Sweet Potatoes also called yams

Sweet potato is a staple that is grown here in Jamaica as well as several other countries in the world. It was one of those root crops grown by the Arawak Indians who inhabited the Island at the time when Christopher Columbus first set foot on the island. There are several varieties of the staple presently grown here. The three most commonly grown ones are white, yellow or deep orange when cooked.

Sweet potatoes are extremely versatile; as such they are consumed in many ways. The potato can be eaten by simply peeling away the skin and boiling with a pinch of salt. It can be diced, boiled and used to make a sweet potato salad or it can be added to soup to help enhance the flavour, in the meantime adding body to the soup.

Another very popular way to use the sweet potato is to make a ‘candied’ dish. In fact this is a holiday delight for most families. The sweet potato could also be blanched, that is after peeling and putting the slices in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes, they are quickly removed and paced in some cold water. These blanched pieces of sweet potato having been properly drained can be fried lightly.

Sweet potatoes can be baked as a whole. Usually, a really large size potato is ideal for baking. After peeling the baked potato, it could be eaten as is or by adding a little butter.

To be used as a snack the sweet potato could be peeled, sliced thinly and deep fried. Sweet potato chips are delectable and are always a welcome treat included in family gatherings, business meetings and any other social event.

Added to all the uses mentioned above is the sweet potato pudding. This is a pastry enjoyed in Jamaica, and a number of the islands in the Caribbean. Unlike the other uses of the sweet potato in the ideas previously advanced; in making the sweet potato pudding, the potato is not cooked, Instead it is peeled and grated.

Like most things there are several variations of the sweet potato pudding. Among these are, sweet potato with yellow yam and cornmeal, sweet potato with cornmeal and flour, or sweet potato with coco. The real delight about the pudding is the combination of creamy coconut milk, with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla with the grated sweet potato. The actual baking is no less delightful as the aroma which fills the air surely triggers all the excitement needed to get the taste buds going and the digestive juices in a state of anticipation.

Sweet potato pudding is a mouthwatering delight served in restaurants, sold in corner shops, school canteens, and dozen of pastry shops. For a recipes using the potato visit www.mouthwatering-recipes.com

Delightful Flavours in San Diego

San Diego is one of the Southern most cities in California. It is considered to be the seventh largest city in the United States and second in California. San Diego is a favorite destination because of its climate and beaches. Located along the blue Pacific coast, it enjoys a warm, dry climate that never fails to delight visitors. The glorious sunrises over the mountains and the beautiful sunsets over the Pacific serve as incredible natural attractions for the tourists. In such a beatiful weather you need some speciality food served with mouthwatering taste.

The city of San Diego brings you a wide range of grill and sushi restaurants which serves you with sushi and many more Sushi and Sashimi to suit your taste. Cleanliness is an integral part of the hotels' policies. The catering service ensures a sumptuous Whether seeking for some stylish place to meet your loved ones after a long tiring day, State St. Grill Restaurant is the best to spend some time together.

Amongst them the best is State St. Grill & Restaurant, conveniently located around SDSU campus in San Diego City. This first-class dining facility specializes in different types of cuisines, namely Japanes and American delicacies. More importantly, it serves delightful grilled specialties and sushi menus with bar. This restaurant offers tasty sushi starters, grilled seafood, Philly cheese steak, best burgers and other enticing treats. With Happy hours you can have memorable gastronomic experience like no other. There are plentiful appetizers to choose from. These include everything starting from the traditional sushi starters, salads, burgers, sake bombs, hot sake, pitchers, margaritas and more.

State St.Grill is also famous for serving USDA certified angus beef or grilled chicken breast. When it comes to sushi, any true sushi lover will tell you that you absolutely can't settle for less than the best. Some of the top sushi chefs in the United States create sushi that is truly a work of art. The same taste you will get at State St. Grill & Restaurant

Furthermore, it also provides catering as well as food delivery serivce to your home, office, class, wherever you want. State St. Grill catering makes every event a celebration. From weddings to business parties or cocktail gatherings, we offer catering packages to fit your taste, budget and group size. You can have your food delivered* upto 5 miles or hire our sushi chefs and servers to prepare and serve your food on site

Evolution of Cupcake Wraps and decorations for cupcakes

I remember when I was younger, my grandmother would always have a cute little cupcake waiting for me and she would lay out all of the decorations for cupcakes and let me decorate them when I arrived. My family get-together almost always ended up with white cupcakes, decked with lots of chocolate icing and sprinkles on top, as desserts. Today, the cupcake has evolved from the usual white cake flavor to the more elaborate forms, such as red velvet cupcakes, carrot cake cupcakes and many, many more.

While the housing and the flavor of the cupcakes have improved over the years, so have the accessories used in cupcake preparation and decoration-some new found, and some improved. These cupcake accessories have made the cupcake more interesting to cook and decorate.

Cupcake Wraps and Liners

Cupcake wraps and liners or round sheets of thin paper, such as parchment paper, are used to provide a thin barrier between the cake and the cupcake pan. The job of a cupcake liner is to keep the cupcakes moist and soft and also make it easier to remove the cupcakes from the pan after they have finished cooking and cooling.

White paper used to be the main style of cupcake liner available. Eventually manufacturers came out with plain colored cupcake liners that you could purchase for events such as birthday's and anniversaries. A couple of years later, colorful paper liners with designs that match your party theme were made available. If it's Spiderman or Hello Kitty you want, finding the paper liner that fits your needs is no longer a problem.

Not only have the cupcake liners evolved into works of art, the big trend is to now wrap your cooked and decorated cupcake with cupcake wraps. Cupcake wraps are the new chic in the cupcake industry. Cupcake wraps are easy to handle and can make even the most novice bakers' cupcake look like a designer cupcake out of a couture cupcake shop.

Cupcake Towers

Cupcakes used to be baked and placed on a platter or maybe even a cake plate for display. They weren't displayed long in my house, as I remember as soon as they were baked, they were eaten. There was no time for fancy decorations and displays.

Nowadays, cupcakes are the centerpiece of the dessert table for many events. In fact, the latest trend in weddings is cupcake wedding cakes. Cupcake trees and cupcake towers are being used as wedding cupcake stands in order to display hundreds of elegantly decorated cupcakes replacing the traditional wedding cake in many weddings today. The guests of the party can even take their own cupcake home with them in specially made cupcake containers.

Depending on how large the event may be, cupcake towers can have 3 to 7 tiers at an average. Most of them can be easily taken down, washed and stored for future use while others are disposable so the host doesn't have to worry about cleaning the cupcake tower and storing after the party. The disposable towers are usually cheaper than the reusable ones; however, if you plan on having several events during the year, it would be beneficial to invest in a little higher priced, reusable tower that would really save you money in the long run.

Conclusion:

Cupcakes have always held a place in my heart and remind me of the simple things in life I enjoy. With that said, cupcake accessories available on the market, make simple things, a little more enjoyable.

There are many places to get ideas for cupcakes online. You can find an online cupcake store or cupcake blog that will have information about baby shower cupcake ideas, novelty birthday cakes and decorations for cupcakes.

Remember, this day and age, you can find anything you would want to know about cupcakes online.

Coffee machines at home – are they a waste of time?

Once a status symbol for the ultra-glam; now a commonplace household appliance - coffee machines have slowly crept their way into kitchens around the world. With over 400 million cups consumed per year in the United States alone*, it is unsurprising that many enthusiasts are attempting to recreate their favourite brew at home - but are the benefits of owning a machine enough to ensure their regular use?

Avoiding the dusty appliance shelf

Owning a coffee machine has many advantages – many of which are wasted in a lazy or overly busy household. Preparation and/or brewing time should be taken into account prior to purchase, as these can vary considerably depending on the type of machine being used. Traditional espresso machines requiring filter coffee are much more ‘hands-on’ than their automatic capsule-powered counterparts, and generally require more effort to use and maintain (although the quality is arguably higher). Adequate care must also be taken to clean the machine and equipment after use, as the quality of each cup decreases noticeably without regular cleaning.

Changing daily habits

Making café-quality coffee at home is easy if it becomes a habit. However, for those who race out the door in the morning, grabbing a cappuccino on the way to work is often considered something of a ritual. For the time-poor, simply turning on the coffee machine before showering can save a few precious minutes in the morning. Alternatively, the time saved from not needing to queue at a café can be better used making a cheaper – yet equally invigorating – latte at home.

Practice makes perfect

A common complaint for new owners of coffee machines is that their coffee never turns out the same as a brew from their local café. This can happen because of a number of factors, including the type of machine used, the type of coffee, and the cleanliness of the machine. Capsule machines for example, can be quite limited, and will maintain a similar taste throughout the life of the machine. However, in some cases this problem can be attributed to an inexperienced barista. Coffee-making is regarded as an art by many, but it is a skill that almost anyone can learn with a little practice – and once learned, it is an enviable asset when entertaining guests.

5 Great Websites for Grill Recipes

You have found the perfect grill, selected the tools you want to use when grilling and chosen a reason to fire up your new grill. The new burning question on your mind is “What should I cook?” There are many, many websites on the internet that have barbeque recipes and searching through all of them is time consuming. Listed below are five fantastic websites that you will find yourself going to time and time again for culinary inspiration. Peruse the sites yourself and add them to your favorites. You will not be sorry that you did.

1.www.foodnetwork.com

This particular website has a specific tab located at the top of the home page that concerns all things grilling related. Alton Brown offers a crash course on barbeque basics, including a video called “How to Grill Like a Pro.” If you are already familiar with the basic aspects of cooking on a grill, you can skip that part and head right to Bobby Flay’s section that includes his ten best recipes. The website includes different toppings for hotdogs and choosing vegetables that are in season to keep your meals fresh and interesting. If you are tired of the same old pasta salads that you have been making for years, the site offers 100 pasta salad recipes as well. Food Network’s site is full of fun and inspirational techniques and recipes to keep you grilling all year long.

2.www.womansday.com

There is a tab at the top of the homepage that is labeled “Food and Recipes” If you click on this tab, you will be brought to a page that has a search box for the recipes. Typing “Grill” into the search section yields 78 results. The recipes include everything from chicken to grilled banana splits. This is a versatile site that is user friendly.

3.www.goodhousekeeping.com

At the upper right hand side of this site there is a search engine. You can choose to search the whole site or simply the recipes by clicking on the recipes tab over the search box. Simply typing the word “barbeque” into the search field yielded 584 recipes. Paula Deen has recipes on the website as well as the Barefoot Contessa. There is also an advanced search option that allows the user to select the different ingredients that they want to use. For example, clicking on the boxes for “beef”, “all vegetables” and burgers brings up 19 results to choose from. This is a great way to use what you already have to prepare a fun meal.

4.www.bbqrecipesecrets.com

This website is run by “Barbeque Bob” Quinn and is brimming with information on all things barbeque. There are sauce recipes, food recipes, articles and videos. This is a fantastic page and includes recipes such as a tomato less barbeque sauce, barbequed duck and many other inventive and interesting recipes.

5.www.recipes.com

This is a recipe search engine that will direct you to many other sites online. They are sponsored websites so the results of the search word “grilling” will bring you to sites such as Hebrew National and Kraft as well as specific websites devoted to grilling. This is a great site to use to add to your recipe collection, but to find what you want may take some time due to having so many choices of links to explore.

Wherever you begin your search for the perfect barbeque recipes, you will definitely find a plethora of options on any of these five sites. The most difficult part will be which technique to try first.

Wholesale Sweets

What to consider when buying wholesale treats

Buying wholesale sweets must be one of the most fun purchases you can make. If buying sweets is fun, buying large quantities in wholesale sweets is triple the fun. Whether you need to purchase wholesale sweets for your business, special occasions such as kids’ parties or just to have in stock for the whole family, buying wholesale sweets is easy and economical. When buying in bulk you can enjoy the savings in costs as well as still having a huge variety of wholesale sweets to choose from. This is a great solution if you just would like your own personal stash on hand for whenever the mood strikes or to hand out fun treats to the kids if they pop by. Also, when you buy wholesale sweets you get to enjoy free delivery and saves you carrying them home.

The benefits of purchasing wholesale treats

There are huge benefits to purchasing wholesale sweets. Firstly when you buy large quantities, you usually enjoy substantial cost savings. Also free delivery is often included in your purchase of wholesale sweets if you buy over a certain amount. This saves travel time and unnecessary costs in travel or petrol. Probably the biggest advantage when buying wholesale sweets is you typically have access to a wider variety of sweets than you would by going to small specialist shops.

Where is the best selection of wholesale sweets available in the UK today?

For the best selection of wholesale sweets available in the market today, go online and visit www.sweetsandtreatswholesale.co.uk for a huge variety of sweets and treats all at great prices. They specialise in pre-packed wholesale sweets and are the cheapest sweets available anywhere. Check out their pick and mix stands of wholesale sweets for amazing low prices which can be shipped anywhere in the UK.

African Mango Extract

African mango is the latest superfood that is taking the US health and weight loss market by storm.

Researchers have stated that the African mango might possibly be one of the greatest breakthroughs in the health and diet industry in recent years.

Contributes to significant weight loss
Proven to lower cholesterol levels
Reduces blood sugar levels after meals
Stops hunger and cravings

What Is In African Mango?

African mango is derived from the seeds of the Invingia Gabonensis tree which is found in western Africa. Locally, it is known as ‘bush mango' or ‘wild mango'.

Each capsule contains 600mg of pure African Mango

The African Mango diet is one the hottest and newest trends in weight loss today. African mango is a weight loss supplement that specifically targets belly fat. The supplement helps users burn fat and cleanse their systems thoroughly. It's know to purify the blood and eliminate bad enzymes within the body. It stimulates metabolism accentuation and gets the body moving fast and burning fat regularly. Mango's grown in Africa has distinct qualities and the ingredients are unlike any other mango found on the planet.

It looks like every single few months a brand new wonder weight loss pill hits industry, the most recent getting the particular African Mango Diet Pill. Are these kinds of tablets well worth that, or even are they the newest way to consider your hard earned money and obtain your desires upwards prior to causing you to be no more healthy before you decide to got all of these? Let us take a look. The facts?

Statistical figures about obesity are quite shocking. Everyone knows that obesity has attained epidemic proportions in the U.S. Surveys show that over 1.7 billion people in the world are overweight. Moreover, there are billions of people who need to lose the extra pounds to stay in the range of normal weight for their height. Fad diets have proven to be disastrous for many dieters. Now is the time to take action. Take a look at the natural weight loss supplements that work and choose a suitable one for you.

Effective Natural Weight Loss Supplements

Bitter Orange: The plant named Citrus aurantium is commonly known as bitter orange. It carries several medicinal properties and the extracts of its flowers and leaves have been a part of traditional Chinese medicines. These days, the plants are grown in California and Florida. Manufacturers of the weight loss supplement claim that 'bitter orange weight loss supplement' works as natural, herbal appetite suppressant. By reducing your appetite, the supplement helps reduce weight. Whatever studies were conducted, showed that the supplement led to increased metabolism and weight loss. Some studies showed that octopamine and synephrine from bitter orange can affect heart health seriously. So people diagnosed with heart diseases should stay away from bitter orange. Overdose can result in life threatening side effects like stroke, blood in stools, diarrhea, chest pain or blurred vision. Many diet pills contain bitter orange, so one should read the labels carefully and follow the instructions strictly.

Irvingia Gabonensis: Irvingia gabonensis or African mango or bush mango is native to the West Africa and Southeast Asia. The tree produces mango like fruits which are being consumed by the local people since hundreds of years. The seeds of these fruits are useful for weight loss. This supplement is one of the latest natural weight loss supplements that work. The seeds of this plant were used as medicine by the local inhabitants. Manufacturers claim that irvingia gabonensis extract helps lower cholesterol levels. It also reduces fat deposits. The extract is obtained from the nuts (seeds) of African mango. The nuts are rich in soluble fiber which helps remove cholesterol from the body. The supplement prevents growth of fat cells. It is believed that the supplement helps stabilize glucose levels and hence, is good for diabetics. More studies are required to prove the benefits for diabetics. Those who want to take this supplement, should stick to a low calorie diet and a good exercise regimen. Following the instructions regarding the dosage is essential, otherwise you may suffer from side effects like flatulence, headaches, sleep problems, etc. Browse through another article 'safe and natural weight loss supplements' on buzzle for more information.

Green Tea: The extract from green tea boosts your rate of metabolism and promotes natural weight loss. Green tea is an important Chinese medicine. In China, green tea has been successfully used to control weight. It is used in some diet pill formulas. The element 'Epigallocatechin Gallate' (EGCG) from green tea makes it a perfect ingredient for natural weight loss supplements for men and women.

Whey Protein: Whey powder is produced from milk and it is the best source of high quality protein. It keeps you energetic and fit. You can add whey protein powder to water or milk. Whey protein keeps you healthy and active. It keeps you satiated for a long time and curbs your food craving. Whey protein thus helps you maintain a good body mass index ratio. Besides, the immunoglobulins present in whey protein help strengthen your immune system. It promotes the production of glutathione, an antioxidant which helps reduce the effects of free radicals on the body.

Ayurvedic Supplements: Trifala, Guggul extract, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Shilajit, aloe vera, gotu kola, trikatu (black pepper, ginger and pippali or Indian long pepper in correct proportions), barberry, etc. help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and also help improve your digestive health. You may also like to read through some of the best ayurvedic medicines for weight loss that you could adhere to.

While taking weight loss supplements, maintaining a positive and healthy mental approach to food can make a lot of difference. You should also find out the reason behind excessive weight and try to remove the cause. Understanding and analyzing the underlying causes of unhealthy eating habits can help solve the problem of obesity. Good eating habits and regular exercise can help maintain your weight and they can also improve your overall physical and mental health.

A healthy low calorie diet complemented with exercise has to be followed religiously, if you want to see the effects of weight loss supplements. Natural weight loss supplements that work also expect you to follow a balanced diet and perform regular exercises. Kids, pregnant and nursing women should not take these supplements. Those who want to take these supplements need to discontinue them after a month or so, to avoid possible side effects. Consulting a physician regarding the dosage and, possible uses and side effects of a supplement is always safe. You should consult your health care provider before opting for any weight loss supplements.

It is recommended that 2 capsules are taken per day, preferably first thing in the morning with breakfast.

African Mango comes in bottles of 60 capsules, sufficient for one month's use.

…
The Research Behind African Mango

Although African Mango has long played a nutritional and medicinal role amongst the people of west Africa, research into its powers as a weight loss aid did not commence until very recently.

What has been discovered, is that African Mango helps weight loss (20x higher than a placebo group), improves cholesterol levels and balances blood glucose levels. The test group also showed a reduction of 6.3% in body fat over the trialed period.
Click here for more information on African Mango diet pills.

Bulalo - Filipino Beef Soup

When you go to different parts of the Philippines, you’ll see variations of foods and recipes that you haven’t seen before. Many provinces have their own proud recipe, their unique trademark when it comes to food. One province that I know is Batangas. Famous as the cattle raising region of the Philippines, Batangeños found their own unique way of cooking their specialty – Bulalo. Bulalo or beef bone marrow soup in English, has win hearts of many Filipinos over the years, and has been a Filipino soup favourite. The hotter this soup is the better. So now, let’s discover how this soup is cooked. A unique Philippine food cooked the Filipino way!

Estimated preparation time is 10 minutes, cooking time is two hours and 30 minutes. Here are the ingredients:

• 2 kg beef bone marrow, have your butcher chop it into small pieces

• 1 kg boneless beef shank or stewing beef

• 1 onion, peeled and sliced

• 3 liters water

• 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 2-3 saba (plantain) bananas, each cut into two pieces

• 1 whole medium cabbage, quartered

• 3-4 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Now, that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s start cooking. First, blanch bone marrow and boneless beef shank or stewing beef in hot boiling water for a while and rinse in cold running tap water to get rid of scum and blood. Next, place bone marrow and onion in a stockpot, pour in the 3 liters of water and bring to the boil. Then, lower heat and simmer for about 40 minutes. Add the boneless beef shank or stewing beef and return to the boil. When it boils, lower heat and simmer until beef is tender, about 1 to 1½ hours. A good tip to do when tenderizing beef is to use jackfruit leaves, it helps on tenderizing the beef faster. Now, add the potatoes and bananas. Let it simmer until potatoes and bananas are tender, this may take about 10 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, add the cabbage and stir in fish sauce, salt and pepper to taste. And finally, cook the whole mixture until cabbage is tender-crisp, this would be about 2 minutes. Serve with rice. And that’s it!

Beef, the primary ingredient of bulalo, is a good source of minerals, such as zinc, selenium, phosphorus and iron, and B vitamins. See, bulalo is not just a good soup; it’s a healthy soup as well.

Cooking this beef recipe might take time, because of the beef. The beef should be tender enough for you to chew; it’s hard to eat beef when it’s not tender enough (remember that!). Another good thing to add in this recipe is to use bouillon cubes, there are many commercial products who sell this cubes in beef flavour. This would add taste to your bulalo.

Preparing dishes for your family is always fun, because you know that what you are cooking is safe, delicious, and healthy. So, why not try this Filipino recipe, Bulalo, for your next dish? It’s not just delicious, but also good for the health. Happy eating!

I'm a student and I love cooking!

Shopping for wine on the Internet

Shopping for wine on the Internet is a lot different than shopping for wine at a brick and mortar wine shop; Wine, after all, isn't like a book or CD. Holding a bottle, inspecting its label, you just can't replicate that experience inside a browser window. The fact is that even though it is not the same as being at a wine shop in person, buying wine online has many advantages.

The ability to do comparison shopping is unbeatable. With search engines like Wine-searcher.com and of course Google, you no longer have to go to the wine; the wine will come to you. Cross referencing the latest wine reviews and scores and top recommendations is delightfully easy, and particularly enjoyable when you can do it at home in your bathrobe on a Saturday morning.

The ability to buy wine online from wine merchants who sell via a website is a good example of how the Internet can be of great benefit to both the wine merchants and the consumer who decides they want to buy wine online.

All online web merchants are not created equal. Certain things separate the top wine merchant’s websites from the second tier wine retailers. Ease of use and good customer service are critical and so is price. But at the end of the day, what really counts is variety and availability. There are many wine merchant websites to choose from, ranging from huge, super sites to tiny, quirky specialists, these e-merchants can procure great wines in top condition.

Buying wine online also allows the wine aficionado to search out that rare or obscure item that would have likely not have ever been found by physically looking in traditional wine shops. The world of wine buying has truly been revolutionised by online wine merchants. The online wine buyer has at their disposal thousands and thousands of bottles of whatever type and vintage they may prefer, and often at bargain prices. With the advent of online wine selling, dealers have been forced to adjust their prices now that comparison shopping is so easy.

Like with any online purchase, the person who chooses to buy wine online needs to exercise a reasonable amount of caution; there are unscrupulous online wine merchants out there. The majority of online wine merchant’s websites are legitimate, honest dealers, but there is always the small percentage that is out to dupe the unwary wine buyer. A little research into the history of a particular online wine merchant is a prudent measure, and fairly easy to accomplish; do a search on any of the major search engines for the merchant in question, and usually if there have been issues in the past there will be plenty of people who have posted complaints or warnings in newsgroups, blogs, and wine forums.

Overall, online wine merchants provide the internet wine buyer a tremendous opportunity to get a wide selection of great wines at bargain prices.

Why Should You Purchase a Glass Juicer?

There are several shapes and sizes of juicers in the market. These kitchen appliances may vary in appearance, but they have only one function - to extract juice from fruits or vegetables. If you are the type of person that is always on the go, a good juicer is a staple in your kitchen. You can still receive the great benefits of natural vitamins and minerals by gulping down fresh juice every day. This kitchen tool definitely gives you convenience in juicing, as well as excellent effects to your health.

When choosing the type of juicer to purchase, you should consider several points. If you want something handy yet performs well in juicing, you might like glass juicers. There is no doubt on the lightweight and handy features of this type of juicer. These are small and weigh less than the power juicers in the market. Because of the handiness of these juicers, you can bring them anywhere. If you are going on a trip to the beach or a picnic, it is easy to take a glass juicer with you. With this juicer, you can make fresh juice anytime you want and anywhere you are. In addition, you can use this juicer conveniently because it does not require electricity or battery. The ridged centre extracts juice easily, and it only requires your effort to produce a lot of juice - up to the last drop.

A glass juicer comes with a wide base that has a capacity of two cups. It has a spout and a handle that lets you pour out the content in a container, with much ease. You get to enjoy a delightful and nutritious drink; and you can even share the other cup with a friend. You can also rely on the durability and solid construction of this juicer. This comes with 100 percent thick glass that will not easily get chipped or break into pieces. With proper care and maintenance, this juicer will definitely last for several years.

This type of juicer is also hygienic. It does not contain lead or any harmful chemicals, unlike those made from plastic. It is also easy to clean a glass juicer; you can simply wash it under a faucet or in a dishwasher, just like how you normally wash your other dishes. You can be sure that no residue stays in the juicer. Moreover, there are no parts that need disassembling during clean up. Because this juicer comes in one piece, you will definitely have more efficiency and no hassle in keeping it clean and bacteria-free.

If you are fond of drinking fresh citrus juice every day, you will definitely love this type of juicer. In fact, a glass juicer is only perfect for oranges, lemons and grapefruits. With a glass juicer, you get to make fruit juice anytime - without any hassle at all. This kitchen tool may be simple, but the numerous benefits and affordable price make it a good bu

Storing Chocolate Candy

Article Summary: Everyone likes to have a stash of chocolate handy in case they feel like giving themselves a little treat This is entirely understandable as chocolate is perhaps one of the most desired foodstuffs on the face of the planet

Everyone likes to have a stash of chocolate handy in case they feel like giving themselves a little treat. This is entirely understandable as chocolate is perhaps one of the most desired foodstuffs on the face of the planet. the last thing you would want to happen is to get to your chocolate supply to find that they have all melted and simply become inedible. You will definitely benefit from knowing how to correctly store chocolate. Don't fool yourself into thinking that this is a trivial task as it is not as simple as it sounds. This delicious food is fairly demanding in terms of storage and there are special considerations to be made if you want the chocolate to keep - or even enhance - it's original flavour.



In an ideal situation your chocolate and fudge should be stored in a place which is dry, dark and slightly cool. An absolutely perfect environment would be one which has a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to take other environmental factors into consideration. Any storage needs to been in a place of low humidity and it should go without saying that it needs to be in an area where there is no danger of direct sunlight. If you are storing it in a cupboard along with other types of food then it is important that it isn't sat alongside other food or substances which emit strong odours. The taste of the chocolate would be compromised entirely if it were to absorb the surrounding smells.



There are different things which can happen to chocolate if it is not stored properly, each of which depends on the type of storage that is used and how the chocolate has been handled. In the case where some chocolate has been exposed on a regular basis to high temperatures the cocoa butter may simply rise up to the surface. This will cause the chocolate to take on a slightly unpleasant, cloudy, greyish colour. This is referred to by chocolatiers as 'bloom' and is easily rectified by melting and appropriately tempering the chocolate, although obviously this would be more trouble than it's worth for you to do!



This can also happen with white chocolate, however the problem can be much worse as it will experience not just bloom but also it can become slightly rancid when exposed to strong lighting for a protracted amount of time. This will of course affect the flavour of the chocolate as well as the quality.



If is for these reasons that you might want to freeze your chocolate. If this is the case then place it into an air-tight container or zip lock bag and make sure that it is not removed until is is being brought into an area that is at room temperature. This is important as it will prevent any condensation from forming anywhere on the chocolate. Any water droplets may prevent the chocolate from melting smoothly which could then go on to compromise the texture and overall quality of the melted chocolate.

A Guide To Using Espresso Coffee Machines

Article Summary: Buying your own espresso coffee machine is a major investment, especially if you purchase a fully-automatic model So it pays to do some research befor making your final purchase, since there are a lot of espresso coffee machines you can choose from

Buying your own espresso coffee machine is a major investment, especially if you purchase a fully-automatic model. So it pays to do some research befor making your final purchase, since there are a lot of espresso coffee machines you can choose from.



A fully automatic espresso machine will be the best choice if you can afford one. They may run to the thousand dollar level, but will take the guesswork out of perfect espresso preparation since all you have to do is make sure you have the beans and water in the machine, and off you go to make the perfect espresso with a single touch of a button.



There are also semi-automatic machines that can make espresso preparation a bit easier than manual types, but you need to get a little involved with the settings.



Either way, both types of machines will need you to invest a bit in terms of resources, so it is crucial that you know the basic rules when using an espresso machine so you know what's going on every step of the way. Likewise, having sufficient knowledge about these machines will allow you to properly maintain them so they can get to serve you all through those years ahead.



Prior to using your espresso machine, be sure are ready with the basic equipment and ingredients. You should have an espresso grinder, a few demitasse cups, espresso beans and some water. Don't use bottled mineral water in your expresso machine though. The high mineral content of spring water can cause scaling which may destroy your espresso machine. Filtered water is the best option.



Follow these basic steps when using your Espresso Coffee Machine:



1) Pour clear, cold, filtered water into the water chamber of your machine. As a general rule, you will need an ounce of water per shot. Then secure the boiler cap.



2) Position the coffee basket in the filter holder and lightly push down the ground coffee. Most filters help you to measure how much espresso you want.



3) Remove scattered grounds around the filter and then place the filter holder in the espresso machine.



4) Securely position your demitasse or glass carafe beneath the spout. Flip the power button and when the water is heated to the right temperature it will then be forced through the coffee grounds.



5) Coffee is delivered into your cup or carafe, and you should remove this when the foam begins to turn white (The best espresso comes with a light brown foam or "crema", so the moment it just begins to turn white is a sign that the best coffee flavor has been extracted)



There is a wide range of coffee flavors, roasts and blends in specialty coffee shops or supermarkets. The more serious coffee lovers buy an espresso grinder for themselves so they can grind the beans just before brewing. This is the best way to have your coffee - freshly ground.



Follow these steps in using your home espresso machine. Hopefully this will help you make the best espresso!

Handy Tips in Finding the Perfect Automatic Espresso Machine

Article Summary: Coffee has evolved from a simple early morning perk-up drink to a highly sought-after beverage that comes in various forms, blends and flavors Businessmen seal important deals over a cup of brewed coffee, friends bond together for an after dinner cappuccino at a coffee bar and family laze away reconnecting with each other as they enjoy different coffee flavors on a relaxing Sunday afternoon

Coffee has evolved from a simple early morning perk-up drink to a highly sought-after beverage that comes in various forms, blends and flavors. Businessmen seal important deals over a cup of brewed coffee, friends bond together for an after dinner cappuccino at a coffee bar and family laze away reconnecting with each other as they enjoy different coffee flavors on a relaxing Sunday afternoon.



Brewed, lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, short or long coffee beverages - coffee can now be enjoyed in various forms and presentations. Cafes and coffee stations offer them all, but you really won't need to go to your favorite neighborhood cafe to enjoy a perfect espresso shot. There are home espresso machines you can get for use at home. It will be a major investment to get one however, so you'll want to read this article carefully to make sure you don't waste your money.



You will want to bring home an espresso machine for various reasons - having your espressos at the coffee shop can cost quite a bit, or you will want an espresso shot the the first thing in the morning. Probably, you're just an avid espresso lover. Whatever your reason, they are fascinating equipment for every home kitchen.



There are a few important things to take into account when purchasing an automatic espresso machine. Cost will be a major factor since they don't come inexpensive. You will have to put in some money for good quality and performance, just like everything else we invest on. And if you want superb espressos then you don't want to go cheap.



Don't give in to impulse and buy the first espresso machine you set your eyes on; instead, look for great steals if there are any. When you fancy a particular model in your local store, you will possibly find the same online at a discount. You can also check when they have sales and even look for coupons that may offer a price cut.



Next, look for an espresso maker that comes with a built-in grinder. That will come with a little more added to the price tag but you'll appreciate the difference between freshly ground espresso and pre-ground coffee. A built-in grinder will also mean you'll have more kitchen space than having to buy a stand-alone grinder.



Check on a few models you like, and look deeper into their functions and features. There's a lot of information available online. It will be an added benefit to consult home espresso machine owners and get first-hand reviews from them. An actual user or owner can give you the best product assessment. Don't leave out the bad side though, as they're as important as the good stuff about each espresso machine model.



Double check that the espresso machine you've been eyeing has full automatic functions and features. There are machines that are fully automatic, semi-automatic, and manual. The worst thing that can happen is finding out it is manual. Just make sure you read all the details before you take it home.



Whether you are looking to make simple espresso shots or cappuccinos, an automatic espresso machine is definitely one hot kitchen accessory. You'll be making a very good investment if you can get the best deal. Pretty soon your friends will be asking to chill out at your place for your delectable coffee beverages!

The Advantages of Coffee Pods For Espresso Machines

Article Summary: Italy has always been famous for its delectable espressos and no one seems to make espresso better than the Italians With the availability of ready-to-use coffee beans or pods and automatic espresso machines however, just about anyone can now prepare the perfect espresso

Italy has always been famous for its delectable espressos and no one seems to make espresso better than the Italians. With the availability of ready-to-use coffee beans or pods and automatic espresso machines however, just about anyone can now prepare the perfect espresso.



There really is nothing like the perfect espresso. Dark roasted and finely ground, that potent aroma of coffee fills your senses and truly perks up your day. In Italy, ordering a coffee of course means that you are ordering an espresso. Italians may walk into their local bar a couple of times a day for that perfect Italian cup of espresso. In the US, it used to be so hard to find true espresso like the Italians make them. Now with coffee pods and espresso machines, the confusion has been taken out of espresso preparation at cafes or even at home.



Because espressos are the standard for coffee making in Italy, most Italians are not really acquainted with our version of the coffee maker. They use a "machinetta" which looks sort of like a metal pitcher that has two sections. The bottom portion is where the coffee grinds go, after which tap water is poured into it. The machinetta is put on top of the stove and heated to boiling. Water then percolates towards the top section, pressing through the coffee grinds. The word espresso means "expressed" and the pressure between the two sections presses the coffee to get as much flavor from the grinds as possible. Milk is heated and whipped separately. With the intricate and precise steps required, it is easy to err in manual espresso preparation. You can err on the amount of water or coffee, turn the heat on too strong or just not get the right timing.



The popularity of espresso has gone beyond Italian borders and out into the rest of world. People everywhere want to have espresso coffee in their homes. For a simple yet perfect espresso every time you may consider buying a machine that uses coffee pods. Pods are pre-measured coffee grinds packed into filters or capsules. They come in various sizes, including single-serve capsules manufactured specially for espresso types. Simply place a pod into the machine's receptacle and push a button. No need to clean up messy grinds afterwards as you simply throw away the pod when the espresso is done. No mistakes, too, on getting the correct amount of grinds needed for a cup.



One major factor when choosing your automatic espresso machine would be its versatility. Some machines only take an exclusive brand of coffee pods, while others are more flexible with different pod brands. A few even give you the option of using loose coffee grinds. The flexibility to use either pods or loose coffee means you can use it even if you don't have access to a steady supply of pods. Since this type of machine is relatively new in the market, it will take while before the pods to be available at the supermarket shelves. Until then you may need to order them from the manufacturer or a local distributor. So having the choice lets you experiment with other roasts or flavors to further satiate your coffee pleasures.

Does Green Tea Contain Caffeine?

Article Summary: Yes, green tea contains caffeine, but what I'm about to tell you may surprise you The caffeine in green tea acts differently than the caffeine in coffee

Yes, green tea contains caffeine, but what I'm about to tell you may surprise you. The caffeine in green tea acts differently than the caffeine in coffee. In fact, it may have surprising benefits you don't normally find in coffee.



First of all, while green tea does contain caffeine, it has far, far less caffeine than coffee. According to About.com (http://coffeetea.about.com/library/blcaffeine.htm), an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee can have up to 120 mg of caffeine. By comparison, 8 oz of green tea has only 20 mg-- just one sixth the amount in coffee! Even black tea has just 45 mg of caffeine. Clearly, coffee is far and away a more stressful drink.



Why does tea have so much less caffeine? In part, it's just a difference in the plants coffee and tea come from. Coffee's made from beans, which concentrate caffeine in the same way a peach concentrates sugars. On the other hand, the tea plant spreads its own caffeine production across hundreds of leaves. What's more, the preparation method of each drink draws out a different amount of caffeine. Most teas are prepared from whole leaves. This means the leaves are simply put in hot water and allowed to steep for a few minutes. Thus, much of the caffeine remains trapped in the leaf. With coffee, the bean is ground, increasing the surface area of the bean and thereby increasing the amount of caffeine that can be extracted. Add to it steam-based brewing methods, like those used with espresso, and you get a higher caffeine content.



While green tea has less caffeine than coffee, it also reacts differently with your body. After all, Zen monks use green tea to stay focused during long meditation sessions. Imagine if they tried that with coffee! Because tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, caffeine's effects get mitigated over time. L-theanine has a calming effect on your nervous system. While coffee gives you a quick jolt of energy followed by a sudden crash, the caffeine in green tea gives you a sustained sense of alertness and focus. It's ideal for late-night study sessions and a boost throughout your workday. Like many highly complex natural chemical reactions, the mechanism by which tea has this effect is poorly understood. Nonetheless, it's been used by Asian monks for centuries to stay alert during long sessions of chanting and meditation.



Finally, the caffeine in green tea has (at least) one other beneficial effect. You've heard green tea touted as an aid for losing weight? Some medical research reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm) has indicated that green tea's caffeine boosts the metabolism in some individuals. This metabolic boost, combined with a thermogenic effect that burns fat thanks to green tea's catechin polyphenols, can aid in weight loss and weight control in lightly to moderately obese individuals.



So green tea has just the right amount of caffeine to give you a little boost in alertness and metabolism, along with a little weight loss to boot. Research is ongoing into this remarkable beverage, and the findings a