Friday, July 31, 2009

How to Bake Perfect Homemade Yeast Breads

Defined simply as a food made from flour or meal that is moistened, kneaded and baked, bread in a variety of forms has been a universal food since prehistoric times.

When making yeast breads, sugar, salt and warm water are added to the yeast, to stimulate growth and to help start the fermentation process. During the fermentation process gasses are released that cause the elastic structure of the flour to rise.

Because yeast does not like the cold, it is important that all ingredients used to make yeast breads be at room temperature, and that doughs should be allowed to rise in a warm area that is free of draft. Breads should be cooked quickly in hot ovens and allowed to cool on a way from any drafts.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Recipes For This Year`s Tomato Harvest

Tomatoes were eaten as early as 500BC by the Aztec people, and have become one of the most popular home garden vegetables. Today over 7000 varieties are grown world wide. Tomatoes are high in vitamins A and C and contain high levels of the potent antioxidant lycopene, known for it`s ability to help prevent heart disease as well as certain cancers.But tomatoes have not become popular solely because of the many nutrients they contain. Eaten alone, or added to a favorite recipe, tomatoes are delicious and extremely versatile.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Chemical-Free Kitchen Sanitizing


Clean and sanitize the kitchen naturally. With just a few simple items it is easy to cut down on the high cost of commercial cleaning products and the smelly fumes.

There is no room in the home that requires cleaning more often than the kitchen, and although wiping down counter tops, cabinet doors and appliances is sufficient for every day, occasionally a deep-down clean is a necessary evil. But that does not mean that harsh chemicals need to be involved in the cleaning and sanitizing process. Some simple everyday household items will do the trick without the fumes that are harmful to humans as well as to the environment.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Blue Ribbon Ranch Fried Chicken

This is probably the most unconventional, non traditional fried chicken that will ever make it`s way into a picnic basket. Instead of having a crispy crunchy outer layer , it is soft and savory. This recipe takes two days to complete because the chicken has to marinate for 12 hours before it is fried, and after being fried it must be steamed, but it is well worth the wait. This recipe will yield 24 pieces.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Get Healthy by Adding Cranberries to Your Diet

Cranberries - Mother Nature`s Cure for Urinary Tract Infections
In early medicine, cranberries were used as a remedy for scurvy, a gum and bleeding disorder caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, as well as being used in a poultice to treat tumors and wounds. The name cranberry has been somewhat shortened from the original name of craneberry . The flower heads on the shrubs that produce the berries were thought to resemble the heads of the cranes that gathered in the bogs where they grew.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Easy Ways To Reduce Cholesterol Levels

While being told by your doctor that your cholesterol level is high is not exactly what you want to hear, it is not something that should cause immediate panic. Cholesterol is a fatty, wax like substance that is found in cells of the body, and although the body does require some cholesterol to function properly, too much is definitely not a good thing.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

How to Overcome Mild Depression During Mid-Life

Instead of days spent packing school lunches, chauffeuring kids to after school lessons and sports activities and helping with homework assignments, they are now filled with emptiness and too much time to think. It is common for some women experience feelings of restlessness, anxiety or even regret where their children leave home to attend college or to begin families of their own. But at what point does a little sadness turn into depression?

Friday, July 3, 2009

Low Fat Chicken Chili in Tortilla Bowls

Traditionally Chili con carne, meaning Chili with Meat, is made with peppers, garlic, onions and beef that can be either ground or in chunk form . But although it is delicious in it`s own right, it lacks all of the vitamins and minerals that can be found in this low fat, heart friendly version. This recipe will make 10 -12 servings.



Thursday, July 2, 2009

How to get Picky Kids to Eat Healthier Foods

In today`s fast paced world of fast foods and Super Size deals, it can be difficult to get get children to eat healthy meals. But it can be done.

One of the most important things to remember when trying to get children to eat healthier foods, is that children learn by example. No child is going to want to eat a snack of carrots and celery sticks while his/her parents are munching cookies or potato chips. It is important not only to teach them the benefits of proper nutrition to them, but to lead them by setting a good example.