Food in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an island known for its beautiful beaches. Tourists from all parts of the world visit Puerto Rico to experience one of a kind encounter with some of the world's best beaches. The island is also a favorite wedding destination for those who are planning to get married in a non-traditional way because Puerto Rico offers white powdery white sand and blue waters - which are perfect for a beach wedding.

However, aside from beautiful beaches, this country has also its mouth watering native dishes that one must taste to be immersed with Puerto Rican culture. To give you an idea with Puerto Rican food, here are some of the island's famous dishes:

Considered as Puerto Rico's most traditional dish - Asopao is a cross between paella and soup. It is made with chicken, rice, vegetables, sea food, beef, and pork. Most of the restaurants in this country serve this dish, so make sure to order one.

In addition, Puerto Rico has the Arr?z con Pollo. This dish is a chicken and rice meal prepared with saffron, vegetables, and spices. One might also request to have additional spices to Arr?z con Pollo such as red peppers and peas. The traditional version of Arr?z con Pollo is cooked using olive oil instead of annatto seed oil or achiote.

There is also the Arroz con Habichuelas cooked using white rice with dry beans. This can be served either as a meal itself or a side dish. This is a favorite meal of Puerto Ricans that is often prepared in their homes.

Lastly, when it comes to special gatherings or occasions, Puerto Ricans are known to prepare Lech?n asado. This is a whole pig roasted on a spit. Before the pig is roasted it is coated using a red liquid made from achiote plant and basted with sour tasting orange juice. Lech?n asado is served with ali-li-monjili or garlic-based sauce or sour vinegar.

Thai Foods Cooking Techniques

Thais were very adapt at 'Siamese-icing' foreign cooking methods, and substituting ingredients. The ghee used in Indian cooking was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut milk substituted for other daily products. Overpowering pure spices were toned down and enhanced by fresh herbs such as lemon grass and galanga. Eventually, fewer and less spices were used in Thai curries, while the use of fresh herbs increased. It is generally acknowledged that Thai curries burn intensely, but briefly, whereas other curries, with strong spices, burn for longer periods. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, permitting dinners to enjoy complementary combinations of different tastes.

Thai cooking and Thai food is internationally famous. Whether chilli-hot or comparatively blands, harmony is the guiding principle behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. The characteristics of Thai fooddepend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked to suit all palates. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking.

A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by non spiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.

The History of Pizza, Spice Packets and All

Pizza is one of those staples that we all enjoy. How many people do you know that tell you they don't like pizza? Not many. With all those great pizza spices, the gooey cheese and the delicious sauce, it's hard to not enjoy a slice. But where did pizza come from? There's a few different arguments about who invented the pie first but the idea seems to go further back than most people can imagine.

There are accounts going as far back as Ancient Greece of people placing various spices, like onion and garlic, onto flat bread to give it more of an appeal. But the first time tomato was ever added was in the late 18th century in Naples. People often put tomato on their flat bread. Naples actually used it to boost their tourism, luring people there to try their pizza, advertising it as a local specialty. The Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba is often credited as the first ever pizzeria.

We know that there are lots of different versions of pizzas today; various toppings, pizza spices and cheeses combined create different styles. But for "purists", there are only two types that are considered to be true pizza; Margherita and Marinara. The Marinara was the first incarnation, with tomato, oregano, garlic and olive oil. You can see where two of our now common pizza spices came from, they were being used at the very start. Margherita consists of mozzarella cheese and fresh basil and tomato sauce. This type of pizza is pretty common on most pizzerias today, though everyone has their own spin on it.

The pizza came to the United States with Italian immigrants in the 19th century. Some of the first places it hit were New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia. This made sense due to the influx of Italian immigrants in these large cities. Pizza was first sold on the streets of Italian neighborhoods before starting to appear in their own pizzerias.

The popularity of pizza didn't strike across the country until after World War II. Troops stationed in Italy discovered the pizzerias and brought their appreciation for the good food back home. When word really got around, others were opening pizzerias. Chicago style deep-dish pizza came out in 1943 when the first Pizzeria Uno opened and the first Pizza Hut opened in 1958. These brands have stood the test of time and many know them well today.

Now, we have many different variations in pizza as well as many different places to go. From big brand delivery companies to the small, privately owned pizzeria that harkens back to Italy, it's hard to walk a few blocks in any city without walking by a place that serves a slice. Now you can appreciate the origins of that next, spice covered, delicious slice.

Yogurt Maker

Yogurt products have that funny taste that you would not appreciate at first but once you get used to it and know the benefits it gives your body, you will never stop drinking it. Do you want to lose those pounds and stay sexy and healthy? If your answer is yes, then get a yogurt maker now so would be able to eat the yogurt you need. It really burns fats faster than any slimming pill you might have used before. This is an amazing discovery and a lot of woman who wants to get out of their big shirts and bulgy pants have tried it. It really worked for them so who knows it could work for you too. There is no harm in trying so you should take this opportunity. You might have wished to wear that lovely bikini you have hidden in the closet for so long. Now is your chance. Even if you have a lovely face if you do not have a shapely body, you will not have enough confidence to face the world. You have to accept it, men will always be men and they are easily attracted to women with a sexy body.

It is so difficult to follow a diet plan and sometimes you just can't resist the urge to eat. You know you should eat fruits and vegetables. You should not eat fatty food and those that are hard to digest. You should always take time for some routine exercises because you know you have to burn those fats. Then here comes the holiday season with all the sweets and fatty food on the table. You cannot resist taking a bite, then the bite became two, then you cannot control it anymore. You just want to put all those food in your mouth. Goodbye to the diet plan. It was all back to zero and it could be very depressing. Hey, you do not have to worry anymore because the yogurt is here to save your day. You just have to make the yogurt a part of every meal; you will find out that it greatly helps in losing weight. Not only that, it also helps in improving your immune system. If you are the type who gets constipated often, try having yogurt because it will correct your bowel movement.

The yogurt also helps the gums and teeth become stronger and healthier. You will notice that your teeth are whiter than it was before and it also eliminates bad breath. Bad breath could really be awful and embarrassing especially if you are having a business deal. You will feel less confident in voicing out your opinion because you are afraid your audience might lose interest once they smell your breath. With the yogurt maker in your home, you will be able to drink yogurt at any time of the day. Some people even have yogurt instead of coffee in the morning. They say that it keeps their mind alert and they are able to get through the day in a more relaxing pace.

Looking For A Cooking Alternative?

Every person needs to eat but the chore of cooking is not something every person looks forward to or has the time to do. For those of you who fall into this category there is an alternative and that is prepared meals. Already cooked foods only need to be warmed up and then can be served. You can find these at local supermarkets and online.

Most pre cooked foods give you two options when it comes to warming them up. The first is the microwave. This is quick and easy as well as safe even a child or clumsy husband could do it. The average cooking times on these foods is normally only a couple of minutes so if you are home late dinner could still be served in no time.

The oven is another way to heat up prepared foods and also has the advantage of giving you a nice crisp to your food. This may take a little while longer as you will have to pre heat the oven but will still save you time compared to cooking. You are also saved preparing the food and most of them cook from frozen.

If you are worried about quality or variety worry no more. Today's techniques used for making pre cooked foods are quite advanced and they really have found a way to keep all the goodness in. Flavor and texture is also highly rated in most prepared foods and real ingredients are used.

When it comes to the types of meals you get it really can be left to the imagination. All the classics like lasagna and spaghetti bolognaise can be found in your local supermarket. Then there are chicken options, fish options, big portions or small. Even vegetarians are catered for and do not think they forgot the weight conscious. In most brands there are full diet ranges which include soy meals.

These meals are good for the parents that are working and do not have the time to make full cooked meals every night. They are also popular amongst students and singles living on their own. Pre cooked foods are not just convenient, they are filling and cost effective as well.

Sometime you do not even have the time to warm a dinner up as you might have company. If this is the case you could also order out. There are many catering businesses that will deliver pre cooked foods to your door ready to be opened and eaten. This will cost a bit extra but well worth it if you have many hungry people to feed.

Even if you are a house wife with lots of time to cook or a lover of home cooked food. Prepared meals could still be for you and come highly recommended. Some brands are also endorsed by top chefs who have personally worked on the meals. Not only do they have nutritional value but they have taste to and with the time saved you could do something special for you.

Mexican Food History And How Mexican Recipes Evolved

Mexican food is one of the most famous cuisines in the world. Although Mexico is a third world country in a way, often struggling to produce enough food for its eighty seven million inhabitants, there is no doubt that the recipes originating from this area are dear to our hearts.

It is a pity that most people assume what they get in Latin fast food joints or poor quality restaurants is what this cuisine is all about because, like with Indian or Chinese food, these popular dishes often bear no more than a passing resemblance to authentic Mexican food recipes.

Influences From Other Cuisines

A lot of the modern recipes are based on ancient Maya, Inca, or Aztec traditions combined with the cooking methods introduced by the Spanish explorers. The native, pre-Columbian diet consisted mainly of corn-based recipes, as well as tomatoes, beans, herbs and chilies. The Spanish combined their favorite ingredients of pork, chicken, beef, rice, garlic, onions, and wine with the indigenous foods of Mexico and modern Mexican cuisine was the result.

The French also occupied the country and they introduced baked foods like bread, cakes, and pastries. The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade in the sixteenth century was responsible for the minor Asian influence you can spot in some traditional recipes from Mexico.

Different Types Of Mexican Dishes

Because of the local geographical and climatic differences, typical ingredients varies quite a lot from region to region. Goat and beef is popular in the north of the country, barbacoa is popular in the center, and fish and seafood are well loved along the coastline, for example. Spicy chicken and vegetable dishes are favored in the southeast of the country.

The Importance Of Corn

Mexicans love to cook with fresh ingredients, unlike many other nations. There are some ingredients which feature in most recipes and the main one is corn.

Corn flour is used to make Mexican dishes and corn is used to make everything from tortillas, casseroles, stews, and salads to candy and even ice cream. It is the primary edible crop in the country and cornfields occupy about fifty percent of Mexico's cultivated land.

What About Tex-Mex?

Tex-Mex dishes came into being when the cuisine Mexico met the cuisine of the southern United States. Tex-Mex meals feature more meat and fewer beans that authentic Mexican food recipes. The sauces and spices are used in a different way and the tortillas are different. Mexican tortillas are thinner and chewier.

You can also see items on the menu like shrimp enchiladas or fish tacos which you would not get in Mexico. Crispy chalupas, Tex-Mex chili, tamale pie, seven-layer dip, and even fajitas are American inventions. Tex-Mex chorizo contains different spices from the chorizo you would buy in Mexico and you find lots of green chilies in Tex-Mex dishes.

Tex-Mex salsa features a lot of cilantro although the Mexicans do not add this to theirs. Beef, beans and spices are probably the three main ingredients in this cuisine and Tex-Mex cuisine is interesting because it shows how this cuisine has grown internationally and been tailored to suit the American palate.

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie instantly conjures ideas of the South and southern cooking. The connection seems inevitable, though it's somewhat misleading. While it is very popular in southern regions of the U.S., it didn't necessarily originate there.

A popular belief holds that slaves from Africa brought the popular root vegetable with them to the Americas. This is not entirely true. They originated in the New World, with sources mostly attributing them to both Central and South America. Europeans, likely slave traders, introduced them to Africa. There, the tubers were given the same name as the native yams, due to their similar appearance. Considering the two plant species as one may have then been brought back to the Americas, along with actual yams.

Early references to potato pie, potato pudding and yam pudding have been found printed in English cookbooks from the mid-to-late 18th century, though their use in Europe goes back further. It's said that King Henry VIII thought the root vegetables were an aphrodisiac, and ate them in pies that included lots of sugar and spices.

However, while "yam pudding" clearly refers to that particular root crop, there's some confusion regarding whether these early references to "sweet potato" meant actual sweet potatoes or merely sweetened white potatoes. Recipes from the 19th century continue the confusion, mentioning parboiled potatoes and added sugar, as well as some references specifically to "sweet potatoes" as an ingredient.

Ingredients and instructions for sweet potato pudding and pie are quite similar, and also resemble those for pumpkin pie; pumpkins being another New World vegetable adopted by the Old World. The biggest difference seems to be the use of a single, open pastry crust into which a custard is poured and baked, although some recipes for pudding also direct the cook to pour the mixture into a "puff-paste" before baking.

Whatever the authentic origin, today sweet potato pie remains synonymous with the South. It rivals pumpkin pie as a dessert for holiday dinners, with claims that sweet potatoes make a smoother, creamier pie. Typical ingredients include cream or milk, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Some recipes include brandy, and at least one historical recipe calls for rose-water and wine, as well.

Prosciutto: The World-Renowned Ham of Italy

In today's globalized world, Italian regional delicacies are now widely available in different restaurants and even supermarkets all over the world. Prosciutto, or Italian ham, is prized for its sweet-salty flavor. Although the overall process of producing prosciutto is the same- trimming, salting, air curing, greasing, and then further curing, different regions produce different flavors of prosciutto, with their own specific secret recipe and standards.

Prosciutto is still produced by small breeders and farms, but undergoes rigorous quality checking. When buying prosciutto, it should be checked if it is a Protected Denomination of Origin, or PDO Prosciutto. Having a PDO label means that the prosciutto adheres to the strict standard of that particular area. San Daniele is one such famous town, whose high-quality prosciutto is attributed by residents to the low humidity, mix of warm and cold breezes, and hillside climate.

For PDO Prosciutto di San Daniele, the pig must be at least nine months old, weigh more than 353 pounds, and its uncured thigh with a weight of 25 pounds. The hams are sprinkled with local sea salt and aged for at least 12 months to two years, stacked one atop of the other with weights so the sea salt can penetrate faster. As a result, San Daniele Prosciutto is longer and flatter than others, and the hoof is also included. Prosciutto is enjoyed worldwide in various ways, from simply wrapping it around fruit like lemon and figs to stuffing it in other kinds of meat for main dishes.

Chicken Casseroles

The word "casserole" is coined from the French word for saucepan, which is what is often used to create the one-dish casserole meals that we know today. Casseroles are complete meals by themselves, because they are usually made from potatoes or rice, mixed vegetables, meats and cheeses. You get a healthy and delicious combination of carbohydrates and proteins.

In the early days, people used earthenware for cooking and casseroles back then were mainly made from a mixture of pounded rice and meats. It was only in the 1950s when casseroles became popular in the US and Canada due to the mass production of affordable glass cooking ware.

Glassware manufacturers were smart enough to include chicken casserole recipes and other chicken breast recipes in their products as marketing come-ons. Soon, homemakers all over the country were cooking chicken breast recipes regularly, which later on became traditional meals among North American families.

Besides being lured by marketing campaigns for chicken casseroles, homemakers back then and now find it more practical to serve these meals because ingredients used for casseroles are affordable. There is a wide variety of ingredients to choose from and the ingredients can easily be adjusted to feed small or large families. Chicken casseroles became the main fare especially during gatherings for family and other group celebrations because they are inexpensive, easy to prepare, healthy and tasty.

One of the most loved casserole recipes is the chicken and stuffing casserole. This type of casserole started to be quite popular during the 1950s, and has since then enjoyed interesting variations through the decades. A chicken and stuffing casserole is easy to prepare - you only need to mix the ingredients and bake them. It usually has two layers - the top layer has the stuffing or cheese and the bottom layer will have the chicken pieces and vegetables. These days, most cooks prefer to use condensed soup to enhance flavor and to make cooking time shorter.

Chicken casserole recipes have also evolved to become more health-friendly, with much emphasis on the use of more vegetables, less fat and only white chicken meat, to create a meal that is both nutritious and low in calories. Chicken casseroles are great meals for those who would want to serve nutritious and tasty meals to their families, yet avoid the hassle of spending too much time in the kitchen.

A shift to healthier recipes is the trend these days in family nutrition. Choosing the right meals to serve your family is important to their health. Chicken casseroles provide a good option for those who would want to limit their calories and yet still enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal. Today, different variations of chicken casseroles are served in homes and restaurants everyday and they will continue to be part of family traditions in the years to come.

Zucchini and Yellow Squash Casserole

INGREDIENTS

2	each medium zucchini and yellow squash, approximately 2 pounds
1	teaspoon salt
1/4	cup sundried tomato pesto
1	Tablespoon chopped oregano
1	Tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4	cup good olive oil
1‑2	large shallots, thinly sliced lengthwise
1	cup Buddy's Breadcrumbs (see recipe)
1‑1/2	cups shredded Fontal or Bel Paese

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Thinly slice (less than 1/4") the zucchini and yellow squash into circles. Toss squashes with salt and let sit in colander to drain 15 minutes. Pat dry.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the pesto, herbs, olive oil and shallots. Add the squash and combine all well. Pour into an 8" x 12 1/2" shallow baking dish (or similar capacity). Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
3. In the same bowl you used to toss the squash, and without wiping out, toss the breadcrumbs and cheese together, absorbing the oil left in the bowl.
4. Remove the foil from the squash and top with the crumb/cheese mixture. Bake and additional 20 minutes, uncovered. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Green Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

2	cloves garlic, minced
1	teaspoon sugar
1	teaspoon dried mustard
1	teaspoon dried oregano
1	teaspoon dried basil
3	Tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/2	cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2	cup vegetable oil
1	large bowl mesclun or other greens
1/4	cup grated Parmesan or a few shavings

PREPARATION:

1. In a large bowl, combine the garlic, sugar, mustard, oregano and basil. Whisk in the red wine vinegar and season as desired. Whisking continuously, drizzle the oils until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning. You can pour into a jar or container and store in the fridge until ready to use. Just remember to shake or whisk again to combine all the ingredients.
2. Place greens in a large salad bowl. Drizzle the dressing over top and toss to combine. Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan and toss again. Serve immediately.

Indian Kebab Cooking Techniques

Ingredients

1 lb/500 g mince of lamb

2 onions - sliced, deep fried to a crisp brown color and crushed

2 tbsp garlic-ginger paste

1 tsp garam masala

2 tsp thick sour cream

1 tbsp ground coriander

½ tsp salt (or to taste)

4 tbsp oil for shallow frying

Preparation

• Wash the mince. Check that all the water is drained out well (otherwise the balls will not bind well and tend to break while cooking).

• Put the mince in a bowl. Ad all the other ingredients. Mix and knead.

• Keep aside for 2 hours.

• Heat a gas oven or an electric oven with the skewers.

• Take a big ball of the mince mixture and hold a hot skewer carefully in the other hand. Press the mince on to a hot skewer. The mince will immediately stick to the hot skewer. If the skewers are cold, the mince does not stick properly.

• Repeat with left over mince on all the other skewers. Place the skewers in the oven.

• Keep rotating the skewers occasionally. When cooked, gently remove the kababs from the skewers.