Published by admin on 24th November 2009
Offal is a rather loose term that can be applied to various internal organs and off-cuts of animals and birds. The English word ‘offal’ itself derives from the late 14th century terms of (off) and fal (fall) literally meaning those parts of an animal that fall off the butcher’s block. These were the worst cuts of meat, which even the poor could afford, especially as meat tended to be used as flavouring for other ingredients rather than a main component of the meal in and of itself.Indeed, some common recipes now made with fruit, such as mice pies started off using a mix of offal and fruit as a pie filling, especially around Christmas where venison was intended for the top table and everyone else had to make the most of the offal.For more details go to: www.150-venison-recipes.com this also explains the origins of many classic dishes such as black (blood) pudding, haggis, steak and kidney pies, brawn and sausages. All dishes bulked-out with offal.This idea of offal as a poor man’s protein source has definitely given offal rather a bad press. As soon as people became rich enough they wanted ‘proper’ meat. And the modern move away from the sources of food production has exacerbated the problem and offal has a ‘yuck’ factor that’s hard to get over. Especially as reports tell us that certain products such as liver and brain contain lots of cholesterol. But it has to be remembered that liver is also a good source of dietary iron and vitamin A.But, certain pieces of offal such as heart and kidneys are low in fat and high in good quality meat. Also, it shouldn’t be forgotten that certain offal products have a definite ‘cachet’ about them. Pâté (made from liver) is a good example of this, as are sweetbreads (thymus) which you will find on the menus of high-class restaurants.Today, with the current economic straits, offal can provide a nutritious high-protein meal. Using offal is also a way of keeping traditional and heirloom recipes alive. It is also a way of showing respect to the animals we slaughter for food, by maximizing our use of them. Below are two classic recipes using offal products?Chicken Liver Pâté225g Chicken Livers175g Butter2 tbsp Brandy2 tbsp of Mustard Powder1 tsp Mixed Herbs (parsley, coriander, chives, thyme)Two Cloves of Garlic (crushed)Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to tasteMethod:Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed frying pan. Coarsely chop the chicken livers and add to the pan. Fry on medium heat for five minutes, turning constantly (to ensure the livers cook but do not burn).Remove from the heat, allow cooling a little then pouring into an electric blender. Melt the remaining butter and tip this into the blender too. Pour in the brandy; add the herbs mustard and garlic before seasoning with salt and freshly-ground black pepper.For can visit to: www.classic-dessert-collection.com Blend to a smooth paste before spooning into six small Ramekins (or egg cups will do too) then refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set and serve with buttered hot toast.Steak and Kidney PieIngredients:450g beef steak, cubed100g kidneys, cubed1 onion, chopped1 garlic clove, finely chopped50g flour seasoned with salt, black pepper and thyme150ml beef stock150g shortcrust pastryMethod:Place the seasoned flour in a bowl and roll the beef and kidneys in this until completely coated. Transfer to an oven-proof dish and mix with the onion and garlic. Add the stock and roll the pastry out on a lightly-floured work surface until large enough to cover the top of the dish. Crimp to seal then cover the top of the dish with a sheet of foil then transfer to an oven pre-heated to 120°C. Cook slowly for three and a half hours then increase the temperature to 180°C and bake for a further 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden. Serve with chips and roasted carrots and parsnips.
Published by admin on 22nd November 2009
What are two words to describe the average college student? I choose busy and broke. I can say this because I am a veteran of the college experience and know what it means to bring my own beverage to a buffet to cut costs, or to use a sandwich maker to make breakfast. For some reason it is customary to be absolutely poor with no time to do anything about it when in college. Which means students are forced to try to purchase a meal plan or live on the poor mans diet. For more details go to: www.cheese-cake-recipes.com If you are a college student or the parent of a college student, I know your struggles and want to help you to find a few easy solutions to help relieve the burden of having no resources or insight into cooking in college.The first solution I want to offer is for students who are not cooking in college because they do not have a stove or microwave in their dorm room. I was in this position in school, which forced me and my roommate to get really creative when meal time rolled around. Remember that sandwich maker I mentioned earlier? Well it came in so handy for us that we ended up making meals for our friends on it. Traditionally created to put meat and cheese inside two slices of bread, the sandwich maker then seals the ingredients between the slices for a good-tasting hot sandwich. We of course saw limitless possibilities the unique product and used it to make square pancakes, fry bacon, and scramble eggs. While it seems a little over the top, it actually worked. We were able to eat well without needing a stove only an available plug.But if you are one of those lucky college students who have pots, pans, eating utensils, and living quarters with a stove, you are in luck even if you do not know what to do with them. For more you can visit to: www.fair-recipes.com let us say for instance your Mom gave you several cans of vegetables and some frozen chicken? You have been eye-balling that chicken forever knowing that you do not know how to fry it. And the last time you tried to bake some it was still frozen in the middle. There is an easy and very healthy solution to this problem. It is called homemade chicken noodle soup. Sounds intimidating, huh? Well do not let the word homemade fool you, it is very simple.To get started you simply fill one of those large pots halfway with water then toss in about four pieces of frozen chicken legs and thighs. Turn the fire up to high until the water boils then turn it to the low setting to simmer. Let the chicken simmer until you can poke a fork into easily it then throw in the vegetables you have, corn, carrots, and green beans are good, after draining the water out first. Season the soup with a good amount salt, some chicken-flavored bouillon cubes if you have them, and a little pepper for taste then throw in some egg noodles, Ramon Noodles can work too. When you are able to pull the meat off the bone with no trouble and the noodles are soft, you are good to go. This recipe makes cooking in college completely simple.One last Cooking In College recipe that works really well for either the sandwich maker or a skillet is cheese quesadillas. They are incredible to eat and can be made in large quantities for a cheap price. All you need is a bag of flour tortilla shells, usually about USD 1, a bag of shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend, either one usually about USD 2-3, and 2 jalapeno peppers about USD 0.15 each. Butter either the bottom of the sandwich maker or skillet then warm both tortilla shells in the butter for a great flavor then set them on a plate. Next cut up some jalapeno peppers in small bits and spread them evenly on one shell then cover with a liberal handful of cheese. Place the second shell on top then put in the skillet on high heat or place in the sandwich maker, you may need the cut the shell to fit the size of the sandwich maker. If you are using a sandwich maker, you simply close the lid and let it heat the quesadilla up on both sides simultaneously. If you are using a skillet, wait until the cheese melts then carefully flip to brown the other side. Take out in about 1 minute and you are ready to eat. Cooking in college is pretty easy, would not you say?There is an abundance of information on ways to successfully manage your time as a student while also cooking in college. And if your friends are anything like mine were, once they smell those great meals coming from your room or apartment, they will be trying to eat at your house every day. But just politely let them know they can do it on their own then point them to this article about cooking in college. Trust me – you will be able to hold on to your food easier that way.
Published by admin on 5th November 2009
Are you one of the many cookery lovers or an individual with who feels like a novice when faced with the task of preparing new and varied meals? Well, whichever category you feel you belong to, we have just the cuisine to delight you with and help you build up your recipe book with interesting, exotic dishes and raise your skill levels at the same time by igniting the latent passion for good food – Italian style!In fact, even beginners in the kitchen can learn how to put together a great tasting, healthy meal to enjoy with friends and family and it’s as simple as tuning in to a cookery show like Lydia Italian cooking demos! For more details go to: www.thanks-giving-recipes.com You learn by observing the techniques, tips and approaches the Lydia Italian cooking shows offer views and need to follow simple instructions for whipping up the same delicacies in your kitchen – and just await the praise that is bound to come your way with these value additions to your cooking skills!If you are wondering where to find Lydia Italian cooking shows, you don’t need to look further than your food network timings on the TV guide or you can choose to log on to the program’s web site after entering the term into any major search engine. You’ll not only get all the information of shows to come with highlights of the recipes to be covered, but useful recipe links, details of past shows and live demos too!For can visit to: www.300-chicken-recipe.com We all know that with a little bit of play-way learning, the whole process is made more enjoyable and that’s the case with the Lydia Italian cooking show too: with an expert Italian chef guiding you all the way from picking the right ingredients, to mixing, cooking and presenting them just right and advise on entire menu planning, who knows what you can do with all the time and energy you will save on this easy to learn, enjoyable method of cookery schooling.The best part about the Lydia Italian cooking show is the authentic recipes shown here along with variations of cooking techniques and an interesting, visual plus audio format that is easy to understand and recall; perhaps you could record some shows to watch at leisure too. Thus, it’s easy to ignite that passion for cooking great tasting and varied Italian fare by simply tuning in to the Lydia Italian cooking demo.With a friend, the learning process is double the fun, so perhaps you can find someone who shares your passion for Italian cuisine or simply cooking – and then recipe swaps with other friends is enjoyable too! Anyone who wants to learn to be a better cook can benefit from watching Lydia Italian cooking shows and new recipes – or traditional ones with a twist besides getting to exchange fun tales on the whole experience!