Ten Healthy Reasons to Eat Chocolate This Valentine's Day

Here are ten healthy reasons to enjoy chocolate treats:

1. Chocolate has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure in a study by Yale University professor Dr. David Katz.

2. Not only has chocolate been shown to lower blood pressure, but it has been shown to actually increase blood flow. Eating chocolate triggers nitric oxide production in the body, which in turn causes blood vessels to widen and relax. Eating chocolate also helps blood to flow more smoothly by discouraging blood platelets from sticking to one another, lessening the chance of forming blood clots and plaque in the arteries. One study even concluded that consuming cocoa daily was almost as effective as taking a baby aspirin, which is often recommended for heart health.

3. Chocolate promotes a feeling of well-being by causing the brain to release endorphins. Chocolate also causes the brain to release serotonin, and healthy levels of serotonin are often also associated with a sense of well-being.

4. Surprisingly, chocolate has also been found to lower insulin resistance, allowing it to process glucose more effectively.

5. According to research done by Mary Engler, PhD, RN, of the University of California, eating a small piece of dark, healthy chocolate every day can lower blood pressure, prevent the build-up of LDL cholesterol, and protect the heart from free radical damage.

6. Pure cocoa is also nutrient-rich, with respectable amounts of B vitamins, iron, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium.

7. Like red wine, green tea and many fruits and vegetables, cocoa contains flavonoids (polyphenols), naturally occurring compounds that act as powerful antioxidants. These disease-fighting enzymes protect our bodies by trapping free-radical molecules and getting rid of them before damage occurs. Just one and a half ounces of chocolate has the same amount of phenols as a five-ounce glass of red wine, according to Andrew Waterhouse, Ph.D., another researcher at the University of California.

8. Not all chocolate is created with equal benefits, however. Dark chocolate is healthy, containing phytochemicals and nutrients, but processed chocolate is not as healthy. The percentage of antioxidants found in chocolate can vary depending on how much the chocolate has been chemically processed. Many low-quality chocolate brands and milk chocolate products actually lack most of the beneficial qualities. When adding chocolate treats to the diet, Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends eating dark chocolate with 70 percent or more pure cocoa to reap the benefits of flavonoids.

9. A study by Osaka University in Japan showed that cacao contains antibacterial agents that actually fight tooth decay. (But you should still brush your teeth after eating chocolate.)

10. According to studies by the Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the U.S. Naval Academy, eating chocolate treats did not cause a change in the skin condition of the study participants, which means that eating chocolate did not cause acne.

Now you can enjoy the best chocolate ever without guilt!

NOTE: This article is not meant to be medical advice; consult your doctor about the use of chocolate in your diet.

Lillie Corbell loves chocolate and is fascinated with what makes the best chocolate ever. She prefers European- style chocolate treats and enjoys them regularly.

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Saffron Seafood bisque Recipe

Saffron Seafood bisque Recipe is a delicious soup made of vegetables and shrimp.It is a widely eaten soup in almost all parts of the world. The addition of Saffron gives a delightful flavor and taste.

Ingredients used for recipe :

Saffron (Kesar) Branch 7.8, Shrimp (kolambi / Jhinga), peeled and deveined 8, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Garlic, 4-5 cloves, coarsely chopped, Squash, thinly sliced 100 g, 1 medium onion, Carrots, cut into medallions 2 medium, Leek, chilled 1, 1 bay leaf, Shrimp heads 20, Tomatoes, chopped 1 medium, Celery, cut into 2-inch rod, 80-10 black peppercorns, Salt to taste, 2 tablespoons butter, Refined flour (Maida) 2 tbsp

Method used for preparation of recipe :

Heat oil in a skillet. Add garlic, zucchini, onion, carrot and leek and fry.Add bay leaf and baked in shell 2-3 minutes. Heat another pan.
Add shrimp heads and two cups water and boil.

Reduce heat and simmer. Place shrimp on top of each other, and wrap in foil, drop it into the pan with shrimp heads and water and bring to a boil.
Add a cup of water to vegetables and cookuntil soft.

Add tomatoes with celery, black pepper and salt. Mix and cook for one minute. Remove the bay leaf and bring the blender mixture. Blend until smooth puree. Remove the foam from boiling shrimp stock.

Heat another bowl. Add refined flour and cook for one minute. Add shrimp stock, little by little and stir well to avoid lumps. Add vegetable puree and cook for1-2 minutes. Strain into a saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Place a serving dish.
Remove shrimp and place in the center. Sprinkle with saffron and serve hot.

Preparation Tips:

1. Preparation time: 15-20 minutes.
2. Servings: 4 persons.
3. Serve the soup when it is hot.
4. Cooking time: 20-25 minutes.

About the Author

The Author "Tom Schavo" is an expert Cooking adviser who runs a site on Cooking tips:

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The Wine and Pasta Combo

Nothing can beat the wine and pasta combo. There are very many types of wine, pasta and sauces that can really confuse your selection. It is quite notable that wine is the alcoholic drink that goes very well with pasta and the various sauces that go with it.

For you to understand this very well, just imagine taking your martini accompanied with sorrentinos and some bolognesa sauce. It can be unpalatable. That is why you need to know the perfect choice of wine to go with your favorite dish. The purpose of this article is to help you pair your favorite pasta sauce with the right type of wine. Now you can wow your guests and family at dinners as you will no longer be regarded as a novice when it comes to the knowledge of wines and sauces.

Tomato sauce is the classic sauce for pasta. When it comes to local foods, always combine it with local wine. That is the reason Italian tomato or sauce is great with Italian wine.

When it comes to selecting the best Italian wine to go with Italian tomato sauce, go for the acidic Italian red wine. It will give a taste of saucy, tangy flavor on the tongue. Those who do not take red wine can settle for Pinot Grigio which is a brand of white wine that is perfect for this purpose.

Sauces that are meat based are best with intense red wines. These are wines with brand names of Argentine Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and the like. The meat based sauces are very popular so check that you choose the wines very well.

For creamy sauces, use Chardonnay white wine. If you like dishes like fettuccine alfredo the best choice of wine is Chardonnay. Another choice for creamier sauce is the sweet white wine by the name Riesling.

Those who prefer oil will do well with Sauvignon Blanc that goes very well with oily sauce in the pasta. Other good wines for oily sauces are Semillon as well as sparkling wines.

The oldest foods in the world are pasta and wine and you will get these in almost every dinner table. They go almost as hands to gloves; and you would hate having one without the other.

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Secrets Of Healthy Lunch Recipes

There are many benefits inherent in bringing your own lunch to school and/or work,especially if you have access to some great tasting, healthy lunch recipes Much light has been shed in recent years about the benefits of eating good nourishing food and avoiding the fast food that has become so prevalent in the last decades.The convenience of junk food is alluring,but the ill effects of continued ingestion of processed food has taken an hefty toll on the health of those who habitually indulge in it.

After years of examination,it seems that the logical solution to declining health caused by repeated exposure to unhealthy food is to change our habits.Instead of stopping in for the fast food fix or grabbing a bite from the deli section,we can benefit greatly by going back to the old-fashioned idea of bringing our own lunch to work or to school.We have many choices as to what kind of food to bring, and to be honest,the good old peanut butter and jelly sandwich falls short of satisfying in the long haul.Some good,nutritious options are satisfying as well as good for you.

Many periodicals offer recipes for wholesome,nutritious lunches that are easy to make,travel well,and taste great.You can find some ideas right there in the checkout line at your local grocery store.In the magazine rack,there are also an abundance of ideas available.Another great resource for healthy lunch recipes is the internet.You can find a great recipe for just about anything you would wish to eat,and with a little bit of research,you can find some ideas that are aimed at nourishment as well as taste and appearance.With a minimum effort, you can develop a good selection of recipes to choose from.

Good ingredients are important when preparing healthy food,so one should find a good source for the ingredients.Farmers Markets,food co-ops,and local farms are good ideas.Chain stores are becoming aware of the demand for wholesome foods and are offering better ingredients.Just making an honest effort to find clean,organically grown,free-range ingredients contributes greatly to the quality of the finished meal.Try to buy food that is additive and preservative free,as these ingredients only lengthen the shelf life of the product,and rarely have benefits.Some of these additives are actually quite unhealthy.

In conclusion,it is easy to see that you can benefit greatly not just from the eating, but also the effort of preparing your own lunch.Healthy lunch recipes are easy to find,worthwhile to prepare, and great for your body and mind.They can help you to follow directions,schedule your time better,and think ahead.The benefits of making your mid day meals can be seen in many aspects of your life, from your health to your productivity.You can learn a better way of providing your body's nourishment, find a better place to buy your food,and be the envy of everyone else at the office at the same time. Bon Appétit!

About the Author

When Eating Healthy To Lose Weight You Need To Be Inspired By Healthy Lunch Recipes

Mexicali Mushroom Enchiladas

Mushrooms make a nutritious and flavorful addition to almost any soup, salad or main dish. They're packed with vital nutrients like riboflavin, niacin, and potassium, and are known to be one of the best sources of antioxidants available. They're extraordinarily low in calories, weighing in at approximately 20 calories per five medium-sezed mushrooms. Best of all, their flavor and texture works well in a wide variety of dishes and styles of cuisine.

For this unique Mexican-style recipe, you can use common white or button mushrooms, which are inexpensive and readily found at most grocery stores and supermarkets. If you like mushrooms with a stronger flavor and chewier texture, consider spending a little more for porcini, crimini, or portobello mushrooms. No matter what type you use, wash them thoroughly under cold running water before cooking.

Mexicali Mushroom Enchiladas

One dozen corn tortillas
2/3 of a pound of any ground meat or meat substitute. (Beef, turkey, and vegetarian soy-protein "crumbles" all work well. Look for soy protein "crumbles" in the frozen foods section of your supermarket.)
One cup of mushrooms, cleaned and roughly chopped
1/2 cup white or yellow onion, chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin powder
1-2 tablespoons vegetable, corn, canola or olive oil for frying
1 large can of enchilada sauce
8-10 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2-3 tablespoons of red chili powder (use more if you prefer a spicier effect)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Stir the mushrooms, garlic and onion together in a large, oiled skillet for about 10 minutes on medium heat, or until the mushrooms soften and the garlic and onion begin to brown. Add the ground meat or meat substitute to the skillet and cook together for about five more minutes. Add all of the desired spices to the mixture and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer together for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a medium-sized frying pan (preferably non-stick), cook each corn tortilla over medium heat for about two minutes, or until very soft and pliable, turning over once during coooking to ensure each side is heated. As each tortilla is cooked, place it on a flat surface and fill it with a few tablespoons of the mushroom mixture. Roll up each tortilla and arrange them in a greased 13 x 9 pan, being careful to place the seam-side down. When all the tortillas are rolled, pour the can of enchilada sauce over all and top with cheese if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

About the Author

Read more about antioxidant foods and SAM-e benefits for osteoarthritis.

Chinese Chicken Salad

I like variety in food. My wife knows this well...I have even created a cookbook for our home that consists of 28 four-course meals, none of them alike. I am not big on eating my veggies and salads, but I know I need to for the health benefits. So have come up with a great variety of veggies and salads that even I can enjoy.

This is one of the salads I can really get into:

6 LARGE SERVINGS

- 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon salt

1. For the dressing, combine these ingredients in a jar and shake it well.

- 2 chicken breast halves, boiled and shredded
- 1 9-ounce package raw Asian Style noodles, thin cut, deep fried to brown, then broken into pieces
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

2. Combine these ingredients in a large bowl.

3. At serving time, combine the dressing with the salad and serve immediately.

Make sure that you do not mix the salad dressing with the salad beforehand. The lettuce and the noodles will get soggy and soft.

This is a great salad to go with any other Chinese dish, but it can stand on its own for a nice quick and light dinner or lunch. It already has nice, lean chicken breast in it and noodles for carbohydrates, so all you might want to add is some fortune cookies to give it that extra Chinese touch.

Enjoy!

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All time favorite Lobster Recipes

Lobsters are the seafood enthusiast's greatest satisfaction. It is a very appetizing food can be cooked in different ways and versions. If you are searching for great recipes, here is a compiled descriptive list for your reference and exploration.

Deep Fried Lobster Fritters - These are deep fried little snacks served as a finger food. It is a coated clam-like goodies with real lobster meat inside.

Grilled Lobster - Your summer is not complete without this timeless grilled fish, a treat for everyone who enjoys barbecuing. A small amount of tails, melted butter, and your grill is all set to make this delicious meal a favorite.

Lobster Bisque - It is a smooth, buttery, savory soup, typically cooked on purified chowder of crustaceans particularly lobsters.

Baked Lobster - Ever tried Baked Tails? Most of the meat is located in the claws and in the tail and it is suggested to use this part if you plan on baking. This recipe is a simple gourmet meal and it will be a delight in your dining table.

Lobster Rolls - It's like a double-decker sandwich packed in with meat and blended with mayonnaise.

Lobster Thermidor - Traditional French dish that contains a rich combination of cooked lobster meat, egg yolks, and cognac or brandy, stuffed into a shell.

Lobster Stew - is a Minorca dish and often partnered with slices of bread. This recipe is usually cooked with butter, heavy cream, and milk.

Lobster Pot Pie - This unique recipe is a fresh baked chipped crust filled with creame. This can be served as a main in dish.

Stuffed Lobster - A good alternative on the customary steamed dish. This can be done through baking and usually filled with celery, green peppers, onions, and some optional like crackers and butter.

Lobster Salad - A healthy and simple recipe made with cooked celery, mayonnaise, lobster, and lemon juice. You can also add up fruits like mangoes, butter and substitute mayonnaise with Thousand Island Dressing.

Lobster Fondue - It is a famous recipe for a appetizer; a cheese fondue with a seafood twist. This is usually made with lobster tail or meat mixed with Swiss cheese making it definitely wonderful.

Lobster Primavera - A delicious Italian recipe cooked with Maine Lobsters, vegetables like cherry tomatoes, split mushrooms, broccoli, and garlic.

Lobster Omelets - A hearty breakfast recipe to make your day a healthy start. You can do different versions of omelet according to your taste buds by adding up some vegetables and spices of your choice.

There are a lot of recipes that can be searched in the web. But before you start cooking any of these recipes it is best to learn more about, how it is being prepared, and how long it should be on fire to achieve the ultimate taste of it.

About the Author

If you want to know more about lobster recipes or you want a fantastic dip sauce, you can easily find it.

4 Tasty Macaroni Recipes

Home-made macaroni

Add a well beaten egg to four cups of flour and sufficient water to create fine dough. Roll the dough on the breadboard until it becomes thin, the slice into strips and sun-dry. You will need a wooden frame with a tightly tacked cheese cloth for you to lay the macaroni properly. To prevent the dust from mixing with the macaroni, cover it with a cheese cloth during the entire drying process.

Boiled macaroni

In a pan of boiling water, put a big cup of macaroni and then cook until it turns soft. Drain it after it is done; add about a pint of milk and some cream (optional), some salt and an egg that is well beaten. Stir it gently over gradual heat until it becomes thick and rich. Serve while still hot.

Macaroni with cream sauce

Following the previous dish, cook the macaroni accordingly. Prepare the cream sauce by gradually boiling a pint of milk with the use of a double boiler. As it boils, mix in a tablespoon of flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. You can steep or thicken the milk as desired. If you want a thick sauce, you have to heat it for about 10-15 minutes. Add some sliced onions and celery.

Macaroni with tomato sauce

In equal parts of boiling milk and water, add a cup of macaroni. Boil it until it becomes soft. While cooking the macaroni, you can create the sauce. Rub a canned or stewed tomato with an aid of colander to get rid of some remains and seeds. Heat over fire until it reaches the boiling point, add some flour to thicken (a tablespoon will do). Pour in ½ cup of very thin sweet cream and add some salt if you like. Evenly put macaroni in your dishware and a little amount of sauce in every dish. Serve while still hot.

Next, read this free guide on the trestle dining table and other dining table types.

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Healthy Snack Ideas for Both Kids and Adults

It can be difficult to choose healthy snacks, and kids can often have different ideas of what tastes good than adults do. Here are some healthy snack ideas to keep everyone happy:

Tuna and apples: mix a can of tuna with 1T organic mayonnaise. Slice apples into thin rounds. Pile tuna on top of apples and serve like tuna and crackers. Cutting down on grains lessens the amount of empty calories you consume. This recipe also exchanges a processed food (cracker) for a whole one (apple). Apples can serve as crackers for cheese and peanut butter, as well.

Stuffed celery: you may be familiar with celery boats filled with peanut butter and raisins. Try them with chocolate peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or Nutella, too. For adults, fill them with goat cheese and figs, pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, or cream cheese and strawberry preserves.

Smoothies: blended drinks offer a great opportunity to get concentrated nutrients into yourself and your children. You can add greens like spinach, lettuce, or collards; protein in whey or hemp powders; good fats like avocado and coconut oil; and supplements like bee pollen, spirulina, and wheat grass. Keep the ingredients simple, limit the supplements to one per smoothie, and keep the ratio of sweet to savory at least 1:1. Blend greens with liquid first before adding frozen or thickening ingredients. Adding greens and fats to the traditional breakfast smoothie makes it a meal that will stay with you until lunch and jump-starts your brain for superb functioning. Here are some great smoothie recipes:

Green goddess: Juice from two large pink grapefruits, 1/2 avocado, 1 frozen banana
Berry good smoothie: 1c spinach leaves, 1c apple juice, 1 c frozen strawberries, 1/2c frozen blueberries, water to desired thickness.
Orangina: 2c orange juice, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 avocado
Chocolate: 1 avocado, 1/4c prepared hot cocoa mix, 1 banana, water to desired thickness.

Snack platter: take a muffin tin and fill the bottom row with dips such as ranch dressing, peanut butter, vanilla yogurt, salsa, refried beans, melted chocolate, and barbecue sauce. Fill the other cups with healthy dippers. These can be slices of grilled chicken, carrot coins or sticks, zucchini chips, celery sticks, apple slices, strawberries, and other fresh fruits and vegetables. A snack platter like this can be set out for long periods of time and is especially good for toddlers and small people with short attention spans or picky eating habits. It is good for parents to have snacks like these set out because they are tempted less to eat something unhealthy when there is a healthy snack immediately available.

Snacks and meals are in the eye of the beholder. Dinner can be cream cheese and jalapenos on apple rounds or cottage cheese with pineapple just as easily as it can be steak and potatoes. Spaghetti with meatballs can serve as breakfast, and chicken slices can be served for snacks. Focusing on getting healthy foods into yourselves and your children is an easier goal when other limits are taken away. While you are making the transition to healthy eating, focus more on finding healthy foods to enjoy together than you do on what is supposed to happen when. You'll fall into a new, healthy routine together as you grow used to your new foods.

Misha Anatolia writes about food, bridal showers, and other topics. For bridal shower foodbridal shower tips, go to bridal-showers.org ideas or to get some

Note: You have permission to use this article freely in any publication as long as the resource box and byline are included as-is and any links are do follow when published.

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Light & Tasty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

While many are familiar with fettuccine, ravioli, and tortellini noodles, most might not immediately recognize the unique kluski noodle. Kluski (pronounced /'klu.ski/) noodles are traditionally thicker, denser egg noodles than other types of pasta. They typically appear in lengths ranging from one inch to around four inches, and because of their greater relative thickness, they are frequently chewier than their commercial counterparts.

Although these noodles are believed to have originated in Polish culture, they are often associated, nevertheless, with Amish cuisine. As a result of this association, these noodles are frequently purchased in dried form throughout Amish country. Kluski noodles are also often packaged in fresh or frozen form, and they can easily be made at home without any special pasta-making machinery.

Because of this pasta's versatility and width, these noodles are often recommended for, among other pasta dishes, soups and casseroles. One classic use for kluski noodles is in homemade chicken noodle soup. One supplier located in Northeast Ohio, Mrs. Miller's Noodles, provides a perfect homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that calls for its very own all-natural kluski noodles.

This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe calls for the following all-natural ingredients:

• 1- 8 oz. bag of Mrs. Miller's all-natural kluski noodles


• 2 cups of chicken broth


• 2 ½ cups of chicken, de-boned


• 5-7 tsp. of chicken granules


• 7 cups of water


• 2 medium potatoes, diced


• 1 tsp. salt

To make and enjoy this classic homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, take the following actions:

1. Cook Mrs. Miller's all-natural kluski Noodles according to package directions. Rinse and drain.


2. Place the chicken broth, de-boned chicken, chicken granules, water, diced potatoes, and salt together in a 6-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook slowly for 15-20 minutes then serve.

Enjoy!

You can find this recipe, along with many of Mrs. Miller's other homemade favorites, in her cookbook of homemade favorites.

About the Author

Since 1973, Mrs. Miller and her family have been cooking up the best all-natural homemade noodles, jams, jellies, butters, and other family favorites to warm your heart and soothe your soul.

Spaghetti Carbonara - Simple and Delicious

I never ate this dish while I was growing up because my mother never liked the thought of raw eggs. I was not old enough to explain the thermodynamic concept of residual heat actually cooking the eggs, but my chemistry degree was a few years away. Anyway, nobody will be eating raw eggs in this recipe anyway.

Make this dish because it is simple, quick to prepare and delicious. My big three when it comes to cooking.

Ingredients:

* 1/2 pound bacon or pancetta, chopped
* 4 Garlic Cloves, chopped (more or less if you like)
* Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* 1 pound fresh or dry spaghetti, cooked al dente
* 4 large eggs, beaten
* Salt (you probably will not need much because of the saltiness of the bacon and cheese so, just be careful)
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese + 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
* 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a large saute pan, (preferably cast-iron, but just use whenever you have and be careful to not burn the garlic).

Over Medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6 minutes.

Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Pour off all of the bacon fat except for 3 tablespoons.

Add the garlic.(make sure to not burn it)

Season with black pepper. Saute for 30 seconds.

Add the crispy bacon and the pasta.

Saute together for 1 minute.

Season the eggs with salt. (still uncooked)

Remove the pan from the heat and add the eggs, whisking quickly until the eggs thicken, but do not scramble.

- Remember, you are making a sauce not scrambled eggs -

Add the cheese and re-season with salt and pepper.

Add the spaghetti to the pan and if things are a little bit too thick for you, thin things out with a little bit of the spaghetti water.

Fill up everyone's bowl a healthy portion of your creation. Garnish it with chopped parsley and serve with a glass of wine - of course

When I first ate this dish, I called this Bacon and Eggs with Spaghetti. It's so, so much more than that. So simple, yet so delicious.

The dishes created out of necessity (available time and ingredients) are usually the best ones.

Thank You Very Much For Reading My Article. I hope you enjoyed it.

Please visit my website. Below is a link: http://BigItalianTightBudget.com

Love Italian Food and Love Life

Rich Ursini

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Easy Recipe For Butternut Squash Soup & Spaghetti

An easy recipe for spaghetti dinner, bake for 25 minutes.

Ingredients for Spaghetti

- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped
- Pinch ground hot pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried leaf basil, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, crumbled
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine ground beef, onion, pepper, basil and oregano. Cook, stirring to break up meat until browned. about 5 minutes. Spread the excess fat.

Add 2 1 / 2 cups water, noodles and spaghetti sauce and boil, stirring frequently. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the spaghetti is tender and liquid is absorbed most, about 15 minutes.

Turn off heat and let stand covered pan for 5 minutes. Season with pepper and serve sprinkled with cheese.

---

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Soup

- 1 cup finely-chopped onions
- 1 butternut squash - (about 3 lbs), peeled, cubed
- 4 cups deflated chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups Mort's Natural apple sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly-ground white pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp curry powder
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander

Method

Spray a large saucepan or Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray, heat over medium heat until hot. Add onions and cook, stirring for about 5 minutes or until transparent. Add squash, chicken broth, apple sauce, salt, pepper, nutmeg, clove, curry and coriander.

Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 10-15 minutes or until squash is tender, stirring occasionally.

A food processor or blender is a process of cooking in small batches until smooth. Return to pot. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally then leftovers in refrigerator.

In microwave: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the onion, squash, chicken broth, apple sauce, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cloves, curry and coriander. Cover and cook on High (100% power) 15 minutes or until squash is tender, stirring once.

In a food processor or blender, process the soup in batches until smooth. Return the soup in a bowl. Cover and cook on high for 3 minutes or until hot. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition (per serving): 112.0 calories; 6% calories from fat; 1.0g total fat; 238.0mg sodium; 25.0g carbohydrates; 7.0g fiber; 5.0g protein.

About the Author

If you need spaghetti easy recipe and other secret recipes then just visit Family Dinner Recipes

Vegetarianism and Whole Foods: A Simple Way to Improve Health

Vegetarianism is the lifestyle that involves the exclusion of animal meat from the diet. Some vegetarians also exclude animal byproducts, which include dairy products, eggs and even honey. However, there are types of vegetarians who are either ovo-vegetarians, those who include eggs in their diet, lacto-vegetarians, those who include dairy products in their diet, or ovo-lacto vegetarians, those who include both eggs and dairy products in their diets.

Vegans are a type of vegetarians who strictly exclude both eggs and dairy products, along with animal meat in their diets. For those with vegetarian diets, what they eat and what their food is composed of matters a lot. The reasons these people become vegetarian are many. Religion, politics, ethics and health-related issues are among the several primary reasons why. Religious and ethical circumstances may force one to strictly comply with the exclusion of meat from diet. To some others, life is sacred and should be respected. This would even apply for microorganisms. Other religions are not specific, however, therefore, certain plant sources and byproducts are allowed for consumption.

As for health-related circumstances, most people are becoming even more aware of the risks involved in the consumption of animal meats, most especially processed ones. Processed meat contains certain preservatives and chemicals that can be harmful to the human body, some of which are even carcinogenic. Some certain meat products also contain unhealthy fats, which can cause cardiovascular diseases. So, why is it that people still consume foods they know that can be potentially dangerous to their health? They say things should be taken in moderation. However, those who now follow vegetarian diet would rather stay on the safer side. Taste is important in food, which is why food should always be enjoyable. The trick to enjoy vegetarian diet is to make the food as palatable as possible.

A simple way to improve health is by consuming natural, non-animal meat foods. These contain dietary fibers, which have several positive effects towards the human body. For one, it helps regulate the blood sugar levels and helps relieve constipation. Dietary fiber is a natural laxative, and it is also believed to help facilitate the removal of harmful substances, such as carcinogens, through excretion. Food rich in these dietary fibers include fruits, vegetables and other plant sources. Other examples of healthy, whole foods for a vegetarian's needs are whole grains, beans and legumes. Whole grains contain sufficient amount of carbohydrates needed by the body. These whole grains can come in certain forms such as cereal and oatmeal. However, ovo-vegetarians and vegans probably would not consider these forms due to the addition of milk. Beans and legumes can come in the form of tortillas in able to provide sufficient amount of essential amino acids. Some sources of certain amino acids cannot suffice to provide the necessary amounts of the required essential amino acids. To compensate for this, a combination of these sources can provide all the essential amino acids needed by vegetarians. Certain common combinations include peanut butter with wheat bread and tofu with rice. Not only are these food healthy, but they are palatable as well. When looking for a simple way to improve health, try considering a vegetarian-based diet, even if you are not vegetarian.

There are several easy ways to start a healthy eating habit and improve your overall health. Access more detailed information, yummy recipes, and learn simple daily steps that you can follow by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com

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Aklan’s Chicken Inubaran

Chicken is the most common poultry dish feature in Philippine cuisine. The widespread recipes in various restaurants and by home chefs are evidences of this liking. What's great about Pinoy delicacies is the creativity in indigenous cooking. When you get the chance to travel around places, each locality has popular specialty dishes that leave a mark in every tourist's heart.

In the Western part of the Visayas region lies the oldest province in the country, Aklan. Along the rich heritage is their sumptuous cookery. And one of the most popular Aklan specialty dishes is the Chicken Inubaran (chicken with banana pith). It is a chicken dish cooked with coconut milk and slices of banana pith, locally termed as ubad, which is the center-most layer of the banana trunk. This tender and sweet white part is what gives the recipe a blissful flavor. The preparation of this dish is actually laborious since you have to cut down a whole banana tree to get the pith. But nowadays, you can buy canned hearts of palm or ubod (in Filipino) in local markets or grocery stores.

Chicken Inubaran is preferably cooked with native chicken as it gives the dish its real authentic taste. Since native chicken requires more cooking time than commercially bought chicken, you can make use of your best slow cooker to tenderly cook your Chicken Inubaran recipe. Slow cooker is ideal for inexpensive cuts of meat. Likewise, other ingredients are very common and within reach. It includes lemon grass, salt, vinegar, onion, garlic, black pepper and ginger as spices to taste. You can also add libas leaves, a souring ingredient, if you want your recipe to have a little bit sourly taste. Simply put all the ingredients in a crock pot. Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or until chicken is tender. Afterwards, you can now enjoy the creamy soup over hot steamed rice and savor a flavor rich eating experience. It perfectly goes well with your favorite grilled food too.

Aklan's cuisine looks exotic but the taste is very much pleasing since it makes use of common ingredients. It showcases an original way of cooking that provides an appetizing experience to all the local and foreign visitors of the land. Considered as the best tasting dish in the province of Aklan, Chicken Inubaran is something that you should try to cook. Introduce an exhilarating flavor of Visayan cooking to your friends and family.

It's quite amusing to discover the finest gastronomic flair of every region that makes cooking at its best! You can have all the opportunity to explore and enrich your cooking preferences. Truly, Filipinos have exceptional range of culinary grace which represents simplicity and resourcefulness.

About the Author

Ed is a music lover who has passion in singing and dancing. He usually does it with his videokeportable karaoke. He sings his heart out whenever he is alone or with his friends. Music is definitely in his soul! and

Benefits of Ginger - Four Reasons to Use It

The health benefits of ginger are quite varied and valuable for everyone. It helps relieve nausea and vomiting, pain, gastrointestinal problems, and is a powerful antioxidant. For thousands of years it has been used in China in their diets for stomach ailments, nausea, pain, increased circulation, and other healing and protective health benefits. Ginger can be used both internally and externally and in a variety of modalities from tea to pill, and oil to tincture.

Everyone can agree that nausea and/or vomiting is miserable for anyone. The good news is that ginger is effective at calming the stomach from various causes of nausea. Whether the nauseous feeling is from sea sickness, morning sickness, anxiety or stress, intoxication, surgery, foodborne illness, or even chemotherapy, these symptoms can be reduce and even eliminated with ginger. Probably the simplest and most common way to ingest the ginger for this benefit is by drinking a ginger tea or even ginger ale.

Pain in the body can come in many varieties, and is something that many people try to avoid as much as possible, for obvious reasons. Used topically, such as in an oil rubbed into the skin, ginger can help with relieving arthritis pain. Since it is a natural blood thinner, used internally it can help relieve headaches, even help with migraines. Consumed as a liquid, such as in a tea, it can help sooth the pain of a sore throat. As a digestive aid, the pain associated with bloating and flatulence is also reduced by using this wonderful herb.

Ginger is a salivary gland, gall bladder, and overall gastrointestinal stimulant, and as such encourages healthy digestion. As a stimulant, it increases the amount of saliva produced, as well as the amount of bile the gall bladder produces. It helps move and process the food all the way through the digestive system, and helps prevent the build up of painful gas. Overall, a smoothly operating digestive system is very healthy for the body.

Another beneficial aspect of ginger is that it contains antioxidants, which help fight against free radicals, boost the immune system, and ward off things like the cold and flu. Antioxidants are known to be helpful in preventing such diseases as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's. No, ginger is not a cure for these diseases, but sure can go a long way toward helping to prevent them.

Without a doubt, the culinary and medicinal uses of ginger added to your life can be very beneficial to your health, and the health of your family.

www.urbanhomesteadingtoday.com is a website that is focused on urban homesteading and the topics and tips, such as benefits of ginger, relevant to developing your own homestead.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandi_Baine

Foods That American Men Love

One of the greatest things men love more than anything in the world besides women is food. Americans most especially have a knack when it comes to selecting the best mouth watering treats to satisfy their appetite. This article will discuss a few of the most delicious foods men love. If you are planning a gastronomic treat for your husband, this article will be sure to help you make it happen.

# 1: The Hamburger

Though the hamburger draws its roots form Hamburg Germany, the hamburger is more American than it is anything else. As it made its way to American culture, the hamburger was transformed into an everyday treat that comes in different variations. When a survey was conducted asking men what type of food the love the most, to no surprise, the hamburger ranked first on the charts.

# 2: Baby Back Ribs

Nothing beats this all-American cowboy classic. With its origins drawn from an adventurous past, Americans still try to relieve the days of the Wild West as they savour this delectable dish. Baby back ribs are slabs of beef that are cooked over a strong fire until the flesh turns soft and tender. Barbecue sauce is then smothered over the slab to create that sweet roasted taste that makes American men rank this baby as number 2.

# 3: Buffalo Chicken Wings

There is much dispute on the origin of this delicious snack. The most prominent story though was that it was prepared by a local restaurant in New York in an effort to provide a fast snack that did not need too much preparation. The cook then had this crazy idea of throwing chicken wings in deep oil, she the added spicy sauce and to her surprise, everyone loved her accidental creation. To this day, Buffalo wings never fail to satisfy ones appetite, hence making it the third best foods men love.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Blowers

Fine Filipino Food - Atlanta Filipino Restaurant

In terms of culinary recognition, the Philippines is exceptionally distinct from its neighboring countries. Its cooking strategies are mixture of European subtleness as well as Asian Spices derived essentially from how locals improvised their native cuisines to combine with foreign blends. You have to believe that Filipinos obsession is eating. They eat five times daily with rice as their staple together with in-between sweet snacks. This is exactly what you will experience when you dine in Atlanta Filipino Restaurant.

The Philippine cuisines are perhaps one of the best options when it comes to food preparation. Today, several chefs in the United States are composed of Filipino Chefs like here in Atlanta. Countless of non-Filipinos are already given the chance to taste some of the finest dishes when they visit the Atlanta Filipino Restaurant. Filipinos certainly top the table with all the menus they can offer. They socialize; however aspire essentially to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

It is truly wonderful that today several Filipino chefs are serving in the different restaurants in different part of the United States particularly in Georgia, Atlanta. Many individuals are aspiring to learn how to cook, but only few of them can really acquire this kind of skill. Here in Atlanta Filipino Restaurant you will definitely feel at home because they serve just the best flavorful dishes that will be love by the whole family. Everybody is welcome to savor their local recipes for your unforgettable dining experience upon visiting here.

Some of the best prepared dishes that will surely satisfy your hunger are, Beef Steak (Filipino-style), Chicken Curry, Chop Suey, Escabeche, Kare-kare( oxtail and veggies cooked in peanut butter), Kinilaw na Tanigue, Lumpiang Shanghai, Menudo, Morcon, Paksiw na Pata, Pancit Canton, Pinakbet, Tinolang Manok (boiled chicken with veggies) and not to forget the famous Pinoy specialty Chicken or Pork Adobo. Its bold mixture of sweet, sour and salty tastes recognizes Filipino cuisines, and in particular, most of the dishes aren't heavily spiced.

Here in Atlanta Filipino Restaurant, the menus are frequently delivered in a single presentation, providing the customers a simultaneous visual feast, aromatic bouquet as well as gustatory delight.

About the Author

Loi Perez has been involved with online marketing for nearly 3 years and likes to write on various subjects. Come visit his latest website which discusses of Atlanta Filipino Restaurantfilipino cuisine for the owner of his own business. and

Filipino Foods And Way Of Cooking

People of the Philippines loves to eat. The style of cooking and the foods included with it have evolved over many years from its random origins to a mixed cuisine with many Hispanic, Chinese, American, and other Asian influences adapted to indigenous ingredients and the local palate. This influences resulted into many delicious Filipino recipes.

As with most Asian countries, Philippines is a heavy rice eating country. Rice is always served steamed during meals. If there is any leftover rice, it was often fried along side with garlic. It is commonly called as sinangag which is really great for breakfast along with cured meat, egg and sausages. In some places in the Philippines, rice is combined with salt, condensed milk, cocoa, or coffee.

Filipinos do have many terms prior to their cooking style. Below are some of the most popular ones.

1). Adobo or Inadobo are dishes mainly cooked in vinegar, oil, garlic and soy sauce. It could also refer to just roasting on a wok, with light oil, garlic and salt. The most famous form or example of it is the adobong manok or chicken adobo.

2). Binagoongan or With Bagoong are cooked with fermented fish paste bagoong. Bagoong have strong odors which may be offensive to those unaccustomed to them. But this is what I can tell, bagoong taste really good and is good much with green mangoes as well. A popular dish for this kind of cooking is the binagoongang baboy.

3). Guinataan/sa Gata recipes are cooked with coconut milk. Often times, it includes chili as well. Perfect example for this kind of cooking is the famous Bicol express.

4). Guisa/Guisado/Ginisa" or "Gisado" are dishes sauted with garlic, onions and/or tomatoes. The most common and easiest Filipino cooking style. Most common cooking for vegetable dishes.

Above cooking terms are just few of the many terms Filipinos have in terms of cooking. Although there are so many kinds, types and processes, one thing is common in the way people of the Philippines cooks foods, Filipino do cook with heart. Meaning, all the dish being prepared are absolutely done with quality taste and finest ingredients as well.

About the Author

Check out the author's blog about Filipino recipes. She is a sinigang foodie lover.

Feast on Famous Filipino Food Recipes at Lutong Bahay

You can now feast on famous Filipino food or "pagkaing Pinoy" recipes, whether you are a Filipino or non-Filipino and wherever you happen to be currently located in the world. At the lutong bahay website, Filipino food recipes are made available online and can even be downloaded. Be aware, though, that the lutong bahay website is different from lutong pinoy.com.

The people who do not know enough about Filipino dishes and have likely not yet feasted on them are non-Filipinos. Filipinos living in countries other than the Philippines may also have Filipino dishes that they have not yet tried, though. Actually, even locals in the Philippines surely have Filipino recipes they have never tasted.

Any of the dishes classified as Filipino lutong bahay foods can most probably be accessed at the lutong bahay website. It presents a wide range of Pilipino cuisine, covering everything from Pinoy breakfast recipes and viands or lutong ulam recipes to snacks or merienda recipes. The free recipes are paired with matching pictures from the Philippines.

Filipinos have always been associated with good cooking and hearty feasting. Anywhere they are in the world, they make it a point to celebrate special occasions by eating together, inviting non-Filipino friends, as well. There are innumerable Filipino dishes that can be served under Filipino or Pinoy cooking. Many of the Philippine or Pilipino foods recipes may have originated from the Spanish and American eras, or introduced by the early Chinese settlers, but they have all been adjusted to the unique Filipino palate by generations of use. While the traditional recipes remain, there have also been many variations and spin off dishes created out of them. For instance, the Philippine adobo dish has so many styles of cooking that they have filled not just one adobo cookbook. There are indeed so many Filipino dishes that can be feasted on.

The Filipino terms "mga lutong Pinoy" and "lutong Pilipino" refer to Filipino cooking, and the terms "mga lutong bahay" and "lutuing bahay" refer to home cooked food. When perusing the online selection of lutong bahay free recipes or lutong Pinoy free recipes from the Philippines visitors will have access to the best healthy and easy Filipino foods recipes. Even those who are too busy to cook from scratch can opt to use the Mama Sita recipes which feature convenient ready mixes for making traditional Filipino recipes.

A lutong Pinoy menu can combine regional favorites like Ilocano, Pampanga, Tagalog and Visayan foods, dishes and recipes. Examples are the Batangas bulalo recipe of Batangas province; the pancit chami recipe of Lucena, Quezon; and the pigar pigar recipe of Dagupan, Pangasinan. These can be paired with vegetable dishes like sinigang sa bayabas, sinigang sa miso, ginisang togue and a saluyot recipe.

There are also Filipino food recipes using only fish and seafood, such as the seafood kare kare recipe, the popular sweet and sour lapu - lapu recipe, the Spanish sardines recipe, the rellenong pusit recipe, the ginataang tilapia recipe and the crab Maritess recipe. These days, you need not find a palayok or earthen pot in which to cook the ginataang tilapia recipe, though.

You will also find other free Filipino recipes at lutong bahay, such as a Jollibee style spaghetti recipe, a siopao sauce recipe, a hopia recipe, a sylvanas recipe and the best ube chiffon cake recipe. In addition to sweets, though, you can also serve fresh fruits like the sweet lanzones available at the Lanzones Festival 2010 in October.

About the Author

Lutongbahay.com
Website: www.lutongbahay.com
Lutongbahay.com is an interactive cooking portal site that highlights regional Filipino food recipes.

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Tips

Sometimes you feel like skipping the veggies and meat and take a savory-like sandwich that will leave the taste of melted cheese in you, stop you in your tracks, close your eyes and go 'Mmmmmm…!' The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are the best option. It arouses your taste buds and gives you such a feeling. According to Randy Feltis the owner and chef of the Oscar Restaurant in Ontario, this kind of Sandwiches which now cost about $15 each were born when he was trying to perfect and serve a simple salad. Even though they seem costly, the good news is that you can always make them for a fraction of the price listed and make yourself a culinary super hero to your friends, kids and family! Paired with the home made butternut squash soup or tomato cream and a light salad, you can get your dinner ready in no time.
When making this kind of Sandwiches, use the following confidential tips.

Before you grill the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwiches make sure you:
•Gather all the ingredients needed including ½ cup softened butter, ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, 4 crushed garlic cloves, 8 slices of fresh baked bread and 8 slices of each type of cheese (Swiss, provolone, cheddar and mozzarella)
•Spread a mixture of parsley, butter and garlic on the bread slices.
•Over low hear with a large skillet, make sure that you place 2 bread slices in the pan with the buttered side down.
•Make sure that you place the 2 slices of the cheese varieties (before you add the Swiss, provolone, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses) on the bread slices with the buttered side up.
•Make sure that flip the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich until all sides are golden brown.
•Cover the pan to make the melting of the cheese better
•When the four Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are browned, cut them diagonally and serve.

For creativity, add salami, prosciutto, shaved roast beef or black forest ham. You can also use potato chips, dill pickles and ketchups as they go well with the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich cheese fest.

About the Author

Trent Vaughn writes various consumer articles on a number of topics. Check out his delonghi panini grill blog where he reviews the latest products.