UNLEASH THE SENSUAL SECRETS OF CULINARY APHRODISIACS WITH CHEF CÂNDIDA BATISTA

SENSORY SEDUCTION: CHEF'S CULINARY APHRODISIACS SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE! UNLEASH THE SENSUAL SECRETS OF CULINARY APHRODISIACS WITH CHEF CÂNDIDA BATISTA Photo by @hi_candida, Calum Lewis

Spices have long held a revered place in culinary traditions, renowned for their capacity to tantalize the taste buds and evoke a spectrum of sensory experiences. From cinnamon's warm and inviting scent to chili's fiery intensity, these aromatic ingredients have long been believed to have aphrodisiac properties. With her unique expertise and passion for flavors, Chef Cândida Batista is taking the exploration of culinary aphrodisiacs to new heights. Through her culinary prowess, Chef Cândida deftly amalgamates an array of spices, weaving them into dishes that transcend mere sustenance, offering instead a journey of sensory indulgence. Each creation is a testament to Chef Cândida’s artistry, harnessing the nuanced complexities of spices to craft dishes that tantalize the palate and stir the soul. "Culinary aphrodisiacs are a fascinating area of culinary arts that can elevate a meal into a truly memorable experience," said Cândida Batista. "Understanding the sensual qualities of various spices and how they interact with our senses, we can create dishes that taste incredible and stimulate our desires." In exploring culinary aphrodisiacs, Chef Cândida delves into their profound impact on our sensory perceptions. TANTALIZING SPICE BLENDS, EACH METICULOUSLY CURATED TO ENHANCE DISHES WITH AN INFUSION OF DEPTH, ALLURE, AND A HINT OF APHRODISIAC CHARM Exotic Temptation Blend: A harmonious fusion of cardamom, saffron, and cloves, this blend tantalizes the taste buds with its exotic allure. Perfect for enhancing dishes like creamy coconut curries or grilled seafood, it adds depth and complexity while invoking a sense of culinary adventure. Fiery Passion Blend: Ignite your palate with the fiery intensity of chili peppers, cayenne, and smoked paprika. This blend adds a bold kick to dishes like chili con carne or spicy stir-fries, infusing them with an irresistible heat that sparks passion and excitement. Mediterranean Seduction Blend: Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this aromatic blend of oregano, basil, and garlic. Ideal for enhancing dishes such as grilled lamb chops or roasted vegetables, it evokes the flavors of the Mediterranean while adding a touch of sensual charm to every bite. Sensuous Spice Symphony Blend: Indulge in a harmonious cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger medley, orchestrating a symphony of flavors that awaken the senses. This blend lends itself beautifully to desserts like spiced cakes or warm apple crumbles, infusing them with a captivating aroma and a hint of sweetness that delights the palate. Enchanting Herb Infusion Blend: Delight in the enchanting combination of thyme, rosemary, and sage, evoking the rustic charm of a countryside garden. Ideal for savory dishes such as roasted chicken or herbed potatoes, this blend imbues each bite with a fresh, earthy aroma and a subtle hint of herbal allure. "Within the realm of culinary mastery, spices serve as the silent architects, bestowing depth and complexity upon each dish with their nuanced symphony of flavors," remarks Chef Cândida Batista, celebrating the transformative power of spice in gastronomy. Spices, the subtle yet potent alchemists of flavor, elevate mere ingredients to culinary masterpieces, enriching each dish with a symphony of taste sensations that linger on the palate long after the last bite. Their influence is profound, their presence transformative, making the art of spice selection an indispensable aspect of gastronomic excellence.

Launch of India Grains and Pulses Council (IGPC)

Launch of India Grains and Pulses Council (IGPC)

The Indian grains and pulses sector, a foundational pillar of the nation’s agriculture and economy, has reached a pivotal moment. Contributing significantly to food security and sustaining approximately 900 million farmers, the sector stands at the forefront of India's agrarian landscape. Recognizing the immense potential in grains and pulses trade and their critical importance in food security and nutrition security of the nation, ICFA is launching a dedicated body, India Grains and Pulses Council (IGPC) on April 12, 2024, in New Delhi to work on addressing policy and trade challenges to unleash the potential of grains and pulses sector. IGPC, as dedicated body will comprehensively address the issues and work on maximising the opportunities in India’s agricultural commodities trade, with a presence in over 150 countries, accounts for nearly $15 billion in exports and $5 billion in imports, marking the nation as a significant player on the global stage. Yet, the sector faces crucial challenges such as infrastructural deficits, policy constraints, financial risks, contractual obligations, production fluctuations and climatic uncertainties, which impede its growth and sustainability. The IGPC, under the aegis of ICFA, aims to spearhead transformative changes through strategic interventions across various Ministries, missions and trade related bodies. “The establishment of the IGPC is a monumental step towards modernizing our grains and pulses sector and ensuring its global competitiveness and sustainability,” stated Dr. M J Khan, Chairman of ICFA. The launch will be done by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Hon’ble Member, Niti Aayog, with participation from high-level government officials, and international dignitaries from key trade countries, including the Executive Director of International Grains Council, Mr. Arnaud Petit, H.E. Mr. MS Nardeo, Secretary General, AARDO, Ambassadors and HCs of Tanzania, Vietnam, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Myanmar among others, underlining the global and national significance of this initiative. As per Deepak Pareek, Founding Convener of IGPC, “The IGPC's mission encompasses enhancing market access, promoting technological advancement, advocating for policy reforms, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.” Key objectives of IGPC include: Enhancing Market Stability: Through strategic marketing and international partnerships, IGPC aims to create more predictable market conditions, ensuring stability for farmers, traders, and other stakeholders. Infrastructure Development: Addressing post-harvest losses by improving storage and logistics facilities to bolster supply chain efficiency. Technological Advancement: Bridging the technology gap in rural farming and facilitating access to innovative farming practices and tools. Policy and Regulatory Reforms: Working alongside government bodies to streamline regulations, fostering a conducive environment for sectoral growth. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: Advocating for practices that ensure the sector's long-term viability while mitigating environmental impacts. Capacity Building: Enhancing the competencies of those in the value chain through education, training, and networking, driving industry-wide progress. This landmark initiative heralds a new era for Indian agriculture, promising economic prosperity for farmers, market stability, and contributing to the nation’s food security and sustainability goals.

ASTRO-GASTRONOMY: CHEF UNVEILS ZODIAC-INSPIRED CULINARY CREATIONS TAILORED FOR EVERY ZODIAC SIGN. DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT MATCH!

ASTRO-GASTRONOMY: CHEF UNVEILS ZODIAC-INSPIRED CULINARY CREATIONS TAILORED FOR EVERY ZODIAC SIGN. DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT MATCH! UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF ASTROLOGICAL INFLUENCE AS CHEF CÂNDIDA CRAFTS STELLAR DISHES TAILORED TO YOUR ZODIAC SIGN Photo by Klaus Nielsen, Mikhail Nilov

Chef is taking culinary exploration to celestial heights with her latest gastronomic suggestions, unveiling a tempting array of zodiac-inspired dishes. Chef Cândida invites food enthusiasts on a cosmic journey to discover the flavors and textures that resonate with each astrological sign. Drawing inspiration from the mystical realms of astrology, Chef Cândida unlocks the secrets of cosmic culinary, translating the unique characteristics of each zodiac sign into dishes that captivate the senses and elevate the dining experience. From fiery Aries to compassionate Pisces, each sign brings a distinctive flavor profile and culinary symbolism. "Astrology has long captivated humanity with its mystical allure, and through gastronomy, we have the unique opportunity to translate celestial energies into culinary delights that resonate with each zodiac sign's essence." - Chef Cândida Batista. Chef Cândida's exploration of gastronomic astrology transcends mere cooking; it's a transformative journey that connects food with the cosmos, offering diners a chance to experience the harmony between celestial energies and earthly delights. Whether you're a devoted astrology enthusiast or simply a lover of fine cuisine, these zodiac-inspired dishes will leave a lasting impression.

PROPOSED ZODIAC-INSPIRED DISHES: 1. Aries (March 21 - April 19): Fiery Grilled Lamb Chops - Infused with bold spices and charred to perfection, these grilled lamb chops embody the fiery spirit of Aries, offering a taste of adventure with every bite. 2. Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Decadent Chocolate Truffle Tart - Indulge your senses with this luxurious chocolate truffle tart, reminiscent of Taurus's love for sensual pleasures and rich, earthy flavors. 3. Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Duo of Savory and Sweet Canapés - Embrace the duality of Gemini with a tantalizing duo of savory and sweet canapés, perfectly paired to satisfy both sides of the palate. 4. Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Comforting Crab Bisque - Dive into a bowl of comforting crab bisque infused with nostalgia and warmth, like a cozy embrace from a loving Cancerian. 5. Leo (July 23 - August 22): Regal Roasted Prime Rib - Treat yourself to the regal flavors of a roasted prime rib, fit for a king or queen, capturing the majestic essence of Leo's confident and bold personality. 6.Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Fresh Garden Salad with Herb-Roasted Chicken - Savor the simplicity and purity of a fresh garden salad paired with herb-roasted chicken, embodying Virgo's appreciation for healthful, wholesome ingredients. 7. Libra (September 23 - October 22): Elegant Champagne Risotto - Raise a toast to Libra's refined taste with an elegant champagne risotto infused with sophistication and balanced flavors that harmonize effortlessly on the palate. 8. Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Intense Espresso-Infused Chocolate Mousse - Indulge in the intense flavors of espresso-infused chocolate mousse, capturing the mysterious allure and depth of Scorpio's passionate nature. 9. Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Globetrotter's Spicy Shrimp Tacos - Embark on a culinary journey with spicy shrimp tacos inspired by Sagittarius's adventurous spirit, bringing a taste of exotic locales to your plate. 10. Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Hearty Beef Wellington - Savor the classic elegance of beef Wellington, a hearty and comforting dish that reflects Capricorn's timeless and traditional approach to culinary excellence. 11. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Innovative Molecular Gastronomy Dessert - Delight your senses with an innovative molecular gastronomy dessert, pushing the boundaries of traditional flavors and textures in true Aquarian style. 12. Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Dreamy Seafood Bouillabaisse - Drift away on a sea of flavors with a dreamy seafood bouillabaisse, capturing the ethereal essence of Pisces's imaginative and artistic soul. "Exploring the intersection of astrology and gastronomy allows us to infuse a touch of magic into every meal, crafting dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also evoke a sense of cosmic connection and harmony." - Chef Cândida Batista. As Chef unveils her celestial creations, she invites diners to embark on a culinary adventure where the stars align to guide the palate and ignite the imagination. Join her as she unlocks the secrets of gastronomic astrology and introduces a new flavor dimension to the haute cuisine world. #ChefCandidaBatista #GastronomyAstrology #ZodiacInspiredCuisine #CelestialCulinary #AstrologyAndFood CHEF CÂNDIDA BATISTA INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Happy New Year 2024

Detox yourself with a Lemon

The Lemon Detox Program

The lemon detox program has been around for over 50 years, yet it is not very well known, despite its many health benefits. It has been shown to cure stomach ulcers, improve the quality of sleep and clarity of mind, so why not give it a shot? Preparations: When planning to go through a detox, it is important to prepare the body so as to prevent shock to the system. If you drink coffee or tea, you’ll want to reduce gradually the amounts you consume prior to beginning the cleanse, and taking B-5 supplements to reduce the chances of headaches during caffeine withdrawal. A (temporary) vegetarian diet will also make the transition easier. Remember: preparing for a cleansing is like training for a marathon – you have to keep the goal in mind. The Cleanse: The cleanse is a 10-day program that requires you to avoid food and instead drink a special lemonade mix whenever you feel hungry. You’ll need at least 6-12 cups per day, so make sure you’re fully stocked before you begin. A mild laxative should be taken in the morning, and again in the evening. Ending the cleanse is also an important procedure to follow, so as to not overwhelm your system. On the last day of the cleanse, slowly introduce fresh orange juice to your diet. On the second day, you can eat vegetable soups and broths. On day three you can start eating fruits and vegetables. On the 4th day, you can start adding small amounts of meat/fish/milk/eggs. Be careful not to eat too much in the first week after the cleanse and drink plenty of water. By the end of the cleanse you will feel better about yourself, as well as be able to adjust to a new, healthier lifestyle. Detox Lemonade Recipe: This is the recipe per one cup of lemonade. 30ml of water 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon/lime juice 2 teaspoons of organic maple syrup 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

EASTER FOOD SURPRISES!

8 Inspired Easter Food Ideas

Easter is a fun food-themed holiday I always look forward to. Who doesn't love a holiday centered around chocolate and eggs? Even if you don't have a sweet tooth why not have some fun with your food and party favors.

1. Melt-in-your-mouth carrot cake

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You don’t have to be literal with your Easter party foods. Carrot cake is always a party pleaser, and delicious.

2. Cheesecake filled Easter eggs

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Buy hollow chocolate Easter eggs shells, or make your own by melting chocolate over egg shells. Fill the chocolate egg shells with any no-bake cheesecake or mousse recipe as filling, and let it set. Mix passion fruit pulp with apricot jam and butter to make the “yolk” filling.

3. Cinnamon bunny tail buns

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These sweet buns are excellent for an Easter breakfast or brunch. You can also make them savory and match them up with the cheese platter in #7.

4. Colorful deviled eggs

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Add a touch of color to your deviled eggs to make them look like colorful Easter eggs. Fill a glass of water with a teaspoon of cider vinegar and 3 drops of food dye. Leave the egg whites in the dye until they have turned a pastel shade.

5. Carrot-shaped bread cones

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May also interest you: 10 Foods You Should Never Keep In the Fridge. 26 Super Useful Kitchen Tips that Are Good to Remember Save Yourself 100 Calories With These Food Swaps!

These carrot shaped bread cones are an original way to serve egg or tuna salad as appetisers.

6. No-bake flower pretzel bites

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Impress your guests with this cheerful bite sized snack. No baking is necessary. Cover pretzels with M&Ms using frosting as the glue. You can buy the frosting in a can.

7. Carrot-shaped cheese platter

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Continue the Easter theme with a fun carrot-shaped cheese platter. Either grate soft cheeses or you can cover a harder cheese with layers of grated cheddar.

8. Decorate Easter eggs with glitter

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Use glitter and white glue to make your egg shells sparkle. Use wash tape to cover the areas you don’t want glitter covered and remove afterwards to see the contrasting empty shell spaces.

H/T: www.youngcraze.com

Health Benefits of Broccoli

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15 Wonderful Health Benefits of Broccoli As a kid, I used to hate broccoli. Whenever my mother would cook it, I would make up all sorts of elaborate fibs hoping she won’t make me eat it (and it never worked). As an adult, I found that I love the green vegetable and enjoy it in most dishes. After reading about it one day, I was amazed to find out how healthy it is, and decided to share it with you. Interesting Broccoli Facts: Broccoli was first cultivated in Italy back in the 6th-century B.C.E., and its name comes from the Italian broccoli meaning “the flowering crest of a cabbage”. The broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, along with the radish, turnip, mustard, and more. It was introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants in the 1920’s and wasn’t wildly known until then. 77% of the world's broccoli is produced in China and India. The part of the broccoli we eat is the flower and the stem.

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Health Benefits of Broccoli: 1. It protects your skin from aging Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, which reduces and prevents the damages caused by free radicals, such as pigmentation and wrinkling. In addition, the healthy content of Vitamins B and E aids in giving your skin a healthy glow. 2. It protects you from UV radiation Using broccoli extract instead of sunscreen has been shown to provide a better level of protection than sunscreen. While sunscreen absorbs UV radiation, preventing it from reaching your skin, broccoli extract gets absorbed into your skin, defending it from the inside-out. It was also shown that its effects can last up to three days while sunscreen is only good for several hours at most. 3. It’s good for pregnant women During pregnancy, women need to consume large amounts of folate, and broccoli has it in abundance. Folate helps in preventing neurological and spinal defects in the fetus. 4. It helps control diabetes Broccoli contains chromium, which is effective in regulating insulin levels and thus keeping diabetes symptoms at bay. 5. It can prevent anemia Rich in iron and folic acid, broccoli is one of the best foods for preventing and treating anemia, as well as improving your levels of hemoglobin.

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6. It regulates blood pressure The high levels of calcium, potassium, omega-3 and magnesium help improve blood flow in the circulatory system and even reduce LDL levels (“bad cholesterol”). 7. It boosts your immunity Your immunity system needs nutrients such as trace minerals, zinc, and beta-carotene – all of which are quite common in broccoli. 8. It’s also good for your bones The zinc, magnesium, and calcium, along with Vitamin K and phosphorus help prevent bone-related ailments and strengthens the bones. 9. It promotes eye health Broccoli contains antioxidants such as lutein and carotenoid, which help in deterring cataracts and macular degeneration. It also contains Vitamin A, which is known to aid in improving vision in low-light conditions, as well as discerning colors. 10. It’s great for weight-loss Broccoli is low in calories, making it ideal for dieting.

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May also interest you: Nature’s Medicine – 14 Foods that Can Replace Pills A Simple and Handy Guide to Peeling Fruits & Veggies! 17 Incredible Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

11. It is also an effective detoxifier Your body needs to be able to get rid of waste and contaminants and that’s where broccoli comes into play: containing rare nutrients like glucobrassicin, glucoraphanin, and gluconasturtiin, all of which are effective in eliminating toxins. 12. It makes your hair shine The erucic acids in broccoli give your hair a lovely, natural shine. 13. It also helps your hair grow Vitamins A and C aid in moisturizing your scalp, while the calcium in the broccoli helps in strengthening your hair follicles. 14. It fights cancer The glucoraphanin in broccoli can be converted in the body into a cancer-fighting chemical called sulforaphane, and the indole-3 carbinol helps reduce the risk of breast, cervical and prostate cancer. 15. It takes care of your heart All of the amazing nutrients we’ve discussed help in preventing damage to your blood vessels, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

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Source: Daniel A.

Save your Extra Food

12 Ways to Save Your Extra Food

Food is one of the easiest expenses to forget all about, especially because we waste so much of it. On the other hand, it's hard to buy the exact right amount you need, so who can blame us? But there are ways to waste less on food and reuse it instead of just throwing it away. Here I've collected 12 ways for you to save up on your extra food:

1. Reusing Green onions

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It may sound strange but this is true. Green onions can grow back when you save their white roots. How? Just cut off the green leave and put the white ends in a cup of water. Put the cup on a sunny window seal. The onions will start growing almost immediately, and you will be able to harvest the green leaves almost indefinitely.  From time to time empty the water, rinse the roots and return them to a cup of fresh water.

2. Reusing Ground Coffee

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Ground, used or dried coffee can be used to solve a lot of situations, so before you throw it away, you can: - Use it as an ant repellant by spreading it a little where ant groups can be found. - For skin peeling, you can massage coffee grains on your face and rinse. - To fertilize plants, you can spread ground coffee on acidic earth - To neutralize bad odors from the freezer, put a bowl of ground coffee (you can add a few drops of vanilla extract). - To remove scents of foods from your hands, we recommend rubbing them together with ground coffee and then washing. - To get fleas away from your dog, wash him, then rub ground coffee on his fur, and then wash him again.

3. Peels vs. Insects

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While the citrus fruit gives the body essential vitamins, its peel is also quite useful. It helps keep away flying insects and ants, as well as neutralize bad moldy smells. Use a scraped peel to rub on surfaces that attract a lot of flying insects or ants. Another option is to throw the peels in a blender, add a glass of water and grind until getting a smooth mixture. Then, pour the liquid on ant hills or on the entrance to the house. To get rid of moldy smells, put an orange peel in a cloth bag and hang it in old closets. You can also throw a citrus fruit peel in the trash compactor to get rid of bad odors.

4. Ripe Banana to Bake

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Bananas which are too ripe may not be good for eating, but they can become delicious banana bread. So instead of throwing them away, make a terrific and delicious dessert. You will need: 2 cups of flour / 1 spoon of drinking soda / 1/4 spoon of salt/ 1/2 a glass of softened butter / 3/4 a cup of brown sugar / 2 scrambled eggs and 2 cups of squished ripe bananas. Instructions: Pre-heat the oven to 175 C and oil an English cake baking mold. In a big bowl, mix: Flour, drinking soda and salt. In a different bowl you mix: Butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs and the squished bananas to the wet ingredients bowl and mix well. Add the banana mix to the dry ingredient bowl and mix well. Spill it to a mold and put in the pre-heated oven for 60 minutes. Let the banana bread cool for 10 minutes, and then serve.

5. From Dry Munchies to Crunchy Munchies

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Snacks such as potato chips or crackers are expensive and can take a big bite out of your budget over time, and so it can be quite annoying when a big bag of chips or crackers gets too dry after only a few days. However, instead of throwing them away, put them in the microwave for 10 seconds. They will make a short trip back in time to a higher level of crunchiness Another option is to preheat an oven or toaster-oven to 200 degrees C, put the crackers or chips on baking paper (one layer) and heat for 1-2 minutes.  Carefully, take them out of the oven when they begin to get golden, and the crunchiness shall return.  Please note: The freshness cannot be returned to crackers or chips who have begun to give a bad odor, are moldy or hardly have any taste.

6. Crumbs Will Do!

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A moment before you throw away bags of pretzels, croutons, cereal, crackers or other snacks that have crumbs - collect the crumbs in one big plastic bag and crush the crumbs with a rolling pin. Then you can use them to dress up other courses or freeze them in big chunks and then cook slightly for resurrected snacking.

7. From Old Bread to Croutons

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Don't throw away old bread! You can dice it, fry it with butter and make delicious croutons for your salad or soup. HOW? Dice the dry bread. If it is a bit too dry, put it on a baking pan and warm it for about 10 minutes until the surface becomes very dry. Put a pan on a medium to high fire and melt a little butter. Put the bread dices in the pan and mix until all the sides begin to turn brown. When the bread has been toasted, remove from the fire. If you do not plan on using the croutons right away, let them cool and only then put them in storage.

8. Dry Rice for Drying

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If you have encountered an old bag of rice and you're worried it's no longer good enough to eat, don't throw it away. Instead, next time something gets wet (like your phone, for instance) put the rice in a bowl and the wet object on the rice. The rice will drain the liquids from the object. So if it is your cell phone, for example, wait 24 hours and then turn it back on.

9. Defunking that dish sponge

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If you need to clean and you are out of good sponges, just put that old funky one in the microwave for 2 minutes. It will look much cleaner after 99% of its germs have been killed, and will be almost good as new.  CAREFUL! Do NOT put any sponges that have any metal fibers in them, as no metal can be put inside a microwave!

10. Getting More from Your Lemon

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If you need to add just a few drops of lemon to a recipe, don't cut it in half. Instead, prick it with a tooth pick and gently squeeze out the amount you need. Cover the hole with a little tape or paper and put the lemon back in the fridge to be used again later.

11. Oiled Eggs for Extra Freshness

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To prolong the life of fresh eggs, dip a paper towel in plant oil and gently rub the egg shells before putting them in the fridge for storage. The oil will keep those eggs fresh for another 3-4 weeks.

12. Too Many Potatoes? Not a Bad Thing!

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You peeled too many potatoes or sweet potatoes? Don't throw out the extra ones or cook too much. Just take the uncooked ones, put them in a bowl with cold water, add a few drops of vinegar and put in the fridge. The potatoes will last like this for another 3-4 days.

Photos courtesy of: Freedigitalphotos.net

Source: Samantha W.

Foods to help you Sleep

5 Foods That'll Help You Sleep 

Lack of sleep can ruin a lot of things: Our mood, our patience, our focus and our sense of enjoyment in life. We've all had those sleepless nights. But taking sleeping pills is usually a problematic strategy, because they don't give you the same natural sleep that strengthens you, and they can become quite addictive until you can't sleep without them. Better to eat something that will help you fall into a relaxing, renewing, deep sleep. Here are five recommended foods to put you to bed: Frozen Bananas Frozen bananas become a thick and tasty ice-cream. All you need is the right technique of consistent mixing. The idea is to mix for several minutes until the bananas become a creamy delight. Add a handful of chopped peanuts for an extra tryptophan boost and you have a great combination. Not only will the potassium in the bananas help you fall asleep faster, it can also prevent you waking up for no reason in the middle of the night.   Low Fat Popcorn The carbs in popcorn will help your body better utilize a chemical called tryptophan. This chemical is known to relieve tension and put you to sleep. This happens because the tryptophan is converted to serotonin, which is responsible for putting you to sleep and waking you every day. Since a heavy meal about 2 hours before sleep can actually keep you awake at times, a low-calorie popcorn bowl is a recommended treat for late night snacks. If you want to add some flavor, we suggest some curry powder or garlic, instead of butter.    Halibut The halibut fish comes with two great sleep aids: Tryptophan and vitamin B6. It has a meaty, gentle texture that is recommended to sea fruit lovers. Other foods rich in Tryptophan: Chicken, Beef, soy, yogurt, bananas, peanuts, and eggs.   Mango shake Mangos are packed full with antioxidants, proteins, and vitamins and are also a natural treat that may put to bed your need for something sweet without blasting your body with sugar. To make a mango shake: Cut up a fresh mango and put it in the blender. Add a scoop-full of ice, a small scoop of low-fat greek yogurt and just a little splash of milk or water. If you want it a bit sweeter still, you can add a bit of honey. And if you don't like mangoes, the same can be done with strawberries in winter and watermelons in summer. Dried Cherries A handful of dried cherries won't just give you carbs and serotonin, but is also one of the better-known sources of melatonin, known as a sleep-inducing hormone (also good against jet-lag). If that's not enough for you, they also come packed with antioxidants.

Images courtesy of vanillaechoes, piyato,  graur codrin / freedigitalphotos.net

Cover image courtesy of FrameAngel / freedigitalphotos.net

Useful Food Tips

16 Useful and Delicious Food Tips

As any one who has done some cooking knows, cooking is both art and science. There are thousands of little shortcuts and techniques one can learn to make a meal faster, better and more delicious, and so I do hope you will find the following useful enough to add to your growing knowledge of the art of food.

1. How to perfectly boil an egg

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2. Not all teas are to be brewed the same...

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3. Is your egg fresh? Find out once and for all.

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4. Yogurt is amazing and can make for a healthy substitute for many items.

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5. If you don't want your potatos to bud, place an apple with them and they won't.

5. How to tell if your avocado is truly ripe

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6. Keep your cake from drying out by placing a piece of bread on it overnight.

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7. How to make dried fruit using your oven.

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8. To keep your salad fresh and avoid sogginess, place a paper towl over it.

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9. How to make cookies without eggs!

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10. Make corn without the hairy mess.

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11. Cook fish over lemons to avoid sticking and to give it a great flavor.

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12. How to heat your leftovers more evenly.

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13. One little hole in the egg and you can boil it to perfection!

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14. The best way to make a BLT or a toasted sandwich.

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15. A few methods of folding pastry for stunning results.

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16. How to make a salad in a jar.

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Source: Simon J.