Author : Mary Anne Durkee

I was watching the channel “Discovery Travel and Living” the other day Food related shows are definitely one that catches my attention They are a great source of information about food in particular and of course not to mention the numerous wonderful recipes Last evening was what I call a “foodie evening” on the channel This is one reason that I love Thursdays There is nice program titled “Floyd’s India” followed by “Indian Cooking made easy” with Anjum Anand hosting it

In Floyd’s India, he chooses a destination each time and is acquainting his audience with the cuisine of the particular place He actually does cook some of the traditional or popular recipes The first episode was on Rajasthan, a state in India This week however, he decided to put up his tent at the popular tourist destination – Goa A wonderful episode for seafood lovers He cooked fish, crab and even mussels

A sweet coincidence or must I say a “fishy coincidence” that Anjum Anand too decided to have “fish” as her theme for the evening She cooked delicious lime rice and served it with traditional Indian fish curry from the state of Maharashtra (fish cooked in coconut milk and coriander) Couldn’t resist it and so it’s fish for lunch today and also my theme for the day

Fishes offer so much variety Each fish has it own distinct taste adding that little extra to your dish So very easy to cook, a little marination and the right ingredients that make it one of the best dishes that you have ever cooked or had The popularity of fish and chips, I guess does say it all

A high nutritional value, low in fat and being a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids makes fish a popular choice for a healthy menu Fish is good for your heart

It is definitely an important part of several cuisines whether Chinese, Thai, American, French or Indian The style of cooking may differ from one cuisine to the other however, the final result of a tasty dish is the same whichever style of cooking or school of thought you decide to follow Fish is wholesome food served with just a salad and a slice of bread Easy , quick and indeed delicious that’s how it is

Not many however, may be well-versed with buying and cooking fish Here are a few tips while handling fish:

-The smell and the looks of the fish are major indicators which would help you make the right decision while buying fish

-It should smell fresh It must definitely not have a stale smell If that is so, then it sure is a no no

-It must look appealing Must look fresh and the skin must be firm When you touch the skin it must be tight and not leave a depression on the surface There must be no discoloration

-The eyes must be bright and red on the underneath

-Fish cook really fast and so do ensure that you do not end up overcooking it

With a variety of ways to cook it, there sure is lot of scope for experimenting Each one to his own taste that’s the way it is

Mary-Anne is a featured member and regular contributor at ifood.tv, a global food network, featuring recipes from all over the world. Other popular healthy recipes videos on ifood.tv include baking recipes, baklava recipes and banana recipes.

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Author : Dominic Donaldson

They say that a bad workman blames his tools, but a good cook relies on quality cookware Whether you are a Delia or a Jamie, having the right tools for creating a culinary masterpiece is essential Here we offer up a few ideas for delicious dishes based on the basic cookware that can be found in most kitchens

Stockpot

The stockpot is a great kitchen all rounder Soups and stews, curries and chili con carne can all be cooked to perfection with this versatile pot Its strength lies in its size and the capacity for food to be cooked slowly for many hours If you find yourself offering to cook up a feast for a few friends, then the stockpot is the cookware of choice Simply throw in the meat and vegetables of choice and add passata, chopped tomatoes and even a splash of fresh cream and season according to your dish

The basic ingredients of onion, tomato and garlic are an excellent base to work on using this pot These ingredients can be seasoned with herbs to give a hearty English stew, or with spices for an authentic Indian curry These dishes taste better the longer they are left to cook, and the stockpot is a perfect vessel for such dishes, and saves on the washing up too

Frying Pan

The humble frying pan is probably one of the most versatile items of cookware in a kitchen It is an essential piece of equipment, and without one many dishes are impossible to make Frying onions and spices as a base for a sauce, making a traditional English fried breakfast and the oh so humble omelet would all be impossible without a frying pan There are of course a variety of types and sizes, but if purchasing a good all rounder, go for a twelve inch one with high but sloped sides If you can get one with a lid, all the better, it will extend the range of dishes it can be used to prepare for, such as poaching fish

A firm favourite for the frying pan here is to create a Spanish tortilla, which could be described as a glorified omelet Simply fry onions and garlic in a little olive oil and season with salt, pepper and basil; next add some thinly sliced potato followed by well beaten eggs Make sure you cook the dish slowly so as not to burn the base of the tortilla When the mixture appears to have nearly set, sprinkle the top liberally with parmesan cheese and pop under the grill to brown To serve, cover the pan with a plate tip the tortilla out of the pan

Sauce Pan

I once lived with only once sauce pan, but this basic piece of cookware was my best friend As long as it is larger than a milk pan and has a lid, the amount of dishes that can be whipped up are limitless From heating beans to boiling potatoes, it is difficult to get by in the kitchen without a sauce pan As the name states, the purpose of this pot is primarily to create sauces A few simple ingredients can be turned into a dish worthy of Masterchef by conjuring up a simple sauce

A great treat is searing off an ostrich steak, much the same as you would a traditional beef one and covering it with a red wine and blackberry sauce Place a small amount of oil in the sauce pan and throw in some in the fruit, warm gently then add generous amounts of red wine Heat until bubbling and the blackberries are starting to reduce then pour over the meat Delicious!

Dom Donaldson is an expert in the catering industry.
Find out more about Cookware and the range available for professional and home cooking at Massive Housewares.

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Author : Ron King

Drinking tea — research shows it to be a healthy activity, because tea contains antioxidants that help fight cancer and even slow the aging process Vitamin C, found in some teas, helps fight illnesses and colds Some teas contain polyphones, which strengthen teeth by reducing plaque and also help aid digestion by increasing the flow of digestive juices in the stomach

Tea, in short, has many healing properties Here are 10 natural healing tea therapies

1 Black Tea

Black tea blends are the most popular in the Western world After the leaves are picked, they go through full fermentation that makes the leaves darken to almost black Black tea can be flowery, fruity, and spicy or even have a nutty taste Black tea, known for lowering the risk of stroke, contains antioxidants, which help reduce clotting of the arteries Black Tea varieties include: Black Tea, Rose Black Tea, English Breakfast Black Tea, and Earl Grey Black Tea

2 Chamomile Tea

Considered a floral tea, Chamomile has a very aromatic, fruity flavor and is a member of the daisy family This tea helps with toothaches, insomnia, and muscle cramps, plus it reduces the swelling of skin irritations

3 Green Tea

Green tea with its huge nutritional benefits is the most popular tea in Asia Varieties include: Jasmine Green Tea, Jasmine Dragon Pearl, Green Peony Tea and Roasted Japanese Green Tea After green tea is picked, it is dried using hot air The leaves are then pan fried, but not fermented, which helps preserve the high nutrient and vitamin content Vitamin C in green tea helps boost the immune system and promotes overall good health Fluoride, found naturally in green tea, strengthens bones and prevents dental decay

4 Oolong Tea

Oolong tea, known for aiding indigestion and lowering cholesterol levels, is made from large, mature trees The leaves are left to wither after being picked, which removes moisture Semi-fermentation happens after the leaves are left in the shade Oolong tea has a a full-bodied taste, a pleasant aftertaste, and a sweet fruity aroma Some varieties are: Jasmine Oolong Tea, Ice Peak Oolong Tea, Hairy Crab Oolong Tea and WUYI Rock Tea

5 Red Tea

Grown in Africa, Red Tea is rich in antioxidants This kind of tea has been proven to help boost the immune system, and is also caffeine-free Varieties of Red Tea include: Florida Orange Red Tea, Organic Cape Red Tea, Organic Green Red Tea and Organic Green Summer Red Tea

6 Rosebud Tea

A floral tea, Rosebud tea is made using rosebuds from a rose bush The tea has a very sweet, floral aroma and a light, sweet taste; it is often brewed with other types of tea Essential oils in this tea help aid circulation

7 White Tea

Made by using very young tea leaves that are still covered in down, white tea leaves are not fermented Instead, they are steamed and dried in the sun Because of the lack of fermentation, white tea contains a high concentration of chemical compounds, known to help fight cancer The brewed tea has a silver-white appearance because of the downy leaves It has a sweet aroma and fresh flavor White tea varieties include: Silver Needle, White Peony, and Jasmine Silver Needle

8 Paraguay Mate

Very popular in South America, Paraguay Mate is brewed with spices and sipped with a straw from a gourd The tea is used to aid many health problems, including depression, digestion, and boosting energy levels

9 Wild Holy Tea

Wild Holy Tea has a bitter taste It is used for medicinal purposes: to detoxify the body, aid in blood circulation and improve digestion With regular consumption, Wild Holy Tea has been shown to help control blood pressure and obesity

10 Milk Tea

The most popular tea in India and Sri Lanka is an Indian black tea mixed with spices It’s called Milk tea because it is usually brewed with milk and spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger Milk tea added with other types of tea, such as green tea, contributes to overall health

Visit teas to learn more. Ron King is a writer and web developer, visit Articles for authors.

Copyright 2006 Ron King.

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Author : Shane Bryan

So you’re stuck in horrible conundrum, wondering what kind of gift could possibly impress your wife/ father/ boss or next door neighbor But have you thought about Alaskan smoked salmon? No one needs yet another fountain pen, and if you get your wife a vacuum cleaner she’ll go berserk, trust me But with Alaskan smoked salmon you have the ultimate gift, with a great deal of versatility Just what kind of occasions does smoked salmon work for when giving gifts? Read on, and we’ll give you some suggestions that will really get you thinking!

Corporate Gift Giving

In this age of low carb diets and higher health premiums tied to weight, the last thing you want to send to a client or partner is a box of cookies or chocolate They may like it, or they may be extremely angry with you after they eat the whole box in a frenzy of sugary delight But if you send a nice package of Alaskan smoked salmon with some gourmet crackers, you’ll be in their good graces for a while This is a classy gift without too many personal connotations, which is simply perfect for your business gift needs

Christmas Gifts

Your Aunt Sue is the kind of lady who has everything, likes nothing, and won’t tell you what she wants for the holidays Usually you would just send her a card, but this year she’s coming to your place and you want her to feel welcome for the holidays But what on earth do you get her? Alaskan smoked salmon is the perfect gift for that tricky person on your list because it’s considered a tasteful (and tasty) gift that can be shared with others, or kept all for oneself Feel free to pair the gift with a bottle of wine, perhaps one of your favorites Salmon goes best with a dry white wine; try a Chardonnay or a Riesling Brut Champagne also makes a really good complement, as well as a great holiday gift

The New Neighbors

In this day and age we tend to ignore our neighbors more than anything else, but why not try to welcome the new folks and foster a sense of community Hey, you never know when you’ll need someone to water your plants Moving is exhausting, and they probably don’t want to eat pizza yet again Alaskan smoked salmon is a great gift for new neighbors because it is shelf stable, which means that even if they don’t have their fridge plugged in yet the food won’t go bad Add some crackers, cream cheese, fruit, and a bottle of wine and the new neighbors might just have a delightful gourmet picnic in their new abode

The Relative Living in Far Far Away

You want to send something special to Cousin Joe in Greece, but you simply don’t know what to send Most food will be stale by the time it gets there, and many gifts are easily breakable and won’t survive the journey This is why ordering Alaskan smoked salmon on the Internet is such a great option This delicious treat is shelf stable, and travels well over long distances Simply place your order, and the salmon will be sent wherever you want You don’t even have to wrap it, package it, or stand in a long line to mail it And once the gift reaches its destination, you’ll have a happy cousin with a full belly

Whatever your gift giving needs are, Alaskan smoked salmon is a versatile and delectable option for any situation If you need a classy gift with taste, and style, look no further A premium jar of Alaskan smoked salmon, paired with gourmet crackers or a fine bottle of wine, makes the perfect gift for any occasion

Shane Bryan, a long-time resident of Alaska, shares his love of Alaska with you at http://AlaskaSpirit.com . Also don’t forget to check out his store where you can get Alaskan smoked salmon and other Alaskan gifts shipped directly from Alaska. http://AlaskaSpirit.com/store/

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Author : Victor Epand

Going vegetarian is easy Grocery stores are always stocked with colorful vegetables and plenty of other vegan foods Almost all grocery stores now carry delicious faux meat products, too – from veggie burgers and veggie hot dogs to vegetarian chicken nuggets, ribs, steak strips, and more With all these great products available, it’s easier than ever to whip up delicious meat-free meals at home Going out to eat couldn’t be easier too! With more and more people becoming vegetarian these days, most restaurants now offer great-tasting, healthy vegetarian selections

Vegetarian foods can be classified into several different types:

1 Traditional foods that have always been vegetarian (Cereals/grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc )

2 Soy products including Tofu and Tempeh are common protein sources

3 Textured vegetable protein (TVP), made from defatted soy flour, is often included in chili and burger recipes in place of ground meat

4 Meat analogues, which mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of meat and are often used in recipes that traditionally contained meat Vegans may also use analogues for eggs and dairy products

5 Food usually regarded as suitable for all types of the vegetarian cuisine usually include:

6 Cereals/grains: maize, corn, wheat, rice, barley, sorghum, millet, oats, rye, triticale, buckwheat, fonio, quinoa; derived products such as flour (dough, bread, pasta, baked goods) (assuming they have been made without dairy products, such as butter-crust bread)

7 Vegetables (fresh or pickled) and mushrooms (though some strict Indian vegetarians do not eat mushrooms); derived products such as vegetable fats and oils

8 Fruit (fresh or dried)

9 Legumes: beans (including soybeans and soy products such as tempeh, tofu, soy milk, and TVP), chickpeas, peas, lentils, peanuts)

10 Tree nuts and seeds

11 Spices and herbs

Food suitable for several types of the vegetarian cuisine:

Six Tips To Make The Transition

1 Make vegetarian versions of your favorite meals

2 Explore thousands of delicious vegetarian recipes

3 Try some tasty faux meats and dairy alternatives

4 Sample vegetarian microwaveable meals and convenience foods

5 Search online for the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in your area

6 Explore the amazing variety of meat-free ethnic

Cruelty To Animals

Animals on factory farms are treated like meat, milk, and egg machines Chickens have their sensitive beaks seared off with a hot blade, and male cattle and pigs are castrated without any painkillers All farmed chickens, turkeys, and pigs spend their brief lives in dark and crowded warehouses, many of them so cramped that they can’t even turn around or spread a single wing They are mired in their own waste, and the stench of ammonia fills the air Animals raised for food are bred and drugged to grow as large as possible as quickly as possible many are so heavy that they become crippled under their own weight and die within inches of their water supply

Animals on factory farms do not see the sun or get a breath of fresh air until they are prodded and crammed onto trucks for a nightmarish ride to the slaughterhouse, often through weather extremes and always without food or water Many die during transport, and others are too sick or weak to walk off the truck after they reach the slaughterhouse The animals who survive this hellish ordeal are hung upside-down and their throats are slit, often while they’re completely conscious Many are still alive while they are skinned, hacked into pieces, or scalded in the defeathering tanks

Vegetarian Stars

Alicia Silverstone notes how much better vegetarian diets are for your health: “Since I’ve gone vegetarian, my body has never felt better and my taste buds have been opened up to a whole new world It’s one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made and I invite you to join me in living a healthy, cruelty-free lifestyle ” Indeed, studies show that a vegetarian diet promotes a healthy heart and that helps stars maintain a youthful vigor and boundless stamina while on stage, in the studio, and on the field

Sir Paul McCartney sums it all up: “If anyone wants to save the planet, all they have to do is just stop eating meat That’s the single most important thing you could do It’s staggering when you think about it Vegetarianism takes care of so many things in one shot: ecology, famine, cruelty “

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books. You can find the best marketplace for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books at these sites for Krishna art, vegetarian gifts , and vegetarian cuisine books .

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Author : Corbin Newlyn

If people were to go by accounts of Chou Kao-ch’i who was the author of the Yang Hsien ming hu hsi, an historical account that dealt with Ishing teapots, it was teapots such as these that were the creations of the potters at Ishing that were later made very popular to Europeans and were known to them by the Portuguese term, bocarro, which essentially means largemouth

These pots were smaller in size and came to Europe accompanied with tea to later become the models after which the European teapots were initially fashioned Nevertheless, this point of view has been disputed and these pots in Europe might have been ascribed to either the Chinese wine vessels or to the Islamic coffee pots that were originally imported as items of curiosity

Spanning the Globe

In any event, there’s no denying the reality that tea was originally Chinese, even though teapots as we have known them nowadays are European To start with, European teapots were heavy cast and were short, straight and had spouts that were replaceable that were unlike Chinese teapots This was later followed by importations on a large scale of teapots through the East India Company, which realizing the demand was increasing, imported them They also added extra ballast for ships on which they were being transported

With the advent of industrialization, the increasing middle class and had excess cash and may wish to duplicate the lifestyles of the upper classes and that’s also included the afternoon tea ritual, which was very common among the more financially fortunate parts of society The market for these teapots thus, grew through well-known artist merchants such as Joshua Spode and Joshua Wedgwood started to cater to the increased demand

Fascinating Designs

The teapots design cater to every style and taste and it included every major trend in Victorian craft styles which includes the Renaissance, Chinese, Gothic, Japanese, Moorish, and Art Nouveau

The design of contemporary style teapots made a return to a more basic form and throughout the 1960s became increasingly functional, to portray the modernism that was permeating throughout society and during the next 10 years, novelty teapots made a a surprising reappearance

With the passage of time there have consistently been changes to the design of teapots At times they will tend to be elegant and refined and many of these teapots are a reflection of the classic patterns of the 18th and 19th centuries

There are quite a few common types of styles of teapots and peace include the classic Brown Betty, Japanese Tetsubin, Porcelain and Silver Teapots as well as Clear Glass Teapots and Chinese Yixing Teapots Each of these has their own unique style and are very well-liked among numerous sections of society

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of food and drink. If you would like to learn more go to Tea Bag advice and at Green Tea Ice Cream tips.

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Author : Carole-Anne Stanway

Perfection on earth with the creation and taste of gourmet salt on your fabulous recipes It is my intention to advise you about these gourmet sea salts and just what they can do for your cooking Many of these gourmet salts are produced by a company called “Saltworks” The differences will be pointed out to sort one from the other, so that you will know when cooking just what to choose But first, a little information on salt

Sea salt is obtained by evaporating sea water Common bodies of water for extraction of sea salt water is in the waters of the Himalayas, the Dead Sea, Pacific Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Utah’s Great Salt Lake City

Because sea salt generally lacks high iodine, an ultimately essential element for human health, we must be certain to get our iodine from other sources such as dairy products, processed foods, and regular foods

Gourmet cooks believe that sea salt is better for us as the taste and texture ultimately give flavor changes that occur during our mouth’s feel, and the time it takes to actually dissolve the sea salt

Salt has been considered a basic commodity until recently Salt was just plain old salt However, as Healthy Recipes’ has learned, gourmet chefs, cooks at home have learned about the value of different salts and how they can enhance their cooking by using these varieties of sea salts However, unrefined sea salt contains many other minerals that iodized salt does not have; such as calcium, potassium, magnesium sulfate and traces of others such as lead, mercury, and cadmium Something else to mention is sea salt is generally more expensive than regular refined salt The taste is worth it!

Black Salt is an unrefined mineral salt It appears to have a pearly pink rather than black appearance, and it carries a strong sulfuric odour Black salt is available in a very fine or a coarse grain

Main use: Authentic Indian cooking

Celtic Salt(French Grey Sea Salt) refers to naturally moist salt harvested from the pristine Atlantic seawater off the coast of Brittany, France Rich in trace mineral content, these salts are hand harvested by using the Celtic method of wooden rakes This way, no metal touches the sea salt Celtic Salts are available in coarse, stone ground and extra fine grain The coarse salt is a larger grained sea salt

Coarse salts are most commonly used by Chef’s According to “Saltworks”, many recipes prefer to use finely ground salt, Chef’s prefer to use the coarse salt because they can easily measure it with their fingers It is less moisture sensitive, therefore it resists caking and is easily stored

Uses: Salt crusts on meat or fish, and flavoring for soups stews and pastas

Finishing salts that are grown in particular areas of the world, are known for their unique textures which allow them to quickly dissolve as they are used in presentation Salts such as these, bring out the natural flavors of any dish See below for these finishing salts

Flake Salt is a light, crystal-like snowflake These salts are are from the evaporated sea waters and use the natural process of sun and wind producing a salt brine that is fed into an open evaporating pan The brine is then slowly heated until the delicate snowflake pyramids appear This finished product is a light flaky salt

Uses: Flakey salt is used to bring out the depth of flavors and would be used on numerous vegetables, freshly cooked

Fleur De Sel(flower of salt)is the “top-notch” condiment salt This Artisan sea salt forms naturally on the top of salt evaporation ponds, and harvested by salt farmers True Fleur De Sel comes from the Guerande region in France Different areas produce salts with their own unique flavors and aromas

Uses: This “flower of salt” is ideal for salads, cooked fresh vegetables and barbecued/grilled meats

French Sea Salt is harvested from the pure, unspoiled Atlantic Ocean, and unlike many American sea salts, these are usually refined, so they keep most of the important trace minerals that occur naturally in sea water and in small amounts is healthy for us These salts also include iodine French Sea Salt is available in coarse, stone ground fine and extra fine grain

Uses: Grilled meat, cooked and fresh vegetables, and ideal for salads

Grey Salt is a moist, unrefined sea salt which is usually found on the coastal areas of France This salt has a purple hue to it and comes from the clay in the salt flats Amazingly, this salt is also collected by hand by the Celts This salt has only come to the market in the past few years and has become very popular as it is considered to be of the best quality Grey salt comes in coarse, stone ground fine and extra fine grain

Uses: Flavoring foods at the dinner table at the host’s discretion

Grinder Salts are large dry crystals that always require a grinder It is important to note that one must always use a ceramic salt grinder, with plastic or ceramic parts, as salt will corrode and affect the taste of the salt in a manner that is not palatable

Uses: Flavoring foods at the dinner table at the host’s discretion

A natural mineral called Alaea (means volcanic baked red clay) in Hawaii is added to the salt to enrich the flavor The clay is what gives it the distinctive pink colour It is the clay that also gives this salt a more mellow taste than regular sea salt The Hawaiian sea salt comes in a fine and coarse grain

Uses: This salt is a traditional Hawaiian authentic seasoning for dishes such as the Kahlua Pig, ribs, pork loin and Hawaiian Jerky

Italian Sea Salt comes from the low waters of the Mediterranean along the coast of Sicily Italian Sea salt is a natural salt which is rich in minerals such as iodine, magnesium, fluorine, potassium; most importantly, it has a much lower percentage of sodium chloride, which is a good note for most of us as most processed foods are pre-salted The salt pans are filled with water in the spring and left to evaporate with the assistance of the heat of the Sicilian sun and the African winds Harvesting is ready when water has evaporated and the salt is then crushed without further refining Italian Sea Salt is delicate in taste, and not too salty It is available in coarse and fine grain

Uses: Salads are a favorite with Italian salt, and roasts and sauces It is also used for a garnish on bruschetta

Kosher salt is a regular salt that is used by the Jewish denomination in their diets The salt comes in flakes and therefore dissolve easily

Uses: Kosher salt is used on top of pretzels and for the rims on Maragarita’s

Organic Salt is not certified, though it is definitely ensured in the purity of the water used and the cleanliness of the salt beds and in harvesting and packaging

Uses: Organic salt is used just as we would use a normal salt

Smoked Sea Salt is fairly new to the gourmet salt user’s of America Salts are naturally smoked over wood fires to infuse the salt crystals with 100% smoke flavor Smoked Sea Salt comes in a coarse grain size

Uses: Smoked Sea Salts are used in a unique variety of dishes including roasts, chicken, salads, pastas, sandwiches and probably the most favorite, grilling Salmon or even roasting in the oven

Many Healthy Recipes can be created and a special touch of your favorite sea salt Certainly, you will likely not carry all of these salts, but choose some of your favorites, including the Italian Sea Salt which has contains lower percentage of sodium chloride, which is very important to note for your health After reading this article, you will be more aware of the number of salts available, and which ones will enhance your dish you are creating Enjoy trying the different gourmet salts It will really make a difference as a “gourmet cook”

Carole-Anne Stanway has been a creative healthy recipe cook for many years. She loves to learn new living techniques as well. Learn how you too can make, create and bake many healthy recipes for healthy living at .healthyrecipes

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Author : Trella Dutton

I LOVE food! In fact maybe a little too much I like my Sushi cold, my Oysters raw and my Filet Mignon pink and cool, unlike my son who likes it just as it stops quivering!

With folks like us it’s no wonder that every year, an estimated 7 million Americans suffer from cases of food borne illness Some cases are violent and even result in death Of course this is commonly known as food poisoning The culprit is food that has dangerously high levels of bacteria due to improper cooking or handling

Food safety is usually taken for granted by the buying public but everyone s attention was recently directed to food poisoning involving some meat that was undercooked It was determined that the problem never would have happened if the meat had been cooked properly E Coli 0157 H7 is a potent virus, but it can be completely destroyed when the meat is fully cooked

It is important for consumers to take an all around safety approach to purchasing, storing and preparing both traditional and new meat and poultry products Ultimately, consumers and food handlers bear the responsibility for keeping food safe once it leaves the store

According to the U S Department of Agriculture, about 85 percent of food borne illness cases could be avoided each year if consumers would handle food properly The most common food borne illnesses are caused by a combination of bacteria, naturally present in the environment, and food handling mistakes Ironically, these are also the easiest types of food borne illnesses to prevent Proper cooking or processing of raw meat and poultry kills bacteria that can cause food borne illness

When you re out, grocery shop last, take food straight home to the refrigerator And never leave food in a hot car! Don t buy anything you won t use before the use by date Don t buy food in poor condition Make sure refrigerated food is cold to the touch Frozen food should be rock solid Canned goods should be free of dents, cracks or bulging lids which can indicate a serious food poisoning threat

The performance and maintenance of your refrigerator is of the utmost importance Check the temperature of your refrigerator with an appliance thermometer To keep bacteria in check, the refrigerator should run at 40 degrees F; the freezer unit at 0 degrees F Generally, keep your refrigerator as cold as possible without freezing your milk or lettuce

When you prepare food, keep everything clean and thaw out any frozen food you plan to prepare in your refrigerator Take it out of the freezer in advance and place it in the refrigerated section of your refrigerator Always wash your hands in hot soapy water be_fore preparing and handling any food as well as after you use the bathroom, change diapers, handle pets, etc Remember, too, that bacteria can live in your kitchen towels, sponges and dish cloths Wash them often and replace the dish cloths and sponges you use regularly every few weeks

Be absolutely sure that you keep all raw meats, poultry and fish and their juices away from other food For instance, wash your hands, your cutting board and knife in hot soapy water after cutting up the chicken and before dicing salad ingredients It is best to use plastic cutting boards rather than wooden ones where bacteria can hide in grooves Don t take your food out of the freezer and leave it on the kitchen counter to thaw This is extremely dangerous since the bacteria can grow in the outer layers of the food before the inside thaws It is wise to do your marinating in the refrigerator, too

Bon Appetite!

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