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Video: How to Make Whole Wheat Pita

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) invites you to  watch Video: How to Make Whole Wheat Pita. Enjoy the Middle Eastern Cuisine and learn How to Make Whole Wheat Pita.

with Greyson Ferguson

Whole wheat pita is easily made at home with the right ingredients and techniques. Check out how to make this whole wheat pita bread recipe.



How to Make Whole Wheat Pita

Hi guys, Greyson Ferguson here with About.com. Today we are making whole wheat pita bread.

Whole Wheat Pita Bread Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
1 teaspoon of sea salt,
2 tablespoons ground flax seed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and
about 1 cup of water for mixing

In a large mixing bowl, sift one cup of whole wheat flour. This gives you about half a cup once finished. Add in one and one half cups of unsifted whole wheat flour, the sea salt, ground flax seed and active dry yeast.
Mix Water with Whole Wheat Flour

Pour the water in slowly. You want the dough stiff, yet still dry, so the entire cup of water may not be necessary. Kneed the dough together until smooth. Once smooth, roll the dough into eight equal sized balls. Preheat your oven to 500 degrees.

Flatten Pita Bread Dough and Bake

Flatten each ball down into a circular disk and place each back onto the baking sheet. Bake the pita bread at 500 degrees for six minutes. Allow the pita bread to cool for a few minutes, then cut each piece into four sections and serve with your favorite dip. 

Source About.com. 

More form the Lebanese Recipes Kitchen:


Video:Great Ways to Flavor Falafel
Chopping an Onion - How to Chop Onion

Cookie Tips

Cutting Up a Chicken

Eat Healthy at Work

Fast and Easy Middle Eastern hummus Dip 


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Video:Great Ways to Flavor Falafel

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) invites you to  watch Video:Great Ways to Flavor Falafel. Enjoy the Middle Eastern Cuisine and learn how to Flavor Falafel.

with Omar Saad

Learn ways to flavor falafel to spice up your favorite meal. Here are some great ways to flavor falafel.





Great Ways to Flavor Falafel

Hi I'm Omar Saad for About.com and today we're going to look at five seasonings to add to your falafel to give it a great flavor.

Over the past couple of decades falafel, a traditional middle eastern dish, has grown in popularity here in the U.S. It tastes great, it's good for you, and best of all it's easy to make. While the foundation of the dish, fava and garbanzo beans, can be a bit bland when eaten alone, there are plenty of ways to add flavor and spice it up.


Ingredients for Falafel

 
You will need fava beans and garbanzo beans or a falafel mix, two cloves of garlic, some diced green onion, 1/3 bunch of italian parsley, two bunches of cilantro, one diced shallot, 1/3 teaspoon of cumin, 1/3 teaspoon of black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.

When making falafel from scratch, you’ll want to take peeled and uncooked garbanzo and fava beans and soak them overnight to prepare the for making the dish. When ready, add them to a food processor.

Seasonings for Falafel

 
This is where you'll begin to season your falafel. There a many different things you can use to add flavor to it. If you're fan of spicy foods, you could add some cayenne pepper. Another common spice, and one that we'll be using today is cumin. Adding these granulated spices while you're running it through the food processor allows them to mix more evenly. We're working with around a half pound of the base mixture so we'll only need about 1/3 tsp of cumin, 1/3 tsp of black pepper, and about 3/4 teaspoon of salt.

Here's where you can get really creative with your falafel. There are plenty of different ways of seasoning and they tend to vary depending on the region of the middle east you are in. The rules aren't hard and fast, so once you've made this dish a few times, and are comfortable with it, you can definitely try some new methods.

Another Way to Flavor Falafel

 
Take your falafel mix and set it off to the side. Add 2 cloves of garlic, some diced green onion, a 1/3 bunch of Italian parsley, 2 stocks of cilantro, and one shallot to a food processor. This is going to provide the basis of your flavor. Once all the ingredients have been finely minced, add them to your falafel mix and blend well.

Now your falafel is ready to cook. A couple of minutes on either side in about an inch of hot vegetable oil should be sufficient. You can enjoy them in as a plate or in a sandwich topped with a tahini sauce for a finishing touch.

Source About.com. 


More form the Lebanese Recipes Kitchen:
 

Chopping an Onion - How to Chop Onion

Cookie Tips

Cutting Up a Chicken

Eat Healthy at Work

Fast and Easy Middle Eastern hummus Dip

Frozen Orange Juice 


Save and share Video:Great Ways to Flavor Falafel

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Weight Loss Foods for Men


When it comes to losing weight, there's no simple solution at hand, unfortunately. There has to be that combined effort from all angles put into the picture for positive results to happen. Exercising and dieting both, become important, as is pretty clear. So does adopting a healthy lifestyle (you know-sleeping well, avoiding alcohol and processed foods). Now, let's just assume that you have taken the matters of exercising into your hands, which then leaves us with just the dieting to take care of. And in those matters is what I'm here to help you with. How good would it be if you knew some of the best weight loss foods for men? Wouldn't it just help to push along the process faster and bring about better results? Yes, it would. So let's help you with that push then, and give you a list of some of the best foods that help in weight loss.

Healthy Weight Loss Foods

Why weight loss? For a better health, self image and increased productivity. Your reasons could be diverse, but the goal would still be the same. Getting on to those best weight loss foods then.

Vegetables and Fruits
This one's a no-brainer, but it's still one of the most neglected foods on the list. Filling your stomach with vegetables and fruits of different forms is a way to stay full, healthy and thereby lose weight. In combination, fruits and vegetables contain a staggering amount of nutrients and antioxidants that keep the body healthy and thereby improve all the bodily functions, which ultimately leads to weight loss.

Salads
Salads help to fill you up and curb your appetite. If you're smart enough to fill them, salads with healthy veggies and bases, there's really nothing like it. Opt for whole wheat breads and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, capsicum, onions, olives and the like. Do NOT use mayonnaise and other sauces as base. Instead, a mint or coriander base is much more healthy, and has minimal calories. Use lemon juice, peppers and oregano for dressing.

Grapes
Grapes are tasty as hell, and are an excellent option when it comes to the annoying in between meal cravings. Keep a bowl of grapes handy at all times and simply munch your way through these, whenever you feel like it.

Tender Coconut Water
..With the soft watery coconut as well. Coconut water has properties that helps to cleanse one's system and leads to ridding the system of a build up of toxins and waste. This then improves the digestion process and leads to weight loss. It also improves skin health drastically.

Oatmeal
This one you might have heard of pretty often, and for good reason too. Oatmeal is packed with high fiber cereal and whole grains that help to fill you up, and therefore take away that horrible urge to binge. Plus, fiber equals to better digestion and bowel movements. And we know what that does ultimately, don't we?

Dairy Products
Low fat milk, cheese and yogurt are some of the best foods for weight loss. Not only are they high in calcium, but it has been proven that they work as some of the best foods that burn fat cells and lead to weight loss in that way. Losing weight while gaining strong bones and teeth? Seems like a good offer to me.

Pumpkin
Yes, yes pumpkin. It's a great choice to include in the weight loss foods list. For one, it has minimal calories, secondly it fills you up and third, it burns fat cells. And there are varied ways in which you can consume it as well - as soup, as a vegetable dish or as a salad.

Fish
Fish provides for omega 3 in high numbers and helps the body hoard on to an important nutrient called leptin which burns fat and suppresses one's appetite as well.

Egg Whites
Do you know that models all over the world swear by this super food? Egg whites (not the yolk) help to give provide for regular bursts of energy throughout the day and help to keep you full.

Sprouts, Legumes and Nuts
All these, when consumed raw make for some of the best weight loss foods. They provide for energy, fill you up with fiber and energy, and thereby help with weight loss.

Water
Never underestimate the role that water plays in weight loss. Water helps in digestion, cleansing and burning of fat cells. Water, when consumed warm and sipped throughout the day, helps to keep one hydrated and expends all the major functions well.

There you go. Now try and include these foods in your diet and combine them with exercises and voila! You'll have really effective results.
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Best Margarita Recipes


It was party like any other party-Funky strobe lights, a huge dance floor, pulsating music and hip crowds. Well, it invited me to join the bandwagon and shake a leg with my friends and the people I did not even know at all! Dressed in my best fitting denims and a funky top, I was on the search of something that was beyond all these parties. Dancing always left me thirsty for more fun and music and also a perfect margarita! This always gives me the extra punch but the best margarita has always evaded me from the time I probably started partying.

The perfect margarita recipes are as difficult as probably meeting the perfect man. Although perfect men may not really exist, I did ultimately find the perfect recipes. Well, for starters, I got one through a friend at the nightclub, which is across the street. As time passed, I accumulated quite a few that have their own distinct flavors and variations in them. Variety is the spice of life and this alcoholic beverage that contains tequila, an orange flavored liqueur (Triple Sec) and lime juice, can be served in various blends.

The Classic Margarita

Ingredients
  • White tequila (2 oz)
  • Fresh lime juice (2 oz)
  • Triple sec (2 oz)
  • Ice cubes (8)
  • Saucers (2- to dip the glasses)
  • Champagne glasses (4-shallow and wide-mouthed wineglasses)
  • Electric blender.
The Process
First, you need to pour the tequila into one of the saucers and the salt into the other. Then, you need to turn the glasses upside down to dip the rim of the glass into the tequila. Next, you need to shake off the excess tequila and dip it into the salt. You can keep the glass upright.

To make this cocktail, you need to put the fresh lime juice, orange liqueur and tequila into the container of the blender. Now, you need to add some ice and puree it and keep pulsing the blender on and off, just for a few seconds. Sometimes, you can leave a few bits of ice but that would depend upon individual tastes. Or, you can have a uniform frozen effect by crushing the ice till you do not hear the sound of the ice being crushed.

Once done, you need to pour it into the glass and also avoid touching the ring of salt at the rim of the glass. Serve immediately.

The Blue Margarita

Ingredients
  • Coarse salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Tequila (4 ounces)
  • Fresh lime juice (2 ounce)
  • Triple Sec (2 ounce)
  • Blue Curacao (2 ounce)
  • Superfine sugar (2 teaspoons)
  • 1/4-inch slices star fruit (2-for garnish)
  • 1 lime (cut into wedges)
The Process
Take the cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Add some lime juice, blue Curacao with Tequila, Triple Sec and sugar. Shake this hard for the next 30 seconds. You can salt rim the glasses as mentioned earlier and fill the glasses with ice cubes. Next, you need to strain the margarita into these glasses. You can garnish these with a slice of star fruit or a lime wedge and indulge!

Apricot Margarita

Ingredients
  • Fresh apricots (halved and pitted-1-1/2 cup) 1/2 cup tequila
  • Sugar (1/4 cup)
  • Apricot nectar (1/2 cup)
  • Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup)
  • Ice cubes (3 cups)
The Process
First, you need to combine the apricot halves, sugar, lime juice, tequila and the apricot nectar in a blender. Cover the container and blend it until it smoothens. Keep the blender running and add some ice cubes. Wait until the concoction gets a little slushy. Once done, serve this luscious drink in the salt-rimmed glasses.

I am hoping these recipes help you add a punch to your parties and occasions. Till then here's wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Hic!
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Pulled Pork Recipe


Pulled or shredded pork is one of the most scrumptious dishes that can be made for a party or a picnic! Among all pork recipes, pulled pork is most versatile, as it can be used to make sandwiches, tacos, burritos, salad or can also be eaten as it is, as a meal! Take a look at the following recipes.

Making Pulled Pork in Oven

Ingredients
  • 4 lb of boneless pork shoulder or tenderloin
  • of cup All-Purpose Dry Rub
Method of Preparation
  • Preheat the oven to 225 F
  • Rub the All-Purpose Dry Rub all over the pork
  • Now, place the spiced pork in roasting pain and cook in the oven for 3 - 3 hours.
  • Remove it from the oven, wrap in a foil and place it back in the oven. You should again cook the pork for 1 hour.
  • If the pork is cooked, it will be tender and easy to shred. If not, cook for further hour.
  • When tender, remove the pork from the foil. Now, using two forks or bear paw meat handlers, shred or pull the pork apart.
  • Your pulled pork recipe is just complete! You can add barbecue sauce, ketchup to the pork and serve it as a sandwich, as a taco or with salad!
... Using a Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  • 4 pounds of boneless pork shoulder blade roast or pork butt
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • cup of tomato paste
  • cup of ketchup
  • cup of cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • cup of packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoons of ground black pepper
Method of Preparation
  • Clean the pork and cut it into 4 pieces.
  • In a slow cooker pot, add onion, tomato paste, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, mustard, pepper and salt and mix it together.
  • Now, add the pork to this sauce mixture ion the cooker pot until the pork blends well.
  • Cover the cooker with lid and cook the entire mixture on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. By this time, the pork should be tender.
  • Once the pork is tender, remove it from the cooker and transfer to another bowl.
  • Change the setting of the cooker to high and boil the sauce until it thickens.
  • With the help of two forks or with bear paw meat handlers, pull the pork into shreds.
  • Now, put this shredded pork back into the cooker, mix with the thick sauce and heat for a couple of minutes.
  • Your pulled pork filling is ready! You can serve it in between hamburger buns, sandwich bread, ciabatta bread, etc.
... Using a Crock Pot

Ingredients
  • 4 lbs of pork roast
  • 18 ounce of barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup of ginger ale
  • 2 large sliced onions
Method of Preparation
  • Place 1 sliced onion in the crock pot and add the pork roast in it.
  • Now, add another sliced onion, ginger ale, mix it and cover the pot with a lid.
  • Cook the pork on low settings for 11-12 hours.
  • Remove the pork after prescribed time. It is fully cooked if it is tender and easy to shred. If not, cook it further for some more time.
  • Now, shred or pull the pork apart with the help of forks or bear paw meat handlers.
  • Put the pulled pork, onions, and barbecue sauce in the pot again and cook for 5-6 hours on a low setting.
  • This can be served with sandwiches, bread or as a salad!
I hope you found these recipes easy to understand and follow. You can try out any one of these recipes for your next house party. So, have fun cooking and enjoy this delicious dish! Good luck!
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Best Buffalo Wing Sauce


A buffalo wing or a chicken wing is one of the easiest things to make. It's a great appetizer for a party and never fails to please the crowd. There's a lot of speculation on the history of buffalo wings and from where did this delicious recipe originated. It's said that the first ever buffalo wing was served in the world-famous Anchor Bar and Grill in the year 1964 in Buffalo, New York. Since then the dish was named as buffalo wings. Buffalo wings is a crowd puller and a great dish to serve at barbecues, parties and small social gatherings. It's a snack which is loved by people of all ages. The wings are also a great source of nutrition. As chicken is white meat, it is low in fats and gives the body its desired protein content. Making buffalo wings is very easy, the problem arises when you try to make its sauce. Be very clear, if the sauce isn't tasteful, you are going to ruin the entire recipe of buffalo wings. Here is a delicious buffalo wing sauce recipe for that perfect barbecue.

How to Make Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe

Making buffalo wing sauce from scratch is easy if you have the right ingredients. Here are some recipes which are a perfect blend of spices and ingredients. They help enhance the entire experience of treating yourself with buffalo wings.

Wing Sauce 1
Ingredients
  • Hot sauce, 1 bottle
  • White vinegar, cup
  • chopped onion, cup
  • Water, cup
  • Chopped tomato, cup
  • Ketchup, cup
  • Dry cayenne peppers, 2 cups
  • Juice of lemon
  • Single stick of butter
  • Honey, 1 tsp
Preparation
Heat a pan over medium flame and start roasting cayenne peppers on it. Toss them around the pan but make sure they don't get burnt. Now add water to the pan and bring it to boil. Let it heat for 10 minutes. Drain the water and put the peppers in the blender. Pour in a cup of water, vinegar and salt. Blend it well. In the same pan, add in butter so it melts, toss in chopped onion, garlic, tomato, and empty the entire bottle of hot sauce. Cook this mixture for 5 minutes and pour it in the blender. Blend high for 3 minutes. Now add the lemon juice, honey and ketchup and blend again. Now pour this entire blended mixture in the same pan where you melted the butter and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. After frying the buffalo wings you can add in the wings in the sauce and serve.

Buffalo Wing Dip 1
Ingredients
  • Drained chuck chicken, 2 cans
  • Softened cream cheese, 2 packs
  • Pepper sauce, cup
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup
  • A bunch of celery
  • Chicken flavored crackers, 1 box
Preparation
Take the chicken and hot sauce and heat them in a skillet over medium flame. Now add the ranch dressing and cream cheese. Stir this mixture until it is cooked well. Add in half of the shredded cheese and shift the entire mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese and heat the mixture on low flame until it gets hot and bubbly.

Buffalo Wing Dip 2
Ingredients
  • Chunk chicken, 2 cans
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilly peppers, 1 can
  • Cream cheese, 1 pack
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup, 2 cans
Preparation
Heat a saucepan over medium flame and add chicken, diced tomatoes, green chilly peppers, cream cheese and the condensed cream of chicken soup. Cook this mixture for 20 minutes and keep stirring. Turn off the flame when the dip gets its thickness.

Buffalo Wing Dip 3
Ingredients
  • Cooked and shredded boneless and skinless, chicken breast, 1 lb
  • Softened cream cheese, 8 oz
  • Hot sauce, 2 cups
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup
  • Blue cheese dressing, cup
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350F. Take an 8x8 glass dish, spread the cream cheese in and keep it aside. Heat the shredded chicken in a saucepan on medium flame and add the hot sauce. Make sure you add enough sauce so that the chicken pieces are well coated and juicy. Now take this mixture and spread it in the glass dish. Pour the blue cheese dressing and spread evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and bake this dish for 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Hope you've liked these delicious recipes of buffalo wing sauce and dips. They are easy to make and you can also add in some extra ingredients and enhance your creativity.
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Easy Bread Pudding


Bread pudding is one such dessert that is enjoyed by almost every one. The enticing aroma of the pudding, the taste of soft bread and butter, the yummy looking crust and the fruity chunks within, surely make bread pudding an all time hit. There are scores of easy bread pudding recipe available for you to choose from, that can be served with a variety of different sauces.

Bread puddings can be made in a variety of different ways and with many different flavors. Let us begin with the easiest of all. This bread pudding recipe is very easy to prepare and is ready in just a few minutes.

Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
  • 4 slices of buttered bread
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup raisins
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, resins and vanilla extract. Blend the mixture well. Now, place the bread slices in an oblong baking dish and pour the mixture over the slices. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degree for about 45 minutes or until thickened. Serve with any sauce of your choice! This bread pudding with rum sauce makes a great combination! This is how you make rum sauce:

Rum Sauce
Ingredients:
  • 1 egg
  • cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons rum
Directions:
Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla. Stir in the egg and mix well. Now, add rum and heat for about 5 minutes over low heat. Serve warm with bread puddings!

Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
  • 5 cups cubed or sliced bread
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 3 cups half and half
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • cup orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine together cubed bread, cranberries, orange juice and zest in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, butter and vanilla. Pour this mixture over bread and stir in sugar. Allow the bread to soak for about 5 minutes. Now, pour the bread mixture into a prepared baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degree for about 45 minutes. Serve with an orange custard sauce or with a little heavy cream.

Cherry Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
  • 8 slices of day old bread, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 cups dried cherries
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg, until smooth. Add bread and dried cherries to the egg mixture. Allow the mixture to sit for about 2 hours. Now, pour this mixture into a buttered baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degree for about 55 minutes or until it sets. Serve with whipped cream or sweet maple syrup.

Chocolate Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
  • 6 bread slices, crumbled
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 cup scalded milk
  • cup butter, melted
  • teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Butter a 6 x 12 inch baking dish and keep it aside. In a large bowl, combine milk, butter, eggs, sugar and vanilla. Put crumbled bread in the prepared baking dish. Now, pour the egg mixture over the bread. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degree for about 40 to 50 minutes, until it sets. Serve with chocolate sauce.

Whiskey Sauce
Ingredients:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup confectioner's sugar
  • cup heavy cream
  • cup whiskey
Directions:
in a saucepan, combine together butter and confectioner's sugar and heat over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly till you get a smooth consistency. Then add whiskey, egg yolks and cream. Adjust the heat to medium. Stir the sauce constantly and remove from heat when it becomes thick. Cool and pour over the bread pudding.

These were some quick and simple bread pudding recipes. I'm sure you liked them all! Now, that you know how to make bread pudding, what are you waiting for? Pick one recipe from above and get going!
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Turkish torte recipe

Photo: Turkish torte recipe
Photography by Brett Stevens

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) invites you to try Turkish torte Recipe. Enjoy the Middle Eastern Cuisine and learn how to make Turkish torte.

This Mediterranean-inspired dessert signals easy summer entertaining and adds the final touch to a long, laidback alfresco lunch. 

Ingredients

6 eggwhites
1 cup (220g) caster sugar
1 cup (125g) almond meal
500g chocolate halva, chopped (see note)
150g pitted dates, chopped
Grated zest of 2 oranges
120g dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup (60ml) brandy
2 tbs edible dried rose petals (see note)
2 tbs slivered pistachios (see note)
2 tbs pomegranate seeds (optional)
Small mint sprigs, to serve

Chocolate glaze

100ml pure (thin) cream
150g dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Method

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease and line a 24cm springform cake pan with baking paper. Beat eggwhites with electric beaters until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating constantly, then beat for 5 minutes or until thick and glossy.

Fold in almond meal, halva, dates, zest and chocolate until just combined. Spoon mixture into the cake pan, then bake for 1 hour 20 minutes or until dry and firm to the touch (the cake will still be moist in the centre when tested with a skewer).

While hot, poke several holes in the top of the cake with a skewer. Pour brandy over cake, then cool completely in the pan.

Meanwhile, for the glaze, place cream and chocolate in a pan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stand for 30 minutes or until a thick pouring consistency.

Remove the cooled cake from the pan, transfer to a platter and pour over the chocolate glaze, allowing it to drip down the sides. Decorate with rose petals, nuts, pomegranate seeds (if using) and mint.


delicious. - January 2012 , Page 94
Recipe by Valli Little


More from the Lebanese Recipes Kitchen:            

Naboulsiya 
Konafa Bel Fosdok  
Turkish delight and yoghurt bavarois with raspberry syrup  
Turkish Halwa
 
Pistachio Delight 

Mohallabiah Strawberries Cake 
 


Save and share Turkish torte recipe 

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Protein-rich Foods

Protein-rich food
Did You Know?
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends that proteins should contribute to about 15% of the daily calorie intake.Importance of Proteins

Proteins are everywhere in our body, be it the skin, hair, nails, muscles, bones, or the tiniest cell. Our survival and character inheritance from our parents (genetic coding) also happens with the help of a protein - DNA. Proteins are also used by the body to build hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and the transmitters that help regulate the chemical reactions in the body.

Hemoglobin, the carrier of oxygen in the blood, is also a protein. In emergency situations, our body can effectively convert protein to sugar and fat, and use them as fuel. Taking into consideration the role proteins play in our body, it is recommended that you ingest your daily dose of proteins and keep your energy levels soaring.

Proteins are made up of amino acids. When proteins are ingested, they are acted upon by the digestive juices in our body and broken down into amino acids. These amino acids can be classified as essential and non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are the ones that are not synthesized by the body and, therefore, it is exceptionally essential for your body to get optimal amount of food rich in proteins. As far as non-essential amino acids are concerned, our body can manufacture them, so external sources are not required.

Proteins can be obtained from two sources: animal sources and vegetable sources. While non-vegetarians can enjoy the benefits of obtaining protein from both animal and vegetable sources, vegans have to rely on a protein-rich vegan diet to obtain their required amounts of protein. Let us have a look at both the protein sources.

List of Protein-rich Food Items
The most commonly known animal protein sources are:

  • Eggs
  • Meat (Beef, Lamb)
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Turkey
  • Chicken
  • Caviar
  • Lobster and crab meat

It is important that one does not resort to meat as the only source of protein, as meat also contains a high level of saturated fat which is very harmful to the body. Substituting meat with fish or poultry is a better idea as it is a healthier choice.

Good News for Vegetarians

Meat and eggs are not the only sources of proteins one can consume. Dairy products and a whole lot of vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables, like spinach, are rich in protein. Thus, vegans have ample (vegetarian) protein-rich food products they can turn to. Let us have a look at them.

  • Spirulina
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Nonfat Mozzarella
  • Milk
  • Soy Milk
  • Cheese
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Tofu
  • Yogurt
  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Carrots
  • Potato
  • Squash and Pumpkin
  • Avocados
  • Artichoke
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Lettuce
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Mushrooms
  • Bananas
  • Cup of cherries
  • Dried apricots
  • Dried prunes
  • Peanut Butter
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains: Quinoa, Barley, Brown rice, Oatmeal
  • Nuts: Almonds, Peanuts, Cashew nuts, Pecans
  • Oil seeds: Flax seeds, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds
  • Liquids: Whey, Buttermilk

Fruits have a very high protein content; nevertheless, bananas and cherries have a slightly higher content of protein as compared to other fruits. On the other hand, almost all vegetables have a relatively higher protein content than fruits. Legumes and nuts are also good sources of protein; thus, a vegan should consume a variety of these food items to get the required amount of protein into their system.

Aim for a Proper Mix of Vegetable and Animal Protein
According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), an adult needs 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (a kilogram equals 2.2 pounds). Vegetarians, mainly vegans, require 1 gram per kg body weight proteins in one day. Animal sources are "complete" (given that they provide all the essential amino acids) and pack in a greater punch of protein than plant sources. Vegans can compensate by combining different types of proteins, like grains and legumes.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Proteins

RDA
Age Group Grams/Day
Children aged 1-3 13
Children aged 4-8 19
Children aged 9-13 34
Girls aged 14-18 46
Boys aged 14-18 52
Women aged 19-70+ 46
Men aged 19-70+ 52

What an Excess of Proteins Can Do

Protein sources can be very tricky and at times, misleading. If you eat too much meat or cheese, your body's protein requirement is met; however, other problems, like high cholesterol levels and weight gain, can arise. A diet high in protein can increase the risk of high cholesterol, as protein-rich food items are also high in saturated fats, which in turn can lead to heart diseases.

Excess protein also increases the strain on the liver and kidneys, as the excess forces the kidneys to work overtime. This stress could lead to kidney dysfunction. Some eatables rich in protein are high in nucleic acid, which when broken down produces uric acid. Too much of uric acid can lead to a condition known as gout, wherein the joints in the body become inflamed, tender, and hurt a lot during movement. On the other hand, a protein deficiency can lead to growth problems. It can cause skin problems and generally make the individual look tired and unhealthy.

Moderation is the key. Do not stuff your child with cheese burgers and pizzas just because cheese is high in protein. You will end up fighting the next big problem - obesity! Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Don't eat too much of anything just because it is rich in one nutrient. Check the overall pros and cons.

Options for You

Take a pick from some of the low-fat, high-protein choices mentioned below.


Have lean cuts of meat (remove any fat that you can see).

Remove the skin to reduce the fat content.

Try to use beans wherever possible instead of meat.

Use the 'low-fat' or 'fat-free' version of milk, yogurt, and cheese

Opt for egg whites instead of the whole egg.

If you are still not clear about which protein-rich food products to choose from, the best thing to do will be to contact your health care provider or a nutritionist. He/she will be able to evaluate how much protein is ideal for you based on your weight and age.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and should not be substituted for the advice of a professional nutritionist/dietitian.
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Quick Supper Ideas


The English word supper is derived from the old German word 'sup', and refers to the last meal or evening meal. Although it is often used as a synonym to dinner, suppers are actually a separate meal that can refer to an informal, and usually simpler family meal. Most women have those frantic days of running around when fast food seems to be the only option for your supper time.

It doesn't matter whether you work outside your home, are a stay-at-home mom or a work-at-home mom, most of the time you are too busy to cook full-fledged meals. However, if you want to enjoy a nutritious but quick and easy supper, then use these ideas can help you on your way. They can help ease your evening chores, leaving you less frazzled and rushed after your cooking, with more time for peace and quiet before bedtime. What's more, your quick fix supper ideas use a few outstandingly fresh ingredients which are not only better than the conventional fast food, they also taste delicious.

Your Palate Demands...

Savory Seafood
Piquant Chicken
Appetizing Beef/Pork
Vegetarian Delight

Savory Seafood Ideas
Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp Taco
Want something delectable and simple to make? Then you have to try mouth-watering shrimp tacos. All you need is approximately two pounds of shrimp, fifteen store-bought corn tortillas along with some butter, jalapeno chile (without stem), canola oil, some chopped onions, garlic and parsley.

Cook the chopped onions in canola oil. Add the shrimp to the pan once the onions have browned, and saut for some time before adding butter, garlic, salt and the jalapeno stem. Heat the tortillas, and spoon the filling in the middle. Add some cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.


Yummy Variations: Top the taco with some yummy mango salsa. Chop some mangoes, bell peppers and onions , and mix it with a bit of pepper and cilantro to make a yummy addition to the tacos.


Time Taken: 25 minutes
Roasted Salmon with Cilantro
Roasted Salmon
Salmon is a fish that is full of wonderful flavor. All you need to do is roast it with some butter or oil, and add some fresh herbs like cilantro to enhance the wonderful flavor of the dish. Preheat the oil along with some herbs in a roasting pan, before adding the salmon fillets to it.

This causes the fish to sizzle as soon a it touches the pan and gives it a slight brown color. All you now need to do is roast for around five minutes, before taking it off heat and adding some salt and pepper. Spoon some butter on top, and garnish with herbs.


Yummy Variations: Serve it with some scrumptious mushroom noodles. If you are health conscious, switch to low-fat oil instead of butter. Chervil, dill, parsley are some other herbs you can use for the dish.


Time Taken: 15 minutes
Prawn Noodle Soup
Prawn Noodles
If your cupboard is stocked with some Asian cooking essentials, then this dish is the quickest thing that you can make after a long day at work. To make prawn noodle soup, you would need flat noodles, chicken stock, and some ten to twelve prawns. Boil the noodles till it is done, and then drain out the water. Place the chicken stock in a pan, and add star anise, fish sauce, lime juice and a pinch of sugar. Bring it to a boil before adding prawns and noodles. Top the dish with some fresh spring onions and coriander.


Yummy Variations: Add some coconut milk to the soup for a wonderful rich addition to the soup.


Time Taken: 20 minutes
Seared Scallop Salad
Seared Scallops
Enhance the subtle taste of scallops by slightly searing it, and then adding it to fresh salad greens. This dish is not only quick but also very healthy.

Mix some large sea scallops with salt, black pepper, olive oil, minced garlic and some fresh ginger. Saut the scallop mix in a pan which is lightly coated with oil, for two to four minutes on each side. Add it to salad greens and toss.


Yummy Variations: Make a delicious salad dressing by mixing honey, lime juice, salt and vinegar in a bowl. Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad.


Time Taken: 10 minutesBack to Top
Piquant Chicken Ideas
Chicken Casserole
Chicken Casserole
An easy chicken casserole recipe should be in every woman's recipe book. Just add your favorite vegetables, herbs and a little squeeze of lemon juice to make a yummy casserole.

In a large pan, place the chicken breasts, chopped carrots, onions and celery, bay leaves and around six peppercorns. Add water to cover all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil till the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.


Yummy Variations: Add condensed cream of soup or stir in some crme frache if you like.


Time Taken: 20 minutes
Chicken Cakes
Chicken Cakes
Simple, quick and easy-to-make, the delicious chicken cakes can be had on their own or with rice and noodles. In a food processor, add the chicken with one clove of chopped garlic, some freshly chopped ginger, coriander and onions. Blitz for approximately twenty seconds. Use your hands to shape the chicken mix into small cakes, before frying them in a pan. Serve with some sliced spring onions and sweet chili sauce.


Yummy Variations: Add fish sauce, finely chopped lemongrass stalk and spring onions to add Thai flavors to the dish.


Time Taken: 15 minutes
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata
A classic Italian dish that makes for an excellent time-saving supper idea, chicken piccata is made by slicing and then flattening the chicken breasts to make thin cutlets. These thin cuts of chicken are dredged in a mix of flour, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese, and then browned in a pan for around three to four minutes.


Yummy Variations: Top the chicken piccata with a sauce made by adding chicken stock or white wine, capers and lemon juice to the same pan that was used for making the piccata. Once the sauce is reduced by half, add some butter. Pour this over the piccata, and serve with some lemon slices and parsley on top.


Time Taken: 15 minutes
Chicken Nachos
Chicken Nachos
Chicken nachos are a delicious, easy-to-prepare recipe which can be hearty enough for a supper as well. To make this dish, place the tortilla chips in a baking dish and top it with shredded chicken, salt, pepper that is mixed with oil and salsa. Add shredded cheese on top and bake for ten minutes, till the cheese melts.


Yummy Variations: Serve with guacamole and sour cream.


Time Taken: 10 minutesBack to Top
Appetizing Pork and Beef Ideas
Pan-Roasted Pork Chops
Pork Chops
Pork chops can be cooked in a number of ways but one of the easiest ways of doing it is by roasting it in a pan. To make this quick-fix pork dish, combine flour, rosemary, pepper and salt in a dish, and dredge the pork chops in the mix. Melt butter in a pan, and roast the pork chops on each side till browned. Make a sauce for the pork chops by combining some broth and vinegar with the loose bits in the pan.


Yummy Variations: Add balsamic vinegar to add a tangy twist to the dish.


Time Taken: 15 minutes
Pork Quesadillas
Pork Quesadillas
Sandwiched between two tortillas, pork quesadillas for full of flavor. Add a meaty twist to this classic Mexican dish by mixing the pork with some salsa for added flavor before adding it to the warmed tortillas.


Yummy Variations: Add cheese before spooning on the pork mixture on the tortillas.


Time Taken: 15 minutes
Sausage Spaghetti
Sausage Spaghetti
Sausage spaghetti is a yummy, delectable dish that can be made with leftover sausages. Add chillies, lots of tomatoes, onions and garlic to enhance the flavor of the sausages before adding it to al dente spaghetti (cooked and slightly firm). Grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano or basil can be used for flavoring the dish.


Yummy Variations: The best thing about this dish is the number of variations that you can try. Adding cabbage, squash or green peppers adds a different flavor to the dish.


Time Taken: 20 minutes
Mini Cheeseburgers
Mini Cheeseburgers
Mini cheeseburgers are sure to be a hit with everyone be it adults, or kids. This is great party recipe as well. The moist burgers are not only mouth-watering but also healthy for your child. Mix the lean ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder and pepper to flavor it before shaping it into small balls. Broil for five to six minutes in the oven. Top it with cheese slices, place on burgers and serve.


Yummy Variations: Add a spicy twist to the burgers by adding some pickle relish to the beef.


Time Taken: 30 minutesBack to Top
Vegetarian Delight
Vegetarian Thai Fried Rice
Thai Fried Rice
Also known as 'Khao Phat Che', the Thai vegetarian fried rice is an important part of Thai cuisine. Made with Jasmine rice, this dish is simple to make and consumes less time. While Thai fried rice is usually made with meat chunks, there is a vegetarian way of cooking this dish. The fragrant rice is flavored with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, carrots, scallions and bok choy. It is served with lemon wedges and cilantro on top.


Yummy Variations: Adding coconut milk adds to the flavor of the dish.


Time Taken: 10 minutes
Chili
Chili
A simple and hearty vegetarian dish that is sure to win your hearts, chili is made with black beans, kidney beans, bell peppers and some common spices like chili powder, turmeric, cumin. Herbs like basil and oregano are used to flavor this mouth-watering spicy dish. It can be had alone or served with some rice.


Yummy Variations: Garnish the chili with sour cream, grated cheese, cilantro, avocado and cornbread crumble.


Time Taken: 20 minutes
Pita Pockets
Pita Pockets
Pita is a round pocket bread that can be cut and stuffed with delectable fillings. Fill the pockets with some fresh Greek salad made with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and tofu, or add store-bought hummus.


Yummy Variations: The fillings can be varied. So let your imagination run wild and experiment with new flavors for the pita pockets. Let your kids do the stuffing for a fun family time in the kitchen.


Time Taken: 15 minutes
Mushroom Pizza
Mushroom Pizza
Instead of ordering for a store-bought pizza, try making a mushroom pizza at home. Add some tomatoes and mozzarella to make it a delicious pizza. All you need to do is take a pizza base, top it with sauted mushrooms and tomatoes. Bake the pizza for around ten minutes, before taking it out and adding cheese. Place it in the oven, and bake till the cheese melts.


Yummy Variations: Add olives, peppers and sprinkle some rosemary and parsley on top.


Time Taken: 20 minutes
Most of these ideas takes less than 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook. So use these simple supper ideas, which will save you the trouble and give your family a meal that they will love!
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