The Spices In Your Kitchen Do More Than Flavor Your Foods

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By : Darrell Miller Submitted 2007-09-21 18:41:53
Although spices have been part of the human diet for millions of years, recent research has discovered that they can also benefit health. Spices, which are made from buds, bark, fruits, roots, or seeds of plants, can keep their active ingredients for months or even years. They contain phytochemicals which are referred to as phytonutrients. These phytonutrients are compounds in plant-derived foods that are biologically active in the body. They are not a necessity for normal metabolism and do not result in a deficiency disease if they are missing. Although current research is investigating phytochemicals’ effects on degenerative disease states, these compounds do help with the struggle against obesity by activating the body’s natural cooling system, which in turn increases metabolism and stimulates perspiration. Researchers have recently reported that consuming spicy foods, particularly those containing capsaicin, increases the body’s metabolic rate above its basal rate, creating heat. Black pepper also stimulates metabolism by boosting heat production in the body. Researchers have concluded that thermogenic ingredients such as pepper can be considered functional agents to help prevent obesity. Cinnamon is one of the world’s most commonly used spices. It comes from the bark of a small evergreen found in India. Traditionally, it was used to counteract congestion, aid circulation, and ease nausea and diarrhea. However, it is currently being studied for its effects in preventing or helping osteoarthritis and type II diabetes. A recent study concluded that intake of one to six grams of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyercide, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol and patients with type II diabetes. These results show that adding cinnamon to the diet of those with type II diabetes can possibly reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, cinnamon has been shown to relieve muscle and joint pain and stiffness, menstrual discomfort, and act as an antimicrobial agent against E. coli and other bacteria. Cinnamon extract has also been shown to have antioxidant activity, assisting wound healing. This spice brings blood from the center of the body to the skin, dispersing blood throughout the body more evenly and possibly decreasing blood pressure. Nutmeg is a seed, which similar to cinnamon, comes from an evergreen tree cultivated in India, Malaysia, and Granada. It was previously used to treat various ailments such as the plague, liver and stomach problems, scarlet fever, apoplexy, freckles, and bad breath. Small quantities were also used to help people sleep, while larger amounts were administered as a sedative. Although the spice is widely used in the West to flavor food, spice wine or ales, or to scent soaps and perfumes, nutmeg is also an important part of Eastern and Indian medicines. Studies have shown that one of the essential oils found in nutmeg has been shown to inhibit medicinally induced diarrhea. Cloves, which are the unopened flower bud of the clove tree, were traditionally used as an expectorant and antiemetic. Clove tea was also once used to relieve nausea. Currently, clove oil is used in dentistry as an analgesic and local antiseptic due to its concentration of eugenol. Author Resource:- Add spice to your life at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of spices are available for purchase.Article From New Ezine Articles

Outdoor Kitchen Grill

Have you ever cooked outdoors or better yet, have you ever ate outdoors, I am sure that you did, and if you did you know that cooking outdoors is great fun and that eating outdoors is fun and special and very far from your usual kitchen lunch or dinner, even if its just the family that is eating it is still great fun.

While it is true that not everyone is a fan of outdoor cooking or grilling, the outdoor kitchen grill is one great idea for those who do like it, making the cooking outdoor experience something that is simply a pleasure and fun, something you can show your friends when you are hosting at home and in your garden.

If you love to spend you time in your garden and have a barbecue or grill outdoor often this is something you should be very interested in, an outdoor kitchen grill is something that is going to be a great convenience for you, and for your family. The idea of an outdoor kitchen is that the cooking is much more comfortable and allows you much more than the usual backyard cooking, it is also a very useful tool for the times that you are having guests over and want to enjoy your time outdoors.

Some people say that just by getting an outdoor kitchen they start realizing that you can actually host a bunch of people without falling off you feet in the end of the day, just because the outdoor kitchen grill is so comfortable that inviting a small crowd is not a problem, and you wouldn’t need to in and out of the house to get things, just get what you need and place it in you outdoor kitchen to use while cooking.

So if you are interested in the outdoor kitchen you should probably start by thinking about all the things and features you want to have in it, what do you cook the most, how often do you cook and grill outside and how many people do you expect to feed on average. Once you got the basic answers try and research a little on the internet, prices makers and different features, including photos are available for everyone on the internet, than try and visit your local designer shops to see the outdoor kitchens so you will get a better idea of size and using them.

When considering the purchase of the outdoor kitchen grill there are a few very important points to remember, what is the martial of which the kitchen is made, is it robust and strong, does it have some kind of protection from being exposed to sun and rain, low and high temperatures, how much working area the outdoor kitchen has, is it comfortable and easy to clean, what about the maintenance, is it difficult or easy to maintain, and what does the warranty say, for how long are you covered and what it give you.

An outdoor kitchen grill is something that can bring you a lot of fun moments and you will never want to cook indoors any more, make sure you are getting what you need and want, that you are covered by the warranty and start cooking, good luck.

More on Outdoor Kitchen and outdoor kitchen equipment at http://outdoorkitchen.zupatips.com

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

Really Inexpensive & Easy Recipes - Biscuit Hamburger Bake, Spoon Bread, & Pink Flannel Hash

With so many people out-of-work and almost all of us watching our finances, inexpensive family meals are becoming more and more important. Here are some old-fashion recipes that offer you meals that are easy, inexpensive yet tasty. These recipes should be a hit with the whole family while saving you money on your food budget. Biscuit Hamburger Bake is quick, easy, inexpensive, and has meat, vegetables, bread, and dairy all in one dish. Spoon Bread is an old recipe from Tennessee for a cornbread type bread baked in a casserole dish. Pink Flannel Hash uses tuna, potatoes, eggs, etc for a quick, inexpensive meal. So take heart, and give these recipes a try to help you save money on your trips to the grocery store.

BISCUIT HAMBURGER BAKE

This recipe is from an old community cookbook in Southern Indiana where I was born and raised.

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can condensed Vegetable Soup
1/2 tbsp oregano
dash of pepper
1 can refrigerated biscuits
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion until meat is browned and onion is tender; drain well to remove fat. Stir in the can of soup, oregano, and pepper; heat to bubbling. Pour mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish that has been buttered. Top with the biscuits. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Spread the sour cream over the biscuits then top with the cheese. Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes.

SPOON BREAD

This is an old Tennessee hills recipe.

2 cups white corn meal
2 1/2 cups boiling water
1 1/2 tbsp melted butter
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 egg yolks, beaten
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 egg whites, beaten

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Add corn meal slowly to boiling water. Let stand for 3 minutes. Add butter to the corn meal mixture. Stir in salt, egg yolks, baking soda, and buttermilk. Fold in the egg whites and turn into a greased baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.

PINK FLANNEL HASH

This old recipe was a clipping I found in a box of my late mother's recipes. I have no idea where this clipping originated.

1/3 cup butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
2 cups finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
2 cups Idaho frozen southern style hash brown potatoes
1 can (6 1/2-7 oz) tuna, drained and flaked
4 eggs

In a large skillet melt butter; saute the onions and peppers until crisp tender. Stir in Tabasco sauce and potatoes. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until potatoes are tender and golden (about 15 minutes). Stir in tuna. Make four wells in potato mixture; break one egg into each well. Cover and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until eggs are set. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serves 4.

Enjoy!

For more old-fashion recipes visit http://grandmasvintagerecipes.blogspot.com Also visit http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com for diabetic information and recipes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

2 Easy Homemade Carmael Popcorn Recipes

Several years ago, my great aunt sat down and shared her favorite Caramel Popcorn recipes with me. As a child, I had always looked forward to going to her home and digging into her popcorn container. After our visit was over, she would send my brother and I back home with little paper lunch bags filled with her delicious popcorn.

I hope these 2 recipes will be enjoyed by your family.

Classic Caramel

4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Spread the popped popcorn in a large shallow baking pan. In a 2 quart saucepan, stir together brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup and salt. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Cook for the final 5 minutes without stirring. Remove pan from the heat. Stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. Pour mixture over the popcorn. Stir until completely coated. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Once cool, break into pieces and store in an airtight snack container.

Tip: If you are concerned about sticking, lightly coat your baking pan with margarine or nonstick cooking spray.

Caramel Nut

10 cups popped popcorn
1 1/2 cups peanuts
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large baking dish, combine the popcorn and peanuts. In a 2 quart saucepan, combine margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. Pour mixture over popcorn and peanut mixture. Bake in a 250 degree oven for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Let cool cool to room temperature. Once cool, break into pieces and store in an airtight snack container.

Optional - You can substitute the peanuts for sliced almonds or cashews.

Shelly Hill Shelly has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989. Shelly is a Manager with Tupperware. Shelly enjoys cooking and baking for her friends and family. You can contact Shelly at: Web: http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com or visit her recipe blog at: http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelly_Hill

5 Fun Kids Cooking Activities

Do your children like to spend their time making awesome mud pies or are they constantly stirring up some of their best grass soup? Then maybe it's time to let them loose in the kitchen with these fun kids cooking activities.

1. Allow your kids to create a new recipe. Pick out 5-7 ingredients that you think might go together and can be baked in a pie pan. For example, eggs, cheese, barbecue sauce, salt, flour, garlic powder, and corn chips can go together. The kids can also try a combination of cinnamon, eggs, flour tortillas, caramel sauce, and bananas. You may need to help them figure out "reasonable" amounts of each ingredient. There's no right answer; just have fun with it.

2. Start a Kids' Recipe Book. Everyone has recipes they love, including the kids. Have your child pick out 10 of his or her very favorite recipes. Either you or they can type the recipes out on the computer in a cool font with borders and some clipart. Print them out and "laminate" them with clear contact paper. They can then put the recipes in their very own cooking notebook.

3. Give your child an easy kid-friendly recipe to prepare on their own. Kids love to spread their wings and do things "all by myself." Give them the opportunity by handing them a super easy recipe and explaining how to do it. Depending on their age and skill, talk about kitchen safety and that you will be handling the oven/stove part of the task.

4. Have the kids take pictures of each other while cooking. They can make a small scrapbook filled with photos of their proud cooking moments. They will really enjoy this now, but also after they've grown up. Looking at the scrapbook and their kids' recipe book may remind them of good family times.

5. Decorate the cupcake challenge. Most kids have no problem creatively decorating a cupcake when given the proper toppings. Add a twist to the activity by getting out any possible toppings you can think of and asking them to decorate the cupcake to look like a cat or a flower. They'll come up with some decorative toppings you didn't think of.

All these kids cooking activities give you the chance to teach your kids the ins and outs of cooking. Your children also get the chance to learn many things in an atmosphere of fun. Give your child every opportunity to be creative in the kitchen and your child will thank you one day.

Peggy is the editor of the popular Cookin' Kids Newsletter. Interesting themes, fun facts, silly clip art, easy kid-friendly recipes, kid jokes, cooking terms, and safety tips make this newsletter a hit with kids! Learn more at http://cookinkids.com and pick up some ideas for kids cooking activities while you're at it. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peg_Baron

Have Fun Teaching Your Kids to Cook

"STAY out of the kitchen!" Many a hungry child has received that admonition while trying to get an early taste of supper. However, rather than keeping them out, parents have good reason to invite their children into the kitchen. Why so? Because the kitchen is, in effect, a fascinating classroom.

The kitchen is a place where children can develop creativity and problem-solving skills, a place where they can learn to serve others and work as part of a team, a place where meaningful conversations can spontaneously arise.

In this age of technology and information, why use the kitchen as a place for training children? The answer is time. Many parents recognize that there is simply no substitute for spending time with their children-lots of it! The problem is where to find it. Some authorities urge parents to look at the routine work they do around the home as an opportunity to do things with their children and educate them.

The kitchen has a natural attraction for children. After all, where else are they trained to use knives carefully and handle other utensils? Children having fun may even make an occasional mess! What lessons, though, does the kitchen have to offer?

The Kitchen 'Classroom'

Pouring, pounding, peeling, sifting, stirring, and rolling help children develop manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Concepts are learned that serve as building blocks for learning mathematics. Following a recipe is an exercise in the use of numbers, measurements, timing, logic, and language. And one cannot venture into the complex and hazard-filled world of the kitchen without learning something about safety, responsibility, personal organization, and teamwork.

Not to be overlooked is the value of learning to cook. It is not uncommon for children who start out by helping in the kitchen to be able to prepare entire meals by the time they reach their teen years. What busy parent wouldn't welcome that from time to time? Furthermore, cooking helps youths develop confidence and self-sufficiency-qualities that can benefit them when they later become adults.

Make Cooking Fun

How can a parent find the time to train children in the kitchen? Try to schedule a time when there are as few distractions as possible. If you have several children, you may want to work with one child at a time when they are starting out. To do this, choose a time when the other children are taking naps or are at school. Plan on spending more time than if you were cooking alone. And be prepared to have fun in the kitchen!

For your first session, you might let your child select something that he or she enjoys eating. Look for a simple recipe that brings swift results. Make sure it includes tasks that he can successfully complete. To keep your child from getting restless and bored, have him find some of the needed ingredients and utensils beforehand. You might even partially prepare some of the ingredients in advance so that the session does not become drawn out and tedious.

Read through the recipe with your child, showing him how to perform each of the tasks. Give your child his own space in the kitchen-perhaps a drawer with a couple of bowls and a few utensils-and give him an apron. Rather than have a boy wear a woman's apron, you might get him one made for a male chef. Right from the start, emphasize the importance of safety and set sensible rules for the kitchen.

Most of all, try to make it fun. Don't have your child just watch you; have him wash his hands, and keep them busy in the actual preparation of the food. Allow opportunity for him to explore, experiment, and ask questions. And when a dish doesn't turn out perfectly, don't worry. If your child made it himself, he'll probably eat it anyway!

So if as a parent you are looking for ways to spend more time with your children, why not invite them to help you prepare a cake or a whole meal? You may find that working with them in the kitchen is a means both to nourish and to nurture your family.

Be Safety Conscious

• In a serious but non-frightening way, explain the dangers of working in the kitchen, much as you would explain the dangers of traffic on a busy street. Set a good example yourself.

• Provide adult supervision whenever children are working in the kitchen. Do not allow a child to use any utensil or appliance, especially electrical, until he can use it safely.

• Keep your kitchen orderly. Clean up spills and clear away clutter promptly. Pets and other distractions should be kept out of the kitchen while you are cooking.

Protect Fingers

• Electric mixers, blenders, and food processors should be used only when an adult is supervising. Make sure that the appliance is turned off and unplugged before your child puts a utensil into the bowl.

• Keep knives sharp, since a dull knife requires more pressure and is therefore more likely to slip.

• When your child is learning to use a knife, have him follow these steps: (1) pick the knife up by its handle, (2) place the knife on the food, (3) put the other hand on the back of the knife, and (4) apply pressure to cut the food.

• Use a cutting board. To keep vegetables from rolling around while your child is trying to cut them, slice them in half first and place the flat side down on the cutting board.

Guard Against Burns & Scalds

• Always turn off stove-top and oven dials when not in use. Keep towels, cookbooks, and pot holders away from burners.

• Position the handles of pans toward the center of the stove, where they cannot easily be bumped and cause spills.

• If you let your child work at the stove, be sure that he is standing on a sturdy and stable surface.

• Don't pick up a hot item unless you already know where you are going to set it down. Make sure others in the kitchen know when you are carrying a hot item, especially if you are going to walk behind them.

At http://www.kitchenandhousewares.us visitors will find a wide range of kitchen products, as well as gourmet foods, cookbooks and discount magazine subscriptions. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_Cummings

Have Fun Teaching Your Kids to Cook

"STAY out of the kitchen!" Many a hungry child has received that admonition while trying to get an early taste of supper. However, rather than keeping them out, parents have good reason to invite their children into the kitchen. Why so? Because the kitchen is, in effect, a fascinating classroom.

The kitchen is a place where children can develop creativity and problem-solving skills, a place where they can learn to serve others and work as part of a team, a place where meaningful conversations can spontaneously arise.

In this age of technology and information, why use the kitchen as a place for training children? The answer is time. Many parents recognize that there is simply no substitute for spending time with their children-lots of it! The problem is where to find it. Some authorities urge parents to look at the routine work they do around the home as an opportunity to do things with their children and educate them.

The kitchen has a natural attraction for children. After all, where else are they trained to use knives carefully and handle other utensils? Children having fun may even make an occasional mess! What lessons, though, does the kitchen have to offer?

The Kitchen 'Classroom'

Pouring, pounding, peeling, sifting, stirring, and rolling help children develop manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Concepts are learned that serve as building blocks for learning mathematics. Following a recipe is an exercise in the use of numbers, measurements, timing, logic, and language. And one cannot venture into the complex and hazard-filled world of the kitchen without learning something about safety, responsibility, personal organization, and teamwork.

Not to be overlooked is the value of learning to cook. It is not uncommon for children who start out by helping in the kitchen to be able to prepare entire meals by the time they reach their teen years. What busy parent wouldn't welcome that from time to time? Furthermore, cooking helps youths develop confidence and self-sufficiency-qualities that can benefit them when they later become adults.

Make Cooking Fun

How can a parent find the time to train children in the kitchen? Try to schedule a time when there are as few distractions as possible. If you have several children, you may want to work with one child at a time when they are starting out. To do this, choose a time when the other children are taking naps or are at school. Plan on spending more time than if you were cooking alone. And be prepared to have fun in the kitchen!

For your first session, you might let your child select something that he or she enjoys eating. Look for a simple recipe that brings swift results. Make sure it includes tasks that he can successfully complete. To keep your child from getting restless and bored, have him find some of the needed ingredients and utensils beforehand. You might even partially prepare some of the ingredients in advance so that the session does not become drawn out and tedious.

Read through the recipe with your child, showing him how to perform each of the tasks. Give your child his own space in the kitchen-perhaps a drawer with a couple of bowls and a few utensils-and give him an apron. Rather than have a boy wear a woman's apron, you might get him one made for a male chef. Right from the start, emphasize the importance of safety and set sensible rules for the kitchen.

Most of all, try to make it fun. Don't have your child just watch you; have him wash his hands, and keep them busy in the actual preparation of the food. Allow opportunity for him to explore, experiment, and ask questions. And when a dish doesn't turn out perfectly, don't worry. If your child made it himself, he'll probably eat it anyway!

So if as a parent you are looking for ways to spend more time with your children, why not invite them to help you prepare a cake or a whole meal? You may find that working with them in the kitchen is a means both to nourish and to nurture your family.

Be Safety Conscious

• In a serious but non-frightening way, explain the dangers of working in the kitchen, much as you would explain the dangers of traffic on a busy street. Set a good example yourself.

• Provide adult supervision whenever children are working in the kitchen. Do not allow a child to use any utensil or appliance, especially electrical, until he can use it safely.

• Keep your kitchen orderly. Clean up spills and clear away clutter promptly. Pets and other distractions should be kept out of the kitchen while you are cooking.

Protect Fingers

• Electric mixers, blenders, and food processors should be used only when an adult is supervising. Make sure that the appliance is turned off and unplugged before your child puts a utensil into the bowl.

• Keep knives sharp, since a dull knife requires more pressure and is therefore more likely to slip.

• When your child is learning to use a knife, have him follow these steps: (1) pick the knife up by its handle, (2) place the knife on the food, (3) put the other hand on the back of the knife, and (4) apply pressure to cut the food.

• Use a cutting board. To keep vegetables from rolling around while your child is trying to cut them, slice them in half first and place the flat side down on the cutting board.

Guard Against Burns & Scalds

• Always turn off stove-top and oven dials when not in use. Keep towels, cookbooks, and pot holders away from burners.

• Position the handles of pans toward the center of the stove, where they cannot easily be bumped and cause spills.

• If you let your child work at the stove, be sure that he is standing on a sturdy and stable surface.

• Don't pick up a hot item unless you already know where you are going to set it down. Make sure others in the kitchen know when you are carrying a hot item, especially if you are going to walk behind them.

At http://www.kitchenandhousewares.us visitors will find a wide range of kitchen products, as well as gourmet foods, cookbooks and discount magazine subscriptions. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_Cummings