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Lentil Protein Salad [Vegan]

Here is a super easy recipe and full of iron and protein! Perfect for a dinner on a green salad, as a snack or salad.

This is one of those salads that are simple, but good and at the same time, very appetizing, and that can be prepared with ingredients that we all have in our refrigerators and the vegetables in the season. It can be assembled in no time and is eaten just as quickly ... a significant advantage in case you have a very short lunch break ... and represents a fairly complete meal. Rather rich in vegetable protein, it does not necessarily need to be accompanied by bread or other sources of carbohydrates.

However, it must be taken into account that, because of its high fiber content, it is not the easiest salad to digest. This can be improved by soaking the lentils for several hours, grating vegetables instead of cutting them and removing the onion or mustard. Otherwise, you can also replace the olive oil with another one (walnut, hazelnut, sesame, ...) or add other ingredients (dried nuts or seeds, aromatic herbs, spices ...).

The lentils are low in calories and rich in nutrients. Eating lentils at least once a week is a great way to add to the health benefits of these tasty legumes to your diet.

Lentils are also very rich in protein. Associated with a cereal (rice, wheat ...), they bring all the amino acids necessary for our organism and can replace the meat. Source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin B9 and many minerals (iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper ...) the lentils are a satiating food.

Another health benefits of lentils: these legumes contain many antioxidants of the flavonoid family. But recent studies have shown that some of these antioxidants can help us fight bad cholesterol and lower blood triglycerides, but also slow down the growth of cancer cells in the body.

The lentil cost very little per portion, so this is an economic protein source hard to beat!

The lentils double and sometimes triple in volume after cooking: 125 ml (½ cup) of dry lentils (100 g) gives 250 to 375 ml (1 to 1 ½ cups) of cooked lentils, a good portion per person in main course . Calculate half, about 60 ml (¼ cup) dry (180 ml / ¾ cup cooked) as an accompaniment.

Try this salad, it’s very nourishing and it’s even better when the lentils are still warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 munites

Ingredients

1 lb. brown lentils
1 dried bay leaf
5 cups of water
2 tbsp. of olive oil
1 onion
1 pepper
1 zucchini
2 cups baby fresh spinach
1 cup plain soya yogurt
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
Salt pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6

Amount per serving

Calories: 214

% Daily Value*

Total Fat: 1.6g 2%

Saturated Fat: 0.2g 1%

Cholesterol: 0mg 0%

Sodium: 79mg 3%

Total Carbohydrate: 37.3g 14%

Dietary Fiber: 14.6g 52%

Total Sugars: 3g

Protein: 13.7g

Vitamin D: 0 mcg 0%

Calcium: 63 mg 5%

Iron: 5mg 30%

Potassium: 110mg 2%

Preparation

1
Preheat oven to 375 ° F. In a bowl, combine onion, pepper and zuccini cubes with half the olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread on baking sheet and bake for 10 to 16 minutes until tender. Put aside.
2
The cooking of the lentils does not require prior soaking. Rinse them quickly in cold water and place them in a saucepan with 3 times their volume of cold unsalted water. Bring to a boil and cook covered for 20 to 25 minutes. Taste, drain and remove the bay leaf.
3
If you do not digest the lentils well, blanch them by first immersing them in boiling water before cooking as directed.
4
In large bowl, combine lentil, yogurt, Dijon mustard and the remaining olive oil. Salt and pepper.
5
Add spinach, mix well and enjoy!

Pro Tip:

After two or three days, if the salad becomes to dry, you can add yogurt, or simply a drizzle of olive oil to bring it back alive! You can also add black olives, blanched carrots and pomegranate, to taste.

8 Mushroom Substitutes That You Should Know

Mushrooms can provide unique earthy taste to the food. It is almost distinct that replicating its flavor is quite complex. Finding the right mushroom substitutes is a troublesome task, even for gourmet sleuths. It simply emits a tang that you can never simply get from mixing other ingredients.

It has been stated by many chefs and culinary professionals that mushrooms are among of the foodstuff that cannot be substituted easily. The culinary rarity of the flavor of mushrooms is something that not everyone can chase and mimic. However, this doesn't mean that we have to stop, right?

Okay. Here's the general rule that some people follow when it comes to mushrooms. If the recipe requires the inclusion of mushrooms, you can try replacing any other veggies that you want. It doesn't matter what vegetable you choose. Just simply exclude mushroom in the equation. You just have to alter the flavor of the recipe.

However, if the main item of the recipe is mushroom, you might not want to continue that recipe anymore. Don't get pissed by this fact. Just like I said, mushrooms have another tier of tang that is too complex to recreate. Even if they are simple ingredients, mushrooms should still never be whittled down.

A Brief Introduction to Edible Mushrooms

The food alternatives for mushroom can be safely considered as rare or scarce. A professional cook can justify this claim to you. Of course, there are various reasons why this is the case. Apparently, a lot of people just don't mind to find mushroom alternatives because they don't want mushrooms in the first place. In fact, some are even allergic to this food.

Fortunately, there are different variants to mushrooms. The number can go as high as 5 million. But take note that a chief number of these mushrooms are not edible. A few of them are too deleterious for your body. That's why it is essential that you only get mushrooms that are being sold in the market. You can also grow edible variants of mushrooms but always be careful of the environment so that they won't get contaminated.

Despite being the most unlikely ingredients, mushrooms are still causing a boom in the economy of many people. In Europe, many rural folks are in the business of foraging. They usually culture the mushrooms by themselves in a controlled setting. Some hunters harvest mushrooms in woodlands. They are proliferating there.

Countries like New Zealand have deep affection toward mushrooms. They are prime cultivators and exporters of shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms. And they can give it to you in a variety of forms. They offer dried and fresh mushrooms as long as you pay the price.

If you take all these facts into account, you can easily conclude that mushrooms are not scarce. They are widely available in the market with a plethora of local versions all over the world. But still, they can't help you if you don't want to eat mushrooms because you don't like them or because you have allergies.

You can always resort to these following ingredients if you want to somehow replicate the flavor of mushrooms.

Best Mushroom Substitutes

Tofu

Tofu is one of the most creative alternatives for mushrooms. You can slice tofu and submerge it soy sauce so that it can imbibe the earthy flavor of field mushrooms. If you are trying to make a mushroom sauce, you can freely replace the mushroom with tofu slices. Of course, I can attest that the flavor will never be as close as to mushrooms. But certainly, the sauce will appear like you have used mushrooms on it. You can also include tofu slices and bits in soups and stews.

Tempeh

Tempeh may be new for you. But it is actually a common ingredient in Indonesia. Specifically, it is a soy product that has a firm texture and characteristic. Amusingly, the appearance of this food is pretty similar to nutty nougat. But of course, their taste is far too different.

The flavor of tempeh is almost similar to mushrooms. Their texture can also be comparable if you slice tempeh as thinly as possible. Tempeh is created by soaking soybeans in water then partly cooking them. After that, the beans are subjected to a mold that produces the tempeh. However, if you are allergic to the molds, then tempeh is not a good alternative for you.

Tofu and Soy Sauce

For those who want to create mushrooms soup with the mushroom, you can use the combination of tofu and soy sauce. Add the mixture to a base composed of carrots, root veggies, sauteed onions, and leeks. Once done, you can already pour the cream. Some variants of vegetable stocks can work well in the recipe.

You can also combine tofu and soy sauce to create a mushroom sauce for your favorite steak. Just add onions, miso paste, meat stock and mustard, if necessary.

Zucchini

Nobody would ever think that zucchini can also be used as a mushroom substitute. But apparently, the earthy tang of this food can somehow replicate the ones produced by mushrooms.

Zucchini is a vegetable that is included in the squash family. Because of that, this veggie has a moniker of summer squash. When they get mature, zucchini can grow as long as one meter. But typically, this squash is harvested when they are still small. A young zucchini has a moderately sweet flavor, which is akin to mushrooms. The texture of its flesh is somehow reminiscent of mushrooms, too.

You can use zucchini as a replacement for mushroom in pasta dishes. You just have to chop it into tiny pieces. Other savory dishes that are includes mushrooms can be replaced by zucchini. But then again, let me remind you that their flavor will never be the same.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Tomatoes can be dried through the heat of the sun. And once it happens, they can become substitutes for mushrooms. This is due to the earthy flavor that is produced throughout the drying process. Many culinary expert love to use sun-dried tomatoes because they can offer a unique taste to any recipe they touch. While they are dried, the tomatoes are being seasoned with herbs, parsley, and other spices to further enhance their flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes can replace mushrooms as toppings for different dishes. They might have different flavor compared to mushrooms, but the texture they give makes the recipe earthy and flavorful. You can dice or slice them, depending on the requirement of the dish.

Eggplant

Another unorthodox mushroom substitute is the eggplant. This is a common kitchen ingredient all over the world. They are used in various recipes, but they can also serve as a main dish for hardcore vegetarians.

The soft and sensitive texture of eggplants is somehow similar to mushrooms. Their slightly sweet taste also makes them a good ingredient for recipes that have mushroom toppings or base. Since mushrooms are long in size, you need to cut them into tiny pieces before you add them to the mixture.

Russet Potatoes

Potatoes come in multiple variants. That is a given. One good example is the Russet potato. Unlike the common potatoes that you see in the market, Russet potatoes are large and long. Their skin is quite thick and hard to peel. They contain a huge amount of starch and their fruits are moderately dry.

The high level of starch in Russet potatoes makes them as ideal ingredients for fried and baked recipes. However, you should not use them in salad and soup recipes. They can cause sogginess in the dish. Therefore, you should not make them as a replacement for mushroom soups and sauces.

On the flip side, Russet potatoes are usable for dry recipes that include mushrooms. Fried dishes that come with mushroom toppings can be revitalized by the use of this potato variant. You just have to peel the potato and chop it down to your desired shape and size.

Garbanzo Beans

I placed Garbanzo Beans in the last portion because of its innate rarity. This particular ingredient only flourishes in only a few regions of the world. There are two variants for this bean: the smaller one and the bigger one. Each of them can be used in different recipes, but the nutritional value of smaller Garbanzo Beans is higher than its big brother. You can use Garbanzo Beans to replace mushrooms in dry recipes.

Before you can use Garbanzo Beans as a substitute for mushrooms, you have to cook them first. This is how you should do it:

Examine the beans and remove all those spoiled and rotten ones
Rinse them carefully so that you can give them a thorough cleaning.
Rinse the beans again in a water-filled pot. Place the pot on your stove and let the beans be boiled for about three minutes. Don't forget to cover the pot.
After this, switch off the stove but don't remove the beans yet. Let them stay there for two to three hours.
Once done, the beans are already safe to be used as mushroom alternatives.

Conclusion

Mushrooms are ingredients derived from the fungi kingdom. But despite their status, edible mushrooms are still on par with some veggies when it comes to nutritional contents that they have. They are known to curb down health issues like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Aside from their health benefits, mushrooms are also great in improving the overall taste of various recipes. They elevate the impact and appeal of the dish. That's why it is a sad thing if some people dislike or allergic to them. Their tongues are missing a lot of flavorful palettes.

Fortunately, these mushroom substitutes that I have listed here can somehow cope up with this problem. You just have to use them appropriately so that you can get the best results.

Do you know other alternatives for mushrooms? Share it with us in the comment section below!

The Best Springform Pans To Get for Cheesecake Lovers!

When it comes to making any cheesecake variant, it is important that you have the best springform pan. It is a culinary equipment that enables you to create mess-free and hassle-free cheesecakes. I have seen may gourmet restaurants that have been using this tool and none of them seem to fail.

Fortunately, springform pans are not only suited for restaurants and pastry parlors. Ordinary people like you and me are also worthy of having this item in our kitchen. I always put that kind of delight in my favorite cooking place. I would always grin the moment I am about to make my favorite flourless cakes and tortes.

On the other hand, some other people will just resign to the idea of just buying these delicacies. After all, I could not deny as well that these desserts are widely available.

But it will always be advantageous on your part if you are well-equipped in making various desserts. You can save a lot of cash if you can just prepare various dishes by yourself. This is especially true if you are going to host a party or celebration. Furthermore, it will develop your creativity and skills in cooking.

What is a Springform Pan?

via https://www.tablespoon.com/

Overall, a springform pan is one of the tools that you should get if you want to have a comprehensive cooking and baking set. Having a springform pan does not only allow you to make mouth-watering recipes; it can also enhance your affinity toward dealing various ingredients.

Specifically, a springform pan is a tool made to create cheesecakes. Unlike other pastries and cakes, cheesecakes are quite delicate and sensitive. One rude move and it will get destroyed.

A springform pan can prevent this from happening. You don't have to take out the cake from the pan manually. Instead, you just have to remove the sides and bottom part of the pan to release the cake. By doing this, you will avoid damaging the cake. It will make you look like a pro.

The inner sides of the springform pan have a non-stick coating. This feature has a simple role in preventing the cake from clinging to the pan. Once you remove the sides, you can guarantee that no chunks or residues of cake that will stick out to the sides. There is also a clip that holds that sides to the base of the pan.

The unique design of a springform pan effectively maintains the fine edges of soft cakes. You can bake the cake without having to worry about it sticking to the sides or base of the pan. Springform pans can also ensure that the cake can cool down properly. Despite its design, springform pans are actually seamless. Wet ingredients can escape at all.

Honestly, you can make cheesecakes, pizzas, pies, and tortillas with springform pans. You can stack multiple layers of ingredients on ordinary baking pans. However, there is a world of difference when it comes to the quality they provide. Traditional cake pans and baking dishes will never get the finesse that a springform pan can provide. The latter simply sets the bar even for homemade desserts.

Choosing the Best Springform Pan for Cheesecake Lovers

Not all springform pans with the same quality and features. It is an obvious fact that you should be aware already. But if not, then don't fret yet. The section below will help you understand the basics of springform pan:

Light and Dark-colored Pans

via https://www.allrecipes.com/

It is a common knowledge that dark colors are efficient in absorbing heat. Meanwhile, light colors have reflective properties. They fend off the heat, which causes longer baking time. If you want to bake the cake with utmost precision, light pans are the ideal choice. But for quicker and fully-cooked output, you should get dark-colored pans.

Non-stick Surfaces

via https://www.tablespoon.com/

Just like I mentioned earlier, springform pans should have non-stick properties. This feature prevents the food from sticking to the pan. Take note that cheesecakes are soft and fragile. Once they stick to the pan, it will be difficult to remove them without breaking some of their parts. Therefore, the pan that you should get should never be too clingy.

Construction

via https://www.allrecipes.com/

There are two types of springform pans that exist in the market today: the metal and glass pans. If I were to recommend, I would advise you to get metal springform pans. Glass pans tend to get tarnished as time passes. Once this happens, the glass can get damaged. Expose them to extreme temperatures and the glass would eventually break. Moreover, if you choose to cut the cheesecake on the glass pan, you will just damage the latter.

A metal pan will not suffer from those consequences that I have stated. But there are some models of springform pans that integrates both glass and metal materials in the equation.

I should always highlight the capability of silicone pans. In the modern era, silicone pans are the next frontier for springform pans. The sidewalls and base of silicone pans are way sturdier and firmer than metal pans. They are almost leak-proof, with no signs of breaking.

Silicone pans are way better at handling wet and delicate ingredients. You can enhance the quality of puddings and soft cakes if you will prepare them on a silicone pan.

Silicone pans can generate cleaner results compared to other types of springform pans. They can be released without leaving any mess or crumb. The silicone ring can be peeled delicately and smoothly. It can also be collapsed quickly for compact and hassle-free storage.

The Best Springform Pans: Top 5 Reviews

It is simply necessary to give you an idea on how to choose a springform pan. But for me, it will still be inadequate if I will just tell you all the basics. I still have to recommend some brands and units of springform pans that have impressed me and many cheesecake lovers all over the world.

Are you curious now? Here are they:

1. Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Round Springform Pan

Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Springform Pan is one of the finest springform pans that you can get today. From its structure down to the results that it can give, this pan does not lack a thing. It is a food-safe baking ware that is capable of long-lasting performance without warping or rusting.

The non-stick coating of the Farberware Springform Pan ensures that your cheesecakes and pies will remain beautiful and presentable throughout the baking process. It can turn the dish into a perfectly balanced and browned desserts. It can release the cake smoothly and free from any blemishes.

The entire springform pan has high heat resistance. It can endure temperatures that as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if things get scorching hot, the structure of the pan won't be altered and compromised. The size of the pan is also adequate enough to prepare large cheesecakes, tortes, and tarts.

Pros

Hassle-free clean-up
Enables quick and compact storage
Bakes equally; no hotspots can burn your ingredients
Extremely sturdy construction
Rust and scratch resistant

Cons

Susceptible to minor leakages, especially if the ingredients are very runny

Check Price on Amazon.com

2. Nordic Ware Leakproof Springform Pan

If you want to avoid any leakproof issues, you might check out the Nordic Ware Springform Pan. It is a dark-colored pan that has a tested-and-proven reputation in preventing the ingredients from escaping. It comes with tight seals that ensure that spills won't happen, even if your ingredients are almost liquid-base.

Because of its dark texture, the Nordic Ware is capable of quick baking. It improves the speed of your preparation, which is necessary if you are preparing a large batch of desserts. But don't worry a thing here. This particular springform pan has a high-heat resistance. No warping will take place even if you'll expose it scalding hot temperatures.

The Nordic Ware Springform Pan also promotes equal cooking. There are no uneven spots that cause overcooking or undercooking. The non-stick coating ensures quick and mess-free food release. The same feature also allows you to clean the pan easily. But take note: this pan is not dishwasher safe. You still have to manually hand-wash it with the use of mild detergents.

Pros

Capable of fast and equal baking results
Clean and smooth release
Rugged construction and features high-heat resistant
Seams have been closed to prevent spills
Features an ergonomic locking mechanism

Cons

The bottom of the pan is slightly elevated; it consumes a little space inside

Check Price on Amazon.com

3. USA Pan Bakeware Springform Pan

The reputation of the USA Pan Bakeware Springform Pan should not be whittled down. Many professional bakers acknowledge the performance of this pan in baking delicate desserts such as cheesecakes. From the get-go, the pan already has a quick-release latch handles. Just by a simple flip, fragile desserts can be removed without any compromises.

Notably, the USA Pan Bakeware Springform Pan is heavy-duty. It is crafted from aluminized steel so that it can serve you long and adequately. Of course, the material is food-safe. It doesn't impart any taste to the ingredients, which is quite surprising. Furthermore, the non-stick coating improves the ease of cleaning and maintenance.

This springform pan has a fluted design on the inner surface of its base. It is an innovation that optimizes the airflow inside the pan while maximizing its physical strength. As a result, the structure of the pan becomes less susceptible to warping. Scratches and dents will not get through easily to the pan because of its given solidness.

Pros

Aluminized steel design makes it one of the toughest springforms pans today
Nonstick coating is not flimsy
Cakes and desserts can be released without fuss
The base of the pan has been corrugated to add extra strength to the pan
Compact and food-safe construction

Cons

Still prone to leakages
Not dishwasher safe

Check Price on Amazon.com

4. Boxiki Kitchen Non-Stick Springform Pan

Another professional grade springform pan that exists today is this unit from Boxiki Kitchen. It mainly boasts its premium non-stick interior surface for a better release and clean-up. The food can be taken out from the pan without including mess in the scene. It is a good baking ware for a variety of soft ingredients and cakes.

However, the most notable feature of the Boxiki Kitchen Non-Stick Springform Pan is its silicone handles. These red-colored handles provide an easy-grip mechanism. They allow you to handle the pan easily and safely even inside the oven. Meanwhile, the tight sealing of this pan improves it a defense against leakages and spills.

The pan has a decent performance in spreading the heat equally. It can create burn-free and scratch-free cheesecakes all the time. It can be safe to be used in temperatures of up to 445 degrees Fahrenheit. And unlike other springform pans, this one is dishwasher safe. You can even store it in your freezer and refrigerator.

Pros

Equally distributes heat for even cooking results
Features ergonomic silicone handles for easier handling
Prevents messy spills from happening
Can be cleaned and maintained easily
Decent durability and ruggedness

Cons

The tray is not detachable
Packaging defects

Check Price on Amazon.com

5. Wilton Excelle Elite 9-Inch Springform Pan

The ergonomics of the Wilton Excelle Elite Springform Pan is something that should be exalted. It has been on the market for quite a time already and pro bakers are still happy about it now. This 9-inch pan provides a superior non-stick baking surface. No mess and residues will be left out once you release the sides already.

Moreover, the heavy duty construction of the device is impressive. It is designed from a food-safe steel that has a black coating. It can rapidly heat up for quick and fuss-free baking. The heat resistance of this tool is top of the line, too. You can see that it won't warp even if you expose it to temperatures that as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are also extended handles that have been integrated into the pan. It allows you to safely lift the pan from the oven. Moreover, this item can be safely washed in the dishwasher. You don't have to consume several minutes just to clean it. The pan can be collapsed completely for easier storage.

Pros

Dishwasher safe springform pan
Can heat up quickly and evenly
Resist warping and other damages that can be caused by heat
Engineered for sturdiness and durability
Extended handles ensure that you can lift the pan without getting scorched

Cons

Runny ingredients still leak from the base of the pan

Check Price on Amazon.com

Final Verdict

If you want to make yummy and aesthetically appealing cheesecakes and other delicate baked recipes, you should consider investing in a springform pan. Unlike ordinary baking pans, springform pans simplify the process of creating these delicacies. You don't have to get bothered about any mess because this tool will do all the safe-keeping for you.

Meanwhile, the best springform pans can do more than just this. They ensure that your recipe will be properly and evenly cooked. They ensure that the user will not get frustrated by storage and cleaning issues. High-quality pans like the Farberware and Nordic Ware removes the nuisance of dealing with sticking residues. They are just there to keep your baking simple, clean, and satisfactory.

What are your thoughts about springform pans? Have you tried using one before? Tell me all your answers and other thoughts in the comment section below!

Marinated Chicken In the Oven Recipe

Instruction

A picnic in the park is a real pleasure with friends or family. It allows you to enjoy the good weather while sharing a meal with the people you love. But what to bring? Here is a delicious recipe idea for the perfect picnic!

These chicken drumsticks perfect for a picnic, you can serve it with a delicious salad. I choose to cook it in the oven, because you get a quick and uniform cooking. I like to brush it with a marinade, which keeps all the flavors during cooking. At the exit of the oven, you can cut it easily and quickly. You can even keep the extra making sandwiches for lunch.

When I announce to my children that for our picnic we will have chicken drumsticks, they were very excited; they came every 15 minutes to ask me the question is the chicken was ready. Because frankly these chicken drumsticks are so good, tasty, tender and smell delicious while the cook.

Considered the least fleshy, but the tastiest part of the thigh, drumstick is an excellent chicken recipe option. It can be cooked in a multitude of ways fried, breaded, baked or stewed ... It can also be boned and the skin can be removed t. This is truly the most versatile cut, as there is a multitude of excellent chicken drumstick recipes and cooking techniques.

The temperature may vary from oven to oven. Regardless of the cooking method used, the only reliable technique for verifying that the chicken is cooked is the internal temperature of its meat. A meat thermometer inserted into the inside of the thighs (without touching the bone) should indicate at least 165 ° F.

The temperature will continue to increase by a few degrees even when removed from the oven. If a few degrees are missing at the temperature of the meat, wait a few minutes and take the temperature again.

In addition, the chicken brings to your body different kinds of vitamins, all essential to the proper functioning of your body. Chicken is an important source of vitamin B3. This allows, among other things, to maintain healthy skin. It also brings vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, which enters the process of regulation and construction of tissues, from proteins. Finally, the chicken brings vitamin B5. This is particularly useful for the renewal of the skin and hair and for the functioning of the immune system. It also helps fight against stress and intervenes in the transformation of sugars and fats in the cells of the body.

Marinades are an easy way to add flavor to chicken, but a good marinade will also prevent the meat from drying out.

Preparing a marinade for chicken at home is quick and easy. Marinades are usually prepared with two parts of oil and a portion of acid solution such as wine, lemon juice or in this recipe vinegar, as well as little salt. Add herbs or seasonings to this mixture, in this chicken marinade we use allspice.

Start with this basic formula for a delicious chicken marinade. Then let your imagination go and experiment with your own combinations of flavors!

Without further do here’s this simple and perfect chicken recipe in the oven

Marinated Chicken In the Oven Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 munites

Ingredients

1. Marinade

4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 piece of fresh ginger, minced
1tps ground allspice
Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken

12 skinless chicken drumsticks
4 cups of water

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4

Amount per serving

Calories: 332

% Daily Value*

Total Fat: 14.9g 19%

Saturated Fat: 3.1g 15%

Cholesterol: 121mg 40%

Sodium: 797mg 35%

Total Carbohydrate: 8.6g 3%

Dietary Fiber: 0.2g 1%

Total Sugars: 6.8g

Protein: 38.9g

Vitamin D: 0 mg 0%

Calcium: 36 mg 3%

Iron: 2mg 12%

Potassium: 332mg 7%

Preparation

1
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients, garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, all spice and salt and pepper. Reserve.
2
In a large airtight bag, mix chicken and marinade. Close the bag. Refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours. Drain the chicken.
3
Preheat the oven to 375 ˚F and place the chicken on a baking sheet.
4
Cook the drumsticks in the oven for 40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and to let the marinade caramelize. Once out of the oven, cover the chicken with an aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the meat, and this ultimately gives a softer and juicier chicken.
5
Serve hot or cold chicken

Top 5 Best Manual Meat Grinders for Your Kitchen in 2018

You can cook and prepare meat in different ways. It is a versatile kitchen ingredient that has been nourishing humanity since time immemorial. And throughout the course of history, we did stumble on the idea that grinding meat can bring new worlds of flavor.

Of course, ground meat is already commercially available. I cannot say that they are scarce because they are simply ubiquitous. However, you have to know that there is a big difference between pre-packaged ground meat and ground meat that has been made by you. They differ in texture, quality, and freshness. Obviously, a fresh ground meat will always have the upper hand.

If you want homemade ground meat, you need to have the best manual meat grinder. This particular kitchen tool will enable you to process meat in the cleanest and most unadulterated way possible. You can ensure that every ground meat you create for burger patties, tacos, and pasta is fresh and delectable.

I have listed all the of top rated manual meat grinders that are available today. But before I introduce them, let me talk a little bit about the basics of choosing a meat grinder for you. Just read on:

Rank	Product	Price
1	Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder	Check Price
2	Bellemain Manual Meat Grinder	Check Price
3	Kitchen Basics 3-In-1 Meat Grinder	Check Price
4	LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder	Check Price
5	Zalik Meat Grinder And Juicer	Check Price

Choosing the Right Manual Meat Grinder For Your Kitchen

Not all meat grinders that you can see today have equal performance and attributes. After all, these things are not made to be the same with another. Instinctively, you can already that a particular brand or unit is way better than the other one. It is a given fact, but getting through the selection process is easier said than done.

For now, educating yourself with this particular kitchen amenity is highly necessary. If you want a manual meat grinder that can serve your needs and preferences, make sure that you are well aware of how to choose the right one.

But don't fret if you are still oblivious to these things now. I am here to share my knowledge regarding the key features that determine the quality of a particular meat grinder. There is a huge deal of research that was involved before I derived this buying guide so that you won't lose your way.

Weight and Size

Before getting a meat grinder, always consider first the kitchen space that you have. Is there enough space on your kitchen counter to cater bulky meat grinders? Can it support heavy kitchen wares? Or should you just settle on compact and lightweight models? These questions can really determine the exact dimensions of the meat grinder that you should get.

You need to be wary about the size of the meat grinder. You will always have to mind the storage and mobility of the item inside your kitchen. If your kitchen is pretty spacious, you are free to choose large meat grinders. But if not, then you should go with the compact ones.

Furthermore, you have to realize that large meat grinders are heavy. It makes them difficult to move from time to time. If you are going to use the meat grinder frequently, a bulky meat grinder would give you a lot of inconveniences. But at the same time, these heavy-duty meat grinders have impressive durability and require less maintenance.

Versatility in Application

Meat grinders don't come cheap. They are still considered as a fairly expensive investment. Therefore, it is pretty apparent that people want to get the most out of these units.

Specifically, a meat grinder should be capable of doing a lot of grinding task. It should be able to create flank, chunk, and other types of cut. In this way, your versatility in the kitchen will never be limited.

The flexibility of a meat grinder is somehow dependent on its blades. You should be able to modify the thickness of the grind so that you can make different cuts. Moreover, you should know the amount of meat that can be processed by the grinder at once. These factors can determine if a particular grinder is a good choice for you or not.

Ruggedness

It is a frustrating sight to see your meat grinder break or crack while you are using it. I have been in such situation before and it really made me mad and agitated. I paid a hefty amount of cash for that grinder and it just broke after four months? That's not something that I have anticipated. Fortunately, I can easily learn my lessons. I promised myself to only get a grinder that has a guaranteed rigidity and durability.

A manual meat grinder should be crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel and other food-safe metals and plastic. It is easy to get confident if the grinder is made sturdily. It should be shock and impact resistant so that it will survive accidents. Furthermore, it is also essential that the grinder is waterproof. In this way, it can repel the formation of rust and corrosion.

Don't forget to inspect the internal components of the meat grinder. Check the gears and blades and see if they are durable enough to withstand constant usage. If you are going to use a plastic made grinder, make sure that it has an industrial-grade and food-safe rating.

Functionality

Manual meat grinders are different from automated or electric meat grinders for obvious reasons. The lack of automated and simplified features made manual meat grinders old-school and bothersome for some.

Despite this, manual meat grinders are still loved by many users because of the simplicity and control they provide. Manual meat grinders assure their users that there is no suspicious mechanism that takes place. The cleanliness and safety of the food will be thoroughly preserved throughout the grinding process.

These perks should be exhibited by a manual meat grinder. Specifically, the unit should be easy to use. The operation should be hassle-free, and the setup should remain stable at all times. Even cleaning and maintaining should not pose any problem on your part.

Rundown of the Best Manual Meat Grinders

With all these aspects given, you will eventually realize that your options for a manual meat grinder may come limited. That's already a given if you are looking for the best ones that the market can offer.

But I will save you from the hassle of figuring things out by yourself. After thoroughly researching, I was able to surmise all the top manual meat grinders today. This is based on their individual capacities, features, and existing reviews from their users. Here are they:

1. Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder

One of the finest household-type manual meat grinders today is this product from Gideon. The tool itself has very impressive ergonomics that allow you to use it easily. You just need to place the meat on its receiver and you can start turning the crank already. It can convert whole meat cuts into fine and coarse grounds without experiencing any hassle.

The Gideo Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder is crafted from the combination of stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic. All of the parts are food safe; no chemical and flavor interaction will take place while you are grinding meat products. Overall, the design of this meat grinder ensures long-lasting performance and durability.

This unit features two stainless steel screens and two plates. Specifically, you can utilize the coarse and fine plates to provide variation to your output. Of course, this meat grinder is extremely safe to use. All the sharp and edgy parts will always be out of the reach of your hands.

Pros

User-friendly ergonomics for easier usage
Portable, lightweight, and compact design
Provides stability while you are grinding
Can work with other soft ingredients like veggies
Food-safe and heavy-duty construction

Cons

The locking mechanism of the handle to the main body should be improved
Some parts are difficult to clean

Check Price on Amazon.com

2. Bellemain Manual Meat Grinder

The Bellemain Manual Meat Grinder is a fantastic meat grinder. I have seen a couple of households who have this unit stored in their kitchen. According to them, this particular meat grinder can do a decent job in making fine and coarse grounds. Whether the meat is fresh or thawed, people told that the tool can work them off.

Just like the Gideon Manual Meat Grinder, the Bellemain features simple and stress-free operation. It can give you full control over the ingredient that you are working. Such capability ensures that the ground meat will always be of the highest quality. Furthermore, the base of this meat grinder has a strong suction. Once you have affixed it to your table, it will never move at all.

Cleaning the Bellemain Manual Meat Grinder is pretty straightforward. You can disassemble the entire device so that you can clean all of its parts and other hard-to-reach areas. Take note that all of this manual meat grinder is dishwasher safe. Therefore, it would only take a couple of minutes before the tool can become squeaky-clean again.

Pros

Features a meat pusher for quicker operation
Comes with different grinding plates
Detachable parts for faster and easier cleaning process
Highly stable even on any platform
All of the parts are durable and food-safe

Cons

The handle of this meat grinder is quite shorter than other models
Cannot cater large chunks of meat

Check Price on Amazon.com

3. Kitchen Basics 3-In-1 Meat Grinder

All of the essential features of a manual grinder are present in the Kitchen Basics 3-In-1 Meat Grinder. It is a versatile and highly ergonomic kitchen tool that can work with various kitchen ingredients. It can even grind garlic and beans, too. The fine and coarse mincing plates that come with this meat grinder ensure that all of those feats are achievable.

Aside from being a meat grinder, the Kitchen Basics can also create tasty sausages. Just attach the sausage funnel on the body of the grinder and you can already start making these sausages right away. The funnels are available in three sizes so that you can augment the size of the sausages.

This meat grinder can also be turned into a pasta maker. There is a pasta attachment that allows you to create two pasta variants: spaghetti and rigatoni. All you need to do is place the dough on the receiver, then turn the crank. You will enjoy how this tool can masterfully create those tasty treats.

Pros

Compact and portable meat grinder
Extremely versatile unit; can create sausages and pasta
Detachable parts for easier cleaning; dishwasher safe
Can be used in creating vegetable purees for babies
BPA-free and food-safe construction

Cons

Slightly wobbles once you crank the handle hard
Some parts appear flimsy

Check Price on Amazon.com

4. LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder

If you are looking for old-school meat grinders, the LEM Products Stainless Steel Clamp-On Hand Grinder can make you feel nostalgic. Right from the get-go, this meat grinder has the same appearance as the manual meat grinders that your grandparents have used. But don't let this fact fool you. There are several innovations that have been integrated into this product to improve its overall performance.

The construction of this manual meat grinder is already a hard proof for that. It is extremely solid and does not succumb to rust and corrosion. It remains sturdy after several years of usage. It is not difficult to clean it either. Moreover, it has been assured by the manufacturer that the parts do not contain harmful chemicals.

Unlike the first three meat grinders that I featured, the LEM Products Hand Grinder does not use a suction base. Instead, it is using a clamp for mounting. As long as you can lock the clamp properly, the meat grinder becomes irremovable. Because the clamp has a large mouth, it can fit into various tables and countertops.

Pros

Very rugged and durable construction
Doesn't interact with the flavor and quality of the food
Features a wooden handle for better cranking convenience
Provides highly stable clamping mechanism
Accommodates large meat cuts

Cons

Can be difficult to clean
Slightly heavy

Check Price on Amazon.com

5. Zalik Meat Grinder And Juicer

I always consider the Zalik Meat Grinder And Juicer as one of the most unconventional meat grinders today. The chief reason for this claim is the built-in juicer of the device. It comes with an attachment that allows you to make all-natural juices and smoothies out of your veggies and fruits. If this doesn't surprise you, then let me disclose that this package also comes with an accessory for shaping your homemade ice cream.

Fortunately, the Zalik Meat Grinder still works the same as other meat grinders that I have listed here. The coarse and fine mincing plates are made from food-safe stainless steel. You can choose either of these discs, depending on the recipe that is in your mind. It has an ergonomic handle the provides convenience and control to its users.

Majority of the parts of the Zalik Meat Grinder is made from food-safe plastic. It has decent durability as long as you don't throw it intentionally. Meanwhile, its usage and maintenance will never give you a headache. It is fairly simple to use and clean. No other complex functions have been integrated into this kitchen tool.

Pros

Multi-functional manual meat grinder
Can be brought outdoors because of its portable design
Provides control and convenience to its user
Fairly easy to clean and maintain
Can be stored in small cabinets

Cons

Some parts seem fragile
Assembly manual is pretty hard to follow

Check Price on Amazon.com

Final Verdict

The best manual meat grinder is one of the arsenals that you need to invest in your kitchen. You can improve your cooking versatility because you can create ground meat whenever you want. Of course, freshly ground meat have qualities that are way better than commercial ones. They are healthy and free from those processing treatments. This is another compelling reason to get a manual meat grinder.

Regardless of your purpose, I hope that this guide was able to help you decide. I don't want you to waste your money on shabby meat grinders, after all. To avoid this, you might want to check out those units that I have listed here. Just see which one can meet your demands and requirements.

What are your thoughts on manual meat grinders? Do you think your kitchen needs this amenity? Tell me your answers in the comment section below!

What Is Best Sashimi Knife You Can Get Online?

If you love eating spicy tuna rolls or fresh salmon sashimi, then I’m sure you have wondered how exactly do sushi or sashimi chefs make precise slices of fish that perfectly melts in the mouth.

You see, the key to getting perfectly sliced sashimi is getting the best sashimi knife. If you’d like to create your own sashimi or sushi at home, I suggest you read on. This article will help you find the best sashimi knife for your home.

Product Name	Our Rating	Price
Yoshihiro Shiroko High Carbon Steel Sushi Sashimi Chef Knife		$$
Kitchen + Home Non Stick Sushi Knife		$
JapanBargain S-1553, Japanese Yanagiba Sashimi Sushi Knife		$
Kai Wasabi Black Yanagiba Knife		$
Mercer Culinary Asian Collection Yanagi Sashimi Knife		$

The Only Complete Cuckoo Rice Cooker Reviews You Need To See

Cooking rice can be a bit frustrating if you haven’t had any experience cooking it before. I personally tried cooking rice in a pot and ended up with raw or overcooked rice too many times.

It’s a good thing rice cookers were invented to help us cook rice perfectly every time. If you want to get perfectly cooked rice every time, but don’t have any clue about rice cookers, do read on.

This complete cuckoo rice cooker review will let you in on the different things you need to know to get the best rice cooker for your home.

Product Name	Our Rating	Price
Cuckoo Electric Heating Rice Cooker CR-0631F		$
Cuckoo Electric Heating Pressure Rice Cooker CRP-P1009SB		$$
Cuckoo CR-0351FR Electric Heating Rice Cooker		$
Cuckoo Electric Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker CRP-HZ0683F		$$$
Cuckoo Rice Cooker l CRP-FA0610F		$

A Complete Calphalon Self Sharpening Knives Reviews: All You Need To Know

In order to maintain a reliable cutlery set for your home, you must see to it that the blades of your knives are always sharpened. Otherwise, you might just end up with a completely useless and hazardous cutlery set that can do more harm than good.

If you are looking for a low maintenance cutlery set that will last you for the years to come, I encourage you to read this complete Calphalon Self Sharpening Knives Review to find the right cutlery piece for your home.

Product	Quality	Price
Simply Calphalon 18-Piece Cutlery Set	A	$$
Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Cutlery Knife Block Set with SharpIN Technology	A	$
Calphalon 12 Piece Contemporary Space-Saving Self-Sharpening Cutlery Set	A	$$
Calphalon Precision Series 16-Piece Cutlery Set	A+	$$
Calphalon Katana Cutlery 14-Piece Knife Set	A	$$$

The Best Silicone Baking Mat You Can Get Online

Any pastry chef, professional or not, should be equipped with a handy baking mat. A baking mat is one great kitchen tool that will allow you to become a more practical chef.

If you want to get a baking mat of your own, but don’t know which one you should get, then I would like to encourage you to read this short and simple buying guide that will help you get the best silicone baking mat that you can get online. Read on and let’s get started!

Product Name	Our Rating	Price
Vremi 3 Piece Silicone Baking Mat Set		$
AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat		$
Kitzini Silicone Baking Mat		$
Velesco Silicone Baking Mat		$
Silpat Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat		$

What Is The Best Bakeware Set For Beginners?

Baking can be a fun thing to do alone or with friends and family. What’s great about baking is that if you know how to follow a set of instructions carefully, you will have a high success rate of making something that tastes really good.

One thing you will need if you want to start baking is a nice bakeware set. If you don’t have any clue which bakeware set you should get, simply read on to learn about the best bakeware set for beginners.

Product Name	Our Rating	Price
Cake Boss Basics Nonstick 5-Piece Bakeware Set		$
Rachael Ray Nonstick Bakeware 5-Piece Set		$
Rachael Ray Cucina 10-Piece Bakeware Set		$$
Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set		$
Rachael Ray Cucina 4-Piece Bakeware Set		$

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