Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Season Your Pans for Non Stick Cooking

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to cook a delicious meal and having it stick to the bottom of the pan. A well season or cured pan will make cooking more fun, easier to clean and create better tasting food. There is a saying in the restaurant business; Hot pan – Cold oil. Meaning never put the oil in a cold pan and then heat it up. By heating the pan first and then adding the oil, then i. . .

Best Recipes: Black Forest Cheesecake

Sweet, red cherries and rich chocolate. What more invitation do you need to whip up this delectable creamy delight? Crust1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs3 tablespoons margarine, meltedFilling2 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened2/3 cup sugar2 eggs1 6-oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces, melted¼ teaspoon almond extractTopping1 21-oz. can cherry pie fillingFrozen whipped topping, thawedDirectionsPreh. . .

White Bread

White bread is a subject that is constantly being raised in recent times when such things as intestinal and bowel problems arise. The common belief is that it acts like a glue once inside the intestines and prevents waste taking its normal course. Depending upon whom you listen to it is a cause of digestive disorders, weight gain or even bowel cancer. I am yet to see conclusive evidence but the. . .

Bartending: Building A Foundation For A Profitable and Re...

Dating back thousands of years, bartending began as a trade by those that produced liquor and in turn sold it to the public. This was not only a profitable venture for these early bartenders, but provided a product in huge demand by the public. Historically humans have always had a fondness for spirits which is an enormous benefit to those pursuing a bartending career. Prohibition makes a very . . .

Indian Tandoori Cooking

Traditionally, tandoori dishes are cooked in a tandoor, an oval shaped clay oven with a small fire in the bottom. The heat rises gradually but ultimately reaches a much higher temperature than a barbeque.A tandoor is normally used to cook naan bread, meats and kebabs (meat or paneer). The bread is stuck to the sides, the kebabs stood vertically and whole chickens rested on a grid over the f. . .

Tips For Cookie Baking

When deciding to bake cookies, a lot of questions come to mind. How to use baking powder. What is corn starch? What do I have to do if I don't find some ingredients? Etc. In this article I will approach a few problems and give some easy answers and tips. You decided to bake some cookies and at the last minutes a lot of questions arise. Oven temperature, chewy or crispy cookies, eggs size, and s. . .

Cooking Indian Food at Home - Where to Start?

If you read my article, Curry - A Journey, published on the Curry page of this site, you’ll know that my first experiences of the dish were of the generic variety which the British invariably cooked and ate when living abroad a few decades ago. You’ll also know that I then discovered “real” Indian cookery and decided that as I couldn’t afford to eat out that much, I needed to learn how to cook. . .

Chicken Tetrazzini

This delicious and easy to make pasta dish is a meal on its own! A cream sauce is the signature of this pasta casserole that is believed to be invented in San Francisco, where it was named after the then-famous opera star Luisa Tetrazzini.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking Time: 15 minutesIngredients2 Chicken Breasts (cut into 1" cubes)2 tbsp. Olive Oil1/4 cup Butter2 Large finely chopped Sha. . .

Beer Brewing Big And Creative In America

Breweries in America are growing at an exponential rate. Beer brewing is becoming big business with a resurgence of traditional types of ales and lagers combining with more exotic offerings. With a colourful history, beer carries on its controversial way to regain the traditional role it’s always played as an every-day beverage, while taking on a more creative flavour to please every palate.Bac. . .

A Valentine’s Dinner That’ll Knock His Socks Off

A few years ago I wanted to do something really special for my husband on Valentine’s Day. I didn’t want anything in return, only that the evening was fun and enjoyable, and that was how it turned out. The look on my Valentine’s face when he came home for dinner was priceless and shall remain with me forever. I’d never seen his eyes or smile so wide!I’d like to share this special Valentine’s. . .

Organic Baby Food A Big Hit In Scotland

**50% of Scottish Babies fed Organic Baby FoodAccording to the Scotsman, more than half of Scottish children under two are now fed an exclusively organic diet. In fact, organic baby food accounted for 43% of total baby food sales in 2004. That represented sales of more than 63 million GBP in 2004.A survey of 805 mothers and pregnant women conducted by the polling company BMRB found that four ou. . .

The Rules You Wished Everyone Followed At The Grocery Store

Most adults say that they do not enjoy grocery shopping. It is time consuming and expensive. In addition, it is often an experience in frustration due mainly to the actions and behaviors of the other shoppers. What can be done? Aside from hiring a personal shopper, not much I’m afraid. However, if all shoppers could agree on some basic rules and codes of conduct, I believe that the trip to. . .

Some Facts About Whiskey Or Whisky

When discussing whisky the first thing that needs to be know is that there are two legitimate spellings. The Scotts and Canadians spell whisky without the “e”, while the Irish and Americans spell it with an “e” as in whiskey. This should be the first indication that the world of whisky is a very complicated one and has many regional differences in taste and production. This is part of what make. . .

Are You Getting Enough Color in Your Diet?

Vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber—the good guys in the food we eat. They make our bodies strong to help us fight disease and slow the natural aging process. So how do you know if you are getting enough of these food superheroes? Think color! WhiteBananas are well-known to be an excellent source of potassium. They are also high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium and manganese. O. . .

5 Quick And Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A recent study has shown that women who skip breakfast consume an average of 100 calories more than those who eat breakfast. Enjoying a healthy breakfast in the morning will also keep your blood sugar levels even, which will help you stay more alert and in a better mood. With our busy lives, it is sometimes hard to find the time to fix breakfast . . .

8 Chinese New Year Food Symbols for Happiness, Prosperity...

"Lucky" Chinese New Year symbols are an important part ofcelebrating the Spring Festival.Afterall, it is the start of spring -- a perfect time tohave your New Year wishes come true!And what better way to usher in happiness, prosperity andhealth than to enjoy "auspicious food" with family andfriends?Here are the Top 8 auspicious food symbols for Chinese NewYear.These delicious dishes are served . . .

Mom's German Potato Salad

Have you ever paused to ponder why fast fries and refined potato chips are so popular with the masses? If such processed and unhealthy junk can hold such appeal, can you imagine how much more real flavour this good old potato recipe all the way from Germany packs? I enjoy my potatoes as a great-tasting source of starchy carbohydrates too, so dig in friends!Mom's German Potato Salad5 lb red pota. . .

Cooking Versus Raw Diet

From a theoretical standpoint it is easy to reason to the conclusion that a raw diet-- grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts--should be the natural food of man. One can easily imagine how the first man to discover fire found comfort in basking in its warmth, and how natural it would be under these circumstances for him to also first warm any food that he might wish to eat.Thus it is not at all di. . .

Spicy Crab Cakes

Good golly, these seafood specialty delights pack such a ferocious taste wallop that once you start popping them, you'd be hard pressed to stop! My zesty crab cake wonders make the perfect New Year's party appetisers or family gathering fillers, so by all means dig in liberally, to welcome 2006 with a bang... SPICY CRAB CAKES2 lg. eggs1/2 lb. fresh lump crabmeat1 c. ricotta cheese1 c. (4 oz.) s. . .

Lose Weight With This Healthy Lean Chicken Salad Recipe

This lean chicken salad recipe is perfect for eating alone on a bed of lettuceor on toasted whole wheat bread. Chicken salad will spice up any dinner plate. This recipe even has a sweet taste with the addition of raisins. Ingredients:3 boneless, skinless chicken breast meat, cubed1/2 cup sweet pickle relish¼ cup red onion, finely minced1 cup fat free mayonnaise¼ cup celery, finely minced¼ cup r. . .

Beer Through the Years

No one really knows exactly how the first beer came into being ...Suffice it to say that, around 10,000 years ago, somebody let a primordial barley and hop concoction stand long enough for it to ferment. The result not only made anonymous history, it was the genesis of beer's own special influence throughout the ages.Here are a few examples of note:It was the accepted practice in Babylonia, as . . .

How To Make An Espresso? The Art Of Making Coffee Cuisine

How to make an espresso. The art form of making coffee cuisine. Espresso coffee is a precise art form of coffee making. There are several factors that must take place to make a quality cup of Espresso. First the fresh roasting of the coffee bean to bring out the truly gourmet coffee flavor that you expect. The grinding is the next procedure that must be done right in order to give you 20-25 se. . .

The Well-Stocked Pantry -- A Cook's Secret Weapon

Doing any job is easier when you have the right tools on hand. One of a cook's best tools -- and secret weapons -- is having a well-stocked pantry. Cooking is much simpler if you know that you've already got what you need on hand, and aren't going to have to run to the corner market every time you want to fix a meal. Having a well-stocked pantry is also the secret weapon of every "Hostess with . . .

Amuse-Bouche - Find Out About This Hot Trend In Entertaining

Amuse-bouche is becoming the hottest trend in foods and entertaining. If you enjoy offering your guests interesting fare that always gets raves you should consider learning about the seduction of amuse-bouche. WHAT IS AMUSE-BOUCHE? The word amuse-bouche is a french expression, literally translated "mouth-amuser". And no wonder - amuse-bouche are snappy, single bite creations which combine inten. . .

Safe Food Handling For The Holidays

Did you know that the turkey you thawed on the kitchen counter, instead of in the fridge, could now contain bacteria levels high enough to harm human life, even though you can’t see, smell, or taste it? There’s nothing better than a home cooked meal during the holidays. But, with all the special effort that goes into making one, everything will be for naught if the food has not been stored, pre. . .

A Healthy Low Carb Recipe Chicken Strips Salad

After the holidays a lot of us want to go easy on the Carbs. This low carb chicken strips salad will help you to achieve just that.A salad is not just boring lettuce anymore. This salad is bursting with flavor. This healthy low carb recipe is for a chicken strips salad with fruit and nuts. It has such unique flavors that you will discover a new one with each and every bite. Compliment your dinn. . .

Save Money The Crock Pot Way

Saving money – is something we would all like to do. Whether you are struggling to manage day to day or earning a six figure salary, saving is something we all think about.There is one thing we can all save on. The one thing we all do, every day, several times a day.We all … Eat. And food these days can be so expensive. It is quite easy to go to the grocers and spend your entire weeks pay just . . .

Don't Use That Kitchen Knife Until You Know How To Care F...

When using a kitchen knife, or any sharp object, remember to put safety first. Although it sounds obvious don’t run around with a sharp knife in your hand, don’t point a knife at anyone and always cut away from yourself not towards yourself. Also, don’t use your finger to see how sharp the blade is. Yes, I know some of you reading this article have been guilty of this at least once and have fou. . .

Lima Bean Delight

The numerous health and thermogenic (fat burning) benefits of vegetables have been extensively documented by intensive scientific research in recent years, but did you know that it doesn't take much at all to concoct a veritable feast out of seemingly bland veggies? If you aren't yet a believer in the goodness of God's greens, then there's no better time for you to revel in my latest recipe tha. . .

Lose Weight with these two Easy Low Fat Recipes

Whether you are on a diet or just want to watch your fat intake finding easy these two low fat recipes will help you to achieve that goal.Low fat food is healthier for your body and also taste much better than you think. So, if you are health conscience then you should try these easy low fat recipes. You are sure to enjoy the flavor and great taste that they provide.The first easy low fat recip. . .

Provence – A Wine Lover’s Dream Come True!

Provence is often overlooked by companies that offer traditional wine tasting tours, in spite of the excellence of its wines. If you’re a true wine lover and wine fan, this beautiful location in France offers the most fascinating scenery and, not to mention, some of the best vineyards around.In Provence, as everywhere in the Mediterranean, you’ll find the people full of warmth, spontaneity and . . .

6 Tips For A Healthy Dinner Out

Ever wonder how you can possibly lose weight when the average dinner out contains over 1,000 calories? Well, don’t fret! Keeping yourself in shape when dining out is simply a matter of ordering the right menu.Below are 6 tips for having a healthy dinner out (while still enjoying your meal like normal!):- Watch Your Drinks – By not ordering an alcoholic beverage, you've saved yourself a consider. . .

So You Want To Go To Culinary Art School?

I'm guessing if you're readiing this you might already have an interest in or be attending a culinary art school. Perhaps you're interested in starting a catering business, working in food research and development, or as a food critic, a culinary instructor or food inspector.Or even working toward opening your own restaurant?If so then you'll need to become familiar with a broad array of culina. . .

How To Find Fruit Basket Companies

If you are in the market for a fruit basket, the next step is where to purchase the gift? Luckily today, fruit baskets are available through a wide range of shops, websites, and individuals who can ship these edible presents all over the world. In addition to purchasing a pre-made fruit basket from a professional or company, consider assembling the basket yourself to save some cash and personal. . .

Why Fruit Baskets Make A Good Gift

If you are at a loss when it comes to the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend, family member, or neighbor, or are trying to find a suitable gift for a colleague or client, consider a fruit basket. Fruit baskets make excellent gifts, especially for those individuals who have everything. Instead of giving a monetary gift or gift card that lacks personality, consider choosing a fruit bas. . .

Okay, I've Made My Espresso, Now What Do I Do With the Milk?

I did all of the right things to make espresso at home. I bought myself a good espresso machine. I learned which espresso beans have the best taste and how to grind them to the correct fineness. I managed to insert the gadget with the grinds, known as a portafilter, into the espresso machine, lock it into place, turn on the machine and let her rip. Great espresso! But I wanted a cappuccino.. . .

Screwcaps For Wine – Is It Bye-Bye To The Romance?

Maybe you’ve noticed screwcaps on more of the higher priced wines lately. The trend is continuing to grow and so is the debate of whether a screwcap or cork is better for wine. The industry has basically "agreed to disagree" as to whether wine bottled with a screwcap or a cork tastes better, ages better and has less of a tendency to spoil. As more wineries consider using screwcaps instead of th. . .

A Thing To Do With A Basket After The Fruit Is Gone

Once you have consumed the fruit and other contents of your fruit basket, do not throw out the basket itself! These containers that hold a bevy of edible goodies are perfect for a number of clever uses around your home. From storage to decoration, the basket portion of your gift will allow you to keep enjoying the present long after the fruit has been enjoyed.Today’s fruit baskets are using mor. . .

Taco Pie

This is an easy recipe that also allows you to make use of those crumbs that accumulate in the bottom of the taco chip bags! (My husband really loves taco chips, so maybe we end up with more crumbs than your average household. . .)1 pound hamburger1 small onion choppedtaco seasoning or chili seasoning1 cup sliced black olives2 cups crushed taco chips1/2 cup sour cream1 cup shredded cheddar che. . .

What To Look For When Purchasing A Fruit Basket

Fruit baskets are excellent gifts for all occasions. Whether you choose to purchase a fruit basket for a birthday, holiday, or any day, the receiver will surely enjoy the beautifully packaged basket of goodies. When looking for a fruit basket for a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor, consider the contents carefully, as well as the size and overall appearance.The first thing to look f. . .

Choosing Wine On A First Date

First dates are nerve wracking enough without having to worry about what wine to choose to impress your new friend! One of the great things about wine on a date is that one bottle is a defined amount, normally about five glasses. If shared equally it is unlikely that you will fall off your chair drunk after half a bottle of wine! However, there are some other social sins that can be committed w. . .

Sherry - Spanish Sunshine in a Bottle! (part 2 - Vineyard...

THE VINEYARDSThere is in the soil of the 15,000 acres of vineyards of the Jerez country, lime, clay and sand, but in widely varying proportions, mixed quite differently, and 'peppered' in an erratic manner with small quantities of various minerals, the importance of which, as regards the quality of the grapes and of the wine made from them, is considerable.The best Sherries all come from vineya. . .

Sherry - Spanish Sunshine in a Bottle! (part 1 - Introduc...

Sherry is a fortified wine, made in Spain from three types of grapes: Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Muscat (Moscatel). Sherry-style wines made in other countries often use other grape varieties.Sherry differs from other wines because of how it is treated after fermentation. It is first fortified with brandy and then if destined to be fino style a yeast called flor is allowed to grow on top. Olor. . .

Barista Competitions

A barista is a person who prepares coffee drinks in a coffee house as his or her profession and especially strives to create the perfect espresso. The barista possesses extensive knowledge on different kinds of beans and roasts and has the technical skills required to master the espresso machine. Baristas consider the extraction of coffee as art and they actually perform in front of their custo. . .

History of Coffee: Part I – Africa and Arabia

The coffee plant originates from the highland forests of Ethiopia. It is believed that the first plants were found growing wild in the region of Kaffa, where coffee derives its name from. A popular legend tells of a goat herder named Kaldi. One day he noticed his goats behaving in a strange manner. They were full of energy, playfully chasing each other and bleating loudly. He noticed they . . .

Three Things That You Should Know About Soups

Broadly speaking, soups are of three kinds - clear soups, thick soups, and purées. A clear soup is made by boiling fruit or vegetables (celery, for example) until all the nourishment is extracted, and then straining off the clear liquid. A little sago or macaroni is generally added and cooked in this. When carrots and turnips are used, a few small pieces are cut into dice or fancy shapes, cooke. . .

Wine Racks - A Guide To Home Wine Storage

Home wine racks are specially designed for storing bottles of wines in a horizontal position, to help preserve the quality of the wine. Storing your bottles in a wine rack is a great way to prevent the corks from drying out. If this happens, the cork can shrink and let air in, resulting in oxidization, which will spoil the taste. Wine storage racks usually have separate compartments for hold. . .

Are All Zone Diet Products Compliant To The Zone Diet?

The ZonePerfect Nutrition Company has continued to expand and is expected to sell in excess of one hundred million dollars worth of ZonePerfect foods this year. These include Zone diet bars, Zone diet meals, protein shakes and powders, supplements and fish oil capsules to be used as supplements. While these products are labeled as Zone Diet products, Dr. Sears does not agree that they are follo. . .

Beer Brewing Traditional In Europe

Beer brewing in Europe continues to be a serious traditional business. For thousands of years, Europe has been a leader in brewing this popular beverage. Many countries have perfected distinctive beers; some are like mythological ambrosia. Maintaining the quality of centuries-old recipes, many brewers realise that their strength lies in maintaining tradition over promoting innovation. Not to sa. . .

Fortunate Lemon Chicken

This is a delicious chicken meal for you to prepare at home. The lemon sauce is fresh and tangy and somehow I always end up eating too much :-).It takes a bit to prepare and is not the sort of thing you would want to cook each night of the week. However, it is worth the effort. I usually make it once in a while as a special meal for my husband. And it always turns out great.Fortunate Lemon Chic. . .