food Archives - Serendipity Mommy

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

April 5, 2021 by Mandy

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!

How to Go Vegan on a Budget: Your Complete Guide

March 25, 2020 by Mandy

If you’ve scrolled through social media posts for vegan recipes or diets, it may seem like a massive and expensive undertaking. It doesn’t have to be. You can achieve a healthy vegan lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Keep reading for tips on how to go vegan on a budget!

Reasons to Go Vegan

If you’ve spent your life as an omnivore you may wonder why people go vegan. The answer varies from person to person. Someone may live a vegan lifestyle:

To reduce their carbon footprint and produce less waste contributing to climate change
To adopt healthier eating habits
To help control or reduce your risk for a chronic disease
For personal or spiritual reasons
In opposition to animal cruelty and industrial farming

Cutting consumption of animal products may help you lower your risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and lower your cholesterol. Plant-based diets come with a lot of benefits and changes.

What Happens to Your Body When You Go Vegan

You may find going from omnivore to vegan to be a difficult process. You’ll likely feel the effect of the lifestyle change after a few weeks. You may experience:

Changes in weight (either loss or gain)
Different food cravings
GI discomfort
Boosted energy levels
Clearer skin

It is important to monitor your nutritional intake and consult your doctor before any drastic dietary changes, as you may need to take supplements (such as B-12 or Iron) when giving up certain foods.

How to Go Vegan on a Budget

According to the USDA, the average American can meet the daily nutritional requirements of fruits and vegetables for less than $3 a day. You can easily save money and meet all of your dietary needs with healthy vegan foods.

Fresh v. Frozen

Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as healthy as fresh ones. The vegetables in the freezer aisle were picked at peak ripeness, unlike the fresh produce. Fresh produce is picked a few days shy of ripe in order to extend its shelf-life.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and are good additions to meals like stir-fry, soup, and smoothies.

Buy in Bulk

Many vegan staples can be bought in bulk. This is often cheaper than buying in smaller quantities. Here are some common vegan staples:

Legumes (dried beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.)
Tofu
Rice and/or quinoa
Pasta
Nuts
Oats
Nutritional Yeast
Nut Butter

You can use these foods in recipes or eat them on their own. All of these listed also have a long shelf-life, so you can stock up without worrying about expiration dates for a while.

Cook Your Own Food

Plant-based products, such as burgers, have been added to many fast food and quick service restaurant menus, but this is not the most cost-effective option for a vegan lifestyle (nor a healthy one). Making your own vegan dishes at home will save you money.

Maintaining a Vegan Lifestyle

Now that you have a better idea of how to go vegan on a budget, you can start incorporating these tips into your life.

Adopting a vegan lifestyle is affordable, sustainable, and one of the best choices you can make for your health!

Cook Italian: 4 Ingredients Truly Authentic Italian Recipes

February 19, 2020 by Daisey Bell

There’s a whole lot more than Pizza and spaghetti when it comes to Italian food. There are a plethora of ingredients that enhance the flavor of all Italian Cuisine. Not only is Although Italian food seems heavy or bold, in essentiality, it’s rich and textural at so many levels, and not at all heavy! Let’s not intellectualize Italian Cuisine, it truly comes from a place of evocatively emotional heart, making it one of the heartiest cuisines globally. Unlike most other cuisines that are governed by protein, Italian is an eminent celebration of produce and a huge selection of cured meats. Today, let us focus on the produce that Italy imbibes through and through, in all their major recipes.

Staying traditional to the authentic produce from Italy is what makes Italian Cuisine enjoyable. Trying to recreate the Italian recipes without authentically sourced Italian ingredients is a call for failure on the very first step in the process of trying to emulate this Cuisine.

These are the verifiably sourced Italian produce that sets apart authentic Italian ingredients:

Cheese: Truly, any discussion of Italian Cuisine would not be complete without mentioning cheese sourced from the various regions of Italy. Cheese is not just a part of the Cuisine, but a dominant part of the Italian culture and daily life. Veneto, Lombardy, and Piedmont are some of the quality producers of fine cheese in Italy. Italian food wouldn’t be the same without the presence of its humble cheese production. Some have a delicate flavor, and others are very strong. Parmigiano Reggiano is among the most famously known Italian cheese worldwide. It also termed “The King of Italian Cheeses.” They are aged to perfection.
Olive Oil:In the year 2018, Italians consumed 557,000 tons of olive oil. In comparison, the US consumed 315,000 tons. That above-mentioned figure should be able to put things in perspective with regards to the importance of olive oil in Italian Cuisine. This oil has been a staple of the region for thousands of years. Just as all produce, olive oil is also graded on its quality. Apart from the Cuisine, Italians use olive oil in many different ways. It is common to assume that Italians use the best quality of their olive oils – “the extra virgin” one to cook their food – NOT TRUE! They use lesser quality, less flavorful versions of their extra virgin olive oils while cooking, whereas saving the quality oils from drizzling over portions of pasta, bread, salads, and everything else. Some of the best Italian olive oils are Partanna olive oil, Partanna Sicilian olive oil, and Partanna extra virgin olive oil.

Also Read This: Italian Olive Oil: The Benefits it Give and How to Find an Original Product

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are one of the most commonly used ingredients in Italian cooking. Tomatoes find their way into all kinds of recipes – from lasagna to spaghetti, salads to side dishes, stuffings to paella. All recipes celebrate tomatoes. Today some of the largest producers of tomatoes are Italy – from the regions of Puglia, Sardinia, Campania, and the coveted Sicily. San Marzano is the most popularly known and used tomato sauce. It is a long shaped tomato with very fleshy meat. It contains a minimal amount of seeds and thus deemed perfect for making sauces for pizza toppings, pasta, and other bases. They have just the mild sweetness and the perfect amount of acidity. Make sure to source these products from Italy, if you are trying to get the authentic flavors of Italy.
Mushrooms: Italy’s landscape is home to many forests and fields, and they hold many types of mushroom growth. The rainy and sunny climate is the perfect climatic condition for the growth of mushrooms. During summer and the autumn season, mushroom harvesting is a common household chore across Italy. They are a meaty vegan alternative to game and poultry. They are also eaten in many different ways and even used as stuffings for many recipes. Italians even go to the extent of preserving mushrooms in high-quality extra virgin olive oil and then plate them as starters at mealtimes. Porcini Boletus Mushrooms preserved in extra virgin olive oil is one of the best starter foods all over Italy.

These four ingredients are what makes Italian Cuisine impeccably and authentically Italian. Source these from the right places. Italian food online stores carry a variety of these ingredients and also ships them to your desired address. Begin your journey experiencing Italian Cuisine the right way.

Author Bio:-I am Daisy Bell a pro-level blogger with years of experience in writing for multiple industries. I have extensive knowledge of Food, Fitness, Healthcare, business, fashion, and many other popular niches. I have post graduated in arts and have a keen interest in traveling.