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.