Ideas To Plan A Fondue Party

Use bread and fruit at your fondue party.

Fondue was popular during the 1970s, faded out and has slowly come back into the world of food. Hosting a fondue party can bring back that love of the 1970s while sharing food with your friends and family. Eating fondue can also be fun way to entertain because it's a bit messy and requires no utensils.

Theme

Choose a theme to make your fondue party stand out from just a regular dinner party. Go back in time when fondue was popular and ask guests to dress up in their best 1970s wear, serve food that was popular during that time and make the decor reflect the period. Or if you want to make the fondue party more fancy, have all your guests dress up and decorate with your finest china, crystal or other fancy items.

Set-Up

Setting up your tables for a fondue party can be one of the most important details. You need to know how many people are coming, if anyone is allergic to anything, how many courses you'll be serving, how many place settings you'll need and what fondue accessories you need. Decide if you want guests to sit at a table like a dinner party or if you want the fondue pots to be placed out buffet-style. Place the fondue pots so that everyone can reach them and place enough pieces of cut-up food in front of each guest. Have plenty of drinks on hand for your guests, as well.

Types of Fondue

Serve everyone at your party with a meat, vegetable, bread and dessert course from your fondue pots. Dip vegetables and bread into a cheese fondue. Use vegetables like potato cubes, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and bell pepper wedges, and types of bread like cubes of sourdough or ciabatta. For the meat course, use a fondue made of cooking oil or broth. Use cooked meat like beef, chicken, pork sausage cut into chunks or even shrimp. For the dessert course, melted chocolate is typically used for dipping chunks of fresh fruit, marshmallows, pound cake and brownies.

Hosting

As a host, you're able to control who is invited, what is served and when the party is taking place. But you also have to be responsible for the set-up, clean-up and preparation of all the food. Be prepared, have fun but expect for things to not go perfectly. Have plenty of napkins on hand or place bibs out for each guest, because fondue can get messy. Place an old table cloth onto the table with the fondue pots so that any drips or messes will hit the table cloth and not your tabletop.

Tags: fondue party, fondue pots, your fondue, dessert course, dinner party, each guest

Substitute Fresh Tomatoes For Canned Diced Tomatoes

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for dicing.

Canned diced tomatoes are a convenient item to keep in your pantry, negating the need to keep fresh tomatoes on hand. However, if you happen to make a recipe that calls for canned diced tomatoes and only have fresh tomatoes, you can substitute. You must alter the fresh tomatoes slightly before using them, rather than simply chopping them up and adding them to the recipe. To substitute fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes you will need approximately five minutes to prepare them.

Instructions

1. Slice a tomato in half and use a spoon to scoop out its seeds. Remove any of the watery innards, leaving only the tomato's flesh.

2. Dice the tomato with a sharp knife and place the pieces into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the tomato on high for 30 seconds. This removes some of the fruit's water to prevent adding too much liquid to your recipe.

3. Pour the tomato out of the bowl and into a strainer. Press the tomato lightly with a spoon to squeeze out extra moisture. Measure the diced pieces to determine how much volume one tomato yields. This allows you to judge how many more tomatoes you should dice for your recipe.

4. Repeat the dicing and microwaving process with the rest of the tomatoes required for your recipe. Do not add the tomatoes to the recipe until they are all diced. Measure them carefully before adding them to the recipe.

Tags: diced tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, your recipe, adding them, adding them recipe

Make Easy Cole Slaw

yummy coleslaw

Coleslaw is great to serve as a side with most any meal and is especially delicious with a barbecued steak, burgers, hot dogs or fish. Make easy coleslaw and serve along with a side french fries for a complete meal.

Instructions

1. Go to your favorite supermarket. Go to the condiment section where they sell mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup. Buy a small or large bag of prepared chopped cabbage that is ready to be made into coleslaw.

2. Buy a bottle or jar of prepared coleslaw mix. There are a few brands and some that are lower in calories. Follow the directions on the bottle that tells how much to use when you make coleslaw.

3. Walk over to the produce department, where they sell lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and small or larger bags of already prepared shredded cabbage to make the coleslaw. Find the small or large plastic bag that says it is specifically used only to make coleslaw.

4. Go home and take out a mixing bowl and a wooden mixing spoon. Pour as much as the prepared coleslaw into the bowl, pour an amount of the coleslaw mix needed for that amount of coleslaw. Gently stir using using a fork or spoon. Cover and put in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill.

Tags: make coleslaw, amount coleslaw, prepared coleslaw, small large, they sell

Cream Salads

A dessert salad can be presented as a sundae in a cup.

A good salad is more than the sum of its raw parts. From meat-laden appetizers to fruity desserts, salads are a versatile dish that can fit into any meal. Cream salads, for example, can add a sweet or rich flavor when paired with everything from burger cookouts to pasta entrees. A crowd-pleasing cream salad can be anything from a fluffy fruit salad to a rich chocolate dessert and is usually quite easy to prepare and serve.

Fruit Salads

Fruit salads pair fresh or canned fruit with sweet cream toppings like whip creams and puddings. What separates fruit salad from fruit cocktail is that fruit salads are made with larger pieces of fruit. Pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, apples, grapes, pears and blueberries can all be mixed with plain or flavored yogurt, whipped topping or whipped cream to make sweet, refreshing fruit salads. Choose many fruits or one, like strawberries; mix a bowl of whipped topping with strawberry or vanilla jello crystals and toss it with fresh strawberries for a sweet summer salad.

Dessert Salads

Serve a dessert salad in a bowl, or in layers, rather than baked in a dish. Use whipped cream, whipped topping, puddings and jellies for a cream base in a dessert salad. Mix cookies, graham crackers and candy pieces as well as ice cream and flavored toppings for a sweet salad treat. For example, consider the classic "Cookies n' Cream" dessert salad recipe made with sandwich cookies, cream cheese, whipped cream and pudding.

Potato Salads

The taste of a potato salad varies depending on the region of the country you're in. A basic potato salad contains potatoes and mayonnaise, salad dressing or other thick creams. From there, each family and store recipe varies depending on what is added. Mix chopped red onions, broccoli, mustard, relish and fresh Russet, Idaho, small red or even sweet potatoes for a tangy and flavorful cream salad.

Macaroni Salads

If you think of "salad" as an exclusively healthy, low-fat, low-calorie dish, you'll want to steer clear from macaroni salad. Like potato salads, macaroni salads feature cream in the form of mayonnaise, salad dressing or other creamed, fatty spreads paired with pasta, spices and often cheese as well as vegetables. Other less common ingredients that can be added to a macaroni salad include ham, chicken and crab. One quick, easy and not entirely unhealthy macaroni salad recipe includes prepared mac n' cheese with light or fat-free mayonnaise or salad dressing, chopped celery, onions, sun dried tomatoes and a splash of Italian dressing.

Tags: dessert salad, macaroni salad, mayonnaise salad, mayonnaise salad dressing, salad dressing

Make Chutney

uncooked plum chutney

Chutney, a condiment ot Indian origin, is a sweet-and-sour cross between relish and preserves. It can be made from many fruits and used as a spread for toast or crackers, as a glaze for meats or just as a dip.

Instructions

Make Chutney

1. Cut the peaches and plums in half and take the pits out. Leaving the skin on, chop the fruit into small pieces and put in a bowl. Use peaches and plums that are ripe but without bruises.

2. Peel and mince the onion. You want tiny pieces so the taste will compliment the rest of the ingredients, not overpower them.

3. Reserve 1 cup of the fruit. Add the brown sugar and the rest of the plums and peaches to a large nonstick pot. Next, add the ginger, clove and vinegar and mix.

4. Cook the chutney on medium heat for about 50 minutes. Stir often to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

5. Put the reserved cup of fruit in the mixture. Add the minced onions and cook for 10 minutes more. This give your chutney a chunky texture and appearance.

6. Remove the pan from the heat. The chutney will continue to thicken slightly as it cools down. You can eat your chutney now or store in the refrigerator for one to two weeks.

Tags: Make Chutney, peaches plums, your chutney

Get To The Center Of A Tootsie Pop

The Tootsie Pop: the candy that has inspired decades of sage-like musings. Getting to the center of these chewy suckers remains a topic of fascination in spite of the fact that we've known all along what lies inside. Heck, it's in the name itself. In any event, there are several ways to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

Instructions

1. Pick your poison. A Tootsie Pop's chewy chocolate center is protected by a thick shell of hard candy whose flavors are indicated by the various colored wrappers. Special editions and holiday versions aside, your classic choices will be grape, cherry, orange, chocolate and raspberry.

2. Try the lick method. The age-old question, after all, is "How many licks?" This method should only be employed if you are committed to spending a great deal of time licking and counting. So as not to lose count, it is suggested that you stop occasionally to write your current tally down. Few people have seen this experiment through without cheating, so good luck.

3. Pop the lollipop in your mouth. Sucking is still a gradual process, but it's a heck of a lot faster than a barrage of licks. Your tongue may very well thank you for the hardship it will be spared. After a few minutes, a chocolaty core will be your reward.

4. Suck the Tootsie Pop until you see the first telltale hints of chewy goodness, then bite down. In this case, it will be the roof of your mouth that thanks you for being spared, as continual Tootsie Pop consumption can sometimes rub the area raw. This method allows you to enjoy the tactile sensation of chewy mixed with hard candy crunch.

5. Unwrap the Tootsie Pop and simply chomp down. The owl in the commercial managed to pull it off after only three licks. However, your teeth may not thank you for attempting this approach.

6. Crack the sucker on a hard surface, thus shattering the protective barrier and getting straight to the heart of the matter. In this case, you may feel robbed of the sense of accomplishment you can only get from working your way through the fruity shell to get to the prize.

Tags: hard candy, this case, This method, your mouth

Stuff An Olive

An olive is not just some bar snack any longer. Today's olive is sophisticated and mouthwatering, especially when stuffed. Whether they are filled with hazelnuts, mushrooms, almonds, or other goodies, stuffed olives are a great compliment to any martini or snack tray. Here is a recipe make your own.

Instructions

1. Buy large unpitted Spanish green olives and whatever goody you'd like to stuff inside of them.

2. Pit your olives using your olive pitter. Simply place your olive inside the pitter and squeeze until the pit pops out. Discard the pit.

3. Chop or cut your filling into small pieces that will fit inside the hole you've just created with the pitter.

4. Stuff your olives with the filling. There's no perfect science here. Things like nuts are easier to stuff than soft items like cheeses. To help with this task, use soft spread knives, toothpicks or cocktail forks.

5. Return your olives into the jar and store in the fridge. Hold onto the olive juice; once you're done stuffing and you return the olives to their jar, they will continue to marinate and flavor your filling.

Tags: your olives, your filling, your olive

Where Did Parmesan Cheese Originate

Parmesan cheese has been produced for hundreds of years. The DiWine Taste Wine Culture and Information website indicates that authentic Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is still produced the same way that it was originally made.

History

Parmesan cheese originated in the Po Valley in Italy during the Middle Ages. Elizabeth Jahncke, researcher for American University, explains that the cheese was created by Benedictine Monks who settled in the valley around 800 years ago. They raised cattle and cultivated lucerne and clover for them to eat, and they experimented with cheese-making until they created a formula that worked.

Alternate Theory

DiWine Taste suggests that Parmesan cheese may be much older than 800 years. The ancient Roman scholars Varro, Martial and Columella mention a cheese similar to Parmesan that was made early in the Christian era. Its characteristics were already well known hundreds of years before the Benedictine monks began producing it.

Significance

Approximately 600 artisans in the Po Valley region have a permit to continue producing Parmesan cheese using the original methods of producing and preserving it. Only cheese that is produced by these artisans is allowed to be marked as authentic Parmagiano Reggiano.

Tags: Parmesan cheese, DiWine Taste, hundreds years

Substitutes For Orange Juice Concentrate

Orange juice is a common ingredient in cooking.

Orange juice concentrate is a very common ingredient in cooking and baking. This product is made from fresh orange juice that has been processed to remove water content. Concentrated orange juice is usually pasteurized and frozen to ensure freshness as well as long storage. Recipes use it to add flavor or sweetness to food and it has a thicker consistency than regular juice, so replacements should be made carefully.There are several substitutions that will work depending on the dish and cooking process.

Orange or Citrus Marmalade

Orange or citrus marmalade can be used in sauces and marinades instead of orange juice concentrate. Marmalade is sweeter than the juice concentrate in most cases, so a few adjustments must be made to produce an end result similar in flavor to the original recipe.The best modification to make is to reduce the sugar required in the recipe or add a small splash of lemon juice or rice vinegar to cut the sweetness of the jam. It is not recommended to use this substitution for baking or cocktails.

Blended Orange Juice Concentrates

There are many different juice blends available to consumers, even combinations that include vegetables such as carrots, yams and yellow or red peppers. These blends still provide a kick of orange flavour and the sweetness associated with it. It is important to consider the application when choosing a juice blend. For example, orange-banana and strawberry has a recognizable berry taste that might not work in sauces but might be appropriate in an ice cream recipe. These orange blends should be used in the same quantity as the straight orange juice concentrate, simply thaw and measure.

Orange Liqueur

Orange flavored liqueur is a good substitute for concentrated orange juice. This substitution is appropriate only in small quantities and not for dishes meant for people who abstain from alcohol. Obviously the alcohol content must be taken into consideration when adding it to a recipe. Keep in mind sauces will flambe when exposed to flame. These liqueurs are not as sweet or intensely orange as the juice concentrate so extra adjustments can be made such as a little zest and a squeeze of fresh orange juice.

Orange Extract

If a recipe calls for a couple tablespoons of orange juice concentrate for flavouring then orange extract can be a viable substitution. Orange extract is not as sweet as the juice so a tablespoon of added sugar is also advisable to create the correct flavour profile. Orange extract mixed with lemon juice and sugar can also be used in sauces where the liquid will be reduced slowly. This mixture will also be effective in marinades but not glazes where more sugar is required.

Tags: juice concentrate, orange juice concentrate, common ingredient, common ingredient cooking, fresh orange, fresh orange juice, ingredient cooking

Serve Cheesecake

There are geniuses in this world that have done wonderful things to advance society and enhance our way of living. But none should be more celebrated than the inventors of cheesecake. They had the foresight to combine two of our favorite foods, cheese and cake, and turn them into a sinful dessert. Here's serve cheesecake properly at your next dinner party.

Instructions

1. Remove the cheesecake from the spring-loaded cake mold. After the cheesecake has cooled and formed, it's time for you to carefully remove the mold to avoid any cracking in the center of the cheesecake. Pop the spring latch (found on the side of the mold) and gently pull it up over the mold.

2. Cut and divide your cheesecake into the appropriate number of slices to serve your dinner party or family. Remember that cheesecake is very rich, so when you serve it, smaller slices are definitely in order. You should be able to get 12 slices out of your average sized cheesecake.

3. Lift each piece of cheesecake with your pie spatula. Try your best not to break the crust underneath of the cheesecake. Then, gently place the cheesecake on the plate.

4. Add a fruit garnish or topping to the cheesecake when you serve it. Popular toppings on plain cheesecake are strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries. Some people also drizzle chocolate or caramel sauces on top as well. Add a fork and the cheesecake is now ready to serve to friends and family at your dinner party.

Tags: dinner party, when serve, your dinner, your dinner party

Deep Fry Fresh Catfish Fillets

Fried catfish fillets are a Southern staple and you can enjoy the down home taste in your own kitchen with this simple recipe. Making perfectly golden brown and crispy catfish is easy.

Instructions

1. Heat the cooking oil to 325 degrees. You may use a deep fryer or a frying pan. A deep fryer is easier because it ensures even cooking without you having to watch the fish and turn it. If you’re using a frying pan, the cast iron variety is best as it holds heat more evenly than a thinner frying pan.

2. Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

3. Dump the seasoned salt and yellow corn meal into a bag. You can use a paper or plastic grocery bag if you have one handy, or any sort of container with a lid.

4. Drop the catfish fillets into the flour and shake the bag gently but thoroughly until the catfish is covered with flour and seasoning mixture.

5. Sprinkle a pinch of the flour into the hot oil. If the oil sizzles or pops, it’s ready for cooking. If the oil merely rolls a bit, it needs to be heated a few minutes more. You want the oil to be hot so that it immediately sizzles when you put the catfish in. This seals in the flavor of the fried catfish fillets.

6. Place the catfish in the hot oil. You may have to cook two batches, depending upon how large a deep fryer or frying pan you have.

7. Cook the catfish for about five minutes or until golden brown. If you’re using a frying pan, turn the catfish fillets over with a fork halfway through cooking.

8. Place the fish onto a bed of two or three thick paper towels to drain for two minutes, then serve piping hot.

Tags: catfish fillets, deep fryer, deep fryer frying, fryer frying, golden brown, paper towels

What Is A Mardi Gras Theme

Throw your own Mardi Gras-themed celebration by imitating Mardi Gras traditions.

A Mardi Gras theme can be applied to any type of celebration. This themed event would imitate the Mardi Gras celebrations that occur on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent for Catholics. Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday," celebrations have now become a staple throughout the world with brightly colored decorations, king cake and other festive foods and drinks, Mardi Gras-inspired music, and Mardi Gras costumes.

Decorations

A themed Mardi Gras celebration should have brightly colored decorations with plenty of greens, purples and golds. These are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras with green meaning faith, purple representing justice, and gold symbolizing power. Other decorations include jester related items and plenty of beads hanging everywhere.

Food

Several important foods should be included for any Mardi Gras themed celebration. King cakes are an important part of the traditional Mardi Gras celebrations. These cakes are shaped in an oval and represent the three kings that came to visit Jesus when he was first born. They are decorated with the traditional green, gold and purple colors of Mardi Gras, and the cake should also have a small toy baby baked into the cake, symbolizing Jesus. The person who finds the baby in their slice will supposedly experience good luck. Other foods could include anything Cajun or New Orleans-inspired such as crawfish and gumbo.

Drinks

Hurricanes are the staple for any Mardi Gras celebration. Hurricanes are a mix of rums and juices that take on a red-like hue. Other popular Mardi Gras drinks include spicy Bloody Marys and Mint Juleps. Since Mardi Gras celebrations encourage going against social conventions, really any kind of drink would work for a Mardi Gras party.

Music

To help set the Mardi Gras theme, play jazz, blues and anything Cajun. This music should be high energy and fun to encourage people to dance and let go of their inhibitions. Music with brass instruments, such as saxophones and trumpets, are also included in Mardi Gras celebrations.

Costumes and Masks

Dressing in crazy costumes is another entertaining aspect of celebrating Mardi Gras. Many people wear masks and decorate them any way they want with lots of purple, green and gold feathers and jewels. These masks imitate the jester decorations and also symbolize freedom so people can behave unlike they normally would without worrying about being identified.

Tags: Mardi Gras, Gras celebrations, Mardi Gras celebrations, anything Cajun, brightly colored, brightly colored decorations, colored decorations

Make Pancakes With Dog Faces

Refrigerate extra pancakes made on the weekend to enjoy any morning of the week.

Fluffy pancakes are a special treat usually reserved for lazy Saturday or Sunday mornings, when mom or dad has extra time to fire up the griddle and create the perfect pancake for the kids. Regular circle-shaped pancakes are great, but it is simple to make cute and delicious dog-shaped pancakes.

Instructions

1. Pour the pancake batter into the uncapped squeeze bottle.

2. Replace the squeeze bottle's lid securely.

3. Squeeze the pancake batter onto a hot, nonstick griddle into the outline of a dog's head. Add dot eyes, nose, mouth and ears.

4. Allow the batter to brown for 30 to 45 seconds.

5. Fill in the dog's head and ears with more batter, completely covering the original batter.

6. Cook until bubbles appear on the exposed surface of the pancake.

7. Flip pancakes and continue to cook for another 30 to 45 seconds, or until pancakes are browned on the other side.

Tags: pancake batter, squeeze bottle

Make Rice Krispy Treats

A favorite among preschoolers and the young at heart, rice krispy treats are an absolute delight treat for crowds all around. Whether they are cut in squares or in rounds, they are so much fun to eat. Whatever the special occasion, whatever reason you want to have a special treat, it is always a good time to eat and always the right time to make rice krispy treats. Read on to learn make rice krispy treats.

Instructions

1. Assemble everything you need to make the treats: Rice Krispies cereal, butter (or margarine) and marshmallows. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Melt the stick of butter over low heat in a large saucepan. Slowly add marshmallows and stir the butter and marshmallow mixture until it is completely melted.

3. Remove the butter and marshmallow mixture from the heat. Do not allow the mixture to cool before the next step.

4. Stir the Rice Krispies cereal to the mixture until the cereal is well coated.

5. Add peanut butter to the cereal mixture for an added flavor boost.

6. Use a buttered spatula or waxed paper to press the cereal mixture into the buttered pan. Press the mixture down thoroughly to cover all sides and edges of the pan.

7. Cut the Rice Krispy treats into two-inch squares after the mixture has cooled in the pan. Store the treats in an airtight plastic bowl or a large plastic bag.

Tags: cereal mixture, krispy treats, rice krispy treats, butter marshmallow, butter marshmallow mixture, Krispies cereal

Breakfast Recipe Ideas With Bacon

Breakfast Recipe Ideas With Bacon

Create your own one-dish meals and easy breakfast sandwiches to enjoy bacon as more than just a side dish to your eggs. Add bacon in whole slices, or break it into to pieces to include it in your favorite breakfast recipes. Try out different smoked bacon flavors, including hickory, mesquite and applewood, or sample peppered or maple-flavored bacon to find the perfect fit for your meal.

Bread

Put together your favorite bread, muffin or biscuit recipe, and add chunks of bacon for an interesting texture and flavor. Consider adding onions, red pepper and garlic along with the bacon. Serve the bread with scrambled eggs, breakfast casseroles and quiches.

Burritos

Use bacon and eggs to design your own breakfast burrito instead of ground beef and beans. Include cheese, potatoes or peppers to the burrito for more flavors, and then bake it in the oven. Use salsa, chopped tomatoes, onions and sour cream to top the finished meal.

Casserole

Make an easy one-dish breakfast casserole for any busy morning. Place layers of eggs, bacon and your favorite spices in a baking dish. Add bread to the dish such as bagels, English muffins and toast, or consider including hash browns or country potatoes instead. Top the casserole with shredded or sliced cheese.

Quiche

Create a quiche that will have your friends begging for more. Scramble eggs, add bacon bits and pour it into a pre-made piecrust. Include ingredients like spinach, tomatoes or asparagus in the mixture for extra flavor. Sprinkle the top with your favorite cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan or cheddar. Bake the entire quiche in the oven until golden brown.

Sandwiches

Add bacon to your favorite breakfast sandwich. Top toasted bagels, English muffins, bread and even pancakes with scrambled or fried eggs, add bacon slices and your favorite condiments to the bread and serve hot. Consider chopping the bacon and adding it to the eggs instead of using slices.

Tags: your favorite, eggs bacon, bacon your, bacon your favorite, bagels English, bagels English muffins

Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a hearty, comforting dish popular in the winter months throughout the United States. Common to many different ethnic groups, split pea soup has been enjoyed around the world for centuries and continues to be renowned for its delicious taste, ease to make and affordability. For families with a strict food budget, split pea soup makes an ideal, inexpensive cold weather dinner packed with flavor and protein.

History

Split pea soup has been eaten by man for thousands of years, with record of the dish being made and sold by street vendors in Greek and Roman society as early as 500 to 400 B.C. Many cultures have relied on the dish in times when meat protein sources were hard to come by, primarily in the winter.

Since the pea was commonly grown throughout Europe, variations of split pea soup were present in the regional cuisine of Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom. Split pea soup was often associated with the poorer classes since peas were easy to cultivate and meat was often too costly for the working classes.

European colonization of North America brought split pea soup to Canada and the United States, where the dish is still widely eaten today.

Features

While there are many different ways to make split pea soup, a standard recipe will call for dried green split peas, vegetables like onions, carrots and celery, herbs that may include garlic, thyme, bay leaves, parsley and marjoram, ham hocks, bacon or sausage, and salt and pepper.

The peas should be simmered in water with the vegetables, herbs and ham hocks or other meat until they are soft, between 1 and 2 hours if the peas were not soaked, and 40 minutes to an hour if the peas were soaked. At this point the split pea soup can be pureed if desired and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Split pea soup should be served when very hot to avoid lumping. Common accompaniments for split pea soup include ham or sausage and warm bread.

Considerations

For the best split pea soup, most professional and at home chefs recommend soaking the peas before cooking. Dried peas should be placed in a large pot, covered with water, and allowed to sit and soak for several hours or overnight. Soaking peas does help to eliminate some of the cooking time for split pea soup and ensures that the peas will reach the desired softness.

While some people prefer to eat their split pea soup without blending, others like to make their split pea soup completely smooth after cooking by using an immersion blender to puree the soup.

Benefits

Many people enjoy eating split pea soup for its affordability and health benefits. Dried split peas are very inexpensive, with a pound often selling for only a dollar or less. The vegetable, herb and meat additions to split pea soup are also readily available and quite affordable, making the dish ideal for those trying to make a hearty meal without spending much money.

Split pea soup also makes a low-fat, protein-filled meal that is full of fiber and folate, making it a good choice for modern health-conscious eaters.

Prevention/Solution

During the cooking process of split pea soup, the peas will absorb a considerable amount of water. To avoid ruining the dish by having peas burn on the bottom of the pot or harden, it is important to frequently check the water level of the split pea soup while cooking. If the water looks low, more should be added to ensure the split pea soup turns out creamy and flavorful.

Tags: split soup, split soup, peas were, many different, peas should, peas were soaked, peas will

Buy Natchitoches Meat Pies

Natchitoches meat pies are a Cajun tradition. Each pie is made of meat, cajun seasoning and some special spices that will leave your mouth watering. So if you're looking to buy some Natchitoches meat pies, here are some tips on where to find them.

Instructions

1. Go to the Meat Pie Festival. It is held every year in mid-September in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana where the meat pies were created. At the festival, you'll be able to taste crawfish pies, Natchitoches meat pies and more. For information, check out meatpiefestival.com.

2. Visit Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant. Located right in the heart of Natchitoches, Louisiana, they have built a world famous business on Natchitoches meat pies. Eat in the restaurant or order them to go. For more information, check out lasyones.com.

3. Order them right online. There are several companies that will ship Cajun goodies right to your door. One of the best is Cajun Grocer. Visit cajungrocer.com to place your order. They even ship overnight.

4. Special order them through your grocery store. Since Natchitoches are a regionalized food, it can be tough to find them in other parts of the country other than the South. Stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods will place special orders for their customers. Simply speak with the manager and you'll have your Natchitoches meat pies before you know it.

Tags: meat pies, Natchitoches meat, Natchitoches meat pies, find them, information check

Store Ground Beef & Freeze Dried Ground Beef

It's important to store your ground beef properly or you risk spoiling the meat.

Some people purchase their ground beef at a local grocery store or deli, and then use the meat to cook. Others buy the ground beef freeze dried, which requires rehydrating before cooking, but lasts a long period of time. Both of these different types of ground beef have different storage tactics, and it's important you store them correctly or else the ground beef can spoil.

Instructions

Freeze-Dried Ground Beef

1. Pour the freeze-dried ground beef into a resealable bag. Write the current date on the bag with a permanent marker.

2. Find a cool, dry place in your home to store the freeze-dried ground beef, such as the pantry or a cabinet.

3. Recheck the bag once every few months, and discard the freeze-dried ground beef when the meat gets over 1 year old.

Ground Beef

4. Label a resealable bag with the current date using the permanent marker. Wrap the ground beef in the plastic food wrap to help prevent freezer burn.

5. Place the ground beef in the bag and shut the bag tightly so no air is in the bag.

6. Store the ground beef in the bag for four months at the most to ensure maximum freshness.

Tags: ground beef, ground beef, freeze-dried ground beef, current date, freeze-dried ground, Ground Beef, important store

Meat And Cheese Appetizer Ideas

A fancier version of a meat and cheese platter will impress guests.

The decor may be perfect and the guest list finalized, but no party is complete without the food. Make things easy on yourself and serve finger food appetizers. While the meat and cheese platter is a staple appetizer at many parties, it can get a little boring. Get a little creative and serve other meat and cheese appetizers sure to win the favor of your guests.

Meat and Cheese Kabobs

Put your favorite meat and favorite cheese together on a skewer. You can create cold skewers with thick chunks of pepperoni, salami and mozzarella balls. For hot meat and cheese skewers, combine blue cheese and ground beef to make mini blue cheese burgers and place those on a stick. Another idea is to thread a piece of sliced deli meat and thread it through a skewer with blocks of cheese in between.

Meat and Cheese Pastries

Hot, melted cheese blends well with meat wrapped up in a warm breaded or pastry crust. Take your favorite version of a meat and cheese pastry such as a stromboli, calzone or a ham and cheese turnover and either cut it up into small, bite-size portions, or make mini versions. As these are best-served warm, serve them on a hot plate or routinely place in the oven to keep warm during the party.

Sausage Cheese Balls

For this appetizer, use a variety of sausages, some mild and some spicy with different seasonings and flavors. Combine the sausage with complementary cheeses. For instance, combine a spicy pork sausage with cheddar cheese or combine a chicken sausage with feta cheese. Bake the sausages in the oven and serve with party toothpicks. Provide a dipping sauce as well.

Crostini

Get creative with this crusty bread appetizer by using different kinds of hot, cooked meat. Cook and thinly slice beef, chicken and turkey, and place them on small slices of French bread that has been brushed with melted butter. Layer meat with a slice of cheese and a vegetable if you would like. Bake the crostinis in the oven just until the cheese starts to melt and serve warm.

Tags: sausage with, blue cheese, cheese platter, make mini, meat cheese, meat cheese

Store Fresh Mint

No matter what you plan to use it for, you may be wondering how exactly to go about storing your fresh mint. And with the price of any fresh herb today, it's a very good and valid question. Hey, if money grew on trees, most of us would have a whole orchard in our back yard. But, since that isn't possible, you may want to take a look at the steps below for some fairly easy storage tips to make your mint last longer.

Instructions

Paper Towel Method

1. Wrap your fresh mint in a damp paper towel, making sure that it is not soaking wet. If you drench your towel with too much water, just gently wring it out before wrapping the mint.

2. Place the wrapped mint in a plastic bag. The plastic bag should be large enough to not crush the leaves. Seal the bag.

3. Place the plastic bag in your refrigerator. Usually, you would want to avoid placing it in the crisper, but if your fridge is set at a fairly cool setting, go ahead and put it in one of those drawers.

4. Store for upwards of two weeks.

Jar Method

5. Fill the jar about half full with water.

6. Place the stems of the mint into to the jar, making sure that each clipped end is submerged.

7. Place a plastic bag over the mint and jar. You needn't secure it since this method will require some air to reach the plant.

8. Place the jar in the refrigerator.

9. Change the water every two to three days.

10. Store for upwards of two weeks.

Tags: making sure, making sure that, Place plastic, Store upwards, Store upwards weeks

Make Dried Cranberries

Cranberries add bright color and a tart flavor to your dish.

Cranberries are a flavorful source of vitamin C and delicious when added to meals, baked goods and cold salads. While cranberries are seasonal in autumn, you can enjoy them all year around. One way to preserve fresh cranberries is to dry them. Dried cranberries can be stored in your pantry for several months and used as is or reconstituted for baked goods and other recipes.

Instructions

1. Set the cranberries on the counter and allow them to come to room temperature if they were in the refrigerator. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. While the water is coming to a boil, fill a large bowl one-third of the way with ice cubes and one-third of the way with water.

2. Pour the fresh cranberries into the boiling water for 20 seconds. Dump the cranberries and water into a colander in the kitchen sink when the timer goes off, then immediately pour the cranberries into the bowl of ice water and allow them to sit for a minute. The process of boiling the cranberries then submerging them in ice water is called "checking the skins" and helps speed the drying process.

3. Drain pretreated cranberries in a colander.

Transfer the cranberries to a bowl and cover with cranberry juice. Soaking the cranberries in juice pretreats the berries, preparing them for drying. Allow the berries to soak for three to five minutes, then drain them in your colander.

4. Spray a thin coat of baking spray on the food dehydrator trays. This helps to keep the natural sugars in the cranberries from causing the cranberries to stick to the trays. Lay the cranberries on the trays in a single layer, making sure the berries are not too close together so there is room for air to circulate around them.

5. Dried cranberries add flavor to muesli.

Preheat the food dehydrator, then place trays with cranberries in the dehydrator. Cranberries require 24 to 36 hours to become dry. Test the cranberries for dryness, after 24 hours by cutting one open to make sure there's no moisture left inside.

6. Remove the food dehydrator trays from the dehydrator and set them on the counter. Allow the cranberries to cool for one hour.

7. Pour the cooled, dried cranberries into a glass jar with lid, keeping the cranberries in the jar for one week and periodically shaking the jar to move the cranberries around. This process is called conditioning and distributes excess moisture so your cranberries are evenly dehydrated. Once you've conditioned your dried cranberries you can store them, for several months, in an airtight container.

Tags: cranberries into, food dehydrator, allow them, baked goods, dehydrator trays, dried cranberries, Dried cranberries

Store Dried Food

Never waste food again by discarding improperly stored dried foods. Though the drying process helps to preserve the food for long term storage, the wrong conditions can quickly turn your dried grains into food for vermin or a sprouting site for mold. Dried grains, beans, fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs and yeast

all remain fresh for up to one year in the correct storage environment. Buy your food in bulk to pay a lower cost per pound over smaller packages, and keep the dried food until you need it. Whether for emergency storage or just so you never run out of something, dried foods will stay edible until you need them.

Instructions

1. Fill glass jars with your dried foods from their original packaging, especially if you bought the dried food in boxes or bags. Place any sulfur-treated dried foods in resealable plastic containers to prevent a reaction between the sulfur in the food with a jar's metal lid.

2. Label all of the glass jars with the name of the food and the date you packaged it.

3. Use a thermometer to find a cool place where the temperature remains between 50 and 60 degrees F.

4. Set the hygrometer in the storage area to determine the level of humidity. Use the storage area only if the humidity stays below 50 percent continually. For wetter climates, use the freezer for storage of dried foods.

5. Keep the jars, unopened for up to one year at or below 60 degrees F or six months between 60 and 80 degrees F.

6. Rotate your jars of stored food by placing newly packaged jars at the back of your storage area and moving the older jars to the front to use first.

7. Examine all jars for signs of mold or moisture and discard any showing these signs.

8. Let frozen dried foods return to room temperature in the jar before opening to prevent moisture contamination of the food inside.

Tags: dried foods, storage area, between degrees, dried food, glass jars, glass jars with

What Are The Benefits Of Sauerkraut Juice

Sauerkraut means "sour cabbage" in German, and nutritionists have long touted the health benefits of its juices. Some of these benefits have been known for centuries, and some were discovered just recently.

Boosts the Immune System

Sauerkraut juice is full of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, which all boost the immune system. The immune system is what protects the body from infections and disease.

Fights Cancer

Sauerkraut juice can fight cancer, especially cancers of the liver, lung, breast and colon. This is because it contains isothiocynates, chemicals which prevent cancer from growing.

Aids Digestion

It contains Lactobacilli plantarum bacteria, which help the stomach digest grains and dairy products.

Treats Flu

Kang Sa-Ouk of Seoul National University used sauerkraut juice to successfully treat avian flu. Thirteen of the 11 chickens he treated recovered.

Cures Canker Sores

Sauerkraut juice is a home remedy for canker sores. Canker sores should go away within days after starting to swish sauerkraut juice in your mouth in the morning and evening.

Tags: Sauerkraut juice, sauerkraut juice

Detect Spoilage In Venison

Spoiled venison will give off a sewage aroma.

Cooking with venison is a great way to use up fresh deer meat that you've purchased or hunted for yourself. However, it's important to ensure the venison hasn't gone bad--which can sometimes happen, particularly with fresh venison as no preservatives have been added to the meat. There are a few factors to pay attention to when determining if the meat has spoiled, especially a pungent odor that will let you know the venison is no good to cook with.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to the length of time between the venison is killed, dressed and stored. The longer the time between these actions, the more likely that the meat will spoil.

2. Note the amount of time the meat has been stored in a refrigerator or cooler. Venison will keep for months in a freezer, but should be stored in a refrigerator or cooler for up to three days; after that, it will spoil.

3. Feel the outside of the venison before you begin cooking. Spoiled venison will feel wet and slimy to the touch. Good venison will be damp but not slippery to the touch.

4. Smell the venison. Good deer meat will smell gamey; spoiled deer meat will give of a sewage-like aroma.

5. Cook the venison as your recipe warrants. Spoiled venison will give off a sewage-like aroma that increases as it cooks, letting you know it has spoiled.

Tags: deer meat, meat will, Spoiled venison, Spoiled venison will, will give

Store Chicken Broth

Use leftover chicken broth to make a tasty soup.

If you make more chicken stock or open more cans of broth than you need at the moment, save some for later. Depending on when you'll need the broth, you can store it in a refrigerator for a few days or in a freezer for months. Having leftover chicken broth on hand is convenient for last-minute meals or for when you're feeling under the weather. When you reheat the broth, add vegetables and rice or pasta to create a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Instructions

1. Allow hot broth to cool down before storing it. Pour the chicken broth out of the opened can or stock pot and into a plastic storage container featuring an airtight lid with a handy pour spout. Allow a 1/2-inch space at the top for expansion.

2. Wipe any broth from the container's rim using a clean cloth or a paper towel. Press the lid firmly onto the container to create a tight seal.

3. Write the broth's storage date on a piece of freezer tape and attach it to the container.

4. Store the chicken broth in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below up to 4 or 5 days.

5. Freeze the chicken broth in a freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 6 months for the best taste.

Tags: chicken broth, degrees Fahrenheit, leftover chicken, leftover chicken broth

Present A Cheese Platter

Choose cheeses in an interesting variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures for your platter.

Whether you're having people over for a casual movie night or a fancy dinner party, a well-prepared cheese platter is a great starter to get people mingling, chatting and eating. Add a floral or oaky wine and you'll have a party to remember. A cheese platter is versatile and can be used as a pre-dinner appetizer or in place of desserts at the end of a meal. Your choice of cheeses will determine how you present it.

Instructions

1. Choose which cheeses you'd like to serve. Plan on having three to five types of cheese, and assume that you'll need about 3 ounces total per guest. A very creamy cheese, such as a good brie or Camembert, is perfect to pair with a baguette or fruit slices to spread the cheese on, for example. Mix hard and sharp cheeses with creamy varieties, and be sure to add a pungent cheese to the mix, such as a Roquefort-style blue cheese.

2. Cut the labels and descriptions from your cheese packaging, or create your own labels and descriptions on folding note cards to place with each cheese, so your guests can see what they're sampling.

3. Vary the heights and colors of your cheeses to add interest to the platter and give a terraced effect for viewing. Larger, wedge-shaped cheeses at the back will draw the eye in and forward to the lower and creamier cheeses.

4. Place a cheese slicer (with a few pieces already sliced) with the harder cheeses, and have other small cheese-spreading utensils nearby for the softer cheeses.

5. Add cashews and dried cranberries or other dried fruit to the platter, between the cheeses, for interest and to give guests complementary foods to add to a bite of cheese. Set a plate of apple and pear slices near the cheese platter for guests to spread softer cheeses on. For even more choices, place a partially sliced baguette nearby on its own cutting board, with a bread knife, for guests to spread soft cheeses on, and a small bowl of herbs such as dill or basil for use with cheeses as well.

Tags: cheese platter, cheese such, cheeses interest, guests spread, labels descriptions, softer cheeses

What Is The Difference Between Honey Loaf & Chopped Ham

Honey loaf and chopped ham loaf recipes both refer to varieties of meat loaf dishes, or dishes that include chopped up meat, seasonings and sauces cooked in the oven to create a "loaf" of flavored meat.

Honey Loaf

Honey loaf refers to various combinations of meat, honey, seasonings and sauce ingredients to create a honey-flavored meatloaf. Honey loaf recipes are useful for creating new entrees from beef or pork leftovers.

Chopped Ham

Chopped ham is a form of meatloaf made from chopped ham pieces, seasonings and sauce ingredients. The ham may be chopped by hand or ground using a meat grinder.

Differences

Honey loaf recipes refer specifically to meat loaf recipes that include honey and can be made with almost any type of meat, such as pork, ham or beef. Unlike honey loaf recipes, chopped ham recipes refer specifically to meat loaf recipes based on ham that do not include honey as an ingredient.

Tags: loaf recipes, meat loaf, that include, Honey loaf, Honey loaf recipes, include honey, meat loaf recipes

Host A Vegetarian Dinner Party

If you're planning a dinner party for a group of vegetarians, it doesn't have to be a difficult endeavor. There are plenty of delicious, vegetarian-friendly dishes you can prepare, without a whole lot of work required. With a little preparation and culinary creativity, you'll have a success of a vegetarian dinner party in no time. Follow these steps in order to host a dinner party for the non-meat eating crowd.

Instructions

1. Come up with creative, vegetarian-friendly appetizers. Some great ideas include crackers and cheese, fried zucchini sticks, celery and hummus, and assorted nuts. Be sure to have plenty of wine on hand, as well.

2. Think up several diverse salads to serve with your main courses. Many vegetarians love three bean salad, coleslaw, and Greek feta salad.

3. In several bowls, place salad fixings such as spinach leaves, boiled egg, croutons, onions, and mushrooms for a "make your own salad." Be sure to have plenty of salad dressings on hand for each guest.

4. Create innovative, delicious entrees. Black beans and rice, falafel, macaroni and cheese, veggie burgers, and tabouli are all great meat-alternatives most any vegetarian enjoys.

5. Placing soft, sliced bread around the table is a great addition to a vegetarian dinner party. Include classics such as an Italian baguette, French loaf, pumpernickel, and rye. Be sure to place out butter and margarine, as well.

6. Dessert is an easy vegetarian dinner party fix. Vegetarians can eat chocolate, fruit, and cake among other popular desserts. Set up a strawberry and dark chocolate dip station, as well as an angel food cake with strawberry sauce. Have coffee and champagne on hand to accompany all of the sweets.

Tags: dinner party, have plenty, sure have, sure have plenty, vegetarian dinner, vegetarian dinner party

Make Gum

Gum is a chewy, sticky substance that people of all different ages enjoy. Making gum at home is an activity that is fairly easy to do and one that the whole family can enjoy. Become the candy man and distribute the gum to your friends and family.

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients into a bowl leaving out the powdered sugar and flavoring. Stir ingredients and place into the microwave on high heat for one minute. Continue heating and stirring until the gum base melts and the mixture is gooey.

2. Add the flavoring of your choice to the gum base when removed from the microwave.

3. Take a 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and spread it on the table, making a pit in the center. Take your bowl of ingredients and pour it into the pit of sugar.

4. Knead the gum base and sugar together continually adding more powdered sugar if the dough gets gooey. Mix the dough until all the sugar gets in. This usually takes around 15 minutes to do.

5. Lay out the dough and slice it into small 1/2 inch pieces. If you prefer sticks of gum, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough and use scissors to cut the pieces.

6. Apply a light coating of powdered sugar to the pieces of gum and enjoy.

Tags: powdered sugar

Turkey Cooking Instructions

For most families, the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays would not be complete without a roast turkey. Turkey is not just a good meal option for the holidays. With its low fat content and relatively low price, turkey is a healthful, practical year-round meal option.

Preparing the Turkey

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Wash the turkey in lukewarm water. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub oil or butter into the skin. Sprinkle with salt and paper or other desired seasonings. Place the turkey, breast-side up, on the wire rack of a roasting pan. Cover the turkey with a tent of aluminum foil to prevent excess browning during cooking. Put it into the oven carefully, and wear oven mitts to avoid injury.

Cooking the Turkey

Set the oven timer for 20 minutes per pound. The last hour of cooking, use a turkey baster to soak up the juices in the bottom of the roasting pan and pour back over the turkey skin every 15 minutes. This will produce a crisp and flavorful skin. Remove the foil tent for the last 20 minutes to allow the skin to brown. After the recommended time, test the turkey for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into a meaty part of the turkey. The thermometer should read 160 degrees. Once the turkey is removed from the oven, it will usually increase about five degrees during the resting process.

Preparing the Turkey for Carving

After removing the turkey from the oven, place it on a cutting board. Allow the turkey to sit for a minimum of 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to be absorbed into the meat rather than spilling out if the meat is cut immediately. During the resting process, cover the turkey with a tent of aluminum foil to prevent it from cooling.

Tags: aluminum foil, aluminum foil prevent, foil prevent, from oven, meal option, Preparing Turkey, resting process

Make A Vodka Watermelon Like Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver is one of Britain's top chefs, and his food is awesome. But here's one recipe that really rocks, especially for parties! Fruity watermelon stuffed with vodka is divine!But a word of caution, it is only for adults!

Instructions

1. Buy a medium to large sized watermelon. It should be firm but ripe. Ideally it will be slightly flat on one side so that it stays upright in your fridge. Clean the outside with a damp cloth and then wipe it dry.

2. Drill or cut a small hole in the top side of the melon. Push the end of a funnel down in the hole and pour vodka in. Stop pouring when the vodka starts to back up in the funnel. Place the melon in the fridge with the funnel still inside.

3. Repeat step two until you get all of your vodka in it. Depending on the size of the melon it should hold a small bottle of vodka. It may take several 'pouring in' sessions, but it will happen. Slice and enjoy ice cold!

Tags: Jamie Oliver

Serve Blueberries

Serve Blueberries

Blueberries are bountiful in July and August. If you buy them or if you're lucky enough to pick your own, there are a multitude of easy ways to serve the succulent little berries. Blueberries are a special treat not only because they taste good, but also because they're full of antioxidants and vitamins. Here are some great ways to share and enjoy blueberries.

Instructions

1. Sprinkle a few blueberries over a chunk of brie cheese and heat it in the oven or microwave. Serve the blueberries and brie hot with crackers or pieces of toasted French bread.

2. Stir ? cup of blueberries into your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and bake as usual for a chocolately berry treat.

3. Combine a couple of graham crackers and a little bit of milk or cream with a handful of blueberries. Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over the top and you have a quick and delicious dessert or snack.

4. Enjoy blueberries with breakfast. Fold a few blueberries into your favorite pancake batter and pour them on a griddle or in a frying pan for delicious blueberry pancakes. Toss a few blueberries on your favorite hot or cold breakfast cereal. Blueberries are delicious when stirred into plain or vanilla yogurt, or piled into a halved cantaloupe.

5. Blend a handful of blueberries with yogurt and 1 tbsp. of protein powder for a healthy energy drink or snack, or put a small handful of frozen berries into a bottle of sparkling water for a summer cooler.

6. Serve tossed salad with a few colorful blueberries sprinkled over the top. This is especially good with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

7. Lightly mash a cup of blueberries and stir in some sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice for a quick ice cream or frozen yogurt topping. Simply mix the ingredients and bring them to boil in a small saucepan. Chill and serve.

Tags: your favorite, because they, blueberries into, blueberries into your, blueberries with, handful blueberries

Stock A Candy Buffet

A candy buffet is a popular display of sweets for parties and weddings alike. The key to having a successful candy buffet spread is to stock up on those candy treats that match the colors, designs and theme of your event--and then make a visual spectacle with the candy.

Instructions

1. Choose candy in colors that match your event's theme. For a white wedding, consider using yogurt-covered almonds and for a Valentine's day spread, red jelly beans.

2. Stock your candy buffet with flavors that complement your event's theme. For example, pineapple and tropical-flavored candies are choices well-suited to a luau-themed party.

3. Add flair to your candy buffet by serving your candy in clear containers, uniquely designed dishes or martini glasses.

4. Determine the number of guests who will be attending the event so that you can stock your candy buffet accordingly. Be sure to have a table that is long enough to display the candy.

5. Use scoops to allow guests to help themselves to loose candies; make sure you have to-go baggies for them to fill and take home.

6. Add the finishing touch to your candy buffet with corresponding table decor. For example, for a luau you could add tropical flowers in between the candy dishes.

Tags: your candy, candy buffet, your candy buffet, buffet with, candy buffet

Make Shepherd'S Pie

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional English meal that defines comfort food. Containing a mixture of lamb, gravy, vegetables, and a mashed potato topping, shepherd's pie is hearty fare. Learn make shepherd's pie by following the simple instructions given here.

Instructions

1. Peel a pound-and-a-half of potatoes and cut into cubes about an inch in size. Boil a pot of water and add potatoes. Let the water reach a boil again and then reduce the heat. Simmer the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

2. Peel and dice one medium carrot. Chop a medium onion and dice one stalk of celery.

3. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter or vegetable oil in a big pot. Add the vegetables and cook on medium-low heat for around 15 minutes, stirring intermittently.

4. Drain potatoes and mash, saving 1/2 cup of water. Add the water and tablespoon of butter. You can use a hand mixer for this task.

5. Turn up the heat on the vegetable mixture and add a pound of ground lamb. Cook the meat until it is not pink and drain off the fat.

6. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and stir well. This will thicken the gravy. Add in a can of beef broth and season with a teaspoon each of thyme and rosemary.

7. Mix the ingredients together to thicken the gravy. This will take about 5 minutes. Put the meat mixture in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top with mashed potatoes.

8. Bake the Shepherd's Pie in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tags: thicken gravy, This will

Steam Milk

Adding steamed milk to your coffee is like adding whipped cream to ice cream. Steamed milk, quite simply, tastes better and sweeter than milk heated by any other method. It's a perfect companion to your morning coffee, off-setting the bitterness of a strong cup of joe. The great thing about steamed milk is that it can be transformed into froth and foam. Follow these steps to steam milk.

Instructions

1. Put a medium-sized stainless steel pitcher in the refrigerator until it's cold to the touch.

2. Make sure your skim milk is as cold as possible. The colder the milk, the better your results from steaming.

3. Fill your pitcher half way with skim milk. You must leave plenty of room for the milk to foam.

4. Attach a frothing thermometer to your pitcher. Steamed milk ideally is 145 to 170 degrees F.

5. Place your pitcher under the steam wand, making sure the wand's tip touches the bottom of the pitcher.

6. Turn your power on and slowly move the pitcher so the wand tip is 1/4 to 1/2 inch beneath the milk's surface. Keep the wand just under the milk's surface until you've reached your desired result.

Tags: your pitcher, milk surface, skim milk

Sterno Vs Candle Fondue Pots

The candle or Sterno goes under the pot.

Fondue cooking is an intimate and social way of preparing and serving food. The pot might contain dipping chocolate into which diners dip bite-sized portions of fruit or pastry, typically skewered on long fondue forks. Instead of chocolate, the fondue pot might hold melted cheese, for dipping vegetables and breads. Some fondue pots contain boiling oil, used to cook bite-sized portions of meat. Regardless of the fondue pot's contents, each pot needs a heat source.

Heat Source

Electric fondue pots are self-heating. Other varieties require an external heat source, typically provided by a small can of Sterno or a candle. The candle or Sterno provides an open flame under the fondue pot. While electric fondue pots tend to be more convenient, in that they don't need to be periodically relit or replenished with a new candle or Sterno can, they are not as portable, and need to be close to an electrical outlet.

Sterno and Candle

Sterno is a brand name for a jelled alcohol substance that comes in a small can. When the user removes the can's lid and lights the top of the substance with a match, it ignites. It continues to burn until all the substance burns up, or the user places the lid back on the can, extinguishing the flame. Campers often use Sterno when cooking. Instead of a Sterno-like heat source, some fondue pots use small tea candles or larger votive candles.

Heat Intensity

Heat generated from a candle's flame is much less intense than heat from a can of Sterno. Some votive candle brands discourage the use of their candles with fondue pots. While heat from a candle flame might be sufficient to keep chocolate fondue warm, it won't generate enough heat to keep oil bubbly for cooking pieces of meat. Some small chocolate fondue pots are designed to use with tea candles or votive candles.

Heating and Cooking

You will usually need to initially heat a non-electric fondue pot over a stove burner. A candle won't get hot enough to cook or heat the contents of the fondue pot. While it is possible to cook and heat some foods with Sterno, consider the additional cost. It is possible to burn through several cans of Sterno before bringing the fondue to serving temperature. The purpose of the Sterno or candle is to maintain the heat in fondue cooking.

Tags: fondue pots, candle Sterno, chocolate fondue, heat source, bite-sized portions, candle flame, cook heat

Steam Broccoli In A Rice Cooker

Steamed broccoli can be eaten alone as a healthy snack or added to a meal as nutrient-rich side.

Broccoli is a super food that provides antioxidants and valuable nutrients to our bodies when consumed. Broccoli is recommended to be eaten raw for its full nutritional benefits, but steaming broccoli retains more nutrients than boiling or frying. Broccoli is easy to steam in a rice cooker and usually takes about five minutes to cook, making it a healthy and fast snack.

Instructions

1. Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cool water.

2. Add the water to the bottom of the rice cooker. Set the rice cooker's basket into the rice cooker. Pour the broccoli florets into the basket. Place the lid on the cooker and turn it on to cook.

3. Steam the broccoli florets for about five to ten minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon if some of the florets are cooking faster than others. The cooker should turn to a warm or off setting if all the water is used up. Add more water if needed.

4. Turn off the rice cooker and remove the broccoli when the florets are tender.

Tags: rice cooker, broccoli florets, about five, about five minutes, five minutes

Make Marachino Cherry Garnishes

Use maraschino cherries to give your holiday dishes some color.

The bright red color of maraschino cherries adds an appealing look to main dishes and drinks. Celebrations like Easter often involve ham garnished with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries to flavor the ham as it bakes. A cherry garnish in a drink can simply be a fun decoration or be part of the traditional recipe of a particular drink.

Instructions

Easter Ham

1. Unwrap the ham and position it in a baking dish. Baking a ham requires a deep-dish baking pan with a lid to keep the ham from drying out as it cooks.

2. Score the face of the ham with the tip of a sharp knife. Draw the tip of the knife across the top of the ham allowing the knife to make a cut approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inch deep. The scoring cuts will help the juice from the pineapple and cherries to soak into the ham for flavoring.

3. Place pineapple rings over the top surface of the ham and around the sides. Use toothpicks to hold them in position.

4. Use toothpicks to hold maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring and at the center of the space where three pineapple rings meet. The red coloring of the cherries will bleed into the pineapple rings as the ham cooks.

5. Remove the pineapple rings and cherries from the ham before carving and serve them on the side as a garnish. Discard the toothpicks.

Drink Garnishes

6. Drop a cherry in a drink after you pour it. Many drinks traditionally mandate a cherry, such as a whiskey sour or a Manhattan. The drinker may search out the garnish as a sweet bonus in the glass.

7. Thread a pineapple wedge onto a skewer and finish with a single maraschino cherry to garnish a fruity drink like a Pina Colada or Daiquiri. The added color and sweetness of the cherry delight the drinker.

8. Make a slit in the side of a cherry. Place the cherry on the rim of the cocktail glass. This practice treats the cherry much like a wedge of lemon or lime.

Tags: pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, cherry garnish, toothpicks hold

Make Glutenfree Dough

Gluten is a protein found in wheat flour. It is what makes traditional bread dough chewy and allows it to rise. For those who cannot tolerate gluten, a substitute is needed. When making any gluten-free recipe, always verify on all of the ingredients used that they are gluten-free. This recipe requires many ingredients, but some brands are processed in factories that also process wheat and might contain gluten in them. When making gluten-free dough, keep all of your cooking utensils separate from those your family uses for baking with wheat flour. This can prevent cross contamination of allergens. This is a recipe only for gluten-free dough. See the Tips section for information on use this dough.

Instructions

1. In one bowl combine the 3 tsp. of gluten-free egg replacer with 1/4 cup water.

2. To the egg replacer, add 1 1/2 tbsp. of vegetable oil, 3/4 tsp. vinegar, and the remaining 1 1/2 cups room temperature water. Mix thoroughly.

3. In a second bowl, stir in the package of active dry yeast, 1 1/2 tbsp. granulated white sugar, 3/4 tsp. salt, 2 1/2 tsp. Xanthan gum, 3/4 cup garbanzo bean flour, 1 1/4 cup rice flour and 5 tbsp. potato starch until completely combined.

4. While stirring, pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir for five minutes, use a dough hook on a mixer to mix for five minutes on low speed, or process for one minute in a food processor. The goal is to incorporate more air into the dough to make the finished product lighter in texture, whether you will make bread, rolls or buns.

5. Let the dough rest and rise, covered for one hour in a warm place.

6. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and line the baking sheet, muffin tins or loaf pan with parchment paper.

7. Shape the dough into the desired shape. If you are making rolls, place them in the wells of the muffin tin. To make hamburger buns or hot dog buns, shape into 3-inch rounds or 5-inch long sticks and place on a baking sheet.

8. Bake a loaf of bread for 30 minutes at 400 degrees F before removing from the pan and completing the baking on the baking sheet for the last 25 minutes. For rolls, bake for seven minutes, then remove from the muffin tins to the baking pan and finish baking for another seven to 10 minutes. For hamburger buns and hot dog rolls, bake for a total time of 20 to 30 minutes. All finished products should be browned and sound hollow if tapped on the bottom. See the Tips section for more information.

Tags: baking sheet, five minutes, gluten-free dough, hamburger buns, making gluten-free

Make Molasses Bran Muffins

Molasses bran muffins are full of fiber and nutrients. These muffins take about 30 to 45 minutes to prepare and bake. Be aware that pure molasses is naturally high in sugar and should not be eaten by diabetics. Help regulate your system with a bran muffin every morning. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Beat the egg with a whisk.

3. Mix the all-bran, molasses milk and egg in a bowl. Let soak for 15 minutes.

4. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Stir until combined.

5. Grease muffin pans or place cups in the muffin pan.

6. Spoon the molasses bran muffin mix evenly into each muffin cups. Each cup needs to be no more than 2/3 full. The batter rises while cooking.

7. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Stick a toothpick into the middle of the muffins to see if they are done. If the toothpick comes out clean, the muffins are done. If not, place the muffins back in the oven for 10 minutes. Check every 10 minutes the toothpick comes out clean. Use a new toothpick each time.

8. Spread butter across the top of the warm muffins and serve.

Tags: bran muffin, comes clean, oven minutes, toothpick comes, toothpick comes clean

Make Natural Herbal Vinegar

Make a sage vinegar to use as a marinade.

Vinegar isn't just for salads anymore. Homemade, natural herbal vinegars can be used for cleaning, toning your skin, hair cleaning, cooking and even as a deodorant. Easy to make and with a life of 1 to 2 years, making your own herbal vinegars using either fresh or dry herbs or essential oils is a wonderful way to infuse some nature into your household.

Instructions

1. Pick your herbs. If you are going to use fresh herbs from your garden, pick them at the appropriate time. Usually this means getting up early in the morning when the air is cooler and the dew is still on the plant. Carefully clip or snip the plant material, being sure that leaves and stems are whole, clean and unblemished. Rinse them in cool clear water, being careful not to bruise the herbs.

2. Pack the herbs carefully into a sterilized brown or dark-colored bottle. You want the bottle to be as full as possible without damaging or bruising the herbs.

3. Warm the vinegar in a glass pot and gently pour into the herb-packed bottle. Seal tightly and put away. This will need to steep at least 10 days to release all the essential oils into the vinegar. Once completed, strain through cheesecloth into a brown storage bottle. You will be able to keep this 1 to 2 years. Be sure to include the herbs and date on the label.

4. To make your herb vinegar quickly, combine 10 drops of essential oil for every 1 oz. of vinegar. Allow to rest for 2 to 3 hours before using. This type of herb vinegar should not be used in any food preparation due to its incredible strength.

Tags: essential oils, fresh herbs, herb vinegar, herbal vinegars