Cooking Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Pros and cons of owning a coffee machine

January 3, 2020 by Mandy

‘Don’t talk to me before I have had my morning coffee.’ Does this phrase sound familiar? It might if you are not a morning person and crave for a steamy coffee mug right after you open your eyes.

Coffee and its blissful aroma are the reasons why many people look and sound upbeat in the morning. It revs up our nerves and kicks away our sluggish and lazy mood. It is also that one thing that keeps us going through a tough and hectic day. When you are dead exhausted at the end of a workday, the one thing you crave for is a hot, steaming cup of coffee.

Often the love for coffee drives people to the point that they wish to own a coffee machine. It is only fair to want to have at your disposable a machine that can be used to brew the right cup of coffee without a wait.

But are coffee makers worth the investment? A thorough analysis of the pros and cons of owning a coffee maker is required.

This article will help conclude whether owning a coffee maker is a smart choice or rather a decision based on wishful thinking.

Pros of Owning a Coffee Machine

Get Instant Coffee Anytime: the most prominent benefit of owning a coffee machine at home is getting instant coffee. Once the craving hits, brewing yourself a fresh cup of coffee is all you want, and buying yourself a coffee maker will help you achieve it. Say yes to owning a coffee maker and no to stepping out of the house just to get yourself a nice, warm cup of coffee whenever you need it.

In the morning, when all you want is a cup of coffee to recharge your brain, a coffee maker will come in very handy. Just switch the coffee maker on and let the machine do its job while you dress up for work. You wouldn’t have to waste time stopping on the way to work to get yourself whatever coffee preference you have. Convenient, isn’t it?

Provides Convenient Coffee-Making:

We all try our best to minimize work during morning hours. Dragging yourself out of bed and dressing up is already a daunting task. Add in the extra chore of making yourself a cup of coffee, without a machine, and anybody would sulk.

Coffee makers make the task incredibly effortless. Just put in coffee grains, turn it on and your job is done. The coffee will brew itself while you get other tasks finished. You can even place your travel mug in the coffee maker, and all you have to do is pick it up while leaving for work — convenience at its finest.

Skip Spending Cash on the Coffee Shop:

Does your everyday coffee expense disrupt your monthly budget? Running to work and dropping by at your favorite coffee shop to get a cup of coffee may be costly in the long run. Why quit your coffee intake to manage your expenses when you have a better solution in a coffee maker.

Owning a coffee maker at home will help you brew a fresh cup of coffee every day without the added expense. Buying a coffee maker will be a one-time expense that will save you from any further spending. You only need to purchase coffee grains, and you are good to go.

One-cup serving from a coffee maker will also help reduce waste. It is better than making coffee in a pot that can go to waste.

Fresh Coffee Beans Means Fresh Taste:

Nothing compares to the taste of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Instant coffees are not a match. Also, there is a vast difference between coffee made with grounded grains in comparison to a cup of coffee made with fresh coffee beans, a coffee fanatic would know. Making coffee using coffee beans gives an amazing taste, which is very important for coffee lovers.

Mess-Free Coffee Making:

Using a coffee machine will help you make a cup of coffee without any mess. Cooking on a stove requires pots and pans, which may create a mess. However, using a coffee maker will avoid any chaos and will also make coffee in less time.

The last thing you would want to do on a lazy morning would be wasting time washing the coffee pot. However, the coffee maker and its parts are super easy to clean. You just need to detach and rinse them through water, and you are done.

Timer:

Coffee makers come with switch-off timers. As soon as the coffee is made, they switch off on their own. You can let the coffee brew while you do other tasks. Coffee makers reduce the amount of work you would otherwise have to do to make a cup of coffee. They help save time and effort.

Some coffee machines also come with a time programming option. Using this option, you can set a specific time you need the cup of coffee to be ready at, and the coffee machine will do the assigned task according to the time set. So, let’s say you need a cup of coffee right after you wake up, around 9 o’clock in the morning. Once you program this in the machine, you will have a steamy cup of coffee ready and waiting for you in the kitchen.

Coffee Makers are Speedy: Making coffee is quick when you use a coffee maker except when you use a slow brewing coffee machine. Using grounded beans to make coffee in a pot takes time. While using a coffee maker does the job in a flash.

Makes Serving the Guests Easy: Coffee makers also come with jugs instead of one-serving cups. These come in handy when making coffee for a few people. If you are someone who often has to host several guests, using this coffee maker makes it extremely easy. One-cup coffee makers in such situations are almost a waste.

You can switch the coffee maker on, and while you entertain the guests, fresh coffee will be ready.

Cons of Owning a Coffee Maker:

Coffee Beans/Pods Commitment: Even though owning a coffee maker will massively reduce your costs in comparison to buying coffee every day from a coffee shop, it will still be expensive compared to using instant coffee or ground beans. Coffee machines that require coffee pods to be placed in may become a long-term commitment and an added cost.

Before investing in a coffee maker, you need to weigh the added costs and the investment as opposed to the benefits the machine would reap for you. A decision based on a well-thought comparison will make sure the coffee maker is beneficial in the long run.

Might Work with Only Specific Brand Pods: Buying one espresso machine may also mean committing yourself to a single brand of coffee. Since certain espresso machines exclusively use only their coffee pods for the machine.

This might also mean less variety of coffee. Therefore, before investing in a coffee maker, make sure you check on the availability and the type of coffee pods to be used in it.

Final Word

Buying a coffee maker is a hefty investment since a high-quality coffee machine isn’t that cheap. Therefore, for an avid coffee fan, buying a coffee machine for home is potentially a smart choice. But if you are someone who occasionally craves a freshly brewed coffee mug, then hitting the nearest coffee shop would be your safest bet. Weigh your choices, options, budget, and make a well-informed choice before buying a coffee maker.

Essential Kitchen Supplies for a Fully Stocked Home

November 18, 2019 by Mandy

According to a survey by the Food Network, 28 percent of Americans say they can’t cook. Cooking is an intricate art, for sure, but it doesn’t need to be difficult.

If you own a handful of essential cooking supplies, you can whip up a range of delicious meals. Having the right kitchen tools means that you can try any recipe you like.

Do you know the difference between a chef’s knife and a paring knife? Do you know why you need to own measuring cups? If not, you’re in luck.

I’ve drawn together a list of the most important kitchen supplies you need in your home. Ready to learn to love cooking, and start impressing your family and friends? Then read on and start enjoying the culinary arts!

Kitchen Knives

A good set of knives are among the most important kitchen tools that you need. Sharp and well-balanced knives make cutting and chopping your ingredients easy. Learning how to chop your food into consistently-sized chunks will do wonders for the texture and taste of your meals.

You should own, at a minimum:

A chef’s knife. A well-made chef’s knife is the key to culinary success. Look for a knife that’s razor-sharp, well-balanced, and comfortable to hold.
A bread knife. While you can guess what this serrated knife’s main use is, it can also be useful for slicing pastry, cakes, and pizzas.
A paring knife. The paring knife is used for fine work, like peeling and coring. This knife should be exceptionally sharp and easy to hold.
A ceramic honing rod. This will keep your knives sharp. A blunt blade is more dangerous than a sharp one, so use it regularly!

A Large Chopping Board

Eschew the tiny chopping boards that you get in IKEA. Your chopping board will be among the most used kitchen supplies that you own.

Get one as big as your work area allows. Working in cramped conditions saps the fun out of cooking.

Essential Kitchen Utensils

Wooden spoons have been used in the kitchen for thousands of years. They don’t transfer heat or impact the food’s flavor, and they don’t scratch non-stick pans.
A spatula can be used for everything from turning meat and veg to stirring sauces. Buy one made from stainless steel.
A slotted spoon is perfect for removing vegetables from boiling water. One made from silicone is your best bet.
A ladle is a must for serving soups and stews.
If you often grill or roast meats, a good set of tongs helps you easily flip any food.

Pots and Pans

Good meals come from good pans. If you’re still using those non-stick pans that you bought for $10 back in the day, stop. Invest in these solid pans:

A ceramic grill pan. You can use grill pans on the stovetop and in the oven, making them extremely versatile kitchen utensils. The best ceramic grill pans can be used for everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to marinated veg.
A stainless steel sauté pan. These pans should be used for cooking meat, vegetables, and aromatics. The ingredients will stick lightly while cooking, creating fond on the pan’s base which will make delicious sauces.
Cast-iron skillet. For frying up meats, you can’t beat a cast-iron skillet. These pans will last forever and retain an incredible amount of heat.
A high-quality non-stick frying pan.
Small, medium, and large saucepans.
A stockpot. If you want to make Italian Sunday gravy, warming stews, or delicious stocks, you’ll need a tall stockpot.
A casserole dish.

Measuring Cups and a Measuring Jug

Eyeballing ingredients gets old fast and makes for unreliable success. Invest in a set of measuring cups for dry ingredients and a demarcated measuring jug for wet ones.

You’re going to be using these kitchen supplies a lot, so invest in good quality ones. For the cups, we’d recommend buying ones made of steel. For the jug, buy one made of Pyrex.

Mixing Bowls

Want to make a cake for the ones you love? How about a delicious marinade for meat or fish? You’ll need a set of mixing bowls.

Look for ones made of toughened glass, and avoid plastic. Glass doesn’t absorb flavor, so you can use these bowls over and over again without polluting your other dishes.

Meat Thermometer

Buying one of these changed the way I cook. Stick a meat thermometer into a roast, and you’ll instantly know when it’s done. No need to see if juices run clear, no need to cut a slice to see if it’s still pink in the middle.

Look for a thermometer that gives readings quickly. It should be able to tell you the meat’s temperature in under five seconds.

Blender

Most people forget a blender when buying kitchen stuff, but it’s extremely important. With a blender, you can make smoothies, sauces, and soups with ease. Invest in a good blender with large, strong blades.

Kitchen Scissors

A strong pair of kitchen scissors are essential. No matter whether you’re simply opening a packet, cutting through a crab’s shell, or slicing a pizza, scissors make your life a little easier.

Other Awesome Kitchen Supplies

These kitchen supplies aren’t as important as the ones we’ve already looked at, but they will make your life a lot easier.

A spice grinder. Store-bought spices lose flavor over time. If you buy a spice grinder, you’ll have fresh, delicious spices whenever you want them.
A sous-vide. This little gadget keeps water boiling at a consistent temperature. Seal up ingredients in vacuum bags, put them in the water, and cook them to perfection.
Oil infuser. Want to make your own version of that chili oil they have at Italian restaurants? Add your ingredients to an oil infuser for more flavorful, delicious oils.
A stand mixer. Stand mixers are expensive kitchen tools, but for making batter and kneading dough, they can’t be beaten. Look for a mixer with a variety of attachments, such as a dough hook.

Buying these key kitchen supplies will make your culinary life that little bit easier. Ready to start making incredible meals? Then take a look at the cooking section of our blog and find a recipe that you want to try!

4 Great Family Activities for Rainy Days

May 14, 2018 by Mandy

No one likes the rain. There is nothing worse than flinging the curtains open in the morning, only to be faced with grey skies and torrents of rain. It bad enough when the rain is keeping us from the day to day stuff that we want to do for ourselves, but for parents, it comes with an added dimension of dread. Not only do parents have to keep themselves entertained, if the kids can’t go outside to play, that means it falls on their parents to keep them amused as well.

You might think that it is this precise scenario that TVs, laptops, and tablets were invented for, but do you really want your kids spending more time than they already do with their heads glued to a screen? Wouldn’t it be better if you could find some more wholesome and fun activities to take part in as a family?

Help Them Build a Fort

Most of us still have some amazing memories of being children and building forts of our own. Nothing can compare to the power of a child’s imagination. To the parents, the materials you build with will be nothing more than cardboard boxes. However, to your children, this will be a real, magical fort. Seeing that kind of magic coming alive in your children is better than any TV show.

Take Kids to the Library

There are few tools as potent for stirring imaginations, young and old alike than a good book. Encouraging your children to read often is a good habit to try and get into anyway, for the both of you. Your kids will benefit in a number of ways from being exposed to books from a young age. There is increasing evidence that people who read more as children perform better academically for the rest of their lives.

Cooking

Kids don’t often get the opportunity to cook, largely because of the potential hazards involved. Because of this, many people don’t discover their love for cooking until relatively late in life. However, things don’t have to be this way. By introducing your kids to some simple recipes to cook and bake, you can help to ignite that spark wherever it may reside. You can find a whole host of suitable recipes online: Cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.Com is an excellent starting point.

Set Up a Treasure Hunt

What adult doesn’t secretly cherish the excuse to act like a kid again? Parents will already understand the allure that this kind of time with your children has. Some of the best quality time you will spend with your kids will be spent trying to exist, even momentarily, in their imaginations. Devising your own treasure hunt is an excellent way of putting together a fun and memorable activity for you and your family.

Rainy days can be a real pain. On the surface, many parents aren’t thrilled about the prospect of being kept inside all day and having to watch bored kids. However, with a little bit of effort, you can turn your rainy days into prime family times.

10 Fun and Healthy Recipes For Kids

May 2, 2018 by Mandy

Are you trying to find snacks for your kids that are both fun and healthy? Here are some great healthy recipes for kids that they’re going to love.

Do you have a house full of picky eaters? Is trying to get your kids to eat healthy an everyday battle? Are you tired of making healthy meals and then having to throw them out because your kids just refuse to eat them?

Well, fear not, we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of healthy recipes for kids, so you can whip up something that’s fun, easy, and nutritious. So without further ado, here are 10 healthy recipes for kids that will be sure to win them (and their taste buds) over.

10 Fun and Healthy Recipes for Kids

In this article, we’ll cover what kids crave most: snacks! These snacks are easy to make at home and offer the perfect combination of ingredients that will keep them feeling full and happy for hours.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a great snack alternative for children who constantly crave salty or fatty snacks like chips and pretzels. This whole grain snack packs 4-grams of fiber for every 3-cup serving, which means it’s a very filling alternative for kids.

Just make sure you go for the air-popped option and avoid movie theater popcorn or kettle corn, which are often packed with extra calories from sugar and fat.

Beyond calories and fiber, popcorn is a great snack because it’s endlessly versatile. You can transform this snack with different seasonings like grated cheese or nutritional yeast, which makes it easy to customize for the pickiest of kids. Just make sure to avoid going overboard with the toppings or it will no longer qualify as one of the healthy recipes for kids.

Ice Pops

Are your children fans of ice pops or another cold, sugary treat? If so, treat them to homemade ice pops, which you can customize to include healthy ingredients your kids won’t even notice.

There are many fruit flavors you can make that will provide your children with a healthy dose of vitamins while curbing their sugar craving.

Do your kids like orange ice pops? Make your own with orange juice and nonfat Greek yogurt, which will offer your kids a healthy dose of vitamin C and calcium. If your kids aren’t a fan of orange ice pops, try making other great ice pops like mango almond, berry flavored ones, and even faux fudge ones using avocado!

Peanut Butter Cookies

We know what you’re probably thinking: how on Earth can cookies qualify as one of the healthy recipes for kids? And the truth is there are many cookie recipes out there that are both healthy and delicious!

Don’t believe us? Try making these mouth-watering low carb peanut butter cookies made with two simple ingredients: peanut butter and Sukrin syrup. In less than 12 minutes, you’ll have a batch of delicious, low-carb cookies your kids will crave.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is such a great snack it deserves another spot on this list. Natural peanut butter is a filling treat that pairs well with a variety of other healthy foods like apples, celery, carrots, and bananas. It also offers healthy fats and protein kids need to stay feeling full and energized.

Healthy Baked Goods

Do your kids just refuse to eat their fruits and vegetables? If so, a great way to get them on board is by sneaking those fruits and vegetables into the baked goods they already love to eat. Once they fall in love with the flavor, they’ll realize how tasty and nutritious healthy foods can be.

What’s great about healthy baked goods is that there are a variety of options to choose from.

You can make banana bread, zucchini muffins, and even make muffins with sweet potatoes, which contain beta-carotene and potassium.

Eggplant Fries

Are your kids certifiable french fry fiends? Well, eggplant fries can easily satisfy their craving while providing them with all the benefits eggplant offers, such as potassium and vitamin C. And what’s better is that you can broil these bad boys and toss them in parmesan and garlic salt so that they’ll taste like the real thing without all the extra junk.

Oven Baked Almond Fish Sticks

Want a healthy recipe for kids that’s packed with protein? Oven baked almond fish sticks are the way to go then! You can replace the standard breading with a blend of crushed almonds and bran flakes, which will make these baked (not fried) fish sticks a protein-packed snack that’s low in carbs.

Fruit Salsa

If you’re looking to serve your kids something a little different, fruit salsa is a great option. Fruit salsa is a fruit salad with a spin, combining great fresh flavors like kiwi, mango, and papaya.

Simply add those ingredients and toss them with mint and a bit of orange juice for an absolutely delicious fruit snack.

BBQ Kale Chips

Are your kids willing to try an unusual (and entirely scrumptious) snack? If so, serve them up some BBQ kale chips, which beat traditional chips in terms of taste and nutrition benefits.

Simply season some kale chips with paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, and garlic powder for an out-of-this-world snack.

Homemade Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are a great on-the-go snack for when you and your kids are busy. And what’s better is that you can match a bunch in advance, so that you don’t have to spend precious time whipping snacks together.

Alton Brown’s granola bar recipe offers a healthy snack that is full of dried fruit, seeds, and nuts. They’ll keep your kids feeling full for longer, and offer them a great granola bar taste without all the sugars and processed ingredients a standard one includes.

Final Thoughts on Healthy Snacks for Kids

Getting your kids to eat healthy foods isn’t easy, but it’s essential keeping them active and in good health. By trying out the 10 healthy snacks for kids on this list, you can find a healthy and affordable snack option they’ll be sure to love.

Have you tried making healthy snacks for your kids? Have any recipes we missed?

Let us know in the comments!

Tips for Setting Your Easter Table in Style

April 2, 2018 by Mandy

Easter is almost here and it’s the right time to start thinking about the table decorations for the occasion. Easter brunch is a tradition in many homes and most people like to take it easy and casual, and sleep in for a bit longer, so having brunch instead of a formal dinner is a perfect solution.

Deciding on this year’s theme might pose a challenge, especially if you want to keep it a bit classy for the adults, but still colourful and fun for the kids in the family. Here are several suggestions how to decorate your Easter table and offer something for everyone.

Elegant and classy

If you’re one of those families that like to put the kids at their own table and let them create their own fun, then that leaves you with enough room to upscale the decoration at “the adult table”. You can rarely go wrong with an elegant and classy style. For instance, a combination of marble and delicate floral Easter motifs is very stylish. You can create this look by mixing and matching marble tableware, a touch of black and white confetti sprinkled randomly and a gorgeous floral centrepiece that will add the colours and scents of spring.

Nothing says class and elegance more than a black and white combination. Consider setting your table with beautiful Robert Gordon black and white plates and bring it all up a notch by adding silver or gold accessories, such as napkin rings, egg holders, cups and dessert spoons. Finish it off with a dip bowl holding an assortment of chocolates wrapped in gold foil to fit with the rest of the design.

Shiny and sweet

By Easter time, most people feel sick of winter and are yearning for the colours and smells of spring, so bring some fun and colour to your table styling. Break away a bit from the tradition and get creative with what you have in your home, and your kids could contribute with their own ideas. You can use floral wrapping paper and cut it up to use it as a disposable tablecloth and make a big statement at a very small cost. Lay the table with blue plates that will pick up on the tablecloth colours and some pastel mugs. Tie it all together with white side plates and shiny silverware.

Leave it to your kids to add an egg holder with a monogrammed Easter egg for each guest and a bright, yellow chick or a cute white bunny next to each plate to finish the setting.

Country garden party

There’s something particularly sweet about a country garden party theme for Easter, especially for the kids’ table. They will adore a cotton candy colour palette, with a chequered tablecloth, paper doilies and tiny cut-out flags that you can all prepare together before the guests arrive.

Get your kids to pick spring flowers such as garden roses, tulips and daisies, and arrange them casually on the table. Dress the table with some patterned ribbons, colourful confetti eggs, Easter candy jars and place bunny cut-outs with kids’ names on them, colourful Easter-inspired paper plates and cups, so the kids can fully enjoy the Easter fun without the worry of breaking anything.

Forest theme

A natural woodland theme is one of the most common Easter table settings and is suitable for both adults and kids. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t cost much and you can easily make it together with your kids just by using things you have in the house and your backyard.

As a centrepiece, you can use your kitchen wood slice board and place a wicker basket filled with twigs and spring flowers that will make a wonderful nest for colourful Easter eggs. Go with white, green and blue colours for your crockery and add pastel plaid napkins. And, as a finishing touch, put scented candles and faux moss bunnies around the centrepiece.

Easter is a time of celebration and joy, and whether you’re having an elegant party or a casual country brunch gathering, these table setting ideas will help you create a lovely, warm and inviting ambience and impress your family and guests.