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How To Cook Efficiently

Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

To cook efficiently here is a tip: Take the ingredients that take the most time to prepare and start with it first. For example, meats take a while to cook hence begin with it.
Meat
One tip is when you buy meat; cook it up once you get home. A great way to get shredded or chopped chicken is to buy a whole chicken and slow cook or roast it. Put the meat in individual meal sized baggies or containers and freeze or refrigerate until ready to use. This can save a lot of time when you are ready to make a dish that requires cooked meat. You can also do this with hamburger, sausage or any meat that stores well when chilled or frozen.

Once you are ready to use the meat, if frozen, pop it in the microwave on defrost for a few minutes or put it in a frying pan with a little bit of oil. You will never know it was cooked and frozen. If you have put the meat in the refrigerator, take the meat and add it to the dish you are making.

Vegetables
Another great way to prepare ahead is to chop your vegetables. If you are not going to use your chopped vegetables within a few days, it is best to freeze them rather than refrigerate. Freezing vegetables is also a great way to keep your vegetables from going bad or use them up if they are starting to spoil. You won’t feel like you wasted money by having your fresh produce turn bad.

Vegetables like onions, bell peppers and zucchini freeze and defrost well. Other vegetables such as carrots, celery, broccoli, cucumbers, and jicama store well in the refrigerator. Vegetables like carrots and jicama store better if submerged in water for up to five days.

Recipe Suggestions
Here are some great recipe suggestions on how to use your cooked meats and vegetables. There are endless possibilities since the meats and vegetables do not taste like they have been frozen or chilled. Keep in mind that green peppers may change the flavor of frozen casseroles. The flavors of clove, garlic and pepper flavors get stronger when frozen, while onion gets milder.

• Soups and Stews
• Casseroles
• Tacos-beef and chicken
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Salads
• Pasta dishes
• Pizza
• Stir fry’s
• Or any other great dishes you love to cook

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. Preparing a few ingredients ahead of time, saves you prep time by making it possible to throw the ingredients together and cook.

Cooking with Kids

Thursday, August 23rd, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

Kids love to be creative. Cooking is a great outlet for kids to express their creativity. It can also help provide a wonderful way to build and develop self-esteem.

One-on-one Time
With our lives so busy, cooking provides a wonderful way to spend quality one-on-one time. The memories that are created while cooking together will last a lifetime. I am sure many of you have fond memories of learning and helping your parents or grandparents cook. It may take extra patience and time to prepare the meal, but the benefits far outweigh the time it takes to clean up.

Age Appropriate
Depending on age of your child, pick age appropriate tasks. For example, if your kids are too young to measure or assemble ingredients, let them have a quick stir or let them pour something into the bowl. They will be thrilled to just be able to help.

Older kids can help with things like measuring, stirring, assembling and helping follow the recipe. Teenagers can also help by preparing, shopping and cooking the meals with minimal guidance.

Benefits
So what are some of the benefits? Some you will see immediately and others may take a life time to notice. Either way, there are many great benefits.

Not only does it teach kids a lifelong skill, but it also helps instill healthy eating habits. Kids that learn to cook and eat healthy will be more likely to continue with good eating habits into adulthood. Encouraging kids to cook and eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables in the home can also help reduce the amount of junk food they are consuming.

It also can reduce the number of times a family runs through the drive though or picks up take out, thus helping the family save money and reduce caloric intake while developing healthier eating habits.

Family Time
Another added benefit is that it provides children with structured family time. Children love stability and cooking and eating together is a chance to provide family togetherness. It also helps kids feel like they are contributing to the family. Plus when they help prepare the meal, they are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and actually want to eat the meal. Picky eaters will even venture out to try food they helped prepare, more so than they would if you simply put a plate of food in front of them. Now what parent doesn’t wish that mealtimes would go a little smoother?

Great family recipes and secrets are learned and passed down the line. Many of our favorite recipes get passed down the line from past generations. If your family has a great cooking history, pass it along to your kids. In turn, they will share it with their future families.

Have fun sharing and creating memories with your kids.

Health Benefits of Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Thursday, August 23rd, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

Ever heard that saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well, there’s more than a grain of truth in that, because research has shown that people who eat apples on a regular basis have fewer colds and other respiratory complaints, proving apples do boost the immune system.

Like potato skins, apples also contain chlorogenic acid, known to be a powerful anti-cancer agent.

Apples, when eaten raw, are good for diabetics and people wanting to lose weight, as it is very low on the glycaemic index, so won’t cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.

It has also been found that the pectin, found in apples, can bind to harmful heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, in the body and expel them safely.

Blackberries have about ten times the antioxidants of apples and are crammed with vitamin C as well as containing vitamin E.

You can, of course, use whole wheat flour for maximum health and if you use a olive oil based fat for the crumble you will find it makes a better taste than butter, which is, of course, a saturated fat.

Awesome Barbeque Chicken Pizza

Monday, August 20th, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

Are you in need of a quick meal?  I have a great recipe that is fast, yummy and sure to please the pickiest of eaters.  The great thing about this recipe is it is quick and easy, and something your kids can help you make.  The recipe is Barbeque Chicken Pizza.  Now who doesn’t love pizza?  I know I do.  Kids especially love pizza. This recipe can be made partially from scratch or part store-bought, so you don’t have to be an expert cook to make this.   Plus, you get to use as many fresh ingredients as you want.  So here is what you will need.  Keep in mind, you can add or delete ingredients your to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1-pizza crust
• 2-1 cup shredded chicken
• 3- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 5-1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper
• 6-1/4 cup chopped onion
• 7-1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 8-1/2 cup barbeque sauce
• 9-1 jar pizza sauce

Optional ingredient suggestions: mushrooms, olives or red peppers.  Or you can add what ever ingredients sound good to you.
Steps:
To get started you will need to cook your chicken.  I usually roast or slow cook a whole chicken.  Not only can I use the meat for this recipe, but you can use it for other dishes as well.  Once the chicken is done, shred it and toss with your barbeque sauce.  You could also use your favorite barbeque sauce recipe to toss your chicken in.  Set aside for later.

For the pizza dough, you have a few options.  You can purchase a store bought crust, buy dough and cook it from a local pizza place, make your dough from scratch or use a package mix and make the dough yourself.  Personally, I buy the already made crust.  This saves a lot of time.  That way, I just add the toppings and whip it in the oven.

Now take your pizza crust and top it with a thin layer of pizza sauce.  If you like a lot of sauce, add as much as you like.  Next, top your pizza with your shredded cheddar cheese.  Now you are ready to add your barbeque chicken, bell peppers, onion and green onions.  You can add them in any order you would like.  I usually like to add the chicken and then top with the vegetables.   Once you have all the ingredients you want on your pizza, sprinkle the top with your shredded mozzarella cheese.  You are now ready to bake your pizza.  Depending on they type of pizza crust or dough you will need to bake according to the package directions.

Once the pizza, is done, slice and serve.  Not only does it taste good, but it makes a wonderful presentation.

Because this pizza is so wonderful and easy to make, it is a great dish to take to pot lucks, parties or just anytime you want to impress your friends and family.  It is sure to please and have your friends and family asking for more.

Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe

Sunday, August 19th, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

This simple recipe serves four.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cooking apples
• 6oz or 175g blackberries
• 3oz or 75g caster or fine sugar
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 5oz or 150g all-purpose or self-raising flour
• 2oz or 50g butter, olive oil based or low fat spread
• 2oz or 50g granulated sugar

Steps:
Peel and slice the apples. Put into a pan with the washed blackberries, caster/fine sugar and water. Heat gently on hob for 5-7 minutes to soften apples and melt sugar.

Put the flour and butter or spread into mixing bowl and knead by hand to form a breadcrumb consistency.

Wash hands and then add the sugar and stir to distribute evenly. Put the fruit mix into a oven proof dish and top off with the crumble mixture, smoothing and firming the top with the back of the spoon. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes at 170c or 325f.

Serve while hot.

Cooking With Kids (Part 2)

Friday, August 17th, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

Preparations
Before you begin cooking make the following preparations with your kids to ensure safely.

• Wear an apron to keep clothes clean.
• Tie back long hair so it does not get into the food.
• Roll up long sleeves.  This will keep the sleeves from getting into the food.
• Wash hands with lots of soap and water.  Continue washing especially after handling food like meats.
• Keep a damp towel or paper towels close for quick clean ups.
• Have hot pads ready for hot dishes.  Even things taken out of the microwave can be extremely hot.
• Get out all the ingredients for the recipe.  Let the kids help so they know where to find the common ingredients. Plus it helps the next time they need to get the same ingredient out.  Put them on the counter to make sure you have all the ingredients you will need.
• Get all your kitchen appliances, cook wear, bowls and utensils out.
• If your child is not tall enough to reach the counter, get a stool for them to stand on.
• Teach them what to do in case of an emergency, such as if they burn themselves, or if the catches fire.  Also have a first aid kit on hand.
• Teach them how to handle sharp objects like knives and scissors.  Once you use the knife or scissors, do not put them in the sink to soak.  Instead, lay them on the counter in a secure place until you are ready to wash them.

Clean as you go
You do not want to have a huge mess when you are finished, so teach your children to clean as they go.  Put the dirty pots and pans or bowls in the sink to soak.  You could even have a child designated as the washer. Put away all the ingredients and equipment you have used to help clear space so you have an open and clean area to continue the cooking process.

Cooking with your kids can be a great experience. Have fun and enjoy the memories being made.

How To Prepare Your Fish After Catching It

Thursday, August 16th, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

If you are nervous about cooking after catching a fish, here is how you can prepare it.

Preparing To Cook With Your Kids

Sunday, August 12th, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

Before you begin your cooking adventure with your kids, here are a few tips to get your kids comfortable in the kitchen. These tips can help your kids become safe and responsible cooks. Once they become acclimated with the kitchen they will love to help and be involved.
Simple Cooking Tasks   
Kids love to be creative.  They love to feel a sense of accomplishment.  Delegate detailed tasks to each child before you start the cooking process so each one knows what they will be responsible for.  This will make the cooking process flow smoothly.
If the child is old enough, don’t be tempted to criticize or take over.  Give gentle reminders or instruction to help them continue learning.

Organizing Makes Cooking Fun
Just as you would organize yourself before you cook, you will want to do the same thing with your kids.  Being organized will help make cooking a fun and memorable experience. Plus, the kitchen will be less messy and easier to clean-up.

Patience Is The Key
Cooking with your kids may lead to frustration, but remember to be patient.  This is a learning process that might take time to develop.

It may take extra time to prepare the meal, but the benefits far out way the time it takes to clean up.

Asparagus Rolled Chicken and Wild Rice Pilaf Meal

Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

Are you looking for a fabulous, fast and mouth watering chicken and rice meal? Well then, I have just what you are looking for.

This meal is for those times when you get a call from the in-laws, friends or family to announce dinner will be at your house on Saturday night. Not only do these recipes taste succulent, but it looks like you spent all day preparing. Plus, you do not have to be an expert cook to whip this wonderful meal that is sure to impress anyone.

The dish is made with chicken breasts, a creamy and delicious cheese filling and fresh asparagus. This is a wonderful way to add fresh vegetables to your meal. Some people do not care for asparagus. This recipe can also be modified to omit the asparagus. It will be just as mouth watering as with the asparagus.

This meal can be assembled and cooked in less than an hour. Prep the chicken earlier in the day, if possible, and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Asparagus Rolled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4-6 chicken breasts
• 1 lb fresh asparagus spears
• 4-6 oz softened cream cheese–can use light or fat free
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• Juice from ½ a lemon
• Salt and Pepper
• Pinch of seasoning salt

Steps:
Place chicken on a sheet of waxed paper. Pound chicken with wooden meat mallet to make cutlets about 1/4” thick. Set a side.

Mix cream cheese, parmesan cheese, lemon, salt, pepper and seasoning salt.
Wash and trim asparagus spears-bottoms trimmed or broken off.

Take the chicken and lay it on a clean sheet of waxed paper. Lay the chicken top side down. Top with a large spoonful of the cream cheese mixture.

Next lay 2-3 pieces of asparagus horizontally in the middle (so the sides are sticking out). If you are omitting the asparagus, move to the next step.

Roll chicken jelly-roll fashion to enclose filling; secure with toothpicks if necessary. Lay chicken seam side down on a greased baking pan. Sprinkle tops with lemon pepper seasoning salt. Bake on 375 degrees for approximately 35-40 minutes.

A wonderful addition to this meal would be a healthy and delicious Wild Rice Pilaf. To begin you would need the following ingredients.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 1 box of long grain and wild rice mix
• 1 package of sliced mushrooms (you may also use a 4 oz can of mushrooms, drained)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ tsp graded lemon peel

Steps:
Prepare rice mix per box label omitting the butter. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until soft and tender. When rice is done, stir in mushrooms, parsley and lemon peel. That’s it!

Additional ingredient suggestion: Add slivered almond for an extra crunch.

Serve with warm and delicious rolls, fresh green salad and a wonderful and fresh strawberry shortcake. If this meal doesn’t impress anyone who sinks their teeth into it, I don’t know what will. So the next time you have un-expected or scheduled companies, you already know what to make.

Cool Yourself With A Smoothie

Sunday, August 5th, 2007 by The Cooking Guy

I can’t think of a better way to cool down on a hot summer than to whip up a blender full of goodness.  I love summer time for the fresh and delicious fruit.  Stopping by a fruit stand to pick up fresh berries or picking my own fruit is one of my favorite summer time activities.

In my family we have contests to see who can make a better smoothie.  We are constantly experimenting with different flavors to see who will win the taste contest.   I have to admit that I have won a few times.

A fresh or frozen fruit smoothie is a nutritious treat for breakfast or any time of the day you want a quick pick me up.  So the next time you are craving something sweet and cold, you have to try one of these delicious smoothies!

If you don’t have fresh fruit on hand, pull the bags of frozen fruits out of the freezer.  If you’re like me, I buy or pick as much fresh fruit as possible when it is in season and freeze for later use.

These smoothies are a great way to get your fill of fruit for the day.   Have fun experimenting with different flavors by including your favorite seasonal fruits and berries.  Who knows maybe you will start a friendly family competition to see who can make the best smoothie.

Okay so this is what you will need to get started.  Keep in mind, this is only a list of suggested fruit, so feel free to add or delete any fruit you want.

Ingredients:

• 1- 2 cups of ice (you be the judge- I like mine with a few finely chopped ice chips)
• 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice or you could use pre-made orange juice
• ¼ cup fresh or frozen raspberries or strawberries
• ¼ cup fresh or frozen pineapple
• ¼ cup fresh or frozen mango
• 1 nectarine or peach cut up
• 1 pear cut up
• 1 fresh or frozen banana

Other suggestions: blackberries, blueberries, marion berries or melons.  I have tried kiwi, but it left it really pasty.  So if you do add kiwi, do it sparingly.

Tip: if your bananas start to over ripen, peel them and place them in a container and freeze until ready to use.  I have several bananas in my freezer ready to use for my smoothies.

Steps:
First add your ice to the bottom of the blender.  Next add your fruit.  Lastly pour in your orange juice. Blend or chop for a minute or so or until your smoothie is the consistency you like.  If you have added too much fruit or like a thinner smoothie then add more orange juice.  If you want a little extra calcium you could also add a little bit of milk.

For extra nutrition, add a couple tablespoons of ground flaxseed or wheat germ.  Or you could add protein powders, fiber supplements or other herbal supplements in powder form.

I am sure you will love these smoothies!  Enjoy and happy experimenting!

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