Food Day

Ingredients: Preparation: In a big pan, heat the olive oil and add ground beef. Add salt, pepper, and oregano until the meat comes out light brown. Add diced onion and fry together with the meat until golden brown. Then add minced garlic. Stir well and add tomato sauce. Smear for a couple of minutes. Add…

Moist and crispy pie. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. It can be prepared ahead and served later or prepared and put in the freezer. Ingredients: For filling: Recipe In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and small diced butter until combined well. Add salt, sugar, and a cup of sour cream to the mixture,…

Disposing of shrimp shells is like throwing away rich ocean flavors that can turn various seafood dishes from mundane to insane! Making shrimp stock from scratch is incredibly easy. And it’s unbelievably versatile, too. Adding shrimp stock to traditional dishes with shrimp or any other seafood helps maintain flavors that the use of vegetable or…

Some types of seafood are simply more accessible to everyday consumers than the rest. At most grocery stores, you can easily get your hands on frozen shrimp — or sometimes even fresh shrimp. It’s also easy to store and cook, making it trouble-free to welcome to the kitchen and add to the diet on a…

I know that nothing can be more frustrating than reaching for a cookie (or two) to quickly appease a grumbling stomach, soothe a craving for some sugar or lift a downcast mood than learning that it’s not baked enough. If it’s from a batch of homemade cookies, chances are all the rest are raw in…

Whether you’re one of those who do not have the Thanksgiving turkey recipe you got from your mom or grandma, you’re in the right place at the right time. This post will guide you on how to be the quintessential Thanksgiving host — you will come across foolproof tips and tricks on how to go…

Some people stay away from using the phrase “hors d’oeuvres” for fear of pronouncing it incorrectly and running the risk of sounding uncultured. But then there are also those that steer clear of serving them altogether for fear of doing it all wrong and flushing money down the drain instead of making the event extra…

One look and it’s plain to see that dates are like raisins on steroids. And it’s exactly because of this why some people are intimidated by them. Can they be snacked on and used for cooking purposes just like raisins? Types of Date Fruits More than 200 varieties of dates exist. While they come in…

Did you know that more than 95% of wasabi served at sushi restaurants is made from horseradish and some other ingredients and does not even have wasabi in them? Just like wasabi, horseradish packs a punch. And if you are planning on adding horseradish to your diet as store-bought or homemade prepared horseradish, keep reading….

Mmmm…apple pie!  That good ol’ American dessert evokes images of summer picnics and Thanksgiving feasts.  But sometimes, diving into a slice of homemade apple pie may leave you with a nagging sense of guilt as you wonder if it’s a healthy choice.  While there is no denying that it’s good for the senses, you can’t…

Menudo Mix, Hibiscus, Cumin Seed… tiny clear, cellophane packets of these spices hang on racks in supermarkets and Latin markets throughout the southwest, and wherever large Latin communities shop. Sealed with a paper label noting their contents, usually printed in Spanish and English, the packets are more affordable than those in the traditional spice aisle….

Fermented foods are some of the healthiest on the planet. That’s because they are packed with good bacteria that offer an assortment of benefits, from improved digestion, bolstered immune system to lifted mood. One very good example of fermented food is sauerkraut. Although it can be consumed on its own or added to salads, deviled…

Some people eat some rodents. Some common examples of gnawing and furry creatures consumed as meat are squirrels. Rats are also popular examples of rodents. But can you eat rats knowing that they’re dirty and smelly? Rats can actually be eaten. However, field and cane rats that are healthy and clean are the kinds that…

Popular in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering if you should also welcome scrapple to your kitchen. The name may be intimidating you to a certain extent, but the wonderful reviews about it may be drawing you to it. Despite having fillers and the word “crap” on its name, scrapple is healthy. As a matter of…

Because red snapper has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, it’s the preference of many who don’t like the fishy taste of most fish varieties. The way it tastes also makes it an extremely versatile cooking ingredient — it can be fried, sauteed, baked, grilled, broiled, poached and steamed. Oh, and it also makes for…

Because it’s packed with good fats, protein and an assortment of vitamins and minerals, tuna steak is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It’s one of the most delicious, too, whether eaten cooked or raw. Tuna steak can be eaten raw if it’s meant for consumption as sushi or sashimi. If the packaging…

Shrimp scampi is a delectable meal many love to enjoy. With the creamy sauce and flat noodles, who wouldn’t want to have shrimp scampi for dinner? It is delicious and easy to make, but the question is: is it good for you? In moderate amounts, shrimp scampi isn’t unhealthy. Health experts recommend limiting one’s intake…

Trying to figure out what to eat can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to achieve specific health goals. As you decide what to include and take out of your diet, one of the major foods that get discussed is pasta. When it comes to building muscle and putting on size, pasta can be a…

One of the quickest ways to enjoy shrimp is by boiling them with the shell and all. But peeling them beforehand lets you serve them on the table ready to be dipped in sauce and eaten. And that is why you may be wondering if you can peel those shrimp before you dunk them in…

Nothing can make brownies less enjoyable than hard edges and dry centers. But no matter if homemade or store-bought, there are ways to keep those chocolaty treats stay in perfect shape. Brownies can be kept hard by protecting them from the elements. This can be done by storing them in an airtight container, which can…

So, you love frying or baking something but hate food sticking to the pan. While reaching for a can of Pam cooking spray can help keep that from happening, you wonder if the product is safe to use in the kitchen. Pam cooking spray is not bad for the health, say numerous studies and various…

Chili con carne, or chili, as we simply call it, is a hearty dish best served spicy. But the spiciness may be too much for some people, and that’s okay. Naturally, chili needs to be cooked with — well — chili. So you may want to know what to add to chili to make it…

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors. Among the many Indian dishes that many love are chicken tikka and chicken tandoori. But some people aren’t sure what the difference is between the two. So let’s pit chicken tikka versus chicken tandoori. Maybe you’ll learn which one is best for you. Both tikka and tandoori…

It is said that too many cooks spoil the broth. But inviting some friends over and joining forces in order to whip up a delectable masterpiece or two validates the adage “the more the merrier”. Sharing a meal together is a wonderful way for you and your amigos to catch up on each other’s lives…

Wine alone doesn’t always do justice to your cravings. Therefore, pairing it with a side to go along with the silky smooth taste is often what most of us do. When it comes to a ‘trend-worthy’ glass of blush wine, you can pair it with a myriad of dishes ranging from grilled steak to steamed…

There isn’t perhaps another wine that puts the Italian culture and ethos in a bottle as good as the Chianti. So it only makes sense that this wine is as exclusive as they get, getting produced only in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Central Italy. The Italian wine community holds the Chianti at a high…

Barefoot wine has the attention of wine lovers worldwide, all due to the excellent flavor they pack into their wines for a meager price compared to other brands. Their wines may bring a charm to the table, but are their products really that good? In my opinion, Barefoot wines provide great taste across all their…

So, you are prone to serving baked chicken that’s either undercooked or overcooked. You might have read online that boiling the chicken before baking can keep everyone from eating chicken that’s either bloody and dense or dry and tough. But is it really a good idea to boil chicken just before you pop it into…

Cooking shrimp can be easy because it cooks quickly. But there’s also a downside to the fact that shrimp cook quickly, and it’s overcooking. For that reason, it is important to know when shrimp is done. One way to know is color. Here, you’ll learn what color shrimp are when cooked. When properly cooked, the…

Tortellini is a classic Italian pasta dish. Its popularity has expanded to many countries. With its expansion is the increase in the number of ways to cook tortellini. Here, you will learn the basic different ways to cook tortellini From Scratch Let’s begin with the traditional way of making tortellini, which is from scratch. Different…

Low-calorie edibles are the way to go for every health-conscious individual these days. Ever thought of having a glass of wine that is low on calories? If yes, then you must consider blush wine as an option. Unlike most sweet wines, which have a higher calorie count, this beverage is low on calories and reduces…

In making sushi, nothing beats Japanese short-grain rice — and it’s for an obvious reason! But you would also love to give making risotto a try, which is why you are planning to buy Arborio rice anytime soon. And since it’s sticky like Japanese short-grain rice, you can’t help but wonder if you can use…

It’s not uncommon for certain Chinese, Italian and even Western dishes and sauces to be sour. However, the addition of a tad too much of an acidic ingredient can turn something that’s delightfully sour into awfully tart! Worry not as there are things you may do to keep your culinary rep from being tainted. Since…

Many health- and weight-conscious people go for zucchini noodles. Also known as zoodles, they are low in carbohydrates and free of gluten. And because they are made from a vegetable (although zucchini is technically a fruit), you might be wondering if it’s perfectly okay to eat zucchini noodles raw. Zucchini noodles can be eaten raw….

Truffles are a fungus similar to mushrooms. However, unlike mushrooms, they grow below ground level. Truffles are usually described as nutty, earthy, chocolaty, oaky, and sweet and juicy. A quick and easy way to incorporate the unique taste and aroma of truffles into a variety of dishes is by using truffle oil. While a vast…

So, you are always in a hurry. But you still do your best to stay fit and healthy. And now you might be wondering if it’s perfectly fine to eat raw oats added to yogurt or milk whenever you are in a time crunch. In general, you can eat raw oats with yogurt or milk….

Have you ever experienced baking pastries, then wondered when can you use pancake mix instead of flour? Pancake mix can be used in frying and baking. It can also be used in making pastries like bread, cakes, cookies, pizza, and waffles. Pancake mix is an easy-to-use and readily available alternative for flour, which is an…

No one ever said that you can use your oven to cook only one thing at a time. If you will be strategic and cunning about it, it’s possible for you to be able to whip up two delectable dishes on the double, thus allowing you not only to conserve precious resources but also pacify…

Chefs at high-end restaurants, hotels and casinos often reach for a bottle of dry red wine when making their signature beef dishes. But don’t just go for any dry red wine if you want to impress your family and friends — opt for something that seasoned chefs swear by each and every single time. Some…

It’s customary to throw away loose tea leaves or tea bags after being steeped once or sometimes twice or thrice. But because they are the dried leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, you might be wondering if you can eat them. If a cup of tea is healthy, then the leaves from which it comes…

Have you ever experienced cooking then realized that you do not have your usual vegetable oil for the recipe? Peanut oil can serve as a substitute for other vegetable oils, most especially for recipes that call for high-heat cooking. It can be used for cooking, baking, making soaps, and is sometimes used by pharmaceutical companies…

Among the many things India has contributed to the world is curry powder. Curry powder is a mix of spices that give flavor and health to any dish, plus a vibrant yellow color. But the tricky thing with curry powder is how much of it to use. Hence you need to know how much curry…

If you love green and crisp nutritious food, then Chinese Cabbage can be perfect for your stir-fried vegetables or salads. Chinese cabbage came from the Brasicca Rapa group which is a cultivated plant from the Pekinesis group (Nappa Cabbage) and Chinensis (Bok Choy). But since Chinese Cabbage is not always readily available, there are other…

According to the Tea Association of the USA, more than half of all Americans drink tea on any given day. If you are one of them, chances are that you have some expired sample tea bags or loose leaf tea in your pantry. Should you throw them away or keep enjoying them? Drinking expired tea…

If you love Mexican food, then you probably love eating jalapeños. But if you’ve tried a lot of jalapeños, then you would’ve realized that not all jalapeños are that hot. So if you’re looking for that heat, then you may be wondering how to tell if a jalapeño is hot. The older the pepper, the…

Historians believe Ancient Egyptians were the first to enjoy marshmallows. Ancient Egyptians’ marshmallows were different though. They used theirs as candy and medicine. We used ours solely as a treat, and it’s not really healthy. Every time I think about how much sugar is in s’mores that my children love, I get worried. But don’t…

Chicken marinated for one day tastes so much better than chicken marinated for one hour. Given this logic, chicken marinated for three days or more should taste heavenly. However, when it comes to marinating chicken, longer is not necessarily better. In fact, marinating chicken for more than two days can do more harm than good….

If you love to cook, soy sauce is a must-have in your pantry. It adds saltiness and savoriness (or umami) in any dish. But there is an ongoing belief that too much soy sauce is bad. It begs the question: How much soy sauce is too much? There are many reasons too much soy sauce…

There is never a shortage of delicious stale bread recipes out there. You want to try one of them ASAP, but all you have is fresh store-bought bread. Fret not — while there are ways to keep bread soft and fresh, there are also ways to make it deliberately go stale without delay for various…

So, a recipe just asked you to add a bunch of something. You carefully inspect your measuring spoons and cups but none of them seems to suggest that it’s the one you are supposed to use for measuring a bunch. The general consensus is that, when it comes to cooking, a bunch is equivalent to…

Decanters are glass vessels made with the intention of storing your drinks for easy access. They are often crafted so beautifully that they can even become a statement piece on your kitchen counter. But once you find a decanter, what should you put in it? You can put any type of liquor or wine in…

If it has a crunch, it’s likely to taste so much better with ranch! It’s no wonder why, according to a recent study, 40% of Americans named ranch as their favorite dressing. However, the main ingredients that make ranch so unforgettable are the same things that make this well-loved dressing and dip highly perishable. Ranch…

Preparing a dish that involves the use of something frozen usually starts the day before — the rock-solid ingredient has to be first thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Well, it’s a different matter for frozen shrimp for it can go straight from the freezer to the steamer, thus allowing you to enjoy a delicious and…

Tortillas taste good when they are fresh and warm. But maybe you had some left-over tortillas, or you could not eat them, so you decided to freeze them. But now what? How will you defrost them to enjoy their taste? The simplest way to defrost tortillas is to take them out of the freezer, keep…

Want to grind whole cloves but don’t have a mortar and a pestle? Don’t worry, I have got you covered. Generally, it is good to use a mortar and a pestle to grind whole cloves to ensure the best flavor and freshness. But there are other ways as well to grind your whole cloves. Let’s…

So, you just came across a pack of powdered sugar that says “gluten-free” at the grocery store. Does this mean that some brands of powdered sugar have gluten in them? Generally speaking, powdered sugar is 100% free of gluten. That’s because the cornstarch added to it as an anti-caking agent is gluten-free. However, some cornstarch…

So you want that authentic, homemade taste and quality in your bread. And that’s why you are making your own sourdough starter. Great! But what if you find a vinegar-like smell coming from your sourdough starter. You will be curious to know the reason behind it. The sourdough starter smells like vinegar because of the…

You absolutely love cheese. And you totally hate the thought of throwing away seemingly perfect shredded cheese that’s been sitting out overnight. So, should you toss it into your mouth or into the bin? Leaving shredded cheese out overnight causes it to sweat due to the separation of its solid and liquid components. It dries…

There are two ways to serve pasta dishes: warm or cold. The tricky one is warm or hot pasta. The reason they’re tricky is you have to keep them warm. In this article, you’ll learn how to keep pasta warm after cooking. The easiest way to keep pasta warm after cooking is to use a…

A splash of this and a splash of that — just about any recipe can turn from seemingly simple to downright puzzling if it calls for the addition of a liquid ingredient whose exact amount is not indicated. The general consensus is that a splash is typically between half a teaspoon and a tablespoon of…

Like many vegetables, carrots are susceptible to being covered with slime after a while. This is especially true for baby carrots — some of them can end up slimy even when refrigerated and still in their original packaging. But does this mean that you should dispose of carrots the minute they become slippery to the…

It’s plain to see that sugar is dry. But the recipe you are looking at suggests otherwise — it says that sugar is a wet ingredient. And now you can’t help but wonder if the author is talking about some type of dripping-wet sugar that your favorite supermarket or baking supplies store doesn’t seem to…

Tepid water is commonly encountered in recipes for making breads. This is especially true for those that call for the use of active dry yeast. Unfortunately, it’s not always that recipes indicate the exact temperature of tepid water to add to the dough, thus causing confusion in many first-time and occasional bakers. In baking, tepid…

So, you love wowing your family and friends with your scrumptious chicken or beef masterpieces. Unfortunately, E. coli, salmonella and other microbes love to thrive on these meat products, too. And they can easily spread from raw or undercooked chicken and beef to other ingredients via your cutting board. Using different cutting boards for raw…

Salmonella can put your digestive tract in shambles for a few days. Needless to say, it’s a must to ensure that there is no salmonella present in food before you put it in your mouth. And this might leave you wondering if storing potentially contaminated food in the freezer can kill salmonella. Freezing does not…

Boiling eggs has to be one of the most deceiving cooking methods out there. It sounds simple, right? You put raw eggs in boiling water. Yet there are many ways to mess it up. For example, have you had your eggs crack when boiling them? Why do eggs crack when boiling? There are two main…

Seaweed is a staple in East Asian cuisine, especially China, Japan, and Korea. Seaweeds can be bought as dried or fresh. If you have or are planning to buy either, you may be wondering how to store seaweed. You can store fresh seaweed in the refrigerator. It can remain fresh in there for 3 or…

Vanilla is a great addition to any sweet dish. Hence, vanilla is a must-have in the pantry. But while you’re looking to buy some, you may have noticed that there are two versions. These two are vanilla extract and vanilla flavoring. So which is better: vanilla extract or vanilla flavoring? When it comes to the…

Where there’s smoke, as they say, there’s fire. And this is why many can’t help but assume that smoked bacon is cooked. However, the health-conscious in you is saying that you should not enjoy it straight from the packaging. In general, not all smoked bacon products on the market are cooked. Some are exposed to…

You might have a recipe you’ve been dying to try for ages but it calls for you to broil instead of bake your food. Though most standard electric and even some gas ovens come with a ‘Broil’ option, you may not have such an option on your oven or perhaps, no oven at all. If…

Many of us try to eat healthily. We’ve learned that certain foods are better for our health. In the case of rice, we know that brown rice can be healthier than white rice. While healthier, brown rice feels and tastes different. So it begs the question: Can you substitute brown rice for white rice? You…

When it comes to creating a delicious meal for your friends or family, lamb is a popular choice for many people. But what if you or someone who is joining your dinner is a vegan?  If you typically serve lamb for various dinner options but find yourself in need of a substitute, you will need…

Ground pork can make a useful substitute for ground beef or chicken in many different recipes. However, you must know how long to cook it to make sure it’s cooked through. This is especially important in recipes like meatballs or meatloaf, where the inside of the dish might not be as done as the outside….

If you’re into cooking, you may have seen a recipe call for accent seasoning at one point or another. With its generic name and no other information, it’s hard to tell what accent seasoning would even taste like. So what exactly is accent seasoning anyway? Accent seasoning is a spice blend that contains monosodium glutamate,…

Microwaves are great for heating food, especially if you’re in a hurry. They work better than ovens for this purpose, and that’s why many people own them. However, there has been a misconception surrounding microwave use, especially when they’re cracked or have a hole inside. Some people are cautious of radiation when using microwaves that…

Coconuts are hard to open, but when you get them to crack, you’ll find soft, sweet flesh inside. However, sometimes, you might find that your coconut is hard and almost inedible. Wasting food is no fun for anybody, so it’s important that you know how to soften coconut when this happens. In this article, you’ll…

Veal is a slice of popular meat that fits well in many dishes. If you’re a vegan, it can be tricky to navigate veal-based meals. You are limited on what you can ingest as a protein source. Luckily, there are many excellent substitutes for veal in the vegan world. What are some of the best…

According to a 2021 report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people live healthy lives, onions are some of the cleanest vegetables on the planet. And this might leave you wondering if washing onions is necessary or a complete waste of time. Washing onions, in many instances, is unnecessary….

Bulgogi sauce is a marinade used on bulgogi dishes. The tangy topping usually covers slices of grilled beef and works well in so many food creations. However, you may not love this sauce or may have a moment where it’s not on hand. Are there any sauces out there that can work as a substitute…

There are so many types of dough when it comes to bread. Dough for bread, pizza bread, tortillas, and so much more, but can you swap them out for each other. What are the differences between doughs for pizza bread and doughs for regular bread? Although pizza dough and bread dough are made from almost…

Cast iron cookware has been around for centuries.  Practically indestructible, cast iron has a lot to offer the everyday cook:  even heat and excellent browning in a non-stick pan.  But many cooks prefer to use cookware made of modern materials as a substitute for cast iron and its benefits. Substitutes for a cast iron skillet…

If you like to bake, a recipe can be confusing and full of terminology that can be difficult to determine what you need to do. One of the most crucial aspects of baking is understanding the proper ingredients you will need for baking, such as the baking spread. Baking spread is a substitute for butter,…

If you’ve never tried to make cheese yourself, you might not be aware of salt’s role in the process. Without cheese salt, cheese would be less nutritious. It would also be subject to quality issues like acidity and decay. Cheese salt is a non-iodized salt that is used in making cheese. Cheese salt is responsible…

Garlic salt is a popular seasoning used in various dishes that gives them a salty and savory flavor. While garlic salt can be purchased commercially at the grocery, it’s often an easy process to make a fresh version of this seasoning right in your own kitchen. To make garlic salt from garlic powder all you…

Corn is a popular side dish and can be cooked in many different ways. However, many corn farmers and gourmets around the world are aware of how delicious this vegetable is without being cooked at all. Sweet corn can be eaten raw as long as the corn kernels are ripe. Sweet corn is usually eaten…

Marinara and spaghetti sauce are two of the most common toppings in the pasta and food world. Often, they are used interchangeably, so much so that many think they’re the same. So, are marinara and spaghetti sauce the same? Are there any differences between these two delicious foods? There are many differences between marinara and…

Whether you’re in a grilling mood, making pasta, or creating a delicious salad, one of the best ingredients to enhance your meal is shrimp. Its delicate yet distinctive flavor can be the piece that ties many dishes together, and its meatiness (if cooked correctly) can add that perfect texture to a softer dish like pasta…

Serrano pepper is a delicious chile variety placed in many dishes, from salsa to huevos rancheros. However, it can be a little spicy for some. If you find that the serrano is a bit too much for you, you may wonder if there are any mild serrano substitutes out there. We have you covered. Read…

Whenever you are working with a bland or flavorless recipe, the quickest way to spruce it up is with some quality extract flavors made explicitly for baking. These products are designed to spice up (or sweeten) desserts and baked goods, giving them the specific taste without the hassle of using that specific item. While there…

When cooking, sometimes we forget we’re missing at least one of the ingredients. But a great thing about cooking is that there can be substitutes to whatever you’re missing. Here, you’ll find out about clam juice substitutes. Clam juice is like a stock from clams. Thus, you can use other stocks or broths as clam…

As weird as it may sound, some of us have probably eaten undercooked or raw pasta. If not us, then someone we know. While pasta can be delicious and safe when cooked it begs the question: Can you eat raw pasta? Eating raw pasta is potentially harmful. Our body has a hard time digesting raw…