How To Make Delicious Homemade Ice Cream In Less Than 15 Minutes

Almost everyone loves ice cream, but what a lot of people don't realize is that it's extremely easy to make. You don't need any fancy equipment to enjoy delicious homemade ice cream. In fact, you don't even need that much time, as the recipe I'm about to share will take less than 15 minutes!

At the end, you'll have a rich, velvety and indulgent vanilla ice cream; the perfect thing to enjoy with a slice of apple pie, or to impress your friends with at the end of a dinner party.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

In order to make ice cream, you usually need to use a machine. If you don't keep the mixture moving while it freezes, ice crystals form inside and give the ice cream a gritty texture when you eat it. You've probably experienced this texture when you've re-frozen a carton of ice cream that has thawed; it's about a million miles away from the smooth texture it should have.

How To Make Delicious Homemade Ice Cream In Less Than 15 Minutes

The Secret That Makes This Easy and Quick

The secret to easy ice cream is simply to follow a traditional custard recipe that requires no stirring. To do that, we simply need to use heavy cream in the mixture, and no milk. That way, we can simply throw the mixture in the freezer to set. That means no more stirring, and no more fuss!

For this recipe you'll need just 4 ingredients: 2 cups of heavy cream, 1.75oz of granulated sugar, 2 egg yolks, and 1 vanilla pod.

The Recipe

The first step is to slice the vanilla pod lengthways on a plate, and scrape out the seeds inside with a spoon handle. You'll need to put the seeds to one side on a plate, as we'll need them later.

Next, take the pods and throw them into a pan, along with the cream and sugar.

Place the pan over a medium heat, and sir the mixture while it heats up. Once it reaches the boil, turn down the heat and whisk together the egg yolks in a bowl.

Slowly pour the mixture into to the bowl with the egg yolks, whilst whisking them together. Add the seeds and continue to whisk until the mixture is speckled with vanilla seeds. Fish out the vanilla pods, and transfer the mixture to a freezer proof bowl.

Finally, all you need to do is throw the mixture into the freezer for 2 to 3 hours, and we're done! Delicious homemade vanilla ice cream, with only 15 minutes preparation!

How To Make Delicious Homemade Ice Cream In Less Than 15 Minutes

Health Benefits Of Basil

Basil is a popular herb in Italian cooking, particularly in pesto. This fragrant and flavorful herb, a relative of peppermint, is an excellent, nutritious addition to your pasta sauce, soup, or salad.

An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

Essential oil of basil has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others. Adding basil to your vinaigrette will both enhance the flavor, and ensure that the fresh salad greens are safe to eat.

Health Benefits Of Basil

Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.

Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

The fresh, spicy flavor and scent of basil will wake up any boring salad or soup. Use fresh basil whole, or shredded to add a burst of flavor to your dinner. If you are using fresh basil in a cooked dish, add it towards the end of cooking, so that the volatile oils will not be dissipated by the heat.

Insalata Caprese is a simple salad, utilizing tomatoes, fresh mozzerella cheese, basil, and olive oil.

1/2 pound, fresh mozzerella, sliced 1/4 inch thick.

2 large tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick.

1 cup fresh basil leaves.

salt and pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.

On a serving plate, arrange the mozzerella and tomato around the edge, alternating mozzerella and tomato slices.

Tear up the basil leaves, and sprinkle them on top of the tomatoes and mozerella cheese.

Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Just before serving, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad.

Serves 4.

Health Benefits Of Basil

Best Chili Recipes - You Can Lose Weight Eating This Low Calorie Chili

In this article we will look at a low calorie, high protein chili recipe that is sure to please you and your family or guests. It is not hard to make a quality dish of chili as many times this dish gets bad press as being fattening and this is just not the case.

I love chili! I can eat it anytime of the year and never be unhappy with it! It is fast, and cheap like some of the girls I dated in college but that is another story entirely! Many people think that chili is fattening because of the carbs associated with it in the form of beans. Let me be the first to tell you that no one person has ever gotten fat from eating beans unless they bury them in fat and grease. Period! Chili, if done properly whether it is beef, chicken, or even pork can be a low fat, high protein shot that tastes great! The secret is to get the flavor you want from the ingredients and not from the fat! Believe me, this is not hard to do. Here is a low fat, high protein chili with all the benefits of helping one to lose weight and stay healthy and not have all the fat that can be associated with day to day chili. This chili recipe will serve 6+/- people. In this recipe I will use beef, but you can substitute whatever kind of meat protein that you wish. Chicken, turkey, pork or even tofu if you want to make this a vegetarian style of chili. There are also tofu products that are textured like tofu sausage that is really excellent for chili recipes. So here we go with the ingredients.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

The ingredients you will need are:

Best Chili Recipes - You Can Lose Weight Eating This Low Calorie Chili

1. 1 1/2-2Lbs of lean ground beef. It should be 10% or less if you can get it.

2. 4 garlic bulbs finely chopped.

3 tablespoons of either California or New Mexico chili powder.

1 dash of cayenne for added heat if you like. The thermogenics and metabolism boost from it is good too!

I tablespoon of cumin.

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.

1 large can of fire roasted tomatoes diced up. These cans are either 26 to 28 oz.

2 15oz can of some kind of red bean either kidney or Louisiana red bean. Pinto beans will do in a pinch though.

1 large onion chopped fine. Either a brown or red onion the choice is yours.

1 1/2 of a cup or more depending on taste of canned diced chilies. The Hatch chili variety is best in my opinion.

3 to 4 tablespoons of tomato paste.

1 or 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce.

1 one little dash of salt or sea salt or even season salt, or you can leave the salt out for your guests to add themselves. I know salt make you hold water, but is some cases you just have to have some to bring the flavors of your food out.

OK! Lets cook:

1. Get your hands on a large skillet of either the no stick, stainless steel or my favorite a cast iron skillet and take your very lean ground beef and brown it up. When the beef is browned and not burned, it is time for you to drain off the excess fat from the skillet. I usually put the beef in a bowl and then take another bowl and place it on top of the bowl with the beef and squeeze down and tip sideways over the sink and squeeze all that extra fat out of the beef. I leave what little grease is still in the pan and if there is too much I drain it out until only a slick remains.

2. Now it is time for you to put the beef back into your skillet and put the garlic, chili powder, and cumin in for you to mix together on a low medium heat. When the total ingredients in the skillet are hot and simmering as you can tell from the little bubbles on the sides of the skillet it will be time for you to add y our tomatoes, onions, chilies, beans, and tomatoes to the recipes and stir them together and let them blend. It is good to let this mixture cook for 2 to 4 hours on low simmer and you should check it every now and again with your spoon to see if you want to add anything to this recipe. About ten minutes before the dish is done add your Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika and salt. Keep on low for another thirty minutes and then turn the heat off and let the flavors marry to each other. When your guests arrive it is chow time!

Best Chili Recipes - You Can Lose Weight Eating This Low Calorie Chili

An Easy, Quick Recipe - Baked Ham Steak With Pineapple

Are you often rushed in the evenings? Finding it hard to get dinner on the table and still have time for the important things in life? A few easy quick recipes, combined with a little planning will make cooking dinner a pleasure again.

Look for recipes that are simple --with minimum preparation, then let your oven or slow cooker do the work. This recipe features an easy preparation, then cooks quickly in only 20 minutes in the oven while you fix a salad and warm some dinner rolls. Baked Ham Steak with Pineapple is an old favorite that can easily and quickly solve tonight's dinner crisis.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

You will find these pre-sliced ham steaks vacuum packed in the meat department of your grocery. Sizes range from 1 to 2 pounds. This recipe calls for 1 1/2 pound, but choose a steak that will serve your family. If it is much smaller, then cook for a little less time. This serves 4 generously.

An Easy, Quick Recipe - Baked Ham Steak With Pineapple

Baked Ham Steak with Pineapple

1 1/2 pound ham steak

1 can pineapple rings

brown sugar

cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Trim off or slice through the fat on the edge of the ham in several places to prevent curling in the pan.

3. Place the ham steak in a shallow ovenproof pan and place the pineapple slices on top. Pour the pineapple juice over all.

4. Place the ham steak in the oven and bake for 20 minutes (uncovered).

5. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and turn the oven up to broil.

6. Baste the ham with the pan juices. Sprinkle a little brown sugar over the pineapple slices and dust with cinnamon.

7. Return to oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until the pineapple is lightly browned. Serve each ham steak with a pineapple slice.

Serve with a tossed salad and dinner rolls for an easy quick dinner recipe solution. I hope that this menu will find its way onto your table soon.

An Easy, Quick Recipe - Baked Ham Steak With Pineapple

Spanish Food - How to Make Spanish Chorizo Sausage

Chorizo is that wonderfully tasty sausage to be found and enjoyed all over Spain. There are many different ones, each Spanish family having its own particular favorite but, basically, they fall into two different types... fresh chorizo, which will need cooking before you eat it, and cured chorizo, which you can slice and consume just as it is.

Chorizo sausages are normally a strong, orangey-red color. This is because of the paprika or pimentón they contain - a main ingredient of chorizo sausages.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

Paprika comes in two different types - "picante" or spicy, and "dulce" or sweet. Depending on the type of paprika used to make the sausage, the resulting chorizo will be either a spicy or sweet variety.

Spanish Food - How to Make Spanish Chorizo Sausage

But, how is chorizo made, and what are its origins?...

How To Make Chorizo

Going back, more Spanish families lived in the country. More-often-than-not, they'd have a little plot of land, where they'd grow their own vegetables, keep some chickens... and fatten a pig.

The beauty of keeping a pig was that it could be cheaply fed from kitchen leftovers and, once killed, nearly every part could be used, with practically no waste. When November arrived, and the pig was nice and fat, the family would gather together - each having their own particular role to play - and kill the pig.

In Spanish, this slaughtering of the pig is known as the "matanza", and is still very much celebrated in Spanish villages to-day, with fun-loving fiestas, free-flowing wine, and much rejoicing.

Why did the "matanza" traditionally take place in November? Well, the weather was cooler then, with less chance of the meat going off. Also, it meant that village people were well-stocked up for the winter. This was particularly important as - even to-day - more-isolated villages in mountainous areas are completely cut off for a spell during winter when heavy snows have fallen.

Going back, each family would kill its own pig. This was no easy task, as getting a big, fat pig settled, ready for the knife, is quite hard work!

The pig was killed by stabbing it in the neck. This also released the blood, which the ladies of the family would catch in a bowl. Care had to be taken to ensure the blood didn't clot, for this was needed for mixing with rice and spices to make "morcilla" or black pudding.

It was also the task of the females to make the chorizo sausages. For this, they would take the pig's intestine, empty it, clean it, and then leave it to soak in salt water, to remove any unpleasant odors.

Once ready, the intestine would be filled with a mixture of finely-chopped pork, paprika, garlic and salt, and the end tied in a knot. Originally, the chopping of the meat and the procedure of squeezing it into the intestine was all done manually. Nowadays, however, there's a machine to help with this.

Once filled and securely tied, the chorizo sausage was ready for hanging. It would be left to cure in a well-ventilated place, probably for at least 3 months.

Nowadays, the pig is killed in the local abattoir, under strict, hygienic conditions. A vet will test the meat and, once it's been approved, the owner of the pig will collect it, take it home, and carry on with preparing it.

And now, for those of you with a pig roaming around in your garden, which you plan to slaughter in November, here's a basic recipe for making your very own, tasty, chorizo sausage!...

Chorizo Recipe

Ingredients:

- 1 kilo pork
- 40 gr paprika - sweet or spicy, according to taste
- 2 cloves garlic - peeled and crushed
- 20 gr salt
- 50 cm pig's intestine
- A little water

Method:

1. Chop up the pork fairly finely.
2. Mix in the paprika, garlic, and salt.
3. If necessary, use a little water to facilitate mixing.
4. Cover with cling film.
5. Leave in fridge 24-48 hours.
6. Fill intestine with the mixture, leaving a few centimetres of intestine free at one end.
7. Tie a knot in the end of the intestine.
8. Leave to hang in a well-ventilated place, normally for 3 months plus.

Well, I do hope all this talk of killing pigs and filling intestines won't put you off enjoying all those delicious chorizo sausages you'll find in Spain!

Spanish Food - How to Make Spanish Chorizo Sausage

Wild Edible Recipe: Sauteed Puffball Mushrooms

Yes! I did it! I love the confident feeling of learning something new.

Until yesterday I was sure of two edible mushrooms. Today I am sure of four. My two new delicacies are the Gem-studded puffball and the Pear-shaped puffball. I have a fifth under study.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

Before I share this recipe, it's time for my disclaimer: ALWAYS test for edibility.

Wild Edible Recipe: Sauteed Puffball Mushrooms

When I gather mushrooms, I put each species in a separate paper bag. When I get home, I take them out of the paper bag and begin my visual study.

The mushroom under study right now is the fawn mushroom. I found one on a hike with "Wildman" Steve Brill last month. I have found it twice since, but did not eat it. I just studied the shape, how the gills were attached and the stem. "Wildman" has made replicas out of Sculpey - which is an excellent way to improve observation skills. It's also fun.

I am cautious enough to consult other mushroom identification guides, but "Wildman" has the best photos and his sculptures are accurate. I am now making a spore print and when I do sample this mushroom, it will be a piece the size of a green pea.

THE RECIPE:

Sautéed Gem-studded (Lycoperdon perlatum) or Pear-shaped (Lycoperdon pyriforme) mushrooms:

1. Remove mushrooms from paper bag, trim dirt and wipe with a cloth or paper towel

2. Do not wash or immerse in water. Do not salt. That makes the mushrooms tough

3. Cut the larger mushrooms into bite-size pieces

4. Coat with olive oil and one-half teaspoon of lemon or lime juice

5. Set pan over low heat, then add coated puffball mushrooms

6. Cook until tender

Puffballs are fragrant when picked and they do have a distinct flavor, but it is delicate. I enjoyed it as a simple side dish.

Wild Edible Recipe: Sauteed Puffball Mushrooms

Holiday Recipes You Can Make in Your Crockpot or Slow Cooker

Are you always short oven space when preparing holiday meals? Let your crockpot or slow cooker help you out. This article has recipes for Diabetic Sweet Potato Casserole and for Bread Dressing. Now how about that for convenience? And aren't we all looking for convenient ways to help us with those large meals!

BREAD DRESSING

Cooking Recipes Dinner

1 cup butter
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
2 cans (8-oz) mushrooms, drained
12 to 13 cups dry bread cubes
1 tsp poultry seasoning*
2 well-beaten eggs
1 1/2 tsp salt*
1 1/2 tsp sage*
1 tsp dried thyme*
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp marjoram, optional*
3 to 5 cups chicken or turkey broth

Holiday Recipes You Can Make in Your Crockpot or Slow Cooker

Melt the butter in a skillet; saute the onion, celery, parsley, and mushrooms.

Place the bread cubes in a very large heat-proof bowl. Pour the butter/vegetable mixture over the bread crumbs. Add the poultry seasoning, salt, sage, thyme, pepper, and marjoram, if using; toss together well to blend in the seasonings. Pour in enough broth to moisten to your desired amount of moisture. Add the well-beaten eggs and mix very well.

Lightly spray the crockpot or slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pack the dressing into the cooker. Place lid on cooker and cook on high for approximately 45 minutes. Reduce the heat to low setting and cook for 4 to 8 hours.

*Omit if using packaged stuffing mix.
Because you are dealing with raw eggs, be sure to follow the instructions and heat on high first!

DIABETIC SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

This casserole uses Splenda for those who avoid sugar. The other recipe (below this one) uses actual sugar and brown sugar. This recipe is for diabetics or anyone who avoids sugar.

2 cans (18-oz each) sweet potatoes, drained & mashed
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tbsp Splenda Granulated
1 tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1 tbsp orange juice
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk

In a large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes, butter, Splenda granulated, Splenda Brown Sugar Blend together. Beat in the orange juice, eggs, and milk.

Lightly spray the crock of the slow cooker or crockpot and transfer mixture to the cooker.

Topping:
2 tbsp + 2 tsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1/3 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter, melted

Combine the Splenda, pecans, and flour. Add the melted butter stirring until combined. Spread topping over the sweet potato mixture.

Place lid on cooker and cook on high setting for 3 to 4 hours.

Serves 6

Enjoy!

Holiday Recipes You Can Make in Your Crockpot or Slow Cooker

Candied Yams - The Reigning King of Soul Food Recipes Side Dishes

Candied yams has come full circle, especially when it comes to popular soul food recipe side dishes. An always popular side dish for the holidays, it now has expanded in popularity year around. Many have gave this dish various names. For example, candy yams, candied yam, candied sweet potato recipe, yams candied or soul food candied yams to name a few.

Most people enjoy the festive atmosphere candied yam recipes bring to a meal. So, as a result more people are enjoying this tasty side dish during non-holiday months. But still the holidays is when this dish really shines and brings a festive atmosphere to any table. Because of the availability of yams year around now, the popularity continues to grow at a steady pace. In addition, because of this vegetables health benefits, more health conscious consumers are discovering it.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

Yams are rich in dietary fiber, beta carotene, vitamin A B and C as well as complex carbohydrates to name a few. In addition, with the increase in diabetes cases, yam recipes provide an excellent alternative. Preliminary studies reveal it helps lower insulin resistance and stabilize sugar levels.

Candied Yams - The Reigning King of Soul Food Recipes Side Dishes

Other added benefits of yams is their high potassium and low sodium levels. As a result they produce what nutritionist call a good potassium-sodium balance in the body. This condition helps to fight osteoporosis and heart disease. Yam recipes generally produce a lower glycemic index that other potato products. This means they will help provide a longer lasting form of energy, and help fight obesity and diabetes.

Yam have also been know to replenish fast twitch fibers, runners use them as a way of recovering after running. It's no coincidence that some of the best long distance runners on earth come from countries that produce high amounts of yams.

Yam recipes continue to be one of the top 5 comfort foods, particularly during the holidays. Along with turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes and gravy, it is tops when it comes to side dishes, according to a recent University of California poll.

In fact, this southern dish has slowly past mash potatoes and gravy as a favorite soul food side dish. The buttery flavors, cinnamon back taste, brown sugar foundation and nutmeg makes for a traditional holiday taste few side dishes can match. In addition the orange color serves to add color, interest and eye appeal to any plate.

After finishing a meal that includes southern style yams, people are always rewarded with that satisfying feeling of comfort and satisfaction. Candied yams stay with you longer than most side dishes. Many call this a stick to your ribs benefit. These are a few of the many top advantages of eating candied yams or candied sweet potatoes. But there's more for you to enjoy.

Candied Yams - The Reigning King of Soul Food Recipes Side Dishes

Simple Banana Cake Recipe

Here is a simple banana cake recipe using a cake mix that is easy and delicious. It can be baked either in a 9×13-inch pan or in a bundt pan (my preference).

My husband is having a slice with ice cream and just declared it "one of the best" banana cakes ever; hearty praise from a true cake lover!

Cooking Recipes Dinner

The purist in me wishes cakes made from scratch with whole wheat flour and other more wholesome ingredients were met with such excitement, but sadly they're not. The savvy realist within me admits that cake mix recipes often turn out better than from scratch cakes. They are more consistent, with better texture, especially when you know how to "doctor them up." And in the final analysis, life is too short to eat anything less than delicious cake.

Simple Banana Cake Recipe

Have I mentioned that I am a huge fan of Anne Byrn, The Cake Mix Doctor? Everything I've ever made from her cookbooks has turned out great, but I've been reluctant to admit it, until I learned that Jamie Lee Curtis recently declared The Cake Mix Doctor her favorite cookbook on the Rachel Ray Show!

This recipe is from The Cake Mix Doctor Returns. I made a few changes to the original recipe. I omitted the additional 1/4 cup of sugar, replaced the 1/2 cup sour cream with plain yogurt, and skipped the 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans to keep it friendly for those who have nut allergies. I also added 2 tablespoons of flour which is a trick my mother learned from her Home Ec teacher decades ago to help cake mix cakes be less crumbly.

Simple Banana Cake Recipe

Serves 16 to 20 or 12 to 16 as a bundt cake

Vegetable oil spray for coating the pan

Flour for dusting the pan

1 cup mashed bananas (from 2 or 3 very ripe bananas)

1 package (18.25 ounces) plain yellow cake mix

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 cup sugar (optional)

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla

1 cup (6 ounces) miniature chocolate chips

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

2 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, for dusting on top

Position an a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly mist a 13×9 inch metal cake pan (or bunt pan) with vegetable oil spray. Dust with flour, shake out the excess flour and set the pan aside.

In a large mixing bowl, place the mashed bananas, cake mix,flour, sugar (if using), oil, sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are incorporated, about 30 seconds. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat on medium speed until the mixture lightens and is smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes longer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again, if necessary. Stir in the chocolate chips.( If you are intending to bake the cake in a bundt pan, stir in the pecans too, if you are using them.)

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth out the top with a rubber spatula. If you are baking the cake in a 9×13-inch pan, scatter the pecans (if using) evenly over the top and place the pan in the oven.

Bake the cake until is deeply golden brown on top and the top springs back when lightly pressed with your finger, 43 to 48 minutes (50 to 55 minutes for a bundt cake). Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sift the confectioners sugar over the top so that it melts to form a glaze. Let the cake cook for 20 minutes, then slice and serve while still a little warm. (If you are using a bundt pan, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes, then turn it out of the pan and sprinkle with the sugar.)

Storage: Store this cake, covered, at room temperature for up to three days or for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Simple Banana Cake Recipe

Traditional Food in Colombia - Know Some Facts

Colombia has a privileged location in South America, with part of its coast to the cool Pacific Ocean and part in the Caribbean with its warmer waters. Part of the country has mountains, other part has valleys. Therefore they can grow all kinds of fruits, vegetables and have all kinds of seafood. 

Through its history, Colombia has received influence of the Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine's tradition, but also from the Japanese and Arabic way of cooking. To this add their own cultural heritage, as the Amerindians also raised different species of animals, with which they could make delicious dishes. And to this variety we also must add the Spanish tradition.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

We could say that the Colombian cuisine uses different meats, fishes, plenty of vegetables and lots and lots of exotic and delicious fruits.   Also their delicacies depend on the regions, as food is different in the mountain regions than what is on the coastal regions. Its food is always, anyway, very tasty, with natural flavors, and not too spicy. Colombians also love soups, which are practically a must in each dinner or lunch. But the most important fact is that they love their food done with fresh ingredients, and fresh fruits.

Traditional Food in Colombia - Know Some Facts

In Colombia people have usually three meals a day. First one, breakfast, before to going to work. The most important meal is lunch. It is a meal consisting of three courses, soup, main dish and a drink, and dessert or fruit. Dinner is very light, taken around 9:30 PM. 

What is more fascinating about Colombia is that all changes according to the region where one is. If in the jungle, or in the coast, or in the valley, people have their own way of dressing, have their different food preferences, their favorite drinks. And this is what makes it such a rich country and so very interesting.

But in all these regions there are some things in common too. They take it very seriously what their food is, the recipes they use and the different techniques are they same as centuries ago, giving them a sense of nationalism, reinforcing the feeling of being all from the same country. Their typical meals are full of tradition and history and they won't change that.

If we were to name some of the traditional dishes or food of Colombia, we could choose the arepa, the sancocho, the fritanga. Also lots of chicken, beef, fish corn, onions tomatoes, potatoes, rice and several different legumes.

To all this we should add a wonderful cup of coffee, the best in the world!

Traditional Food in Colombia - Know Some Facts

Traditional Swedish Pea Soup Recipe

Although rarely served in fine restaurants and almost never appearing on smorgasbords, soups are essential in traditional Swedish cuisine. One soup in particular-ärtsoppa--has a distinguished history.

Yellow pea soup has sustained the working class since the age of the Vikings. When Catholicism was the reigning religion of Sweden, ärtsoppa, which is studded with salt pork, became the meal of choice before Sabbath every week.

Cooking Recipes Dinner

Today, although the Catholic Church has few followers in predominantly secular Sweden, the soup is still eaten every Thursday in many households. Ärtsoppa is always served with mustard; you either swirl a bit of mustard into the soup to season the whole lot or dip the tip of your soupspoon into the spicy condiment before every bite.

Traditional Swedish Pea Soup Recipe

Yellow Pea Soup (Ärtsoppa)

Serves 4 to 6

1 pound whole dried yellow peas (split peas are acceptable)

2 onions, chopped fine

1 whole onion, peeled, halved, and each half stuck with 1 whole clove

1/2 pound piece lean salt pork

1/4 teaspoon marjoram

1/2 teaspoon thyme

Salt (if needed)

Whole-grain brown mustard

1. Soak the peas in water at least 12 hours.

2. Drain the peas, put them in a large saucepan, cover with 6 cups cold water, chopped onions, and the onion halves with cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a medium simmer. Add the salt pork, cover, and let simmer for about 90 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Add the marjoram and thyme to the pan, stir, and let simmer another 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Remove the pork, allow to cool just until comfortable to handle, then cut into pieces. Remove and discard the onion halves with their cloves.

3. Divide the pork among rimmed bowls, then ladle the soup over it. Pass a bowl of grainy brown mustard at the table.

Enjoy this wonderful Swedish tradition served hot with chunks of bread.

Traditional Swedish Pea Soup Recipe

Recipes - Tilapia Fish Stew

One of the best fish stew recipes I learned is this one which is an easy dish to make with fantastic taste with only a few ingredients. The clam juice is what gives this recipe the tasty results. Easy to prepare and works best with Tilapia Fish, I am pretty sure you will find this absolutely delicious!

Ingredients
6 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup of chopped onions
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
2/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup of fresh chopped tomato (about 1 medium sized tomato)
2 tsp of tomato paste.
8 oz of clam juice
2/3 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 lb Tilapia Fish fillets cut into 2-inch pieces
Touch of dry oregano, Tabasco, thyme, pepper
Salt

Cooking Recipes Dinner

Method

Recipes - Tilapia Fish Stew

1 Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and saute for 4 minutes and you can also add some celery and mushroom at this point for added flavor. Add parsley and stir for 2 minutes. Add tomato and tomato paste and let cook for 2 minutes longer.

2 Add clam juice, dry white wine, and fish and simmer until the Tilapia fish is cooked through, that should be less than 10 minutes. Add seasoning. Salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve.

This fish stew goes well with fresh bread and i should say it's the prefect meal to compliment it. Preparing it with salad is also a great tasty idea. You can also be a little creative over this fish stew recipes as you can do things a little differently as you prefer such as increasing the amount of tomato paste. Or you can forgo the salt and substitute the clam juice with white wine for those with allergies to it, it will do but not as tasty. Or skip the tilapia fish altogether and substitute with 1 1/2 lbs of shrimp and scallops.

Recipes - Tilapia Fish Stew