Gina A. Herrera

No matter the occasion, cakes have always been the favorite for many people. Nothing beats the beauty and taste of a well layered cake designed for occasions such as weddings, birthdays or just a snack for the evening with friends and family.

When you want to make the best cakes, there are some tips that would greatly help you make a delicious cake, one that will mouth-watering. Baking a cake is surely very intimidating and few failed attempts could end up discouraging anyone.

However, with these 7 tips, you will be able to bake your cakes right from start to the finish and enjoy great results. Here are some tips and tricks to help you bake a delicious cake: -

​HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS

​As with every other cooking exercise, successful baking is heavily dependent on the usage of the right tools. Having the right recipe and ingredients without proper baking tools will only frustrate your efforts and therefore you should look into this as a matter of importance.

As you learn how to bake different types of cakes, make sure that your kitchen is stocked with the most important baking tools for guaranteed success. The exciting part of this is that you might already be having some of these tools and only a few needs to be added. You can learn more about baking equipments from village bakery website.

​DON’T USE COLD EGGS

​Many bakers make the mistake of using cold eggs and forget that bringing them to a room temperature is as important as it is for butter. While many people are conscious of the need to heat or warm butter, many forget or unaware of the need to do the same to the eggs in order for the mixture to emulsify properly.

You should put your eggs in a container of warm water and leave them for up to 15 minutes. While at it, you can microwave your cut-up butter in intervals of 5 seconds and make sure you check it in-between these intervals. This is an important part of baking process which will give you a guarantee of a soft, delicious cake.

​USE THE RIGHT FLOUR MEASUREMENTS

​The quality of your cakes will largely be determined by the amount of flour you use vis-à-vis other ingredients. Depending on the size of cake you need to bake, you should be having the right size of a measuring cup or use a kitchen scale for this.

If you don’t have a kitchen scale, just use a cup but make sure you do not scoop the floor directly using the measuring cup but instead scoop with a different container ad pour into the cup. This will help prevent the flour from becoming compacted thus allowing you to use an accurate measure.

Compacted flour will mean using more than what you need and this will undoubtedly affect the thickness and consistency of your cake.

​DON’T IGNORE THE RECIPE

​One may wonder, isn’t that obvious? Well, you might not know how many people have so oftenly ended up with complete disaster simply because of ignoring this very important tip. Before starting with your baking, always take time to read the recipe ahead and know how to go about step by step based on the type of cake you are baking.

This will help you know when, where and what to do at any given point during the baking process. Just those few minutes of reading could save a lot of money as far as ingredients are concerned and also help avoid unnecessary failure.

​USE THE RIGHT TIN SIZE

​Different recipes have different tin sizes recommended in order to guarantee great results. Always use the recommended size and if you go for a different kind, make sure to adjust your cooking time downward or upward depending with the difference.

You should smear some softened butter on the tin and dust with some flour or alternatively go for baking parchment. In case you are baking the type of cakes that take too long in the oven such as rich fruit cake, try using a string or brown paper to wrap the tin’s exterior to prevent the edges from burning.

​MAKE SURE THE CAKE HAS ENOUGH AIR

​When creaming the sugar and the butter, you should aim at getting as much air into your cake as possible. Mix the sugar and cream until both the color and texture lightens. This will increase the volume and air in your cake which guarantees a lighter result. Sift the flour and use the right whisk to mix the ingredients. Do it gently so you don’t knock air out.

​MAINTAIN THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE

​The temperature in your oven is very important. You should have an oven thermometer and set the right temperature for your recipe. Also, avoid opening the oven door while baking as this will cause your cake to backfire. Bake the cake for the specified amount of time. You can insert a skewer at the center of the cake and if it comes out dry, then your cake is cooked.

If it is wet, then return the cake and add a few more minutes. With these tips, you can bake your cakes at home or even do some for sale to your neighbors. Always remember to use the right ingredients and tools for the best results.

We live in a fast-paced world filled with deadlines and responsibilities. Family, work, personal relationships, a home, finances – and anything else that life throws your way – can make for a very full plate. Heck, if you’re like most people, your plate is probably more than full; it’s overflowing.

When you have so much to juggle, it’s not unusual to feel stressed to the max. While stress in small doses can be a good thing, as it helps you navigate through life’s challenges, when you are under constant stress, you’ll end up experiencing a number of undesirable side effects. Chronic stress can lead to:

​Obviously, nobody likes to feel stressed out all the time, and certainly, no one wants to experience the above-mentioned side effects. However, trying to figure out how to cope with all of the stressors that life throws your way can be hard.

But believe it or not, you can actually combat stress by making a few simple changes to your diet and by taking supplements. Are you looking to reduce your stress levels? If so, then keep on reading! We’ve compiled a list of stress combating foods and supplements.

​Leafy Green Veggies

​Vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are good for you in so many ways. They are jam-packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that are vital for your overall health and well-being, one of them being folate.

Folate (or vitamin B9) assists with the production of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that regulate the mood. Studies have found that people who have consume adequate amounts of folate are less likely to experience anxiety and depression and are better adept to handle stress.

Blueberries

Blueberries are so sweet and delicious, but these tiny fruits are more than just a tasty treat; they are also loaded with vital nutrients. They contain anthocyanins, the pigments that give these berries their dark blue hue. Anthocyanins also have antioxidant qualities, which assist the brain with the production of dopamine. Dopamine plays a crucial role in how you respond to stress and regulates your mood.

Dark Chocolate

​Reaching for a bar of chocolate when you’re stressed out is actually a good thing! Not only does it taste good, but it can also help to reduce your stress levels and improve your mood. The key here is to make sure that you choose a chocolate that has at least 80 percent cocoa.

Dark chocolate helps your brain produce anandamide, a neurotransmitter that momentarily blocks out feelings of depression, anxiety, and pain. No wonder why chocolate can instantly put you in a better mood!

CortiTrax

​A natural cortisol blocker might be effective for combating stress. This all-natural supplement is packed with adaptogens that have been proven to reduce the production of cortisol (the stress hormone). This supplement could help you manage your stress better and improve your mood. It can also promote better sleep and increase your energy levels, too!

​Ashwagandha

​This adaptogenic herb has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It provides a myriad of benefits; most notably, it can help manage stress levels and improve the way you respond to stress. In fact, studies have found that people who take a Ashwagandha supplement experience a significant decrease in the stress levels than those who do not.

​Rhoodila

​This is another adaptogenic herb that has been found to have a profound impact on the way the human body reacts to stress. Like other adaptogenic supplements, rhodiola can help to reduce the production of cortisol, thereby improving how you react to and handle stress.

Natural health and a holistic approach to healing is gaining more and more popularity with people who want to cut down on over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Science is putting more research, money and time into figuring out the scientific benefits of natural substances and methods which have been used traditionally for thousands of years – and it’s about time.

It goes without saying that natural supplements have also become increasingly popular on the market. But there are so many of them, how on earth are you going to know which ones to take in combination for the best possible health? Here are the top ten sellers of natural supplements for 2018 from Amazon.com…

​Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar supplements come in a strength of 1, 500mg. Vinegar has long since been believed to treat conditions including high-cholesterol, high blood-pressure, blood sugar imbalances and the onset of diabetes. Apple cider vinegar is also seen as a potential aid for weight-loss.

Psyllium Husk Capsules

Psyllium comes from a plant known as Plantago ovata, and it’s become increasingly popular in natural health circles for promoting overall digestive health and can also be used as a laxative. Can usually also be purchased in powered form.

Turmeric Curcumin

Turmeric is considered an especially powerful natural treatment for inflammation, among many other things; in case you were wondering, curcumin is one of the compounds found in turmeric, the yellow spice which gives curry its color.

Horny Goat Weed Extract

Yes, it really is called that – and it’s not that funny! But it is used for exactly what it sounds like, and horny goat weed is often taken for conditions including erectile disfunction, low-libido and general aches and pains.

Qunol UltraCoQ 10

Qunol is a natural dietary supplement which is, according to its description, designed for what they call “3 x better absorption”, and can be taken as a general dietary supplement to improve your overall health.

Turmeric Curcumin with Ginger & Bioperine

This supplement combines turmeric (with its active ingredient curcumin) with ginger and bioperine. Both turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and ginger has the added benefit of being excellent for digestive health, especially to settle an upset stomach. Bioperine, on the other hand, is derived from piperine, and is said to increase the ability to absorb nutrients from food.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil is a well-known natural remedy for easing the symptoms which are associated with menstruation and PMS, including menstrual cramps, pain and swelling of the breasts – and the more serious condition affecting many women worldwide, endometriosis. It’s also known to combat other conditions related to hormones, including hair-loss.

Sambucus Elderberry Gummies

Elderberry Gummies are created from black elder extract, and is a hugely popular natural remedy – especially for fighting the symptoms of flu and colds and improving the overall immune system. (Here, it’s much better to take the supplement than the raw plant – in the case of the elder tree, elderberries are toxic and inhaling fumes from the burning elder wood can be, too.)

Turmeric Curcumin

Wow, the second-most popular option on Amazon happens to be a repeat of Turmeric Curcumin, a supplement taken to aid joint pain and inflammation; turmeric is also known for its ability to improve the immune system, and is thus taken as a flu and cold remedy and preventative measure, too.

Turmeric Curcumin: 1, 500mg

The most popular option on Amazon? Turmeric Curcumin, this time with a strength of 1, 500mg. Yes, people swear by turmeric as a supplement for their health so much that it’s on the best-seller list several times. Considering that, can you afford to be without it as a supplement?

Looking for a supplement that does all of this and more? Consider buying CBD oil in addition to this top ten list – your health will thank you for it!

Never underestimate the importance of your overall dental health. It can have a massive impact on the quality of your day-to-day life and your self-confidence. Who wouldn’t love a set of perfectly shining Hollywood-style teeth right into their old age?

Everybody would: And it’s possible! As long as you take proper, regular care of your teeth – we all know the basics, like brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing regularly: But what about a healthy diet?

​The Importance Of Your Diet

​Life is energy and energy is life; we gain this energy from our diets. Naturally, it’s ideal that you should strive to have a healthy and natural diet as much as possible: Not too little and not too much, loading up on foods that are not just good, but also good for you.

The first step to having healthy teeth is maintaining a healthy diet throughout your life. The human body needs the right minerals, vitamins and nutrients to form strong and healthy teeth – and to keep them strong.

​Avoiding Sugary Foods

​While mainstream candy advertising would like to make you think differently, you want to avoid sugary foods in your quest for healthy teeth. Sugar leads to the growth of plaque and other bacteria in your mouth: These bacteria are causes of tooth decay and bad breath – two things most people would like to keep to a minimum! Remember that the rule isn’t just limited to avoiding sugary foods, but drinks too: Water, milk and fruit juice are much healthier than soda – and often cheaper, too.

​Eating For Healthy Teeth

​A healthy, balanced diet means that you get enough of what you need and not too much of everything else. The right minerals and vitamins are needed to grow strong teeth early on in life – and to maintain these teeth well into your old age.

Some of these minerals and vitamins include calcium and fluoride, but also magnesium, phosphorous and Vitamin A. If you’re following the right diet, you should be getting all of these things through your diet.

​When You Need Some Help…

​Today’s life is rushed – and sometimes you need a little help. If your diet doesn’t allow you for all of the minerals and vitamins you need, your diet is seriously lacking – and you are very likely to feel it from teeth-to-toes.

You’ll be glad to know that this is why supplements were invented. Add a basic multivitamin to your regimen and your body will be thanking you for it! Remember to check with your doctor to find out which supplements are best for you.

​Regularly Cleaning Your Teeth

​Meat, bread, fruit… How many different things did you consume today? All of these things leave traces in your mouth and in between your teeth. A strict cleaning regimen will put the stopper on tooth decay. Caring for your teeth include brushing regularly, flossing, keeping toothpicks within reach, always making sure you have a bottle of mouthwash nearby.

If you take proper care of your teeth along with your diet, you can look forward to healthy teeth for a long time!

​Ouch! Be Careful

​Always eat carefully. Most times when people chip a tooth, it’s by biting down on something in a hurry – often harder than they intended. Sometimes it’s a small bone, other times it’s a pip. Always be conscious of your teeth!

Should something happen, if you’re insured, you should always make a visit to the dentist as soon as possible to avoid any further damage or pain.

Have you everexperienced struggling to find the right spice you need because there were too many containers? Or perhaps, you've forgotten where you placed that small box of cereal for the kids' breakfast when you could've just placed them in a container?

Well, you're not the only one. Thousands of people struggle with finding a spice or two in their kitchens, simply because they lack organization.

This lack of organization also doesn't only cost you some important minutes that should've been spent on cooking. Sometimes, that box of cereal you've pushed so far inside the cabinet ends up forgotten that by that time you remembered it, it’s already expired.

That's wasted food that should've been eaten if only you remembered where you placed it. Lucky for you,it's not yet too late. There's still time for you to organize those spices and cereals. Here are 12 great ideas on storing cereals and spices in the kitchen that you can check out:

​Classify According To Type

​One idea that you can adapt when you are storing your spices or your cereals is to store them according to type. This can help you get the spice or cereal you want without having to surf through a bunch of boxes.

For example, you can store Indian spices together like cumin, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, etc.

For cereals, you can separate the whole grains from the brands and the other types.

​Prioritize Favorites

​If classifying your cereals orspices doesn't make the cut, you can simply store them according to the frequency of usage or which ones you favor most. For example, if you use salt and pepper daily along with cinnamon, then you group them together in a place you can easily see and reach.

Those you don't use often can be placed in another area where you can still access them easily. For cereals, you can place the most favorite box in front and the other boxes after that.

​Use Transparent Jars

​Another cool trick you can apply to storing your spices and cereals is to use transparent jars. Since they are transparent, you can easily see what is stored inside. This is especially helpful if you have open shelves where you can place these jars. You can just look for the jar with the right content and pull it out.

​Label Everything

​For added convenience, especially when there are contents that look the same such as refined sugar and iodized salt, you can add a label to the containers. This way, even when two jars look to have the same content, you will immediately know which one is correct.

You can use stickers and stick them to either the lid or the body of the jars. You can also use chalkboard paint and write the label yourself. This will give the containers a more personal touch.

​Use Stackable Tin Cans

​Instead of throwing away those empty tin cans, you can repurpose them and transform them into storage for your spices or cereals. You are not only saving money on storage containers, you are also helping the environment by recycling.

​Use Drawer Dividers

​You can also utilize existingdrawers in your kitchen as storage. You can use dividers to separate smallcontainers of spices. There are drawer dividers available in stores that youcan just place inside your drawer into compartments. You can also place yourcereals or spices in flat rectangular containers and place them inside thesedrawers.

​Magnet Containers To Your Cabinet

​Another cool trick that you can use to keep your kitchen organized is to use magnets. You can drill some magnets behind the doors of your cabinets or the bottom. Then, use jars with metal lids. The magnets will help the jars stick to the door or the bottom of the cabinet.

You can also screw the lids themselves on the cabinet if you don't want to use magnets. This way, you only twist the containers off and twist them back on.

​Use A Pull-Out Rack

​There are some racks for sale that are very space efficient. They stack nicely inside the cabinet, but they can be pulled out and down. This is very convenient because you can easily push the rack up when you're done the cooking.

A good tip to go with this is to use smaller jars instead of the big ones.Smaller jars are less likely to crowd and take too much space. And when you have spices that are too granulated to be placed in small jars, you can easily dice them with effective spice grinders.

​Use Baskets

​Baskets are also a nice addition to your kitchen. If you have open shelves, you can use baskets as pseudo drawers. They are not only easy to pull out, they are also chic and stylish. Use baskets with the same style and color to give your kitchen a coordinated and organized look. But, you can also color coordinate the baskets according to content.

​Use Hooks To Hang Containers

​If you have hanging wall cabinets, you can take advantage of that vacant space underneath by installing hooks. You can hang your small spice containers on them. You've got yourself a nice storage area for your spices plus a nice decor to your kitchen wall.

And since you will be using small containers, you can use effective spice grinders to make your spices easier to store.

​Repurpose Old Office Supplies

​If you have old file organizers, pencil holders, or extra racks in your office, you can repurpose them and use them in your kitchen. They can be used as racks or organizers for your cereals and spices. This way, you are getting full advantage of their use without wasting money.

​Install A Secret Small Slide-Out Cabinet

​One of the most trending additions to kitchens today are secret cabinets that slide-out easily. You can build and install a small slide-out rack in your lower cabinet specifically dedicated to your spices. This way you are conserving space by taking minimal space with your storage.

So, the next time you buy boxes of cereal or new spices, don't just stack them in the cupboard. Be creative and purposeful and organize them properly. Whichever method you prefer to use to store your cereals and spices, doesn't matter.

The most important thing is that you keep your kitchen well-organized and clean. A clean and well-organized kitchen is more hygienic and less prone to accidents than a messy kitchen.

Lots of recipes call for Dijon mustard, but sometimes we just don't have any in the pantry. Depending on what is being made, there are lots of easy ways to substitute Dijon mustard and still have a similar final dish. You might also be cooking for someone with a mustard allergy, in which case you will have to be careful about what you are using as a substitute.

Another possible reason for substituting Dijon mustard in a recipe is a dislike of the flavor. In this case, other types of mustard may be preferable, but if you don't like those either then it's possible to use other ingredients and still have the same effect.

​Pass The Mustard

​Yellow mustard can easily be used in place of Dijon, and is particularly useful if find Dijon too sharp and spicy. Simply use the same amount, in the same way, and you should find your dish turns out very similar. In fact, depending on the flavor you want to achieve, any type of mustard can be substituted for Dijon.

There are so many different types of mustard out there, it can be nice to experiment with different flavors. There's yellow mustard, honey mustard, spicy brown mustard, wholegrain mustard and hot mustard (English mustard is also an option, and is a variation of hot mustard).

Dry mustard is also a great substitute if fresh isn't available. It can easily be prepared by mixing a teaspoon each of dry mustard, water and vinegar. It should be left for around 15 minutes for the flavors to develop, then can be used in place of one tablespoon of mustard in a recipe.

If you don't have yellow or dry mustard, mustard seeds can be ground up to make a dry mustard powder then used as above. There are different colors of seeds available, so the one you should use depends on the heat you want the dish to have.

Yellow or white seeds are ideal to replace yellow mustard, but brown seeds are perfect for creating the flavor of Dijon. There are also black mustard seeds which can be used if you prefer a really hot mustard.

​Keep It Simple – All For Mustard And Mustard For All

​If you are cooking for children, or anyone who doesn't like food too hot and spicy, honey mustard is a great replacement. Of course, it is sweeter than yellow or Dijon mustard, and is ideal for using with meats such as pork or chicken.

On the other hand, if you wish to keep the spice and flavor of mustard, but allergies are a concern, spices such as turmeric are a great substitute. You can also mix turmeric with chili, garlic and salt to create a substitute for the spicy flavor of mustard, if you have these ingredients available.

Simply grind them together and mix well, and use as required. For recipes where it's essential to keep the heat of the mustard, ideal substitutes are ingredients such as wasabi or horseradish. Both of these are hotter than Dijon mustard, so use less than the amount of mustard asked for in the recipe.

You can also combine horseradish root with sour cream and honey, if the mustard substitute is being used alone rather than cooked into a recipe. Each of the ingredients brings a different flavor element, which when used together quite closely replicate the spicy yet sweet flavor of Dijon mustard.

If using wasabi in a recipe for someone with a mustard allergy, carefully check the ingredients as some cheap imitation wasabi products are made using mustard to give it the heat. Choose an authentic wasabi and use it very sparingly.

In recipes where the mustard is used as a thickener, mayonnaise can be used instead, although it won't give the same flavor. However, it is ideal when cooking for someone with a mustard allergy. Dijon mustard is often used in salad dressings, to help the oil and vinegar emulsify.

To achieve the same effect without the use of mustard, an egg yolk separated from the white can be used. However, take care when using raw eggs when making dishes for young children, elderly people or pregnant women.

When mustard is being used as a marinade, Worcestershire sauce is a surprisingly good replacement. It is salty and sugary and also contains vinegar, making it perfect for recreating the effect of marinating meat or vegetables in mustard.

If you are looking for a replacement for Dijon mustard because you don't like the flavor, you can actually easily make your own mustard and customize it to be exactly the way you like it! Choose your favorite type of mustard seeds to grind up or use whole, and add your preferred type of vinegar or oil.

Honey can also be added for a sweeter and milder flavor. If you have time, you can prepare homemade mustard using yellow and brown mustard seeds, white wine vinegar and dry white wine. The seeds need to be marinated for 2 days in the liquid, then everything should be blended together using a mortar and pestle.

This gives an authentic flavor, but is time-consuming. It would probably be quicker and easier in most cases to go to the store and buy Dijon mustard! In many recipes, the Dijon mustard can simply be omitted without too much impact on the flavor of the final dish.

If you have already used a lot of herbs or spices to give the food plenty of flavor, you probably won't notice if the mustard is skipped. Sometimes this is the quickest and easiest option if not suitable substitutes are available.

​Conclusions

​Hopefully this guide has helped you find an ideal way to substitute Dijon mustard in just about any type of recipe you might be making. There are so many different types of mustard and possible substitutes out there, it can be great fun to experiment in the kitchen.

You might even discover a new favorite type of mustard, or a new way to make your favorite dressings using alternative ingredients. Sometimes when an ingredient, such as Dijon mustard, isn't available, it can actually lead to us becoming more creative and trying new skills.

About the Author

​Emily Dick has recently graduated with an Honors Degree from the Open University in the field of social science. She currently creates content for www.buzzparent.com, where she enjoys writing about a range of topics such as parenting tips and advice, and reviewing the latest toys and games for children.

Emily is currently raising her two-year-old daughter, and two pet cats. She is working on plans to open a children's soft play and activity center in her local town, as well as coming up with ideas for children's picture books with her daughter.

I love cooking! It’s one of my biggest joys in life, and so is eating. But there are those days when, food-wise, it seems that nothing goes your way. The food tastes bland, you’re not in the mood to cook and when you do, you don’t like it.

Are you running out of cooking ideas? The foods that you used to like don’t seem all that appealing to you and the thought of eating the same thing again brings nothing but desperation. Even the restaurants which you used to love don’t thrill you anymore. You, my friend, are in a food rut! I’ve been there, too many times than I care to admit.

I’ve got 10 tips that will pluck you out of your unpleasant food rut and get your food groove back!

Try New Restaurants

​New restaurants are my salvation! They give me life… and food. Whenever I find myself in a funk, I take to Google and begin my search for new and exciting restaurants. I say search because, as a vegan, it’s a bit harder to find a place that serves cruelty-free food.

That said, when I do happen to find one, it really gives my taste buds everything they need to call themselves satisfied, and that really ends my food rut!

​Go On A Culinary Vacation

​Most times, when you’re tired of the food you’re eating on a daily basis, you’re tired of pretty much everything else. I know that my food rut often coincides with a work rut, or any other type of rut that seems to be killing me slowly. So, what is there to do?

Find a wonderful destination that you’ve been meaning to visit and go on a culinary vacation! Immerse yourself in a whole new culinary adventure and things will fall into place!

​Food Bloggers

​When it comes to new foods, delicious recipes, and stunning food photos, the Internet is a never-ending source of inspiration for me. Whenever I feel uninspired, I check to see what my favorite food bloggers are up to and, trust me, they never disappoint!

Oh She Glows is simply amazing and filled with some of the most awesome vegan recipes on the whole wide web. I also highly recommend Minimalist Baker and the lovely No Meat Athlete.

​Eat At A Friend’s House

​If you’re lucky to have a friend who cooks, then whenever you’re feeling down about the contents of your pantry and fridge, pay them a visit and raid their pantry and fridge! I have a friend who loves to cook and we often compare recipes, share photos of food, and inspire each other.

However, her cooking style is so different from mine, as I tend to use too many spices and ingredients, and her style is on the simpler side, which I adore. And because I get to eat something so different than what I’m used to, it’s as if I hit refresh on my taste buds!

​Visit Your Family

​Whether it’s your mom, dad, sister, brother, grandma, granddad, or any other family member, chances are, they have yummy, delicious food they can’t wait to lovingly shove down your throat. I know that whenever I go home, my mom cooks mounds of delicious food for me, and I eat like there’s no tomorrow.

Nobody cooks better than my mom and visiting her always refreshes my taste buds and puts my entire food perspective into a whole new light.

​Introduce New Foods Into Your Cooking

​You know what is in the image above? It’s a plantain. They are extremely hard to find where I live, but one time, when I had a major case of food rut, I stumbled upon it in a store. I bought a few, went home and cooked something quite plain.

It was spectacular! Even if the dish itself was simple, I was blown away, simply because I only had eaten plantains one time before. Find your elusive vegetable, and introduce it into your cooking and sparks will fly, I assure you!

​Go Shopping

​Food shopping is the perfect occasion to stumble upon rare vegetables, interesting ingredients and cool dishes. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, if you have half an hour to kill, I recommend you visit a food store and just browse to see if anything jumps at you.

Nine out of ten cases, it will and you will get home with some goodies in your bag, excited about your food again. Yummy!

​Leaf through Cookbooks

​I have so many cookbooks in my library, but unfortunately, they are mostly ignored. I get so excited when I get them, then a few weeks go by and I abandon them on a shelf. But when you’re in a food rut, a leaf through your cookbooks will provide valuable inspiration, either to cook something yourself or to go out and buy it!

Even if you don’t have all the ingredients, just wing it. As long as you’re inspired, you’re good to go!

​Do A Juice Cleanse

​A quick juice cleanse will jump-start your digestive system and cleanse your palate. Sometimes, after eating lots of unhealthy foods, or even too much of one healthy thing, my taste buds feel overwhelmed or flat-out bored.

Especially after the holidays, when you eat so many delicious, but quite unhealthy foods, you just need a one or two-day juice cleanse to restart your system. It’s also a great way to get back into healthy eating!

​Work Out

​This one may seem a bit strange, but for me, one way to pluck myself out of a food rut is to go to the gym and do some vigorous exercise. This way, I’ll take my mind off the food, and work up a real appetite, so by the time I get back home, I could eat a horse.

Well, I’m a vegan, so I guess I could say I could eat a horse made of tofu. The reason this works so well is that a food rut is just boredom, and when you take the boredom away, you’re left with a healthy appetite. Try it!

​By Cristina, contributor at BookCulinaryVacations.com. She is a vegan who loves not only to eat delicious food, but to cook it too! She is also a passionate traveler, a cat aficionado, and a novice writer.

You know that fruits and vegetables are healthy, but what do they actually do? If you’re having trouble with dry skin, eye health, or high cholesterol caused by high blood pressure, there are certain foods you can eat to help eliminate these symptoms.

Although they cannot cure diseases, having a healthy diet can prevent harm to your body and keep every organ in your body working properly. However, if you have a severe deficiency, sometimes eating a serving of broccoli just won’t cut it. In this case, you can take a supplement to ensure you’re getting the correct quantity of whatever vitamin or mineral you may be lacking.

Check out Authority Reports first before purchasing a supplement to find brand comparisons based on price and quality. Keep reading to find out which foods you can eat to improve your skin, eyes, and heart.

​Foods For Your Skin

​You’ve probably heard this a million times, but the water content in your skin affects the color and quality of your skin. If your skin is looking gray and sallow, you better start gulping down some water. But there are foods you can eat which hydrate your skin by building the moisture barrier in your skin to make it smoother and brighter. Keep your skin looking fresh and dewy by eating:

Adding a few of these fruits and vegetables to your everyday diet can do wonders for your skin.

Surprisingly, omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial to your skin. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: DHA, EPA, and ALA. You need a combination of DHA and EPA to get the full benefits from this nutrient. Omega-3 is an antioxidant, which eliminates free radicals in your bloodstream, keeping your cells healthy. It maintains the softness of your skin and keeps in moisture.

Foods that are rich in omega-3 are:

If you aren’t eating three servings of fish per week, you’re better off taking an omega-3 supplement. You need at least 1500 mg of both DHA and EPA omega-3 combined, so make sure the supplement you buy has the correct amounts.

​Foods For Your Eyes

​You’ve always heard carrots were good for your eyes, and this holds true. Carrots and other colorful vegetables contain vitamin A, which is also known as beta carotene. Beta carotene gives fruits their yellow pigment, but this color is also masked in leafy green vegetables.

It boosts your immunity as well as your eye health. Leafy greens also contain the vitamin lutein, which has been shown to prevent macular degeneration, a disease which causes you to lose your vision.

​If you want to improve your eyes, you can eat:

Foods For Your Heart

​Eating foods that are highly processed and full of sodium elevate your cholesterol and your heart rate. You want to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding white sugar, fatty meats and fried foods to maintain a healthy heart rate. Having high cholesterol could lead to heart disease, a stroke, or even a heart attack. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of having high cholesterol; you can only tell by taking a blood test.

To maintain a healthy heart, you should be eating:

It’s All About The Diet

Finding the right foods to fit your diet is important, but the main thing you should look for is fresh and colorful. Fill your plate up with salads rich in different colors and you’ll be getting enough essential nutrients to help maintain your whole body.

Make sure you’re eating enough fresh fish to keep up the antioxidants in your bloodstream. If you’re not getting enough of omega-3, consider taking a supplement. Now you know which foods to put on your shopping list to improve your overall health.

With the rising cost of food and groceries in general, it is important to stay conscious of what we are paying for and receiving as a consumer. It may seem petty to some people, but knowing exactly how much of something you get for your money is only fair, including how many slices of bacon are in a pound.

This knowledge is also helpful when meal planning, so you can judge exactly how many servings you will get in a package of bacon.

​Visual Inspection

​When purchasing bacon in the grocery store, first have a look at the bacon itself. How much “white” do you see? This white is fat and as it cooks, will shrink your slices down, making it seem like less. Your 12 inch slice of bacon may shrink down to half that size once the fat renders away.

Therefore, you would require more slices to feed the family. Look at the cut of the bacon you are purchasing. Is it a thin sliced variety or perhaps a thick slice? Obviously, the thicker the slices, the less actual slices you will get in your package since each package usually weighs 12 to 16 ounces despite the cut of each slice.

​Cut/Type of Pork

The type or cut of pork may change the quantity of bacon in the package. There are a few varieties of bacon available for purchase, depending where the pork was cut from the pig. Side bacon comes from the side of the pig and is the most commonly purchased variety.

Peameal bacon comes from center back of the pig and is a leaner cut. It is also called Canadian Bacon and tends to be more “ham-like”. This variety is usually heavy and thicker, therefore rendering less slices per pound.

​Overall, if you are purchasing a 1lb. package of bacon you almost bet you will get about 16 to 20 slices in your package. If you are opting for thin sliced bacon instead, you will get approximately 35 slices in a pound. These totals are specific to side bacon, of course.

If you wish to purchase peameal bacon then you can expect to get about half the amount of side bacon at approximately eight slices per pound.

​Hopefully this helpful outline has answered your question of how many slices of bacon are in a pound. It isn’t always straightforward with a few different variables to consider, but once you narrow down exactly what you are purchasing the answer is clear.

You can then easily meal plan for your family and know exactly how far your hard earned dollar is being stretched. If this was helpful, please leave a comment and let us know. We love feedback and suggestions from our readers.

We know how important it is to know what you are buying as consumer and where your money is going, therefore answering questions like this is great for everyone. Happy bacon cooking!

Are you a vampire chaser looking to keep your garlic stock fresh? Perhaps you are like me and love to cook with fresh ingredients but want to know exactly how long is garlic good for before having to throw it away. It is important to ensure your garlic is fresh because the flavor does change with time, which could alter the taste of your dish.

It isn’t a simple answer of course because there are several factors that could contribute to how long garlic is good for, including the humidity of your kitchen, where you are storing it and how you are storing it. With a few modifications, you should be able to keep your garlic fresh in your kitchen for some time.

What Kind Of Garlic Are You Using?

With this I don’t mean, are you using specific breeds from far off countries. I mean, are you looking for the shelf life of pre-chopped garlic? Or perhaps you are wishing to know the freshness of a whole bulb? The form of garlic you are using changes how long you can use freshly use your garlic for.

Fresh, whole garlic will typically last for three to six months, while chopped garlic only for about one week in the fridge. If you purchased a prepared jar of chopped garlic at your grocery store, it should be good for one to two months in the fridge.

Storage

How you decide to store your garlic will, inevitably, change the shelf life and freshness of the garlic. If you happen to place your bulb of fresh garlic in your pantry where it might be a little warm and exposed to light, you will see it lasts a shorter time than if you stored it somewhere cool, and dark such as a basement or garage.

If you have broken up your bulb into cloves, you will see that the garlic will last only about a week in a cool, dry place. Peeling the individual cloves will reduce that time even more, so it is best to keep your garlic bulb intact until you are ready to use it.

Maybe you are curious how long is garlic good for if you chop it up and realize you don’t need it all right now. Storage in this case is a major factor in how long your chopped garlic will last. If you know you will be using your chopped garlic soon, then storage in the fridge is fine for up to three or four days in an airtight jar.

If you aren’t going to get to it for longer than that, you may want to consider freezing it. Freezing garlic is something a lot of people don’t think of and therefore miss out on keeping their garlic for longer periods. You can store garlic in the freezer in both whole bulb form, or in chopped/minced garlic form.

If you want to freeze the bulb, simply wrap it tightly in freezer wrap and place inside a freezer bag or container. You will just remove one clove at a time as needed.

If storing chopped garlic in the freezer, you will want to place it in a container which seals out air. You could even wrap little bits in plastic wrap and place inside the container for individual use.

Prepared garlic from the grocery store is probably the easiest way to use garlic, especially if you are a garlic lover like myself. It comes in a jar, with an airtight lid and is pre-chopped. The key with this method of storage is that the garlic is immersed in oil.

This helps the garlic last longer and the manufacturer will include a preservative to extend shelf life. It’s best not to do this yourself and expect long shelf life due to the risk of botulism, though.

If you prefer to keep your garlic handy on your counter but still want to keep it in the dark, dry place, you can purchase a garlic keeper, like the Norpro Ceramic Garlic Keeper which is pretty but functional for allowing your garlic to breathe and yet remain in the dark.

Of course storing your garlic in the freezer will it the longest shelf life possible over all other storage methods. If placing it in the fridge, with proper preparation and handling, your garlic should be good in the freezer for up to a year or more so long as the freezer temperature remains constant.

How Will I Know if it is Not Good?

Garlic doesn’t come with a label or best before date like so many other products on the market. It is sometimes difficult to determine how long is garlic good for just with the naked eye. You can use a few different methods to decide whether your garlic is good to go, or time to toss.

Garlic bulbs should be firm to the touch, and the white peels shouldn’t have any signs of turning gray. Graying indicates age—much like with people! Once you peel a clove, it feels smooth, and there shouldn’t be any brown markings or indentations.

If you notice your garlic bulb is starting to sprout a green vine, this is probably a good indication your garlic should be tossed. The sprout indicates it has been in your pantry or fridge too long and the flavor will be much sharper than fresh garlic will be or even bitter.

Some people don’t mind this flavor, in which case, you can simply snip off the sprout to prevent further growing.

Where Does Your Garlic Grow?

If you are purchasing your garlic from a major chain supermarket, chances are it is turned over fairly quickly, and the life above lines are applicable. However, if you are purchasing from a smaller grocery store, with less traffic and customers, the garlic you are buying may have been already sitting on their counters for some time.

This is important to consider. You could easily grow your very own garlic at home, with a few simple steps and then you will be able to truly measure how long is garlic good for from garden to table. Growing garlic is actually much easier than one would think and is outlined in detail here in this simple to follow video.

With many different variables to consider, the question “how long is garlic good for?” doesn’t have a straightforward answer.

Consider where you are storing it, how it is being stored, and then you should be able to determine the best shelf life for your garlic. No matter, don’t stop using it since it benefits our health in so many ways and plus tastes DELICIOUS! Please be sure to comment below and let me know if this was helpful in your quest to keeping garlic fresh.

Prоfеѕѕiоnаl сhеfѕ аnd ѕеriоuѕ hоmе сооkѕ lоvе сорреr сооkwаrе. Cорреr hаѕ thе uniԛuе аbilitу tо соnduсt hеаt fаѕtеr thаn аnу other mеtаl thаt is nоrmаllу uѕеd in сооkwаrе. Bесаuѕе thе сорреr hеаtѕ uр ѕо ԛuiсklу, it mоvеѕ thе hеаt еvеnlу thrоughоut thе раn, еliminаting hоt ѕроtѕ thаt саn саuѕе ѕсоrсhing аnd ѕtiсking.

Sоmе сооkѕ bеliеvе thаt hаving thе right раnѕ саn imрrоvе thе реrfоrmаnсе оf thеir kitсhеn еvеn mоrе thаn buуing a brаnd nеw rаngе. Cорреr роtѕ аnd раnѕ rеѕроnd ԛuiсklу tо аnу сhаngе in thе tеmреrаturе оf thе burnеr, fаr ԛuiсkеr thаn раnѕ mаdе оf ѕtаinlеѕѕ ѕtееl оr саѕt irоn.

Thiѕ givеѕ сооkѕ muсh mоrе соntrоl оvеr thе сооking рrосеѕѕ. Thеrе аrе ѕеvеrаl tуреѕ оf раnѕ thаt fеаturе сорреr. Thе сорреr itself саnnоt соmе intо соntасt with fооd, ѕо thеrе muѕt bе аnоthеr metal оn thе inѕidе оf thе раn.

Cорреr Plаtеd Pаnѕ:

Sоmе сооkwаrе iѕ mаdе with аluminum оr ѕtаinlеѕѕ ѕtееl, аnd hаѕ bееn рlаtеd with a thin сорреr еxtеriоr. Thе bоttоm will uѕuаllу hаvе a thiсkеr lауеr of сорреr, аnd thе innеr ѕurfасе iѕ uѕuаllу ѕtаinlеѕѕ ѕtееl.

Sоlid Cорреr Pаnѕ:

Sеvеrаl Eurореаn mаnufасturеrѕ mаkе ѕоlid сорреr сооkwаrе linеd with ѕtаinlеѕѕ ѕtееl; Fаlk Culinаir frоm Bеlgium, Mаuviеl аnd dе Buуеr frоm Frаnсе. Lаrа Cорреr сооkwаrе iѕ hаnd-mаdе in Auѕtrаliа. Thе Hаmmеrѕmith Cоrроrаtiоn iѕ thе lаѕt ѕurviving mаkеr оf ѕоlid-сорреr сооkwаrе in thе Unitеd Stаtеѕ.

Sоlid сорреr сооkwаrе iѕ muсh mоrе еxреnѕivе thаn рlаtеd оr сlаd сооkwаrе, but thе роtѕ аnd раnѕ mаdе оf ѕоlid сорреr rеѕроnd muсh mоrе ԛuiсklу tо сhаngеѕ in hеаt thаn аnу оthеr раnѕ. Prоfеѕѕiоnаl сhеfѕ inѕiѕt оn ѕоlid сорреr, whilе a ѕеriоuѕ hоmе сооk mау сhооѕе juѕt оnе - реrhарѕ a ѕаuté раn оr mеdium-ѕizеd ѕаuсераn - thаt iѕ uѕеd mоѕt оftеn.

Onсе уоu сооk with сорреr cookware fоr thе first timе, уоu'rе unlikely tо gо bасk tо аnуthing еlѕе. It'ѕ nо wonder whу аll grеаt сhеfѕ hаvе a fеw рiесеѕ оf сорреr cookware in thеir соllесtiоn.

​Cорреr Cооkwаrе Bеnеfitѕ

​Fоr аnуоnе whо hаѕ ever оwnеd a stainless ѕtееl сооkwаrе ѕеt, they know hоw littlе mаintеnаnсе iѕ асtuаllу rеԛuirеѕ. Thеrеfоrе, if уоu buy сорреr сооkwаrе with a ѕtаinlеѕѕ ѕtеаl lining, уоu mаintаin thоѕе раnѕ аѕ if thеу wеrе ѕtаinlеѕѕ ѕtееl.

Which mеаnѕ vеrу littlе mаintеnаnсе iѕ асtuаllу rеԛuirеd tо оwn ѕоmе оf thе bеѕt ԛuаlitу раnѕ. Bеfоrе buуing a сорреr сооkwаrе set, hеrе'ѕ whаt I wоuld think аbоut. If уоu'rе rеаding this аrtiсlе уоu'rе likеlу nеw tо сооking with сорреr.

Gо аhеаd аnd buу one оr twо рiесеѕ оf сорреr tо ѕtаrt out with. A mеdium ѕizеd ѕаuсе раn аnd a ѕkillеt is a gооd wау tо ѕtаrt a соllесtiоn. Onсе уоu gеt uѕеd tо сооking with сорреr, уоu can thаn mоvе оntо a ѕеt if уоu dеѕirе.

​Health Bеnеfitѕ оf Cорреr Cооkwаrе

​Fоr theѕe rеаѕоn аlоnе, уоu will notice mоѕt hоѕрitаlѕ’ dооr hаndlеѕ аnd knоbѕ аnd wаtеr рiреѕ аrе оftеn mаdе оut оf copper. The trаnѕmiѕѕiоn оf gеrmѕ can bе rеlаtivеlу avoided bу dоing so. It iѕ in linеd with other mеtаlѕ fоr рrоtесtiоn.

High ԛuаlitу сооkwаrе is uѕuаllу in linе with other metals like stainless ѕtееl. The lining рrоtесtѕ thе fооd, аvоiding сорреr tо rеасt with it. Thе соmbinаtiоn аlѕо allows рrесiѕе cooking timе for fооd to bесоmе сооkеd еvеnlу.

Final Thoughts

In ѕhоrt, copper mаkеѕ a wоndеrful mаtеriаl for cookware, but it iѕ both еxреnѕivе and rеԛuirеѕ some wоrk tо keep it in tор condition. If уоu are willing аnd able tо givе it thе аttеntiоn it nееdѕ, cookware mаdе оf сорреr is a great addition tо any kitсhеn.

For those learning how to bake a cake, you all know that the frosting plays a key role in how tasty your cake is and how it looks. You absolutely can do it on your own, but it is a challenging task to get delicious frosting while you have to spend lots of time on it.

Alternatively, it is much more convenient and time-saving to buy the ready-made frosting rather than making it on your own. However, the bought frosting sometimes can’t bring you the desired taste and flavor, and of course, it doesn’t taste home-made.

Don’t worry; you absolutely may learn how to make the store bought frosting better within some steps with simple ingredients and equipment. If you hope to get the frosting of your preference, don’t skip any part of the article since you will be provided with a comprehensive guide on what you need to prepare to get the job done and how you do it.

​What You Need To Prepare

Before kicking off doing your frosting, you have to prepare some essential ingredients and equipment.

Obviously, the first thing you need to do the tutorial is ready-made frosting. You can easily buy some ready-made frosting at any supermarket or grocery store. Choose any of your preference. There are different flavors, but the most popular are vanilla, chocolate or fruit.

If you want to get a specific flavor for your frosting, the easiest way is to add in some jams or flavor extract based on your preferences. Coconut milk extract, vanilla extract, strawberry and orange jam are great ideas for adding flavor to the frosting. But remember to choose organic jam and natural extract to get the best taste and flavor.

It will be great to mix frosting with other ingredients like extracts, jam or sugar with a hand mixer or the stand mixer because the precise repeated speed of the machine brings you the best texture and taste of the mixed frosting.

However, if you don’t have the equipment in your house and don’t want to spend money on them, you may use the spatula instead.

For the spatula, we have silicon spatula and a wooden spatula. But I highly recommend the wooden one since it doesn’t melt when meeting heat. Also, it takes your more time, attention and skills to get desired texture and taste with the spatula but keeps going; you can do it.

You need to prepare some large bowls in which you mix your ingredients. Also, get some measuring spoons to get precise of ingredients you need.

How To Make Store Bought Frosting Better

I’m sure you are so eager to know how to make store bought frosting better. Now comes the time. Let’s get started. To get a better frosting, you need to go through 3 steps which only take you a few minutes to get done.

Tips On Enhancing Your Frosting

Sometimes the texture of bought frosting doesn’t go right with your cake. Fortunately, there are some tips you may try to fix your frosting.

In case the frosting is too thick, add some more water. You just need to add some water or milk to the frosting and mix them together (milk is recommended rather than water because of the creamier flavor). On the other hand, adding in some powdered sugar does help to thicken your frosting if it is too soft.

You may prefer to add some color to the frosting. It’s great but try to take food color made of natural ingredients like vegetables or fruits so that you can reduce a number of chemicals added to your food.

​Conclusion

So far, you have learned how to make store-bought frosting better. As I said, it is so simple and easy and just takes you some minutes. Keep in mind these important things:

• In case you want to get some flavor, you should add some extract, jams or cream cheese into your frosting.
• To change thicken or thin frosting texture, you need some powdered sugar or water/ milk (milk is more preferable).
• You may add some color but try to use color made of natural ingredients for the sake of your health.

The guide is really helpful when you can’t make the frosting on your own, and the bought frosting doesn’t come with your desired texture, flavor and color. If you are dealing with the problems, try these tips, I’m sure you may get shocked with the result.

Regardless of your plans in the morning, breakfast is indispensable for a healthy lifestyle. However, things might be more complicated when you want to maximize your energy for training.

So, if you are addicted to training in the morning, what is the best breakfast for you? This article will help you find out the right option!

Why Breakfast is Important for Training

Despite its great importance, breakfast is the most commonly skipped meal in the day. And that causes countless problems that you might not even realize.

Skipping breakfast may lead to obesity because you crave for more foods for lunch or dinner. Besides, if you are used to training after that, breakfast plays an essential role. It offers you with proteins and carbs that enhance your energy level. This is crucial for strenuous exercise.

More importantly, these nutrients have significant effects on repairing your muscles after a workout. Without them, your muscles cannot grow as you wish. But what should you eat in breakfast to maximize the benefits of training? That has been a tough question for years. The secret is now revealed!

Top Breakfast for Training

Forget a cup of coffee and a packet of sandwich for breakfast! You will need healthier food for breakfast which has important effects on your day. Below are some types of foods that we believe you will find useful for training.

Undeniably, this food is a familiar name for gym lovers and athletes. It is an excellent source of fiber. This substance supports the production of carbohydrates into our bloodstream.

This process provides the body with a stable energy level. Thus, you will finish your workout with better results. Oatmeal is also one of the most popular choices for the pre-workout meal. You can easily find many versatile Do-It-Yourself recipes to make oatmeal shining in breakfast.

Even when you are not interested in nutrition for fitness, the egg might still be one of your favorite and most popular options for breakfast. Nevertheless, if you care about training, you need to know that egg white will do better than egg yolk.

The reason is that egg yolk provides some fat which our body metabolizes quite slowly. As a consequence, you may experience bloating when training. On the other hand, egg white does not contain any fat in its content.

It even supplies up to 4 grams of protein which is necessary for your training. So, you do not have to change your breakfast if it already has an egg. You just need to make a slight change by choosing egg white only.

A cup of yogurt in the morning will help you digest foods more easily. It also improves your digestive health in general. If you choose Greek yogurt, you will be surprised that you get twice as much protein as other types of yogurt.

It is the perfect choice for people who love to train hard and continuously after that. Just one thing to remember that you have to be lactose-tolerant. If you have problems of lactose intolerance, stay away from this one and seek for other choices on our list.

Banana is truly a companion for beauty lovers around the world as it has great impacts on our skin. But above all, it is a vital item for gym lovers. Not only does it raise your energy level significantly, but it also reduces pain caused by your strenuous exercise.

This fruit contains a large amount of fast-acting carbohydrates. They serve to offer usable fuel that you need for a workout. Moreover, banana is rich in potassium, and this mineral can affect the nerve and muscle to make you feel less painful.

Banana is also a quick choice for those who usually skip breakfast. If you do not want anything, grab a banana before training. Though, it is not the ultimate choice.

You can go for dried fruit for breakfast if you get up late and then, training will come within a few minutes. Dried fruit is very light, but it allows you to get some simple carbs for instant energy. Simultaneously, you are not weighed down and feel bloated during the workout.

No harmful for your health at all! Some of the best suggestions for you are pineapple, apricots or berries, asparagus. You should go for a quarter cup.

Conclusion

No matter what you go for, just remember the crucial key: Never Skip Breakfast! Choosing the right type of breakfast is dependent on your motivation, to build muscle or to enhance your stamina.

Overall, it is recommended that you use quality protein in breakfast, even when you do not intend to train after that. It has great impacts on the muscles and health.

Furthermore, quality protein will be digested very slowly, so you probably do not need to eat much during the day. Be wise to choose your diet, and you will get your expected results in fitness soon.

​Source

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/breakfast/time-for-breakfast/

​http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/perfect-breakfast

​http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/best-breakfast-you