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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

This is the easiest recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream you can ever get. No need for an ice cream maker, or for churning every half an hour. All you have to do is to wait for the hours to pass to be able to enjoy a creamy, smooth, delicious ice cream. The fact that the eggs beating is done over simmering water reduces any risks and any bacteria is killed, so no need to worry for using eggs in this recipe. This is a basic recipe of vanilla ice cream to which you can definitely try variations, like add a bit of cinnamon, or some good homemade fruit jam to create swirls, not to mention adding caramel ,chocolate, waffles and the list can continue according to each preference. In any case you won't be sorry for trying it and your friends and family will adore this, trust me on that.

Zebra Cake

Everybody is familiar with this chocolate and vanilla cake, either made in zebra or marbled style, the taste of it reminds of childhood probably for many of us. Still a bit warm, along a cold cup of milk always makes a delicious treat. Trying to recreate the taste I was familiar with I gathered more recipes and finally decided to this list of ingredients and changed some of the quantities. I chose to use butter instead of oil, didn't melt it and mix it as it with sugar. I have also reduced the sugar that other recipes seems to use. The batter is so creamy and delicious that you could just eat it as it is. You can serve this cake as it is with milk or coffee or can also make a chocolate glaze on top for a more sophisticated look.

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Here is another delicious recipe that uses one of my favorite vegetables - Potato. Was looking for a good recipe for mashed potato pancakes and ran over this recipe which I favored so I gave it a try. I used about 3 small potatoes and boiled them with their skin on, let them cool a little and then mashed them to get my good cup of mashed potatoes. It is a perfect side dish that can save you in the days when you are in a rush. You can boil your potatoes with a day before, refrigerate them and make the pancakes only before serving. It takes few minutes and you got some delicious, crispy potato pancakes, and healthy too. You definitely must give them a try.

White Chocolate and Coconut Truffles

For everybody out here who love coconut here they come - Coconut truffles, so smooth, delicious, melt in your mouth dessert . They are so easy to make at home. You don't need many ingredients, the basic are cream, coconut and chocolate and the rest depends on your preferences like, vanilla, orange peel and hazelnuts. It is very important the chocolate you choose, it has to be a good quality one that is made with cocoa butter. You also have to be careful not to boil the water while you melt the chocolate over bain-marie, you have to make it at low heat as white chocolate is more heat sensitive than the dark one. There are many ways you can make coconut truffles, with condensed milk, or milk powder and butter but I prefer the smooth texture and taste you get using white chocolate. It is a perfect elegant dessert for a dinner in two, or for holiday tables or any other gatherings and a perfect homemade gift idea. Everybody will love these, that's for sure.

Broccoli Quesadillas

For everybody who love broccoli or for those who want to include it in their diet this is one great way to prepare it. Broccoli Quesadillas are a perfect way to use any leftover cooked broccoli or you can just cook the broccoli for this recipe is as good. It takes only few minutes to prepare and the final dish is healthy, delicious and tempting, perfect for lunch or dinner. Broccoli is known to be one of the most nutritious vegetables. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fiber. Just discovered that 1 cup of boiled broccoli has more vitamin C than an orange and as much calcium as a glass of milk, according to the USDA's nutrient database. Broccoli also plays an important role in preventing cancer, regulating blood pressure, cholesterol reduction, maintaining a healthy nervous system, bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Don't know about you but discovering so many benefits of broccoli I will definitely try to make more recipes with this miraculous vegetable.

Chocolate Macarons with Salted Caramel Filling

The idea of making chocolate macarons with caramel filling came from the theme of this month of Chocolate Party hosted by Roxana from Roxana's Home Baking, which is chocolate and caramel. I didn't expect fo the macarons to turn that good. The salted caramel blended so well with the chocolate macarons, reduced a lot from the sweetness of the macarons and for me that makes them the best so far. Using salt crystals instead of regular salt bring a variation in taste and flavor as the crystals don't melt entirely. Definitely worth all the effort:)

Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese Whole Wheat Pasta)

This is one easy recipe that delights all cheese lovers. The best part of this recipe is that you can use whatever four cheeses you like, but I would suggest to always keep the Parmesan Cheese as one of them. It's the perfect dish for a quick dinner or lunch, served along a good white wine. Preparing this recipe with whole wheat pasta reduces from the calories per serving and the nutritional benefits should be also taken in count. Whole-grain pasta are significantly higher in fiber and nutrients than regular pasta, as they are made with whole grain flour that includes the germ and bran. It is said whole wheat pasta contains fewer calories and supplies about three times as much fiber and 25 percent more protein than traditional pasta. A good enough reason for me to choose them instead of buying or making regular pasta.

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Mousse

In what other way to celebrate the first fragile signs of Spring than with another delicious treat with chocolate? I have been very enthusiastic of the idea to participate to this month Chocolate Party hosted by Roxana from Roxana's Home Baking. The theme for this month is chocolate and caramel, which for me was pretty challenging. Finally I have decided what to do for this event, a chocolate flourless cake for the base topped with a caramel mousse on top decorated with chocolate curls and caramel swirls. Sounds great, looks great and tastes divine. Didn't last too long after the photo shoot :).

Twice Baked Potato with Egg on Top

Baked stuffed potatoes are the kind of dish few could refuse not to mention that are easy to make, healthy and soo tasty. These days I was thinking to bake eggs on stuffed potatoes. Searching on google for this idea I ran over a recipe which had my attention, that use simple ingredients that everybody has in the house in the morning and can create an amazing breakfast with them. The only things I changed to the recipe was that I used regular potatoes instead of sweet ones and mixed the cheese with the filling. They turned out great, loved the runny yolks blending with the rest of the potato filling. Delicious and easy meal indeed, hope you will enjoy it.

Tortilla Pinwheels

I have made this appetizer for more than 4 times by now, for various occasions like birthday parties, baby showers or holiday tables. Each time it was very much appreciated and for some, beyond the good taste this was something new and interesting. I have been asked for the recipe and finally had the chance to make time to make this recipe a photo shoot:). This flavorful appetizer is easy to prepare, you can even make it the evening before the day of the event, refrigerate overnight and save some time for other things left to do for the event day. Isn't that great?:) The only thing I changed to the recipe is the use of red pepper instead of green chilies, so kids could who doesn't like spicy food could serve too. You can use spicy salsa for serving instead.

The Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic one of the most used spice in cooking is grown all around the globe, China being the largest producer of garlic (10,5 million tones grown annually). Since forever garlic was used, both as food and medicine. The most used part of the garlic is the bulb which has a spicy, pungent flavor that sweetens and mellows with cooking. Other parts are also edible. The leaves and flowers are eaten being milder in flavor than the bulbs and are consumed while immature and still tender. Usually this happens when the garlic is consumed as “green garlic“ in the most dishes of various regions like eastern Asia , South Asia, Middle East, Northern Africa, Southern Europe, South Central America. The flavor varies with different methods of cooking. Usually it is paired with onions, ginger or tomato. In Korea, the resulted product of garlic fermented at high temperature is called “black garlic” which is sweet and syrupy. Garlic can be eaten in a variety of classic dishes such as garlic bread, garlic toast, bruschetta, crostini and canapé. Garlic cloves are also used to flavor oils and these are called infused oils which are used to season all categories of meats, pasta, breads and vegetables. Since ancient times, the garlic was used as a medicine for many conditions including parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion and low energy, or it was recommended as a palliative for the heat of the sun in field labor. Recent studies shown that garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity properties. Garlic is also claimed to help prevent heart disease (atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure) and cancer (colon cancer, stomach cancer). The sulfur compound called allicin is the chemical produced when garlic is chopped, chewed or bruised. It is like an antibiotic, like a potent agent that helps the body to stop the germs growing and reproducing . Allicin can also prevent weight gain. Garlic is also known for improving the immune system function and strengthening the body’s defenses against allergies and it’s a great choice for killing and expelling parasites from the human body. It is packed with vitamins and nutrients like protein, potassium, vitamins A,B,B2,C, Calcium, Zinc and many others. It is also high in antioxidants and can increase the absorption of iron and zinc, this being really important for vegetarians who may not get as much iron and zinc as a meat-eater. Garlic is available in pills, capsules, liquid and raw cloves and is one of the most popular healthy herbs all over the world being used as an antibiotic. It is good for treating asthma, hoarseness, coughs, difficulties of breathing,too. We all know what a powerful flavor, smell and taste has the garlic. Because of that, here are some tips on how to get rid of garlic breath. An immediate remedy is parsley. Eating some parsley after consuming garlic is a really efficient way of getting rid of the garlic breath due to the high level of chlorophyll found in it. Another fresh and healthy way is lemon. You can eat it or you can drink it. The same thing will happen even if you transform it into lemonade : the garlic breath disappears. A nice cup of hot tea will also make wonders. Well , well! Who knew? So many benefits in a small clove.

The Health Benefits of Quinoa

QUINOA is a pseudocereal (broadleaf plant used in the same way as cereal) originated in South America and brought in Europe by Spanish colonists. Quinoa's white-yellow-grey seeds are really nutritious and healthy, rich in proteins and fat free. It wasn't appreciated those days so the colonists grew corn instead but the seed gained its popularity recently after some studies showed its qualities : nutritious, healthy , very useful in kidney problems or in high cholesterol caused problems. Quinoa - the"superfood" Why is quinoa called a superfood? Because it is full of nutrients. Quinoa contains 9 essential amino acids useful for our body's muscles. The high levels of magnesium contained in seeds help our muscles and blood vessels relax. Fibers consume eases elimination and tones colon so quinoa becomes the perfect seed to eat in order to consume fibers. Usually quinoa seeds are boiled , rarely they are roasted and are used in dishes like risotto, pilaf, pudding, salads, the same way the rice is used. But unlike rice, quinoa's amidon content is lower so the finished product is loose and not sticky. It can be a delicious breakfast consumed as porridge with fruits or it can be eaten in the evening because it is a really easy-to-digest food. When making cookies or muffins in the composition can be added quinoa flour for a different flavor. It is also excellent for making noodles, providing a nutritious pasta dish. For a tastier dish you can always cook quinoa with spices, chicken broth or add mushrooms or cooked veggies. In any form, the food will taste awesome. Health Benefits If we compare quinoa to other grains like corn or wheat we'll find out that it contains higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, copper and manganese, which are very important for muscle, heart and nerve functions. Because of its content of calcium quinoa becomes a great food for vegans and for the ones wo are lactose intolerant. Studies showed that quinoa may prevent and treat artherosclerosis, breast cancer, diabetes and insulin resistance. Also, it treats bacterial infections and fungal infections ( candia ), acts as a probiotic which helps the micro flora (useful bacteria) in your intestines to develop, it is gluten free so it is safe to eat for people with gluten intolerance and for people on a celiac diet. Also, quinoa contains lysine. This amino acid is essential for humans as it helps calcium absorption, recovering from surgeries, building muscle protein and it is mainly essential or tissue growth and repair. The contained vitamin B gives us an energy boost, the magnesium relieves us from migraines and the combination of fiber and protein becomes a great solution for diet. Even studies showed that quinoa is a more filling food and may allow our body to keep the hunger pangs at bay. With all these benefits is no wonder why this seed is called the "super food". In the end, it looks like we found the "superseed" that can give us power, strength and health just like it did for the incas, many , many years ago. At least this is what they believed.

The Benefits of Mushrooms

Out there are over 14000 mushrooms, 3000 are edible, about 700 are used in medical purpose and one percent are poisonous. What do you think about adding fresh mushrooms to everyday dishes, is that good or bad? Here you can find what mushrooms are good for and decide for yourself.

The Benefits of Soybeans

Soy is a plant with asian origins, recently known to be cultivated also in other regions of the world, the top producers currently being United States, Brazil, Argentina, China and India.When we talk about vegetables, soy is the most prominent because of its high level of protein (38-45%) and high content of oil (20%), therefore an important role in production of oil, livestock feed and human consumption. For its large number of nutrients, proteins and health-care effects, soybean is also known as “the king of beans”.

Ingredient Equivalents

Here are some helpful charts with ingredient equivalents that every home cook needs to have. They will help if there are any difficulties deciding how much you have to purchase.

10 Unique Summer Ice Creams

This summer I came across few interesting recipes of ice cream that really kept my attention and I wanted to share them with you. I want to try each of these as soon as I get the chance. You will probably agree with me they are quite unique and tempting.

Measurements and Conversions

Here are some helpful measurements and conversions that every home cook needs to have. In this way you can convert your recipes to the measuring way you are familiar with.

The Benefits of Lentils

Nutritious and flavorful lentil beans are very healthy. Who would of thought that such small beans help lower cholesterol, prevent blood sugar and digestive disorders, are a good source of proteins, calcium, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B, vitamin C and many other minerals?

Grape Seed Oil Benefits

The grape seed oil is made by cold-pressing the grape seeds. It has been extensively used around the world. It contains vitamins, minerals, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and antioxidants, therefore it is often used as a moisturizer for its ability to nourish the skin and keep it smooth. Due to its lightness, it is easily absorbed by the skin.

Avocado - Super Healthy Food

Avocado, known as "Persea americana Miller" is a fruit available throughout the world, all year round and can be found in 3 assortments: pear-shaped, egg-shaped or spherical. It is widely believed that it originated in Mexico and it was discovered around 291 B.C. Although it can be found everywhere, it doesn’t grow anywhere. It requires specific climatic requirements, such as tropical or subtropical weather with humid conditions (65 % or higher), indirect sunlight and well-drained soils.