Archive for January, 2009

Many Different Ways To Go About Taking Care Of Food

Saturday, January 31st, 2009


If you talk to fifty chefs you’ll get fifty different answers on packaging. Yes, it is addressed extensively in the training materials and during the seminars. Believe it or not, it is not really a big deal. You just look at the options and decide what’s best for you and your clients. It is really not a big deal at all, and you could get fifty or more different answers here. There are typically three different types of packagaing. Disposables, Rubbermaid type, and pyrex… usually people choose the ones they desire, and are charged accordingly.

Some people use vacuum seal bags… That is, other than using gladware/ziplock, rubbermaid, and pyrex. So what is my opinion about vacuum seal bags? I do take mine on occasion and people do not complain when I package things that way, especially with fish. As most chefs would tell it is up to the client when it come to the way they want their food sealed. Some like to have their food put in FoodSavers and others just like to have it put in containers or ziplock bags. It all depends on how must space you have in your ice box.

Using coolers is another way people like to keep some of the food preserved, but not many people like to use coolers because it is just too much hastle for them to carry around to all the jobs that they have to do. It is just there so if is to hot or if you have more then one stop they will always come in hand just like choosing the right kind of FoodSaver that you would like to us in your home or if the client asks for it. I only use a cooler on rare occasions. If it’s ninety degrees and I have forty minutes to drive, I’ll use one.

Otherwise all my groceries go into a Rubbermaid style box and I bring them into the house that way. I also learned that day that in order to get groceries from the grocery store to her car required coolers or thermal bags or it was all frozen before it got there. That might be a litle hard on the lettuce and eggs. It sure makes shopping for clients even more important a service to offer since there is risk involved.

The store I most commonly shop at for most things is 1 mile away from me if that. My closest client to that store is exactly seventeen miles, yet it takes me a minimum of third-five minutes to get her house. It gets very hot here in Houston area with high humidity (100* but “feels” like 120*). I don’t won’t foods at an unsafe temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, then go into the clients home, & have it siiting out some more (nor having toput in fridge until I have to drag it out again). Also, what if your vehile breaks down or you have a flat. That food is sitting there much much longer.

Yeah, it’s easier to put foods into that collapsible cooler (can find at Sams or Costco relatively inexpensive at that), but sometimes, since I have three of them… I put other things in another one, because they also have wheels. Every minute that perishables are in the temperature danger zone is a chance for foodborne illness causing bacteria to grow and multiply. As well as a chance for the quality of the food to degrade.

I may well take that risk for my own food and family…but it’s my job as a professional to do everything I can to minimize that risk to my clients. And coolers for persishables are essential; I don’t care how cold it is outside. If it’s cold…I’ve got the heat on in the car and it’s a big station wagon…but again, if it’s in the cooler on ice I have complete control of the temperature the food is being kept at, during transport, during unloading at the clients, etc.

Plus, I can then save room in the fridge to cool things, rather than fill it up with my perishable items. I’m sorry, but transporting perishable goods at ambient temperatures is a sure way to get local health departments in interested in regulating our industry. The goal is to be as safe or safer than a caterer or foodservice operator and safer than a private individual.

And unless you’re carrying a thermometer in your car and checking the temp of groceries, believe me, health dept. regs do not have loopholes like “A caterer can leave meats in an unrefrigerated vehicle as long as the drive is less than 15 minutes”

You have to have standards. They should be higher than absolutely necessary. And you should live by them. I know that sounds pompous and hope you’ll forgive me, but I take food safety in this industry pretty seriously. When you think about it there are always many different way to being able to keep food save from all kinds of things that can get people sick. But most of us would prefer to have a foodsaver in the car or with us at all times just to make sure that the client has his/her chose on what they would like the food tranfered in.

I also find using a cooler helps keep me organized, in addition to keeping things out of the temperature danger zone. Once I’ve gone to the grocery store, I divide the groceries into rolling coolers. One for non-perishables (wihtout ice packs), one for veggies, fruit, dairy, etc., and one for meats. It’s just my way of adding one more layer of protection from cross-contamination. I also like the rolling style coolers that I got from Costco. I have a bunch and usually take three or four, which I find saves my back.

I put everything in them, including pots and pans.Some people like to have the dispole kind of canter of bags so that it would just be a whole lot easier for them to throw away if they don’t eat the food in a preferd time. They even like the kind of contaners that they can just give to people that way they don’t need to get it back.
Victor Epand is an expert author for http://www.VacuumFoodSealer.info/. Here you can find the best selection of FoodSaver Vacuum Food Sealers and accessories on the market. Preserve and store foods at home using this proven vacuum packing method. Search through our selection of vacuum food sealers here: http://www.vacuumfoodsealer.info/category/appliances.html.

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

How to Plan the Perfect Light Tea

Thursday, January 29th, 2009


While many of us are not in the habit of enjoying an afternoon tea, there does appear to be an upswing in the practice these days. If you would like to prepare a light tea for your friends, there are a few basic guidelines that you should keep in mind.

When you want to host a tea that is light in nature, you need to think in terms of quality rather than quantity. The idea is not to prepare a sit down meal or even to have everyone leaving your home with no room for the evening meal later on. Rather, the purpose behind holding a tea is to provide a relaxed atmosphere for some light refreshments and a little fun conversation.

Scones are a popular choice for any light tea event that you may plan. In fact, they become the second most important component, after the selections of brewed tea. When you prepare the scones, they should be somewhat petite in nature. You can serve them along with simple accompaniments, such a lemon curd cream cheese spread, or perhaps a butter and honey combination. As far as the number of scones to have on hand, you would want to make sure there were at least two scones for each guest, but certainly no more than three.

An alternative to the scones would be simple finger sandwiches. A couple of suggestions would be a simple cucumber finger sandwich, or perhaps pimento cheese. The idea is to keep the sandwiches petite but tasty, so think in terms of something simple to go into the sandwiches that will be refreshing but have a taste all its own, and still compliment the tea.

Pastries are also a nice addition to an afternoon tea with light refreshments. Something along the lines of raspberry puffs or lemon bars would work well with the teas, especially if you are going with a selection of English teas. The pastries should not be overly sweet, and should follow the petite pattern of the scones.

Individual tea pots for each of your guests makes it possible for everyone to have the type of tea he or she enjoys. Typically, small pots that provide room for three or so cups will be all you need. Because the refreshments are kept to a minimum, you will find that cleanup after a light tea does not take long at all. In fact, you may find the entire project so easy that you begin to hold teas several times a year. Why not plan one today and see how well it goes with your crowd?
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website http://diet-tea.tea-universe.com. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Light Tea

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

What is Gourmet Coffee

Monday, January 26th, 2009


Coffee beans are the seeds from the fruit on coffee plants and not actually a bean. There are a few ways to extract the beans. Whether using the wet or dry process of extracting seeds, the result is, the seed removed from the fruit.

Flavors of Gourmet Coffee

Arabica gourmet coffee is superior grade, has half the caffeine of Robusta coffee and a superior taste. It also has a far better smell. You can find almost any flavor of gourmet coffee such as:

Almond
Peppermint
French vanilla
Chocolate
Pumpkin spice
Chocolate mint
Swiss mocha
Vanilla
Irish cr me
Amaretto

Gourmet coffee comes in caffeinated and decaffeinated. There is also gourmet coffee available for people with sensitive stomachs that are low in acid so a little more gentle. Arabica coffee ranks very high up amid the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

For anyone to appreciate a great cup of gourmet coffee, people need to know some helpful information on it. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it but it does help you appreciate the taste more, if you know more than the corner store, which sells instant coffee. It will also help you appreciate the smell and taste that gourmet coffee lovers find wonderful.

Purchasing and Making Gourmet Coffee

Gourmet coffee should be fresh for the best flavor. Also, buy only beans roasted within the last week and 100% Arabica coffee. Local grocery stores or supermarkets are not the place to find freshly roasted coffee beans. Usually their beans are roasted up to three months earlier. Purchase a coffee grinding machine and purchase the whole coffee bean. Grind the beans when you need them.

Do not store the gourmet coffee beans at room temperature. They should always be stored in airtight containers and placed in the fridge if you are using them soon. For gourmet coffee you are keeping for a while, place the airtight container in the freezer. It will not hurt the coffee but will keep it fresh.

Make sure your coffee maker is clean because it makes a real difference in the taste of your coffee. Run water and vinegar through your coffee maker once a month. Make sure you run clean water through to remove all the vinegar and smell. When making gourmet coffee, use approximately two heaping tablespoons per six ounces of clean, filtered water. This gives you a starting point. Now adjust the amount of coffee until you have the strength you enjoy. Buy your gourmet coffee beans from reputable companies, as it does a difference.

Since the 1990’s, specialty gourmet coffee keeps getting more popular and is now one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Regular coffee is fine but gourmet coffee is fantastic and do not forget the flavored gourmet coffee. There is definitely something for everyone’s taste.
There are many types of coffee that you can enjoy. However, if you want to check it out, visit my website at Gourmet Coffee Machines

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

Garlic Pepper Chicken Pizza The Best Gourmet Pizza

Saturday, January 24th, 2009


This delicious recipe makes a gourmet quality pizza that is much better than any you will find in a restaurant - even the most expensive restaurants. This delightful, flavorful pizza is not hard to prepare, and is a sure hit for any meal or special gathering.

Be sure to use fresh ingredients, and do not skimp on quality. Use the best you can find - the taste is definitely worth it!

1 package pizza crust mix
1/2 teaspoon coarsely crushed peppercorns
12 ounces boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons chicken soup base mix
1 1/2 teaspoon coarsely crushed garlic peppercorn blend
1 teaspoon garlic liquid spice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Make the pizza crust according to package directions. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of crushed peppercorns to the dry mix. Form and place in pizza pan to rise.

While the pizza crust is rising, combine the chicken and 1/4 cup of the chopped red onion along with the white wine vinegar, water, chicken soup base mix, crushed garlic peppercorn blend, and garlic liquid spice. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let stand about ten minutes.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet, and add the coated chicken pieces. Cook and stir until done, about three minutes.

Mix the cornstarch and water together and stir into the chicken mixture. Heat and stir until thickened and bubbly. Spoon this mixture evenly on top of the pizza crust. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese, chopped green pepper, and the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped red onions.

Bake the pizza at 400 F for about twelve minutes. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top, and bake about two minutes longer until the crust is golden brown.

Makes eight servings.

Nutritional Information, Per Serving:

190 calories
18 grams protein
13 grams carbohydrate
8 grams fat
3 grams saturated fat
36 mg cholesterol
220 mg sodium
0 grams dietary fiber

Preparation tips:

The crust will rise well in an oven with the door propped open slightly, so that the oven light is on. This provides just enough warmth to get a good result.

For the coarsely crushed peppercorns (second ingredient) - choose a blend of black, white, and green peppercorns for a delicious treat. While some folks may not be able to tell a difference in the flavor of different color peppercorns, there are subtle differences that will enhance the taste of the finished pizza.

The garlic liquid spice is usually available in gourmet food stores or online from gourmet food ingredient catalogs.

If you can find one, get an “air bake” type pizza pan. These do a great job browning the crust, and minimize the chance of the crust burning.
Eldon Beard is a Manager with Watkins Products. Enjoy the finest gourmet cooking extracts, spices, pepper blends, soup bases, and dessert mixes. Visit our Watkins Gourmet Foods

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

The Truth About Espresso Coffee Makers

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009


There’a little homework to perform before you rush out and buy the first machine you come across. Your lifestyle plays an important role. Espresso coffee makers now come in three basic models; manual, semi-automatic and fully or super auto-matic.

What’s your taste and level of coffee drinking? This is important in establishing before you buy. A light drinker won’t be requiring the talents of a mass producing super automatic while a heavy drinker may eventually get frustrated with using a manual machine all the time. The other factor is budget and not everyone has the spare cash to go out and buy a $4000 super automatic model. Let’s take a look at the three levels of espresso coffee maker so you are better equipped to make a choice.

Choosing An Espresso Coffee Maker

Manual espresso machines have been available to the home maker for quite some time now and in their time, we’re the “ants pants.” People who owned one 10-15 years ago were considered trend setters but how times have changed.

Manual machines are best suited to light drinkers who want to have control or a say in how their “cup of joe” comes out the other end. Lever operated, the time required to produce a cup may be too much for some in our “want it now” world but think of the satisfaction you’ll get knowing you produced a cup of brew with your own hands. Let me say, I’m one of the impatient types so it’s not a manual for me. Prices can vary but some machines can set you back over a $1000. Worth it if you don’t mind having to get your hands a little dirty!

Semi-Automatic

The semi-automatic models give you the best of both worlds combining both user control and automatic features. They vary quite a bit in price ranging from under $100 to well over $1000. Most models require the user to start and finish however, some more advanced machines allow the operator to program the quantiy of espresso required. They are suited to heavier drinkers and for those people who tend to entertain a little although the super automatic machines are better suited to the latter option.

Fully Or Super Automatic

These are the “rolls royce” versions of espresso coffee makers. Be prepared to part with a good deal of the “green stuff” to purchase one but they are worth every cent, particularly if you are the type of person who needs coffee “drip fed” on a regular basis. Prices can start from as low as $300-$400 however, the top machines can set you back anywhere from $3000-$4000.

It’s hard to mess up a cup of coffee with the super automatic; it grinds the beans, tamps the grounds, spews out a shot of espresso and even separates the unwanted waste. What more could you ask for. But it doesn’t stop there as the features are numerous including digital display, automatic steaming and frothing, programmable buttons allowing you to determine strength, volume, small, medium or large cup and temperature. A coffee lovers dream!

Manual vs. Automatic?

It’s so vital you don’t throw money away on an espresso coffee maker if it doesn’t suit your lifestyle. Paying $4000 for a super automatic sounds crazy if you drink one cup of coffee a day. A manual machine may be more to your liking. The same applies to a heavy drinker who has the budget to buy a semi or fully automatic machine.
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster who has a passion for all things coffee. Great tips and tricks in buying an espresso coffee maker!Get them today plus, get all the latest coffee related news and information at:http://www.coffeemakerheaven.com

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

Toasting Etiquette and Tips

Monday, January 19th, 2009


Here are a few pointers on the correct way to perform a toast:

The host of the party or event should always be the first one to start the toast. This person should also be the one to make sure that everyone’s glass is full before the toast is performed. For a wedding toast, it is still very traditional for the best man to perform the toast. Many people tend to think that the disc jockey or band is responsible for the toast, but this has never been true.

When you give a toast, you should be standing. Make short, simple and sincere comments.

If there is a large group of people, it is not mandatory to clink your glasses when the toast is made. Instead, just raise your glass and take a sip. If it is a small group of people, you should always look the person in the eyes when you clink their glass. As you clink your glasses you can say something like “Cheers, Prost (German), Skoal”, or whatever your nationality is.

Take some time to prepare yourself for the toast.

Keep it simple. It’s best to just be yourself and talk as you would any other time. For a wedding an easy way to start off is by thanking the bride and groom for allowing everyone to be a part of their special day. A simple closing would be something like: to the bride and groom (raises glass) may they always be as happy as they are today.

Speak to “everyone” and not just a small group of people. Try to look at the entire group of people.

Speak loud enough so everyone can hear you.

If you are nervous about giving a toast, practicing your toast over and over will give you more confidence. If it helps, try practicing in front of a friend.

Jokes can be great as long as they are not inside jokes. Don’t tell jokes that only a few people will understand.

Talk about something appropriate. Talking about how you have lost your girl chasing buddy isn’t funny - especially to family members. Remember, this is not about you, it’s about the bride and groom. Your toast could be on video for many years.

Use proper toasting etiquette. Sip instead of guzzling. If your toasting glasses are expensive crystal, clink gently.

Try to stay sober. It can get a little difficult if you are tipsy not to mention that you may be an embarrassment.

When you are finished, let everyone know that you are. Raise your glass and close your toast with something like, join me in congratulating the bride and groom, etc., or you can end it with the meaning of the word “to toast” in their heritage. For example, if it is a German wedding, you would say “Prost” as you raise your glass.

In the end, if you know you just won’t feel comfortable giving a toast, then don’t be afraid to decline. Let the bride and groom know ahead of time so they won’t be expecting you to do something you are not ready to do.

After the toast, the recipient, if there is one, SHOULD NOT DRINK (this would be like patting yourself on your own back if you do). Instead, he or she should stand and respond with thanks or by offering another toast. During the toast, if the recipient is already sitting, there is no need to stand unless the recipient would like to return the toast.

Although traditional, alcohol is not necessary to perform the toast. Sparkling fruit juice, punch or even pop may be used. It is your choice.
Evelyn Whitaker writes articles for German Toasting Glasses http://www.german-toasting-glasses.com which specializes in custom engraved wedding gifts from Germany.

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

What is Gourmet Coffee

Saturday, January 17th, 2009


Coffee beans are the seeds from the fruit on coffee plants and not actually a bean. There are a few ways to extract the beans. Whether using the wet or dry process of extracting seeds, the result is, the seed removed from the fruit.

Flavors of Gourmet Coffee

Arabica gourmet coffee is superior grade, has half the caffeine of Robusta coffee and a superior taste. It also has a far better smell. You can find almost any flavor of gourmet coffee such as:

Almond
Peppermint
French vanilla
Chocolate
Pumpkin spice
Chocolate mint
Swiss mocha
Vanilla
Irish cr me
Amaretto

Gourmet coffee comes in caffeinated and decaffeinated. There is also gourmet coffee available for people with sensitive stomachs that are low in acid so a little more gentle. Arabica coffee ranks very high up amid the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

For anyone to appreciate a great cup of gourmet coffee, people need to know some helpful information on it. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it but it does help you appreciate the taste more, if you know more than the corner store, which sells instant coffee. It will also help you appreciate the smell and taste that gourmet coffee lovers find wonderful.

Purchasing and Making Gourmet Coffee

Gourmet coffee should be fresh for the best flavor. Also, buy only beans roasted within the last week and 100% Arabica coffee. Local grocery stores or supermarkets are not the place to find freshly roasted coffee beans. Usually their beans are roasted up to three months earlier. Purchase a coffee grinding machine and purchase the whole coffee bean. Grind the beans when you need them.

Do not store the gourmet coffee beans at room temperature. They should always be stored in airtight containers and placed in the fridge if you are using them soon. For gourmet coffee you are keeping for a while, place the airtight container in the freezer. It will not hurt the coffee but will keep it fresh.

Make sure your coffee maker is clean because it makes a real difference in the taste of your coffee. Run water and vinegar through your coffee maker once a month. Make sure you run clean water through to remove all the vinegar and smell. When making gourmet coffee, use approximately two heaping tablespoons per six ounces of clean, filtered water. This gives you a starting point. Now adjust the amount of coffee until you have the strength you enjoy. Buy your gourmet coffee beans from reputable companies, as it does a difference.

Since the 1990’s, specialty gourmet coffee keeps getting more popular and is now one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Regular coffee is fine but gourmet coffee is fantastic and do not forget the flavored gourmet coffee. There is definitely something for everyone’s taste.
There are many types of coffee that you can enjoy. However, if you want to check it out, visit my website at Gourmet Coffee Machines

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

Making Cupcakes A Fun Activity To Share With Your Kids

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009


The more activities we share with our children the richer, fuller lives they will enjoy and the happier they will be overall. One such activity that can be shared with our children is the joy of baking and making cupcakes!

They are a great cooking activity to share with children because the endeavor consists of many choices. Choices help give children the opportunity to really feel confident about their likes, dislikes and areas that they can feel free to express their creative juices.

One can purchase the boxed mixes or one can easily make them from scratch following a favorite recipe or experimenting with new recipes each time a new batch is made. If you decide to choose a new recipe with each new batch, this can be the first fun choice for your child to make! He or she can choose which new recipe sounds best to their liking. Do they want to make Sally’s Extra Fluffy cakes or Carla’s Famous Swirls? This choice alone will change the outcome of one of their favorite dessert treats.

Then on to the decorating! What do they want to ornament their mini cakes with: frosting, fudge, sprinkles, and shavings? One, a combination, or how about all of the above? This gives children many choices. In addition, when baking cupcakes the majority of people tend to bake more than one at a time giving children typically eight blank dessert pallets to become the creative artist they are in their mind. The first masterpiece may be slathered with chocolate frosting and carefully placed chocolate chips arranged in a smiley face! The next a vanilla lover’s paradise with multi-colored sprinkles enticing the onlooker to take a bit. And, if one’s child is hesitant or reluctant to get started, then the parent can help by starting a few themselves!

Even cleaning up is a great part of the fun! There are mixing dishes to clean up, but if you tell your children as they help what a wonderful help they are to you, how you appreciate their help so much, and how much you enjoy doing things with them, they will for sure love helping! They will feel good about helping, feel proud about it, and even end up volunteering to find other things that they can do, non-related to the project to help out. Children want to feel good, if they know what pleases their parent they will continue to find things to do so.

Making these great little deserts with children can be more than a simple baking experience. It can be an opportunity for children to feel free exploring their creativity without any restrictions. It can be a way for them to feel as though what they have created will be accepted and enjoyed by others; an essential lesson to learn. It can also be a way for children to feel appreciated. Feel as though their help, their efforts are things to be valued, and things that can help to improve their sense of self. It can also help them realize what they like to do, what they don’t like to do and so many other great possibilities! So why not make some cupcakes tonight!
Mika Hamilton runs a website about cupcake recipes, visit: http://www.cupcake-recipes.com

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

7 Essential Handling Outdoor Cooking Appliances

Sunday, January 11th, 2009


Outdoor cooking appliances are simply the most extraordinary inventions that have ever seen the light of the day. Cooking is made an enjoyable and effortless activity thanks to these appliances. Nobody in their right mind wants to set the house on fire, but even than it is far less difficult and dangerous to ignite a fire outside the house for cooking purposes, greatly aided by suitable equipment. These appliances are the essentials of outdoor cooking and facilitate the preparation of tasty and healthy dishes in a jiffy. Amongst the outdoor cooking appliances available, the most widely preferred are Dutch ovens, griddles made from cast iron and cooking grills.

1. Griddles : Griddles made from cast iron present stovetops with greater flexibility. The side with ridges can be employed for grilling and the other plain side can be utilized for making eggs and pancakes. A vital point to commit to memory is that when the griddle is used, you should ensure that it receives proper circulation of air.

2. Jambalaya Pots : A different kind of outdoor cooking appliance is the Jambalaya Pots, which are made of cast iron of approx. 3-10 gallons, and are multifunctional. They are extremely useful in the preparation of stoufee, gumbos, and soups when cooking for a large number of people. On the inside, it is concave in shape, but even then can function as a LPG burner.

3. Cooking Paddle : Then, another kind of outdoor cooking appliance, which is used regularly, is the cooking paddle, which comes in both wood and steel and, largely makes cooking very uncomplicated and easy.
4. Fish Fry Basket : A further kind of outdoor cooking appliance, which is often used, is the fish fry basket, which can be put in the deep fryer.

5. Fry Thermometers : Fry thermometers, which apart from being a safety measure, enable you to check that the meat is cooked at the right temperature and is not over- or under done.

6. Grill Accessories : Grill Accessories can be placed in the storage shelf or rack of the grill. Hence, seasoning food becomes quite easy as all the ingredients are kept close at hand.

7. Deep Fryer Kit : The deep fryer kit is a very popular outdoor cooking appliance and comprises of large and deep fryer pots with a thermometer and a burner included.

One can make cooking seem easy by putting the ingredients on the grill or in the deep fryer very conveniently. You need not invest a lot of time or effort to prepare dishes using the outdoor cooking appliances, as they tend to reduce considerably the cooking time. Many people who lead extremely busy lives opt for grilling as it produces fast results in a relatively short time. At times, the menu should include simple meals and grilling is your best bet as it helps you prepare food with ease. Outdoor cooking can really be a pleasurable activity, more so if you are using the latest equipment, which provide you with valuable assistance. Discover the thrill of cooking outdoors. Take pleasure in what you do best and remember there is no short cut to success. The only exception to the shortcut rule is grilling.
Abhishek is a cooking enthusiast! Visit his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com and download his FREE Cooking Report “Master Chef Secrets” and learn some amazing Cooking tips and tricks for FREE! Learn how to create the perfect meal on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available! http://www.Cooking-Guru.com

Now You Can Make Exquisite, Perfectly Crafted, Gourmet Cupcakes All From Your Own Kitchen! Over 30 Gourmet Cupcake Recipes In One E-Book with this great little ebook available at www.cupcake-recipes.com

Many Different Ways To Go About Taking Care Of Food

Friday, January 9th, 2009


If you talk to fifty chefs you’ll get fifty different answers on packaging. Yes, it is addressed extensively in the training materials and during the seminars. Believe it or not, it is not really a big deal. You just look at the options and decide what’s best for you and your clients. It is really not a big deal at all, and you could get fifty or more different answers here. There are typically three different types of packagaing. Disposables, Rubbermaid type, and pyrex… usually people choose the ones they desire, and are charged accordingly.

Some people use vacuum seal bags… That is, other than using gladware/ziplock, rubbermaid, and pyrex. So what is my opinion about vacuum seal bags? I do take mine on occasion and people do not complain when I package things that way, especially with fish. As most chefs would tell it is up to the client when it come to the way they want their food sealed. Some like to have their food put in FoodSavers and others just like to have it put in containers or ziplock bags. It all depends on how must space you have in your ice box.

Using coolers is another way people like to keep some of the food preserved, but not many people like to use coolers because it is just too much hastle for them to carry around to all the jobs that they have to do. It is just there so if is to hot or if you have more then one stop they will always come in hand just like choosing the right kind of FoodSaver that you would like to us in your home or if the client asks for it. I only use a cooler on rare occasions. If it’s ninety degrees and I have forty minutes to drive, I’ll use one.

Otherwise all my groceries go into a Rubbermaid style box and I bring them into the house that way. I also learned that day that in order to get groceries from the grocery store to her car required coolers or thermal bags or it was all frozen before it got there. That might be a litle hard on the lettuce and eggs. It sure makes shopping for clients even more important a service to offer since there is risk involved.

The store I most commonly shop at for most things is 1 mile away from me if that. My closest client to that store is exactly seventeen miles, yet it takes me a minimum of third-five minutes to get her house. It gets very hot here in Houston area with high humidity (100* but “feels” like 120*). I don’t won’t foods at an unsafe temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, then go into the clients home, & have it siiting out some more (nor having toput in fridge until I have to drag it out again). Also, what if your vehile breaks down or you have a flat. That food is sitting there much much longer.

Yeah, it’s easier to put foods into that collapsible cooler (can find at Sams or Costco relatively inexpensive at that), but sometimes, since I have three of them… I put other things in another one, because they also have wheels. Every minute that perishables are in the temperature danger zone is a chance for foodborne illness causing bacteria to grow and multiply. As well as a chance for the quality of the food to degrade.

I may well take that risk for my own food and family…but it’s my job as a professional to do everything I can to minimize that risk to my clients. And coolers for persishables are essential; I don’t care how cold it is outside. If it’s cold…I’ve got the heat on in the car and it’s a big station wagon…but again, if it’s in the cooler on ice I have complete control of the temperature the food is being kept at, during transport, during unloading at the clients, etc.

Plus, I can then save room in the fridge to cool things, rather than fill it up with my perishable items. I’m sorry, but transporting perishable goods at ambient temperatures is a sure way to get local health departments in interested in regulating our industry. The goal is to be as safe or safer than a caterer or foodservice operator and safer than a private individual.

And unless you’re carrying a thermometer in your car and checking the temp of groceries, believe me, health dept. regs do not have loopholes like “A caterer can leave meats in an unrefrigerated vehicle as long as the drive is less than 15 minutes”

You have to have standards. They should be higher than absolutely necessary. And you should live by them. I know that sounds pompous and hope you’ll forgive me, but I take food safety in this industry pretty seriously. When you think about it there are always many different way to being able to keep food save from all kinds of things that can get people sick. But most of us would prefer to have a foodsaver in the car or with us at all times just to make sure that the client has his/her chose on what they would like the food tranfered in.

I also find using a cooler helps keep me organized, in addition to keeping things out of the temperature danger zone. Once I’ve gone to the grocery store, I divide the groceries into rolling coolers. One for non-perishables (wihtout ice packs), one for veggies, fruit, dairy, etc., and one for meats. It’s just my way of adding one more layer of protection from cross-contamination. I also like the rolling style coolers that I got from Costco. I have a bunch and usually take three or four, which I find saves my back.

I put everything in them, including pots and pans.Some people like to have the dispole kind of canter of bags so that it would just be a whole lot easier for them to throw away if they don’t eat the food in a preferd time. They even like the kind of contaners that they can just give to people that way they don’t need to get it back.
Victor Epand is an expert author for http://www.VacuumFoodSealer.info/. Here you can find the best selection of FoodSaver Vacuum Food Sealers and accessories on the market. Preserve and store foods at home using this proven vacuum packing method. Search through our selection of vacuum food sealers here: http://www.vacuumfoodsealer.info/category/appliances.html.

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