Authentic Julep Recipes
Brandy Mint Julep
1 spoon of powdered sugar
1 small shot of Bourbon Whiskey
1 small shot of peach brandy
A few sprigs of mint leaves
Mix as directed for a standard julep. Use plenty of crushed ice and frappe with a long-handled bar spoon.
It is heresy even to mention it, but some Georgia julep experts make theirs by substituting Bourbon Whiskey for cognac brandy. Whichever you use, the Bourbon or brandy, remember that quicker and prettier frosting will result if you use a silver or other metal goblet rather than glass. The outside of the container must be kept dry if it is to take on a good frost, so do not hold it in your hand when mixing.
St. Regis Mint Julep
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of water
1 dozen mint leaves
1 large shot of rye whiskey
½ shot of rum
1 dash of grenadine
Into a tall glass crush the mint leaves with a bar spoon. Dissolve the sugar in water and stir. Pour in the whiskey and rum, then the grenadine syrup. Fill the glass with crushed ice and mix with the spoon. When properly frapped decorate the top with sprigs of mint.
This recipe departs in two ways from the usual—the use of rye for Bourbon and the introduction of grenadine syrup. In spite of its straying from the neither straight nor narrow path of Bourbon, this julep is exceedingly good on a hot day, or any day, for that matter. It is the julep that was served at the St. Regis Restaurant bar and was the pride of head bartender John Swago.
Louisiana Mint Julep
1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
1 ½ shots of Bourbon Whiskey
A few sprigs of mint
Crushed ice
Put a dozen leaves of mint in a bar glass, cover with powdered sugar and just enough water to dissolve the sugar.
Crush sugar and mint leaves gently with a muddler or bar spoon. Pour half the mint and sugar liquid in the bottom of the tall glass in which the julep is to be served. Then enough shaved or snowball ice to half full.
Next add the remaining mint and sugar liquid and fill nearly to the top with shaved ice. Pour in the Bourbon until the glass is full to the brim.
Place in the refrigerator at least an hour before serving to acquire ripeness and frost. Top with mint sprigs.
There once was a time when the mint julep was strictly a symbol of the South—a green and silver emblem of Dixie’s friendly leisure. But today the mint julep, that most glorious of summer drinks, is becoming as popular above the Mason and Dixon line as below it. It is very typical to walk into a bar or cocktail lounge and find a line of juleps resting on their stone coasters (http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-Garden-Accents/Categories).
Some term the Louisiana julep the last word in perfection, so if you have the feeling you haven’t sampled a real julep, try the above. If you are still in doubt and are willing to go to some trouble, try the one below.
New Orleans Mint Julep
Put the glasses or the metal goblets in the refrigerator the night before you are to serve juleps. This is a high-powered julep so you’ll need two large shots of Bourbon for every glass. It is also recommended to have absorbent coasters, http://www.thirstycoasters.com/servlet/-strse-Hope%20For%20The%20Cure/Categories, on hand since the frosty glasses will produce much condensation. A good host will not want the drink glasses dripping on their guests.
In the serving glass drop a layer of mint leaves, fill ¼ full with shaved or snowball ice, then one teaspoon of powdered sugar. Repeat until the glass is half full.
Add one shot of Bourbon. Repeat until the glass is full, the second shot of Bourbon being the last to go into the glass. Serve on a tray with a straw in each goblet so that the hand does not touch the container, which will be frosted white.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in fine wines and dining. For an amazing selection of sandstone coasters and other accessories, please visit http://www.thirstycoasters.com/index.html.
What Everybody Ought to Know About Oven Recipes
Feeling under-the-weather? Too exhausted to cook something good? Still wanting tasty food? There’s a quick solution and its two feet away from a possible frying-related accident: the oven. Thanks to oven recipes, steaming, hot food is now often readily available, and can be reused for an amount of times.
Oven recipes have been around for as long as the oven itself. In 3200 B.C., settlers among the Indus Valley Civilization were already reported to have had ovens in their mud and brick houses. However, the Greeks initially utilized the oven for bread-making, so you could say that the first oven recipe was one for bread, As a result, over seventy different kinds of bread had been developed in Ancient Greece alone. After the Greeks progressed onto making various cakes and pastries, the oven became popular around the world. Nowadays, no kitchen is complete without a standard cardboard box-sized oven, and no food results from it without an oven recipe.
Oven recipes have no clear-cut definition, but naturally they require the usage of an oven. It is often assumed that oven recipes do not involve any other technology used for cooking, but most of the time, that is not the case. One may fry, grill, boil or use any other method of cooking for the ingredients, as long as using an oven is the last step before achieving the final, tasty product. Ovens are used for roasting and heating food; therefore, most oven recipes cover either pastries (most of which are baked) or meat products, such as casseroles.
The highlight of oven recipes is the wide range of food one can produce from just one kind of technology. A common misconception for oven recipes is that they are all difficult to make, as well as time-consuming. When thinking of them, people usually think of cakes, pies, roast beef, and casseroles. However, most do not realize that a lot of them are simple. In fact, some oven recipes include recipes for toast, brownies and even covers food made from leftovers, such as fish and chips. A roast beef may be expensive to cook, but simple toast for breakfast, thanks to the toaster oven, costs less than a dollar to make.
Another advantage to oven recipes is the reusability factor. As mentioned earlier, leftovers are common ingredients for the easiest recipes. Extra beef or pork can just be thrown into a casserole, while other foods can simply be reheated in a microwave oven. If a dish can’t be consumed entirely, leaving it in an un-operated oven will keep it safe from ants, and it won’t rot quickly. Oven recipes are easy ways to save money, especially when on a tight budget. One of the few disadvantages is that, with leftovers, the quality of food may not be as good as before. Also, ovens require a lot of grease, vegetable oil or butter to operate, and most results of oven recipes are quite oily. However, oven recipes cover their fair share of healthy food. You just have to find the right recipe!
Recipes For Your Dehydrator
From soups to pies your favorite recipes will love what dried food can do for them when you purchase from your choice of food dehydrators. Recipes will be enhanced with dried foods and you will be able to store dry foods longer to prepare whenever you need that special recipe. From apples to thyme dried foods can help your recipes taste their best and you can dry those special ingredients with dehydrators. When you have a special recipe you want it to taste just right a dried ingredient may just be what separates your recipe from all the rest and makes it the best.
When you are making your specialty recipes you want to make sure that you always have the ingredients you need. If you find yourself needing an ingredient that is out of season you can now have the ingredients you need anytime when you dehydrate those special ingredients. Dehydrating fruits, nuts, herbs and spices can help you have what you need to complete your favorite recipes even if that ingredient is out of season. If you have the capability to dry foods you can have what you need at anytime you may need it. Dehydration can also give you what you need when it comes to recipes with vegetables. Vegetables can be dehydrated also and you can make as much as you need or as little as you need. So making that great vegetable soup recipe is possible even in the middle of winter when you use dehydration to dry your vegetables.
Freshness sometimes is what may make or break a recipe. When you want fresh herbs and spices for any recipe drying them with food dehydrators may be what sets your recipe a part form everyone else. Drying your own herbs and spices allows them to be as fresh as possible and allows your recipe to soak up the entire great fresh flavor. Drying your own herbs and spices will also give you pride in knowing that you are providing the freshest ingredients you can in all your recipes.
Drying fruits for pies is another way a dehydrator can come in handy especially when fruit is off season. If you want to make the best apple pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas you can dry your apples in the summer when they are in season, which means if you buy them you will save money. Once you have your apples dry them and they will be ready anytime you want to make the best tasting apple pies for your family and friends. You can also dry other fruits to make your favorite pies. Maybe it isn’t pie you want to make but breads and muffins your dessert choices are endless when you dry your fruit.
You will love what drying fruits, nuts, vegetables and herbs & spices do to your favorite family recipes. Everyone will love the freshness and the taste that dehydration can bring to all your recipes. So make your choice from the food dehydrators that are available to you and your recipes will love it.
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How do I go About Preparing an Easy Meal?
Preparing a meal isn’t really a chore. All you need is proper planning. And also you need to remember that cooking is an art, you can easily prepare gourmets for the family. Moreover, there are so many simple recipes available for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Have a folder dedicated to these recipes, make a list and swap your menu accordingly.
Some helpful tips:
1. Plan your weekly menu ahead of time, do the necessary grocery shopping.
2. Stock up all the basics that you’ll need for the whole week, buy some extras as well. You never know when a guest might land. Have adequate quantities of vegetables, fresh fruits, rice, whole grains, bread, pita bread, brown rice and pasta, yoghurt, milk, cheese, fish, lean meat, poultry, beans, eggs, lentils, seeds and nuts. You’ll also need some essential spices to prepare a meal, stock up those as well.
3. Store the raw materials on the basis of your planned menu. That will save you some time.
4. Have some quick to serve recipes of salads, toppings etc, at hand. These are quick snacks, easy to prepare and serve.
5. Have stock of chicken breasts (frozen), they are the main ingredient of every meal, very easy to cook and everyone loves chicken. You can just dump it in the oven and get it baked.
6. You can opt for ready-to-eat foods; these are usually frozen and canned. Not all of us prefer canned food, it depends actually. If there’s no time absolutely, then only one might use these canned food. You get everything in frozen form, from veggies to fruits, salad greens, salmon, beans and meat.
7. You can always store cooked food in advance, that save time and gives you space as well. If you are cooking rice tonight, cook double meals. The leftovers can be used the next day. Always cook twice the amount that will help you prepare different meals every day, with same ingredients; just a slight swapping is needed.
8. Baking is easier and even quicker. Moreover, you won’t need to clean up piles of dishes.
9. Do the dough making business all at once and refrigerate. You can also store soups and stews in batches.
10. Always cut the fresh vegetables in advance; it takes a lot of time. Veggies are very healthy and you must include it in your diet. Avoid these hassles when you are cooking. Always cut the vegetables and freeze.
11. You can use a slow cooker for cooking healthy and nutritious meals. You can place the ingredients that need to be cooked just before leaving home, once you are back, your meal is ready. Recipes for slow cooker can also be availed.
Are you doubtful? Can cooking really be so easy? Yes of course, if you plan well and maintain it, it can be very easy to serve the family a nutritious and healthy meal. Cooked food is far better than the canned ones, follow the above mentioned tips and you will be doing a great job.
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Searching for the Perfect Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Chocolate fudge is a favorite candy of millions. It is very rich tasting and usually is used only for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many avid fudge lovers are looking for recipes all the time so they can enjoy new tastes and flavors. Most fudge eaters will have a large collection of their favorite recipes or the web address of their favorite confectioners on hand for quick shipping. For a batch of chocolate fudge to be considered excellent, it needs to have three main qualities.
Easy To Make
If you plan on enjoying the chocolate fudge, you need to either have a recipe that is easy to make or a company that will send it to you quickly. Most people will not even attempt to make candy if it is not easy to finish. They want the taste without all the hassles. The details associated with chocolate fudge making including the thermometer readings, the time, the stirring are best left to professionals who do not mind creating this sweet treat for others.
Tasting Good
No doubt, the chocolate candy needs to be great tasting or all that work would be for nothing. Chocolate fudge that is right makes one close their eyes and feel the soft rich flavor melt away in their mouth. The problem with trying to make chocolate fudge on your own is that it might not mix properly and be sugary in texture. It does make wonderful cake icing if this happens so it might not be a total waste. The good chocolate fudge comes form those confectioners who have made it a lifetime ambition to create these delicate delights for others. You might just want to order it and keep it on hand instead.
Finding The Ingredients
The great fudge recipes have good ingredients that are easy to find. They need to be readily available at your local grocery store. Most find it is easier to follow the recipe that is on the container of marshmallow créme. It might make the chocolate fudge but it does not taste the same. If you plan on having fudge around for the holidays, you need to make sure you order it well in advance or you might find it is sold out. You might even be given the gift of perfect chocolate fudge for the season. You will not find any treat that means more or tastes better than this one will.
Don’t Give Up
The perfect chocolate fudge recipe is out there somewhere so do not give up in your search to find it. In the mean time, you might want to look out over the vast internet and find yourself a wonderful confectioner who can provide you with the chocolate fudge you need until such time as your golden discovery is made. Your friends and family might even know where you can look for your fudge recipe and should have no trouble sharing it with you as long as you promise to bring them some when it is finished.
Tanner’s Pecan is owned and operated by Danny Fox and Michelle Parks and offers great chocolate fudge. Visit Tanner’s Pecans today for the best selection of chocolate fudge and Pecans.
Tips For Baking the Perfect Cookie
When you’re baking cookies, taking a few moments to prepare and make sure you have everything you need will insure that your cookies will turn out the best. Here are some tips to help you bake the perfect cookie:
The Recipe
There are hundreds of different cookies, and thousands of variations. You’ll want to make sure you have selected a good recipe, first and foremost. If you don’t have much time, consider no bake cookies. If you don’t have a lot of ingredients, consider cookie recipes with fewer ingredients like a shortbread cookie or a simple sugar cookie. If you want to bake with kids, consider a cookie that takes fewer steps to complete and doesn’t require an electric mixer.
Baking Tools and Utensils
For the baking tools and utensils, there are a few must haves. First, a good mixing bowl is crucial. From stainless steel to plastic to glass, you have a lot of choices in this area. There’s also utensils that are important. To make great cookies, you need a strong mixing spoon, wood is best. You will also need a spatula for removing the cookies from the cookie sheets. Don’t forget the cookie sheets either. You can use standard square pans with a lip going all the way around the edge or a flat sheet with only one lip on one edge. You may also consider using a silicone baking pad, which eliminates the need to grease your cookie sheets.
Preparation
One great tip is to leave your butter out for at least an hour before you start to make the cookies. Many people forget this step and have to wait for the butter to soften before they can proceed. Also, take a few minutes to prepare all your ingredients, cooking show style. This way you have much less risk of using the wrong ingredient or too much or too little of an ingredient. Having your ingredients already prepared and measured will not only make your baking faster and easier, but cleanup will be much easier. Once you have your ingredients prepared, get out your mixing bowls and spoons, cookie sheets, spatula and wire racks. Make sure everything is clean and ready to use.
Ingredients
Freshness of ingredients is key with cookies. If the recipe calls for butter or eggs, as many cookie recipes do, make sure to check the expiration date for each item. Also, use your sense of smell to detect butter or eggs or another ingredient that just isn’t fresh enough or is downright old. Don’t use any ingredient that isn’t reasonably fresh. Try not to use baking soda that has not been sealed properly either, as it may contain smells or flavors from other foods or spices it was stored with. Always properly seal and store your pantry food items. For butter, chocolate, frosting, raisins, etc., make sure to taste these items before you use them to make sure they taste ok and haven’t soured or changed in flavor.
Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy the process and the finished product!
Discover hundreds of cookie recipes in many tasty categories including sugar cookie recipes, chocolate chip cookie recipes, peanut butter cookie recipes, Christmas cookie recipes and many more at Cookie-Recipes.net, the web’s largest cookie recipe website. Visit us at:http://www.cookie-recipes.net/
The Benefits of Letting Your Children Help in the Kitchen
Cooking with your children isn’t only fun and rewarding, it is educational for your children and can help ‘faddy’ eaters to try more foods. Cooking also seems to be a skill that is not taught in schools any more and many young people leave home without knowing basic cooking skills. Teach children’s cooking from an early age and your children will appreciate it in the future.
Children’s cooking can be dangerous and can lead to arguments and stress if not planned properly and supervised well. Here are some top tips for children’s cooking and baking:-
Preparation Tips:-
1. Pick a recipe together and make sure it’s nice and simple. Search online for basic children’s cooking and baking recipes.
2. Read the recipe through together and figure out what ingredients and utensils you will need.
3. Clear the workspace or table and get out all of the ingredients, utensils and things like scales and mixers.
4. Wash hands in hot water with soap before starting, and teach your children about hygiene.
5. Run some hot soapy water into a washing up bowl so that you and the children can toss used utensils into it to soak.
6. Weigh out each ingredient and set aside ready to use at the appropriate time.
Chopping:-
1. Supervise children when chopping or cutting foods.
2. Use sharp knives and the correct knife for the task.
3. Use a chopping board to protect surfaces.
4. Show children how to cut with their fingers tucked away, or use a fork to hold the food still while cutting.
5. Wash sharp knives immediately or put in the dishwasher. Don’t toss sharp knives into the washing up bowl, you or your children might forget they are there and cut your fingers while washing up.
Kitchen Safety
1. Have kitchen rules – For example, no running in the kitchen, mopping up spillages straight away and drying the floor, always washing your hands before cooking etc.
2. Put pans to the back of the hob and if you need to use the front rings, make sure that pan handles don’t stick out.
3. Don’t let children put things in the oven or take them out. Let your children watch you as you wear oven gloves.
4. Keep your hands dry and don’t use electrical equipment or sockets with damp hands.
5. Take care when frying foods with children because hot oil can spit.
6. Teach children not to get to close to the hob or to touch rings, even when they are off.
7. Keep a fire blanket, fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the kitchen.
8. Teach children the importance of using separate or clean chopping boards for raw meat and other foods.
9. Teach children to wash their hands after handling raw meat.
There are some basic cooking skills that are important to teach your children, for use in the future, as well as hygiene and safety rules. Here are some skills to incorporate into your children’s cooking and baking sessions:-
1. Pastry making – make different types of pastry with your children and enjoy making pies, turn overs, blind baking pastry cases and making jam tarts etc.
2. The rubbing-in method – Teach children to use the rubbing-in method for pastry making, baking and crumbles.
3. Creaming – Make cakes and show them how to cream the butter and sugar until pale.
4. Folding – Folding flour into a cake mixture in a figure of eight movement is vital to keep the air in the mixture, show children how to do it.
5. Whisking and beating – Show children how to use a hand whisk and an electric one to whisk cream and cake mixes.
6. Chopping and dicing – Show children how to chop an onion in different ways – slicing or chopping finely, and show them how to dice vegetables.
7. Peeling – Teach your children how to use a peeler for peeling potatoes, carrots and fruit.
8. Grating – Let children grate cheese and use a finer grater to grate lemon rind.
9. Mashing – Let children mash boiled potatoes with margarine, milk and a masher.
10. Squeezing – Let children squeeze the juice from oranges and lemons.
11. Kneading – Make bread with your children and have fun kneading the dough.
12. Rolling out – Roll out pastry or cookie dough with a rolling pin and use cookie cutters to make funny shaped cookies.
13. Greasing and lining – Show them how to grease and line cake tins with fat and greaseproof paper.
14. How to use utensils and equipment – Let children use scales, whisks, sieves, knives, blenders and food processors with supervision.
15. Have fun – Most importantly, make children’s cooking and baking fun, and cook and bake a variety of foods and dishes.
Derrek Lewek is a keen amateur chef, who works for the Brenda Oakes Discount Kitchenware web site. Here you can buy brand name cookware and kitchen appliances at very low prices. Whether you are looking for Le Creuset Cast Iron Pans or a just a kitchen knife, you can find a top quality cookware product at a discount price.
Making The Most Of Your Electric Steamer
Electric steamers are one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen. Electric steamers, in some stores, might also be known as rice cooker/food steamer. Under either name, steaming your vegetables, as well as your rice is a healthy way to prepare a flavorful meal.
Cooking vegetables: Most times, when cooking vegetables on the stove top, you will end up with mushy, pale green vegetables and water that carries more nutrition than the cooked vegetable itself. What takes place when cooking vegetables on the stove is the vitamins and minerals that the vegetable is known for will get swallowed by the water. When cooking vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and asparagus on the stove top, we tend to cook until tender and pale. Actually, when using that method of cooking, the left over water in the pot ends up with more nutrition and better color. Steaming vegetables prevents that from happening. When steaming vegetables in an electric steamer, the water is evaporated through the valve at the top leaving you with beautiful and tender vegetables.
Cooking rice: Cooking rice is a hard skill to master. Most people get impatient when waiting for rice to be completely tender when cooking on the stove top. Not to mention, the chance of scorching the bottom of the pot causing the rice to develop a burnt taste. When steaming rice in an electric steamer, the rice is cooked to perfection by the use of a built in timer. Steam from the boiling water escapes through the valve producing fluffy, tender rice.
It is entirely possible to cook an entire meal in an electric steamer. Cooking a meal in a steamer is easy to do because you effortlessly throw in all of the ingredients and let it cook on its own.
Cooking broccoli and rice: Measure 1 cup of rice for every two people being served. Add equal amounts of water for every cup of rice used. Add 1 cup of frozen broccoli and a cube of chicken bouillon. Allow to cook until rice is tender and fluffy. Add choice of cheese, stir well and serve.
Cooking chicken and rice: Measure 1 cup of rice for each person being served. Add equal amounts of water for every cup of rice used. Add 1 cup of pre-cooked, chopped chicken. Cook until rice is fluffy and tender. Stir well and serve.
Cooking stir-fry vegetables: Who said that stir fry had to be done in a wok? Add to the steamer your choice of fresh of frozen vegetables to stir fry. While vegetables are steaming in the electric steamer along with soy sauce or teryaki sauce, cook stir fry meat in a skillet on the stove. When vegetables are steamed to perfection, toss them in with the meat.
If you purchase a steamer that is large enough, it may come with a basket to keep the rice and vegetables separate. Therefore, creating the opportunity to cook one than one thing at a time. Obviously, an electric steamer serves many practical and healthy uses. The more you use the steamer, the more uses you will find for it. Even though a steamer may not be a popular kitchen appliance, it gives you a way to prepare healthy meals for you and your family.
Derrek Lewek is a web designer for the Brenda Oakes Discount Cookware site, where you can buy high quality pots, pans and kitchen appliances at discount prices. Whether you are looking for an electric steamer or a simple spatula, you can find a leading brand kitchen ware product at a low price.
Christmas Books
Christmas Cook Books:
Christmas books with feasts and parties are a wonderful family tradition, and of course for these events you need Christmas treats. Wither a small or large gathering of friends and family for a mingle served with Christmas Cookies book or a sit down Cozy Country Cookbook dinner, there are recipes that will have your friends coming back for more. These are a few of my favorite Christmas cookbooks. They have ideas for sitting the tables, trays, and decorations for large or small events or just for your family to let them know how special they are. In some of these books there is a section with stories written by people from all over that tell of their holiday memories or traditions, which can inspire others to begin their own new traditions.
A Special Place for Santa:
This is an excellent book that tells the origin and story of Santa Claus and his role at Christmas time. Many Christian parents have been concerned with the commercialization of Christmas and view Santa as its agent, which could take away from the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This book helps to tie the two together, by starting when Nicholas was a Bishop in Turkey to becoming a saint to his transformation to Santa Claus. This book is a wonderful way to remind your children of the importance of Christmas and to help them not to just want to receive gifts but also to give gifts which will warm their hearts for many years to come.
Twas the Night Before Christmas:
This was first published as a poem in 1823, it was submitted anonymously to the Sentinel paper. It was loved so much that it was reprinted many times. But it wasn’t until 1844 that Clement Moore took credit for the poem. The poem is a story about a man who is awakened by the sound of Santa landing on his roof. He sneaks down and watches Santa go about his work of filling the stockings and putting presents under the tree. When Santa sees the man he smiles and nods and then up the chimney he goes. As Santa flies away he cries out Happy Christmas to all. In recent times the ending was changed to Merry Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
This is a classic children’s book written by Dr. Seuss in 1957. We don’t know the history of the Grinch, but we join the story with him living in a cave near the town of Whoville. The Grinch seems to like quit and solitude and hates Christmas time because the residents of Whoville celebrate it so loudly. So to put an end to the celebrations he steals the gifts and decorations, only to find that Christmas stills comes. Upon his heart growing to a much larger size he returns all the gifts and decorations and is welcomed in Whoville.
A Christmas Carol:
A Christmas Carol was the first of the five Christmas books written by Charles Dickens, it was published in 1843 and became a great success. The story has been done in plays and movies over the years and it has become a tradition to read or watch a rendition of it at Christmas time. It deals with themes which were dear to the heart of Dickens, poverty and social injustice. At its heart the story is a morality tale about Scrooge and the profound change he goes through in one night, from an old miser who hates everything but money, to a warm, charitable gentleman who keeps the spirit of Christmas in his heart throughout the whole year.
Mitch Jelly has been a writer for Christmas Decorations and Gifts for several years. Select to view Christmas Decorations Ideas. We also have a great selection of Christmas Books.
Original Chocolate Fudge - A Chocolately Treat!
Original chocolate fudge
I’ve sung the praises of peanut butter fudge on here before, but now it’s time to talk about the creamy, the delicious, the original: chocolate fudge. What started out as an “oops” in the kitchen from a bungled bunch of caramels has become one of the country’s most beloved treats. You can eat and sample different flavors and kinds, but it always comes back to the original, and the original can be a very picky difficult candy to try and master. Chocolate fudge – like toffee, divinity, caramel, and brittle – begins with sugar. You add various other ingredients to the sugar depending on the candy and boil until the desired consistency is reached. A lot more goes into making fudge then just the right ingredients and flavors and time and stirring. There’s also a bit of science and weather involved. You shouldn’t make fudge on a humid day because this could cause the chocolate fudge to be grainy. And if you know anything about the South – particularly the Gulf Coast, it is always humid here. So, what can you do? And then there is the problem of boiling sugar tending to crystallize. Now, thank goodness there are things that can be done to slow down crystallization – not much luck with the humidity though. The most popular way is to add corn syrup and cream to the mixture. And yet another is to brush down the sides of the pan with cold water if there are any crystals forming…and do not stir the syrup once it boils. And if you manage to boil your sugar mixture without the dreaded crystals forming, you still must take utmost care to prevent it from cooling too quickly because that will also affect the chocolate fudge’s texture. So, why would you go through all this trouble for a piece of candy? Because it is worth the care and trouble it takes to make chocolate fudge. One bite and you would agree.
Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge:
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Set aside. Combine sugar, cocoa and milk in a medium saucepan. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer. Do not stir again. Place candy thermometer in pan and cook until temperature reaches 238 degrees F(114 degrees C). If you are not using a thermometer, then cook until a drop of this mixture in a cup of cold water forms a soft ball. Feel the ball with your fingers to make sure it is the right consistency. It should flatten when pressed between your fingers. Remove from heat. Add butter or margarine and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until the fudge loses its sheen. Do not under beat. Pour into prepared pan and let cool. Cut into about 60 squares.
This is a really great and delicious recipe, but it can be somewhat difficult if you are not familiar with sugar candy cooking. There are easier chocolate fudge recipes out there…ones that call for ingredients that minimize the chance of crystal formation and some you can even make in the microwave:
Easy Microwave Fudge
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Grease a 9×9 inch dish. In a microwave safe bowl, stir together confectioners’ sugar and cocoa. Pour milk over mixture and place butter in bowl. Do not mix. Microwave until butter is melted, 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla and stir vigorously until smooth. Pour into prepared dish. Chill in freezer 10 minutes before cutting.
Tanner’s Pecan is owned and operated by Danny Fox and Michelle Parks and offers great chocolate fudge. Visit Tanner’s Pecans today for the best selection of chocolate fudge and Pecans.
Holiday Gift Baskets - A Great Gift Idea!
Holiday gift idea
It’s hard to believe that fall of the year will soon be here… and with that, the holiday season right on it’s heels. As I stood in line to register my child for school thinking that it was too soon to getting my little man ready for school. But no, it was the end of July and with school starting in a few weeks… fall was right around the corner. So, if school snuck up on me so quickly, what would the holiday season do? Come running up out of nowhere in a huge sneak attack from behind and clobber me? Yeah, it probably would. So while my mind wondered while standing in the endless line of parents and children I thought of something… holiday gift baskets. What a great idea. With holiday gift baskets, I could go as big or as little or as personal as I wanted to. Tanners Pecans already has such a variety of holiday gift basket to choose from the only problem would be selecting one. I send holiday gift baskets for nearly any and every occasion. Doesn’t just have to be at holiday time. My mother received one on Mother’s Day, my son’s teacher at the end of the school year, my friends for their birthday… I can always find a holiday gift basket for whatever it is I have coming up. And what I love is their versatility. If I’m going to send a family group gift, I can go with our Southern Creation holiday gift basket. It is chock full of yummy southern traditions. It has mini pecan pies, chocolate pecan fudge, peanut butter fudge, and our award winning brownies… Oh my goodness, the brownies. Who doesn’t like brownies? Add nuts, peanut butter, caramel, or cream cheese icing… whatever… brownies are just the best!
Grandma’s Brownies:
3 / 4 cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
3 eggs
4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all – purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease 8 x 8 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the unsweetened chocolate and vanilla until well blended. Mix in the flour, and then the walnuts. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Now, our Southern Creation holiday gift basket is our top of the line… filled with just about everything including the kitchen sink… Kidding about the sink of course, but this gift basket is sure to be packed full of goodies that the recipient will absolutely love. We have holiday gift baskets for sweeter tastes and more gourmet tastes and even sugar free tastes. Holiday gift baskets that include everything from orange, butter rum, and cinnamon candied pecans to chocolate pecan fudge, brownies, and nuts to cheese straws, she-crab soup, and pepper jelly. Now my only problem is deciding who gets what…
Tanner’s Pecan is owned and operated by Danny Fox and Michelle Parks and offers great holiday gift baskets. Visit Tanner’s Pecans today for the best selection of holiday gift baskets and Pecans.
How to Bake Chicken and Its Health Benefits
Some people can imagine chicken delicious only when it’s fried. Granted one has to admit that it really does indeed taste great when cooked like that, but is it healthy? And if it is not healthy, is there another way to prepare chicken quick and easy which not only will taste great but also provide a much healthier option for those on a diet or who simply wish to watch what they and their families eat.
Well, in fact there is, there’s a much better alternative of cooking it fried and indeed just as delicious, if not more — the simple question then is: Why not bake chicken?
It is not hard as it sounds either. By following simple instructions you are on your way to a healthy and great tasting meal.
To bake chicken we need either a whole chicken or 6 chicken breast pieces. Wash the dressed chicken thoroughly and coat with olive oil. Sprinkle enough salt and pepper to taste. If we want, we may put some marinade mix, like a concoction of rosemary herbs, thyme or oregano, dried or fresh. For simple marinade, try soy sauce and lemon. As we’re doing these, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Now we’re ready to bake chicken.
-Put the chicken on the baking dish. Then place it in the oven and make sure it is uncovered.
-Bake chicken for an hour and a half in 350 degrees till we see the chicken skin turn into a luscious and juicy golden brown.
-Place inside a meaty part of the chicken a meat thermometer to check if the meat temperature has reached 170 degrees. If it has then we’re ready to take it out of the oven. To bake chicken thighs we need the meat temperature to reach 180 degrees. These standard meat temperatures make sure we bake chicken well with all parts cooked. Half-cooked chicken, or any meat for that matter, can cause stomach upset or even food poisoning.
-Then we cut the fleshy part of the meat deep. This should reveal white meat inside instead of pink and clear lip-smacking juice, not reddish. To bake chicken correctly all these tests should be satisfied. If not, we bake the chicken some more. Then we’re ready to serve tender and juicy baked chicken, in all its yummy goodness.
When we opt to bake chicken we come out with a healthy and tastier chicken than when we fry it. Deep frying may be a good idea. But baked chicken is still many times better. When re-heating left-overs through the oven chicken often comes out tasting better than if we re-fry left-over chicken.
When we bake chicken we can even opt to stuff it with potatoes, or garlic and onions. There are lesser chances of burning the meat or ruining the skin cover. Lots of times, we need breading to fry chicken—that’s added cholesterol. If we merely bake chicken there is no need for any covering on the skin surface.
So opt to bake chicken more often. It will surely do well for our taste, health, and family.
John Grant is a the author for a how to site where he is writing articles about how to bake chicken.
Espresso Romano
1/4 c Finely Ground Coffee
1 1/2 c Cold Water
2 Strips Lemon Peel
Fill filter section of a steamed-pressure coffeepot with water. Place filter in base and screw on top portion of coffeepot. Heat over medium heat until coffee begins to bubble into top portion. Reduce heat to low and simmer until bubbling stops. Serve immediately. Garnish with lemon peel.
Learn the Secret Restaurant Recipes and Prepare Your Own Meal
Are you sick and tired of waiting in a queue when it comes to dining at your favorite restaurants? Are you sick of snobbish restaurant crews and you do not with to take a very long time to book a reservation?
Do you want to know the secret to making secret restaurant recipes? If you don’t know the secret, then it is about time you find out.
Most people find it very difficult to cook. Not because they don’t have the skills but also because they just don’t have the time or they don’t have the means to acquire the best recipes to make the finest dishes.
You don’t need to become a master chef when it comes to cooking delicious home cooked dishes actually.
Some master chefs take many years to perfect their recipes. This is good and all but for normal people like us, we do not have the luxury of waiting for a couple of years before we can taste a fine dish. The good news is, those master chefs have already spent the time building those recipes. All you need to do is leverage on their secrets if you want to create scrumptious meals and restaurant dishes.
All this changes with secret restaurant recipes. With secret restaurant recipes, you are able to tap into the minds of famous recipes used in Billion Dollar Restaurants franchises such as the Cheesecake Factory, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), The Olive Garden, PF Chang’s, Red Lobster and even the Hard Rock Café!
There are many benefits of using the powerful secret restaurant recipes – you get to save lots of time when it comes to cooking. That means that you do not need to indulge in crazy guess works. You also get the benefits of saving money when you apply the techniques in secret restaurant recipes. Just imagine all the money you can save by cooking all your favorite meals and dishes in the comfort of your own home without waiting in line, looking for a parking space and booking weeks or even months in advance to dine in your favorite restaurant.
The best part of all is that there is very little learning curve when it comes to secret restaurant recipes. You get to get started in record time and understand all the fine details when it comes to producing powerful, mouth watering secret recipes on the fly. No more enrolling in long cooking classes anymore. You can learn all these recipes very easily and take your time to experiment with all kinds of different ingredients. Even if you fail, you can always try again at low cost.
There are many courses available when it comes to secret restaurant recipes. There are methods on how to cook secret sauces, there are recipes for good old comfort foods (good old American dishes), grilling guides, kids cookbooks and much more. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to cooking that you will never want to leave the kitchen because there are so many recipes in secret restaurant recipes.
For more information on the Secret Restaurant Recipes, visit the Top Secret Restaurant Recipes guide here: http://www.secretrestaurantrecipesreview.org/
Where to Find Awesome Mexican Recipes
Feeding you, your family, and your friends means having something delicious that is also healthy. With the healthy awareness of our society, feeding those you care for a healthy meal is a vital part of living life to its fullest. Mexican recipes offer a tantalizing way to not only feed those you care about healthy meals but it also is a colorful addition to any type of meal.
When it comes to finding the best Mexican recipes for your needs, you will find there are copious ways to get the meals you want. Whichever you choose, you will have found a perfect method for your needs. Sometimes, using a combination of methods will serve you best.
Take a look at a few of these great ideas when it comes to finding the Mexican recipes you need for your needs!
Good old-fashioned cookbooks will never go out of style. Cookbooks change over time as do the methods of cooking. When cooking with some of the older cookbooks, it is important to realize that a lot of the ingredients may not be as healthy as they once where. These also help find those specialty meals you want such as those on a vegan diet or low-fat diet.
Cookbooks can be on a specific cuisine or a combination of meals ranging from breakfast to dessert. The type of cookbook you purchase will be well suited for your needs. Of course, make sure the cookbook fits your lifestyle! If you only have an hour in the evening to cook a family meal purchasing a cookbook where meals take all day is not going to be suited for your needs.
With the popularity of the internet, finding Mexican recipes online is another great method to get the meals you want. Delicious additions will be both gorgeously beautiful and healthy if you find the appropriate website for your needs. There are many websites specializing in nothing but recipes – even Mexican recipes!
When doing your hunt online, you will want to insure you have an appropriate printer, ink, and paper. In addition, what one person thinks is fabulous for them may not be fabulous for you. If you see an ingredient you know is not liked in a meal, do not automatically say, “No”. You can often find an appropriate substitute.
Mail order Mexican recipes are another popular addition to our modern society. Joining these types of clubs will get you a nice array of benefits from delicious recipe cards to a place to organize those cards into your own cookbook. Generally, these are mailed out every 6 to 8 weeks depending on the type of club you join.
Mail order is great, and it is always nice to get something in the mail, but you will find you are paying more for this type of Mexican recipe over the long haul. What you have to ask yourself is how much you like getting mail with a nice surprise that will feed the whole family.
Mexican recipes are extremely popular, and you too can insure you have the wonderful meals you need for your needs simply by keeping your options open.
More about Annie Dubois and great Mexican food or gift boxes can be found at Mexican Food & Gifts To Go.
Wonderful Mexican Recipes at Your Fingertips
Getting the most for your money means you need great deals for the home. Finding wonderful Mexican recipes for those delicious meals translates to a cheaper budget where you feed you and your family healthy recipes that are sure to please. From enchiladas to chimichangas, having the right recipe will make a world of difference.
Are you thinking of finding some Mexican recipes that are delicious but healthy for your whole family? Authentic Mexican food is a delectable addition to any home pleasing young and old alike. Unlike Tex-Mex cuisine, authentic style is not loaded with the copious amount of extra calories, fats, and sugars. Instead, authentic meals are a colorful meal idea with loads of healthy benefits.
Take a look at a few menu items you may want to investigate for your family!
Burritos are always delicious often consisting of a lean meat such as beef, chicken, and even pork. Vegetables are added with brilliant choices to choose from. Instead of just using those green bell peppers, try adding a unique taste as well as color with the brilliantly colorful red and yellow bell peppers.
Of course, many meals consist of flour or corn tortillas. Each type of tortilla has its place when it comes to Mexican recipes of a more authentic nature. One idea, if you have time, is to make your own tortillas with some of the kits on the market today. These kits generally come with a cast iron press and a bag of the appropriate flour to get you started.
Nothing says delicious like fresh, homemade tortillas!
Tacos are wonderful and a favorite for everyone. These are just as varying as anything else that has to do with cuisine from Mexico. In fact, you can make taco makings and let the kids make their own tacos. Definitely a delightful activity for the whole family.
Remember to avoid some of those empty calories; either negate the sour cream or simply go for a fat-free sour cream. Same great taste without all that extra fat that makes sour cream unhealthy.
Enchiladas are just as popular! Add your favorite ingredients, and you will find a dish of homemade enchiladas will become a favorite dish for just about any get together for church or family. There are a lot of thoughts on what makes the best enchilada, but with a little experience, you will find the pattern perfect for you and your family.
Another awesome factor when it comes to wonderful Mexican recipes is the fact garnishes go a long way. Garnish should be colorful with red, greens, or yellows. Regardless of your use of peppers, chilies, or other vegetables, the garnish is a wonderful way to make the presentation that much better.
When it comes to getting the best in Mexican recipes, the internet is a wonderful tool. Keep in mind that just because it is on the internet does not make it instantly perfect. The wonderful thing about this type of healthy cuisine is that you will make the dish better by exploring your own dishes. Soon, you will have a wonderful family tradition passed down through the generations.
More about Annie Dubois and great Mexican food or gift boxes can be found at Mexican Food & Gifts To Go.
Learn How To Use A Smoker And How To Smoke Meat Like The Professionals
Smoker grills are to the serious backyard barbecue enthusiast what power tools are to Tim “The Tool man” Taylor. Your backyard barbecues will become the talk of the neighborhood once you learn how to smoke meat the right way. Your hickory smoked chicken or mesquite smoked steaks will be not only in everyone’s satisfied stomachs, but on everyone’s lips come Monday morning at the water cooler. Forget the standard steaks, hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken on the grill top. Put smoked salmon on the menu and look out. We are talking about taking how to smoke meat to a whole new level.
If you can, get a combination grill, one that will let you grill your food the boring, traditional way, and give you the choice to smoke your food too. Traditional means grilling your meat over an open flame, using charcoal or a gas fire. But if you are going to learn how to use a smoker, you are going to have to heat up the fire box, put on your favorite wood — hickory, oak, cherry, mesquite, to name a few — and get to it.
These hardwoods, in the form of chips, are placed into the smoker’s firebox. When burning, they produce specific flavors when absorbed by the meats being smoked. This not only gets your mouth salivating, but the flavor cannot be bested by regular grilling methods. What’s nice about it is when you learn how to smoke meat; you learn that the fire never reaches the meat when it is being smoked. The downside of this aspect of how to use a smoker is that it takes longer for the meat to be ready to serve, but the upside is that none of the meat juices will cause fire bursts to reach up and blacken the meat, and your barbecuing reputation. The process of smoking generally takes about 3-5 hours for most meats, and up to 12 hours for larger cuts.
Another angle when learning how to smoke meat is that the heat from the smoker is lower. This means that you not only learn how to smoke meat, you can learn how to steam vegetables. What you end up with are vegetables that not only taste superb, but vegetables that keep all the good stuff in. All the nutrients stay with the vegetables. Good taste, and healthy for you to boot. When you learn how to smoke meat and vegetables, then you can move on to the more exotic eats like hickory smoked chili.
Part of learning how to smoke meat is learning how to choose the right smoker for your needs. There are several manufacturers, so you have many makes and models of smokers to choose from to learn how to smoke meat. They may not be low cost, but the investment in healthy eating, and tasty eating, is well worth the price you will pay to get just the right kind of smoker to learn how to smoke meat and vegetables, and anything else your healthy heart desires, all with less fat and cholesterol than with other grilling styles.
Robert Fox maintains a website with more information about how to use a smoker.
Making Milk Chocolate Fondue
Shop for Milk Chocolate Fondue
Talk about a child’s dream dessert, milk chocolate fondue is just a kid’s bliss. Minus the alcohol that might go into some recipes of course. I feel like I am in Charlie’s Chocolate Factory looking at that stream of chocolate. Milk chocolate fondue can be made with any type of chocolate really, Belgian chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. There are inexpensive ways of making it. You can buy it from a well known vendor or make it yourself with homemade ingredients. And, what’s a chocolate fondue without some fondue dippers, like strawberries, bananas, pineapple, pound cake, and pecan, almonds, and anything else I suppose you could spear with a fondue fork.
They rank number one in the search engine and make one mean milk chocolate fondue, that is, Betty Crocker. When you think of baking and dessert making you think, Betty Crocker right? Their products are top quality and also very affordable. You can take the quick route to getting milk chocolate fondue, by purchasing from Betty Crocker. They have a great recipe for Chocolate Sour Cream Fondue as well.
Another great option for fondue is Nestle. They have such recipes as chocolate peanut butter smores fondue, a spiced chocolate fondue. Many of these brands offer advice on how to prepare such chocolate fondues, especially if you do not have a recipe book for them. Milk chocolate fondue is always delicious and a great treat to serve to guests at a special occasion.
Also keep in mind that by going with dark chocolate fondue over the milk chocolate versions, you will be receiving many health benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which are able to fight off free radicals in the body. There is also the absence of milk in pure dark chocolate, which is beneficial to many lactose free individuals.
Remember, if you are making your own milk chocolate fondue, there needs to be a liquid mixed with the morsels or else they will stick to the pan and scortch. Some use half and half, others evaporated milk with other substances, spices, etc. This is key to creating a rich, creamy, chocolate fondue for all your family and guests to enjoy. Make a few weekend tryouts before serving for a special event in order to get the process right and perfected.
Many places have incredible recipes for making chocolate fondue, such as local stores, online stores, and personal websites posting some old-fashioned recipes. If you are in the market for something specific, then do some searching, if elogance is your goal. Remember, chocolate is chocolate, it is all about how it is prepared that elevates it above the norm. Presentation is also another factor. This is as important as preparation. Which you can use a good melting pot, or 2-quart household pot to prepare, add all the right ingredients. Then presentation takes it from there. But, when you are done, it is still chocolate, whatever type you chose. I worked in salad and desserts in an Italian restaurant some years ago, and I remember how big presentation was.
I will prove to you that is a big part of making chocolate fondue. How do you feel everytime you look at a website displaying it? It catches the eye, it has appeal, I want to make that, you say, right? Focus on preparation first, then presentation last. If it is made right, it will taste right, then it can be made to look right.
This text is a link to a page on the World Wide Web.
Sunday Afternoons With Chocolate Pecan Pie
Sunday afternoons in the South… fried chicken, black eye peas, mashed potatoes, homemade buttermilk biscuits, and chocolate pecan pie…Family gathered around the dinner table enjoying conversation and each other’s company. Is there anything more scrumptious? It’s funny how certain foods and desserts automatically conjure up images of the South. Chocolate pecan pie is a southern tradition, just like regular pecan pie, but with the little something extra. A sweet chocolate taste that delights the taste buds, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Oh so delicious. The first time I tasted the chocolate pecan pie at Tanner’s Pecans I was taken back to those lazy Sunday afternoons with my grandmother in the kitchen and my parents and aunts and uncles talking and laughing and us kids playing without a care in the world. I would always sneak into the kitchen to help my grandmother cook and bake. How else was I supposed to become a good Southern cook if I didn’t help? She would always smile and welcome me and let me be her little helper. Sometimes I was more of a hindrance then help, but she did not care. And it was through her love and patience that I gained my love of baking and fine Southern cuisine. My grandmother never used a recipe. It always fascinated me how she just knew how much and of what to put in… never really used a measuring cup or spoons either. Just a little of this and a bit of that. The older I got, I would try my best to write down as I went along so that I could make her desserts on my own. Her chocolate pecan pie recipe always made two pies, but it is so easy to cut in half and make only one:
Chocolate Pecan Pie
* 3 cups granulated sugar
* pinch of salt
* 7 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa
* 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla
* 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
* 1 stick butter, melted (8 tablespoons)
* 1 cup pecan halves, and 2 unbaked pecan pie shells – deep dish.
Mix sugar, salt, and cocoa together. Whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and milk; stir into the dry ingredients. Add melted butter and stir until well blended. Sprinkle pecan halves in the pie shell, about 1/2 cup in each shell. Pour filling over the pecans. Bake at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Makes 2 pies.
I can smell the chocolate pecan pie cooking now. And it never had to be a holiday or special occasion to make it. Not like a traditional pecan pie that is usually thought of at Thanksgiving time or a spice cake that is more thought of during the colder months – chocolate pecan pie was good at anytime or at any meal. And even though I love my grandmother’s chocolate pecan pie, I am also a huge cake fan. And I went in search of a way to take that delicious taste and transform it into a cake… and I think I was able to do that by incorporating marshmallows for the vanilla ice cream taste.
Tanner’s Pecan is owned and operated by Danny Fox and Michelle Parks and offers great chocolate pecan pies. Visit Tanner’s Pecans today for the best selection of Chocolate Pecan Pie and Pecans.
Have You Ever Tried to Make Your Own Chocolate Pecan Pie?
So, the question is, have you ever tired to make your own chocolate pecan pie, from scratch? The task is a little more challenging than it may seem, but I’m sure you’re up for it. First, I’m going to walk you through a freebie recipe for Chocolate Pecan Marshmallow Cake.
Can you say “Out of this world!”? Because this is one of my favorite desserts. This baked treat is sure to leave folks wishing for more, and definitely begging you for the recipe.
Are you ready? I’ll go over the recipe in the following steps:
Chocolate Pecan Marshmallow Cake:
* 6 ounces butter (3/4 cup, 1 1/2 sticks)
* 1 1/2 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
* 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
* 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 6 ounces miniature marshmallows, about 3 cups.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in cocoa. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour, nuts and vanilla; mix well. Pour batter into greased and floured 9×13x2-inch baking pan. Bake chocolate marshmallow cake at 325° for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and place miniature marshmallows on top of hot cake. Let marshmallows melt then frost with icing (below) while still warm.
ICING:
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1 lb confectioners sugar (about 3 1/2 cups un-sifted)
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* milk for consistency.
Mix all ingredients together, adding milk until desired spreading consistency is reached; spread on warm chocolate marshmallow cake. Cool chocolate marshmallow cake thoroughly before serving.
This cake has become a family favorite also and like the chocolate pecan pie, it can be served for any occasion and not just for holidays. And the older I got, the more I began experimenting and finding my own recipes. If you don’t already do this, I’d like to suggest that you start. You’ll be amazed the great ideas you can come up with from all your previous baking experience.
I came across this chocolate pecan pie recipe that uses corn syrup like in a traditional pecan pie. It is already cut down to make just one pie and it is no less delicious.
Chocolate Pecan Pie with Corn Syrup:
* 4 ounces semisweet chocolate
* 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
* 3 eggs 1/3 cup sugar , 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups pecan halves
* 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell- homemade or frozen.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a double boiler melt chocolate and margarine. Let cool slightly. Beat eggs lightly in medium bowl. Add sugar, corn syrup, chocolate mixture, and vanilla; stir until well blended. Mix in pecans. Set pie shell on heavy-duty baking sheet and pour in filling. Bake 50 to 55 minutes, until knife inserted midway between center and rim comes out clean. Cool pie on wire rack to room temperature before cutting.
I prefer to use light corn syrup, it seems to give the chocolate pecan pie a lighter taste or in any pecan pie. But the pie is delicious either way, a sweet rich southern dessert. So, go ahead and start your own Sunday dinner tradition… or just any day really. It doesn’t have to be Sunday or even dinner time to enjoy good old southern chocolate pecan pie.
Tanner’s Pecan is owned and operated by Danny Fox and Michelle Parks and offers great chocolate pecan pies. Visit Tanner’s Pecans today for the best selection of Chocolate Pecan Pie and Pecans.
A Holiday Roasted Pecans Cake Recipe For You!
A Great gift for holidays is a homemade pecan cake. Face it, everyone loves cake, and when they’re homemade, you really can get it any better. Whip up one of these cakes made with Roasted Pecans and you’ll leave your relatives begging for the recipe!
Speaking of roasted pecans being used as ingredients in recipes, have you ever tasted a pecan spice cake with cream cheese frosting? There are no other words for it but delicious and luscious. It combines several traditional southern tastes: pecans, spices, and cream cheese frosting. So yummy! And can be either served at a family dinner or an elegant party.
CAKE:
• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces and softened, plus additional for buttering pans
• 2 3/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs at room temperature 30 minutes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 3 / 4 cup roasted pecans – finely chopped
FROSTING:
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar (from a 1-pound package)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/3 cups roasted pecans - finely chopped.
PREP: Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour cake pans, knocking out excess flour. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large bowl. Beat together butter (1 1/2 sticks) and brown sugar in another bowl with an electric mixer (fitted with paddle attachment if using a stand mixer) at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low, then add flour mixture and sour cream alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture and mixing until batter is just smooth. Mix in pecans until just combined. Spoon batter evenly into pans, smoothing tops, then rap pans once or twice to expel any air bubbles. Bake until pale golden and a wooden pick inserted in center of cakes comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pans on racks. Run a thin knife around edge of pans, then invert racks over pans and re-invert cakes onto racks to cool completely. Beat together cream cheese, butter, and zest in a bowl with clean beaters at medium-high speed until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Sift in confectioners sugar and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined, then add lemon juice and beat at medium-high speed until frosting is smooth. Halve each cake layer horizontally with a long serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion. Put 1 layer, cut side up, on a cake stand or large plate and spread with about 3/4 cup frosting. Stack remaining cake layers, spreading about 3/4 cup frosting on each layer and ending with top cake layer cut side down. Spread top and side of cake with remaining frosting (about 3 1/2 cups) and coat side of cake with pecans (1 1/3 cups), gently pressing to help them adhere.
Tanner’s Pecan is owned and operated by Danny Fox and Michelle Parks and offers a variety of pecans and pecan treats. Visit Tanner’s Pecans today for the best selection of Pecan Pralines and Roasted Pecans.
Learning to Cook - You Are Never to Young Or Old
Cooking is enjoyed by many all around the world and no matter how young someone is or how late in life it may be it is always a good time to learn to cook. The pleasure of cooking is usually measure by the enjoyment it brings to our family and friends. From toddlers who may want to help make that peanut butter and jelly sand which with their fingers to someone who is starting to settle down later in life and never really took the time to learn how to cook. Now is the time, the time to start enjoying the pleasure of cooking for family and friends and the time to learn how to bring pleasure through your cooking.
Most of us know that no matter how young are children or grand children are they like to help us cook in the kitchen. Even the tiniest of tots can learn to cook, maybe they won’t be stirring the sauce on the stove but there are several things they can do to help and learn at the same time. Most children enjoy stirring the bowl as well as licking the spoon. You can have your children or grandchildren help put in ingredients, place items on a baking sheet or wash fruits and vegetables no matter how little the task may seem they will enjoy helping you cook and they are learning at the same time.
There are some people who have been so busy that they just haven’t had the time to learn to cook or enjoy the pleasure that cooking brings to family and friends. No matter how late in life you think it is you can take the time now to learn that recipe or a whole menu to delight your family and friends. Choosing recipes that you have enjoyed tasting may just be the way to learn how to cook with ease. Maybe you need to start out small choose recipes that are simple with ingredients you may be familiar with, you will see that it is never to late to learn how to cook.
The dinner table can bring more enjoyment to you and your family than ever before. If one of your children or grandchildren have helped you cooking dinner or if one of them have just made a new dish, they will feel satisfied that they have been a big part of the family meal. Maybe you just started to learn how to make a few recipes, inviting your family and friends to enjoy what you have created will not only bring pleasure to their taste buds but satisfaction to you who created the meal. You can learn to cook just the right dish or an entire meal that satisfies everyone on your dinner list.
There are no limits to the possibilities you can create no matter your age. You can enjoy watching your children and grandchildren learn how to cook the family recipes. Or you can enjoy learning the family recipes on your on to surprise the family. No matter what your reason or what your age you will enjoy simple pleasures when you learn how to cook.
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Cooking a Baked Potato is Not as Boring as it Sounds
Baked potatoes have been a popular side dish for many years. Besides being baked, the versatile potato can be boiled, slow cooked in a crock pot or fried. But, baking remains one of the most popular ways of cooking a potato.
Potatoes are baked in either a conventional oven or a microwave. They can also be baked in foil in a barbecue grill.
Choose the potatoes you use for baking wisely. They should be firm and have no wrinkles or stems growing from the eyes. Select potatoes of medium size; all potatoes should be (close) to the same size and shape. This will make sure the potatoes are all finished cooking at the same time.
To bake in a conventional oven:
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. Scrub all dirt from potatoes and dry thoroughly.
3. Poke holes in each potato to allow steam to escape.
4. Rub oil on potatoes before baking. This will keep moisture inside the potato and make the skin a bit crispy. Some people may want to eliminate this step.
5. Put potatoes on baking sheet and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
To bake in a microwave oven:
1. Wash potatoes and dry thoroughly.
2. Poke holes in potatoes to allow steam to prevent them from exploding in the microwave.
3. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how many potatoes are put into the oven.
4. Potatoes should be allowed to stand for 5 to 10 minutes to finish cooking.
To serve a baked potato:
1. Slice each potato in half.
2. Squeeze each half from both ends to loosen the potato from the skin.
3. Top your completed masterpiece with your favorite topping: Butter, broccoli and cheese, bacon or sour cream are all delicious toppings.
Here’s a recipe for a fancier main dish that is suitable for company.
Tuna Stuffed Potatoes
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
4 hot baked potatoes
1/2 cup hot milk
2 green onions, minced
1 egg
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon salt
Dash of cayenne pepper
1 medium tomato, diced
1 can (7 1/2 oz.) tuna, drained
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut a thin slice from one flat side of each potato. Scoop out the interior into a bowl. Mash, adding the hot milk; whip until fluffy.
2. Add the green onions, egg and butter, whipping mixture well. Season with salt and cayenne. Fold in tomato and tuna.
3. Pile this mixture back into the skins, mounding it high (shells will be heaped up almost 3 inches higher).
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
5. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Here are a few more tips that will help:
* Use a muffin tin to hold potatoes upright for even baking.
* You can cut baking time in half by skewering with a “potato nail.”
* Cook extra for hash browns for tomorrow’s breakfast.
As you can see, baked potatoes don’t have to be plain and boring. Use interesting ingredients for “twice” baked spuds or use unexpected toppings to keep this side dish from getting boring.
You, too, can learn how to cook at LearnHomeCooking.com
Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipe
Chocolate is one of the oldest processed foods enjoyed over the past millennium. It came from the tropical tree called cocoa. This tree is native to South America, Central America and Mexico. The seeds of the cocoa tree are dried and fermented and finally grounded and liquefied. As a result of these processes, pure unsweetened chocolate is formed.
There are different kinds of chocolate. Each is classified according to its composition and color. Milk chocolate is the combination of sugar, cocoa butter and milk. It is considered not a true chocolate because of the absence of cocoa solids formed from the processes involved in production of pure chocolate. White chocolate can be consumed by animals. The addition of sugar and fats makes up the third kind of chocolate. Dark chocolate has high cocoa content and is believed to have health benefits by reducing the occurrence of heart attack. One example of dark chocolate is semisweet chocolate which is used in cooking recipes. Sometimes vanilla is added for a more pleasing aroma.
Chocolate is enjoyed in a wide variety of preparations nowadays. If one would go to a nearby restaurant, cafeteria or snack bar, one would definitely come across chocolates in various attractive servings ranging from breads, cakes, drinks and ice creams.
Below is an easy chocolate dessert recipe that you can enjoy doing. It’s a recipe on how to make your ice cream richer, creamier and attractive when served after a sumptuous meal. It is very easy to prepare.
Chocolate Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:
½ gallon vanilla ice cream of any flavor
10 caramels
¾ cup of Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk
1 ¾ cups of Nestle Toll House Milk Chocolate Morsels
Directions:Combine caramels, 1 ½ cups morsels and evaporated milk in a saucepan under low heat. Continuously stir until mixture is smooth. Serve as a topping on ice cream.
This easy chocolate recipe has an estimated cooking time of ten minutes. It yields to seven servings of ¼ cup each. In case of left over, refrigerate and reheat in saucepan while continuously stirring.
You can also use this sauce to add flavor to your brownies and cheesecakes. You can even add peanut butter chips, colored chocolate chips to make it more attractive for kids. This stuff is heavenly and your friends will compliment you for its rich and tempting taste.
This is just an example of an easy to prepare chocolate recipe. Other recipes vary from their ingredients, procedures, cooking time, skill level and the number of servings. Nestle, a multinational packaged food company, offers a wide range of easy chocolate recipes for you to choose from to fit your interests. With its line of chocolate products, dairy products, and ice cream you can surely select a wide variety of easy recipe suggestions to satisfy your eagerness to learn more about easy chocolate recipes.
These easy chocolate recipes let you spend little time in your kitchen yet let you delight anybody’s taste buds. These are easy to follow recipes that you alone can enjoy doing even on a busy day. Enjoy the chocolates. Enjoy the recipes.
More recipes can be found at the Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipes site.
Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Ramen noodles are made from dough of wheat flour, salt, and a type of alkaline water containing potassium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Eggs are sometimes used instead of alkaline water. Noodles are usually flat, fat, thin, and ribbon-like. They can be straight or wrinkled and they come in yellowish hue. Ramen is a typical Japanese food though it originated in China. It is usually cooked with broth or boiling liquids flavored with meat and vegetables. Toppings are usually added like pork and onions to add flavor.
One example of ramen noodles that gained popularity is yakisoba. Yakisoba means “fried noodles.” It is prepared with vegetables, bite-sized pork, carrots, cabbage, salt and pepper. It is usually served in a plate. Another way of preparing yakisoba is by piling the noodles. The piled noodles are placed on sliced bread and showered with pickles.
Instant ramen is a popular food among Orientals. Since it production, its preparation has gave birth to wide varieties of recipes ranging from fried ramen to salads, served mostly in restaurants. It has gained popularity in western countries and is now served not only with meat-based broth but with a wide range of ingredients like vegetables, nuts, and fruits.
Salads are mixtures of foods, often served with dressings with addition of meat, fish, cheese and grains. According to history, salads originated in countries like Italy and the Netherlands. The word “salad” comes from the French word “salade” which means salt in Latin. There are types of salads. These are sometimes named based on the food items mixed with the vegetables. Some of popular ones are Antipasto salad, Chef salad, chicken salad, and ham salad. Dressings come in wide varieties like vinegar, mayonnaise, lemon, or soy sauce.
Below is a simple ramen noodle salad recipe that is easy to do. This requires no heating and is ready to eat as soon as all ingredients were mixed up.
Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients for the salad:
1 package of Top Ramen Noodles, crumbled
½ head cabbage, finely chopped
4 green onions, chopped
½ can sliced almonds
Directions: Mix all ingredients together except the ramen noodles and refrigerate.
Ingredients for the dressing:
Flavor packet from the noodles
2 tbsp of sugar
3 tbsp of vinegar
½ tsp of pepper
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Serve as a salad dressing.
If you are tired of cooking ramen the traditional way, you can try this ramen noodle salad recipe at home. You can serve this either as your main dish or side dish.
There are other simple ramen noodle salad recipes out there. Sanyo Foods Corporation of America offers different food services, products, soups, sauces, condiments and dressings to suit your innovation when it comes to making salad from ramen. Sapporo Ichiban, a product of Sanyo Foods, is one of the popular brands of ramen noodles in the market today. A wide variety of flavors ranging from soy sauce, chicken, beef, shrimp, and miso are available. These ramen noodles come with their distinct colored packaging.
More recipes for Ramen Noodle Salads can be found at the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe site.
Seven Ways to Save Time Cooking Dinner
Do you have trouble getting dinner finished on time? Maybe you just feel that it’s all just too much trouble so you stop by the fast food restaurant and pick up dinner on your way home. Fixing quick and nutritious meals doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are seven ways to make meal planning easier:
1. Do your meal planning in advance. Choose simple, quick-to-fix meals for the days that you know you will be rushed. Plan a week’s worth of meals and shop for all the groceries for those meals on weekends. Having the ingredients on hand, together with a plan to use them, will help eliminate the temptation of picking up a pizza on your way home from work. Your meal plan doesn’t have to include anything more than a meat (fish or poultry), a vegetable, a salad and a dessert.
2. Get help from your family. Choose one night a week for each family member and make it his or her responsibility to plan and cook that day’s dinner. Even children as young as 10 years old can help with meal planning and preparation. If one family member cooks, another should be assigned the cleanup chores when dinner is finished.
3. Cook extra for future use. When you have extra time to cook, make enough food for more than one meal. For instance, grill extra chicken on the weekend and use the leftovers for chicken pot pie or pasta during the week. If you make lasagna, instead of making one, make two. Put one of them in the freezer for unexpected company.
4. Have a neighborhood dinner swap. One night each week, a neighborhood family cooks enough to feed another family in the neighborhood. The next morning, each neighbor involved in the swap gives another neighbor their leftovers. Leftovers are great if they’re not YOUR leftovers!
5. Use your crock pot. Get up 10 minutes earlier in the morning and put a beef roast, onions, potatoes and carrots into your crock pot. Add some herbs and spices, put on the lid, and cook on low for eight to ten hours. Dinner will be ready when you get home from work.
6. Keep nutritious frozen meals in your freezer. On those nights when you get home from work too late to cook, let family members choose the frozen dinner they like best. Many of the frozen meals available these days are nutritious and tasty.
7. Keep your pantry stocked. Make sure that you keep your pantry filled with staples that you use every day. Also have enough produce in your refrigerator that you can use for a quick meal. It’s easier to figure out what to cook if you have the ingredients on hand for different choices.
Planning ahead makes it easier to fix those dinnertime meals when you are rushed and won’t feel like planning that night’s dinner. If you keep a notebook with dinners you have planned, you can use those dinner plans over and over again. Make a note of the dinners that your family seems to like the best.
You, too, can learn how to cook at LearnHomeCooking.com
Excel With Cookware Extras
Many shoppers go bargain hunting for cookware to keep household budgets in line. Women do not want to spend a lot of money on things like flatware, dinnerware or candle sticks to ornament the dining room table, but they are willing to spend extra amounts of money on cookware sets that have extras that cannot be found anywhere else. Some cookware retailers will offer special pricing on cookware sets that are limited editions and cooks excel with cookware extras such as cooking tongs, flippers or dining accessories that are useful when the family goes camping.
Some cooks can get innovative when creating dishes fit for royalty when they have the right tools on hand. These home chefs excel with cookware extras that allow poached eggs to be cooked while cooking in a non-stick cookware setting. Some cookware sets provide home chefs with niceties like razor sharp steak knives as a bonus item, and these little extras will give families a more enjoyable eating experience and extra time after the meal to enjoy a game of cards together. There are plenty of extras offered on cookware sets throughout the year. Some of those extras are found in name brand cookware sets will save families a considerable amount of money and shorten preparation time.
Some cookware sets can be purchased as gifts and give the new owner the opportunity to take the guesswork out of cooking certain foods. Cookware manufacturers always keep meal timers on hand to make a gift package more special. Coupons are often added to larger sets of cookware to entice new cookware owners to expand the set later in the year. These deep discounts can open up a world of culinary opportunities to novice chefs, especially if they excel with cookware extras such as newly revised cookbooks or a measurement chart, which they realize shortly that some of their friends already have.
Home chefs are able to excel with cookware extras that simplify the cooking process. Some cookware retailers will give shoppers an extra incentive to buy a larger set of cookware by including a very durable cutting board along with a set of steak knives. Some retailers will provide better discounts if additional cookware pieces are bought with a starter set. Some home chefs excel with cookware extras that provide a complete set for a price that is significantly discounted. Those discounts might give cookware shoppers the opportunity to buy accessories that will liven up the appearance of the kitchen year round.
Some cookware extras are realized through buy one get one free offers on clearance cookware items at a favorite cookware retailer. Many online cookware retailers will provide a large array of glassware, flatware, and table accents at extra-special low pricing. These little discounts might be applied to tabletop home appliances that prepare snacks throughout the day and there will be other little gadgets on sale that will help homemakers complete the look of a new kitchen remodel in a metal style that mimics the fashion finishes on larger appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators. Homemakers excel with cookware extras that improve the appearance of the home and add value to the family meal.
James Brown writes about Crock-Pot.com coupon, AbtElectronics.com coupon and Cooking.com coupon
Fun Kitchenware Gadgets
With romantic holidays in the future, many husbands are finding fun kitchenware gadgets to give as gifts to the special women at home. Wives can have a lot of fun measuring food with a digital scale that talks back every time a morsel of food is placed on the multifunction weight system. The passionate color of red will convey how the husband feels about the new look that is beginning to show in their midriff and the women can have fun while dieting and get many family members involved in the fun.
Ultra modern dorm rooms will create a magnificent setting for fun and frolicking for a high school graduate next year. Fun kitchenware gadgets like can crushers will make the next party very affordable because college students can crush cans and recycle them to earn a little extra cash. Other fun kitchenware gadgets like microwave meal platforms will make cooking meals at the fraternity house easier. Every college student can learn about kitchenware gadgets and become better cooks by using them.
There are fun activities that can be done by many people in the family with the help of fun kitchenware gadgets. Children can help their parents make some ice cream on a hot summer’s day. The children can safely use fun kitchenware gadgets to pop kernels of corn with hot air, which will create healthy treats that everyone at home would love. Kids will love seeing how many kernels can be popped in a minute and they will certainly love using kitchenware gadgets like dish wands to clean up everything in the kitchen when the popcorn is gone.
A family will love using fun kitchenware gadgets to eat well year-round. A 23-quart pressure cooker and canner can help by reducing cooking time by half and at meal time, Mom can brag that she produces the most tender meats on the planet. Parents can use this type of fun kitchenware gadget to put up jellies, jams, and preserves using old time canning methods. With this easy to use kitchenware gadget, a Mom will know that the family will enjoy flavorful food accents that are not only healthy but are sanitary.
Fun kitchenware gadgets can turn any ordinary afternoon into a seafood festival. Party hosts can provide guests with fun kitchenware gadgets like seafood crackers so guests can turn boiled crab into a festive party event. A crab mallet set would give guests a good tool to use to make small work out of king crab, and oyster knives would be fun kitchen gadgets that would make opening oysters a very each task. Crystal cocktail servers would be kitchenware that would dress out any formal table.
The refreshments for a party could be prepared in other fun kitchenware gadgets. Novice bartenders could use stainless shot glasses to measure liquors and liqueurs that were served in drinks. Party hosts could keep an ample supply of frosty and fruity drinks available when they use fun kitchenware gadgets such as blenders, juicers, and espresso machines. Party hosts can prepare the delicious concoctions up one at a time or serve them liberally with the help of fun kitchenware gadgets that create an automated drink service. Party guests will be delighted to know that every party table has a fountain of delicious refreshment that run continually throughout the evening.
James Brown writes about Crock-Pot.com deals, Kohl’s deals and MetroKitchen.com deals
9 Grilling Tips
Well, you now have your shiny new grill sitting out on the patio, and you’re looking forward to cooking some plump, juicy burgers or steaks. You want your food to turn out well, but grilling, like anything else, does take some practice. These grilling tips will help you to get a good start, and create a great meal.
Always be sure to oil your grill first. Either spray the grill with a nonstick cooking spray before you turn the grill on, or you can wipe it down with a wad of paper towels dipped in cooking oil. If the grill is hot, be sure to hold the paper towels in a pair of tongs. Proper lubrication will keep the meat from sticking to the grill. If it sticks, it will tear when you turn it, and it will lose its juices and become dry, as well as looking unattractive, so be sure to properly oil the grill.
Let the grill preheat before you put any food on it. You want the grill to be a constant temperature. If you put on the meat while the grill is still heating, you may end up with dry meat. If you are using charcoal, check the coals before you put the meat on the grill. The coals should be completely gray. This allows the temperature to level off, and the lighter fluid to burn away.
If you don’t like the taste of lighter fluid on your food, try using a chimney starter. Place the coals in the top, and then wad a couple of sheets of newspaper in the bottom. Light the paper, and wait for the coals to ignite, then dump them into the grill. Just be sure not to place the chimney starter on any flammable surface.
Make sure your meat is completely thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator for a couple of days before you need it, and let it thaw. Remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before cooking. You can also thaw the meat in the microwave, but it will need to be cooked immediately after you remove it from the microwave.
Avoid foodborne illness, don’t place the cooked meat on the same plate that you used to carry the raw meat to the grill. Use a different cutting board for meats and vegetables to avoid cross contamination.
Never use a fork to turn the meat. A fork will poke holes in the meat, allowing the juices to drain away, giving you dry meat, and a difficult buildup of grease and burned on juices to clean out of your grill. Use a pair of tongs to turn the meat, and keep the juices where then belong, inside the meat.
You’ll need to open the lid from time to time to turn the meat, and to check for doneness. You want to leave the lid closed as much as possible, though. The changing temperatures from constantly opening and closing the lid will cause the meat to dry out. So, keep the lid closed unless you’re turning or checking the meat.
Not everything needs to be cooked over the highest temperature that your grill can attain. If the heat is too high, the outside of the meat will burn, while the insides are barely cooked. Turn the temperature down a bit on the gas grill, or let the coals burn down a bit more on a charcoal grill. There certainly are some foods that need to be cooked on high, but not all.
If you want to brush a sugary barbecue sauce on your meat, wait until the last few minutes of cooking time. If you put the sauce on too soon, the sugar in the sauce will burn.
So, fire up the grill, and practice your grilling techniques. Apply these simple tips, and you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time.
Visit Patio Grilling for more grilling tips and grilling recipes.
Finding the Best in Mexican Cookware
When it comes time to prepare a favorite meal or snack, having the right tools for the job is a must. Mexican cookware is a wonderful opportunity to utilize the best tools in the industry available at a price that will not break the pocketbook. Hearty and durable, these versatile kitchen tools make it easier and healthier to prepare the meals you and your family need to enhance the family life starting from a young age.
Mexican cookware is great for any type of cuisine, but admittedly, making the best in native Mexico cuisine is going to be even better with this type of tool. Appreciating what is being afforded you and yours will mean that you get more for your money and time. Regardless of your need, you will find there is something here for everyone.
What kind of Mexican cookware will you find on the market today?
Mexican Tortilla Press – The nifty tools are perfect for those adventurous chefs or cooks that want to make their very own tortillas. These are going to make homemade tortillas a breeze to make. With no rolling involved, anyone will find these make tortilla making super easy. Usually constructed of cast iron, the tortilla press offers a versatile and durable piece of Mexican cookware that will be in your family for generations.
Cast Iron Tortilla Griddle – When it comes to culinary tools, this is a must have. When warming up fresh corn or flour tortillas is on your plate, you will discover the beauty of this marvelous piece of Mexican cookware. These are generally going to have two types of cooking surfaces. The flat side and the ridged side are going to offer perfection to a different aspect of your cooking experience. The end result is simply delicious and perfect.
Cast Aluminum Bean Pot – Making beans is a wonderful way to feed the family even on the tightest of budgets. This is a cast aluminum pot perfect for the grill or even the oven. Making the perfect pot of beans is a traditionally wonderful experience, and this is a rustic addition to any kitchen. Using these for a BBQ or picnic is just one of the added benefits of having your own bean pot!
Victoria Cast Iron Meat Grinder – This is an important part of any household where grinding your own meats is part of a healthy and natural diet. A good meat grinder will allow you to make salami or sausage controlling what goes into your family’s body. These are made of heavy-duty cast iron and will definitely be around for generations to come. When your family deserves the best, grinding your own meat is a good addition to the kitchen.
When it comes to Mexican cookware, you can depend on the exceptional qualities of today and yesteryear. Cast iron is just the beginning! Having the best for you and yours means controlling what is eaten. Take control with delicious additions that make your kitchen experience even better. Yes, you too can have it all at an affordable rate. All you have to do is explore what types of utensils and tools will most benefit your needs.
More about Annie Dubois and great Mexican food or gift boxes can be found at Mexican Food & Gifts To Go.