Category Kitchen & Cooking Gadgets

There’s nothing better than finding an ice cream stand on a warm summer’s day. Ice cream represents the pinnacle of British weather, and although the UK doesn’t offer the best climate, there are some glorious days to be experienced during the brief summer months. Thanks to technological advances in the kitchen, it’s now so much easier to make your own ice cream at home, and whether its strawberry or chocolate that catches your eye, you’ll be able to rustle up your favourite flavours in no time!

A History of Ice Cream

Ice cream originated during the Persian Empire around 400 BC, where people would gather small balls of snow and pour fruit concentrate over it as a desert or treat. In the coming years, the Persians took the next step in ice cream production, using vermicelli and rose water to create a special chilled food, which was served to special guests and royalty during the summer. This creation was mixed with nuts, fruits, saffron and a number of other flavours to provide a distinct taste.

Historians report that ice-based treats were used as far back as 200 BC by the Chinese; ice was brought back from the mountains and combined with plant flavours and fruits, making some of the first ever chilled delicacies. And then there were the Arabs in the 10^th century, who were the first to used milk in the production of these chilled sweets, effectively creating the ice cream we know and love today.

Hundreds of years later, Charles I of England was so amazed by such frozen snow delights, that he started his own ice cream kitchen in his Palace. He even offered his chefs a lifetime’s pension to secure their secrecy of the formula, so that the ice cream could only be eaten by the royals and their guests.

Decanting wine divides opinion among wine experts. While some say that it only serves to impress, others say it is a vital means of getting the best out of certain bottles. If you are unsure about whether you should decant a wine, this guide should answer all of your questions.

Why Decant Wine?

While the practicalities of decanting are debatable, it cannot be argued that it is a great way of impressing your guests and establishing that you know what you’re doing. High end restaurants will always decant their more expensive bottles, more as a badge of quality than any effect it has on taste.

The first effect that decanting has on the wine itself is allowing it to aerate. Corks are porous, allowing wine to oxidise in the bottle by letting them mix with the air over time. Leaving wine to stand open gives it more time to effectively mix with the air, having various benefits depending on the wine. You may have noticed people swirling wine in the glass, this has a similar effect, albeit more instant.

Secondly, decanting separates wine from any sediment that it may have produced during the production or aging process. Yeast, skins, stems and seeds can all settle in the bottle, while this is harmless, it could impair the taste.

During our [snowy] spring vacation in New York last week my mother-in-law gave me these pretty and dainty saucers that I just loooooove. She thought I could use them for my foodblog and she was right. I happen to love finding stuff like these in garage sales. When I finally have my much-coveted china cabinet I’d probably have tons of mismatched platters and saucers with beautiful patterns and designs that I’ve collected throughout the years. Just like shoes, it’s a weakness.

Thanks, Mom!!

There really is nothing wrong with giving food items as Christmas Gifts. And it’s even more special if you make the goodies yourself...

I have been wanting silicone cupcake holders for years and I finally got them thanks to my dear husband who loves to spoil me. I love being spoiled with cooking and kitchen gadgets just as much as I love being spoiled with shoes and visits to Hibachi restaurants.

[image by laszlo-photo]

A healthy diet is essential to vitality, but did you know that adding a touch of spice to your favourite foods could also boost their potency against breast cancer? There are many ways to incorporate cancer-fighting foods into your diet, but adding these 10 anti-carcinogenic herbs and spices is an effortless way to boost your odds against this devastating disease no matter what diet you follow. Read on to learn more about how these wonderful flavours can help you nip cancer in the bud.

1. Virgon’s Mantlem

Though you may not have heard of this breast cancer-combating herb, chances are you’ve already had it. Virgon’s Mantlem, or Fagonia cretica, is commonly found in herbal teas from the Indian subcontinent. Long used as a local remedy in Pakistan, British scientists have run trials showing that the herb is capable of killing neoplastic breast cancer cells without harming their normal counterparts. 

2. Enchinacae 

Your favourite herbal remedy for the common cold may also help in the battle against breast cancer. It is believed that this herb stokes the immune system, unleashing your body’s own natural anti-cancer response. Supplements are available in liquid or capsule form for ease of use.

3. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass has long been touted as a super-healthy additive to any diet. Pinch a little into your fruit smoothies or veggie stews for an instant immuno-boost that will improve your circulation, thereby potentially killing cancer cells. Due it’s high iron content, wheatgrass may also help offset the effects of chemo.

4. Oregano

Sprinkle this spice on your pizza or tomato dishes for your daily dose of quercetin, a compound that is believed to restrict neoplastic cell growth around the body.

5. T...

When browning ground beef (or pork, turkey), the meat seems to always be in clumps form. The usual way to un-clump the ground meat is by using a wooden spoon or a fork to break the meat apart. But for years I have been using one kitchen gadget that works even better in my opinion.

I’ve always wanted a waffle maker but it’s one of those kitchen gadgets that’s forgotten since how often would I really be making waffles? Don’t get me wrong, we do love waffles. On the occasional times we get the craving we usually just drive up to the nearest Waffle House restaurant. Along with the breakfast combos, my husband orders his usual chocolate chip waffles while I order my favorite blueberry waffles. They’re large enough to share with the kids so the waffles become communal. So yeah, I’ve wanted a waffle maker for so long but it’s not something I’ve planned on buying anytime soon. Of course, it’s not something I’d say no to either if someone buys me one. That’s exactly what happened.

My husband came home last Tuesday with a box of GE Rotating Waffle Maker. Immediately I said, “ooohhh I’ll make blueberry waffles this weekend.”

It rotates for equal cooking to make 1″ waffles.

It comes with a removable dri...

I wrote about my dream kitchen back in January so now I’m going to write about what cool kitchen appliances I would like to be in it. Yah know, aside from the usual oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, etc. While we don’t live eco-friendly as much as committed eco-friendly people do I’d like to believe that we do our share in our own little ways. If I’d get to build my dream kitchen I’d love to have Eco friendly cooking appliances, meaning they’re all energy efficient. Wouldn’t it be nice to have Eco friendly cooking appliances for your home as well?

The picture above is called an elevator oven. Interesting, no? I’ve never heard or seen of such a thing until now. The cool features are below:

BOOST – FAST pre-heat
Browning: Upper heating...