"Gluten-Free": Marketing Ploy or Serious Business?

Talk about a trending topic. Seems like every other item on our grocery shelves sports the term "gluten-free" nowadays, and we're gobbling them up, digestive issues or not. Talk about a marketing goldmine. Just how big? It hit about $4.2 billion in 2012 and is estimated to bring in some $6.6 billion by 2017.

This though many of us aren't even sure what gluten is, let alone celiac disease...

For starters, gluten is "the mixture of proteins, including gliadins and glutelins, found in wheat grains, which are not soluble in water and which give wheat dough its elastic texture." In other words, it's the stuff mostly found in wheat (rye, barley, and possibly oats, too) that gives dough its elastic texture. Think crackers, bread, pasta, and so on.

And that's a big deal because those with celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune digestive disease, can't digest gluten; it actually causes their bodies to produce antibodies that damage the tiny, hair-like projections, villi, in the small intestine. The classic result: diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss, but even more worrisome symptoms can also ensue, including:

Cupcake Supplies - What All Do You Need To Make a Cupcake?

Cupcakes are the cute little cakes that are baked in small cup shaped molds. The good thing about these cakes is that they are very convenient to serve. Also, you can treat each cake differently and create a whole batch of unique cupcakes. So, to begin making these little beauties, you need to a set of ingredients, flavor combinations and instruments. Cupcake supplies are easily available and are not expensive.

Instruments needed to make cupcakes

To make a cupcake, you need small moulds. These are available in the form of cake pans with a number of pockets molded into them. Each pocket makes a cupcake. Pans are available in different sizes. If you are not a professional baker, you can buy pans in two sizes - one standard and the other miniature. You can use the miniature cupcake pan for kids' projects. In addition to the pan, you need cookie scoops. You can use these to control the size of each portion of batter. This ensures that all cakes are baked uniformly. Paper liner is an optional accessory that you might need. You can use butter paper or silicone liners to line the cupcake tray before pouring in the batter.

Ingredients to make cupcakes

The basic ingredients you require are flour, butter, eggs, sugar, baking powder and flavor. Besides these, you can use other ingredients to bring in variations in taste. For instance, if you are a vegetarian, you can use yoghurt or condensed milk instead of eggs. Chocolate powder, cocoa powder and dark chocolate are used if you want to bake a chocolate cake. Milk is another ingredient commonly used. These ingredients are used to prepare the batter. In order to get the perfect cake, you need to be very careful with regard to proportions.

Quality Over Quantity for Breakfast

There's a piece of advice when it comes to eating that goes like this: 'Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.' This quote can be attributed to the late Adelle Davis, an American author and nutritionist. Obviously, it talks about the amount of food we should eat at certain times of the day. And eating 'breakfast like a king' means we should consume more food during breakfast compared to what to we have during lunch and dinner.

Of course, when it comes to eating healthy, it's not so much about the quantity of the food we eat but more on the quality of the ingredients we use. But why the big focus on breakfast?

Importance of breakfast

Both adults and kids to eat breakfast at the start of their day so they can perform at their best. Getting the necessary nutrients and energy in the morning will not only start your day right; it will also get you going all morning, even sustain you all day if you regularly scrimp on your lunch. Research has shown that skipping meals, especially breakfast, can be detrimental for those trying to lose weight. This is because controlling one's weight can become more difficult if he/she skips the all-important breakfast.

Consider Using Cotton Candy Machines at Fundraisers

There are several different ways to make money for organizations. Some of them are easier to make money with than others. One method to consider is using cotton candy machines and making several different kinds to distribute. The size and type will be considered by figuring out where it will be used and how much it needs to produce.

Almost every child loves this stuff. They think that it is neat to be able to see how the bags of this is are made. It can also be put on cones if it is easier.
There are many different kinds of possibilities when looking at a fundraiser. Every school event and others that are designed to attract kids will be using this equipment at their fundraisers. There will be many sizes of tubs that could be used or it could be put in a bag.

Some organizations need to have some of them that are very high output while others are going to need ones that do not produce as much. Every piece of equipment will be different. There are several different choices to pick from when they are considering which one would be best for them.

This is a very popular food that is served at carnivals, fairs and many other things. Everybody likes it and looks forward to getting it when they go to these places. When people are using them, they need to consider the amount of heat that they produce.

Cool Down With a Treat Served From Ice Shaving Machines

There is going to be a lot of different types of machines that are being used at a concession stand. Everybody has a lot of different choices to make regarding which ones they will use. Ice shaving machines will be a great option to consider at summer events.

They will be something that will be very popular on a hot summer day. Making slushies and sno cones can be done easily using these. There are many different flavors that can be added to them as well.

Everybody is going to have a different flavor that they like better than others. Customers can have many choices available to them. When people are trying to figure out the best flavors, they will have a difficult time so they will have a variety for their customers to use.

Some children want to have a certain color, not a certain flavor. Everyone will want something different. It will be difficult to make everyone happy but most people are going to be pleased when there is a variety for them to choose from.

Some of them are going to be bigger than others. There are some that will be automated. Others will shave the ice only when a button is pressed whether it is by a cup or by someone's hand. There are a lot of different ways to do things including with a foot pedal.

Are Corporations Taking Over America? Should They Be Allowed to Control Government?

Monsanto is the biggest producer of the genetically engineered seed. They lobbied and worked with a US Senator to produce the provision and have it hidden inside the bill. So, when the bill was passed, they received temporary immunity to the safety of GMO seed without percussions to potential dangers to public health.

GMO and GE are interchangeable terms to identify genetically engineered seed. The seed is injected with DNA from animals to change the plant's makeup to make them tolerate to herbicides and pesticides. Even though there is mixed results in scientific studies, scientists have warned of these potential dangers, especially for long term public health.

Scientific concerns include health problems stemming from the insertion of DNA from animals that may contain bacteria and viruses. Pollen circulation could cause spread of GMO to non-GMO farms and contaminate organic crops in efforts to meet Organic Standards. There could also be unexpected and harmful changes in the modified plants that would create bigger problems later on, such as the 'super weed' issue.

The biggest question here is whether the corporations should have the right to control the government to continue on with corruptive practices? Should these actions be deemed as bribery to government officials? Especially, where immunity protects them from federal courts when the public is harmed?

How to Make the Perfect Shrimp Remoulade

Have you ever been to a restaurant and wondered how they make that shrimp so plump and juicy and that remoulade sauce to spicy and delicious? Well, it's actually not that difficult to do and it only takes about 20 minutes. Here's how it's done:

-Making the Sauce
There are several different remoulade recipes out there, but the one that seems to be the most popular is the Louisiana version. This type of remoulade contains mustard, paprika and Cajun spices and is typically the one that you'll find at most restaurants in the south.

In a bowl, simply mix the following ingredients: 1.5 cups of mayonnaise, 1 cup of Creole mustard, 1.5 tablespoons of paprika, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, 1.5 teaspoons of horseradish, 1.5 teaspoons of sweet pickle juice, 1.5 teaspoons of Tabasco sauce and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.

A good remoulade is better when it's been left alone in a refrigerator for a couple of hours. The flavors will need this time to mix together and begin to sing.

Why I Cook From Scratch - A Manifesto for Homemade' Cooking

"Would you like a homemade waffle? " This is what I was asked every other morning at the Inn where I spent the last week of my vacation. Hmmm, homemade? Well within seconds-and I mean seconds, a steaming, perfect waffle would appear! Maybe they meant 'freshly made?' It turned out that they were making them to order, from a commercial mix. They were cake-y and dense, though the spread offered wasn't butter, and the syrup was the usual thick corn syrup. I had one with jam, but after that passed on the 'homemade' waffles.

What does homemade even mean anymore? So much of what we see advertised, or called out by local places are phrases like 'baked on premises' and 'baked daily'. Even places that sell artisan bread often bring it in par-baked, then finish it off in the store. Shows like Sandra Lee's 'Almost Homemade' annoy me! How hard is it to cook your own chicken for Pete's sake? I guess if you heated it up on your premises it's homemade.

For the past few generations cooking and food have gotten complicated and please excuse me for using this word-fancy. People think they need to be turning out restaurant quality food from their kitchens, after a long day of work, and if faced with the choice of that daunting task, or frozen tortellini with jarred sauce, most would go for the tortellini! But it's all a lie! You don't need to create a masterpiece of culinary extravaganza to do some fine home cooking!

The Benefits of Cooking Lessons

Eating delicious food is everyone's hobby. Sumptuous food makes everyone forget about their troubles and focus on their stomachs. It brings warring parties together and seals the bonds within families. There is nothing like it. Food defines a lot about who we are. Have you ever wondered what is would be like to take cooking lessons. You could become the reason for everyone's smile and the cause of joy whenever your family members know that you are around to make them a delicious meal. There are many other benefits of cooking lessons other that just being the apple in everyone's eye. Here are some of these benefits of cooking lessons.

- You get to learn about healthy foods.

How food tastes is not all there is to cooking food for guests. Healthy eating is now part of our cooking realities. You cannot ignore the fact that some foods that promote obesity, high blood pressure and/or kidney complications. You need to ensure that the ingredients you use in cooking your food are suitable for consumption. You can find alternatives to alternative ingredients such as using canola oil instead of corn oil. These are just some of the healthy alternatives that will be part of your cooking lessons.

- You will learn how to work hygienically and safely in the kitchen.

Where Did The Pizza Come From

To most Americans when you ask them where pizza originated most folks would say it is an Italian dish and came to America via the influx of Italian immigrants in the late 19th and twentieth centuries. This of course would seem to be the obvious answer but on closer inspection this question is not as obvious as one would think. The word itself has been used in ancient Italy and a reference was found in an Italian manuscript dated 987 A.D. but other references to this food type have been found in other cultures as well and specifically French, German, and Greek. This is not as confusing as it might sound because what we are really talking about is a basic foodstuff, a round flat baked piece of bread with a few toppings. This kind of product has been found in many cultures and is not that unusual. In Naples in the 16th century a Galette flatbread was particularly referred to as pizza. It was generally known as the dish of choice of the poor people that lived in the region and was mainly sold on the street by local vendors. It did eventually end up in local shops as this ancient bread recipe went through it evolution form simple street food to common local fare. 

Local vegetables and fish began to show up on this baked flatbread and in the late 19th century to honor the Queen's consort of Italy the Margherita of Savoy, the Neapolitan pie maker Raffaele Esposito created his famous Pizza Margherita. This was a stunning new creation, which was garnished with tomatoes from the new world, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil all in an effort to visually represent the colors of the Italian flag. This pie was now a type of bread and tomato dish often served with cheese and fish. It was usually a sweet and savory simple meal and would have to wait for its introduction to America before its evolution really took off.

How to Get More New Restaurant Customers the Easy Way

The Greatest Product in a long time, to help the small restaurant owner is probably real close to you. The SmartPhone! More good news, although there is a real good chance you already have one, you can grow your business without even owning one or knowing how to work one!

Lets go further with an explanation. First, Two separate surveys confirmed that smartphone penetration has not only passed half of all mobile subscribers, but has gone well beyond 50% of all adult Americans for the first time. (this was put out by Forbes)

As popular as smartphones are overall, for young people, they're nearly essential. In the 18-34 demographic, penetration is 80% and the limiting factor is mostly money. For those earning $75,000 and up, 90% have a smartphone already. Interestingly enough, for the elderly, the economic differences are more pronounced. Only 8% of seniors earning under $30,000 have a smartphone while those in the $75,000+ bracket are five times more likely to have one, at 43%. Obviously, these numbers will continue to rise as people age into the older demographics but it's also likely there will be a faster shift here than some might expect.

Now that people can buy a smartphone for under a hundred dollars, this market will grow faster than ever!

To Recap: This means that the most smartphones are already in the hands of the people that tend to spend more in Restaurants!

Now, Lets See how this all works. Google claims that there are more Search's for Local Business on smartphones today than on home or office P/C's. Google and all the rest of the search engines know, and keep track of every search made, including home and office P/C's and smartphones. How will that help you?

Every time someone searches for say "Mexican Restaurant-in Your City, they keep track of it. Every time someone searches for say "Italian Restaurant-in Your City, they keep track of it. Every time someone searches for say "Seafood Restaurant-in Your City, they keep track of it. OK, you get the ideal by now.

4 Steps To Lose Weight With Chinese White Tea

White tea comes from the same type of plant as black and green tea, and this plant is called the Camellia sinensis. The young buds and leaves of this plant are used for making such type of tea. As there is only minimal processing involved in the production of it, more nutrients are preserved compared to black or green tea. The Fujian region in China is known for specializing in this particular type of tea.

Drinking it helps in managing blood-cholesterol levels. According to a study conducted in 2009, white tea showed favorable results in relation to the fat cell in the body. It is capable to restrain the growth of fat cells. It also helps in breaking down existing ones. It also alters the gene expression of the fat-causing cells. Thus, it is believed to be a natural and perfect source of a slimming substance. Although the studies are still ongoing, such leaves have already earned its place in the diet and weight loss programs in many people. However, we must keep in mind that we still have to incorporate white tea with proper diet and exercise regimen to maximize its health benefits.

Caffeine Free Chinese Herbal Tea

Chinese Herbal Tea is a healthy and refreshing drink. The tea can have one or more ingredients to enhance the taste or aroma. The additions can include dried flowers, dried fruits, leaves, roots, and even seeds. The caffeine free Chinese teas are great refreshments one can even take at night, as they do not cause sleep disorder due to the consumption of caffeine.

There are many popular and famous brands and varieties of Chinese herbal leaves. The medicinal benefits are many, and come to you through a soothing sweet and wonderfully flavored medium. Some of the most popular Chinese herbal leaves include:

Chrysanthemum Herbal leaves

This is a top grade of the cooling tea infusion. It has a subtle sweetness and is highly refreshing.

Gongju Herbal leaves

This tea has a smooth taste. It is extracted from a flower and has a soothing and relaxing property.

Carnation Flower Tea

The flower of this tea is red in color, and is said to restore body energy, though it is entirely caffeine free.

Forget Me Not Flower leaves

This tea is also caffeine free claimed to open up the airflow into the lungs, enabling easier breathing.

Learn What Foods Are Healthy With These Great Tips

Eating a healthy and nutritious diet is a smart move to make in your life. If you're looking to start a diet, it may be hard to know how to start doing so.

Creamy dressings are high in fat and very few nutrients. Adding cranberries or nuts to your salad are a wonderful idea.

Use whole grain products instead of anything that has white flour foods. Whole wheat and grains have a lot more fiber and protein than refined foods. Whole grains satisfy your appetite for a longer period of time and also help lower cholesterol low. You can know if your food is considered whole grain by checking the word "whole" on the packaging.

Quinoa can help you maintain protein in your diet while cutting back on red meat. It is a food that contains essential amino acids but is not meat. It is also contains a lot of vitamins and does not contain any gluten. The deliciously mild nutty flavor makes this something that tastes great, so it is one of those rare foods that is nutritious and that you will enjoy eating.

These meals generally have high amounts of sugras and sugar. Buy and meat fresh and cook them yourself to gain the most health benefits from them.

You should use the amount of calories for your body with good food. It is better for you to eat 1,8000 calories worth of nutritious whole grains, whole grains, and protein than the same caloric allotment of junk food. The type of food you consume is equally important as important as the amount of food you eat.

The Most Important Factors Behind The Quality Of Chinese Tea

Tea merchants often talk about high quality tea products that they offer. However, the factors that embody quality tea are not clearly defined. We are going to discuss about some of the factors that make up the quality of Chinese tea, and focus on the cultivation stage of tea production. In general, these factors can be categorized as agricultural practice, ecological factors, and tea tree characteristics.

One of the most important factors when it comes to tea production is the agricultural practice. Unfortunately, many of the tea products available in the market are from non-organic ways. The disorganized use of fertilizers or pesticides results to termination of useful parasites and predators, and to the downgrade of top soil. Non-organic methods may seem to increase production and profit for farmers, but the results disrupt the natural process of ecosystem. Thus, the leaves that are produced have a bland taste. Authentic teas must be produced from tea trees that are cultivated organically. However, the organic method of tea production generates less numbers. Thus, organic teas are more costly compared to non-organic teas.

Moreover, agricultural practice also affects the health properties of teas. Tea trees are capable of absorbing chemicals in their environment. Thus, non-organic tea can be harmful to a person's health because of the synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used. The great thing is that Vintage Tea Company goes the extra mile to ensure that the teas offers are only made from organic farming methods. You will surely get the value of what you pay for.

Yom Kippur With Food Allergies

Successful Yom Kippur fasting requires preparation. This 25 hour fast requires great physical endurance. What you eat and drink in the days leading up to a fast is critical to making the day productive. Avoiding certain foods before a fast is also important. Maximizing your nutritional intake before a fast may seem even more challenging if you have food allergies. It doesn't have to be.

One crucial element before fasting is hydration. Drink, drink, and drink some more.
Try to do this several days before the fast but be especially mindful of drinking the day before the fast. Water is best, but juices and Gatorade work too. You'll want to avoid all caffeinated beverages as caffeine works as a diuretic (depleting you of vital hydration). If you're a coffee addict, try to decrease coffee consumption a few days before the fast to prevent "withdrawal" symptoms on Yom Kippur.

Eating fruits and vegetables high in water content is also helpful with pre-fast hydration. Lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes are all high in water content. Grapes,melon,berries, and citrus fruits are packed with water as well. You'll want to have plenty of these types of produce on hand before and after the fast.

Finding the Best Praline Candy to Bring Home to Family and Friends

When people go on vacation they often choose candy or another item to bring home to family and friends. Next time you are in the South, you may want to look for a praline candy to have your family try. Not everyone will like these because of the nuts, but there are many who likely will. You will want to sample a variety before choosing one. Some things to consider before buying might include texture, flavor, freshness, and reputation.

When you walk into a candy store, you might think initially that they are all the same. This may sometimes be the case in one area, but if you go to a variety of small and large shops, privately owned and franchised, then you will likely see a number of subtle differences. As you go to the various places, be sure to sample a praline or some other candy that you like. Make a note of your favorite places so that at the end of your visit, you can go back and buy some candy.

Before purchasing a type of candy, take the time to consider the texture. Texture is one of the most important traits to consider as you choose a candy. Most people will have some preference in this area. Some might not like nuts, so you will probably avoid praline candies for them. Others might enjoy textures like coconut or cream fillings. It will just depend on preference.

It's Time to Eat Pralines

If you haven't tried pralines, it's about time you try them soon. Once you've sampled even one small bite, you will be hooked on this delicious and decadent treat. Although these candies are made in around the globe with slightly different recipes, the most popular ones in America can be found in the south where pecans grow abundantly from mature trees. When French explorers arrived in the southern part of the U.S.A., they brought these confections with them and the yummy candies caught on like wildfire. The recipe for these favorites includes pecans, brown sugar, butter, buttermilk and/or cream. The mixture is heated while being stirred in a saucepan on top of a stove. When the concoction reaches a certain temperature and thickness, it's time to drop them in dollops on a sheet of foil to cool into cookie-sized goodies. There are plenty of occasions that simply beg for the inclusion of this special dessert.

With Coffee or Tea

You know how drinking coffee or tea makes you crave a sweet treat to eat along with your beverage? Instead of a ho-hum cookie or donut, grab some pralines and share them with a friend. Your taste-buds will be tantalized for sure. The combination of flavors is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Because they're so rich and tasty, eating just one will satisfy your craving. Don't feel too guilty for caving in to a craving, either. Because these goodies are chock-a-block with pecans, they are providing a healthy amount of protein, as well.

Enjoying the Praline and Its History

If you have not done so yet, bite into a praline slowly. Enjoy the soft texture, the crisp pecans, and the creamy feel of the caramel-like topping. As you do, you will be tempted to grab a glass of milk and find a hiding spot to enjoy this luscious treat. Many people find that this very sweet treat is one of the best ways to remember the South, which is where they have been popular for decades. On the other hand, you may have memories of a long lost loved one making these in an old kitchen.

What Is It?

Often confused with a cookie, the praline is a type of dessert treat. It is about the shape and size of a cookie, but it has no cake-like filling or texture to it. Rather, a thick syrup, which can be made from simple sugars, maple syrup, or other sweet combinations is boiled until it thickens. Then, the very hot candy is worked to create the thicker substance and candy-like texture. The mixture often covers pecans, though other nuts can be used as well. The end result is a very sweet treat that is ideal for those long days when you simply need to getaway and cannot do so.

Where Did They Come From?

Depending on where you are in the South, chances are good you will hear stories about the creation of these treats. Most stories differ on the creation of them. However, most people agree that these decadent treats came from France. During the early portion of the 17th century, a man named Cesar duc de Choiseul, comte du Plessis-Praslin is said to have created them. More precisely, this diplomat's personal chef is believed to have created these treats. Of course, the story changes from one version to the next, but the facts remain the same. These French-inspired treats were very popular in New Orleans when the French dominated the area.

The original version was a sweet confection. It was made not with pecans, but with almonds. It has some type of sugary, creamy coating that was boiled until it caramelized. In fact, if you visit France, you may find a small shop called Maison du Praslin. It is said to be the sweet shop that the personal chef opened when the praline gained enough attention to warrant it.

Regardless of the history of this decadent confection, many people today enjoy them in the South. You can purchase them in various styles, but one thing is for certain. Once you bite into a praline, it will be very difficult to walk away from them again.

Is Water The New Wine?

It is not uncommon to deliberate over the perfect wine to accompany an entree when out at a fancy restaurant. But too frequently, we overlook one important aspect of our meal. What if after asking our waiter for a wine pairing with our entree, we asked which fine water he would recommend to supplement the dining experience?
That's exactly what is happening at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art restaurant, Ray and Clark's. The manager, Martin Riese, is a German water sommelier who for decades has worked at three-star Michelin rated restaurants. He has recently introduced a water menu with twenty fine waters from around the world. He argues that a great water can enhance delicious meals and excellent wines, which are often tainted by commonplace tap water.
Not that there's anything wrong with tap-- more than a third of American bottled waters come from purified municipal sources. Mr. Riese's point, though, is that additives such as chlorine can coat the palate and alter the taste of a delicate wine. The artesian waters on his menu have natural trace minerals that come from geological formations in the earth. Brands such as Fiji and Aquacai represent tastes specific to the sources where they are bottled. These are the waters Mr. Riese prefers, because like a hundred dollar vintage, their complex flavors can complement a meal, and offer a unique terroir.
Even artesian water bottles are of a higher echelon, made from fully recyclable polyethylene terepthalate (PET). Lower-grade bottles often contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which the FDA banned last year from children's sippie cups and baby bottles. Besides being more environmentally friendly than BPA bottles, PET is also very strong, so that companies that long used glass, such as Voss, have now introduced plastic options as well. Glass bottles, by the way, do not make water taste any better.

Gluten Free Sukkot

Does your sukka need to be gluten free? No worries, it can be. Sukkot is a gorgeous holiday that among other themes celebrates bounty. Fresh fruits and vegetables are served up to acknowledge this autumnal holiday and the continued bounty and sustenance we receive.

Are you smiling yet? A bountiful experience is coming your way. Fruits and veggies are don't have gluten. Of course things get tricky when vegetables are ensconced in wheat based dough or drenched in gluten filled sauces. Keep your vegetables healthy and unadultertated. Serve them fresh or grilled. Maybe a few gluten free spices or a nice gluten free dressing? Whip up a soup with an immersion blender and lock in those wholesome flavors. Nothing like a hot soup on a chilly Sukkot Night. You can eat quite nicely without the wheat (and healthier too).

As far as main dishes, chicken, turkey, lamb, and beef are all gluten free. Roast a turkey, slow cook a brisket, broil some lamb chops, are you missing the wheat yet? Who needs it. Fresh garlic, onions, and herbs and good cuts of meat go a long way.Like to grill? Go ahead and throw some chicken or salmon on the grill and make some kebobs for the sukkah. Easy, healthy, and simply delicious.

Coconut For Daily Use

Everyone's talking about being environmentally conscious. While not everyone can participate on social platforms, we can surely do our best with daily ingredients! One of the most commonly used ingredients is the coconut. Although we learned about the usefulness of the coconut tree from its root to its branches, not many of us have used it to its fullest.

When we buy a coconut, its usual purpose is to use the water or the flesh. However, there are many ways in which we can use every part of the coconut without any wastage. Here are some handy tips which can be easily used by every household.

Coconut Husk:

Coconuts are mostly sold in grocery stores with a small part of their husk (coconut hair) still attached to it. This is done in order to preserve its freshness. Most of us remove the husk and discard it without a moment's thought. However, this husk can be collected and used in a number of ways.

· As peat moss - Instead of buying coco peat from the market, you can collect the coconut husk and use it along with compost and fertilizers as a potting soil. Adding it in layers in the soil can help the soil as it trap more water and avoids washing away essential nutrients.

· As a cleansing tool for mince strainers - If you use a fine mesh strainer to wash mince, you will notice that the fat and small pieces of meat clog the pores of the mince strainer. Using the daily utensil scrubber to clean it would be unhygienic while using a separate scrubber each time you wash your mince would not be economical. In such cases, coconut husks can be a great cleansing aid. First, soak the strainer in hot water for about ten minutes. Then take some coconut husk, wet it with a little liquid soap and scrub the strainer. The coarseness of the husks ensures that all the fat and meat is scrubbed out thoroughly. The husks can then be discarded. This method is both economical and hygienic.

In fact coconut husks were used as scrubbers' way before we were introduced to the modern version. And it is still used in many parts of the world.

5 Facts You Didn't Know About Organic Food

To make the organic switch is great, yet not knowing much about organic food products isn't the right way to make the transformation. Ergo, we have put together some facts about organic food, which aren't known to many. Be well acquainted with the change you're considering making, as that is the right way to go about it.

• The 'organic' concept isn't new:

Prior to World War II, all the crops that were grown were produced without the help of chemicals and toxic pesticides. Later on, farmers started to make use of synthetic and artificial produced pesticides to get rid of insects and unwanted weeds. Unfortunately, the use of chemical pesticides was abused and has caused serious damages to our planet and resources. Hence, the organic paradigm has been brought back into implementation to help save the environment.

• Organic food is not just for the rich:

All countries are making earnest attempts towards enforcing the intake of organic products to avoid serious health issues in the long run. There are a handful of organic food suppliers that make earnest attempts to sell organic produce at a subsidized price to ensure all can afford the same. You can now buy organic food online by looking for food dealers in your vicinity that supply your order straight to your doorstep without having you to actually intervene.

The Importance Of Water Storage Systems

People often take water for granted, even though it is one of the worlds most precious resources and a basic human right. Without access to high-quality clean, potable water people perish. On an annual average almost 3.4 million people die as a result of contracting waterborne diseases. People who cannot easily access safe drinking water should consider investing in a water storage system which is complemented by a compact and effective treatment system. On a global scale in excess of 780 million people lack access to clean drinking water.

It's interesting to note that an effective water containment system can also be used in domestic and commercial applications; including sanitation and agrarian agricultural projects. In the third world it is estimated that women spend approximately 200 million hours facilitating these tasks which could easily be accomplished with the implementation of basic water storage infrastructure. Another alarming figure provided by water.org is that the number of people who have access to a cellular telephone far outstrips the number of people who have access to a flushing toilet.

Provide Enough Food With the Proper Concession Equipment

When an organization holds a major event, most of them will have some sort of food for the guests that come out. In order to be able to provide enough food, they need to have the proper type of equipment. This can include many different kinds of concession equipment.

There are several different things that people could plan. They may be holding a fundraiser to raise money for their organization. They may just be having a fun event and it is not about raising money for anything.

There are a lot of fun things that can be done at any event. A lot of people will get hungry and need to get some food though. If the organization is going to be able to feed all of the hungry children and adults, they are going to need to make sure that they have the proper equipment.

Everybody will have a different opinion of what foods are going to be the best. They have many different options that are going to be considered prior to purchasing certain equipment. It is important to have many varieties of things for the people that come out to have fun.

Popcorn machines, hot dog roller grills and cotton candy machines are just a few of them. These are quite popular but there is much more to consider. People can eat a variety of foods and be able to have fun at the same time.

With a hot dog roller grill, people are able to make a variety of different kinds of hot dogs and sausages. They will be able to compliment this with a bun warmer too. There are several different types of products that people are going to find beneficial to their concession stand.

Are Diet Sodas Healthy?

"They may be free of calories but not of consequences." - Professor Helen Hazuda speaking on diet soda.

After knocking the wind out of my mates sails regarding his healthy fruit salad and apple juice, the next topic that came up on the radar was his diet soft drink. You see, the next logical step for my friend to take whilst on his weight loss plan was to be drinking the 'diet' stuff instead of 'normal' stuff.

I mean, if a soft drink has the word 'diet', 'sugar free' or 'low cal' etc... It's got to be healthy for you right?

His new found enthusiasm for his health and weight loss plan had already taken a dent regarding fruit and sugar, so I understood the switch to sugar free soft drinks. After he finished guzzling down his cold can on a sunny day I said one word to him... Aspartame.

In a nutshell, this was my response...

THE REAL THING?

I'm a big believer that the answer lays within the questions we ask ourselves. Ask a better question and you usually get a better answer. So the questions I asked my friend was this...

Did you know that your zero calorie, sugar free, diet soft drink that you've just guzzled, contains an artificial sweetener called aspartame?

Aspartame is a chemical that is used as an artificial sweetener (more on this in a sec')... Now here's a real kicker of a question you need to ask yourself -

Ways to Know If Your Food Is Really Organic!

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

- Hippocrates

In spite of the loud buzz being created about consuming only organic products, there are some factors that you need to be skeptical about. Do not fall prey for the smart marketing tools being applied to you and your family. Yes, everyone would willingly agree to go organic, it being at the cost of your health and the well- being of your family. Nevertheless, be a smart organic buyer. Raw, unprocessed and unconventionally produced foods do conduct a great deal of benefits for your health, yet know where to draw the line... This line is in reference to whether all the foodstuff in your house are "really" organic?

Below have been put forth some facts to enable you to understand what you are up against:

You may already be well- aware of the organic product suppliers in your vicinity or online for that matter and you might be completely convinced about the food he/ she delivers at your house. However, are you aware of the following? Take a look:

• Labels that are genuine and meet the standards set by the USDA or other vital organic food governing bodies.

• The harmful effects of pesticides that enter your body from non- organic products.

• The major deception called "organic junk food".

Is Food Service Right For You

Working in the culinary arts can be demanding and stressful at times. With a larger than normal turnover rate, there will be times you will work short-staffed. The hours you work can vary from a brief three-hour shift up to ten and twelve hours a day depending on your position and the company you work for. Some operations may require you to work a split shift, usually three hours at lunch and three hours at dinner. You may also be required to work weekends and holidays; this is especially true in hotels, resorts, private clubs, and healthcare.

Few companies spend the time or financial resources for proper training, especially smaller operations. Starting wages are usually just above minimum wage, and many companies lack a decent benefits program. Don't let any of this deter you; these are minor challenges that can be overcome in time.

There will always be detours and roadblocks in any career. Those who are passionate about the culinary arts embrace these issues; nothing deters them. If you want to make excellent money and work in a job you love, sacrifices will have to be made, this is a fact you must accept

The following is a list of what I experienced in my career as a Chef and hospitality manager. If you stay in food service for any length of time, you will experience similar situations

The Health Benefits of Black Pepper

In the ancient world, peppercorns were thought to be fitting sacred offerings to gods, and at one time they were actually worth more than gold. The search for pepper, which was an expensive commodity took Vasco da Gama and other Portuguese explorers to the Indian coast. In the middle ages, peppercorns were so expensive that they were used as currency and rents could be paid with them, hence the phrase "a peppercorn rent." Now of course that phrase means that something is almost free. However in the middle ages, it meant just the opposite.

Black pepper has been used for its health benefits as well as to flavor food for centuries. Just one black peppercorn is packed full with vitamins and minerals such as iron, vanadium, molybdenum, selenium, copper, manganese and phosphorus. It contains vitamins K, C, B6, B3 and B2 as well as vitamin E. Of course, if peppercorns have been irradiated some of these vitamins, such as vitamin C will be reduced.

Healthy Snacking Tips For The Little Ones

If you are a parent there is one thing you know for certain, kids can eat, a lot! But do they really need to be snacking all day? The short answer is yes, but it is important to ensure that the foods they are snacking on are nutrient rich and not just foods with empty calories. It is important for kids to snack throughout the day to help them keep their energy up; kids have small stomachs and therefore need to eat smaller meals or snacks more often than an adult. Along with smaller stomachs, kids are doing a lot of growing and have much higher energy needs than an adult. You know their energy needs like running, jumping, bouncing around the house? These activities contribute to the need for more fuel throughout the day.

Not only do parents need to take close note of their little one's food consumption throughout the day but it is also important for your child's daycare center or school to include healthy snacks during the day to help maintain your child's energy level and be sure their nutritional needs are consistently being met.

Snacking every few hours throughout the day will help to keep your child's blood sugar consistent and hopefully your child's mood more stable throughout the day as well. Many meltdowns are a result of being tired and/or hungry. A snack could have been the answer to prevent that temper tantrum. A lot of times hunger is the reason for a grumpy or stubborn attitude from your child.

When creating snacks for your child remember to keep the portions "snack" size and not meal size; also making sure that your snacks are fiber rich and nutrient dense is very important. Parents and school teachers should try and incorporate a few of the food groups in each snack serving. 

What Makes A Cheddar Cheese Gourmet?

Although experienced cheese connoisseur probably already know the answer, many people who are simply interested in learning more about cheese may wonder what makes a cheddar cheese gourmet. The term gourmet simply refers to the quality of the cheese in question. You can expect to pay more for a gourmet cheese (sometimes a lot more) but you will have quality to match your payment. Gourmet cheeses are generally made through a different, more traditional, process and may even contain slightly different ingredients. Here are the main differences between regular cheddar cheese and the gourmet version of it.

Handmade

Although not all gourmet cheddars are handcrafted, the vast majority of them are. This is part of the reason that they cost so much more: they involve a great deal of additional labor compared to their mass-produced counterparts. Although traditionally, cheeses were handcrafted, it would be impossible to meet the current demand for popular options such as cheddar around the world if they were still made this way. It is a fact of life that the cheddar you buy in your local grocery store will be mass-produced using machinery. When you pay a few extra dollars, however, you will get better quality that is handcrafted, generally including every stage of the process including preparation, cutting and packaging.

Traditional Methods

We already mentioned that gourmet cheddar cheese is made by hand using the traditional methods, but what exactly are these methods? In order to make cheddar, you must complete a process called cheddaring that involves pressing and shaping the cheese in a particular manner. 

Four Things You Didn't Know About Cheese Curds

If you don't live in Wisconsin or Quebec, chances are that you haven't ever tried a cheese curd, let alone seen one in person. There are some other areas in the United States and Canada where they are popular (such as parts of New York, Vermont and the states around Wisconsin), but these are the two main locations. Because of this, most people don't know much about these delicious treats. They may know what they look like or the general idea behind them, but that is usually it. Here are four things that you probably didn't know about cheese curds, especially if you haven't had them before.

Their Origin

One of the little known facts about cheese curds is their origin. There is no set evidence, but legend says that they came about by accident when a nomad was traveling across a desert in the Middle East. He filled his saddle bag with milk but it was warm out so a few hours later when he was thirsty, he opened the bag and all that was inside was white curds and liquid. This happened because of a combination of the heat and the rennin from his bag and was reportedly the first cheese curds in history.

Squeakiness

Another thing you might not know about these treats if you haven't had them before is that they should be squeaky as this indicates freshness. If you have had them, you probably don't know why they squeak and instead simply enjoy the effect as well as the taste.