#buy macadamia nut cracker

[macadamiasales]

Website : https://www.macadamiasales.com.au/

Address : Queensland, Australia

Macadamia Sales, nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland of Queensland, is a family-run business dedicated to delivering premium Australian Macadamia Nut products. With a rich history rooted in the native Australian Macadamia Nut, the business offers a diverse range of products, including savory snacks, sweet treats, and specially curated gift hampers, ensuring quality and sustainability in every bite. Their offerings, processed to the highest standards, are available for delivery Australia-wide, celebrating the exquisite, healthful delight of Macadamias in various forms.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/macadamiasales.com.au/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/macadamiasales.com.au/

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[inoreuct]

okay okay yes chef sanji is wonderful but baker sanji. confectioner sanji. think about it.

sanji kneading dough on a saturday morning with his shirtsleeves rolled up to the elbow. he has flour on his cheeks and one of those cute canvas aprons the colour of a brown paper bag with a million pockets and he keeps getting pissed off because strands of his bangs are constantly falling into his face. he makes sourdough and cheesecake and strawberry pavlova and tangerine tarts and dried mango nougat and carrot cupcakes that everybody eyed suspiciously before they actually tried them and now they're a friend group favourite.

he makes monthly batches of those agar-agar edible crystals for vivi's entire family and ships them by the crate to alabasta. he bakes robin and franky's blue raspberry black forest wedding cake. all of the straw hats have multiple packets of his dark chocolate dried fruit and nut and oat yoghurt brittle in their bags at any one time because they're the perfect snack and they're delicious. he makes red bean matcha mochi for zoro because the mosshead can't tolerate anything too sweet.

he has jar upon jar of aromatic infusions on the shelf: vanilla, black pepper, florals, all steeped in liquor to make high-quality extracts that he has gotten MULTIPLE offers to start a business out of, but he always declines because hello. he's busy cooking for straw hats and co.. luffy and fam. he has no time he is a busy busy man and would you look at that chopper's upside-down apple crumble is ready.

usopp makes him all sorts of contraptions, a high-speed blender, a state-of-the-art stand mixer, an ice-cream machine; sometimes if he's feeling lazy he'll go equipment shopping with sanji and just modify whatever they buy. sanji has a toffee hook on the wall of the galley and a very formidable collection of cookie cutters and piping tips. he's managed to make fondant that doesn't taste like utter trash and it's legendary. his salted caramel cashew macadamia popcorn has and will continue to make grown men cry.

but sometimes, he just chucks some charcoal in a pot and plops it in the middle of the dining table with a bowl of chocolate on top and brings out the fruit skewers, or the marshmallows and graham crackers. sometimes they eat rice krispy treats out of the packaging as they huddle together on the lawn and stargaze just because they can. sometimes the almond and dried cranberry combo just can't be beat and sometimes plain toast with butter makes you see god. but you'd best believe the next day he's up and at it again; his sourdough starter's looking more and more like a sentient life form by the hour and he has seven different things going on at once with two more bowls cooling off in the fridge and the oven preheating. i love baker confectioner sanji.

[lawblrworld]

(Mostly) healthy study snack ideas.

I LOVE to snack while I work, but this can be a problem, especially during exam times when I work almost all day, so I always need to think about how to make my snacks a little healthier to avoid eating junk food 24/7. Here are a few easy & mostly healthy snack ideas to fill up your next study session:

1. Naan/ pita bread with a healthy dip (e.g. hummus, tzatziki, paté, low fat cream/ cottage cheese, guacamole, salsa, Baba Ganoush, tahini etc.)

2. Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, cranberries, cherries, mulberries, black berries, currants, goji berries)

3. Toasted brown/ rye bread with your fave topping (sugar free peanut butter, nut butter, tahini, bananas and honey, camembert/ brie cheese, salami and cheddar, pastrami, vegemite/ bovril/ marmite and gouda cheese, chunky cottage cheese and chives, chicken mayo and spinach, avo and sprouts etc.)

4. A bowl of sugar free instant oats with some fun toppings (my favourite is adding 1/2 tbsp of nutella & 1/2 a sliced banana, but you can also add: peanut butter and banana, mixed berries, cinnamon and vanilla, choc chips and coconut flakes, apple and cinnamon, dates and vanilla) (For the adventurous: my family loves eating sugar free oats with small blocks of cheese and a bit of butter - the cheese melts in the warm oats and it becomes more like a mac ‘n cheese vibe)

5. Nuts and seeds (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, pistachios, macadamia, peanuts, walnuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)

6. Popcorn (For a healthier option, skip on the pre-packed microwave bags & just buy the loose kernels and pop it in a microwave safe bowl with a lid- just add whatever salt or flavour you want)

7. Veggie sticks and hummus (sliced carrots, sliced cucumber, sugar snaps, peppers/ capsicum, jalapeños, mini tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus)

8. Baked sweet potato fries (done in the oven) with a creamy mayo or ketchup

9. Pretzels and your fav dip (if you feel like a real treat, these are amazing with nutella)

10. Mixed fruit salad bowl (mango, kiwi, dragon fruit, berries, pineapple, apple, banana, grapes, starfruit, litchi, pear, persimmon, papaya, melon, cherry, pomegranate, watermelon, guava, granadilla/ passion fruit, fig, peaches, plum)

11. Mini snack platter (crackers, fruit, cheese, deli meat, chips, veggies, dips, cooked cold meats, nuts).

12. Sushi (a treat you can never go wrong with)

13. Dark chocolate.

14. Homemade iced coffee (make cold brew the night before from coffee grounds & stick it in the fridge. Just add sweetener and your milk of choice the next day)

[tech-mobilereviews]

Best Deliciously Easy keto Recipes

                                       Introduction

The ketogenic diet or as like some people prefer to call it; the Keto diet or low carb diet is about consuming a lot of protein and fats but fewer carbs. This diet makes the body send the fats that we consume to the liver, which the latter transform it into energy to keep the body strong and active for a long time without feeling tired quickly.

The ketogenic diet or as like some people prefer to call it; the Keto diet or low carb diet is about consuming a lot of protein and fats but fewer carbs. This diet makes the body send the fats that we consume to the liver, which the latter transform it into energy to keep the body strong and active for a long time without feeling tired quickly.

The keto diet prevents you from consuming the lot for carbs that are the main reason of gaining weight because the sugar makes you hungry most of the time. When you consume carbs with small portions and focus more on protein and fat; your body doesn’t push you most of the time to eat; instead, it uses those fats to satisfy your hunger and keep you active.

If you are looking for a diet that will help you lose weight in a very short term, the ketogenic diet is the perfect diet for you because it not only helps you achieve great lean body; but also provides immense health benefits.

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The Benefits of The Ketogenic Diet

So far, there are a lot of great benefits of the keto diet, but no negative effects have appeared yet at all; which makes it the delicious diet that fits everybody. Here are other health benefits of keto diet:

1. Increases the level of HDL:

One of the best aspects of the ketogenic diet is that it increases the level of HDL in the body, which is the good cholesterol that helps in lowering the risk of heart diseases.

2. Helps in Alleviating Diabetes Type 2: 

By removing carbs from your daily meals, you say goodbye to sugar and insulin because your body already has what it needs, and you won’t have to be worried about what you eat.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure: 

High blood pressure is a catastrophe because it might lead to kidney failure, heart diseases, strokes... 

With this diet, you can say goodbye to all those worries and live a healthy life away from all those malignant diseases that threaten your life.

4. Gum Disease: 

Gum disease is one of the worst and most painful diseases which is commonly caused by the consumption of too much sugar. When you eliminate sugar from your daily meals, you can avoid gum diseases and toothaches. 

While on the keto diet, most of your diet will consist of foods high in fats coupled with a measured intake of proteins and low carbohydrate intake. Some of the food categories allowed in this diet include:

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1. Proteins

Poultry: Free-range Cornish hen, quail, goose, pheasant, chicken, duck, and turkey.

Fish and Seafood: Cod, tuna, scrod, anchovies, mackerel, flounder, catfish, trout, mahi-mahi, halibut, sole, sardines, salmon, halibut, snapper, and calamari. Always opt for wild caught fish to avoid toxins present in commercially reared fish.

Grass-fed Meat: These include beef, venison, goat, and lamb. Meat from wild animals are also acceptable; however, avoid sausages and meats that come with sugary sauces and those covered in breadcrumbs. Choose the chunks of meat with more fat since they contain less protein and more fat.

 Pork: Boston butt, pork chops, ham pork, and loin. When choosing ham, be on the lookout for added sugar. 

Bacon and Sausages: Preferably, you should buy these at specialty health food stores. If this is not possible, always read the labels to avoid those which contain fillers such as soy or sugars.

Canned Tuna and Salmon: Canned tuna and salmon are okay to consume while you are on the keto diet. However, avoid seafood rich in fillers, breaded seafood, and fried seafood. 

Vegetable Protein Powders: Protein supplements such as whey protein, hemp protein, pea, and rice are acceptable. 

Whole Eggs: This includes chicken eggs, and quail eggs which you can prepare through any mean desired; fried, soft or hard boiled, deviled, scrambled, or omelet style. 

Shellfish: Oyster, mussels, lobster, shrimp, crab (not imitation crab that contains additives), clams, scallops, and squid.

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2. Fats and Oils

Because these are your main sources of energy while you are on this diet, go for the types of fats and oils you enjoy. These may include:

* Omega 3 fatty acids from fish such as tuna, shellfish, and salmon

* Fish supplements or krill

* Monounsaturated fats such as egg yolks, avocado, and butter

* Vegetable oils such as olive oil, coconut oil

* Non-hydrogenated beef tallow, ghee, and lard.

* Duck and chicken fat

In order to make it easier to stick to this diet, be aware of which types of fat your body can tolerate. Many people seem to have zero or very low tolerance of vegetable oils and mayo. This may be a good thing because most of these oils are rich in omega 6 fatty acids - the kind that is bad for your body’s cholesterol levels.

In this case, work with the listed monounsaturated fats to reduce the inflammatory effect brought about by polyunsaturated fats. Nevertheless, work to balance both fats because you cannot survive on monounsaturated fats alone (You need a lot of fats and oils). Even then, avoid hydrogenated fats such as margarine to reduce the amount of trans-fats you eat.

3. Fresh Vegetables

For these foods, opt for organic ones or better yet, grow your own to avoid all pesticide toxins. Avoid starchy vegetables (corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and winter squash) that are high in carbs. Instead, opt for moderate intake of sweet vegetables (squashes, peppers, tomatoes, and carrots). Vegetables that make it to the list are:

Celery

Collard Greens 

Onions (high in sugar; moderate intake)  

Alfalfa Sprouts  

Beet Greens  

Broccoli  

Spinach 

Dandelion Greens 

Bamboo Shoots  

Cabbage 

Brussels sprouts  

Garlic 

Mushrooms  

Shallots 

Kale 

Bok Choy  

Sauerkraut  

Chives 

Celery Root  

Swiss chard  

Cauliflower  

Snow Peas 

Bean Sprouts  

Olives 

Cucumbers 

Salad greens and lettuces: Romaine, Arugula, Fennel, Bok Choy, Boston lettuce, Endive, Mache, Escarole, Sorrel, Radicchio, Chicory Water Chestnuts 

Turnips 

Scallions 

Dill Pickles 

Leeks 

Radishes  

Chard 

Asparagus

4. Dairy Products

Mascarpone cheese 

Unsweetened whole milk yogurt (limit intake of this type of yogurt because it is a little high in carbs) 

All soft and hard cheeses 

Cream cheese 

Full fat sour cream (do not forget to check for additives) 

Full fat cottage cheese 

Heavy whipping cream

In any case, always go for raw milk products and if you do not have easy access to them, go for the organic ones.

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5. Beverages

Bulletproof coffee 

Decaf Tea 

Flavored seltzer water 

Decaf coffee 

Water 

Herbal tea 

Lemon and lime juice (limit intake) 

Clear broth or bouillon

6. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts: almonds, macadamias, pecans, and walnuts are the nuts with the lowest level of carbs meaning you can consume them in small amounts. Other nuts such as chestnuts, pistachios, and cashews contain a higher amount of carbs; thus, you should carefully monitor their intake. Nuts are best soaked for some time before roasted. 

Nut flours: these are necessary because while you are on this diet, it does not mean baking no longer fits into your life. Nut flours such as almond flour will suffice.

7. Sweeteners

Some options include:

Erythritol 

Splendor-liquid 

Inulin and Chicory root 

Lo Han Guo 

Liquid Stevia  

Xylitol 

Swerve

8. Spices

Here are spices allowed on the keto diet:

Sea salt 

Peppermint 

Ginger 

Basil 

Chili pepper 

Cloves 

Thyme 

Cilantro or coriander seeds  

Rosemary 

Black pepper 

Cumin seeds 

Oregano  

Turmeric 

Cayenne pepper 

Cinnamon 

Mustard seeds 

Parsley 

Dill 

Sage

As you can see from the above very detailed list, keto diet is NOT a highly-restrictive dieting lifestyle, it also offers you a variety of foods to choose from; thus, you should not feel overwhelmed.

However, there are foods you should avoid to achieve optimal ketosis as your body makes the switch from using glucose to synthesizing fats for ketones.

In the next section, we shall outline the foods you should avoid:

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Achieving Optimal Ketosis: Foods to Avoid

If you stick to the food listed in the previous section, you do not have to worry about not achieving optimal ketosis. On the same note, as you increase intake of those foods, you should also be on the lookout for the following foods that may hinder ketosis:

Avoid all grains, whole meal included (rye, wheat, oats, barley, corn, millet, rice sorghum and buckwheat). Also, avoid all products made from grains; these include foods such as crackers, pasta, pizza, and cookies.

Avoid refined fats and oils like sunflower, canola, grape seed, corn oil, soybean, and Trans-fats such as margarine. 

Avoid milk (only full-fat raw milk is acceptable). For coffee, replace milk with reasonable amounts of cream. 

Avoid tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, mango papaya, etc., and some high carb fruit.

Avoid fruit juice.

Avoid factory-farmed pork and fish.

Avoid all artificial sweeteners containing Aspartame, Sucralose, Saccharine, etc.

Avoid alcoholic sweet drinks such as beer, and sweet wine

Avoid Soy products

Now that you know what to eat and what to avoid, is there a way to guarantee faster adoption of ketosis? The answer is yes. The following section illuminates such tips:

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How to Get Into Ketosis ‘Fast’: Invaluable Tips

It takes 48 hours to get into ketosis. To get there, you must correctly adapt the keto diet. Below are tips that should help you do just that and get your body into ketosis faster:

Tip 1: To get into ketosis faster, eat less than 20g of carbs a day. 

Tip 2: Drink water, about 100 ounces per day. Drink more to lose more. 

Tip 3: Purchase some Ketosis. Getting some validation that the diet is actually working will be a great motivation to keep you on a diet considering the intimidating nature of the first few days of the diet. 

Tip 4: Do not panic. Be aware of the keto flu coming your way. The dizziness, the irritability, and fatigue you will be feeling on the first three days may have you experiencing mood swings; but don’t give in just yet. Reward yourself with bacon and delicious keto friendly foods as you crave for carbs and sugars. The craving will disappear as long as you’re full. 

Tip 5: Consume more salt. This is really important. While on a keto diet, your body does not retain water as it normally would; hence, electrolytes like sodium quickly flush out of your body. Therefore, you need constant replenishing; otherwise, you will feel awful. As indicated earlier, opt for sea salt. 

Tip 6: Never open the door to hunger. When you feel the tiniest bit of a hunger pang, immediately eat high-fat low-carb foods. The moment you get too hungry, it forms the temptation pathway. Remember: go simple. Do not over plan things because when you do, you may end up making everything strict and less fun. The keto diet is fun; keep it so. 

Tip 7: Remember: this is not a high protein diet. The keto diet is high fat, low carb, and moderate protein diet. Moderate is the key word here. 

Tip 8: Embrace the fat. Eat fat to lose fat that is your new motto. Do not shy away from the fat because it is your ticket to a healthier you.

Common Keto Diet Mistakes You Should Avoid 

Nobody is perfect, and no diet is perfect. As you adopt this diet for good health and weight loss, you are bound to make several mistakes; this is normal. The best way to avoid, or minimize the effects of mistakes is by learning and preparing for common mistakes. Below is a list of common keto diet mistakes dieters make:

Eating Too Many Carbs 

There is no exact definition of what ‘low carb’ means. Some would say it is simply anything under 100 to 150 grams a day simply because they get amazing results with this range. However, this may be excessive if your aim is to have plenty of ketones in your bloodstream. Most keto dieters go for under 50-grams of carbs per day to get into optimal ketosis. Anything beyond that is termed as excessive.

Eating Too Much Protein 

Remember: the keto diet is all about protein moderation.

Impatience 

As you adopt a keto diet, you need patience: patience to get into ketosis and patience to adapt to ketosis. Understand that previously, your body’s main source of energy was carbs; now, it has to adapt to a new source of energy, fats. The body requires time to do this; therefore, be patient.

Obsessing Over The Scale 

The number on your weigh scale should not determine your keto diet success. Let this be the least of your worries. Just live life and enjoy your diet. Weight loss will happen; do yourself a favor and keep away from that scale.

Not Eating Enough Fats 

The unrestricted consumption of fats may seem excessive. However, the keto diet is a high-fat diet. Just trust keto and enjoy the fat. However, you should eat the right kind of fats, preferably monounsaturated and saturated fats.

Eating Processed Keto’ Foods 

When you are on a keto diet, always think about it this way: the intention is to eat natural ingredients and not foods that come in wrappers such as Atkins bars and Quest bars. Although you can occasionally eat these, the idea is for a large portion of your diet (we are talking about 70-80% of your entire diet) to consist of natural ingredients.

Being After A Quick Fix 

If this is your aim, do not start the diet. The Keto diet is more of a lifestyle change than a short-term diet plan. Dropping a few pounds and then going back to your normal bad eating habits will be a waste of time.

Indecisiveness 

Half-heartedly adopting the keto diet could be the worst thing you could do to yourself because you are just wasting time. If you are not all in, you will not survive through the temporary effects that come with adopting the diet. Decide on what you want and think of everything you will gain by going keto to keep you motivated.

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Product Information

Our custom meal plan service was designed to help men and women all over the world turn their lives around and take charge of their health and figure.

The custom keto diet is a brand new product that allows someone to create their very own keto diet plan based on their food preferences, daily activity levels, height, weight and target weight goals.

We use scientific research and proven studies to create personalized ketogenic diet plans that maximize fat burning via the correct calories and macronutrients for each individual.

The customers keto diet plan is available to access immediately after payment.

Here’s what they will get:

An eight-week meal plan created based on the expertise of certified nutritionists, personal trainers, and chefs.

Meals that have calorie and macronutrient content tailored to their specific situation and goals.

A nutrition plan with food variety to ensure they will get a wide range of nutrients and boost the likelihood of sticking to their diet.

Meals that are based on personal food preferences to make their diet enjoyable and help them stay on track with their plan.

Detailed recipes with step-by-step instructions to make meal preparation super simple (no prior cooking experience needed).

A downloadable shopping list each week that details every needed ingredient they will need in the upcoming seven days.

Options on how they can customize every meal even more to suit your taste buds.

We’ll show them what to eat every day to reach their goals in the fastest and most enjoyable way.

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[angrybabylawyer]

Lawblr Themed Beers

So talking about Benevolent Overlord got me thinking about beers that give me Lawblr vibes. Also, I’m avoiding case write ups. Here is my list. These were chosen based on name/description. I hope y’all find these as entertaining as I did. Enjoy.  PLEASE tell me what y’all are drinking in these terrible times slash what beers give you lawblr vibes.

ABANDON ALL HOPE - 13.9% Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Artwork by R. Land

Abandon All Hope is an overwhelming bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. Rich notes of chocolate and oak on a pillowy blanket of vanilla come from a year spent in Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Heaven Hill 10 year, and Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select barrels and aging on fresh vanilla beans. At once overpowering you and lulling you to dreams of a distant past you can’t quite remember in a world teeming with noise and flesh, abandon all  hope ye who enter here. Orpheus Brewing

YE WHO ENTER HERE RESERVE - 12.5% Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Artwork by R. Land

Menacing in stature, Ye Who Enter Here is aged for 30 months in a single Heaven Hill bourbon barrel with Madagascar vanilla beans, Narino and Ixlama coffee beans, ghost peppers, and guajillo and Puya chiles. At once overpowering you and lulling you to dreams of a distant past you can’t quite remember in a world teeming with noise and flesh, abandon all  hope ye who enter here. Orpheus Brewing 

THE 12TH LABOR - 13.9% Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Artwork by David Hale

Menacing in stature, The 12th Labor is a huge Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout with intensely layered flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, dark fruit, and wood. You’ll be lulled to dreams of a distant past you can’t quite remember in a world teeming with noise and flesh. With each sip, The 12th Labor is a struggle at the edge of darkness. Orpheus Brewing

Benevolent Overlord - 12.2% Coffee Hazelnut Imperial Stout

We welcome our Benevolent Overlord with this double mash American Imperial Stout. Loaded with coffee and hazelnuts, complemented by flavors of milk chocolate and vanilla. At 12.2% ABV, this boozy beer will impress the most discerning rulers. Monday Night Brewing

PAIRINGS - Pizza, pork shoulder, crème brûlée

Last Will & Testament -  12% Bourbon Barrel Aged English Old Ale

Last Will And Testament is a straightforward, adjunct-free English old ale that has been aging away in bourbon barrels for fourteen months. With Maris Otter as a backbone and plenty of dark malts, this boozy 12% ABV ale has notes of caramel, raisin, and tobacco. This unapologetic liquid pulls delightful notes of vanilla and oak from the barrels, combined with the slow-sipping qualities of a fine port. Monday Night Brewing

PAIRINGS - Roast beef, pumpkin pie, double Gloucester cheese

Tears Of My Enemies - 9.3% Aged Imperial Milk Stout

There is nothing more sumptuous than the misfortune of your enemies. That dark, smoky taste of revenge takes over as it hits your lips, marching upon your tongue like an army towards certain victory. In addition to the smoke and locally-roasted Batdorf & Bronson coffee on the nose. This small batch beer was released in four different versions (one not pictured). 1) aged in rum barrels; 2) aged in brandy barrels; 3) aged in bourbon barrels; and 4) aged for several months in maple cognac barrels. This beer is roasty, chocolately, and, like the tears of your enemies, the most delicious thing you’ve ever tasted. Monday Night Brewing

PAIRINGS - Chocolate, porterhouse steaks, victory

Situational Ethics - 13.8% Aged Imperial Stout

The Situational Ethics series comes to an end this year with three dessert-inspired imperial stouts. One variant is our take on s’mores. Maple scotch barrels bring in smoky flavor while Ghirardelli milk chocolate, Ugandan and Madagascar vanilla beans, graham crackers, marshmallows, cinnamon and coffee transforms this stout into your favorite gooey, campfire treat. One is a tribute to Rocky Road ice cream—melding rye barrels, toasted macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and almonds, Madagascar vanilla beans, and Ghirardelli milk chocolate to mimic the chocolatey nuttiness of this classic ice cream. And the third bottle is an ode to vanilla affogato. With a combination of toasted coconut, Batdorf & Bronson coffee, espresso beans, and Ugandan vanilla beans, we’re able to recreate the beautiful contrast of bold espresso and sweet vanilla ice cream. Best enjoyed on its own or poured over coconut ice cream.  Monday Night Brewing

PAIRINGS - Friends, family and great conversation

Note: all of these are local (to me). When the pandemic hit I made the conscious decision to start buying my beer at the breweries around me since that way they got 100% of my monies. Also, the breweries here did legit drive throughs. I order and pay online and drive to the brewery. I show the masked person at the tent my confirmation number, they load my trunk and I drive away. It’s awesome and socially distant. 

[childhealcr]

walking into the grocery store... WHAT DOES YOUR MUSE END UP BUYING? 

bold if they buy it! italicize if they sometimes buy it strike if they don’t buy the item! bonus if you specify the kind/brand!

Milk

Butter

Coffee

Soup

Pickles

Eggs

Salad Dressing - Ranch

Cereal

Crackers

Bread

Pretzels

Vitamins

Beer

Lettuce - Iceberg

Baby Food

Ice Cream

Cat/Dog Food

Nuts

Cheese

Bananas

Chips

Celery

Cookies

Wine

Beans

Oranges

Yogurt

Grapes: Red or Green

Cheese

Spinich

Guacamole

Frozen Pizza

Strawberries

Candy

Sour Cream

Apples

Pasta

Carrots

Lettuce - Romaine

Broccoli

Potatoes

Frozen Vegetables 

Peanut Butter

Tomatoes

Orange Juice

Chicken

Apples: Red or Green

Jelly

Salsa

Asparagus

Watermelon

Brussels Sprouts

Blueberries

Nuts -- Macadamia Nuts, Peanuts, or Cashews

Pears

Energy Bars

Soda / Pop

tagged by: me because I created this

tagging: whoever wants to!

feel free to add on! REPOST DO NOT REBLOG!

[islamfakrul]

Top 10 Best nutcracker for hazelnuts [2022]

Top 10 Best nutcracker for hazelnuts [2022]

1. Anwenk Heavy Duty Nutcracker Pecan Walnut Plier Opener Tool with Wood Handle Buy On Amazon Heavy duty spring loaded nutcracker – Easy cracking nuts, pecan,hazelnuts, almonds, walnut, brazil nuts, etc. NOTE: MAY NOT WORK FOR HARD BLACK WALNUT,MACADAMIA AND SIMILAR HARD SHELL NUTS. More convenient to use compare with traditional crackers – Save using this cracker without injuring yourself with…

[subboxy]

My Keto Snack Box December 2019 Review + Coupon

This is our first review of My Keto Snack Box! We are reviewing the December 2019 box. While I have not tried the Keto diet, I "try" to eat as low carb as possible. The key word here is "try" because it's not always easy or convenient to find low carb, delicious foods or snacks. That's where My Keto Box comes in! They ship keto-friendly snacks to you so you'll have tasty low carb snacks on hand whenever you need them! If you don't know what a keto diet is, it is a low-carb (and usually high-fat) diet that will help with weight loss. When you reduce carb intake and replace it with fat intake, your body goes into a state of ketosis, which makes your body incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. Many of my friends have been on the keto diet, and I can tell you that it really helped them lose pounds. What is My Keto Snack Box? When you sign up with My Keto Snack Box, every month you will receive a box of carefully curated snacks. What you'll get: 8 to 11+ Different Keto Snack Choices Less than 5 grams of net carbs per serving Shipping: FREE (US) Where it ships to: US and International When it ships: 7th of the month DEAL: Get 11% off My Keto Snack Box using this link and coupon HOLIDAY2019 We received this box for review purposes. My Keto Snack Box December 2019 Review My Keto Snack Box arrived in a pretty heavy white and green box.

Here is our first peek into the box!

Southern Breeze Pre-Sweetened Cold Brew Half & Half Sweet Tea - 20 Single Serve Tea Bags - est. $4 This tea is already pre-sweetened with sucralose. It has 0 grams of carbs and is also zero calorie. All you need to do is steep the tea in 8 oz of cold water for 5 minutes and then pour it over cold ice. This tea actually had a real tea and lemonade (half & half), and was very sweet - just as southern sweet tea should be.

FBomb Macadamia Pecan Nut Butter - $2.79 at Target This FBomb is from FatBomb and is meant to give you a shot of energy when you need it. Fat is necessary for a keto diet, so this is a simple and easy way to get in convenient packet. This macadamia pecan with sea salt nut butter had a really rich, flavorful taste and was only 4 grams of carbs. I would definitely buy more of these in the future. They are gluten free, non-GMO, dairy-free, and peanut free.

Pro-Puffs Loaded Baked Potato - $5.99 I was quite surprised with all of the amazing loaded baked potato flavors that were in these little puffs! You can really taste creamy potato, bacon bits, green onion, sour cream and cheddar. These puffs have a total of only 3 grams of carbs and 21 grams of protein. Even better, they only have 1 gram of fat and there are only 150 calories in this single serving pouch. As a bonus, these puffs are gluten free and soy free.

KetoLogic Keto BhB Orange Mango - est. $2 This ketone supplement suppresses your appetite andd fuels both physical and mental performance. It will get you into a state of ketosis, and will give you an energy boost at the same time. You can use this to replace one meal a day. All you need to do is mix 1 packet with 8-12 ounces of water, shake, and drink slowly.

Cofo Provisions Collagen MCT Mix (Rich Chocolate) - $4.50 on Amazon.com This marine based collagen is sourced from US waters in Alaska from wild-caught fish and is non-GMO. This mix will give you mental focus and physical energy. You can mix it in coffee or tea, smoothies, soup, cereal, or water.

The Kale Factory Kale Krackers "Cheezy" Dill - est. $2 on Amazon.com I sometimes make Kale "crackers" by roasting kale in the oven with olive oil. They don't keep very well, but these Kale Krackers would! They are made with all natural ingredients including kale, flax seeds, sunflowers seeds, cashews, sesame seeds, etc. These are keto friendly because they have only 3 grams of net carbs for this entire pouch! These crackers were pretty good and had a nice crunch to them.

The Chocolate Trader Keto 80% Dark Chocolate Almond Bark - $5.99 This dark chocolate almond bark has only 2 grams of net carbs per serving, and there are 4 servings in this bag. That means there is a lot of chocolate you can eat in one sitting! Since this chocolate is sweetened with monk fruit extract, it has a slight aftertaste, but is great if you can't have chocolate on your keto or low carb diet!

Buff Bake Fuel Bar + MCT (Cinnamon Crunch) - $2.50 This Buff Bake bar tasted just like Cinnamon Toast Crunch! The whole bar has only 4 grams of net carbs and has 12 grams of plant based protein. This bar is keto friendly, vega, non-dairy, non-GMO, and gluten free. I can totally see eating these bars in the future as a convenient on the go breakfast or snack.

Good to Go Raspberry Lemon Snack Bar - $2.67 on Amazon.com This is a soft baked bar (think Nutri-Grain texture) that has only 3 grams of net carbs and 7 grams of fiber. It is made with almond flour, lemon, freeze dried rasperries, erythritol, etc. My kids tried this bar and really like it! This bar is on my buy-again list as well.

Pyure Organic Sugar-Free Harmless Hunny - $8.80 on Amazon This sugar-free honey alternative is sweetened with organic Stevia and is also non-GMO. 1 tablespoon of this hunny is only 4 grams of net carbs, which is pretty amazing! This would be great for anyone on a strict keto, diabetic, or low carb diet. While this doesn't taste like real honey, it could be a good substitute if you really miss or need a honey-like taste. There is a stevia aftertaste, so if you are used to to this, it may be a good alternative for you.

If you share you My Keto Snack Box snacks using #MyKetoSnackBox, you'll be entered to win a free 3-month subscription!

In Summary The December My Keto Snack Box had a nice assortment of super low-carb, keto friendly snacks that will make it so much easier to curb any temptation to stray from your low-carb diet. My favorite items in this box were the Good to Go Bar and Buff Bake Bar. I also really like the Dark Chocolate Almond Bark and Pro Puffs. If you or know of anyone who is trying to lose weight or get healthier on these diets, My Keto Snack Box would make a great gift for you or them! I'm excited to have these snacks at the ready now that holiday parties are getting closer! DEAL: Get 11% off My Keto Snack Box using this link and coupon HOLIDAY2019

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[galigyal]

What to eat to combat low thyroid function

VEGETABLES

Alfalfa

Artichokes

Avocado

Beets

Bell Peppers

Carrots

Celery

Cucumber

Leeks

Mushrooms

Okra

Peppers

Potatoes

Sea Vegetables

Squash

Pumpkin

Tomatoes

Zucchini

Avocado and potatoes are great source of tyrosine - hypothyroidism has been linked to low levels of this amino acid.

Artichokes double up as a powerful liver detoxifier.

Sea vegatables are rich in iodine too - you can try kelp, kombu, wakame, arame and dulse.

BEANS

Azuki Beans

Black Beans

Lima Beans

Mung Beans

Navy Beans

Pinto Beans

Red Kidney Beans

Split Peas

Beans are a rich in Iodine. They are also a good source of fiber, which is helpful as many people with hypothyroidism also suffer from constipation.

HERBS

Black Pepper

Chilies

Garlic

Ginger

Cinnamon

Tumeric

Peppermint

Cilantro

Parsley

Rosemary

Some of these herbs are brilliant for warming you up and raising your metabolism - try black pepper, chilies, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric.

Cilantro will help detox metals out of your system, especially mercury, a proven toxin for the thyroid gland.

FRUITS

Apples

Apricots

Bananas

Blueberries

Blackberries

Cherries

Cranberries

Dates

Grapefruit

Kiwi

Papaya

Pineapple

Prunes

Raspberries

Cranberries are a great source of iodine. A half a cup contains 400mcg of iodine. I recommend buying fresh or frozen cranberries and adding them to smoothies. Supermarket cranberry juice usually either contains a lot of sugar or unhealthy sweeteners.

Prunes and dates are useful but only in small quantities.

GRAINS

Amaranth

Quinoa

Buckwheat

Brown Rice

Wild Rice

Although buckwheat is technically a fruit, buckwheat products are very nutritious.

You can find all these products in various flours, pasta, cereals, and crackers.

OILS

Coconut Oil

Olive Oil

Raw Butter

Coconut oil has a naturally stimulating effect on the thyroid gland.

NUTS

Brazil Nuts

Macadamia Nuts

Hazelnuts

Coconut Meat

Brazil nuts are very high in selenium, which is needed to convert the thyroid hormone T4 to T3. Be sure to only eat 1 or 2 though, any more is too much! Only a little selenium is necessary for the thyroid to function properly.

FISH

Sardines

Red salmon

Sadly the global fish supply is poisoned with PCBS and mercury, substances that poison your thyroid and the rest of your body, so it is recommended to cut down your seafood consumption. Limit your fish dishes to a maximum of one serving a week.

Try taking an Omega-3 supplement - deficiencies of this fatty acid have been linked to lower thyroid hormone levels.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Chicken

Turkey

Beef

Lamb

Eggs

Without adequate protein, the thyroid can't function properly, even if you are taking suitable thyroid medication.

Be sure you get organic free range eggs.

Chicken and turkey contain tyrosine, an important amino acid that combines with iodine to make the thyroid gland function properly.

Commercial meat is packed with antibiotics which are disruptive to the thyroid gland - all meat consumed should be organic if possible.

Processed meats, like lunch meat, bacon, and spam, are loaded with dextrose, nitrates, sulfates, and sugars.

Smoked or vacuum packed meats are also best avoided.

[tipsycad147]

12 Uses for Rose Petals

Yvonne James-Henderson

12 Uses for Rose Petals—From the Kitchen to the Boudoir (With Recipes)

The fabled rose—queen of the plant kingdom. Did you know that there are over 100 species of roses?

While the wild roses, Rosa rugosa, are considered the queen of the roses for medicinal purposes, all roses lend their soothing and nurturing support in many ways. You need not go out into the wild to look for roses as you probably already grow some yourself, or at least know someone who does since roses are commonly grown as ornamental plants.

Although roses are fairly easy to grow, often requiring nothing more than periodic pruning, the spectacular sight and heavenly scent of the flowers do not last long and soon give way to the red coloured fruits known as rose hips. Collecting rose petals, however, is easy to do so long as one is wary of the thorns.

How to Dry Fresh Rose Petals

Rose petals are edible and can be collected at any time for this purpose. However, rose petals that are to be used in recipes or to be dried require a bit of planning. The perfect time to collect rose petals is mid-morning, on a dry day when the dew has evaporated and there’s been no rain for at least the past two days. Bring your fingers over an opened rose flower and tug gently on all the petals at once.

Roses that are ready to release their petals will fall easily into your hands while the center of the flower will remain intact to produce the rose hip soon thereafter. Petals that resist when you tug on them are not ready to be collected, and if you persist you may accidentally pull off the whole flower. While gathering your rose petals, collect them in a paper bag. This will help to absorb any moisture that may be on petals. A wooden basket will work. Only use a plastic bag as a last resort.

To dry the rose petals, simply spread newspaper on a flat surface, distribute the petals across the paper and let them air dry. They should be ready in a few days. You can also let them air dry in a dehydrator, or turn it on and use the lowest setting (95°F).

12 Creative Uses for Rose Petals

Now that you know how to collect rose petals, and you know that they are both edible and medicinal, read on to discover some of the ways you may want to experience the beneficial effects of rose petals for yourself or for your family.

1. Let Them Eat Rose Petals on Toast

Place a layer of your favourite nut butter, cheese topping, or spread on toast. Place a fresh petal on top of the spread and continue to cover with petals. Now, eat on up!

White petals make a nice contrast against the brown of a nut butter while dark, damask-coloured roses lend their perfume to the air before taking a bite.

Feel free to use a combination of colours or to try this idea with crackers and serve as interesting hors-d’oeuvres. Different colours have different tastes, so have fun experimenting!

2. Add Fragrance to Your Next Salad

Red, light pink, dark pink, white, yellow, orange, mauve, or blue—fresh rose petals make a stunning contrast against the greens in a salad. Not only do they tempt the eyes, but the nose, too. Rose petals contain anthocyanins, so feel free to indulge in these antioxidant-rich delicacies.

3. Help a Boo-Boo or a Sore Throat

Rose petals are antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic, so the next time you get a small cut while out in the garden, apply a fresh petal or two and hold in place as a protective covering. To help relieve a sore throat, infuse fresh rose petals in honey.

Simple Rose-Petal Honey Recipe

Add fresh rose petals to a mason jar and lightly pack them in. Pour honey over the petals almost to the top, and stir with a non-metallic object (a bamboo skewer works nicely) to ensure petals are coated. Add more honey to the top. Put on lid and screw cap and let them sit for 6 weeks in the cupboard.

Strain out rose petals using a sieve, pushing down on the rose petals to extract all of the honey with the back of a spoon or, make this task easier by using a nut milk bag. Store your rose-petal honey in a cool, dry place.

Add a teaspoon or two to some warm tea to nix a sore throat “in the bud” (at the first sign of a sore throat).

4. Move Blood, or Stop Diarrhoea

Rose tea makes an excellent emmenagogue to help move blood and quell cramps during menstruation. Rose tea can also help to curb diarrhoea since roses are astringent (wild rose being especially so).

Rose Tea Recipe

Fill a mason jar to the top with slightly packed dried petals. Pour boiling water over the roses, to the top of the jar. Place lid and screw cap on; let sit 4 hours to overnight. Strain out petals using a sieve, squeezing out the excess tea from the flowers. (You can also use a nut milk bag: Place nut milk bag in a bowl, pour tea into the bag, close the bag and squeeze out the liquid.)

To help relieve menstrual cramps or diarrhoea, drink 2–3 cups per day.

5. Soothe and Nourish Your Skin

Roses are considered to be cooling and hydrating, and they offer their soothing energy to help with both irritated and dehydrated skin when made into a floral water. While you can buy rose floral water, you might want to try your hand at this homemade version.

Rose Floral Water Recipe

You’ll need:

A large pot A heat-proof bowl about the same size as the pot (although you can make a smaller bowl work) A brick or another heat-proof bowl to hold up the first bowl Plenty of ice Approximately 4–6 cups of fresh rose petals Some spring water A turkey baster Clean spritz bottle (optional) A funnel (optional, but if you’re using the spritz bottle, this makes pouring the Rose Floral Water into it a lot easier)

Place the brick in the bottom of the pot and place the bowl on top of the brick. If you don’t have a brick, use an inverted bowl and place the first bowl on top of the inverted bowl. Next, place fresh rose petals in the pot all around the bowl. The rose petals should come up halfway to the bowl—use about 4–6 cups of fresh petals. Add spring water to cover the roses. Place the lid on the pot and turn on the heat to medium-high. When the water starts boiling, lower the heat to medium. Invert the lid of the pot and add ice to the lid.

It works like this: The rose petals in the water are simmering in the pot. The rose water rises to the top of the pot (vaporisation), where it meets the cold lid. Condensation forms on the lid and then it drops back into the bowl. The liquid collected in the bowl is now floral water!

Since the ice will melt, use the turkey baster to suck up the excess water. Continue to add fresh ice for the next 20–30 minutes. You can check after 15 minutes to make sure there is still water in the pot. Let everything cool, and then pour the floral water into a clean spritz bottle (using a funnel makes this task a lot easier).

To use as a gentle toner for the face, help soothe irritated skin (including acne and sunburn), or help rehydrate skin, simply spritz on face after a shower, after being out in the garden/sun for too long, or as needed.

6. Ease Your Pain

Since roses are well-known for their emollient and healing properties, they nourish all kinds of skin types, including skin with rosacea and eczema. Roses are also great for soothing pain and easing taut nerves when made into a simple massage oil.

Rose-Petal Oil Recipe

Fill a mason jar with slightly packed fresh rose petals. Pour olive or sweet almond oil over the petals. Mix to coat the petals with the oil—a bamboo skewer makes a good stirring stick. After mixing, add more oil to the top of the jar. Place lid and screw cap on, let sit 6 weeks in the cupboard, then strain out the rose oil (yes, a nut milk bag or sieve will work). Store your oil in a dark amber bottle.

Variations: To extend the shelf life of your oil, you can add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. To make your facial oil more nourishing, you can use walnut or macadamia oil (highly nourishing for dry, sensitive, or mature skin). You can also add in several drops of rose hip seed oil (purchase in health food stores), if desired.

7. Open the Love Center

Roses have long been associated with love, and they are known to help open the heart chakra. They have also been known to help mend a broken heart. Try this sweet and simple recipe for a little emotional healing.

Rose Glycerite Recipe

Fill a mason jar to the top with slightly packed fresh rose petals. Pour food-grade glycerine over the rose petals, stirring to ensure they are coated (a bamboo skewer works well for this). Add more glycerine to the top. Put on the lid and screw cap and store in the cupboard for 6 weeks. Use a nut-milk bag or sieve to strain out the liquid, pressing or squeezing on the petals to extract all of the liquid. Store the rose glycerine in a dark amber bottle that has a cap affixed with a dropper.

You can carry this bottle around with you. Whenever you need a little emotional re-balancing, take 20–30 drops in a glass of water. Glycerine is 60% as sweet as sugar, so consider this a sweet “medicine” indeed!

8. Uplift Your Spirits

Roses are known for helping to decrease stress, tension, and depression, and to lighten the mood. So why not indulge in a 0 calorie pick-me-up with some Rose Petal Jell-O?

Rose Petal Jell-O Recipe

To 2 cups of rose tea (see #4 above), add a teaspoon of stevia, or more, according to your taste. Put the tea in a glass or ceramic pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add in 1 package of gelatin, stirring to dissolve about 2 minutes; then put in the fridge to set.

Note: Different roses yield different-tasting Jell-O. How strong or weak you make the tea also affects the taste. For example, try using 1/2 oz. rose petals in 1 litre of water if you think it’s too strong, or add in 1 1/2 oz. petals to 1 litre of water for a stronger taste.

Variations: To sweeten the Jell-O more, try adding in a tablespoon of rose glycerite (see #7 above), plus stevia to taste. Since gelatin is great for the skin, you can add in 2 packages of gelatin instead of one.

9. Add Fragrance to Your Unmentionables

Rose petals are commonly used in potpourri, so why not make your own? It’s cheap and easy. While you can add dried rose petals to mini organza bags (purchase in stores or online), for a dirt-cheap DIY solution, simply add dried petals to a paper envelope, seal it and slip it in your drawer.

You could also make your own bag with some leftover fabric scraps. Use shears to cut a square or circle in a piece of fabric. Add a few rose petals to the centre, gather the edges together, then secure with a rubber band. Finally, add a ribbon to hide the rubber band.

If you’d like a stronger scent, add a few drops of rose essential oil. If you’d like the scent to last longer, add 1 tablespoon orris root powder to every 2 cups of rose petals.

10. Entice You, Entice Me

It’s no secret that roses are an aphrodisiac. Indeed, rose petal tea helps to tonify both the male and female reproductive systems. In men, it helps to speed up sperm motility, thereby helping with fertility. In women, the bioflavonoids in roses help with the production of estrogen. And the phytosterols in roses help both sexes to balance their hormones. Although you can get some of this love action by sipping on a cuppa rose tea (see #4 to learn how to make rose tea), try using rose tea instead of water the next time you cook rice, quinoa, millet, or your other favourite grains.

11. A Romantic Dinner for Two

Roses have long been associated with love ,and they are also aromatic. Try adding some romance to the dinner table with this simple recipe: Use equal parts rose tea (see #4 above) and apple cider vinegar with the “mother.” Store in a spray bottle. To use: Spritz on salads to lend some romance. You can also pair this with oil to make a romantic rosy salad dressing.

12. Relax in Luxury

What else can I say, roses are simply luxurious! Restorative and relaxing, rose petals are known to calm the mind. So the next time you want some “me time,” unwind by adding rose petals to your bath. Simply add a small handful of dried rose petals to the centre of a face cloth, tie with elastic bands, secure the cloth over the faucet and run the water. Or you can add the facecloth directly to the bath water. Add in some Epsom salts or sea salts and let the fragrance of the roses envelop you in serenity.

Goddess Bless! GrannyMoon

★☽✪☾★ http://GoddessSchool.com https://twitter.com/GrannyMooninVA https://grannymoon.wordpress.com/

[fitnesstale]

Healthy Fat Foods for Your Diet: A Guide to Choosing Healthy Fats

Since time immemorial, fats have been at the receiving end of all flak and unnecessary scrutiny. Fats have to bear the brunt for being “unhealthy”, as the narrative goes. Thus, dietary fat has got a very bad reputation. Low-fat, reduced fat and fat-free foods are marketed as being nutritionally better for us, some of which are actually better while some aren’t. But the fact remains that fat is one of the main nutrients. Fat, along with protein and carbohydrates, provides energy to the body in the form of calories. It also works to store extra calories, is good for skin and hair, and insulates the body. However, eating fat in excess has a downside- it can lead to obesity and overweight and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. But not all fats are the same. Although we need fat in our diet, we should eat fats in moderation and choose them carefully. By knowing and understanding the difference between good and bad fats and how to incorporate more healthy fat in your diet, you can improve your mood, boost your energy and well-being, and even lose weight!

What are Dietary Fats

Similar to nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, some vitamins and minerals, fats also hold some benefitting properties. Fat is an example of a nutrient and your body needs it for energy, to absorb vitamins, and to protect your heart from any damage and improve your brain health. In spite of what you are always told, fat isn’t always the culprit for your ill-health. “Bad” fats, namely artificial trans fats and saturated fats, are actually responsible for the unhealthy things all fats have been blamed for, for instance, weight gain and clogged arteries. But “good” fats such as unsaturated fats and omega-3s are far from unhealthy. They are key in helping you manage your moods, affect your mind in a positive way, fight fatigue, and even control your weight.

Know The Difference

Unsaturated fats are “good” fats found mainly in vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish. At room temperature, these fats are liquid, not solid. There are two broad categories of good fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are abundantly found in most nuts, soy products, olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, avocados, tuna, and salmon.

Saturated fats are the “bad” kind and are found in meat and other animal products, such as butter, cheese, and all milk except skim. Saturated fats are also in palm and coconut oils, which are often used in baked goods found at the stores in your vicinity.

Trans fats are the worst kind of dietary fat, found in stick and some other types of margarine. They can also be found in certain snack foods that you buy at the store or in a restaurant, baked goods, and fried foods.

Good Fats

The advantages of good fats are many. Not only are they good for physical health but they also play part in maintaining your mental and emotional health.

Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Lower bad LDL cholesterol levels, while increasing good HDL.

Prevent abnormal heart rhythms.

Lower triglycerides associated with heart disease and fight inflammation.

Keep blood pressure normal.

Prevent atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries).

The following sources are rich in monounsaturated fats:

Olive, canola, peanut, and sesame oils

Avocados

Olives

Nuts (almonds, peanuts, macadamia, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews)

Peanut butter

Following are the sources of polyunsaturated fat:

Sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds

Flaxseed

Walnuts

Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, sardines) and fish oil

Soybean and safflower oil

Soymilk

Tofu

Bad Fats

Trans Fats

Small amounts of naturally occurring trans fats can be found in meat and dairy products but it’s actually artificial trans fats that are considered harmful for the body. This is the worst type of fat since it not only raises bad LDL cholesterol but also lowers good HDL levels. Artificial trans fats can also cause inflammation, which is further linked to heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions and contributes to insulin resistance, which increases your risk of catching Type 2 diabetes.

Following are the sources of Trans Fats:

Commercially-baked pastries, cookies, doughnuts, muffins, cakes, pizza dough

Packaged snack foods (crackers, microwave popcorn, chips)

Stick margarine, vegetable shortening

Fried foods (French fries, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, breaded fish)

Saturated Fat

Even though saturated fat is not as dangerous as the trans fat, it sure can raise bad LDL cholesterol and thus can negatively impact heart health. So it’s usually advised to keep a check on these fats as well. Consuming a negligible amount of 10% every day is good, for starters.

Primary sources of saturated fat:

Red meat (beef, lamb, pork)

Chicken skin

Whole-fat dairy products (milk, cream, cheese)

Butter

Ice cream

Lard

Tropical oils such as palm oil

Omega-3s- The Saviour

Research has revealed that a diet rich in omega-3s may help in:

Preventing and lessening the symptoms of depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder

Protecting against memory loss and dementia

Reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer

Providing relief in arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory skin conditions

Supporting a healthy pregnancy

Fighting fatigue, sharpen your memory, and balance your mood

Go for Healthy oils

It is better to use organic, un-hydrogenated vegetable oils such as olive, canola, safflower, and sunflower oil whenever possible.

Choose less processed oils, such as cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil as they contain potentially beneficial phytochemicals.

When using olive oil, go for “extra virgin”. It contains additional heart benefits over regular olive oil.

Bottomline

Limiting your intake of “bad” fat is imperative to extract maximum benefits out of fats in general. Following tips will guide you towards a better fat-rich diet.

Try to eliminate trans fats from your diet. The best idea is to check food labels for trans fats. Restricting commercially-baked goods and fast food sure goes a long way.

Lower your intake of saturated fats by replacing some of the red meat you eat with beans, nuts, poultry, and fish. But don’t make the mistake of replacing saturated fat with refined carbohydrates and sugary foods.

Eat omega-3 fats every day. Include a variety of fish sources as well as plant sources such as walnuts, ground flax seeds, flaxseed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil.

Cook with olive oil. Use olive oil for stovetop cooking rather than butter, stick margarine, or lard.

Eat more avocados. Try them in sandwiches or salads or make guacamole. Along with being loaded with heart- and brain-healthy fats, they make for a filling meal.

Nuts should be the call of your gut. You can add nuts to vegetable dishes, use them instead of breadcrumbs on chicken or fish, or make your own trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

[adambstingus]

‘It’s flavourful as hell’: welcome to Hawaii’s annual Spam festival

In Britain its a joke. In Hawaii its a delicacy. Why does the luncheon meat have such a cult following?

Not even the drizzle can deter the crowds unspooling along Hawaiis Waikiki Beach. As late April showers fall upon Kalakaua Avenue, the roads are lined three-deep with sunburned tourists, surfer bros and silver-haired pensioners. Their colourful T-shirts, flower garlands and fancy dress costumes are soaked by rain, but eagerly they wait. Suddenly, a chorus of tiny ukuleles starts to play. The procession begins. Are they waiting to pay homage to a visiting dignitary or religious leader? No. Theyre here to celebrate Hawaiis favourite food: the immortal luncheon meat called Spam.

I join snaking queues for seemingly endless food stalls, each dish more absurd than the last: Spam pizza, Spam fried rice, Spam crackers, Spam pho, deep-fried mac and cheese bites (with Spam) and, of course, Spam fritters. I spot some Spam-infused macadamia nuts, and a slab of grilled Spam atop sticky rice, doused in soy and bound with seaweed: Spam sushi. Theres even Spam dipped in chocolate.

Serious Spam fans are focused on buying up rare flavours such as Spam Mezclita, Spam Tocino and Spam Portuguese Sausage. Others snap selfies beneath a giant arch of Spam cans, or gawp at a catamaran festooned with Spam tins. Kids try their luck at the Spam wheel of fortune, hoping to take home a branded T-shirt or headphones. I stumble into a king-sized Spam can made of foam, with human arms and legs sticking out. Inside is Honolulu Foodbank employee John Valdez. What would Hawaii be without Spam? he shouts through the costume. It would be boring!

Welcome to Spam Jam, the largest gathering of tinned pork enthusiasts on Earth. Today, I am one of 20,000 fans at the 15th annual event. The residents of Americas 50th state eat more Spam per capita than anywhere on earth, with Hawaiian steak found on five-star restaurant menus and at McDonalds. Last year, 8m cans were sold here and thats just the regular-sized ones, not counting Spam Singles, Spam Spread or smaller tins. But its not just Hawaii that adores Spam: in time for Spams 80th birthday on 5 July, global can sales topped 8bn.

Cans of Spam on display at the Spam Jam. Photograph: Marco Garcia for the Guardian

In Britain, Spam is derided as fish bait, furniture varnish or gun grease; there have long been rumours that it contains pigs lips, snouts, trotters and tail. In fact, it lists just a half-dozen ingredients: pork with ham (Two cuts of the pig. One perfectly tender and juicy flavour), water, salt, sugar, potato starch and sodium nitrite. Spams makers are keen to point out that theres no hidden scrapings or useless bits of pork, and that its all from the shoulder or rear. In fact, at 90% pork, Spam rivals some luxury sausages. Yet in the UK its reputation is up there with Turkey Twizzlers, while its high salt and fat content make it the kind of processed food we now avoid for our health. If Spam is known in Britain as a culinary punchline, why is it so popular across the Atlantic?

In Austin, Minnesota, population 24,716, all roads lead to Spam. Spamtown USA, as it is sometimes known, is a cutesy, model version of a city, all straight lines and artificial lakes. It was here in 1891 that George A Hormel founded a family meatpacking firm that would one day become a Fortune 500 mainstay, employing one in six of Austins inhabitants. Hormels got his feet sticking out the window again, schoolchildren used to say, when the porky odour floated out factory doors.

Georges son, Jay Hormel, was a born opportunist: as a child, hed pay two cents for housewives unwanted sink grease, then hawk it to his fathers soap-making divisionfor twice the price. In 1929, he succeeded George as president and soon came up with a way to make use of rarely butchered pork shoulder meat. He adapted a Napoleonic food preservation technique, adding salt and sodium nitrite to keep it pink and ward off botulism, and at the same time making it indefinitely edible. By 1942, Hormel Foods was selling $120m- worth of Spam a year.

Anne and Mark I Love Spam Benson are in town to marry at the local Spam museum. Photograph: Marco Garcia for the Guardian

Hormel-owned structures still dominate Austins skyline. Theres the stinky plant, rolling office blocks and the Hormel Institute, a biomedical research centre. The apex of the citys microscopic tourist industry is a newly revamped Spam museum, an Ikea-coloured time capsule of social, military and pop culture history. With Spam print beanbags, touch-sensitive screens and a jungle gym, the museum is aimed at the meat lovers of tomorrow, but when I visit it is also packed with elderly locals and Mormon missionaries. Inside, a bespectacled tour guide finds everything Spamazing, including a production line of cans that whizz overhead like Scalextric.

It is the meat that won the war, my guide cheerily informs me. During the second world war, allied soldiers consumed 68,000 tonnes of Spam, but Jay Hormel was devastated by the hate mail he received. The language people use! he told the New Yorker in 1945. If they think Spam is terrible, they ought to have eaten the bully beef we had in the last war. Hormel died in 1954, before President Eisenhower sent a letter with a personal pardon. I ate my share of Spam Ill even confess to a few unkind remarks about it, he wrote, on the firms 75th anniversary in business. But as former commander-in-chief, I believe I can still officially forgive you your only sin: sending us so much of it.

Spam couture. Photograph: Marco Garcia for the Guardian

Today, the Spam museum is hosting its first wedding. Tying the knot are an eccentric British couple, Anne Mousley, 33, and Mark Benson, 42. A smiley care worker from Liverpool, Benson recently changed his middle name by deed poll to I Love Spam.His grandfather worked in Liverpools Spam factory after the war. No prizes for guessing the wedding buffet. Its like nothing else, says Benson of his favourite food, which he eats at least twice a week. Bit of a bacon flavour, bit of a porky flavour. Its totally unique. Spam aficionados of such calibre are rare, although I do learn of one Nebraskan man who in 2007 survived a 30-day Spam-only eating challenge.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, second only to America for Spam consumption, profits are booming. During the lunar new year, Spam is given as a gift, and budae jjigae, a Spam-infused army stew from the second world war, remains popular.

I learn that island territories such as Guam and Micronesia see Spam as a life-saver. During extreme weather, Spams limitless shelf life makes it a Pacific Islanders best friend. Later, I speak to a wild-haired Spam celebrity in rural Alaska, known as Mr Whitekeys. For 26 years, he ran a Spam-themed bar, complete with frequent Spammer cards buy 10 meals, get one free. If you want meat, you gotta have Spam, he says via Skype. Why? You cant get fresh supplies in large amounts, and half the time you dont have refrigeration.

Back in sunny Hawaii, breakfast beers are noisily slammed on a plastic folding table. Three miles from Waikiki Beach, I am mingling with professional chefs at the esteemed Kakaako farmers market, surrounded by organic produce and artisanal pasta. Keen to know what islanders really think of Spam, I talk to chef Mark Gooch Noguchi, 43, who runs the Pili Group, a culinary movement based around healthy, sustainable food. The opposite, one would assume, of Spam.

Spam-based dishes on display at Spam Jam 2017. Photograph: Marco Garcia for the Guardian

But I love, love, love Spam, Noguchi tells me, unprompted, between swigs of beer, dressed in shorts, flip-flops and a loud flowery shirt. We grew up on it, he explains, passing me a pan-fresh beef taco. I remember when I was cooking in New York, other chefs would joke with me, like, Ha, you guys eat Spam, he says. But our parents had gone through the second world war. The big joke among local people is that if you visit your grandparents and look downstairs, theres six cases of toilet paper, four cases of paper towels and three cases of Spam. In Hawaii, Spam is the cement that bonds its many cultures from Japanese, Filipino and Hawaiian native, through to mainland United States. Noguchi proudly boasts that locals can tell Spam from its canned-pork competitors Tulip and Treet. Elsewhere, Spam is slowly being appropriated by hipster culture, just like scotch eggs and avocado before it. Its both an indulgence of nostalgia and two fingers up to eating clean. In Londons Soho, Jinjuu restaurant makes a Spamarita cocktail, mixing Spam-infused Ocho tequila with mezcal, pineapple, citrus, mandarin orange and agave nectar. And Saint Marc, an upscale restaurant in Huntington Beach, California, has a hidden Spam speakeasy known as the Blind Pig.

Flipping Spam burgers. Photograph: Marco Garcia for the Guardian

Its revered, man, says Nina Pullella, 36, a chef I meet at Kakaako market. I think its the challenge of taking a can off the shelf this strange food from the second world war and doing something spectacular. Pullella is a vegan, from New Jersey via Italy, yet she still oozes praise for Spam as an ingredient (Its flavourful as hell, right?). After three hours at the market, I find just one person down on Spam. And she wont talk on record. Are you kidding? Ill have the whole island on my back, she whispers.

Night falls on Waikiki Beach. As the raindrops evaporate, a female rock band loudly tests the suspension of a flatbed stage. There is a snaking queue for OnoPops, an ice-cream company that flogs a Spam-based popsicle. Its a heartstrings thing, explains owner Josh Lanthier-Welch, 46, a stout man with a goatee. Though a Spam devotee, he warns of the dangers of excess: The Spam musubi [sushi] is a symbol of whats wrong with the local diet. It is so beloved, but living on Spam, white rice and nori will kill you.

As the festival comes to a close, I decide to break my 20-plus years of Spam abstinence (I havent touched the stuff since childhood). Im handed a skewer of cold cubed Spam and crunchy vegetables. I sink my teeth into the soft meat, and am transported back to my youth. The salty, pork-ish flavour wafts up my nostrils. I feel dirty and a little bit sick. Next I try a hot Spam katsu sandwich, from Hula Grill. I take a small bite. Then a larger one. It has a deep, smoky bacon flavour, offset by rich katsu sauce. It is, Im almost embarrassed to say, tremendous. Spam tempura fries, Spam corn dogs and Spam dim sum soon follow.

As I chew, I wonder if Spam deserves its reputation. Perhaps Brits just lack the imagination to cook Spam right. Or maybe, like KitKats in Japan or David Hasselhoffs mega-stardom in Germany, Spam should simply remain a pop culture anomaly the American Marmite that one either loves or hates.

Spam-flavoured macadamia nuts. Photograph: Marco Garcia for the Guardian

Spam fritters

Serves three.

340g Spam (ie, 1 can) 150g plain flour 225ml cold water 3 tbsp olive oil Buttered roll (optional) Cut the Spam lengthways into six thick slices. Put the flour in a mixing bowl and slowly introduce the water, whisking, until you have a smooth batter.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Dip each slice of Spam in the batter mix, shake to drain off any excess and lay in the hot pan. When its golden and crisp on one side, flip and repeat until its brown and crisp on both sides.

Serve in a buttered roll, if desired, with chips and peas on the side.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/10/08/its-flavourful-as-hell-welcome-to-hawaiis-annual-spam-festival/ from All of Beer https://allofbeercom.tumblr.com/post/166161920897

[greatdaysoutuk]

Healthy Food Items You Need to Have in Your Kitchen

If you are going to stock up on essential items for your kitchen, make sure that you add these healthy food options to your next grocery shopping list.

Coronavirus caught everyone around the world off guard. People rushed to the grocery stores getting what they considered as “essentials”. However, most of the items you would see in carts are canned goods and boxes of processed foods.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, taking extra precautions such as social distancing, regular and thorough hand washing, and getting enough rest are always mentioned in the news. What many people often miss, however, is the importance of maintaining a healthy diet to keep a strong immune system. The lack of outdoor activities and the opportunity to go out as often as before has put more emphasis on maintaining a healthy diet.

So, how do you really keep a healthy diet in a crisis like a pandemic? Well, there are countless ways, and one of the easiest is to stock up on healthy food. Here are some great healthy food options you should get in the grocery stores the next time you’re out.

For the pantry

These items usually last longer, so stock up on these and always have a healthy snack on hand.

Dried beans and lentils

These are great sources of fibre, protein, and essential minerals. They are easy to cook and prepare. You can get them in bags, as they’re much cheaper than those in cans. They can be stocked for up to two years.

Protein powder

Protein powder isn’t something that you would usually think about stocking up on. But this is an essential item to have because it is a good nutritional supplement, especially with the limited resources available during these times of lockdown. Protein is an essential macronutrient that is needed by the body to function.

If you are looking to enjoy other health benefits such as toning your muscles and aiding in weight loss, then that should motivate you to get them. You can learn more about the benefits of protein powders and what are the best ones to get through this link: https://totalshape.com/supplements/best-unflavored-protein-powder/.

Rice and whole grains

Brown, red, or black rice are better than polished white rice. Aside from carbs, they are filled with fibre, protein, and other essential minerals like thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, etc.

Whole grains like barley, buckwheat, and quinoa are great, too. They are super easy to prepare and they can last up to six months.

Other forms of whole grains

Whole grains can come in different forms, such as crackers and pasta. For crackers, choose a brand with at least 2g of fibre to make sure it doesn’t contain trans-fat.

Whole grain pasta is way healthier than its enriched counterpart. Choose those with omega-3 fatty acids and extra protein.

For whole grain bread, choose those with at least 2g of fibre per slice.

Oatmeal

Choose whole and unflavoured instant oats. There are lots of options out there. If you’re fancy, you can opt for the organic ones. You can easily top this with fresh fruits for a filling and nutritious breakfast.

Nuts and seeds

Choose almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia, sunflower, walnuts, etc. They are rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Dried meat

Beef jerkies are packed with protein while being low in carbs. They are shelf-stable, too, as they are designed to last up to two years. Make sure to store them in a ziplock and keep them in a fridge.

Peanut butter

It’s super versatile, and kids love it, too. It is cheap and healthy, as it packs mono and polyunsaturated fats, protein, and potassium. Peanut butter is great for apples, bananas, pretzels, sandwiches, etc.

For the fridge

You can have these food meals and snacks. However, keep in mind that they’re still perishable, so don’t buy too much and take note of their shelf life.

Fresh fruits and veggies

You should have at least one washed fruit inside your fridge. Keep it in a plastic container, and give it to your kids as a snack.

For the veggies, make sure you wash the fresh vegetables and chop them before storing them in the fridge. You can also pick pre-wash and pre-cut vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, etc. These are great for salads or steaming.

Milk

Fresh milk offers a quick solution for nutritious breakfast bowls. You can choose either fortified soy milk or skim milk for your kids.

Hummus

Dip crackers or carrots into a chickpea spread for a healthy snack.

Low-fat yogurt

This is packed with protein, calcium, essential vitamins, and probiotics. You can add fresh fruits, dried fruits, or granola for a healthier snack.

100% fruit juice

You can dilute concentrated juice with water for a healthier refreshing drink.

For the freezer

With a full freezer, you won’t need to worry about running out of ingredients. These meats can last for months inside your freezer.

Salmon

Salmon is one of the best food items you can stock up in your freezer. This is a low-mercury fish so it is completely safe to consume, plus it’s healthy. It is a great alternative to cod and tilapia while being a nutritious source of protein. Make sure you learn more about the healthy protein food sources to add to your daily diet.

Chicken breast

There are countless healthy recipes out there for chicken breast. This part packs a lot of protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, calcium, zinc, and more.

Frozen vegetables

This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add some nutrients to your meals or snacks. Vegetables can be stored for up to 10 months and can be prepped in minutes (using the stove or microwave).

Lean ground beef

Like chicken, you will never run out of healthy recipes for lean ground beef. Choose 90% lean meat.

[wineanddinosaur]

How the Hotel Minibar Got Its Booze Back

“I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with the minibar based on how expensive yet convenient it can be,” says Dave Heinzinger, vice president of NYC’s Haymaker Group.

He’s not alone. According to data collected by PKF Hospitality Research, in-room spending on food and drinks plummeted 28 percent from 2007 to 2012. Like many time-honored institutions, minibars are having a 21st-century identity crisis. Once a symbol of globe-trotting adulthood, they’ve started to seem bulky and old-fashioned, hulking IBM desktops in a room of iPhones.

How should we feel about them, then? On the one hand, there’s singular comfort in knowing a bottle of Dewar’s and bag of M&Ms lie within arm’s reach. Then again, we don’t really need either because we have unfettered access to delivery apps and cool lobby bars.

Now, in hopes of regaining our unconditional allegiance, hotel minibars are entering their third act. Smart hoteliers are reinvesting in them, improving tech and stocking better, more thoughtful snacks and drinks. Suddenly, against all odds, minibars are poised to rebound. Market research firm Hexa recently predicted hotel minibars will generate $1.49 billion by 2024.

Minibars are getting their booze back — and we’re still buying.

*

When the Hilton Hong Kong debuted the industry’s first alcoholic minibars, in 1974, they were enormously successful. In-room beverage sales increased 500 percent, according to a 2013 article in The Atlantic, and company profits climbed approximately 5 percent.

Boozy minibars were soon at every Hilton, and then at most chains worldwide. By the 1990s, any hotel worth its salted peanuts outfitted rooms with a chest of sweet and savory snacks plus liquor, beer, and wine.

Convenience was paramount, competition was scarce, and markups were considerable. A single bottle of water might run you $5 or much, much more.

Prices were also wildly inconsistent by destination and hotel brand. In 2013, Lastminute.com, a travel retailer in the U.K., surveyed 500 hotel minibars worldwide. Guests thirsty for a small bottle of sparkling wine might pay anywhere from €3.60 in Budapest (equivalent to approximately $5 in 2013), to €128 in Kuala Lumpur (about $177).

It became too much for the market to bear. We stopped indulging. Sales dropped and, in a 2014 TripAdvisor survey of travelers’ favorite hotel amenities, minibars came in dead last.

“I think consumers just started getting really annoyed with feeling like they’re getting nickel and dimed for minibars,” says Deanna Ting, senior associate editor, Skift and Skift Table.

Our once-shiny new toy was now disappointing all parties. Labor costs and faulty tech made minibars expensive liabilities for hotels. In a 2014 article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee’s Ambassador Hotel estimated that 90 percent of its automated minibar charges were errors. That’s a lot of indignant guests at checkout.

Many hotel brands started dialing minibars back, either removing them from rooms or leaving them empty for guests to stock or ignore at will. “We don’t want to sell mini-macadamia nuts for $8.50. It’s not what people want,” Simon Dell, then the vice president of operations for ONYX Hospitality Group, told CNN in 2014.

Besides, at this point, guests had other options. Seamless and GrubHub merged in 2013, improving and diversifying in-room delivery choices. Postmates launched in 2011, Drizly in 2012, and DoorDash in 2013.

“You can get everything on demand,” Skift’s Ting says. “If I really want something, I can just Uber Eats it, or use DoorDash.” Even with tax and tip, delivery costs are reliably less than if you order room service or open something in the room — provided there even is a minibar to raid.

And if you do muster the energy to head downstairs, there might be a really cool scene waiting. Ting has noticed more hotels investing in public spaces because modern travelers want great bars and restaurants more than armoires or multiple luggage racks.

“You see that with the shrinkage of the room sizes, too,” Ting says. Hotels figure, “‘You don’t need a big room, you’re not going to be in there very long!’” he says.

It’s sound logic. Since guests are dropping less cash in their rooms, hotels are enticing them to spend elsewhere. A 2018 study by consulting firm Technomic found that, as minibar and room service profits have declined, the total amount that hotel guests spent on food and beverage grew 5.5 percent, year over year, since 2011.

When an Ace Hotel opened in NYC in 2009, it had the city’s first Stumptown coffee shop and a perpetually thronged restaurant. I worked nearby, and, one day, in 2011, I suggested a friend visiting from Philadelphia meet me in the lobby for a drink. It was packed with hoodie-wearing CEOs illuminated by MacBooks and glamorous-looking people sipping cocktails at 3:00 p.m. on a weekday.

“It’s very, um, 21st century in here,” my friend commented. He wasn’t staying in the hotel.

Despite these setbacks, minibars are currently ready to reboot. Hotels, for their part, certainly haven’t given up on capturing your in-room dollar.

In October 2018, Bloomberg’s Kerry Medina reported on the birth of the “maxi-bar.” Instead of a middling mini-fridge, top-tier hotel rooms have chic bar carts with premium spirits, garnishes, glassware, and recipe books. Trolleys roam hallways dispensing Campari sodas, and cocktail butlers can be summoned to make you drinks in your suite.

Technology is improving, too. Silicon Valley hotels were among the first to install Plum Wine Dispensers. These devices resemble coffee machines and draft temperature-preserved wines by the glass, so guests don’t have to open and pay for an entire bottle.

“The overarching theme is the industry is trying to be more thoughtful about minibars,” Ting says. For a generation weaned on customization and localization, minibars stocked with macro beers, industrially produced wine, and CVS snacks can seem as outdated as the big-box chain hotels from whence they came. Some hotels have started swapping in items that reflect their destinations, such as in-room drafts of local beer at the W Costa Rica, and Korean-American snacks at The Line Hotel in L.A.’s Koreatown.

Every innovation inspires blowback. We might get to a point where we walk into hotel rooms and groan at the sight of craft beers and artisanal crackers seasoned with herbs from the hotel’s rooftop potager. When that day comes, rest assured, hotels will try to find something else to tempt you.

What we want when we’re sleeping in a strange place is comfort and connection, and so the appeal of minibars is eternal. It transcends nips of Dewar’s and made-to-order Campari sodas. At their best, minibars provide snack-sized adventures coupled with unapologetic self-care. They eagerly cater to our cravings with hefty taxes but zero judgment. Sometimes, salvation gets itemized on your bill at checkout.

The article How the Hotel Minibar Got Its Booze Back appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/hotel-minibar-booze/

[taniasinel]

~how to charcuterie~

I love making charcuterie boards for guests. They are simple, they contain healthy food options, and there's always something for everyone. 

When I first started making them I was a little intimidated, but they really are easy to put together.

There's just a few things to remember.

You don't need to follow the exact foods in my example.

I used pistachios, but any nuts will do.

I like to use almonds and macadamia nuts as well.

Salame is always a good option, but you can also use deli meats, or a combination of both.

Some sort of fruit is always good. I like using grapes because they require no prep work other than to wash them. However, sliced pears drizzled with honey looks and tastes great. Apple slices work well too.

Cheeses- I feel like everyone loves brie, so I always try to include that cheese. The other cheeses I like to use are gouda, but pre sliced cheddars or havartis are nice too.

A combination of soft and hard cheeses are nice.

Crackers can be pita chips, sliced ciabatta, or any party crackers.

I like to buy the variety packs so I have a little of each.

Cherry tomatoes add nice color, as well as the apricots. 

Placing some items in little bowls like I did the olives and nuts adds a nice layer and keeps foods from touching and rolling off the board.

Also, you don't need to use a wooden board if you don't have one. I like to use square plates like this one, or long rectangular trays like this one.

Have fun with it! There is no science to it, just put it together until you think it looks nice and there is good variety and color!

Make sure you have cute cheese knives for your guests to use as well!

xoxo

from My Sweet Savannah http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2018/08/how-to-charcuterie.html

[cookingawe]

Yogurt Chia Seed Pudding - Slender Kitchen

New Post has been published on http://cookingawe.com/yogurt-chia-seed-pudding-slender-kitchen/

Yogurt Chia Seed Pudding - Slender Kitchen

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This simple Yogurt Chia Seed Pudding is the best way to make chia seed pudding. Thr yogurt makes the chia seed pudding super creamy and delicious.

Chia seed pudding has become one of my favorite breakfasts and snacks, however, sometimes I want the pudding to be a bit thicker. When that happens, I like to replace half of the milk I would usually use with yogurt. Not only does it thicken everything up; it also adds protein and is an easy way to make a ton of different flavors without needing to buy lots of extra ingredients. Just use your favorite flavored yogurt and you instantly infuse great flavor into any chia seed pudding. I have tried chocolate, lemon, cherry, and blueberry and they all turned out great.

Yogurt chia seed pudding is also a great way to add probiotics to your diet. Probiotics are naturally found in yogurt and are great for gut health, digestion, and the immune system. That’s on top of all the great health benefits of chia seeds, making this a nutritional powerhouse for breakfast or a snack. We even eat it for dessert by flavoring the chia seed pudding with unsweetened cocoa powder.

Can you make chia seed pudding with yogurt?

It’s easy to make chia pudding with yogurt by replacing half of the liquid with your any regular or Greek yogurt. To make a single serve of chia seed pudding with yogurt, combine 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of yogurt, 2 tbsp of chia seeds, and sweetener of choice. Maple syrup, honey, agave, or sugar free sweeteners all work. You can also add fresh or frozen fruit or vanilla extract to add extra flavor.

Can you add chia seeds directly to yogurt?

Chia seeds can be added right on to yogurt before eating. Mix them into the yogurt with a spoon so that they become less dry and can plump up a little. The longer you let them sit in the yogurt, the plumper they will become. However, it is safe to eat them completely dry on yogurt. Adding chia seeds to your yogurt will add fiber, protein, Omega 3’s, and other important vitamins and minerals.

How long can chia pudding be kept in the refrigerator?

Chia seed pudding can be refrigerated for up to five days as long as it is in an airtight container. This is true for regular and yogurt chia pudding. It is important to note that some fruits will become quite mushy after a couple of days so you may want to add fruit right before serving instead of when you are meal prepping.

Are chia seeds good for you?

Chia seeds have tons of health benefits and are thought by many to be a superfood given all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they contain. To start, chia seeds have 20% of the daily recommended amount of fiber in just one tablespoon with each tablespoon having 5 gram of fiber. To compare, one tablespoon of oatmeal has less than 1 gram of fiber. Additionally, chia seeds contain plant-based proteins and omega 3 fatty acids, which are good for cardiovascular health and also are known to help digestion and reduced inflammation.

Yogurt Chia Seed Pudding Flavor Ideas

Like I mentioned above, one of the best things about making chia seed pudding with yogurt is that you can add so many different flavors by simply swapping in different kinds of yogurt. Here are some of my favorites:

Coconut and pineapple: Swap in coconut yogurt and add chopped pineapple on top. Bonus points for tossing in some shredded coconut or chopped macadamia nuts.

Mocha: Use a coffee flavored yogurt and top with chocolate chips or chocolate syrup. You can also add some unsweetened cocoa powder to the mix.

Raspberry Lime: Use raspberry flavored yogurt and stir in some lime zest. This one is great for summer and super refreshing. 

Strawberries and Chocolate: Use a chocolate flavored yogurt and add chopped strawberries. Or do it in reverse and use strawberry yogurt and add chocolate chips.

Lemon Cream Pie: Use lemon yogurt and vanilla extract. Top with some crushed graham crackers.

This post was originally shared in 2014 but has been updated with new photos and information. Here is the photo from the original post.

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