find the freshest of fresh beef jerky

Beef jerky

For some reason, men seem to love beef jerky. It can be almost any flavor and they will chomp on it for hours. Maybe there are some men who consider it a sign of masculinity, who knows. I know very few women who are willing to chew on beef jerky just for the sake of the taste or enjoyment. My husband will stock up on as much as he can whenever he sees fresh jerky or a good sale. He’s even got my five-year old son started on the addiction. Though my son isn’t fond of the texture of beef jerky, he’s learning that it is apparently something that boys are supposed to do. I’m not thrilled about it. Personally, after they terrorize their teeth by eating this jerky, their breath leaves little to be desired.

Since quite a few males tend to love beef jerky, my husband has decided that it is what we’ll send the males in our families for Christmas every year. We make baskets for out of state family members and try to put things in that everyone in the family will enjoy. For all of his uncles, brothers and male cousins – they all get to chomp on beef jerky. He’ll go out of his way to find the freshest and most appealing of flavors that he possibly can. Last year, he ordered beef jerky off of the internet at a site called beefjerky.com. Everyone absolutely loved it. Much to my surprise, two of his uncles requested it again for this coming Christmas. I had told my husband that it was a strange thing to send to people but he had gone ahead with it. After hearing the thanks we got from sending it, he gloated a bit about that. And so, I’m making up gift baskets again for this Christmas, filling them with goodies. The beef jerky is placed in a separate container, every so carefully wrapped in packaging with tons of care.

In my husband’s quest to find the freshest of fresh beef jerky, he has learned that some of the pre-packaged beef jerky is not as fresh as you might believe. In fact, some of it is months old. You might pay more for buying guaranteed fresh beef jerky, but at least you know that you’re getting good quality and definite freshness. My husband pays quite a bit per pound when ordering off of the internet, but according to him – he has never tasted anything better. Apparently his relatives feel the same way.

find the freshest of fresh beef jerky 

my grandmother’s vegetable garden

Vegetable Garden

When I was a child, one of the most important parts of my summer was rooting through my grandmother’s vegetable garden to find fresh veggies to eat. I loved the carrots best of all, and my grandmother would often tease me by saying I was going to turn orange if I ate to many of them. Later in life I learned that you can indeed turn a little orange if you eat too many of them, but I don’t think I was in any danger of that at the time.

I used to spend long hours with my grandmother outdoors. She had a beautiful flower garden along with her very large vegetable garden. Though she was a farmer’s wife and had to spend a lot of time helping out with the family business, she made time to tend to both of her gardens. Her vegetable garden was not only a labor of love; it was something that helped them through the winter. The more they could can, the more money they saved when milk production was low and the money was not as good as it should have been.

The best part of my grandmother’s vegetable garden was the fact that you could usually find something ripening at any time. Not everything was ready to be picked at the same time, though there were a few things that ripened all at the same time. I looked forward to the fresh lettuce, juicy cucumbers, and of course, there were the carrots. The vegetable garden was something that was a lot of work, but the results were well worth it. Though digging potatoes was a huge chore, it was also a lot of fun for me.

You may not have the room my grandmother had for her vegetable garden, and you may not need it. She canned a lot of her veggies for the winter months, but this is not very common any longer. In fact, if you just want to grow stuff for the satisfaction of doing so, you don’t need a lot of room for your vegetable garden at all. You will want to grow just a few of each veggie so that you can enjoy them when they ripen, but you won’t have to worry about a lot of it going to waste. If you find you have planted too much, remember neighbors, friends, and family may all enjoy a little of your homegrown veggies.

my grandmother’s vegetable garden

One of the best things about the hot chocolate

I am a meal on the go kind of person. I try to stay on a high protein, low sugar diet. To this end, I usually have a supply of protein shakes in the refrigerator for any time that I need a quick meal. Its getting cold outside and a cold meal sounds depressing. Cold mornings and cold breakfasts do not mix. I want something hot.

I thought that I was at a loss until the answer hit me. It was so simple that I felt like an idiot because I had not thought of it earlier. All I had to do was do a simple modification to my regular breakfast. So came to be the hot chocolate protein shake. Using the microwave, some whey protein, skim milk, and a little sugar-free chocolate syrup, I made a hot, healthy breakfast for those cold mornings. The hot chocolate protein shake tastes just like real thing and is a great way to treat yourself even when you are trying to eat healthy.

If you do not want cold cereal for breakfast or making oatmeal takes more time than you have, the hot chocolate protein shake is a great alternative. In many ways, the shake is very comforting. The warmth, smooth texture, and chocolate are all soothing and appreciated on a cold morning. You can take this breakfast to go and could even replace the milk with coffee if you want a breakfast with a buzz.

You can always skip the milk and use water if you wish. A great whey protein mix will break down well in most liquids and have a smooth texture. You can also use real hot chocolate mix if you wish. Using the skim milk and sugar-free chocolate syrup are ways to cut down on sugar, fat, and calories. If you are not dieting, you can go nuts with the hot chocolate protein shake and make it as sinful as you please. Either way, you are getting good protein which you help you stay fuller longer.

One of the best things about the hot chocolate protein shake is its affordability factor. You can buy enough whey protein to last you a month for about twenty bucks. A few gallons of milk and some chocolate syrup and you are good to go for weeks. You could eat a hot, healthy breakfast for a dollar a day. Where are you going to find a better deal than that?

One of the best things about the hot chocolate

creating tasty healthy recipes is easy

When I was a freshman in college my father had a heart attack. This was in the late 1970’s and bi-pass surgery was a new procedure. The only place in our area that you could have the procedure performed was at the University hospital. This is a teaching hospital and so there are many innovative procedures that are preformed there. The hospital receives patients from all over the United States so there was a four month waiting list prior to dad’s surgery. He was sent home with medication and a restricted diet. Suddenly my mother was looking for healthy recipes to cook. This was a great change for her because she used a great deal of butter and salt in her cooking, and they ate out in restaurants a great deal. Neither one of my parents had ever given a thought about healthy recipes and fat or salt content in their foods.

The heart attack really frightened my mother. She was determined that dad would regain his strength and be healthier. She became a fanatic at making sure everything she served him was made from healthy recipes. At that time there was not the number of fat alternatives that there are today. The alternatives that were on the market were poor tasting and poor quality. My older sister tried to tell my mother that she did not need to try elaborate healthy recipes, but instead broil chicken and fish and serve fresh vegetables. The most difficult thing for dad was giving up chocolate as well as the rich desserts that mom made. She made pound cakes that melted in your mouth. She would make several at a time and freeze them. When ever she needed a dessert she would thaw one of the cakes and serve large pieces with fresh whipped cream and chocolate sauce. We teased my dad that it was probably a piece of mom’s pound cake that clogged his artery.

During the four months of waiting for the surgery my parents gradually became accustom to their new life style. Mom did find some healthy recipes that tasted quite good. She learned to cook simpler meals and they both learned to make wiser choices when eating out in restaurants. Dad had his surgery and needed to stay in the hospital for a month due to complications. After his hospital stay he had several weeks in a rehab hospital closer to home. Once he returned home he was able to resume most activities that he did prior to his heart attack. As the years went by mom found that it was easier to create tasty healthy recipes with the improvement of reduced fat products.
creating tasty healthy recipes is easy

tradition in my family is to have deviled eggs

Deviled Eggs

One tradition in my family is to have deviled eggs at almost any holiday gathering. I’m not sure why this happens, but I have just learned to live with it. Actually, I like deviled eggs, but I rarely like how anyone makes them. I have my own recipe that I love, but almost everyone has their own twist to making deviled eggs. If you have never liked these eggs, perhaps it is because you haven’t found the perfect recipe for you.

When I make deviled eggs, I keep it very simple and my recipe never varies. I use mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard. After the eggs are done, I sprinkle paprika over the top, and they are done. For me, this is the only way to go. Not everyone likes them this way, and that’s all right too. I remember family members having heated debates about using vinegar in deviled eggs. Perhaps the humor in this was what got me through some very tedious extended family gatherings.

If you look online for recipes for deviled eggs, you are going to find simple recipes like mine, and more complicated ones that have ingredients you may never have thought to include. My mother-in-law likes to put relish in her eggs, and it’s really not bad. Some people include ingredients like shellfish, and even caviar. While I’m not sure I’m going to include either of these in my deviled eggs, I can imagine that they taste pretty good.

If you truly want something unique, look through the websites associated with many of today’s popular cooking shows. You may find lower calories recipes, and those made just for those who need to watch fat intake for health reasons. You may find recipes to please even the pickiest eaters, and those that you may only want to serve on special occasions.

Once you have the recipe you love, you can make deviled eggs for your family gatherings as well. The problem with these is, however, that they don’t travel very well. Because deviled eggs are essentially half eggs resting on a plate, they will slide and roll around like nobodies business. Companies that make plastic wear may have the answer to this dilemma. Some make special containers just for deviled eggs. They often have oval indentations that your eggs will sit in perfectly. They may not stay put the whole time, but the damage will be substantially less.

tradition in my family is to have deviled eggs

Vegetable Oils – Bad for you?

With more and more focus being put on health and nutrition, it would seem that vegetable oils are getting a bad rap. People used this oil for a long time because they assumed anything with the world vegetable in it would be healthy. Sadly, this is simply not true. Anything can be bad for you once it has been processed. There are many who have used vegetable oils for a very long time who are now looking for something else to use. Now that children are becoming dangerously overweight, this is something that all families have to think about when preparing meals and eating out.

The truth is that vegetable oils are not good for you. You can have them in very small doses, but you  should avoid it when frying foods and baking. You have to find healthier oils that do not have a lot of trans fats in them. Trans fats have recently been named as being very bad for you, and you have to find something that helps you avoid them. Many are recommending olive, peanut, or canola oil. You have to remember though, that these oils are healthier than vegetable oils, but they still are dense in calories.

If you have vegetable oils in your cupboards, you may want to chuck them. The next time you shop, look for a healthier oil. Though olive oil is far superior to vegetable oils, the cost and the taste often turn people off. If you don’t want to pay for good olive oil, you can save money by reaching for canola oil. You will find that canola is great tasting, and is also what many restaurants use in place of vegetable oils to offer healthier foods. You may not even be able to taste the difference.

If you are concerned about using vegetable oils, you should ask when you order food in any restaurant. Though there are many that are now using healthier oils, there are some that are not. You want to ask what types of oils they use, and if they say that they use vegetable oils, you should ask if they have anything else that they can use to prepare your meal. Remember that having it once in a while won’t hurt you too much, but you should not make it a habit. You can still have oils in your foods, just remember to choose the right ones to keep your family healthy.

Vegetable Oils – Bad for you?

What I like about Italian cooking

My mother was a very good cook. She did not make fancy meals, but everything she made was flavorful and made with high quality ingredients. We lived on a dairy farm so there were always fresh dairy products and meats. We also had huge vegetable gardens, a strawberry patch and apple orchard. My mother would can and freeze all the fresh fruits and vegetables. I was in college before I ate store bought bread. I am from German heritage so it is surprising that my passion is Italian cooking.

I began helping my mother prepare food when I was five years old. I always loved watching her in the kitchen. My father is a meat and potatoes man. He never liked sauces of any kind. When I went off to college I shared a house with six other college students. Two of the other women were from Italian heritage. They taught me about the wonders of Italian cooking. When we all moved in together we agreed that on Sunday evenings we would have a house meal. We would change off cooking the meal. This would be our chance to catch up on what everyone did over the weekend and what everyone had going for the coming week. The rules for the meals were that everyone would sit at the table together, no one would take phone calls, and the food had to be home made, no ordering pizza.

These Sunday evening dinners are my favorite memory from college. We would spend a couple of hours eating and drinking wine and sharing stories of our lives. Also having authentic Italian cooking was an added bonus. The two Italian girls were quite competitive when it came to putting together a meal. The result or this was that the rest of us were treated to outstanding dishes. One of the girls offered to teach me some of the techniques and recipes of Italian cooking. The thing that I like best about this cooking is that the ingredients are always fresh and simple. It is combining quality ingredients and cooking them properly that create the wonderful tastes.

It has been many years since I was in college. I have married and have raised three children. I have kept the tradition of Sunday dinners. No matter what else was going on in everyone’s life, they were expected to be at the dinner table on Sunday evenings. We spent the time catching up with each other and sharing our plans for the up coming week. The same rules applied, no phone calls and the meals had to be homemade. The kids and my husband help with the preparations. It is everyone’s favorite when they know that I am doing Italian cooking.

What I like about Italian cooking 

My barbecue sauce recipe for business

My husband is an avid hunter. He likes the challenge of studying about a species and their habitat and then planning a hunting trip with his brother or friends. He is always very careful in how he processes the meat so that it does not spoil or have a strong game taste to it. The best part for me is that he also enjoys preparing the meat. He likes to cook, but he is learning how to do this. Cooking is a process and he does not have the full process down yet. He has yet to learn the art of timing. As a result the meat, which he is most concerned about, is usually perfect however the side dishes are either under done or overcooked. I love to cook and have taken many courses and have experimented in the kitchen for years. I have developed several recipes. My most famous accomplishment is a barbecue sauce recipe.

Several years ago my husband and I were hosting a patio party for the partners of the law firm that he was joining. We decided that we would serve ribs and chicken along with a variety of salads and desserts. We were new to the area so I did not know of any good caterers so I decided that I would do all the cooking myself. I pre-baked the ribs so they would be tender and I marinated the chicken. I made a large batch of a barbecue sauce recipe that my family enjoys. We like barbecue but we could never find a sauce that had the right amount of spice and sweetness. I started experimenting by adding ingredients to prepared sauces and then began making the sauces myself. After several attempts I finally came up with a concoction that we all liked. The barbecue sauce recipe is made by guess and through tasting rather than by measuring.

At the party the senior partner of the law firm fell in love with the barbecue sauce recipe. His specialty is patent law. He insisted that I should patent the recipe and then market it to a restaurant change that the firm represents. The restaurant specializes in barbecued foods. At first I thought that he was just being flattering, until my husband brought home the paperwork for me to fill out to obtain the patent. We made a great deal of money selling the barbecue sauce recipe to the restaurant chain. They now bottle the sauce and sell it at their restaurant. I no longer make the recipe I buy the sauce by the bottle. I never thought that I would be part of such a business transaction involving one of my kitchen concoctions.

My barbecue sauce recipe for business

An aphrodisiac can be anything that excites our sensual nature

When looking for an effective aphrodisiac, you may not need to look further than your own kitchen. Strawberries, wine, and chocolate are all well-known aphrodisiacs. I recommend that one particularly famous aphrodisiac, the oyster, be avoided. There is absolutely nothing romantic about them. If you have ever seen someone feed one of these slimy things to another person or eaten one yourself, then you most likely spent more time in the bathroom that day than in the bedroom.

I believe that, if presented correctly, almost any food can be an aphrodisiac except, of course, the oyster. To take your favorite food to the level of aphrodisiac all you need to do is feed it to your partner. Often times your partner simply responds to your attention and the nurturing aspects of feeding someone. If you take your time and feed them slowly, any treat can do the trick.

As I woman I prefer sweet foods and fruit. Fruit has a symbolic nature that subconsciously turns both men and women on. The words “seed” and “fruit” are wrought with carnal connotations. The other plus side to fruit is that most of them contain a bit of juice that could fall onto your partner’s fingers and need to be retrieved in a most creative way.

There are many aphrodisiacs besides food. An aphrodisiac can be anything that excites our sensual nature. Intoxicating smells from fresh flowers, a scented candle or incense along with soothing music can ease your partner’s mood and most people enjoy the act of love more thoroughly and more often when they are relaxed. Bubble baths and massages are good ways to soothe your partner and connect physically at the same time.

This next tip sounds a bit strange at first but has a proven track record. One often-overlooked aphrodisiac is fear. Before you raise your eyebrow, allow me to remind you of a time when you were younger. Picture yourself in high school. You are at a movie with your crush. Think back to the feeling of the dark theater and the close proximity you had with each other. Remember the exhilaration of two shy hands seeking each other out and slowly meeting. Now what if that movie you were watching was a horror flick? How close did you get to each other when there was a touch of fear in the moment?

It doesn’t take very long for two hands to find each other in the dark when one of you is afraid. Remember this the next time the power goes out and you are searching for the flashlight. You may be missing a wonderful opportunity for excitement.

One secret aphrodisiac that is guaranteed to excite any woman is conversation. The word “intercourse” means conversation. We love it when you can share your minds with us and not just your bodies. The quickest way to get a woman to open up to you is to open up to her. Women categorically respond better to psychological stimulation than any other kind. There is also evidence that women orgasm more often and with greater intensity when they feel psychologically safe and cared for. The greatest and most powerful aphrodisiac will always be conversation. Be it with food or conversation, the aphrodisiac of sweetness will serve you well.

An aphrodisiac can be anything that excites our sensual nature