Cooking Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Ways of Helping Your Food Taste Its Best

April 30, 2021 by Mandy

Since the beginning of human kind, the giving and sharing of food has always brought people together. The sharing of food can grow friendships and relationships, show appreciation for life, settle disputes, and celebrate the greatest achievements of life. In order to have the envisioned end result of the perfectly prepared meal, there are ways of helping food tasting its best.

Wash Hands for Better Tasting Food

One way to help food taste its best is to wash your hands with water that comes from the filtered and clean water. Water that comes from these systems is purer than regular tap water. This is because the tap water goes through the filtering process and then onto your hands. Cleaning your hands with purer water will result in food tasting its best because your hands are being cleaned with filtered water and not tap water that has potential minerals, sediments, chemicals, and waste in it.

Filtered Water is the Best Water

One way to help is to put your water through water treatment systems. Tap water alone can include lead, chlorine, chloramines, mercury, volatile organic compounds, pharmaceutics, herbicides, pesticides, cysts, methyl tertiary butyl ether. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause bad health even with a small exposure. This long list of contaminants consists of toxic metals, strong oxidants, disinfectants that when paired with chlorine can cause cancer in lab testing, liquid metals, gases, synthetic chemicals, substances that are toxic to plants which can affect hormonal levels and reproductive organs, substance used to kill insects or other living things harmful to plants or animals, microbial parasites, and a component of gasoline. All of these contaminants could potentially be present in our tap water. In order for our water to be filtered, clean, and tasting fresh, one should purchase or install on of these systems. These systems could be as simple as attaching a small on to your kitchen sink or a water pitcher. Additionally, the system could be as extensive as installing a much larger one underneath your sink or wherever your major water lines are.

Better Knife Better Food

A third way to help food taste its best is to have a good-quality knife to ensure food is prepared properly. A chef’s or French knife is one of the most versatile and essential knives to have in your kitchen. The lengths of the blade fluctuate in size but the most common is eight inches long. The blade itself varies in terms on being thin closer to the point of it and a wider in the back. The multipurpose knife can be used to dice, chop, and slice pretty much anything. Having this kind of knife will ensure that the food you eat will be better prepared and trimmed properly. The second most popular know is a paring knife. A paring knife is mainly used for pairing and trimming fruits and vegetables. The blade of the knife is between two to four inches long.

A Little Spice Goes a Long Way

A fourth way to help food taste its best is to add spices and or flavoring. Food that grows in the ground can have a very earthy or dirt-like taste to it. In some cases, the food will have a faint earthy taste even after it is washed properly. In order for the food, mainly vegetables in this example, spices should be added in order for it to taste its best. Spices such as garlic, parsley, ginger, cumin, oregano, basil, thyme, chervil, rosemary, tarragon, dill, lemongrass, curry and coriander go very well with vegetables. Also, cloves, cinnamon, and and nutmeg enhance the flavor of vegetables. The addition of mushrooms and chopped nuts not only bring extra flavor to vegetables but nutrition as well. Herb flavored vinegars, oils, and marinades can be purchased at any grocery store. These vinegars, oils, and marinades can be used when grilling meat, fish, or vegetables as well as salads. If this long list seems daunting, you can start off simple with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, and fruit juices are a great place to start and can transform any meat or vegetable to help the food taste its best.

Wrapping It All Up

Washing your hands will eliminate any dirt or germs on your hand that will not spread to your food. Someone who has filters in your home will dramatically increase the quality and taste of your now filtered water. Having a good quality knife allows food to be prepared properly. The addition of spices to meat and vegetables can really transform the taste of your food. Washing your hands, purchasing filter systems, having a good-quality knife or two, and adding spices and or flavoring are all excellent examples of ways to help food taste its best.

2 Reasons Why Australian Gin is a Versatile Drink

April 29, 2021 by Mandy

The popularity of gin in Australia is booming, and many would probably agree. At present, there are 170 gin distilleries in the country compared to five years ago that there were more or less twenty. These numbers show that over the years, Australia’s gin consumption and exceptional growth has increased. Not only that, but Australian gin has also gained international awards. There is probably something unique in every Aussie gin that people cannot get over with.

If you go to the main cities in Australia and some regions, you can find many bars. People would often have a glass of martini or some popular cocktails where gin is the main spirit. But it is not only limited to that. The increase of distilleries in Australia also leads to a lot of new and exciting tasting experiences. Add to it the different and unique botanicals that you can find in the country. That makes everybody’s Aussie gin experience worthwhile.

Common Used Botanicals in Australian Gins

Gin distilleries in Australia do not limit themselves to only a few botanicals to use for their gins. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Lemon Myrtle

It is considered the queen of lemon herbs and is one of the most popular Australian native herbs. It has some tangy and lemony flavour.

Bunya Hut.

It is sometimes referred to as the wrong monkey puzzle tree and is native to south-eastern Queensland. Its raw nuts have a dry and crunchy texture. Its taste is similar to chestnut.

Kakadu Plum.

Its size is that of a grape and pear shape. The fruit is smooth, fleshy and yellow-green or reddish when ripe. It has a definite sour taste.

Strawberry Gum.

It is a common ingredient and a wonderful flavour enhancer for some desserts. It tastes sweet and slightly acidic. It has shades of strawberry and passionfruit.

Bush Tomato.

It is a small desert plant that grows around 30 cm in height. It has a strong flavour like that of sun-dried tomato.

Sandalwood.

The roots and wood of this tree have highly concentrated sandalwood oil. It can be consumed raw or roasted and has a good aroma. Many would say that they taste like almond or more like hazelnut.

Finger Limes.

They are also known as citrus caviar. The outside of the skin is similar to a lime. It has a delicious aroma and offers a burst of citrus flavour.

Food to Pair with your Australian Gin

There is a lot of great food that you could consider pairing with your Australian gin. The first is cheese. Whether it be lightly smoked cheese, an aged gouda or blue cheese, and even blue cheese are all perfect accompaniment for gin. Next is the cucumber. You can have cucumber salad or other cucumber based dishes that would be perfect for your gin pairing. Cured or smoked salmon also pairs well with gin. Squeeze some citrus to give an additional boost to the flavour. Many would probably agree that salty and even spicy cured meats get on fantastically with gin that many have already tried, and many would love to try.

So you see how versatile Australian gin could be. It must be one of the most fashionable drinks that everybody loves and enjoys drinking in bars or home.

5 Must-Try Nordic Recipes That You’re Missing Out In 2021

April 5, 2021 by Mandy

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Food is one of the most basic forms of entertainment. You can use it in any social event or gathering so much as events are incomplete without them. One such flavor-rich cuisine is Nordic Food. According to Norden, the Scandinavian nation has grown by 8.1%, including a sector of the immigrant population. It would only be a matter of time before their cuisine is famous; it hits international and local markets. You can get a head start and enjoy these recipes first. Here are some for you:

1. Caper Fish Balls: It is a delicious dish which consists of fish with a side of potatoes. Start by:

Using 600 g of peeled potatoes and cut them into chunks. Put them into a boiling pan of salted water and once they’re tender, strain them.
Then add 3 tbsp of milk with pepper as per preference, mash them together, and set them aside. Your next step is to prepare the fish.
Use sardines as your choice of fish. Use a 140 g tin of sardines in oil, holding onto the oil. Heat the oil in the frying pan and add shallots, fish, and lemon juice from one lemon into the mash and make about 20 balls.
Use two eggs and beat them together to prepare an egg wash. Roll the balls in the egg wash and then add them into 3 tbsp plain flour.
Fry your fish balls till they’re nice and golden. Finally, warm 200 g of creme fraiche and add them to 1-2 tbsp of dijon mustard. Add the balls to the mix, top it off with lemon zest and serve.

2. Little Coffee Pavlovas:The great thing about Scandanavian dishes is they range from savory to sweet. There’s a treat for everyone. If you like the recipes so far, click here for more. With that, let’s dive into a tasty dessert:

Start by preheating your oven to 248 F and lining your baking pan with baking sheets. In a large bowl with three egg whites till peaks start to form.
Add about 150g castor sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, until the mixture turns glossy. Whisk in ½ tbsp instant espresso powder and 1tsp cornflour. Make swirls on the baking sheet and put them into your oven.
Make sure you bake your pavlovas till they’re crisp outside for one hour and let them cool on the wire rack. In another bowl, beat 125 g mascarpone and then add about 200ml of double cream. Whisk until soft peaks form, then add 1 tbsp icing sugar. Follow it by adding ½ tsp vanilla extracts and 1 ½ tbsp coffee liqueur.
Then add 100g blackcurrant jam. Pour this mixture on top of your pavlovas and serve immediately.

3. Skagen (Prawn Salad: This is an easy and delicious meal to make. If you like seafood, why not add it to your menu:

In 1 tbsp of olive oil, add 2 tbsp sour cream, use the zest of ½ a lemon and 1 tsp of juice. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your taste.
Then add about 200 g of cooked and peeled prawns, followed by ½ small chopped red onion. You can add about 2tbsp of chopped parsley and serve your salad. You can even enjoy this tasty treat on top of bread or eat it alone.

4. Jansson’s Temptation.A very delicious and traditional Scandinavian dish. It is best with salad and bread:

To start, preheat the oven to 392 F. Layer the baking sheet and slice six medium potatoes into matchstick sizes. Add about two finely sliced Spanish onions and one tin of chopped anchovies, draining them properly.
Pour 248 ml double cream in the pot and add a small amount of butter. Then add a sprinkle of 4 tbsps of fresh bread crumbs and pepper according to your taste.
Cover and bake your dish for the first twenty minutes. After which, you should uncover and bake for a further 25 more minutes for that crispy exterior.

5. Frozen Daim Bar Almond Cake:Another delicious treat for you to enjoy with your tea or a light snack. As always, when it comes to baking, always start by preheating the oven:

Preheat the oven to 338 F. Whisk about four egg whites in a bowl into soft peaks. Add about 150g of sugar and make the mixture even stiffer. Gently fold in about 100g of ground almonds. Butter a round baking pan and add the mix for baking.
Make sure it bakes for about 20 minutes, then cool the tin. Now bring your attention to the parfait. Whisk about five egg yolks and 100 g of sugar into one bowl and place the bowl over the water to let the mixture simmer.
When the mixture is thick and fluffy with a pale consistency, then leave it to cool down. Add 150 ml of double whipping cream and 20 ml of amaretto to form medium peaks, and then gently fold this mixture into your egg mix. Add crushed daim about 4 bars of 28 grams each and work through the combination gently.
The idea is not to let any air out. Put the parfait on top of your cake and cover it tightly with clingfilm for 4-6 hours or leave it overnight. Take it out and cut it into pieces and then put it back into the freezer for a few more minutes and then take it out for serving. You can also add chocolate and caramelized chopped almonds if you wish.

Wrap Up

Scandinavian dishes make for a tasty treat. The recipes mentioned bringing a festival of flavors in your mouth. Not only are these dishes they’re easy to make and nutritious. With your seafood mix, you can quickly cook a tasty treat for your palette that you can enjoy with fresh bread or a side of salad. Maybe you want something sweeter? Indulge in an almond cake with parfait or treat yourself to a lovely pavlova. You can take your culinary skills to the next level by either cooking for yourself or enjoying with your coworkers at office parties and enjoy these delicious Nordic wonders.

Perfect Italian Gravy with San Marzano Tomato

October 6, 2020 by Mandy

San Marzano Tomatoes are the best varieties of tomatoes that are grown in the volcanic soil of Italy. Botanically San Marzano tomatoes are called Solanum Lycopersicon. These are small oval-shaped tomatoes having a thin elongated pointed tip. The skin of San Marzano is dark in color, which is smooth and easy to peel. These tomatoes are fleshy and thick which make it perfect for making San Marzano tomato sauce and also it has low moisture content with a mildly acidic flavour. That makes the sauce sweet, complex and jam-like which has made it favorite of all top row chefs in Italy and other countries too.

Nutritional Description

The San Marzano tomatoes are not only famous for their rich flavors, but they also have great nutritional value. They are the perfect source of Vitamin A and C having a higher content of antioxidants which helps in making a strong immune system and increase collagen production, which is best for the skin.

These tomatoes are also filled with fibre, potassium and folate that helps the body fight against free radicals. Moreover, these properties are even restored in the San Marzano canned tomatoes, making it ideal to be used in all food items.

Applications

These tomatoes have firm flesh, fewer seeds and lower juice content which makes them perfect for making best quality San Marzano pasta sauce. You can use canned variety in pasta, pizzas, lasagna or ragus by roasting or cooking them. The fresh San Marzano tomatoes are mostly used for sandwiches, salads and bruschetta either cut into thin slices or baked into a savoury tart drizzled with olive oil and some rock salt.

The canned San Marzano Tomatoes are whole peeled and packed in puree too and are mainly used in making tomato sauces for pasta and pizza. However, you can also find San Marzano tomatoes in dried and grounded form as a powder or may be made into a tomato paste to be used for a longer time.

You can use San Marzano tomatoes paired well with any herbs like basil, parsley, thyme and oregano which works like magic in so many dishes. And you can use any version of San Marzano tomatoes in them whether freshly picked from farms or canned. Each will give the same sweetness and acidic flavour.

How to Know If They Are Fake Or Real?

As it is said, all good things are subject to fakery these days, with time these Italian San Marzano tomatoes are being grown outside the official region of them and becoming available everywhere. These tomatoes can be of the same type as San Marzano canned tomatoes grown in similar soil and then preserved in the same way. However, they are not true DOP San Marzano. A can of best San Marzano is labelled as “Pomodoro San Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese Nocerino DOP”. However, you should look for an important part which is ‘DOP’ which stands for Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (Protected designation of origin). Its certification is ordered by the European Union and administered by the Italians which guarantees that San Marzano canned tomatoes are available.

How to Make San Marzano Tomato Sauce?

San Marzano tomatoes where to buy from, this is one of the biggest questions that worries most housewives out there. But what if we tell you that you can prepare the san Marzano tomato sauce in your home itself? Will you believe? You should believe us as here is the simple and easy recipe of making it.

You need to sauté minced garlic for around 30 to 60 seconds on the medium heat and don’t forget to continue stirring it. You have to use tons of garlic while making this recipe so that your tomato sauce has amazing flavor.
Now add tomatoes in it and cook it slowly at low heat. This will allow the sauce to thicken the sauce and helps in richening the flavor.
Now you need to add herbs to the recipe to give it a fresh and vibrant herb flavor to give it finishing touch.

Ditch Your Morning Coffee: 5 Best Herbal Supplements for Energy

September 7, 2020 by Mandy

More than 30% of adults in the United States get fewer than 7 hours of rest each night.

Many medical professionals recommend getting at least 7 hours of sleep so that your mind and body can recharge.

If you are on the threshold of not getting enough rest or constantly feel tired, there are supplements that can help.

Continue reading to discover the best herbal supplements for energy so that you can feel rested and awake!

1. Blueberry and Gogi

Blueberry and Gogi berry herbal supplements are becoming a popular choice for improving energy.

These types of berries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce toxins and fight off free radicals. Simply walking through the city and breathing in air pollution can build up toxins in your body, meaning that any defense will be helpful.

Without these toxins, your brain and body will be protective. These supplements can even improve your memory and mood!

2. L- Theanine

An excellent choice of herbal supplements for anxiety and energy is L- Theanine.

L- Theanine is an herbal supplement that comes naturally from green tea. You will feel more alert taking this supplement because of its concentration- increasing benefits. Unlike many other energy supplements, L- Theanine can have relaxing effects, but it won’t make you drowsy.

3. Vitamin D

Without vitamin D, muscle fatigue is bound to happen.

If you have been sluggish, you may need vitamin D. People that primarily stay indoors and don’t drink milk are at risk of having lower vitamin D levels. It is important to monitor your vitamin D intake so that you can get the supplements it needed.

4. B6 and B12

One of the best herbal supplements for energy is B vitamin.

Both B6 and B12 can help increase mental energy, which is needed for school and work. In order for the brain to function properly, you need to get enough of these vitamins.

There are many ways to take B vitamins. Capsules are a common way, or you can get powders and gummies. Learning about what’s in your herbal supplements is important when it comes to buying B vitamins. By getting the purest form of B vitamin, you can improve your mood and energy.

5. Creatine

Have you ever noticed that you get energy after eating red meat and seafood?

The amino acid, creatine, that is found within these proteins are responsible for the increased energy. Many athletes and gym-goers use creatine because improves their muscle recovery times.

This is an excellent supplement to try if you live an active life and want to prevent sports-induced injuries.

Try These Herbal Supplements for Energy

There are many herbal supplements for energy that you can try.

Depending on your type of lifestyle, there are certain supplements that will make you feel more energized. Creatine and vitamin D are excellent for active people. Gogi and blueberry supplements are another great option for when you feel sluggish.

Each supplement has various benefits that your body will be happy to receive.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about the best supplements and how they can improve your health and happiness!