Sunday, January 29, 2023

Treat Yourself to These Tasty Sour Patch Grapes!

Treat Yourself to These Tasty Sour Patch Grapes! 

 

Ingredients
Green grapes - 1.5 lbs (de-stemmed) 
 
Water - 1/4 cup 
 
Powdered gelatin mix - 3 oz. (cherry flavored) 
 
Powdered gelatin mix - 3 oz. (orange flavored) 
 
Powdered gelatin mix - 3 oz. (lime flavored) 
 
Method of Preparation: 
 
Place the grapes in a large bowl with the water, and toss to cover. 
 
Place each flavored powdered gelatin mix on its own plate, and set aside. 
 
Place about 1/3 of the grapes into each flavor of powdered gelatin, and roll to coat. 
 
Remove the grapes from the mix, plate, and serve. 
 
If you so wish, the Sour Patch Grapes can be frozen at this point.

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Saturday, January 28, 2023

Salted Caramel Lollipop

Salted caramel is delicious - no doubt about that, but it can be quite sticky and inconvenient to eat. The solution? Turn salted caramel into a lollipop with this recipe!
Salted Caramel Lollipop  
Ingredients for lollies: 
 
Granulated sugar - 1 cup 
 
Honey - 1/2 cup 
 
Water - 1/4 cup 
 
Heavy cream - 3/4 cup 
 
Sea salt - 1/2 tsp. 
 
Butter - 4 tbsp. (browned) 
 
Lollipop mold - 1 
 
Lollipop sticks - as needed 
 
Sugar thermometer - 1 
 
Vanilla Extract - 1/2 tsp. 
 
Method of preparing the lollies:  
Stick the lollipop sticks into the molds and set aside for the time being. 
 
In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown, until fragrant and golden. 
 
Set aside. In a separate pan, heat cream and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in vanilla. 
 
Turn off the heat and set aside. 
 
In a 4qt saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, heat sugar, honey, and water, taking care to stir, only to moisten. 
 
Once the mixture has melted, try not to stir, and heat to 300°F. 
 
Add the hot cream mixture to the hot butter mixture, and stir until smooth. 
 
Return to the heat and cook over medium heat until it reaches 260°F. 
 
Pour into the mold and let cool for 30 minutes. 
 

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High Protein Stuffed Bell Peppers

High Protein Stuffed Bell Peppers    

Ingredients for Cheesy Quinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers:  
 
Quinoa - 1 cup 
 
Salt - to taste 
 
Bell peppers - 6 large 
 
Black beans - 1 can (drained) 
 
Cheddar cheese - 4 cups (divided) 
 
Cumin - 1 tsp. 
 
Cilantro - 1/2 cup (chopped) 
 
Green onions - 3-4 (finely chopped) 
 
Method of preparing the Cheesy Quinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers: 
 
Preparing the quinoa: In a medium saucepan filled with 2 cups of water, place the quinoa and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and bring to boil. Cover the saucepan and reduce the boil to a simmer, and let cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and leave covered for another 10 minutes. Place the quinoa on a baking dish and allow it to quickly cool. 
 
Preparing the bell peppers: boil 3 quarts of water and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Slice the top of the bell peppers (1/2 to 1 inch from the top) and remove the core. Cook the bell peppers in the boiling water for 3 minutes. Optional: You may use the cut parts of the bell pepper with the quinoa stuffing. 
 
Combine the cooked quinoa, drained black beans, 2 cups of the grated cheddar cheese, cumin, cilantro, and most of the green onion. 
 
Stuff the bell peppers with this stuffing, and add 1/4 cup of water at the base of the peppers. 
 
Cover the stuffed peppers with aluminum foil and bake everything at 350°F/ 180°C. After 35 minutes, remove from oven and top the bell peppers with the remaining 2 cups of cheese and return to bake for another 5-10 minutes. 
 
Top with the remaining green onions before serving. 
 
Chef's Tip: You may add some Mexican chorizo with the stuffing for a non-vegetarian alternative.

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These Exotic Fruits Taste Just Like Delicious Desserts

Don’t we all love dessert? A bowl of chilled ice-cream in the summer months can help brighten the mood as very few things can. However, as delicious as they are, desserts cannot be enjoyed regularly as they are unhealthy for the body. But what if we told you that there are completely natural and healthy fruit alternatives out there that taste just like creamy desserts? Sounds unbelievable? Well, you need to check out this list then.

You might have tasted numerous fruits in your life, but the ones mentioned below are some of the most exotic and incredibly delectable fruits produced by nature. What really sets them apart from other fruits is that they are healthy, and have a taste similar to that of flavored ice-creams. Check out some of these fruits that taste naturally like dessert. You might just be drooling by the end. 
 
1. Mangosteen
Fruits That Taste Like a Dessert, Mangosteen
Imagine having a dessert that tastes like a mixture of peaches and cream. Mangosteen is exactly that. Found primarily in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia, this fruit is rich in anti-carcinogenic properties and its potassium content is known to help in regulating blood pressure. Furthermore, Mangosteen is also a powerful anti-oxidant and contains properties that can help against allergies, skin disorders, and fatigue. 
 
Often called the 'Queen of Fruits', Mangosteen is the national fruit of Thailand and is widely used in the country for preparing a variety of desserts and smoothies. While the outer part of this fruit is thick, its inside is sweet and will feel like you are having a peach-flavored ice-cream. 
 
2. Blue Java Banana
 Fruits That Taste Like a Dessert,  Blue Java Banana
Bananas are among the most common and most popular fruits worldwide. While there are plenty of varieties of this fruit, have you ever tried a banana that literally tastes like vanilla ice-cream? Yes, the Blue Java banana, also known as the Ice Cream banana, Hawaiian banana, Ney Mannan, Krie, or Cenzio, is considered the tastiest banana of the world because of its sweet, aromatic flavor and a consistency that is amazingly similar to vanilla ice-cream. It has a creamy and moist texture that makes it a delight to have. 
 
Found mostly in Fiji, California, and Central America, where the fruit is served as a refreshing dessert, the Blue Java banana also contains several antioxidants, vitamins B6 and C, along with plenty of potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and protein. 
 
3. Canistel
Fruits That Taste Like a Dessert, Canistel
Though it looks a bit like a mango from the outside, Canistel is a completely different fruit. Native to southern Mexico and cultivated in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, this fruit is also known as eggfruit because of its unique flesh that is bright egg yolk-yellow in color. When it becomes ripe, the canistel is smooth and custardy, very much like a hard-boiled yolk. The fruit can be enjoyed raw but a lot of people prefer having it with pepper, salt, and mayonnaise. 
 
Like most other fruits, the canistel is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants and is also a great source of fiber. It has a sweet, mousse-like flesh making it a super healthy sugar substitute. Canistel also works wonderfully well in custards, ice cream, pie fillings, and pancakes. However, it tastes best when blended with milk or as a milkshake.  
 
4. Barhi Dates
Fruits That Taste Like a Dessert,  Barhi Dates
Do you have a special liking for the butterscotch flavor? Then you must try Barhi dates. This unique fruit resembles butterscotch in taste mostly. However, its degree of sweetness varies according to its ripeness level. When it is semi-ripe, a Barhi date will be yellow and firm with a crunchy apple-like texture and will taste like coconut and cinnamon. As it ripens, the fruit turns brownish and soft and offers a rich butterscotch-like taste along with higher sugar content. These fruits are popular not just because of their special taste but also because of their chewy texture.
 
One of the best things about Barhi dates is that they add an exquisite sweet texture to several dishes. Furthermore, they can be refrigerated for months and can also be savored as tasty little candies. The Barhi date is generally eaten fresh and very rarely when it reaches its final dried, wrinkled stage.

5. Cupuaçu
Fruits That Taste Like a Dessert,Cupuaçu
Cupuaçu is a nutrient-rich fruit that is related to the cacao tree. Also known as cupuassu, this fruit is native to the Amazon and is slowly becoming quite popular throughout Brazil. It has a fleshy, white pulp with a chocolaty, fruity flavor. The white pulp of the cupuassu tastes like a mix of melon or pineapple and chocolate. Because of its rich chocolaty flavor, cupuaçu is commonly used in desserts and even pressed into a juice. As it comes from the cocoa family, cupuaçu can be processed like cocoa to produce a large number of delicious treats. 
 
The seeds of the cupuaçu are beneficial and are known to cure abdominal pain. The unique fruit is now gaining popularity in other countries as well because it is a genuinely great alternative to chocolate and is also very healthy. 
 
6. Cherimoya
Fruits That Taste Like a Dessert, Cherimoya
This is a green, cone-shaped fruit that has a scaly skin but is creamy and sweet. Cherimoya is believed to have originated in the Andes mountains of South America and is grown in tropical areas with high altitudes. Because of its creamy texture and sweet taste, the fruit is also called custard apple. Since it is creamy from inside, the fruit is generally eaten with a spoon and served as chilled custard. 
 
Cherimoya is also considered a wonderful alternative for pineapple-mango ice cream, as it offers the taste of both these fruits in a creamy form. The best way to enjoy this fruit is to let it ripen at room temperature and then refrigerate it. Apart from its pleasing taste, cherimoya is also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  
 
7. Ice Cream Bean
Fruits That Taste Like a Dessert,  Ice Cream Bean
As its name suggests, the ice cream bean is a fruit that has a flavor similar to ice-cream. While it looks like a tamarind pod from the outside, these fruits are more like two-meter long candy bars. The inside of the fruit contains numerous large purple-black seeds, lined up in one row, embedded in a tasty, translucent-white pulp. The spongy pulp has a sweet flavor that resembles the taste of vanilla ice cream. Its texture is that of chewy cotton candy with a juicy finish. 
 
The ice cream bean is native to Mexico in the north and the Amazon rainforest in the south. The fruit tastes best when eaten raw but is also used as a flavoring agent for many desserts. Apart from its scrumptious taste, the fruit is also known to help treat nerve problems, lower bad cholesterol, and boost immunity. 
 
8. Black Sapote
Fruits That Taste Like a Dessert, Black Sapote
Popularly known as Chocolate Pudding Fruit, Black Sapote is a round squat fruit similar to a green persimmon. This delicious fruit has a dark brown, custard-like flesh along with a light flavor and a rich texture. Found in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Colombia, black sapote is often used with fruits like lemons and oranges to provide a more natural flavor and a nice filling for pies. 
 
In countries like the Philippines, the fruit is first deseeded, and then the pulp is served with citrus juices or mixed with milk for pudding. Mexicans, on the other hand, are known to mash the pulp of the black sapote fruit, mix it with brandy, and serve it with cream, making for an appetizing dessert. Once ripe, the black sapote fruit can be refrigerated for three to four days. Its sweet, custardy, chocolate-like flavor makes it perfect for having the fruit raw. It is indeed a healthy alternative for chocolate lovers.

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

3-Ingredient Black Bean Soup

Ingredients for Black Bean Soup:  
 
Black beans - 2 cans 
 
Vegetable broth - 1 cup (use chicken broth for a non-vegan version) 
 
Diced tomatoes - 1 can 
 
Method of preparing the Black Bean Soup: 
 Mix the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and blend to a smooth consistency. 
 
Chef's Tip: This soup can also be served cold, or used as a bean spread. To use as a spread, cut the broth and tomatoes in half.


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Thursday, January 19, 2023

Fascinating Ways to Use Sherry Vinegar

Sherry vinegar is not currently as widely found or used as other popular kinds of vinegar. Thankfully, this is rapidly changing as more chefs become aware of its incredible taste. However, not only does it have an incredible flavor, but it’s also extremely versatile and has many health benefits.

How to Use Sherry Vinegar   
 
1. Make a Vinaigrette
 Fascinating Ways to Use Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar is excellent to use in salad dressing. All you need for a good sherry vinaigrette is 3-4 parts oil and 1 part vinegar. A good quality mustard acts as an emulsifier but this is not strictly necessary. Whisk it all together, or spice it up with some desired herbs. 
 
Once you’ve whisked everything together, use immediately or store in a jar in the fridge. Shake the jar well to recombine the ingredients when you’re ready to use the dressing. 
 
2. Make a Marinade 
Due to its acidic nature, sherry vinegar breaks down meat fibers, helping to tenderize meat. Marinate beef for 24 hours and chicken for 4-12 hours. 
 
Beef Marinade 
 
Ingredients 
 
• ¼ cup olive oil 
 
• ¼ cup sherry vinegar 
 
• ¼ cup soy sauce 
 
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 
 
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic 
 
• Black pepper to taste  
 
Directions 
1. Whisk all the above ingredients together. 
2. Place the marinade and beef into a plastic bag. 
3. Seal and marinate in the fridge for 24 hours. 
 
Chicken Marinade 
Ingredients  
 
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 
 
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 
 
• 1 tablespoon good quality mustard 
 
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) 
 
• ¼ cup olive oil 
 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
 
 Directions 
1. Whisk ingredients together until emulsified. 
2. Place in plastic bag with chicken pieces, making sure the marinade completely covers the chicken. 
3. Store in the fridge for 4-12 hours.

3. Drizzle Over Vegetables Fascinating Ways to Use Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar helps to accentuate the flavors of vegetables. Sprinkle some over cooked zucchini, artichokes, summer squash, or asparagus. Alternatively, mix ½ cup into your root vegetables before roasting. 
 
4. Make a Pan Sauce  
Sherry vinegar is a great choice for deglazing the pan when cooking meat.  
 
How to Make a Pan Sauce Using Sherry Vinegar 
 
1. Sear the meat and remove it from the pan. 
 
2. Drain away any excess fat, leaving the browned bits in the pan. 
 
3. Add aromatics such as ½ cup of shallots, and cook for a minute. 
 
4. Deglaze the pan with three tablespoons of sherry vinegar and ½ cup broth. 
 
5. Add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. 
 
6. Simmer to reduce the sauce, stirring and scraping the pan with a spoon to release the browned bits. 
 
7. Add two tablespoons of whipping cream or a tablespoon of butter. 
 
8. Stir until the fat is incorporated, and season with salt and pepper. 
 
9. Serve over or alongside meat. 
 
5. Make a Glaze  
A sweet sherry glaze is perfect for chicken or salmon or to serve over desserts such as strawberries or ice cream. 
 
1. In a small saucepan, mix ½ cup light brown sugar with ½ cup sherry vinegar. 
 
2. Simmer to form a thick syrup. 
 
3. Remove from the heat. 
 
4. Add one teaspoon of water to thin the syrup 
 
6. Enhance Your Dishes
Fascinating Ways to Use Sherry Vinegar
Add to soups, sauces, stews, and casseroles to enhance the flavors. Like salt, a little goes a long way, so add a tablespoon or two and then test for potency. Add more if desired, but don’t go overboard. 
 
Health Benefits of Sherry Vinegar 
 
Beneficial Contents of Sherry Vinegar 
• Minerals 
• Vitamins 
• Amino acids 
• Antioxidants 
• Polyphenols 
• Organic acids such as citric, malic, and lactic 
 
How Sherry Vinegar Improves Health 
• Lowers blood sugar 
• Aids liver function 
• Combats indigestion 
• Increases calcium absorption 
• Prevents infection 
• Lowers blood pressure 
• Acts directly on cancers and tumors 
• Helps with weight loss 
• Raises HDL (good cholesterol)

How to Make Sherry Vinegar at Home 
N.B: To make your own sherry vinegar you’ll need either unpasteurized, unfiltered vinegar, or the mother of vinegar taken from a previous batch of vinegar or mycoderma aceti liquid starter purchased from a wine-making store. 
 
Ingredients 
 Vinegar crock or half-gallon jar 
• 2 cups sherry vinegar 
• 4 cups spring water 
• Cheesecloth, cloth, or a paper towel 
 
Directions 
 
1. Clean a vinegar crock or half-gallon jar thoroughly. 
 
2. Pour the starter into the container and swirl it around so it coats all the surfaces of the jar or crock. 
 
3. Mix 4 cups spring water with 2 cups sherry vinegar, and add it to the jar or crock. 
 
4. Place the cheesecloth, cloth, or paper towel across the open end of the jar or crock, and secure with a rubber band. 
 
5. Place the container in a warm, dark place such as the inside of a cupboard. 
 
6. Wait patiently – it can take 3-6 months for the vinegar to completely ferment. 
 
7. Smell the jar, looking for an intense vinegar smell. Taste test the vinegar to determine when it’s ready to use. Try to avoid disturbing the mother too much – the slimy growth on the surface of the vinegar. 
 
8. When the vinegar is ready, filter it through cheesecloth or a coffee filter and store in sterilized bottles. Save the mother to begin the next batch. 
 
How to Store Sherry Vinegar 
Due to its acidic nature, sherry vinegar will keep almost indefinitely on the shelf. It does not have to be stuck in the fridge. Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.

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Sweet Potato in Curry and Peanuts

Ingredients for sweet potato wedges: 
 
Red onion - 1 (chopped) 
 
Garlic - 4 cloves 
 
Chili - 1 (seeded and chopped) 
 
Ginger root - 1-inch piece (chopped) 
 
Ground cumin - 1 tsp.
 
Coriander - 1 tsp. 
 
Garam masala - 1 tsp. (alternative: curry powder) 
 
Turmeric - 1 tsp. 
 
Ground cinnamon - 1/2 tsp. 
 
Sweet potato - 2-3 medium (skin-on, cut into 1-inch pieces)
 
Vegetable stock - 1/2 quart 
 
Peanut Butter - 1 tbsp. 
 
Baby spinach - a handful leaves 
 
Salt - as needed 
 
Method of preparing the sweet potato wedges:  
Sauté the onion, garlic, chili and ginger with a little oil and salt, over medium-low flame, until tender. 
 
Add the cumin, coriander, Garam masala, turmeric and cinnamon and fry for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. 
 
Add the sweet potatoes and cover 2/3 with vegetable stock. 
 
Cook over medium-low flame for 30-45 minutes, until the sauce thickens. 
 
Stir occasionally. Add the peanut butter and remove from heat. 
 
Add the spinach leaves and serve!  
 
Source: delicious.

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Tuesday, January 10, 2023

50 Amazing Kitchen Hacks

It goes without saying that years spent in the kitchen allow you to learn a special mix of skills and moves to be able to cook better food in less time. Unfortunately some of us do not have that luxury, so I’ve compiled this fantastic list of 50 tips and tricks that are perfect for use in the kitchen. In fact, I guarantee that you’ll save at least a few minutes making your very next dish: 
 50 Amazing Kitchen Tips
 
 
 

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