Food
From the moon to your table, turkey is tops at Thanksgiving
When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin tucked into their first meal on the moon, it was foil packets of roasted turkey and all the trimmings. With their special packaging, they likely were not concerned about food safety, but it should be at the top of your to-do list for the holidays. Be sure that you purchase, store, prepare and serve food safely and handle leftovers appropriately.
The holiday season requires special consideration to keep food safe. Parties, dinners and special events mean feeding large groups over extended periods of time, and that adds to the need for extra care. Here is a quick refresher course from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Avoid the Danger Zone. Harmful bacteria can grow rapidly in the danger zone between 40° F and 140° F. Try to make food shopping your last errand before going home. At the store, select frozen and refrigerated foods just before going to the checkout register, and when you get home, store them promptly and properly.
Clean thoroughly. Make sure everything that contacts food is as clean as possible. Start with clean hands because they are the most frequently used utensil in the kitchen and can spread bacteria very quickly. Clean dishes and utensils thoroughly, launder dishcloths and towels frequently and sanitize work surfaces, cutting boards and sponges with a mild bleach solution between uses.
Store safely. Plan ahead so you will have adequate storage space in the refrigerator and freezer for all perishable items. This is a good time to clean out and throw away leftovers. Keep cold foods cold – 40° Fahrenheit or less in the refrigerator and 0° Fahrenheit or less in the freezer. Keep a thermometer in each area and remember to check it often.
Cook correctly. Cooking enhances the flavor of food, but its main function is to kill disease-causing microorganisms. To do this job effectively, the internal temperature of the food must reach the recommended level as shown on an instant-read thermometer: beef – at least 150° F; pork – 160° F; poultry – 165° F. Cook ground meats until there is no pink left and the internal temperature reaches 160° F. Reheat leftovers to at least 165° F to kill bacteria that might have multiplied in the cooling process. Cook meat, poultry, fish, egg dishes and casseroles thoroughly in one operation. Do not cook partially and plan to complete the cooking process later.
Separate. Keep raw and cooked foods and their juices separate at all times. Be sure that raw meats do not drip on other foods in the grocery basket, in grocery bags or in the refrigerator. Marinate meats on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to keep juices from spilling on other foods and do not reuse the marinade. Never use the same plate or utensil for cooked food that you used to prepare or transport the raw product.
Entertain safely. Keep the two-hour rule in mind when serving a large meal, buffet or reception. Do not leave perishables at room temperature for more than two hours in cool weather or one hour when it is warmer. Offer food in small serving dishes and replace them often, using a clean dish each time. Keep the replacement food in the refrigerator or oven to maintain the proper temperature until serving. To keep hot foods hot when serving them, consider using an electric serving dish, warming tray or chafing dish. Nest dishes in bowls of ice to keep them cold.
Manage leftovers. Refrigerate leftovers as quickly as possible, discarding any that have been at room temperature for two hours or more. Divide large quantities of hot foods into smaller containers so they will cool more quickly when refrigerated. Reheat all leftovers to at least 165° F and heat gravy to a rolling boil. Use cooked dishes within three days and stuffing and gravy within two days.
Finally, when in doubt, throw it out.
Food
Dalgona-Style Iced Matcha Latte
Spoil your taste buds and enjoy energy with this easy-to-make, cool, and creamy drink!
Ingredients (Servings: 1)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons matcha (green tea powder)
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 mint leaf (optional)
Directions
- Whip the Cream: In a small bowl, use a whisk or handheld mixer to blend the sugar, cream, and matcha until it becomes a light and silky whipped cream. This should take a few minutes until it forms soft peaks.
- Prepare the Drink: Pour the cold milk into a glass. Gently spoon the whipped matcha mixture over the milk, creating a beautiful layered effect.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint leaf for freshness and extra flair.
Enjoy your refreshing and energizing Dalgona-style iced matcha latte!
Food
Seasonal Berries: A Guaranteed Delight – 5 Mouth-Watering Recipe Ideas
Do you have an abundance of summer berries just waiting to be eaten? Use them in various ways to keep things exciting and preserve your harvest. Here are a few suggestions to inspire you:
1. Pie
You can, of course, make a pie with just one fruit, like blackberries. But why not combine them? For example, strawberries, cherries, and blueberries go wonderfully together. The mix of flavors and colors makes for a beautiful and delicious dessert.
2. Pizza
Place some fresh berries on a pizza crust, a slice of watermelon, and top with honey or whipped cream and chocolate shavings. This unique take on pizza is refreshing and sweet, perfect for a light summer treat.
3. Crumble
Stock up on rhubarb and combine it with a different fruit each time, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, to create a host of mouth-watering desserts. The tangy rhubarb pairs perfectly with sweet berries, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble.
4. Mimosa
Swap the traditional orange juice for fruit juice from your berry harvest. Cherries, strawberries, and grapes lend themselves particularly well to sparkling wine. This berry mimosa is a colorful and refreshing twist on a classic brunch drink.
5. British-Style Pudding
Redcurrants, blueberries, cherries, and other essential ingredients are perfect for making British-style puddings that will delight your taste buds. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. The pudding’s soft texture, sweet flavor, and cold ice cream will surely be a hit.
You can find various easy-to-prepare recipes online to bring these ideas and many more to life. Enjoy your delicious berry creations!
Food
It’s a Heatwave! What’s for Dinner?
Have you barely made it out the door and are already sweating profusely? If so, you don’t want to stand over the barbecue to cook supper. So, what can you eat when it’s too hot to fire up the grill? Here are a few inspiring no-cook meals to keep you cool and satisfied.
Tartars
A true gastronomic classic, tartars are the perfect treat when the mercury rises. You can stick to traditional options like salmon, tuna, or beef or try something different like bison. To prepare delicious tartar, keep the ingredients cool and thoroughly clean your tools and work surfaces to prevent cross-contamination. If you choose beef, buying a muscle cut instead of minced meat is best for safety and quality.
Gazpachos
These Spanish-style cold soups blend acidity and freshness, offering a bouquet of flavors perfect for a hot day. Jazz things up with seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and green onions. Gazpacho is super easy to make—put all the ingredients in a blender and turn it on! You’ll have a refreshing and nutritious meal that will cool you down in minutes.
Zucchini Noodles
Refreshing and easy to prepare, these vegetable “spaghetti” noodles will delight your guests. You only need a spiral cutter to turn zucchini into fun, spaghetti-like strands, often called “zoodles.” The ways to prepare these zoodles are only limited by your imagination. Try tossing them with a basil or sun-dried tomato pesto, adding pine nuts, a simple vinegar dressing, or sprinkling with a little Parmesan and pepper.
Pour Yourself a Cold Drink
While you prepare these no-cook meals, pour yourself a glass of your favorite cold drink. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during a heatwave. Drinking plenty of water is crucial—don’t wait until you’re thirsty. And a quick reminder: drinking alcoholic beverages can increase the risk of dehydration, so it’s best to exercise moderation.
Enjoy these easy, no-cook recipes to beat the heat and stay cool while having a delicious dinner!
Food
Strawberry Puff Pastry – Spectacularly Simple!
Are you looking for a delicious and eye-catching dessert that’s easy to make? Look no further!
Ingredients (Servings: 6 to 8)
- 1 box of store-bought puff pastry (10 inches x 10 inches)
- 1 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella style)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, thinly sliced lengthwise
- A few mint leaves
- A small piece of chocolate
Directions
- Bake the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet per the package instructions, usually around 20 minutes. Let it cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Add the Spread: Once the pastry has cooled, gently smear the chocolate hazelnut spread over the entire surface of the pastry.
- Arrange the Strawberries: Neatly arrange the strawberry slices on top of the spread, covering the pastry evenly.
- Garnish: Garnish with a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Finally, grate a small piece of chocolate over the entire dessert for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your spectacularly simple and delicious strawberry puff pastry!
Food
3 Reasons to Visit Your Local Ice Cream Shop This Summer
The mercury’s rising, you’ve set your out-of-office reply for your vacation from work, and your favorite sunscreen is on sale tomorrow: holidays are just around the corner! If you enjoy gourmet tourism, you don’t have to get on a plane to discover new flavors. This summer, discover the pleasures of ice cream! Here are three reasons to visit your local ice cream shops.
1. High-Quality Local Products
The frozen treats in convenience store freezers certainly have their charms, but nothing beats homemade ice cream. Most local shops are committed to offering high-quality products made with natural ingredients. Keep your eyes open for seasonal flavors. Artisanal ice cream shops know how to put local berries to good use, creating unique and delicious treats you won’t find anywhere else.
2. A Fun Excursion
Whether with your kids, your partner, or alone, a summer drive isn’t complete without a visit to an ice cream shop. These establishments are often close to other tourist attractions, so you can easily make a day of it. Imagine admiring stunning views while savoring a strawberry sorbet or a maple milkshake. It’s a delightful way to spend a summer afternoon, making your trip fun and refreshing.
3. A Place to Meet and Talk
Why not recharge your batteries by having face-to-face conversations when turning off your email notifications? Try striking up a conversation with the customers at the ice cream shop. If you want to update your social media feed with pictures of your adventures, ask a friendly holidaymaker to take a photo of you with your decadent ice cream sundae. Sweets are a great way to break the ice and meet new people, making your visit even more enjoyable.
This summer, treat yourself and explore your local area, one frozen delight at a time!
What’s the Difference Between Ice Cream, Gelato, and Sorbet?
Not sure what to choose? Here’s what you need to know:
- Ice Cream: Made from heavy whipping cream, it contains a lot of air and can be kept at very cold temperatures.
- Gelato: Made from milk, it’s less fatty and contains less air than ice cream. It’s also served warmer, giving it a soft yet dense texture.
- Sorbet: Made exclusively from fruit and sugar, it’s generally light and vegan!
- Frozen Yogurt: Made with yogurt, it contains a fair amount of sugar but is lower in fat than ice cream.
- Ice Milk: Quite sweet, contains three to five percent fat, and has more protein and calcium than other frozen desserts.
Food
Summer Citrus Salad
This refreshing salad is delicious and healthy. Why not enjoy it with friends on your patio or in the park?
Ingredients (Servings: 2)
- Salad:
- 1/4 cup pearl barley
- 1 pomegranate
- 4 cups arugula or spring mix
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, roughly diced
- 1 orange, peeled and cut into thin slices
- 1 tablespoon crushed toasted almonds (for garnish)
- Dressing:
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the Barley: In a small saucepan, simmer the barley for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Pomegranate: Cut open the pomegranate and remove the seeds. If needed, watch an online tutorial. Set the seeds aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, orange juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large dish or salad bowl, gently toss the arugula or spring mix, chicken, orange slices, cooled barley, and pomegranate seeds.
- Dress and Serve: Add the dressing and toss to coat. Serve in salad bowls and garnish with crushed toasted almonds.
Tip: If you don’t eat meat, replace the chicken with another plant protein you choose!