine sandwiches, and boasts a crisp outer crust and chewy center. While it may not be as hefty as the Stubby Bread, the sourdough Baguette cannot be overlooked when you're trying to decide how to make your sandwich.

Sourdough Turf Rolls

Turf Rolls are large, circular boules, a completely different shape than any of the other types we have covered so far. The shape and sturdiness of this type of bread is perfect for making edible soup bowls, or to slice up into wedges and serve as part of a snack platter. These Turf Rolls are a popular choice among restaurants because of the novelty use of edible dishes, which also allows less cleaning up after!

Friday 30 August 2013

Great Stir Fry


The art of stir frying is one of the oldest ways of cooking, now considered an art due to its simple gourmet recipe method of combining protein and vegetables to yield that succulent, delightful and fantastic flavor complete with aromatics and fragrance. Its combination of colors can be achieved through choices of vegetables that can greatly improve its presentation.

Through the years, this ancient Oriental cooking technique has become very popular globally due to the success in Oriental Cuisines throughout the world. People have learned to love Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and Thai cooking, all utilizing the stir fry technique. Common to these countries are specially prepared sauces that can now be bought in Oriental stores that add flavor and aroma to the dishes. To capture the taste of stir frying, we may have soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chili oil for heat and many more.

Here is an all time favorite recipe for stir fry that you can easily prepare at home to surprise your family on an ordinary weekday night. THE SQUID STIR FRY RECIPE is a simple recipe that can easily be learned and done in your home kitchen. Let us start cooking then.


INGREDIENTS:
250 grams of squid or calamari, already cleaned 
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (preferred olive oil)
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped finely
1 centimeters of gingerroot, peeled and cut into matchsticks
1/2 to 1 long red chilli, chopped
1/2 loofa gourd, peeled and halved lengthways, then sliced diagonally into 3 millimeters
Without the gourd, you can use 1 cucumber, peeled and quartered lengthways then sliced them diagonal into 3 millimeters
2 tablespoons of fermented black beans already washed and drained and then chopped them roughly (don’t use the sauce)
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon shaoxing rice wine
1/4 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon sugar 
1 to 2 teaspoon corn flour plus 1 tablespoon cold water, mixed them until smooth and corn flour is dissolved into a slurry (Note: Use this mixture only if the sauce is not thick enough)
6 to 7 spring onions, use only the green part and cut them into 4 centimeters long batons


THE PROCEDURE:
To prepare the squid Asian style, lay the squid or the calamari tube flat in a chopping board. Slide the knife into the tube and slice down one side. Open the tube so it sits flat open, with the inside facing up. Then very carefully score your knife to make diagonal slits into the flesh about three millimeters apart. Then repeat the procedure on a perpendicular angle so you can create a lattice or web like effect. Then cut the squid into approximately four centimeter squares. Set them aside for stir frying.


Starting the stir frying, heat a wok or a large skillet on medium high heat over your American stove. Add the vegetable oil and wait till it starts to smoke. Then you can saute the garlic and the ginger until they turn golden brown. Add the chilli and the squid to the wok and stir fry the squid pieces and watch them curl up. 

Then add the loofa gourd or the continental cucumber, the black beans, the soy sauce, the shaoxing rice wine, the oyster sauce, the sesame oil the sugar and the spring onions. Stir and toss them to combine for another 20 to 30 seconds until the loofa gourd is tender.


Add more spring onions and toss very briefly to mix them. Serve them immediately while they are hot. Best with white cooked rice.

Fudgy Milk Chocolate


Milk chocolate fudge is a quick and easy dessert recipe. You simply mix together and pour in a batter and let cool. This treat need not be baked. You just have to slice them into squares and serve them or give them away during potluck, birthdays or special occasions. To serve with coffee or tea to guests this delicious treat is perfect. You need white chocolate chips, butter, walnuts, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk to make a simple milk chocolate fudge.

When melting the chocolate in the saucepan you have to be careful as it may turn grainy or burn. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or bain-marie to be sure. You can improvise if you don’t have these kitchen gadgets. Melt the chocolate in a saucepan over another saucepan of simmering water, but make sure that the bottom of the saucepan where the chocolate is does not touch the simmering water. Otherwise, you can safely melt the chocolate over very low heat using a heavy bottomed saucepan as long as you watch over it and constantly stir it gently to avoid clumping. But too much stirring will also cause your simple dessert recipe texture to become uneven so do so gently.

A good fudge is smooth and silky. It should not be grainy or crystallized. Since white chocolate chips are typically already sweetened this recipe does not use sugar. Once all the chocolate has melted, it should be a smooth and thick chocolate liquid and should have no visible crystals.

When making milk chocolate fudge timing is crucial. Be sure to measure out all the ingredients before starting the mixture so that you can work in a constant pace. Chop the nuts and grease the pan with butter. The nuts should be added last and gently fold it in the mixture until it is evenly distributed throughout.


Ingredients
200gms white chocolate chips
½ cup butter
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
150ml sweetened condensed milk,

1. In a saucepan melt the chocolate over medium low heat. Keep stirring often.

2. Turn off the heat once the chocolate is melted. Keep aside.

3. Add condensed milk, butter and vanilla to the melted chocolate. Stir well.

4. Blend until butter is mixed with the chocolate. Then fold in the chopped nuts.

5. In a greased pan pour this mixture and allow it to cool. Cut into equal shapes. Serve.

Making Healthy Recipes



As an undeniable need of humans, meals play a crucial role in our daily lives. Often times it can be hard to obtain not only healthy ones, but also ones that are relatively fast and easy to make. A few examples of quick and easy gourmet recipes may need stating.

There are numerous categories to look into. These include major meals like breakfast, lunch and dinner. Aside from that, there are also specific categories like soups, salad entrees, chicken, fish, vegetarian and loads more. There is no type of food that cannot be healthy enough or impossible to be maid easily and quickly. The recipes people can come up with often keep coming with no possible end in sights. This is due to the many innovations that are continuously developed by the most skilled of chefs and cooks. Because of that, only a few will be listed and described. Either way, once you get the idea, worrying about what uniquely French treat to make for dinner will not be an issue henceforth.

Eggs are favorites when it comes to breakfast. Part of that is due to the nutrition contained within a single egg. A detailed sample would be Nest eggs. Shredded wheat biscuits, unsalted butter, grated cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika and of course, eggs are needed for this dish.

First off, the oven must be preheated to 350 degrees F and the custard cips greased. Crush the wheat biscuits, toss cereal and butter until both are well combined. Three tables spoons of cereal must be set aside with the others divided evenly among the cups. Press the mixture in an even manner against the sides and the bottom of the cups. Spread the cheese and break an egg over each cup. Add milk together with the salt and pepper. The reserved cereal must be spread around the edge of each cup and sprinkle the top with paprika. Bake it for fifteen minutes.

That is just one example out of many. There are more to choose from. Another would be the scalloped salmon, which can be made ready in just twenty minutes or so.

Another example of quick and easy healthy recipes is corn topped beef pie. It requires ground beef, celery, tart apple, pepper, cumin, corn muffin mix, whole kernel corn and one bottle of chili sauce. It can be prepared and left to stand for a combined total of forty five minutes before serving.

For salads and vegetable oriented meals, there are Chinese cabbage, creamy romaine and fresh minted garbanzo salad. Deserts include Avocado cheesecake, apricot cheesecake and baklava cheesecake. There are so many to choose from, it can be almost difficult to settle with just one.

Healthy and Quick Cooking


Easy gourmet recipes is very essential in day to day life as people are busy in the whole day schedule so they can't devote much time for cooking different varieties of foods. Today people are very concerned related to their health and are diet conscious whether it is about teenagers, infants, adults or old age people all wants to eat healthy food so that they don't suffer from any disease. So healthy gourmet recipes is very essential for the preparation of different varieties of food.

The different techniques, methods or steps are followed to reduce preparation time and to cook healthy foods for all the age groups like more of the fibrous foods like salads, fruits and soups fulfill the satiety value and also makes the person healthy and free from any kind of disease. Grilled sandwiches can be made which are easy to make and healthy and are attractive, tasty which teenagers can enjoy while eating. The balanced diet and the food with right and equal amount of nutrients are very essential for the persons' diet.

Today variety of cuisines are available in the market which can be easily make and healthy too like poha which is rich in iron which can be given to the adolescent girls and can be prepared in lesser time period than other varieties. We can make upma with full of veggies which contains right amount of nutrients and can easily be eaten by old age people.


Baby foods and weaning food recipes can be given to the infants or the toddler group which are healthy and easy to make like dhal soups, apple puree, mash potatoes etc. Adolescents are much concerned related to their weight so they go for starving or dieting but the nutrient requirements are very high during this period like sandwiches, idli, juices, milk shakes, pizza sandwich, tandoori chicken, vegetable pulao etc which are easy to make and are healthy.

As we all know teenagers are very selective while eating foods but during this period calcium and protein requirements are very high for their growth, so we can make health foods but present them into attractive way and are tasty so that it appeals them and eat it easily like paushtik parantha, vegetable Maggie, soya cutlets in different shapes, tandoori kabbabs of vegetables, roasted chicken etc.

During adulthood, people are very busy in their work schedule as they have to fulfil their family needs so they don’t get time to cook or eat food so after every two hours they have to eat healthy food and which they can eat easily like fruits, sandwiches, juices, paushtik parantha, veggie roll, chicken roll, roasted cutlets etc. which they can eat while working and it does not affect their health. So from the above we can say that we can make varieties of healthy cuisines which can be easily made in a shorter time period, its all about the mind creativity and thinking.

Melon and Acacia Nectar


The season of melons call for a refreshing dessert that evokes summer and sunshine. In this simple dessert recipe by chef Mario d'Orio, juicy melons cook in juices and syrup made of acacia honey then invigorated with fresh mint. The dessert is almost effortless yet elegant as you set it on the lunch or dinner table. For this easy gourmet recipe, use overripe melons from Cavaillon, a town in Provence famous for its sweet melons.

Considered as the unofficial capital of French melons, the town of Cavaillon takes great pride in producing the best melons. A melon de Cavaillon has to pass through a stringent standard of density, appearance and sugar content. Because of this, only a minority of the overall melon harvest passes this test, which makes the melon de Cavaillon quite rare outside of France. In its place, use any sweet, ripe melon available to you. While its skin and aroma may be inviting, fruit vendors say the best way to determine the ripeness of a melon is through its weight. Ripe melons are heavier than unripe ones and have a sweet heady fragrance. For this dish, two kinds of melons are needed—an overripe melon for making the juice or sauce and another melon that is just the right ripeness to be sliced thinly and served in a plate. Acacia honey and lime are added into the melon juice. The reduced sauce is poured over the fresh melons.

While you can do with other specialty honeys, the chef uses the acacia honey in his recipe. It is a honey variety that comes from nectar gathered from the blossoms of the acacia tree. It has a very delicate vanilla or floral flavor with a light yellow, almost transparent color. It also has a high concentration of fructose and can remain in a liquid state for a long period without crystallizing. Garnish the melons with mint and serve with a bottle of Coteaux du Layon.

Ingredients
4 melons
1/2 lb. acacia honey
4 green lemons
1 bunch mint

1. Prepare the melons. Remove the center of a melon then juice it. Place the juice on a shallow pan and set it to boil.

2. Slice open a lemon and squeeze the juice out. Mince some of the peel and add it to the juice. After five minutes, halfway before the juice boils, pour some acacia honey and the lemon juice on it.

3. Take the other melon, remove the center then peel it. Cut into thin slices. Set it on a serving plate in a circular manner. Set aside in the refrigerator.

4. When the melon juice is reduced and unctuous, take it from the heat and put it into the refrigerator to cool.

5. Mince the mint leaves. Take the chilled melon juice and pour it over the sliced melons. Sprinkle with the minced mint leaves and garnish with whole mint leaves. Serve chilled.

Thursday 29 August 2013

McDougalls Rice Milk


Rice milk is mostly processed from brown rice. It is a kind of grain milk that has a natural sweetness due to natural enzymes. With sugarcane syrup or other types of sugar commercially available rice milk can be unsweetened or sweetened. While rice milk is used as an alternative to milk for those who can’t tolerate lactose or dairy, it is not a good source of calcium or protein. For those who are allergic to soy rice milk is also the drink of choice, and is used as a dairy substitute by vegans and make this their delicious dessert drink.

Rice milk has more carbohydrates, low in fat, and has no cholesterol as compared to cow’s milk. Some commercial rice milk brands are fortified with minerals, vitamins, as well as calcium. It is also available in different flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or almonds. Cooking that calls for cow’s milk rice milk can also be used as a substitute in many healthy recipes.
 

Actual milk is used combined with cooked brown rice and vanilla extract in this recipe for homemade rice milk This makes a delicious breakfast that gives the milk a nutty and luscious flavor. It is a great way to start the day as it is substantially heavy. Making it a good choice for a fast and quick boost of energy, the protein and carbohydrates are perfectly balanced in this drink.

If you have leftover brown rice and some milk in the refrigerator this is a good recipe to try. The vanilla gives the drink a soulful flavor and makes it taste even better like ice cream or shake. To make this recipe you can also cook brown rice easily. After rinsing the brown rice well, place it in a heavy bottomed pot. Typically a cup and a half of water for every cup of rice is the ratio of water and rice for cooking brown rice.

Ingredients
1 3/5 cup milk
2/3 cup cooked brown rice
1 teaspoon rich vanilla extract

1. Put all the ingredients in the above order in a blender. Blend well until smooth.

2. Pour in a tall glass and refrigerate. Serve chilled. Remember to shake well before drinking.

Milky Meatballs


For a delicious weekday meal meatballs with milk gravy can be topped over rice, noodles or pasta. With lean ground beef combined with onions, breadcrumbs, and yogurt and seasoned with thyme and Worcestershire sauce this recipe is made. It is the yogurt that gives the meatballs a sumptuous Mediterranean-inspired flavor and also makes the healthy recipe. The gravy is made with beef bouillon, milk and sherry. It is then thickened with flour. The meatballs are first fried in the skillet and to make it moist, flavorful and juicy they are then cooked in the thick gravy. With milk gravy meatballs make an unforgettable meal that kids will surely adore.

Most recipes for meatballs call for eggs however in this easy gourmet recipe, yogurt and breadcrumbs are used as a binder. The yogurt moistens the meat and the breadcrumbs and keeps the balls together. Chill the mixture first in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes up to an hour before forming to make it easier to form the balls after combining all the ingredients,. This gives the balls better structure and keeps it from falling apart as it cooks. Meatballs can be made ahead and freeze them for later cooking. This makes it a very convenient last-minute meal. Place the separate balls on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for a few hours. Place them in an airtight container when the balls completely harden,

To make the meatballs tastier and juicier if you don’t mind the fat, use ground meat with some fat in it. They also helps bind the mixture together. For a fuller and more complex flavor You can also combine beef and pork together to make this recipe. The breadcrumbs help the meatballs become firmer, especially if you use the crusty kind with texture like croutons. Use bread cubes without the crust if you want soft and lighter meatballs.

Ingredients
14 oz. ground beef, lean
1/4 green bell pepper - minced
1 onion - minced
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup yogurt, non-fat
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup milk, skimmed
1 teaspoon beef bouillon
2 tablespoons sherry
2 tablespoons flour, all-purpose

1. Mix beef, vegetables, breadcrumbs, yogurt, thyme and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Shape into small round meatballs.

2. Place them in a greased saucepan. Cook over medium heat, until golden brown, turning them as they cook. Remove from saucepan when done and set aside.

3. Boil milk and add sherry. Then stir in bouillon and flour. To this add meatballs and allow the gravy to thicken. With hot rice or noodles serve.

Meat Farandoles



A luscious medley of juicy grilled meats, meat farandoles is the apex of paradise for lovers of meat. One of the best chef recipes, this consists of an assortment of grilled meats and their sauces arranged in one large plate with a corolla of vegetables in the middle. This dish includes at least six types of meat: smoked pork, chicken, duck, beef, veal, lamb, and chipolata sausage. Just reading through the list is enough to give you a heart attack (from pure pleasure).

The distinct and different flavors of the meat are experienced in one meal. The custom is to eat little by little, sampling a slice of beef and then a piece of pork, and then a little lamb and then some duck, eating them together with thin slices of vegetables. Sip some red wine in between bites and luxuriate in gustatory satisfaction. This highly one of the best gourmet foods and it is best enjoyed with an equally luxurious wine such as Cotes de Provence rouge or Bordeaux.

The term farandoles refer to a kind of dance that originates from Provence, typically performed with music that is measured in 6/8 time and a lively tempo that can range from moderate to fast. This recipe takes inspiration from this popular folk dance, making a symphony and music out of different kinds of meat.

It may seem as simple as tossing a piece of meat on a hot grill, but cooking a truly perfect steak is much more of an art than you might think. Sometimes, it’s as simple as meat seasoned with nothing but salt and freshly ground pepper. Grilling has got to be the perfect illustration of summer. And whether you do it on the beach or in the backyard, the aroma, the smoky flavor of the food, the caramelized natural sugar from the meat will give you a holistic sense of pleasure like dancing farandoles.


Ingredients
3 1/2 oz. smoked pork breast
3 ½ oz. beef fillet
3 1/2 oz. chicken breast
4 lamb chops
4 small chipolata fresh sausages
3 1/2 oz. veal fillet
4 slices duck fillet
olive oil
1 zucchini
2 red tomatoes
1 bunch chives
1 tarragon branch
3 parsley branches
3 chervil branches
1 basil branch
Meat gravy (previously recovered from cooking or roasting)
Xeres vinegar
butter
salt, pepper

1. For the vegetables, you need a flat earthenware dish (a small dish mold wrapped in aluminum foil) and some olive oil. Slice the courgettes or zucchinis into thin chips and arrange them around the dish while overlapping the half of the ones under them, making a circular petal-like arrangement. Do the same for the tomatoes after slicing them into thin wedges, but this time, towards the opposite direction. Fill the center too. Sprinkle with salt and a little olive oil (which would be done for each level). Add another layer of courgette on top of the tomatoes. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes.

2. Mix the herbs together then mince them. Add them to the meat juice. Add a few drops of cherry vinegar. Stir well.

3. Brush the chunks of meats with olive oil then sprinkle with salt. Grill them on a moderate temperature. (Note: Each meat has different time required before properly cooked. Don’t presume them to be done at the same time)

4. Take the baked vegetables and remove the excess juice. Drop it on another plate - in one swift movement to keep them from breaking apart. Sprinkle the grilled meats with ground pepper then arrange around the vegetables.

5. Finally, pour the meat sauce over the grilled meats and then you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your meal!