Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Rib-Eye Steak with Mushrooms and Bleu Cheese

This is a mouth watering steak. Every time I serve this in the restaurant the customers rave. The best part, it’s so simple you can make it at home for the family. Serves 2 2 ea. Rib-eye steaks (each about 1 inch thick) ½ tsp. Kosher salt ½ tsp. Pepper 1 Tbsp. Olive oil 3 Tbsp. Unsalted butter 1 ea Onion - thinly sliced 1/2 lb Mushrooms - thickly sliced 2 Tbsp. Garlic - chopped 3/4 cup Bee. . .

The Heavenly taste of Chocolate!

A delicious, mouth-watering piece of sweetened chocolate is a treat that tempts everyone. Whether it’s a delicious chocolate truffle or a double dipped chocolate nut cluster that just bursts with flavor as soon as it placed inside your mouth; quality chocolate candy is a treat that you enjoy and deserve. Chocolate candy, soft candy, chewy candy, chocolate and fruit candy are all available today. . .

Pinatas are Fun for young and old!

Pinatas make a great theme to center a party around. It can be a birthday party, a going away party or just a fun party where friends and family get together. Pinatas offer excitement and challenge for both the young and old because it’s exciting to see someone swing a stick around and anticipate the breaking of the pinata and watching all the candies, chocolates and prizes spill out.All pinata. . .

The Creamy Taste Of Fudge!

Fudge is a treat that everyone loves. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, the taste of a smooth, creamy piece of delicious Fudge appeals to everyone. Fudge, candy, Fudge, and sweets have been around for a long time and they still tickle the taste-buds of people. You’re sure to be a hit with family and friends when offering them the finest quality Fudge you can find. Delicious Fudges made . . .

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know they are just a little bit pricey. However, growing your own herbs is easy and so much fun! Here are just a few of the herbs you might want to consider for a tea garden: Chamomile: Remember the favorite tea of Peter Rabbit? Only the flowers of this fragrant herb are used when making tea. Chamomile tea can be enjoyed by itself or you might enjoy adding . . .

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Homemade cookies from scratch in 20 minutes!!• 2 six-ounce packages of butterscotch chips• 1 1/2 cups of chunky peanut butter• 4 to 5 cups of corn flakes• 1 cup dry roasted peanutsMelt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter together in a large microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Then stir in 4 to 5 cups of corn flakes and 1 cup of dry roasted peanuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on wax pap. . .

10 Easy Ways To Protect Your Family From Food Poisoning

Do you realize the many ways that bacteria can contaminate the food YOUR FAMILY eats? Do you know how to tell if your food is THOROUGHLY cooked to keep YOUR family safe from Food Poisoning? Do you know what to do if you or SOMEONE YOU LOVE gets Food Poisoning? When it comes to food preparation and storage, "Common Practices" could be POISONING your family! Here's how to avoid the problem entire. . .

10 Deadly Bacteria That Can Get In Your Food (And How To ...

Thousands of types of bacteria are naturally present in our environment. Not all bacteria cause disease in humans (for example, some bacteria are used beneficially in making cheese and yogurt). However, the prime causes of food-borne illness include parasites, viruses, and bacteria such as: 1. E. coli O157:H7 2. Campylobacter jejuni 3. Salmonella 4. Staphylococcus aureus 5. Listeria monocytogen. . .

Coffee Roasting De-mystified

How many different names have you run across for different types of coffee roasts? Light, Medium, Dark? Espresso? Continental? Vienna, French, Italian, Spanish? City? Full-City? C'mon, who's thinking up these things? Well, the dark secret (pardon the pun) of the coffee industry is that, well, there really isn't full agreement on which roast is which. So basically, we all pretty much get to hunt. . .

Easy, Tasty Chicken Wing Recipes

You can serve chicken wings hot or cold, for a meal, or for snacks. They're great as appetizers at parties, or when you're just looking for a tasty midnight snack. Try these four easy recipes:Baked Chicken Wings 1/2 c. margarine, melted 1 t. dijon mustard 3 c. multi-grain flaked cereal 16-18 chicken wings, broken into two pieces 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese 4 t. finely chopped parsleyPrehe. . .

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch (in 2 hours or less!)

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a dozen times: "Make homemade cinnamon rolls? From scratch? Are you crazy? That takes all day!"Actually, it depends upon the recipe. I have several recipes for homemade cinnamon rolls that do, indeed, take at least all afternoon, if not all day -- scald the milk and let it cool to room temperature (30 minutes); mix the dough and let it raise for an hour (1.5. . .

Pleasures of Soup

Often our diets change during the cold weather. More hot foods then cold sandwiches grace the dinner table. Our schedules do not slow down so we seek out hardy, quick to prepare meals.Making a pot of soup is a perfect solution for a healthy, hot meal. There are dozens of different soups that you can make.Make your meal different then chicken noodle or tomato soup, why not try a creamy wild rice. . .

10 Mind-Easing Ways To Make Sure Your Child's "Bag" Lunch...

Perishable food must be kept cold while commuting via bus, bicycle, on foot, in a car, or on the subway. After arriving at school or work, perishable food must be kept cold until lunchtime. Why? Harmful bacteria multiply rapidly in the "danger zone" (the temperatures between 40° F and 140° F). So, perishable food transported without an ice source won’t stay safe long. Here are safe handling rec. . .

10 Simple Ways To Safely Store Food

Storing foods can present its own set of problems. And different types of foods have different storage requirements to prevent bacteria from setting in. Here's some tips to protect your family and yourself. Storing Vegetables 1. Vegetables should be stored in the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator. However, keep potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic in a cool, dark, well ventilated pl. . .

Banish Boring Brown Bag Lunches!

One way that money slips through our fingers without our realizing it is by eating out at lunch every day. Did you know that by taking your lunch 3 days a week instead of eating out, you could save as much as $800 a year? Think what you could do with that much extra money! Your lunch doesn't have to be a sandwich and chips, either. With just a little bit of creativity and planning, brown bag . . .

Bananas: All That Potassium And Carmen Miranda Too!

Bananas: All That Potassium And Carmen Miranda Too! "…We have old-fashioned tomahto, Long Island potahto, but Yes, we have no bananas. We have no bananas today.."- Folk song by Frank Silver and Irving Cohen (1923)Whether you are off to Rio following the colorful trail of Carmen Miranda’s fruit-filled hat or seated on your couch contemplating the universe, the banana can always come along for th. . .

10 Wide Open Tips For Food Safety In The Great Outdoors

Hiking, camping, and boating are good activities for active people and families. However, if the food isn't handled correctly, food-borne illness can be an unwelcome souvenir. 1. Choose foods that are light enough to carry in a backpack and that can be transported safely. Keep foods either hot or cold. Since it's difficult to keep foods hot without a heat source, it's best to transport chilled . . .

10 Smoky Tips To BBQ Food Safely

Cooking outdoors was once only a summer activity shared with family and friends. Now more than half of Americans say they are cooking outdoors year round. Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing food-borne illness. 1. Defrosting Completely defrost meat and poultry before grilling so it cooks more evenly. Use the refrigerator . . .

10 Critical Ways To A Perfectly Food-Safe Kitchen

Food poisoning is related to unsafe food, a dirty kitchen, and dirty kitchen appliances. If you follow some safety rules, food poisoning will never occur. Your Refrigerator 1. Freezing does NOT kill bacteria; it only controls their growth. Common bacteria grow rapidly at 60° F to 120° F. Keep the temperature of the refrigerator below 50° F. Keep the freezer temperature at about 0° F. 2. Don’t t. . .

10 Convenient Ways To Eliminate Food Poisoning With Your ...

Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but special care must be taken when cooking or reheating meat, poultry, fish, and eggs to make sure they are prepared safely. Microwave ovens can cook unevenly and leave "cold spots," where harmful bacteria can survive. For this reason, it is important to use the following safe microwaving tips to prevent food-borne illness. Microwave Cook. . .

50% Less Cooking

50% Less Cookingwithout hitting the fast food button! Don't you just cringe when some clever kitchen type tells you what you could be doing with the leftovers in the fridge, when it's plainly obvious the leftovers will stay there until they walk out by themselves!More often than not, saving money with leftovers, although a great idea, takes a lot of time in preparation and relies on many other . . .

Easy Spaghetti Recipes

Spaghetti has always been a favorite family meal. My teenage daughter will eat leftover spaghetti for breakfast, lunch, and as a mid-afternoon snack. Not everyone loves spaghetti so much that they will go to that extreme, however, and the same meals can getting boring after awhile. Here are some ways to jazz up this old favorite: Italian Sausage Spaghetti 2 lbs. Italian sausage 48 oz. spaghet. . .

6 Steps to Grill the Perfect Steak

There's nothing better than a nicely grilled juicy steak.But how come I can't duplicate that restaurant, expensive, juicy, melt-in-your mouth, perfectly grilled steak?Well, I found out how to grill steak perfectly - and here's how you can too.1. The choice of meat is important!!! Just because the supermarket has labeled the steak "good for grilling" doesn't mean that it is. Lean meat does not d. . .

Parmesan Crusted Sole with Lemon Beurre Blanc

Sole/flounder is a refreshing sweet and mild flavored fish which allows it to be used in a variety of ways. With its long thin flesh, sole is often stuffed or used in other extravagant plate presentations. Because this fish is very thin it’s a great choice to pan fry for a quick meal. Parmesan crusted sole is the best of both worlds, it’s eloquent and fast. You can make it look even better wit. . .

Chocolate, Candy, Fudge

A delicious, mouth-watering piece of sweetened chocolate is a treat that tempts everyone. Whether it’s a delicious chocolate truffle or a double dipped chocolate nut cluster that just bursts with flavor as soon as it placed inside your mouth; quality chocolate candy is a treat that you enjoy and deserve.Chocolate candy, soft candy, chewy candy, chocolate and fruit candy are all available today . . .

Perfect Picnics - Frugal Food Safety Tips

Summer is finally here and for a lot of us that means heading out to the lake or to the park for a picnic with friends or family. Unfortunately, if we're not careful when we plan, transport and serve that picnic, our outing might not end up happily. Here are some tips to remember when planning an outdoor meal: 1. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Bacteria multiply quickly at temperatures . . .

Easy, Frugal Breakfasts!

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And that children that eat breakfast do better in school than those who don't. However, we also all know that it isn't always easy to find time to prepare that all-important meal or to convince our children to eat it! One way to create a positive attitude toward breakfast in your children is by showing them that you enjoy breakfa. . .

Your Frugal Fridge!

Now that it's summer, most of us start thinking about keeping our electric bill in bounds! One way to do that is to keep your refrigerator and freezer, if you have one, running efficiently. Be sure to vacuum the condenser coils on your refrigerator at least once a year. You may have to pull your appliance out from the wall to do this, but when the coils are dusty, it keeps the fridge . . .

Do you ever Search for Quick recipes?

In the quest for more time, searching for quick recipes online can be a big help. Cutting time out of cooking will free up time for other things. But, can you find easy gourmet recipes or quick crock pot recipes? The answer is yes. Many websites contain free recipes of any type that you can use. Are you looking for a quick cookie recipe? Maybe even a quick chicken recipe for dinner tonight? Wha. . .

Easy Gourmet Recipes you and I can do!

So, you don't think you can find easy gourmet recipes? Yes, you can! While most people think that gourmet recipes are hard to make, time consuming, or too expensive, you can find things that are gourmet and easy to make. You just need to look in the right places and know what you are looking for! First of all, finding information on gourmet recipes on the Internet is easy to do. Just search you. . .

Do I really need to follow a Recipe?

These days, its seems like everyone is looking for different recipes to add to their tried and true favorites. Many people are looking for recipes that are low carb or that fit into the type of diet they are on. Or, they are looking for a new things they can make for busy nights like crock pot recipes or quick recipes. Maybe you are looking for a new cookie recipe or even an easy gourmet recipe. . .

So, You Have A Crockpot. Now You'll Want Crockpot Recipes.

To those of us that don't know, crockpot recipes are among the best out there! Did you receive a crockpot as a gift at your wedding shower or perhaps as a birthday gift and have no idea how to use it? Crockpots are great kitchen tools that offer a convenience like none other. Many meals from basic chicken recipes to fancy Christmas recipes can be made in the crock pot. Crockpot recipes can be m. . .

Easy to Make Guacamole Dip

Easy to Make Guacamole!You can make guacamole that people will rave about! It’s easy, and you don’t need any fancy kitchen utensils or appliances.What You’ll Need To Have ReadyAssemble the following kitchen items: Cutting board Sharp knife A shallow-lipped dish or bowl, preferably with a flat bottom A potato masher, hand-held is better than an electric whipperIngredients (for one batch, feeds 2. . .

Chicken recipes that everyone enjoys!

Chicken recipes are a stable in many people’s diets. Many of them are recipes we have made time and time again and others, are special recipes, maybe a favorite Christmas recipe or even a special fondue recipe using chicken. Americans consume more chicken then any other meat, but we still want new recipes to use! Spicing up old recipes or creating new ones is easy when you have the right tools.. . .

Finding Delicious Cookie Recipes

Many of us have an inner baker inside us that loves to find new cookie recipes to try. But, where do you find new, tried and true, cookie recipes that your family will love? People are always looking for the newest versions of their favorite recipes to broaden their dinner choices. New crockpot recipes, new chicken recipes, even new fondue recipes are all searched for by those needing something. . .

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo

Seafood Fettuccine is always a top seller in our restaurants. Any pasta alfredo recipe is easy to prepare making it a great choice for family and friends. The alfredo sauce can be made several days in advance, so when it comes time to make the meal it’s a breeze. Once you master the sauce, you can use any type of protein, vegetable or pasta you desire. Giving you and endless variety of meals f. . .

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

You will need:1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mixFrostingSprinkles or other decorations of your choiceDirections:Prepare cake mix batter according to directions, or make any standard cake recipe batter (i.e. white, chocolate, etc.) Place flat-bottomed ice cream cones in the cups of a regular muffin pan.Pour enough batter into each cone to fill from 1/2 to 2/3 full. Bake at time and temperature . . .

Crab Stuffed Salmon with Lobster Sauce

I served this dish at an event I catered and people are still talking about it a year later. The lobster base used in the sauce can be found at stores offering specialty foods or you can order it off the internet. If you’re really ambitious, you could also make your own lobster stock and reduce it. Using it in place of the clam juice. Then chop up the lobster and use it in the sauce and stuffin. . .

Grilled Scallops with Ginger-Lime Sauce

Summer time is great for barbequing, but aren’t you tired of burgers and hotdogs? At your next party why not try something a little classier. This scallop recipe is so easy, but so good. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can also pan sear the scallops without the skewer. Either way this dish will make your parties the most popular in the city. Be patient with the sauce making sure to reduc. . .

Ice Cream In A Baggie

Yes, it sounds dangerous and the potential for messes seems highly likely, but you'll be surprised at the good, "clean" fun you'll enjoy when you make ice cream.This recipe is enough for one person to make a dish! 1/2 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon sugar 4 cups crushed ice 4 tablespoons salt 2 quart size Zip-loc bags 1 gallon size Zip-loc freezer bag a hand towel or gloves to keep f. . .

Come to Tea: An Elegant Garden Gathering

Perhaps nothing says "garden party" like having afternoon tea outdoors. It's a charming reminder of bygone days and childhood make-believe. Outdoor spaces of all kinds, including balconies, can be successfully adapted to a tea party. Tea parties span generations and will be enjoyed by your most sophisticated women friends or all the giggling little girls of your acquaintance. What makes an eleg. . .

Seasoning An Oven

Untreated cast iron rusts, especially around water.  To prevent metal from oxidizing in the presence of moisture, cast iron requires a process called ?seasoning?.  Seasoning is simply the procedure of baking oil into the oven's pores, and on  top of the iron pores. This baked on coating will darken and eventually turn black with age.  Darkening is the sign of a well kept oven, and of it's use. . . .

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Bottom Layer: 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup sugar 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 cup milk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanillaCream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and stir in milk. Add dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. (Batter will be stiff.) Spread in the bottom of greased 9x13 pan.Middle Layer: 4 to 5 cups of rhubarb (cut up) 2 eggs 1/4 cup milk 2 cups sugar 1 cup . . .

Choosing a Wine Gift Basket

During the holiday season, most of us are in a frantic search for presents for loved ones and friends. Next time, instead of the usual hassle of selecting a gift which will suit him or her, try sending a wine gift basket instead. Wine gift basketsare a perfect present for both men and women and suit every occasion e.g. Birthdays, Weddings etc. The information below will help you select an appro. . .

Oatmeal-Apple-Raisin Muffins

These muffins are not only tasty, but they're also a good source of fiber. In recent years, health experts have come to realize that fiber is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. Using Canola oil also increases the health benefits of these muffins. 1 egg 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice added) 1 cup oatmeal (either quick-cooking or old-fashioned oatmeal. . .

EASY No-Roll Pie Crust

EASY No-Roll Pie Crust 3 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons sugar 2/3 cup cooking oil (I like to use Canola oil) 1/3 cup water or milkMeasure all ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir with a fork. Pat into pie pan with fingers or use the back of a spoon. Use with your favorite pie recipes.This recipe will make enough for: 3 eight-inch one-crust pies (or) 2 eight-inch two-crust pies (or) . . .

Edith's Cake That Thrilled the French

Twenty-three chefs who cooked for world royalty and heads of state (The Club des Chefs des Chefs) were, during their 1987 visit to the U.S., wined and dined with the best our finest chefs had to offer. What impressed them most? Lunch at an Amish farm in Pennsylvania, where they ate homegrown new potatoes, string beans with cream sauce and corn, charcoal-grilled chicken, and baked ham, washed . . .

Cooking Lobster at Home

Lobster has always be one of those extravagant meals which few people ever try because of the high cost. With restaurants paying thirty dollars a pound, by the time they put their markup on it, you’re easily paying sixty dollars for a ten ounce tail. This high cost leaves lobster dinners for the well-to do or at least only for special occasions. But, this doesn’t have to be. With more and more . . .

Bacteria and Food-borne Diseases

Types of BacteriaBacteria are all around us, in the air, water, ground, on our skin and in our bodies. They are classified in a variety of ways, but for our purpose we can categorize them in a more basic way.Harmless bacteria – Most bacteria fall into this category. They are neither help us nor are harmful to us. These bacteria have a specific purpose, but are not a concerning to us in terms of. . .

What’s the Thick on Roux? Thickening Soups and Sauces

Soups and sauces can be thickened in a variety of ways. A sauce must the thick enough to cling to the food, but not so thick it stands up on its own. Starches are by far the most common thickening agent. Cornstarch, arrowroot, waxy maize and the ever popular, roux (roo). But what is a roux and how does it work?Roux is a cooked mixture of equal parts by weight of fat and flour. If you mix a star. . .