Author: Ricardo Davis

Hello! My name is Ricardo Davis and I'm a food blogger. I'm not a professional cook, but that doesn't mean I don't have some good strategies and ideas. There are a lot of simple and practical things on the site about heating, freezing, dehydrating and so on. It was written by chefs, food experts, home cooks, and me.

What is Hunan Beef? Discover the Origins and Flavorful Ingredients

Ricardo Davis

List:

1. Hunan Beef is a hot and spicy beef dish that originates from the Hunan province of China.
2. It is made with thinly sliced beef, colorful vegetables, and a sauce made from beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chili paste.
3. The dish is known for its spiciness and is a representation of the flavors of the region.
4. The Hunan province is known for its spicy food, with Hunan-style cooking utilizing more dry chiles for a drier and plain heat compared to Szechuan-style cooking, which combines sweet and spicy sauces.
5. To make the best Hunan Beef, it is recommended to slice the beef against the grain into thin slices, pre-slice all the ingredients, use a large pan or wok, and adjust the spice level according to personal preference.
6. A 3 ounce cooked serving of beef contains 10 essential nutrients and 50 percent of the daily value of protein.

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Is cheesecake a cake or a pie? Unraveling the creamy conundrum with delicious insights

Ricardo Davis

– Cheesecake is a dessert with a tangy-meets-sweet flavor and creamy texture.
– It can be served plain or topped with fruit, chocolate, or caramel.
– It is made with a buttery pressed crust, often made from graham crackers, sugar, and butter.
– The filling consists of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, which firms up when baked.
– Cheesecakes can also be made without baking, using a base crust and a cream cheese filling without eggs.
– Cakes are typically made with a mixture of dry and wet ingredients, including flour, leavening agents, eggs, milk, oil, and butter, and are baked in a pan.
– Pies have a buttery pastry crust as a base and are baked with a sweet or savory filling.
– According to Merriam-Webster’s definition, cheesecake does not fit the criteria for a cake.
– Cheesecake is closer to a pie in terms of its crust and filling structure.
– It is considered a hybrid between cake and pie, with its own unique characteristics.
– The crust is typically made with graham crackers, but can also use chocolate cookie crumbs or ginger snaps.
– Cheesecake can be baked or made as a no-bake dessert.
– Cheesecake does not fit the definition of a cake as it is not made from a thick batter.
– It also does not fit the definition of a pie as it does not have a buttery pastry crust and a sweet or savory filling.
– Therefore, cheesecake is considered a hybrid between cake and pie, in its own category.

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Is Feta Cheese Dairy: Everything You Need to Know

Ricardo Davis

– Feta cheese is not dairy-free and is made from sheep or a mixture of sheep and goat milk.
– Feta cheese contains lactose, but in lesser amounts compared to other dairy products.
– Traditional feta cheese is made by coagulating milk with rennet, cutting the curd into small pieces, and allowing it to drain and mature in brine.
– Feta cheese is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and can be used in various dishes like salads, sandwiches, and pasta.
– Non-dairy substitutes for feta cheese are available in the market, made from ingredients like tofu, almonds, and cashews.
– Feta cheese is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk.
– It is a good source of protein, calcium, and iron.
– Feta cheese contains lactic acid starter cultures and probiotics, which can benefit gut health and the immune system.
– It is high in calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone and teeth health.
– Feta cheese is low in calories, making it suitable for maintaining a healthy weight.
– It contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that aid in digestion and promote gut health.
– Some studies suggest that probiotics in feta cheese can boost the immune system.
– Feta cheese is high in sodium, which can be a concern for those with high blood pressure, but low-sodium alternatives are available.
– Those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies should avoid feta cheese, as it is a dairy product.
– Reading food labels is important to determine if a food product is dairy-free.
– Look for the presence of any dairy products in the ingredients list.
– Choose stores that offer a wide range of dairy-free options.
– Look for labels indicating that a product is dairy-free, such as “vegan” or “dairy-free,” but not all products labeled as “non-dairy” or “lactose-free” are dairy-free.
– Dairy-free alternatives to feta cheese made from nuts, tofu, or soy are available.
– Some food manufacturers may offer coupons or promotional offers for dairy-free products.
– Goat feta cheese is also not dairy-free, as it is made from milk containing lactose.
– Other dairy-free cheese options include vegan cheese, soy cheese, and nut cheese.
– Halloumi cheese is also not dairy-free, as it is made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk and contains lactose.
– Feta cheese contains a significant amount of dairy, so those who are lactose intolerant should avoid consuming it or opt for non-dairy substitutes.
– People may follow a dairy-free diet due to a milk allergy or intolerance.
– The article highlights the importance of reading an introduction to a dairy-free diet before starting it, as there are more than 100 ingredients to avoid.
– The article mentions the Fig app and resources like FARE and Go Dairy Free for checking if ingredients like feta cheese are compliant with the diet.
– It suggests consulting with a doctor or dietitian to determine individual needs.

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Does Almond Flour Go Bad? Learn Proper Storage

Ricardo Davis

– Almond flour is a popular gluten-free flour with impressive nutrition stats
– When sealed, almond flour can last 1-2 months past its best-by date in the pantry
– Sealed almond flour in the fridge or freezer can last 6-12 months past the best-by date
– Opened almond flour should be used by the printed date on the package in the pantry
– Opened almond flour in the fridge or freezer can last 3-6 months
– Some sources suggest that tightly sealed opened almond flour can last 6-12 months in the freezer
– It is best to taste and smell almond flour after 6-12 months in the freezer to determine freshness
– The article discusses the topic of whether almond flour can go bad.
– It states that there is no absolute date when almond flour goes bad, but rather an estimation of how long it will stay fresh.
– To determine if almond flour has gone bad, one should look for signs such as a musty, sour, or unusual smell, the presence of bugs, wet clumps, or mold, and a taste that is “off” compared to fresh almond flour.
– Eating almond flour that has gone bad may result in an upset stomach, but serious illness is unlikely.
– To preserve the freshness and prolong the shelf life of almond flour, it is recommended to store it in the fridge or freezer, tightly sealed, away from direct sunlight or intense heat.
– Almond flour can be used past its expiration date if properly stored.
– Signs of almond flour going bad include a musty, sour, or unusual smell, the presence of bugs, wet clumps, or mold, and an off taste.
– Consuming almond flour after it has gone bad may result in an upset stomach but is unlikely to cause serious illness.

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French vs Italian cuisine: Unraveling the Artful Flavors

Ricardo Davis

List of pertinent information comparing French and Italian:

– French and Italian are both considered romantic languages and have similarities.
– They are both in the Romance language family and share traits such as using the Latin alphabet, having similar grammatical syntax, and emphasizing grammatical gender and verb conjugations.
– French and Italian are 89% similar in terms of lexical similarity.
– French has been influenced more by German and English loanwords, while Italian has more straightforward pronunciation and regular spelling.
– Italian pronunciation is more sharp and defined, while French pronunciation is more fluid with nasal sounds and vowel clusters.
– Italian is generally easier to pronounce and understand due to its musical intonation and distinct separation between sounds.
– French is more widely spoken, with 267 million speakers worldwide compared to 66 million for Italian.
– French is spoken in 29 countries and is in demand as a business language.
– Italian is important in industries such as fashion, automotive, food, wine, and tourism.
– The choice between learning Italian or French depends on individual needs and interests.
– Learning one language can make it easier to learn the others in the Romance language family.

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Can You Leave Eggs Out Overnight? Safety, Storage Tips & More

Ricardo Davis

– Keeping eggs in the fridge is an American quirk.
– Eggs sold in many countries are unrefrigerated and kept on the counter.
– Farm-fresh eggs can be kept on the counter for about a week if they have never been refrigerated.
– Once refrigerated, eggs must be kept refrigerated.
– Refrigerated eggs can last four to five weeks after packaging date if stored properly.
– Eggs can be left on the counter for two hours at room temperature or one hour if temperature is 90 degrees F or hotter.
– After two hours, it is safer to throw out the eggs due to potential bacterial growth, particularly Salmonella.
– Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
– Salmonella contamination from eggs causes about 79,000 illnesses and 30 deaths per year according to FDA estimates.
– Proper guidelines include keeping eggs refrigerated below 40 degrees F, discarding cracked eggs, and washing hands and utensils that come in contact with raw eggs.

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Discover the Delicious History of Breakfast Sauce: A Surprising Revelation

Ricardo Davis

– The article provides a McDonald’s breakfast sauce recipe that claims to taste similar to the real thing.
– McDonald’s no longer offers the breakfast sauce, so the author decided to create a copycat recipe.
– The homemade version is described as creamy, tangy, and savory with a delicious flavor.
– The sauce is said to be versatile and can be used on various dishes, including breakfast meals, seafood, chicken, and more.
– The author suggests using it as a dipping sauce for fried jalapenos, pickles, and chicken nuggets.
– The recipe requires six simple ingredients: mayonnaise, yellow mustard, lemon juice, steak sauce, dried dill weed, and salt and ground black pepper.
– The ingredients can be easily adjusted or customized, and the sauce can be made quickly by mixing them together.
– The possibility of adding hot sauce for a spicy flavor or using dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard is mentioned.
– The sauce should be mixed well until combined.
– The sauce needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours before use.
– The recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce.
– The sauce can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– Some locations may still offer breakfast sauce on their breakfast cheese bagel, despite it not being on McDonald’s menu.
– The author recommends trying the sauce with a copycat McDonald’s steak bagel recipe.
– The article suggests trying other homemade sauces as well.

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