Induction Cookware - Is It Worth Your Money?

Even though many people believe that induction cooking is a modern concept, it actually has been around for centuries. Today it is still a very popular way of cooking various meals. If you are interested in finding out how induction cooking works, you will be glad to find out that it is not rocket science. Unlike regular cooking, the heat is generated directly to the cookware instead of the stovetop.

You can find out if your cookware is ready for induction by placing a refrigerator magnet at the pan's bottom, and if it sticks, it means that your cookware is good to go. This very simple test requires no additional efforts or knowledge. Just like with all the other cooking techniques, the induction one also has its specific advantages and disadvantages. The main benefits are that it offers quick heating, improved thermal efficiency and good heating consistency.

The power of the induction source will determine how much time it takes to cook various dishes or boil water. The type of induction cookware used will influence the way your food is cooked, and may affect the taste too. One of the few drawbacks of induction cooking is that glass, copper, aluminum and ceramic cookware will not be supported. Nevertheless, clad-styled cookware can still be used and you should have no problems with working with it. The best pans to use for this purpose are the ones that have flat bottoms, as the more curved they are, the less the effect of induction will be.

Induction cookware may seem difficult to find or get, but as long as you know exactly what you are looking for, the shopping task should be quick and easy. You can find these cooking devices in any local retail store, but if you want something more special, you can try searching the internet. There are many online stores offering cooking supplies for affordable prices, and sometimes the shipping is free.

A set of cookware can run you from $100 to more than $1000, but some people recommend buying the pieces separately. Keep in mind that the higher you go with the name brands and quality, the higher the prices will be. Nevertheless, some of these expensive products are worth every penny.

Regardless of what brand or set you decide to buy, it is always a wise idea to read some testimonials and reviews written by previous customers. People who have already bought and used induction cookware often go back to the online shops or forums to share their opinions with other potential buyers.

How To Cook Mung Beans

Mung beans are some of the oldest beans in the history of food and they were first cultivated in China and India. These beans are dark green in color on the outside and also dark yellow inside. Mung beans are used for either split or ground. They can also be used when peeled or as a whole. They are mostly soft and sweet especially to those who have never had the chance to taste them. Mung beans are also easy on the stomach so you should not worry about indigestion. When learning how to cook mung beans you may use several methods such as in making noodles, in making fried cakes as well as for sprouting.

When using the sprouting method the greens that will grow should be used for fresh salads and will contain Vitamin C. the sprouts are also known not to grow for long as they are in most cases about 2 inches long and they can be eaten when slightly boiled, steamed as well as raw. Several recipe ideas are available for using when you want to cook these beans. One of these recipes is the mung beans stew which is a vegan recipe that many people love because of its deliciousness. This dish is good for people who have wheat and dairy products allergies. It takes approx minutes to prepare this dish and approx 1 hour to cook it.

You will need several ingredients to make this dish including ? cup raw mung beans, 1 peeled and chopped onion, 5 sliced button mushrooms, 2 sliced carrots, 5 peeled and quartered potatoes, 1 tablespoon canola oil, 2 cups vegetable stock, 2 sliced stalks celery, as well as salt and pepper. The first instruction is to preheat the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also cook the beans with water using a saucepan. This should cook at medium high heat until the water comes to boil.

The beans should then be cooked for 10 more minutes after the water boils and then drain the rest of the water and rinse them using cold water. You should then take another saucepan to boil the potatoes with and also add ? teaspoon of salt. After the water has boiled cook the potatoes for an additional 10 minutes and this is while simmering until they become tender. The water that remains should then be drained and the potatoes set aside. Take another skillet and heat oil at medium heat.

The onions should then be added and saut?ed until they are transparent. The carrots, mushrooms as well as celery should then be added to cook until tender. The stock should then be poured and season with salt and pepper. This should then be cooked for 5 more minutes. Lastly use an oven proof casserole for poring in the sauce, potatoes and the beans and cover the casserole. Bake this for approx 30 minutes.

Healthy Eating With A Food Steamer

Are you looking for ways to provide more healthy options for you and your family? Healthy living includes choosing and cooking vegetables that will be nutritious and low in fat. Of course, you already know that you diet needs to be rich in fruits and vegetables. However, did you know that if you cook the vegetables the wrong way, you will actually be taking away their nutritious qualities? Unfortunately, many of the standard methods of cooking removes nutrients from foods, so you will need to find a method to keep the nutritious nature of the vegetables while making them flavorful and delicious for you and your family.

This is why many people choose a food steamer, and this is why you will want to consider a food steamer for your own healthy cooking. Here are some of the many benefits of the food steamer that will provide you with nutritious and tasteful foods.

Overcooking vegetables is the number one way to take away their nutritional value. When you overcook them, they lose vital nutrients, and they lose taste. No one wants a limp green bean. However, when you choose to use a food steamer, the vegetables will not be overcooked, so they will retain both nutrients and taste.

Steaming vegetables is a great way to create a low fat meal. In fact, foods that are cooked in a steamer do not require any sort of fat filled cooking medium. However, you do not have to worry about losing taste. When your vegetables are cooked, you can add olive oil or other low fat oils to add a hearty flavor without losing nutritional value.

Another great reason to choose a food steamer is that it is much easier to use. Instead of having to carefully watch a boiling pot of water to steam your foods, you can set the steamer and then work on other things while your vegetables cook. This adds a great deal of convenience in the kitchen since you will have more free time to work on other things.

When you are looking for a way to add healthy cooking for you and your family, then choosing a food steamer is a good option. This way, you can cook flavorful and tasteful vegetables that do not lose any of their health and nutritional value as they would when cooked in other methods. Your whole family will be able to enjoy the benefits of freshly steamed vegetables.

When you begin looking for your food steamer, please keep in mind one very important thing for your familys health. Be sure to avoid plastic tray food steamers and look for those that include stainless steel. Plastic can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, especially when it becomes scratched from regular use. Additionally, it is unknown what types of toxic chemicals may be released into your food from plastic containers that reach a high heat during cooking. Stainless steel is hygienic and easier to keep clean.

How To Cook Fish Curry

India is known to be the country that most of the curry dishes come from and among these dishes is the fish curry. Fish curry is mostly popular in the eastern part of the country. In order to learn how to cook fish curry you will need to know all the ingredients used in its preparation. The ingredients will include 2 pounds fish fillet preferably Tilapia, 2 chopped big tomatoes, 5 medium sized shallots or 2 medium onions, 2 tablespoons garlic paste and 5 tablespoons mustard seeds. Additionally, 1 tablespoon cumin seed, ? a tablespoon coriander powder, 3 cups water, cooking oil, 2 inches Ginger root, 4 bay leaves, 3 tablespoons turmeric powder, 7 red chilies, as well as 3 tablespoons salt.

After assembling all these ingredients you can now start with the preparation of the dish where you will be required to follow a few steps so as to make an irresistible dish. The first step will be the combining of six ingredients namely cumin seeds, 2 bay leaves, 5 red chilies, onions as well as mustard seeds in a grinder. You should make sure that you spare about a cup of onions which will be utilized later. After these ingredients have been grinded you should then set them aside.

You should now clean the fish and cut it in small pieces of fillets by keeping them about 3 inches in length. After cutting the fish you should place the pieces in a plate and rub about 2 teaspoons of salt. You should then sprinkle 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder and finally add the garlic paste. You should mix this until the fish is coated evenly and then put it aside for approx 30 minutes in order for it to marinade. After the fish is marinated you can now heat the oil in a wok and deep fry the fish for approx 4 minutes on each side.

You should then use a clean a plate to set aside the fish. Here you are supposed to use a new wok and then pour the oil and thereafter heat the wok. The next step is to add a pinch of cumin seed, a pinch of mustard seed, 2 red chilies as well as 2 bay leaves. The next step is to add a pinch of aniseed where it should be left to fume. The remaining onions should then be added where they should be allowed to brown a little. The next step is to add the remaining turmeric powder, ground paste as well as the cut tomatoes.

A pinch of salt should then be added for taste and this should be continuously stirred for approx 10 minutes and this will mean that the paste should not stick on the wok which will mean that it is ready. The 3 cups of water should be added and stirred until they come to boil. The fish that was set aside can now be added and left to boil for about 15 minutes and the fish curry will now be ready. The curry can then be garnished with some lemon juice or coriander leafs. The fish curry can be accompanied with dishes such as rice. This recipe can also be practice when you are learning how to cook codfish.

How Little Girls Benefit From Play Kitchen Sets

Most people expect little girls to grow up into the perfect homemaker, or at least learn to cook for themselves. This is why a lot of mothers want to introduce their daughters to life's simple responsibilities as early as possible. A very good way to do that is by letting them play constructive role-playing games such as playing house. And play kitchen sets are among the best tools for nurturing a child's imagination and instilling responsibility early in life.
A young girl will most likely be interested in cooking if she sees her mother regularly preparing food for the family. Encourage her to learn by giving her a children's kitchen set to play with. There is a wide variety of kitchen sets to choose from, and you can make your choice based on your child's personality. If your child has simple tastes, you may want to buy a set that includes only the basic features of a kitchen. If your child has shown interest in baking then perhaps a play kitchen that includes a baking set would be better for her. If you have a very inventive and creative child then the complete kitchen set, which comes with both cooking and baking features as well as play food sets, is definitely the perfect toy for her.
Choosing the interactive type of play kitchen sets is also advisable for several reasons. It can make your child's playtime with friends a lot more enjoyable and help them all learn proper etiquette as well as the right way to interact with each other. It can also provide you and your child with the perfect bonding activity. There is no better way to teach your child about manners and responsibility than by participating in the game itself. These games can even serve as practice and a stepping-stone to the real thing. Little by little, as they become more used to the idea of cooking and serving dishes, you can ask your children to help out in the actual preparation of food for your family.
Rather than allowing your child to indulge in silly games all day, why not let her invite her friends over so they can have fun and learn at the same time, with the help of their play kitchens? For younger children, there are sets made from durable plastic that come in a variety of bright colors. This can effectively make the idea of cooking seem more fun for your kids. For older children, you can even buy kitchen sets made from clay to make their cooking experience a bit more real.
When your child finally outgrows her play kitchen, will you have to throw it all away? Of course not. Play kitchen sets, especially the most durable and stylish ones, can be passed on as an heirloom from one generation to the next. You may keep it in the attic or basement for the time being, or you may place it in a special display case for family and friends to admire until another little girl can use it for an afternoon of make-believe.

Metabolic Cooking Review

The Metabolic Cooking is now available and you can obtain it for Half Off of the regular price for a limited time.

Metabolic Cooking is really a special nutrition and cooking program with one goal: to help individuals eat better for fat loss and improved health. This system was developed by Dave Ruel, a trendy nutrition coach, and his awesome partner in everyday life, Karine Losier. It helps you do 3 main things:
1. Cook easy to make dishes and meals which could assist you to supercharge your metabolism and burn extra fat fast. You won't call at your metabolism decrease when you do with other diets.
2. Give you a lot of options with more than 236 different recipes and that means you won't get tired of the food you eat as if you may do with regular fat loss programs.
3. Show you how to prevent unhealthy food and ingredients that may actually sabotage excess fat loss efforts.
This isn't merely a recipe program. Metabolic Cooking is a structured nutrition arrange for weight loss. It makes life easier and weight loss faster.
You receive complete nutrition guidelines which show you which kinds of recipes you can elect to eat so you get the correct amount of carbs, protein, and fats. The recipes ensure that you obtain the right nutrients for any fast fat reduction.
Metabolic Cooking has excellent reviews and testimonials. It's easy to use even for many who aren't utilized to cooking and the results can be very impressive. I've seen some before pictures which have left me speechless. These were that impressive.

How much does Metabolic Cooking contain

1. The whole Metabolic Cooking recipes 9 Sets - Here you get over 236 fat loss recipes for breakfast, side dishes, meat, fish, snacks, vegetarian, smoothies, chicken, etc. You will find many tasty dishes that you will love. I attempted many of these recipes and they're an easy task to cook and delicious.
2. Weight loss Optimizer Guide - This is a nutrition guide by which Dave and Karine teach you the right way to eat, what you should avoid, how to save the healthy food choices, the way to create metabolic boosting diets, their 10 rules of Metabolic Cooking, etc.
3. Metabolic Salad Builder - A guide which demonstrates how to create metabolism boosting salad dressings. Often, dressings could make you fat. Anyone can see how they can actually enable you to burn fat.
4. Thermo-charged seasoning guide - In order to turn a dish in to a metabolic boosting bombshell, the best spices are your best friends. The guide will reveal how you can create the proper seasoning for the ultimate metabolism boosting dish.
5. Supplements Optimizer Guide - If you want to stop wasting money on useless supplements, this informative guide can be a must. Here you will see what works and what doesn't to your health insurance and your waistline.
6. Quick Sheets - To help you get started quickly, you should use these sheets. They'll show you how you can quickly setup your dishes, the way to shop using a low-level of hassle, etc. This will make things very simple.

Main point here

If you want to lose extra fat fast, you'll need a simple nutrition plan you could apply in a short time inside your schedule. This course of action has to help you produce the proper eating selections for weight loss without compromising your quality of life. Metabolic Cooking is such a plan.
This system works for people, for meat eaters and vegetarians, for people who have to lose 5 lbs or 50. It is simply an entire nutrition and cooking plan that anyone are able to use.
Metabolic Cooking can be a digital program so you download it in your computer and you can go with it in minutes. If you want a leaner, fitter, and tighter body, this is a program which I recommend.

Develop Effective Modern Kitchen Management Skills

If you think that technology and management have entered only our industries and management institutes, you are wrong. These have entered our kitchen also in a big way to change life, especially for women. In fact, the modern kitchen has greatly helped in the empowerment of women.

The changeover from traditional firewood/kerosene to LPG, has revolutionised cleanliness and the environment, and the pressure cooker has helped housewives to reduce cooking time drastically. With the use of the refrigerator, mixer-grinder, microwave oven, electric chimney, etc, the kitchen has totally changed - and so has the way we used to cook and preserve food in the kitchen.

The design and layout are to be taken care of by the architect or the civil engineer while constructing the kitchen. But other things are to be taken care of by the person operating the kitchen. A safe kitchen is one of the first steps in protecting yourself and your family from food-borne illness and the potential dangers of harmful bacteria as well as protecting the person working in the kitchen from LPG leakage and subsequent explosion.

The most common problem in food safety is the attack from bacteria and contamination due to lack of proper cleanliness. To avoid this:

Wash hands often.

Keep raw meat and ready-to-eat foods separate.

Cook food at proper temperature.

Refrigerate food promptly to below 4C.

Hands should be washed in warm, soapy water before preparing foods, especially after handling raw meat, poultry and seafood. Never forget to wash your hands after switching tasks, such as handling raw meat and then cutting vegetables. Also, it is important to wash hands after taking out garbage, sneezing or petting your dog or cat, etc.

Other precautions

- Always use two cutting boards: one strictly to cut raw meat, poultry and seafood; another for ready-to-eat foods like breads, fruits an vegetables.
- After each use, wash cutting boards thoroughly in hot soapy water.
- Discard cutting boards that are worn out with cracks, crevices and excessive knife scars.
- Wash plates between uses or use separate plates: one plate for holding raw meat, poultry and seafood; another for cooked roods.
- Place raw meat, poultry and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator so that the juices don't drip onto other foods.
- Place washed produce in clean storage containers; not back into the original ones.
- Use two separate clean towels/cloths: one to dry off the kitchen surfaces and another one to dry your hands.
- Use one spoon or laddle to taste food and another to stir and mix food.
- Make sure that you use clean scissors or blades to open bags of food.
- Wear latex gloves if you have a cut or sore on your hand.

Sponges are safe only when cleaned properly. Bacteria live and grow in damp conditions. Wash dishcloth, sponges and towels often in the hot cycle of your washing machine.

Disinfect sponges in chlorine bleach solution. Replace worn-out sponges frequently.

In the cupboard

Clean and cool, dark and dry, are how you should describe your cupboards. Storing non-refrigerated foods in the cupboard between 50F and 70F is the smartest way to keep the bugs away.

Keeping canned foods on hand is smart and practical, but make sure that your stock is rotated. Remember the FIFO method - first in, first out. That means older cans should be up in front so that they are used first. The safest place for a can that is leaking, bulging or cracked, is in the garbage!

Once you have opened a package, make sure that the leftovers are stored in containers that are dry and airtight. This keeps insects out and the flavour in.

Store food safely. Keep chemicals and cleaning agents away from food.

Inside the refrigerator

If there is more mould on your bread than in a pound of blue cheese, or you suddenly notice the remains of last month's pot roast at the back of your refrigerator, it's time to get organised. Step one is to keep your refrigerator cold. Most people have no idea what the actual temperature in their refrigerator is.

Since harmful bacteria thrive in warmer temperature, it's best to keep your refrigerator temperature below 4C. Spending a few dollars on an inexpensive thermometer is a worthwhile investment. Place it in the centre of the middle shelf for an accurate reading.

The internal temperature of your refrigerator is based on many variables - for example, the amount of food in storage, the frequency of opening the refrigerator door, and the temperature of your kitchen. The best way to monitor the inside cooling temperature of your refrigerator is with a refrigerator thermometer.

Keep raw meat containers on the lowest shelf. This helps to keep any juice from dripping onto other foods. If your refrigerator is overloaded, take the time to get rid of the unnecessary items. Cold air should circulate.

Any fridge can benefit from a thorough wipe-down. Get rid of any splatters. Once any food has passed its prime, get rid of it. Get into the habit of dating your leftovers and get rid of anything that has been stored for more than four days.

Food should not be out of refrigeration for more than two hours. Because, if it is exposed to temperature above 4C, harmful bacteria will multiply rapidly. In hot weather (above 32C), the time is reduced to one hour.

If you are not sure that an item is safe to eat, trust your instinct and discard it. Don't taste it! If there is any sign of mould, that's another strong reason to dispense with it.

In the freezer

The FIFO method works in the freezer, too. Make sure that your foods are rotated so that you use older items first. An organised freezer makes it easier to find things, too.

Always be prepared

You never know when you will need a little extra on hand. So, stock a supply of non-perishable foods for unexpected needs. Canned fruits, soups and vegetables, peanut butter and nuts are simple staples. Make sure that your emergency stash gets a review every now and then.

Drinking water

Drinking water is the major cause of disease. Full care should be taken. Water for drinking should be boiled as boiling kills all the bacteria and virus. Instead of boiling, ultraviolet water filter can also be used for purifying drinking water in the kitchen.

To ensure safety from LPG leakage:

Use ISI-mark LPG tubes.

Always keep the cylinder in a vertical position.

Regularly check for cracks in the LPG rubber tube.

Keep the kitchen airy with cross-ventilation.

Place the gas stove on a raised platform because LPG is heavier than air and tends to settle on the base.

Do not operate a stove near or facing a window.

Switch off the regulator when cooking gas is not in use, especially at night.

Do not repair the gas stove or cylinder yourself. Whenever required, call the expert from the gas agency.

When it leaks...

Do not operate any electrical switch if you smell LPG leakage.

Never use a lighted lamp to locate the leak. Use soap water solution.

Open all doors and windows.

Call your LPG distributor or Emergency Service Cell.

Close regulator and burner knob.

How to make your kitchen fuel-efficient:

- Organise your cooking. Keep all ingredients ready for cooking. This will help you cook without delay and thus save gas.
- If you have to stop cooking for a short while, shut off the gas.
- Use a pressure cooker to save gas and reduce cooking time.
- Use the small burner. A large burner consumes 15% more gas.
- Always use flat and shallow vessels.
- Cover the vessel while cooking
- Use the required quantity of water while cooking. Surplus water requires more heating and, therefore more gas.
- Bring out frozen materials well in advance to reach room temperature before cooking.
- If the flame is blue, everything is fine. If the outlet holes are blocked and the flame is yellow, clean the burner or get your stove checked by a mechanic.

With the increase of solid waste generated in the kitchen, it becomes a major source of pollution. Solid waste disposal is also becoming a part of kitchen management. Try kitchen manager (the olden days title of 'cook' is obsolete for the new housewife) has to take care of solid waste disposal also. For this, the waste generated in the kitchen should be segregated in the kitchen itself into the biodegradable and the non-degradable. The non-degradable should be put in a separate bin. The biodegradable part may be used to produce bio-fertiliser/organic fertiliser in a pit for the kitchen garden. If the facility does not exist, the biodegradable part may be separately handed over to the garbage collector who will use the same for vermiculture to produce organic manure. With water becoming a scarce commodity in the cities, the kitchen manager should also take care to recycle the waste water generated in the kitchen to be used in the kitchen garden, flower beds, etc.

SALIENT FEATURES OF MODERN KITCHEN MANAGEMENT

Scientific design and layout of the kitchen for light, cross-ventilation etc.

Better arrangement of kitchen appliances like gas stove, fridge, water filter, racks, cabinet etc.

Good housekeeping.

Cleanliness and hygiene.

Safety (food safety and personal safety).

Preparation of food without destroying its nutritious values.

Preservation of vegetables and cooked food.

Good cooking habits and conservation of fuel.

Proper disposal of solid waste generated in the kitchen.

Recycling the waste water from the kitchen in the kitchen garden.

Organic Oregano You Make The Choice.

Oregano is certainly one of the must haves in your kitchen and combines with basil and thyme as a cornerstone for the big three in Italian cooking. History records that oregano became popular when soldiers from the Second World War returned to the US and brought with them the taste for pizza, which is probably the most common dish associated with it as a herb.

When buying Oregano there are some things you need to know. It is closely associated with another herb marjoram and is sometimes called wild marjoram. Generally speaking, the best of the oreganos are sourced from the Mediterranean region of Greece, Turkey and Italy ( Origanum vulgare hirtum). Its worth while to know where it is grown because some of the other locations and types of oregano just dont work as well in the kitchen. Simple Oregano, often sold in garden stores (Oiganum vulgare gracile) and grown in patio boxes, may have wonderful ornamental value but taste bland.

Organic Oregano differs only in the way it is produced, which means it is grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers or often described as sourced from holistic and ecologically- friendly methods of farming. When shopping for anything organic be sure to look for certified organic on the label. To be certified organic, product must be grown and manufactured in a manner that adheres to specific standards. You may find that common dried oregano sold in grocery stores is often a mixture of different varieties of oregano and often combined with marjoram and thyme.

You may find, as I have from a culinary point of view, that the dried oregano adds more flavor than the fresh alternative, but either choice will bring wonderful flavor to most dishes. Add organic oregano to almost any tomato based receipt, or add to a salad, along with basil and thyme, and you will add wonderful mint flavor to the dish.

So why make Organic Oregano your choice. Simple quality effects taste.

Red Cabbage Is A Healthy And Delicious Addition To The Diet

Red cabbage is a member of the Brassica family of cruciferous vegetables. Other members of the brassica family include green cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower and broccoli, among others. The name cruciferous comes from the thought that the flowers with four petals are in a cross shape.

Though it has the same cancer fighting properties and antioxidants and vitamins, the anthocyanin polyphenols that give red cabbage its color also give additional health benefits. In addition to the whopping extra helping of Vitamin A, higher in any vegetables and fruits in the red and yellow color range, it is also higher in calcium and iron. Vitamin A is beneficial for eyes and skin. The additional iron is great for everyone, though women need more iron than men. Red cabbage also contributes a large portion of the Vitamin C needed daily. There are many more wonderful health benefits in red cabbage, but how do we incorporate it into the diet.

Quick and Simple Uses

Red cabbage has similar taste to green cabbage and can be used similarly. Grate red cabbage and add to green cabbage when making your favorite cole slaw. Slice it finely and mix it with thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers with an Asian dressing for a great treat. Cabbage of either color can easily be roasted. Cut the heads in half or quarters, depending on their size and roast in the center of the oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until done as desired. Mix together some balsamic or apple cider vinegar and honey and drizzle over the roasted cabbage.

Cooked Red Cabbage Loses its Color

Know that when cooking red cabbage the lovely purple red color goes a dull blue gray. To rectify this, vinegar or lemon juice is often added, reviving the color to a beautiful and more palatable looking magenta. There are many wonderful recipes for cooked red cabbage, but this is my particular favorite. It is an amalgamation of many recipe ideas, made into my own delicious dish. Red Zinfandel wine is the best choice because of its fruitiness, but another red wine will work, also.

Red Cabbage with Bacon and Apple

3 slices bacon, in 1/2 inch cubes
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 pounds red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 large apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 cup red zinfandel wine
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

In a large fry pan, deep enough to accommodate the cabbage when raw, fry the bacon. When nearly brown, add onion and fry until onion begins to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

Add cabbage and saute, tossing with tongs until it has collapsed slightly and is no longer stiff, about 2 to 5 minutes. Raise heat to high and add allspice, nutmeg, salt and pepper and stir to coat with the spices. Add apple slices and wine, cover the pan and reduce heat to medium low and cook till almost tender, about 40 minutes. If the wine has not cooked out, remove cover and boil to reduce to a sheen on bottom of the pan.

Raise heat to medium and add the vinegar, stirring to deglaze the pan, and then add the brown sugar. Stir and cover again, reducing heat to medium low. Continue to cook until liquid is absorbed and cabbage is very tender - about 30 minutes. If cabbage is done, but still has liquid in the pan, raise heat and cook uncovered until liquid has reduced to a glaze.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope it was informative and helped you along your own culinary journey. You will find many more recipes and helpful tips on my web site. I am on Facebook at A Harmony of Flavors and share a recipe or tip each day to the fans that have liked my site. I hope to see you there soon.

A Primer On Cooking Baby Carrots

Grown carrots and baby carrots are cooked in much the same way and so if you desire to understand how to cook baby carrots, then you just use the same method. Baby carrots can be added to any dish that you'd like to boost the flavor. The baby carrots can be simply stewed or just steamed. These carrots can also be mixed up with corn after being chopped and then set aside as a side dish. Baby carrots can be eaten raw due to their sweet taste and crunchy bite, but they can also be boiled in water for some 15-20 minutes till they can be easily penetrated by a fork. The baby carrots can be served later where they will have to be reheated using some brown sugar and butter for that extra style and then garnished with grated orange peel. This will change their overall flavor greatly.

It is critical to note that carrots that have already been cooked tend to have lots of antioxidants as opposed to those that are raw. Researchers at the University of Arkansas have carried out research and they say that cooked carrots do not lose their nutritional content like the raw carrots and that they also have enhanced health boosting properties. Carrot is generally categorized as a type of root vegetable which is orange in color. The carrot has a characteristic crisp texture and the orange color is courtesy of carotene which is the substance that is metabolized into vitamin A by the body. Antioxidants, fibers and minerals are al present in carrots. Others include iron, calcium, thiamin, vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and niacin. Just like other types of foods, carrots should be consumed in moderation to avoid hypercarotenemia or instances where the skin turns into an orange color.

How to cook glazed carrots is the next query that we are going to answer.Carrots can be prepared using several methods. The reason that carrots are added to other foods is to add a bit of color as well as to increase their nutritional value. Carrots can also be eaten raw without necessarily having to cook them. In case you find raw carrots tasting weird, you can use the following recipe. A maximum of 6 to 8 people can be served by this glazed carrot recipe. In order to effectively cook glazed carrots, you will require the following. ? cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of tapioca, 1 tablespoon of butter, 8 to 10 pieces of medium-sized fresh carrots, 1/8 teaspoon of ginger, 1 ? cup of orange juice, ? teaspoon of salt.

Using a small bowl, proceed to mix the 1/8 teaspoon of ginger, 1 ? cup of orange juice, ? teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of butter, ? cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of tapioca. Have the mixture blend in well. Take the fresh carrots and the mixture and place it on a slow cooking electric cooker. Ensure that they mix up well. This mixture should be cooked at low heat for eight or ten hours or 4-5 hours using high heat. Cover the pot as you cook the carrots. Serve while hot.

Microwave Oven : Bringing Difference In Cooking Appliances

Microwave Oven is a kitchen appliance that is brought to use for cooking and heating purpose. The users feel good about the gadget as it cooks very quickly. The device can cook any recipes and finish the cooking in due course of time. The users can save their time in cooking and can prepare delicious items even in short span of time.

The cooking appliances brought to use by people conventionally consumes a lot of time in preparing a dish. Users can now utilise Microwave oven for cooking within a short period of time. People find these ovens extremely beneficial for preparing delicious dishes smartly.

The user-friendliness of the device is also very appealing. There is a smart lamp that blinks and indicates the completion of cooking whenever the dish is prepared. A timer also makes it possible for people to set time and complete the cooking in the estimated time. Thus cooking has become simple as never before.

People who used to make use of other cooking alliances have started to abandon them. Microwave Oven are used in place of such cooking appliances so as to cook easily. It has eased life especially for professionals who now find it possible for them to cook something good before they leave home to work. The Oven Grill allows users to place large dishes within the grill for cooking large quantity of food. It is thus found that the Microwave Oven are very suitable device for preparing a number of dishes at very short span of time.

Information about these ovens are available in the internet. People can know more about the oven once they log into several shopping websites. These websites give detailed information about the microwave ovens. The users can also know their price once they log into the sites. These ovens are normally priced low so that they become affordable for any person. People thus can place an online order for the oven. Having received the cash, the oven is delivered to the address as mentioned by the buyer.

Bread Maker Tips "artisan Bread On A Bread Machine"

For many people, if bread is considered to be artisan made, it is made of the highest quality. If you are able to eat artisan quality, you are eating bread at its absolute finest. However, if there is a downside to these types of bread, it is that they cost more than their ordinary counterparts. Why? This is because the attention to detail in creating artisan quality is higher, to put it in simple terms. Is it possible to create artisan quality on a bread machine: You are about to find out in this article.

To start off this article, it has to be discussed what the word "artisan" means when it comes to bread. Actually, there are a lot of times that the word artisan here is used to connote different meanings. For instance, there are people who define artisan as created with the finest ingredients by an artisan baker. For others, artisan is defined as bread processed using the traditional way. And for others, artisan is defined by the level of quality that the finished bread itself possesses. But on the strict sense, bread aficionados define artisan as being prepared with the finest ingredients, prepared in the traditional way, meaning everything is handmade, and artificial ingredients are a no-no.

As you can see here, the requirements of bread to be purely "artisan" is quite steep. Since everything needs to be handmade, how about if you are going to use a machine? For purists, it is impossible for artisan quality to be made on a bread machine. But for non-purists, it is very possible for you to create a loaf that is, or at least approaches that of, artisan quality.

One of the defining ways on how to create artisan bread is how the ingredients are composed. Of course, there are the 4 basic ingredients of flour, water, yeast, and salt. And 2 of the most difficult processes in bread making must be done by hand. However, most machines have build-in mixers that do the kneading by themselves. While others would say that it tampers the definition of artisan, this is often tolerated for convenience purposes.

As for the baking itself, this is often done in the traditional oven as it maximizes the quality formed on the bread itself. Some even go further and use baking stones and wood ovens to bring out that maximum artisan experience. Before baking, most give cuts to the surface for heat release and optimal baking. While most of these steps are something that you cannot do when using a bread maker, it doesn't mean that you cannot have a finished product that approaches artisan levels of quality.

Most high quality bread machines are capable of at least producing bread close to the quality of pure artisan bread.

It is possible to create artisan quality on a bread machine? It depends on what you mean by artisan. If you are a purist, then it's not going to be possible. But that doesn't mean you cannot create awesome artisan-level using your bread machine.

Compact All-in-one Kitchens Are A Sink, Range, Refrigerator, Storage And Countertop In A Box

Renovations with heavy space restrictions can be debilitating. Now we have solutions in the form of a compact kitchen. These small units make use of versatility as well as form to complement the kitchen design. With folding chairs, compact household appliances, maximum storage capacity, as well as changeable work areas, a compact kitchen offers the same level of function of a full sized kitchen whilst making available valuable space. Whether installed into a rental or a miniature kitchen, using the minimal area with the most effecient possible function provides a more relaxed environment and compact kitchens are available in different hues, clean metals, variations on themes as well as finishes, and an a whole world of refrigerators, sinks, countertops, storage areas, cabinetry, microwave ovens, and dish washers.

Unitized sinks, ceiling high cabinets, and sliding shelving units correspond well with the chopping boards that are installed atop the basin when it is used, cooking units featuring folding tops, in addition to hanging rails for cookware. A compact kitchen has each principal functionality of a kitchen for smaller spaces. For example, Kristen Laass and Normal Ebelt have manufactured a compact kitchen design that folds down to the size of one meter and expands to a dining table. It includes storage, an oven, an effecient induction rangetop, in addition to a refrigerator freezer. Circle Kitchen has devised a further compact kitchen that is marginally bigger, taking up a little less than two square meters. Their kitchen is describes a circle and turns a full 180 degrees. This model features a sink, stove top, cabinets, prep area, dishes, microwave, and a dish washer.

Robert Schierjott and Ulrich Kohl have devised a compact kitchen which only uses a single meter and comes in 2 units that fold down to a small cube but then can be arranged into 6 different kitchen configurations complete with a natural gas cooking, counter tops, storage capacity, and a kitchen sink. There are compact kitchens which are 360 degrees, adaptable, and can be rolled about. These units include a tower which can be turned all the way around and comes with storage shelves, as well as variable cooking, eating, and cook prep area. The Kitchen Studio sells a compact kitchen which rests against the wall, integrates the necessary kitchen appliances, and spans the length of 246 cm. The compact kitchen by Stewart & Justin Case features a dining surface which seats four, a washbasin, drying rack, and a shelving system. Other choices involve silicon panels for holding canned goods, bowls, pots and pans, which then folds to create a dining area. For those tiny-house fans, there are compact kitchens that work as a dining room. At 4 square meters, this design is a 2 dimensional dining space when shut, and opens to fit a table, seating, and a lamp.

Turning compact kitchens develop a shared dining environment and food prep area with their flawless accessibility. Unitized combined squarish designs are available only in black and white and are at heart compact kitchens positioned on a vertical surface. Some feature wall cabinetry and food storage for more stylish homes, stylish black and white models integrating stainless steel, and full-featured stylish kitchens which are about the size and shape of an office desk.

City units or swank contempo houses can enjoy the perks of a modern, classic, or signature option. The 1st is devised for its fashion in small spaces together with its efficiency. The compact kitchens utilze less capacity than a closet and are available in sizes of 39 inches or more. These models are ideal for coffee kitchens which come off of a master bedroom, hoiday homes, maid's quarters, in-law rentals, cottages, impermanent kitchens while work is being done, including out-of-doors entertaining.

The second option is mostly utilized to augment the counter space while includes a refrigerator-freezer that is built-in right beneath the countertop. Typical kitchens infrequently include an oven and a dishwasher with maximum storage room and cook preparation in lengths ranging from 57 inches or greater. These are commonly installations for vacation rentals and cottages and also, recovery facilities, schools, assisted living arrangements, government facilities, and navy bases.

The final style includes a better stand-up fridge and could be made-to-order to fulfill whichever cooking solutions a non-compact kitchen would have. The sizes start at sixty three inches and higher and are often installed in hotels, assisted living, hospitality rooms, hospitals, conference rooms, and other residential facilities.

Irregardles of the preference from among choices, some options incorporate a detachable faucet, bail style hardware, and post-formed laminate countertops while alternative contemporary compact kitchen units include stainless washbasins, with Ceran range tops. Some of the prototypical units include microwaves.

How To Improve In The Success Of Your Concession Stand

If you are the owner of a concession stand, you know very well that there is not a lot to choose from when it comes to concession equipment. Therefore, you want to make sure that you have the proper equipment for the job as well as some type of warranty for the investment of your equipment. This way, you will know that your investment have been a wise one. Many people begin with a small concession stand that they run here and there on the weekends. However, it is quite common to turn a concession stand into a full-time business if you have the proper concession equipment.

Much business can be derived during the lunch hour. If you live in a big city, there is a good chance that you have noticed a hotdog stand here and there. If you think about it, this is not a large investment. All you need to buy is some hotdogs and some buns and also a way to cook them. If you can cook a good quality hot dog, there is a good chance that you will have plenty of business. Purchase some canned soda and put it on ice, and you are ready to go.

Something else that many people are using to make a profit is popcorn. Most people love popcorn and they will not hesitate to pay your asking price because it is delicious and also addicting. If it is summertime, consider purchasing a shaved ice machine. This is a great way to make a little bit of money by selling snow cones on the street. You can make your own ice to save a little bit of money.

Many people will stop in to your confession booth because they just want a drink. Therefore, make sure that you have plenty of variety of drinks available so that you do not send them away thirsty.

Once you have all of the necessary equipment, you are going to have a successful business over time. You will soon be very busy because all of your customers are going to tell their friends and family how delicious your food was. This is a great way to get many customers without any costly advertisement.

George Foreman Indoor Grill: Best Way To Grill At Home!

Indoor Culinary Advantage

What is your memorable kitchen moment? Perhaps you can still remember your priceless moment with your mom cooking for the family. It might likewise be the grilling time with the entire family when mom gets to do the food preparation, dad takes over the grilling, and you are left with your siblings helping your parents around. Joining your family circle is George Foreman Indoor Grill to provide expert culinary. And so rest assured you can get the perfectly grilled dish offered in restaurants.

Exclusive GF Constituents

George Foreman technology is renowned in providing excellent cooking components. No wonder, it features the bestselling non stick grilling plates that ensure hassle-free grilling. Meaning, you can be able to do away with the stressful cleanup procedure attributed to cooking debris sticking on the grill surface. Another great factor is that you get to save some dollars from your grocery budget. Sure, you can easily do so for this certain component facilitates grilling less the oil. And another terrific thing is the fact that these plates are totally dishwasher safe for extra comfort. Not just that for you can find another interesting components such as the cool touch handle that safeguards you from getting some burns on those clumsy hands.

Less Fat Grilling Operation

Just like some other Foreman grilling machines, the indoor series likewise takes pride of less fat culinary. It is simply made possible by the sloping grooves found on the cooking surface. These special channels facilitate draining of grease and fats. In turn, these oils accumulate on the drip tray for good so as not to penetrate back on the cookpiece. Undoubtedly, this mechanism comprises the bestselling healthy cooking advantage exclusive to this manufacturer brand.

Modest Operational Performance

Care for quick grilling activity? I bet you'd not settle to deal with complex keys that can just mess up the whole operation. Without a doubt, simplified controls can provide you with that much envied relief along the grilling process. Attributed to simplified functions, all you have to do is set the time and temperature controls to start the cooking activity. And it happens instantly in George Foreman Indoor Grill, as well.

Washable Kitchen Accent Rugs

Tired of the same old dcor of your house? Want to spruce it up a bit at the minimum cost? How about going in for washable accent rugs? They will add style and vibrancy to your designated area giving it a new and improved look. These practical rugs can add a dash of colour to an otherwise neutral room without making it look gaudy or loud. Washable accent rugs can be used in big sized rooms to create smaller sitting arrangements relieving the similitude while maintaining the harmony. You could arrange some comfortable furniture around smaller sized rugs and get yourself a cozy spot!

In smaller rooms, they can be used to brighten up the area. You could go in for themes. For instance, jazz up your kitchen with a fruit or vegetable themed washable accent rug; install a seashell patterned washable accent rug in the bathroom! The options are endless! When used in the kitchen, they help in blending the cooking and the eating areas really well. This is a good idea if you have an eat-in kitchen and entertain friends there. Since these are washable, you neednt worry about those spills. Just wash away the stains. In fact, it is this washable quality that makes then just what is needed in the kids rooms. You could go with the theme of the room or get a glitzy rug for an otherwise neutral room. Imagination and creativeness are enhanced when you get a fantasy themed rug for your little folks.

Many users have also placed these rugs at the entrance into different rooms and even at the main entrance to the house. This helps to protect the underlying floor or carpeting particularly when it is a high traffic area. If you are using washable accent rugs on bare flooring wooden or concrete, you would want to invest either in rug pads that hold the accent rug in place or opt for washable accent rugs that have a non-skid layering underneath so that there is no fear of slipping.

Washable accent rugs can do wonders for your old carpets or carpeting. They add life to the worn out carpets while adding cushioning in strategic places like where the flooring is damaged or the carpet is threadbare. Washable accent rugs cover it all. In the den, they make a wonderful foot warmer especially in front of your favourite reading chair.

You neednt be tied down with the rug once you have bought it for say, the dining area. When you start getting bored of the look, just change it around with another rooms. These rugs are so affordable that it is quite possible that you would have purchased more than one for your house. Another positive point for these washable accent rugs is that they are completely moveable unlike carpeting, which is a permanent feature and costs quite a packet to change. With these rugs you can move them around the house and if you have to change houses, you can take these with you!
So, go ahead and splurge just a little bit on a new washable accent rug and revamp your house today!

Several Tips To Transport Granite Countertops

Granite is known as one of the most expensive options that available for bathroom or kitchen countertops. This natural stone is also recognized as hardest material that used for countertops. This stone is very durable when it is installed. One of the reasons that make granite so popular is its sturdiness. Besides, this stone also comes with aesthetically pleasing appearance. When it is in transit, the granite countertops should be supported properly of they could crack. If you want to transport this granite by yourself, you have to consider using the right materials. Just follow some tips below for easily transport granite countertops.

The first thing that you have to do is to use the A-frame wooden structure for supporting granite countertops when transporting. This A-frame is used to properly support the granite and you can make it by yourself from wood material, or you can also rent it from the granite store. After that, you need to connect the horizontal boards into the two A-frame structures in which the straps and clamps will be attached.

The second thing is to lean the stone against the slope part of the A-frame. It is required for the countertop to be vertical with the unrefined side edged aligned with the support beam. This bottom edge must be located consistently on the ground.

The third thing that you have to do to transport granite countertops is to tie the straps around the stone for securing it in the place to the horizontal support beam with the clamps. Actually, you can also transport the small bathroom countertops without using the A-frame. Just follow same basic rules by protecting the granite while it is vertically on the unrefined side, with the bottom side located equally on the floor.

Additionally, it is required two people for carrying out the granite from the vehicle. The granite should be carried vertically and supported at both ends when you carry it.

Kitchen Cabinets And Shades

As far as the kitchen cabinets are concerned, let me tell you that you can decorate it with the help of various types of colors. These days the paints used are quite of diverse nature. The shades certainly make the cabinets look gaga. The chimney is also installed with the cabinet. Let me tell you that the kitchen cabinets are certainly the heart of the kitchen. All the kitchen utensils are to be kept in the kitchen cabinets. The main purpose of the kitchen cabinet is to hide all the utensils inside it.

Through this process the waste materials are hidden. However you will also have to keep in mind that the kitchen cabinets should be painted as well so that it looks great from outside.

There are many shades which you can use in case of the kitchen cabinets. Some of the shades are like the dark paints. Let me tell you that the dark paints are very popular these days. Suppose you use the crockery items for yourself then you will certainly be in good shape if you will use the dark paints.

You can use the dark red paint with the black as well as the green paint with the black.

Some designers also try to implement the color codes. The paints too say many things. The white paint is for cleanliness. The white color always insists that the area is clean. Similarly the red paint adds the glamour inside the kitchen. Similarly as far as the green paint is concerned, you should not use them for long. Most of the vegetable are green. Hence if you will use the green color then you should certainly not use it where you keep the vegetables. This can certainly be very tough for you and hence you should be smart while using the paints.

The very next thing is the shades. The paint and shades are two different things. The total green color is a color but if you will use the green paint with the brown paint then it is the shade.

Just think of the shades which comprises of green paint as well as the black paint and the brown paint. You can use the door handles to be painted as the black paint and you can use the green and brown paint mixed and used for wood.

So, colors as well as the shades can certainly change the way you look at your kitchen. A great design can make your old kitchen look modern.

Preparation Tips For Installing Kitchen Cabinets

How to Install New or Replacement Kitchen Cabinets
This article presents ten great tips for preparing to install kitchen cabinets. All of these steps will help prepare you for project and provide suggestions to help you avoid common kitchen cabinet installation
mistakes.
The kitchen furniture, just like all the rest of the furniture pieces in the house, must well be arranged and set up not just for the kitchen to look good, but most of all to provide maximum functionality.
When installing kitchen cabinets, there are certain ways that you need to follow to ensure that the installation will be perfect. Installing Toronto Kitchen Cabinets is complicated in its own way, so by following these easy steps will at least ensure that you will be able to get that furniture setup correctly.

Consider which cabinet you will be installing, try to match this with your needs. Because whether trying to get a basic set up or a heavy hardwood, you have to know what you want so you can eliminate other hassles such as confusion on which piece to choose. When shopping for your desired furniture be sure you have your kitchen area measurements. You dont want to end up with a kitchen cabinet one inch bigger or wider.

Before setting up for installation, secure the basic tools that you will need. Usual pieces like a level, pencils, electric drill, screws, and tape measures are necessary stuff to check before install to ensure that your cabinets are perfectly aligned before setting up the whole piece. Make sure you spackle old on your wall. This will ensure that you have a smooth surface to start working with. Get a quality spackle to do the trick, if you happen to get pink variety this turns to white when it is completely set. You can begin repainting and fixing when the spackle has set.

Most of your kitchen appliances needs will need specific clearance so be sure to get the correct requirements so that you wont have to through the hassle of changing your whole set up if your appliances do not fit into the spaces allotted for them. Finally see if an under cabinet lighting is an option, because if you opt for under cabinet lightning, might as well install them in time of the overall installation. By following these tips in installing Toronto kitchen cabinets, you can be sure that you have a great kitchen to work for you.