Can You Cook Without an Apron?

Men go out and earn the bread while women stay in the kitchen and bake it, this may have been true in the 1950's but not anymore. Today anyone can do anything. Cooking is no longer the sole responsibility of the women of the house but is now something even the man of the house will do. It is not an uncommon sight these days to see a man in a barbeque apron grilling burgers in the summer. If you want to look good while you turn over your stakes then you should get yourself an apron. Mens aprons are slightly different from women's aprons and apart from making your man look good an apron will also keep him clean and save his clothes from flying oil and marinade.

The main difference between mens and women's aprons is the cut. Mens ones are usually longer and do not have any frills or lace in their design. Not all men can pull of a pink apron or an apron with flowers on it. Kudos to the ones that can and for the one who can't don't worry, they are available in simple solid colors like black, red and navy blue. If you find the plain solid one too boring then you can go for an apron with a print. There are mens aprons with the some really nice prints and quotes available in the market. One of my favorite quotes for a man's apron is 'Real Men Do the Dishes'.

You can find a wide variety of mens aprons online. The fact of the matter is that you can cook without an apron but an apron has a lot of practical uses and helping you stay clean is only one of them. Most of them are fire resistant and com with a kangaroo pouch in the front for you to keep things in. Get yourself an apron today. You can find the perfect one online.

Diverse Cooking and Recipes of Different Countries

Italian
Italian cuisine is among the finest expression of their culture. It's ultimate trademark is that they cook food with its best and freshest ingredients. This is the reason why Italian food varies in different regions since they depend on the place's prevalent product. Typical Italian dishes are composed of pasta with all kinds of sauce such as tomato sauce, fish or white sauce, etc. During Christmas they have ravioli in brodo and a fruit cake called panetonne. At Easter they serve a dove-shaped cake called Colombia. These are proofs that they are inclined in pastries and baking. Traditionally, midday meal, which usually happens at around 1pm to 3pm and last for a couple of hours, is the most important meal of the day. It is a three to five course meal that starts with antipasto which is mainly a small serving of pasta. Then, it is followed by the main course which can be meat, poultry or fish and a contorno which is a serving of vegetables. It ends with a dolce or dessert. Most Italians prefer water and wines.

Chinese
Chinese cuisine varies in every region but most Chinese dishes are cooked with less meat and more vegetables and are cooked in a short period of time. They also serve the dish mostly in small servings and bite sized portions. Dim Sum which means small snack is often practiced. Beijing is known for its Beijing Duck, Cantonese for its steamed boiled and stir-fried foods, while Sichuan is noted for its spicy food such as Gongbao chicken. They have 3 varieties of noodles that are made from egg, wheat or rice flour and two types of noodle dish called lo mian and chow mian. Soup and tea has been a part of the tradition too.

Arabian
Arabaian cuisine mainly used lamb and chicken because pork is highly prohibited. They extensively use dairy products especially yogurt called labneh. Herbs, spices and greens are also mixed in their food. They have three basic meal on regular days: breakfast lunch and dinner. Breakfast is often a quick meal of bread and dairy products, lunch is considered the main meal, while dinner is the lightest meal. During Ramadan,there are two classification of meals and consumption of sweets and fresh fruits are served between these two meals. Futuur or fast-breaking is taken at dusk when fasting is over, while Sahur is the meal eaten just before dawn when the fasting must begin. Hot drinks such as coffee and tea are preferred than cold drinks.

American
We cannot really define what is the trademark of American cuisine. They have been influenced and accepted a lot of dishes from other countries. They love almost everything may it be Italian or French, Chinese and even southeast Asian dishes. They eat hotdogs, pizzas, pasta, tacos and pie. They eat most kinds of poultry, fruits and vegetables. They love to drink beer and sodas.

There is really a huge variety of cooking and recipes across different places, and they are definitely all worth tasting.

Improve Your Diet - Add Dried Fruit

Fruit should be part of everyone's diet. It is a super food that can keep you healthy, will not make you gain weight, and will keep you regular. Without fruits, such as apples, oranges, strawberries, pineapples and kiwis, a lot of dishes would also taste a lot blander.

It is a fact that the human body needs fruit. Regrettably, it is not always possible to go to the store to pick out a few fresh pieces every day. While this is frustrating, it should not make your life miserable, as you have another option to get your daily dose of fiber. Simply order a few batches of dried fruit online.

Although doctors will recommend fresh fruit first, they will not object to dried fruit. Dehydrated cranberries, blueberries or cherries have wonderful qualities, which are good for us. Kids love it often better than the real deal. They think it is candy, which they can also take to school without getting in trouble.

Aside from promoting good digestive health, dried fruit has a number of distinct advantages:
• Fiber - We all need fiber in our diet for good digestive health and regularity. Fiber also benefits those who are trying to lose weight.
• Carbohydrates - We need carbohydrates to give us energy. It is jam-packed with them. They can be eaten as a snack or pick-me-upper.
• Vitamin C - It is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which will improve your immune system. It will also help wounds heal quicker, encourage connective tissue health, and alleviate the symptoms of health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Antioxidants - It is loaded with antioxidants, which will among others, fight cancer and promote cardiovascular health.

As the studies into the benefits of regular and sugar-free dried fruit continue, more advantages will come to light.

Low Carb Diet Plan That Is Really A Neat Trick

You are not going to believe how easy this is, and just how well it works, especially, when you are a woman in your twenties and thirties (and for men it works even better).

Whether you are eating at home or in a restaurant, have 1/2 the carbs that would be in a standard, regular meal. OK. So, what does that look like? The simplest thing to keep in mind is when you have a bun or two pieces of bread for a sandwich, only eat half the bun or one piece of bread. You can still eat the sandwich! So what if some fingers are keeping the sandwich together by pressing on meat or something else instead of bread! You can use a napkin after you are done eating!

When it comes to hot, starch dishes, you need to ensure the standard portion is no more than a cup (8 ounces). So, that would mean you'd get 1/2 a cup (4 ounces). But you are still getting it! And you'd be surprised at how satisfied and successful you can be if you also follow these 10 supporting rules when you having a "1/2 Carb Day" or even just a "1/2 Carb Meal" (which counts too!):

(1) When you eat, only eat (do not watch television or read or have a conversation or drive at the same time)

(2) Take small bites & chew every bite of food no less than 8 - 12 times

(3) Avoid white flour and sugar products. You can and should have 2 to 3 servings of fresh fruit daily. If a very sweet piece of fruit (like orange or apple), one serving is 1/2 a piece.

(4) Feel free to double up protein portions with a given meal if still very hungry. Keep lean (and avoid highly salted and deep fried items). And do not go over 12 ounces total.

(5) Add 1 tablespoon cold pressed Flaxseed oil to salad or soup or veggies or protein at lunch.

(6) Keep total calories for day to roughly 1200 to 1500 (female) 1500 to 1800 (male) and total carbs to 40 to 80 grams a day.

(7) Drink six to eight 8 oz glasses of water daily and feel free to liberally squeeze in fresh lemon or lime.

(8) Have no soda. Have no more than 1 to 2 caffeinated beverages daily. Only drink pure fruit juices (4 oz). Add 4 oz water (dilute all fruit juices). Avoid alcohol.

(9) Do not use Splenda, Nutrasweet, or Sweet and Low type products.

(10) Do exercise that you do not dread 3 x a week for 20 to 40 minutes. Walking swiftly is a fine thing to start with. Adding some simple weight bearing exercises to this is better still.

Of course, any dietary or exercise related changes you are contemplating making should be first discussed with and approved by your health care professionals including doctors and nutritionists beforehand.

3 Reasons to Use a Catering Company

Hiring a catering company is something we usually think about for a big event, like a wedding. But there are lots of other times you can get great results from using a Metro Detroit catering company to provide food for your event. Caterers have experience with all kinds of different events, so they can provide exactly what you're looking for.

Use a catering company to provide food for your important meeting or presentation. It adds a touch of class and professionalism to any important meeting if you provide food that is delicious and also arranged nicely. There is a huge difference in how people will perceive a professionally put together refreshment table versus a cold cut tray from a supermarket. And most caterers can setup everything before your meeting and then never bother you while the meeting is in session. You simply walk in to a beautifully assembled refreshment table and when you leave it will be broken down and removed for you. This is a great way to help make any presentation be received more openly.

Use a catering company to provide food for a party at home. Most caterers offer trays of food that you can order from them and then pickup and take home. This is a perfect way to buy food for a party at your house. You can buy snacks and cold cuts for a football game or buy an elaborate appetizer course that your guests can enjoy while you're cooking the main courses for a dinner party. A caterer is able to provide thoughtfully designed food trays at a reasonable price, and it will be an entirely different selection than you're able to either make yourself or buy at a supermarket.

Ask a caterer to help you with a romantic rendezvous. Imagine being able to pick up a gourmet picnic basket and then surprising your partner with a romantic picnic lunch. A caterer is the perfect person to be able to assemble a gourmet picnic basket that both of you will always remember. Or they could provide you with an elegant and romantic dinner for two in a surprising location. If working late keeps you two apart, take the romantic candlelight dinner to her and surprise her. Remember, your caterer is a professional who has tons of experience creating perfect dinners. And most of them are very affordable, not much more than a nice dinner at a restaurant.

In our busy and fast-paced world, using a caterer can be a great way to create an elegant food setting wherever you happen to be. Hiring a caterer is no longer just for weddings and graduation parties, they can create the perfect menu for whatever it is you're doing. And that perfect food is the first step to creating a lasting impression.

Enjoy Dinner and a Show

Visiting the city of San Francisco is a great place to spend a vacation. Offering a number of tourist attractions and historic landmarks the city by the bay has a little something for everyone. But what makes San Francisco unique is the cultural influences of many different nations that have each made a lasting impression on the city. From the people to the businesses that power the economy, to the remarkable restaurants and bistros that deliver exquisite dining experiences to the people of the city, a number of establishments have helped to define the city.

One such San Francisco restaurant with a view of the bay is bringing in patrons from all over the Bay Area. Attracting sightseers with an astonishing view that overlooks Fisherman's Warf the steakhouse is quickly gaining a reputation for being the hottest place to eat in the city. Creating traditional American fare with a twist of California fusion the steakhouse prides itself on delivering the best flavor to its array of menu items that are cooked over a wood burning flame.

Whether ordering a thick juicy cut of steak that is served up with a heaping portion of vegetables or indulging in a half pound hamburger with an abundance of sides, the meal starts with the flame grilled flavor of the wood that is burned in the stove and under the grill. Making everything taste like it was cooked to perfection in the great outdoors, the San Francisco restaurant with a view is attracting visitors to the city and local residents who appreciate a fine meal and an amazing view while they dine.

Breaking The Myths On Different Energy Drink Ingredients

Awareness about the possible harmful effects of stamina drinks is slowly increasing. But one does not need to get paranoid and avoid all energy drinks altogether. A better way would be to find out all you can about energy drink ingredients so that you can take an informed decision.

These drinks typically contain stimulants, sweeteners, amino acids, antioxidants and other ingredients. The main factor is which ones are used for stamina, the quantity in which these are used and whether there are safe natural alternatives.

Stimulants: The common ones are caffeine, guarana, and yerba mate. Caffeine stimulates and wakes up the senses. It is present in quantities between 70 to 200 mg in coffee, Coke, Mountain Dew and most cola drinks. Too much of the stuff can impact the heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause dehydration.

Next is guarana which is sourced from plants in South America. It certainly makes you more alert as it contains e theobromine and theophylline. Yerba mate is from the holly family and its leaves and stems are normally dried and brewed.

Sweeteners: Some manufacturers use natural sweeteners such as glucose and sucrose and others use artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, Splenda, aka. Sucralose and Acesulfame potassium, a low-calorie sweetener. Sugars extract energy from food but too much of it can lead to diabetes. The harmful side effects of artificial sweeteners are still the matter of hot debate.

Amino Acids: amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Taurine occurs naturally in humans. So, it ought not to be harmful. It would be useful only if your body is not producing adequate amounts. L-Carnitine, another amino acid is also created by the body and is useful for speeding up the metabolism and improving stamina levels.

It also helps you to reduce your weight and improve your physical endurance limit. B-Group Vitamins: B vitamins convert food into strength. Vitamins B-6, B-1, B-2 also help to increase stamina levels.

Other Ingredients: There are a host of other ingredients that are used. Some of these are Ginseng which helps improve energy, reduce fatigue, relieve stress and increase memory. Ginkgo Biloba is also believed to help improve the memory and concentration and the German government has found it useful as an anti-depressant.

Glucuronolactone DGL is yet another item produced by your body. It is said to have a detoxifying. Creatine is naturally obtained by eating meat and supplies energy to the muscles. Milk Thistle which is one of the ingredients in Rockstar and other drinks does not enhance energy but acts as a counter agent when energy drinks are mixed with alcohol.

One other drink that comes to mind is Crave Energy, a newly developed product that contains a balanced list of ingredients. Its caffeine content is relatively low, less than that in a cup of coffee. It uses natural sugars but only less than one gram per serving. And it contains only 9 calories. So, its good news all around. To conclude, these drinks are not harmful. But it is always wise to check what you are ingesting. So start reading carefully and find out all you can about these energy drink ingredients that you are planning to take in.

The Effects Of Energy Drinks

The consumption of beverages that energize and awaken people from a slump is on the rise in just about every part of the world, but not all of the consumers know or fully comprehend the effects of energy drinks. Whether it's the youngsters that attempt to party the night away or the overworked job holders that need a little extra pick-me-up during the day, the consumer base of these liquids is stretched far and wide.

These beverages aren't all bad, but they're not all good either. Of course, as with anything else, it depends on what kind and how much is consumed. Basically any energizing beverage contains the three main ingredients of caffeine, taurine, and sugar.

Any coffee drinker or heavy pop drinker knows of the stimulate that caffeine is to make them feel active, alert, and awake. It may seem like it works at the time, and maybe it does, but it doesn't last causing a "need" for more. Over time, constant fueling of that caffeine need builds up a tolerance which lessens the boost it can give and increases the physical addiction to it. Repercussions of a caffeine addiction could include heart problems, insomnia, anxiety attacks, and high blood pressure. Sudden discontinuation of caffeine can cause depression, irritability, and headaches.

Taurine is an amino acid which regulates the heart beat, as well as other protein-related functions. It has a calming effect on the brain and may reduce the edginess and restlessness caused by caffeine to some extent. Taurine is a naturally derived substance which is present in the human body and aides the body is many different ways. However, it has not really been found how taurine reactions with caffeine in an energy drink, but there could be adverse side effects that aren't known yet.

These beverages contain large doses of sugar. Not only does sugar contribute to weight gain, but a large intake amount elevates levels of blood sugar. It produces a surge of insulin, which then quickly brings blood sugar down. This can cause hypoglycemia, leading to tiredness, irritability, and sugar cravings. This begins the vicious circle of being tired and craving sugar, consuming sugar, and on and on. Some may argue that they drink sugar-free, thus avoiding such problems, but that's not entirely the case. Sugar-free means the presence of an artificial sweetener, often aspartame. There are claims of brain damage and cancer being caused by aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.

Drinks for the purpose of energizing have also been associated with seizures, often in people with no history of epilepsy. This is mostly believed to be a result from the caffeine, but taurine might be another reason as well. Mixing with alcohol, or being sleep deprived also contributes to a lowered seizure threshold.

Mixing with alcohol is extremely dangerous because it can make a person underestimate their intoxication level, thus increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning, injury, or any other result of intoxication. Pregnant women should avoid them because the high caffeine content can cause various birth complications and miscarriages. The high caffeine level can also cause dehydration. Overdose of these beverages can lead to muscle pain, stomach problems, and kidney problems.

Although they may seem like the best idea at the time, they are not the solution for low energy. Excessive stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and overworking are the most common causes of fatigue and tiredness. Energizing beverages can contribute to and often worse all of these problems. Due to the many negative effects of energy drinks, healthier alternatives are highly recommended.

5 Foods and Drinks You Either Love Or Hate

For some people there are foods and drinks that they can take or leave. However, there are some that EVERYONE either loves or hates - there is no middle ground.

The reason these food and drinks have such a polarising effect is their unique flavour or aroma or, in some cases, both! If something is unique everyone will have an opinion on it.

Here are five foods and drinks that clearly divide the population of their country of origin.

Root Beer

In America root beer is one of the most popular drinks and there are hundreds of soda makers producing there own version with little tweaks to the amount and type of sweetness and subtle changes to some ingredients like wintergreen, anise and ginger. But at the same time there are just as many people who hate it, being of the opinion that it tastes and smells like medicine.

As popular as it is, root beer is swamped in levels of consumption by colas but in terms of dividing the population it wins hands down. The likes of A&W Root Beer, Barq's Root Beer and IBC Root Beer are even starting to do the same abroad, like in the UK for example.

Marmite

Marmite is a savoury spread, rich in Vitamin B that is sold in the UK. It has a distinctive flavour that the UK population literally loves or hates. Typically spread on sandwiches like cheese, Marmite has spread its wings and is now used on other types of sandwiches, is available in snack form like cereal bars (yes, really!) and may well be growing in popularity - but there's still several hundred thousands, if not millions, who simply cannot stand the taste of it!

Brussels Sprouts

There's a very good reason the Brussels Sprout is loved or hated - cooked well they provide a healthy, nutritious and tasty vegetable accompaniment to meals like roast beef dinners. Overcook them, however, and they produce a sulphurous taste and odour which is not very appealing at all.

Although produced and eaten all over Europe and the USA, it is in the UK where you will find opinion divided starkly. Some have grown to love them, the rest hate them and it's down to that cooking that this has happened.

Twiglets

Wheat-based and flavoured with yeast extract, these twig-shaped snacks from the UK have an almost Marmite-like taste - which immediately tells you all you need to know about why they are either loved or hated! However, you'll find people who hate Marmite like Twiglets, so there's a difference, though not one that can easily be defined.

Generally Twiglets can be found in bowls on buffet tables at parties and you can almost guarantee that they'll be the last thing left. Someone will ALWAYS finish them off though!

Dandelion & Burdock

England's equivalent to root beer? Possibly. Invented in the 13th century, it is bizarrely made from fermented dandelion roots and burdock roots originally but is now rarely made that way. It does, however, retain a taste all of its own.

Sweet to the taste, it is popular with a lot of people but the rest find the slightly 'off' taste and almost sickly aroma too much to take and proclaim their hatred for this ancient drink!

What Can You Include in an Italian Food Gift Basket?

There are more than 10 holidays every year. In almost these, people like giving presents to their friends as a way of showing what they think about their friends and they want to share the festivities with them. That is a gesture that surpasses the cultural, geographical and religious divide. Sometimes, it is not possible to find a present suitable for everyone or a person may end up giving the same present year in year out. To avoid this, a person can try to get a different kind of present that is not common. It has to be affordable and meet the needs of the recipient. It should also make the giver stand out in the friend's eyes because the present is lovely. If you are looking for such presents, an Italian food gift basket is the answer. Meals from this part of the world have become popular with most people and some are even looking for recipes of such. With this fad going on, you can give your friend a surprise with this package.

One of the packages you can come up with is using pasta and a variety of sauces. There are so many types of pasta you can have in the package. You can choose at least two of the most common types and get a short form and a long form. Also, get some packets of ready made sauces that go well with the pasta you have chosen. You can get one bottle of wine and fill up the Italian food gift basket with a pasta spoon and a pasta cookbook. Another option is to make a package of wines only. You can visit a local store that deals with this specialty and they are bound to tell you the recommended wines. For this case, you can sprinkle some nuts in the package or some packets of dried fruits. Some people may also opt to make a package of appetizers. This means looking for the ideal appetizers that are common with these meals. Some of these include different types of cheese, olive oil, bread sticks and roasted peppers. If you can get ready made soups, you can stash them in too.

People from Italy also love a bit of dessert after a meal. Since you want the person getting the package to get the real deal, you can decide to organize a dessert package. You can get some cappuccino and espresso or just packets of good coffee. You can also add some nuts and cookies to make an ideal dessert. Get as creative as you can in order to have a package that has quality not necessarily quantity. If you are giving this package during a house warming party, you can combine some kitchen stuff commonly used in Italy such as pasta spoons, pasta bowls, colanders and salad serving bowls. Throw in some kitchen towels and potholders too. This Italian food gift basket is bound to impress the recipient. The important thing to bear in mind is working within your budget; do not overspend to impress.

Where to Find McDonald's Coupons

Fast food joints have always been popular for the very obvious fast service the place offers. If you were to go into a restraint or eatery and have to wait for hours before the food arrived, you wouldn't want to visit the place again. In fact even a few moments of wait after the order has been placed is enough to make you get up and leave for bad service. Even when, for instance, you food your food into the microwave for a minute to heat or re heat, that one minute seems to go on forever, and pass more slowly than the entire time it would take you to eat the meal itself!

Another very good service offered by the fast food eateries is the system of distributing food coupons. Who doesn't want free food? In fact even Queen Latifah once mentioned how much everybody in the world, rich or poor, wants free goodies. Discounts are also the next best to free goodies. The most money is made at any store when there is a sale discount to be made avail of. Fast food places generally offer food coupons to their customers and there's no harm in asking for one if you haven't been given one already.

McDonald's has been an all time favourite amongst kids and adults. McDonald's with their mascot joker Ronald McDonald have managed t capture the hearts of people for the past few decades.whenever one requires to get a bite on the go, McDonald's is definitely the place they would like to head. You may think that McDonald's does not have any such offers available, but they do.
Next time your at McDonald's, you would surely like your French fries, nuggets, burger and coke better if you could maybe throw in a little bit of discount purchase!

The reason why you probably don't know that McDonald's has such a facility is because you may not have seen any advertisements about them. However all you have to do is go up to the manager or even the person who serving you and ask them if they have any coupons or vouchers or any new schemes on. Most of the time, they will be able to give you any or all information telling you about their scheme.
If you feel embarrassed to ask for such coupons in public when there are people watching over you, or you are afraid to ask and be turned down by a negative reply all you have to do is find out prior to your visit.you can even call them if you intend to visit and inquire about all the availability of coupons. If you do not want to call them you can log onto the internet and find out details about the McDonald's menu coupons.

McDonald's is an extremely customer oriented eatery and strives every so often to keep the customers satisfied and happy!

What's So Great About Wakefield's Rhubarb?

Wakefield is part of the rhubarb triangle of Yorkshire. The other two areas making up the triangle are Leeds and Bradford. Wakefield especially celebrates its rhubarb heritage with The Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb, held in February.

The rhubarb is special because it is 'forced'. This means that it has been encouraged to grow sooner than it naturally would, providing an early crop. The rhubarb is grown in artificial conditions where it is 'fooled' into thinking it is time to grow. In candle lit forcing sheds, the rhubarb is nourished and nurtured and then hand picked when ready.

The rhubarb grows very quickly - up to 5cm a day and you can actually hear it emerging from the soil. What other food plant can you hear creaking as it grows? - it's pretty amazing stuff!

The resulting vegetable (yes, it is technically a vegetable) is pink skinned but white inside. Good quality specimens are between 40 and 45 cm long and between 1 and 2 cm thick. The taste is delicately acidic.

Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb has now gained the hallowed status of Protected Designation of Origin, issued under the European Commission's Protected Food Name scheme and becomes the 41st British foodstuff to make the list.

It has also reached star status at Chelsea Flower show with a garden dedicated to it. The 2010 Courtyard Gardens section entry to the show was called the Rhubarb and Custard Garden. Rhubarb plants for the centrepiece were supplied by E. Oldroyd & Sons and the carpet of yellow "custard" was represented by a mat of golden sedum. Terracotta forcing pots were on show and supplied by the York Handmade Brick Co. The garden won a Silver Medal and was voted The Public's Favorite (small garden).

Big name chefs such as Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall, James Martin, Marco Pierre White and Jean- Christophe Novelli are all fans of Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb. Rick Stein has endorsed E Oldroyd and Sons as a Rick Stein Food Hero Producer and 5 generations of the family have now been in the rhubarb industry..

For anyone wishing to sample the product, the crop is available from January to April and for anyone wanting to visit the forcing sheds owned by the Oldroyd's, tours are available throughout February and March, although peak time is during The Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb and tours sell out months in advance.

Why Do We Need to Ginger Our Life?

Plant kingdom amasses various types of plants; each having a unique quality in taste, flavor and decoration. Ginger is one such plant that adorns the global kitchens with its rich aroma and exquisite herbal quality.

Ginger- A Great Herb

Ginger possesses miraculous, herbal powers making it a "must" in cooking and medicine preparations. Born under earth like any other root vegetable, ginger has proved itself to be effective and efficient in several places through several centuries.

Ginger- Designed As Horns

Ginger has a horny and tubular body which stands on earth with stem support of about 70 cms. The tuber also called rhizome can be used in various forms; Dried, Whole, Fresh, Sweetened, to name a few. The yellow and green flowers emerge among the green leaves in clusters. Grown throughout the year in loess, it is harvested in hot tropics in the presence of ample rainfall.

Ginger- Cookery Add-on

Ginger is used as a spice in Asian kitchens and as aromatic herb in Western bakeries. It infuses a certain aroma into the dish or drink. In fact, Asian cooking experts often use ginger in preparing gravy, chutney or pickle. The Japanese "gari" or pickled ginger is served with main course of sushi. Fresh ginger is cut into small dices or crushed to prepare paste. In several Indian dishes and soups, it is added for tang and taste. In Continental kitchens, it is used in salads. Dried ginger powder is used in garnishing Cantonese dishes. Indian cooks use ginger powder or "sauth" in preparing local Indian dishes. During winters, crushed fresh ginger is used in preparing early morning tea.

In Western kitchens, ginger is used in jams, cakes, pudding, bread and biscuits. Ginger bread is a very well heard item with stories behind it. Lately, ginger has become an ingredient of desserts like ice-cream and sundae.

Hard drinks like ale, beer or wine also have ginger properties. Ginger ale gained fame during 1900s when tons were transported through casks on caravan to bar hubs.

Ginger- Medicinal Drug

Like any other herb, ginger has certain medicinal properties that make it one of the necessaries in homes. It has detoxifying and cleansing properties that allows proper blood circulation and regular bowel disposal. In effect, it works as a laxative. Digestive and metabolic problems like gas, acidity, piles and fissure can be controlled as it increases the proportion of fluids in body. As anti-inflammatory agent, it helps curing arthritis, rheumatism and spasms thereby relieving pain. It has valuable anti-diabetic and anti-hypertension properties. It allows fever or flu to subside helping release body sweat. Ginger based drops, syrups and tablets are available for the treatment of bad throat and cold.

Ginger should be used in proper proportions as it is considered a warm herb. It is cultivated in almost every part of the world and in every month of the year. It is used and consumed in almost every dish or drink making it one of most desired aromatic herb.

Valentine's Day Dinner to Warm the Cockles of Your Heart

Valentine's Day is an annual event that celebrates love and affection people have for one other. A day on which lovers express their affection by giving flowers, candies, greeting cards and best of all, a day to entice your mate with culinary concoctions to arouse their amorous side.

Pull out the candles, set a nice table with your favorite dishes (they don't even have to match) and prepare a holiday feast that will be a prelude to a memorable night. There's nothing like concocting the perfect Valentine's Day Dinner, using spices and herbs to perfume the air; a little sorcery in the kitchen to stir up passion. You truly can get to another's heart through their stomach. The shared preparations for your romantic dinner can be a time for connecting, sharing and having fun in the kitchen.

Choose your dishes for your Valentine's Day dinner with passion in mind. Foods, as aphrodisiacs, have been around for centuries. Before the dawn of the Roman Empire, Romans and Carthaginians both thought their shrimp to be superior to the others as a delight before lovemaking. Eating artichokes has been compared to foreplay. Rich flavorful spices are reputed to stimulate desire.

Your romantic dinner may consist of:

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail
Sea Bass with Champagne and Grapes
Sultry Grilled Asparagus
Chocolate Cr?me Brulee

Whether you give flowers, a card or candy, preparing a romantic dinner for Valentine's Day is a sure way to win the heart of your loved one. I agree with Virginia Woolf who said, "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well."

The World's Most Expensive Kinds of Food

Australian Macadamia is the world's most expensive walnut, which was once the main food of indigenous people in Australia, and now it is a very particular sweet food. But its production process is very complex, so the Australia's annual global production of walnuts cannot exceed 40 tons. The native price is more than 30 dollars per kilogram.

The world's most expensive mushroom is white giant mushroom, which is difficult to determine the price, because it is basically sold by auction. In 2004, a buyer spent ? 28,000 buying a mushroom of 850 grams and in 2007, three partners from Hong Kong spent 209,000 dollars buying one which weighted 750 grams.

The world's most expensive omelette is produced in the hotel of Le Parker Meridien Hotel in New York. The price is up to $ 1,000.

The name of world's most expensive mineral water is Kona Nigari, which is produced in Hawaii area. This water is rich in marine minerals, said to have the function of weight loss, beautifying skin, reducing stress. The capacity of a large bottle is 5 liters, and the price is 2000 dollars, a vial is 0.06 liters and the price is 33.5 dollars.

The world's most expensive vodka is called Diva, the price of which is made according to the different bottle size and type, changing from about 400 to 1000 dollars.

The most expensive caviar in the world is neither the black caviar nor gray caviar, it is the "Almas caviar" exported from Iran, which is made by albino sturgeon fish. The price of it is 2,000 dollars per 100 grams.

The world's most expensive potato is from French, we call this La Bonnotte potato. The production of it is less than 100 tons each year, and the method can only be collected by hand. The price is up to 500 euro per kilogram.

The world's most expensive beef is Japanese Wagyu, which is recognized worldwide as the highest quality beef. In Europe the price is more than 100 dollars per 200 grams currently, and the price of more soft beef is higher than this.

The world's most expensive sandwich is the von Essen Platinum Club Sandwich, which has a delicious taste. The bread is made from special yeast, and in the middle there are Iberia ham, Bulie Si chicken, white mushrooms, quail eggs, Italian tomatoes. Having a taste of this sandwich needs about 100 pounds.

The world's most expensive pizza is "Louis XVIII". The price of a piece of pizza is up to 8300 euro. The New York restaurant Serendipity 3 is producing the world's most expensive ice cream. The ice cream is made from 25 species of cocoa. The value of it is worth$ 25,000.

The world's most expensive chocolate is called Chocopologie by Knipschildt. It is produced by company of Knipschildt Chocolatier in United State. This is a dark chocolate, the saving time is short. The price of chocolate is $ 2,600 per ounce.

The world's most expensive champagne is Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Blanc de Blanc, the grapes come from Des Blancs vineyards. If the quality of grapes is bad, the production of wine will be postponed until the following year. The wine price is around 1000 euro per 0.75 liters.

Tea Types Scandal Uncovered!

I had never heard of "Tea-M-Z", but they believe they've uncovered a tea types scandal. Their cameras followed me around all week and finally confronted me with their accusation.

"Did you say you liked black better than white"? they probed. These celebrity tabloid TV shows are always looking for the next big scoop, even if they have to create one themselves. I told them that I prefer black tea in the morning and white tea in the evening, that there is nothing scandalous about that.

I'm a big fan of tea, and the health benefits and the variety of subtle to robust flavors it provides. I find the exploration of different tea types to be similar to a wine hobby. Tea and wine are very similar. There are great regions to grow grapes, and outstanding regions to grow tea. The region from which it is grown will always dictate the nuances in aroma and flavor.

Some wines are further fermented and aged. Other wines are "nouveau", or young wines. The same is true for types of tea. Black teas are processed and sometimes aged. Green teas are young.

Here's a quick primer on major tea types, their usage and benefits:

1) Black Tea - Black tea leaves are fully processed using oxidation or fermentation of the leaves. After being picked, the leaves are laid out to dry for up to 24 hours. Their then rolled to crack the surface so that oxygen will react with the enzymes in the tea and begin the oxidation process. This is where the leaves turn a deep black color.

Black tea is generally stronger in flavor and contains about half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Black tea may lower "bad" cholesterol, and slow the spread of prostate cancer.

Brew black tea with water that is just below the boiling point, about 205F or 98C. Using 1 Tablespoon of tea per 8 ounces of water, it's placed in a wire basket so that the hot water can be poured OVER the tea. Steep for 4-5 minutes for a perfect cup.

2) Green Tea - is processed much less than black teas. It isn't fermented or oxidized, so it's closer to the natural state when picked.

Green tea has a long list of suspected health benefits including weight loss using the EGCG complex found in this type. It's believed to help in cancer prevention, regulates blood sugar, detoxifys the body, promotes healthy teeth and bones, plus can boost the immune system.

This immature tea needs to be brewed at a lower temperature, about 175F or 70C, and for less time, only about 1-2 minutes. Green tea that is steeped in boiling water for a longer period of time will taste like you're drinking grass. This is why many people avoid green teas, they don't make it correctly.

3) White Tea - is the purest and least processed of all teas. It has very little caffeine and brews a light color and flavor. White tea has such a subtle aroma and taste that make it a less popular tea type, but undeservingly so.

White tea is believed to have the highest antioxidant level of any other tea shich aids in cleansing or detoxifying the body. White tea is thought to fight cancer and help increase your metabolism. It's also credited with improving your skin and complexion.

However, white tea is tricky to brew correctly. It's also brewed at a lower temperature, 175F or 74C, and steeped for 10 minutes or more to achieve full flavor.

4) Oolong tea - is recognized by most people as the characteristic flavor of tea served with Chinese food. This tea type is full bodied and very fragrant. It's semi-fermented, putting it somewhere between black and green teas, giving it about 15% of the caffeine of a cup of coffee.

Oolong teas are said to boost your metabolism rate and aid in digestion by breaking down oils and fats. Perhaps this is why it's associated with Chinese foods that can include a lot of oil and deep frying.

Because Oolong tea is fermented less than black tea, and more than green tea, it's also brewed in the same fashion. Water at 195F or 91C is just below black tea and just above the temperature of green tea. The steeping time of 3 minutes makes a great cup, as over steeping can cause bitter flavors in Oolong tea.

The tea types I choose to associate myself with is no scandal. It has to do with the time of day and my state of mind. The full flavor of black tea helps start my morning. Green or Oolong tea are perfect with meals because they help digestion, and the subtle flavor of White teas in the evening help to calm and unwind my mind after a long day.

There are so many great teas grown all over the world, just like great grapes and wines. However, you don't need a complete cellar to store your tea. I keep a few metal canisters of different tea types in my kitchen and follow the different guidelines for brewing each so that I can enjoy them all equally.

See the undercover video that exposes Chef Todd's favorite tea types.

What Are the Various Meat Classes of Chickens?

I want to be self sufficient, but not a vegan. What meat can I produce? Why not consider raising chickens? Sounds great. But, when should your young chickens go on the dinner table? Chicken meat classes assist you to determine the time. Chickens can be raised exclusively for laying eggs or for all their prized meat. In this write-up, we're going to focus on meat producing chickens coupled with their particular classes. The key factor for identifying the classes revolves around the age of the chicken.

1. Cornish Hen: The Rock-Cornish game hen is a chicken from the Cornish, Rock-Cornish, or maybe a cross-bred Cornish chicken. At only six weeks old, a cornish hen weighs just one and one-half pounds. A cornish hen does not have to be a hen. Lastly, cornish hens are not game birds.

2. Broiler or fryer: Broilers or fryers are chickens that weigh around four and one-half pounds. They're young and are about 12-13 weeks old. Their particular skin is soft and smooth. You should find their breastbone flexible. Broilers make good all around chickens to cook in a number of recipes.

3. Roaster: Roasters weigh seven to eight pounds. They are generally four to five months old. While also flexible, the breastbone on the roaster just isn't like one you find inside a broiler. This chicken's skin should be smooth, soft, and pliable. This chicken may be roasted whole.

These classes assist you to figure out what the use of your chicken will be. This information will help you plan the flock around what role your chickens may fill. Enjoy your chicken meat and your trip to be self sufficient.

What Is an Asian Pear?

Pay attention because we're about to solve a grocery store mystery for you.

If you've been walking through the fruits and vegetables and come across these nearly round, yellow looking apples - these aren't apples but are actually Asian pears! Don't worry, there are still quite a few people who call them "apple pears."

From the very first bite, the name "apple pear" seems to fit this unique fruit perfectly. The Asian pear or "apple pear" is a delicious combination of both sweet and very juicy. The texture of the fruit is a bit rough like the inside of a pear, not smooth like an apple. But the "apple pear" is sweet and juicy, just like an apple. So you can understand now how the name easily fits this yellow nearly round fruit to a "T."

I personally would encourage you to give this wonderful fruit a try if you enjoy apples and pears as you will probably enjoy the Asian pear a lot. The Asian pear has become quite popular in the U.S.A. and in other places as this unique fruit has made an appearance.

One of the surprising things about this fruit is that it does not need to spend time ripening on your counter, as your traditional pears often require. These pears are ready to eat - whenever you are ready to eat it! It makes a perfect handy snack and is also delicious cut into slices or chunks in your salad.

Kids like Asian pears too. Some kids are a bit hesitant to try foods they have never eaten before. But the apple pear looks so similar to both the apple and the pear, it can easily remind them of both fruits. If you explain that it tastes similar to both an apple and a pear and that it is sweet and juicy like an apple but it "feels" like a pear in your mouth - then this will make them very curious and they'll simply have to take a bite. Before you know it they will take another bite and another. The Asian pear will be gone and they will want another one!

Asian pears are delicious. Enjoy your Asian pears for snacks or added to meals for a sweet and fruity taste.

Pizza Delivery Bag Warming Systems Can Keep Pizza Fresh and Hot for Delivery

Customers don't order cold, soggy pizza. They want it fresh and hot, regardless of whether they are eating it at the restaurant or if the food is being delivered to their door. Since pizza first became a staple of delivery food service, delivery people have considered different ways to keep pies hot and fresh.

Induction heating is emerging as an effective way to transport fresh food and keep customers happy. Below, learn more about induction heat and how it is used for pizza delivery service.

What Are the Benefits of Induction Pizza Bag Warmers?:
A prime example of induction heated delivery equipment would be pizza delivery bags. If there is a delivery food that customers demand hot and fresh, it's pizza.

A standard pizza delivery box aims to keep the food warm, but rather than actively providing heat, it might just insulate the pizza. The food must retain its own heat. While that might be effective for very short trips, the pizza will almost certainly lose heat over time, and customers are more likely to receive a cold, soggy pizza.

With an induction heated bag, the pizza relies on induction-heated discs, which provide a constant source of heat. The pizza stays fresh for a longer period of time, and customers definitely notice the difference.

How Is Induction Used in Heated Delivery Equipment?:
Induction heating is relatively new to heated delivery systems. Recent advancements in technology and application have enabled it to become one of the most efficient and effective ways to keep food warm when it's being delivered.

Induction heating has enabled pizza delivery systems to evolve from traditional, insulated bags into cordless, actively-warmed transport containers. For pizza delivery, heated discs can be an excellent source of heat, providing oven-like warmth all the way to a customer's doorstep.

To use induction heat, some systems use a charging station to heat chargeable discs that rest at the bottom of an insulated pizza bag. The discs can keep a charge for a very long time, up to 45 minutes. The insulated bag helps to lock in heat, meaning a restaurant can promise hot, delicious pizza delivery service. Some induction charging stations are able to function smoothly with multiple bags, charging them quickly and cordlessly, meaning you can keep your delivery drivers and bags in rotation and your customers happy.

With these new induction delivery options, restaurants are able to more effectively and efficiently deliver pizza and other food.

Mexican People and Mexican Restaurants

I grew up eating Mexican food, and because of that, I tend to be very critical when it comes to Mexican restaurants. Whenever someone suggests a new place, I feel a bit of trepidation, wondering how far off the mark the place will be. I admit, I go into trying a new Mexican restaurant with a bit of a bad attitude. The stuff I grew up eating was home made and excellent, and I invariably compare every restaurant, taco stand, and Mexican fast food place with what I was raised with. My trepidation goes as far as to do some advanced intelligence on a new place just to see what I can find out.

The first criteria is, do Mexicans and other Hispanics eat there? I do that with any ethnic restaurant. If no Japanese frequent a Japanese restaurant, it usually means that it is off the mark. If Mexicans are avoiding a Mexican restaurant, it is because the food there does not taste familiar enough to want to go back. I will avoid these kinds of restaurants like the plague. On the other hand, if there is a solid buzz about a place within the community it claims to represent, it says a lot for the flavor and style of food, and that means that it is probably a place worth checking out.

I tend to be more strict with Mexican food because of what I was raised on, but I am always willing to give a place a good report if they can match that.

Super Bowl Party

A Super Bowl Party may not be a holiday, but to some it certainly is the ultimate sports celebration. And celebrations call for good food. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just eager to check out the commercials, no Super Bowl Sunday would be complete without friends, family and fabulous food.

Your friends have gathered 'round the television ready to cheer their favorite team. You want to make sure that you have plenty of Super Bowl snacks and food to keep those fans happy. If you're like me, you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen on Super Bowl Sunday but you do want to have delicious food and snacks on hand. And of course you don't want to forget the beverages. With all that cheering going on, your friends will need to quench their thirsts.

Chips and dips are always a hit with the crowd. You can serve Bacon Ranch Dip with cut vegetables, or a French onion dip with potato chips. And Dill Dip for pretzels will be a favorite of your sports fans. A snack mix in the center of the crowd makes it handy to grab a handful and pop in your mouth.

Big thick sandwiches or meat and cheese rolled up in tortilla shells make good eats for your Super Bowl party. A big bowl of cole slaw or potato salad goes great with the sandwiches. Baked beans are an easy and delicious favorite of sports fans as well as a big pot of chili.

You may even want to have drinking games for extra entertainment at your party. One game could be beer pong. Instead of trying to bounce a ball into the beer, you may want to set up a mock football field and sit glasses of beer by the goal posts and side lines and make your game surround the football game itself. Heads up! Remember to drink responsibly and be a responsible host.

McDonald's Menu - A Review

Who has not heard of McDonald's? It is one of the most popular food brands not only in India but all over the world. Talk about burgers and French fries, the first name to strike our mind are McDonald's. It is one of the oldest International fast food outlets in India. It became instantly hit after its launch. It has the largest network of fast food joints in India compared to other similar fast food chain. It offers scrumptious and nutritious food. The menu offers varieties of burgers, sides and drinks.

McDonald's has the best French fries. No meal is complete without this side order. It is perfectly fried and is less oily. A small McDonald's French fries which is about 68 g contains 210 calories while the large one, which is about 176 g, contains 540 calories. However, it contains large amount of fat from frying. Hence it should not be eaten daily.

McDonald's offers wide varieties of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian burgers and many more. The vegetarian menu currently features Mc Aloo Tikki, Mc Veggie, Paneer Salsa wrap, Mc Puff and Mc Curry Pan. The non vegetarian menu features Chicken Mc grill, Mc Chicken, Chicken Maharaja, Chicken Mexican wrap and Filet-o-fish. It also offers iced tea, coffee, shakes, soft drinks and ice cream cones popularly known as Softies. Keeping the Hindu culture in mind, McDonald's in India does not serve beef and pork.

The vegetarian patty and chicken patty tastes just perfect. My personal favorite is Chicken Maharaja. As the name suggests, it is double layered big burger with not one but two slices of chicken patties between some melted cheese topped with onion, tomatoes, iceberg, cheese and mayonnaise, served in truly Maharaja Style. The burger can be a full meal option as it is very filling.

The menu is low priced and has various combo meals. 'HAPPY MEAL' is a famous meal option which includes a burger, French fries and a drink. McDonald's has various fun options for kids. The 'Happy Meal' boxes also contain merchandise of popular movies especially animated ones more like a movie memento. It also contains interesting innovative plastic toys for kids. McDonald's is a favorite amongst kids as well as adults. Every single time if you ask a kid what they want to have, they will scream 'Happy Meal'.

McDonald's also has a separate McDonald's menu for breakfast that is served everyday between 7 am to 11 am. The offerings include Hash browns, Veg Mcmuffin, Egg & Cheese Mcmuffin, Sausage Mcmuffin, hot cakes and many more. You get an option of vegetarian platter and non vegetarian platter. It can be a good break from idlis, vadas and parathas.

I must say, McDonald's constantly keeps inventing different menu options so they can keep up with the market demands. Due to its large network, it is located at every corner. And the incredible meals are available to you in minutes.

McDonald's is known as Fast food Giant of India.

Planning Your Game Day Food

For football fans, the ultimate game day is Super Bowl Sunday when the top two teams in the nation go head to head to battle it out for the title of champion. But the Super Bowl is more than just a game; it's the ultimate experience, party, and get-together for football fans. But even if you can't make it to the actual game, you can still celebrate it in style at home. For many, this is more enjoyable than actually attending the game. If you're hosting your own Super Bowl party this year, you might need a few ideas to make your party memorable.

One of the most important parts of any Super Bowl party is great food. It can take a lot of effort to try to cook all your food and snacks from scratch. And going to the grocery store to gather all of your food can be time-consuming and expensive. A great way to make sure you have the best food for your party is to have it catered. A catering service is one of the best ways to save time on game day and make sure that you have the most delicious for your guests. A place that specializes in tasty barbecued meats and spicy wings is a good choice for your guests on game day. This style of food is simple, delicious, and makes good finger food. You'll also want plenty of beverages on hand, including many different brands of soda and beer. Also, don't forget to have kid-friendly menu items on hand. A good caterer will eliminate a lot of game day hassle.

History of Mexican Cuisine

To examine the history of Mexican food, one has to travel back to the time before the 1300s when Mayan Indians were the habitants of what is now Mexico. In fact, Mayan use of corn, a staple in Mexican cooking, can be traced even further back, to 500BC. However, by the 1300s, the Aztecs were well entrenched and had become the dominant population. It is around this time that their use of chili peppers, salt, honey, and, chocolate started to appear in Mexican dishes.

Two hundred years later, the Spaniards invaded Mexico and so Spanish food also became entwined with Mexican cooking. It is easy to understand that after 200 years of rule by the Aztecs, Mexican food had already undergone huge changes. Yet, Spanish influence heralded the introduction of entirely new foods; dairy foods, exotic spices, herbs, and, garlic.

Over the next few hundred years, many countries influenced the development of Mexican cuisine. As a result of being invaded, or, due to trade with other continents, Mexican food combined with food and recipes from the Portuguese, French, Africans, and Filipinos'.

The Flan, a custard based dessert, has long been associated with traditional Mexican food, however, the flan came to Mexico through the European invaders and its history can be traced back to Medieval Europe. The Spanish influenced the development of quesadilla and the extensive use of avocado, hence, guacamole was concocted. The Mexican sweat tooth can be traced back to the invasion by the French who brought with them sweat breads and desserts.

And so, even in Mexico, what we consider to be traditional Mexican food is typically already influenced by the foods of many countries.

Outside of Mexico, cultural influences on Mexican cuisine continues. Tex-Mex cuisine originated in Texas and is a combination of Mexican and North American food. Tex-Mex food incorporates American cheese (Traditional Mexican food does not include cheese), beans, spices, and, tortillas. Even chili con carne and fajitas evolved from the combination of cooking from Mexico, Texas, and the Southern United States. Nachos are definitely an American invention and can only be found in parts of Mexico that attract high numbers of American tourist.

Originally and abbreviation for the Texas Mexican Railway train that ran from Texas to Mexico, the word Tex-Mex, when used in relationship to food, is said to have first appeared in the New York Times in 1963. Although Tex-Mex refers to a certain combination of food cultures, around the world it is a phrase that is synonymous with American-Mexican food. The dishes are based on the food available in the region of Texas and Northern Mexico - beef.

The mingling of food and the development of inspiring dishes continues. The food combination in the southwest, which includes the areas of Colorado, Utah, Nevada and, California, is known as New Mexican Cuisine and is very different to the Tex-Mex of the South. It combines more of what would be called regional American food, with Mexican food.

If You Want to Lose Weight Then an Easy Way to Achieve This Is With Weight Loss Smoothies

If you want to lose weight and quite frankly most people do then the next question is how to go about this. For most people they are looking for a simple and easy way that they can lose weight effectively while at the same time being able to fit it into their busy schedule and not having to putting too much effort into it. If that sounds like you then you need to look at smoothies for weight loss.

Weight loss smoothies are made of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables which are blended together to make a drink, they can also include other ingredients to help you lose weight such as whey powder or oats. Smoothies are designed to replace a regular meal and because they have fewer calories and help suppress appetite until the following meal you don't feel hungry. As part of your diet you need to ensure that you are consuming the right amount of vitamins and nutrients most of which you can get from drinking a smoothie each day.

Smoothies should not be used to replace your entire nutrition source rather they should be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine. If you can then you should make your own smoothies at home, this allows you to control the ingredients and minimize any unnecessary calories. If you're completely new to smoothies, it is well worth your time search your cook books for a tried and tested smoothie recipe to start with and altering it to your taste as necessary. Most smoothies are seen as good ways to lose weight, as long as you avoid the ones loaded with chocolate or ice cream.

There is nothing magical about loosing weight, you achieve it through consuming less calories and research has found that people who consumed fruit smoothies have been able to lose up to 3 times more weight than those who consumed ate regular food. However, this decrease in calories can only happen if you replace one of your meals or large snacks with a smoothie.

One great ingredient to use in almost any smoothie is bananas, the texture of the banana makes the smoothie resemble a milk shake. The best way to use bananas in a smoothie is to let the bananas get to the point where they are lightly spotted, and then peel them and put them in freezer bag. The banana in a weight loss smoothie provides energy and if you add milk and yogurt they will provide calcium and protein.

If you use the right ingredients in your smoothie you can boost your energy and your metabolism as well as at the same time you are getting the essential vitamins and minerals that you need and curbing your appetite. If your smoothie is high in protein then it can help keep your metabolism high, which in turn can give you a boost of energy that can take you all the way to your next meal without the urge to snack. The higher your metabolism then the better the body processes fat into energy.

Adding low fat yogurt into a smoothie gives them a richer, creamier flavour. A rich creamy smoothie can be one of the best ways to lose weight. Homemade fruit smoothies are some of the most popular foods for weight loss, it is almost always better to make your own weight loss smoothies as you know what ingredients they contain.

How Commercial Induction Cooktops Work

Commercial cooking is very different from home cooking, as cooks and servers must fulfill high-volume orders to an ongoing stream of hungry guests, day in and day out. These guests expect quality food that is cooked to perfection and served to the table hot, fresh and fast. With induction cooking technology, commercial kitchens can achieve efficient service without sacrificing the quality of the food. Read on to learn how commercial induction cooktops enhance the cooking experience and improve back-of-house and front-of-house operation in any foodservice establishment.

What Is Induction Cooking?:
Most people are familiar with traditional gas and electric cooktops, which typically equip the home kitchen. However, many commercial kitchens are taking advantage of the speed, control and quality offered by induction cooking methods. Induction heating technology involves generating an electromagnetic current, which excites the iron molecules in the base of the pan, and releases this energy in the form of heat. Cooks that use induction heating products enjoy more precise, even and efficient cooking, which they cannot always obtain through traditional gas and electric cooking methods.

Commercial Induction Cooktops:
Commercial induction cooktops are designed and engineered to fit seamlessly into any existing cooking environment, with portable options for kitchens that require more flexible workspaces. With thick glass-ceramic tops, durable legs and stainless steel housings, these cooktops are built to withstand the everyday rigors of a busy commercial kitchen. Four burner and six burner induction ranges increase efficiency, while free standing large induction stock pot ranges have the ability to boil a gallon of water in just 150 seconds and five gallons of water in 12.5 minutes or less. There are also commercial induction wok ranges, with glass-ceramic bowls designed to efficiently heat wok pans. In addition to cooktops, commercial foodservice establishments can use induction technology for buffet warming and heated food delivery.

The Benefits of Induction Cooking:
Induction cooking offers a cleaner, safer and more energy-efficient method of heating, warming and serving food. Because induction cooktops heat the pan directly, not the unit or the air around the unit, the surface remains relatively cool to the touch. This leads to safer kitchens and more convenient cleanup, reducing the risk of burns and eliminating burnt-on foods. Induction cooktops also offer more precision and control when cooking. The cooktop heats food more evenly than traditional methods, and precise controls allow for consistent temperatures. The power of induction technology makes cooking faster and more efficient. All the while, less energy is wasted by induction cooktops, making kitchens greener and cheaper in the long run.

Induction Equipment Improves Hot Food Delivery Systems

Restaurants that offer delivery service focus on keeping food fresh. Delivery equipment is often a priority. Induction heating is considered a cutting-edge way to keep food fresh during delivery. Below, learn more about induction heating and how it is used for delivery equipment.

How is Induction Applied to Cooking and Heating Equipment?:
Induction heating relies on a system in which equipment is heated by transferring energy from a source to an inductive object. Electromagnetic energy is sent through the object that is to be heated, forcing individual molecules to shift back and forth very quickly. As they shift, heat is created. The system is comparable to a person rubbing his or her hands together very quickly to generate heat.

In a restaurant setting, induction can be used to heat cooking equipment, or it could be used to provide a source of warmth for heating and reheating.

How Can Induction Be Used to Heat Delivery Food?:
Induction heating has many practical uses, such as cooking and heating. It also has positive implications for delivery service. If used properly, an induction-heated delivery system can keep food hot for a long period of time, meaning customers are more likely to enjoy fresh food.

In some systems, a delivery bag is heated by materials charged with induction energy at a charging station. A heated disc rests at the bottom of a well-insulated bag, providing continuous heat, while the thermal bag locks in that heat. In some models, a single charge can keep food warm for 30 minutes or more, giving your delivery drivers plenty of time to get the food to your customers while it is still hot and ready to eat.

Because the heat created with induction can be easily controlled, a restaurant need not worry about the discs continuing to cook food. Rather, the system merely keeps food hot, fresh and delicious.

What Are the Benefits of Induction Hot Food Delivery Systems?:
Customers don't order cold, soggy food. They remember which restaurants deliver hot, fresh food, and they reward them with return business. The restaurants with the most effective delivery heating equipment are the ones who reap the rewards.

Standard delivery equipment often relies solely on insulation. While insulation can be effective for shorter trips, it's a system that depends on the food's ability to retain its own heat. Over time, food will cool off. Without the help of a heating source, customers will eventually receive a cold meal.

Induction heating provides food with a source of continued heat, meaning it stays warm and fresh for a longer period of time. Induction-heated discs provide steady, reliable heat.

With an induction heating system, food can stay piping hot. The system keeps both customers and delivery people happy.

Food Warmers for Home Parties

Keeping your cooked party food toasty warm helps it look and taste great, and, protects its safety. Your hot buffet needs to be at the right temperature (above 140 F.) Food warmers are designed to do just that. "Keep hot foods hot." Here are the most popular options:

Food Warmers (Chafers):

Food warmers, aka: "chafers" are portable food warmers, easy to rent, and for sale at party stores and online, from $35 and up. Food warmers often hold foods in 12" x 20" pans, using sterno fuel to heat water under your food. Usually polished and professional in appearance, they're similar to what you've seen in restaurants and catered events.

Disposable Food Warmers:

Disposable food warmers are the throwaway portable version, made for limited use - but fine for many home parties. Available at party stores, WalMart, etc., from $12 for a kit, they are the same size as the non-disposable version, also using sterno fuel - only made from lesser materials, and they don't look as nice. For larger home parties, we often recommend using both kinds. Keep the nicer looking warmers around your guests, while using the disposable ones nearer the kitchen to hold foods right out of the oven. This keeps your oven space available for more cooking, while cooked foods stays warm and ready to be served in the disposable warmers.

One big advantage of both disposable and non-disposable food warmers is that they use no electricity, with no wires to trip over. The sterno fuel burns for hours keeping food warm, no problem. Because they heat water under your food, the moist heat is evenly distributed and burning or drying is minimized.

Chafing Dishes:

Chafing dishes can be identical to food warmers, or they can be smaller and decorative. They can come in many shapes and sizes. They are heated either with a candle or with electricity. They tend to be smaller than food warmes, therefore they are generally popular for smaller parties. If you decide to keep your party buffet entrees hot using chafing dishes, watch those wires, and check foods for burning.

Coolers:

No, this is not a typo. You can keep food warm by using picnic coolers. They are, of course, designed to keep foods cold, however due to their outstanding insulating capacity, they contain heat as well as cold. Their volume is usually from 33 to 55 or so cubic feet. This is how you keep your food warm using the picnic coolers: Wrap 4 bricks (the kind used to build walls) with aluminum foil. Heat the bricks in a 350? oven for an hour. Using potholders, carefully place them on pieces of cardboard in the bottom of a cooler. Cover with more cardboard and use cloth towels for stability. Pans of food, straight from the oven will stay hot for hours when the lid of the "cooler" stays closed. This method works very well for outdoor parties and large parties. It's a very creative an inexpensive way to keep hot foods hot.

Find more information about food warmers at http://www.party-recipes-and-ideas.com/food-warmers.html