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Easy snacks for special occasions

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There is a special occasion for almost anything. The occasion can be as small as a good grade on a report card to as large as a wedding. Any occasion can be special if you want it to be. There is a common thread that make these occasions even more extraordinary and that is the delectable snacks that are created and served to those gracious enough to celebrate the unique moment.

Creating edible treats for a special occasion does not have to be a tedious task. The occasion may run for only a few hours or it may be an all day event. Regardless of the time frame choosing snacks that are nutritious and delicious will make everyone happy.

Bountiful Bruschetta

The bruschetta is a simple snack. By combining chopped tomatoes and onions with a seasoned base of garlic, basil, salt and pepper along with a dash of vinegar (balsamic vinegar is tasty) the vegetable combination can be topped on slices of French bread. Once the toppings have been placed on the sliced bread melt a slice of provolone cheese to add additional flavor.

Delicious deviled eggs

This is a snack that never seems to go out of style. The hardest part of the process is boiling the eggs and separating the yolks. Extra ingredients that are needed include mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar and bacon bits. Simply crumble the yolks with a fork and add a tablespoon at a time of mayonnaise and mustard until the yolks have a creamy texture. Sprinkle a dash of vinegar to taste and add the bacon bits. Drop the yolk mixture by spoonfuls into halved egg whites. For a splash of color dust the tops of the filled eggs with paprika.

Perky punch

To quench the thirst of your visitors consider making a tasty drink that looks perfect in a punch bowl. Choose a clear soda and choice of punch (cherry, fruit or raspberry work well) and pick a sherbet flavor. Combine the soda and punch and before guests arrive add the sherbet. This is sure to please a parched palate.

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Distinguishing between veganism and vegetarianism

With an emphasis on a healthy way of life these days it is no surprise that many people are resorting to a change in a dietary lifestyle as well as incorporating an exercise regime. People are looking for alternatives to the fad diets and outlandish schemes that promise weight loss in three days. People are beginning to understand that what they eat is detrimental to a healthy body and happy weight. Choices of food are shifting and many people are reducing the intake of meat or eliminating it all together. Those who choose a lifestyle without meat are considered to be vegans or vegetarians.

Although they share similar qualities and beliefs there is a difference between veganism and vegetarianism. So, what’s the distinguishing factor?

No animals allowed

Meat and products from animals such as milk, eggs and cheese are NOT in the vegan’s diet. Whether it is by choice or tradition vegans have banned animals from the kitchen table. It would seem like there would be a limit to the amounts of food available. On the contrary, vegan’s enjoys a vast menu of delectable dishes made from a combination of grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. The diet of a vegan consists of botanical sources that can be consumed raw or cooked.

Animals allowed

A vegetarian diet encompasses vegetables, fruit, grains, and food rich in protein and fats. Some of the proteins and fats are provided by animals. Unlike a vegan diet that avoids anything relating to animals, vegetarians have the option to choose a diet that includes dairy and eggs. It is not uncommon for a vegetarian to eat fish or poultry but only in moderation. The majority of the diet consists of all natural elements.

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Patty packed the perfect picnic, and you can too

Nothing seems more refreshing than a warm spring breeze and the scent of double daffodils and English bluebells wafting through the air. Trees begin to come alive with flowers and leaves while woodpeckers begin to peck again. Spring is a time to get outdoors and shake the staleness that winter sometimes creates. There is no better way to welcome spring than with a picnic. Any Patty can pack a perfect picnic with a little know how.

Consider location

The perfect spot for a picnic is on a blanket in a shady location. The shade keeps the sun from sizzling sensitive parts of the body and keeps ice from melting too quickly. Placing a blanket that is big enough for two people under a tree or in a large rocky ravine are ideal spots for a picnic. If eye catching scenery is the dish of the day then consider parking a blanket on the beach with an umbrella for shade. A blanket and umbrella in an open field works as well.

Fabulous foods

Considering that a picnic includes items that need not be cooked on sight it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a cooked meal. An easy to pack decent dinner includes fried chicken that has been chilled and raw vegetables with dip. Don’t forget the fruit for dessert. Watermelon and strawberries are sweet additions.

Potato and macaroni salads are a big hit. Served with cold cuts and cheese on bread and a few vegetables this delightful dinner will appease any appetite.

Packing tips

Select a picnic basket that is equipped with handles and a hinged top for easy access. Picnic baskets come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Plastic containers are available in different sizes and are ideal for packing items that can be crushed such as chips and cookies Insulated totes are perfect for carrying beverages. Instead of purchasing bags of ice that will melt into a watery mess consider investing in ice packs shaped like ice cubes. Ice packs should be available at any camping supply store.

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Culinary Schools Can Help Change the Culture of Food

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The world of vegetarianism and veganism has suffered through a lot of misconceptions over the years. While some people think that a meal “needs” to have some kind of meat in it, other people think that vegetables do not contain all of the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Other people have noticed that it is all but impossible to eat a strict vegan diet when you go out to eat at a restaurant. The sad thing about all of this is that there has been very little to change people’s minds about going vegan or vegetarian, in spite of all of the great reasons why forsaking meat and animal products is one step toward a better world. Even with the creation of programs like Meatless Monday and Vegan Fridays, people still have a negative perception about cooking and eating Veg.
Consider, however, that you can actually get all the things your body needs without ingesting anything from an animal. Between foods like tempeh and seaweed, amaranth, and more “traditional” vegetation-like lettuce, you can have a robust, tasty meal that involves no animals whatsoever. Plus, a lot of animal products contain dangerous carcinogens and antibiotics, which can be harmful for you. And, if you have any kind of a humanitarian streak running through you, you should know that the conditions under which most animals live are outright deplorable.
But, what can you do about all of this? One person might not be able to change the world, but if a few people pursued a degree in culinary arts, some changes could take place in restaurants, kitchens, and homes worldwide. Anyone can get online degrees in all sorts of culinary fields, and become a full fledged chef. From there, you can start your own restaurant, or revolutionize the menus at some great restaurants, helping to change food cultures, reduce meat consumption, and build a healthier society.

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Tasty and nutritious snacks for when you’re on the move

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The four to six hours between meals can seem like four to six days. At times it becomes hard to muffle the noises that a stomach makes when it wants to get your attention to feed it. A pleasing remedy to quite the stomach is to give it a tasty snack. Not only can the snack be tasty but who says it can’t be nutritious as well? Eating a snack between meals fuels the body with energy and eating a nutritious snack will benefit the body while taming the belly.

Nuts…not just for squirrels

Nuts such as almonds, pecans, peanuts and walnuts are packed with proteins, vitamins and minerals all of which are essential for proper nutrition. Mix about a 1/2 cup of a few of these nuts and seal them in sandwich bags for a tasty snack anytime of day. Boost up the mix by tossing in a handful of dried fruit such as raisons, dates or prunes.

Portable popcorn

Popcorn is loaded with protein, calcium and minerals. For centuries this nutritious snack has been providing energy to bodies and satisfying the stomach’s need for food. Popcorn that is nutritious has no butter or oils. Add some pizzazz and flare to popcorn by sprinkling a few seasonings such as butter salt for popcorn or dry ranch dressing. Fill a small container with this tasty snack for an on-the-move treat.

Sensational cereal

There is no law that says cereal must be in milk. Cereals that are made with whole grains and are low in sugar make sensational snacks. Filled with fiber that helps the body stay regular a few handfuls of cereal throughout the day will keep you moving in a healthy direction. Add a punch of taste to the cereal with a few dried bananas or apples.

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Three cooking tips to save time

Who has time to cook, right? Between the kids needing to be at games or practices and a long day at work it’s no wonder households are resorting to fast food restaurants and frozen entrees as supplements to a home-cooked dinner. It really doesn’t have to be like this. With a little preplanning and a few new ideas cooking at home can be a luxury again.

Create weekly dinner options

After a hectic day the belly is signaling that it wants to be filled. You scan the cupboards and the refrigerator in search of the answer to the infamous question, “What to make for dinner?” An easy remedy for this situation is to sit down once a week, say on Saturday, and consider what to have for dinner for the next seven days. Don’t stress yourself out by figuring what days to make which meal instead place your dinner list on the refrigerator and let the day determine what you want to make.

Shop before cooking

How often have you started to prepare dinner only to find out that you have no potatoes for the potato soup? The soup just wouldn’t be the same. Before beginning any meal check to make sure you have all of the ingredients. A simple solution is to shop once a week for items needed to complete at least seven meals, or the one you were currently making.

A slow cooker is your next best friend

Nothing is simpler than placing a chunk of meat (beef, pork, or poultry) with a little water and some seasonings into a slow cooker. Add a few vegetables, turn a knob and by the time you arrive home from work you will be greeted with dinner. Slow cookers are ideal for days that you know when time will be limited.

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