Every homemaker needs to take a break from the kitchen sometime. Whether you are a man or a woman, there comes a day when you decide enough is enough. It is time to let someone else do the cooking. Unfortunately, not every time does somebody else step up to the plate, so to speak. When those moments occur, no need to panic or get upset. It’s time for a change of plans. It’s time to go out!
As a 21st century adult, it’s important to have a variety of skills. People of all genders and gender identities alike need to be able to change a tire, to identify the smell of a gas leak, to stop the smoke alarm when it gets set off accidentally, and, perhaps most importantly, to cook. Whether we’re feeding a family, a significant other, or just ourselves, we are what we eat. The ability to compose delicious, nutritious meals, will not only keep us full and healthy, but also do a great many favors to our wallets. Nothing can tighten the monthly pursestrings quite as effectively as eating out regularly.
Is it a Dutch oven, or a French oven? Some say they are basically the same, while others disagree saying the meal actually has a different taste when prepared in one or another. So, let us see what the French oven really is, what it is made of, and for what dishes you should use it.
Hot wings have emerged as quite an integral part of our culinary rarities. Today, we will be taking a closer look at this particular dish—its origin, how it’s cooked alongside several other aspects. It is always interesting to trace the history of a delicacy—especially once it starts enjoying such unprecedented popularity across the globe. Please read on to find out more. (more…)
Also known as fennel flower, Roman coriander, black caraway and kalonji, nigella sativa is a plant which originates from south and southwest Asia. Egypt is known to be the one of the earliest cultivation areas of the plant, which seeds are used as a spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines. It was also found in Tutankamun’s tomb (Egyptians entombed their pharaohs with items that were to assist them in the afterlife). Let’s see what positive health effects nigella sativa has and how to incorporate it into your cooking. (more…)
Having a well-planned kitchen helps you to be a better cook; it makes the process of preparing food more enjoyable and saves time. A chef-friendly layout is one that intelligently accommodates storage, cooking and preparation areas, meaning you are not constantly moving back and forth to get a bowl, knife or cloth. The most efficient way to divide up your culinary activities is to separate them into specific zones, so when one task is finished, you move to the next without having to clear a space.
Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a rewarding activity, but it is time-consuming to do properly. There are other options, however, which will add a lot of flavours to your cooking and for far less effort. In this article, I’m going to take a look at how to grow four different kinds of plants that are easy to maintain, but great for adding to your cooking. They will all last for long periods of the year, and will infuse your food with flavour at every meal time. Let’s take a look at these four amazing foodstuffs right away. (more…)
Are you new to baking? Have you only ever made the odd tray bake or two? Don’t worry, we all have to start somewhere. And, believe it or not, one of the best things about baking is that with a bit of practice it is super easy to pick up. (more…)
They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Well, I could not agree more. If you want to do something special for your partner, cooking him a romantic meal is not a bad place to start. Why not surprise him with a three-course meal? If you make something that he likes, it will show him how much you care. Read these little tips to inspire you when you make the meal.
First, it is all about setting the right atmosphere. You can use a couple of tablecloths to cover your dining room table, and set the places with cutlery. Of course, you should also get some fresh flowers to put in the middle of the table so that your partner can see you have made an effort for him. You might want to put on some romantic music and light some candles as well – especially if you hope to impress.
There is nothing more romantic than sharing a meal with someone. For at least one of your courses, you need to opt for a sharing platter. You might want to make an antipasto platter for your starter, for example. All you would need is some cold meats, cheese and fancy bread. Failing that, you could opt for a fondue so that you and your partner can dip crusty bread into some delicious hot cheese.
Please note – imagery via Flickr
When it comes to wine, you want to ensure that you choose the right flavors to complement the dishes you make. As a rule, when you cook red meat, you should serve red wine. Choose a deep wine with rich, berry flavors so that it brings out the taste of your beautiful food. If you happen to serve white meat or fish, you should, of course, serve white wine. Avoid rose at all costs because it can be quite acidic, and you will rarely find a meal that it suits.
So that you don’t end up spending too much time in the kitchen, you ought to think of a simple main course for the meal. For example, you could cook a steak with some roast potatoes. You don’t have to be experimental with your dishes. Sometimes, all you need to do is take a basic meal and cook it to perfection. A piece of delicious smoked haddock or British beef is the best way to impress your partner. Choose quality products so that the food is tasty and fresh.
It is the little extras that make a meal special. For example, having condiments, such as balsamic vinegar and salad dressing, on the side of a dish can make all the difference. You should also make sure that you serve salad with each of your courses. You might think that these details don’t matter, but they will help you to make the meal memorable.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with something fruity. You might want to serve a homemade fruit sorbet or maybe some ice cream instead. Making a dessert that you know your partner likes is the perfect way to show him how you feel about him. Look at some recipes online and attempt something brand new that you have not made before now. Finally, all you need to do is wait for your partner so that you can surprise him with this lovely, romantic gesture!
The Britsh love their food, and the traditional British cuisine is a heart-warming fill of comfort food. It is sumptuous, satisfying and utterly delicious. Today most English plates are filled with different cuisines from around the world like pizzas, pastas and other dishes influenced by Chinese and Indian cultures, such as tikkas, curries and stir fries. Nonetheless, you will find some of the old favourites still on the menu of even your cheap & budget accommodation in Reading, even if they are not eaten as a main course every day, they are a treat to be sampled in abundance.
This dish has been around since the 19th century. It is a crunchy street food, eaten with your fingers, and a creamy dipping sauce is usually served alongside. The local “chippie” or the chip shops serves it in a nice white dish, with a little wooden fork. The fish used is usually plaice, cod or haddock, dipped in a light batter and deep-fried. The chips served are similar to the American French fries, except a little thicker, yet crispy nonetheless. The best way to eat them is to liberally sprinkle it with malt vinegar and sea salt, most Brits like a pickled onion, an egg or some curry sauce to go with it. Each place has a different version of it, and you will definitely have to try it at your hotels near Reading station like Rainbow Lodge hotel, after your long journey. The melting fish and soft potatoes are the perfect after travel snack.
The most popular family meal in the UK is the big lunch roast. Families gather together every other Sunday and enjoy this popular meal made either with lamb,chicken,pork, turkey or beef that is roasted in the oven and served with roasted vegetables like potatoes,cabbage,carrots,Brussels sprouts,onions,peas. They are plated along with tiny wrapped sausages called “pigs in a blanket”, and a rick thick gravy made from rich meat trimmings. The traditional accompaniment is a horseradish sauce and a Yorkshire pudding. However, many families use apple sauce, mint sauce or even redcurrant jelly. Although this dish is enough to serve the entire family, the hotels and restaurants like cheap & budget accommodation in Reading, serve it in smaller portions, incorporating all the elements of the dish.
Although this is rarely eaten every day, it is a classic breakfast option which is more like an indulgence every now and then. Also, known as the “fry up”, it traditionally consists of grilled or fried bacon, tiny sausage, backed small beans in a tomato sauce, fried eggs, grilled whole tomatoes, toasted sandwich bread, fried mushrooms and an optional black pudding. Other options include smoked kippers, kedgeree and soft scrambled eggs. These are usually served as a part of your room service menu in places such as accommodation in Reading near station. Apart from these hearty meals, other dishes to try include The British Banger, The Scottish Haggis and the warm array of tantalising puddings and pies, including the apple crumble, trifle, summer pudding and the bread and butter pudding.
