Top Three Healthy No-Meat Main Course Recipes

The key towards giving an impeccable dinner party is serving the best main course recipe. If you want to impress your friends and guests, if you want them to really have a great time and keep on talking about how delicious your menus are, then, it’s really important to consider serving the yummiest, healthiest and most mouth-watering cuisines to catch not only their tummy, but also their heart. It’s not enough to serve just any other main course. It also has to blend with the type of event that you are hosting, the preferences of your guests, and of course, the nutritive values of the food. And if healthy options are what you’re looking for, we have some of the best choices for you. Read on and find out our top main course picks to impress your guests and give them a true gastronomic adventure that they don’t want to miss.

Curried tufu

Ingredients:

  • 14-ounce firm tofu
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil would do great)
  • thinly sliced onion (the more, the better)
  • 1-2 tbsp curry powder
  • Salt and ground pepper
  • Minced garlic
  • 1/2 – 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 1 cup of fresh green beans
  • Thinly-sliced tomatoes

Directions

  • Slice the tofu into square cubes. Then, halve each in a diagonal pattern and should look like a triangle. Prepare the baking pan and line it with paper towel. Layer tofu on a baking sheet, then cover with three more layers. Cover tofus with another baking sheet and place a weight on top. Wait until tofus are completely drained. You’ll know this when towels are completely wet. This shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.
  • Prepare a nonstick skillet then heat it with a tablespoon of cooking oil. It would be best if you use olive oil or butter. When oil becomes hot enough, cook tofu. Wait until one side is cooked golden-brown before you do the same to the other side. Remove tofu from the skillet then set the stove to medium heat. Sauté onion then cooked curry powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Wait until onion is soft enough before you add the garlic.  Adjust the heat to medium-low then add coconut milk and half a cup of water. Wait until the mixture simmers down before you add tofu, green beans and tomatoes. Cover and cook for another 4 minutes, until tofu is tender.

Chickpea, Cherry Tomato, and Feta Salad

Ingredients

  • ½ cup canned chickpeas
  • Half cup quartered cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup crumbled feta
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2-3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 ½  teaspoon dried oregano
  • A pinch of salt and ground pepper to taste

Drain chickpeas then place in a large bowl and mix with tomatoes, feta, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and a pinch of pepper.

Grilled Oyster Shooters

Ingredients:

  • 8 fresh oysters in shells
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 5 tbsp WOrcestershire sauce

Directions

  • Preheat the grill and make sure it’s set in high heat. Then, put oysters on the grill and cook until the shells open up. The oyster is cooked once juice sizzles out. Set the oyster aside.
  • Pry the top shell. Slip a knife between the oyster and shell to disconnect. Mix 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of hot pepper and salt then top the mixture on the oyster. Serve while this hot and sizzling.

 

Author’s bio: This guest post is written by Manilyn Moreno. She is the Online Marketing and Content Manager for Better Cater. Better Cater provides comprehensive software for catering to caterers and catering business owners.

 

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The best use of fruit and vegetables in May

May is a great month to start experimenting with some of the best fruit and vegetables around. You can add them to a meal and complete your 5-a-day, eat them as a tasty snack and feel fit and healthy, or treat yourself by making a delicious pudding.

Rhubarb is a great British favourite. This delicious vegetable is so sweet that it is often mistaken for fruit. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which will help to keep your immune system fit and healthy, and is also a good source of calcium. As rhubarb is low in sodium and saturated fats, by adding it to your diet you can help lower your cholesterol.

One of its most popular uses is in the classic Rhubarb crumble, which works brilliantly with chopped up ginger. Rhubarb also makes great sauces and jams, and can even be put on pizza to sweeten up the taste.

start with rhubarb

Rhubarb image by whitneyinchicago

Another tasty vegetable is the Asparagus. This superfood is only in season in Britain for a few short weeks, and is perfect in May. Asparagus is known as a superfood as it has the ability to detoxify your system and supposedly reduce common pains in the body.

Asparagus is often eaten as a dipping snack at parties, or an accompaniment to a main meal. Breakfast is a popular dish to include asparagus as it tastes delicious with egg. It is also a great vegetable to have with dinner, particularly when roasted and wrapped in parma ham.

Pineapple is a brilliant fruit to have in May. It’s refreshing, sweet and incredibly nutritious. Packed with vitamins, pineapple will help you fight off any colds, help strengthen your bones and keep your gums healthy.

Drinking pure pineapple juice is a great way to get the nutrients you need – Be careful not to buy the kind with lots of sugar though! Another great way to eat pineapples, and get the children involved too, is to buy snack pots which contain all the juice from pineapples, as well as bite size pieces to munch on.

For an on-the-go snack, apricots are brilliant. Although dried apricots are readily available all year round, fresh apricots are best in May. Providing you with vitamins A, C, E, potassium and iron, these little fruits pack a powerful, nutritious punch.  They contain no fat, and a very small amount of carbs which means having these in your bag ready to snack on are perfect.

Apricots are very popular in dessert dishes too, and are often eaten as part of a pastry. This isn’t the best way to gain the nutrients you will need, but you can’t deny the desserts are mighty scrumptious.

You will reap the benefits of eating plenty of fruit and vegetables throughout the week, particularly by eating fruits or vegetables that are in season. Obviously, it can be difficult to have exactly all the nutrients and vitamins you need in a day, so supplements are always a great way to go about this if you know you’re going to have a particularly busy day, or aren’t fond on a particular fruit or vegetable that provides the goodness.

But in general, making sure you eat healthily, in moderation and enjoy what you eat is the most important part to feeling and looking great!

Aphrodisiacs In The Produce Section (A Must Read for Vegetarians)

After participating in some research, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that many of our favorite snacks and dishes are actually aphrodisiacs. And as a vegetarian, I am so glad to know that these foods are also available to people who practice the same lifestyle as I do. As you read this article, you’ll learn more about some of the foods in your kitchen that are aphrodisiacs and obtain some tips on how to utilize them.

Tomatoes
Studies have shown that tomatoes are linked to increased passion because of their rich vitamin and nutrient content. For that reason, this nutritious fruit can have a powerful influence over controlling a healthy chemical balance and thus, your libido. Tomatoes are also known to assist in muscle control and to promote cardiovascular and bloodstream health, all of which are important when considering sexual activity. Aside from the internal content of tomatoes, they are also a beautiful red color, which has been proven to be one of the most attractive colors. By simply concocting a Caprese salad made of ripe tomatoes topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, you’ll pave the way for a steamy night with your partner.

Asparagus
Asparagus has served as a commonly reported aphrodisiac for years, though I was still curious about the specifics. After reading an article by researchers at the Rishiraj College of Pharmacy in India, the science convinced me of the aphrodisiac qualities of asparagus. This research article debunked some of the unrealistic expectations associated with asparagus, but stated that asparagus can be rather useful in enhancing the sexual activity of males and can prevent and eliminate various sexual disorders ranging from erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and more (http://www.ijpsdr.com/pdf/vol3-issue2/8.pdf). Aside from an incredible amount of vitamins and nutrients, anti-inflammatory benefits, and digestive benefits, asparagus works to increase sexual desire. By sauteing asparagus in coconut oil with garlic (also a renowned aphrodisiac), you’ll enjoy a healthful dish that will promote sexual desire.

Bananas
One of the more obvious aphrodisiacs that generally comes to mind is the banana. The phallic shape is usually enough to stimulate sexual desire, but there is also science behind it. Similarly to tomatoes and asparagus, bananas are quite rich in numerous vitamins and nutrients, which collaborate to promote sexual health. According to Dr. Oz, bananas contribute to heightened sexual desire because they contain an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to boost libido by sparking the production of testosterone (http://www.realage.com/blogs/doctor-oz-roizen/how-to-spice-up-your-sex-life-aphrodisiac-foods-list). By simply slicing up a banana and adding some melted dark chocolate (another aphrodisiac), you’ll enjoy a savory dessert that’s almost as sweet as the intimate dessert you’ll enjoy in the bedroom.

 

As a vegetarian, I prefer to surround myself with those that share similar passions and views. After discovering, the Veggie Connection website, I was thrilled to see that there were others out there with the same interests as me. So, for a short VeggieConnection.com review, I must say it’s a reputable, effective site and better than most vegetarian dating sites that I’ve tried because I was lucky enough to meet my significant other through this site.

On Searching for Catering Equipment Needs

catering equipment: food display

Buying catering equipment should always be a wise investment on the part of food business entrepreneurs, especially those who are just starting. Remember that your catering supplies are not the only ones that will take a considerable amount of your budget. And since you’ll likely be using your equipment for a long while, it’s crucial that you find items that are of high quality, affordable, and the best value for your budget at the same time. Here are some tips on how to get started on your search for catering supplies. 

 

If you are one of those aspiring start-up owners, you’ll need a detailed inventory of the things you’ll need. Kitchen utensils and dining ware are just some of the basics. If you have no idea what to get for your business, you can always search the web for tips and suggestions (though of course every business has unique needs). It’s also ideal to find a supplier that can provide you with the necessary supplies according to what your business needs to operate. 

 

Buying brand new equipment is also not that practical, especially if you are saving capital for your other business expenditures. Even if it’s ideal to get technologically advanced and efficient supplies, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on brand new products. There are always second-hand equipment you can check out, along with different rental options you can avail yourself of. Should you decide on used equipment, make sure to check them thoroughly for functionality, efficiency, and value for money. 

 

The supplier is also a critical consideration. It’s normal for a lot of people to consider more popular brand names as their first choice. However, more than the company name itself, it’s also necessary to check the quality of their equipment (and even the type of customer service that they offer). You can search for market reviews and customer feedback regarding after sales service, as well as usability and durability of their products. 

 

Assessing what you need for your business is also another important factor to think about. Even though large cool rooms seem good deals for your budget, for instance, they’re not really a good value for money if you can’t maximize their usage. What we’re pointing out here is the importance of investing in equipment that can provide you with necessary output without spending a lot of money in the process. It’s definitely not practical to allot a considerable portion of your budget on heavy-duty items that you don’t expect to use that much in the future. Of course, while your present needs are necessary to take into account, also remember to assess possible business expansion and needs in the future. 

 

Energy ratings are also necessary to consider when checking out catering equipment. Remember that you’ll be using your supplies most of the time. So apart from providing you with reliable service and needed output, it’s also important to check if the items you’re getting are also practical when it comes to energy consumption. You can save a lot of money on your rental or purchases AND save a lot on your equipment usage if you settle for products with high energy efficiency ratings. You can take a look at catering equipment at premierrentals.com.au so you can get started on browsing for quality and good deals for your business.

Author’s Bio: This post is written by Tin V. She’s a digital marketer and online content writer interested in topics like health and dental care, home improvement, food, as well as fashion and travel. To learn more about catering needs and supplies, you can take a look at catering equipment by Premier Sales & Rentals.

 

Five tasty Cuban rum cocktails

Cuba libreBesides cigar Cuba is also famous for its tasty rums. They produce several brands, but the most popular one is the Havana Club. The story began in 1878 when José Arechabala established the company and the distillery in Santa Cruz del Norte. Sadly, after the 1959 revolution the Cuban government nationalized the distillery and the founding family moved to Spain. Seventeen years ago the brand became a fifty-fifty joint venture of the state and Pernod Ricard. They produce different rums from Añnejo Blanco (aged for one year) to Añejo 15 Años (aged for 15 years, with alcohol content of 40% ABV).

Another brand of the company is Havana Loco which is a mixture of fruit juice and Añejo Blanco rum (flavours: lemon, mango, passionfruit, pink grapefruit).

If you want to see how the popular drink is made, book a room at one of the Havana hotels and visit the Rum Museum. Here you can also taste the fine rums.

You can still make yourself feel like being in one of the Old Havana bars by preparing a cool Cuban cocktail.

Let’s see what the 5 most popular cocktails made from the liquid gold are:

 

Nr. 1.: Cuba Libre

When around 1900 American soldiers took coke to the island of Cuba the Cuba Libre was born. What do you need to prepare it? Get some ice cubes, white rum, coke and lime. Squeeze the juice of half of a lime into a glass and fill half the glass up with the ice. Pour 2 oz rum and 5 oz coke on it. Decorate with lime peel.

 

Nr. 2.: Mojito

Mojito became famous all around the world during the 1920s, when American tourists visited the island many times because of the prohibition of alcohol in the USA. To prepare it put some mint leaves in a glass, pour sugar syrup on it and crush it with a spoon. Squeeze half of a lime in it and fill up till half with ice cubes. Add 3 oz rum and 3 oz soda on it, mix smoothly. Decorate with lime slices and serve with straw.

 

Nr. 3.: Piña Colada

This fruity cocktail also comes from the Caribbean islands. It is made from pineapple juice, coconut milk and rum. So you have to put crushed ice in a shaker and add 2 oz rum, 1 oz coconut milk or liqueur and 4 oz pineapple juice. Shake it carefully then filter onto some crushed ice. You can use pineapple and cocktail cherry to decorate it.

 

Nr. 4.: Daiquiri

The original version of it was created by Jennings Cox, director of a copper mine in Daiquiri, city in East Cuba in 1896. He mixed the local rum with lime juice. You just have to do the same: put in a shaker crushed ice, 2 oz white rum, a tablespoon of sugar syrup and juice of half of a lime. Shake it and filter it to a cold cocktail glass. Decorate with cocktail cherry or lime slice.

 

Nr. 5.: Havana Loco

The ’stupid Havana’ is made from white rum and orange juice, served on a glass of ice. As decoration you can put a slice of orange on the glass with a red cherry.

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