Archive for the ‘LoveToCook’ Category

Tips to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Thursday, November 19th, 2009
BoomerYearbook.com

BoomerYearbook.com

By BoomerYearbook.com

You may find it hard to find food items which are equally good for your heart as well as your taste buds. The fact is that there are countless food items which can serve the purpose of reducing cholesterol levels. And you surely won’t get bored with them as we are going to provide you with a variety of cholesterol reducing great tasting foods. First and foremost however, before embarking on a cholesterol reducing diet, it is advisable to consult with your physician or health care professional as she is most familiar with your personal health history and best suited to determine the factors that will most accommodate your specific needs.

Cholesterol is present in all of us. It’s a vital functional component of the body and the body couldn’t work properly without it. The real problem emerges when the bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein levels in the body increase and build up in the arterial walls and join with other body substances to form plaque. This is the time when you should look for ways to control it or else it may lead to serious ailments like heart disease or a stroke. This bad cholesterol plaque has a tendency to stick in the walls of the arteries which narrows the arterial walls causing them to become clogged or clotted, leaving you more vulnerable to atherosclerosis. This in turn results in a decreased supply of blood to the heart and brain resulting in serious and potentially life threatening consequences.

The best way to control and maintain healthy cholesterol levels is by keeping a check on your eating habits. Eating healthy is what matters most. You should begin by supplementing your diet by adding many varieties and increasing quantities of delicious fresh fruits and green vegetables. These foods work wonders to clean arteries and help develop ‘good” cholesterol levels. Also remember to avoid fat saturated or creamy, “soggy” foods. A lifestyle change is never an easy task, but once attained, you will start noticing a considerable change for the better in decreased cholesterol levels and increased health. The reward you get in return for the small sacrifice of eliminating health destroying foods is truly priceless.

It is always advisable to consult a dietitian before planning dietary changes. The dietitian can assess your current eating habits and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and customize your food chart making it interestingly varied and tailored to your personal tastes and specific requirements.

Hungering for more great ways to reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels?
Check out “What’s Cookin” with Peg at BoomerYearbook.com for great tasting fast and easy recipes.

Tongue Tickling Taste of a Great Cup of Coffee

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

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By Boomeryearbook.com

Ever since ancient times many of us have enjoyed drinking coffee. The count of coffee lovers is always on a rise. Many amongst us don’t feel like starting our day without it. A good cup of coffee can turn foes into friends and can even make great deals. The fact that coffee can be enjoyed in many different ways, makes it even more popular between a wide range of people. Everyone has his own taste and he adjusts his cup as per his tastes and desires. Caribbean, Cuban Cabano, Mexican Mocha, Italian Cappuccino, French Roast, Kerelan Filter Coffee and Grog are a few popular recipes all across the globe. Every region around the world has developed its own recipes for making coffee, all of them lead to one common goal, Great Taste.

For your enjoyment, this article will familiarize you with a few tongue tickling coffee recipes.

Caribbean Coffee

Caribbean Coffee uses coconut which imparts a delicious taste to the brew. The basic idea of making this coffee is to take a coconut and heat it to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Next, crack the shell, allow it to cool, and remove its outer skin. Then grate the coconut’s soft crust and add milk. This mixture is then put into a saucepan and stirred on a simmering flame until it reaches a slightly thick consistency. The last step is to filter the mix and throw away the solid coconut. Just add to coffee for a scrumptious taste.

Cubano Coffee

To make Cubano Coffee, put coffee in a small cup and add rum to your liking, but don’t overdo it. You can also add a bit of hot milk to curb the rum a little, and your great coffee is ready. Many of us like the great combination of coffee and chocolate. Almost every part of world considers this a great combo. Make a regular cup of coffee and sweeten it the way you like it. Then add your choice of chocolate flavoring, ¼ tsp of nutmeg and ¼ tsp of cinnamon. Now you can add a bit of cream to top this cup and your great cup is prepared. You will feel your tongue tickling with delight with this incredible tasting brew.

Grog

Grog is another famous type of coffee, widely liked by many. It is an old English recipe and it incorporates fruits to scintillate the taste buds. Fruits like lemon and orange are a part of Grog coffee. Peel and slice one orange and one lemon. In a normal coffee cup put 1/3 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of brown sugar. Place a slice of the orange peel and lemon peel in your mug. Now you just have to fill your cup half with coffee and put in a couple of cloves along with a pinch of cinnamon.

There are countless coffee recipes. Many people stick with a favorite taste and many others love to experiment with new and delicious recipes.

Want to learn more tantalizing coffee tastes or share your favorite recipes? Come join others at http://www.boomeryearbook.com.

Boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit

The New Wave in Food Preparation

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

 

The New Wave in Food Preparation

The New Wave in Food Preparation

by BoomerYearbook.com

When the population started trebling and homemakers began finding ways to ease their domestic tasks, microwave ovens came as a surprise that was both detestable and delectable. It was in the boomer period when microwave ovens were first made available for home use. No one contested that the new device would have promise for boomers, but many were initially unimpressed. 

The microwave oven is the unpredicted offshoot of Dr. Percy Spencer who was then testing a new vacuum tube called “magnetron.”  He spent time exploring the tube while placing some popcorn kernels near it. His fascination grew when he saw before his eyes how those kernels cracked and popped inside his laboratory. When the popcorn test was over, Spencer tried placing an egg near the tube and, together with his curious colleague, the two saw how the rising temperature caused internal pressure within the egg. What Spencer thought possible at that moment was the very same product that many, especially in the busy cities found useful— quick cooking.

It was only until 1947—the year following the start of the boomer period—that the first commercial microwave oven was made available. While it rings true that Dr. Spencer had revolutionized cooking, the earlier features of the microwave oven were not as appealing as they are today. It then weighed 750 pounds and stood 6 feet tall, which is reminiscent of refrigerators and other bulky home appliances. The cost of each unit was exorbitant at about $5,000 each. The plumbing installation system also made it complex for oven use.

The initial feedback was generally unsatisfactory. Sales were low and people had not yet seen the kind of oven they were looking for…ah, but things changed in time. As the first set of microwave ovens underwent refurbishments and refinements, customers began flocking to the stores. The price of the oven was made less expensive and technologically sophisticated features no longer required plumbing installation.

An unprecedented level of acceptance was reached in the immediate years not only in homes but also in the food business industry. Faster and fresher food was the guarantee offered by the oven and today, the device is considered a necessity both in the domestic and commercial market.

 

Do you remember your first microwave? I certainly remember mine. It was in my college cafeteria and we were told we needed to stand many feet back to avoid being nuked! What’s your memory?  We’d love to hear. Come join boomeryearbook and continue your trip down memory lane.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit.

Amaretto Sweet Potatoes

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Save time and forget the stress while preparing these yummy home cooked meals that are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

8 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
2 sticks of unsalted butter
6 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
1 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar
zest from orange and a bit of the orange rind shredded
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Boil your potatoes until tender.  Cool and peel the skin off and them mash in a pyrex or corning ware dish. Melt your butter & blend in the brown sugar.  Pour this mixture over the potatoes and add the amaretto & zest from the orange.  Bake for about 15 mins. until warm and then shred a little orange rind on the top.  Yummy!!!!!!!!!
Hungering for more fast and delicious recipes? Come join www.boomeryearbook.com and Check out ‘What’s Cookin’ with Peggy.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit.

Autumn Butternut Casserole

Monday, November 24th, 2008

3 cups mashed, cooked butternut squash
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teas. salt
1 1/2 tablespoon butter
6 cups of Jonathan apples(about 2 lbs)
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups of corn flakes crushed
1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoon butter
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Season squash with 1/4 cup of butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teas. salt.  Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in a skillet with the sliced apples sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar cover and simmer over low heat until barely tender about 5 mins.  Spread in a 3 qt. casserole and spoon mashed squash evenly over apples.  Mix corn flakes with 1/2 cup brown sugar 7 melted butter.  Sprinkle over squash.  Bake 350 degrees for 15 mins.

Save time and forget the stress while preparing these yummy home cooked meals that are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Hungering for more fast and delicious recipes? Come join www.boomeryearbook.com and Check out ‘What’s Cookin’ with Peggy.

Boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit

Parmesan Green Beans

Monday, November 24th, 2008

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teas. salt
1/2 teas. pepper
1/8 teas. garlic salt
1 cup 2% milk
3/4 teas. Worcestershire
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese(divided)
2 14.5 oz. can cut green beans
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Melt butter in medium saucepan.  Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic salt.  Stir in milk and heat until thickened.  Add Worcestershire and 1/2 Parmesan cheese.  Add green beans and heat through.  Add remaining Parmesan cheese and stir.  Yummy

Save time and forget the stress while preparing these yummy home cooked meals that are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Hungering for more fast and delicious recipes? Come join www.boomeryearbook.com and Check out ‘What’s Cookin’ with Peggy.

Boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit

Cranberry Jello Mold

Monday, November 24th, 2008

1 3oz. rasberry jello
1 cup water
1/3 cup of sugar
16 oz. whole cranberry sauce
8 oz. sour cream
1 cup chopped apples peeled & diced
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Dissolve Jell-O in one cup boiling water.  Add sugar and dissolve.  Add cranberry sauce, sour cream and apples.  Blend through lightly.  Line Jell-O mold with a little mayonnaise.  Add ingredients and refrigerate until firm.  Unmold on plate.

Save time and forget the stress while preparing these yummy home cooked meals that are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Hungering for more fast and delicious recipes? Come join www.boomeryearbook.com and Check out ‘What’s Cookin’ with Peggy.

Boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit

Peppered Shrimp Alfredo

Friday, October 31st, 2008

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Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, diced
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Cooking Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  2. Meanwhile, melt butter together with the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, red pepper, and mushroom; cook over medium-high heat until soft, about 2 minutes more.
  3. Stir in the shrimp, and cook until firm and pink, then pour in Alfredo sauce, Romano cheese, and cream; bring to a simmer stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir drained pasta into the sauce, and serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

Cherry Pie Ice Cream

Friday, October 31st, 2008

 cherry.jpg

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 (16 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups cinnamon graham crackers, broken into 1-inch pieces

Cooking Directions:

  1. Heat cream and milk to just below the boil.
  2. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt until just blended.
  3. Strain hot cream onto egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
  4. Return to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it coats the spoon.
  5. Strain; add almond extract and cherries.
  6. Cool completely in refrigerator; freeze in ice cream machine according to manufacturer’s directions.
  7. Fold in graham crackers.
  8. Freeze until firm. 

Toffee Crunch Ice Cream

Friday, October 31st, 2008

toffee.jpg

 Ingredients:

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • Dash salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 ounces German sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 (1.4 ounce) bars Heath candy bars, crushed
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Cooking Directions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the egg, sugar and salt. Gradually add milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture reaches 160 degrees F and coats the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat. Whisk in chocolate, then add cream, coffee and vanilla. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Fold in candy and nuts. Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. Allow to ripen in ice cream freezer or firm up in the freezer for 2-4 hours before serving.