Is Facedrink Energy Safe? Does It Work?

Energy drinks are the rage today as we overdo it all day, stay up all night, and then try to drag ourselves out of bed the next morning to go through that routine yet again. Just take your Facedrink and you can get through the morning grogginess ready to take on the day. But the big question is, is Facedrink healthy? How does it differ from other energy drinks?

Facedrink, the little bottle that has sprouted like dandelions across grocery stores counters, promises an immediate energy boost that lasts for hours but without the "crash" associated with other energy drinks. Indeed, Facedrink claims "we don't put any sugar in our energy drink". Its main ingredients are B Vitamins and an "energy blend" consisting of citicoline, tyrosine, phenylalanine, taurine, malic acid, glucuronolactone and caffeine (140mg of caffeine per 2.5 ounce bottle).

Caffeine is in bold letters because while all that other stuff has that really cool "medical yet natural" sound to it, the only thing in Facedrink (or Monster or Red Bull or RockStar or any other "energy" product) that has been proven to improve mental alertness is caffeine.

The B Vitamins in a bottle of Facedrink (and their percentage of Recommended Daily Allowance) include: Vitamin B3 (150%), Vitamin B6 (2000%) and Vitamin B12 (8333%). All of these vitamins are important for your metabolism and while not having enough can hurt you, it has never been proven that having extra will help you - or increase your energy.

In terms of the "crash" that Facedrink supposedly avoids, we can only assume that they are referring to the fact that it has no sugar. Some people - especially those with insulin resistance like diabetics - do feel a "crash" sensation when their blood sugar level goes up and then down after consuming a large amount of sugar, so this is a theoretical benefit compared to energy drinks with sugar in them.

Like almost all "energy" products, Facedrink is ultimately just a caffeine delivery system. And like all drugs, caffeine has side effects: jitteriness, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and insomnia. If you decide to try Facedrink, the best i can say is never drink more than two bottles and don't mix it with any other caffeine containing products. If you need some quick energy for a late night of studying or driving, it probably won't hurt you any more than a cup of coffee will.

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Posted in: Energy,Facedrink

Moving From Self Packaging to a Packaging Corporation

My aunt relies on a packaging corporation to help her package her baked goods so that they are not only fresh and easy to transport, but the packaging has all the nutritional info and her label and company name on it in a beautiful new design. She started off as a home company, just selling her goods online and packaging care baskets herself for customers. But they got into the right person's hands, who loved her recipe, and wanted to help invest in mass marketing them. Now her goods are in grocery stores everywhere and in that change, she had to find a packaging corporation to help her.The first reason was because she couldn't handle packaging everything on her own, not when orders started to go from a couple dozen to hundreds. But also, she needed the professionalism that only a packaging corporation could give her. She had no idea where to start in designing a brand logo, as artistic talent was not one of her specialties. But having professionals who could work with her and find out what kind of image she wanted to give off was important. They worked closely with her and provided something that she could have never done on her own.

Now she packs with laminated film to keep things fresh and stand up pouches for her mini cookies to keep going, days after being opened. And everything is sent to her so she can package as needed. It's so much more cost effective to do it this way than for her to try to keep up, buying separate packaging on her own.

Making the switch as you go from a smaller business to a larger one is a lot easier than it seems. There's no need to be daunted by a packaging corporation because they have done this plenty of times over for when other businesses started to grow. The first step is contacting and talking directly to someone from the company. Tell them what it is you need and ask them the questions about which packaging is best for the kind of goods you have.

You then have a means to order more packaging immediately, if needed, after the initial new ones are created. Tweaks and changes can be made as you go along as well, which is a lot easier than starting from scratch. It's totally worth making the change when you need the help and the expertise. It worked wonders for my aunt, who would've been drowning in baked goods without the much needed service.

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Posted in: Corporation,Moving,Packaging

Factors To Consider When Buying Healthy Drinks

The world is changing and our lives are changing as well. The internet has made the world smaller. With just one click you can already connect to your loved ones, colleagues or even conduct business from anywhere in the world. Yet, stress and diseases are at their highest peak. There are so many illnesses right now attributed to stress not only from work but from personal relationships as well. Medical experts believe that the continuous changing in our climate brings about these diseases. Another culprit is the demands in our workplace as well as the lifestyle we choose to live. Another big factor is the diet that we take. That is why it very important that we make the right choices in our lives. Little things could have great impact in our health and well-being.

One way to ensure that your body is receiving proper nutrition is by drinking all natural healthy beverages. There are several beverages in the market available to supplement your daily dietary intake. However, because they are too many finding the right one can be very difficult. Following are factors you ought to consider when looking for a healthy drink.

Organic And All Natural Drink
Read the label when shopping for drinks. Find products that guarantee that their drinks contain all natural and healthy ingredients. Recent studies show that with the present lifestyle of people today, getting the required vitamins and minerals from foods are not enough. The body constantly needs replenishment and food alone does not supply the body of what it needs. That is why healthy drinks and supplements are greatly needed. This is also the reason why there are so many health drinks out there. However, with all the battle of healthy drink supremacy, you should be wise and well informed in order to make the right choice.

Delicious Taste
If you are looking for a health drink to add to your diet, you need to consider the taste. Some people are very hesitant to try organic and all natural fruit drinks because they feel nauseated with the color, taste and smell of the beverage. Moreover, this is one of the most important factors that consumer look for in a healthy drink.

Trust and Expertise
Look at the brand name. See if the product is manufactured by a company that guarantees quality and product safety. Certainly, you would never entrust your child's health with drinks that you are not sure how they are produced and manufactured.

Price
Since there are so many health beverages available today, prices of these goods are becoming more and more competitive. People are now smarter that they compare prices among the leading brands. Hopefully, people are not just concern about how much they would splurge but also how much they would benefit from the drink. So, if you're like the many who are price conscious, do look for the content and nutritional value of the product as well.

People are searching for healthy drinks that can supplement the body with the right nutrients. To fill the demand, many companies are coming up with healthy drinks. Opportunely, several good options today are available that will not leave your money and your stomach empty. Be a wise consumer and consider the factors above.

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Posted in: Buying,Consider,Drinks,Factors,Healthy

Candy Bars To Consider For Your Holiday Festivities

For most of its history, candy has been sold by weight. Early Americans could visit their local general store and pick up a pound of peppermints or nonpareils. These sweet treats were usually unwrapped, which made them relatively cheap. But as automation increased and the number of candy factories grew (there were over 400 of them in the U.S. by the middle of the 19th century), it became possible to wrap each candy individually. Of course, it did not make much sense to wrap most candy at the time, since it was so fragile. The candy bar changed all that.

Though it was more expensive than the loose or bulk variety, wrapped candy was far more convenient. It could be transported in pockets or in lunch, boxes and it would not make a mess. And because it was much larger than the early "pieces," it made for a more satisfying snack.

The first candy bar was created in 1847 by Fry's Chocolate Factory in Bristol, England. It took them nearly two decades to get the recipe just right, but their bars were finally ready for public consumption in 1866. Chocolate products of all kinds flourished during the last quarter of the 19th century. There were chocolate candy boxes, Easter eggs, and peanut brittle. But the original candy bar did not catch on.

It wasn't until a company on the other side of the Atlantic took a chance on chocolate bars that the public finally embraced it. The Hershey Company introduced their first candy bar in 1900. Encouraged by strong sales of the original Hershey Bar, most chocolatiers started working on candy bars of their own. The first half of the 20th century is generally seen as the Golden Age of Candy in America, especially with regard to the candy bar.

The Health Bar, the O'Henry! Bar, the Baby Ruth, the Mounds Chocolate Bar, the Milky Way Bar, Mr. Goodbar, the Heath Bar, the Snickers Bar, and many, many more were all introduced during this period. Though our society has ostensibly become more health-conscious in recent years, candy is more popular than ever.

Americans consume nearly 3 billion pounds of chocolate each year, which is around 11 pounds for each man, woman and child. Not surprisingly, the United States is the world leader in chocolate production. Shoppers spend about 7 billion dollars on chocolate treats each year, and most of them are purchased for the holidays.

The candy bar and Christmas have never has a particularly strong association. Candy canes and loose chocolate treats are far more common during the holiday season. However, there are a few candy bars that have made the leap and have become popular holiday treats. Let us take a moment to discuss them.

Advent Calendar

Most kids count the days to Santa's visit; and an advent calendar make the experience even sweeter. Traditional calendars have twenty-four cardboard doors that can be opened to reveal a treat and a secret message. Oftentimes, they educate kids on the history of the holiday. The most common treats found in advent calendars are miniature chocolate bars wrapped in festive holiday foil.

Holiday Miniatures

Perfect for stuffing a stocking or for a holiday goodie bag, chocolate miniatures are probably the most popular candy bars that are served during the winter months. Though Hershey's miniatures lead the pack, most candy companies that make chocolate bars offer miniature bars for the holidays. They typically come in festive red, green, or silver foil.

Chocolate Thin Mints

Sweet, smooth and refreshing, chocolate thin mints have long been a favorite of holiday revelers. They are so popular during the winter months that most of the top mint makers, like Andes, produce holiday candies wrapped in green and red foil. The classic mint features a Crème de Mine green layer sandwich between two thin dark chocolate layers. The result is as tasty and as satisfying as any classic combination-chocolate and peanut butter, Oreos and milk, cheese and crackers, etc.

With the exception of the advent calendar, most holiday candy can be purchased by the pound, which often means big cost saving for consumers. There are presently a number of candy bars sellers on the internet that offer big discounts to bulk buyers during the holiday season.

Chocolate bars are a tasty and refreshing alternative to the traditional candy cane, which is ubiquitous during the holidays.

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Posted in: Candy,Consider,Festivities,Holiday

Gluten - What Is It and Why Is It Important for Baking?

Gluten is a special type of protein formed by the bonding of two other proteins, gliadin and glutenin, and is commonly found in rye, wheat and barley. As a result it is found in most types of cereals and in many types of bread although not all grains contain gluten. Some grains that do not contain gluten include wild rice, corn, quinoa and oats.

Gluten can be removed from wheat flour but it is almost impossible to remove ALL of the gluten. Even food labelled as gluten-free contains trace amounts of gluten.

Wheat flour is the most common type of flour used in bread baking. A grain of wheat is actually a seed consisting of 3 parts: bran, germ and endosperm. The bran is the tough outer skin, the germ is the embryonic wheat plant and the endosperm is used as a food source by the germ in early development. The bran is a rich source of protein, the germ a good source of vitamins, and the endosperm a great source of carbohydrates, plus some protein, minerals and oil.

All of these components have an effect on the bread making process, so understanding what your kneading is doing will almost certainly make you a better baker. So, the carbohydrates are used as fuel by the yeast, the proteins bond to form the all important gluten strands, and the minerals are used to strengthen the gluten strands. The oil helps to maintain moisture thus keeping your bread softer for longer.

When water is added to flour gluten is formed. Gluten helps make your bread elastic, providing that nice, chewy texture it has when eaten. For this reason, flour that has had most of its gluten removed produces a sticky dough that feels a bit like chewing gum.

As gluten is an elastic protein it can be really stretched to form long strands. The more it is worked, the longer and stretchier it becomes. These strands form a complex mesh which helps to trap carbon dioxide bubbles produced by yeast during fermentation, thus creating gas bubbles inside your dough. This is the process you are encouraging when kneading your dough, so as you can hopefully appreciate, well kneaded dough is a prerequisite for a well-formed loaf. Gluten also firms up when cooked and helps ensure the bread maintains its shape. The downside of this is that gluten is believed to be partly responsible for causing bread to become stale (along with starch granules). Gluten is also able to absorb liquid, which is why bread is capable of soaking up broths and soups.

Wheat flours tend to be graded by how much high quality protein (and hence gluten) is present in the flour:

Strong flour (or bread flour) has a high proportion of high quality protein which will yield a high percentage of gluten (around 15%). This is the flour needed for typical bread made with yeast. Yeasted bread is commonly known as leavened bread. Bread flour may be white, brown or wholemeal.

Plain or soft flour has poorer quality proteins and produce a lower percentage of gluten (7-9%). As the gluten is formed from poorer quality proteins it is less elastic and tends to snap. This means that the strands can't form a mesh to trap the gas bubbles resulting in a crumbly texture. However, this property makes this flour perfect for making cakes and pastries.

Gluten is also important in coeliac disease. This is an autoimmune condition which inhibits the digestion of gluten.

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Posted in: Baking,Gluten,Important

2012: The Year of Online Food Ordering

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Phone ordering has been the main way we place an order for delivery or takeout for many years now. There really hasn't been any alternative unless you were one of the 7 people who faxed in an order over the past few years. But times have changed and there are now many convenient ways to order food online without having to pick up the telephone.

The younger generation of people ages 18-30 were born and raised online and with cell phones. This demographic is the future of online food ordering as they will continue to order online and teach their kids to order online, etc, etc. And now that the older generation is becoming more and more computer savvy, they are also taking to the internet and doing most of their business online. The phone isn't dead, but it sure does have a severe limp and a few broken bones. The knockout punch is coming soon for the phone and you'll be hard pressed to find someone that is grieving its loss.

Online ordering is so popular because the person ordering is in control. They don't have to feel rushed by the person taking the order, they don't have to worry about the person understanding them and getting their order correct, and they don't have to search around in the phone book for a restaurant's number or address. (Do they still make phone books?!)

College kids, office workers, moms on the go and busy professionals are all wanting to order food online. The main issue for these people is finding restaurants they like that actually offer this service. You'd be surprised how few restaurant's actually have this capability. There is a huge market out there they are missing and by not offering a solution to this problem, they have no idea how many customers they are missing out on each day. Their only saving grace is that their competitor or the consumers alternate choice may not offer it either. Right now it's a game of who is going to figure it out first and reap the benefits of all these new customers.

Add in the ability to order through Facebook and the online ordering sector is well fulfilled. I would guess that about 99% of people that go online each day either visit Google or Facebook. I would also guess that about 99% of these people eat every day. Having an online ordering solution for these folks is not a luxury item anymore. It is a necessity if the restaurant wants to stay in the game.

Jason is a food and technology blogger about software, restaurants and anything related to online food ordering. Technological advancements and a shift in the online society have led to an increase in how many people order food online. Restaurants will soon be relying on this technology for most of their business, meaning less reliance on the phone altogether.

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Posted in: Online,Ordering

All About Silken Tofu

Silken tofu, also known as smooth or soft tofu, is one of the 3 types of natural, unprocessed tofu that you can buy today (the others being firm and dry.) This tofu is unique in the fact that it is incredibly soft compared to everything else on the market. Because its so different from its "tofu brethren" its rarely called for in recipes but if you know how its made and how to use it its a very versatile food choice that can be used as a healthy alternative in place of higher fat dips and creams.

Of all of the natural tofu's, silken/soft tofu is the only one that is not drained during production and this is exactly what causes it to be so soft and to be the most moist of any of the major tofu varieties. The consistency of silken tofu is very much like butter and it can easily be used for spreading or for deserts. While most types of tofu are fairly substitutable, its important to know that you should only use this particular variety when specifically called for in a recipe as it will generally fall apart if used as a substitute for traditional firm tofu.

There are different types of regional customs employed when making soft tofu and this has resulted in several sub categories of this popular food. Most notably, black bean tofu or "Black douhua" is a type of silken tofu which is made from plain black beans and soybeans. This process results in a darker colored tofu with a slightly different (though very pleasant!) taste.

While you don't want to eat or serve silken tofu the same way as traditional firm tofu, there are a number of different methods for preparing and eating it. Its most often served as a spread that can be applied to other foods like crackers or even as a dipping sauce for vegetables - this makes it a very healthy alternatives to high fat processed dips like ranch! In addition to being served as a spread, you'll often find silken tofu served in a small square block with a garnish, or even a sweet sauce poured over the top. Since tofu does such a great job absorbing flavors this can be a very enjoyable meal of paired with something you enjoy,

Silken tofu is generally lower in fat, but also in protein when compared to firm. Here's a look at the nutritional information:

Tofu Nutritional Breakdown (Soft / Silken Tofu)

Serving Size = 1/2 Cup

Calories = 55

Fat = 3g

Protein 6g

Silken tofu is readily available in most specialty or natural grocery stores and is quickly invading traditional supermarkets. There are a number of great recipes out there so don't be afraid to pick some up the next time your shopping and open up an exciting new world of flavor possibilities!

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Posted in: about,Silken

How to Serve Tilapia

If you are in the mood for seafood, but not necessarily shrimp, how about tilapia? A good tilapia recipe will go a long way toward a great meal.

A grilled tilapia recipe is one of the finest ways of enjoying this great tasting fish. No longer do you and your guest have to suffer from boring fish dishes that are created with the mainstays of lemon and butter to make the fish palatable. Tilapia is a far cry from the fishy taste that often accompanies grilled and broiled seafood, and that lends well to making your own recipe taste sumptuous no matter what you do with it.

Heart Healthy Fish

Tilapia is like many other fish that can be found in the sea, it is full of essential nutrients such as oil that is good for your health, and for that reason alone it should find its way onto the menu several times each week. Heart healthy food is often overlooked in our fast-paced world, but that should not be when this fish is so easy and quick to turn out and it tastes wonderful so you know that your family is going to be able to enjoy it for sure.

Kick Up the Flavor

Some people enjoy a tilapia recipe that kicks it up a notch with chili rubbed right on the surface of the fish. Along with lemon and garlic, you will think you have died and gone to heaven when you pop this one in your mouth. Serve it along with asparagus or your other favorite grilled vegetable and there is nothing but pure pleasure to be expressed.

Baked Tilapia

Of course, you might want to indulge in a baked tilapia recipe if you do not have a grill available when you are hungry for something good. With just a little salt, pepper, and lime, or even a little butter and lemon, you can turn your fresh tilapia into a treat that will have your mouth-watering before you even get it to your plate. Serve it with some steamed vegetables and some crusty bread and you will be the hit of your own party.

Chowder with Tilapia

Now if you are into soups, here is something that you should try when looking for a good recipe. Serve a hearty bowl full of corn chowder that is teeming with potatoes and tilapia. All you need for this is the know-how of how to make fine corn chowder and the rest is all in the fish. It will cook up well when you place bits of tilapia into the chowder as you cook all the ingredients together, but if you want to add something really special, add some baked or grilled tilapia and something special is sure to happen.

Ginger and Oranges

Ginger and oranges also go well when grilling tilapia and give it some extra zest. If that is what you are looking for when serving family and friends on the patio, you are sure to have them coming back for more.

Don't forget to have fun and be creative with your next tilapia recipe, you won't regret it.

Isabella Black is the lead author and editor the newest blog from Food is Fenomenal. Locally offering fantastic recipes and easy shortcuts for over three years. Looking for something a little different? Try our Swai Fish Recipes.

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Posted in: Serve,Tilapia

Catering Equipment For A Successful Business

Starting a new business is never an easy task, but the rewards are almost always worth the initial risks and hardships. However sound planning and management is vital when beginning such an endeavour. This is particularly true when it comes to starting a catering business. Caterers can often experience multiple ebbs and flows in business, but most people are aware that they will have to deal with inconsistencies.

The smart caterers understand that in order to succeed, however, they must have a clear advantage over their competitors.

Investing in the right equipment

The best way to gain such an advantage is to obtain and use superior catering equipment. By using the best equipment, you will stand a much better chance of succeeding in business by avoiding costly repairs and maintenance to the machinery you choose to invest in. Additionally, the right catering equipment is more likely to produce quality and delicious food that will keep customers coming back for more.

When starting a catering business, it can often be tempting to spend unnecessary money on every piece of commercial kitchen equipment that you see. It is also easy for the mind to envision every variety including every style of cooking, and furthermore it can be tempting to imagine preparing every style of food under the sun! However, one should start out small with a catering business, and only choose to purchase the particular catering equipment required for the basics of operation.

Focus on a speciality

It is best to have a specialty, which can also help you to eliminate some unnecessary equipment choices. For instance, if you are a vegetarian caterer, you need not concern yourself with implements and equipment designed to be used with meat products. The best course of action is to simply follow your heart, and focus solely on catering the food you enjoy preparing. Once you focus on that, you'll find choosing the right catering equipment can be a lot easier.

Catering businesses come and go, though some are able to maintain their business for years. The successful caterers know how to best allocate their funds, and they understand the importance of investing in quality catering equipment.

If you are interested in getting into the business of catering, then it is highly advisable for you to do your research, and decide how you can afford the best in catering equipment to help you prepare the dishes you and your customers will love.

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Posted in: Business,Catering,Equipment,Successful

A Brief History of Dubble Bubble Gum

One of the most popular brands of bubble gum is Dubble Bubble. Once packaged creatively with a comic strip wrapped around the sugar covered gum Dubble Bubble can now be found in gumball form making it perfect for candy vending machines. As with many of life's great discoveries Dubble Bubble was found by accident in 1928 by an accountant who worked for the Fleer company. Founded in 1865 by Frank H. Fleer, the chewing gum company was the first to successfully manufacture bubble gum. However, it was an employee named Walter Diemer who came across the recipe for the now iconic Dubble Bubble brand of gum.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Diemer was an accountant by trade but liked to use his spare time for experimenting. One of his hobbies was concocting recipes for chewing gum based off of the original Fleer ingredients. Though founder Frank Fleer had come up with his own bubble gum recipe in 1906 it was shelved due to its being too sticky and breaking apart too easily. He had coined the gum "Bibbler Blubber" but it would be another 20 years until Diemer would use the original idea as the inspiration for his invention.

Just prior to the stock market crash and the Great Depression the executives at Fleer decided to cut costs by manufacturing their own gum base. This move helped encourage Diemer to be more creative with his experimenting and in 1928 he stumbled upon a recipe that was less sticky than standard chewing gum, would not stick to the face when blowing a bubble and could stretch more easily. The only food coloring available at the factory was pink so Diemer had no choice but to use it and the color would go on to become the standard for gum the world over. Using a salt water taffy wrapping machine Diemer decided to individually wrap 100 pieces and brought the stock to a local candy store. The gum was priced at one penny a piece and sold out in one day.

Diemer's recipe was quickly snatched up by the Fleer brass (he never patented the invention and also never received royalties for sales) and the company began selling the gum locally. In 1930 the company added the marketing scheme of wrapping the gum with a comic strip that featured two cartoon twin brother characters Dub and Bub. The brothers would eventually be replaced by Pud in 1950. Production of the gum was halted in 1942 due to the rationing of latex and sugar during World War 2 but by 1951 Fleer was once again mass producing the popular bubble gum.

In 1957 Fleer introduced the first gum 5-pack with Dubble Bubble and was also reaping the benefits of the successful bubble gum blowing contests they sponsored which were televised nationally. The company decided to extend the flavor lines for the gum by adding apple, grape, cherry and watermelon. In 1998 Dubble Bubble was purchased by Concord Confections and in 1999 they introduced Dubble Bubble as a gumball. In 2004 Tootsie Roll acquired Concord and today the legendary gum is now sold in over 50 countries. Not bad for an accountant.

For a great selection of Dubble Bubble brand bubble gum visit Gumballs.com where you can find a great variety of bulk candy, gumball machines and vending supplies.

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Posted in: brief,Bubble,Dubble,history

A Quick Guide To Pizza Cheeses

A lot of times, what gives a certain restaurant's pizza its particular taste is the type of cheese they use. Really, it should be the types of "cheeses" since many places have their own unique blend. Some places even have a secret recipe that they won't give out, even under pressure of torture. Here are some of the most commonly used and why they are the best.

Mozzarella

Without a doubt, mozzarella is the king of pizza cheeses. It originated in Naples and was originally made from the milk of water buffalos. These days, it is made from cow's milk and it is easier to work with. This cheese is packed with moisture and has a short shelf life. You have to use it pretty soon after buying it. There are lots of different mozzarellas available at the store and they all have different fat and moisture content.

Provolone

The second most popular cheese is provolone, which comes from the Neapolitan word 'prova,' meaning 'ball.' Provolone is firm and smooth with a golden color on the outside and a creamy interior. The key to this cheese's flavor is its smokiness. It is cured for several months and this gives it a pungent flavor. Like mozzarella, there are several different varieties that are commonly used.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a good cheese for mixing. It is rarely used by itself because it does not stretch well. Instead, it is usually mixed with other types of cheese. It varies from mild to sharp flavor and the whole range is good for making pizzas. The sharper types of cheddar aren't usually used because they don't blend as well.

Mixes

Most places use a mix of mozzarella and cheeses that are harder. They do this to add variety to the flavor and also cut down on the cost of the mozzarella. Every place has its own recipe (and some won't divulge!), but mixing cheeses include Parmesan, provolone, Romano, and dry jack.

Cheese-less?

It may surprise you to know that some folks prefer their pie with no cheese on top. This might seem like a wild new idea, but it has been the norm in Europe for years. Deep-dish pizza loaded with cheese is actually an American concoction. In Europe (including Italy), they often skip on the cheese so that the flavor of the other toppings can come through better.

If you're making your own pizza at home, you should experiment with cheeses. Even if you're buying a frozen one from the grocery store, hit the deli and pick up some different type of cheese. The flavor difference just might turn that cheap store-bought pie into something as tasty as what you get at your favorite Italian restaurant.

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Posted in: Cheeses,Guide,Pizza,Quick

Avoid Pests With Quality Food Packaging

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Although food shopping can be quite an annoying ordeal, I cannot help but get excited when it's time to open up a new package of food and snacks, especially after a long day at work. All I want is an easy package to open with fresh quality food inside for my taste buds, and my stomach, to enjoy. Imagine one's surprise and horror when you find some unwelcome guests in your food. That happened to me once with a tub of oatmeal. Needless to say, I was not happy. Not only was I disgusted to find bugs in my food, I had to make the effort to go back to the store to get a refund. That's time, food, and money wasted. Not to mention it makes me less likely to purchase that particular brand ever again.

Obviously pests in food packaging are bound to happen at least once in your lifetime. But it still makes you think twice before placing that exact same item in your shopping cart again. Call it paranoia, call it food anxiety, call it what you will but chances are you will choose the other brand for your oatmeal. And maybe after a few years have passed and your memory is a bit hazy, you don't remember which brand was involved in the incident and you will purchase from them again.

All that can be avoided though when you invest in the best quality food packaging. Not only do you need to seal in freshness, you need to seal out pests. Otherwise a poor experience can really put a stain on your name. The customer won't just relay the story to his immediate family. No, he'll tell all his friends and coworkers and suddenly the news will spread faster than a Justin Bieber album leak. Everyone will know that story all too well and suddenly they are boycotting your products as well. Your company name should be synonymous will high quality, not high bug content!

It's not just about preventing an insect infestation before the products reaches the customer's home. It's also about making durable and flexible food packaging that can withstand possible bugs inside the customer's home as well. Cheap packaging means mice and insects will be able to smell the food from a mile away, even if it is sealed. And they'll be determined to burrow their way into the food. Flimsy packaging is just as high an offense.

Food packaging is the only defense against intruders so never skimp on the quality when it comes time to choose a packaging corporation.

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Posted in: Avoid,Packaging,Pests,Quality

Health Benefits of Honey - New Research

How many products in nature are there that can give you as many health benefits as honey does? Certainly there are some, but not that many. Honey is one of these food products that different people have had various opinions on because it is full of glucose and fructose, the so-called simple sugars.

Being a sugar, honey has been in the awkward position of being labelled a food product with "dubious health benefits." Sugars, flour and salt are, after all, considered man's worst enemies or so the saying goes. Chemically speaking and under a microscope, honey does not look different from white sugar.

The scientists have begun to look at honey with more enthusiasm recently after honey's healing properties have been confirmed with regard to a number of medical conditions.

What exactly are they?

Honey reinforces your immune system. It attacks bad bacteria and it does it with great efficiency because many micro-organisms cannot grow in an environment with low water activity. Honey helps to produce red blood cells and hemoglobin. It helps to soothe the work of the liver, the stomach and the digestive tract. It is highly recommended for stomach pains and the dysfunction of vital human organs.

Honey lowers and balances the blood pressure. It is good for your blood circulation. It helps to lower bad cholesterol. It is good for acne. It is good for skin problems in general: cuts, burns and all kinds of wounds heal faster after you apply some honey on them.

Anything else?

Yes, honey is good for the nervous system; it is recommended for depression, schizophrenia and in situations that are highly stressful.

Taken regularly, honey with milk or warm water prevents you from catching a cold. It does away with a headache and a sore throat, too.

What exactly makes it so healthy?

It is not so obvious but it is probably a combination of things: honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from many different types of flowers. It has a number of micro-elements and vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12 and C. Honey does possess anti-oxidants such as catalase, vitamin C and chrisin.

Honey is classified according to the floral source. Most honey that is produced commercially comes from, at least, two floral sources. Its colour, flavour and density are then greatly affected.

Honey is reported to have even greater health benefits when it is diluted in warm water and left overnight. It is recommended that you take it in the morning because its healing properties are then hugely magnified.

J Rom is a writer who specializes in writing about issues as controversial as politics, religion, networking companies and ways of producing passive income at reputable and trustworthy companies with a solid track record.

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Posted in: Benefits,Health,Honey,Research

Nuts - A Health Food?

Nuts have been an important part of the human diet since caveman days. And they are still highly valued even today, even when they are not given the respect they deserve.

Calling nuts a health food may be controversial, but that is only because a great many people have no idea just how healthy and beneficial they in fact are.

Nuts in the West often get a bad rap because everyone is trying desperately to avoid excess fat in their daily food choices. Fats are a big no no. If they are given any credit at all, it is understood to be virtually impossible to avoid them altogether.

Yet fat is absolutely essential, no matter what our public media would like you to believe. And saturated fats, the great fat villains, are no less important. The real dispute is over how much is too much. The neat things about most nuts is that they have both saturated and unsaturated fats, with the unsaturated and the monosaturated predominating.

So the way to deal with nuts is simply to recognize their high fat content and go easy on the portions you allow yourself per day. The terrific health benefits of nuts need to be heralded and honored.

Nuts are nature's storehouse of great nutrients. Think of nuts as trees in making. What does a baby tree need to get a healthy start to life? Well, a lot of things that a baby animal needs and for the same reasons. Loads of vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, fat and calories. A handful of nuts should be a welcome addition to the healthy human diet, for all the nutrients they contain, plus for their ability to lower excessive cholesterol.

As anyone who uses them knows, nuts are yummy and give pleasure like any other good food. You don't have to be a nut to use and enjoy nuts everyday. Look at primitives around the world, who are often free of civilized man's diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. One thing most have in common is a diet rich in natural foods gathered from the environment, often including nuts and seeds of all kinds. Countless centuries of life in primitive surroundings have taught them what works and what doesn't, as modern scientists are beginning to discover.

So enjoy nuts, and don't fret over them. Look at all the fantastic foods that nuts can make better.
Candy, bread, icings, all kinds of pastries - this could become a really long list. But I imagine readers need no convincing in this regard.

One added benefit concerning nuts. Think exercise. What? Go out into the woods or along the creek bottoms of the US (and other countries) and pick up wild nuts which are abundant in some places. In the US, we easily have well over a dozen wild edible nuts free for the taking. Pecans, hickory nuts, black walnuts, butternuts, wild hazelnuts just to name a few. Walking, stooping and then cracking and extracting the nuts will give you lots of exercise. And in the end, you get a yummy treat! What's not to love?

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Posted in: Health

Bottled Water And The Effects On The Environment

The industry of bottled water has seen a spectacular development in recent years. This trend has lately begun to change because of the economic climate, but also due to the numerous protest movements that have developed against an industry that, in many respects, appears as an ecological and social abnormality.

The global consumption of bottled water has increased by nearly 60% since 1999. In the United States, bottled water is about 200 times more used than tap water. The Americans consume on average 145 liters of bottled water per year per person. Plastic bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a derivative of crude oil.

On a global level, there are over 2.7 million tons of plastic required each year for 40% of the bottled water distributed in the world. Much of this is actually tap water to which minerals were added. As such, it is recommended to change the type of mineral water on a regular basis in order to avoid absorbing excessive amounts of the same minerals.

The increase in consumption of bottled water cannot be explained logically and it is very damaging to the environment. While bottled water is in most cases no better than tap water in developed countries, it may cost up to 10,000 times more when taking into account the energy used for bottling, deliveries and recycling containers. At about $ 2.50 per liter of bottled water, it ultimately costs more than gasoline.

A bottle of water, once in the hands of the consumer, has a very short life. Indeed, the contents are drunk quickly and soon the bottle ends up in the trash in approximately 88% of cases and sometimes in recycling bins. Recycling bottles of water often means incineration, which releases very toxic gases in the atmosphere. A plastic bottle is not naturally degradable. It is estimated that a bottle will take 1000 years to degrade in nature! Unfortunately, bottles often end up in landfills, mostly in undeveloped countries and thus are buried, or end up in the ocean. The bottles will degrade faster in the sea into small pieces, which are swallowed by birds, fish etc., contaminating the entire food chain.

There are a few alternatives you can consider if you don't want to contribute anymore to the destruction of the environment by drinking bottled water. The easiest and cheapest way is to use tap water. Now, don't be suicidal. Use tap water WITH A FILTER!

If you have the money, you can also get a domestic filtration system, either for the whole house or certain areas like the kitchen or bathroom. These will dramatically reduce the impurities in the water that you drink, use for cooking and even take showers with.

For "on the go" water drinkers who want to protect the environment and drink safe water, use Glass Bottles. Glass is perfect because it isn't toxic and it doesn't leak chemicals into the water. You can also try BPA (toxic) free containers but sometimes those have been found to contain BPA.

By turning this into a habit, you will not contribute to the destruction of the environment anymore and you will save money and be healthier too.

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Posted in: Bottled,Effects,Environment,Water

Top Foodie Destinations in The South US

For "foodies" the next meal is much more than an event it is an experience; so much more when on vacation. When foodies plan a vacation they often seek out those destinations that boast the most flavorfully unique ethnic cuisines, the most freshly fried American food, the greatest gourmet fare, and everything in between. For foodies who travel to the South there is no shortage of fine cuisine.

One of the top foodie destinations in the U.S. just so happens to also be located in the South. New Orleans, Louisiana is the only city in the U.S. that boasts its own style of cuisine. Cajun. However, the city abounds with a wide array of dining options ranging from fine French cuisine, to old-fashioned Southern cooking, and some of the best American fare in the nation.

Some of the best chefs in the world call New Orleans home at fine dining establishments including Brennan's, Andrea's, and Broussard's all located in the French Quarter. With a large selection of fine dining available in New Orleans some of the best Cajun food to be found is at the locally owned and operated establishments such as Mena's Palace on Iberville in the heart of the French Quarter. Large fresh portions of local flavor such as red beans and rice, fried crawfish, and étoufféé have made this café a favorite among locals. Mena's is also recommended for an authentic southern style breakfast. The Café du Monde in the French Quarter is world renowned for its beignets and café au Lait and Elizabeth's on Gallier Street is known by locals and visitors as one of the best breakfasts in the city.

Charleston, South Carolina offers some of the most authentic home-style Southern cuisine in the South. Foodies who visit Charleston, South Carolina experience huge helpings of Southern hospitality along with generous servings of She-crab Soup, Fried Green Tomatoes, Ham Biscuits and Benne Wafers, and many more Southern originals. Famous for barbecue and red rice, Charleston also offers a wide range of cuisine that utilizes fresh local ingredients to a unique Southern flavor to traditional gourmet dishes.

Foodies familiar with the Charleston dining scene recommend Magnolia's on East Bay Street for sensational spicy shrimp and sausage grits, and Fig on Meeting Street for their eco-friendly menu that features roast suckling pig and veal sweetbreads. Authentic Southern dishes can be found at the highly recommended Charleston Grill on King Street where local crab is served up at budget friendly prices. Other exciting dining options in Charleston, South Carolina include 39 Rue de Jean, Muse, and Slightly North of Broad.

There is nothing like the Gulf Coast to add excitement and flavor to a foodie destination. Savannah, Georgia uses the succulent resources of local area to create spectacular Southern dishes with a Savannah flare including Shrimp and Grits, Shad Roe, Oysters, and of course BBQ. Top foodie destinations in Savannah include a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences with the top spot honors going to Local 11ten Food & Wine on Bull Street with its contemporary American dishes in the elegant casual setting of a restored 1950's bank. Other top contemporary American cuisine options in Savannah include Sapphire Grill on Congress Street and Elizabeth on 37th, on East 37th Street. Circa 1875 on Whitaker Street is unique among the top foodie destinations in Savannah because it serves Contemporary French cuisine to the tune of classic Jazz in a casual dining atmosphere. Foodie destinations in Savannah recommended by locals include the Italian eateries Tramici and Corelones' Trattoria as well as seafood restaurants Pearl's Saltwater Grill and Belford's Savannah.

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Posted in: Destinations,Foodie,South

Nostalgic Candy - A Traditional Old Fashioned American Candy Maintains Its Popularity

In Atlantic City, New Jersey, it's often packaged in collectible beach themed or Atlantic City memorabilia containers. Salt Water Taffy remains a popular treat and is often purchased as a gift or souvenir from that location. Otherwise, sources for this candy range from exclusive high-end boutiques to buy-it-by-the-pound grocery store bulk product departments. Its popularity can be based primarily on one measurement never overlooked by consumers of edible products - it tastes good!

The fable surrounding the name "Salt Water Taffy" is that it originated in 1883 after a northeaster wind caused a flood in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The entire stock of David Bradley's taffy candy was soaked, seemingly ruining it. Joseph Fralinger, who was manning the shop, was prompted to call the candy "Salt Water Taffy" after several customers ordered it using that (and similar) names. He then packaged the candy and sold it as a souvenir of the flood. This fable, a classic "make lemonade out of lemons" story caught on fast and probably made taffy even more popular.

Frahlingers remains the oldest of Atlantic City's original businesses on the Boardwalk, still selling a large variety of saltwater taffy. Due to the popularity of the candy (and especially its name) the Trademark for "Salt Water Taffy" was brought under legal dispute several times throughout history. This sweet treat remains highly popular to this day, and the name represents the sweet result of American resourcefulness, creativity, and capitalism.

"Taffy Pulls" were the social event participated in by family, friends, and neighbors; and documented in much literature and history of the late 1800's. After making the simple recipe, the taffy was hung on a hook then stretched to a length of 5-6 feet long. It was then looped back to the hook again and the strands were folded together. This "aerated" the mixture, which made the candy softer. Of course, this pulling process was eventually mechanized. A man named Enoch James is credited with being the first to innovate the equipment and process that would make taffy pulling faster, more efficient, and suitable for commercial use. However, it's reported that old fashioned taffy pulls do continue to be held at parties in the Country of Wales.

The recipe for taffy is quite simple. It includes the common ingredients corn syrup, butter, sugar, corn starch, water, and salt. After the desired food coloring and flavoring is added the mixture is boiled to the "soft crack" stage at a temperature of 270 degrees Fahrenheit. Today, of course, Salt Water Taffy is primarily produced in a large scale environment using modern manufacturing processes. Salt Water Taffy, which actually contains no sea water whatsoever, is available in colors and flavors to coordinate with most any occasion, holiday, or theme. Many varieties contain a soft filling in the middle of each candy with a special flavor and color. Though the candy is sold everywhere, Atlantic City is still considered its traditional "home" of origin in the United States. In Great Britain, the name 'Taffy' is often used interchangeably with 'Toffee'.

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Posted in: American,Candy,Fashioned,Maintains,Nostalgic,Popularity,Traditional

Top Three Benefits Of Drinking Antioxidant Beverages

Are you familiar with the function of free radicals? Free radicals are everywhere. They are found in the air we breathe and in the food we eat. Free radicals when oxidize can cause cellular damage or even death. In order to prevent cellular damage, our body needs antioxidants. Antioxidants work by neutralizing the free radicals, which are causing diseases. Thus, it is important to supply our body with nutritious foods and drinks that contain antioxidants.

These days, there are several nutritious beverages available in the market. Some of these drinks have antioxidant properties. Aside from their antioxidant properties, following are the other benefits of using these products.

Effective In Treating Cancer

Did you know that many commercial fruit beverages could help fight cancer? According to research, free radical damage can cause cancer. Most of these beverages contain full spectrum vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and B vitamins 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12. They have antioxidant power to reduce the oxidation stress in the body. Organic ingredients like Mangosteen, aloe vera and green tea blends are often used as primary ingredients of these beverages. Aside from fighting cancer, studies show that some of these drinks can dramatically reduce the size of inflammation and tumors.

Weight Loss Management

Do you want to lose weight? Another benefit of these refreshing drinks is that they can help burn fats and cut down calories. It also keeps your body in high gear. It is the perfect combination to your favorite routine exercise. Moreover, it replenishes the body with the right nutrients to you in top shape. Some can even reduce the appetite. Thus, it stops your cravings for sweets and desserts. On top of it all, it is very practical to carry wherever and whenever.

Income Opportunity

Do you want to earn extra cash? Certainly, millions of consumers worldwide trust the nutritional companies offering these products. Along the health benefits that beverage can provide, it also offer income opportunity to people in need of additional cash. To be part of their distribution team is an incredible way to supplement your income. If you love what the beverage is doing for your body, you can easily sell the products.

Antioxidant beverages are truly one of a kind. Above are just some of the benefits of drinking antioxidant beverages. They offer health and weight loss benefits and a chance to earn additional income.

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Posted in: Antioxidant,Benefits,Beverages,Drinking,Three

What Exactly Is American Food?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When a potential diners peruses the brief description of any restaurant they likely get a sense of what type of cuisine can be found on the menu. Chinese, Thai, Italian, Japanese. These all conjure up visions of favorite entrées filled with spices, meats, vegetables, etc. authentic to the lands from which they came. But, what about American? What exactly is American food? Most Americans would rattle off a list of well-known dishes, most served at baseball games, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries (something in the name begs to differ), and apple pie!

With closer inspection and investigation the truth becomes clear. Apple pie, hot dogs also known as frankfurters, and hamburgers originated in Germany. Frankfurt, Germany, Hamburg, Germany, etc. Even grandma's old-fashioned apple pie hales from Germany, and French Fries were actually first served in Belgium.

To find truly authentic American food the first Thanksgiving would be a good place to start. The pilgrims celebrated the harvest with foods the Native Americans provided and taught them to grow and cultivate. Maize (also known as corn), beans, squash, venison, fresh fish and seafood from the coast of New England, cornbread, cranberries, blueberries, and, yes, turkey. These are a few of the truly authentic American foods. Today truly Native American foods are created with native plants, grains, and spices including wild ginger, miner's lettuce, and juniper as well as a native version of quinoa, a variety of amaranth, little barley, maygrass, and sunflower. Native Americans of the northwest prepared dishes using salmon, and seafood, mushrooms, venison, duck, rabbit, and ground acorns for flour.

This is not to say that over the centuries particular foods have not been "Americanized". Many delicious dishes have grown out of the combination of Native American ingredients and ingredients introduced by the vast number of immigrant cultures. At the 1942 Texas State Fair Neill Fletcher combined Native American maize and a frankfurter, deep fried it, and stuck it on a stick to create the first All-American corn dog. Since then, many "American" foods have been created through the process of deep frying including potatoes, chicken, Twinkies, butter, and even Oreos. Other dishes that were served first in America include S'mores, the Reuben Sandwich, The Cobb Salad, and Baked Alaska. Finally to identify truly American food it is a good idea to seek out those dishes that bear the name of the region in which they were created including Buffalo Wings, Philly Cheesesteak, and Tex-Mex.

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Posted in: American,Exactly

Introduction to Canning

There are two basic methods of canning: water bath canning and pressure canning. Water bath canning requires no special equipment and is a good method for preserving fruits and foods with a high acidity, such as tomatoes and pickled products. Pressure canning is better suited for foods that have a low or neutral acidity, meats, and prepared foods.

To preserve food using a water bath canner, you will need glass jars, lids, rings, and a large pot of boiling water. There are special pots available specifically for water bath canning that have a removable rack for inserting and removing jars from the boiling water. The jars used should be made of glass and sterilized prior to use. The lids should be heated in very hot water until the glue softens to ensure a good seal.

Whatever food you are planning to can should be prepared (peeled, cut, etc.) and a packing liquid should be heated to the boiling point. The prepared food is then placed into the sterile jars, and the jars are filled with the hot packing liquid. Use the back of a spoon to remove any air bubbles and add more packing liquid if necessary. The jars should be filled to approximately ¼" of the top of the jar, which is usually where the lid threads begin.

Once the jars are filled, carefully wipe the rims with a clean cloth, and place a lid on top of each jar. Use the lid rings to hand-tighten the lids down on the jars. Place the jars into the boiling water bath and begin timing once the water returns to a boil. The time that you will need to boil (or process) the jars depends on the type of food you are preserving. The recipe you use will have this information.

When the jars have boiled for the amount of time listed in your recipe, remove the jars from the canner with tongs. Place them on a towel in a location free of drafts and temperature changes and allow them to rest for 12 hours or until cool. You may hear popping sounds during this time as the lids seal.

Pressure canning is similar to water bath canning, in that you pack the jars in the same method. However, instead of placing them into a pot of hot water, you place them into a pressure canner. Once the canner is pressurized (you will hear the pressure gauge jiggle), begin timing. It is important that you use the right amount of pressure for the type of food you are trying to preserve, otherwise spoilage can occur.

Once the jars have cooked for the time listed on your recipe, turn the heat off under the canner. Allow it to rest undisturbed while it cools. Once the canner is cool and you can safely remove the lid, remove the jars to a place where they can cool undisturbed.

Whether or not you've used the water bath method or the pressure method, you'll want to check the seal of your jars once they have cooled. To do this, simply press one fining in the center of the lid. If you hear a popping sound, the jars have not sealed. Discard the contents immediately. If there is no popping sound, the jars have sealed and are safe to be stored. At this time you may also remove the ring, though many people choose not to so they don't lose them. Write the contents and date on the jar. Feel free to write directly on the lids, as you will discard those after opening the jar.

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Posted in: Canning,Introduction

Fresh Juice Vs Bottled Juice

Everyone knows that fruits and vegetables are important, as essential building blocks of any diet. Not only are they loaded with vitamins and minerals which are essential for healthy living, but they also help fill you up, as part of a balanced diet. By increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables, you will benefit your health no end, and will boost your immune system, as well as building resistance to common illnesses and infections. Now people make juices to consume fruits and vegetables so that get better flavor and live in a world where the variety of juices is immense, and we are responsible for what we consume. We decide what we are about to consume and how it will affect our bodies. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the differences between fresh juices and bottled juices. The three main differences are flavor, health benefits, and cost.

The most notable difference between these two kinds of foods is their flavor. Fresh juices have great flavor and taste because fruits or vegetables that is made juices still are natural and brimming with live enzymes. Bottled juices however, lack of flavor characteristic fruits because there some chemical product added and too much sugar.

Comparing both types of foods we notice another difference. There is a health factor that affects both of them. Fresh juice provides us with minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins and much more. All of these factors are vital to maintaining good health. You will find that when you make fresh juice a daily part of your diet, you will have increased energy, a glowing complexion, strengthened immune system, stronger bones and a reduced risk of disease. Juices bottled contain too much sugar. Research show that juice is combined with a lot sugar could destroy nutrition in juices. Research also said that consume sugar not moderated can have a harmful impact on overall health because it can increase to develop the risk of diabetes up 50 %.

Yet another difference between these two types of foods is the cost. Bottled juices are much more expensive than fresh juices. When we buy 500 ml bottled juice in supermarket, the price like buy 1000 ml fresh juice. Bottled juice and fresh juice have price comparison 1: 2.

Here are the main three differences between buying fresh juices and buying bottled juice. As we can see it comes down to a personal choice, based on the time each person has, the money and the nutrition and health. Therefore it is important that you consider your possibilities and choose the best type of juices for your convenience and lifestyle.

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Posted in: Bottled,Fresh,Juice

Saving Money on Great Food With Classic Chicken Stock, Demi Glace, and Other Gourmet Sauces

Some of us are lucky enough to have professional culinary training. Then again, maybe luck is not really a factor. Good culinary schools are grueling. Anyone who knows a trained chef has probably heard the stories about how hard it is to make it through, and getting started in a professional kitchen is even harder. It can be a nightmare. It's not for everyone. But you don't have to go quite that far to make some really good meals at home. There are many reasons for learning some new cooking skills, including health factors, financial factors, and even some social factors. Here are a few things to consider when you want to make some great meals at home while you have fun and save some money.

Most cooks and chefs seem to agree that fresh ingredients are the key to good dishes. A few professional chefs have even confessed that they do not have to really do much to make a meal great when the ingredients are of the highest quality. They just let the ingredients speak for themselves. When it comes to buying foods and ingredients, it really is worth it to try to buy from local, privately owned businesses when you can. This is especially true with produce. Farmers' markets are popping up all over the place, and they are making it easier than ever to buy great, fresh produce at low prices. It may be easier to go out at 2am to an all-night grocery store chain, but some of them can be pretty pricey, especially if you are trying to get organic produce. If you can find a family green grocer who is a regular at a local flee market, farmer's market, or market district store, it's a good idea to become pals. Family owned produce businesses tend to provide great fruits and vegetables at really good prices. Once you get to know the owners, they usually give even better deals, especially if you tend to buy a lot at a time. While you are at it, it's not a bad idea to ask for advice on cooking the things you buy, and just on cooking in general. Many of these grocers have been in business for decades, talking with customers and exchanging ideas and recipes. They usually have some great recipes and advice for making everything from seasoned squash to a great chicken stock.

Another thing that you can do to take your cooking to the next level is to check out the gourmet sauces available on some websites. You can get everything, from hot sauce to barbeque sauce to the perfect demi glace sauce, bottled and ready to go, and usually at a reasonable price. These sound like they would be easy enough to make yourself, but they are usually not. Sauces usually have a lot to them, beyond the basic ingredients. Many chefs say it takes them years to really perfect certain sauces. It's really easy to mess up a sauce, but the ones that are done right can really make a dish. You can make an average chicken breast, brisket, fish fillet, or vegetarian dish taste like something from a five star restaurant with the right sauce. It's worth it to check out some of the sites, experiment, and see which sauces work best with your cooking patterns.

Another simple tip is to check out the internet for cooking sites and new equipment. You can find so many easy, fast, delicious recipes, and even videos to walk you through the cooking process. Kitchen appliances have also gotten less expensive, and a few new gadgets can save you tons of time and stress. A small investment now in some new cooking gear, sauces, and spices, can end up saving you a fortune when you consider what you would have paid to have a comparable meal at a restaurant. And, let's face it... bragging rights are pretty fun too. It's great to know that you can create a meal that will delight your family or guests. A little of online recipe research, a trip to a family green grocer, and a quick online purchase of the right sauces may be all you need to become the next culinary star in your circle of friends and family.

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Posted in: Chicken,Classic,Glace,Gourmet,Great,Money,Other,Sauces,Saving,Stock

Things To Look For In A Commercial Fruit Juice

Did you know that you should eat at least two oranges a day to get the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid? On the other hand, in order to get the right amount of Thiamine you are required to eat about 3.88 cups of peas. Don you think that is too much? What if you are allergic to peas or oranges or you are just tired of eating those kinds of foods. How will you then get the recommended dose of vitamins and minerals?

Did you know that with certain juice products, you would get the right amount of vitamins and minerals without the indigestion? Yes, several companies are coming up with their versions of all natural drinks. Top physicians clinically test these drinks. Companies promoting these drinks are making that you are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals in just one beverage. However, not all fruit juices are the same. If you are looking for healthy juices, consider the following facts.

Uses Fruits As The Main Ingredient

Some of the best juice drinks today use natural fruits like mangosteen or pomegranate. These fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are known to be good sources of antioxidants as well. Moreover, these fruits have anti-inflammatory properties making them very effective in treating minor skin infections and wounds.

Vitamins And Mineral Found In All Natural Fruit Beverages

Most fruit beverages contain Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Beta-carotene. Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid not only fights infection, it has anti-oxidant properties as well. It can work as a reducing agent to reverse liquid oxidation. If you are familiar with the term free radicals, you will understand that these are atoms, molecules, or ions with unpaired electrons. They are related to diseases like Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and many more. Just imagine, when there are more free radicals in the body than antioxidants, the body will undergo a certain condition known as oxidative stress and it can dramatically affect the different organs and body systems causing them to malfunction first locally then systematically. Thus, antioxidants like Vitamin C are very helpful in reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Vitamin D, on the other hand, can prevent the incidence of rickets, falls, and low bone mineral density. It enhances the absorption and metabolism of phosphorous and calcium. Beta Carotene is the other important vitamin. It protects the cell from the harmful effects of the free radicals. It is also a good source of Vitamin A. Another important fact about Beta Carotene is that it enhances the immune system of the body.

If you were to drink something, would you rather fill your body with carbon or with vitamins and minerals? The next time you shop for drinks, look for something nutritious that will help you feel energize and revitalized all day.

3 Vemma juice include the benefit from being a very nutritious formula that's accompanied by a very delicious taste. Continue to be top of your overall healthiness and get yourself vemma juice now.

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Posted in: Commercial,Fruit,Juice,Things

A Food Storage Plan For Anyone

Many people are finding that a food storage program may bring a level of security which makes for a more pleasant life and a feeling of wellbeing. Being prepared for emergencies is always a good idea. Following the Boy Scout motto to be prepared is wise advice.

Anyone can develop a workable food storage plan, but it requires dedication to make it work. If food storage is an area which interests you, it is easy to get started. It is mainly a matter of whether or not a person really feels it is necessary or beneficial.

Some churches and community groups have been teaching and preaching about food storage for decades. It has found increased interest in recent years since there seem to be more natural disasters occurring around the globe. Who would have thought that Japan, one of the most prepared nations in the world, would have suffered such devastation during the earthquake and tsunami which struck the country in 2011? Japan has long been extremely prepared for earthquakes and even for potential water damage, but the magnitude of the tsunami was more than their preparations could handle. The disaster in a less developed country such as happened in Haiti brought extreme devastation and hardship.

There are many ways to prepare for disasters or personal problems. Food storage is just one way, but it is something that is finding more popularity. Some ways to get started are:

• Plan what you will need or should have
• Think about what your family likes and will eat
• Buy a little extra during your regular trips to the grocery store
• Decide where to store the extra food
• Start to store food for a rainy day
• Use the food occasionally on a rotating basis

There are companies specializing in food storage and emergency preparedness. Some have been in existence for years, and others are relatively new. They all have the goal in mind to help people become prepared for any emergency or personal trial which may strike them. These companies have plans which can be implemented by anyone. Some have monthly purchase programs for as little as $50 to $100 a month to start a food storage program.

Another important part of emergency preparedness is to be financially secure. Saving is a worthy goal which should be practiced regularly. Starting a home based business may help in this area. Having enough cash in the bank for six to eight months of living expenses may seem difficult for many people, but it has become a reality for many people to actually need to use their savings during difficult times. Being prepared with enough food storage and financial security can make life more enjoyable.

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Posted in: Anyone,Storage

Licorice-Based Candy

Not all 'liquorice' sweets are made from 'liquorice' extract, usually they will contain lots of different flavourings that are similar, such as anise and fennel.

There are lots of varieties of liquorice sweets around, in the UK the most popular sweets are Liquorice Allsorts and in America red Twizzlers and Red Vines are very popular. If you want to purchase American liquorice sweets there are a number of online retailers who will ship the goods to you from across the pond.

Not all "liquorice" sweets contain extract, usually they will contain lots of different flavourings that are similar, such as anise and fennel. Some of the black sweets do contain the liquorice extract and this will be listed in the ingredients.

Liquorice root is a shrub native to Europe and some parts of Asia, and it contains a natural sweetener that is 50 times more sweet than sugar. The shrub has many medicinal properties and is used to help stomach ulcers and bowel problems; it also significantly increases blood pressure.

Most liquorice sweets don't actually contain any liquorice so you won't have to worry about a sudden rise in blood pressure! For the sweets that do, they wouldn't contain enough extract to cause any side effects, so they are perfectly safe (and tasty) to eat. American sweets such as Red Vines and Twizzlers use anise extract for liquorice-based flavouring, but don't contain any real liquorice root.

We've put a little recipe together to help you make your own liquorice candy:

Ingredients

1 cup of butter
2 cups of granulated sugar
1 cup of golden syrup
1 tin of sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp anise extract
Half tbsp of black food colouring paste (optional)

Method

- Grease a cake tin with butter
- Melt butter in a pan and add granulated sugar, condensed milk, a pinch of salt and bring to the boil
- Use a food thermometer to measure the temperature of your candy, it needs to be around 250 degrees
- Remove from heat and stir in anise extract until thoroughly combined
- Pour your mixture into cake tin and let it set at room temperature over night

You should end up with some tasty and slightly squishy black sweets by the time you're done - feel free to lower the suggested temperature for softer and more squishy liquorice.

An American sweet that tastes very similar to liquorice is the red Twizzler, made by the chocolate icon Hershey's. They are described as 'liquorice sweets with a twist' and they have a variety of flavours. The classic black liquorice (which contains real liquorice), cherry, watermelon and strawberry are some of the juicy flavours you can choose from.

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Posted in: Candy,LicoriceBased

Candy Has Many Healthful Benefits - Research Supports And Explains Benefits Of Common Addiction

It's likely rare for people to attempt to hide their love and/or addiction to chocolate, as being an admitted "chocoholic" is so common and socially acceptable. Chocolate has come to represent many positive emotions and feelings... and this is not just due to modern marketing practices. History demonstrates a long-held reverence for "Theobroma Cacao".

Centuries ago, before chocolate became a sweet confection worthy of our loving, sensual indulgence it was pronounced to be a "food of the Gods"... a beverage with the power to strengthen armies. Like many of the primary ingredients of traditional popular candies, chocolate was revered for its medicinal qualities. The Mayans, Aztecs, and early Europeans whipped "cocao" into a frothy brew that they drank and recognized as a mild stimulant and nutrient rich protector of good health. They called it 'bitter water". Today, medical science recognizes chocolate (especially dark chocolate) as possessing strong antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system. They credit it with the ability to prevent additional neural damage after a stroke and to improve mental outlook. The cocoa powder has more beneficial antioxidants than other chocolate products but, naturally, the processing and addition of sugar and other ingredients does decrease that content accordingly.

Scientists have identified substances in chocolate that make us feel better emotionally after eating it. This gives us the comfort of knowing it's not just our imagination that we "need" a 'chocolate fix' from time to time. Most reasonable diets recognize and recommend that as long as we adjust our other food intake, we can occasionally enjoy this now recognized beneficial food in reasonable quantities. And why not? Our ancestors weren't all privileged to enjoy the pleasure of chocolate. It was reserved for priests and the very wealthy members of the population. Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey's Candy proclaimed in an early ad that a Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar was "More sustaining than meat". In one report, the USDA pointed out that one ounce of chocolate covered almonds contains 2.66 grams of protein; 255 mg. of Calcium, small amounts of Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as a bit of Folate. Surely, this beloved snack doesn't deserve to be classified as "junk food".

In the United States, the chocolate industry accounts for 17 Billion Dollars in revenue. In addition to being a satisfying part of a healthy diet, cocoa is available as an investment in the commodities market. The cocoa tree is grown in developing countries as a replacement for illegal crops, and that is doing wonders for the economy of millions. There appears to be little reason not to love chocolate. And if one is to be afflicted by an addiction, the addiction to chocolate (sometimes described as a "guilty pleasure) would likely appear number one under the heading "most benign".

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Posted in: Addiction,Benefits,Candy,common,Explains,Healthful,Research,Supports

The Misconception About Drinking Water

Every biologist and scientific chemist would all agree that the human body is made up of mostly water. With that being true, why do we need to drink more water and how much is truly enough?

In today's modern era we see more people carrying around their bottled water than ever before. Everywhere you look, you are bound to spot someone in range either drinking water or carrying it to be consumed shortly. That's a really good habit, but...

There are some misconceptions about drinking water and the right amount we should take in on a daily basis. The Institute of Medicine reported for years that we should all take in a minimum of eight glasses daily. Next it was said men should drink so many cups, while women drink another number of cups. Then the reports changed down the road and reported that our consumption should be measured according to our own body weight. Drink in ounces half of what your body weight is.

Most American doctors will tell you to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Who do we believe? Which measurement is correct? Nutritionist will clearly tell you to use your thirst as your GPS. Whenever you feel thirsty, take a drink of water and you will probably take in enough daily.

We must keep in mind there are also a variety of other things that calculated as your water intake, simply because they have a high water content. These would be foods such as certain fruits, and vegetables that are based very high in water.

Other drinks such as tea, coffee and carbonated drinks can be counted as fluids, although they are not very dependable in quenching the body's thirst for water. You can be certain that nothing hydrates the body as quickly as a glass of water.

Anyone who follows the food pyramid way of daily eating should also be fine with their daily consumption of adequate liquids. The only thing left to do is add enough water that is right for you and your body. It's important to never force yourself to become overly full from water alone. That increases the chances for the body to have too much water. People never consider this happening.

So, what is considered enough and how can you really know? One sure way to measure if your body is getting enough fluids is to monitor your urine. When the color of your urine appears to be of a light color to clear, you are most definitely well hydrated. When the urine appears darker, say (gold to darker) is when you should become alarmed, for it is then too concentrated and you need more water.

I've had a medical doctor from Miami once tell me that I should only drink about four to five glasses of water per day. The next thing he said to me was shocking, he said I should only urinate a minimum of 2 to 3 times a day! He continued by saying peeing every hour is not good for the body, it is too much work for the kidneys. Like I said there are much misconception about drinking water.

My question remains, "who do you believe?" I don't know about anyone else, but I intend to take the advice of the nutritionists and let my thirst be my guide. I intend to use common sense and eat enough fruits and vegetables daily, along with salads and other food based high in water and nutrients and still drink a minimum of six and or a maximum of eight glasses per day whenever feasible.

This may be a good guide for you to follow as well, for doing so you will find your own truth about how much water your body desire and clear of any misconception about drinking water.

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Posted in: about,Drinking,Misconception,Water

Using Cooking Bags - Baked Ham Recipe

Baked Ham Recipe

With ham being a traditional delicacy during Christmas and Easter holidays it is important to spare time to learn how to cook it well for juicy and hot servings. Every year I try out different ham recipes and this year was no different. I tried this and I must say that the results were an excellent dish that my whole family loved. Well here it is and I would recommend this recipe to anyone as it is simple.

The recipe below is for fully cooked ham and we are just warming it by baking and adding flavour to it.

Ingredients
10 pounds whole smoked ham (fully cooked)
4 cups of water
Cooking bag
1 cup dark brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup mustard
½ cup whole cloves
11/2 tablespoons of flour

Method

- Remove any excess fat from the ham and make cuts of ¼ inch deep across the rounded skin side of the ham.
- Mix the cinnamon, brown sugar and mustard in a large bowl.
- Coat the flour in the large cooking bag. The flour prevents bursting of the bag during the cooking process.
- Put the ham into the cooking bag and pour the spice mixture into the bag. Distribute the mixture evenly around the bag and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 360 degrees F.
- Remove the ham from the marinade and layer the cloves on top with intervals of about 11/2 inch.
- Put the ham in a roaster which should be about 2 inches deep.
- Add 4 cups of water to the bag and close tightly with a nylon tie.
- Make sure to trim the ends of the bag to prevent ends from touching the oven.
- Make small slits on top the bag to allow for steam to escape when it builds and prevent the bag from bursting.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 hours, 20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F on a meat thermometer. While cooking make sure the bag is not touching the top or sides of the oven as we do not want our bag to melt and mess the ham.
- If you are using bone-in ham, make sure the thermometer is not touching the bone when taking the temperature.
- Remove the ham from the bag and pour off any excess juice.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes and this allows the internal temperature to rise even more.
- Carve and serve.

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Posted in: Baked,Cooking,Recipe,Using

The Pecan Tree: Where Does It Grow?

Many people always assume that pecans are a southern nut. This is most likely because first of all, Georgia grows a large amount of Pecans, and secondly because pecan pie is such a distinctly southern dessert. Not many holidays go by without at least a pecan dish of some kind gracing the table. Most learn that pecan trees are a tough tree that can grow in over half of the United States and as far north as southern Canada.

The pecan tree actually originated in Texas and Oklahoma and spread outward from there. Native Americans found the pecan nutritious, easy to store, and easy to trade with. It wasn't until recently, though, that pecan trees were discovered deep in the wilds of places like Wisconsin and Illinois. This is heartening because it means that if the rugged pecan tree can withstand the weather shifts of those states then it's likely it can be adapted to grow in even colder climates.

There are actually over 500 species of pecans in existence so it's not terribly surprising that some species of the tree would be able to withstand cruel northern winters. In fact, the tree itself can produce nuts for well over 100 years. The only difference between the varieties of pecans is the shape and a slight flavor difference. This is to be expected given different soil compositions, sunlight and heat availability, and access to a water source. The pecan you eat has everything to do with where it was grown.

However, if you're going to attempt to grow your own pecan tree, it's important to buy the right one. Because there are over 500 species, picking the tree that's best for your particular climate can be a challenge and is definitely a game of patience. For instance, the "Desirable" pecan tree species is native to Mississippi so it will thrive and produce best in warm, humid climates like that of Georgia or Florida. But the "Wichita" variety grows best in western and central Texas because it thrives best in arid environments. But be prepared to wait. Even the most precocious of pecan trees, the ones that bear nuts of the fastest, still take about five years.

The fact that the pecan tree originated in Texas makes it easy to believe that this is a sturdy tree given the climate variety of the Lone Star State. Recent discoveries of the tree in harsh, cold environments lead one to believe that what is known about the pecan tree is only getting started. All of this is great news because it means that no matter where you spend your time eating at the table (especially during the holidays, which is the time of year when pecans sell the best), you'll be able to have some delicious, locally grown, pecan pie.

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Posted in: Pecan,Where