Saturday, February 28, 2009

How to Make the Best Tasting Stew Recipes

By KC Kudra

Stews are very popular, especially when the weather is cool, and you want something warming and tasty. A stew is a combination of solid foods, usually meat, or fish with vegetables that have been simmered or cooked slowly in a liquid sauce to allow the flavors to combine well. The sauce is served as well as its contents.

Common stew ingredients include meat, chicken, seafood, fish, potatoes, carrots, beans, and fruit. Wine, water, beer, or bouillons are commonly used as the stew liquid and seasonings help to add more flavor.

What is the Difference between Stew and Soup?

Stewing is a good cooking method to use on tough cuts of meat because stewing is the only way to tenderize them. Stews contain large pieces of meat or fish and vegetables. Soups contain smaller pieces, if any.

Stew is served as a main dish rather than as an appetizer and always contains chunky ingredients. Soup can be served as pureed liquid only without any bits in and is always served in a bowl or deep dish. A chunky stew can be served on a plate.

Making Your Stew Rich and Flavorful

Combining meat, vegetables and water will make a stew but not a very interesting one! There are a few things to know if you want to make your stews tasty.

You can use different combinations of meat; fish, herbs, vegetables, and spices in stew recipes because the dish is so versatile. It is a good idea to season the meat with salt and pepper and sear it in a hot pan before adding it to the liquid.

You might want to roll the meat in flour to thicken up the stew. Meat chunks should be browned all over before you add them to the liquid. This means they will not dry out. This applies whichever type of meat you are using - chicken, beef, pork, or something else.

The next step in making an exciting stew is to saut some vegetables in the pan, then add water, wine, juice, broth or whichever liquid you are using and scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any stuck on bits into the liquid. Put the meat back into the pan and cook slowly.

You should check the pan periodically to see if you need to add more liquid or seasoning or give it a stir. When the stew is done, you might want to throw in some cider, lemon juice, crispy crumbled bacon or parsley to brighten up the overall flavor. You can serve it in big bowls accompanied by warm bread to mop up the juices.

It is easy and fun to make stew. Whether you want to make a Jamaican brown stew chicken or an Irish stew, using the above tips will ensure your stew recipe comes out perfectly.

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Friday, February 27, 2009

Learning About The Foods To Eat On A Low Carb Diet

By Haiyan Lai-Heskin

If you want to burn fat and gain muscle quickly and at the same time have a diet that can last you for the rest of your life, you should go on a low carb diet.

The very first thing you shold learn is what foods you should eat for a low carb diet.

There are foods for a low carb diet that you should include as well as some foods to avoid on low carb diet.

Meats are very important and all meats are allowed on a low carb diet except for liver, which should always be avoided. You should also not eat meats that have filler or breading because this will make them loaded with carbohydrates and very unhealthy.

Always read the label for carbohydrate information especially when you are buying canned meat, and the same applies to seafood. Simply stick to fish and shellfish which contains lower carbohydrates.

As for foods for a low carb diet to avoid, high glycogen fruits are one. This includes watermelon, bananas, citrus fruits and pineapple, to name a few.

One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that all fruit is okay to eat, and although it does all offer nutritional value of some sort, bananas and similar fruits are very high in sugar and should be consumed rarely.

You should restrict the starchy vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, peas and corn, for instance, as these are healthy but also full of carbohydrates.

It can be hard to deal with learning what foods to eat and what foods to avoid on low carb diet especially since some of them are probably your favorite foods to eat. Get some help from your doctor or even better a nutritionist.

And also internet is another good place to find the information that you want. Simply spend some time to browse the Internet will give you a ton of great ideas to start with.

Once you have made a list of foods for a low carb diet that you can eat, head out to the supermarket and buy them. The best idea is to buy food every week, so that you have enough to last you in between shopping trips and make sure that you will not be relying on unhealthy foods to get you by.

If you stick to the diet, you will start to notice results in as little as a few weeks, but keep in mind that real results will probably not be noticeable until about six weeks after you start the diet.

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Weight Gain After Menopause and Breast Cancer

By Ricardo d Argence

Some women think that gain weight during menopause is ok. Even if it just occurs naturally, it is not something you want to do.

Many women face the challenge and all of them have to tackle it. If you allow yourself to just pack on the pounds without doing anything at all about it, you are risking your health more than you may know.

Your chances of getting breast cancer increase as you gain weight during menopause. You must realize what kinds of issues could go along with it if you discover that you are gaining pounds at this stage of your lifetime. The risk level is reversible though. Lower your risk of breast cancer by lowering your weight.

Indeed, studies done at the Harvard Medical School of Public Health have shown that women who've put on 55 or more pounds since the age of 18 are 45% more apt to get breast cancer in comparison to those who didn't gain that many pounds. Using postmenopausal hormones can actually increase the risk of cancer.

The best thing to do is to make sure that the weight is not put on to begin with. Sometimes things in life happens though and if you have found yourself in a position where you need to lose some weight then you can do just that. The sooner you act the better. The quicker you get that extra weight off the less likely you will end up with breast cancer.

The key to success is to make certain that you diet and exercise properly. You want to make sure that you are doing everything in moderation. Getting enough protein and everything else that your body needs is very important. You may be able to lose the weight with a regular exercise routine and a diet change.

Losing one or two pounds per week is the healthiest route. It's not just that wanting results quicker is bad for your body, it's also a way to almost insure that the pounds are going to come back quite soon. The best way to lose weight is to go slow.

Even though there is the fear of breast cancer you could damage your body in other ways by not taking care of yourself when dieting and exercising. Know the facts and get yourself in action and you will be on the path to a healthier and better looking you.

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Whoever would have thought that green coffe

By Cliff Eppalton

For the majority of coffee drinkers, the green coffee beans are something alien to them, in their endeavour to find a coffee that they can call their favorite brew. Again, a fact, unbeknown to the masses is that it is the quality of the 'green coffee beans' that impart the flavor of your coffee blend. Although totally unusable in the brewing of coffee in it's raw green unripened state - ripened coffee beans have a storage life of approximately 12 months. This is a significantly longer storage life than for both roasted and ground coffee.

With the price of some boutique coffees it is hard to conceive that coffee is actually grown from trees, but, it is the actual process of coffee production that is so labor intensive. Beans, in their raw state are picked by hand, both the ripe and unripened cherries. However, it is only the ripe cherries that have to be processed to produce the green coffee beans that are marketed and shipped for further processing.

Methods used to remove the outer hull and the inner parchment surrounding the beans can be a long process. Taking into account cost effectiveness, many smaller processing companies leave the beans lying in the sun to dry out before washing away the inner materials, Once the green coffee beans (seeds) have been cleansed and dried, they are bagged in shipments to be despatched to the coffee roasters. The price of the beans reflect their appearance, their size but also the coffee plantations from which they were taken and the region of that coffee plantation.

Coffee roasting - a tedious, labor intensive process

The green coffee beans have to be prepared for roasting and the actual time these beans are exposed to the heat, determines the flavor of the coffee. When beans are lightly roasted they exhibit the flavor of the region from which they were grown. For example, the beans grown for cultivation in Kona, Hawaii or Java are usually lightly roasted to retain the flavor of the soil in which they were grown. That is why coffee grown in different regions has it's own unique flavor.

If the green coffee beans are roasted for longer, they turn color and often they have a coating of oil on the outer part of the bean. The longer the roasting period, the more of the inherent flavoring of the individual growing regions are lost and, it is nigh impossible to determine from which coffee growing region of the world dark roasted beans may have been grown in and therefore originate.

Also, the nature of the heat source will affect the flavor of the roasted green coffee beans and the temperatures of the roasters can affect and change the flavor as well. On top of all that - the quality of the beans will begin to deteriorate at the time of roasting and up to the time the beans are vacuum packaged. Up until the advent of vacuum packaging for roasted beans,many roasted beans were discarded if not used within two weeks.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Advance Wellness Research Promotional Offer

By Linda Kemp

There are a number of different health issues that can befall you over the course of your life. Some of these can be accidents while others can be disease conditions that occur because of the passage of time. Of course there's also the issue of wear and tear on your body. Having said all of that, there is one simple way that you can minimize the effect that all of these conditions will have on you over the course of your life: taking Pure Acai Berry every day!

Pure Acai Berry concentrates all of the goodness of the fruit of the acai palm of the Amazonian river basin into an affordable, easy to take, and highly effective nutritional supplement! With this one product you can guarantee that your body will have all of the nutrition that it needs in order to maintain itself and stave off illness.

One great example of the efficacy of the acai berry is the effect that it has on the human circulatory system. The fact of the matter is that over the course of our lives our circulatory systems become weaker and more apt to give us trouble. This is evidenced by the increase in blood pressure that often occurs as we approach and move beyond middle age. The fact that we're more likely to suffer strokes and heart attacks are also evidence of this tendency. There are a number of different factors that contribute to this happening. For one thing, the walls of the blood vessels become less elastic as we age. That, and the weakening of the heart muscle is caused by free radicals damaging those tissues. Another factor is the build up of cholesterol and plaque on the insides of the blood vessels. All of these things make the circulatory system function less effectively than it should. The short term symptoms of these problems include higher blood pressure and a decrease in energy and the longer term symptoms include a greater risk of stroke and heart attack!

The acai berry actually improves the condition of the human cardiovascular system by clearing the deposits out of the blood vessels and rejuvenating the tissues of the heart and blood vessels! Powerful antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that damage cardiac and blood vessel tissues while the minerals present in the acai berry help those tissues to recover to their youthful vigor. At the same time, the soluble fiber of the acai berry will cleanse that cholesterol and plaque out of the blood vessels! The result of all of this is lower blood pressure, a stronger heart, and more energy!

The acai berry, in the form of Pure Acai Berry, will also help your body to flush various kinds of contaminants. The main way in which it does this is by improving the functioning of the kidneys as well as the liver. That allows them to scrub the blood clean of toxins and contaminants. It's especially good for scouring out the things that the soluble fiber frees from the walls of the blood vessels!

When you combine these positive benefits of the acai berry with all of the other things that it does you can see why it's so valuable! After all, with improved memory, increased virility, greater resistance to illness, and quickened recovery from injury; you can see the value of using Pure Acai Berry!

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Monday, February 23, 2009

To Enhance the Baby Shower Theme: Consider Sweets and Desserts

By Edie Mindell

Baby showers are not complete without sweets! Desserts, fruit, and pastries add sweetness and charm to special events. Sweets are an important part of a baby shower, so do not forget to include them in your menu. If you have reservations in a restaurant, the restaurant will probably offer a dessert menu from which you can choose your selection of sweets and post-meal indulgences.

If you are hosting the baby shower at a banquet hall or at someones home, the dessert menu is completely up to you to decide on. You can make desserts fun, sweet, and baby themed to match your event. If there is a specific theme that you are focusing on, like "Pink Tea," design your dessert menu around your theme. Popular sweets for baby showers are pastries, clairs, truffles, fruits, chocolates, and the ever-classic cake.

Pastries and clairs can be bought or baked. Visit your local bakery to find out about any special deals and offers that they can offer for a large quantity of pastries purchased. You can also find some good recipes online or in a cookbook, and bake the pastries yourself. A great alternative to this is to buy frozen pastries at your local grocery store, or better yet, at a wholesale grocery store. These are affordable and scrumptiously delicious. B.J.s and Costco supermarkets have amazing clairs that nobody will ever know were bought frozen.

Trufas are a Latin American version of truffles. Truffles are not necessarily made out of chocolate in Hispanic countries, but can be made with coconut, vanilla, and other flavors. Two popular flavors in Latin America are coconut and cocoa-flavored truffles. An easy recipe for truffles calls for one can of sweetened condensed milk, a box of crushed vanilla wafer cookies, and a half of a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cocoa, sweetened shredded coconut, and sprinkles are good add-ons.

Crush the cookies until you end up purely with cookie crumbs. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk until you reach the desire consistency of tough clay. Add the vanilla flavoring along with the chosen flavor (cocoa, coconut, etc.). Use you own taste to decide how much cocoa or coconut to use. Roll into small, round truffles. As a finishing touch, roll the coconut truffles around in shredded coconut, and roll the cocoa truffles in cocoa. Sprinkles are optional.

Fruits and dip is a healthy and fresh option for a sweet treat. Serve apple slices, strawberries, pineapple, grapes, and melon alongside fruit dip, and you have got a fabulous and nutritious treat! Popular choices for fruit dip are caramel, chocolate, and yogurt dip.

Chocolate is a must-have for any baby shower. Small chocolates can be bought in bulk and served on tiny cupcake cups, for an elegant touch. You can also buy pastel-colored white chocolate (sold in bags in most craft stores), melt it, and pour the melted chocolate into small baby-themed molds (also can be found at a craft store). Refrigerate, and voila: delicate and adorable little chocolates!

Whichever sweets you decide to include in your menu, and whether or not you decide to make or buy them, do not forget about the cake! Whether you order it and have it made especially for your shower, or make it yourself, make sure that you are 100% satisfied with its outcome and that it ties into your baby shower theme.

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Sunday, February 22, 2009

Acai Berry Side Effects

By B. Moffett

Acai berries are small fruits found primarily in Brazil. It has been a staple of the South American diet for hundreds of years, however traces of its use have been found in ancient medical records from numerous ancient civilizations.

The popularity of the Acai berry fruit as a key source of anti-oxidants, and its importance as a beneficial food supplement has seen a meteoric rise in only the last few years, greatly aided by adoption by top nutritionists and diet experts.

The increased demand has turned the acai berry into quite the cash crop and led to a drastic increase in farmers planting the powerful anti-oxidant fruit.

Adoption in the US in bars and restaurants as a preferred alternative to wheat grass drinks have given the Acai berry fruit as the choice of health conscious connoisseurs. There are a lot of medicinal benefits of this tasty fruit, some of which are:

has even been reported to act as an aphrodisiac

Increased stamina and energy

Reduction in fatigue and soreness

It helps support the immune system and fight disease.

It helps improve digestive functions.

Suppressing the appetite (helping with weight loss)

The fruit is armed with many more health benefits. The side effects of the Acai berry arent as evident as other fruits. Infact, the side effects of this fruit are very few and hardly noticeable.

Naturally, the acai berry side effect that is most often cited is the loss of appetite. While this may sound unpleasant to some, consider for a moment that there are several pills and medications out with the sole purpose of acting as an appetite suppressant. And, unlike medications, the berry doesnt harm the liver or kidneys, quite the opposite in fact. Since the berry is so high in fiber, acai berry juices or drinks help cleanse the body of harmful toxins and other substances.

That appetite suppression side effect means that you get healthy, and you get trim, without having to jump on some fad diet that may or may not work out properly for you. This side effect is not that common and varies from person to person, with every individual reacting differently to this revolutionary fruit. If we compare the beneficial health effects of the acai berry fruit, and the side effects, we find that the pros far outnumber the cons. We can safely conclude that the acai berry fruit is the food supplement that should be a component of every healthy household.

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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Valentine's Day Gifts Cool Ideas

By Suzanne Walsh

Valentine's Day is one of the best chances for lovers to speak out their feelings with the help of creative gifts. Romance plays an important role in choosing the perfect gifts, but some psychology is also needed.

Always match the gift with your partner's preferences and wishes. Think what she needs most or what he likes most, or what he would never buy himself.

Evaluate thoroughly your financial status and see how much money you can afford to spend. Good gifts are not necessarily the most expensive ones.

There are millions of lovers who celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th each year, all around the world. From US to Australia, young, romantic people are seeking for the perfect gift to speak volumes about their love.

Chocolates can be the perfect gift. They come in various shapes and flavors, so you'll be able to get a bouquet of chocolate roses, or a chocolate heart, or even a champagne bottle made out of chocolate. Just imagine and perform a web search. You'll see immediately some results, that's for sure.

A cheese and wine gift basket can bring a smile on your Valentine's face. Besides, that is a great reason for spending some time together, eating and drinking its content. And you can always use the basket afterwards to make a cozy lodging for your cat.

If you are poor, you don't have to be miserable for not having money for expensive gifts. Send a Valentine card ans try to be very creative when you compose the message.

When buying the gift for your Valentine, do not follow your preferences but his or hers. It is not you who should enjoy the gift after all, so don't buy it like it was meant for you.

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Friday, February 20, 2009

Buying A Fondue Pot

By Andrew Long

Fondue has come back in style in a big way. No longer is it that groovy fad from the seventies, now it's a great way to add some fun to any dinner party. But in order to make fondue, you'll need a fondue pot. Here are some things to consider when buying a fondue pot.

Perhaps your desire to own a fondue pot is because you've recently had it at a party or out at a fondue restaurant. Most likely, you've tried cheese or chocolate fondue but did you know that you can also make a hot oil or broth fondue? Knowing what types of fondue you plan on making will help you pick the right fondue pot.

Those old fashioned fondue pots with a small tea light candle underneath them are cute but not very effective at melting cheese. If you get one of those, you'll have to heat your ingredients on the stove and then move them into the fondue pot on the dinner table. The best way to go is an electric hot pot. Just turn the dial and it heats up. No open flame to worry about and even the most stubborn chocolate will melt nicely in an electric fondue pot.

Another great new feature that some fondue pots have is a magnetic cord that just snaps apart if pulled. This comes in very handy if you have pets or children who never sit still and may trip over the electric cord. Chocolate covered pets are probably pretty hard to clean so these new snap off cords really come in handy.

Accessories are always important to consider when buying anything. The same is true with a fondue pot. You could create the greatest, most delicious fondue masterpiece but no one is going to enjoy it if you don't have any fondue forks. Be sure your set comes with forks. A fork holder ring is nice to have too but don't worry if you set excludes it because it isn't necessary.

Being able to control how hot the fondue pot is getting is very important when cooking meat or hot oil fondue. Most of the time a temperature of about 350 degrees is needed to cook filet, pork or chicken thoroughly. Having a temperature dial on the pot makes it easy.

A non stick coating is important too. Melted cheese is pretty sticky so unless you enjoy cleaning your fondue pot for days at a time, I'd go with a non stick surface.

The best way to clean up a fondue pot is not to have to do anything at all. And the only way that a fondue pot would clean itself is in the dishwasher. A dishwasher safe fondue pot is a dream come true.

Burning your hands would ruin your fondue dinner. Having a pot with a cool touch handle would help you to avoid this. But one of those big oven mitts would probably work just as well. And for that matter, you really should be moving a hot fondue pot anyway. This feature isn't that important.

And if you're cooking hot oil fondue be sure not to use one of those old fashioned ceramic fondue pots. The high temperature of the oil could crack the ceramic pot and then scalding hot oil will get everywhere. If you want to make chocolate, cheese and hot oil fondue then you should go with an all purpose fondue pot made of stainless steel.

These are some of the things to remember when buying a fondue pot. Try to pick one that has the features that are most important to you and you'll be making fondue in no time.

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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Wedding Weight Loss, Do's and Dont's

By Ricardo d Argence

A wedding is the happiest day of many people's lives and they are joyful through every minute of it. Perfecting every detail and obsessing about how they will fit into their clothes can cause a great deal of stress.

You will want to look the best you possibly can for an important date such as a wedding. In fact, getting healthy can actually take away some of the stress that you have,and there's nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy on your wedding day. There are appropriate ways to lose weight, and things you shouldn't do as well.

You will be stressed if you try to lose weight before your wedding. Try to set realistic goals that you can accomplish. That way you can reach your goal to lose that weight in a healthy manner. You may achieve this if you consult with a physician and talk about your current weight, how many pounds you wish to eliminate, and how much time you have left until your wedding. Consult with your physician to set realistic and healthy weightloss goals that you can achieve in a healthy manner.

Don't starve yourself in the weeks leading up to the wedding in order to lose those last few pounds. You are already going to be stressed out enough, so not eating is going to make it even worse. You'll be crabby and worse, you'll be unhealthy. This will open up your body to the possibility of getting sick, and chances are good that it will happen right as you are about to take those vows.

Try to be consistent in your portions - you shouldn't overeat, nor should you undereat. Stay the course by eating regular portioned meals and try to divert your nervousness into positive energy you can use to exercise.

When you are trying to get in shape for a wedding, do exercise. You probably already have all of that nervous energy, so put it to good use and keep moving. Working out with your spouse to be can be a great way for you to keep doing things together, and if you do something like ballroom dancing lessons, you'll get in better shape and you'll also be doing something productive for the wedding as well.

When dealing with food, find a good healthy balance. Eating healthy is an excellent concept, but it doesn't exclude tasting your wedding cake. Enjoy those snacks at your bridal parties, and have those drinks with your girlfriends as you do your last night out. The most important thing about your wedding day is that you are both happy and healthy.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Hassle-Free Outdoor Grilling with Brinkmann Gas Grills

By Mike Pit

Grilling outdoors is so much fun to do and it is even more fun when shared with family and friends for a barbecue. There are a few things that might wreck the good time though, bad weather for one thing and an outdoor grill that does not work right for another. You have no control over the bad weather so you cannot feel guilty if it does happen.

Having your grill break down is never fun. But if it happens right before your cookout, it's even worse. The embarrassment is one thing, but the cost to change your venue, or cancel, could be even worse. To prevent this from happening, you need to make sure you purchase the right grill, and that requires research. This might seem like a daunting task, but it will pay off in the end.

There are so many grills available that it's tough to keep track of them all, let alone determining which are quality brands, or lines with outsourced production. Finding the one that's right for your cooking needs requires some research. As you do this, you'll see that a lot of grillers and pitmasters use something from the Brinkmann line.

There's a reason this is such a big name in the grilling world; they've been around for 30 years. Their wide range of products are dependable, durable and the products are constantly being improved; without breaking what already works. If they didn't deliver what the average outdoor cook needed, they wouldn't be around anymore...simple as that.

The equipment for outdoor grilling has to durable enough to stand up against numerous outdoor conditions some of which are under our control and some aren't. Brinkmann Grills offer you several choices in grills including:

* Camping Stoves

* Charcoal Smokers

* Gas Grills

* Trailer Smokers

It's hard to imagine how the assortment of grills and smokers they have would suit your needs.

Gas grills are one of the top selling products from Brinkmann Grills. They have a number of models, one of which will certainly meet your needs. Of course, the more needs you have, the more likely the price is going to be higher. For instance, the more people you have to cook for, the bigger the unit has to be. They all come with temperature gauges that allows you to cook with total control. Regardless, these grills are long lasting tools you can use to please your guests with great food cooked outdoors. And don't worry, putting them together is a snap, and taken them apart again too.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Casual Baby Shower Themes With Fun Baby Shower Finger Foods

By Edie Mindell

Depending on where you decide to host your baby shower, food might be up to the restaurant to decide, or up to the host to prepare or order. If you decide to have the baby shower at a banquet hall or at somebodys house, you will have more of a say in what will be served to eat and drink.

Today, a popular trend for baby shower catering is to serve finger foods. People associate "baby finger foods" with the celebration for the expected baby. Baby finger foods ties in together with the baby theme for the shower, and is a clever way to emphasize the baby aspect of the event.

Although some people believe serving finger foods are a fancy custom, having a baby shower with finger foods and desserts can actually save you a lot of money. Finger foods can be very inexpensive and easy to make at home. With a few good recipes and good presentation, a finger foods menu can be a great idea and a hit at your baby shower. This article will provide some great suggestions and ideas for finger foods that will look and taste delicious.

A classic staple at any fine and luxurious event is cheese and crackers. Ritz makes a variety of crackers that are dandy. For a less expensive alternative, try a super market brand of crackers. For cheese, Provolone, Mozzarella, Muenster, and Cheddar are popular favorites. Serve this appetizer with wine, and you will look like you have spent a fortune on the shower.

Baby shrimp also looks upscale to serve at celebrations, and contributes to the baby theme. Buy frozen pre-cooked baby shrimp at your local grocery store, then thaw and season them. Serve this on a fancy dish along with a side of marinara sauce, and you have got a fancy hors d'oeuvre for a great price!

Chips and dip does not have to be boring and conventional. Tri-color corn chips or scoop-shaped corn chips are very popular and tasty. Serve these crunchy treats with artichoke-spinach dip and you will change the whole definition of the common phrase, "chips and dip." Pita chips and whole grain tostadas are good, healthy alternatives to standard corn chips.

Mini quiches can also be bought frozen at a local grocery store. These are really inexpensive, yet they look and taste exquisite. Common flavors are spinach, corn, and cheese. All you have to do is open the package of frozen mini quiches, place them on a baking sheet, bake them, and voila! These are sure to finish quickly at your baby shower. They are a crowd favorite!

Tea sandwiches are a traditional British tradition for breakfasts and brunches. Make standard sandwiches on white, honey wheat, or whole grain bread, cut off the crusts, and cut into four tiny sandwiches. Popular types of tea sandwiches are ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, egg salad, and cucumber sandwiches.

Finger foods are easy, inexpensive, and look amazing at any social gathering. "Baby finger foods" are sure to be a hit at your celebration!

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Monday, February 16, 2009

Hypnosis Is The Answer To Fast Weight Loss

By Robert Hudak

Anyone beginning a weight loss program wants fast weight loss. No body likes to count calories, measure portions, crave, binge, feel deprived, and eat foods that they dislike or suffer a starvation diet that has them feeling hungry and miserable. It is widely known that one must work on the mental and emotional aspects in order to lose weight.

While hypnosis targets what is happening above the neck and in your head, the current popular weight loss methods only work on what is going on below the neck. Using hypnosis, fast weight loss can be programmed into the subconscious mind. For instance, you can be given a suggestion that every day activities such as sitting at a desk or that every time you pick up your phone, your body will respond by losing weight and continuing to lose weight until you reach your set goal.

The American Medical Association approved hypnosis in 1958. As of that time it is being used successfully for various purposes including smoking cessation, pain management, self-improvement, and sports training. The Journals Of Consulting and Clinical Psychology are two of the many prestigious publications that have numerous studies regarding the efficiency of hypnosis on weight loss. In a weight loss study group, fifty females using hypnosis experienced fast weight loss. When comparing these results to the control group, the use of hypnosis for weight loss was much faster.

More and more people are starting to see hypnosis as an easy solution to the difficult problem of losing weight. Hypnosis makes losing weight fun and easy. It is proven that with the correct suggestions; a person can attain fast weight loss. Hypnosis creates a state of awareness to assist people in learning to see food in a different way, to change eating habits and reduce cravings.

Are you ready to learn the true secret to fast weight loss? Quit eating junk food. That is correct. The chemicals that cause weight gain and make it impossible to lose weight is in junk food. High fructose corn syrup is the biggest problem. Want to lose weight? Stop eating junk food.

Hypnosis is a scientific preferred method of weight loss because it is safe, natural and effective. Because your mind is programmed to think differently about food, losing weight is simple. If a weight loss program is hard and difficult, most people do not have the self control or discipline to stay committed. You can enjoy fast weight loss with hypnosis. Gaining control of your eating habits and losing weight creates a process that involves the mind and body connection.

Programming the subconscious mind is the real secret to weight loss success. During the time that you are in hypnosis, you can be given a suggestion, that food is unimportant to you. Suggestions can also be given so that you can experience fast weight loss, making it fast, easy, and exciting for you. As food becomes less important, it is also less controlling. Hypnosis can help you stop thinking about food, therefore leaving you eating less and losing weight.

If you want to close the door on improper eating habits and eliminate bad foods, hypnosis can provide the answer. Hypnosis can be used to help overcome emotional eating. Do you know what it would be like to be disappointed about missing an exercise session? Proper programming cannot only cause you to experience fast weight loss, but also motivate you to love to exercise. Reducing stress and sleeping better are two additional positive benefits to the hypnosis process. If you want to be happier, calmer, thinner, and get off the weight loss roller coaster, hypnosis is the ticket for you. Sit back and watch your waistline shrink down to its proper size.

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Sunday, February 15, 2009

Why popcorn pops

By Viliam Kanis

Have you ever wondered how those corn kernels turn into popcorn? Like the name suggests, popcorn is simply corn kernels that have popped through heating and converted into popcorn.

When corn is cut off the cob, it is stored and preserved. Each kernel has a little water or moisture locked inside of them. So when you start to heat the popcorn the pressure builds up inside the corn to the point where it has no where to go. The moisture inside the kernel converts into steam and the pressure increases exponentially. The pressure builds up and the starch starts to expand to the point where the kernel explodes. This explosion gives birth to the tasty treat we call popcorn.

Large, tender and tasty popcorn is in demand. How do we guarantee our corn kernel produces these tasty treats? Unfortunately this is out of hands and the responsibility is squarely placed on the farmers.

Farmers that grow corn usually harvest their crop when the moisture content of the corn is approximately 16-20%. Once the corn is harvested, the farmer then dries the corn until the moisture content reaches 12-15% of its body mass.

Not every corn pops. Different conr means different moisture content. Little or no water content will result in no popcorn. popcorn is formed through the expansion of water into gas which increases the pressure in the corn. The pressure needs to be released which subsequently gives birth to the tasty popcorn.

The anatomy of the corn kernel is quite simple. The corn kernel contains 3 main parts which play a significant role in the production of popcorn. The pericarp, which is the hull or simply the outer covering, the germ which is the part that sprouts and the endosperm which contains the starch that expands.

So how does the popcorn withstand the build up of pressure? Pericarp is strong and acts as a cover of the corn kernel. This strong, protective layer acts like a seal, just like a sealed plastic bag would inflate when micro waved. The steam within this cover builds up to the point where it expands and eventually explodes. Prior to heating or cooking, if the pericarp has been cut or damaged the steam will be vented resulting in no popcorn.

The expansion or popping of the corn takes place in the tightly packed endosperm. Endosperm development determines the dimension and also taste of the popcorn. The shell of the corn explodes after the inner pressure exceeds about 9 athmospheres. The gelatinized starch granules found in the endosperm do not explode, but expand into the cooler room temperature and solidify into the thin, fluffy like bubbles that we call popcorn.

Different varieties of corn have been genetically engineered for the purpose of producing popcorn. The white hull-less and yellow hull-less are the most common and are usually packaged in the microwave bags. Any corn kernels that can preserve and contain 10-15% moisture content are suitable for producing popcorn.

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Saturday, February 14, 2009

A Wine Tasting Introduction

By Ted Robertson

Most people who have never been to a wine tasting event don't know what to expect. If it is your first wine tasting holiday then you might want to know what to do and what to expect whenever you visit the Wine Country.

Make sure that you eat a good breakfast before you fo wine tasting. Carbohydrates and fats should be included in your morning meal. Including these will preserve your sugar levels.

Women should not wear any kind of lip rouge or lip gloss while wine tasting. The taste of the wine can be effected by the oils in the lipstick, in fact even the aroma can make a big difference to the taste.

The taste of the wine can also be effected by strong aftershave or perfume so avoid wearing these on the day.

There may be some free wine sampling wine makers or vineyards in your chosen wine region but be warned most charge a tiny fee, this can range from 10 - 25 bucks per person. There are some good deals to be found at these wine sampling days, you can even get a complementary glass with the purchase of some wines.

It would be a good idea to wear sensible walking shoes and not fashion shoes when visiting wine makers. You need to remember that wineries are more or less farms and you should look forward to to do some walking about the grounds.

Just like your shoes don't go dressed up when visiting the wine country, remember these are farms and can get rather dirty. You may be going for a meal in high end eating places after the wine tasting day, then you may want to bring a change of clothes.

If you really want to enjoy every last drop of vino when you visit Wine Country, then you might want to plan ahead and hire a guide. By doing so, you will be able to have an expert map out your itinerary and activities that will be able to help you save a lot of precious time and money. And, they will also save you that "driving under the influence" ticket that is very much possible whenever you visit Wine Country.

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Friday, February 13, 2009

Atlantic Smoked Salmon Gift Baskets - Smart Choice

By Sherry Shantel

There are so many different concerns to address when you're ready to purchase your smoked salmon gift basket. Cost is one major concern, taste is another, and what to include in your basket is also very important. And you can't forget keeping in mind who you're sending the basket to.

An Atlantic smoked salmon gift basket can easily meet any and all standards that you've set for your gift. It has a bold flavor, paired with gorgeous color, and is pleasing to the palate and to the eye. It's sure to be the hit of any meal or get together.

You first choice will be between wild caught and farmed salmon, and this is a choice that is about cost. Both have an excellent taste and color, and are excellent choices. You just need to know which is the right choice for you.

Wild salmon is fish which are caught in their natural habitat in the wild. Many feel that these fish are healthier for you, and that it is better for the environment to fish naturally from the ocean. Wild salmon is definitely the right choice for anyone looking for organic or natural gifts.

Farmed salmon is salmon which is raised for the purpose of eating. It is less expensive than wild salmon, and retains the same great taste. It also includes the same benifits provided by omega-3 fatty acids, found in all salmon, which helps to keep your heart healthy.

Once that choice is made, you can move on to what else you would like to include in your Atlantic smoked salmon gift basket. You can stop simply with salmon fillets, but with so many great products to choose from, you should seriously consider branching out.

Products such as smoked salmon spread are great for any snackers on your list. And canned smoked salmon is an excellent way to prepare a gourmet smoked salmon meal in a quick, easy way. You can also give an excellent gourmet gift by including salmon roe caviar.

Atlantic smoked salmon gift baskets are a healthy and easy way to give a gift that impresses and surprises. It is easy to prepare a basket that fits your tastes and budget. With an Atlantic smoked salmon gift basket, you're sure to bring a smile to any face.

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

Advice for Finding the Right Wedding Cake and Designer

By Bill Thompson

Finding the right wedding cake or designer can prove to be a complicated task. Taking the time to research wedding cake designers and find cake styles will make it easier. There are many places that you can research wedding information online.

If you know what designs you want, the process will be much more simple. With so many options, it can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. By taking the time to plan ahead and think of ideas, you can easily narrow your options. All it takes is a little planning and time.

Choosing a wedding cake and designer isn't exact science, but here are some tips. Knowing your budget is a good place to start. If money isn't an object, then this is irrelevant. However, most couples have a limit on their funds, making the price of the cake a big factor.

Once you've ruled out the overpriced options, you can move on to researching designs. When you plan a wedding that is themed, finding a design will be simpler. Without a theme, you're able to choose the design as you wish. Whether these things matter or not, it will help you to focus on what you want.

With an idea in mind of what you can afford and styles that suit you, you can start looking into different designers. Look for local designers who have the style and experience that you like. You should also consider any designers that you are referred to, because word of mouth is very useful when it comes to wedding cakes.

Overall, choosing a wedding cake is your decision in the end. However, these are some tips that you can consider when choosing wedding cakes and a designer. There are many more considerations, such as the size and shape of the cake that you want, as well as the experience of the designer. By allowing yourself a chance to think things over and focus on what you want, you'll get what you need.

As long as you take it one step at a time, choosing wedding cakes and designers can be a simple process. With a little information and effort on your part, you'll have the cake of your dreams in no time.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Cooking Chicken Curry the Authentic Way

By KC Kudra

Chicken curry, or curry chicken, is a much-loved dish all over the world and is a great way to use boneless chicken. There are lots of different kinds of chicken curry dishes including Indian curry, Thai curry, Chinese curry and more. Curry can be a lot of fun to experiment with and you can vary the balance of spices or try different spices. You can use different meats or vegetables or add fruit and nuts if you want.

Different Types of Curry Recipes

Curry is different wherever you go. In Indian cuisine, for example, a curry is a dish with the consistency of soup. It is made with chickpea flour, spices, yogurt, and clarified butter. In Thailand the word curry refers to meat, fish or vegetables cooked in a spicy sauce.

Different regions use different ingredients in their curry recipes. Tamil curry is a combination of shallow fried meat or fish and vegetables cooked with a selection of dry spices. Punjabi curry uses wheat instead of rice and has a lot of butter and cream. A Malaysian curry will have coconut milk and bay leaves.

Some curry powder mixes contain turmeric, which makes the curry yellow. Pepper, coriander, ginger, tamarind, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, garlic, chilies, and nutmeg are also popular curry recipe ingredients. Indian and Thai curries can be green, yellow, or red. Green curries are made from green chilies, red chilies are made from red chilies and yellow curries are made mainly with turmeric and cumin but might contain hot peppers or pepper flakes as well.

Some chicken curries can be described as fruity, others might spicy, and some are hot enough to almost blow the top of your head off! Nevertheless, how do you go about transforming some boneless chicken, vegetables and spices into the perfect curry?

Cooking Chicken Curry Tips

Always use authentic curry spices instead of readymade powders and pastes if you want your chicken to taste authentic. You can find curry ingredients in large grocery stores or Asian grocery stores and spices are inexpensive.

Feel free to experiment with curries. Curry has been experimented with throughout history and it is a good idea to become familiar with spices so you can make your own tasty curry recipes. In addition, if you run out of a spice, you will know which other spice is similar in aroma and flavor.

Curry is usually served with rice but you can serve it with Indian bread such as roti or naan or with Indian spiced potatoes if you want a change. You can also make a dry curry coating for a boneless chicken recipe rather than a curry sauce. Then you can eat the curried chicken cold the next day or use it for a packed lunch or picnic. No wonder curry is loved all over the world. Its great flavor and versatility make curry a surefire winner.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Surprise Someone with a Smoked Salmon Gift

By Sherry Shantel

For the holidays, it's likely that you're planning on sending gift baskets to at least some of your friends. They're a great, fast option to give them what they want, without spending a lot of money. But this year, instead of sending the same old English muffin basket, why don't you surprise them?

Smoked salmon gift baskets are an especially elegant way to wow your friends and family. Classy and upscale, salmon has become a staple of many a Christmas morning breakfast. By the time you've bought everything you'll need to complement your salmon though, money can start to be an issue, not to mention the extra trip to the grocery store you would have to make.

So what could be better than waking up to a buffet of smoked salmon, and all of the gourmet products which can accompany it? Add an assortment of bagels, cream cheese, and capers, needs to make any smoked salmon bagel as truly amazing as it can be, and you have got an excellent breakfast or brunch for the family.

I know that this sounds good, but it does leave the question of how to pull it all off. With a smoked salmon gift basket, of course. It's a must have Christmas gift, better than cookies or popcorn. And there are many different options for customization. Salmon, of course, is the staple, but there are many other pieces to the basket for you to choose, tailored to the likes and dislikes of anyone.

First, there's the choice of salmon. You can choose Alaskan smoked salmon, with it's rich color and amazing taste. Or, if your friends enjoy natural and organic products, you could choose natural smoked salmon. Or you could combine the two, so there will be a salmon choice for all.

The choice of bagel is just as important. Wheat and white and whole grain, oh my! Pick the bagel that you like the best, and that you feel will best match the taste of your salmon, and the tastes of your friends. But don't even think that's your last choice.

How about the cream cheese, which is essential to an excellent smoked salmon gift basket. If your friends are health concious, go with low fat. If not, classic, regular cream cheese is a great option. And if you're feeling the need for some added flair, whipped and flavored cream cheese is a tasty treat. Capers also add an unexpected kick to your salmon.

This year, gift a truly original gift basket, smoked salmon! A smoked salmon gift basket, with it's bagels, cream cheese, and more, will be the hit of any holiday bash. It will be a surprise, and a great tasting one!

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Monday, February 9, 2009

The Easiest Chicken Recipes for Novice Cooks

By KC Kudra

Many people worry about using raw chicken to make chicken recipes and it is true that there are a few things to learn about handling raw chicken. As long as you follow basic hygiene rules, however, you will be fine. You should always wash your hands after handling raw chicken and clean all the surfaces the raw chicken has touched.

Raw chicken should be stored in the refrigerator in its plastic wrap. It should not touch any other foods and it is best to keep raw meat, poultry, and fish on the lowest shelf so it does not drip on to anything else. Chicken needs to be cooked all the way through and not have any pink bits left inside. As long as you follow these basic rules, there is no reason not to start making tasty chicken recipes today!

Chicken does not cost much and is widely available. It is a low fat health food. Perhaps deep fried chicken is not as healthy as grilled chicken salad or chicken baked in a tomato sauce but chicken is wonderfully versatile and you can cook it in many different ways and pair it with hundreds of different ingredients.

Easy Chicken Dishes to Start With

If you are new to chicken cookery, you might like to start with an easy boneless chicken recipe. Boneless chicken recipes tend to be straightforward. You might like to slice some chicken breasts and vegetables and stir-fry them. Add some sauce and you have a delicious dinner. You can make a wonderful Asian stir-fry by using boneless chicken pieces, thinly sliced vegetables and adding soy sauce and sesame oil at the end. You can throw in some nuts and raisins too if you like.

You can make an Asian style stir fry by using boneless chicken slices, vegetables sliced thinly on the diagonal and adding some soy sauce and sesame oil at the last minute. Baked chicken recipes are also simple to put together and you can brown a boneless, skinless chicken breast, pour over some sauce or even a can of soup, and bake it in the oven. Poached chicken recipes and grilled chicken recipes are also easy unless you are making a complicated sauce or marinade. As long as you make sure your chicken cooks for the right amount of time, it should come out fine.

Undercooked chicken, which is pink inside, is dangerous to eat because of the risk of salmonella and overcooked chicken is stringy and dry. The best way to see if your chicken is cooked is to cut into it at the thickest part to see if the meat is white all the way through and the juices are clear. If so, the chicken is ready.

As you become more confident with chicken recipes, you can have a go at slightly trickier chicken dishes. The chicken casserole recipes which once confused you will be something you can make your own by varying the ingredients, herbs and flavors.

You can also try your hand at making a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings when you have had some experience with easy chicken recipes.

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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Choosing the Right Pan For Your Cooking

By Adam Rahim

Preparing Food aided by the All-Clad copper core collection of kitchenware is a treat you will cherish. This kitchenware set, with a mirror finish exterior and accented by a band of copper looks very striking. Its performance is also unparallel. All-Clad is a premium kitchenware producer that is established for generations. It has an international reputation and its goods are appreciated for their celebrated performance. A great option within this line is the All-Clad Copper Core 10-inch Fry Pan.

At first, the All-Clad copper cookware was intended for professional chefs although today it has countless devotees in the home cuisine demographic also. This manufacturer is in the company of the top makers of cookware on the planet and has retained its position as a standard for the past four decades. There seems to be no other splendid blend of good looks and utility other than the All-Clad line of kitchenware.

The most important attribute of the All-Clad pots and pans is the copper core, which can be an effective conductor of heat, so you can cook food swiftly in these pots and pans. Additionally, the heat is evenly distributed on the entire cooking surface - even the sides. You consume less fuel, and the food thus cooked is often tastier and better for you.

The stainless steel nonstick cooking surface guarantees easy cleaning. The All-Clad copper core products feature a 5-ply bonding that is a unique trademark of the copper kitchenware of this company. You cannot expect to find such craftsmanship in any of the competing kitchenware designed by other companies. Because of this, the products of this manufacturer have been used in a large portion of the more elegant culinary establishments of the world.

The stainless steel inside the pans is classified as food grade and you should never worry about any impurities on the surface of the cookware contaminating the food while being cooked. Most of the kitchenware produced by other companies runs the risk of being contaminated with substances that may actually become part of the cooking ingredients at high temperatures. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to cleanse the inside and outside of new cookware thoroughly many times before cooking with it for the first time. The first bit of food prepared in the kitchenware may be discarded. You can easily see the detailing of the copper core. Besides this type, you should also look into the All-Clad Stainless 10-inch Nonstick Fry Pan.

The collection comes with durable stainless steel holders that are designed to give you a steady control of the kitchenware even when it is particularly hot. The handle is solidly connected to the bowl of the kitchenware and it will not sever easily. Customarily, All-Clad products are intended for industrial applications. It is very solid and is rather costly. This is the reason the bulk of the amateur cooks are not able to afford it, although they may want to possess it.

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Saturday, February 7, 2009

Improve Your Cake Decorating skills With Cake Decorating Videos

By Rebecca Wincup

It is handy to have visual aids when you are learning cake decorating. A cake decorating video can fit this bill exactly. It is one thing to read written instructions but an entirely different matter to see a hands-on demonstration. For some, the written instructions might be enough, but a lot of people like to see it being done.

If you are unfamiliar with cake decorating terms, you will be sure to learn them quickly when you can both see someone demonstrating a technique and hear the name of that technique simultaneously. Of course, watching someone decorate a cake will make the method and the desired result a lot more clear in your mind than just trying to imagine it from the written word.

Of course, you will not be turning out absolutely perfect cakes right from the start. Know that you will make more than a few mistakes. It takes time and practice to truly perfect this fascinating art form. But, after you fall a few times, you will soon learn to fly. Remember that the professional you are watching on that video has probably made some mistakes, too, but now they are making a video to show you what to do! Soon you will be creating perfect cakes, too!

One of the real advantages of learning from a cake decorating video is that you can watch the difficult parts over and over. This is even an advantage over live lessons. Some of the techniques used in cake decoration are very complicated. You just wont get it from seeing it performed only once. Without the ability to watch the techniques repeatedly, they can be very confusing. But by replaying the video and practicing multiple times, you can get just the emphasis you need to truly perfect your techniques.

A lot of people enjoy decorating cakes just for fun. Consequently, there are lots of resources available to help you learn how to do it. Books and online cake decorating videos are everywhere. By studying these, you can create fancy cakes and elaborate designs. Just take a little time to read up and to view and practice the videos, and you will soon be making gorgeous cakes that will be the talk of your friends.

Look specifically for videos that tell you how to decorate with flair. These are the videos that show you the special techniques of the real professionals. By watching these cake decorating videos, you will be learning from some of the most admired professionals in the cake decorating field.

All new skills require the requisite practice to be able to perform to perfection. When you watch cake decorating videos, you have the edge of being able to see what is being done and practice at the same time. You can begin learning and improving immediately, and before you know it you will be dazzling your friends and family members with your beautiful cakes.

In closing, the ideal fit in terms of cake decorating education, is a combination of video and written text. Although video is the best for getting the concepts across and can give you the confidence to go try this stuff, the text is the backup plan that will have all the fine details like quantities and timings. These are just as important in making the perfect cake and having a successful hobby.

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Friday, February 6, 2009

Live Lobsters at a Great Price Online!

By Shannon Linnen

Entertaining during the holidays, or any other time of the year, can be stressful. It's difficult the take time out of your busy work and family schedule to try to play the consummate hostess, especially when there is so much to plan. And with money tight for everyone this year, you'd love to save some money, but probably don't feel like you have the time to hunt for bargains. So why not relax, stop stressing about the party, and take the worry out of dinner by ordering live lobsters to steam as the meal?

You may think that live lobster is a crazy suggestion. How could you possibly have the time to go find lobsters for everyone, bring them home, try to keep them alive and steam them all before the party! Isn't that more work? And what about the expense? In the days before the internet, this would have been a valid concern, but in this age of easy internet shopping, you can save time and money by ordering live lobster online without ever leaving home!

Now that the internet age is upon us, it's fast and easy to order live lobsters online! You may have been thinking you'd have to drive from store to store, hoping you could find enough lobsters to feed everyone, and that those you have found wouldn't freeze in your car, but no more. All you'll need to do is choose what size lobster you'd like, and you'll be getting fresh and delicious lobsters caught the day before. It's much less work for much tastier lobster for your holiday gathering!

How do these fresh live lobsters get to you so quickly and stay so fresh? It's easy. Instead of coming to a local store through suppliers, something that can take up to a week at a time, you are getting your lobsters directly from the fisherman. This means that you're getting the best quality lobsters there are, and there's no waiting time, since the lobsters are shipped directly to you. This means that you're getting fresh and succulent lobster, without waiting for the middleman!

Ordering live lobsters is rewarding for many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is the price! As you may have heard, the price of lobster has recently dropped to record lows. But you may not know that from visiting your local grocery store. The best way to find a good price is to order online. When you buy at a store, you're not only paying the fee of the supplier, you're also paying the other fees of the sore. By buying online, all of your price is going straight to the fisherman, meaning a great deal for you, and maybe even more lobsters!

Now more than ever is the time to order live lobsters online. They'll be a fresh new take on your holiday meal, and you can save money and time! So why not impress your guests, and take the guess work out of dinner by ordering lobsters!

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Thursday, February 5, 2009

Grout-Cleaning Secrets

By Sam Weyland

I like to believe I am very competent in the kitchen. Food and beverage are very intimate to us as human beings, and the ability to prepare food is a gateway to someone's soul. That said, I make it a point to have my friends on the kitchen table whenever they visit, so we could chat whilst I prepare food.

Aside from my better than average cooking skills, what impressed my guests the most is how clean my kitchen tiles are. The kitchen counter, in particular, nice and clean. It's white and tiled all around, and my friends notice and ask how I manage to keep it that way. I've never told them, but here's the big secret:

I don't.

You see, I'm a practical person. I believe in showing off what you're good at, and not insist on doing what you can't really do well. And I'm fully aware that I'm no good at cleaning tiles, and especially grout. Believe me, I tried.

And this is in no way my fault. Grout is a very porous solution, and as such all manner of clogs and dirt sweep through it on an everyday basis. And when you clean, your scrubbing can only reach the surface. In addition, the dirt below what you can reach remains visible even when unreachable, and it will breed bacteria on top of that. So nope, you won't find me doing what is not within my capacity to do.

So, if I do not clean my own grout, then what do I do? For one thing, I maintain my grout well. I clean up immediately after doing my magic in the kitchen, so the particles from the food don't have time to settle in. And every night, after the family has settled in, I spray alcohol, mixed with water, upon the surface of my tiles and grout. It disinfects and cleans the place before the dirt can burrow into the material.

And even with all these safety measures, you can't keep the grout thoroughly clean like this. All this will accomplish is delay what'll happen eventually. The solution: When the times comes and you notice it getting really dirty, call in the professionals for a more deep cleaning.

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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Light And Dark Roasted Beans Are Used To Prepare Espresso

By Chester Ebenhart

These days, with high-end and exclusive coffee shops on every corner, espresso beverages are more popular than ever before. What is espresso? It appears to be a necessity for everyone on earth, particularly in the morning. Do you know about coffee beans? Espresso is an Italian word that roughly describes a coffee beverage prepared specially, or expressly, for you. Espresso drinks are brewed with a pump or lever that pushes down on the coffee beans.

The fact that the entire world loves the drink and uses what they term espresso coffee beans to make the drink, does not negate the straight fact that any coffee bean may be roasted to make espresso. This means that light and dark roasted beans are used to prepare espresso. Some regional preferences worth noting about espresso is that espresso beverages on the west coast are created with dark roasted coffee beans. These coffee lovers have traditionally termed these beans as French roast. East coast espresso drinkers prefer theirs' made with a light roasted bean. Italians always use a medium roast bean for their espresso.

Espresso Machines Genuine espresso machines produce a minimum pressure of one hundred and thirty five pounds per square inch. This is enough hot water pressure to force through a dense mass of compacted ground coffee. The entire process ought to be finished in less than 30 seconds. In addition, steam pressure units yield only 50 pounds of pressure per square inch and that is why Italians do not think of these machines as real espresso coffee makers.

Espresso coffee is brewed with a genuine espresso maker using roughly a tablespoon of super finely ground coffee beans and gives you a one to two ounce shot. A top quality espresso beverage will have a rich layer of dark foam across the surface. Every Italian with this coffee drink looks for the foam as a measure of its quality

How to Drink Italians especially seem to have formed a strong attachment to espresso. This is especially true of those actually living in Italy. They view it as a social drink, a custom, as you chat with a neighbor at the local coffee bar. It appears that the whole world is beginning to agree about this terrific beverage and that marvelous coffee comes from Italy.

I must tell you however that there is a specific method to drinking your espresso. The Italian method of drinking the beverage is as follows. Take the cup up to your nose and inhale the aroma of the freshly brewed espresso. Sniff it - as you would a fine wine before drinking it. Now you drink the entire four or five successive swallows quickly while it is still hot. 'Tap' the empty cup back into the saucer, and you're good to go.

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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Portion Control After Bariatric Surgery

By Patty Cocchiarella

Weight loss is something that many people are doing and sometimes this means that a surgical procedure is needed. There are two processes for surgery. One is the Roux-en-Y which is another term for the full Gastric Bypass surgery or the Lap-Band procedure that is so widely publicized. In both procedures there comes a time when they must control their portions in order to lose weight.

The individual who has the Roux-en-Y often has the most problems because they may have been used to eating larger portions. They are restricted now to a much smaller amount than they are used to and it can be challenging trying to understand the type of portion they need to do.

The first few weeks to a month are not the problem because the individual will be on liquids first , then pureed food. This gives the pouch time to heal and helps them start getting used to the pouch, how much it holds and so forth. They will not have challenges probably until they start eating solid food.

When they are in the hospital they receive measuring cups and once they get to more solid food they can only eat 4 ounces at each meal. The measuring cups are the exact measure but people have a tendency to over fill the cup because they are not exactly sure how to visualize "enough."

Many bariatric patients will experience dumping which means they vomit because they have eaten too much and the pouch fills to over flow and the extra has to come out. Because they are unsure of adjusting their portions they can have this happen frequently until they get used to the portions.

Once an individual gets through the first month or so of eating they can go to solid foods. This creates another difficulty because they are to stick within the guidelines of the four ounces which causes a problem again.

We have found a great idea to help people who need to see their portions measured accurately--it is called a Meal Measure. It creates a stronger visual image for people to see the exact portions that they need.

Knowing the right portion to use is important when you want to lose weight or keep your diabetes under control. It makes good sense to make sure that you can do the best for yourself when you are attempting to lose weight and get into a different routine with your eating now.

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Monday, February 2, 2009

Don't Blame Your Cake Decorating Tools Next Time, Get The Best

By Rebecca Wincup

Getting the right tools for cake decorating is just as important as understanding the various techniques, if you want to be successful in cake decoration. For spectacular results, you will want to use only the best and highest quality tools. Fortunately, great cake decorating tools are available in a lot of places. You should have no problems finding the right tools to make those special treats that will wow your family and friends or even professional engagements.

A set of super sharp knives is the first thing you should look for. The second is a set of pans in shapes to suit all occasions. With a good set of pans, you will be able to quickly create cakes in a variety of shapes with uniform and predictable results. This will save you a lot of time and make the basis of your cake decorating simple and easy.

Search your local craft store for your cake pans. You will find a large assortment of sizes and a good variety of shapes. Having a nice collection of pans will make it possible for you to create custom cakes for any occasion quickly and easily. Good pans will also guarantee that you will always have uniform results and the outcome of your cakes will be predictable.

Your knives should be sharper than sharp. The reason is that cake is a soft substance. If you use a knife that is anything less than absolutely sharp, you will end up pulling and tearing it. This will ruin your work. With a sharp knife, you will be able to create work with good clean edges. You will also want very sharp knives for cutting the fondant that you will use in decoration.

A specialty store is a very good place to look for hard to find items. Although they are a bit expensive, you can always be sure of finding exactly what you want. If you have searched and searched for cake decorating tool and cannot find it, go to a specialty store. But make that your last stop. Look in other venues first to see if you can get a good price on the cake decorating tools you seek. If you cant find it anywhere else, go to a specialty store.

You can usually have very good luck looking for cake decorating tools online. There are many fine websites that offer a wide variety of items at just as wide a variety of prices. Do a thorough search and compare prices so that you can get the best deals on your cake decorating tools. A little time and effort, and you will have built a fine collection of tools to get you started producing wonderful cakes to dazzle your friends and relatives at every event.

As you look through the various online cake decorating tools suppliers, you are sure to come across the name, Wilton. This is a very popular and well-stocked online supplier of cake decorating tools and other kitchen equipment. You should be able to find any thing you need through their website. When shopping online, it is a good idea to start with a list of the things you will need to make the cake you have in mind. In this way you can search specific items and do some comparison shopping to find the best prices.

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Sunday, February 1, 2009

Less Is More For This Diet

By Michael

Losing weight has become a household mantra in todays fast paced lifestyle. Most people are thinking about losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle. People have taken to dieting and have become what we call calorie conscious. It is common knowledge that reducing calorie intake or burning more calories keeps people from gaining weight. This has lead to what is called the Low Calorie Diet.

Talking about low calorie diet, one should first assess if the diet is suitable. It is important to consult a dietician instead of going into a self-made diet routine. Low Calorie Diet does not have any hard and fast rules, but is normally tailored according to individual needs.

To define a Low Calorie Diet in simple terms, we can say A Low Calorie Diet is any diet that allows a person to consume 1500 to 1800 calories a day as against a average normal consumption of 2000 to 2400 calories per day. People following this diet are said to lose about 2-3kgs in a week. According to experts, this diet is followed for a relatively short period of time, generally 3-6 months and extending it for a longer time period could lead to health complications.

Who can follow this diet? This is a form of diet that is followed by people who are overweight or suffer from obesity (generally with a body mass index over 30). It is not prescribed for children, pregnant women and adolescents. The person following this diet needs to monitor the intake of every calorie for nutritional value and the calorie intake is very low compared to the average calorie consumption.

Normally, for people following the Low Calorie Diet, physicians/doctor recommend avoiding regular food diet in favor of meal replacement supplements. Doctors will also include a prescription for physical activity as part of the diet plan. It is suggested that when following this diet one should change one thing at a time to move away from the regular diet.

It is very essential to monitor your diet routine followed by regularly consultations with your physician as there are chances of side-effects such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue and constipation. However, expert claim that these side-effects will reduce over time.

In case dieters are losing weight rapidly it could lead to complications such as gallstones, hence it is extremely important to start a Low Calorie Diet after consulting a physician.

Many people mistake the Very Low Calorie Diet with the Low Calorie Diet. The Very Low Calorie Diet is however, different " here the calorie consumption is restricted to 800 calories per day. People are generally recommended a liquid diet with supplements. However, experts do not recommend this diet without proper medical guidance.

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