The Foodie Affair...

Food for love life?? Yes, we’ve got some delights and combos that add your romantic mood. So improve your love life. Just follow these:-

The sensuous feeling - Some food are tempting and enticing naturally. This may be because of their texture or color. Red wine and chocolates are the best you can give your girlfriend on a romantic date. Banana custard, melted oysters and strawberries are perfect examples that tempt your lover because of their shape, smooth texture or vibrant color. Meal if taken slowly with eye contact is really sensuous for the couple.

Romantic ambience - The ambience boosts up the mood. Soft lighting along with pleasant music is what every lover craves for. Lovely flowers and charismatic essence of mild perfumes add to your dinner date. Never go for an overcrowded hotel or busy restaurant. Prefer serene place. Decorate the bottle of drink with red ribbon. It’s a must on every couple’s table. This leads to receptiveness, good memories and finally intimacy.

The chemical formula - The food high in zinc increases the level of romance, believe it or not!! Oyster is the perfect example for this. Variety of oyster recipes ranging from appetizers to main dish casseroles are available. Oyster mushroom soup is a good supper to go with. On the other hand try to include chocolate desserts for an exotic date. The reason behind this is the existence of phenylethylamine (PEA), the so called "love chemical".

Drink in limit - Always drink without an intention to get drunk. Excess of drinking would make one utmost lousy, hence deleting the romantic mood. Drink till you think you can, in a safe manner. Remember no one likes a drunk person, your fiance will not like it either. Champagne is the only wine that enhances a woman's beauty. Sparking or rose champagne placed on a neat dining table, yes, the thought is itself so tantalizing… Caviar go very well with champagne. Caviar is a delicacy composed of salt cured fish eggs.

The balanced food - Relaxing as well as energy giving food must go hand in hand. We feel relaxed while consuming a drink whether it’s vodka, whiskey, beer or wine. On the other hand we need protein to boost up our energy. Contrast does matter. Vegetarians and vegans can go for black Greek olives and sparkling cider. The combo will definitely boost up the romantic mood. Another combo of sweet and sour or dark and salty, adds to your love life.

Just try this!! I’m sure it’s gonna work...

Chicken Sausage with Potatoes and Sauerkraut – Tasty and Healthy

For many foodaholics, eating healthy means end of taste. This is not true. With the little creativity in the cooking techniques, even boring food can be super tasty. For example one can use olive oil instead of ordinary cooking oil. Olive oil is better option to fry or saute the food stuff as it's rich in monounsaturated fat and adds to taste as well. The food high in cholesterol can be consumed once in a while, unless restricted by the doctor.

Chicken is a versatile source of protein and is low in fat. Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, they fight disease and promote heart health. Sauerkraut delivers significant amount of vitamins C and K. In addition to this, it boosts up energy and immune system with iron. One can use different flavored sausages for the dish. Roasted garlic sausage or sweet apple sausage are worth for this dish, giving an absolute tangy spicy taste. The recipe goes well with roasted carrots for crunchy fun. Here we present a sweet and tart entree of chicken sausage, potatoes and crunchy sauerkraut, healthy and tasty recipe..

Ingredients:-

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil,

12 ounces cooked chicken sausage,

1 medium sliced onion,

3 medium sliced potatoes,

1 1/2 cups rinsed sauerkraut,

1 1/2 cups dry white wine,

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper,

1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds,

1 bay leaf

Preparation Method:-

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add sausage and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.

3. Add potatoes, sauerkraut, wine, pepper, caraway seeds and bay leaf; bring to a simmer.

4. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 minutes.

5. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy the tasty yet healthy treat!

Crispy Kale Chips - The Vegan Recipe

Usually one has misconception that healthy food is not tasty. This is a myth. Kale denotes unsurpassed health benefits. Crispy Kale Chips will clear this doubt. Kale contains vitamins A, C, and K. In addition to this, kale has lutein and iron in abundance. On the other hand tahini is rich in vitamin E and B, calcium, protein and essential fatty acid. Nutritional yeast boosts up Vitamin B especially B12, zinc and folic acid. The recipe is easy to make and perfectly blends with the healthy lifestyle. This is a perfect vegan dream food for our vegan and vegetarian friends, you will definitely love to make its double batch!

Ingredients:-

2 big bunches of kale,

1/2 cup raw tahini,

1/4 cup olive oil,

1/4 cup wheat free tamari,

1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar,

1/4 cup nutritional yeast,

2 cloves garlic,

1 teaspoon onion powder,

1 tablespoon maple syrup,

1 tsp of chilli flakes.

Preparation Method:-

1. Rinse, de-rib, and roughly tear the kale into a giant bowl.

2. Put all of the other ingredients into a food processor or blender and mix until smooth or use a hand blender.

3. Pour the mixture over the kale, and use your hands to toss it all together. Cover it.

4. Spread the kale out evenly on oiled sheets. Bake on 250 D.F for 4 hours.

5. Serve with potato chips and your favorite dip!

Enjoy the cool veggie recipe!!!

Glazed Smoked Ham Easter Recipe

Hi friends, I prepared Glazed Smoked Ham, this Easter. My folks simply loved it. The best way to enjoy the ham is with rich apricot homemade jelly. I prepared the apricot jelly few days ago in order to save time. To add on to this, Worcestershire sauce is savory and sweet with a distinct tangy taste due to malt vinegar. I got smoked ham too, it’s time saving. The rich recipe is really a quick meal. It added to the festive mood. Let me share it with you..

Ingredients:-

1 Large onion,

1/4 Cup water,

8 Sprigs fresh thyme,

3/4 Cup apricot jelly,

7 Pound smoked ham,

2 Teaspoons molasses,

4 Tablespoons cider vinegar,

1 tablespoon unsalted butter,

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour,

1/4 Teaspoon ground allspice,

3 Tablespoons yellow mustard,

1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce,

1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth,

Kosher salt as required,

Ground cloves as required,

Ground black pepper as required

Preparation Method:-

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Score the ham with a crosshatch pattern through the thick layer of skin and fat. Arrange the onions in the center of a foil lined sheet pan large roasting pan and set the ham on top of them. Bake for 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, stir together the apricot jelly, water, thyme leaves, mustard, 3 tablespoons of the vinegar, the molasses, Worcestershire, allspice, and cloves in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the jelly has dissolved and sauce is smooth, about 4 minutes.

3. After the ham has been baked for 1 hour, brush with the apricot mixture every 15 minutes for another 45 minutes or until nicely glazed. Transfer the ham to a serving platter, tent with foil and set aside while making the sauce.

4. Discard the onions, remove foil and pour the sauce into a skillet. Add the broth and bring to a boil over high heat. In a small bowl, mix the butter and flour together until you form a paste.

5. Whisk into the pan juices and let sauce simmer until thickened like gravy. Finish with the remaining tablespoon of vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Thinly slice the ham and serve with the sauce.

Hope you had Happy Easter!!

More of Egg-o-egg Facts on The Easter

Easter reminds us of lots and lots of eggs. But let’s see who does not have privilege to eat eggs during this festival. People who cannot afford eating eggs, have various substitutes that will again add to the festive mood. We have some exclusive recipes for them as well. So keep the spirit high..

When to say “NO” to eggs??

1. Home of cholesterol bombs - One egg has as much cholesterol as regular size burger. Yolk is not recommended for the people facing high cholesterol problem.

2. High uric acid - People with high uric acid must avoid consumption of eggs. Since eggs are high in protein, they are likely to increase the uric acid.  

3. Allergic to eggs - These are symptoms one might have to face due to egg allergy. A baby who is allergic to eggs may fall sick or suffer from rashes all over his body.

Signs and Symptoms -

• Skin problems:- Egg allergy may result in hives, eczema, flushing or swelling.
• Problem in digestion:- Nausea, belly pain, diarrhea, vomiting and itching around the mouth are the common problems faced.
• Problems with respiratory system:- A person may have runny nose, difficulty in breathing or wheezing, if he is allergic to eggs.
• Cardiovascular system problems:- Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure are the common problems faced by people allergic to eggs.

4. During menstruation - Mostly bleeding during menstruation is increased while women consume eggs.

5. Pregnancy - Egg must be consumed only if advised by the doctor. Avoid par-boiled or raw eggs.

Let’s see what the lucky one’s have in their store on the auspicious occasion of Easter. Here are some ‘Popular Easter Recipes’:-

Easter chocolate candies - Try the rich and creamy chocolate covered eggs and enjoy dark as well as milk chocolate fusion.

Hot Cross Bun Surprises - Traditional Easter rolls are very easy to make but can be made special yet by hiding a pocketful of filling inside each. It is decorated with a cross on top.

Bunny Cream Puffs - These delightful bunny cream puffs will make people of all age group smile. They look and taste great as well.

Easter Bonnet Cheese Spread - A bonnet is made up of cream cheese, pineapple, green onion and basil. It’s a perfect recipe to be served for an Easter Buffet.

Orange-Filled Easter Bread - The orange-scented, pure version of the Easter bread, filled with rich dyed-in-the-shell hard-cooked eggs is marked as an Easter holiday tradition worldwide.

Scrambled Egg Tortilla Cups - Celebrate the Easter breakfast with cheese, potatoes and egg food fiesta with the rich crunch of tortillas.

Finally let’s check out the Nutrition Value (Hard-boiled egg)

• Serving Size - 100 g
• Calories - 155
• Total Fat - 10.61g (16%)
  -Saturated Fat - 3.267g (16%)
  -Polyunsaturated Fat - 1.414g
  -Monounsaturated Fat - 4.077g
• Cholesterol - 424mg (141%)
• Sodium - 124 mg (5%)
• Potassium - 126 mg
• Total Carbohydrate - 1.12g (0%)
• Dietary Fiber 0g (0%)
• Sugar - 1.12g
• Protein - 12.58g
• Vitamin A 12%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Calcium 5%
• Iron 7%

Easter comes with hope, joy and warmth. It is a time to get together with family and friends. It is celebrated with great pomp and show denoting rebirth of Lord Jesus. Did you know as per stats, Americans spent more than $2 billion on Easter candies, last year accompanied with good reason. Let’s see the craze this year as well…

Wish you all a very Happy Easter!!

Ginger-marinated Grilled Portobello Mushrooms - The Vegan Recipe

Appetizers always remind us of deep fried snacks. Can’t we have delicious as well as healthy food?? Here we have ginger-marinated grilled portobello mushrooms that include both taste and health and serves as perfect snacks for the people on vegan and vegetarian diet. Every bite of heart-healthy food delivers a powerful dose of phytonutrients. This is the essence of preventing heart diseases. Portobello mushroom is good option for stuffing and grilling because of the firm texture and larger size. 

Portobello mushroom does not contain any fat or sodium. Pineapple is excellent source of vitamin C. Ginger is a wonder spice with digestion friendly properties. Balsamic vinegar adds to the tangy taste. Basil herb is one of the most recognized and nutritionally rich herbal plants and acts as a healing agent. The recipe hardly contains any fat. Moreover this recipe is one of the quick and easy appetizers, whether it is your loved ones birthday party or your very own kitty party. Let's have a look at this recipe.

Ingredients:- 

 

4 large portobello mushrooms,

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar,

1/2 cup pineapple juice,

2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger,

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Preparation Method:-

1. Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove their stems. Place in a glass dish, stemless or gill side up.

2. To prepare the marinade, in a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, pineapple juice and ginger.

3. Drizzle the marinade over the mushrooms. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, turning mushrooms once.

4. Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill or broiler. Away from the heat source, lightly coat the grill rack with cooking spray.

5. Position the cooking rack 6 inches from the heat source. Grill or broil the mushrooms on medium heat, turning often, until tender.

6. Baste with marinade to keep from drying out. Using tongs, transfer the mushrooms to a serving platter. Garnish with basil and serve immediately. 

Enjoy the healthy dish!!!

Easter Eggs Fest and Fun

It is often said, “Easter spells the beauty, the rare beauty of life.” Life has been associated with egg, which is the symbol of rebirth, the new beginning as per Christian religion. Easter eggs are decorated in conjunction with the spring season and pagan festivals. The concept of rebirth very well fits the spring holiday of Easter, as it is the celebration of the resurrection of Lord Jesus. 

Easter is denoted by church prayers at sunrise, Easter ham feast in the eve, and eggs games throughout the day. But why only eggs? Let’s see the traditions and myths behind:

• In England, during the medieval period, priests used to bless the eggs on the occasion. These were eaten by church goers. This was considered pious for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• In France, it was believed that if eggs were not consumed by people on Easter, they will be bitten by the snake.
• In Europe, people used to hang Easter eggs on trees. It was believed that if one kept the eggs laid on Good Friday, the yolk will turn to diamond after 100 years.
• In some countries, people were not allowed to consume eggs during the Lent. They were saved to celebrate the occasion of Easter. Lent is the period prior to Easter, in which people go on fasting.

Dyed red eggs are a tradition at Greek Easter. This symbolizes the blood of Christ, rebirth and new life. Let’s see the myths associated with this color.

• A tradition of Mesopotamia - The Christians in Mesopotamia dyed eggs red. This marked the blood of Lord Jesus that was shed during his crucifixion. The church took up this tradition and continues it ever since.

• The red egg and Mary Magdalene - Legends say that Mary Magdalene plays vital role in the egg-dying tradition. On the trip to Jesus' tomb, she carried a basket full of cooked eggs for the mourning ladies at the tomb. On seeing the tomb empty, the eggs turned to bright red color, indicating rebirth.

• Red egg and Mother Mary - Some people credit Mother Mary behind the mystery of red eggs. It was believed that Mary, who was present at the crucifixion of Lord Jesus, carried eggs with her, which she gave to the soldiers out there to have some mercy for her son. When the tears dropped from her eyes, the eggs turned brilliant red.

Fun games with Easter eggs:- Easter brings a lot of fun games for the people of all age groups that revolves around Easter eggs. Let’s have a look at some ancient games that are equally popular even today.

• Gobble the Easter egg - Chocolate eggs were tied to the thread from a rope. Children had to eat the egg within the time limit. The child who consumed largest portion was the winner.
  

• Egg Hunt - The elder members of the family used to hide eggs indoors or outdoors. The children had to hunt for it. Its content including jelly beans, cookies, chocolate chips were all kept by the seekers. Children love this game and leave no effort of finding Easter eggs even today.  
  
  
  

• The Largest Easter Egg - Women used to participate in the competition. They made huge Easter chocolate eggs, the one who made the largest chocolate egg was declared as the winner. 
   

Apart from this, there are many other games such as egg tapping, egg dancing, egg rolling, pace egg play etc. that add to the mood of the fest. So play best and feel blessed on the occasion of Easter..