March 11, 2014
The most annoying thing about left over pizza is the end of the crispy crust. One way to combat the rubber crust is putting a small container of water in with the pizza. The water will keep the crust crisp, or at least as crisp as possible. If all else fails, put ketchup on it and call it a day.
June 28, 2013
Making cookies is always fun and delicious. But what happens when you have too much and are done eating the cookie dough? Freezing it for later is always a great idea. But if you just put it in a bag it is a hastle to get back out. Instead, take some plastic wrap and form the dough into a tube. Twist the ends to make tight and then wrap with foil. This way you can just into disks and not have to deal with a mess.
June 27, 2013
From time to time, everyone has the misfortune of over-salting. There aren't many solutions to rectify this expect serve it to someone who loves salt. Fortunately, I have come across a way to save soup. If you put too much salt in, toss in a potato. It will absorb the salt naturally. Leave it in there until the soup is just right. If it is too salted. sometimes the only thing to do it start over. Never salt at the very beginning. Wait for a little bit for the ingredients to excrete their essence. It is also good to use as little salted items as possible to not tip the salt shaker.
June 26, 2013
Beef jerky is a great treat but it's very expensive. A dehydrator would pay for itself, if you made a lot of jerky. What if you wanted to do something other than beef? There isn't much option unless you are lucky enough to come across a jerky enthusiast. There is a nifty way of making jerky from Alton Brown, but if you don't have the money to buy furnace filters and a box fan, do this. Turn your oven on its lowest setting and use a kitchen towel to keep it ajar. It will provide air flow and not just straight out cook the product. This will also work to dry herbs, only if you have a conventional oven. A convection will just blow everything about.
June 25, 2013
I have always wondered about the vegan diet. It exploded into a fad for the past several years. More and more places are starting to cater to people who chose not to eat animal products. But are there health benefits to this dietary method? There are a lot, that I have found. I will share just a few here. Increase in vitamins and minerals in the body. Higher fiber intake increased bowel productivity and healthiness. It decreases the risk of some cancers, high cholesterol, molecular degeneration, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis and cataracts. It also helps fight type 2 diabetes and is easier to follow the daily recommendation guidelines. The physical benefits are outstanding. The vegan diet aids in weight loss and helps control the BMI. It gives energy, decreases migraines, allergies, and body odor. It may add years to your life and help with the appearance of hair, skin, and nails. Another interesting attribute is aiding in PMS. It helps reduce the cramps and pain, some women have had them stop altogether. Dairy is thought to be a major factor to menstrual discomfort. Unfortunately, I can never be vegan. Protein is a way to help control blood sugar and even though there are many sources of protein, one of the most direct is meat.
June 24, 2013
Something that has been bugging me for years is companies going "sugar free". Society has demanded that companies take out the bad stuff for them so they don't have to think about what not to eat. Because the sugar is replaced with artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, I cannot have anything that does not contain real sugar. This is very disappointing to me when the gum companies started their series of delicious flavored gum. Artificial sweeteners are doing more harm than good. The artificial sweeteners trick the brain into thinking that it did not gain enough sugar for the insulin it produced, so it craves more food. The increased food intake causes weight gain. Kind of ironic seeing as how its supposed to be a "diet" alternative. The AS, Cyclamate was banned in 1970 after being linked to bladder cancer. There are several health problems attributed to Artificial Sweeteners such as respiratory problems, cancers, and weight gain. In ancient Rome, Sugar of Lead was used to sweeten foods but was banned due to lead poisoning.
June 23, 2013
The Baker's dozen has always been a little treat for the customer, buying 12 and getting one for free, but where did this phrase and practice come from? Historically, there were viciously strict laws for bakers.
In Ancient Egypt, a baker would have their hand chopped off if they gave someone less than they paid for, even if by accident. So, to save their digits, they started to give them one extra item. So if they asked for a dozen, they got 13. In the 13th Century in England, this became the norm for baker's when the Assize of Bread and Ale act was passed. Because of the excess from the bakery, their customer's began to adopt the practice as well. The "baker's dozen" became quite common and is still today.
June 22, 2013
Caramel is one of my favorite candies. It is relatively easy to make, but will burn you severely if not handled properly. It can be in soft or hard form, depending on the preference. There are so many ways to enjoy caramel, but does anyone actually know why it was invented? It was actually invented by the Arabs, who used the caramel to remove hair off of the women in a harem. So it was a leg wax. A very big waste if you ask me.
June 21, 2013
When buying such items as shredded cheese, ice cream or salad dressing, I kept coming across an ingredient called cellulose. What is it? What does it do? For cheese, it makes sure that the little shreds don't stick together and defeat the purpose of shredding. For ice cream, it makes it more creamy. For salad dressing, it thickens it. All without adding calories. So its a good thing right? Only if you don't mind eating saw dust. Cellulose is....sawdust. It is a common additive to such foods and because it comes from wood, which is natural, it can also be in organic foods. In order to bypass the pencil shavings, either make it yourself or search for a less woody product.
June 20, 2013
One of the most annoying terms used by the food market is "natural". People think that just because something is labeled "all-natural" it means its better. Truth is, there is no governmental standard for something to be labeled "natural". You can be sold something loaded with trans- fats, extreme amounts of sodium, hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup and the company would be allowed to label it "natural". In fact, even the label "organic" means just as much. The only label on food that is government regulated is "certified organic". This means the producers have to prove their product was made, produced and/or grown organically.
June 19, 2013
Ever since I was little, I have always accepted the widely opinion-considered-fact that you have to drink milk to grow strong bones. As a little kid, I loved milk, and still enjoy it. However, it is not necessary for bone growth and can harm those who aren't mutated to digest the enzymes. Calcium is the key for children. Foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, fortified juices, soy milk as well as many others would be better suited for the youngsters development. If children are lactose intolerant, the milk will rot in their stomachs, causing severe cramps, pain, discomfort and irregular bowl movements. With the anti-biotics, steroids and other drugs force-fed to cattle now adays, I wouldn't want to give my children milk.
June 18, 2013
Wine and alcohol can be a great flavor enhancer in food. It's okay to use because it all cooks out, right? Even though some alcohol may be cooked out of food, traces may still remain. If you add wine at the end of cooking it can still contain 85% of alcohol. Even though some people may be put off by this, take this into consideration: a lot of foods have alcohol in them already. Extracts and flavorings, for instance. Also cooking sprays, some Dijon mustards, even non-alcoholic beer may contain traces of alcohol. So in the end, does it really matter if all of the wine cooks out?
June 17, 2013
Have you ever had the conundrum of a bland sorbet? The strawberries were ripe but its just not strawberr-ee enough? The watermelon was so delicious but now its just meh? The trick to boosting your fruit frozen desserts is white vinegar. Add about a half teaspoon until the desired taste. It will boost the flavor and sometimes the color as well. Just don't add too much so it doesn't taste like pickle ice cream.
This technique isn't limited to sorbets. Also ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes, popscicles, dressings, gazpacho. A multitude of fruity items can be so much fruitier.
June 16, 2013
As a chef, I try to add tons of little "tricks" to my repertoire. This little tid-bit I found browsing the interwebs. Before juicing a citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime, etc) send it through a round in the microwave. 15 seconds is just the right time to make the fruit give up more of it's juices. If you want more of the flavor, zest the fruit. The outside holds even more flavor than the juice itself. I always use the zest when I am making a dressing or dessert. It gives it more texture and color as well.
June 15, 2013
For years I have been mastering the technique of using just my hand to tell steak doneness. I realize not many of you understand what I mean by this, so let me explain. Hold your left hand so that the palm is facing the wall to your right. Using your fingers on your right hand, press the muscle below your thumb. Make sure your fingers are outstretched. This is what raw meat feels like. Now take your pointer finger and touch the tip of your thumb. This is rare. Now just your middle finger to your thumb, this is medium rare. Your ring finger to your thumb is medium and your pinky to your thumb is well. I was taught this in culinary school but I still like to check the temperate just to make sure. To all the amateur cooks, I wouldn't suggest using this until you get more comfortable in knowing the temperatures of steak.
June 14, 2013
Going into my teens, I grew to have a distaste for popcorn. It would make my lungs hurt, like I was breathing though a pillow. I wouldn't eat it and still don't today but having found this information, makes a lot more sense now. Microwave popcorn contains, or used to contain a chemical called diacetyl. It is a chemical that was used for that loved buttery flavor. However it was banned these past few years because it was found to cause bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as popcorn lung. Although it wasn't banned when the factory workers were developing fatal lung diseases, but when a customer who ate 2 bags of popcorn a day was diagnosed in 2007. The popcorn industry changed their buttery agent....which does the same thing.
June 13, 2013
Some people may not like peaches, but I find them rather....peachy. When savoring a fresh peach from the store, I have always discarded the pit, but after reading about this, I am pretty sure that is going to change. The pit contains an almond-like kernel inside, which is edible. This kernel contains vitamin B-17 which....hold onto your hats, fights cancer! That is right! This little kernel attacks cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells behind. The cancer fighting ingredient, laetrille, was banned in 1971 by the UDA because they claimed it was toxic and ineffective. One wonders why they wouldn't explore this information to cure cancer, especially seeing as how its right there. But, then again, with cancer cured, how would the hospitals and pharmaceutical companies gain a profit? Kind of disturbing that cancer is a lucrative business.
June 12, 2013
Sometimes my searches for the Crunch of the Day can leave a scaring trail. I don't always post what I find, maybe tucking it away for another day, but this is a must share. Bread producing industries use a dough conditioner to speed up processing called L-cysteine. It can be made in a laboratory but the favored method is one most people wouldn't consider: dissolving human hair. The companies that handle this process are in China and because of their questionable work ethic, have no problem in raiding corpses for their crop. Many Jewish and Muslim religious leaders ban the consumption of L-cysteine, especially due to their belief against consuming anything human. I personally find it completely revolting that such a practice is used, seeing as how it can be made and not harvested. I don't know about you but I don't want my next hair cut to go into my bread.
June 11, 2013
So today I was told by my neighbor that we have a skunk problem. Apparently they are attracted to the gardens around here. I went online and looked up how to deter them. Basically, you have to make a pepper tea. I combined chopped onion, red pepper flakes, chili pepper, Cajun seasoning and fresh black pepper. It is supposed to repel them, and probably give them extreme heartburn.
June 10, 2013
As the days ground longer and hotter, many kids are out playing all the time. All day long exposure can cause some pretty nasty sun burns. I know I am plagued by this problem, being a ginger. But how can you treat a sunburn after its already here? Noxzema helps but I have been told to put white or better yet apple cider vinegar on it to draw out the heat. If you are someone who gets burned often I would strongly suggest keeping an aloe plant. I know I have been looking for one for my kitchen. Because this is such a sensitive topic for me (haha) here is a list of other remedies:
-shaving cream
-baking soda
-milk (on the skin)
-honey
-tomatoes
-oatmeal
-mustard
Apply these to the effected areas. I would not suggest using all of them at once though, you might come out looking more like a swamp monster.
June 9, 2013
In our last apartment, we had a huge problem with ants. Of course if you build them on ant hills, they will refuse to leave and just take advantage of the intrusion. I didn't want to use bug spray, but something more natural to rid us of these little pests. I used quite a bit of stuff but only a few things have worked. I put liquid dish soap along the base of the door jam. I then took my used coffee grounds outside where they normally congregate to mess up their trail. Cayenne pepper also works if you put it along the base boards. Magnifying glasses aren't always efficient.
June 8, 2013
If you want a more natural way to get highlights, or want shinier, healthier looking hair, try a beer rinse. That is right, beer. If you don't mind wasting a bud, try pouring beer into your hair and laying out in the sun. It will give you natural highlights and is a lot safer than the Sun In products. Make sure to wash it out after or you might be pulled over. For a hair rinse, after shampooing, use flat beer, rinse, and let set for a few minutes. Then rinse and let dry. Its just that easy!
June 7, 2013
An unfortunate truth to life is that brown sugar clumps. Its almost unavoidable. Its not used unless there is a need for chocolate chip cookies. But how can we stop the clumping before it starts? One way, and most commonly used, put a slice of bread in it. Plain bread, like wheat or white will do nicely. I always use the heels because they are only good for bird feed or tuna sandwiches. Another way, one that the chef at my college used, was put a sliced apple in it. Change it out when it starts to get dark. It works just as well.
June 6, 2013
Lets try to keep it simple this time. I hate getting a kitchen appliance and only being able to use it for one purpose. Some things can't be multi-tasked but some, if used a little imagination, or even in a "duh" moment can have multiple uses. I always rinse my grapes after getting them from the store (who wouldn't) but I hate having to pull them off one by one to eat them. They are always soaking wet, and I don't like waiting forever for them to dry in the colander. So, I looked in my cupboard and low and behold.....the salad spinner. It works even better. Just don't get too aggressive of you'll have grape jelly instead.
June 5, 2013
Grapes are my all time favorite fruit. Even as a child, my mother had to monitor me around grapes because I could consume the entire bag in one sitting. But what exactly are grapes doing for me? Other than being delicious. They increase moisture in the lungs, aiding in curing asthma. They prevent blood clots by increasing the blood's nitric oxide levels, decreasing the chances of a heart attack. If you ever have a migraine, instead of reaching for that over the counter drug, try grape juice. Grapes can cure chronic constipation, being a laxative food. This also means they cure indigestion. The iron levels in grapes give you instant energy and helps charge your immune system. There are a lot more health benefits from grapes, some include decrease chances of breast cancer, reducing chances of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, preventing cataracts and high cholesterol. All in all it means that grapes are just as good for you as they are delicious.
June 4, 2013
Coffee is a delicious beverage, whether hot or cold, but are there actually health benefits to drinking it? I am glad to say there are! It increases neuronal firing in the brain, making you...yes, smarter. (Or at least your brain works better) It also raises your metabolism and increases the oxidation of fatty acids. So even if your diet says to cut out coffee, think twice about that decision. Drinking one cup of coffee per day can lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 7%. It can also lower your chances of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's up to 60%. After a night of drinking, one knows to consume coffee to aid in the sobering effect. However, it is more for your liver's benefit than to make your head stop feeling like you had a piano land on it. Drinking four cups of coffee a day can lower your risk of liver disease and cancer. It also contains a fair amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Although sweetening up coffee makes it delicious, all of these studies derive from black coffee. So if you love having 10 packets of sugar with your morning joe, might not prevent diabetes. Happy drinking!
June 3, 2013
Lactose intolerance is becoming increasing easier to live with. There are so many more options to choose from now as opposed to 10 years ago. Almond milk, Soy Milk, Coconut Milk...there are so many more ways to get that same creamy, milk-like beverage. However, many people do not know that milk drinkers are the mutants among us. That is right, being able to drink and properly digest dairy is abnormal. I myself, being lactose intolerance, thought it was rather humerus. I, for once, am the normal one. Lactose tolerance didn't start to appear until roughly 10,000 B.C. around what is now known as Turkey. From there, the gene mutation spread until a wide percentage became lactose tolerant. Today, intolerance is popping up more than ever. I didn't become fully lactose intolerant until this year. Even though I sometimes muscle through the pain for some ice cream or a glass of milk with my cookies, it is actually rotting inside the intestines. So, before you dunk your cookie, think if you really want to put your stomach though the pain.
June 2, 2013
Garlic not only frightens away Dracula and Edward Cullen, but has some amazing health benefits. I love garlic, like love, love. This is just an added bonus. Here is a list of benefits garlic provides:
-helps hair growth
-clears acne
-prevents and treats colds
-soothes psoriasis
-reduces weight and fat stores in the body
-treats foot fungus (anti-fungal)
-repels mosquito and ticks
-naturally repels bugs from plants
-attracts fish (hint hint)
June 1, 2013
As some of you may guess, I research my little tid bits for Crunch of the Day. So this took me by surprise when I came across this very interesting fact. In all my 5 years in culinary education, I never once heard this:
"The banana tree is not a true fruit at all but a giant herb and the banana is actually its berry. A banana plant produces only one bunch or “hand” in its life, but that bunch may have between 100 to 400 bananas. Despite its phallic shape, the banana is sterile and no fertilization takes place in the banana flowers. A banana plant grows when one of its shoots is planted." (http://facts.randomhistory.com/2008/12/06_food.html)
This blew my mind! I have always thought, and have always been told that the banana is the fruit of the banana tree. Never once thought the tree would actually be an herb.
May 31, 2013
Although the American cheese has become the favorite....and norm over the years, it is sad to say, it is not actually 100% real cheese. Processed cheese is less than 51% real cheese and therefore is really a cheese food or cheese like substance. So, if you are wanting to eat healthy, make sure you go after the real thing.
May 30,2013
Getting glassware to be crystal clear can always be a hassle. You could spend hundreds of dollars to make your stemware look the best it can. But why do that when there is a better, healthier way to remove those hard water stains and finger prints. White vinegar. Yes, it is that easy. It can be used for glassware, silverware, and mirrors. Use hot water, vinegar and a lent free cloth. Make sure to use gloves or try not to touch the glass, or else there will be no point in getting the finger smudges off.
May 29, 2013
For many people, foods turning brown is an unpleasant experience. Why does this happen? Can I stop it? Does it mean its going bad? Though it is unappetizing, when you slice a potato, it doesn't go bad within minutes. The air is simply making it oxidize. Kind of like food rust. For fruits like apples, pears, and bananas, squeeze some lemon juice on them to keep them from this process. It will make it taste just a little tangy, depending on how much you use. For avocados as well, it will stop the browning. For potatoes, immerse them in cold water until you are ready to use them. The water will act as a barrier and keep them from turning brown.
May 28, 2013
For years people have tried to give me advice about cutting onions. I have searched and experimented, trying to figure out how to manage cutting them and my overly sensitive eyes. I have heard it all
: freeze them, chop them under cold water, chew gum, wear onion goggles. Let me tell you, none of these work. There is only one sure way that I have found to handle the intensity of onions. Breathe through your mouth. Because the vapors go through the nose to the eyes, the solution is blocking its way up the nasal passages. I know it might sound a little weird, but trust me, it does work. My eyes are so bad that when they water from onions, they burn. Not like a little sting, no, they turn red and are on fire. That is why I searched and experimented with different ways to reduce the effects of onions. If you don't have a slap chop, then this is the only way to dry your tears. Just remember to breathe out first when you are done, or all this work will be for nothing.
The most annoying thing about left over pizza is the end of the crispy crust. One way to combat the rubber crust is putting a small container of water in with the pizza. The water will keep the crust crisp, or at least as crisp as possible. If all else fails, put ketchup on it and call it a day.
June 28, 2013
Making cookies is always fun and delicious. But what happens when you have too much and are done eating the cookie dough? Freezing it for later is always a great idea. But if you just put it in a bag it is a hastle to get back out. Instead, take some plastic wrap and form the dough into a tube. Twist the ends to make tight and then wrap with foil. This way you can just into disks and not have to deal with a mess.
June 27, 2013
From time to time, everyone has the misfortune of over-salting. There aren't many solutions to rectify this expect serve it to someone who loves salt. Fortunately, I have come across a way to save soup. If you put too much salt in, toss in a potato. It will absorb the salt naturally. Leave it in there until the soup is just right. If it is too salted. sometimes the only thing to do it start over. Never salt at the very beginning. Wait for a little bit for the ingredients to excrete their essence. It is also good to use as little salted items as possible to not tip the salt shaker.
June 26, 2013
Beef jerky is a great treat but it's very expensive. A dehydrator would pay for itself, if you made a lot of jerky. What if you wanted to do something other than beef? There isn't much option unless you are lucky enough to come across a jerky enthusiast. There is a nifty way of making jerky from Alton Brown, but if you don't have the money to buy furnace filters and a box fan, do this. Turn your oven on its lowest setting and use a kitchen towel to keep it ajar. It will provide air flow and not just straight out cook the product. This will also work to dry herbs, only if you have a conventional oven. A convection will just blow everything about.
June 25, 2013
I have always wondered about the vegan diet. It exploded into a fad for the past several years. More and more places are starting to cater to people who chose not to eat animal products. But are there health benefits to this dietary method? There are a lot, that I have found. I will share just a few here. Increase in vitamins and minerals in the body. Higher fiber intake increased bowel productivity and healthiness. It decreases the risk of some cancers, high cholesterol, molecular degeneration, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis and cataracts. It also helps fight type 2 diabetes and is easier to follow the daily recommendation guidelines. The physical benefits are outstanding. The vegan diet aids in weight loss and helps control the BMI. It gives energy, decreases migraines, allergies, and body odor. It may add years to your life and help with the appearance of hair, skin, and nails. Another interesting attribute is aiding in PMS. It helps reduce the cramps and pain, some women have had them stop altogether. Dairy is thought to be a major factor to menstrual discomfort. Unfortunately, I can never be vegan. Protein is a way to help control blood sugar and even though there are many sources of protein, one of the most direct is meat.
June 24, 2013
Something that has been bugging me for years is companies going "sugar free". Society has demanded that companies take out the bad stuff for them so they don't have to think about what not to eat. Because the sugar is replaced with artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, I cannot have anything that does not contain real sugar. This is very disappointing to me when the gum companies started their series of delicious flavored gum. Artificial sweeteners are doing more harm than good. The artificial sweeteners trick the brain into thinking that it did not gain enough sugar for the insulin it produced, so it craves more food. The increased food intake causes weight gain. Kind of ironic seeing as how its supposed to be a "diet" alternative. The AS, Cyclamate was banned in 1970 after being linked to bladder cancer. There are several health problems attributed to Artificial Sweeteners such as respiratory problems, cancers, and weight gain. In ancient Rome, Sugar of Lead was used to sweeten foods but was banned due to lead poisoning.
June 23, 2013
The Baker's dozen has always been a little treat for the customer, buying 12 and getting one for free, but where did this phrase and practice come from? Historically, there were viciously strict laws for bakers.
In Ancient Egypt, a baker would have their hand chopped off if they gave someone less than they paid for, even if by accident. So, to save their digits, they started to give them one extra item. So if they asked for a dozen, they got 13. In the 13th Century in England, this became the norm for baker's when the Assize of Bread and Ale act was passed. Because of the excess from the bakery, their customer's began to adopt the practice as well. The "baker's dozen" became quite common and is still today.
June 22, 2013
Caramel is one of my favorite candies. It is relatively easy to make, but will burn you severely if not handled properly. It can be in soft or hard form, depending on the preference. There are so many ways to enjoy caramel, but does anyone actually know why it was invented? It was actually invented by the Arabs, who used the caramel to remove hair off of the women in a harem. So it was a leg wax. A very big waste if you ask me.
June 21, 2013
When buying such items as shredded cheese, ice cream or salad dressing, I kept coming across an ingredient called cellulose. What is it? What does it do? For cheese, it makes sure that the little shreds don't stick together and defeat the purpose of shredding. For ice cream, it makes it more creamy. For salad dressing, it thickens it. All without adding calories. So its a good thing right? Only if you don't mind eating saw dust. Cellulose is....sawdust. It is a common additive to such foods and because it comes from wood, which is natural, it can also be in organic foods. In order to bypass the pencil shavings, either make it yourself or search for a less woody product.
June 20, 2013
One of the most annoying terms used by the food market is "natural". People think that just because something is labeled "all-natural" it means its better. Truth is, there is no governmental standard for something to be labeled "natural". You can be sold something loaded with trans- fats, extreme amounts of sodium, hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup and the company would be allowed to label it "natural". In fact, even the label "organic" means just as much. The only label on food that is government regulated is "certified organic". This means the producers have to prove their product was made, produced and/or grown organically.
June 19, 2013
Ever since I was little, I have always accepted the widely opinion-considered-fact that you have to drink milk to grow strong bones. As a little kid, I loved milk, and still enjoy it. However, it is not necessary for bone growth and can harm those who aren't mutated to digest the enzymes. Calcium is the key for children. Foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, fortified juices, soy milk as well as many others would be better suited for the youngsters development. If children are lactose intolerant, the milk will rot in their stomachs, causing severe cramps, pain, discomfort and irregular bowl movements. With the anti-biotics, steroids and other drugs force-fed to cattle now adays, I wouldn't want to give my children milk.
June 18, 2013
Wine and alcohol can be a great flavor enhancer in food. It's okay to use because it all cooks out, right? Even though some alcohol may be cooked out of food, traces may still remain. If you add wine at the end of cooking it can still contain 85% of alcohol. Even though some people may be put off by this, take this into consideration: a lot of foods have alcohol in them already. Extracts and flavorings, for instance. Also cooking sprays, some Dijon mustards, even non-alcoholic beer may contain traces of alcohol. So in the end, does it really matter if all of the wine cooks out?
June 17, 2013
Have you ever had the conundrum of a bland sorbet? The strawberries were ripe but its just not strawberr-ee enough? The watermelon was so delicious but now its just meh? The trick to boosting your fruit frozen desserts is white vinegar. Add about a half teaspoon until the desired taste. It will boost the flavor and sometimes the color as well. Just don't add too much so it doesn't taste like pickle ice cream.
This technique isn't limited to sorbets. Also ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes, popscicles, dressings, gazpacho. A multitude of fruity items can be so much fruitier.
June 16, 2013
As a chef, I try to add tons of little "tricks" to my repertoire. This little tid-bit I found browsing the interwebs. Before juicing a citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime, etc) send it through a round in the microwave. 15 seconds is just the right time to make the fruit give up more of it's juices. If you want more of the flavor, zest the fruit. The outside holds even more flavor than the juice itself. I always use the zest when I am making a dressing or dessert. It gives it more texture and color as well.
June 15, 2013
For years I have been mastering the technique of using just my hand to tell steak doneness. I realize not many of you understand what I mean by this, so let me explain. Hold your left hand so that the palm is facing the wall to your right. Using your fingers on your right hand, press the muscle below your thumb. Make sure your fingers are outstretched. This is what raw meat feels like. Now take your pointer finger and touch the tip of your thumb. This is rare. Now just your middle finger to your thumb, this is medium rare. Your ring finger to your thumb is medium and your pinky to your thumb is well. I was taught this in culinary school but I still like to check the temperate just to make sure. To all the amateur cooks, I wouldn't suggest using this until you get more comfortable in knowing the temperatures of steak.
June 14, 2013
Going into my teens, I grew to have a distaste for popcorn. It would make my lungs hurt, like I was breathing though a pillow. I wouldn't eat it and still don't today but having found this information, makes a lot more sense now. Microwave popcorn contains, or used to contain a chemical called diacetyl. It is a chemical that was used for that loved buttery flavor. However it was banned these past few years because it was found to cause bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as popcorn lung. Although it wasn't banned when the factory workers were developing fatal lung diseases, but when a customer who ate 2 bags of popcorn a day was diagnosed in 2007. The popcorn industry changed their buttery agent....which does the same thing.
June 13, 2013
Some people may not like peaches, but I find them rather....peachy. When savoring a fresh peach from the store, I have always discarded the pit, but after reading about this, I am pretty sure that is going to change. The pit contains an almond-like kernel inside, which is edible. This kernel contains vitamin B-17 which....hold onto your hats, fights cancer! That is right! This little kernel attacks cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells behind. The cancer fighting ingredient, laetrille, was banned in 1971 by the UDA because they claimed it was toxic and ineffective. One wonders why they wouldn't explore this information to cure cancer, especially seeing as how its right there. But, then again, with cancer cured, how would the hospitals and pharmaceutical companies gain a profit? Kind of disturbing that cancer is a lucrative business.
June 12, 2013
Sometimes my searches for the Crunch of the Day can leave a scaring trail. I don't always post what I find, maybe tucking it away for another day, but this is a must share. Bread producing industries use a dough conditioner to speed up processing called L-cysteine. It can be made in a laboratory but the favored method is one most people wouldn't consider: dissolving human hair. The companies that handle this process are in China and because of their questionable work ethic, have no problem in raiding corpses for their crop. Many Jewish and Muslim religious leaders ban the consumption of L-cysteine, especially due to their belief against consuming anything human. I personally find it completely revolting that such a practice is used, seeing as how it can be made and not harvested. I don't know about you but I don't want my next hair cut to go into my bread.
June 11, 2013
So today I was told by my neighbor that we have a skunk problem. Apparently they are attracted to the gardens around here. I went online and looked up how to deter them. Basically, you have to make a pepper tea. I combined chopped onion, red pepper flakes, chili pepper, Cajun seasoning and fresh black pepper. It is supposed to repel them, and probably give them extreme heartburn.
June 10, 2013
As the days ground longer and hotter, many kids are out playing all the time. All day long exposure can cause some pretty nasty sun burns. I know I am plagued by this problem, being a ginger. But how can you treat a sunburn after its already here? Noxzema helps but I have been told to put white or better yet apple cider vinegar on it to draw out the heat. If you are someone who gets burned often I would strongly suggest keeping an aloe plant. I know I have been looking for one for my kitchen. Because this is such a sensitive topic for me (haha) here is a list of other remedies:
-shaving cream
-baking soda
-milk (on the skin)
-honey
-tomatoes
-oatmeal
-mustard
Apply these to the effected areas. I would not suggest using all of them at once though, you might come out looking more like a swamp monster.
June 9, 2013
In our last apartment, we had a huge problem with ants. Of course if you build them on ant hills, they will refuse to leave and just take advantage of the intrusion. I didn't want to use bug spray, but something more natural to rid us of these little pests. I used quite a bit of stuff but only a few things have worked. I put liquid dish soap along the base of the door jam. I then took my used coffee grounds outside where they normally congregate to mess up their trail. Cayenne pepper also works if you put it along the base boards. Magnifying glasses aren't always efficient.
June 8, 2013
If you want a more natural way to get highlights, or want shinier, healthier looking hair, try a beer rinse. That is right, beer. If you don't mind wasting a bud, try pouring beer into your hair and laying out in the sun. It will give you natural highlights and is a lot safer than the Sun In products. Make sure to wash it out after or you might be pulled over. For a hair rinse, after shampooing, use flat beer, rinse, and let set for a few minutes. Then rinse and let dry. Its just that easy!
June 7, 2013
An unfortunate truth to life is that brown sugar clumps. Its almost unavoidable. Its not used unless there is a need for chocolate chip cookies. But how can we stop the clumping before it starts? One way, and most commonly used, put a slice of bread in it. Plain bread, like wheat or white will do nicely. I always use the heels because they are only good for bird feed or tuna sandwiches. Another way, one that the chef at my college used, was put a sliced apple in it. Change it out when it starts to get dark. It works just as well.
June 6, 2013
Lets try to keep it simple this time. I hate getting a kitchen appliance and only being able to use it for one purpose. Some things can't be multi-tasked but some, if used a little imagination, or even in a "duh" moment can have multiple uses. I always rinse my grapes after getting them from the store (who wouldn't) but I hate having to pull them off one by one to eat them. They are always soaking wet, and I don't like waiting forever for them to dry in the colander. So, I looked in my cupboard and low and behold.....the salad spinner. It works even better. Just don't get too aggressive of you'll have grape jelly instead.
June 5, 2013
Grapes are my all time favorite fruit. Even as a child, my mother had to monitor me around grapes because I could consume the entire bag in one sitting. But what exactly are grapes doing for me? Other than being delicious. They increase moisture in the lungs, aiding in curing asthma. They prevent blood clots by increasing the blood's nitric oxide levels, decreasing the chances of a heart attack. If you ever have a migraine, instead of reaching for that over the counter drug, try grape juice. Grapes can cure chronic constipation, being a laxative food. This also means they cure indigestion. The iron levels in grapes give you instant energy and helps charge your immune system. There are a lot more health benefits from grapes, some include decrease chances of breast cancer, reducing chances of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, preventing cataracts and high cholesterol. All in all it means that grapes are just as good for you as they are delicious.
June 4, 2013
Coffee is a delicious beverage, whether hot or cold, but are there actually health benefits to drinking it? I am glad to say there are! It increases neuronal firing in the brain, making you...yes, smarter. (Or at least your brain works better) It also raises your metabolism and increases the oxidation of fatty acids. So even if your diet says to cut out coffee, think twice about that decision. Drinking one cup of coffee per day can lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 7%. It can also lower your chances of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's up to 60%. After a night of drinking, one knows to consume coffee to aid in the sobering effect. However, it is more for your liver's benefit than to make your head stop feeling like you had a piano land on it. Drinking four cups of coffee a day can lower your risk of liver disease and cancer. It also contains a fair amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Although sweetening up coffee makes it delicious, all of these studies derive from black coffee. So if you love having 10 packets of sugar with your morning joe, might not prevent diabetes. Happy drinking!
June 3, 2013
Lactose intolerance is becoming increasing easier to live with. There are so many more options to choose from now as opposed to 10 years ago. Almond milk, Soy Milk, Coconut Milk...there are so many more ways to get that same creamy, milk-like beverage. However, many people do not know that milk drinkers are the mutants among us. That is right, being able to drink and properly digest dairy is abnormal. I myself, being lactose intolerance, thought it was rather humerus. I, for once, am the normal one. Lactose tolerance didn't start to appear until roughly 10,000 B.C. around what is now known as Turkey. From there, the gene mutation spread until a wide percentage became lactose tolerant. Today, intolerance is popping up more than ever. I didn't become fully lactose intolerant until this year. Even though I sometimes muscle through the pain for some ice cream or a glass of milk with my cookies, it is actually rotting inside the intestines. So, before you dunk your cookie, think if you really want to put your stomach though the pain.
June 2, 2013
Garlic not only frightens away Dracula and Edward Cullen, but has some amazing health benefits. I love garlic, like love, love. This is just an added bonus. Here is a list of benefits garlic provides:
-helps hair growth
-clears acne
-prevents and treats colds
-soothes psoriasis
-reduces weight and fat stores in the body
-treats foot fungus (anti-fungal)
-repels mosquito and ticks
-naturally repels bugs from plants
-attracts fish (hint hint)
June 1, 2013
As some of you may guess, I research my little tid bits for Crunch of the Day. So this took me by surprise when I came across this very interesting fact. In all my 5 years in culinary education, I never once heard this:
"The banana tree is not a true fruit at all but a giant herb and the banana is actually its berry. A banana plant produces only one bunch or “hand” in its life, but that bunch may have between 100 to 400 bananas. Despite its phallic shape, the banana is sterile and no fertilization takes place in the banana flowers. A banana plant grows when one of its shoots is planted." (http://facts.randomhistory.com/2008/12/06_food.html)
This blew my mind! I have always thought, and have always been told that the banana is the fruit of the banana tree. Never once thought the tree would actually be an herb.
May 31, 2013
Although the American cheese has become the favorite....and norm over the years, it is sad to say, it is not actually 100% real cheese. Processed cheese is less than 51% real cheese and therefore is really a cheese food or cheese like substance. So, if you are wanting to eat healthy, make sure you go after the real thing.
May 30,2013
Getting glassware to be crystal clear can always be a hassle. You could spend hundreds of dollars to make your stemware look the best it can. But why do that when there is a better, healthier way to remove those hard water stains and finger prints. White vinegar. Yes, it is that easy. It can be used for glassware, silverware, and mirrors. Use hot water, vinegar and a lent free cloth. Make sure to use gloves or try not to touch the glass, or else there will be no point in getting the finger smudges off.
May 29, 2013
For many people, foods turning brown is an unpleasant experience. Why does this happen? Can I stop it? Does it mean its going bad? Though it is unappetizing, when you slice a potato, it doesn't go bad within minutes. The air is simply making it oxidize. Kind of like food rust. For fruits like apples, pears, and bananas, squeeze some lemon juice on them to keep them from this process. It will make it taste just a little tangy, depending on how much you use. For avocados as well, it will stop the browning. For potatoes, immerse them in cold water until you are ready to use them. The water will act as a barrier and keep them from turning brown.
May 28, 2013
For years people have tried to give me advice about cutting onions. I have searched and experimented, trying to figure out how to manage cutting them and my overly sensitive eyes. I have heard it all
: freeze them, chop them under cold water, chew gum, wear onion goggles. Let me tell you, none of these work. There is only one sure way that I have found to handle the intensity of onions. Breathe through your mouth. Because the vapors go through the nose to the eyes, the solution is blocking its way up the nasal passages. I know it might sound a little weird, but trust me, it does work. My eyes are so bad that when they water from onions, they burn. Not like a little sting, no, they turn red and are on fire. That is why I searched and experimented with different ways to reduce the effects of onions. If you don't have a slap chop, then this is the only way to dry your tears. Just remember to breathe out first when you are done, or all this work will be for nothing.
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