The post This Fun Fact About Chia Seeds Might Surprise You appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Chia seeds can actually absorb up to 10 times (!) their weight in water, forming a gel-like substance. When consumed, this gel helps slow down digestion, releasing a steady stream of energy and keeping you feeling full for longer. But here’s the really cool thing: this water-absorbing quality can also work wonders for your body’s hydration.
When you eat chia seeds, they don’t only support your overall health and sense of satiety, but also promote and sustain hydration. This can prove particularly beneficial during hot summer months or after a workout.
So, next time you’re on the hunt for a nutritious and hydrating boost, consider the option of incorporating chia seeds into your meals. Whether you like them added to smoothies, sprinkled on yogurt, or mixed into your favorite recipes, these spectacular seeds have unique benefits that extend beyond their valuable nutrients.
The post This Fun Fact About Chia Seeds Might Surprise You appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post Food Meets Friendship on No One Eats Alone Day appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>By the way, you don’t have to wait for No One Eats Alone Day to implement these great ideas. Every day is a great day to share a meal and make someone else feel included.
The post Food Meets Friendship on No One Eats Alone Day appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post Let’s Dish: What’s the Deal with the New York Hot Pastrami Sandwich? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Pastrami’s journey begins with preserving meat in the days before refrigeration was a thing. The process of making it involves immersing raw meat in a salty brine, partly drying it, and then infusing flavors by adding mustard, garlic, black pepper, onion, and coriander. The grand finale includes smoking and curing.
Before it became a New York City symbol, the hot pastrami sandwich had a rich history rooted in Jewish-Romanian communities. The word “pastrami” itself stems from the Romanian “pastrama,” signifying preserved or conserved food. It started gaining worldwide popularity in the late 1800s, propelled by migration; but, let’s face it, it’s first and foremost a New York staple.
The first known hot pastrami sandwich is credited to kosher butcher Sussman Volk in 1887. While Volk was of Lithuanian descent, he received the recipe from a Romanian friend and started selling it in his deli. Pastrami’s surge in popularity led Volk to serve it on rye bread, laying the foundation for the popular sandwich. The iconic version served to this day, includes pastrami slices, rye bread, mustard, and pickles.
The post Let’s Dish: What’s the Deal with the New York Hot Pastrami Sandwich? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post The Sweet Chronicles of the Peach Melba Dessert appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Peach Melba made its debut in the early 1900s. This delectable pudding owes its existence to Auguste Escoffier, a renowned chef, and his friendship with opera singer Nellie Melba.
As Melba pursued her opera career in London, she frequented Escoffier’s restaurants, known for his fancy feasts featuring multiple courses. Escoffier crafted a special dessert in honor of his friend when Melba stayed at the Savoy Hotel. Originally named ‘peach with a swan’ for its form, the recipe evolved over the years. When celebrating the opening of the Ritz Carlton in London, Escoffier added raspberry sauce to the recipe, ultimately resulting in what we now know as the Peach Melba dessert.
Legend has it that when Nellie Melba’s dessert was first created, she was pretty slim. As time passed and she gained weight, Escoffier devised a low-calorie version for her, giving rise to the famous Melba toast.
Now, go celebrate this iconic peachy delight by making your own homemade version.
The post The Sweet Chronicles of the Peach Melba Dessert appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post Eggventure in a Glass: The Festive History of Eggnog appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The origins of eggnog seem to trace back to medieval Britain, where monks sipped on “posset,” a warm ale punch with eggs and figs. Fast forward to the 17th century, and sherry became the star of this eggy drink, symbolizing health and prosperity by the European aristocracy.
But when eggnog finally arrived in the American colonies, it underwent a transformation. Rum, which was cheaper and more accessible than brandy and other English liquors, took the stage. Soon, eggnog became a drink for all, combining milk, eggs, and rum.
At the beginning of the 18th century, eggnog turned into a holiday season staple across the young United States. Legend has it that even George Washington had his very own eggnog recipe.
Over time, eggnog took various shapes and variations but remained a popular drink. Today, it’s still a holiday must, sticking to its timeless formula: eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and a splash of spirits. Of course, there are numerous modern twists, from adding tequila to opting for vegan renditions with various ingredients.
So, whether you fantasize about this eggy delight all through the year or tend to wake up covered in eggnog-inspired sweat when Christmas approaches, you really cannot ignore this controversial holiday drink. If you’re not a fan, maybe you can embrace eggnog with a twist this year, trying to tailor the ingredients to your individual palate.
The post Eggventure in a Glass: The Festive History of Eggnog appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post Is Umami a Real Taste or Just a Fancy Schmancy Myth? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>In a way, umami is like the cool kid who came fashionably late to the party. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda gave umami its pass to the taste bud club, recognizing this unique savory flavor as a legitimate member.
The source of umami is glutamate, a natural amino acid found in foods like meat, mushrooms, shellfish, aged cheeses, and of course, MSG. Yes—the very same seasoning that’s been causing culinary scandals is essentially concentrated umami.
Skeptics argue that umami is nothing but a fancy word for deliciousness, often namedropped by food snobs to sound sophisticated. Others swear by its existence, claiming umami is the magical ingredient that elevates a dish from “good” to “OMG.”
Whether you’re an umami enthusiast or an eternal skeptic, one thing’s for sure – it adds an extra yumminess to your food. So, is umami a real taste? According to current scientific research, the answer would be yes. However, it remains a mysterious unicorn to many. Try it and let your taste buds judge.
The post Is Umami a Real Taste or Just a Fancy Schmancy Myth? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post This Is Why You Shouldn’t Overfill Your Freezer appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The obvious reason is that the overflow of products can prevent the freezer door from closing properly, which will cause some of the food to start thawing, especially whatever is closest to the door. But even if the door is shut all the way through, a packed freezer can be a problem.
If the air can’t circulate properly inside the freezer, the air-cooled by the freezer’s coils won’t find its way to the thermostat. The thermostat will then register a higher temperature than it should, and it will “tell” the coils to keep working. Some parts of the freezer will remain too warm, which could eventually cause your food to spoil. Moreover, the cooling motor is getting overworked, which harms the freezer itself in the long run.
It may be time to check what’s at the bottom of the freezer and make some space so that you can truly enjoy your frozen products later.
The post This Is Why You Shouldn’t Overfill Your Freezer appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post What Are The Best Plant-Based Foods For a BBQ? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Simply take an ear of corn, give a light coating of olive oil, and pop it onto the barbecue. Turn frequently. Once each side of the corn is nicely grilled, it’s ready to eat! For best results, serve with melted butter.
Gut out a variety of sweet bell peppers and fill with your choice of filling. A good plant-based option is stir-fried rice with eggplant, peas and onion. Grill on the BBQ until soft.
Slide chunks of red onion, pepper, garlic, and courgette onto a wooden skewer. Pop them onto the BBQ and roast until soft.
Take a number of meaty Portobello mushrooms, put them on their backs and drizzle on some olive oil. Next, smear on a tomato paste, fried onion, and bread crumbs. Roast on the bbq until the mushroom is soft.
The post What Are The Best Plant-Based Foods For a BBQ? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post The Origins of Pineapple Pizza appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Pineapple pizza is a normal pizza with cheese and tomato sauce, but is topped with ham and chunks of pineapple. So, how did this strange pizza come about and why do people love it so much?
We can trace the origins of this pizza back to the early 1960s, when a Greek-born immigrant chef named Sam Panopoulous was working in a hotel as a chef in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. He had experience working in Chinese restaurants and saw just how good the combination of savory and sweet could be.
After using canned pineapple along with ham, bacon and other meats, he finally settled upon ham and chunks of canned pineapple as a creation that local people seemed to love. From there, the dish gained popularity elsewhere before becoming a worldwide staple.
Some people love how the savoriness of the tomato sauce, cheese, and ham works with the sweetness of pineapple, and there’s no denying that this pizza has a spot in the hearts of many even if you don’t like it yourself.
How do you feel about pineapple pizza?
The post The Origins of Pineapple Pizza appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post 3 Advantages to Shopping at Your Local Ethnic Grocers appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>While it might be tempting to skip over these hidden gems, here are a few reasons why you should consider taking your business there.
If you head to a conventional supermarket, chances are that you’ll see the same things over and over again. Exploring ethnic grocers will allow you to see fruits and vegetables that you can’t find elsewhere, spices that will kick up your food’s flavor to a new level, and all kinds of new things to discover.
Ethnic grocers are almost always small and family-run. Patronizing these businesses is a great way to support one of your community’s small businesses instead of heading to a corporate chain supermarket.
If you don’t have much experience cooking foods from regions outside of your homeland, ethnic grocers will open your eyes to all kinds of new options for recipes and meals. Expand your taste buds by heading to an ethnic grocer and you’ll be amazed at just how much there is to discover.
The post 3 Advantages to Shopping at Your Local Ethnic Grocers appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post This Fun Fact About Chia Seeds Might Surprise You appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Chia seeds can actually absorb up to 10 times (!) their weight in water, forming a gel-like substance. When consumed, this gel helps slow down digestion, releasing a steady stream of energy and keeping you feeling full for longer. But here’s the really cool thing: this water-absorbing quality can also work wonders for your body’s hydration.
When you eat chia seeds, they don’t only support your overall health and sense of satiety, but also promote and sustain hydration. This can prove particularly beneficial during hot summer months or after a workout.
So, next time you’re on the hunt for a nutritious and hydrating boost, consider the option of incorporating chia seeds into your meals. Whether you like them added to smoothies, sprinkled on yogurt, or mixed into your favorite recipes, these spectacular seeds have unique benefits that extend beyond their valuable nutrients.
The post This Fun Fact About Chia Seeds Might Surprise You appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post Food Meets Friendship on No One Eats Alone Day appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>By the way, you don’t have to wait for No One Eats Alone Day to implement these great ideas. Every day is a great day to share a meal and make someone else feel included.
The post Food Meets Friendship on No One Eats Alone Day appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post Let’s Dish: What’s the Deal with the New York Hot Pastrami Sandwich? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Pastrami’s journey begins with preserving meat in the days before refrigeration was a thing. The process of making it involves immersing raw meat in a salty brine, partly drying it, and then infusing flavors by adding mustard, garlic, black pepper, onion, and coriander. The grand finale includes smoking and curing.
Before it became a New York City symbol, the hot pastrami sandwich had a rich history rooted in Jewish-Romanian communities. The word “pastrami” itself stems from the Romanian “pastrama,” signifying preserved or conserved food. It started gaining worldwide popularity in the late 1800s, propelled by migration; but, let’s face it, it’s first and foremost a New York staple.
The first known hot pastrami sandwich is credited to kosher butcher Sussman Volk in 1887. While Volk was of Lithuanian descent, he received the recipe from a Romanian friend and started selling it in his deli. Pastrami’s surge in popularity led Volk to serve it on rye bread, laying the foundation for the popular sandwich. The iconic version served to this day, includes pastrami slices, rye bread, mustard, and pickles.
The post Let’s Dish: What’s the Deal with the New York Hot Pastrami Sandwich? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post The Sweet Chronicles of the Peach Melba Dessert appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Peach Melba made its debut in the early 1900s. This delectable pudding owes its existence to Auguste Escoffier, a renowned chef, and his friendship with opera singer Nellie Melba.
As Melba pursued her opera career in London, she frequented Escoffier’s restaurants, known for his fancy feasts featuring multiple courses. Escoffier crafted a special dessert in honor of his friend when Melba stayed at the Savoy Hotel. Originally named ‘peach with a swan’ for its form, the recipe evolved over the years. When celebrating the opening of the Ritz Carlton in London, Escoffier added raspberry sauce to the recipe, ultimately resulting in what we now know as the Peach Melba dessert.
Legend has it that when Nellie Melba’s dessert was first created, she was pretty slim. As time passed and she gained weight, Escoffier devised a low-calorie version for her, giving rise to the famous Melba toast.
Now, go celebrate this iconic peachy delight by making your own homemade version.
The post The Sweet Chronicles of the Peach Melba Dessert appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post Eggventure in a Glass: The Festive History of Eggnog appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The origins of eggnog seem to trace back to medieval Britain, where monks sipped on “posset,” a warm ale punch with eggs and figs. Fast forward to the 17th century, and sherry became the star of this eggy drink, symbolizing health and prosperity by the European aristocracy.
But when eggnog finally arrived in the American colonies, it underwent a transformation. Rum, which was cheaper and more accessible than brandy and other English liquors, took the stage. Soon, eggnog became a drink for all, combining milk, eggs, and rum.
At the beginning of the 18th century, eggnog turned into a holiday season staple across the young United States. Legend has it that even George Washington had his very own eggnog recipe.
Over time, eggnog took various shapes and variations but remained a popular drink. Today, it’s still a holiday must, sticking to its timeless formula: eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and a splash of spirits. Of course, there are numerous modern twists, from adding tequila to opting for vegan renditions with various ingredients.
So, whether you fantasize about this eggy delight all through the year or tend to wake up covered in eggnog-inspired sweat when Christmas approaches, you really cannot ignore this controversial holiday drink. If you’re not a fan, maybe you can embrace eggnog with a twist this year, trying to tailor the ingredients to your individual palate.
The post Eggventure in a Glass: The Festive History of Eggnog appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post Is Umami a Real Taste or Just a Fancy Schmancy Myth? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>In a way, umami is like the cool kid who came fashionably late to the party. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda gave umami its pass to the taste bud club, recognizing this unique savory flavor as a legitimate member.
The source of umami is glutamate, a natural amino acid found in foods like meat, mushrooms, shellfish, aged cheeses, and of course, MSG. Yes—the very same seasoning that’s been causing culinary scandals is essentially concentrated umami.
Skeptics argue that umami is nothing but a fancy word for deliciousness, often namedropped by food snobs to sound sophisticated. Others swear by its existence, claiming umami is the magical ingredient that elevates a dish from “good” to “OMG.”
Whether you’re an umami enthusiast or an eternal skeptic, one thing’s for sure – it adds an extra yumminess to your food. So, is umami a real taste? According to current scientific research, the answer would be yes. However, it remains a mysterious unicorn to many. Try it and let your taste buds judge.
The post Is Umami a Real Taste or Just a Fancy Schmancy Myth? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post This Is Why You Shouldn’t Overfill Your Freezer appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The obvious reason is that the overflow of products can prevent the freezer door from closing properly, which will cause some of the food to start thawing, especially whatever is closest to the door. But even if the door is shut all the way through, a packed freezer can be a problem.
If the air can’t circulate properly inside the freezer, the air-cooled by the freezer’s coils won’t find its way to the thermostat. The thermostat will then register a higher temperature than it should, and it will “tell” the coils to keep working. Some parts of the freezer will remain too warm, which could eventually cause your food to spoil. Moreover, the cooling motor is getting overworked, which harms the freezer itself in the long run.
It may be time to check what’s at the bottom of the freezer and make some space so that you can truly enjoy your frozen products later.
The post This Is Why You Shouldn’t Overfill Your Freezer appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post What Are The Best Plant-Based Foods For a BBQ? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Simply take an ear of corn, give a light coating of olive oil, and pop it onto the barbecue. Turn frequently. Once each side of the corn is nicely grilled, it’s ready to eat! For best results, serve with melted butter.
Gut out a variety of sweet bell peppers and fill with your choice of filling. A good plant-based option is stir-fried rice with eggplant, peas and onion. Grill on the BBQ until soft.
Slide chunks of red onion, pepper, garlic, and courgette onto a wooden skewer. Pop them onto the BBQ and roast until soft.
Take a number of meaty Portobello mushrooms, put them on their backs and drizzle on some olive oil. Next, smear on a tomato paste, fried onion, and bread crumbs. Roast on the bbq until the mushroom is soft.
The post What Are The Best Plant-Based Foods For a BBQ? appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post The Origins of Pineapple Pizza appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>Pineapple pizza is a normal pizza with cheese and tomato sauce, but is topped with ham and chunks of pineapple. So, how did this strange pizza come about and why do people love it so much?
We can trace the origins of this pizza back to the early 1960s, when a Greek-born immigrant chef named Sam Panopoulous was working in a hotel as a chef in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. He had experience working in Chinese restaurants and saw just how good the combination of savory and sweet could be.
After using canned pineapple along with ham, bacon and other meats, he finally settled upon ham and chunks of canned pineapple as a creation that local people seemed to love. From there, the dish gained popularity elsewhere before becoming a worldwide staple.
Some people love how the savoriness of the tomato sauce, cheese, and ham works with the sweetness of pineapple, and there’s no denying that this pizza has a spot in the hearts of many even if you don’t like it yourself.
How do you feel about pineapple pizza?
The post The Origins of Pineapple Pizza appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>The post 3 Advantages to Shopping at Your Local Ethnic Grocers appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>While it might be tempting to skip over these hidden gems, here are a few reasons why you should consider taking your business there.
If you head to a conventional supermarket, chances are that you’ll see the same things over and over again. Exploring ethnic grocers will allow you to see fruits and vegetables that you can’t find elsewhere, spices that will kick up your food’s flavor to a new level, and all kinds of new things to discover.
Ethnic grocers are almost always small and family-run. Patronizing these businesses is a great way to support one of your community’s small businesses instead of heading to a corporate chain supermarket.
If you don’t have much experience cooking foods from regions outside of your homeland, ethnic grocers will open your eyes to all kinds of new options for recipes and meals. Expand your taste buds by heading to an ethnic grocer and you’ll be amazed at just how much there is to discover.
The post 3 Advantages to Shopping at Your Local Ethnic Grocers appeared first on Cooking 4 All.
]]>