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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Top 7 Energy Boosting Foods

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Photo: images.idiva.com
 
A fast-faced lifestyle is very tiring and undeniably most people are into it. It is actually a must for every individual with a fast-faced lifestyle to stay awake when needed particularly in attending to their daily job. However, there will surely time that your body becomes tired and you may not be able to stay energized the whole day. It is really tough to fight those midday yawns and sleepy eyes each time you're at the brink of falling asleep while at work. Of course, the best way to get the body energize is to take a nap, however this is not possible if you are at work. Therefore, you must know the right food to consume in your meals everyday to boost your energy level. These foods should help you stay energize until you fulfill your daily routine at the office.
As the day starts, you must already know how to revitalize your body if you get tired. Therefore, eating your breakfast is a must not only because it is the most important meal of the day but also because the foods that are served in your daily breakfast are energy boosting foods. Below are the top 10 energy boosting foods you may include in your daily meal.
  1. Whole grain products -This is perfect for your daily breakfast. It is a fiber rich food which makes digestion easier. It also contains anti-oxidant which is good for your skin. In addition, it helps in reducing the risks of having cancerous cells, diabetes and heart ailment.

  2. Oatmeal -The American Dietetic Association testified that oatmeal is one of the best suppliers of soluble fiber and when combined with raisins or low-fat yogurt gives it gives an individual jam-packed energy throughout the day. Oatmeal is among the perfect breakfast menu for diabetic people.

  3. Fresh Clean Banana- As everybody knows, this fruit is not just yummy but it is also rich in potassium which is ideal for pregnant women and for people having muscle contraction problems. A piece of a fresh sweet banana a day helps thwart stiffness from sitting long hours at the office.

  4. Sweet Orange Juice- This is not just energy giving fruit but it is also rich in amino acid or commonly called vitamin C. Vitamin C is important to boost our immune system. Once the immune system is at its best your body will surely have sufficient energy to comply all your daily tasks.

  5. Pasta dish- Pasta dishes are loaded with carbohydrates. Most athletes today eat a plate of any pasta dish before going to the game. But you must also make sure that the pasta dish is low in calories, fatty acids and sodium to make it a perfect energy boosting meal.

  6. Fish and salmon- Fish are abundant with protein, omega3 and vitamin B which are ideal for your cardio-vascular wellness.

  7. Beans- These are loaded with several nutrients and vitamins needed by the body to fulfill its daily tasks. Consume beans in a creative way to make your every meal flavorful. You can add it in soup and pasta dishes. According to the America's Department of Agriculture, a person must consume 3 cups of beans weekly to revitalize her or his body.
The energy boosting foods listed above are just an example of foods that provides energy. There are more lists you can find in the internet or by asking your dietician. Dieticians can surely provide you the best lists you are looking for.
Stephan is a newbie in internet and network marketing. He also does SEO and Social Media Management. He loves writing articles about health and reading articles relating to fast food for sustained energy. Click here and find more about healthy living tips.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Cupcake Decoration Ideas

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Photo: homedressing.net
 
Why vegans or those suffering from egg allergy miss on scrumptious cupcakes, this Christmas. There are several variations of which, this one is simply lip smacking.
This easy vegan cupcake is no hassle and ready within minutes. Top with butter cream or cream cheese frosting or with fondant decorations. You can also have it as it is.
Ingredients:
1½ cup - Flour
1 cup - Sugar superfine
1 tsp - Baking soda
½ cup - Sunflower oil
¼ cup - Cocoa
1½ tsp -Vinegar
1 tsp - Vanilla essence
1 tsp - Instant coffee
1 cup - Warm water
Method:
Pre-heat the oven to 180C and line the tin with cupcake cases.
In the bowl mix flour, soda and vinegar.
Add the remaining ingredients using your electric mixer, or hand mixer beat for 5 minutes on medium speed. Divide the mixture equally between the paper cases and level the tops.
Bake in the pre heated oven for approx. 20-25 minutes or until well rise and springy to touch. Leave to cool on a wire rack.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Cupcake decorating ideas with fondant
Fondant is a versatile ingredient. Just roll out and cut it, imprint or emboss designs, add colour and shine (metallic shades) to make fancy creations.
You can do anything from ruffle borders to flowers and figurines etc. Make designs and top them as it is or pipe cream icing and place the decorations thereafter. The choice is simply endless.
Personally, I would suggest ready rolled fondant or satin ice fondant, because of the benefits:
Highly elastic, therefore, easy to shape
Tends to be smoother
Long shelf life up to 1 year
Time saving - no kneading, no mess or guesswork
Certain fondant tools to make cupcake decorating easy. There are many different types of tools, but for my suggestive designs you need:
Rolling Pin - From start to finish when working with fondant there is rolling to do! When making fondant cake tops, Santa's beard, scarf for the snow man so on.
Cookie cutters for making circular cut outs as our fondant top.
Paint brush for sticking designs with edible glue.
Fondant tools required are pin, scalpel, ball and paw tool for shaping different parts.
Suggestive Christmas theme try out:
A stand up snowman in warm clothes in the blistering cold
Santa with a handful of candies for kids
A sumptuous plate of Christmas meals - carrots, Brussels sprout, turkey and wine bottle
The elf enjoying the Christmas party
Sleigh ladened with gifts
Creative decorating ideas for christmas cupcakes
http://magical-christmas-fondant-cupcakes.blogspot.in/
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Monday, November 19, 2012

Tasty Philippine Recipes - Healthy Baked Lumpia Rolls



Photo: pevoniaskincareblog.com.ph

There are many tasty Philippine recipes, although they're not as well known as those of their Vietnamese, Chinese and Indonesian neighbours. Popular Philippine recipes include Filipino Chicken or Pork Adobo (not to be confused with the Mexican version), Pancit Canton, a traditional noodle dish and boiled pickled fish with vegetables. Pandesal Bread is a favourite accompaniment or you can eat it with butter and jam.
Here is just one of the most popular Philippine recipes:
Baked Lumpia Rolls
These make a lovely starter or snack to serve with drinks and are much healthier than the deep fried version. The dipping sauce gives a lovely zing to the dish. This recipe makes about 60 small rolls which will serve 15 people; you can halve the quantities if you wish or if you're serving more than one starter.
Ingredients
For the Lumpia Rolls:
500g lean pork mince
1 medium sized finely chopped carrot
1 medium sized finely chopped onion
250g tin of drained and finely chopped water chestnuts
250g tin of drained and finely chopped bamboo shoots
8 cloves garlic
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 pack of small spring roll wrappers
1 large egg, beaten
For the Dipping Sauce:
45g brown sugar
120ml white vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp water
1 tsp corn flour
3 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
Method
For the Lumpia Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 450ºF, 230/210ºC (normal/fan), Gas Mark 8
Mix the all the ingredients except the wrappers and the egg in a large bowl. Stir thoroughly until well combined. This will keep in the fridge overnight, covered with cling film.
Lay out as many of the spring roll wrappers as you have room for and roll the meat mixture into tube shapes about the thickness of a forefinger and slightly shorter than the wrapper.
Roll up the wrapper, brush the ends and long side with beaten egg, fold in the ends and stick down the long side. Place on a baking tray with the seam downwards. Keep going until you've used up all the mixture.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Serve hot.
For the Dipping Sauce:
Put the sugar, vinegar and soy sauce in a saucepan and stir over a high heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the corn flour mixed with water and stir until the mixture is boiling. Turn off the heat and add the ginger. Serve in a separate dish with the Lumpia Rolls.
For more tasty Philippine recipes including Pork Adobo, visit Asian Food and Cookery.


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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Caribbean Vegetarian Recipes

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Photo: 0.tqn.com

So, the idea of like a vegetarian appears attractive to you but you are somewhat overcome. Are you currently presently racking your brains on just how to be a vegetarian? If you wish to change but aren't prepared to quit meat cold chicken, try progressively shifting.
Begin by getting rid of only one type of meat out of your diet (like beef). Then, before extended, drop another. And, throughout this method, begin integrating vegetarian foods for the schedule. Begin progressively, possess a couple vegetarian foods every week. Before extended, increase the amount of vegetarian foods until all meat is progressively removed the foods you eat.
Almost everyone has favorite dishes that could be easily transformed into meatless versions. These may be homemade foods or menu products inside the restaurant for example spaghetti with marinara sauce, vegetable lo mein, and bean burrito. Also, if you would like vegetable lasagne, stir-fried veggies, or pasta primavera, you can start your transition by thinking about making these foods more frequently. In addition, find high quality vegetarian prepare books to discover with to actually will keep a delicacy interesting acquiring a few exciting meatless dishes.
You've considered your options carefully, examined professionals together with the disadvantages, and made a decision the vegetarian lifestyle meets your needs. But where is it possible to start to make the modifications? Is it possible to go 'cold chicken?' Is it possible to adopt a much more gradual approach to shifting to vegetarianism? However you choose to make change, you can begin to possess health improvements of vegetarianism by substantially reducing on the amount of meat consumed, and making vegetables, fruits, beans, and bread toasted items the primary concentrate the meals.
Choose whole-grain products like whole wheat grains grains grains grains bread and flour, instead of refined or white-colored grains. Eat numerous foods, and book vegetables, fruits, grains, breads, nuts, or seed items you have not attempted before. Experiment and explore! You may uncover a completely new favorite or two, and learn brand-new techniques to boost classical vegetarian dishes. Many vegetarian foods can be found in any supermarket. Niche food stores may have many within the more uncommon items, additionally to several vegetarian convenience foods. When searching for food, plan ahead of time, shop acquiring an inventory and focused food labels. And if you select to consume milk items, choose non-body fat types, and limit your egg intake to 3-4 yolks every week.
As being a vegetarian is frequently as easy as you choose to ensure it's. Whether you'll need planning delectable, tasty meals or choose quick and easy ones, vegetarian meals can be very satisfying. When you are getting within the thought of keeping the following available, meal preparation time will complete easy: -Ready-to-eat, whole-grain whole wheat grains grains grains toast items, and quick-cooking whole-grain cereal items for instance oatmeal, whole-grain breads and crackers, for instance rye, whole wheat grains grains grains grains, and mixed grain together with other grains for instance barley and bulgur wheat
- Canned beans, for instance pinto, black beans, and garbanzo beans
- Grain (including brown, wild, etc.) and pasta (presently available entirely wheat, eco-friendly green spinach, together with other tastes) with tomato sauce and canned beans and/or chopped veggies
- Vegetarian sauces like lentil, navy bean, or minestrone
- Numerous plain frozen vegetables, and canned and frozen fruit
- Prepared soymilks and soy cheeses, if you choose to not eat dairy
- Numerous fruits and vegetables, which medicine core connected acquiring an eating plan system
In case you comprehend the simplest approach to test foods and uncover a meatless diet do not have to lack variety, you'll find your decision for vegetarianism wasn't only wise, but fun and simple come a delicacy
Check out some great vegetarian recipes and a free video at my blog: http://www.vegetarianmagic.com/vegetarian-recipe-blog/
http://www.vegetarianmagic.com/vegetarian-recipe-blog/
My recipe blog that has a free video showing several Caribbean Vegetarian Recipes
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Sunday, November 11, 2012

Unique Vegetable Soup

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Photo: 4.bp.blogspot.com
 
You are probably wondering about the perfect food that is quick and easy to prepare, has myriads of choices of ingredients, benefits you with better health, and is cost effective to make? Then, the answer to all your questions is vegetable soup.
Why is vegetable soup so important?
For starters, this soup is very easy to prepare. With just few easy steps, anyone can prepare it.
There are plenty of soups recipes available. You can try out different vegetables every time you prepare it.
Although for most recipes, the method of preparation remains the same, it may vary a little depending on the ingredients you choose.
You may not have adequate vegetables in your diet at the moment. For instance, most American diets have a lesser vegetable content. So, with vegetable soup, you can boost your vegetable intake to meet your five-a-day recommended portion.
Consuming this soup is advantageous to your health, as vegetables reduce the chances of heart disease, hypertension, Diabetes, it protects you against specific type of cancers, and, in general, it leads to an increase in the body's resistance against many diseases and aliments through improving the body's immune system.
If you are weight conscious, vegetable soup acts like a diet soup, which limits unwanted calories and fat build-up in your body unlike other foods. It can help you reduce and maintain the required weight.
If you are sick, vegetable soup acts like a healthy soup that improves your health by providing you with the necessary nutrients.
Here are some ingredients to prepare vegetable soup:
50 grams each of any two vegetables. They can be carrots, onions, potatoes, cauliflower, etc. They can be scraped and chopped depending on your choice.
200 grams of tomatoes.
20 grams of butter.
1 tablespoon of oats
2 teaspoons of ginger and garlic paste
50 milliliters of fresh skimmed milk
2 teaspoons of oil
1 tablespoon of flour (all purpose)
1 teaspoon of pepper powder
Salt as per your taste
1 - 2 green chilies
5 - 6 cups of water
5 - 6 neatly chopped Coriander leaves.
Method of preparation of vegetable soup:
You have to ignite or switch on your stove, and place a pan on it.
Put 5 - 10 grams of butter in the pan, and heat it. You have to let the butter span across the pan as it melts.
Put the ginger and garlic paste into the pan, and fry it for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring it so that it does not stick to the pan.
Put in the vegetables and tomatoes into the pan.
Put in 5 - 8 cups of water, and let it boil. Time is dependent on the flame intensity.
When you feel the vegetables are cooked, you can sprinkle some pepper powder upon it depending on your taste.
Now, you have to mix milk, flour, and oats in a jug, and then add the mixture to the pan.
Now, you can decrease the flame intensity to a simmer.
Fry oil with a mixture of the Coriander leaves and green chilies for about 1 - 2 minutes in another pan, and then transfer it to the vegetable soup pan. Take care to protect yourself from the oil if it spurts when you transfer it to the soup.
Simmer for 2 more minutes, and stir the contents well.
Now your vegetable soup is ready.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Fish Salad - A Memorable Dish in Danang

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Photo: chef-a-gogo.com
 
If your Vietnam Tour adventure brings you to Danang, then you're in the right place. Not only was it an educational and commercial center of Central Vietnam, it also lies within 100 kilometers of the best sites and places you can visit in this country. Several UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the ruins of My Son, Hoi An Old Town and the Imperial City of Hue are easily accessible from this natural transportation hub which you will visit one by one on your booked Vietnam Tours.
But perhaps, the most memorable experience you can have in this fabulous city is a taste of their exotic dish called "Goi Ca" or fish salad. You might have heard of this when you have booked your best Vietnam Tours package and you might even have a taste of it back in your accommodation. But if you have tasted a fish salad that features sliced tomatoes all mangled with lettuce leaves that are already flaccid; and served with a few slices of tuna and some small prawns all swimming in mayonnaise, then you haven't tasted the real thing! Fact is you have tasted the commercial offerings which you can safely call the "Westernized" version. If you want to taste the real Vietnam Goi Ca, then go to Man Thai Beach along Son Tra Peninsula in Danang.
Lined along the beach front where the fishing boats are moored, on the brick side walk itself are several vendors of real Danang style fish salad. These vendors only sell "Goi Ca" and it will taste a lot better than the one you can order at most restaurants lining the beach in Danang. The first reason is that it's the only thing they do. The second one is they only use the freshest ingredients available.
True to Vietnam's style of food preparation, local ingredients that Danang fish salad vendors use are fresh mint and herbs in abundant quantity, onions, carrot, galangal, green mango and squids; and fish newly caught by local fishermen. With this variety of natural ingredients, prepare your palate on a complex taste of Asian salad that is anything but bland. The color of the fresh ingredients is really enticing. No fancy food garnish is needed to make your mouth water with anticipation. Just imagine the arrangement of lush green mint leaves, yellow green of fresh sprouts, red of pepper and yellow galangal. Set it on the white of the squid and fresh fish meat and what you get is a festival of colors. The texture of the taste is incomparable, spicy pepper and galangal, sour green mango, salty sweet seafood and the bittersweet taste of fibre on the leaves makes for some real mouth-watering indulgence. Don't forget to wrap them in rice paper and dip in locally prepared sauce before you take a bite to have that mouth full of bursting flavors that no words can describe.
If you want to also feast your eyes as well as your taste buds, grab a couple of fish salad and head down south on the beach road towards My Khe Beach. As you continue your Vietnam Tours adventure this way, you will be amazed at the fantastic view of Son Tra Peninsula as you glaze at the Big Buddha situated on the opposite side. And as you savor the lingering taste of "Goi Ca" in your mouth, take a couple of pictures of you and your friends with the magnificent East Vietnam Sea in the backdrop.
Welcome to Danang, the city with the best culinary adventure of the entire Vietnam Tours vacation.
Jayce Castillo is totally charmed by the beauty of Indochina. He paid his very first visit with Vietnam tours before heading for Cambodia. You can find the destination in Vietnam package tours.
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Monday, November 5, 2012

Tips to Make Easy Citrus Chicken

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Photo: trialx.org
 
Chicken is one of those entrees that can get boring quickly. How many chicken rice and mushroom casseroles can you eat anyway?
The advantages of chicken include it's relatively cheap, tastes good, and cooks quickly. Here's a recipe that is adaptable for any season. The tang of the citrus brings out the best in the chicken. The herbs add a fresh note and more flavor. If you don't like garlic, use scallions instead. Change the citrus and herbs and it's a brand new dish. Here are tips to make easy citrus chicken.
4 Chicken breasts, 8 thighs or 8 drumsticks
1 orange
2 lemons
2 limes
1 pink grapefruit
4 slices of citrus fruit
1/2 cup chopped herbs, sage, cilantro, parsley or tarragon
3 cloves chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste
This dish includes all four citrus fruits. However, you could use only one fruit and herb, such as lemon and tarragon for a French dish, limes and cilantro for Southwest flavor -- add a 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, or Orange and sage.
Zest the fruit, leaving the white pith. That's bitter and won't add any flavor. Squeeze the citrus fruit until you have at least 1 cup of juice. Add the zest, garlic and chopped herbs. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade.
Pull the skin away from the chicken but don't remove it. You want the marinade to bath the chicken meat. Add the marinade. Push some of the herbs, zest and garlic under the skin. Refrigerate for a minimum of four hours up to overnight.
Now you have your choice of cooking methods. Pull the skin back over the chicken meat. The skin keeps the meat moist. Brown in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Lower the heat and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, the juices run clear and the meat is no longer opaque. Or brown the chicken then transfer to a slow-cooker with the marinade. Add enough chicken broth to cover the meat. Cook for four to eight hours depending on your slow-cooker.
Or put the chicken straight from the fridge into a baking pan. Add the marinade. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve with couscous or rice. Add the reserved marinade to the rice or couscous during the last five minutes of cooking. Actually with the couscous add the boiling water, stir then immediately add the marinade. Cover for five minutes then fluff with a fork.
Plate the chicken adding a slice of the citrus fruit on top as a garnish. This dish is good with peas, fresh string beans or asparagus.
Make a double batch. Use the leftovers for chicken salad adding 1/4 cup of the citrus juice you used for the marinade, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped celery and one small can of mandarin oranges.
Now you know how to make easy citrus chicken.
Find more recipes such as pork and apples Dee is the author of several nonfiction books and the novel, Over Time. She likes to share her grilling secrets.
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