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In Medieval and Renaissance times, picnics were elaborate, mobile feasts held outdoors for the affluent. The Oxford English Dictionary defines modern day picnics as, "A pleasure party including an excursion to some spot in the country where all partake of a repast out of doors." Whether you are celebrating a holiday in a local park or hosting a family reunion at a large campground, picnics provide a way to enjoy the sun while feasting in good company.
If you're throwing a Western party or hanging out with some authentic cowboys and have to prepare dessert, you may be at a loss. But fear not, there are plenty of delicious Western dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most stubborn cowboy.
Keeping kosher is an important part of life for many Jewish people. Planning a kosher menu can be difficult because there are many things that you cannot include. Other items, like meat and wine, must be prepared according to kosher dietary laws. Despite these restrictions, there are many different foods that are commonly included in kosher meals.
Even if you consider yourself a good cook, there are some cooking techniques that require practice to master. This includes flipping food in a pan, especially pasta. Flipping pasta ensures that it is evenly sautéed and covered with sauce and seasonings. Foods such as eggs and pancakes are easier to flip once they solidify. However, pasta is loose, something that makes it more difficult to get all of the pasta to flip over. However, once you learn how to do it properly, flipping anything in a pan will be a cinch.
Potlucks are a way to have a party with a variety of food, freeing the host from having to do all of the cooking. Potlucks allow everyone to bring a different dish and share with other party-goers. When traveling to a potluck, it is important to find foods that will make the journey with no mishaps. This means that you want the dish to look good and taste good when it makes it to the table.
It is a practice in the Roman Catholic Church to forgo eating meat on Fridays during Lent. Some Catholics carry the practice through the entire year and don't eat meat on any Friday. However, the absence of meat doesn't mean meals during Lent are boring and bland. Take your choice from fish, vegetarian dishes and quick casseroles.
While picky eating habits are mostly associated with children, grownups can suffer from the same problem too, making dinnertime difficult for people of all ages. Research by Dr. Lucy Cooke of the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London shows adults are often genetically predisposed to finicky eating habits. Luckily, there are several new ideas for dinner for picky eaters that can make mealtimes easier on everyone.
Gathering over food is one of the more pleasant ways to visit with family and friends, but preparing a luncheon for 30 is a daunting prospect. Feeding a crowd requires some preparation and thought, but doesn't have to be as hard as it sounds. A little foresight and planning ahead can make feeding your many guests and sending them home full and happy a much simpler thing.
Living on a boat provides a number of unique challenges for a cook. Storage and cooking space are always at a premium, and simple things such as water to boil ingredients with have to be carefully planned for. Any forgotten ingredient will require the exercise of some ingenuity, because the nearest convenience store can sometimes be a long way off.
When the summer rolls around, peaches are in season and abundant. But if you're in the mood for a peach cobbler or other peach desserts in the winter, you may have trouble finding fresh peaches. Peel, slice and freeze your fresh peaches in the summer or purchase frozen peaches at the grocery store. Simply thaw out the frozen peaches and use them just as you would fresh peaches.
Whether planning a summer family reunion, a neighborhood barbecue, a Fourth of July event or a Memorial Day get-together, planning a picnic-type meal for a crowd can be challenging. Consider the tastes, preferences and allergies of those in attendance and offer a wide variety of picnic food items so all guests are satisfied.
Eating light does not have to mean eating meals which are restrictive in taste. It is easy to make small changes in some of your favorite meals which remove excess calories and fat without removing the tastes and recipes that you love.
When planning a luncheon, develop a menu that is as elegant as the affair. A noontime luncheon calls for delicious, easy-to-eat foods, such as sandwiches and complementary side dishes. Choose food items that are filling and satisfying, but not too heavy. Use fresh ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables and just-baked bread, to create a high-quality lunch menu.
Although the name may amuse your children, frizzled ham is a seriously tasty dish. This crispy breakfast food begins with the thinnest slices of ham you can make. The heat from the pan combined with the thinness of the meat create a sweet and crunchy bacon-like dish that goes well with eggs, pancakes, waffles or any other morning meal. Watch the pan closely when making frizzled ham; the trick is to cook it very hot and very quickly.
A church fellowship is a good way for Christians to gather and encourage each other while still having a fun time. Fellowships especially allow new Christians who recently joined the church to get to know fellow members and discover ways to be of service to the church. When doing a fellowship potluck, serve dishes that will appeal to everyone's tastes and also be aware of special dietary restrictions of members.
Quick, fast, easy and cool. These are words that come to mind when preparing for summer potlucks, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Whether a church social, company gathering, graduation, pool or beach party, or one of the many other summer celebrations associated with the warmest months of the year, potlucks, especially cookouts, are a way to heat up and stay cool at the same time.
Halloween potluck parties call for a special kind of creativity. Halloween potluck items should be fun for both kids and adults alike. Tasty potluck treats can be be quick and easy to prepare using affordable and easy to obtain ingredients. Try something simple, yet surprising, like marshmallow ghosts and ghouls or spider cupcakes. Get the whole family involved in preparing your potluck dishes. Try for a mix a healthy and sweet items -- just because it is Halloween doesn't mean that it must be an all-candy potluck! Theme dishes can be funny, scary, healthy and delicious.
Textured soya is a versatile substitute for beef, pork or chicken. It can be curried, stewed or fried to provide a low fat, vegetarian form of protein instead of meat. Soya chunks are just one form of textured soya protein. Whatever dish they are used in, precooking is essential to achieve the correct texture and maximum flavor.
Potlucks are common group dinner ideas because they provide variety, allow each person to determine what is easiest and convenient, and because they take very little organization. Each person who brings a dish knows there will be at least one item he can eat. When planning a kids' potluck, parents or organizers may determine that some adult oversight is necessary to obtain a healthy meal.
Planning food for large groups can be challenging -- too little food and guests go hungry but too much means money wasted. According to Food Network, expect guests to consume about three drinks, five appetizers for a meal and 12 or more for an hors d'oeuvres-only gathering and 1/4 to 1/3 lb. of meat and 1/2 cup of any side dish you serve. Use these guidelines when considering these crowd-friendly menus.
Frozen treats are a great way to keep cool and satisfy your sweet tooth, so keep some options on hand in your freezer for a convenient go-to dessert. Rather than spending a fortune on expensive store-bought varieties, save a few dollars -- and a few calories -- by making your own quick, easy and healthy versions of classic frozen desserts right at home.
Baking a ham is a tradition for many families on Easter, Christmas and other special occasions. These meals often feature large groups of people congregating together for large amounts of food, so leftovers are common. If you happen to have half a ham sitting in your refrigerator from the recent festivities, there is no need to let it go to waste. Reap the benefits of your holiday ham for days to come in leftovers for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
For many people, nothing beats a delicious steak dinner. Steak tips, are simply smaller pieces of steak that usually originate from one of three common cuts of steak: the tenderloin, the round tip steak or the tri-tip steak. Tenderloin and round tip steaks are extremely tender cuts of meat, while a tri-tip steak, tends to be thicker and ideal for grilling. While you can grill or broil steak tips, pan-frying is often the best method for cooking thin, tender cuts of steak.
In America's fight against obesity, people are looking for new ways to lose weight. While most people eat a traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner, many individuals have discovered the benefits of eating small meals throughout the course of a day. One reason for this is to better restrict the food that you consume during the day. Between meals, a temptation exists to snack on foods with no nutritional value. By planning out mini meals every two or three hours, you will maintain the feeling of being full while making conscious healthy choices and avoiding overeating.
If you are a vegetarian looking for a healthy meat replacement ingredient, make soya chunks a part of your menu. Soya chunks are textured soy protein (TSP) that resemble meat. Soya chunks appear dry and dehydrated but once cooked, they resemble chewy meat chunks that are hard to tell apart from real beef or chicken. Soya chunks are made from defatted soy flour through an extrusion process that gives them a fibrous and chewy texture. Use soya chunks within three days of preparation, store them dry at room temperature for more than a year.
You can use virtually any cooking method to prepare fish including baking, grilling, broiling, steaming, frying and slow cooking. Without proper technique, fish can dry out rather quickly leaving it tasteless. Knowing a few rules to observe when cooking fish helps you serve up a catch of the day that is both safe for consumption and delicious.
Home-cooked meals allow for control over what is in a meal, meaning control over nutrition. However, there is not always time for traditional home-cooked meals. Slow-roasted meats, boiled dinners and soups can take all day to cook. There are ways to get the taste, control and nutrition of home-cooked meals without taking hours out of the day.
Lent, the 40-day period starting on Ash Wednesday and continuing until Holy Saturday (not including Sundays) is an important period in the Christian calendar. The followers of Christianity often make alterations in their diets for religious beliefs. Different types of sweet dishes are included among the Lenten foods, while many popular foods are excluded on certain days.
A hot potluck is a great way to get together with friends, family, co-workers or community members. There are a bevy of great hot dishes that can be served up and kept warm easily. It is important when choosing a dish to serve to choose something that is simple and can be made for large groups.
Tofu is a soy-based curd that's pressed together to create soft bricks that can be used in cooking as a substitute for meat in many recipes. There are a number of easy meals to cook that use tofu and taste great. While many people may be reluctant to try tofu, the food comes with a number of nutritional benefits. It's also a great source of protein.
A meat and potatoes diet describes meals that feature meat as a protein source and potatoes as the vegetable and carbohydrate source. These diets can be healthy, since potatoes are a nutritionally beneficial food. Meat is an excellent source of protein and contains vitamins and minerals as well. As with any diet, preparation is key to keeping the meat and potatoes diet a nutritious and well-balanced approach to nutrition.
By catching a quick meal between activities, you help your body maintain a healthy blood sugar level. While making or buying a meal depends on your preferences, one way to guide your choices when putting together a mini meal is to strike a balance between protein and carbohydrates, fats and fiber. Also, use vegetables when possible to get the benefits of their vitamins and minerals.
Cooking everyday is not only time consuming, but also can become monotonous. By cooking everything for the week on the same occasion, time spent chopping, preparing and cleaning dishes is considerably reduced. For example, rather than cutting up vegetables and cleaning the chopping board five times, you will only need to chop and clean it once. With a little planning and creatively, all your meals for the entire week can be made in just a few hours over the weekend.
The bacteria Listeria can cause Listeriosis, a predominantly food-borne illness that can be especially devastating to young children and senior citizens. Pregnant mothers, cancer patients, and those who have recently had major surgery can also be susceptible to Listeriosis. Because this pathogen can grow at the temperature of the average fridge, this bacteria can be especially hard to prevent. However, it can be killed in cooked, ready to eat food products with a little planning.
Eating healthy lunches on a daily basis can be challenging; many of the fast food, cafeteria, store and food cart choices available are high in fat, sodium and calories. Whether you are looking to bring healthy lunches along with you to the office, or for your child to bring appealing, healthy meals to school, there are many simple and delicious options to choose from.
There are times when you are too busy to cook, you do not have access to an oven or microwave or the weather is just too warm for hot food. With a few delicious ideas, you can prepare and enjoy a healthy, quick meal that does not require any heating at all.
Use the versatility of beef eye of round when developing your menu for the week. The cut is economical and on the lean side with lots of flavor. There's not as much waste from fat and bone as there is with other beefs, such as a chuck roast. Serve a roast for Sunday supper and use the leftovers for breakfast, lunch or dinners.
Follow the seasons when developing luncheon ideas. Let the weather and fresh vegetables inspire your choices. Consider who will be attending the luncheon as well. If it's mostly women, a lighter menu will be appreciated. If gentlemen are expected, then select heartier fare or add a few more side dishes to satisfy masculine appetites.
When you are in a rush, overworked and tired, or just plain lazy, the last thing you want to think about is a complex meal to satisfy your hunger pangs. From breakfast and beyond, simple meal ideas that nourish the brain and energize the body are all that anyone really needs to get out of chow time. Furnish your brainstorming session with a few basic ideas to make for breakfast through dessert.
For many children, the idea of a perfect meal is chicken tenders and French fries, pizza or a hamburger. While those are decent options every once in a while, it can be difficult to convince some children to eat other foods. At the same time, a healthy, balanced diet is important so that a child gets all of the nutrients he needs to grow. Consider slowly integrating some healthier items into your child's meals to get him used to them more easily.
A luncheon is defined as a formal lunch offered with a meeting or special occasion. Since hosts present luncheons in the middle of the day, the emphasis is usually on smaller portions compared to those for a dinner. You can be as creative as you have time for, stay within a budget and still please your guests by planning carefully beforehand. The word inexpensive is relative to your normal budget and might mean quite different meals, depending on how you perceive money. You can always upgrade a basic luncheon menu simply by upgrading a few key ingredients.
Green leafy vegetables are among the lowest-calorie foods you can find, while plenty of fruits and plant-based additions keep the fat content low but a salad recipe full of variety. If nuts and salad dressings are added, the fat content can skyrocket without proper planning. Stick to the right ingredients for a salad that will not throw you off track while you are following a low-fat diet plan.
Chunks of lamb usually originate from the neck region, making them a relatively tough cut of meat, that responds best to a moist-heat cooking method, such as braising. Cooking lamb chunks in a flavored liquid, such as a dry white wine, serves two primary purposes: The acid in the wine assists in breaking down connective tissue, and the flavoring in the wine contributes fruity, earthy elements not present in unflavored cooking liquids, such as water.
Many parents get frustrated with their kids around mealtimes, particularly with young children between the ages of 3 and 4. Kids of this age generally have little interest in eating toward the tail end of the day, especially if they are over-tired. In addition, kids this age can be very picky about what they want to have for dinner. However, there are a few useful tips that can help guide you as your prepare a dinner for 3- and 4-year-old children.
While it's good to go out and eat once in a while, it's cheaper to fix your meals at home, and this allows you to be creative and look for ways to eat healthier. When deciding on homemade dishes, think about the kinds of foods your family likes to eat. For example, if your spouse enjoys spicy foods, you can prepare a meal that has a Southwestern or Caribbean influence.
Grandma's banana pudding, your co-worker's fabulous trifle dish and the budding chef's melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies all draw crowds at food gatherings. If you want your dish to join the ranks of the most talked about potluck desserts rifle through the cookbooks, search online or brainstorm with friends to come up with the best recipe ideas. Decide which dish lets you show off your creativity and will capture a fan base through great taste.
Encourage kids to have a hands-on knowledge of American history by hosting a colonial potluck. Before the dinner, discuss the foods colonists ate and the techniques they used to prepare their food. Then tell each child to bring a colonial-inspired food to the dinner. Each child should be able to taste every dish.
Lent refers to the 40 days of fasting practiced by many Christians between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday according to the Christian calendar. Lenten fasting rules have evolved to basic norms which many Catholics follow. The present fasting rules outline religious observers to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent, although fish is allowed. Many restaurants will feature a fish dish or vegetarian option during the Fridays of Lent.
Potluck dinners are fun to host and even more fun for tasting the various dishes folks bring. A potluck dinner is also a budget-wise idea, since it spreads the total cost of the meal among the participants. Adding a theme, such as a certain culture, national holiday or a favorite sporting event, increases the entertainment factor of the event.
A potluck meal can produce a vast array of dishes representing all the food groups. Along with the salads, fruit dishes, breads and desserts, the casserole--also known as hot dish--is a potluck mainstay. The casserole is usually meat-based, but can be vegetarian, and usually includes a starch such as pasta, rice or potatoes, along with a tomato or cream sauce.
When you are planning a murder mystery party, consider creating a mystery cake that matches the theme. Most of these parties involve a mystery story in which all of the guests play a role and have to figure out who the murderer is. There are all sorts of cakes that are appropriate for a murder mystery party.
Bottom round steak is often referred to as western steak, griller steak, Swiss steak and chuck arm, according to Recipetips.com. Left alone, bottom round can be a tough bite to swallow but when properly marinated and thinly-sliced,after cooking, it becomes juicy and fork-tender. Steak has many health benefits for adults and children, alike. According to Beefmyths.org, "Nutrients that are found in beef contribute to optimal growth, cognitive function, red blood cell development and prevent iron deficiency during the adolescent years." By following a few basic steps, you can turn a thin sliced bottom round steak into a healthy meal your…
Enjoying a meal with friends and family is one of life's simple pleasures. Preparing that meal, on the other hand, can be a daunting task. Whether you're throwing an impromptu dinner party or you suddenly find yourself surrounded by your children's friends, you can prepare a tasty, easy meal in under an hour.
Ice cream is the standard frozen dessert, but by no means the only option. For those who don't or can't eat dairy products, a variety of frozen dessert options are available commercially. If you can't find what you're looking for in the store, you can make your own non-dairy frozen treats -- from the simple to the sublime.
There are many varieties of lettuce and salad kits that include prewashed lettuce and other salad ingredients in one package available in your supermarket. Making simple lettuce salads is fast and easy, and you can dress them up or down at your discretion with salad dressings and different ingredients.
A great meal is pleasing to the eye as well as to the palate and equally nutritious. You don't have to be a trained chef to cook a great meal. Even a simple meal can be impressive as long as it is carefully cooked using high quality, fresh ingredients. However, you can make quite an impressive meal with a little bit more detailed planning and by allocating the correct time required to cook the dish.
Whether you are the type who cringes when the invitation says "bring a dish" or you are the casserole queen and just looking to add a few more dishes to the recipe box, getting creative in the kitchen is the first step to preparing for a potluck. For many, the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of the word "casserole" is tuna or green beans. While those are staple casseroles, you can spice up your next casserole by venturing into ethnic foods for new inspiration.
Life's daily routine can turn weekdays into a blur of work, child activities, homework help and home maintenance. With all that the world throws at the average adult, it can be hard to set aside time for cooking balanced and healthy meals. However, with a couple of hours on the weekend and the right ingredients, most cooking can be accomplished before the week even starts. That way, on weeknights all you'll need is a little time to warm up your delicious prepared meals.
Moussaka is a popular Greek dish that has been served since the 13th century. It is thought to have descended from ancient Arabian cuisine. It is also served (albeit differently) in both Turkey and Lebanon, as well as appearing on restaurant menus all over the world. It is delicious when served with warm bread, alone, or as a starter or a main, and it almost always uses minced lamb.
Making ready-to-eat meals in single or family serve portions is a time- and money-saving idea for busy individuals who wish to serve their families a hot, sit-down meal at the end of each day when extra family, school or work activities make it hard to find time to cook. Businesses, such as My Busy Day Gourmet (mybusydaygourmet.com), allow busy cooks to create their own homemade entrees and then professionally package the created meals for freshness and reheating convenience. Cooks can also invest in a vacuum food sealer to create their own home-cooked, ready-to-eat meals for hectic days (See Resource 1…
Busy moms and caregivers are always on the lookout for quick, easy, creative meals that are tasty and nutritious. Kids are some of the toughest critics when it comes to mealtime. Name, color, texture and taste are some of the most important factors in creating an appetizing meal. When baking a new dish or recipe, try giving it a cool name so that people will get a good impression before the even trying the food. Creativity with meals is just as important as the preparation and ingredients.
With more couples working these days, it becomes a challenging task for people to come up with healthy and balanced meals after work. While it is okay to consume a pizza or hamburger occasionally, eating junk food everyday can ruin your health and open the door for myriad health problems. After working hard the whole day, it is often impossible for a person to cook up something grand. Instead of getting stressed out, look for easy after work meal ideas.
Potluck dinners and parties are ideal places to sample specialty and signature dishes of friends and family. Whether you are making a potluck dish for a small gathering or for a party of 30, take steps to prepare easy, tasty dishes that travel well.
As the days get longer and the temperature starts to rise, the last thing you want to be doing is standing over a hot stove and oven for hours preparing dinner for the family. The summer months are meant to be spent outdoors, enjoying the warm weather. Select meal ideas that require little cooking or that are easy to put together so that you can spend more time outside of the kitchen with your family.
Winter potlucks can be a good opportunity to meet together with family and friends during the coldest months of the year. These potlucks also give you chance to showcase your favorite winter or holiday recipes. Tailor your potluck dish or beverage to fit with the season by choosing warm comfort foods.
When you think of lettuce you might only think of iceberg lettuce, that pale green ball of leaves that has crunch but not much flavor. However, lettuce also comes in colors such as red, pale yellow and purple (radicchio, endive and purple oak leaf, respectively). Textures vary from the crunch of romaine to the soft leaves of butter lettuce. The leaves may be round, oval, frizzled, lobed or oblong. Tastes vary from mild Bibb lettuces to pleasantly bitter lettuces such as spinach and arugula.
There are many themes from which to choose when hosting a luncheon. Common ideas include themes of a cultural nature, themes celebrating significant days of the year, holiday themes or themes with a cause, such as promoting awareness of breast cancer, of raising funds for a school trip.
Potlucks are all about bringing people together for any occasion without putting all of the preparation on the host. What better theme is there for a potluck than Italian food? Italy is the land of family, wine and food; enjoy the festivities of your potluck with all of the best dishes Italy has to offer.
Many recipes are for large meals that take lots of time to make, but are not good for when you want something small and easy. By combining things you may already have in your refrigerator you can make small meals for every day of the week. Small meals are also a way to lose weight because they help with portion control.
Cooking can be challening in the great outdoors. Without easy access to a plentiful water supply and a traditional oven, refrigerator and stove, you must modify recipes to make cooking easier. It's also difficult to bring a large amount of food with you, so plan ahead and make use of all the food you bring.
The Oxford English Dictionary first printed the term "potluck" in the 16th century when it defined a potluck as one's luck or chance as to what may be in the pot, i.e. cooked for a meal; it related to when a traveler stopped for a meal at a stranger's home and had no idea what he might be served. In modern times, potlucks are still popular meal choices and guests at a potluck gathering still take a chance of not knowing what others will bring.
Potluck dinners give you a chance to visit with your friends and show off your culinary skills. Because each person only brings one dish, potluck dinners are less work for the hostess. A kitchen quickly becomes crowded if too many guests try to cook at one time, so dishes served cold are perennial favorites.
Hot summer months call for cool, refreshing meals that you can prepare using the least amount of heat possible. There are many meals you can prepare to feed the whole family with little to no use of the stove, including salads and various pasta dishes.
According to British Columbia Health Link, when feeding a 1-year old child, parents should decide which foods to serve at a meal but allow the child to decide for herself how much she wants to eat. When planning meals and snacks for young children, incorporate healthy foods from the seven food groups.
When you're in a hurry and it's time to eat, cooking an extravagant meal can seem like an impossible task. However, there are a whole host of delicious, quick meals you can prepare for yourself and your family when you're short on time. Whether its for a weeknight dinner or a quick weekend lunch, these meals are as easy as they are fast.
Throughout history, Japanese food has come to encompass a wide variety of ingredients, including rice, soy and beans. if you want to impress friends or family with unique and celebratory Japanese dishes, there are a few special occasion dishes that you can cook.
Eating healthy is not always easy, especially when you are busy with work, kids and other everyday responsibilities. Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to eat healthier and avoid the dietary pitfalls of fast food items. There are many meals that you can make that require little time and preparation. Microwave meals and frozen entrees require little effort and other dishes like oven baked chicken can be cooked in less than 30 minutes. One of the best ways to make sure you avoid fast food is to keep your fridge stocked with food options; not having any…
If you often find your child's lunch untouched once the school day is finished, consider packing up new foods that will delight and surprise your kids. Aside from being something that your children will want to eat, make sure that their lunches are generally healthy and nutritious. Add a special treat on certain days to remind your kids of home.
For busy mothers who are trying to juggle the stresses of everyday life, it can be overwhelming to figure out what exactly to pack inside of your children's lunchboxes. After all, it can be so tempting to just throw in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a bag of Doritos and call it a day. However, some easy and healthy options for kids' lunchboxes do exist.
A new mom can usually use some help in the kitchen. She may be excited, scared and exhausted at the same time. Between caring for a new baby, other children, a home, and her own exhausted self, there is usually precious little time left for cooking meals. This is a time when she would most appreciate some home-cooked meals that she can just heat up and serve.
Healthy meals ideally provide vitamins, antioxidants, and provide satisfaction that will leave eaters pleasantly full without loading up on calories. Whether eating to lose weight or modifying a diet to meet a certain lifestyle, these choices will ensure satisfaction and a lack of guilt that eating an entire pizza or sending out for Chinese food yet again simply cannot provide.
Getting your picky eater to eat her food can be a difficult task, especially when she doesn't like the foods she needs most. But you can dress up vegetables and other important food by making the meal fun for her. Many small children are picky eaters, which can affect their health during a time when proper nutrition is especially important: their early years of development.
Salads don't have to be the usual lettuce, tomato and cucumber afterthought that come as a side dish when you're out at a restaurant. What better way to get a few servings of fresh, healthy vegetables than with a meal-sized salad full of flavor and crunch? Whether you're craving Mexican, Chinese or American fare, you can be sure there's a salad out there to satisfy your taste buds.
If you count calories, you probably prepare a lot of your own meals. Many meals based on a 2,400-calorie diet are tasty, nutritious and filling. One effective approach is to to convert popular entrees into low-fat, low-calorie meals by using less oil, replacing fatty ingredients with reduced fat substitutes, and measuring portion sizes.
In preparing breakfast for your picky eater, you have a seemingly unlimited number of options, even with the limitation imposed by the person you are cooking for. Fruit is a common breakfast food because it is a good way to add dietary fiber, and is a source of natural sugars good for memory. With enough effort, you will find what works best for you and your family.
Salads can make a nutritious idea for lunch, and can provide a relatively inexpensive option for your luncheon meeting. Serve a luncheon salad that is anything but boring and you will have your guests smiling and happy. Add a few table decorations and some stimulating conversation and your guests will sing your praises.
Smoothies are a healthy option after a workout, in the early morning, or whenever you are on the go. Many are made with milk, yogurt and other dairy products to give them a protein and liquid boost. Unfortunately, if you are lactose intolerant, or cannot consume dairy products, smoothies with these ingredients do not work for you. You need options that will not make you sick, but still provide the quality and consistency of smoothie that you desire.
Catering large events can be extremely stressful. Keep it simple with a traditional meal that’s easily prepared and enjoyed by most everyone. According to EventCateringIdeas.com, two very important steps are choosing a couple of trusted companions to help the day of the event and getting organized. If you select a simple menu, it’s much easier to estimate ingredients, and you don’t have to worry as much about overcooking.
Jamie Oliver, cookbook author, uses simple ideas and healthy recipes. He is changing palates from desiring fast food to home-cooked meals. Jamie Oliver has also challenged around 20,000 cafeterias across London to serve healthier meals by heading up his Feed Me Better campaign to try to improve Britain's school cafeteria lunches. He believes meals can be healthy and economical at the same time. He has started a food revolution.
A potluck asks guests to bring a dish with them. Potluck dishes bring variety to the food table where guests can show off their best recipes and sample others. If you have a potluck, find out what your guests are bringing to make sure not everyone is preparing the same dish.
From Chinese Chicken Fried Rice to a family favorite chicken and rice casserole, these two ingredients are used together worldwide. Easy to prepare, low cost chicken and rice dishes are are a mainstay in many cultures.
A seven-course meal is not a typical everyday dinner event, but it can be a perfect way to entertain guests. When serving a meal with seven full courses, the meal should be the central focus and typically takes two hours to enjoy fully. While there are no set rules about what to serve in a seven-course dinner, there is a particular way in which to serve the courses that makes the experience enjoyable for your guests.
A homemade meal was the norm in the mid- to late-20th century. More and more, Americans are opting to eat out rather than take the time and effort required to make a meal from scratch in their own kitchen. Home-cooked meals are almost always healthier than restaurant-prepared food. The key is finding easy-to-prepare meals that your family will eat and enjoy.
If you are looking for a comfort food meal, nothing satisfies like pasta. Even the fussiest eaters usually like dinners including pasta. It comes in a variety of shapes, colors, flavors and sizes to fit the need of any recipe. One of the good things about pasta is you can get creative with it. It is a versatile food, served cold or hot and the recipes using it are almost endless.
Mince is an inexpensive, versatile ingredient. You can make a wide variety of meals with it, depending on the other ingredients you use. It can be a good way of getting children used to the taste of meat or disguising vegetables for picky eaters. Although most mince dishes are made with beef mince, you can substitute lamb or pork mince to change the taste.
A nice and hearty meal often goes hand-in-hand with the idea of a meal of meat and potatoes. With such a basic term, there are various ideas that can be used when planning a meat and potatoes meal whether you are seeking the best-tasting comfort food with a twist or if you prefer a meal that is considered to be on the lighter side of choices.
New mothers experience an extreme life change the moment their first child is born. The added responsibility and shift in priorities can be stressful, especially when it comes to the day-to-day tasks of running a home or performing at work. Cooking meals is a task that may take more of an effort while caring for the new child. Plan a menu ahead of time and choose meals that take little preparation to make things run more smoothly at meal times.
Many vegetarians are faced with the same problem as meat eaters when it comes to creating meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Because vegetarians don't eat meat and some don't eat dairy products or eggs, it's often necessary to substitute foods that provide the same or similar nutrition benefits. Cooking with foods such as beans, tofu and meat substitutes allow you to create meals that are hearty and versatile.
Jambalaya is known throughout the culinary world as the definition of Louisiana's distinct cuisine. Influenced by both Spanish and French culture, it is comprised of meat, vegetables, rice and stock. There are three main variations, each with its own distinct flavors, which jambalaya meals can be based around. Each is the main dish, but you can determine drinks, side dishes and desserts based on which variation you choose.
Senior citizens often require a diet that is slightly different from other individuals, especially if they have medical conditions or problems with chewing or digestion. According to the nonprofit resource Helpguide, fruits and vegetables and meals with proper nutrition can positively benefit a senior's muscles and bones, resistance to illness and disease, energy levels, immune system, and mental acuteness.
Salmon is a flavorful fish that lacks the saltiness commonly associated with "fishy" dishes. It is filled with Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D, which makes it an excellent part of a balanced diet. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends eating fish, like salmon, at least twice a week to keep the heart healthy and reduce the chance of heart attacks.
Beef provides a variety of meal ideas. The meat is versatile, and pairs well with many ingredients. The best cuts have little fat on them and are fresh. Prices vary by region and time of year.
During the summer, the last thing you want to do is heat up your house by turning on the stove. Instead, chill out with meals that need no cooking. Most non-cook meals can be done quickly, are easy to prepare and are satisfying enough to grace the dinner table as the main course.
Many of today's families lead hectic lifestyles, and homemade meals are often one of the first things to suffer. One solution is to spend a single day each weekend cooking meals that can be frozen and reheated on busy weeknights. There are a number of dishes that freeze well, and you will feel better knowing that you are eating nutritious meals instead of takeout.
The Caribbean includes countries such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Caribbean vegetation includes an array of fruit like coconut, passion fruit and papayas. Rare exotic Caribbean fruits make meals delectable. Vegetables such as yams and yucca grown on the islands make good staples for many dishes. Islanders serve chicken, the most economical meat, in a variety of common Caribbean dishes, but they also use fish, beef and pork.
Kids are notoriously picky eaters, especially when it comes to healthy food like fruits and vegetables. Although it is usually easy to get a group of kids to eat their desserts, it can sometimes be challenging to entice them to eat the rest of the meal. If you are hosting a group of kids, your menu should be kid-friendly in terms of how it tastes and how easy it is to eat.
Some people spend the entire year looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday. While the purpose of the holiday is to reflect and be thankful for the things we have, Thanksgiving is also the day when many people enjoy one of the best meals of the year. While you can hardly go wrong with the traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce, consider some ways in which you could add a new spin to your Thanksgiving dinner.
A potluck is a community meal where each guest brings a dish to share. When preparing for a potluck, consider meals that most people commonly enjoy, without too many odd or allergenic ingredients. Make sure the meal will travel well if you are headed out of town for your potluck.
Christmas dinner is often the fussiest, most complicated meal of the year, and plenty of people relish the challenge. If you're not one of them, there's no need to sacrifice a nice meal. Easy holiday meals can be fancy and can still feature traditional holiday staples. Whether you're cooking for a small family or just don't feel up to a massive spread, simplifying the dinner helps keep Christmas stress to a minimum.
Cooking dinner every day can turn into quite a chore, especially if one has to do it after having worked a whole day. One way to make this task easier is to cut down on prep time by preparing meals that are simple to make. This tactic will leave your family satisfied without leaving you feeling as though you've spent too much time in the kitchen.
Eating small, healthy meals is the key to losing weight and staying slim. In order to do this, maximize the amount of low calorie foods that you eat, while minimizing the high calorie ones--helping you to stay full on fewer calories. To eat small meals, you should aim for meals that are around 300 to 400 calories. This will allow you to stay within a normal calorie range.
Some people might choose to cook vegan-style out of the desire to cleanse their bodies. Some may eat vegan meals out of necessity due to food intolerances. Others choose to eat a meatless, dairy-free, egg-free meal a few times a week in an effort to limit their own environmental footprint. Whatever the reason, there's no shortage of delicious vegan meal ideas among today's culinary delights.
The cost of meals is a significant portion of every budget, and frugal people look to save money wherever possible. Most people are aware that cooking at home is much less expensive than eating in restaurants. You can save even more money by following some simple guidelines when you cook. Choose your ingredients with a budget in mind, and you'll end up with a lot more money in your pocket.
A meal for one does not have to be uninspired and making one does not have to be a chore. You can put a new spin on some old single-serving standbys by using herbs or creative ingredients and combinations. You can buy small quantities of some items or prepare and freeze larger quantities. Adding variations to some familiar dishes and storing individual portions of others for later use will make creating good food quick and easy.
Cooking can be a pleasurable activity that enhances your life and your health. Claire Robinson, host of "Five Ingredient Fix," a Food Network show that showcases recipes made with five ingredients or less, is a believer in the idea of less-is-more cooking. "Delicious dishes only need five ingredients or fewer to make cooking easier, faster and down right irresistible," her website says. The Mayo Clinic suggests shopping with a focus on fresh and unprocessed food, and including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors you love, and simplify your favorite recipes…
Spanish food is fresh, natural and simple. Spanish dishes often include garlic, tomatoes, onions, almonds, olives, olive oil, sherry, saffron, seafood, chicken and game. If you want to eat like the Spanish, try making these dishes for lunch. In Spain, everything stops for a long, leisurely midday meal. Dinners are usually lighter and can occur quite late in the evening.
Eating well during the college years is not always easy. Life on campus is often busy and loaded with challenges and struggles with time management. Many college students end up eating unhealthy meals on the go. However, there are many quick and easy meals that can be incorporated into a student's busy lifestyle. College students need nutrient-dense brain food, not sugar-laden snacks.
As one of the most tender cuts of the round steak, eye of round is a versatile beef with a wide variety of recipe applications. Try experimenting with any recipes by changing the ingredients in the dry rubs and marinades, as well as serving it with different side dishes, such as pasta, rice or potatoes.
It is not uncommon for both parents in a household to work. This makes it hard to have enough time to cook meals for the family. Single parents are in the same position. Store-bought frozen meals taste acceptable but are more costly and less nutritious than a home-cooked meal. A home-cooked meal can still can be a reasonable plan for a busy family with some foresight. The key is to prepare meals ahead of time by picking one day a week to cook.
Feeding a family of four is a chance to be creative and serve a wide variety of healthy foods. Here are some ideas for well-balanced and delicious meals.
Cooking for two can be a challenge because most food is packaged for larger families, and leftovers rarely taste as good as fresh food. These meal ideas will help you to make delicious meals the perfect size for you.
Making meals at home can help save money while ensuring that you consume healthy foods to keep you running strong and keeping your weight in check. If you plan ahead instead of leaving dinner decisions for the last minute you can cook a healthy meal for your family in about the same time it takes to drive to and from a fast food restaurant.
Anyone who cooks regularly for a family is always on the lookout for easy meal ideas. Meal starters are general items that can be used to prepare a variety of dishes from a simply stocked cupboard or refrigerator. A good starter can be used to make a number of recipes.
Dairy is a necessary part of every diet. It is rich in calcium and vitamin D and is essential for bone growth and healthy teeth, skin and vision. Eating dairy at each meal is a great way to make sure you are getting all these vitamins. Try including cheeses, yogurts and milk to your recipes for their health and flavor benefits.
Everybody gets bored of eating the same old recipes day after day, and it's easy to get stuck in a bland-food rut. However, it doesn't take a list of exotic items or hours of cooking to whip up an interesting meal. You can combine common ingredients in new ways, try different preparation techniques and/or add an occasional gourmet item to turn any boring meal into a delicious feast.
It is hard to find time to prepare healthy meals for your family. Freezing meals in advance not only saves time and money, it provides you with a health meal. There are many dishes that freeze well, and even if you only have a small freezer, it is worth the time to make a few extra meals to freeze.
When the temperature drops and the wind gets chilly, it's time to get cozy. Turn on your oven, panini press or any other heat-emitting appliance you can find. Reach for savory meats, artisan cheeses, crusty breads, seasonal veggies and flavorful spices and then prepare yourself for ultimate blustery weather comfort food. Experiment with fall and winter meal ideas that will make your mouth water and make you want even more.
Entertaining groups is fun, but preparing food for a large group can be a challenge. With some planning and preparation, you can prepare a tasty, light and nutritional meal for a large crowd that doesn’t take a lot of time. Involving guests in the preparation means less work for you and ensures that people get the meals they want.
It is difficult to describe American cuisine, as it is a culmination of various foreign influences that were twisted, molded and adapted to fit American ingredients and taste. Meals ranging from Italian-influenced pastas, to hearty European-influenced meaty dishes have made their way into the hearts of Americans as American cultural cuisine.
Families are so busy these days that it is often difficult to get a decent meal on the table for kids without resorting to frozen convenience foods. Convenience foods are often expensive and contain ingredients that are not very healthy. Easy meals can be made that kids will enjoy without expensive ingredients or a lot of time spent in the kitchen.
Having an emergency kit of foodstuff stocked in your home, another in your car and perhaps a third at your office can give you peace of mind. The American Red Cross recommends storing enough food and water for two weeks for each family member. Consider canned and dried foods that will not spoil. Also remember to stock a can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, waterproof matches and a small pot to heat food. Bottled water or packets of water that will keep longer are valuable additions. Include vitamins for nutrition.
Cheap and healthy meals will keep you feeling great, while leaving money in your pocket. Buy your meats in bulk, and portion them out for multiple meals. Choose the freshest produce you can find to add healthy variety. Use your oven or slow cooker to make a one-dish meal. Reheat leftovers without adding fat for an inexpensive, healthy meal.
One of the reasons behind single people's unhealthy diet is the lack of interest in cooking for one. The fact is healthy meal ideas for one do not need much time and do not cost a lot of money to prepare.
The price of food has risen considerably in the past year alone. But people still care about giving their families healthy food. Here are some pointers on creating healthful, affordable meals at home.
Having a healthy meal at lunch is important to every person. It not only what you need to satisfy your hunger during the middle of the day, but it also gives you the energy needed for an afternoon of work, study and/or play. Additionally, having a healthy lunch helps to prevent food binging on junk food.
Healthy meal ideas for a 1-year-old child usually include a colorful assortment of fruits and the greens of highly nutritious vegetables, with limited additions of fat and sugar. To get your child eating healthy meals, all it takes is some careful planning and a little creativity.
A good staff meal makes adequate use of leftovers while providing restaurant employees with a nourishing meal before a busy shift. The key to a good staff meal is variety, foresight and a little care.
The term 'weight loss' often sparks an image of those two dreaded words: diet and exercise. With fad diets and gyms at every turn in modern pop culture, most people don't realize that eating healthy isn't something that has to be connected with flavorless meals, high-intensity workouts and a ban on all your favorite foods. In fact, there are numerous healthy meals to keep you full and satisfied throughout the day. All it takes is some planning and the willingness to cook. Cooking for yourself gives you more control, something you may not have elsewhere.
Whether you're lactose intolerant, going vegan, of just trying to reduce saturated fat, eliminating milk products from your diet may seem difficult. No pizza? No burritos? No ice cream? In reality, there's plenty you can eat and many good substitutes on the market when you really need to satisfy that craving.
Learning to prepare kosher meals involves keeping some general rules in mind. Meat and dairy may not be consumed in the same meal; meats must be kosher meats; no pork, shellfish, or bottom dwellers; and all foods must be kosher certified. While kosher cooking involves some planning and thinking ahead, it is actually quite simple and there are many options for meals that will be enjoyable for all.
College chefs tend to lack two important things that the average cook has at least a moderate amount of: money and experience. Your experience will grow quickly, but you likely won't have much money until you're out of school. Fortunately, there are many easy and inexpensive recipes available.
Burgers are a food that graces people's tables many times a year. A burger can consist of several types of meat, some commonly thought of and some not so much. With the endless amount of ideas on how to fix a burger meal, you are sure to find one that pleases your family.
Compiling a handful of meal ideas that don't require the stove or oven is great for days when it's too hot to cook or you're short on time. Read on for ideas about no-cook meals.
With a few new harvest meal ideas, you can step away from your normal steamed vegetables and baked fruit, and bite into a scrumptious harvest meal.
You need to cook a meal for one and you're tired of eating frozen dinners. No problem. Take recipes and downsize them for single meal ideas you can make at home.
Friday night usually finds the cook tired from the long work week, so keeping mealtime quick and easy will allow everyone to enjoy the food and company--even the cook. Meals that are partially prepared ahead of time and those to which everyone can contribute will fit the bill for Friday night's menu.
Every family has at least one picky eater: typically a child, but sometimes an adult who turns up his or her nose at anything new, different or most of all healthy. When preparing meals for your loved ones, you want to please even the most finicky eater. However, it is important you select meals that are healthy, as well. Fortunately, there are ways to find balance and make nourishing meals everyone will enjoy.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used in a variety of ways. Purchasing a bag of the ready-to-cook chicken enables you to prepare quick and healthy meals for your family.
For those who choose to go meatless, there's no limit on tasty, healthy food choices. While many meatless dishes contain carbohydrates, they are generally good carbs that are low in sugar. A combination of both cooked and uncooked meatless items will open the door for more meal options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The French have a reputation for eating very rich, elegant, almost fussy meals, but in fact everyday French cooking can be surprisingly simple. Many famous dishes originate from humble ingredients or even from legendary kitchen disasters--onion soup is nothing but onions and water, tarte Tatin is an apple pie that crashed to the floor and had to be served upside down. What makes a French meal really different is a set of standard foods traditionally present on the table, and the meal's pace.
You've had a long day at the office. The last thing you feel like doing is cooking, but the kids are hungry. Have no fear! There are plenty of easy midweek meal ideas. Here are a few ideas.
Ham is a versatile pork product, marrying well with sweet and spicy companions. Serve it at any time of day as a main course or in a side dish with numerous ingredients. After initial cooking, eat it hot or cold.
Big meals can be intimidating. Though it's true that cooking for a large number of people is a big job, it doesn't have to be hard. Choosing items that are easy to cook will help ease the stress. Before you roll up your sleeves and get to work, check your kitchen to see if you have ample space and all the pots and pans you'll need in order to cook a big meal.
Small meals can still be healthy and filling if you include protein and nutrient-filled foods. Small meal ideas are about as varied as the number of different food combinations that exist, however, there are a few factors to consider when preparing small meals.
Host a successful luncheon by creating a light and elegant menu. Serve classics or try out some gourmet recipes. Prepare all intended food items ahead of time to dabble with taste and flavor without experimenting on your guests.
Lobsters are a prized delicacy that can be used to create many unique and delicious dishes. Lobster can be served in a soup, salad, sandwich, pasta or by itself. It can be paired with lemon, butter, cheese or chocolate. In any form, it is a meal to be savored.
The cuisine of the Southern United States is often written off as unsophisticated mushy greens and dry cornbread. Take a new look at Southern food with some suggestions for a good down-home Southern meal.
The nice part about cooking for one is that you are almost forced to be economical, just because you will so often have leftovers much too good to throw away. Leftovers mean you have cut your workload in half or maybe in thirds---and you don't have to eat the remains of the same meal all week. Freeze small portions for next month. Even better, re-use them tomorrow in a new way.
Rice is a carbohydrate and grain that is a good source of thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. It also provides the body with fiber, protein, iron, phosphorous, folic acid and potassium. Rice is considered an important staple food in different countries in Asia, North and South America, and Africa.
The use of potatoes for food dates back over 7,000 years in the South American Andes Mountains. Potatoes have been found dating from 500 B.C. in Incan ruins of Peru and Chile. Potatoes are hardy to grow and a hearty food for the body. They can be added as a side dish or a main course of any meal easily because the recipes available are diverse.
When you're cooking for a family or group of six, there's either too much food or not enough. Complicated recipes with hard-to-find ingredients cause frustration when trying to plan a meal. Meal ideas for six don't have to be a hassle.
Italian food is a popular choice at restaurants. But you don't have to go to a restaurant to enjoy an Italian meal. Plan and prepare one at home for a lot less money. Select a dish from each category or only use one or two.
Feeding five people can be expensive or budget friendly. Depending on what you choose to serve, you can feed five people for under $10 making grilled cheese with different cheeses served with soup or you can spend a little more and order out. If you want to fix a meal at home, it can be done quite simply and can be prepared and in the oven or on the table in less than 15 minutes.
Tofu is a versatile food item that works in many dishes due to its ability to take on the flavors of the food it is prepared with. Tofu doesn't have a very distinct flavor on its own, so marinate it in sauces or buy spiced tofu for a delicious, healthy alternative to meat.
The microwave oven is a marvel of modern technology. Microwaves cook food in a fraction of the time required by more traditional methods, are efficient in their use of electricity and heat the products placed inside them without significantly changing the temperature of the air around them. While many people are comfortable using microwaves to reheat leftovers, most hesitate to use them for cooking an entire meal or main dish. Microwave meals save time, energy and money, so learn to maximize the potential of this popular kitchen appliance.
Whether you are planning an event for a crowd or providing food for one, it is important to remember to keep it simple and make familiar recipes. Some of the best meals are comfort food that people love to eat, but do not always want to make.
Sport players need healthy meals to build muscles and store energy for the big game. If you have a sports player in the family, you need a few healthy meal ideas. The meals offer complex carbohydrates--the stored energy athletes need for prolonged activity--and proteins and minerals.
Greek cuisine has the characteristics of many Mediterranean cuisines: lots of olive oil, bread, cheese, wine and meat, especially lamb and chicken. Many dishes, including most desserts, involve nuts, honey and phyllo dough. If you're looking for some new recipes to try, Greek cuisine offers many healthy and tasty options.
Unhealthy eating habits lead more and more Americans into obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Learning to prepare and eat healthy meals will help reverse that trend. Eating healthy doesn't have to be a chore with bland results. You can prepare numerous healthy, tasty meals for yourself and your family.
