Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Best Campfire Desserts

Camping can be a lot of fun and cooking over an open fire can be enjoyable as well. Popular campfire food is usually anything, which is easy to cook. Traditional campfire desserts include plain marshmallows, which you can spear on sticks and roast over the flames, and smores which are also known as s’mores.

What are Smores?

Perhaps you have heard of smores, which can also be spelt s’mores. A smore is a chocolate and marshmallow layer inside two graham crackers. “Smore” is an abbreviation of “give me some more” and there is a recipe for smores in the 1927 Girl Scout handbook, so they have been around for a while.

To make a smore, you need to roast a marshmallow on a stick until it is golden brown and melting and then pinch it between two graham crackers. You can put some chocolate on the graham crackers first. A bit of peanut butter is also a tasty touch.

It is possible to get smores packs in the summer months in some grocery stores and this would be graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows packaged together. Once you know how to make smores, you will find them really easy. You can also get indoor smore ovens which are like fondue pans.

It is possible to microwave smores, although the graham crackers come out a bit soggy. You can also get Pop-Tarts in smore flavor with a chocolate and marshmallow center and a graham cracker flavored outside.

Making Indoor Smores

Indoor smores are ideal if you are not camping but you still fancy this type of sweet, sticky treat. There are many different smores recipes to try. Peanut butter, golden grahams, milk, chocolate, jello pudding, ice cream sauce and more are all popular ingredients for making indoor smores. All you need to do is combine the ingredients and chill the mixture until it sets. You will still have the same chocolate and marshmallow flavor as when you make regular smores but the method for making indoor smores is quite different.

Other Campfire Delicacies

Take some cake mix and oranges on your next camping trip because there is a great dessert you can make. Chop the tops off the oranges and hollow them out. Make up the cake mix, using some of the fresh orange juice instead of the water, and fill the oranges with the cake mix. Put the lids back on and wrap them in aluminum foil and bake them over the campfire until the cakes are cooked. This is a delicious and warming treat.

If the weather is not great, what about making finger jello at home and taking it on your camping trip? Finger jello is made when you just add boiling water to jello powder and do not add the cold water afterwards. You can eat finger jello with your fingers because it is firm and not sticky. Finger jello makes a nice snack any time.

Golden Grahams smores have the crunch of graham cracker, the sweetness of chocolate and tiny marshmallows suspended in creamy vanilla pudding. The only thing better than traditional smores is this recipe. You’ve got to serve it to your children… they will think they have arrived in heaven.

The Best Campfire Desserts

Camping can be a lot of fun and cooking over an open fire can be enjoyable as well. Popular campfire food is usually anything, which is easy to cook. Traditional campfire desserts include plain marshmallows, which you can spear on sticks and roast over the flames, and smores which are also known as s’mores.

What are Smores?

Perhaps you have heard of smores, which can also be spelt s’mores. A smore is a chocolate and marshmallow layer inside two graham crackers. “Smore” is an abbreviation of “give me some more” and there is a recipe for smores in the 1927 Girl Scout handbook, so they have been around for a while.

To make a smore, you need to roast a marshmallow on a stick until it is golden brown and melting and then pinch it between two graham crackers. You can put some chocolate on the graham crackers first. A bit of peanut butter is also a tasty touch.

It is possible to get smores packs in the summer months in some grocery stores and this would be graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows packaged together. Once you know how to make smores, you will find them really easy. You can also get indoor smore ovens which are like fondue pans.

It is possible to microwave smores, although the graham crackers come out a bit soggy. You can also get Pop-Tarts in smore flavor with a chocolate and marshmallow center and a graham cracker flavored outside.

Making Indoor Smores

Indoor smores are ideal if you are not camping but you still fancy this type of sweet, sticky treat. There are many different smores recipes to try. Peanut butter, golden grahams, milk, chocolate, jello pudding, ice cream sauce and more are all popular ingredients for making indoor smores. All you need to do is combine the ingredients and chill the mixture until it sets. You will still have the same chocolate and marshmallow flavor as when you make regular smores but the method for making indoor smores is quite different.

Other Campfire Delicacies

Take some cake mix and oranges on your next camping trip because there is a great dessert you can make. Chop the tops off the oranges and hollow them out. Make up the cake mix, using some of the fresh orange juice instead of the water, and fill the oranges with the cake mix. Put the lids back on and wrap them in aluminum foil and bake them over the campfire until the cakes are cooked. This is a delicious and warming treat.

If the weather is not great, what about making finger jello at home and taking it on your camping trip? Finger jello is made when you just add boiling water to jello powder and do not add the cold water afterwards. You can eat finger jello with your fingers because it is firm and not sticky. Finger jello makes a nice snack any time.

Golden Grahams smores have the crunch of graham cracker, the sweetness of chocolate and tiny marshmallows suspended in creamy vanilla pudding. The only thing better than traditional smores is this recipe. You’ve got to serve it to your children… they will think they have arrived in heaven.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Wonderful Healthy Onion

Onions have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. They have been added to salads, soups, dips, and stir-fries. They have been roasted, fried, chopped, and dehydrated. With all the different kinds of onions, there is something for everyone from mild to strong. These popular members of the lily family are the second most important crop after tomatoes.

They have long been used as medicine as well as food. They are antimicrobial and antibacterial. They can fight off Bacillus subtilis, E. coli and Salmonella. The Chinese recommend them for bacterial infections, coughs, angina, and lung problems. In America, the early settlers used them to get rid of insects and treat colds, coughs, and asthma.

Even the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends onions as a treatment for poor appetite and as a preventative for atherosclerosis. Extracts from onions can help relieve colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. They can also help suppress the growth of tumors in the colon.

Sulfides that are found in onions are also found in garlic. They help lower blood pressure and cholesterol naturally. Studies from India indicate that groups who ate lots of these foods had healthier levels of cholesterol and blood pressure than those who did not eat them and garlic. They are a natural anticoagulant. They prevent blood clots from forming.

They can help prevent some types of cancer. The sulfides found in onions work well to protect against tumor development. People who eat lots of them (especially the stronger flavored varieties) have shown half the stomach cancer cases than those who do not eat them. The milder ones are not as effective at giving this protection since they are lower in sulfides. They do not interact with drugs of any kind except anticoagulants. If you are on any blood thinning drugs, tell your caregivers so they can adjust your dosage if onions are a regular part of your diet.

Everyone should be reaping the benefits of them! Even people who do not normally, like them may enjoy them caramelized. This makes them more palatable to some. Add them to gravy, soup or a casserole. Many recipes need them to make them taste their best. You can also add them to many other recipes. Onions are so versatile you should find something for almost everyone.

If someone does not care for their texture, try chopping them very finely before cooking. French onion soup is a surefire hit even with most people who do not like them. Serve it up in beautiful French onion soup crock bowls and they will be sitting at the table waiting for their own bowl. That layer of melted cheese is hard for anyone to resist!

Who knew they were so beneficial? Try adding some to your menu if you do not eat them regularly. They add flavor to soups, roasts, and spaghetti sauce. Caramelized they can add a big boost of flavor to anything you add them to and they tend to melt into the background for those who do not care for the texture of onions.

Choosing your French onion soup cheese can be difficult. You can use Gruyere, Parmesan, Fontina, cheddar, Swiss or whatever cheese you like as long as it melts well. Creamy cheeses tend to compliment the flavors of onion soup very well. Try your favorite cheese the next time you make this dish.

The Wonderful Healthy Onion

Onions have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. They have been added to salads, soups, dips, and stir-fries. They have been roasted, fried, chopped, and dehydrated. With all the different kinds of onions, there is something for everyone from mild to strong. These popular members of the lily family are the second most important crop after tomatoes.

They have long been used as medicine as well as food. They are antimicrobial and antibacterial. They can fight off Bacillus subtilis, E. coli and Salmonella. The Chinese recommend them for bacterial infections, coughs, angina, and lung problems. In America, the early settlers used them to get rid of insects and treat colds, coughs, and asthma.

Even the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends onions as a treatment for poor appetite and as a preventative for atherosclerosis. Extracts from onions can help relieve colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. They can also help suppress the growth of tumors in the colon.

Sulfides that are found in onions are also found in garlic. They help lower blood pressure and cholesterol naturally. Studies from India indicate that groups who ate lots of these foods had healthier levels of cholesterol and blood pressure than those who did not eat them and garlic. They are a natural anticoagulant. They prevent blood clots from forming.

They can help prevent some types of cancer. The sulfides found in onions work well to protect against tumor development. People who eat lots of them (especially the stronger flavored varieties) have shown half the stomach cancer cases than those who do not eat them. The milder ones are not as effective at giving this protection since they are lower in sulfides. They do not interact with drugs of any kind except anticoagulants. If you are on any blood thinning drugs, tell your caregivers so they can adjust your dosage if onions are a regular part of your diet.

Everyone should be reaping the benefits of them! Even people who do not normally, like them may enjoy them caramelized. This makes them more palatable to some. Add them to gravy, soup or a casserole. Many recipes need them to make them taste their best. You can also add them to many other recipes. Onions are so versatile you should find something for almost everyone.

If someone does not care for their texture, try chopping them very finely before cooking. French onion soup is a surefire hit even with most people who do not like them. Serve it up in beautiful French onion soup crock bowls and they will be sitting at the table waiting for their own bowl. That layer of melted cheese is hard for anyone to resist!

Who knew they were so beneficial? Try adding some to your menu if you do not eat them regularly. They add flavor to soups, roasts, and spaghetti sauce. Caramelized they can add a big boost of flavor to anything you add them to and they tend to melt into the background for those who do not care for the texture of onions.

Choosing your French onion soup cheese can be difficult. You can use Gruyere, Parmesan, Fontina, cheddar, Swiss or whatever cheese you like as long as it melts well. Creamy cheeses tend to compliment the flavors of onion soup very well. Try your favorite cheese the next time you make this dish.

French Recipes

Despite fresh tastes, buildup and marketing, innate customs have never been stronger. Inside of France, good food still means traditional culinary utilizing organic products from various regions. Cooking home-made food and dining at the table makes one’s appetite evolve. The challenge is to combine substances as one to achieve the finest flavor out of them. Nevertheless anyone from anywhere could indulge in the rich array of french cooking. For starters, let us figure out what french people like to eat.

Listed below are some of the popular dishes in France:

Roasted Chicken

Indeed roasted chicken isn’t actually a french dish but cooked all over the world from Africa and Asia to America. Then again it is the a very famous french preparation. Roasted chicken is not stuffed inside. The secret is to seam the poultry a number of times while frying with oil or butter and to add an onion in the roasting pan. Roast chicken is traditionally offered with green beans and potatoes.

Boeuf bourguignon

Most famous beef stew within France. Boeuf bourguignon is a traditional recipe from Burgundy. This is a dish that the french like to make a few times every winter. The beef is cooked in a red wine sauce, obviously a red wine from Burgundy. Bacon, onions, carrots and mushrooms offer flavor to the recipe. But thyme, garlic and beef are essential to make a good boeuf bourguignon.

Mussels mariniere

A typical summer dish quite famous along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast. Mussels are cooked in a white wine sauce with parsley, thyme, onion and bay leaf. It takes only 4 minutes to cook a tasteful mussels mariniere. It is important to season the dish and discard any mussels that don’t appear nice.

Sole meuniere

Even though sole is an expensive fish, the flavor is so elegant that it is considered as the tastiest fish. Normandy is the place of origin of this dish. The fish is cooked in butter sauce with a little bit of flour and lemon juice. Sole is traditionally offered with rice or green vegetables.

Pot au feu

A characteristic family recipe coming once again from Normandy. Pot au feu is a boiled beef with pork, chicken and vegetables. It takes about 5 hours to cook since the beef has to seethe gradually to extract all its flavor. Pot au feu is also called Potee Normande in France.

For further details on some awesome french recipes please browse french recipe. You can also take a look at french recipes by clicking german recipes

Healthy Mexican Food

You can make your diet very healthy by eating Mexican food. When you cook for yourself, you have control over every ingredient you add. People often remark that Mexican food is full of cholesterol and fat. While this may be true at some Mexican restaurants, it certainly does not have to be true when you cook it yourself. Using fresh ingredients is the best way to control what you eat.

Authentic Mexican recipes are made using fresh ingredients. Fresh produce, meats, and seafood are full of the nutrients you need to stay as healthy as possible. Fresh vegetables and fruit are low in fat and calories. Eating at the local Taco Bell is not healthy or authentic.

Choose fresh tomatoes while they are in season at your local farmer’s market. They will be high in potassium, lycopene, and vitamins A and C. They also taste much better than the bland ones at the grocery store.

Use dried beans when you cook Mexican food. They are high in protein and fiber. They have antioxidants that protect you from many health issues. Pinto and black beans are low in fat. You do not need to add lard or oil to make refried beans.

Chili peppers are common in Mexican food. They have high levels of capsaicin, which is a compound that can help relieve pain and inflammation in the body. They lower your bad cholesterol (LDL). They contain vitamin A and help keep your heart healthy.

Avocados are great sources of vitamin K and potassium. Both of these things help get rid of LDL. Before you run screaming that they are high in fat, remember that your body does need some fats. Avocados contain those elusive omega-3s that we need so much in our modern diet. The fats found in avocados help your brain to function and keep your joints limber.

Grill your meats instead of frying them. Leave off the extra cheese and sour cream. You can get the creamy texture by adding guacamole to your dish. Get your protein from beans, seafood, and meat instead of cheese. Top your recipes with a flavorful salsa if you think you will be missing flavor. The real trick to flavorful meats in Mexico is slow cooking. They simmer beef and pork on low heat for hours with lots of seasonings.

Salsas are easy to make. Chop up some cilantro, tomatoes, and onions. Add some fruit if you wish. Guacamole is another simple sauce that can be easily made with spices, tomatoes, and avocadoes. Do not eat the chips. Put these sauces with your main meal. Eat them with your beans or rice. Add some on top of your tacos, enchiladas, or tostadas.

You can take charge of your diet by cooking your own food. You get to control the flavors, portions, and ingredients. If you do not like one flavor, substitute another. Add other ingredients like rice, mushrooms, or different seasonings. The meal will be delicious and filling. Stay far away from America’s idea of Mexican food. This is where most of the calories and fat comes from. Pick some of your favorite authentic recipes and make them as part of your everyday meals. Mexican recipes are a great way to feed the family.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held regionally in Mexico in the area around Pueblo, where the historic battle with the French took place. In the United States, this holiday is honored almost everywhere as a celebration of Mexican culture. Many people host their own parties.

How to Make a Perfect Stir Fry

Stir frying is a very easy cooking method, which involves a fast saut over a high heat and then a short steam in a sauce. With this Asian technique, you can combine meat, poultry or fish with vegetables and a sauce for a very tasty meal and one of the best things about stir frying is that it is so fast.

Cooking the ingredients quickly in this way means they will retain their full flavor and have a great texture.

Useful Stir Fry Tips

You should prepare all the stir fry ingredients before starting to cook because you will not have time once you begin. Cut all your ingredients into bite sized pieces, so they cook at the same speed.

You should stir fry the most dense ingredients first because these have a longer cooking time than the others do. Carrots and broccoli take longer to soften than green beans or zucchini, for example. Cut them up smaller or start them cooking first.

Step by Step Stir Fry Guide

Use a wok if you have one or, failing that, a big skillet will do. A wok has high, sloped sides, which you can use to push your ingredients up, away from the heat. If your wok is not non stick, you should heat it for a minute before adding the oil. If it is non-stick, forget that step.

When stir frying, use a medium high temperature to begin with, and turn it up or down, as you need to. Add some aromatic herbs or spices like ginger and garlic to the hot oil and stir fry it until it is fragrant, before adding your meat.

If you want to use meat or chicken, maybe some boneless chicken for the best chicken stir fry recipes, you should cook it and then remove it before adding the raw vegetables. Cook the chicken or meat over a high heat, to seal it, and only cook about a cup at once. When it changes color (when the chicken goes golden brown or the beef turns from red to brown) it is about eighty percent done and needs to be removed from the pan. Next, cook the vegetables and then return the meat to the pan when they are just about done.

How to Add the Sauce

When it is time to add your sauce, push all the ingredients up the wok sides and pour it into the middle, then stir it to thicken it, before combining all the ingredients.

There are lots of different recipes for dishes like chicken stir fry and you can create your own too, by using a recipe search engine to find a chicken stir fry recipe and altering some of the ingredients or by combining some boneless chicken with your favorite vegetables and any sauce you like.

Looking for spicy chicken recipes we have some easy chicken recipes that you’ll love.