A new study published inside the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research proposes cashew seed extract may play an important role in preventing and treating type two diabetes.

The cashew is a tree in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The plant is native to northeastern Brazil. Scientists at the College of Montreal and the School of Yaoundé in Cameroon studied how cashew products affected the responses of rat liver cells to insulin.

In Canada, more than three million Canadians have diabetes and this number is expected to reach 3.7 million by 2020, based on the Canadian Diabetes Association.

In U.S.A, according to the American Diabetes Association, from the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, there are total 23.6 million children and adults in the United States – 7.8% of the population – have diabetes. 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older each year.

Scientists viewed cashew tree leaves, bark, seeds and apples. They found that exactly the cashew seed extract increased the absorption of blood sugar by the cells.

Extracts of other plant parts had no such effect, indicating that cashew seed extract likely contains active compounds, which might have potential anti-diabetic properties.

In most people who have diabetes, a common condition called insulin resistance prevents the body from processing the hormone, which regulates energy and also the processing of sugars in the body. Lack of insulin can cause heart or kidney diseases as time passes.

The cashew nut is a popular snack, and its rich flavor means that it is often eaten on its own, lightly salted or sugared. Cashews are a staple in vegan diets. They are used as a base in sauces and gravies, and can take on sweet properties for frostings and cookies. They’re an excellent source of protein and a raw, natural supply of energy.

The fats and oils in cashew nuts are 54 per-cent monounsaturated fat, 18per cent polyunsaturated fat, and 16% saturated fats (9% palmitic acid and 7% stearic acid).

Without cholesterol cashew nuts are a healthy fat food for heart patients too. And because of their high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, in addition, they help support healthy levels of good (HDL) cholesterol.

Here below a 4 servings recipe "The Cashew Curry" made in 45 mins having a wok or frying pan, a wooden spoon an these ingredients:

 * ½ pound whole cashews

  * 2 T olive oil

  * 5 shallots, thinly sliced

  * 5 curry leaves

  * 2-in piece of lemongrass or zest of one lemon

  * 1 T coriander

  * ½ t turmeric

  * ½ t salt

  * 2 chiles, thinly sliced

  * 2 cloves garlic, minced

  * 2 slices ginger

  * 15 oz unsweetened coconut milk

  * 2 T cilantro, chopped

Directions

Sauté the shallots in the oil, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes.

Add the curry, lemon, turmeric, chiles, garlic, ginger, and salt, and cook until fragrant, 5-10 min’s.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened, another 5-10 min’s. Remove curry leaves and serve, with diabetic rice or brown rice.

About the Author

Linda Miller writes for diabetic person cookbooks, her personal hobby web site focussed on cooking ideas to help individuals eat healthy to prevent or deal with diabetes.

Medically references:

Diabetes UK News

Interscience Wiley Journal

Technorati Tags: cashews, diabetes, Nutrition

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a must. They provide the body with nutrients it cannot receive elsewhere, and often feature anti-oxidants, a type of compound which helps the body to fight off free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that attack the cell membranes in your body, resulting in serious damage. Anti oxidants can be found in such foods as wild blueberries and tomatoes.

Nutrition for a healthy lifestyle can also be maintained through regular use of supplements. There are many once-a-day pills out there that help you reach your daily required value of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly.

Nutrition for a healthy lifestyle also requires you to eat a certain amount of proteins and carbohydrates. Proteins give the body a means for creating new tissues, and for helping to repair old tissues. Without a high protein intake, your body will begin to break down.

Carbohydrates, on the other hand, play as the energy source for the body. Without enough carbohydrates, you will begin to feel sluggish and lazy. Too much, however, can also be a problem.

Your best bet is to visit a nutritionist, find a diet that is right for you, and take a supplement to give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs. Look for a supplement that contains all the vitamins you need and a level of calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and a lack of it may result in osteoporosis.

About The Author

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-suplement-guides.com. The site dedicated to nutrition.

Technorati Tags: fresh foods, good foods, healthy lifestyle, Nutrition, organic foods, raw foods

This week’s article exclusively focuses on extractive description of those issues which we had tackled over the period while we learnt about brain and its functioning besides other interesting points. This article will have detailed and elaborative description of this crucial aspect. I will remain confined to the descriptive part of this issue rather than going into the technical one. I have used this technique to present information in the form of ‘Top 8 Nutrition Tips for Optimum Brain Function’ without making any complexity.

1. Maintain Balance: The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. To think therefore that it can operate successfully on just one kind of ‘miracle substance’ is a fallacy! Your brain needs a huge variety of nutrients and vitamins and minerals to function properly. Do your best not to deprive it of that by concentrating too heavily on just one type of food or supplement.

2. Take protein sufficiently to keep yourself healthy: Your negligence or following the latest food trends land you at the loggerheads and you land in a situation where your health turns pale. It must be noted that neither your body nor your brain can perform basic works perfectly without appropriate energy level. This energy you attain only when your food has sufficient amount of protein intake. It becomes mandatory to look for alternative options to have protein intake particularly when you are strict vegetarian. Choose some special diet which have best components of protein.

3. Look for regular energy supply mechanism: Brain is the control room of our body as its most energy consuming section. It uses approximately 20% of consumed energy of a particular body. Our focus should confine in supply of new energy in brain. Choose better options and develop mechanisms through which regular and constant supply of energy is made possible. Such practice gives enduring results. Including Low-GI diets in your food is important for releasing energy for longer periods. They are good brain powering solution.

4. Eat the right kinds of fats: Fats perform key functions in terms of protection and membrane formation in the brain. These roles are best fulfilled by fats that are optimally suited for this role and that are therefore needed by the brain in sufficient quantities. The most important ‘brain fatty acids’ are: Omega 3, Omega 6 and ‘pure’ DHA. Including sources of these fats in your diet is one of the most important things that you can do to improve brain power.

5. Give priority to vitamins and minerals: As a key player of human activities, brain keeps itself engaged in many ways. It should be kept charged through all kinds of vitamins and minerals. Doing this help it performs duties effectively. Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Vitamin C and Magnesium are important vitamin categories. I5. Always go for vitamins and minerals: Brain is influential part of human body. It works to control entire body system. It must be fed with all types of vitamins and minerals to keep it energetic. Most important categories of vitamins include Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Vitamin C and Magnesium.

6. Avoid toxins and other harmful substances: It goes without saying that foods that are laced with pesticides should be avoided at all costs. There are however other kinds of chemicals that are less obviously harmful but that can nonetheless wreak havoc if their intake is not controlled. They include the chemicals used in creating certain artificial colors and flavors as well as the trans-fatty acids that are byproducts of heating fats to very high temperatures (e.g. when deep frying food).

7. Supplement where necessary: It is quite difficult to achieve the right ‘mix’ in terms of getting all the right nutrients, vitamins and mineral required for optimum brain function from your diet. It may therefore sometimes be necessary to increase the levels of some of them through supplements. This is often necessary in the case of certain vitamins and also with trans-fatty acids.

8. Do regular exercise: Although exercise is not a ‘nutrition tip’ but it is highly beneficial in keeping you healthy and fit. Whenever you do some sort of exercise your blood circulation starts increasing and this ultimately benefits your body as well as brain which gets an opportunity to consume power while controlling the entire body. Another benefit of exercise is it reduces fat levels from your body. The researchers have proved that storing of fat, particularly in the mid portion of the body affects bodies and ultimately brains.

The above mentioned discussion opens many layers of realities which are but part of our lifecycle. They are indeed part of our common sense. Interestingly people know them but don’t follow them. Resultantly they remain ‘fuzzy’ and aimless. If you battle with ADD/ADHD symptoms, be cautious to keep your brain strengthened through best nutritious elements.

Technorati Tags: good foods, Nutrition, proper diet, raw foods, wholesome foods

So what does a nutritious diet consist of? In my opinion, it’s all about consuming foods that keep your energy levels running at a constant high level throughout the day, and allows them naturally fall at night. It’s really about eating correctly in such a way your body is continually fuelled to the most appropriate levels. This doesn’t mean eating salads all day – it simply means thinking about what you eat, and when you eat it.

My recommendations are as follows:

– Eat complex carbohydrates earlier in the day to keep your energy levels up
– Try to get at least 30 minutes of some form of exercise every day
– Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
– Try to balance each meal with 50% Carbohydrates, 30% Protein and 20% Fat for ideal nutrition
– Try not to go for more than 3 hours without eating something
– Don’t eat anything withing 2 hours of going to bed
– Try to eat protein rich foods within 4-6 hours of going to bed

It’s important that you keep these points in mind as you go through your daily life as this will maximize the value of your diet. If you’re able to keep up with this over a period of time, you should find that you have more energy and your sugar cravings lessen. This has definitely been my own experience! Additionaly, the weight will naturally start to drop off without you needing to eat like a rabbit!

If you follow these ideas, then I truly hope you find them as helpful as I have. All things considered, losing weight doesn’t have to be punishing! Conversely, eating a healthy diet doesn’t have to be about losing weight.

Eat well, eat heathily, eat happily, and don’t make this any tougher than it needs to be.

Happy Dieting!

Technorati Tags: complex carbohydrates, Diet, energy, Nutrition, nutritious diet

Fresh vegetables tend to have more of their nutrients still intact. But the distance they have traveled since they were picked can cause the nutrients to diminish. According to my local Agricultural County Extension Office just 6 hours after a fruit or vegetable is picked the vitamins are gone.

Something similar happens to plant enzymes. In fact people are so unlikely to come in contact with actual plant enzymes in food they might experience temporary stomach upset if they actually encounter something fresh enough to have them. It is unlikely any plant enzymes would actually be in food you buy from a grocer.

You would probably only get the full compliment of vitamins and plant enzymes if you grow and pick and prepare the foods yourself.

So a fresh fruit or vegetable that has traveled a long way is losing nutrients in every mile traveled.

But there are other issues that diminish the amount of vitamins and other nutrients that are available to consumers.

Cooking also diminishes available nutrients in food. For example foods that are canned are often cooked at least twice, once in the canning process and again when you heat it for your table. And each time you lose a few nutrients. Generally only tomatoes and beans retain significant nutrients in cans.

Freezing may preserve nutrients better than some fresh foods that have traveled a long way. Frozen vegetables are usually processed quickly after picking. They are not cooked as long as canned vegetables and fruits and their flavor is superior to canned things.

The way you prepare foods at home matters, too.

Shorter cooking times can preserve vitamins and other nutrients.

Broccoli can be really disgusting when it’s overcooked. Chopped broccoli cooked 2 minutes in the microwave is cooked enough and really good. It is also good raw, far better than the overcooked stuff that often appears on plates. Best of all you get better nutrition.

And most fruits and vegetables are the same, especially the ones that get a strong taste with overcooking. Turnips, carrots, rutabagas and beets are lovely, sweet treats shredded and served raw on the side with lean fish, crab or shrimp. But overcooking makes them totally different and unappetizing.

Many fast foods and convenience foods are less nutritious than other fresher options. They have a lot of refined flour, very little fruits and vegetables, a lot of salt and sugar to extend shelf life and help preserve the food. They are very bad for people with diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Many pregnant women are told by their obstetricians not to eat this kind of food because of high blood pressure. For example, chicken that is prepared and fried or roasted in fast food restaurants is usually soaked in salty water, increasing the salt content in the food to dangerous levels.

These preserved foods are common in school lunches, too.

Foods that have been irradiated have no vitamins or plant enzymes that survive the process, again according to my local Agricultural County Extension Service. We need to insist on knowing whether this has been done to foods, because a product that is supposed to be food is also supposed to be nutritious.

Good vegetables and fruits served raw or lightly cooked taste great and have more nutrients. They actually qualify as real food. Finding food that has nutrients intact can be a real challenge. But it is worth the trouble if you and yours are getting the nutrients you need to be healthy and perform optimally.

A little garden can also make your total food intake more nourishing. Herbs can be grown on a sunny windowsill and make your food much healthy and yummy. Do everything you can to make the food you eat better quality.

If you are overweight and constantly craving things to eat you need to take a close look at the quality of the food you are buying. Food, by definition is supposed to nourish the body, not make it fat and sick.

Technorati Tags: fresh foods, Nutrition, plant enzymes, raw foods, raw fruits, raw vegetables

Healthy eating is not concerned about staying unrealistically slim, prohibiting intake of food you love or following severe nutrition philosophies. Perhaps, it is all about eating good food, feeling more energetic and enthusiastic, and keeping fit. It is a way, which will show you path of a prosperous healthy life. Anyone can find this path by having a proper knowledge about balanced diet and good health. Not only understanding but also incorporating these nutrition basics in our day-to-day life is very important.

You need to select right kind of healthy food, which will render you wealth of health. However, avoiding the food that can further lead to illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer is also crucial. One has to expand the range of healthy food options for including a great diversity of delicious and tempting foods.

There are six main nutrition groups. They are proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water and vitamins. Every one has a distinct role in rendering a good health to our body. Nutritious meals contain right proportion of all above-mentioned categories. If taken in proper way, it will surely provide you a ‘good health’. Each food category of food pyramid has its individual influence on an overall diet. For avoiding ulcers, stomach disorders and indigestion, one should prefer a balanced meal. Balanced meal should include right proportion of all food groups. This will show the way of a good health with all food digested. It is nutritious, which can be used by the body with no any wastage.

One has to restrict intake of spicy, salty, starchy and fatty food items. Moreover, excess of sugar and salt can be harmful. Every food item you eat has influence on overall nutrition and your health. Everything in too much or too little quantity can disturb the overall balance of your body.

A good and balanced diet insist 1000 on limited intake of sugar and salt, saturated fats, meats and cholesterol while eating enough vegetables, wholegrain, low fat dairy products, fruits, fresh meats, poultry items, fish, nuts etc. Intake of lots of vegetables and fruits provides a great source of fibers, vitamins and minerals. This will help you to retain a disease free, healthy body. Quality food will bring a great revolution in your health and life. It is advisable to have a check on calorie count of your meal. Following a proper diet with nutritious meals can keep you fit.

By: Tony Innes

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Technorati Tags: Diet, food, good food, Nutrition, nutritious food, recipes

If you’re hosting Easter this year, I’d like to share a few tips with you that have helped me keep my sanity when I have hosted this holiday.

1. Cook and bake as many dishes as you can in advance. I have an Easter baking recipe that I share with you below that is easy and can be done up to a week in advance. I highly recommend baking your Easter desserts the day before. It really helps me cut down on the stress on Easter day.

2. organize your kitchen into baking/cooking stations the night before. I know this might sound crazy but I have found it helps me whenever I am making a holiday meal. I put out all of the ingredients for each Easter recipe that do not need to be refrigerated. I put the recipe out and put all of the ingredients that go into that recipe right next to it, along with any pans or measuring cups or spoons I may need for it. I also try to organize them from longest to shortest cooking time so that I know what to start with first.

3. Select the Easter recipes that you want to use a week in advance. This helps me make a grocery list of all the ingredients that I need. That way I can get to the grocery store and get everything that I need well in advance of the day itself.

4. Use or borrow appliances to help make the job easier. I still remember the first Easter I hosted at my house. I must have spent at least half an hour slicing potatoes. If I had just asked to borrow a food processor with a slicer from a friend, it would have made that day so much easier. If you do not have the right appliance for the job or cannot borrow it, find a different recipe.

5. Enlist helpers! The friends and family who have come to your Easter feast are usually more than happy to help out with any small last minute things. My husband has become the official potato masher for all of the holiday gatherings we hold at our house! Those last 30 minutes before your meal is ready can sometimes get a bit crazy. It is okay to ask for help.

Bonus Easter Recipe: Chocolate Easter Nests

These have been a favorite Easter baking recipe of mine for as long as I can remember. I loved helping mom put jelly beans in these for the "eggs."

1 box shredded wheat cereal (10-12 biscuits)
1 – 12 ounce package chocolate chips
3/4 cup peanut butter
Crush the biscuits so they are fairly fine. Melt the chocolate chips in bowl in the microwave until they are soft. Add the peanut butter to the melted chocolate. Mix together, put into a large bowl, and add the shredded wheat. Put mixture by tablespoon on a piece of waxed paper. Shape each into a nest. Chill until firmly set. Store in the refrigerator. When you are ready to set them out, put a few jelly beans in each nest. It is a cute, tasty Easter treat.

By: Jill S

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jill Seader is an avid baking enthusiast who loves to share baking stories. Visit her baking recipes website at Your Baking Story to hear her stories and share some of your own.

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Cooking Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From – Home | Food & Beverage | Cooking Why Own A Cast Iron Cauldron?
Basics of bread making
How to stop your cookies from coming out crumbly
Peel Tomatoes in 2 Easy Steps
Weber Genesis Grill Parts And What They Are Used For
Getting Great Discount Weber Grill Parts
The Total Guide to Char Broil Grill Replacement Parts
Weber Propane Grill Parts and Your Available Options
Gaining Some Grilling Skills For The Summer Months
Oregon Scientific Thermometers – A fun Grill Gadget!
Weber BBQ Rotisserie – Roasting With Ease
Competition BBQ Recipes – Yummy
Waring Blender MBB518 – Expert Bar Blender
Sometimes You Should Not Believe What You Hear When Buying Cookware
Why going vegan is good for your health

Technorati Tags: bake, cook, dishes, easter desserts, easter recipes, grocery lists, holidya meal, recipes

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you need to miss out when it comes to snack time or the holidays. Sure, you may see your friends gorging on sugary foods, but you know better. You can enjoy many snacks and appetizers that are healthy and taste great. Try serving them at your next party and watch how fast they go.

A healthy option that is also colorful is salsa. Make your own chunky salsa with mangos, peaches, peppers, tomatoes and onions. It is extra colorful and can be served in a bowl as a snack to accompany tortillas or chips. You can easily make it into an appetizer by placing a small spoonful on each chip or cracker and setting them out on a platter. Let the color show itself off!

If you have some experience in the kitchen, try making some California rolls. Crab is one luxury most people can’t turn down. The nori, also known as the dried seaweed used for sushi, can be found at your local Asian shop. Make some for lunch or a snack in the afternoon. Make up a few rolls and slice them for a quick appetizer. This sushi is safe for everyone… there is nothing raw. Everyone will be amazed at your culinary expertise.

Bruschetta is a wonderful snack. Slices of toasted French or Italian bread topped with fresh tomatoes, herbs and maybe some cheese is wonderful with a beverage. Likewise you can easily make a bunch and serve them as an appetizer at any parties you plan. If you have a healthy pizza recipe you enjoy for lunch or dinner, simply cut it up into bite size pieces for an impromptu get together.

If salad is a favorite, this is an easy one. Make up a healthy green salad with all the fixings. Chop everything so they are in small, easy bites. Toss it with your favorite dressing. Sit down and have your snack or meal! If you need some fast appetizers, just take several whole lettuce leaves. Spoon some salad onto each one and roll it up. Salad roll ups! Fasten it with a fancy toothpick and you are ready for the party! It’s even a nice healthy dish!

Finger foods make terrific snacks. Think what you can do with a simple can of olives, some cheese and some tomatoes. Arrange some of each on a plate for a simple, healthy snack. Add a few crackers if you wish for the cheese. For a quick appetizer, get some skewers and slide on an olive, some 1000 cheese and a cherry tomato. It’s the perfect appetizer… it’s food on a stick! It’s portable! Everyone will love these quick little kebabs.

When you’re planning your Easter appetizers you can do the same thing. Appetizers don’t have to be spendy. They don’t have to be full of fat and sugar. You can easily put together some appetizers that look great and taste wonderful. Give your diners a healthy appetizer to whet their appetite with. These quick and easy appetizers are much faster to prepare for parties you are invited to as well. Spread good health.

As you can see, many of these appetizers are simple and you can whip them up in mere minutes. This will help relieve stress and you’ll be doing your body a favor by feeding it food that does it some good. Try some… these tasty snacks are a great way to start eating right.

By: Christine Szalay-Kudra

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Holiday appetizer recipes will fill out your holiday meal perfectly. Many people like to put out holiday appetizers before everyone gathers for the big meal. These can be as simple as a plate of olives and pickles to more elaborate appetizers that look as festive as holiday cookies. www.EasyAppetizerRecipes.net You Make the Appetizers, We Help You Make Them Delicious.

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Holidays Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From – Home | Home & Family | Holidays Stunning Lodges with Hot Tubs
Boost the verve of your tiles with tiles adhesive
Choosing Angel Costumes to Wear At Halloween Parties
Is There a Reason Why Your Little Girl Wants to Dress Up in a Child’s Fairy Costume?
Make your winter cosy with underfloor hea 1000 ting techniques
Remodeling A Bathroom With Modern Bathroom Vanity
Birthday Party Invitations Effective and Helpful Tips
Ceramic Tiles – Common yet gratifying tile for your home
Lesbian Vacation Ideas – 5 Great Places To Visit
Unique Gift For Independence Day
Rock n Roll Costumes – How to find the best for Halloween
Films Not To Miss This Summer
Summer-time gifts for all occasions
Halloween Ideas ad Tips
English Country Cottages for a Different Holiday

Technorati Tags: healthy snacks, Nutrition, nutritious snacks

Spring has sprung, Easter is nearly here. One of the most celebrated holidays is Easter and part of the reason why this holiday is so much fun is the food associated with it. If you are planning an Easter dinner with your friends or family this year, here are some awesome tips for some tasty Easter recipes.

Maple Syrup Ham and Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
One of the most popular types of food to eat during Easter is ham and you can sweeten up the flavor of ham by adding some tasty maple syrup. While your store purchased maple syrup should work, try to purchase maple syrup that is 100% pure and not made from corn syrup. Adding pure maple syrup will add a sweet, delicious taste that your friends and family will like.

You can simply complement your maple syrup ham with some yummy sweet potatoes smothered in miniature marshmallows. Sweet potatoes will be your maple syrup ham’s best friend. For an added treat, add miniature marshmallows and you will surely get some smiles from children and grown-ups alike.

Easter Bunny Cookies
Even though chocolate bunnies are pivotal to Easter, cookies can also be an excellent treat. Just like Christmas cookies are fun to prepare and tasty to eat, so are Easter Bunny cookies. Most supermarkets, discount stores, and craft outlets sell Easter Bunny cookie cutters to create your favorite chocolate chip or sugar cookie into some fantastic Easter Bunny shapes.

Easter Egg Cup Cakes
Easter Egg cup cakes are a wonderful way to add enthusiasm to the holidays for your little ones. Easter Egg Cupcakes are an easy and fun way to bring color to any Easter dinner dessert. Instead of using cup cake holders, try to use small waffle cones to hold your cup cake mixture. Once baked, add coloring, sprinkles, candy, etc. to your creation.

Easter Bunny Carrot Cake
Easter Bunny carrot cake is an awesome way to add color and excitement for the whole family. What goes better with bunny rabbits than carrots and a yummy carrot cake goes with an Easter meal. You can easily purchase a carrot cake and decorate the top by hand. Many people create their own frosting adding food coloring to color the carrot cake to look like an Easter egg.

Easter Cocktails
For those grown-ups that like to top off their dinner with a delicious alcoholic beverage, there are many fun cockt 1000 ails that can go with the mood of an Easter meal. For example, certain liquors come in many different colors such as grenadine for rose, blue Curacao for aqua and mixing clear liquor with assorted fruit juices for multicolored Easter drinks. For those that love a cocktail sans the alcohol, it’s simple to add color to your meal with a host of fresh fruit smoothies, just by combining fresh fruit with cream or milk. Some people even add a little yogurt to the mix.

If you are looking for a great way to enjoy your Easter this year, follow the above Easter recipes.

By: Christine Steendahl

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Would You Like To Give Heathful Treats In Your Easter Baskets This Year? Why Not Try These Creative Healthy Easter Basket Hints: www.dinewithoutwhine.com/article-easter-basket-idea.htm

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Cooking Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From – Home | Food & Beverage | Cooking Why Own A Cast Iron Cauldron?
Basics of bread making
How to stop your cookies from coming out crumbly
Peel Tomatoes in 2 Easy Steps
Weber Genesis Grill Parts And What They Are Used For
Getting Great Discount Weber Grill Parts
The Total Guide to Char Broil Grill Replacement Parts
Weber Propane Grill Parts and Your Available Options
Gaining Some Grilling Skills For The Summer Months
Oregon Scientific Thermometers – A fun Grill Gadget!
Weber BBQ Rotisserie – Roasting With Ease
Competition BBQ Recipes – Yummy
Waring Blender MBB518 – Expert Bar Blender
Sometimes You Should Not Believe What You Hear When Buying Cookware
Why going vegan is good for your health

Technorati Tags: cooking, easter, easter food, easter recipes

When immigrants from the four corners of Europe came to America, they brought a variety of traditional Easter bread recipes. Now chocolate Easter bunnies, yellow marshmallow chicks and jelly beans signify the holiday but at one time families served Easter breads, which are rich in symbolism and history.

Father Dominic Garramone, a Catholic priest, cookbook author and host of the TV show "Breaking Bread with Father Dominic," would like to ensure that Easter bread traditions are not forgotten. "Bread for Easter is one way of bringing some tradition and meaning back to the holiday," he says. Here are two of his tried-and-true brunch recipes:

French Toast

Custard Casseroles

For each casserole, you will need:

1 egg

2 Tbs. whole or reduced-fat milk

2 thick or 3 medium slices of day-old bread (store- bought bread works well)

2 Tbs. chopped pecans

1/3 cup maple-flavored syrup

1 Tbs. butter

1 small ovenproof bowl, about 5" across and 2" deep (a small soup bowl with a handle works well.)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly coat the interior of the ovenproof bowl with cooking spray or butter. Trim bread slices to a shape and size that will fit the bowl. In another larger bowl, whisk egg and milk, then place bread slices in egg mixture until liquid is absorbed. Combine nuts and syrup in the bottom of the ovenproof bowl, and dot the surface with the butter.

Place the soaked bread slices on top-they should not reach past the lip of the bowl. Place bowl on a baking sheet to prevent drips, and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until top is lightly browned and center is firm. Remove from oven and allow to set for about 10 minutes. Invert bowl onto a plate, remove bowl and serve.

Ham and Cheese Braid

1 pkg. active dry yeast

11/4 cups warm milk (100 to 110 F)

1 Tbs. sugar

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

11/2 tsp. salt

1 egg

3 to 31/2 cups all-purpose flour

11/2 cups ham, coarsely chopped

11/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

1 egg whit 1000 e, beaten with 1 Tbs. water

Put warm milk into a medium-size bowl. Add yeast, stir to dissolve. Add sugar, egg, salt and oil. Add 3 cups of flour and beat well. Work in enough of remaining flour to form a soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes. Rinse and dry the bowl, then oil the surface of the dough and place in the bowl. Cover with a clean, dry dish towel, and let rise in a warm place free from drafts for about one hour, or until doubled in volume.

Mix ham, cheese, and nuts (if desired) in medium-size bowl. Roll out dough 10" x 18". Spread filling lengthwise in the center third of the dough; press filling together slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut each outer third of the dough (the part not covered by filling) into 5 to 7 diagonal strips, cutting from the edge of the dough to about 1" from the edge of the filling. Brush the strips lightly with water. Fold the dough strips over the filling, alternating left and right, being careful not to stretch the dough. Tuck in the ends of the last strips to seal. Carefully transfer loaf to a lightly greased nonstick 9" x 13" cake pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size. Brush the surface of the dough with the egg white wash. Bake at 400 in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the temperature of the filling is about 160.

By: Wayne Ryan

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Technorati Tags: bread, bread recipes, buns, french toast