Best of Luck for World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

For all the food experts out here, this is a must read!! In the early 70's, the commerce department of Memphis Area (Non-profit organization) created list of plans for the festival as a promotional umbrella for number of events. It included Cotton Carnival, the Danny Thomas Golf Classic etc. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest was introduced in the year 1978 at Tom Lee Park. This included 20 teams and prize money of $1,000. The event has earned the title of “Super Bowl of Swine”.

The 38 years old organization which had a modest budget of $52,000 has become popular all over the world with the budget of 7.0 million dollars. This is one of the most North America’s leading festivals. This year, the event starts from May 15  to May 17, 2014. So friends are you ready for the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Panama??

Get some classic barbeque recipes out here. Just have a look!!

Top 5 Non-vegetarian Barbecue Recipes

1. Barbeque Jack Chicken Recipe

The best way to use chicken breast and enjoy it to the fullest is to baste it with pepper Jack cheese. Pepper Jack cheese has spicy, delicate and buttery flavor that blends very well with the meat. Serve with baked beans. Relish these simple grilled chicken breasts!!

2. Salmon Grilled in Foil Recipe

The incredibly tender salmon fish is super delicious when grilled or barbequed in it’s own juices. We can use the onion and tomato curry mix over it to balance the flavor of fresh salmon and relish it with French fries.

3. Filipino BBQ Pork Kabobs

Did you know that by the thickness of the meat, you can judge for how long you have to marinade the pork?? Sweet and fruity marinade works great with pork. We’ve got number of marinated sauces as well in the coming blog. You can have a look at our sweet and sour pork with pineapple.

4. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Going for a picnic or hosting a summer dinner party?? Save your grilling time. This recipe has long list of ingredients but rates among the top finger foods and is quick and easy to prepare. Try the heavenly tacos with ultra spicy grilled shrimps. Your kids are gonna love it!!

5. Barbecue Boneless Beef Short Ribs

While barbecuing beef, make it a point to use short ribs. Again a sweet and spicy rub would be great combo. Smoky chipotle barbecue sauce will add on to to the party mood. If the meat starts to fall almost from the bones, this means our grill is ready to be served. Serve with corn salad and herbs. Enjoy!!
 

Peach Cake - Mother’s Day Special

My mom prepared yummy ‘Peach Cake’ as a token of her love for me. It was simple and simply delicious. Mom knows that peaches are my all time favorite. Peaches are good for eyes as they contain Beta carotene. They also contain Vitamin C, that is good for skin. Peaches contain good amount of fiber and potassium that reduce kidney related problems. They help in controlling weight as well. Just note down my quick and simple cake recipe. Prepare it for your loving mom on Mother’s day.

 Ingredients:-

1 egg,

1/2 cup milk,

1/4 teaspoon salt,

3/4 cup butter,

1/2 cup brown sugar,

3/4 cup sugar,

1 teaspoon vanilla extract,

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour,

1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder,

2 cups sliced peeled fresh peaches.

Preparation Method:-

1. Melt 1/4 cup butter; pour into an non-greased 9-inches round baking pan. 

 

2. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Arrange peach slices in single layer over sugar.

3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and remaining butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. 

 

4. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. 

 

5. Spoon over peaches. Bake at 350 D. F for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

6. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm.

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Healthy Beef Enchilada Pie Recipe - Mother’s Day Special

Mothers hold their child's hand for a moment and their heart for a life time. Hey my mom is boarding this Friday. Thank God I have the opportunity of celebrating Mother’s day with her. She would be approaching by lunch time and I have decided to prepare exotic beef recipe for her. Beef is her all time favorite and mine too. Lunch on this auspicious occasion much be delicious. Beef Enchilada Pie would certainly make her happy.

Mom is very health conscious, so I have used extra-lean ground beef. I have used authentic homemade red enchilada sauce, which is easy, quick and super delicious and can be pre-prepared. Infact most of the things like tortilla and minced beef can be prepared in advance, I know you’ll love to spend maximum time with your mom, same is the case with me he he!! My mom loves it extra spicy, so I’ve added green chilies and red hot chilli powder.Hope, she’ll approve my recipe.

Ingredients:-

5 Flour tortillas,

1 Chopped onion,

1 Teaspoon chili powder,

1 Cup fat-free sour cream,

1 Teaspoon ground cumin,

1 Lb extra-lean ground beef,

1/2 Cup thawed frozen corn,

1 Cup chopped green capsicum,

1 Cup homemade red enchilada sauce,

1 1/2 Tablespoon Chopped green chillies,

1 Cup shredded low fat Mexican cheese blend.

Preparation Method:-

1. Heat oven to 350 D F. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef, green capsicum and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.

2. Reserve 1/4 cup enchilada sauce; set aside. Add remaining enchilada sauce, corn and chiles to beef mixture.

3. Stir in cumin and chili powder. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered 5 minutes.

4. Spray 9-inch round (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place 1 tortilla in casserole; top with about 3/4 cup of the beef mixture and 3 tablespoons of the cheese.

5. Repeat layers 3 times. Top with remaining tortilla, the reserved enchilada sauce and the remaining cheese.

6. Bake, uncovered, 40 minutes or until hot, and cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes. Serve with sour cream!!

 Happy Mother’s Day!!

The Foodie Affair...

Food for love life?? Yes, we’ve got some delights and combos that add your romantic mood. So improve your love life. Just follow these:-

The sensuous feeling - Some food are tempting and enticing naturally. This may be because of their texture or color. Red wine and chocolates are the best you can give your girlfriend on a romantic date. Banana custard, melted oysters and strawberries are perfect examples that tempt your lover because of their shape, smooth texture or vibrant color. Meal if taken slowly with eye contact is really sensuous for the couple.

Romantic ambience - The ambience boosts up the mood. Soft lighting along with pleasant music is what every lover craves for. Lovely flowers and charismatic essence of mild perfumes add to your dinner date. Never go for an overcrowded hotel or busy restaurant. Prefer serene place. Decorate the bottle of drink with red ribbon. It’s a must on every couple’s table. This leads to receptiveness, good memories and finally intimacy.

The chemical formula - The food high in zinc increases the level of romance, believe it or not!! Oyster is the perfect example for this. Variety of oyster recipes ranging from appetizers to main dish casseroles are available. Oyster mushroom soup is a good supper to go with. On the other hand try to include chocolate desserts for an exotic date. The reason behind this is the existence of phenylethylamine (PEA), the so called "love chemical".

Drink in limit - Always drink without an intention to get drunk. Excess of drinking would make one utmost lousy, hence deleting the romantic mood. Drink till you think you can, in a safe manner. Remember no one likes a drunk person, your fiance will not like it either. Champagne is the only wine that enhances a woman's beauty. Sparking or rose champagne placed on a neat dining table, yes, the thought is itself so tantalizing… Caviar go very well with champagne. Caviar is a delicacy composed of salt cured fish eggs.

The balanced food - Relaxing as well as energy giving food must go hand in hand. We feel relaxed while consuming a drink whether it’s vodka, whiskey, beer or wine. On the other hand we need protein to boost up our energy. Contrast does matter. Vegetarians and vegans can go for black Greek olives and sparkling cider. The combo will definitely boost up the romantic mood. Another combo of sweet and sour or dark and salty, adds to your love life.

Just try this!! I’m sure it’s gonna work...

Chicken Sausage with Potatoes and Sauerkraut – Tasty and Healthy

For many foodaholics, eating healthy means end of taste. This is not true. With the little creativity in the cooking techniques, even boring food can be super tasty. For example one can use olive oil instead of ordinary cooking oil. Olive oil is better option to fry or saute the food stuff as it's rich in monounsaturated fat and adds to taste as well. The food high in cholesterol can be consumed once in a while, unless restricted by the doctor.

Chicken is a versatile source of protein and is low in fat. Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, they fight disease and promote heart health. Sauerkraut delivers significant amount of vitamins C and K. In addition to this, it boosts up energy and immune system with iron. One can use different flavored sausages for the dish. Roasted garlic sausage or sweet apple sausage are worth for this dish, giving an absolute tangy spicy taste. The recipe goes well with roasted carrots for crunchy fun. Here we present a sweet and tart entree of chicken sausage, potatoes and crunchy sauerkraut, healthy and tasty recipe..

Ingredients:-

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil,

12 ounces cooked chicken sausage,

1 medium sliced onion,

3 medium sliced potatoes,

1 1/2 cups rinsed sauerkraut,

1 1/2 cups dry white wine,

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper,

1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds,

1 bay leaf

Preparation Method:-

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add sausage and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.

3. Add potatoes, sauerkraut, wine, pepper, caraway seeds and bay leaf; bring to a simmer.

4. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 minutes.

5. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy the tasty yet healthy treat!

Crispy Kale Chips - The Vegan Recipe

Usually one has misconception that healthy food is not tasty. This is a myth. Kale denotes unsurpassed health benefits. Crispy Kale Chips will clear this doubt. Kale contains vitamins A, C, and K. In addition to this, kale has lutein and iron in abundance. On the other hand tahini is rich in vitamin E and B, calcium, protein and essential fatty acid. Nutritional yeast boosts up Vitamin B especially B12, zinc and folic acid. The recipe is easy to make and perfectly blends with the healthy lifestyle. This is a perfect vegan dream food for our vegan and vegetarian friends, you will definitely love to make its double batch!

Ingredients:-

2 big bunches of kale,

1/2 cup raw tahini,

1/4 cup olive oil,

1/4 cup wheat free tamari,

1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar,

1/4 cup nutritional yeast,

2 cloves garlic,

1 teaspoon onion powder,

1 tablespoon maple syrup,

1 tsp of chilli flakes.

Preparation Method:-

1. Rinse, de-rib, and roughly tear the kale into a giant bowl.

2. Put all of the other ingredients into a food processor or blender and mix until smooth or use a hand blender.

3. Pour the mixture over the kale, and use your hands to toss it all together. Cover it.

4. Spread the kale out evenly on oiled sheets. Bake on 250 D.F for 4 hours.

5. Serve with potato chips and your favorite dip!

Enjoy the cool veggie recipe!!!

Glazed Smoked Ham Easter Recipe

Hi friends, I prepared Glazed Smoked Ham, this Easter. My folks simply loved it. The best way to enjoy the ham is with rich apricot homemade jelly. I prepared the apricot jelly few days ago in order to save time. To add on to this, Worcestershire sauce is savory and sweet with a distinct tangy taste due to malt vinegar. I got smoked ham too, it’s time saving. The rich recipe is really a quick meal. It added to the festive mood. Let me share it with you..

Ingredients:-

1 Large onion,

1/4 Cup water,

8 Sprigs fresh thyme,

3/4 Cup apricot jelly,

7 Pound smoked ham,

2 Teaspoons molasses,

4 Tablespoons cider vinegar,

1 tablespoon unsalted butter,

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour,

1/4 Teaspoon ground allspice,

3 Tablespoons yellow mustard,

1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce,

1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth,

Kosher salt as required,

Ground cloves as required,

Ground black pepper as required

Preparation Method:-

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Score the ham with a crosshatch pattern through the thick layer of skin and fat. Arrange the onions in the center of a foil lined sheet pan large roasting pan and set the ham on top of them. Bake for 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, stir together the apricot jelly, water, thyme leaves, mustard, 3 tablespoons of the vinegar, the molasses, Worcestershire, allspice, and cloves in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the jelly has dissolved and sauce is smooth, about 4 minutes.

3. After the ham has been baked for 1 hour, brush with the apricot mixture every 15 minutes for another 45 minutes or until nicely glazed. Transfer the ham to a serving platter, tent with foil and set aside while making the sauce.

4. Discard the onions, remove foil and pour the sauce into a skillet. Add the broth and bring to a boil over high heat. In a small bowl, mix the butter and flour together until you form a paste.

5. Whisk into the pan juices and let sauce simmer until thickened like gravy. Finish with the remaining tablespoon of vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Thinly slice the ham and serve with the sauce.

Hope you had Happy Easter!!