Sunday, 22. November 2009
Crock-pots… almost everyone has one, but do they use them? Many just stay in the cupboard, completely underused. Slow cooking has been used for hundreds of years to get the most out of food, but it used to be a lot more work than it is today.
Ancient History
People have been slow cooking their meals ever since they learned how to smelt iron and make a pot. A large kettle could be simmering over the fire throughout the day, or a small, covered Dutch oven could be set into the coals for cooking. It has long been known that slow cooking has many benefits for our food. The downside to the old methods is the constant tending needed for the fire, as well as frequent stirring of the food.
Slow cooking tenderizes even tough cuts of meat through the gradual softening of the fibers in the meat. The low heat gradually melts the natural collagen within; making a delicious, thick, and gelatin-rich meal that is full of nutrition. Long cooking times over low heat slowly breaks down the fibers in tough root crops like rutabagas, parsnips, and turnips. It also tenderizes stored crops like dried beans and lentils until they are not only tender, but also delicious.
Today’s Crock Pot
In the’50s, Naxon Utilities Corporation of Chicago created the first slow cooker. It was called the Beanery All Purpose Cooker, and it was designed to help people cook baked beans. It was basically a ceramic pot that fit inside a metal pan with heating elements around the inside. This kept the heat even all around the food, but kept it out of direct contact.
In’70, Rival bought Naxon. They took a look at the Beanery and renamed it the Crock Pot. In the early 70s, more women were working outside the home than ever before. The Crock Pot helped them to still provide a hot meal at the end of the day to their hungry families even though they were working all day.
As the years have passed, the Crock Pot has been improved. With features like removable ceramic inserts for easy cleaning and more settings, it has become more useful than ever before. Unlike older models that only had High and Low settings and were in one piece, making cleaning difficult; the newer models often feature a Warm setting as well as being easier to take care of.
Long ago, women cooked many different meals slowly over the fire. Today, our crock-pots offer even more versatility. Stews, roasts and casseroles are very common meals that are made every day in the crock pot, but you can also make dishes like lasagna, sweet and sour chicken, and even your best chicken noodle soup recipes in your slow cooker.
You can also emulate your ancestors and bake breads by slow cooking. The more you use your crock-pot, the more creative you will get. You may even try desserts and dips if you get adventurous.
When you are choosing a chicken noodle soup recipe you can choose from so many different cuisines. Almost every single one has a version of chicken soup. Do you want one like Grandma used to make? How about a Mexican version? An Asian soup?
Posted in Cooking by Ken Kudra -
Monday, 16. November 2009
The term Expresso coffee derives from the Italian word espresso and translates to brewed for you. This term has been used to identify a particular type of coffee since the beginning of the 20th century. While this method is actually older than that term. Not everyone understands what the term Expresso coffee actually means.
A popular misconception is that Expresso coffee is different than pother coffee because of the beans that are used. This simply is not true. There are specialty beans that are popular with Expresso coffee but they alone do not make a cup of coffee Expresso coffee.
The blend of the beans is also something that is often credited with being what is different with Expresso coffee. Blends just like beans may be made with Expresso coffee in mind but this does not mean that a cup of coffee made with these blends is Expresso coffee.
While others believe that it is the roast. A roast of a coffee pertains to how strong a cup of coffee is. Expresso coffee may very well be bold but not all people prefer their Expresso coffee bold in fact there are some areas of the country that tend to prefer a light roast. The traditional roast in Italy is a medium roast. The roast actually is all up to personal taste.
Most coffees are rated by the type of beans that are used or the blend, but Expresso coffee is different than other coffees due to the fact that it actually relates to the method used to brew the coffee. This does not imply that there are not specific beans and blends that are designed to be used in the brewing process of Expresso but rather that it is the brewing method that is truly unique to Expresso coffee. While it is traditional to serve coffee in a mug or coffee Expresso coffee is actually served in a small cup that resembles a child tea cup. This cup only hold a shot of coffee not a full 8 oz as do most coffee cups. What truly makes Expresso coffee Expresso is that it is brewed under a large amount of pressure using extremely finely ground beans.
Making expresso coffee is a skill. A properly made cup of expresso coffee will have a light brown layer on the top. This layer is known as crema. Crema can only be produced if the coffee is made properly. In order to make an authentic cup of espresso you must have a true espresso machine. The difference in machines is how much pressure is applied to the brewing process.
Brewing the coffee is not the only thing that makes Expresso coffee unique. The way it is properly drank is also a unique experience. Expresso should be held up to the nose and smelled by taking a large whiff of the aroma of the Expresso coffee. Then the coffee should be drunk in several swallows. Then the cup should be placed back on the serving saucer with vigor.
Some people may look at a drinker funny if they add sugar to expresso coffee but actually this practice is accepted in Italy. However to truly savor the expresso coffee it should be drank straight. This will allow you to truly enjoy the experience the way it is intended.
For more information on tassimo t discs or expresso coffee, visit Latte Nite.
Posted in Coffee by Lucia Latte -
Sunday, 15. November 2009
There are many different ways to make pumpkin soup. While you may not be able to think of many variations off the top of your head, there are many different recipes for this soup beyond the creamy classic version. One such easy version involves pouring honey over the pumpkin, garlic, and onions before roasting them. The roasted vegetables are then made into a delicious soup.
Another easy pumpkin soup variation to try is pumpkin and cheese. This is a simple soup you can make using canned pumpkin puree. Simply add in your ingredients like spices, cream, broth, brown sugar and some grated cheddar cheese. Serve this soup with some fresh rolls or melt some grated cheese on top until it is bubbly and delicious.
A further variation on pumpkin soup uses Marsala wine and real maple syrup. The rich flavors combine to create a delicious soup. Always use real maple syrup for this variation. Imitation syrups do not create the same flavors in your soup.
You can also change the flavor of your soup by trying a new cuisine. Take your basic pumpkin soup and change the spices. Before you know it, you will have a Mexican, a Thai, a Haitian, or a Jamaican soup instead. While they all started with the same base, the spices will prevail, changing the flavor and making a new soup.
For a more exotic flavor, try pumpkin ginger soup. Ginger will give this creamy soup a bit of heat and Asian flavor. If you like it hotter you can add some chilies as well. Garnish the soup with a little chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds. If you like a whiter soup, try using white pumpkin. This soup is not your average pumpkin soup! Serve it as an appetizer for an Asian themed meal or serve it alone.
Specialty ingredients can also alter the results of your soup. Bacon adds a nice smokiness to the soup, while chocolate will make the most delicious dessert soup. Pumpkin soup can be spicy, too. Peppers of various types as well as curry and other spices can be used to create a complex flavor. Peanut butter can make a distinctive soup when mixed with pumpkin and sausage. This is a fast recipe that can be put together in a short amount of time.
Ingredients you traditionally associate with fall like apples are often added to pumpkin soup. You can use other winter squashes like butternut or acorn in your soup. Even sweet potatoes will add a new twist, adding their own sweetness and texture. Do not be afraid to use herbs to create different flavor blends in your soup. In the hot days of summer, try a chilled pumpkin soup that will help your guests cool down admirably.
No matter what changes you make to your pumpkin soup, you will be eating a delicious, rich soup that will fill you up. The velvety texture feels good in the mouth and the cream gives you a satisfying taste. Even if you do not have a lot of time you can make pumpkin soup. Simply make it in the crockpot and let it cook while you are busy.
A delicious pumpkin soup recipe will make your holiday dinner spectacular! Imagine serving an appetizer of rich, smooth pumpkin soup on Thanksgiving to all your relatives. They will be oohing and ahhing over the soup so much they may forget the turkey!
Posted in Cooking by Ken Kudra -
Thursday, 12. November 2009
I live in New York, home to some of the best food in the world. The same can be said about coffee too. There are so many great makers of coffee in this city that it’s sometimes hard to keep up with them all.
It was just last week when I stumbled upon my favorite new coffee. In fact, this is the best coffee I’ve ever tried in my life. That’s a really bold statement when you consider how much coffee I actually drink.
The store has its origins in Portland, Oregon, with a few locations throughout the city and some others in Seattle. The founder of the chain moved to New York, and that’s all to our benefit, as the first of a few planned branches has opened here.
Many patrons of Stumptown praise the high quality of the entire menu, but I’ve stuck with the regular house brew so far and it’s excellent. The cafe lattes and the cappuccinos are said by many to be even better than the regular coffee.
You’d be surprised to know that Stumptown coffee doesn’t really cost any more than you’d pay at a major chain, which happens to be a great thing. The atmosphere, though it lacks seating in this particular location, also seems to be one entirely based around the quality of the coffee.
I’m not alone when I say that this is the best coffee I’ve ever had. The chain has won numerous awards, and those who’ve tried it seem to be just as hooked as I am.
Seattle residents are going as far as saying that Stumptown has the best coffee in their city. When a coffee chain is winning the praise of drinkers in a huge coffee city like Seattle, I think the praise speaks for itself.
I can only envy those on the West coast who’ve been fortunate enough to have a Stumptown in their city for the last decade. As for me, I’ll definitely be making the most of my new found obsession.
If you like this author’s style, read his articles about Giorgio Armani suits for men and Armani tuxedos.
Posted in Coffee by Simon Reese -
Friday, 6. November 2009
In North America, pumpkins refer specifically to a certain type of squash that is normally orange in color. In many parts of the world, they call any winter squash a pumpkin. Did you know that there are many uses for traditional pumpkins besides carving them for Halloween or making pumpkin pie?
Both the seeds and flesh of the pumpkin are edible and can be used in many recipes. The seeds are full of zinc, which is a mineral that is necessary for good health. Add the roasted seeds into cereals, snack mixes, breads or just eat them as a snack. If you have tasted pumpkin pie and butternut squash, you have a general idea how the pumpkin flesh will taste. This vegetable can be made into both savory and sweet dishes your family will love.
A whole roasted pumpkin can be quite a sight on the table. Pumpkin can be used to make delicious sweet breads. Drop in a handful of cranberries for a holiday dish. Spread pumpkin butter on your toast in the morning instead of butter. You can also use it in your morning granola with a dollop of yogurt for breakfast. Toss in a few toasted pumpkin seeds too.
Use pumpkin to make rich cakes, muffins, and cupcakes. Their spicy goodness is always welcome. Make a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling to have for the holidays. It tastes great and looks pretty! Pumpkin cheesecake is a seasonal favorite in many places and it is easy to find in the fall and winter. Use pumpkin in cookies and pudding too. All of these recipes are great ways to get more pumpkin in your diet.
While many people have not tried pumpkin soup, it is a delicious way to include this versatile vegetable into a meal. You can make it spicy, creamy, and roasted or you can make it into chowder. Serve it as a complete meal or as an appetizer. Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a few toasted pumpkin seeds for a beautiful presentation.
Pumpkin is great to add to rice or pasta dishes. Try some delicious pumpkin risotto or make a filling for ravioli out of pumpkin. Mix chunks of pumpkin with other vegetables and make a roasted veggie dish. Mix pumpkin with cheese and polenta for something new. Pumpkin is full of vitamins like beta-carotene. Add more to your seasonal dishes and help boost your immune system for winter.
Add pumpkin to your morning by making pumpkin donuts, muffins, scones, and pancakes. Serve your pancakes with whipped topping or syrup. Pumpkin is so versatile it works equally well with sweet or savory. Mix up the flavors by adding crumbled bacon bits to your pancake batter.
Pumpkin ice cream, pie, and tarts can also be a great way to end a meal. They are not as sweet as cakes and cookies. This is a great way to add the flavor of pumpkin to your meal and celebrate the fall season.
Choosing recipes for creamy pumpkin soups will build up your collection of delicious delights for the holiday season. These creamy soups warm you up and taste marvelous. Take some time to explore thick creamy soups. They are truly a gourmet experience.
Posted in Cooking by Ken Kudra -
Tuesday, 3. November 2009
People tend to treat pets as little furry members of the family and protecting the health of loved ones is very important. In order to prolong the life of household pets, namely cats and dogs, annual vaccinations are required. Preventing diseases is less costly than waiting until a disease develops, then trying to treat it. Puppies and kittens both have different vaccinations that are needed to keep them healthy, these shots continue on into adulthood and can be received by animal hospital vaccines london on.
For Puppies- Puppies require vaccines for Kennel Cough, parvovirus, Hepatitis virus, and distemper virus. Puddle drinkers may benefit from being vaccinated for leptospirosis as well. The occurrence of this infection has been increasing greatly. The first visit for most puppies is around 6 to 8 weeks of age. The vaccination schedule is listed below:
When it comes to the puppy vaccinations, starting as early as six weeks, the pup should get the Coronavirus vaccination. They should also get the Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza at six, nine and twelve weeks of age. Other vaccines include Lyme's Disease, Rabies and Giardia.
9 and 12 weeks – Lyme's Disease Vaccine (if dog will be in contact with ticks) with a yearly booster. At 12 weeks Rabies vaccine with a booster 1 year after puppy dose, then however often they are required by the local authorities. 16 weeks – Kennel cough (Bordetelle) is needed if dog is to be boarded, in shows, or attends obedience classes with a yearly booster. 12 and 15 weeks Giardia is recommended for outside dogs, then a yearly booster.
Leptospirosis hasn't always been part of the vaccination schedule. There are a couple of reasons believed to be the cause of the rise in this illness. One reason is that there has been an increasing number of raccoons and skunks in urban areas. The second reason has to do with climate change and how this has caused certain bacteria to flourish. Rabies vaccinations are considered to be important for cats and dogs. Keeping this vaccination current is also beneficial for humans. Animals that are possible carriers of rabies include; bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons.
For Kittens – Vaccines for kittens are needed for Upper Respiratory Viruses and Feline Leukemia, both of which occur more often in outside kittens. The age at which a kitten should have its first visit to the veterinarian is around 6 weeks. The typical vaccinations for kittens include Herpesvirus, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia. You also have rabies, felines infectious peritonitis and feline distemper.
A vaccine against Lyme's disease has only recently been added to the schedule of shots. The bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, is located inside some ticks and is then transferred when the tick bites the cat or dog. This disease has been growing because of the extended range that diseased ticks travel.
Lyme's disease vaccinations haven't always been part of the vaccination schedule. This tick borne illness has been growing in numbers as well. Prevention is always the best medicine, by being better for pets and humans alike. Keeping vaccines current on household pets will prevent any senseless suffering to be endured from an illness that could have been avoided. Obtaining animal hospital vaccines london on, costs less than trying to cure an illness after it begins. In the end, the best interest of your cat and dog should be in your heart. If your pet is ever acting different, you should take him or her to the vet/
Canines and Felines both have varying vaccinations that are needed to keep them happy, healthy and full off life, these shots continue on into adulthood and can be received by animal hospital vaccines london on. More info on Canine, Cat Vaccines London, Ontario,Canada, a mere click away.
Posted in Pets by Trevor Weir -
Sunday, 1. November 2009
If you are a coffee lover, you know how much of a difference the smell of a great cup of coffee makes in your day. There are probably days that it is the only reason you get out of bed. The smell drifts upstairs as you have the timer on your machine and there is nothing you can do to resist that first cup of roasted fresh coffee to start your day.
Everything starts somewhere and for coffee it is with the bean. While tastes may vary, everyone will have their favorite. You may be a nuts and bolts guy and love Maxwell House or you may be fancy pants and prefer a brand like Volcanica so you can get the Blue Mountain Blend. Regardless of what bean you like, there is nothing better than the flavor that roasted fresh coffee provides for you.
For the perfect cup of coffee, you’ll want to start with whole roasted fresh coffee beans that you grind yourself. By the way, you should only buy small quantities of whole beans, maybe enough for 1 or 2 months at a time and keep them in an air tight container to preserve freshness.
With the amount of companies out there that specialize in coffee these days, it is no surprise that there are plenty of coffee lovers who don’t even make coffee at home. Their quest is to get out of bed and get to the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks soon after awakening so their day can start. They are merely going through the motions until the first sip takes place.
If you brew your own coffee, an obvious consideration is your coffee maker. This is something that you can spend as little or as much as you want, depending upon what is important to you. There are those who merely need to get the coffee into their system to function so these individuals will buy just about any machine to get the magical black juice. However, if you are a true lover of coffee, you are at least going to make sure you get a machine with the optimal brewing temperature of 200 degrees.
On your quest for the perfect machine, do a lot of research and don’t believe everything you read. If you want an honest opinion, go to a neutral reviewing site or check out forums that are aimed at coffee lovers. Even after all of that, you are still going to want to taste a cup before you buy it. Most decent sellers will have machines of various types up and brewing so you can try the coffee from the machine.
There is no measure too far out for the perfect cup of coffee. If you don’t subscribe to this theory, then you’re probably not a die hard coffee lover, you are just using it for its magical powers. Then again, maybe you just haven’t had the perfect cup of roasted fresh coffee yet!
When you are considering buying gaggia platinum vision you should start to consider if you will use them at home. Like any shiny new thing it may seem like a great idea but if you aren’t going to use them then dont buy. Home coffee machines
Posted in Coffee by Bart Jones -
Friday, 30. October 2009
More and more consumers are realizing the need to evolve with the times to get green smart. Growing organic produce is the ultimate starting point for such environmentally friendly projects, thus the increase in the popularity of organic beverages.
Organic coffee beans derive from coffee trees grown under an awning of taller growing trees and plants, usually banana trees. These natural tree awnings are the perfect shield allowing just enough sunlight and rain to seep through. 50% shade is ideal for the slow growing conditions sought. The falling plant leaves serve as a natural compost and mulch layer at the bottom of the coffee plants to retain moisture and top quality soil profile. No synthetic pesticides may be used on organically certified products.
Coffee beans enjoy a very large market share and are of highest value to traders with an estimated 70 Billion US Dollars trade value capacity. In previous years pricing had been manipulated and farmers were easily paid peanuts for their efforts and hard work, but with continued economic development, minimum prices for the beans have been set, counteracting the harsh effects of dips in the business cycle.
When ready for harvesting, seeds are carefully picked from the coffee trees as a tree produces a mere 2.20 pounds of coffee beans per year. The beans are soaked in water until no pulp is present around the seeds. The seeds are then dried in the sun and weighed. After the weighing, the seeds are prepared for their long journey across the world to various coffee drinking countries. The seeds are sacked and re-weighed where it’s then stored in special organic produce store rooms and safe guarded until auction and final shipment is done.
A downside to organic produce is the scarcity of the products. Organic foods have a tendency to be associated with higher prices to consumers due to the products’ steeper pricing in relation to conventional products. Prices are higher due to various direct and indirect influences such as low yields, higher labor requirements, business start-up financing and additional land needs.
Farmers of organic coffee beans have strict guidelines to following. The guidelines are prescribed by relevant Independent organic certifying organizations, Fair Trade and KNCU. These rules and regulations are drafted according to international supply standards. Compliance with these organizational requirements is a feather in the hat of the farmer as he or she knows the organic produce planted and cared for on his farm meets high international standard.
Farmers of organic coffee beans and their nations make a commitment to changing their lives for the better by taking positive actions in countries often labeled as third world. By participating in farming of organic coffee beans, these farmers are helping to build up their communities, establish better health care and education opportunities as well as creating brighter economic futures.
If you are looking at gaggia platinum vision you need to think if you will use them at home. Like any shiny new thing it may seem like a great idea but if you aren’t going to use them then dont buy. Home coffee machines
Posted in Coffee by Bart Forcey -
Saturday, 24. October 2009
One important part of dog training is to teach him to eat properly. The dog must be taught to eat anywhere, be it outdoors or indoors. He should not cause any trouble when you take him out.
An important part of dog training is to train him to use the crate. Then you can carry the crate anywhere. The puppy should be trained to sit in the crate. As far as potty training is concerned, you should buy a flexi leash and train the dog to go potty there.
The dog should be trained to stay quiet when you are driving the vehicle. He should sit quietly. You can then reward him by giving him his favorite thing to eat. So he will follow your order every time and not make a lot of noise when you are driving.
You can use the dog training session to establish a good and respectful relationship with your dog. If the dog is trained well, you will be confident of controlling him in any situation.
You should never beat or kick your puppy. This will have a bad effect on him and he will not accept your orders. You can warn the dog by saying “No”. Also teach him to use the toilet every time and clean the spot where he urinates sometimes.
Dogs often chew furniture and other things. You can stop them from doing so by giving them nice chewing toys that they can chew. This will also prevent them from getting bored and you will be able to remove their habit of chewing furniture.
Foul tasting but non toxic substances are available at various store. These can be painted onto objects so that the dog does not chew them. It is also possible to use the Aversion therapy with much success.
Obedience training has to be done carefully. Do not use complex commands that will only confuse your dog. The training sessions must not be very long and boring. You should also not use force on your puppy.
Find out more tips on Potty Training For Older Dogs. Read more on Boxer Dog Obedience.
Posted in Pets by Albert Wayne -
Friday, 23. October 2009
Are you someone who has a lot of trouble telling different kinds of steak apart? It is not an uncommon tendency, particularly among those of us who eat our steak mostly in restaurants. However, if you would like to start making your own steak dinners at home, you can learn how to do it. Let us take a look at the options available and the best ways to prepare them.
Rib Eye – A good cut for beginners and popular all round choice in restaurants, this fatty steak is flavorful and juicy, and works well in most cooking situations, whether broiled, grilled, or pan-fried.
New York Strip – A tender, versatile cut of meat, New York Strip is also pretty flavorful, and is prepared best by grilling or pan-frying. Skip broiling this one, and trim fat only after you have cooked the steak to retain the most flavor.
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 – We have all heard of the t-bone, a combination tenderloin and New York Strip. Porterhouse steaks are a kind of large, tender t-bone steak that is cut further up the loin. They can be pretty tricky to cook, since the bone makes it hard to cook evenly throughout. This is not a steak for those who prefer their meat well done, and it does not sear or pan fry well. Try broiling or grilling a t-bone for best results.
Flank Steak – A long, thin cut that is usually used in London Broil; this is also a favorite in grilling season. The large size of this cut makes it great for serving more people. Remember that this is a flavorful steak, but the flavor comes with toughness. Marinate it and broil or grill whole, then slice on the diagonal, across the grain.
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.
You can make a great steak marinade out of ingredients you already have in your kitchen. If you would prefer to follow a real recipe, check out the many choices at EasySteakMarinades.net for some delicious marinades. Your steak will thank you for it and so will your hungry family.
Posted in Cooking by K.C. Kudra -