Cooking rice is a great way to add bulk to a meal
Cooking: -rice is a Great Way to Add Bulk to a Meal!
Stocking up on often used pantry items when they are on sale is the perfect way to not only save money on item you know will not go to waste but also to ensure that you will have enough ingredients on hand at all times to throw a meal together in a matter of minutes. Here is a list of my top ten pantry items that will help you add that all-day cooked flavor to quick cooking meals.
1. Pasta: Pasta is so versatile that you could make dinner with it every night for a month and never have the same meal twice. Dried pasta is the perfect pantry staple to stock up on every time it goes on sale at your grocery store. Keep different size and shaped noodles on hand to make meals more interesting. Dried pasta can be added to soups, stews or casseroles, it can be used as a bed for your favorite stir-fry, for more details visit to www.cooking-groundbeef.com to add some bulk to your meal or it can be the star of the show — a quick go-to meal by simply adding your favorite jarred sauce.
2. Spaghetti Sauce: Of course you can use a jar of spaghetti sauce to pour over spaghetti for a quick meal any night of the week, but think outside the box a little when it comes to this pantry staple. You would be surprised how many different ways spaghetti sauce can be used. The great thing about spaghetti sauce is that all of the cooking has been done and that all-day flavor is already sealed in. There are so many varieties on the store shelves that you can get a sauce with whatever flavor combination you prefer, for more details visit to www.apples-recipes.com or you can get a simple marinara sauce and spice it up your own way by adding fresh herbs and vegetables to suit your pallette and your menu.
3. Prepared Broths: Boxes or cans of prepared beef, chicken and vegetable broth are a must have pantry staple. When it comes to quick cooking you should not pass up any opportunity to add flavor. You can do this by substituting broth in place of water to add extra flavor to any recipe. You can even cook your rice in broth instead of water. If you cook often the larger boxes of broth can be stored in the refrigerator after opening so you can use as much or as little as you need and they can sometimes be a better bargain than the cans. If you do wind up with leftover broth in an opened container and are afraid that you will not be able to use it quickly, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it. You can pop out as many cubes as you need and melt them right into your recipe. You can even get fancy by adding some dried herbs to your broth cubes before freezing for extra flavor.
4. Quick Cooking Rice: Rice is a great way to add bulk to a meal. Serving a stir fry of meat and vegetables over rice makes a delicious and satisfying meal. Rice is also a great way to add some whole grains to your diet by using brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice. Experiment with different flavors and find one that your family enjoys. Rice also makes a great side dish either by itself, with vegetables mixed in or simply topped with your favorite spaghetti sauce.
5. Condensed Soups: Condensed soups are a fabulous way to add both moisture and flavor to quick cooking meals. You will find recipe ideas right on the soup can labels and there have been entire cookbooks written around the theme of cooking with condensed soups. Cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery and condensed cheese soup are probably the most popular. Take a close look at the soup selection the next time you are in the grocery store. Read the recipes on the labels and stock up on any that you can incorporate into your weekly menu planning. If nothing else, you can make soup for lunch or dinner on a cold rainy day. Don’t forget the chicken noodle in case somebody doesn’t feel well.
The soy of cooking
The Soy of Cooking
(ARA) — Soy foods have grown in popularity as consumers learn more about associated health benefits — soy food sales are expected to reach $4 billion for 2003. Several studies have shown that soy products help lower cholesterol and reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms, as well as reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate. Soy products are also a great way for consumers to get high quality protein in their diets with less fat and cholesterol than animal protein.
For consumers who want to add the benefits of soy to their diet, the good news is that the wide variety of soy products available today makes it easy. Crum Creek Mills, a Springfield, Penn.-based soy foods company, specializes in making everyday food items healthier with the addition of soy. No more trying to figure out how to make tofu palatable to your family — they’ll be eating foods they already like, made healthier with the addition of soy.
“We focus on products everyone knows and loves,” says Rich Rothman, general manager. For example, the company’s soy protein pancake mix or soy protein muffin mix would be a great addition to any brunch menu. Choose from buttermilk or blueberry pancake mix and from three muffin varieties: Bold Banana Walnut, Bountiful Blueberry and Brilliant Bran.
Another easy way to add the benefits of soy to your meals is to opt for soy protein pasta as a base for your favorite sauce. Fast, filling, nutritious and delicious, these pastas provide between 70 and 90 percent more protein and up to 20 percent fewer carbohydrates than regular pastas. Every 2-ounce serving packs 13 grams of protein and only 36 grams of carbohydrates. This better balance of protein to carbohydrates provides the body with consistent energy over time. Crum Creek has pasta for every need — Passionate Penne, Savory Spaghetti, Fabulous Fettuccine, Heavenly Angel Hair and an all-time favorite made healthier, Marvelous Mac and Cheese.
If you or someone you know is looking for a fun way to sample a variety of soy foods, the Soy to the World gift pack is just the thing. It includes three boxes of soy protein pasta in assorted shapes; one box of soy protein macaroni & cheese (the kids will love it); two packs of Soy Bites Breadstick Snacks in assorted flavors; one bag of soy protein muffin mix; one bag of soy protein pancake mix; one bag of soy nuts; and one bag of soy nut mix. All this soy goodness comes attractively packed and can be shipped directly to friends, family, business associates, neighbors — anyone who enjoys good eating and good health.
Frequently asked questions about waterless stainless steel cookware
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterless Stainless Steel Cookware
If you have been considering the purchase of stainless steel cookware, you may have encountered ads featuring waterless cookware. For many, the world of “waterless cooking” is an unknown entity. As a user and vendor of waterless stainless steel cookware, this article addresses several of the most frequently asked questions regarding waterless cookware.
What is Waterless Cooking?
Waterless cooking has gotten a lot of publicity in recent months. Is it just hype? Actually, no! Waterless cooking really has been around for quite some time. Waterless cooking, unlike conventional cooking, uses minimal or no water. It relies instead on the natural moisture in the food. As a result, very few nutrients are lost in the cooking process. Lower cooking temperatures and steam-controlled cookware retains the natural juices of the food, enhancing their taste. When cooking vegetables, for example, simply rinsing the vegetables in water and shaking off the excess water provides enough moisture to cook the vegetables to the desired state of doneness. Obviously, dried foods, like beans, rice, pasta, etc, require more liquid to cook properly.
What is multi-ply?
Ply refers to the number of layers in the bottom of the encapsulated pan. Some refer to it as element. These layers are important because the number of ply or elements allows for even heat flow and durability. The aluminum conducts the heat well in the inner layers. However, it is not desirable on the outside because it corrodes and comes off on the food. The multi-layers include stainless steel on the entire outside (top and bottom) of the encapsulated bottom. The inner layers consist of aluminum, as well as other metals, that are considered to be better conductors of heat. These multi-layers spread the heat evenly, insuring that there are no «hot spots.» The thickness of the cookware also reduces chances of the piece warping. Stainless steel protects the food and the cookware itself.
Recently there has been an increase in the number of layers or ply added to the cookware. For cookware to be classified as waterless, it must be at least 5-ply or have five layers. Our company features cookware that has 7-ply, 9-ply and even 12-ply construction. While extra ply will very minimally increase the weight of the pan, it does not mean that your food will cook any better or taste any different because of the extra layers. When considering the purchase of cookware, use factors other than multi-ply (such as number and type of pieces in the cookware set) to determine which set is the best choice for you.
What Is Waterless Cookware?
While all waterless stainless steel cookware is made out of quality stainless steel, not all stainless steel cookware is quality or waterless. To be classified as waterless, the cookware must meet 4 requirements.
- A high-grade stainless steel must be used. Waterless cookware must be a minimum of 5-ply. You will often see advertisements for products with 7-ply or 9-ply or possibly more. To some degree, the layering is important. Stainless steel is a great material for waterless cooking, but stainless steel is not known for fast heat transfer. Thus, the addition of a layer of aluminum in the center of the stainless steel provides for the fast and even distribution of heat.
- A Flat-bottomed pan is needed for efficient heat transfer. The bottom of a waterless cooking pan needs to be flat to provide for even heat distribution.
- A thicker bottom plate is necessary to evenly distribute the heat. The special design of the encapsulated bottom of each stainless steel pot provides strength and rigidity that prevents warping. It also eliminates hot spots that may burn food. Heat is distributed evenly in all directions.
- A special lid is used to keep the steam from escaping. Waterless cooking will not work if a proper seal cannot be formed. When a seal is created, it locks in the natural moisture that escapes from the food during the cooking process. Thus, foods are cooked in their own natural juices, retaining vital vitamins and minerals. This is really the key to waterless cooking—a vapor seal must be created.
While I cannot speak for other brands, I can tell you that our Maxam Stainless Steel Cookware meets the criteria above. Maxam Cookware has over 50 years of experience and research going into the production of its products. Further, this quality cookware can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of comparable quality cookware offered at the State Fair.
Why is your stainless steel product cheaper than some of the other waterless cookware brands?
There is virtually little difference between all of the quality cookware brands. One of the unique features of our brand is the steam-control valve on most of our sets. This valve on most of our lids helps you determine exactly when to turn the temperature down. Some of the other brands do not have this steam release valve. Generally, if a waterless cookware set is constructed of a high-grade stainless steel, such as 304 surgical stainless steel (used in all waterless cookware), the manufacturing company has a good reputation (Maxam has been around since the 1950s), there is a Factory Lifetime Warranty that includes a customer service address with every set, then you can be quite certain that you are receiving a quality, high grade set of cookware. We are not experts on other brands so it would be unfair of us to compare their product to ours. Some of these other cookware brands cost between $1000 and $2000 more. That difference in price between our product and theirs is not because of quality differences. More likely it is because of difference in marketing. With our product, you are dealing with the wholesale market rather than the retail market. Many of the higher priced brands are shown at home shows, county and state fairs, etc. and require a much greater marketing budget than our form of sales.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you decide that you would like to investigate stainless steel cookware further, visit our site – The Gourmet’s Cookware. Not only do we provide additional information about waterless cooking, we have also included some great waterless cooking recipes.
Portable barbecue grills reasons to buy a portable gas grill this summer
Portable Barbecue Grills — Reasons to Buy a Portable Gas Grill This Summer
The summer months are nearly here and it is at this time that each and every home should purchase one of the many portable barbecue grills that are for sale. This is a great option in the event that you live in a house that only has a small-scale backyard.
A portable bar-b-q propane gas grill is certainly a great way to cook a tasty lunch during a sunny day out on the patio with very little effort.
The Weber Portable Gas Grill
Portable bbq grills are available to buy in different sizes and shapes but if you are after a grill that looks a little bit distinct and contains quite a contemporary style then you may like to look at purchasing something from the Weber portable gas grill range.
These type of grills function by using propane gas. All you need to do is to add a small gas container on the device after which at the push of a knob, you should have all the power and heat that is needed to get the grill cooking.
You are able to set how much gas is necessary by switching the flexible control device that is on the side. It is an amazing addition mainly because it will be easy to determine how hot you need the grill to become dependent upon what you are currently preparing.
Food To Cook On Your Portable BBQ Grill
This grill will help you prepare a variety food so you can make a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. All you have to do is to put your choice of meat and vegetable products on the grill and wait while it goes to work.
This type of food that you can prepare is really up to you but you should definitely includes lots of sausages, some steak and pork chops as well as crunchy vegetables like peppers and sweet corn.
If you are looking forward to the summer then a portable barbecue grill is a wonderful way to prepare a meal and spend the day out in the garden soaking up the sun’s rays.
Find out more about buying portable barbecue grills if you are looking to compare and contrast the different portable gas grills that are currently available.
Barbecue grill on sale
Barbecue Grill On Sale
Before you even countdown to your most awaited summer camping, barbecue grill is just around the corner. Your grill needs a replacement and your family deserves one that will create delightful, mouth watering and tantalizingly appealing steaks. Today might just be the perfect time for you to check out a barbecue grill that has been on sale. While your kids are daydreaming of the outdoor steak feast that they have sumptuously enjoyed last time, get the most discounted prices guaranteed with superior quality just perfect for a delicious treat!
There are important considerations to jot down on your notebook before buying. If you have eyed on one grill during the past couple of days, think and recall if you particularly like that model because of how it looks. Include the following notes before you spend your dollar on it.
You have a wide array of options but consider how much did you budget for on this future purchase. If you have a few restrictions, go for something that’s «worth your dollar.» A grill with an exceptional quality will essentially cost more than the common types. Never sacrifice quality when buying for these kitchen equipments; choose one that is made to last way longer than cheaper models.
If you’re cooking for a large brood plus some kith coming over to join this year’s camping, you may need a larger grill. Get a huge size that can be portable with stainless wheels and will not cause too much bulk in your trunk. There are huge-sized grills with removable accessories and those that are even collapsible. These removable accessories you may only use when necessary so that you could check what and when to bring which.
There are accessories that are most useful to your camping needs such as the food preparation and storage areas. There are side burners too that can be of big help. Drip trays gives you more freedom to worry not on cleaning the grill afterwards, in that way, you can be more involved with the activities and spend quality time with your family. Get a barbecue grill that’ll make cleaning a lot easy.
Once camping season is over, your next important thought is whether there is ample space in the house for equipment storage. Proper maintenance promises long use and therefore, getting the value for the grill.
Have you thought just yet the type of grill you’re buying? Whether you go for the fuel type, with smokers or the traditional, check out the features that could allow you to multi task, to save time and effort by doing things simultaneously. Think of roasting while the steaks are grilled and you prepare food on the dining table? Convenient, right?
It may not be as easy as 1-2-3. Surely, there are additional pointers you need but this is a way to start and seal that deal. Camping can be anytime of the year so your barbecue grill should be ready by now. The steaks can’t wait and the kids are asking! Throw that steak feast and enjoy a real good time with your grill in tow.
Save time and energy by cooking
Save Time and Energy by Cooking
Cooking every day can be a difficult task especially if you are a working mother. Many mothers or families in general have a different approach to cooking that can be very useful. The way to manage a fast passed career oriented lifestyle and a family is to cook few times a month and store the food for later. In other words cook smart. Unfortunately, cooking a good family meal requires both time and energy. A few wise moms are using a concept that has become known as once a month or freezer cooking to assist them when they don’t have enough time and energy to cook sometimes.
The plan is to cook once a month; you can take it literally or not. You can do it twice a month but the idea is the same. Similarly you can do the cooking in one day or two days but either way the concept is the same. Many working mothers who have tried this technique have concluded that not only does it help by always having something nice and home cooked for dinner, for more details visit to www.bread-bakers-assistant.com but also helps families stay within their budget. The reasons are that they don’t spend money on cooked meals and that they can plan their shopping in advance when grocery stores have sales.
The most important aspect of saving time and energy by cooking only once a month is to plan ahead. To do this you will need to set aside a day or two for the cooking, days that are free. You will also need to plan ahead and decide what the cooking will entail. In other words decide on what you will cook what recipes you will use so you can do the necessary grocery shopping. Make sure you have planned for a whole day of uninterrupted cooking. The reason is, for more details visit to www.chef-123.com distractions or other chores you might want or have to do can steer you away from the task at hand; the task of feeding a family for a month.
First thing is first and that’s why you should create a menu and thus figuring out all the ingredients you will need. It is a advised that you do the shopping, or have someone do the hopping for you on a day other than the one you will be doing the cooking. You can also save money by planning your meals for the month according to the sales circulars and coupons you have for the week in order to stretch your budget a little further. It is also advised that you stock up on containers to use to store the food in the freezer. You can do this by storing individual portions or even family portions depending on what you are accommodating for. You should also make sure that the recipes you are using for your once a month cooking marathon are recipes that freeze well. Regarding the cooking session itself, planning is again the key for success. Make sure the kitchen is tidy, that all your appliances are in working order, that you have all the tools to use to cook and you are set. Use all your appliances, for example do one dish on the stove top, another in the oven, one more in the microwave and so on. Keep in mind that if you don’t have enough time to do something it probably is because you don’t have the right tools to do it.
A blender, a juicer for sauces and deserts, good sharp kitchen knifes a digital scale are only a few examples. Use technology to save time. Remember time is money, that’s why you considered once a month cooking in the first place. Once you do it once you will never forget how to do it again. Save time and money with once a month cooking. In order to be able to cook once a month you need to have the right time management skills and the right cooking tools and appliances. Here are some you might want to consider.
An ethical meal grey squirrel
An Ethical Meal: Grey Squirrel
Let us face it; it tastes sweet, like a cross between a duck and lamb. The squirrel meat is low in fat as well as low in food miles and most important, free range. In fact, many people affirm that the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is just about as ethical as any other meat. Sales figures consolidate this statement as butchers affirm that they are selling squirrel meat like cup cakes. The grey squirrel is the American cousin of Great Britain’s endangered red variety which are becoming more and more a rarity nowadays.
Back to the grey squirrel, at Ridely’s Fish & Game, a shop located in Corbridge, Northumberland, the owner David Ridley recently stated that he sold 1,000 at ?3.50 a squirrel in just a few months. “I wasn’t sure at first, and wondered would people really eat it. Now I take every squirrel I can get my hands on. I’ve had days when I have managed to get 60 and they’ve all sold straight away.”
Regarding the taste of the meat, he said, “It’s moist and sweet because, basically, its diet has been berries and nuts”. Many people believe that this increasing popularity is due to its green credentials. David Simpson, the director of Kingsley Village shopping centre in Fraddon, Cornwall said that “people like the fact it is wild meat, low in fat and local — so no food miles” while Ridley was patriotic, saying that “Eat a grey and save a red. That’s the message”.
Jay Rayner who is The Observer’s restaurant critic affirmed that he never ate squirrel meat but if he would have it for dinner in the future, “it would have to be a big, fat country squirrel and not one of the mangy urban ones you see in cities”. “People may say they are buying it because it’s green and environmentally friendly, but really they’re doing it out of curiosity and because of the novelty value. If they can say, «Darling, tonight we’re having squirrel», then that takes care of the first 30 minutes of any dinner party conversation. I see it remaining a niche. There’s not much meat on a squirrel, so I’d be surprised if farming squirrel takes off anywhere some time soon.”
Kevin Viner who is the former chef-proprietor of Pennypots (the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Cornwall), now runs Viners bar and restaurant at Summercourt, said that eating squirrel meat will still remain a niche but the room to expand is available as Britain has a plentiful supply of meat with more than 5 million squirrels spread. Kevin stated, “A large squirrel would be enough for one-and-a-half people. The public really are being drawn to it. I think that it’s because it is being perceived as a healthy meat. Southern fried squirrel is good. And tandoori style works. It is especially tasty fricass?ed with Cornish cream and walnuts. But the one everyone seems to like is the Cornish squirrel pasty.”
The fact is that the squirrel meat is becoming more and more popular among households and you can see this from the numerous squirrel recipes available on the Internet. We do not know if it will remain a niche market or not, all we do know is that the meat is great and there are no potential risks as some people recently stated. We are not trying to convince anyone to eat or do not eat squirrel meat, this was just a brief presentation of the status of the grey squirrel meat.