Category: Food

Catering Supplies

In any profession, having the right tools can spell the difference between success and failure. In the catering industry, this is very true. When caterers have access to the best ingredients and equipment to prepare food, they can create some of the most delicious food. However, some of the best equipment in cooking can be very expensive, which makes it hard for smaller caterers to have access to them. Given this, smaller caterers must find ways or take the necessary steps to acquire the best cooking equipment and supplies at more affordable prices.

Money saving tips

One of the best ways to get good prices on catering supplies is to buy the supplies from restaurants who are closing down or are in the process of getting rid of their old inventory. However, such opportunities are rare, which can make it hard to take advantage of this option. Another good source is the Internet as the fierce competition online have now made it possible to get some of the lowest prices on different products.

Another good way to get supplies at lower prices is to team up with other small caterers to buy supplies in bulk, which means that you would be able to get huge discounts on these items. However, doing so requires that you spell out the terms by which the purchase would be done so that you would avoid the stress of getting in conflict with your ‘partners’ in purchasing supplies. In relation to this, joining associations connected to your business could also open some discount opportunities on your purchases, as well as joining discount warehouse clubs, where you can buy wholesale products.

Lastly, employing the strategy of canvassing or comparison-shopping has been proven to be one of the best ways to save on your purchases. However, doing so entails investing a considerable amount of time and effort.

Having access to the best cooking equipment can mean the success of a caterer, as the right equipment and supplies can help him prepare food in the best way. However, these equipment can be very expensive, which is why a caterer needs to take certain steps such as buying online, which can help him get the best deals on some of the best catering equipment available in the market.

Cheese

Legend has it that an unknown Arab nomad accidentally discovered cheese. He embarked upon a horseback journey across the desert filled with a saddlebag of milk. When he stopped to rest, the milk had separated into curds and whey. The logical explanation to this occurrence is the functioning of rennin. The bacteria were present in the saddlebag, which was made from the stomach of a young animal.

Cheese has been a popular food for centuries and has also been mentioned in the Old Testament. Even today, inducing various types of bacteria into milk transform it to cheese. The bacteria in time works on the milk and, depending upon the different types used, specific textures and flavors of cheese are determined.

Cheese is always manufactured from milk. Milk from cattle (cows, sheep, goats) is used at all times. Cheese textures vary from hard to semi-soft, and from mildly acidic to sharp. There are hundreds of different types of cheese available. Primarily, they are classified based upon 4 factors. These include type of milk used (raw, skimmed or pasteurized) and the source of the milk (cow, goat, sheep, buffalo, horse, yak or camel). Other factors include type of bacteria or acid used and the country it is made in.

Since cheese is available in such a wide variety, it can be confusing for the consumer to decide what to buy. Stored cheese is a good travel food. It has a long shelf life and contains high fat, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Cheese can also be eaten in various forms. These include consuming raw, cooked, cold or warm cheese preparations.

Bad Breath Cure

A simple trip to the dentist can help identify the cause of bad breath. If the cause is poor dental hygiene, the dentist will recommend a proper cleaning regimen, which will include regular brushing, rinsing and flossing. Treatment may also include repairing or removing infected cavities, which can be rather unpleasant. No wonder the saying, ‘Prevention is better than cure’ has become so common!

Fortunately, most treatments are not painful. Brushing and flossing are essential to fight bad odor. Brushing helps by dislodging food particles from the teeth, gums, and tongue, thereby preventing the buildup of bacteria. Most bacteria in the mouth are anaerobic, surviving without oxygen. They survive in the mouth by living under a protective layer of mucus and proteins, which can be eliminated by thorough brushing.

Some people consider flossing to be irrelevant to oral hygiene. Floss reaches areas behind and between the teeth which are inaccessible by brushing, thereby making flossing as pertinent to oral hygiene as brushing. For those who are too lazy to floss, it is advisable to use triangular or anatomical toothpicks. However, toothpicks cannot be used to clean behind the last teeth, the wisdom teeth. They are only a reasonable substitute.

Dryness in the mouth makes it hospitable to odor-causing bacteria. Dryness can be caused by use of prescription medications, excessive talking, exercising, dieting and excessive drinking and smoking. Drinking water washes away food particles and stimulates saliva flow, which results in elimination of odor causing bacteria. It is therefore recommended to regularly consume adequate amounts of water.

A regular dental checkup will allow the dentist to check for other common causes of bad breath such as periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, and allow him to prescribe a better antibacterial mouthwash, which will help fight bacterial infection.

Filet Mignon Steak

The word ‘filet mignon’ means small boneless piece (in French ‘mignon’ means small and ‘filet’ means a boneless piece). It is considered to be a premium cut of beef, taken from the small end of the tenderloin. Filet mignon steaks are called by different names in different parts of the world – chateaubriand, medallions, tournedos, filet de bæuf, tenderloin, etc. are all different names of the filet mignon steak. It is the tenderest steak and is circular in shape about 3 inches in diameter.

The tenderloin is the least exercised part of the animal and hence the flesh in this region is tender. Beef cuts from the tenderloin are hence very soft and easy to cut. Due to their tenderness, they are also referred to as ‘the kings of steak’. However, the filet mignon steaks are also the mildest in their taste. Usually they are packed with bacon to increase their flavor.

Filet mignons available in butcher shops are a 2-3 inches in thickness. Their color determines how fresh they are. Filet mignon steaks should be bright red externally and internally they must be darker in color. They should be brought only if they were preserved in cold storage. Mostly filet mignon steaks are aged before cooking. Aging provides a unique flavor. Steaks can be preserved under cold storage for as long as a year if they are securely wrapped.

There are several ways to prepare filet mignon steaks. They can be grilled, sautéed, pan-fried or roasted. Fat should be removed before cooking the steak. Use of salt must be avoided as salt draws out the juices of the steak. Water is not used while cooking filet mignon steaks as it affects the taste. Instead olive oil or butter is used to prepare different recipes.

Filet mignon steaks are prepared by restaurants in several ways. There are several exotic preparations with wine, whiskey and with a variety of stuffing like crab meat, eggs among many others. Almost every restaurant has a special recipe for preparing filet mignon. They are eaten with rice, noodles or pasta. They are garnished with parsley, garlic, spring onions, etc. depending on the recipe. Red wine complements the filet mignon steak well. Also, they are eaten along with sea food such as lobsters and crabs or with pork derivatives such as bacon and sausages.

What You Need To Know About Fruit

What do you reach for when you want a snack or something sweet? Is it fruit? If not, you should consider it. Fruit has a score of health benefits. It provides water, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Eating a good variety of fruits can help keep your body healthy and strong. Here is a list of some of the most common fruits including some of their benefits.

Apples

As far as fruit goes, apples are a classic favorite. Whether included in an apple pie, made into apple sauce, or eaten raw, it just wouldn’t be autumn without this fruit. Apple is rich in potassium, pectin (fruit fiber), and other vitamins and minerals. The potassium is beneficial to those who experience water loss such as athletes and those with a stomach virus.

Oranges

The aromatic nature of this fruit gives it a lot of appeal. Many start their day with a cup of orange juice. Its claim to fame is its sunny flavor and vitamin C content. It seems to be the fruit people reach for when they want to boost their immune system. Try including fresh oranges slices on your salads or in your smoothies.

Bananas

This fruit is rich in potassium and B vitamins, making it a great food for athletes. The high fiber content also promotes regularity. Bananas also make a wonderful addition to smoothies, especially when mixed with strawberries and mangoes. You can also slice them and put them on top of cereal or yogurt.

Strawberries

Strawberries are at their peak flavor in the spring and early summer. This fruit needs to be picked when it is ripe and no sooner. Though strawberries turn red if they are picked while not quite ripe, they don’t get any sweeter unless they are still on the vine. Strawberries are great raw, in smoothies, in jams, tarts, and can even be made into wine.

Give yourself variety

To get the most from the health benefits of fruit, include lots of variety. Eating both the standard fruits and other more exotic options can really enhance your health.

Fruit Cake

The fruit cake with all its fruits and nuts has been around for centuries. Making a rich fruit cake is a very laborious process. They are made well in advance and stored in a cool dry place in order to preserve its traditional great taste and flavor.

The procedure for making a fruitcake takes a few days. First, the fruits and nuts need to be prepared. They are soaked for 2 or 3 days in alcohol, preferably brandy or rum. If you don’t want to use alcohol, fruit juice can be substituted. The cake recipe should be followed strictly to obtain the desired result of a wonderful tasty cake. For those who do not like a particular fruit or nut, they can be substituted according to individual tastes. The only thing to remember is that the weight specified in the recipe for the fruits and nuts should be maintained.

After the fruits and nuts are prepared, the batter is made. All the fruits and nuts are mixed in the batter and baked. Fruit cakes are baked at a low temperature for a long time until they are done. It should be tested with a cake tester to see if it is fully done. One point to remember when baking these cakes is to keep a container of water in the oven. This prevents the cake from becoming dry. They should be cooled before taking out from the container.

All the effort put in to making fruitcakes is worth it, as they make an excellent, great tasting treat any time of the day.

Oranges

For a large number of Americans, oranges are the most popular source for vitamin C. People generally consume this fruit in the form of juice, which gives their body around 140% of the recommended dosage of the essential vitamin. However, eating the meaty segments will give you the added advantage of fiber. Doctors promote this fruit to people as an excellent source of folic acid, potassium, thiamin and some traces of magnesium and calcium.

Researchers place the origin of this tree in the southeastern region of Asia. Columbus takes the credit of bringing the seeds of this fruit to the U.S., which has now become a major hub for growing and exporting this fruit. Earlier, the fruit was very expensive since it is not easily grown in cool climates, but now it is known to be the third-most popular fruit, right after apples and bananas. They are largely grown in the states of California, Arizona and Florida.

Oranges hold a useful position in the family of citrus fruits. They are added to an assortment of dishes and snacks, and relished in the form of juice. Their extensive use in everyday life is due to their ready availability throughout the year. Growers harvest the crop mostly in the cold season, which starts from late September and goes on until April. To retain their freshness, it is recommended you keep them in the refrigerator, but this may pose a problem when you want to extract juice. Juice is best taken from oranges kept at room temperature.

Oranges are always taken off from the branches of trees when they are ripe and ready to eat. The thin-skinned oranges are preferred over the thick-skinned fruit, as they are known to give more juice than the latter. Similarly, large oranges are not as sweet as the small- or medium-sized variety.

Stop Bad Breath

Most bad breath problems begin in the mouth, and are a result of poor dental hygiene. Persistent bad odor from the mouth is indicative of the presence of bacteria that coat the teeth and gums. Food particles lodged in the cavities and back of the tongue decay and release sulfur compounds, which cause of bad breath. In order to stop bad breath, one must follow a proper cleaning regimen that includes brushing regularly, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.

Brushing the teeth, gums, and tongue is recommended after every meal, to prevent the buildup of bacteria which feed on decaying food particles. Several types of toothpaste are available in the market today, ranging from regular toothpaste to brands that provide extra care for sensitive gums and teeth. Many dentists suggest the use of fluoride-based toothpaste, as fluoride is a poison that kills bacteria.

Brushing dentures with ordinary toothpaste can result in discoloration and scratches on the surface. It is therefore essential to clean them with either soap or lukewarm water, or specially manufactured denture creams and brushes. It is also advisable to thoroughly clean the area that fits against the gums and teeth. This will prevent plaque buildup on the dentures and keep them fresh and clean.

Mouthwashes tend to disguise bad breath instead of curing or preventing it. In fact, some conventional mouthwashes leave our mouth dry and thereby make it more hospitable to bacteria. Chlorine-dioxide-based mouthwashes are the latest in bad breath prevention. These mouthwashes attack the sulfur compounds responsible for bad odor. The simplest way to rinse the mouth, dislodge food particles, and stimulate saliva flow is by drinking water.

For those who cannot brush after meals or snacks, chewing sugarless gum is advised. The chewing action prevents the mouth from becoming dry by stimulating saliva flow, which in turn cleans the mouth and dissolves sulfur compounds.

Organic Tea

Tea is the perfect way to replenish the mind and body and enjoys the status of being the most popular drink in the world. Individuals can choose different types of teas according to their tastes. An organic tea is a lovely concoction for most tea lovers.

Tea drinkers are always on the lookout for a blend that is environment friendly and has no ill effects. An organic tea fulfills this demand of tea lovers. There are many kinds of organic teas available such as Organic Green tea, Organic Earl Grey tea, Organic Breakfast tea, and Organic Passion Plum tea. These organic teas are available loosely or in tea bags. Organic Sencha, Organic Darjeeling, Organic Peppermint and Organic Assam are also some example of organic teas that are available as loose tea only.

As organic tea is in demand, many tea manufacturing companies have developed a line of teas that are certified as grown and processed with artificial fertilizers and pesticides. China is number one in growing teas organically and imports quality organic teas. Different types of organic tea are also being imported with the help of many dedicated tea websites. These websites help tea lovers get various kinds of organic tea from all parts of the world.

Organic tea acts as an antioxidant that fights cancer, heart attacks and a whole myriad of illnesses. But the most important reason to drink tea is that it tastes great and makes one feel relaxed and alert.

For both health and taste reasons, organic teas are among the very best. People can find several choices of organic tea at most teashops or restaurants. It is advisable look at the ratings of organic teas when purchasing. They are printed on the tea container.

Cookware

An artist needs his easel, paints and brushes to create masterpieces, a weaver needs colorful threads to knit intricate designs, and cooks need good cookware to churn out delicious food. Unlike the olden days where there was a limited choice, the market today is filled with an array of designer pots and pans in various metals shapes and sizes.

Choosing cookware can be an easy affair if you run through a checklist before doling out cash. Cooking habits play a major role in deciding your cookware. For example, go for cast-iron sets if you like to blacken and sear food. Cast-iron cookware provides even heat and is incredibly durable. Opt for non-stick pans if you like less oil or want to heat sticky food like rice. The quantity of food consumed in your house also plays a role in deciding your cookware. If you have a large family you will like to own big pots, while a small family will have medium or small-sized utensils. Once you have these requirements clearly sorted out in your mind, you can allocate your budget accordingly.

There are various metals that are used in making cookware these days. Cast iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminum and tin are some of the popular ones. Most common and low-maintenance cookware is made from stainless steel. Though pots made from aluminum are the least expensive, they are less durable and discolor with some kind of acidic food. Vessels made from copper provide the best heat conductivity.

Caring and maintenance is required to provide a long and useful life to your utensils. Always allow your fry pan to cool before washing or soaking. Drying your pots immediately after washing will prevent having water spots. Do not leave your cookware exposed to flame or a heat source without food or liquid inside.