Mouth-Watering Lechon Asado Recipe

By Diane Louise Villanueva  

Photo: img.scoop.it
 
Making the best tasting Cuban Lechon Asado is about providing the correct amount of ingredients, and cooking the food to perfection. From start to finish, the whole time it should take to prepare and cook the meal is roughly 7 hours in total. The idea behind cooking this delectable dish is to slow cook it to perfection.
Steps to Cooking CubanLechon Asado
To get started, the ingredients you should be using include:
-6 pound pork shoulder roast
-20 cloves of garlic
-1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
-2 teaspoons of salt
-1 and half cups sour orange juice
-1 teaspoon of oregano
-1 cup of minced onion
-1 and half cups olive oil
Lechon Marinades
-Apart from the 6-pound of pork shoulder roast, the other ingredients are here to help flavor up the roast and provide great taste.
-Start by mashing up all of the marinades, such as the garlic, salt, black peppercorns, onions and oregano.
-Once mixed together, you will need to heat up the sauce to boiling point (220F).
-After being heated up, you can apply the marinade to the pork and work your hands through the meat.
-Once you have massaged the flavor into the pork, pierce the meat as many times as possible and leave the meat to rest in the refrigerator for several hours (preferably overnight).
Now, it's time to get started with the actual cooking. The way to get the best tasting Lechon is to use the oven. Place the oven to 450 Degrees F and place the pork shoulder roast in the oven for roughly 7 hours. You should remove the pork when the internal temperature is 195 Degrees F. If you want pork that is easy to cut and sliced, you can pull the pork out when the internal temperature is 175 Degrees F.
Cooking Your Cuban Lechon Asado in a Pig Roaster
You can also cook your Lechon Asado using your pig roaster!
-Simply inject a mojo marinade into your pork shoulder, marinate it overnight, then place the pork shoulders in your roaster.
-Be sure to following the cooking instructions as specified and the temperature as well. Cover the roaster and place some charcoal on top. Don't forget to insert a meat thermometer.
-After the designated time, check the pork and turn the rack upside down. Make some diagonal or criss-cut slices on the pork shoulder.
-Cover, then add the charcoal and wait for it to cook perfectly!
- Now, you can serve your guests with delicious Cuban Lechon Asado!

For the most succulent and tasty Lechon Asado, choose only US made, quality roasters from La Caja China. Download their free eBook today to cook your pig roast deliciously and conveniently by visiting their website at www.LaCajaChina.com.

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Vegan Stewed Peas With Dumplings

By Susanne Kirlew  

Photo: mywholedeal.com
 
STEW PEAS
1lb /0.5kg dried kidney beans
6 cups water - 1 cup = 250ml
500ml coconut milk - coconut milk is Vegan
1 onion, minced and/or 2 spring onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced or diced
1 carrot, diced
1 ½ - 2 tsp salt or to taste
1 sprig thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (with stem intact)
¼ tsp ginger (optional)
¼ tsp ground all spice optional
DUMPLINGS
½ cup whole wheat flour /Plain flour
¼ cup water
pinch salt
METHOD for Stew Peas
Wash the beans thoroughly and soak in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. The following day you need to discard the water and thoroughly rinse the beans, place them in a saucepan with water and bring to the boil, lower the heat to a simmer until they are tender for about 1 hour or so. Add coconut milk and vegetables carrots, onion, garlic, and continue simmering. Add the dumplings (see below for method) and thyme and other seasonings, simmer for around another 30 minutes or so until the sauce is thick. Discard pepper before serving.
METHOD for Dumplings (Dumplings are key to this recipe)
Place flour and salt in a bowl. Add water and mix to make a stiff dough. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll into the palm of hands to make long thin dumplings. Drop into simmering stew.
To lose weight and be healthy Vegans we sometimes need to cut down on the amount of calories we consume, the problem with eating less is we tend to feel even more hungry so the best way of reducing the amount of calories you eat is to choose good food. Instead of having smaller portions why don't we bulk up our meals with foods that will fill you up without weighing you down, like fruit and vegetables and healthy nuts and pulses, these food will fill you up without piling on the pounds.
Eat as many vegetables and as much fruit as you can with every meal, your five a day mean you can fill your meals with vegetables and fruit so there's less room for higher-calorie foods. At lunch, you can have salads with lettuce, tomato, onion, carrots, peppers or add these ingredients to a delicious sandwich. At dinner time, you can still enjoy your favourite meals like rice, vegan casseroles and pasta and fill them up with more veggies.
To book Kirly-Sue email info@kirlysuesKitchen.co.uk

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Cooking For Beginners - 9 Pasta Tips and Tricks

By Sandy Little  

Photo: realfood.tesco.com
 
Cooking pasta, for some, is a daunting challenge. For instance... a cousin of mine cooked pasta for so long... it came out of the pot in one big clump every time.
If you're pasta isn't turning out... the following tips should help you to get fantastic results every time.
1. How much pasta per person? This always seems to be an issue for everyone. Only you know your family's appetite... but... here is the rule of thumb. A one pound box of pasta will serve 4 big eaters. If you are preparing other dishes to go along with your pasta, a one pound box would easily serve up to 6 people. Note: One cup of uncooked pasta equals two cups of cooked pasta.
2. How to salt pasta? I add a lot of salt to my pasta water. I am told, that it should taste like the sea. Taste the water after you've added the salt... the salt taste should be noticeable.
3. Should the water be boiling first? Yes! Bring the water to a vigorous boil before adding the pasta... a boil that you cannot stop by stirring.
4. How much water to cook the pasta in? Make sure the pasta has lots of breathing room. You want the pasta to have enough water to move around freely so it can absorb the water. If there is not enough water, the pasta will stick together and become gooey. Also, you will find uncooked pieces that have stuck together.
5. How to add pasta to boiling water? Slowly add the pasta to the boiling water. Ideally, the water should not stop boiling. If the water stops boiling just stir the pasta until water begins to boil again. This prevents the pasta from sticking together.
6. How to tell when pasta is done? The best way is to taste. Read the directions on the package and, I would suggest, check for perfect 'al dente' texture during the cooking time. Pasta is cooked enough when it is "al dente"... meaning... it has a little bite to it. You have cooked it to long if it is sticky.
7. Should I rinse pasta? Some people like to rinse the pasta if it is being used in a pasta salad ( I don't bother ). The choice is yours. Why not try it both ways. Don't rinse pasta if you are adding a sauce... you will want to keeps its starchy texture so the sauce will cling.
8. Draining pasta? Most people drain all the water... this could be a mistake. Keeping a little bit of water will prevent sticking. Also, the sauce will blend in better. I always keep a small amount of the pasta water just in case the pasta becomes too dry.
9. Heat your serving bowl! It is a good idea to serve your creation in a warm serving bowl. It's a nice added touch.
Notes: Never cook two types of noodles together because each type has a different cooking time. One more thing... if noodles are used in a casserole, under-cook them slightly because they will finish cooking in the oven.

If you would like to get more dynamite cooking tips, tricks, recipes, how to videos and more, you can get started here: http://sandyscookingblog.com/cooking-blog/

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Top 7 Energy Boosting Foods

By Stephan W McCabe  

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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Cupcake Decoration Ideas

By Shveta Kumar  

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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Tasty Philippine Recipes - Healthy Baked Lumpia Rolls

By Perry Hua

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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Caribbean Vegetarian Recipes

By Alexander Charlemont 

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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