Martha A. Cheves's Blog, page 119

Pasta History & Tips - Quick Pasta

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It is believed that the Chinese were eating noodles as early as 5000 B.C.  The exact origin of pasta is unknown, although Italians have been given much credit in developing the recipes we most enjoy today.  American history is much clearer regarding the introduction to pasta.  On a trip to Naples, Italy in the late 1700s, Thomas Jefferson was introduced to pasta and was the first to bring it back to the states. Cooking directions for boxed or dry pasta is the same for all varieties of...

Vegetarian Diets

There have been times that I've thought about going on a vegetarian diet but have had a few second thoughts as far as health.  Below is what the American Heart Association recommends and says about vegetarian diets.

The American Heart Association recommends a diet that is low in saturated fats and trans fats, the types of fat that can raise blood cholesterol. Since cholesterol and saturated fats come primarily from animal foods, one way to adjust your diet for high cholesterol is to start...

Chicken Cooking Tips

[image error]  Breast meat is the leanest part of the bird with less than half the fat of thigh meat.  Forty percent of the fat is attached to the skin so unless you are broiling, baking or grilling, remove the skin.  If you are broiling, baking or grilling, leave the skin on until you've finished cooking so the meat will retain it's moisture and not be tough. Save calories by roasting, broiling, poaching or grilling chicken instead of frying.  Use fresh lemon or lime juice, wine or vinegar in marinades...

Cleaning Scorched Foods

If you cook long enough you will end up scorching rice, pasta or some type of starchy foods.  When this happens, the bottom and sometimes even part of the sides end up with the starchy food seared tightly to the pan. I used to think the best thing to do was throw the pan away and buy another.  Not so.  In fact, cleaning a pan with scorched rice or pasta is easy to clean up.  

First, clean out as much of the burned on food as possible.  Then fill the pan with COLD water.  Thats COLD - not hot, ...

Lighting the Dark Side - Review

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Find out what the Authors like to cook by going to my site A Book and A Dish.  My latest review is for Lighting the Dark Side by William R. Potter and his favorite recipe is Corn Chowder.

Pecan Pound Cake

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This cake is quick and easy using only 6 ingredients.  To view the full recipe go to Martha's Kitchen Korner

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!

UPS Express brought me a nice little package today.  Inside was the contract for my next cookbook

THINK WITH YOUR TASTE BUDS - DESSERTS

So, all of those recipes that you missed out on will soon be available to you in one book. 

2 Part Glass Beverage Dispenser with Lid - Chef's Kitchen

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Foodbuzz Daily Special

Serving beverages is hassle-free with this mega-capacity, 2-part glass beverage dispenser. Add ice to the base and chill sangria, lemonade, iced-tea or punch in the top dispenser without diluting the flavor. Guests can help themselves to a refreshingly cool drink. This party-size dispenser features a spigot elevated from the base, allowing easier-than-ever dispensing. Tall glasses fit under the spigot, eliminating the risk of setting the dispenser on the edge of a ...

Eggplant

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Did you know that there are male and female eggplants?  There are and the female eggplants have more seeds giving them a harsher taste.  So, naturally you want to pick the males for eating.  Here is how to determine the sex.  Look at the indentation on the bottom of the veggie.  If it's deep and shaped like a dash, it's female.  If it's shallow and round, it's a male.  Now you know and will never have to eat a female eggplant again.

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls - Chef's Kitchen

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Foodbuzz Daily Special

A bowl for every task. This set of six stainless- steel mixing bowls with easy-grip rims, holds from 2 cups to 8 quarts of ingredients for mixing, prepping and serving. Freezer- and dishwasher- safe.

Set includes:
• 1/2-quart, 5 1/8"Dia. x 1 7/8"H
• 3/4-quart, 6 1/4"Dia. x 2"H
• 1 1/2-quart, 8 1/8"Dia. x 2 1/4"H
• 3-quart, 9 7/8"Dia. x 3 1/4"H
• 5-quart, 11 7/8"Dia. x 4"H
• 8-quart, 13 1/4"Dia. x 4 7/8"H