Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Wealth of Italian Cuisine

Italian cuisine is generally known as one of the most popular kinds of world cuisine. There are many people all over the world who tend to love to eat and consume Italian food in their everyday menu. Basically, the wealth of Italian cuisine is varied lots out there including chicken Parmesan, pasta, spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, and meatballs. Those Italian menus are considered to be the most popular cuisine which is available in almost every part in this world.

The wealth of Italian cuisine is laid on its delicious sauce. A crust of Italian bread is considered to be the appetizer of Italian food, while a glass of wine is considered to be the dessert. Its unique and branded taste of the Italian food makes it become favorite menu for people from any country.

If you want to get to know more about the real taste of the Italian cuisine, it would be a better idea if you look at various menus in Italian restaurant. This kind of restaurant will offer various menus from Italy including the appetizer, main course, and the dessert. Actually, Italian menu is just almost the same with other European cuisine. The key of the delicious Italian menu is laid on its savory, spicy, and meaty sauces which have rich Italian taste.

Sardinia, an island off of the western coast of Italy is home to a rich fishing tradition as well as a beautiful mountainous inland landscape. Due to that reason, this island has a diverse culture of seafood and meat dishes spiced with fennel and saffron. Also, it would be a better idea if you enjoy the Italian cuisine with a glass of wine and with the right sauce.


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

What Are Herbs? - Well, I'll Tell You

In general terms, an herb is any plant that does not have a woody stem.

While that is the simple definition, historically herbs have come to include any plant which has a specific benefit to humans. This can be merely adding flavor to food or actually having medicinal or other healing properties.

Many people are confused as to what herbs really are.

Because of their many benefits, herb gardening has become quite popular. Growing and harvesting your own herbs can not only be convenient, it's enjoyable and can also help you to save money as packaged herbs are often quite costly.

Rather than spend money on the processed herbs you find in the grocery store, why not use your own, fresh crop?

It makes perfect sense.

Once you have found your answer to the question what are herbs, you can start considering exactly which herbs you'd most like to grow. Different plants can have different benefits, from easing stress to improving circulation to helping with memory loss.

From a culinary standpoint, the various plants can be used to enhance flavor or add an extra zing to recipes.

Fortunately, herb gardening is actually quite easy as most herbs are simple to grow.

You can plant everything from basil, chives and dill to sage and mint directly in your garden or put them in container or windowsill gardens for ease of access and to allow you to move them as the temperatures change and sunlight shifts.

There is really no easy answer when the question, what are herbs is asked.

hey come in different shapes and sizes, some are annuals (which need to be replanted every year) and others are perennials (which only need to be replanted every few years).

Some will grow very large, others remain small and low to the ground. Among the easiest herbs to grow is mint, which can come in many varieties and needs very little encouragement to flourish.

Herb gardening is really a matter of deciding where you want to plant and preparing the spot. Fresh soil, infused with compost or other organic matter, is extremely important as is controlling the amount of sunlight and water your plants get.

Most herbs don't need a lot of water, just keep them reasonably moist. Some will flourish in direct sunlight while others, like mint and lemon balm, prefer shade.

If you've wondered what are herbs, you are not alone and there is plenty of helpful information out there to get you started on your way to planning and maintaining your own herb garden.

It can be the easiest way for even the novice gardener to get his or her feet wet and be almost assured of success.

There is literally very little you can do to ruin an herb garden!

Nothing can beat the feeling of adding your own freshly grown herbs to a recipe or enjoying the relaxing scent of homegrown lavender at the end of a stressful day.



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Delicious Low Fat Snacks to Help You Lose Weight

Spiced popcorn. Using a 1 quart saucepan, simmer on low heat one minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 1 minute. Now stir and 1/2 tablespoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley. Stir for 30 seconds, then drizzle over 8 cups of popcorn. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top and it's done. This makes four servings.

Cauliflower or broccoli Italian style. Take a medium head of cauliflower or broccoli and break it apart into florets. Heat your wok or large skillet to a medium height temperature for about 30 seconds. Now add 1 tablespoon of white line and 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, dead heat for an additional 20 seconds. Reduce heat, add four cloves of finely minced garlic, then stir constantly until it just starts to brown. Add the cauliflower or broccoli and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 2 tablespoons red white vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 tablespoon chives.. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes more. This makes four servings at 56 calories per serving.

Toasted chickpeas. This is rapidly becoming a classic because it tastes terrific. Heat 1/2 cup of drained gar bonds those on a trade for 5 minutes in a toaster oven and sprinkle a favorite seasoning such as Mrs. Dash over the top.

Try Two Keebler Elfin Delights Chocolate Sandwich Cookies With Fudge Cream.

Simple apple salad. Combined 1/2 cup of reasons, 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts, and 6 cups of chops, unpeeled red delicious apples in a bowl and gently toss together. And a separate bowl combine 2 tablespoons of honey with 1/2 cup of the mill a fat yogurt and stir well. Add this honey in yogurt mixture to the apple mixture and gently toss to coat. Chill covered for about 1 hour. This will produce eight 3/4 cup servings at 134 calories per serving.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=W._P._Allen

What Will You Put Between the Buns?

There are so many great sandwiches out there, there is nobody in the world who could have tried each and every one. The great thing about sandwiches is that everyone can make up their own. There is no limit to the combination of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments that you can try. There are many delis in America, and a lot of them are even named after their creators. What kind of sandwich will you make today?

From the classic peanut butter and jelly to the Yankee Stadium Big Boy Sandwich, all sandwiches have a humble beginning. The very first sandwich is rumored to have been created by none other than John Montagu, the 4th Earl Of Sandwich. Or, more accurately, by his servant. Montagu allegedly was in the middle of a card game, and, rather than interrupt the flow of the game for a meal, ordered his servant to place meat in between two slices of bread, and the sandwich was born.

If you'd like to try a sandwich fit for a king, you just might love the famous Elvis Sandwich. This sandwich includes gobs of peanut butter, sliced or mashed banana, and bacon. It might sound disgusting, but it is popular in many sandwich shop chains such as P.B. Loco. The saltiness of the bacon, many say, compliments the sweetness of the banana, and the peanut butter brings it all together in a crunchy and creamy meal.

The fact that the sandwich commemorates a very beloved musician is just another perk to this tasty delight. You certainly don't have to be famous to create a great sandwich. You don't even need to be a culinary expert or a chef. However, in Elvis' case being the King of Rock and Roll and also happening to have a knack for the culinary arts sure helped with the Elvis Sandwich.

There are a few elements that will help you make the next best deli classic. The choice of ingredients is what can really make a sandwich special. Most have at least one kind of meat on them but many people prefer just one type of meat and no condiments, while other people like to take lots of time to layer it on. While taste is very important when it comes to making a sandwich, many people consider looks to be almost as important.

There's is something about a stack of fresh looking food to make a sandwich look appetizing, and each ingredient adds its own texture and flavor. Ham, roast beef, and turkey are all soft meats that are really complimented with some fresh, green lettuce. On a sandwich made with lovely thick slices of bead, mayo, mustard, or even olive oil and vinegar taste absolutely yummy. If you can create a tasty marriage of some diverse elements into a great sandwich, you'll be looking forward to lunch all morning long!




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

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Winter Comfort Food For Good Health

From a nutritional view-point, winter is the time to use the reserves that have been built up in the autumn. We need more calorie-rich meals to keep us warm, and the most favoured ingredients are pulses, rice and grain, cabbage, leeks and root vegetables. Fish and fatty foods help to keep us warm, and dried foods provide energy.

In Chinese philosophy, it is thought of as the season of most yin, when the energy is inward-looking. Nature sleeps and prepares. The energy is resting deep in the ground. Outside all is barren and still, but inside there is warmth, and opportunity to study and learn, time for leisure, culture and rest.

The element of this season is water, which corresponds to the kidneys and bladder. Special attention should be paid to the basic life energies. Keep warm and well nourished, stay quiet and peaceful, and enjoy this season of still life.

In winter soups are warming, healthy and nutritious. Virtually any vegetable can be cooked. Many can be blended with an electric blender to whatever coarseness or consistency is desired. Spices and pre-prepared food stocks can be used to add flavour. In this way, you can make such soup dishes as leek and potato, spicy green lentil, carrot and ginger, mixed bean, creamy parsnip, pumpkin, cauliflower, mixed vegetable etc. For added flavour, I love to add a tasty chorizo sausage or heaps of curry powder.

Pastas are a natural for winter. Spaghetti, tagliatelle, penne, macaroni, linguine and conchiglie can be married up with chunky, creamy or pesto sauces in such dishes as spaghetti bolognese, spinach and artichoke tagliatelle, penne with basil pesto, Lebanese pine kernel macaroni, linguine with mussels and conchiglie with chunky spices sausage.

Pizzas are as versatile as any food and can be pre-prepared and frozen. Typical constituents are mozzarella cheese, tomato paste, peppers, and chillies, with seafood, chicken, mince, ham, sausage and assorted vegetables.

Additional flavours according to taste can include anchovy fillets, black or green olives, crushed garlic, shiitake mushrooms, capers and oregano.

Casseroles are a hearty meal and can be pre-prepared for convenience and taste.

Typical ingredients in many casseroles include diced potato, onion, carrots, celery, tinned or fresh tomatoes, broccoli, chic peas, beans and cabbage or bok choi with either casserole steak, chicken pieces, lamb chops or shanks, diced meats such as lamb, veal, pork or chicken thighs.



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

Wholesale Retro Sweets

Someway, somehow, everybody's going to have a sweet tooth craving for a nice, sweet satisfaction. This is the reason why candies are always popular and in demand. Regardless of age, people will always have a special place in their hearts for sweets. Retro sweets, in particular, are a favorite for their time-tested goodness. Back in the 70's and 80's, children found joy with every Fizzy Cola Bottle they could sink their teeth into. Today, these old-fashioned sweets are made sweeter for the memories they bring.

If you've always wondered where those Candy Sticks, Curly Wurlies, Drumsticks Highland Toffees, or Love Hearts have gone, you'll only be pleased to know that they're making a comeback you probably always longed for. Wholesale retro sweets are now available online in wide varieties for that sweet, nostalgic tooth. Now ,it's time to remember how that candy shop used to make you feel sweet and innocent. When looking for your Banana Mallows, Barratts Shrimps, Black Jacks, Brown Gems and other favorites, the Internet is your best bet. There's a good number of wholesale retro sweets shops you can check out and compare for their products and prices.

Getting those traditional sweets is easier when you do it at home on your computer with your kids who'll surely love to be introduced to your childhood favorites while you get teary-eyed. But it doesn't mean you can be carefree when making choices. There are many wholesalers out there but they're not all created equal. Compare them while considering quality and price. Make sure the products are fresh. Also, look into shipment policies and services in general. You should be able to strike a balance between what they offer and how.

How to pay for those retro sweets is also surely worth some thought. Choose the option that is the most suitable and reliable. It should also work to do your research on which wholesale sweets shops are tops. You can check for reviews and comments to get an idea about the store you're planning to buy from.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Parker

Gourmet Vs Regular Popcorn - What Makes Gourmet Different?

Popcorn is an American institution. Very few things are as ubiquitous, as universal, and as wholesome as popcorn. It is a food that is enjoyed on many occasions. From moviegoers who ask for extra butter to bar goers who enjoy its crunch with their brews. From the birthday party organizers who rely on it for finger food to the families who curl up together in front of a movie, popcorn is a food meant for sharing.

There is a lot of talk about gourmet popcorn, but no real definition of what exactly it is. There are qualities that gourmet popcorn and gourmet popcorn companies share and there are traits that set some types of gourmet flavored popcorn away from the rest of the pack. This article explores three such traits in order to help you find great popcorn for a great price.

A Wealth Of Flavors

One thing all gourmet flavored popcorn companies share is a love for trying to infuse their product with new and interesting flavors. Gone are the days where your only options for popcorn were plain, buttered, cheddar cheese, or caramel. Gourmet popcorn makers are constantly pushing the limits as they try to find that next great flavor.

Some of the newest popcorn flavors are spicy like cinnamon and jalapeno. Some flavors are sweet like chocolate and almond pecan. And some flavors are odd, one off flavors not meant to stick around for more than a season or two. It seems that a big part of what makes popcorn gourmet is a willingness on the part of the maker to push the envelope and expand their line of popcorns to include new and interesting entries.

Painstaking Construction

Perhaps the most important thing about gourmet flavored popcorn is its construction, or how it is made. The methods used when popping the corn and adding the flavor will have a great bearing on how the popcorn will turn out.

Air popping on high heat is the best and the most efficient way to make delicious and fluffy popcorn. However, it is also very important to use high quality all natural popping corn. The toppings on gourmet flavored popcorn are almost always put on immediately after the popcorn is popped. This ensures the flavors and toppings will attach themselves as everything cools down.

Gourmet Is Healthier

Perhaps the largest difference between gourmet and microwavable or store bought popping corn is the nutritional values of the three options. Both microwavable and store bought popping corns are typically loaded with preservatives and have added ingredients for both the cooking and for flavor. These ingredients make these varieties higher in both salts and sugars.

Gourmet varieties, on the other hand, usually don't add more than natural flavors. This means they are lower in salts and sugars, are a good source of fiber, and an all around healthy snack. However, always make sure to check that the popcorn you are purchasing is made of all natural popping corn and is healthy for both you and your family.




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