Friday, 19 March 2010
Saving Money With Simple Home Cooking
If you're worried about saving money, you aren't alone. That can be a huge issue in today's economy, especially if you have a big family. So, what are some ways to cut corners on spending? Well, one is to eat at home more often, rather than eating out.
There are many families who go out for fast food several times a week because it's convenient. Conveniences doesn't necessarily make something a good idea, though. Most fast foods aren't that healthy and buying them all the time can really burn a hole in your wallet, too.
Also, there are a lot of families who go out to eat at sit down restaurants much more often than they need to and do things like order $20 steaks that they could probably make at home for a fraction of the price. Again, though, it's a matter of convenience or, for some, it's a matter of feeling that they "can't cook". The truth is that anyone can cook to some degree and learn to follow at least simple recipes.
Think about simple, healthy, inexpensive meals that you can prepare at home each week and plan those meals ahead of time. That could be anything from spaghetti to salads to grilled chicken breasts with vegetables. It all depends on your family's likes and dislikes and culinary skills.
Remember, too, to think big and create your own convenience. For example, you can mix meals in large batches and refrigerate or freeze leftovers for later use. Sometimes you can even use things for multiple purposes, such as creating a soup out of certain leftovers. Soups are great because they are healthy (depending on what you put in them), generally keep a while when frozen and are quick and easy to heat and eat.
Michael Bellson has been writing articles about saving money for the past four years. He also likes to write about hobbies, including why you should use an automatic card shuffler and casino cards when playing poker with your friends.
Michael Bellson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bellson
There are many families who go out for fast food several times a week because it's convenient. Conveniences doesn't necessarily make something a good idea, though. Most fast foods aren't that healthy and buying them all the time can really burn a hole in your wallet, too.
Also, there are a lot of families who go out to eat at sit down restaurants much more often than they need to and do things like order $20 steaks that they could probably make at home for a fraction of the price. Again, though, it's a matter of convenience or, for some, it's a matter of feeling that they "can't cook". The truth is that anyone can cook to some degree and learn to follow at least simple recipes.
Think about simple, healthy, inexpensive meals that you can prepare at home each week and plan those meals ahead of time. That could be anything from spaghetti to salads to grilled chicken breasts with vegetables. It all depends on your family's likes and dislikes and culinary skills.
Remember, too, to think big and create your own convenience. For example, you can mix meals in large batches and refrigerate or freeze leftovers for later use. Sometimes you can even use things for multiple purposes, such as creating a soup out of certain leftovers. Soups are great because they are healthy (depending on what you put in them), generally keep a while when frozen and are quick and easy to heat and eat.
Michael Bellson has been writing articles about saving money for the past four years. He also likes to write about hobbies, including why you should use an automatic card shuffler and casino cards when playing poker with your friends.
Michael Bellson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bellson
Friday, 5 March 2010
The Best Quick Mexican Recipes
Sometimes you might be in a rush but still have a craving for a tasty Mexican recipe, which is why knowing a few quick Mexican recipes is such a lifesaver.
You do not have to exchange flavor for a shorter cooking time. In fact, some of the tastiest Mexican foods are the fastest ones to put together.
Types of Fast Mexican Meals
There are two kinds of quick Mexican recipes - simplified versions of other Mexican dishes and recipes, which are naturally fast and easy.
For example, perhaps you have already made something like cheesy chicken quesadillas with dipping sauces. For this recipe, you would need to cook chicken, combine it with chopped tomatoes, olives, herbs; spices and more, then bake the quesadillas.
How to Cut the Preparation Time in Half
A quick version of cheesy chicken quesadillas could be made with flour tortillas, leftover cooked chicken, to eliminate the cooking time, a jar of enchilada sauce so you do not have to make your own, and a handful of ready grated cheese. With these four ingredients, you can make a delicious Mexican food recipe.
Quesadillas take about fifteen minutes to bake so you can preheat the oven, assemble the quesadillas and you will be ready to sit down and eat twenty minutes later.
Quick Mexican Red Chicken (Pollo Rojo)
The following recipe is fast and easy and you can assemble the ingredients for it while the chicken is cooking, to cut down on preparation time. You can make this red chicken dish in half an hour and it is delicious served with Mexican rice or plain boiled rice, to soak up the delicious juices.
The cocoa powder adds a real touch of Mexico and the chili livens it up a bit. This recipe makes enough for four people.
You will need:
4 chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 onion, cut into quarters
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
3 tablespoons oil
6 big tomatoes
1 tablespoon chili paste or chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic, pressed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
How to make it:
Preheat the broiler to high. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over a hot flame, then brown the chicken pieces on both sides. Add the broth and the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Slice the tops off the tomatoes and put them cut side down on a cookie tray with the onion quarters. Drizzle the rest of the oil over them and broil until the tomatoes are shriveled and wrinkled. Let them cool for a few minutes.
Turn the chicken broth down to a simmer and add the oregano, garlic, cocoa, chili, and cumin. Turn the chicken over after a few minutes and keep cooking it.
Peel the tomatoes and remove the seeds with a teaspoon. Mash them a bit with your hands and add them to the sauce. Separate the onions and add these too. Keep cooking the chicken and the sauce will reduce.
If the liquid disappears before the chicken is done, you can add more water, half a cup at a time. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the middle and when it is 170 degrees F inside.
Great food has always been a way of life in our household and having lots of different easy recipes to choose from is very important. If quick Mexican recipes sound appealing, you will find plenty more inspiration at MexicanFoodRecipes.org, as well as traditional Mexican foods and cooking tips. You can make authentic Mexican food recipes in the comfort of your own kitchen and if you like to eat Mexican food regularly, you will be delighted to discover how quick and easy most of these recipes really are.
If you are looking for some great recipes or tips on cooking Mexican food and recipes of your own, the site will be very helpful. Whether you want a quick and spicy burrito, mild salad, or sweet and spicy salsa we have a wonderful selection of traditional and easy Mexican recipes to choose from.
If you are in the mood for Mexican food tonight why not give one of our recipes like our authentic Mexican rice recipe a try. Just one of the many delicious Mexican treats on our site.
While there take some time to learn more about the extraordinary history, culture and cooking methods used to make this wonderful blend of old and new world cuisine. We also have a full Mexican Cooking Glossary complete with phonetic pronunciations for the none Spanish speaking Mexican food lover.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Kudra
You do not have to exchange flavor for a shorter cooking time. In fact, some of the tastiest Mexican foods are the fastest ones to put together.
Types of Fast Mexican Meals
There are two kinds of quick Mexican recipes - simplified versions of other Mexican dishes and recipes, which are naturally fast and easy.
For example, perhaps you have already made something like cheesy chicken quesadillas with dipping sauces. For this recipe, you would need to cook chicken, combine it with chopped tomatoes, olives, herbs; spices and more, then bake the quesadillas.
How to Cut the Preparation Time in Half
A quick version of cheesy chicken quesadillas could be made with flour tortillas, leftover cooked chicken, to eliminate the cooking time, a jar of enchilada sauce so you do not have to make your own, and a handful of ready grated cheese. With these four ingredients, you can make a delicious Mexican food recipe.
Quesadillas take about fifteen minutes to bake so you can preheat the oven, assemble the quesadillas and you will be ready to sit down and eat twenty minutes later.
Quick Mexican Red Chicken (Pollo Rojo)
The following recipe is fast and easy and you can assemble the ingredients for it while the chicken is cooking, to cut down on preparation time. You can make this red chicken dish in half an hour and it is delicious served with Mexican rice or plain boiled rice, to soak up the delicious juices.
The cocoa powder adds a real touch of Mexico and the chili livens it up a bit. This recipe makes enough for four people.
You will need:
4 chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 onion, cut into quarters
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
3 tablespoons oil
6 big tomatoes
1 tablespoon chili paste or chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic, pressed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
How to make it:
Preheat the broiler to high. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over a hot flame, then brown the chicken pieces on both sides. Add the broth and the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Slice the tops off the tomatoes and put them cut side down on a cookie tray with the onion quarters. Drizzle the rest of the oil over them and broil until the tomatoes are shriveled and wrinkled. Let them cool for a few minutes.
Turn the chicken broth down to a simmer and add the oregano, garlic, cocoa, chili, and cumin. Turn the chicken over after a few minutes and keep cooking it.
Peel the tomatoes and remove the seeds with a teaspoon. Mash them a bit with your hands and add them to the sauce. Separate the onions and add these too. Keep cooking the chicken and the sauce will reduce.
If the liquid disappears before the chicken is done, you can add more water, half a cup at a time. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the middle and when it is 170 degrees F inside.
Great food has always been a way of life in our household and having lots of different easy recipes to choose from is very important. If quick Mexican recipes sound appealing, you will find plenty more inspiration at MexicanFoodRecipes.org, as well as traditional Mexican foods and cooking tips. You can make authentic Mexican food recipes in the comfort of your own kitchen and if you like to eat Mexican food regularly, you will be delighted to discover how quick and easy most of these recipes really are.
If you are looking for some great recipes or tips on cooking Mexican food and recipes of your own, the site will be very helpful. Whether you want a quick and spicy burrito, mild salad, or sweet and spicy salsa we have a wonderful selection of traditional and easy Mexican recipes to choose from.
If you are in the mood for Mexican food tonight why not give one of our recipes like our authentic Mexican rice recipe a try. Just one of the many delicious Mexican treats on our site.
While there take some time to learn more about the extraordinary history, culture and cooking methods used to make this wonderful blend of old and new world cuisine. We also have a full Mexican Cooking Glossary complete with phonetic pronunciations for the none Spanish speaking Mexican food lover.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Kudra
Fast and Fabulous - Pan Seared Herb Chicken Recipe With Chardonnay Pan Sauce
Need an interesting, delicious and easy to prepare meal? For an entree that can be made in less than 30 minutes (actual cooking time may be as little as13 minutes), try Pan Seared Herb Chicken with a light Chardonnay Pan Sauce. This recipe can be prepared with or without the sauce, and with or without the skin. Either way the chicken finishes juicy and tender and pairs great with white wine and most side dishes.
(This is a great "date night" recipe, but to make for a family simply increase recipe proportionately)
Ingredients
2 Plump Chicken Breasts (May use skin-on or skinless chicken breasts)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
6 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon Italian Seasonings (may substitute fresh rosemary and thyme)
Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
Optional: 1/3 cup chardonnay
Directions
Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees F.
Heat a medium sized skillet on medium-high with 1/2 the Olive Oil (1 1/2 tablespoons). Drizzle the chicken breasts with the rest of the olive oil, then crust the chicken breast with an ample amount of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Then, sprinkle breasts with dry Italian Seasonings (like Emeril's or any other preferred brand) until seasoned evenly on both sides. Do not over-season, however, with more than the teaspoon allocated. Place chicken breasts in pan, skin side down if you are using skin-on chicken. Add the garlic garlic cloves. When chicken has cooked for approximately 4 minutes (the skin turns a nice golden color if you have left the skin on), turn it over and place it in the oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the juice runs clear.*
Want a light pan sauce to go with it? Remove the chicken and garlic from the pan and keep warm. Pour off most of the oils, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1/3 cup chardonnay to the hot pan with remaining bits and drippings. Reduce sauce for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring with a whisk. Plate the chicken and roasted garlic, then pour the sauce over them both.
*Note: Not sure if your pan can be moved to the oven? I would never put a Teflon pan in the oven, nor any pan with a plastic handle (even if the pan itself is made of metal). So, if you do not have a pan that can be moved to the oven, you can quickly transfer all the ingredients, including oils and drippings, into a shallow baking pan or casserole dish. For best results, preheat the pan or dish for a few minutes.
If you would like to see an entire meal plan that goes with this recipe, here is where you can find how to make a complete dinner for two.
C.D. Watson is the author of this article and provides free information on a variety of topics. Visit http://www.everykindofmom.com for featured recipes, gift ideas and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C.D._Watson
(This is a great "date night" recipe, but to make for a family simply increase recipe proportionately)
Ingredients
2 Plump Chicken Breasts (May use skin-on or skinless chicken breasts)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
6 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon Italian Seasonings (may substitute fresh rosemary and thyme)
Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
Optional: 1/3 cup chardonnay
Directions
Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees F.
Heat a medium sized skillet on medium-high with 1/2 the Olive Oil (1 1/2 tablespoons). Drizzle the chicken breasts with the rest of the olive oil, then crust the chicken breast with an ample amount of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Then, sprinkle breasts with dry Italian Seasonings (like Emeril's or any other preferred brand) until seasoned evenly on both sides. Do not over-season, however, with more than the teaspoon allocated. Place chicken breasts in pan, skin side down if you are using skin-on chicken. Add the garlic garlic cloves. When chicken has cooked for approximately 4 minutes (the skin turns a nice golden color if you have left the skin on), turn it over and place it in the oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the juice runs clear.*
Want a light pan sauce to go with it? Remove the chicken and garlic from the pan and keep warm. Pour off most of the oils, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1/3 cup chardonnay to the hot pan with remaining bits and drippings. Reduce sauce for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring with a whisk. Plate the chicken and roasted garlic, then pour the sauce over them both.
*Note: Not sure if your pan can be moved to the oven? I would never put a Teflon pan in the oven, nor any pan with a plastic handle (even if the pan itself is made of metal). So, if you do not have a pan that can be moved to the oven, you can quickly transfer all the ingredients, including oils and drippings, into a shallow baking pan or casserole dish. For best results, preheat the pan or dish for a few minutes.
If you would like to see an entire meal plan that goes with this recipe, here is where you can find how to make a complete dinner for two.
C.D. Watson is the author of this article and provides free information on a variety of topics. Visit http://www.everykindofmom.com for featured recipes, gift ideas and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C.D._Watson
Weight Loss Recipes - How to Make Patties With Absolutely No Fat Added
When you want to lose weight, meat is one of the first food groups you will be cutting down on since you know it contains much fat. But if you want to keep the weight off afterwards, you need to find a diet plan that you can stick to in the long run, so it mustn't be too restrictive. In most cases, choosing meat with lower fat content and using less fat in the cooking process will be sufficient to reduce calories.
For example, minced pork can contain up to 35% fat, whilst minced beef usually has a maximum of 20% fat. Instead of grabbing the next packet of minced meat, search for one that says "beef mince" or "lean mince". Then, prepare this minced meat in a way that requires as little additional fat as possible, for example roast it in the pan without adding fat, cook meat balls in beef stock, or make a meat loaf in the oven. Also try this unusual way of making patties! You won't need to add any fat, they come out just as crispy, and as a great bonus it will even save you time in cleaning up your kitchen because you won't have oil splashing all over the show like when using your pan.
Oven-baked patties
Ingredients
500 g lean minced meat
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 egg
2 slices of toast, soaked in water and drained well
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. crushed chili
1 tsp. oregano
Steps
Preheat the oven on 220° C and lay out a baking tray with baking paper.
To prepare the dough, mix all ingredients well.
Take 2 heaped tablespoons of dough, form a patty and put it on the baking tray. Repeat until the dough is finished.
Bake the patties for 15 minutes on the second level from the top. Then turn around to ensure even baking and crispiness and bake for another 15 minutes.
Remove the tray from the oven and let the patties drain on paper towel.
Serve or use as desired.
This recipe makes about 12 patties. Feel free to use your own favorite mince recipe instead. I usually make a double or triple recipe and freeze the patties until I need them. They taste excellent on burgers or sandwiches, or just with baked potatoes and salad. By varying the spices, you can give them any flavor you want. You can even chop veggies and mix them into the dough to give your patties a boost of vitamins and a very different taste.
When using your patties, make sure you serve them with a portion of salad or vegetables and another one of grain products, like whole grain bread or pasta, to make a complete healthy meal including nearly all important food groups. Remember to prepare the other foods with little fat as well. For example, make low-fat yoghurt dressing for your salad instead of high caloric cream or mayonnaise dressing, or choose simple vinegar and olive oil dressing. Grill your vegetables to give them a great taste without having to add fat. This way, you can create a tasty, filling meal of which nothing but calories have been taken away so that you won't miss anything.
Bettina Berlin is a health professional specializing in healthy nutrition even on a tight schedule. Eating healthy and thus maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve your health and help prevent many diseases. Is your life so hectic that preparing healthy food often seems impossible? Then visit http://www.elishas-quick-recipes.blogspot.com today and get your FREE fast cooking tips and much delicious quick easy recipes!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bettina_Berlin
For example, minced pork can contain up to 35% fat, whilst minced beef usually has a maximum of 20% fat. Instead of grabbing the next packet of minced meat, search for one that says "beef mince" or "lean mince". Then, prepare this minced meat in a way that requires as little additional fat as possible, for example roast it in the pan without adding fat, cook meat balls in beef stock, or make a meat loaf in the oven. Also try this unusual way of making patties! You won't need to add any fat, they come out just as crispy, and as a great bonus it will even save you time in cleaning up your kitchen because you won't have oil splashing all over the show like when using your pan.
Oven-baked patties
Ingredients
500 g lean minced meat
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 egg
2 slices of toast, soaked in water and drained well
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. crushed chili
1 tsp. oregano
Steps
Preheat the oven on 220° C and lay out a baking tray with baking paper.
To prepare the dough, mix all ingredients well.
Take 2 heaped tablespoons of dough, form a patty and put it on the baking tray. Repeat until the dough is finished.
Bake the patties for 15 minutes on the second level from the top. Then turn around to ensure even baking and crispiness and bake for another 15 minutes.
Remove the tray from the oven and let the patties drain on paper towel.
Serve or use as desired.
This recipe makes about 12 patties. Feel free to use your own favorite mince recipe instead. I usually make a double or triple recipe and freeze the patties until I need them. They taste excellent on burgers or sandwiches, or just with baked potatoes and salad. By varying the spices, you can give them any flavor you want. You can even chop veggies and mix them into the dough to give your patties a boost of vitamins and a very different taste.
When using your patties, make sure you serve them with a portion of salad or vegetables and another one of grain products, like whole grain bread or pasta, to make a complete healthy meal including nearly all important food groups. Remember to prepare the other foods with little fat as well. For example, make low-fat yoghurt dressing for your salad instead of high caloric cream or mayonnaise dressing, or choose simple vinegar and olive oil dressing. Grill your vegetables to give them a great taste without having to add fat. This way, you can create a tasty, filling meal of which nothing but calories have been taken away so that you won't miss anything.
Bettina Berlin is a health professional specializing in healthy nutrition even on a tight schedule. Eating healthy and thus maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve your health and help prevent many diseases. Is your life so hectic that preparing healthy food often seems impossible? Then visit http://www.elishas-quick-recipes.blogspot.com today and get your FREE fast cooking tips and much delicious quick easy recipes!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bettina_Berlin
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