Looking to Spice Up Your Cooking?

April 7, 2022 by 2 Comments

Looking to shake things up in the kitchen? Check out these spices, rubs, and foodie finds.

steak rub

Rainier Foods

Price: $3.99 – $44.99

chicken rub

Rainier Foods is the maker of delicious premium spice blends. From vegetables to chicken, pork, beef, seafood, and snacks, they have the right seasoning for any recipe. Bulk rubs are also available. A family-owned business located in the shadow of Mt. Rainier in Washington, they source the finest ingredients, with all products made locally to ensure the best quality from the Pacific Northwest. The brand proudly donates 1% of sales to the Washington National Park Fund. Also available on Amazon.

Stemple Creek Ranch knows the importance of family time and brings folks together for a quality meal no matter the occasion. Add it to the menu for your next family meal. The family-owned brand is leading the way in regenerative agriculture while offering premium meats that are often served in Michelin star restaurants. Families nationwide can enjoy these delicious offerings delivered right to their doorsteps for them to easily prepare on their own. They are strong believers that grass-fed and grass-finished animals make the best selections for their customers. Making it the perfect meat to grill up with friends and family.
farm to table
Price: 16oz – $5.99 | 3lb – $14.99
Lefty’s legendary Fish N’ Chicken Mix fry batter adds some Southern flair to any meal. The ultimate spicy addition to your Super Bowl feast. The bold flavors marry perfectly with poultry, pork, seafood, and vegetables. Set out to make flavorful food made with quality ingredients, and once you try their fry mix you will be left wanting to indulge. Also available on Amazon and select Sam’s Club, Kroger, Publix, and Safeway retailers in the DMV region.
hot sauce rub marinade
Price: Varies
When Veteran Dennis Butterworth set out to compete in a BBQ competition just for fun, little did he know it would eventually lead to a brand that offers premium products with a touch of goodwill. Meet WarPig BBQ. Their BBQ sauces will leave you feeling good all-around. Be sure to add them to your favorite meat. A portion of proceeds from their BBQ sauces and rubs are donated to Veterans organizations.

Filed Under: cooking, food, review Tagged With: , ,

How To Satisfy The Entire Family In The Kitchen

April 5, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Ensuring that everyone in the family is satisfied after a meal is important, especially for children. Children can be fussy eaters throughout their maturing stages. Hence, knowing some simple tricks to make food enjoyable for everyone at home will ensure that they eat what is given to them, which will save you time and stress. 

If you are someone that lacks the knowledge of how to satisfy everyone at home in the kitchen, here are some useful ideas. 

cooking with kids

Create simple recipes

Most children dislike complex recipes. Therefore, it is a good idea to make simple and yummy recipes. 

For instance, following a simple oven grilled cheese recipe will help you make a delicious meal for the family while using up staples in the kitchen. No child can moan about such a yummy meal. Hence, the simpler you keep your cooking the less time and money you will spend cooking and the more satisfied everyone can be.

Get the children involved

Should your children often complain about what you make them, then showing them how to cook will help them experiment and find out what they love. 

To get started, it can be useful to get them involved with baking. Baking is fun for kids, so it is a great way to get them involved with cooking at home. Allowing them to get messy and choose a recipe means that they won’t moan and groan when you ask them to help. Instead, they will find it fun and they can start to learn how to cook, bake, and play with ingredients. 

Ask everyone their favorite meals and create a weekly plan

If you cook what you love every day, then how are you supposed to satisfy everyone at home? Asking your family what they love to eat means that you can make weekly rotas and ensure that everyone gets a meal that they enjoy. That way, the food preparation can be easy (as you can all eat the same thing) and everyone will be happy. 

When there are dietary requirements, it can be useful to create that person/people their own dish so that they can be fulfilled while everyone else eats what they like too. Or, you could change your usual recipes so that everyone eats the same. Hence, the people with requirements can be satisfied and your cooking time is reduced. 

Create themed nights

Although you won’t have time to have themed dinners every night, it can help to introduce them once or twice a week. Creating healthy meals for the family can be the plan throughout the week. Then, creating a themed treat night at the weekend can help everyone have something to look forward to. 

Creating a themed night will bring everyone together and spice things up in your kitchen, at least once a week anyway. You could opt for Mexican or Indian if that’s what your family loves. Then, you can alternate them each week. Or, go all out and introduce a new cuisine from around the world each week.

Filed Under: cooking Tagged With: , , ,

Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe #StPattysDay #Recipe

March 9, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Looking to get ready for the seasonal favorite, Corned Beef and Cabbage? We prefer a Dutch Oven, and that’s how we make ours, but you could use a crock pot as well if you prefer.

DID YOU KNOW

Corned beef was used as a substitute for bacon by Irish immigrants in the late 19th century, because it was much cheaper and easier to come by. Corned beef and cabbage is the Irish-American variant of the Irish dish of bacon and cabbage, which has long been a popular dish in Ireland. Of course, you mustn’t forget the potatoes! What’s an Irish dish without them, I suppose, lol.

corned beef

Prep time : 10 min. Cook: 2.5-3 hours

Makes 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 corned beef brisket (about 4 pounds) with spice packet
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3-1/2 pounds small potatoes (10-15), peeled
  • 8 medium carrots, halved crosswise
  • 5 stalks celery, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 medium head cabbage, cut into wedges

Directions

  1. Place corned beef, the contents of seasoning packet (that is typically included), and bay leaves in a large Dutch oven or stockpot; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 2 hours.
  2. Add potatoes and carrots; return to a boil. (Make sure that your potatoes are cut in small enough pieces that they will soften, but not so small they will turn to mush. I like to “cube” them.) Reduce heat; simmer, covered, just until beef and vegetables are tender, 30-40 minutes.
  3. If pot is full, remove potatoes and carrots before adding cabbage. Please reheat before serving.
  4. Add sliced cabbage and celery to the pot; return to a boil. Again, remember to make it all  into bite size pieces, or you will be slurping your cabbage like noodles, LOL. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until cabbage is tender- about 15 minutes. Remove vegetables and corned beef; keep warm.
  5. Cut beef across the grain into slices. Serve with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, as well as broth (if you like).

Enjoy, and Happy St. Patty’s Day!

 

Filed Under: cooking, recipes Tagged With: , ,

Syosaku Japanese Knives #MothersDay

March 9, 2022 by 1 Comment

Is your mom the best cook around? If her happy place is the kitchen, she will love some fancy cookware for her big day. What better way to show you care then to show you know what she loves- as well as love to eat what she makes you? After all, food is love. Well, at least an expression of it.

One brand that has cookware down is Syosaku, one of Japan’s –and arguably the world’s– finest tableware brands. They specialize in creating Urushi Glass Plates and knives that are suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.
syosaku knife

Urushi is a lacquer that has been used on wood in Japan for over 9,000 years including in building the Kinkaku-Ji (the Golden Temple). Syosaku’s innovative process allows them to create beautiful glass plates. Each plate undergoes a one-month process of layering the Urushi, drying the lacquer, and painting. Since each plate is made individually, they are all one-of-a-kind pieces. Syosaku is able to fulfill custom orders, featuring any size, shape, or design that can be desired, as well ready-to-purchase plates.  Urushi glass plates have incredible depth and provide vividness that cannot be found in china or porcelain.

These are truly beautiful, and one of a kind.

glass plates

Each plate is individually wrapped in a newly designed package that matches the beauty of the product itself. 

syosaku tableware

In addition to creating beautiful plates, Syosaku is one of Japan’s –and arguably the world’s– finest knife producers. Syosaku crafts knives that are suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs alike. 

Syosaku’s knives are made in Sakai, a port city in Japan that has a centuries-long history of creating knives, originating from forging samurai swords. Each part of the knife making process is divide among different artisans and small producers who specialize in each making each part of the knife, forging the metal, creating the handles, combining the knives and finishing them. Depending on the knife, it can take up to six months for the artisans to craft a fully finished product. each knife can be custom ordered to cater to the consumer’s preference in a variety of different wooden handles, handedness, and each knife can be engraved with a name in Chinese characters. Syosaku makes kitchen knives that can be used by professional chefs and home cooks alike, ranging from $50 to $3,000.

syosaku knives

Syosaku’s collection makes for a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for Mother’s or Father’s Day and all other celebratory occasions. There is a wide selection of ready-to-order designs and price ranges to choose from, as well as the ability to place a custom order.

Filed Under: cooking, gifts, review Tagged With: , , , , ,

Decoding The Hacks For Baking The Perfect Cannabis Recipe

February 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment

With cannabis growing in popularity, a wide variety of products are also gaining momentum. Besides, vape oils, dabs, tinctures, topicals, edibles have become a user’s delight in a less time frame. 

It’s a great option if you don’t like smoking cannabis. And if you get bored, you can even go for home-made cannabis-infused delicacies. However, not everyone is well-versed with the right practices of cooking or baking cannabis edibles, that they are unable to relish the final products. 

Here is the guide to baking the perfect cannabis recipe. Let’s start!

The First Step to Cooking The Best Cannabis Recipe

Whether you want to cook or bake a cannabis recipe, the first step would always be decarboxylation. It simply means heating cannabis to activate the cannabinoids present in the herb, such as THC or CBD. 

Experts suggest doing it at a lower temperature so that you don’t lose out on the plant’s essential ingredients. 

But,

How to measure the dosage?

Experts recommend starting low and slow with the cannabis dosage. It’s because you don’t have any idea initially what will hit you. For instance, you can go for 1 cup of butter with the same amount of ground cannabis. You can also go for lower amounts if you are unsure of the entire preparation. 

Expert suggestion: Make sure to write the ratio of cannabis to copy the same when making the recipe the next time. This will also help you when finding recipes for how to make marijuana candies or how to make cannabis lollipops. Remember, use only the amount that does not make you tipsy or couch-locked. 

What Type of Equipment do You Require to Make Edibles?

Baking edibles is like any other cooking method. You need an oven, mixing bowl, measuring cups. You have to whisk like any other recipe. The only difference is that you are adding cannabis to the recipe. That’s all!

How to Store Cannabis Edibles?

Does everyone wonder how long a marijuana recipe can last? Or do home-made edibles stay fresh? Well, like any other dish, marijuana recipes can go stale after some time. However, if you want to extend the timeline, you can seal them in a container or a bag or preserve them in a fridge to prolong their life. 

Wrapping up

Cannabis edibles are absolutely relishing. There is no doubt about that. However, if you are a novice cannabis user, going overboard with cannabis edible might impact you. That’s why it’s advisable to go low and slow when it comes to consuming this particular cannabis form. 

Also, they have long-lasting effects but are a bit slow in kicking off. Hence, you must never go on munching thinking that it’s not effective. Give yourself a timeline of around two hours, and even if it doesn’t feel like it, you can consume some more. 

So, next time you prepare a favorite cannabis dish for yourself or your friends/family, keep in mind these hacks and enjoy delicious edibles without stepping out of your comfort. Won’t that be great?

Filed Under: baking, cooking Tagged With: , ,

Healthy Bodies, Inside and Out

March 6, 2019 by 1 Comment

This winter, as Spring is (hopefully) around the corner, you might be having a hard time holding onto those New Years Resolutions or even trying to stay healthy or active as a part of your regular lifestyle. I know for me, February is my “ugh” month, I often find myself with a case of the winter blues and really just “done” with the gray and the cold. I find it hardest to be motivated in February, and not just grab a bag of chips and pop on the Netflix. What to do? Try something new, a little change can often be just the thing you need, a little bump to get you moving.

DIY kits

Have you ever heard of Purple Carrot? You have probably  heard of similar ideas, pre-ordered meal kits delivered to your home that you cook yourself. This is the ONLY 100% plant-based meal kit company of the kind, where you can get pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step instructions for cooking healthy, vegan meals at home. As we are learning, eating plant-based meals even if only one day or a few times a week, has a positive impact on people’s health, the environment, and animal welfare. The food is very good, but it definitely takes time to make, so prepare to spend some time in the kitchen. While not difficult, some of the items made were challenging and to me very unnecessarily time consuming, like making my own veggie burgers. But we learned new things, so that was something. I can honestly say, even as vegetarians, we had never made any of these recipes before, so they were interesting and new.  Find out more here-

Trying to get yourself moving? It can be challenging in this weather. One of the fitness groups I belong to recently posted a meme which said “I was sad, then I bought some new workout clothes and now I’m running!” I was clearly amused, but it’s also true. Sometimes a new pair of leggings or shirt or sneakers makes you feel good, and then when you feel good, you move. Also, you of course need to show them off, right? Your couch will not be impressed. You however will be impressed with the Brooks Running Ghost Tight. I can’t say enough good things about it. I thought they were going to feel like shrink wrap when I saw them, but they are wildly comfortable. It’s ultralight fabric keeps  you cool and wicks sweat and the color options (3 total) are fun. Price $120 at  https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/brooks-ghost-tight-womens/221347.html

Winter can be rough on the skin, rough all over. The new Limited-Edition NIVEA Creme City Tins from NIVEA® Creme are easy to carry around. They are tiny- easy to toss in your purse, backpack, or pocket, and give you a “protective layer of care that prevents the loss of moisture throughout the day” as per the brand. Smooth and soft, it has provitamin B5, which helps it last longer. You can use it on your face, hands, lips, and body- it’s good all over. These limited-edition tins are now available for $.99, get yours at www.NIVEAusa.com.

give back

For your love, no matter if they are one or a hundred and one, take a look at these. Not only are they amazingly adorable, but each toy funds 10 meals for a hungry person. These ethically produced, hand-knit dolls and stuffed animals give 10 meals to hungry children around the world for every item sold. Hand made by artisan knitters in Peru, these handcrafted, heirloom-quality dolls are great for anyone who loves stuffed cuddles. There are 27 toys to choose from currently, and two sizes are available in most cases.

“cuddle+kind has partnerships with several respected humanitarian agencies including World Food Program USA, Children’s Hunger Fund, Breakfast Club of Canada and WE Charity to guarantee that every purchase directly benefits children in need.” (Information given by the brand)

Choose your favorites here- https://cuddleandkind.com/collections/hand-knit-dolls.

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, cooking, fitness, health, review Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

RUMI’S JHAL GOSHT (BEEF OR LAMB CURRY)

January 31, 2019 by 2 Comments
home made indian food
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
Curry spices (see below)
1 1/2 pounds lamb or beef stew meat
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (stems and leaves)
CURRY INGREDIENTS
1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (depending on heat tolerance)
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (seed and devein pepper to moderate heat)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon each kosher salt and sugar
2 bay leaves
2 to 3 green or black cardamom pods, cracked open
1 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
METHOD
1. Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat; add onion and sauté until translucent to light brown. Add curry spices and stir well. Let spices cook, then add water sparingly to avoid sticking or burning—no more than 1 tablespoon at a time–throughout the cooking process, 6 to 8 minutes to develop flavor.
2. Add meat, stirring well to distribute; cook over medium to high heat until well seared.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add yogurt, tomato paste, and cilantro.
4. Cover and continue to braise for 40 to 50 minutes, until meat is tender.
5. Remove cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods.
TRY THIS: Substitute 1 whole chicken cut into generous pieces; braise until golden brown, then cook for 30 minutes.
Recipe and photo with permission from The Urban Forager: Culinary Exploring & Cooking on L.A.’s Eastside
By Elisa Callow Photographs by Ann Elliott Cutting
Prospect Park Books/March 2019
Filed Under: cooking, food, recipes Tagged With: , , ,

Think You’re Not a Chef? You Can Prepare Gourmet Meals at Home – We Promise!

March 15, 2018 by 1 Comment

You don’t have to be a good cook to make great meals. The thought of coming up with your own recipe might boggle your mind, and you might be confused about what some of the fancy kitchen gadgets you see on cooking shows are even for, but even you can create delicious, gourmet meals that your family will love and that will impress your guests. 

Here are the easy things you can do to prepare your own gourmet meals at home:

Start with the Best Ingredients

You’ll elevate your cakes with gourmet vanilla syrup. You’ll create mouth-watering roasts with high-quality, grass-fed beef. You’ll actually love vegetables again with organic asparagus grown in season and artisanal cheese. Just choosing the highest-quality ingredients that you can get will make your food taste amazing.

Don’t limit yourself to what’s at your local grocery store. Shop at the farmer’s market, find small specialty shops in your area or order online. If you aren’t sure what makes ingredients good, do a little research online or get to know your grocers and ask them a lot of questions. Knowledge is power, and the more knowledge you have about the ingredients you use, the more powerful you will be in selecting the best ones and in creating delicious dishes.

Get a Few Basic Tools

Besides the ingredients you use, the tools you use will have a big impact on the quality of your meals. You need the best basics to get started: A high-quality knife set, cookware set, and baking materials. A few notable choices include a stand mixer, a culinary torch, and a thermometer. If you really want to get fancy and throw down some big cheddar, you can upgrade your oven, as well. 

Know that you can work miracles with utensils you find at the dollar store, but having high-quality tools at your disposal will make your work easier. You aren’t Gordon Ramsay, so you can’t expect to get top results with little more than your skill and innovation. You need the help, so get it in the form of great kitchen tools.

Find Great Recipes

Most recipes that you will find on popular websites are designed for mass audiences. They are typically for meals that are easy to cook and that will be ready quickly. These are not the kind of recipes you want to use if you want to make gourmet meals that will elevate your everyday menu. Instead, you should search for gourmet recipes provided by reputable chefs.

Know that you will most likely need to pay for access to these recipes. You may be able to get a subscription for online access, or you may have to buy a hard copy of a cookbook. Just do your research first to make sure you are getting recipes that are truly gourmet and that have been created and vetted by experienced and celebrated chefs.

Follow Directions to the Letter

You aren’t Julia Child yet, so don’t try to be. You should not be trying to experiment while you are in the kitchen — at least not until you master the basics. If you want to cook a gourmet meal successfully and you don’t have the formal training to do it, you need to let the recipes created by the professionals guide you. That means that you need to follow the directions to the letter. If the recipe says to sift the flour first, do it and don’t just dump the flour in straight from the bag. If the recipe says to marinate the meat for two hours, leave it for exactly two hours. Don’t try to rush the process, and don’t let it sit for too long.

You may not have disastrous results if you cut a few corners or make a few changes to the recipe, but any success you have will be luck. You’ll be able to improvise once you’ve gained some experience and have a lot of successes under your belt.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll soon be creating meals that your guests will think you had prepared by a gourmet chef. You don’t need culinary training — you just need to have the right tools and the right recipes, and you need to follow directions.

Filed Under: cooking, food Tagged With: , ,