Archive for January, 2008

Pumpkin Raisin Muffins

January 10, 2008 · Filed under Desserts and Pastries

Got this recipe from a Canadian friend and have yet to try it out.

Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
11/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
3/4 cup raisins
200ml can pumpkin puree
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk*
2 eggs

Methods:
1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C)

2. Mixed flours, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda and raisins in a big bowl.

3. In a smaller bowl, beat eggs, them add pumpkin, oil and buttermilk.

4. Make a large well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour the pumpkin mixture into the well.

5. Fold the wet and dry ingredients together gently till combined.

6. Spoon batter into paper-lined or lightly greased muffin tins.

7. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until firm to touch.

* To make sour milk, add 2 tsp vinegar to 1 cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

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Orange Shake

January 10, 2008 · Filed under Healthy Drink

Ingredients:
175ml low fat vanilla yogurt
2 tbsp skim milk powder
125ml orange juice

Methods:
1. Mixed all ingredients in a blender and blend till smooth. Serve straight away.

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Essential utensils in the kitchen

January 10, 2008 · Filed under Tips in the Kitchen

1. two chopping boards – one for raw meat and the other for fruits, vegetables and cooked food

2. at least 3 pots – 1/2 quart, 1 quart and 3 quart

3. two non-stick frying pans

4. two mixing bowls

5. two casserole dishes, oven and microwave safe

6. assorted containers that can go from fridge to freezer to microwave

7. a 12-cup muffin tin

8. a loaf pan

9. a baking sheet or large metal cake tin

10. a two-cup measuring container

11. strainer

12. vegetable peeler

13. small measuring cups

14. measuring spoons

15. kitchen weigh scale

16. a whisk

17. a grater

18. a grater

19. a steamer that fits inside a saucepan

20. two spatulas – one rubber to clean out bowls, one egg turner

21. a paring knife

22. a small chopping knife

23. a large cook’s knife

24. a can opener

25. a slotted spoon

26. a mixing spoon

27. a potato masher

28. a pair of tongs

29. two pot holders

30. oven gloves or tongs

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Things to keep in the Freezer and Fridge Tips

January 10, 2008 · Filed under Tips in the Kitchen

Freezer:
1. Frozen vegetables

2. Frozen fruit like blueberries and mixed berries

3. Frozen fish, turkey and chicken

Fridge:
1. low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt

2. eggs

3. ready to eat vegetables

4. ready to eat green salads

5. low fat, low salt salad dressing

6. Tofu

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Things to keep in the cupboard(Food)-Tips

January 9, 2008 · Filed under Tips in the Kitchen

1. canned tuna or salmon, packed in water

2. canned or dried kidney and black beans, lentils, chickpeas and peas.

3. peanut butter (get a brand without added salt, sugar or fat)

4. Unsalted nuts

5. Seeds (Sunflower, sesame, pumpkin)

6. Whole grain pasta or noodles

7. brown rice or brown rice noodles

8. whole grain cereals, including rolled oats and barley

9. whole wheat and rye crackers (low fat and low salt)

10. dried, canned or boxed low-fat milk

11. canned or boxed fruit and vegetable juices with no added sugar and canned fruits in unsweetened juice

12. dried fruit, such as prunes, raisins, cranberries, apples

13. dried or canned soups (low fat and low salt)

14. olive, canola or sesame oil

15. vinegar (red wine and balsamic for salads)

16. cornstarch

17. flour (enriched white, whole wheat, besan, soy or millet)

18. brown sugar

19. honey

20. condiments such as salsa, mustard, low sodium soy sauce

21. herbs and spices such as basil, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, curry powder, dill, garlic powder, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme

22. tea and coffee

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