Artichoke and Fennel Au Gratin

With a gluten-free friend coming for dinner, I knew I needed to make some adjustments to the menu, but I stilled wanted to serve this simple, warm side dish filled with nutritious, tasty vegetables and a creamy sauce. The problem was in the topping: Au gratin dishes call for breadcrumbs, so I needed a good substitute.

I’ve bought rice crackers many times for snacking with cheese, peanut butter, or other toppings and found that they had great flavor and crunch on their own. So why not throw some in the food processor until finely ground and mix with some grated Parmesan for a tasty au gratin topping? The taste, texture-and golden color-turned out great, just like “regular” au gratin dishes.

All the other ingredients in this recipe are already gluten free-vegetables, dairy, a little olive oil. The savory artichokes and anise-flavored fennel, along with the creamy, sweet taste of evaporated milk, are a satisfying combination, resulting in a simple, homey side dish. I baked it in small ramekins for individual servings, but you can also use a single, 8 X 8-inch baking dish to make a larger size for dividing.

Continue reading “Artichoke and Fennel Au Gratin”

Olive Oil And Its Bitter Truth

I think that many of us have experienced that olive oil has an unusual behavior. Why sometimes does it become bitter when it’s blended? Well there are many answers out there about the quality being secondary or because the heat, caused from the high speed spinning blades of the food processor or blender, turns the oil bitter. All these are myths and speculations, not facts.

The only explanation that is a scientific explanation and makes sense, is the one that came from Cook’s Illustrated. I have read a lot of great information about them and in my opinion their kitchen is run like a laboratory. That makes them very credible. Continue reading “Olive Oil And Its Bitter Truth”

What’s The Scoop on NICE Cream? A Better-For-You Dessert

Have you heard of “nICE Cream”?

(Also called “banana ice cream”) It’s a fun banana-based dessert that’s becoming more popular… but why? Basically, all you have to do is learn about it, to see how it could become a sensation. It’s super versatile, capable of chocolate, fruit and nut flavors (or any combination there-of). It’s dairy free, low sugar, better for you than regular ice cream AND easy to make too, so it’s no wonder people everywhere are giving it a try. It’s called “nICE”, because it’s more environmentally friendly than milk, and doesn’t bother any animals in making it.

So what exactly is nICE Cream?
Continue reading “What’s The Scoop on NICE Cream? A Better-For-You Dessert”

Breaded Catfish Cooked Up Perfectly In A Toaster Oven

I absolutely love deep fried catfish but I know it is not the healthiest option for me. I know nothing can actually replicate that dish without frying, but I have come up with a baked version that is close. I have tried this many different ways and have finally come up with a version that I think is fantastic. Instead of using white breadcrumbs I use a combination of both whole wheat breadcrumbs and ground cashews. I cook them up quickly and perfectly in my toaster oven.

I found that a bread crumb breading by itself is too dry unless it is fried. Cashews have a very buttery texture and taste, yet the flavor is mild enough to not compete with the flavor of the catfish. I also find that in the absence of that unique deep-fried taste, spices are a very welcome addition. Obviously, the spices don’t make the fish taste fried, but it adds a beautiful flavor that leaves you satisfied so that you forget all about the fried version. Continue reading “Breaded Catfish Cooked Up Perfectly In A Toaster Oven”

How to Fix Your Cheesecake – A Troubleshooting Guide

A cheesecake should be relatively trouble free but occasionally problems do come up. Over the years, we’ve been asked the following questions.

“What’s the easiest way to make crumbs for my crust?”

Lots of folks use a food processor; we don’t bother. We use a heavy duty zipper-type plastic bag and crush the crackers or cookies with a rolling pin a few at a time. We save the plastic bag for the next crust. If we’re in a hurry, we just use packaged graham cracker crumbs rather than crushing crackers.

“I have lumps in my cheesecake. How do avoid those?” Continue reading “How to Fix Your Cheesecake – A Troubleshooting Guide”

What Makes Oster Blenders So Special

Globally, kitchens in diverse households proudly display Oster blenders as a symbol of convenience, quality and excellence. The brand that launched almost one hundred years ago in 1924 has grown to be popular among shoppers all around the world. Of the various kitchen appliances the company manufactures, the most popular are its range of countertop blenders.

These blenders are well-known for being strong, delivering superlative performance, and meeting the highest industry standards. The collection of these features has helped the brand become one of the most popular in the country, attracting thousands of raving fans who use the device day after day to puree, whip, juice and blend.

Osterizer blenders have secured a permanent spot in consumers’ minds, by making a promise of great value at a reasonable cost… and then delivering consistently on that promise. It helps that the company is committed to always delivering value as well. Continue reading “What Makes Oster Blenders So Special”

Kwanzaa Party Menu Ideas for a Bright and Vibrant Kwanzaa Celebration

Kwanzaa is an African holiday celebrated during December. The holiday involves much food, dancing, and poetry during the celebration. Here’s an idea of the sort of food you might like to serve for Kwanzaa:

You may find on the menu for Kwanzaa sweet potato pie, Okra, vegetarian stew, Futari, and Benne cakes. Depending on where you live you might even find Kwanzaa is celebrated with Christmas adding to the menu items you may find on the table.

Furtari is an African squash and yams dish. You will need 1 small onion, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 pound Hubbard squash, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 2 medium sized yams, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. In a skillet you will cook the onion until it is tender, then stir in the remaining ingredients and heat until boiling. You will cook the dish until the vegetables are tender. Continue reading “Kwanzaa Party Menu Ideas for a Bright and Vibrant Kwanzaa Celebration”

Easiest To Prepare Healthy Baby Food Recipes

Baby food recipes are great when it comes to feeding your baby. Aside from the fact that it is a healthy option, they are far easier to make than buying jarred baby food. Make it one at a time and store it on the refrigerator to save money.

Your baby can start on solids after 6 months and the foods that are usually introduced first includes fruits (bananas, apples, pears, avocado), vegetables (green beans, potatoes, squash), and cereals. Avoid giving dairy products and protein-rich foods as their metabolism can’t tolerate it yet. The preparation is simple. Incorporate the healthy foods just like how you prepared your pregnancy diet plan.

Here are some tips about homemade baby food recipes:

Fruits

Bananas for baby food are very easy to prepare ever. This fruit can be prepared as easy as getting enough of what you intend to serve and mash it with fork. Make sure that you mash it very well for babies are still not used to chewing. The principle is, the older your baby is the less you need to mash his/her food. Continue reading “Easiest To Prepare Healthy Baby Food Recipes”

Vegan Tropical Fruit Bread Recipes

Banana Bread

Ingredients

7 oz or 220g whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

3floz or 100ml oil

6oz or 185g brown sugar

4 tbspcornstarch or cornflour

6 medium bananas (very ripe is best)

2 tbsp molasses (optional)

Raisins and chopped nuts (optional)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp clove

1 tsp vanilla extract (can also use vanilla essence)

Preparation Continue reading “Vegan Tropical Fruit Bread Recipes”

Top 10 Worst Anniversary Gift Ideas

Choosing an anniversary gift for one’s wife is an intimidating experience for most men. If the hapless male isn’t clued in on what it is that women really want, then the battle is lost even before it began. So, instead of the red roses and a sentimental hand written card which she was secretly hoping for (if the finances are tight) or, at the least, a diamond anniversary ring (when things are flush), if she is presented with a food processor, then, well, things won’t look too bright on the domestic horizon.

If you want to go down in history as the most romantic husband a wife can hope for, then steer absolutely clear of these top 10 worst anniversary gift ideas. Read on to find out all about anniversary etiquette and master the fine art of gift giving to that special woman.

1. Anything that can be plugged in. This covers the spectrum from hair dryers to food processors to vacuum cleaners. The only year in which you can escape by giving her an electronic gadget is the fourth anniversary year, which has electrical gadgets as its contemporary gift. And that, again, needs to be anniversary-worthy. Continue reading “Top 10 Worst Anniversary Gift Ideas”