http://www.inquireinto.com/ Articles at Inquire Into en-us http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/faster-n-tastier-chocolate-cake-with-cake-mix.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/faster-n-tastier-chocolate-cake-with-cake-mix.html Sat, 01 May 2010 07:39:36 +0000
You may make the cake a lot more appetizing by adding other ingredients. You might use chocolate chips or mini M&M's for the same. Ideally, you should mix a mug or 2 of the chocolate chips to the mix for best results. First create the batter as directed 'n contribute the chocolate chips towards the very end. Now bake the cake as instructed 'n Voila! You will have standard chocolate cake with a tasty twist in no time, thanks to the chocolate chips.

Using both white 'n chocolate cake mix at the same time is also a great concept. Create the batter for each of the cakes separately and then take a bowl 'n make alternate layers with white 'n chocolate cake batter prior to baking it. Alternatively, you may create a swirl cake by placing the 2 batters together 'n stirring it once. This will create a marble effect that won't just make your cake taste great however look perfect.

While water is typically used to blend all the elements, you could substitute it with chocolate milk instead. Adding the chocolate milk to your cake mix won't only make it creamier however also provide it an additional chocolate zest. Nevertheless, bear in mind to utilize toned chocolate milk instead of the full cream kind when using it for the cake. It gives the cake the appropriate consistency.

Adding frozen fruit to your cake mix is also a great thought. It will provide a fruity flavor to your cake. Though you've many selections in frozen fruit, it is frozen raspberries that work the greatest. When using frozen fruit, make sure that you add them towards the end 'n mix it lightly. You will need to cook your cake for slightly longer than the package instructions when adding frozen fruit.

Marshmallow cream can as well intensify the flavors of your usual chocolate cake. Take fifty percent of the cake mix 'n pour it into a bowl and then add a marshmallow cream layer. End it off by pouring the remaining half of the cake mix into the bowl and cook as directed. Your children are sure to have fun with the gooey cake centre of this certain cake.

Several folk like the taste of coffee. If you love coffee, you may additionally include it is essence in your chocolate cake by adding coffee liquor. Half a mug of coffee liquor will add just the perfect quantity of the caffeine flavor to your cake. However, in case you're utilizing coffee liquor, bear in mind to lower the quantity of liquid you're utilizing to prepare the mix.

Try these quick suggestions 'n you'll enjoy the same cake from the boxed mix a lot more than ever. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/cooking-great-recipes-despite-rising-food-costs.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/cooking-great-recipes-despite-rising-food-costs.html Sun, 18 Apr 2010 07:35:51 +0000
Many foods are rising in price including staples like chicken, beef, butter, and milk and there are a number of reasons for it. The rising energy costs cost does not help matters because when it costs more to process food and more to transport it, the food price will reflect this.

More food is exported as living standards in countries like India and China have risen, making the prices go up. Also, ethanol costs more, making produce like soybeans, wheat, corn, oats, and barley more expensive. There seems to be on food cost control because the prices keep on rising.

Animals eat grains so the price of meat and poultry increases because the animals have been more expensive to feed. Grains like oats and corn are used in breakfast cereals so the cereals are more expensive now, as well as the milk you pour over it!

How to Feed Your Family on a Budget

If you are low on money but still want to give your family high quality, nutritious meals, there are a few things you can do. First of all, why not plan the week's meals ahead of time and shop for all the ingredients? Try to include plenty of grains and fresh produce because these are nutritious and filling.

Chicken has always been comparatively economical and you can make nice dinners such as fried chicken, potato salad, and corn on the cob without spending too much. Chicken is very versatile, you can cook it in different ways, such as poaching, grilling, baking, and frying, and you can make different sauces to go with it.

If you have ever read the history of Kentucky Fried Chicken you will know they started very small but managed to transform cheap ingredients into delicious meals. You can do the same and made KFC style recipes for the family. This is certainly cheaper than taking them out for fast food and fried chicken is very simple to make. For a healthier twist, oven fried chicken tastes just like deep fried chicken but is lower in both fat and calories.

Keep Dinners Varied

Easy and healthy meals like stir-fry do not use big pieces of chicken or meat, so they work out cheaper than meals where you have a full piece of meat or fish per person. You might want to have a simple pasta or rice dish four times a week and something meatier the other nights. This is a better solution than "feast and famine" where you eat like kings for a few weeks then realize you only have enough money for cans of baked beans for the rest of the month.

Homemade food is a lot cheaper and healthier than prepackaged food or eating out. When you make your own meals, you know exactly which ingredients are going into it. Prepackaged food often contains lots of chemical additives and filler ingredients and eating out can work out really expensive. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/pizza-throughout-history.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/pizza-throughout-history.html Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:13:08 +0000
In Olden Times

The army of Darius the Great of Persia cooked flat bread on their shields and topped the bread with cheese and dates as early as the 6th century BC. Sounds suspiciously like a pizza, huh? Rome's first historian, Cato the Elder, also wrote of a "flat round of dough dressed with olive oil, herbs and honey baked on stones" in the 3rd century BC.

In the first century AD, Marcus Gavius Apicius wrote a cookery book that gives us great insight into the cuisine of ancient Rome. One recipe describes a variety of toppings put onto a bread base. The toppings included chicken, cheese, pine nuts, mint, garlic, oil, and pepper. These are still common toppings found on pizza today!

After Mount Vesuvius erupted on August 24, 79 AD, Pompeii and Herculaneum were entombed in ash, preserving a picture of life as it was. Food shops resembling pizzerias have been excavated in Pompeii, containing marble slabs and other tools familiar to the pizza chef. A statue from Pompeii that is on display in the Museo Nazionale in Naples is called "I Pizzaiolo," meaning "one who creates pizza."

Modern Pizza

It was not until 1522 that tomatoes were introduced to Europe from the New World. At first, they were thought to be poisonous. It was not until the poor people of Naples began sampling the tomatoes and adding it to their dough that the modern pizza was created. The dough was topped with olive oil, lard, cheese, and herbs, along with the tomatoes. Neapolitan pies got the reputation of being the best in all of Italy. By the 17th century, visitors to Naples would be sure to make a trip to the poorer sections of the city to taste the "pizzaioli" that the peasants ate.

In the 18th century, Queen Maria Carolina d'Asburgo Lorena had a special oven put into the summer palace so she and her husband, Ferdinando IV of Naples, could serve pizza to their guests. By the 19th century, pizza was sold from stalls in the streets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was a popular treat to have pizza dough that had simple toppings like anchovies or mushrooms.

Pizza made its first recorded appearance in the New World in the late 19th century. New York City had its first pizzeria in 1905, but the traditional Italian fare did not make much of an impression. In 1943, Ike Sewell developed deep dish pizza in Chicago and served it in his Pizzeria Uno.

During World War II, American soldiers in Italy learned to love pizza, and began yearning for it when they went home. By the 1950s, pizza began to catch on all over America, and has been growing in favor ever since. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/a-great-tasting-squash-soup-recipe.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/a-great-tasting-squash-soup-recipe.html Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:03:50 +0000
This is what you will need from the supermarket:

3 lbs. of butternut squash, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 large onion, 3 tablespoons butter, 4 cups of chicken stock (or vegetable stock, whichever one you prefer), 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper

Firstly, we need to get the squash ready. Using a normal potato peeler, remove the skin. Then cut the squash in half and using a large spoon remove all the seeds from inside the squash. Now simply chop the squash up into fairly big pieces for later.

Once the squash is prepared take the onion and garlic and dice into small pieces. Get a pan and preheat with a medium heat. Once warm, add the butter and as it melts cover the bottom of the pan. As the butter melts put the onion in the pan and cook them for 5 minutes. Now add the garlic and cinnamon to the pan and mix well for around 30 seconds. Add in the squash and stock, put the lid on the pan and leave cooking for another 25-30 minutes.

After 25 minutes the squash should be fully cooked. Take a blender or masher and blend the mixture until smooth. Now add in some maple syrup if required (you could also add some cream is you like!), blend some more and add to individual bowls. Add some croutons on top for that extra touch. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/traditions-and-foods-for-cinco-de-mayo.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/traditions-and-foods-for-cinco-de-mayo.html Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:05:45 +0000
During the 1950s, the United States had a program called The Good Neighbor Policy that encouraged Americans to reach out to our neighboring countries. Cinco de Mayo was first introduced to Americans at this time. In the 1960s, Chicano activists made the holiday more visible as a method to inspire cultural pride among Mexican-Americans.

By the 1980s, the holiday was slowly catching on. During this decade of commercialism, Cinco de Mayo was advertised as a great holiday to spend drinking the alcoholic beverages made by several American companies. These companies really brought Cinco do Mayo into the mainstream of American culture, although they diluted the true meaning behind it, which was to celebrate the Mexican victory over the French in 1862.

As Cinco de Mayo's mainstream status grew, more Americans became interested in celebrating it. People began to look into Mexican traditions, music, and food. Cinco de Mayo would soon become a hotly anticipated holiday every year.

Cinco de Mayo has become a wonderful reason to indulge ourselves with margaritas, nachos and all things Latino. You can get all dressed up in bright traditional clothing, grab some sombreros, throw a Mexican flag up on the wall, hang dried chilies around the house and just have fun. The schools teach about this holiday, so have your children share what they have learned and incorporate it all into your celebration.

People all over the country design huge parties for Cinco de Mayo. The Mexican population is not the only ones celebrating. All of our ethic groups have connected together with this fun holiday. Major cities all over the map celebrate Cinco de Mayo. There is Port Huron in Michigan, New York, Los Angeles and many more.

For those preferring to celebrate closer to home, it is simple to plan a special night of their own. They might make some Cinco de Mayo food, decorate, and put on some traditional mariachi music to listen to. Private parties are now nearly as popular as public parties held in bars, restaurants, and communities across the nation.

If you have ever been curious about some Mexican recipes, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to try them. Make some excellent food for you and your family to enjoy and share some of the culture of Mexico. Invite some friends over and have them bring snacks.

For those who like to go out, check out the local Mexican restaurants for menu specials and parties they may be planning. You can always go out for a great meal, margaritas, and dancing to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. If you prefer a quieter celebration, enjoy some home cooked tacos and pop Zorro into the DVD player. You do not have to do what everyone else does to celebrate. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/coffee-maker-secrets.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/coffee-maker-secrets.html Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:10:19 +0000
When buying a espresso maker there are some very simple questions to ask to help you to narrow down the field quite a lot. Even though budget could possibly be a factor, spending more on a espresso maker that work well in your own circumstances could be worth the cost.

How much espresso do you drink at one time? In the event you merely drink a cup or two then you should look into a small coffeemaker such as a single cup coffee maker or perhaps a four cup small coffee maker.

However if you drink coffee in the daytime or with several hours in between cups in that case a model which has a carafe might be a lot more suited as these units retain the maximum amount of the original brewed taste as possible. Coffee that is several hours old sitting on a burner tends to get bitter and these models can preserve full flavor of the coffee by taking it from the burner.

What number of gadgets do you need on the coffee maker is an additional issue to take into account.

Certain coffee machines come with built in mills which add to convenience and avoids additional cost for those who desire freshly ground coffee. You must balance the benefits with the added cleanup that could be necessary to keep that coffee maker in excellent condition.

On the other hand, programmable coffeemakers using electronic timers can be a great asset to those that must have a mug of coffee before they are able to effectively function. In that case, the coffee may be made ready to brew the night before and then turns on auto-magically at a pre-programmed time. When you must have that first cup of coffee early, the small extra cost may balance out simply by beginning your day out right.

Most coffee makers today serve a single function or a couple,primarily a good mug of coffee to begin the day out right. Whatever you add to them helps make the espresso experience quite a bit easier or perhaps more unforgettable. Espresso machines are needed for that delicious and quite strong coffee drink.

How easy the coffee machine is to clean ought to be a factor. You should think of that in advance of getting one as a good cup of java calls for a clean coffee maker.

From then on, your decision concerns size, extras and how long the machine lasts. You can even check online reviews and decide if the coffee maker with all the capabilities is the one that you need or if you ought to keep to shop.

Balance the extras against the life and the convenience of a coffeemaker and then find one that can make just enough, warm enough, and also the perfect taste for you at just the right selling price. Great coffee can make your day. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/cottage-cheese-and-spinach-recipe-palak-paneer.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/cottage-cheese-and-spinach-recipe-palak-paneer.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:27:27 +0000
Ingredients 250 grams paneer, 2 bunches of palak, 3 medium sized onions (finely chopped), 2 medium size tomatoes (finely chopped) OR tomato puree as per convenience, 2 green chillies (slit into half), 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp ginger paste, 1/2 tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp chana masala, 1 tsp sugar, 3 tbsp oil, Salt to taste, Cream for garnish.

Method Blanche the palak (spinach) for about 5 minutes in boiling water and grind it to fine paste after it is cold. Chop the paneer into small cubes and deep fry in oil till light golden brown.

Heat the oil in a wok and add the cumin seeds. Wait till it crackles and ensure that it does not burn. Add the chopped onions and green chillies and saute till the onions are golden brown. Add the ginger garlic paste and saute for another minute.

Add the turmeric powder, chilli powder and the chana masala powder and saute for another 1-2 minutes. Then add the tomatoes/tomato puree and stir till the oil separates. Add the palak paste to this mixture along with 1 cup water.(Tip: You can use the water used for cooking the spinach). Add the paneer, garam masala, sugar and salt and cook till you start to see the gravy bubbling. If the gravy seems a bit dry, you can add some more water. Garnish with some cream in the end ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/what-makes-mexican-food-different.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/what-makes-mexican-food-different.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:59:10 +0000
History

There is a historical reason for the difference, which is in large part responsible for this difference. As everyone knows, Mexico was formerly a Spanish colony until winning their independence. However, as you probably also know, parts of the United States were also once Spanish territories! As it happens though, these regions (largely in the southwest) do bear a distinct influence from the Spanish colonial period, though not to the extent seen in Mexico since they have long been part of the US.

By contrast, what is now the United States was largely colonized by immigrants from Northern Europe, especially the English, Dutch and Germans, with French settlers in some areas and later on, immigrants from eastern Europe and Scandinavia - and to a lesser extent, literally every other part of the globe.

Colonists who came to Mexico from Europe came by and large from Spain and had a deep and lasting influence on what is now the nation of Mexico. Many classic Mexican recipes are either Spanish and are made much the same way as they are in Europe or are adaptations of Spanish dishes using local ingredients as substitutes for those, which were unavailable in the Americas.

Mexico has also seen a large number of immigrants arrive from the Levant (especially Syria and Lebanon), adding a few dishes which are now classic Mexican food recipes in their own right such as al pastor. This dish is essentially a Mexican take on the middle eastern shawarma.

The US has had a much more diverse population historically, meaning that American cuisine is more of a patchwork quilt of different influences and ingredients, which is characterized by constant change. By contrast, Mexico has been able to develop its own style of cooking; but Mexican cooks do of course adapt the foods of other countries to local tastes as well as enjoying them as they are.

The Differences Local Ingredients Make

The second reason for the difference between Mexican and American cooking has to do with geography. Just as the first European colonists in America learned to use the local produce as well as importing their own, early settlers in Mexico adapted to local ingredients and the native and Spanish cuisines melded into something all its own. Since the country has a warmer climate, different ingredients are easily available, with corn, chili peppers, pumpkins, and other crops, which have been cultivated there for millennia and imported crops, which grow easily in the country.

This fusion of ingredients native to Mexico and those brought from Spain and the cooking methods of both old world and new is what brought Mexican food to fruition. In fact, this is probably the most popular fusion cuisine in the world, though people rarely think of Mexican food as anything but its own distinctive cuisine, which of course it is as well. From Mexican food recipes like huaraches to menudo, mole to Mexican casserole recipes, Mexican food is something with a flavor which is uniquely its own. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/quick-meals-in-minutes-simple-wrap-sandwich-ideas.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/quick-meals-in-minutes-simple-wrap-sandwich-ideas.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:34:15 +0000
Here is a basic step-by-step recipe so you can put a sandwich wrap together in minutes. This easy recipe can be adjusted to your taste, the seasons, or to whatever you may have in the refrigerator or cupboards when you make it. Place your chosen ingredients in layers down the center of the wrap, leaving an inch or so at the bottom to close it when you are done.

1. Pick the kind of wrap that you want. Try soft tortilla shells, which come in plain or flavored varieties like, spinach, tomato, whole grain, and more. If you want to lighten up your wrap sandwich you could also try large lettuce leaves, kale leaves (just cut out the tough stem and use the soft leafy portion (raw or steamed), or try some cabbage leaves that have been lightly steamed.

2. Pick a spread. This will be the flavoring that goes underneath all your ingredients. Spread a layer of your chosen spread over the surface of the wrap. Some simple ideas for spreads are cooked, mashed beans (like black beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans), nut butter, mustard, or cream cheese (either the whipped or regular variety).

3. Choose a filling for the wrap sandwich. Use anything you like, alone or in combination. Place as much of your filling(s) in a strip down the center of the wrap. Try cheese (sliced or shredded), sliced deli meat, leftover cooked chicken (sliced or shredded), canned salmon, tuna, or sardines, etc.

4. Add some vegetables or fruit to the wrap. This is a painless way to get vegetables and fruit in your diet. Place your chosen vegetables or fruit on top of your filling. Here are some simple and flavorful suggestions:

Vegetable Suggestions: shredded lettuce, peeled and thinly sliced jicama, thinly sliced cucumbers, marinated artichoke hearts, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, fresh tomato slices or diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, sliced scallions, sliced roasted red peppers, sliced sweet bell peppers, very thinly sliced fennel, chopped or diced onion, etc.

Fruit Suggestions: use banana slices, fresh berries, diced or sliced apples or pears, sliced grapes, peach slices, sliced strawberries or mango, raisins or dried fruit of choice, etc.

5. Boost the flavor of your wrap. Add a little extra zip to your meal with some simple items that will accent your wrap sandwich. Depending on the fillings you have chosen, here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Crunchy/Salty/Spicy Flavor Toppings: cooked and crumbled bacon bits (regular or vegetarian), pickle relish, peanut sauce, a little chopped fresh herbs of choice like mint, basil, dill, oregano, or cilantro, chopped nuts, salsa, oyster sauce, or a sprinkling of soy sauce

Sweet/Spicy/Crunchy Flavor Toppings: nutmeg or cinnamon, some chutney, chopped nuts, a flavored granola, maple syrup, honey, mini-chocolate chips, a spoonful of marmalade or all-fruit spread, etc.

After all the ingredients have been added to the wrap, simply fold up the bottom flap and then carefully fold in the sides to close the sandwich and enjoy.

A few simple and flavorful wrap sandwich ideas are listed to get you started making these quick meals in minutes.

- whole grain tortilla wrap, mayonnaise, cooked boneless chicken breast (thinly sliced), shredded lettuce, mango chutney

- whole grain tortilla wrap, almond butter, avocado slices, crushed and drained pineapple, brown sugar

- spinach flavored tortilla wrap, cocktail sauce, (shelled, cooked, and chopped) shrimp, (canned and drained) mandarin orange slices, feta cheese

- whole grain tortilla wrap, almond butter, sliced peaches, sliced strawberries, honey, cinnamon

- lettuce leaf, mustard, smoked turkey slices, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta cheese

- lettuce leaf, mustard, deli ham slices, roasted red pepper slices, goat cheese

- spinach flavored tortilla wrap, garlic hummus, canned tuna (packed in water, drained, and flaked), cottage cheese, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, radish sprouts, capers

- tomato flavored tortilla wrap, tomato pesto, cooked and mashed black beans, sliced cucumber, sliced roasted red peppers, shredded cabbage, crumbled goat cheese, sprinkle of dried basil, a drizzle of Italian dressing ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/restricted-diets.html http://www.inquireinto.com/food/recipes/restricted-diets.html Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:30:22 +0000
If you have a fairly common allergy or intolerance such as dairy or gluten, then finding foods that are dairy or gluten free isnt too difficult, its when the intolerances get more intricate and uncommon that they become a problem. Also, another big problem for people with food intolerances is eating out at a restaurant for example. A lot of the time, chefs will not understand the implications of a given food on a person with intolerances.

Quite often a well meaning chef will add a small quantity of flour to thicken a sauce, believing that it will not be noticed. Indeed, if the intolerance sufferer doesnt implode on the spot, the chef is likely to believe that they have Gotten away with it and that the sufferer is not really suffering at all. They dont realise that sufferers usually suffer as the food is digested and the consequences last for several days.

This makes eating out very difficult for people with food intolerances and its not always easy or possible to give a chef a list of foods to avoid putting into your meal, and you will notice that eating out starts to become something of a gamble and the more foods you are intolerant to, the higher risk the gamble becomes as its more likely that you will eat something that will upset you. Sooner or later, people may realise that its hard to find good food that doesnt contain any of the common foodstuffs people are intolerant to, so dont be surprised if the amount of dinner invitations drop as people tire of trying to accommodate you.

For the sake of your health, it is of the utmost importance that you avoid all foods that you have an intolerance to. It is very hard work for your body to process these foods and so to allow it to recover, you should stick to foods that you know your body can handle. Having said that, if you start eating just a few foods that you know arent going to upset you, you may find that you begin developing intolerances to them as well.

It is important to monitor what you eat and to be aware that this can happen. It is also important for this reason to maintain as wide a diet as possible. This can be difficult, as many people find foods that dont upset them and stick to those as the wider range of foods you eat, the more likelihood there is that you will be intolerant to one or more of them. ]]>