วันอาทิตย์ที่ 31 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2553

วันเสาร์ที่ 30 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2553

วันศุกร์ที่ 29 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2553

Storing Fruits and Vegetables in a Vacuum Food Sealer

Most families have to be resourceful when it comes to saving money on groceries. The cost of groceries has steadily been on the increase throughout the United States, yet salaries have not necessarily been increasing. Although this seems like a no win situation, there are ways to cut down on the cost of groceries and feel a bit more optimistic about one's economic position. With a vacuum food saver, families can store food items they purchase at a reduced rate from discount stores and wholesale grocery stores.

By shopping for food in bulk, a family can save a lot of money. The list of food items one can purchase in large quantities at a reduced rate to be stored for later use is unlimited. One can store meats, cheese, fruits and vegetables, grains and spices. Heavy use vacuum food sealers allow for the steady flow of large quantities to be vacuumed and sealed. Storage canisters are great to have as part of the system. These will hold dry ingredients for months.

Fruit that is purchased in bulk, such as melon, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and even mango, can be peeled and cut into bit sized pieces then placed in a bag, vacuum and sealed to be tossed into the freezer for use months later. Mixed fruit can be used over cereal or can be blended into vitamin rich smoothies. Some people like to sprinkle the fruit with a bit of sugar before it is frozen so when it thaws it soaks in the sugar for added sweetness.

Vegetables are another great food item that can be preserved using a vacuum food sealer. Most vegetables, except leafy ones, can be frozen if they are par boiled. By boiling vegetables for a very short time and tossing them into cold water, they will remain crunchy and fresh. Cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, turnips and other root legumes, can be cut into bite size pieces, par boiled and then stored in the freezer for months if vacuum sealed.

Vegetables can be defrosted in tepid water, or by laying the bag in the refrigerator to slowly thaw or by placing the bag in boiling water to cook further. Another great idea is to seal fresh veggies or baby potatoes in a storage bag, but before sealing with the food sealer, one can add to them some bits of butter and a little seasoning. The bag is then placed in the microwave to cook. The result is a delicious side dish of steamed vegetables.

This procedure also works well with meats that have been prepared and cooked. One can prepare stews, chili, even roasts. After allowing the prepared meat to cool down, it is simply a matter of placing dinner size portions in the heavy use plastic bags that come with most vacuum food sealer models. Once sealed, one only need to vacuum and toss in the freezer for later use, or in the fridge to use within a few days. Frozen meals may be defrosted by placing the sealed bag into a sink filled with tepid water, or for faster results, may be dropped into boiling water to serve right away, or may be heated in a microwave.

With a bit of creative, anyone can prepare delicious and healthy meals that can be frozen for later use. Anyone on a budget can save money by buying in bulk without having to give up on quality or nutrition.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 28 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2553

Scrumptious Dessert Recipes

Regardless of if you're a cooking enthusiast, or simply a pro at ordering pizza, you probably find time to whip up your favorite dessert recipes once in a while!

If you've got a sweet tooth, you're in luck: from birthdays and anniversaries, to holidays and dinner parties, there's always a great reason to get out your favorite mixing bowl and explore fun new dessert recipes.

One of the best things about dessert recipes is that they're usually pretty difficult to ruin. A flattened soufflé might not be as pretty as the recipe photo, but you can always hide a little imperfection under a scoop of fresh whipped cream, ice cream or gelato.

Trying to impress someone special? Don't give waxy store-bought chocolates to your sweetheart on an anniversary or Valentine's Day! Instead, surprise them with homemade brownies, decadent red velvet cake or sugar cookies decorated with sweet chocolate kisses nestled in the center.

If chocolaty cakes aren't your sweet-tooth style, you might enjoy creating fruit-filled desserts. From standard apple pies to adventurous fruit tarts layered with colorful kiwi, star fruit or berries, the flavor combinations are endless. Custards, bread puddings and cheesecakes also make great alternatives to brownies and chocolaty dessert recipes.

Dinner guests might not be able to agree on whether escargot is a culinary delight or a slimy garden critter, but everyone is sure to rejoice at the sight of homemade desserts hitting the table at the end of the meal. Whether your friends are food snobs or plate cleaners, something as simple as a warm plate of cookies filled with chocolate chips, nuts or dried berries will keep everyone smiling.

For a more sophisticated twist on cookies after dinner, try serving thin, crispy cookies or biscotti with small glasses of a sweet dessert wine for dipping.

Dessert recipes also make a great way to introduce kids to the fun of cooking. Stirring up recipes in the mixing bowl (and licking the spoon) is always fun for little ones, and they are sure to love decorating sugar cookies or mini-cupcakes with colorful frosting and sprinkles for holidays or birthdays-or as a way to pass time on a rainy day.

Of course, not all dessert recipes have to be so decadent.

Lighter dessert recipes are particularly nice in the summer time. For an easy treat, a tasty selection of fresh fruits can be sliced and arranged to create colorful fruit trays, or blended with ice for refreshing smoothies. For another kid-friendly project, try helping them create popsicles made from pureed fruits, fruit juices or yogurt-based smoothies.

Homemade ice creams and sorbets are easier to make than you might think, and making them at home allows you to ensure that the ingredients are fresh and natural, high in flavor and low in unwanted extras like excess sugar, corn syrups and preservatives.

Fruits, chocolates, cakes, cookies, sorbets-what do all of these dessert recipes have in common? Fun! Creating and cooking recipes is fun, but sharing them is even better. What are you waiting for? Get that mixing bowl ready!

วันพุธที่ 27 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2553

วันอังคารที่ 26 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2553

PREGEL TRAINING

This is the fourth video in a series of PreGel videos that documents PreGel's chapter in the history of gelato, provides a guided tour of the PreGel AMERICA facility and an up-close and personal look at PreGel AMERICA's world-class professional training center and products. The Italian aesthetic throughout the company's walls and dynamic footage of delicious specialty desserts allows viewers to truly comprehend the commitment this company has made to the US market. PreGel AMERICA believes in blending Your Passion with Our Ingredients. For over 40 years, the company has been fueling the passion of many by offering an unparalleled experience in the world of specialty desserts. The company's vested interest in its customers' success is evident by the products, services and resources it offers. Visit www.pregelamerica.com for more information.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0ZyweJblGk&hl=en

วันจันทร์ที่ 25 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2553