Author : Jim Corkern

Most of us like homegrown and prepared food, but sometimes when we can them in glass containers when we have too much garden produce to eat or too much to just give away, it does not all go according to plan

There are some tried and true canning techniques that have been in use in the past century or more, but sometimes we forget to use common sense when we are canning and this can lead to mold contamination in our food that we worked so hard to prepare and preserve

We like to can our own food because we know exactly what chemicals and pesticides are going into it Most of us do not like the idea of chemicals being put onto our food, even if they are deemed safe by the government or FDA Sometimes the chemicals that they say are safe today are not safe tomorrow

But, mold contamination can be just as dangerous as any pesticide or preservative and there are a few things that you can do as a home canner to prevent this from happening to your canned items

Make sure that the fruits and vegetables that you are canning are of the best quality from your garden If they have any bad spots on them, cut these off or simply do not can them Fruits and vegetables need to be washed and some need to be peeled before you can them Starting with good quality ingredients is the key

Do not pack the food too tightly into the jars that you will can them in The food in the center does not get to the high temperature that it needs to in order to kill bacteria and mold spores You should pack food loosely, with at least a few inches from the top of the jar, depending on the size that you are canning in

After you fill the jars, put the lids and the bands on Start processing the food immediately so that mold and bacteria do not have a chance to start growing If mold spores get into the jar, you might have a problem, because sometimes high temperatures just do not kill mold spores Make sure any equipment that you use is completely sterile

If you do happen to find mold growing in a jar after you open it, just throw it away Foods that have a high amount of moisture are not salvageable when they become contaminated

Jim Corkern is a writer and promoter of quality
water damage restoration companies and
Dallas Residential Water Damage Restoration Contractors

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Author : Bercle George

Wine consumption has become more and more popular over the years With more and more money going into wine both as a business investment and for later consumption, the history of the wine will always be in question With this in mind, lots of individuals usually wonder how they can properly store their wine and take care of it at the same time

How you store your wine is of great importance If you store it properly it can lead to euphoria, while if you store it wrong it can bring it to depression When you tear into a bottle of wine that has been stored appropriately, it can be glorious indeed, while tearing into bottle of poorly stored wine can be quite the letdown Usually, drinking a bottle of wine that was poorly stored is much like drinking vinegar

To appropriately store wine, you will need to meet various factors, such as humidity, temperature, lighting, the cleanliness of your storage area, the angle of the bottle while it is stored, and the vibration of the bottle on the rack The temperature is the most essential, as you should keep it around 50 degrees at all times This process, the lower temperature can help to age the wine If there are any fluctuations in the temperature, you should make sure that it happens slowly As long as the temperature does not go to high and it fluctuates slowly, your wine should be alright

The appropriate level of humidity for storing wine should be around 70%, though it is perfectly accepted to keep it 10% above or below the 70% level If you have too high of a humidity temperature, the labels can rot easily or mold, which can affect the wine’s quality On the other hand, if the humidity gets too low, around 50%, the cork could shrink and bring air into the wine, which would also affect it badly it in little to no time at all

The angle that wine is stored is significant also If the wine stays in contact with the cork during storage, the cork will not dry out If the wine does not stay in contact with the cork, the cork could dry out and allows air into the wine You should also make an effort to keep the wine out of the light, as light can ruin any type of wine Light causes the wine to age prematurely, making it in your best interest to store wine in an area that is dark

To avoid damage to the wine from sediment, you should store wine in a location that is free of vibration as well If you store wine in areas that are free from vibration, it will give the sediment in the bottle enough time to settle Vibrations provide no good contribution for a better quality of wine products, as the sediment becomes unsettled and can ruin the wine or shake it to the point where it tastes horrible

To keep the quality and investment of your wine, storage and care is vital Storing it in a proper place will also bring the best taste In the world of wine, nothing is more disappointing than waiting several years to open a bottle of better wine, only to find that it is nothing but vinegar You can avoid this from happening though, by taking appropriate care of your wine

For more information, visit http://www.beawineconnoisseur.com/

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Author : Patrick Carpen

Have you suddenly found yourself stuck with the task of feeding a group of people? I think we’ve all been dealt that responsibility at one time or another! Cooking for business colleagues, get-togethers with friends, or family events can often leave you wondering what on earth you could make to feed so many people without leaving you stuck in the kitchen for days in preparation To answer your question, I am including a few of my favourite high-yield meal recipes in this article I hope one of them works well for you!

Sloppy Joes
100 servings

Ingredients:
hamburger buns
20 lbs lean ground beef
3 cups chopped onions
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 pound brown sugar
1 cup prepared mustard
2 tbsp chili powder
1 gallon ketchup
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat Drain the excess fat using a colander Place the meat back into the skillet, then add onions, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, chilli powder, ketchup, and salt and pepper Cover and simmer on a low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally Serve on the hamburger buns

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
36 servings

Ingredients:
72 oz uncooked fettuccini noodles
9 lbs boneless chicken breast
1 1/2 cups butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 tsp black pepper
6 bunches fresh broccoli (chopped)
3 tbsp salt
48 oz sour cream
6 pints heavy whipping cream
6 cups half-and-half
4 1/2 cups grated Romano cheese
4 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook the fettuccini in boiling water until al dente (around 10 minutes) Drain the noodles and set aside Wash and chop the broccoli and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces Heat the butter, garlic, and pepper in a skillet over medium heat Add the chicken and broccoli and cook until the meat is fully cooked Sprinkle with salt and stir Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool slightly Add the grated cheeses over the chicken and broccoli and mix In a separate bowl, mix together the whipping cream, sour cream, and half and half Place the cooked pasta in the bottom of a baking dish (one with a lid) Spread the chicken mixture over the pasta and mix gently Pour the sauce over, coating it well Cover the pasta and cook for half an hour at 350 degrees F Don’t allow the sauce to boil! Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes

Chili Con Carne
25 servings

Ingredients:
4 lbs ground beef
1 tbsp salt
4 large onions, chopped (4 cups)
4 green peppers, chopped (2 cups)
4 cans kidney beans, drained (1 pound each)
2 cans tomatoes (1 pound 13 oz each)
2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz each)
1½ tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
3 crushed bay leaves

Directions:
Cook the ground beef in a stew pot or Dutch oven over medium heat When the meat is fully cooked, drain the excess grease and return to the pan Season with salt, then add the onions and green peppers and cook until soft Add in the kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, paprika, and bay leaves Stir well, then cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally Add water if you like a runnier consistency

Ham Salad Sandwiches
50 servings

Ingredients:
4 lb fully cooked ham or bologna, coarsely chopped
3 cup chopped sweet pickles
2 cups mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 jar (2 oz) diced pimentos, drained
100 slices bread
Lettuce leaves (optional)

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped ham, pickles, pimentos, and mayo Mix well, then spoon onto bread and assemble sandwiches

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Author : Mary Anne Durkee

Pizza – quick dinner recipe or comfort food? What would you term it as? For me it is both, a quick dinner idea and just the comfort food I would love to sit down with Every part of the pizza – the crust, the toppings and the delicious sauce are all dear to me and I relish each of these It is all done perfectly that makes a great pizza Homemade pizza is a great idea to spending time with the entire family Get everyone in the family involved and see how you add to the family fun Even the youngest member of the house can contribute by arranging the toppings

Tips to a delicious homemade pizza:

-Make your crust first and keep (thing to remember is that the crust should not be baked fully, remember you need to bake it again with the toppings) It would be best to bake the crust separately than doing the toppings and everything together

-Mixing the pizza dough and kneading has an important role to play in deciding your crust quality Kneading should be done only to the level needed that is till you have a pliable dough that does not anymore stick to the sides

-Be patient, allow enough time for the pizza dough to rise before actually starting to work on it The taste and texture of the pizza would all depend on the dough Depending on the thickness of the crust desired decide on the amount of dough to use for the crust Pizza dough that is drier would result in a crispy crust So you could make the choice between crispy and a soft fluffy crust If you want to have a stuffed crust you can add the stuffing at this stage

-For the pizza sauce, there is always the easy store bought pizza sauce However, if you decide to make it at home then onions, tomato puree or sauce, garlic and your choice of herbs all sauteed and simmered to form a thick consistency Make it a little thick to avoid getting your crust soggy

-Coming to the toppings, here is where you can unleash your creativity There is really no laid down rule as to what you should use as topping for your topping and so you could just go by what your heart says or rightly by your tastebuds From meat, sausages to fresh veggies, ham, bacon, mushrooms and the list goes on and on Top with fresh mozaraella and the pizza is a nice colorful treat now Don’t you agree?

Put it into the oven, get your favorite movie or book and time to just put up your feet and enjoy homemade pizza all done by you right from scratch Feels great doesn’t it?

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 Tuna Recipes, Turkey recipes and Vegan recipes

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Author : Mike Selvon

For a great majority of people, they have stored somewhere in their memory remembrances of their favorite foods, tastes, aromas and flavors from their childhood meal times and childhood treats Just catching a tiny whiff of some aroma that is familiar can bring back a flood of memories and one of the most common aromas that conjure up warm and special memories is the smell of freshly-baked, chocolate chip cookies

Indeed, it is no mistake that one would associate wonderful memories of youth and carefree times with the warm, inviting aromas that are part of the experience of enjoying cookies made with chocolate chips that are fresh out of the oven This is an experience common to so many children, of so many generations, and is an experience that seems to embody many aspects of childhood for so many people

Most of the time, it is more than just the enveloping aroma of those soft and warm cookies, brimming with enough dark chocolate chips that they simply begin melting into one another, while the surrounding dough slowing turns to that glorious golden brown There is often a great deal more that comes along with memories of homemade chocolate chip cookies, and just an ever so faint whiff can bring those memories to the forefront of the mind

Who doesn’t remember the incredible feeling of excitement while watching mom finish mixing the cookie dough batter, hoping that she’ll add some extra dark or even white chocolate chips, more than the recipe calls for, and add some of those wonderful, chopped nuts as well? Maybe the memory that rushes back is that of the anticipation that strikes once the pan of cookies has been carefully placed in the oven

As a child, how many times did you push the little white button on the oven that trigged the light, allowing you to see the progression of those cookies as they swelled and spread across the pan, inching toward each other? No doubt you could already feel that cookie in your hand, still so warm that it wasn’t firm enough to hold its shape and just the perfect temperature to simply dissolve the moment you took your first bite

Often, people have wonderful memories of working alongside mom in the kitchen to whip up a batch of special Christmas cookies to be left as a treat for Santa, to say thank you and to give him a boost of energy Others have memories of coming home after school and knowing the instant they opened the door and were greeted by a promising perfume of warm cookies that a special treat would be their reward for finishing their homework quickly

Even though the world is filled with an almost countless array of incredible chocolate treats, from boxed chocolates to truffles to gourmet chocolate treasures, for a great many people who love chocolate, there is just nothing else that compares to a warm and soft chocolate chip cookie that has just come out of the oven These delightful cookie treats are not only chock full of the requisite chips, but often also contain nuts and other additional ingredients, which makes them even more special, plus a heaping portion of cherished times and special occasions remembered

A free gift awaits you at our portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about the chocolate chip cookies. Your comment is much appreciated at our coconut chocolate blog.

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Author : Jim Brown

During the lazy days of summer people plan to spend time outside enjoying the nice rays of sunshine that pour down on the backyard with family and friends They want to use cool and refreshing recipes for all of their summer parties because the heat of the day always seems to linger until well after nightfall The refreshing recipes for summer could come from vegetables in a country garden, or from various odds and ends that are stored in the kitchen pantry

Many of the cool and refreshing recipes for summer guests would be lightly chilled before serving Some people like to make delicious desserts like key lime pie to give their guests a splendid reminder of what delicious summer fruit tastes like The graham cracker crust blends quite well with the smooth texture of the creamy pie filling that is adorned with fresh lime slices on the top

Many tables at a summer party will be adorned with all sorts of fruit The cantaloupes will make cool and refreshing recipes for summer because they are so cold and sweet when they come out of the refrigerator chill space The cantaloupes can be carved in balls and accented with a maraschino cherry for a rich contrast in textures that will be a delight to any party goers

The cool and refreshing recipes for summer must always include some dips Some guests find little morsels of shrimp, lobster and crab in the various dip pots that are spread out so elegantly on a festive summer party table The arrangement of the chilled pots will be accented by a wide assortment of chips and crackers that compliment the variety of dips on the table very nicely

The cool and refreshing recipes for summer will also come from the blender that fits quite nicely on the outdoor bar counter The children will truly enjoy the icy creations that will be made with simple fruit juice and some fresh food pieces that are heavily covered with crushed ice These icy drinks will keep the kids refreshed and the family budget on track to allow the hosts to have other parties throughout the summer

Many hosts choose to create cucumber sandwiches that are filled with delectable cuts of smoked ham The cool and refreshing recipes for summer would never be complete without these tiny morsels that will keep the hunger pains at bay until the rich slabs of pork ribs and baked beans come out of the grill and backyard oven

Some of the summer party guests will keep their glasses filled with sweetened iced tea, and other cool and refreshing drinks that are symbolic and let everyone at the party know that summer has truly arrived

James Brown writes about Cooking.com discounts, KitchenCollection.com coupon code and Chef’s Corner deals

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Author : Patrick Carpen

Meatloaf is probably one of the most secretly indulged-upon comfort foods in America Admit it! Many of us aren’t opposed to having a thick slice of meatloaf with mash and green beans—so long as our pals aren’t around to witness! But in all seriousness, meatloaf has been a household favorite since the 1950′s, and will likely be around for many years to come This article has three great recipes to show you just how versatile meatloaf can be, thus giving you three more ways to indulge in your guilty pleasure I hope you enjoy them!

Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

2 lbs ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 slices bread, broken up into small pieces
1 tsp beef bouillon granules
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup lemon juice, divided up

To prepare the glaze, combine the brown sugar, mustard powder, ketchup, and 1 tbsp lemon juice Mix well In a separate bowl, mix together the beef, onion, bread, bouillon, egg, 1/3 of the ketchup mixture, and the remaining lemon juice Mix together well (I find it best just to use my hands), and place in a 5 x 9 inch loaf pan Bake at 350 degrees F for about an hour, taking care to drain any fat After 1 hour, coat with the rest of the ketchup mixture and bake for another 10 minutes

Southern Style Meatloaf

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups medium salsa
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup crushed saltine crackers
1 egg

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheeses, salsa, egg, and crushed crackers Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf form, and place in a greased 5 x 9 inch loaf pan Bake at 350 degrees F for about an hour, or until the meat has browned all the way through

Savory Meatloaf

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed buttery round crackers
1 (1 oz) pkg dry onion soup mix
1/4 cup ketchup
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons steak sauce

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Cheddar cheese, crushed crackers, and onion soup mix In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, steak sauce, and ketchup Pour the egg mixture into the meat mixture and blend until moist If the meat is on the dry side, add a little water Place into a greased 5 x 9 inch loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees F for about an hour, or until the meat has browned all the way through

If you’re looking for recipes, take a look at the Platinum Recipes Collection.
The Platinum Recipes Collection is the Internet’s Most Comprehensive Recipes Collection.

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Author : Mike Selvon

Has your kitchen turned into the busy, warm, epicenter of your home? If so you have a lot in common with a huge number of people across the country Kitchens have become the place of business, relaxation, and love within the home

Certainly, we all have a memory or two of sitting around a family member’s house having in depth conversations at the kitchen table One of the ways that this room is evolving is through kitchen electrics They are advancing and changing and this article is going to introduce you to some of the best

Forget about all of the electronics you’re used to in the kitchen such as the food processor and the coffee grinder You have to think bigger than that and this is not referring to the refrigerator! The kitchen has moved into a realm where housewares and kitchenware meet and become one To be honest, your kitchen tools are about to become a lot more exciting!

Kitchen electrics are now taking the form of music systems and television sets Having a music system in your kitchen can really add a warm touch to the room Imagine yourself baking while your favorite song is playing The simplest CD player can be used or a state of the art stereo built into the wall or counter

Imagine you are sitting at your kitchen counter surfing the web while you watch the Food Network learning a recipe for dinner It is becoming a common occurrence in kitchens today Kitchen electrics have moved up in the world from a food processor to a flat panel television

The T V can be mounted just about anywhere you want it, and even be put on a swivel mount That would ensure that you would see it from every corner of the kitchen Baking becomes easier with a wireless Internet connection bringing the recipes straight to your kitchen counter, courtesy of your laptop!

Some may think that kitchen electrics like these are extravagant, but they help with more than cooking and baking needs Having a wireless connection will allow your children to do their homework in the sanctity of the kitchen without distractions that are often found in the living room or bedroom

Having the T V will allow you to watch news while still being active within the kitchen So you see that these types of kitchen tools are much more practical than they seem! Don’t be afraid to go modern and turn your kitchen into a technological empire!

A whole world of information about kitchen electrics eagerly awaits you from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our kitchenaid bakeware blog.

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