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 Does Artichoke Taste Like? Exploring This Unique Vegetable

Ricardo Davis

– Artichokes are a vegetable that belongs to the sunflower family
– Native to the Mediterranean region with a history of over 2,000 years
– The word “artichoke” comes from the Arabic word al-kharshuf, meaning “small cardoon”
– Introduced to Europe by a 12th-century Arab trade expedition
– Italian cuisine quickly adopted artichokes as a popular vegetable
– Artichoke plants can grow up to four feet tall and produce flower heads up to eight inches in diameter
– The flower head has small, edible scales or “bracts” surrounding a central, inedible core
– Leaves of the artichoke are edible but slightly bitter
– The most delicious part of an artichoke is its heart
– Artichokes are native to the Mediterranean region, with early records of them being grown in Sicily in the ninth century
– Many countries around the world grow artichokes, including the United States, Italy, Spain, and France
– California produces more than 80% of the world’s commercially grown artichokes
– Artichokes have a distinct, slightly nutty flavor with an earthy and slight bitterness
– Some compare the taste of artichokes to Brussels sprouts or asparagus
– Artichokes can be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in the refrigerator
– They should be used within a week of purchase, or they can be stored longer with proper wrapping or sealing
– Artichokes are high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and can be used as appetizers or side dishes
– Artichokes can be prepared by steaming, boiling, baking, or grilling
– Artichokes can be frozen after being blanched and will stay fresh for up to six months
– When using stored artichokes, they should be cooked before eating
– There are various vegan artichoke recipes that can be made using fresh or canned artichokes, such as Roasted Hearts of Palm and Artichoke, Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip, Creamy Tuscan Spaghetti Squash, Lemony Artichoke and Quinoa Salad, and Grilled Artichokes

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Chives vs Scallions: Unveiling the Culinary and Nutritional Differences

Ricardo Davis

– Scallions are part of the allium family
– Scallions are harvested early
– Scallions have a small white base
– Scallions have long green stalks
– Both the white and green parts of scallions can be used in cooking
– Scallions can be consumed raw or lightly cooked
– Scallions are not the same as spring onions
– Spring onions have a larger white base
– Spring onions have a more bulbous white base.

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What Happens When You Eat Too Many Takis: Unveiling the Surprising Effects on Your Health

Ricardo Davis

– Takis chips are high in calories, fat, carbs, and sodium but lack important vitamins and minerals.
– A 1-ounce (28-gram) package of Takis Fuego contains 140 calories, 2 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbs, and 16% of the Daily Value (DV) for sodium.
– Consuming high amounts of sodium may increase blood pressure levels and has been associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer.
– Takis chips are highly processed and refined.
– Regularly eating processed foods, including Takis, may be linked to a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
– Those who consume the highest amount of processed food are 39% more likely to have overweight or obesity and excess belly fat.
– Increased intake of processed foods is tied to a higher risk of death over an average of 7 years.
– Eating too much Takis, along with other spicy snacks, may increase the risk of obesity and chronic health conditions.
– Consuming large amounts may irritate the lining of the stomach and cause gastritis, characterized by stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
– Spicy foods can also worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
– It is recommended to limit consumption of Takis if affected by these conditions.
– One serving of Takis is considered to be 1 ounce or approximately 12 pieces.
– Some alternatives to Takis include air-popped popcorn, homemade veggie chips, cheese and crackers, mixed nuts, and edamame.
– It is important to consume Takis as part of a nutritious diet and pair them with other healthy snacks.
– Most adults should limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day.
– Takis can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet, with portion sizes carefully monitored.

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Delicious and Authentic Chicken Birria Taco Recipe: StepbyStep!

Ricardo Davis

– This article provides a recipe for chicken birria tacos.
– Chicken birria is a variation of the traditional Mexican stew made with chili peppers, goat meat, and seasonings.
– The flavor of birria is savory, smoky, somewhat sweet, and slightly spicy.
– To make chicken birria tacos, use bone-in chicken thighs, neutral high-heat cooking oil, onion, tomatoes, garlic, guajillo chiles, chiles de arbol, bay leaves, oregano, paprika, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, salt, and chicken broth.
– Cook the chicken in a Dutch oven or pot, shred it, and then fry it with onions, cilantro, and Mexican melting cheese in corn tortillas.
– Serve the tacos with leftover birria sauce as a dipping sauce.
– Recipe involves browning chicken quarters on both sides.
– The sauce is made by simmering dried chiles, onions, tomatoes, and a bay leaf in water for 10 minutes. The mixture is blended with garlic, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, salt, water, and chicken stock.
– The sauce is poured over the chicken and simmered for 30 minutes.
– The chicken is removed, cooled, shredded, and returned to the pot to toss in the sauce.
– The tacos are made by dipping a tortilla in the birria sauce and cooking it in a skillet. Shredded chicken, cheese, diced onion, and cilantro are added, and then it is folded and cooked until the cheese melts.
– The tacos are served warm with a side of birria sauce for dipping.
– Tips include preparing the sauce ahead of time, using smaller tortillas or corn tortillas, using a cast iron or non-stick skillet for frying, using different types of meat, and using alternative mild dried red chiles if guajillo chiles are unavailable.
– Leftover birria sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 4 months.
– Frozen chicken can also be stored for 3-4 months and should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
– Chicken birria tacos can be served with other Sunday dinner ideas.
– Birria tacos originated from Jalisco, Mexico and were originally made with goat meat. They have since evolved to include variations with beef, pork, and chicken. The birria sauce also includes vegetables, spices, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar.
– Steps for making the chicken birria tacos include making the base of the sauce, browning chicken thighs with onion in a Dutch oven pot, pouring the blended sauce over the chicken, simmering for at least 30 minutes, shredding the chicken and returning it to the sauce, dipping tortillas in the sauce and cooking them on a skillet, filling the tortillas with shredded birria chicken, cheese, diced onion, and cilantro, folding them closed, and cooking until the cheese is melted.
– The tacos are served with consomme for dipping.

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Are Twizzlers Vegan? Exploring the Ingredients and Alternatives

Ricardo Davis

– Twizzlers varieties, except for Twizzlers Gummies, contain animal ingredients or gelatin.
– Twizzlers Twists, Bites, Pull ‘n’ Peel, and Nibs are considered vegan candies.
– The ingredients in Strawberry Twizzlers do not include animal products or gelatin.
– Twizzlers Gummies contain gelatin and are not vegan.
– Gelatin is a protein obtained from animals and is commonly used in various products.
– There are numerous vegan flavors and varieties of Twizzlers available.
– Twizzlers, with the exception of Twizzlers Gummies, are generally considered vegan.
– Twizzlers debuted in 1845 and became part of the Hershey Company in 1977.
– Twizzlers can be used in trail mix recipes, but certain ingredients like Reese’s Pieces are not vegan.
– Homemade Twizzlers can be made using date paste, beet juice, and strawberry extract.
– Leftover Twizzlers can be used to make bracelets.
– Healthier options to traditional Twizzlers include Real Twists by Darrell Lea, which are plant-based and do not contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial colorings.
– Other vegan fruity and chewy candies include Airheads, Sour Patch Kids, Laffy Taffy, Dots, Jujubes, Sour Big Chewy Nerds, and some varieties of Swedish Fish.
– Twizzlers are not considered healthy due to high sugar content and the use of red dye and other questionable ingredients.
– Some brands of white sugar may not be considered vegan due to the production process using bone.
– The article discusses whether Twizzlers are vegan.
– It mentions that cane sugar, which is used in Twizzlers, technically does not contain animal products. However, it is likely that the sugar used in Twizzlers is filtered through animal bone char.
– The article also states that the most popular flavor of Twizzlers is strawberry.
– Twizzlers are not gluten-free as they contain wheat.
– Only Twizzlers Gummies contain gelatin, while other flavors and varieties do not.
– Overall, Twizzlers are considered to be free of ingredients from animal products, except for Twizzlers Gummies.

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What is a chicken oyster: Unveiling the culinary gem!

Ricardo Davis

List:

1. Chicken oysters are small, oyster-sized pieces of meat found on the back side of the chicken, near the lower spine and thighs.
2. There are two oysters on every chicken.
3. They are tender, juicy, and concentrated in rich chicken flavor.
4. Chicken oysters do not have any bones or tough bits of connective tissue.
5. They are often considered a “chef’s treat” and are prized by those who know about them.
6. Removing the chicken oysters is easier when the chicken is cooked, but it can be more difficult when breaking down a raw chicken.
7. Turkeys also have oysters that are larger and similarly tender.
8. Chicken oysters are not related to the sea creature and are named after their size, which is similar to a standard oyster.
9. In French, chicken oysters are called sot-l’y-laisse, which translates to “the part only a fool leaves behind.”
10. Chicken oysters are small pieces of dark meat located on the back of the chicken’s thigh near the backbone.
11. They are protected from scorching temperatures and roast in the natural juices of the chicken.
12. Chicken oysters are known for being juicy, boneless, and rich in flavor.
13. They are considered the best and most succulent part of the bird.
14. Chicken oysters are currently available at Central Markets in Texas.

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Can You Freeze Salami? Tips and Guidelines

Ricardo Davis

List of pertinent information about freezing salami:

– Cured meats like salami tend to freeze well because they contain less water.
– Unopened packages of cured meats, such as salami, can be frozen for up to three months.
– Sliced salami from the deli counter can be frozen by laying individual slices on waxed paper and placing them in an airtight freezer bag.
– Thawing frozen salami is best done overnight in the refrigerator or until fully defrosted, although larger pieces may take longer.
– If in a hurry, placing the well-sealed bag of salami in a bowl of cold water can also be used to defrost it quickly.
– Homemade salami can be defrosted in the microwave, but should be consumed immediately.
– Once defrosted, salami should be enjoyed within three days.
– Thawed salami may be slightly moist, but can be dried with a paper towel before use.
– Salami that lacks in taste or texture after thawing can be used in cooked dishes to enhance its flavor, such as quesadillas, quiches, gratins, casseroles, stromboli, or pizza.

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What Does Undercooked Chicken Look Like: A Visual Guide to Spotting Potential Risks

Ricardo Davis

– Undercooked chicken will appear raw and pink on the inside and outside.
– If the chicken is slightly pink or if the juices are red or pink, it is likely not cooked through.
– There should be no blood present when cutting into the thickest part of the meat.
– Undercooked chicken will lack flavor and have a raw, slightly slimy texture.
– It is important to know if chicken is undercooked to avoid foodborne illnesses like salmonella.
– The moisture test: pressing the chicken with your finger and clear juices indicate it is cooked through, pink or red juices mean it needs more cooking.
– The color test: pink or red flesh indicates it needs more cooking, gray or white flesh means it is safe to eat.
– The size reduction test: if the meat has significantly shrunk in size, it may still be raw.
– The time test: each pound of chicken should cook for at least 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust accordingly for different cooking methods or temperatures.
– Chicken should be cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes per pound of boneless chicken.
– Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F before the chicken is safe to consume.
– Signs of overcooked chicken include dryness and toughness.
– Chicken should feel firm and springy when pressed with your index finger when cooked through.
– Undercooked chicken can cause food poisoning.
– Symptoms of food poisoning from undercooked chicken can appear within two days.
– Antibiotics may be required for a full recovery in severe cases of food poisoning.
– Undercooked chicken may not necessarily be pink.
– The USDA recommends heating chicken until all parts reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
– Consuming undercooked chicken can lead to bacterial infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause symptoms like abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
– Every 25th package of chicken has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, so even slightly undercooked chicken is not safe to consume.
– Reheating undercooked chicken until fully cooked is advisable.

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