Quick and Easy Ways With Vegetables - Asparagus Ham Rolls, Baked Onions, Hash Brown Potato Pancakes

With the recipes in this article you will be able to find tasty ways to quickly and easily prepare some different recipes using vegetables. Try the Asparagus Ham Rolls for a cheesy ham, asparagus dish. For a meatless dish go with the Honey-Baked Onions or Hash Brown Potato Pancakes.

ASPARAGUS HAM ROLLS

4 long slices Swiss cheese
8 thin slices boiled ham
1 can (15-oz) long asparagus spears, drained
1 can (10-oz) Cheddar cheese soup
2 tbsp water
1/4 tsp celery salt
sliced almonds, for garnish
Lay ham slices out and top each with half a slice of the Swiss cheese. Top cheese with 2 or 3 asparagus spears. Roll up jelly-roll style and place seam side down in an 8 x 12-inch pyrex-type glass baking dish.
In a bowl combine the soup, water, and celery salt, mixing well. Spoon the mixture over the rolls.
Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high setting for 5 to 7 minutes or until the asparagus rolls are heated through.
Before serving, sprinkle the almonds over the top.

HONEY-BAKED ONIONS

6 medium yellow onions
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
2 tbsp chopped parsley

Peel the onions and cut in half crosswise. Arrange the halves in a single layer in a 7 x 11-inch baking dish. Pour the honey evenly over the onions and dot with the butter.
Cover loosely with waxed paper or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes or until the onions are tender. Baste with the pan juices twice during the cooking time.
Garnish with the chopped parsley and let stand for 3 minutes.

HASH BROWN POTATO PANCAKES

1/2 cup canola oil for frying
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
2 large eggs
4 cups (20-oz) refrigerated shredded hash browns
2 to 3 green onions, sliced thin

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Line a large cookie sheet with paper towels.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
 In a large bowl mix the salt, pepper, and eggs together. Add the potatoes and green onions; stir to blend well.
Drop potato mixture by barely 1/2 cup at a time into the hot oil. Flatten cakes into 4-inch ovals. Cook 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown on each side. Using a slotted spoon, remove cooked cakes and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Set in oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining cakes.

These cakes are delicious served with applesauce and/or sour cream.

Yield: 12 servings.

Enjoy!

You will find more of Linda's quick and easy recipes on her blog at http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com She also shares her crockpot and slow cooker recipes at http://grandmasslowcookerrecipes.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

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Clay Baker Recipes - Fat-Free Chicken Dishes

Everybody knows that clay cooking pots already existed long before slow cookers came into existence. Since the use of clay pots avoid over-cooking while eliminating the need for added fats, baking chicken in a clay baker has been considered a good way to prepare a healthy, flavorful and fat-free chicken meal.

When clay bakers are soaked in water before placing into the oven, it allows the pot to produce moisture as it cooks sealing in nutrients in the food and preventing it from escaping; and even if you cook chicken without skin, it still would come out moist, tender, flavorful and perfectly browned. This makes clay bakers most ideal for braising as it provides fat-free moistness for vegetables, meat, chicken and fish.

Allow me to share two chicken recipes cooked in a clay baker with a special taste of baked lemon and peppers:

Roast Chicken and Lemon

Ingredients

• ¼ pound chicken, rinsed with giblets and neck removed
• 1 large red onion, sliced thickly
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks
• 3 carrots, cut in chunks
• 3 of cloves garlic, sliced thinly
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground black pepper is best)
• ½ lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, minced or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

Immerse the clay baker in water for 20 minutes; drain and dry. Place onions in the bottom of the baker then arrange potatoes, carrots and garlic around sides. Sprinkle half each of the salt and pepper all over. Pat dry chicken inside and out then stuff cavity with lemon. Tie legs together with string and push wings under back. Place on top of onions in the baker with the breast side up.

Combine vinegar, soy sauce and honey then brush mixture all over chicken. Sprinkle with the thyme and remaining salt and pepper. Place clay baker in the middle of oven then turn on oven to 400 F (200 C). Roast for 2 hours or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced. Meat thermometer should register 185 F (85 C) for your chicken to be thoroughly cooked.

Roast Chicken and Peppers

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken, cut into chunks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons
• fresh rosemary, chopped or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 3 bell peppers, red, yellow and green cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges

Directions

Soak clay baker the usual way and pat dry. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken into the clay baker. Combine 2 tablespoons oil, rosemary and lemon juice then brush over chicken. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Put clay baker in the center of oven and roast for 15 minutes. Toss vegetables with remaining oil, salt and pepper then arrange around chicken. Cook for 45 minutes. Meat thermometer should register at 180°F for chicken to cook thoroughly.

Find Clay Bakers at Your Smart Kitchen. Your online source for quality cllay bakers and terracotta cookware. Browse the rest of the stores for something else you may be interested in. To access special coupons and discounts, become a Chef Wannabee.

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Understanding Bacon Mania

People are passionate about bacon. There are even bacon of the month clubs that offer membership for a yearly fee. So why does this simple cured meat have such a devoted following? What is the reason for its popularity?

The animal fat in the meat mixed with the added flavor infused into it during the curing process gives bacon an addictive quality that many people find hard to resist. That coupled with the fact that there isn't a readily available substitute, no matter how often health enthusiasts wish for such a thing, and you can clearly see why that bacon is so beloved.

Beyond that, however, it is a very versatile food. For example, it can be added to batter in order to make exceptionally good cornbread. Or it can be covered in dark chocolate and served. Either way, the wonderful flavor of the cured meat is still there and it pairs very well with a wide range of foods. Other novel uses of bacon include chicken fried bacon and bacon doughnuts.

While health experts decry the popularity of bacon as being a threat to the health of those who consume it, there seems to be no end to the mania that has swept the nation. The fact is that bacon has been around for thousands of years and has long since been a staple at the breakfast table. So it is highly unlikely that even with the increased awareness of consumers to their own health and nutrition that sales of bacon will decline substantially.

Some authors have even suggested that bacon is the perfect food for those of us who want to rebel against the status quo. Not only is it anti foodie, but it is also basic breakfast food in America. Some have even deemed bacon to be our national meat.

Even bacon fat has its uses. Saving the rendered fat is popular among thrifty consumers who use the oil in a variety of meal preparations ranging from gravy to cornbread to salad dressings.

As you can see, there is no other meat that really compares to bacon, both in terms of versatility and taste. One should also remember that although bacon is one of the more flavorful foods available, it is also relatively cheap. There is little doubt that this has helped increase its popularity among consumers. Bacon will certainly continue to be one of the more popular foods in America going forward.

Please visit How To Cook Bacon for tips on how to prepare bacon in a variety of different ways including baking bacon, microwaving bacon, and frying it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Post

Easy And Delicious Chicken Meals

RITIZER CHICKEN

Preheat oven 350 degrees
-6 chicken breasts, slightly pounded 1 tbsp corn starch
-3 eggs or 3 egg whites 1 1/2 cups milk
-3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs 3 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
-2 tbsp olive oil (divided) 3 tbsp parsley (chopped)
-5 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded) 1/2 tsp black pepper

Dip chicken breasts in beaten eggs or egg whites and then coat with bread crumbs. Heat 1/2 the oil in large saute pan over medium heat. Add half of chicken and brown on both sides.

Remove from pan and place in baking dish. Repeat with remaining oil and chicken. Top with mozzarella cheese. Dissolve corn starch in 3 tbsp milk. Heat remaining milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley and pepper in small sauce pan. Stir in corn starch mixture and cook until sauce thickens. Pour over chicken and bake for 30 minutes. May be prepared ahead up to the sauce and refrigerated for a day ahead before baking. Bake a little longer if chicken is chilled. This is one of my oldest son's favorites.

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

Serves 2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Flatten 8 ounces chicken breast, skinless, boneless and halved. Use sheets of waxed paper to pound chicken about 1/8 inch thick. Top each half with a slice of prosciutto ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of dried sage. Fold in sides of chicken and roll breasts up firmly like a jelly roll. Dip the breasts in 4 tbsp melted butter and then coat them with 1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs mixed with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.

SAUCE MORNEY

-2 tbsp butter salt to taste
-2 tbsp flour dash of pepper
-1 cup chicken stock
-1 cup of cream or half and half
-1 cup shredded cheese. Use a combination of Swiss, cheddar, and Parmesan

Melt butter, add flour and cook stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in chicken stock. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cook for 1 minute. Add cream, the cheeses, salt and pepper. Pour over chicken breasts and put under a preheated broiler. Broil until golden brown and bubbly. Watch carefully so the chicken does not burn. This dish is very good with a simple salad with vinaigrette.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deanna_May_Martin

HCG Diet Recipes – Sauces and Dressings

We receive constant requests from people to give them ideas for recipes but specifically for things that can help them with taste. We’ve written articles on the topic of Taste Tips for the HCG diet and received great feedback from it. For this article we wanted to focus on the sauces and dressings. We have a site link that you can click where you can view all the hCG diet recipes that we have. Very shortly they will all be organized by phase and type of meal it is.

Here are some sauce and dressing recipes for the hCG diet.

Apples with Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients

1⁄2 of a large apple

3 strawberries

3 drops vanilla Creme Stevia

Directions

Slice apple and arrange on a plate. Mash the strawberries with a fork and add vanilla Creme Stevia to make a sauce. Pour over the apple slices. *Makes 1 serving of fruit*

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 T. water

2 T. dried thyme

1⁄4 tsp. salt

1⁄4 tsp. pepper

1 T. dried basil

1⁄4 tsp. garlic powder

Directions

Add all ingredients in a blender and mix well. *Makes 8 Servings*

Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Ingredients

4 to 6 Strawberries

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1 T. lemon juice

Dash of salt

Dash of cayenne (optional)

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Stevia to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in food processor. Puree until smooth. Pour over fresh arugala or green salad. Garnish with sliced strawberries and freshly ground black pepper. Variations: use as a marinade or sauce for chicken. *Makes 1 serving of fruit*

Chicken Broth

Ingredients

100 grams boneless skinless chicken breast

8 cups water

4 cups water

5 tsp. poultry seasoning

5 tsp. onion powder

4 garlic cloves

4 tsp. black pepper

3 tsp. sea salt

3 T. celery salt

1 cheese cloth

1 string

Directions

Mix all herbs and place in the cheese cloth wrap string around cloth to secure all herbs and place it in the stock pot with 8 cups of water and the chicken breast and boil for 35 minutes or until chicken breast is cooked. Place a strainer on top of a bowl with a coffee filter to strain broth to extract any fat from chicken breast and use the chicken for other recipes. Keep the cheese cloth to see if you need to continue to add more flavors to the stock for the additional 4cups of water and bring to a boil for additional 30 minutes. Set aside and chill. Use the broth for recipes for flavor and for a cup of broth before lunch and dinner. *Makes 12 servings* Count as 1/10th of a serving of meat

Citrus Dressing

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

1 T. lemon

1 pkg stevia

1⁄4 tsp. garlic powder

Directions

Mix together, keep refrigerated. *Makes 6 servings*

Dill Dressing

Ingredients

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 T. water

2 T. dried basil

2 T. dried dill

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. dry mustard

1 t. onion powder

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix well. *Makes 8 Servings*

Fresh Salsa

Ingredients

4 – 5 Tomatoes

4 T. lemon juice

3 – 4 T. Garlic Minced (Jar)

1/2 chopped onion

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Cayenne Pepper to Taste

Cilantro (fresh or dried) to Taste

Salt and Pepper

Directions

Put all of the ingredients in the food processor. Blend to desired Chunkiness. Refrigerate to blend the flavors. The longer it sits the more flavor it will have. *Makes 4 servings* Each serving counts as 1/2 vegetable serving

Vinaigrette Dressing

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar

1⁄2 cup water

2 shakes celery salt

2 shakes onion salt

Ground pepper to taste

3 Pkg stevia

Directions

Mix well, Keep refrigerated. *Makes 12 servings*

hCG Diet Cocktail Sauce

Ingredients

1 cup tomato sauce (sugar free)

1/2 tsp. celery salt

1/4 tsp. paprika

1 T. finely chopped sweet onion or shallot

4 packets Stevia powder

2 T. fresh chopped parsley

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. fresh lemon juice

2 T. drained, prepared horseradish

1/2 tsp. hot sauce

Pinch cumin

Pinch salt

Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Mix well, keep refrigerated *Makes 6 servings*

No Sugar Baked Apple

Ingredients

1 apple (peeled)

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 packet granulated Stevia.

Directions

Bake an apple and peel off skin and mash and add cinnamon and 1 pkg of stevia and mix all together and serve on plate.

No Sugar Strawberry Jam

Ingredients

8 to 10 strawberries (Approx 2 cups)

1 cup cold water

4 packets Stevia

Directions

In a large saucepan crush strawberries. Add water and Stevia, mixing well. Over medium heat bring mixture to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Pour into jars, allow to cool and then cover. Can be stored in refrigerator for 1 week, or frozen for several weeks. *Makes 2 fruit servings*

Oriental Salad Dressing

Ingredients

¼ Cup MCT oil (Approved for hCG Diet)

1 T. hCG Diet approved Mayonnaise or non-fat cottage cheese

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos

½ tsp. stevia, or sweeten to taste

Directions

Put all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. *Makes 4 servings* approx 30 calories per serving

Spicy BBQ Sauce and Marinade

Ingredients

2 12 oz jars of Salsa (read ingredients make sure it contains less than 1 gram sugar per serving)

2/3 cup lemon juice

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

20 drops Stevia or 5 packets

2 tsp. Salt

4 tsp. Chili powder

1/2 tsp. tabasco

Sauce – (hot pepper sauce – 1/2 to 1)

1 or 2 dashes garlic powder

Directions

Mix together, keep refrigerated. *The entire batch makes approximately 220 calories depending on products used but makes 24 servings.

Strawberry Syrup

Ingredients

4 to 6 strawberries

1/8 cup water

12 drops Stevia/or 3 packets granulated Stevia

Directions

In microwave-safe bowl, combine all ingredients and toss. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until berries start to dissolve. *Makes 1 fruit serving*

Veggie Dressing

Ingredients

1/4 c. vinegar

1/4 c. sliced green onions

1/4 c. minced fresh parsley

1 tbsp. chopped green pepper

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. dry mustard

1/8 tsp. red pepper

1/2 tsp. soy sauce

Directions

Shake all ingredients well in a tightly covered jar. Keep covered in refrigerator. Shake well before serving. *Makes 8 servings*

For more HCG diet recipes and HCG diet information, visit http://www.hcgcompletediet.com, or follow our blog: http://hcgcompletediet.wordpress.com.

Brian Schofield
HCG Diet expert

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_J._Schofield

Pizza for Vegetarians and Vegans

When you think of pizza, you often imagine it covered in pepperoni, sausage, and cheese and a variety of dough made with or without eggs. This is not the only way. As a result of thorough recipe searches and restaurant ventures, we are all learning that there are so many different types of pizza out there these days.

Therefore, by cutting corners on certain animal product ingredients and substitutions elsewhere, a vegetarian and the strictest vegans can enjoy this baked, tasty, and convenient finger food whenever they want to as well.

Vegetarianism and veganism are important ways of dieting and living for those who participate. Although pizza is a fun and easy food, vegans and vegetarians have to take their food consumption seriously, especially when their dietary restrictions are for reasons of morals, health, or religion. For vegetarians or vegans, this is a habitual practice either for a period of time for dietary reasons or for life. However, anyone can try out the recipes that accommodate these lifestyle choices. You can create your own combination of ingredients to make a tasty and healthy version of your favorite pie.

First, vegetarianism involves the removal of meat and animal products from your diet. However, there is some leeway here. Some vegetarians often cut out meat, but they do consume egg-containing products for dietary balance. This is where veganism comes into play. Second, well-planned veganism focuses on both diet and environmentalism. Vegans do not consume or use dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, or animal products of any kind, including clothing, etc. Both diets have to be well-planned to ensure the adequate amounts of vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids are included in their diet. Anyone for a soy slice?

Vegetarian and vegan pizza includes, but is not limited to utilizing alternative sources of ingredients for the bread and alternative sources for the cheese and protein so that you can get the vitamins and minerals that you need each day. Whether you are trying vegetarianism or veganism for the first time or it's a long-term commitment, you have to be sure that you are making all of the necessary substitutions and ingesting the right supplements, too. Your new version of Italian pie is just one meal of your day, but you still want to be sure that you are consuming all of the good things that you need to be healthy and strong at any age.

Hungry for pizza Tysons Corner VA? Then, be sure to visit: http://www.pizzapaisanos.com.

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German Food: Your Best Choice

As regards to cuisine, we always think about the French one. Notwithstanding, there are many other countries that have spread their traditional or cultural food all over the world as a contribution to the generalized and international palate.

German cuisine has forayed into the international food consumption. Most of your favorite meals or recipes can be German originally. For instance, the U.S has a strong influence from the German cuisine.

Do you know the meatloaf, the hotdogs (frankfurters), the devil eggs, the hamburger (bouletten) and the tasty combination of beer and sausage? They were all born in Germany. They are a mixture and representation of the high number of German recipes that enrich the haute cuisine.

Germany has expanded its boundaries as regards its culinary traditions. It is not an easy task to summarize the general recipes or meals most eaten or recognized on this country since this phenomenon changes according to the region.

Meat is a symbolic dish in this country. The most popular meats are pork, chicken, goose, duck and turkey. Boars, rabbits and venison are also well accepted in the traditional market.

The most common cooking methods include marinated beef or venison in vinegar, these dishes are called Sauerbraten. Another significant aspect is the mixture of meats and other dishes with the outstanding German sausages. There are at least 1500 types of sausages (wurst) all over Germany.

This wurst is made using the casings from pork or sheep. There are miscellaneous types of sausages; however, among the most known are the Bratwurst and the Schwarzwurst.

On the other hand, German food goes beyond the meat industry. They also appreciate the characteristics and nutritional collateral benefits of the fish, apart from its genuine taste. The most eaten fish is the trout; 

nonetheless, it is not the only one. The pike, the carp, the European perch are also part of the wide and varied menu of German cuisine.

It is important to point out that, German food is not an exception of the refined or haute cuisine. Its bigger impact and hook is not due to a spicy or hot taste but to the incredibly soft and smooth flavour that arises from our palate as a result of a well mixture of condiments.

German cuisine is an unstoppable asserted creation of a diverse and unknown world of flavour and delightfulness. We should take back home some of its recipes and experiment a whole new experience.

The author specialises in writing about bratwurst sausages and stresses the importance of visiting a good German restaurant for your German meal. For more information, check: http://www.the-bratwurst.com/.

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Three Of The Most Popular Types Of Restaurants

Let's face it, everyone loves eating out! However, before you pick up your cutlery you need to decide where it is you are wanting to eat. In the modern world, which is multicultural and full of fussy eaters, this can be quite a tough decision! In this article you will learn which are the most popular types of restaurants, so this way you should be able to ensure everyone has a great night out!

1. Italian Restaurants

I think pretty much everyone loves a good Italian meal and most Italian restaurants serve a wide variety of different pasta dishes, including household favorites such as Spaghetti Bolognese. There are certain aspects to this kind of Italian food that will displease the fussier eaters, as some dishes contain seafood and some are quite spicy, but on the whole they should work! You usually get a range of desserts including loads of great Italian desserts, such as the Tiramisu which is one of my favorites!

2. Indian Restaurants

Most people love to partake in a good curry, and the amount of Indian takeaways out there really show just how much we love a curry. The frustrating thing about curry is that at times it is thought of as always being based upon blowing ones head clean off. In actual fact, only some curries are very spicy and you can eat many milder curries that have their own unique flavour. As it originates from a different continent entirely, there are a whole hosts of different ideas that are brought to the table, including different types of bread and having a yoghurt as a side order to a main, although these ideas aren't likely to appeal to the more fussy eaters.

3. American Restaurants 

This is more of a last resort really, but at the same time there are some very popular chain restaurants that came from America that should work in your favour! American Restaurants are great as they tend to serve a lot of different types of meals originating from many different cultures, meaning you are pretty much guaranteed to please everyone! Pizza Hut and TGI Fridays are just two of the many fantastic options out there. I hope this article has helped you arrange that night out you've been wanting to go on.

There are so many other types of restaurants out there to dive into, but the main purpose of this post was to provide the ones that appeal to the masses. Happy dining!

If you live in the North East of England, visit Cleveland Restaurant Guide to get contact details for local restaurants and find about the latest special offers. There are loads of restaurants currently listed, including Joe Rigatoni's.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Jordan_Birdsall

The Best Restaurants Belgravia Has to Offer

There are many amazing restaurants Belgravia has to offer its residents and tourists alike. Everything from fine dining establishments to quaint little cafes can be found in this bustling area of Greater London. There is a wide assortment of restaurants Belgravia has available that all of the residents in the area as well as local tourists love to visit time and time again. If you will be visiting the area soon on a holiday and would like to find out more information on all of the restaurants Belgravia has to offer, then you should read on as this article has plenty of reviews on all of the best restaurants Belgravia is home to.

Top Restaurants Belgravia Residents Love

Amaya Restaurant located on Motcomb Street offers lunch and dinner entrees inside of a chic and stylish atmosphere. This location is one of the restaurants Belgravia residents enjoy because of the flavourful grilled entrees, the tantalizing starters and the stuffed pepper and spinach parcel. These delights are simply the best dine in entrees that you can find in the area and the modern location also features excellent lighting and lovely stripped wood flooring that accents the place perfectly.

The La Poule Au Pot is another entry on the list of Restaurants Belgravia is famous for. This elaborate location is home to some of the best French food in the area. Tourists and local residents alike rave about the authentic food and the beauty of the rustic wooden tables give the restaurant a perfect French tone.

Apesleys: A Heinz Beck Restaurant is a fine Italian cuisine establishment with a hint of romance in the air. The restaurant receives high points from both guests and restaurant critics alike for the food as well as the décor and well spaced tables for comfortable seating. The food is prepared with some of the freshest ingredients that give each dish a superb taste that keeps customers coming back for more.

More Restaurants Belgravia Tourists Must Try Out

Hunan is a local Chinese restaurant found in the heart of Belgravia on Pimlico Road. This Chinese establishment is one of the most highly rated restaurants Belgravia has that offers a unique Asian taste not normally found in London. The chef is known to not compromise whenever it comes to the quality of his dishes. Some of the area favourites include those dishes which are seasoned with Garlic, Ginger, Chilli or Corriander.

Mossiman's International Restaurant located on West Halkin Street is a highly recommended place that is located in an unlikely setting, an old abandoned Belgravia church. One of the main reasons why you should check the place out is due to the lavish location itself. Aside from that, Mossiman's offers a wide assortment of International entrees that are sure to please everyone in your dinner party.

You should not Miss these Restaurants Belgravia is Famous For 

Along with all of the aforementioned establishments, there are several more great restaurants Belgravia customers love to visit that are worth a try. The Memories of China is another fantastic Asian restaurant that many in the area enjoy. Others include Petrus which serves Modern European, The Orange which serves Pub Food along with English favourites and Olivomare which has an excellent Italian and Mediterranean menu.

To read more about Belgravia and its restaurants visit http://www.grosvenorlondon.com

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The Best Places to Eat in Walt Disney World Resort

If there is another reason to visit Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando other than experiencing the rides and meeting Disney characters, it's the food. The Disney parks and hotels know how to put on a good spread with a huge selection of dishes to choose from. From fine dining to buffets, the most adventurous foodie would be satisfied with the culinary delights. The great thing is that Disney is an internationally known name and this is transferred into everything they do including their food, you only need to explore Epcot's pavilions to realise this. After all, a nation's food is considered to part of their culture, so let's take a look at where the best places to eat at the Walt Disney Resort are.

Port Orleans Hotel

If you walk into the dining room of the Port Orleans Hotel, you will be confronted with a huge range of choices. Guests will be able to choose from various kitchens, styled like an old water mill building, what they want to eat and how they want it cooked. I stopped by for lunch one day and ate from the pasta bar, where I could choose what type of pasta I wanted, what kind of sauce and ingredients. I ended up with linguini with prawns and pesto...and it was amazing. To be honest I was more surprised that I had chosen ingredients which tasted so good, but I also put that down to the cooks!

Other options include pizzas, sandwiches, salads and all kinds of desserts. Just make sure you're a good decision maker before visiting as you will be spoilt for choice.

Prime Time Café - Hollywood Studios

The Prime Time Café takes you back in time to the golden age of the American diner in Disney's Hollywood Studios. The interior is styled around the 50's household kitchen and includes all the food you'd expect, popularised at the time, such as the Traditional Meatloaf, Chicken Pot Pie and Milkshakes.

The tables of 4 come with a TV next to them showing sitcoms such as 'Father knows best' and original Mickey Mouse Club episodes. Although it's not the finest food, the entertainment is suited to the whole family and comes at a reasonable price.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge is another Disney hotel which offers some upscale dining experiences. Styled after the great outdoors and National Parks of America, you can expect the menu to include some traditional dishes such as fish, beef and game. This is also a restaurant for the oenophiles, with 131 wines to choose from.
The setting is decidedly rustic, with log cabins, iron lanterns and timber columns, making it all seem rather dramatic.

One of the best dishes from the menu is the hotels signature cedar-plank roasted salmon, which goes nicely with a bottle of fruity white wine.

Victoria & Albert's

If you want to go all out on your dining experience then you can't get any better than Victoria & Albert's in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This restaurant has achieved the Triple A Diamond Award since 1990 and provides world class service.

To get an impression on how good the cooks are here, the menu is recreated each day, so no two visits will be the same experience. With 500 wines ranging from, affordable to once in a lifetime, the choices exceed even that of the Wilderness Lodge and constantly receive 'Best Award of Excellence' from Wine Spectator.

This is one for the connoisseur rather than the keen foodie and tables need to be booked well in advance...almost up to 180 days in advance!

Cinderella's Royal Table at Magic Kingdom

Ok, let's come back down to earth for a little bit and look at a restaurant more suited to the family.

Cinderaella's Royal Table keeps all the charm and magic of Disney and is a dining experience for the whole family, especially little Disney princesses.

You will need to book in advance for this dining experience as the tables are reserved with a set menu, however, there are still some great options with a 3 course menu for the kids as well as the adults. Of course you will also be able to meet Cinderella in person as she greets all of the guests.

Richard Skidmore FloridaTix - Inbound Marketing Manager

Since 1996 FloridaTix has been the UK's leading supplier for Disney tickets, Universal Studios tickets and many more Florida park tickets. We are an authorised broker of all attractions, theme parks, shows and sightseeing tours offered on this site so we can guarantee you the best possible holiday experience at the best possible price.

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Cooking With Kids: Easy Methods To Motivate Your Kids to Help You Make Family Meals

There are lots of advantages in encouraging your children to be involved in the preparation of family meals. Kids are more likely to accept and eat the dish when they've played a part in the preparation, as they can realize the task and what ingredients go into the meal and how the food is created. It is going to present the kids a very good sense of satisfaction and they are able to see the complete process through from start to finish. Cooking with children will mean that kids should learn more about varied foods, textures, colorings, tastes, nutrition and healthier ways of preparing food. Furthermore, it is great entertainment!

Check out these easy and simple techniques to get your kids in the kitchen:

1. Ask them to assist you create one of their favorite family meals. How could they refrain from that!

2. Produce something for someone else i.e. treats for school friends or a dinner for their grandparents. Your kids should have a great sensation of fulfillment once it's completed plus they will certainly experience the delight of sharing and doing something magnificent for others.

3. Encourage your children to taste and smell various ingredients as you go along. You're going to be surprised at the foods they find "scrumptious" and "yukky".

4. Get them involved in the overall process from acquiring the ingredients together with you, to weighing up, stirring and mixing up, setting tables, serving the end product and of course cleaning up. Youngsters will quickly realize there's much more to a family meal than simply eating it!

5. Give them risk-free responsibilities to do. Keep potentially dangerous tasks for instance slicing with sharp knives and working with the oven and stove off-limits. Be sure the duties you allocate are age-specific. A child who is only 2-3 can assist you to do straight forward chores such as stirring a mixture or cleaning vegetables in the sink. As the child ages you can begin to provide them harder tasks, for instance measuring out ingredients, spooning mixtures into a pan and also serving the dish.

6. As kids become older, you might also get to a stage where they will assume responsibility for choosing and preparing a complete family meal on a specific night of the week (with a bit of help from mum of course). How marvelous would that be!

Most kids will jump at the opportunity to assist you in the kitchen. With a bit of guidance and a little patience, cooking with children is a truly beneficial thing. Additionally, it is extremely easy to get children involved in the preparing of family meals. Following these easy steps, you too will soon have satisfied little assistants in your kitchen too.

Click on the link for family friendly recipes suitable for cooking with kids and click this next one for more handy cooking tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Mundell

Salad Techniques - Tips to a Juicier and More Flavorsome Green Salad

A flavorsome salad should be made of the freshest and crispest vegetables obtainable. It should at least consist of fresh green leaves, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, oil and vinegar. You can mix up greens including a selection of herbs like fresh chopped parsley, basil or mint, or even chive flowers. I like adding chopped lamb's lettuce, apple pieces, spring onions, fennel slices and crunchy seeds to my salad for extra texture.

The secret to a more flavorsome salad is not to try to see how many ingredients can be jumbled together. Salads should be simple. In fact, the lesser ingredients the better. Although we have our own ways of preparing salads, I believe certain techniques are essential for a juicier and more flavorsome salad dish. Here are some of them:

• Beans, chickpeas, corn (fresh or canned), avocados, tomatoes, coriander and oranges make a very flavorsome salad when blended together.
• Cheese is wonderful when crumbled over salads, but among the most popular is the Bulgarian cheese.
• For a more fashionable entree, add flaked tuna fish. Canned tuna in oil is perfect along with cubed boiled potatoes, roasted peppers, or bits of bacon.
• Sun-dried fruits or vegetables make wonderful tidbits giving a more specific flavor.
• Do not soak your leaves. For lettuce salads, only add the dressing upon serving. This will prevent your leaves to wilt.
• If you're using an extraordinary oil, highlight it with an ordinary vinegar. Sprinkle just before serving.
• If possible, do not use malt vinegar. This vinegar is best for chips.
• Pumpkin seeds, caraway seeds, fennel seeds and sesame seeds can be added for crunchiness.

There you go. If you're into the habit of soaking greens in the dressing, it's time to change your salad-making technique. In my case, I have my lettuces thoroughly washed and chilled first before slicing. I never soak them in water as soaking can leech minerals and vitamins from them and reduce their food value. As soon as I'm done cutting, I combine all ingredients, toss gently then serve with my favorite mustard or any salad oil to enhance.

If you desire for a healthy and flavorsome salad, don't buy prepared salad dressings, make your own vinaigrette. You can make a simple and tasty dressing by mixing three parts walnut oil and one part of red wine vinegar. You can also match hazelnut oil and cider vinegar, or just go with the customary olive oil and lemon juice.

If you're looking for razor-sharp kitchen knives, visit Your Smart Kitchen. Your online store for quality cookware, bakeware, cutlery, small appliances and related kitchenware at reasonable prices. Avail of our monthly product specials, sign in for the Chef Wannabee Newsletter now. Terry Retter - Managing Editor, Chefwannabee.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Retter

The Ninja Kitchen System 1100: More Than Just An Ordinary Blender

The Ninja Kitchen System 1100 is a multipurpose kitchen aid that can be of extensive help to you. Blending can be counted as just one of the basic capabilities of this kitchen machine. It works just as well for kneading dough, crushing ice, chopping vegetables, making juice, smoothies, frozen drinks, or even spaghetti sauce.

The Ninja kitchen blender system is a perfect daily use kitchen companion for many different needs. It is a high-powered kitchen tool that is easy to use. To get a job done, just fill the jar with the necessary ingredients, choose the blender settings, and switch on the power.

You can knead dough for your favorite pizzas, pretzels and cookies. You can grind nuts for butter, or even grind flax seeds for your health recipe, or enjoy a cup of refreshing vanilla latte. The smart turbo motor is designed to automatically adjust speeds according to the consistency of the ingredients.

The Ninja Kitchen System 1100 has the following features:

• The containers are made of BPA free SAN high-grade plastic.

• The power rating is 1100 W. The power cord is long and the blender can be moved easily to any point in the kitchen. The cord can be rolled up and stored in a special box available at the back of the blender.

• The food processor comes with a 72 oz. pitcher and 40 oz. processing bowl, each with separate lids that cannot be interchanged. They are spouted which makes it easy to pour out liquids. The lid for the smaller container has a built-in strainer. The large pitcher can be used for your heavy-duty requirements: big family, many guests, party in the house, etc. Two dough paddles are also included. The dough paddles are not sharp.

• The blender comes with 5-star rated stainless steel blades. There are three different blades for the larger pitcher and two blades for the smaller one.

• The blades are designed to blend and crush in a matter of seconds. The blender has a fast turbo motor too.

• You can choose from different blender settings for different jobs to be done. The soft touch pads for the blender controls are easy to clean. The blender settings are easy to learn and you do not need the manual every time.

• The containers can be easily cleaned and are dishwasher safe.

• The free cookbook at the back of the manual that offers recipes for snacks and drinks that can be made with the blender. The Ninja Kitchen System 1100 is safe to use in more ways than one. The containers are made of safe high-grade plastic, they are easy to clean and food is processed fast enough to ensure minimum loss of nutrients. However, one word of caution is that the blades are very sharp, and it is important that you store and handle them carefully.

The Ninja Kitchen System 1100 is elegantly designed and is available in a classic black color. It is many kitchen appliances rolled into one, a value-for-money investment, and a reliable food processor that can adorn your kitchen countertop.

For optimum health make nutritious food an integral part of your diet. Learn to prepare healthy and nutritious treats with the ninja kitchen system 1100 or ninja 1100 reviews

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Grishe

How To Find The Best Catering Supplies

Whether you are a hotel, restaurant, mobile food or drink supplier, guest house any form of hospitality there will be a need for catering supplies in one form or another. When you consider the definition of cater, meaning to provide ready made food to people. This is in a really tiny nutshell, there is so much involved now in catering.

This market has become a huge place, with enormous companies and little private people all scrambling to make a few bucks. The demand for someone to supply ready made food, drink and that you never see them preparing is in demand all around the world. Cocktail parties, benefits, wedding and even private home functions are now catered.

To be able to provide the best quality food and the best service, you need the best equipment and produce. The offspring industry to this are companies the specialize in supplying these caterers. You can get anything from stoves, to trays or plates for sale or for hire.

Some companies specialize in restaurant equipment, others in hotel equipment, others even in mobile equipment. You want to make sure you get the best equipment for your money, especially as the catering world is cut throat. Your product has to be fresh and perfectly prepared on your kitchen equipment.

After cooking your wonderful meal it either needs to be served or prepared for a buffet. Either way the food needs to get to the tables warm if it is meant to be warm. Maybe you have a mobile catering service, in many cases you need to cook on site, this means you need all the equipment from a normal kitchen that you can literally pack up and take with you. Or if you offer a mobile bar service you will need glasses and a cash register.

The Food and Beverage industry is not easy, but with the right equipment and products it is easier. You will still have to be up at 2 am to start baking, but if your oven door seals properly the chances of loosing product are far lower. Your preparation time is spent on doing what you need to get done, not on repairing problems due to shoddy equipment.

If you are in the business or you are planning to open your own catering business, do as much research as you can on the specific branch of catering you are going into. Once you have as much information as you can, then you can have a look at different suppliers. There are some suppliers that do more general supplies but make sure they can supply you with the information you will need as well as the equipment.

As I have mentioned this is a difficult industry to break into, you need to stick out from a really large crowed. That means your catering supplies need to not only do the job, but do it really well. You have to have the whitest white plates and the shiniest cutlery. Your idea could be top class and your food and drink could be great, but if your supplies are not up to scratch your business does not really stand a chance. A good supplier will be able to work with you to make sure you have all you need to be brilliant.

Next day Catering talks about Catering Supplies, learn all about catering supplies. Stop by The Next Day Catering site where you can find out everything you will ever need to know about catering equipment and what it can do for your business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_William_Strickland

How to Choose the Perfect Restaurant

Hosting a party, family dinner on weekends, taking someone out on a date, or simply filling in your tummy could mean that you are in search for the best restaurant in town. With so much to choose from, wouldn't it be nice if you could find a way to narrow your choices? Let us enumerate the factors to consider when choosing restaurants.

#1: Type of Food

Preferred typed of cuisine, dietary preferences, and food allergies are just some of the major factors that you need to consider when choosing a restaurant. Some people are allergic to certain types of seafood, thus a seafood restaurant may not be a good option during your first date. Other people vowed to become vegetarians, thus you have to make sure that the restaurant has a salad bar or has one on their menu.

#2: Quality of Food

If you are preparing for a party, most restaurants do offer free food tasting so you can assess the quality of their food. Make sure you take down notes so you can review them later when you are about to make a decision.

For casual dinning, I would recommend that you order the restaurant's house specialty. Since it's the dish they are most proud of, I usually consider that it is their best tasting dish. If I like the specialty of the house, chances are I would also like their other dishes.

#3 Price

When dinning out, the last thing you would want to happen is receiving a bill that is more than your cash on hand. This is embarrassing and it could get you in trouble. Bring your credit card or debit card with you; this could save your face and your date. Choose a restaurant that would fit your budget, you may do an online research on the restaurant's menu. However, common sense could also tell you that fancy restaurant also bears a fancy price tag.

#4 Cleanliness


One of the most important things to look out for when choosing a restaurant is the cleanliness of the place. Remember, they are the ones who are preparing your food. As a rule of the thumb, the comfort room reflects the cleanliness of the kitchen. So, go check how clean their loo is and you'll get an idea of the condition of their kitchen.

Other things that you may also want to consider are: location, parking space, service, queue, ambience, and special requests. Consider these factors when choosing your restaurants.

Robert Prestipino is a restaurateur and a foodie who provides top reviews in restaurants and other nearby areas. If you wish to learn more about restaurants Toowoomba and Robert's other reviews, please visit his site restaurants Toowoomba.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Prestipino

For The Love of Peanut Butter

There are certain food items that bless the memories of our childhood, leaving us chronically blissful because of its existence. For many, one of these food items is peanut butter. Lee Zalben liked this nut butter so much that he opened up shop in the heart of Greenwich Village, Manhattan and devoted his undying love toward an all-things-peanut butter restaurant. In 1998, Lee's admiration for the nutty treat became a reality with "Peanut Butter & Co.," and gourmet sandwiches have never been regarded as dull ever since.

This delicacy has touched the lives of many children, adults, and foodies worldwide. Some enjoy the treat on white bread, while other smother it on a banana. However, Zalben has covered all of his bases, accommodating even the most discriminating of nut butter enthusiasts.

Peanut Butter and Co.

Not only are the sandwiches, shakes, and outrageous desserts made "a la minute," but the various varieties of unique blends are scratch made as well. You can bet that these flavors are anything but the likes of the supermarket brands that we grew up ingesting. Let's take a look at some of these flavors:

Smooth Operator: natural, plain, and original

Crunch Time: a natural blend with crunchy chunks of peanuts

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl: A blend of smooth nut butter and hints of cinnamon and raisin flavors

The Heat Is On: perfect for the heat-seeking individual - a blend with fiery spices

White Chocolate Wonderful: bordering on dessert - bits of white chocolate dot this blend

Dark Chocolate Dreams: Who wouldn't want anything saturated in dark chocolate?

The Bee's Knees: a blend with hints of honey

Mighty Maple: a blend with natural maple syrup

Old Fashioned Smooth: Like Smooth Operator, but creamier

Old Fashioned Crunchy: Like Crunch Time, but crunchier
Featured Favorites

This sandwich joint houses a menu packed with nut butter delight. However, there are a few sandwiches that truly take the cake with foodie innovation! Let's take a closer look:

The Elvis: Everyone knows that Elvis Presley was a glutton. One of his favorite delights was actually a nut butter/banana/bacon sandwich. To honor his gluttony and devotion to peanut butter, Lee named a signature "sang" after this legend. Grilled wheat toast smothered in natural nut butter, bananas, bacon, and honey! Delicious!

Pregnant Lady: Yes, the pregnant lady! You know how they say pregnant women get the strangest cravings? Well, this sandwich represents the epitome of that. Think peanut butter and pickles smothered between the bread of your liking. It's an oddly delightful snack.

Fluffernutter: This is "THE" sandwich of childhood! Bordering as a dessert, you can have your favorite delight married with a heaping mound of marshmallow fluff! Does it get any better, and sweeter, than that?

Peanut Butter Cup: Another dessert-inspired sandwich! This one features a kiss of chocolate from, none other than, NUTELLA! All those chocolatey, hazelnut fiends are sure to be pleased with this sugar-ridden snack.

It is clear that this is not only one of the best places to eat in New York, but also has some of the best food ever. If you like peanut butter, it is within your best interest to check out this "nutty" haven!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Buckles

3 Unusual Ways to Use Your Kitchen Mixer-Blender

If you own a mixer-blender (or a mixer and a blender, separately), you may not realize all the ways you can use it.

As I'm describing these sneaky kitchen tricks, I'm referring to the mixer-blender I use. That's the Blendtec Mix n' Blend. It's the most important counter top appliance in my kitchen.

However, if you have a blender - from a $15 special you found at a sale, to a Bosch or Vitamix - and any mixer, such as a Kitchen Aid mixer, these tips can work just as well.

Here are the three unusual uses for your kitchen mixer-blender:

Meatloaf

A lot of people haul out a big bowl or pot and try to hand-stir the ingredients into their meatloaf.

Since a car accident a few years ago, my arms and shoulders aren't very strong. So, I throw the ground meat, the eggs, the bread crumbs, the Worcestershire sauce, the tomato paste, and the seasonings into the bowl of my Blendtec mixer. Then, I use the dough-kneading attachment to mix it thoroughly.

My meatloaf meals are legendary. People don't understand why my meatloaf turns out so differently from theirs. The simple answer is, mine is thoroughly mixed. Consistency makes all the difference!

Pumpkin or Pecan Pie

I use my mixer for pumpkin pies and pecan pies. My pies always attract raves from friends and family.
However, I have another wonderful pie recipe. It's a combination pumpkin and pecan pie. I start with a prepared pie crust and spread the pecan pie mixture over it. That mixture is chopped pecans, brown sugar, and maybe a drizzle of honey.

Over that, I pour the pumpkin pie filling. It's mostly the prepared, mashed pumpkin with a couple of eggs, some cream, sugar and seasonings. Then, I bake it.

The secret is the mixer. Most people mix pie ingredients by hand, in a bowl. That's okay, but it won't transform your pecan pie into a gourmet delight.

I take the pecan pie ingredients, and mix them using the whisk-type attachment for my Blendtec mixer. When that's thoroughly mixed, the finished pie tastes much better. There are no extra-dry bites with just pecan pieces, and no oh-my-goodness bites with too much cinnamon or cloves.

Then, I rinse the bowl (it doesn't have to be pristine for the next step) and whip together the pumpkin pie ingredients. I use a fast setting - around 4 on my Blendtec Mix n' Blend - for about 20 seconds, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

That's what I pour (or spoon) over the pecan pie ingredients, before I bake the pie in the oven.

When I serve this at Thanksgiving or Christmas, I top it with rich vanilla ice cream. My guests rave about this dessert.

Eggnog

My family avoids artificial ingredients and complex sweeteners. However, as much as we love store-bought eggnog, it's almost impossible to find "real" eggnog without those complex sweeteners... and a few artificial flavors and preservatives.

Real eggnog is ridiculously easy to make. It's a mix of whole eggs, milk, and any sweetener. That's the whole recipe, right there.

For healthy eggnog, you can use honey. Otherwise, sugar works well. For something that tastes identical to the not-so-healthy store-bought eggnogs, use confectioners (powdered) sugar. Add a dash of vanilla and nutmeg, and you're all set.

You can even add extra ingredients to match the gourmet eggnogs at the store. A little cooked (or straight from the can) mashed pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice can add richness.

Or, extra vanilla and some heavy cream will give that "French vanilla" flavor. Add some cream and a few drops of peppermint flavor for a "candy cane" eggnog.

You'll notice that I didn't provide an exact recipe. That's because you don't need one. Almost any mix of these ingredients will make a good eggnog. Once you've mixed it up in your mixer (like a Blendtec or Kitchen Aid blender), taste it and adjust the ingredients to suit your family.

However, people always ask me about the safety of raw eggs. If you've seen TV cooks such as Martha Stewart prepare eggnog, you may have seen them use raw eggs, too.

Because we use organic eggs that we buy from a local farmer we trust, we rarely cook our eggnog. It's always been fine. That's a risk we take, but for food safety reasons, we can't recommend it to others.

Especially if you're using store-bought eggs, start with fresh, refrigerated grade A or AA eggs. Be sure the shells are intact and clean, and don't have even a hint of a crack in them. Some people wash the eggs - before cracking them - with anti-bacterial dish soap, and then rinse them thoroughly. After that, be very sure the egg whites and yolks have minimal contact with the shells, and wash your hands well, after cracking them.

Generally, the salmonella is on the outside of the shell, not in the egg itself, until you crack it.

For extra care, it's smart to heat your eggnog in a saucepan. You'll heat it almost to boiling, but not quite. The candy thermometer should reach 160 degrees, and you'll need to stir the eggnog steadily or the eggs will coagulate. (If they do, don't worry. I'll explain that, below.)

Here's a tip if you like rum or bourbon in your eggnog: If you add the liquor before you heat the eggnog, the alcohol may evaporate due to the high temperatures. That keeps the flavor of the liquor, but the missing alcohol means the eggnog is safer for children. On the other hand, if you're serving your eggnog as an alcoholic beverage, add the liquor right before you serve the eggnog.

Once you've heated the eggnog, let it cool. If it's become lumpy - and it usually has - you'll use your Blendtec blender (or any kitchen blender) to whirl it smooth again. Gradually increase the blender speed until you're near the fastest setting. That's what breaks up the bits of egg.

If lumps remain, pour the eggnog through a kitchen sieve, strainer or colander. Press the lumps through, using a spoon. (Wooden or plastic spoons work best.)

Then, refrigerate the eggnog until it's chilled and refreshing. If you've used raw eggs, you'll need to serve it within a few hours. If you've cooked your eggnog, it will usually stay fresh for two or three days. (It won't last that long. Everyone loves homemade eggnog, and it's healthy enough to serve as an alternative to "instant breakfast" products.)

When I serve eggnog to guests, most of them can't tell it's homemade. They're sure I bought some wonderful gourmet eggnog.

One more tip: If you're making "cream of something" soup from scratch and it turns out lumpy, use your blender to whirl it to an even consistency. You may like it even better than overpriced canned soups you used to buy.
So, now you know three unusual ways to use your mixer-blender. In my kitchen, I'm using a Blendtec Mix n' Blend. It's an appliance I've used happily for more than 15 years, and when this one wears out, I'll buy another one.

Once you've tried these three unusual ways to use your mixer-blender, I'm sure you'll find other routine kitchen chores you can make easier with a mixer-blender, too.

For links to free recipes, visit my Blendtec Mixers lens. And, if you're deciding between the top brands of blenders, my Blendtec review may help.

About the author: I'm Sarah Skye, and I'm a freelance researcher and writer. Now that our children are older, my husband and I travel a lot. So, when we're at home, I like cooking my meals from scratch using fresh, regional ingredients. My family approves!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Skye

What It Takes to Have the Best Fine Dining Experience?

Are you someone who's expecting a special occasion soon? Perhaps a wedding anniversary or it's the birthday of a special someone? Well nothing makes a perfect evening than sharing a wonderful dining experience with the people that matters to you. But for it to be a wonderful night of dining, having good food is not enough. Of course there is the need for atmosphere, the mood, the music, the excellent service and many more. Simply put, to have a truly wonderful dining experience, it has to be a fine dining experience. But not just any other dining experience, it has to be a real fine dining experience. But what exactly is it?

By definition, fine dining refers to the service and cuisine provided by dining establishments where everything is of the highest quality. That includes the food, drinks, services and both the atmosphere and setting are of the formal variety. In other words, everything feels and looks expensive and leisurely. In an establishment that offers this kind of experience, there are almost always a set of proper decorum where all of the guests are expected to follow. The staff of the establishment are highly trained and you will see that they dress formally as well. The meal courses that are offered in a fine dining restaurant are usually dedicated and somehow limited. Food portions are a lot smaller but they are garnished to the point of perfection.

It is a given that fine dining restaurants should offer foods that are not only visually pleasing but they should also taste amazing as well. In other words, the quality should be top notch. In most cases, mediocre service can be compensated if the foods that are served are excellent. But a fine dining establishment should always be exquisite and perfect, so everything should be of the highest level. No aspect of the dining experience should be mediocre or substandard. And since dining is meant to be a social experience, a restaurant should set up the dining area and atmosphere where it encourages conversation. This means that the table arrangement should not be too close to each other or the staff should not interrupt you every now and then.

For the perfect night, choose the best fine dining experience that's available to you. Just keep in mind the various criteria that were mentioned above and match it with your own personal preference. If you live in a major city, chances are there will be many options that are available so choosing the best one can be quite tricky. The best action to take is to conduct your research regarding all the fine dining restaurants in your area beforehand. That's right, if the occasion is indeed special, it won't hurt if you put a little more effort to it right?

The author writes for http://www.vinnies.co.nz which provides information regarding Fine Dining.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_P_Dominguez