Tuesday, October 14, 2008

5 Safe Ways to Wrap & Store Food



Whether you're saving tonight's leftovers or freezing big-batch cooking for future meals in a week or a month, how the food is stored will affect its ultimate quality. The wrap, bag, or container you choose depends on what you pack, where and how long it will be stored, and whether it will be defrosted or reheated in the microwave. The options:

1. Aluminum foil. Most versatile, because it offers optimal protection, molds easily, and can withstand cold and heat. The heavy-duty version, now in 12-inch and 18-inch widths, is ideal for long-term freezer storage.

Quick tips:
  • It doesn't matter whether the shiny or dull side faces out.
  • Cover highly acidic or salty foods, like baked ziti or lasagna, with plastic wrap, then foil, before chilling; if foil touches the food, it can break down into flakes of harmless aluminum salt. Be sure to remove plastic before heating.
  • 2. Food storage containers. Their rigid shapes take up space, but they stack well, so they're great for organizing freezer shelves. Though most containers can be zapped, they may show wear and tear (such as stains or warping) after repeated use.

    Quick tips:
  • Always open cover slightly to vent steam when microwaving.
  • Don't microwave foods in take-out containers unless they say "microwavable" — flimsy ones can melt.
  • 3. Freezer paper. This sentimental favorite does a good job protecting frozen food — and is very easy to label.

    Quick tip:
  • The shiny side goes against the food.

  • 4. Plastic bags. Food storage bags are intended for room-temperature or refrigerated foods. Freezer bags, the thickest and sturdiest, can even take a quick zap in the microwave.

    Quick tips:
  • Place bag in a bowl, for support, before filling with liquid.
  • For long-term liquid storage, leave headroom at the top — fluids expand when frozen.
  • Press out air and tightly seal bags before freezing to prevent ice crystals and freezer burn.
  • Leave filled bags flat on freezer shelves until solid to avoid odd shapes that aren't space-efficient.
  • When microwaving, open bags slightly to vent.

  • 5. Plastic wrap. The formulation of the plastic determines the tightness of the seal and how protective the wrap is against moisture loss and odor transfer. Wraps that seem thinner often cling better and are indispensable for refrigerated leftovers and brief microwave reheats. The heaviest, Saran Wrap, is the only one made for long-term freezer storage.

    Quick tips:
  • When using plastic wrap as a microwave cover, always fold back one edge to allow steam to escape.
  • Can't find your place on the roll? Wrap tape, sticky side out, around fingers, then press on roll until the end pulls up.
  • Do u like make a bread?


    I like it! And today I will be make a wonderful quick corn bread :)



    This cornbread is virtually fat-free. It can be eaten on its own or used in the delicious cornbread sausage stuffing recipe you will find in this feature. Calories, fat and cholesterol were reduced by:

    * using skim milk in place of whole milk
    * replacing whole eggs with egg whites
    * using butter-flavored granules in place of oil



    Before After
    Calories 236 141
    Fat (g.) 11.6 1
    % Calories from Fat 44% 6%
    Cholesterol (mg.) 58 1

    1 cup unbleached flour
    1 1/3 cups yellow cornmeal
    1 tablespoon baking powder
    1 cup skim milk
    2 egg whites
    3 tablespoons butter-flavored granules, reconstituted

    Coat an 8-inch-square baking pan with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, cornmeal and baking powder in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg whites and butter granules. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Pour batter into pan; spread evenly. Bake at 425 degrees until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pan.

    Makes 8 servings.

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    Hi, today I make Pork Rillettes


    This is a wonderful appetizer or hors d'oeuvre recipe

    2 pounds pork butt (about 1/3 fat), cut in 1 1/2-inch cubes
    2 cups finely diced onion
    12 medium garlic cloves, crushed
    2 large sprigs thyme
    2 teaspoons salt
    1 teaspoon quatre-épices (recipe follows)
    1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
    2 bay leaves
    1 cup white wine

    Combine all ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed casserole, cover and bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Place in 250 degree F. oven and cook until meat falls apart completely when mashed with a fork (1 1/2 to 2 hours). Check the meat while it is cooking to make sure that liquid doesn't evaporate completely, adding more wine if necessary. When cooked, remove the thyme and bay leaves and crush the meat with a fork or in a mixer, using the paddle attachment. Adjust seasoning and pack into a crock for storage or serve immediately. (If storing, pour a thin layer of melted duck or pork fat over the top to seal. Keep in the refrigerator up to 10 days.)

    Note: Serve rillettes on toasted baguette slices or crackers. Accompany with pickled onions and whole grain mustard.

    Quatre Épices
    Use to flavor soups, stews, and vegetables.

    1/3 cup white pepper
    3 whole nutmeg kernels
    3 tablespoons allspice berries
    10 cloves

    Grind the spices as fine as possible with a coffee or spice grinder (crush the nutmeg first with a meat pounder or frying pan). Sift through a fine-meshed strainer. Store in a tightly closed jar, away from heat.

    My 1st post

    I cook and bake! One of the best things to do for friends & guests is to provide good food and drink and the hospitality and fellowship that it engenders. My wife and I are omnivores, but we have respect for and can cook very repsectable vegetarian and vegan dishes,

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