Cooking by Steam Oven Offers a Healthy Option

Steam ovens have most normally been associated with the upper end of the kitchen appliance market. However in recent times steam ovens have been considered part of a healthy lifestyle choice.
One of the great advantages of cooking by steam is that it keeps in the vitamins, nutrients and minerals of foods that are essential to a healthy diet, and also one can argue better keeps the flavour of the food. Additionally cooking by steam alleviates the need for thus of oils and fats.

Additionally with steam cooking you can cook different types of food at the same time without running the risk of the flavours of the different food to transfer to one another.

Traditionally associated as a high value item, manufacturers are increasingly bringing out new models which are more within the reach of the main stream consumer. Cheaper models may not always offer all of the benefits of higher priced models but the same quality in the cooking process gives the same health benefits through the goodness of the food.

Steam cooking is increasingly fitting into the family lifestyle, not only on health grounds, but through the fact that steam cooking can be a very fast process which fits in with the time restricted family. Additionally new models being brought out on the market are becoming increasingly versatile with a range of functions and programmable settings to make family life easier. For example the C44L20 molde comes with an ipressive 20 automatic programs to cook by with a range of cooking temperatures ranging from 40 through to 100 degrees. And for those on a tight budget, steam ovens cook at lower temperatures, thus meaning that less energy is used in the cooking process, saving the consumer money.

Steam ovens come in a range of colours to compliment the consumer's current kitchen design although Stainless Steel continues to be the most popular colour to choose with consumers.

Perhaps one of the downsides of using a normal steam oven is that it does not brown the food. There are however some models that also incorporate conventional cooking which means that you can cook by steam for the part of the process and then revert to conventional cooking methods to brown the food you are cooking, giving the consumer the best of both worlds.

Integrated steam ovens are most commonly the norm but for those consumers who do not want to completely redesign their kitchen, free standing models of reasonably priced steam ovens are also available.

More of steamed quick appetizers to serve in your party.

Simple and Elegant Panini Grilled Sandwiches Recipe

 

 

Panini, an exemplary grilled sandwich, is found in the menus of restaurants, cafes, and bistros. Panini is an Italian plural word which translates to "small breads." The singular term is "panino." By tradition, Panini sandwiches are made of small breads. In English-speaking places, Panini is an Italian grilled sandwich.
Panini sandwiches are grilled that's why its outside texture is crunchy and the inside texture is chewy. These sandwiches are loaded with an assortment of meats, melted cheese, and vegetables. Pressure is put on the sandwich while being grilled so that the ingredients will meld.

Here's the basic recipe to follow when making a Panini grilled sandwich.

Ingredients:
Italian breads such as cibiatta and focaccia - Other kinds of breads can be used. Denser breads are preferable to get a crispy crust when toasted.

Olive oil
Fillings - Anything that suits the taste buds and diet. Examples of good Panini sandwich fillings are the following:

- Salami, extra virgin olive oil, roasted red peppers and balsamic vinegar
- Dry salami, fontina cheese and arugula
- Grilled mushrooms (portobella) and assagio cheese
- Goat cheese, mortadella and balsamic vinegar
- Smoked Gouda, provolone, basil leaves and pesto
- Turkey, cheddar, bacon and roasted red peppers
- Turkey, Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce and avocado
- Turkey breast, roasted ham, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomatoes
- Roast beef, horseradish mayonnaise, mozzarella, onions, caramelized onions and tomatoes
- Pulled chicken, provolone, mayonnaise, chopped basil, red onion and tomatoes
- Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, plum tomatoes, basil and olive tapenade
- Jerk chicken, chipotle aioli, red leaf lettuce, roasted red peppers and sautéed onions.

Procedure:

The steps in making a Panini sandwich are so simple. First, start with the bread. Lay down two pieces of bread. Then, brush lightly with olive oil (preferably extra virgin) one side of each bread. This would result to a crispier texture. Then, put on top of bread the fillings for the sandwich. Anything can be added. Good quality meats and the remaining of the feelings between two yummy layers of cheese is the usual arrangement.

Lastly, toast the sandwich. It is preferable to have a Panini grill when making the sandwiches. A Panini grill is an appliance that looks like a waffle iron. The heat is used by pressing the sandwich from below and above. The grill feature of the sandwich can be seen after toasting because of the ridge plates in the Panini grill. The Panini grill gives pressure to the sandwich, thus, allowing the ingredients to meld and create an appetizing and compact texture.

In case a Panini grill is not available, a typical electrical contact grill or a grill pan can be used. Pre-heat the grill pan. Then, place on it the sandwich. Afterwards, place a heavy material, such as an aluminum foil wrapped brick, on the top of the sandwich. After toasting one side, flip over the sandwich and repeat the toasting process. Keep on looking for more quick appetizers just like these sandwich recipe.

Sandwich Appetizer and Finger Food Ideas

Serving sandwich quick appetizers and finger foods is an easy, convenient way to present food at any gathering. Almost any sandwich can be made into a finger sandwich, but there are a few reliable standbys that most everyone enjoys. Making a large quantity of little sandwiches can be simplified with proper planning.

Finger rolls are often used at gatherings. They are larger than the average tea sandwich and can be stuffed ahead or placed whole in a basked or on a tray beside a meat and cheese platter for guests to assemble as they choose. Common fillings include ham and cheese, roast beef and cheese, turkey and cheese, or salads like egg salad, ham salad, chicken salad or tuna salad. Vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, onions and pickles can be placed on the sandwiches or laid out on a platter beside the sandwich tray. When young people are in attendance, some hosts also provide peanut butter and jelly sandwiches alongside the more adult choices.

  

Tea sandwiches are generally made with white or wheat bread and can contain the same ingredients as finger sandwiches. The edges are neatly cut off and the sandwiches are cut into fourths either diagonally to create triangles or crosswise to form squares. Using a two-inch cookie cutter on the bread can create sandwiches in fancy shapes like flowers or hearts. Another popular choice for tea sandwiches is the cucumber sandwich, which contains thinly sliced cucumbers and an herb spread of cream cheese, dill, garlic and chives.

Other bread options are mini bagels, flour tortillas or lavash. Mini bagels should be piled high with meat and cheese or salads to ensure the flavor of the fillings are not overpowered by the thick, dense bread. Tortillas and lavash are rolled to encase the fillings and then cut into pieces about one to two inches wide. For gatherings around the holidays, spread cream cheese over the tortilla or lavash and then top it with a spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce, slices of turkey, and a generous amount of stuffing to make flavorful seasonal starters.

Setting food on the table is easier when appropriate preparations are made in advance. Mixing moist salads a day ahead and leaving them in the refrigerator overnight not only reduces the amount of work that needs to be done on the day of the event, but also allows the flavors time to marry. Spreading a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on both sides of the bread or rolls will keep absorption to a minimum, and as such will help to prevent soggy bread. Cutting vegetables ahead of time will also aid in the assembly or table layout process. With proper preparation and the right choices in sandwiches, the food at the gathering is sure to be a great success.

Cheap Barbecue Party Food Ideas

         

It doesn't have to cost you a lot of money to make your barbecue memorable. Remember -- most people expect burgers and potato salad. So any different food is good. And if you follow our cheap barbecue party ideas you can impress your guests for not a lot of money for your quick appetizers.

First off I must state that there is absolutely nothing at all wrong with burgers and potato salad. I love them both and all weekend griller's BBQ parties should have a good selection of these and other basics. But just a few other cheap barbecue party food ideas during planning can save your food -- and your parties -- from boring repetition.

Here are five cheap and easy food ideas you can try immediately to make you next BBQ party memorable and fun:

1) One word -- Condiments! Everyone has mustard and ketchup. Occasionally you see a lonely bottle of Frank's. But for very little money or effort you can add a rainbow of taste to your table and impress your guests. Visit a specialty store or good supermarket and pick up some bottles of unusual BBQ sauces or hot sauces for the table. Do not just paint the meat on the grill -- give your guests a choice on the table. Today's

BBQ and hot sauces come in a wide variety of flavors and heat levels and there is something for (almost) everyone. Consider the food you are serving and other sauces that may complement it. If you are serving chicken consider a white BBQ sauce or horseradish sauce. If you are serving fish consider a sweet Barbeque sauce or a Vietnamese or Japanese fish sauce.

2) Salsa -- Not just for corn chips anymore! Several years ago salsa took over the number-one-selling condiment spot in the US from ketchup but most people still think of it as just a dip for chips or a covering for Mexican foods. Salsa is -- and can be -- so much more. Consider visiting a Farmers' Market or specialty food store the morning of the barbecue and picking up a fresh salsa. Or better still,yet spend a little time the night before the party and make a batch of homemade salsa. It's really very easy. And don't just stick to the basic tomato/pepper salsa -- be brave and try a fruit or a veggie based salsa. Choose your salsa based on the meat and vegetables you will be serving and invite your guests to cover these foods for a new taste experience.

3) It's almost embarrassing how much good will and praise can be produced by a simple salad. As cheap BBQ party ideas go, this is one of the best. Everyone does potato and macaroni salad. Ask your friends to bring a dish and you'll probably get 3 of each. You can impress everyone to no end by making up a colorful and easy pasta or fruit salad that not only looks great but tastes great, too. Add some items off the grill into it at the last moment for an unforgettable touch.

4) Sides -- Go beyond the salad! So you've brought your impressive (though cheap) salad. But now think beyond to other side dishes. What springs to mind? If you are like most people - corn on the cob comes to mind. There is nothing wrong this. But to really impress your guests think of adding one or two other unusual sides that will complement the main course. And remember that sides don't have to be just veggies. Think of the possibilities of fruits, shellfish and even meats.

5) Desserts - Why not use the fire? Okay, you gotta have a dessert. You'll probably want something cold (homemade ice cream, maybe?) and some sweets for the kids. But since the fire is still warm why not consider really impressing your friends by making an additional dessert or two on the grill. Make homemade ice cream (always a reasonably cheap choice) AND grilled dessert to go with it and you will be considered a party god for many years.

Since most BBQ parties feature the same basic foods, these cheap party food ideas will help any weekend griller to impress their guests. Do it well and your friends will invite you to every party and beg for an invitation to yours.

The Diversity of Asian Food

Food is one of our basic needs. Apart from that, most of us regarded food as a passion and perceive it with some degree of indulgence. And with the wide diversity of people and culture, there is such a wide variety of food and cuisine out there as well to cater to everyone's taste buds. Now, since life provides boundless opportunities, there is no reason why you should miss to savor every food and cuisine that each region on Earth has to offer.

One of the most exotic food there is available is the Asian cuisine. Asian food, in all its hues and tastes, is becoming increasingly popular and well-liked by many Westerners. When compared to the food in American and European continent, the foods in Asia tends to stand out because of its diversity. The vast number of countries in Asia offer endless varieties of food, far different from each other. Indian food, for instance, has a wide array of cuisines to try out that it would take several lifetimes for even a food lover to taste and relish it all. On the other hand, Northern India has its own delectable examples of Asian food to offer you, while

Southern India offers a whole lot more. Don't underestimate the regions of North Eastern India as it is also abound with several examples of truly Asian food. In fact, they offer an amalgam of Burmese, Bhutanese and Bangladesh food. Moreover, Western India will never let herself fell behind from carving a name in the annals of Asian food.

  

Now, let's go a little further into Asia. There is another Asian nation, the Singapore, which is known as the hub of authentic Asian food. A vast array of endless cuisines from various Asian regions can be found here. There is authentic Thai food, Chinese food, Nonya food or the cooking world's last great secret. Also, there is the Peranakan food that is unique to the straits.

How about in the Far East? What is there to delight in? It is where the best example of Asian food is located - no other than the Japanese and Korean cuisine. As far as Asian food goes as a genre, Japanese and Korean cuisine has been re-defining the entire genre. How come? The Asian cuisine is supposed to be predominantly rice-oriented, right? But as you may have observed, a vast majority of Japanese, Korean and Chinese dishes use noodles in their dishes, instead of rice. Another thing, Asian food is supposed to be overcooked. However, what would you say about Sushi then? It is probably by far the best-known Asian food that is consumed raw.

Indeed, each country in the region of Asia has its own, unique cuisine, vastly different even from the cuisine of surrounding regions. Foods in Asia can therefore be considered as a classification of convenience, because these disparate cuisines are otherwise unclassifiable. There is no wonder why there has been a growing population of supporters and consumers of delicious, delectable Asian food.

Try now this best Asian quick appetizers and foods.

Blue Cheese Appetizers

Blue cheese is not an ingredient that appeals to everyone but if you do enjoy the sour tang of this ingredient there are some great and very easy and quick appetizers recipes you can make with it.

Mushroom Appetizers Recipe With Blue Cheese

What You Need:

• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 oz finely chopped mushrooms
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 3 oz softened Neufchatel or Philadelphia
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 4 oz softened blue cheese
• Chopped pimento or slivered almonds, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Them:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch pan. Saute the onion, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce in two tablespoons of the butter in a skillet until the mushrooms are browned. Combine the Bisquick mix with the remaining butter and beat in the water until you have a dough. Press the dough into the prepared pan.
Combine the Neufchatel and blue cheese and spread this over the dough. Top with the mushroom mixture, and then sprinkle the parsley and parmesan on top. Cover and chill for four hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the appetizer for half an hour or until the crust is browned. Let it cool for ten minutes, and then cut into one and a half inch squares. Garnish with chopped pimento or slivered almonds and serve. These appetizers will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

How To Make Stilton Tartlets

Combine four ounces of crumbled Stilton with a tablespoon of all purpose flour and spoon this mixture into tart shells. Combine five ounces of evaporated milk with a beaten egg and a little hot sauce and salt and spoon this mixture into the tart shells too.

Sprinkle quarter of a cup of chopped walnuts on top and bake for seven minutes at 425 degrees F. Turn the oven down to 300 degrees F and bake for another fifteen minutes or until set.

A Super Easy Blue Cheese Ball Recipe

Combine eight ounces of cream cheese with four ounces of crumbled blue cheese, quarter of a cup of butter, a tablespoon of chopped green onion tops or chives and two thirds of a cup of chopped olives. Shape the mixture into a ball and roll it in three quarters of a cup of chopped nuts. Chill the ball overnight, or for at least a couple of hours, to allow the flavors to blend.

Blue Cheese And Potato Soup

Soup is always a great hot appetizer recipe if you are catering for a fall or winter party. To make a delicious appetizer soup recipe, cut the top off a garlic bulb and wrap it in aluminum foil. All a little olive oil and roast it for an hour at 375 degrees F. Squeeze the cooked, tender clove flesh into a soup pot with some butter and add a sliced onion.

Cook the onion and garlic until the onion is soft, and then add two pints of boiling water, a chicken bouillon cube and four chopped potatoes. Let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the mixture until it is really smooth, adding more water if necessary. Add a pint of heavy cream and six ounces of blue cheese and reheat the soup without letting it boil. Season with salt and black pepper and serve with hot, crusty bread.