How to Make Mango Panna Cotta
Originally uploaded by zannnielim
Ingredients:
Cauliflower, cocktail tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, crabmeat, lettuce, cheddar cheese, onions, red bell pepper, capsicum, beetroot
Dressing:
mayonnaise, pepper, salt, lime juice, parsley
5:55 PM
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Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time
Wait time
Total time
Cucumber Salad go with just about any meal. They're not just for stews.
Author: ©Deelish Recipes | Zannnie
Recipe type: Lunch, Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup water
- pinch of paprika powder (garnish)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber.
- In a large bowl, add minced garlic, vinegar, sugar, salt and water.
- Add sliced cucumber and keep it beneath the mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, top with sour cream and sprinkle a pinch of paprika powder.
12:01 PM
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Relishing a mug of coffee in the morning can be refreshing. Brewing the morning coffee on the coffee maker is an excellent skill. Coffee has its load of goodies for the body. The same coffee can be fatal.
Everything should always be taken in moderation. When simple things are abused, they become poisonous. Let's have a look at the advantages and the disadvantages of the morning cup of coffee.
Advantages of the Morning Coffee
Alertness
The most obvious advantage is that coffee keeps one alert. This reason is precisely why most people will not step foot outside their homes without a cup of coffee. A study by EFSA revealed that caffeine increases both sustained attention and selective attention. If you are taking that driving test and you need to keep your eyes on the road, or you need to stay awake during that boring lecture, a cup of coffee is your best bet. You are almost guaranteed of full attention.
What the caffeine does in your body is to increase adrenaline production which in turn boosts your energy levels. Caffeine causes a blockage in the receptors for adenosine. This chemical is responsible for regulating your sleep patterns.
Reduces cancer risk
Your morning cup of coffee could reduce the risk of liver cancer by half. Recent studies have linked coffee to the decrease in the progression and recurrence of prostate cancer. Caffeine works by enhancing the death of cancer cells. The result is a reduction in the progression of cancer.
If you have a problem with caffeine, decaffeinated coffee also contains the cancer-fighting effects. Coffee contains natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These elements act as inhibitors for the growth of cancer cells.
The anti-cancer properties have been found in people who drank more than four cups of coffee. It is okay to partake in that cup of coffee in the morning plus much more throughout the day without any feelings of guilt.
Weight loss
Many people who struggle with weight will welcome the weight loss benefits of coffee. Caffeine stimulates the body to burn fat in the fat stores. This prompt prevents the burning of carbohydrates. Fat burning results to weight loss and the general body health.
Caffeine in coffee improves your physical performance in endurance workouts like running. A run after a hot cup of coffee in the morning could make a significant difference in your fitness journey.
Black coffee does not contain calories when the sugar and cream are left out. According to a 2012 study by Food & Function, caffeine increased thermogenesis, a process of burning calories in the body.
Disadvantages of the Morning Coffee
Acid Reflux
Have you ever experienced heartburn after taking your morning cup of coffee? This is one of the effects of coffee intake. Coffee has been found to irritate the esophageal sphincter.
This muscle is made to remain naturally tight. When coffee intake relaxes the esophageal sphincter, the stomach contents flow back up causing the acid reflux. Before you brew that morning addiction, think about the sour taste that might follow in your mouth.
HCL
Almost all morning coffee drinkers take their first cup on an empty stomach. This habit could cause severe irritation to your stomach. The stomach contains hydrochloric acid, an acid that aids in digestion. This acid is produced when food reaches the stomach.
When coffee is taken on an empty stomach, the acid is produced, ready for digestion. There is little or no digestion of coffee. The elevated levels of the acid irritate the lining of the stomach. The results are stomach ulcers, IBS, and GERD.
It is advisable to take a snack before downing that cup of coffee. The hydrochloric acid will have plenty to do with the snack.
Elevated Peristalsis
Peristalsis is the constriction and the relaxation of the intestinal muscles. These movements propel the stomach contents towards the colon, and the result is a trip to the bathroom.
The stimulation of the intestinal muscles increases with coffee intake. The result is incomplete digestion and less absorption of essential minerals in the small intestines.
The natural process of peristalsis happens when digestion is complete, and the excretion process is ready to begin. Some people have used coffee as a laxative because of the effects mentioned above. The abnormal peristalsis may result to loose stools as the colon has little time to absorb more liquid.
Coffee has great taste and smell. Weigh the advantages and the disadvantages of coffee and make a decision before you give up and toss your coffee maker in the trash. Moderate the intake of coffee is important.
If your body has rejected the morning cup of Joe, do not force it. There are other healthier options out there. Extra care should be taken by pregnant women and people under medication when taking coffee. The coffee contents could reduce the drug absorption into the body.
Jeanne McDonald is the founder/main editor of YourDiningCenter.com – a great website with Tips, Guides and Reviews to help people who have passion in Coffee, Foods, Drinks and Cooking. Follow us on Twitter
1:05 AM
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This Vegetable Medley Bean salad recipe is delicious it has all the nutrients that you need all in one salad that the whole family will love. It is a perfect meal for any occasion or any time of the day. It takes only fifteen minutes to prepare. There are plenty of beans and vegetables in this salad and this meal is far from boring. Read more: http://www.healthynaturalfitness.com/recipe/vegetable-medley-bean-salad-recipe
8:40 AM
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Today, I made my own Udon noodles from scratch. Yes. It was indeed pretty easy. Then I stir fry them and it became "Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry". The recipe which I followed is from Tim Anderson on Jamie Oliver's Food Tube. Tim said that he is a Chef and he lived in Japan for 2 years. He has a restaurant and a cookbook, both in the name of 'Nanban'. I wonder why he named them 'Nanban'? BTW, it was delicious, I didn't really use 'White Pepper', I did use normal pepper that's from Finland. Here's my Yaki Udon:
6:23 AM
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Juice bars are big business. These days, more and more people are making health-conscious choices. Rather than opting for fast food and traditional soft drinks, they are choosing healthier options such as fresh juice or protein shakes. If you are thinking about starting a juice bar in your local community, it is important to learn everything you can about how to successfully run one of these businesses. Here are some tips that will help:
1. Familiarize yourself with your competitors. Visit each juice bar in your area in person to see how they are set up and how they operate. Jot down information on how much they charge for their drinks and what they have on their menu. Also, try to figure out whether they are part of a larger franchise or whether they are independently run. There should be plenty of room for everyone, this fruit beverage market report suggests so.
2. Weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a franchise versus operating under your own brand. You may want to discuss your options with several of the larger franchisors to see what choices you have available. This should help you make a more informed decision on which type of business you want to run.
3. Get set up with a wholesaler. If you want to turn a profit, you need to be able to get your raw materials at a discounted price. This includes fruits and vegetables as well as ice. You should be able to find a wholesaler in your area who can provide you with all of these products. Be sure to compare prices so that you can find the best possible deal.
4. Choose your location wisely. It should be in a place that gets a lot of foot traffic or that is easy to access by car. You should also make sure that you are located quite a ways away from any of your competitors. Consider looking for a location close to health-related businesses such as gyms or fitness centers.
5. Come up with your menu. The next part of the process is to figure out exactly which products you are going to offer. You should consider selling juice, protein shakes, and any other healthy options that you think your customers would like. This is also a good time to figure out your pricing.
6. Purchase your initial inventory. Buy enough produce to get your juice bar up and running but not so much that you have a lot of waste. If you run low, you should be able to get more from a local supplier.
7. Prepare for your grand opening. Inside your store, make sure that all of your tables are set up and that you have an area where customers can place their orders. Hang a large menu on the wall and make sure that the text is big enough for customers to easily read.
8. Consider employing relatives. When you are first starting out, hiring people that you know can help keep your costs down while at the same time ensuring that you get reliable help.
9. Spread the word about your business. Along with traditional advertising, consider placing flyers on nearby vehicles or going around to homes in the area to let them know that you have just opened up.
11:54 AM
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A crêpe is a type of very thin, cooked pancake usually made from wheat flour. The word, like the pancake itself, is of French origin, deriving from the Latin crispa, meaning "curled." While crêpes originate from Brittany, a region in the north-west of France, their consumption is nowadays widespread in France and is considered the national dish. In Brittany, crêpes are traditionally served with cider. Crêpes often have a fruit filling of syrup, mixed berries, fresh fruit or lemon cream. The one we tried in Strasbourg (France) was with Nutella and it was delicious ;)
9:37 AM
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http://flic.kr/p/5WKeip
Tiramisu, Easy, Authentic Video Recipe
8:58 PM
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Bolognese sauce is so delicious it has become a staple in so many countries outside Italy. I recently discovered that the spaghetti sauce we all love in the States differs a great deal from its original, Italian counterpart. These two differ in ingredients and the manner of preparation but the biggest surprise was to find out that Italian chefs consider it a blasphemy to serve Bolognese on top of spaghetti as people in the States prefer. I found this out, along with more interesting facts in The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipes.
Bolognese spaghetti sauce is a perfect combination of tomato sauce and minced meat. People adore it for its rich taste as well as the simplicity of preparation. I am sure you have your own favorite recipe for this sauce that always works, but anything can be improved, right? Here are my top tips and tricks for a perfect Bolognese spaghetti sauce.
#1 Make the Base for Your Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce
The Italian versions consider tomatoes an auxiliary ingredient and use it in smaller amounts. In America, Bolognese is considered a tomato sauce and the quantity of tomatoes in recipes rises accordingly. Both fresh and canned versions can be used.
Onion is a must in every Bolognese spaghetti sauce recipe, finely diced, sautéed until soft and light-brown. Onion is often combined with finely diced carrot and celery. If you are going for a more authentic taste, fry these veggies in butter to obtain a mixture that Italians call soffritto.
Some spaghetti sauce recipes suggest adding a dash of sugar in order to caramelize the soffrito and emphasize the tomatoes’ natural sweetness. If you do this, make sure to balance the taste with an acidifier, preferably lemon juice. Don’t add salt because it interferes with the caramelization process, you’ll add it in the later stages.
Note: In American varieties of this spaghetti sauce, smashed garlic is also added.
#2 Choose the Right Meat for Your Spaghetti Sauce
The usual meat of choice for Bolognese spaghetti sauce recipes is minced beef. It is used individually or combined with pork mince.
American varieties are not reluctant in the use of veal mince, sausages, diced bacon, and pancetta. More radical additions include chicken mince or even chicken livers or even a glass of milk. I like the addition of milk because it contributes a somewhat creamy note but in that case, I add larger amounts of spices. Bear in mind though, that milk will dilute the tomato taste.
#3 Make Your Spaghetti Sauce Flavorful
I was surprised to find Bolognese spaghetti sauce recipes that call for anchovies. Even though the authors claim these tiny fish emphasize the flavor of the red meat and you won’t even know they are in the sauce, I think anchovies are reserved for Puttanesca sauces.
When it comes to herbs, choose those that won’t overwhelm your Bolognese sauce like parsley, bay leaves, oregano, marjoram, or thyme. Use more flavorful herbs like basil and rosemary in smaller quantities. Opt for fresh varieties whenever possible to add color and freshness. Add half of them during cooking and the rest just before serving.
Americans tend to further enrich their Bolognese sauces by adding splashes of soy or Worcestershire sauce and complement with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Final note: cook your Bolognese sauce slowly, on a low heat.
7:56 AM
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Raised bed gardening is the latest thing when it comes to growing vegetables. With the advent of this type of gardening, more and more people are growing vegetables.
There are many reasons that gardeners prefer growing vegetables in raised beds. First, raised beds allow you to choose the type of soil in your gardening area. The soil in these beds does not become compacted because the beds are never walked on. Because the soil is not compacted, the beds can drain excess water easily. Additionally, the soil in raised beds warms up quickly, which gives you a longer growing season. Raised beds can be used to grow a variety of vegetables; however, several veggies do especially well in raised beds. Let's check out the top five vegetables to grow in raised beds.
1. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like beets, carrots, parsnips and radishes especially love raised beds. Raised beds do not contain rocks and the soil is loose which allows these root vegetables to spread out and really flourish. By having complete control over the type of soil in the bed, you can grow amazing root vegetables. Raised beds allow you to create the perfect environment for root vegetables without any rock or clay –it’s one of the reasons why you should garden with raised beds. Rock, clay and other debris can cause misshapen vegetables and reduce the size of your harvest.
2. Leafy Green Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like kale, lettuce and spinach prefer raised beds because the soil is well-drained, nutrient-dense and warm up quickly in the early spring. You should plant these cool weather crops as soon as the soil begins to warm. In fact, because the soil in raised beds warms so quickly, you can plant leafy green vegetables early, allowing you to harvest several times before summer hits. Additionally, because the soil in a raised bed drains so well, you can grow amazing leafy green vegetables without worry of root rot.
3. Onions
Onions love raised beds for three different reasons. First, onions prefer quick draining soil. They also require plenty of organic material and a long growing season. Because you choose the soil, you can create the perfect soil for onions by adding plenty of compost to your soil mixture. Additionally, if you decide to grow onions from seed, it will take more than 100 days for your onions to reach maturity. The soil in a raised bed warms up much much quicker than the ground, which allows you to plant your onions early. Finally, the soil in a raised bed does not contain any items which can misshapen your onions or prevent them from reaching their full potential.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes require nutrient-dense soil and regular feeding and watering. Adding extra compost or top soil with fertilizer will ensure that your tomato plants receive the nutrients they need to produce beautiful fruit. Because the soil is loose in a raised bed, it can be more difficult for your stakes or tomato cages to stand upright, so you may need to plan on how you will support your tomatoes. Many gardeners find that attaching a wooden tomato stake to the exterior of the box and running twine between the stakes is the easiest way to keep your tomato plants upright and properly supported throughout the growing season.
5. Potatoes
You not only get a larger crop of potatoes in a raised bed but raised beds also make harvesting much easier. As soon as the potato shoots begin to grow, they need to be hilled. In a raised bed, it is quite easy to hill your potatoes. Potatoes need loamy loose soil that drains well. Additionally, potatoes do best when they can spread out in the soil. The loose soil allows the potatoes room to grow and drains well to prevent your potatoes from rotting. Raised beds tend to produce higher yields and larger tubers. Whether you enjoy white potatoes or sweet potatoes, a raised bed will produce an amazing crop.
Raised beds can be used to grow any vegetable; however, the five listed above grow especially well in a raised bed. Raised beds allow you to develop a green thumb and enjoy delicious vegetables throughout the growing season.
9:33 PM
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The original chocolate sandwich cookie was invented in 1912. Nowadays these cookies are known worldwide in more than 100 countries. Popular flavors include Peanut Butter, Neapolitan, Birthday Cake and Red Velvet sandwich cookies. If you are like me, you will always prefer homemade treats, so keep reading. Read the whole article and find the recipe at: https://www.santabarbarachocolate.com/blog/sandwich-cookies-recipe/
9:56 AM
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