Dinner Tonight

Dinner Tonight

Healthy Cooking for a Healthy Texas

Coffee

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Coffee has become so popular that researchers are evaluating the trend-setting beverage.  Take a look at some of the health benefits that have been associated with coffee.

  • Increase Energy Levels
  • Lower Risk Of Depression
  • Promote Weight Management
  • Support Brain Health
  • Enhance Athletic Performance
  • Protect Against Chronic Diseases

Try our Coffee Smoothie!

It is important to regularly clean your coffee maker for the longevity of the maker, for your health, and for your favorite cup of brew. Coffee buildup can cause bitter tasting coffee, which is a sign of, bacterial growth, yeast, mold, and mineral deposits to slow the functions of your coffee maker.

If you have noticed bitter-tasting coffee, longer than normal brew time, extra grounds in your cup, and a moldy smell, chances are your coffee maker is long overdue for a cleaning. Follow the easy and inexpensive steps to clean your appliance and start enjoying your coffee again.

Traditional Drip-Pot Coffee Maker

  1. Wash all removable parts to your appliance with warm soapy water.
  2. Decalcify your appliance every month by using water and vinegar. Fill the reservoir with equal parts of water and vinegar.
  3. Add a filter to the brewing basket.
  4. Turn on the coffee maker to brew only to the half pot line.
  5. Turn off the coffee maker and let the remaining vinegar solution sit for 30-60 minutes to release any mineral deposits.
  6. Continue with the brewing and dispose of the brewed vinegar solution.
  7. Repeat the process 2 more times with only water to rinse away any remaining vinegar.

Single Serve Coffee Maker

  1. Wash all removable parts to your appliance with warm, soapy water.  Use a toothbrush to clean any grounds around the pod holder.
  2. If reusable filters are used, gently brush the filter with vinegar and water.
  3. Replace the reservoir and fill it with equal parts of water and vinegar.
  4. Place a mug and set the coffee maker to brew at the largest (cup size) setting. Dispose of brewed vinegar.
  5. Brew half of the water and vinegar solution, and let the remaining sit in the appliance for 1-2 hours.
  6. Continue with the brewing until all the vinegar is disposed of.
  7. Repeat steps 2 more times with only water to rinse away any remaining vinegar.

According to scientists at the FDA, caffeine can be part of a healthy diet for most people, but too much caffeine may pose a danger to your health. Depending on factors such as body weight, medications you may take, and individual sensitivity, “too much” can vary from person to person.

Learn more about caffeine from the FDA. 

Please consult a physician or a registered dietitian if you have questions about how much caffeine is right for you.

Sources:

Healthline.com 

Bhg.com

Goodhousekeeping.com

FDA

Charcuterie Boards

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Charcuterie Boards are very on-trend right now but for good reason, they make sense in a lot of situations! Whether you are looking to create a charcuterie board for a gathering of friends and family, or just looking to put out some snacks to keep hunger away, charcuterie boards are a new go-to. While the concept is fairly simple, we want to provide you with tips to balance your board.

Elements of a charcuterie board:

  • Protein – focus on lean, low sodium, and low nitrate proteins
  • Dairy
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Grains

Check out these healthy swaps to make your board for a healthy holiday season!

  • Reduce Added Sugars
    • Switch dried fruit with fresh fruit
    • Opt for sugar-free or no sugar added dips & spreads
  • Limit Sodium
    • Switch salted nuts with unsalted/raw options
    • Select lower sodium cheeses such as swiss, fresh mozzarella, or goat cheese
  • Go Whole Grain
    • Switch regular crackers with whole-grain options such as multi-grain crackers, whole wheat baguettes, or whole-grain crostini
  • Add Healthy Fats
    • Add nuts and seeds to add some heart-healthy fats to your board

Add some extra pizazz to your boards by including dips. Check out these dip recipes to pair with your fresh fruit or vegetables.

Keep your board safe!

  • Charcuterie boards can only be set out at room temperature for 2 hours or less before the food will be considered unsafe. Be sure to take this into consideration when preparing and setting the board out for snacking!

Homemade Broth

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Are broth and stock the same thing? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two liquids. Both are used to make recipes such as soups, sauces, and gravies. The key difference between broth and stock is the use of meat or bones, the type of seasonings added, and the cooking time.

Making your own chicken broth is a great strategy to reduce food waste, stretch your food dollars, and control the amount of sodium.

How to Slow Cook Homemade Chicken Broth

Learning to make your own chicken broth is a great strategy to reduce food waste and stretch your food dollars! Due to its versatility as a base for soups, gravies, and sauces; broth is a pantry staple for many homes. Broth can also be used as a substitution for water in recipes such as rice, pasta, and risotto as a cost-efficient way to increase flavor in the dish. Additionally, making your own broth is an excellent way to control the amount of sodium that is often found in store-bought options.

Homemade broth is simple and only requires the following ingredients:

  • One whole chicken, skin and fat removed
  • 1- 2 Cups of Vegetable Scraps, Chopped
  • Choice of herbs and seasonings
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Select a slow cooker large enough to fit the chicken
  2. Place chicken in slow cooker
  3. Add vegetables
  4. Add 1 -2 Tablespoons of your choice of herbs and seasonings
  5. Add water until the slow cookers is two-thirds full
  6. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken is 165° F as measured with a food thermometer.
  7. Separate the chicken from the broth by lifting the chicken and bones onto a large plate or bowl. Let chicken cool enough to touch in the refrigerator. Shred the meat with a fork and store in airtight containers. This chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or other recipes.
  8. Strain the broth by pouring into a colander over a large bowl. Dispose of the vegetables.
  9. Divide the broth into 1 cup containers, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
  10. The next day, scoop off and dispose of fat that has settled on top of broth.
  11. Label the containers of broth with the date. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Looking for ways to reduce food waste at home? Save leftover scraps from vegetables to flavor your homemade broth or stock. Roughly chop leftover or lackluster vegetables into small chunks and store in the freezer in an airtight container. Continue to add scraps to the bag until it is full or you are ready to make your homemade stock or broth!

References:

https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/chow-line-the-difference-between-broth-and-stock

https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/chicken-broth/

 

 

Casserole

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Here is your one-stop casserole shop for all things casserole knowledge!

Busy weeknights call for simple mealtime recipes. Use this quick formula to help you with your casserole mashup!

  • 2 cups veggies,
    • get creative with it!
  • 1-2 cups starch
    • such as potatoes, bread, or pasta
  • 1 cup binder
    • such as milk, soup, or cheese
  • 1 cup protein
    • such as eggs, chicken, beef, and much more!
  • Seasonings
    • be sure to keep an eye on the sodium levels you’re adding!

Family mealtime can be busy, but you don’t want to forget about food safety. According to USDA guidelines, the internal temperature of casseroles should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you can serve them for safe consumption.

Check out some of our casserole recipes on our website to get you started! Our Poblano Casserole recipe is one you may not have tried yet but is sure to be a new family favorite!

Tomato 101

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All tomatoes are fruits of the plant, although they’re typically referred to and used as vegetables when cooking. Here’s a guide to the most popular varieties and their best culinary uses!

With so many different types, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your cooking needs.

For reference, here are the best types of tomatoes for various purposes:

  • Sauces: Roma, heirloom, tomatoes on the vine
  • Canning: Roma, heirloom, tomatoes on the vine, green tomatoes
  • Salads: grape, cherry
  • Skewers: cherry
  • Sandwiches: beefsteak, tomatoes on the vine
  • Fried: green tomatoes
  • Snacks: grape, cherry, heirloom

Although some varieties are better suited for specific purposes, they’re all versatile. For instance, although beefsteak tomatoes are not ideal for salads, they can still easily be used in one with tasty results.

Although there are thousands of varieties of tomato, they can be divided into seven broad categories.

Each type has its own best uses, but they’re all low in calories and rich in nutrients and antioxidants like vitamin C, beta carotene, and lycopene.

Try some of our recipes featuring this delicious summer fruit!

Tomatoes are an excellent food to include in your diet and using this guide can help you choose the right type for your cooking needs.

Source:

Healthline.com