All articles tagged with #homemade
Most Italian chefs prefer homemade marinara but recognize that high-quality jarred sauces like Rao’s Homemade Marinara, with simple ingredients and no added sugar, are a convenient and tasty alternative for busy nights, especially when enhanced with fresh garlic and herbs.
California mom Gretchen Adler, known for prioritizing health over convenience, shared a recipe for homemade Goldfish crackers, sparking mixed reactions. While some praise her for creating healthier alternatives for her kids, others criticize her for potentially depriving them of typical childhood experiences. A pediatric dietician applauds Adler's efforts but warns about the potential negative impact of restrictive feeding practices on children's relationship with food. Adler remains unfazed by the criticism, emphasizing the interactive and educational aspect of cooking with her kids.
This article provides 50 healthy snack ideas for kids that are both nutritious and fun, ranging from two-cheese guacamole to crockpot chunky monkey trail mix. The snacks are designed to increase fruit and vegetable intake, avoid added sugars and salt, and include nutrient-dense foods like dairy and lean protein to keep kids satiated between meals. The recipes are quick and easy to make, offering healthier alternatives to store-bought snacks and encouraging kids to get involved in the kitchen.
National Granola Bar Day is celebrated on January 21st to recognize the nutritious and energy-packed qualities of granola bars, which are made of whole grains, fruits, nuts, and sweeteners. They are popular for hiking and biking due to their energy-boosting properties, and can be made at home by mixing ingredients and cutting into bars. Celebrate by making your own granola bars and sharing on social media, and be mindful of calories and health benefits such as fiber and protein when choosing options.
Ginger shots, a mix of ginger and lemon, offer a natural energy boost without caffeine and can be made at home to save money. They are packed with health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties from gingerol and antioxidants from both ginger and lemons. These shots can also help with nausea and are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Homemade ginger shots can be stored fresh for about a week or frozen for longer periods, providing a convenient and healthy way to start your day or fight off a slump.
Hoshigaki is a traditional Japanese method of drying persimmons, resulting in a prized, dried fruit with a white sugar bloom. To make hoshigaki at home, you will need firm Hachiya persimmons, a peeler, a paring knife, butcher twine, and baking sheets. After peeling and trimming the calyx, the persimmons are cured in boiling water to eliminate bacteria. They are then tied with twine and hung in an area with good air circulation and some sun. After about three days, the fruit toughens, and daily massaging begins to shape the fruit and encourage the sugar bloom. The hoshigaki are ready to eat when they are dried but still somewhat pliable, and they can be stored for up to six months.
Adele revealed during her Las Vegas residency that she made a homemade Rust costume for her son for Halloween, as there are no official Rust merchandise available. Despite her efforts, her son didn't seem to love the homemade outfit, leading to a bit of an argument. The details of the costume were not disclosed, but given Adele's talent, it's likely she did a decent job. Rust is a popular survival game that combines elements of player interactions, battle royale, and survival gameplay.
Making your own enchilada sauce allows for creativity and customization. Fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and garlic add brightness and robust flavor. Using different types of chiles, such as ancho, guajillo, or pasilla peppers, adds heat and complexity. Roasting the chiles intensifies their flavor, while rehydrating them brings out their full potential. Toasting spices enhances their aroma and taste. Blending and straining the sauce creates a silky smooth texture. Adjusting the consistency and balancing the acidity are crucial steps. Adding chocolate, like unsweetened dark chocolate or Mexican chocolate, adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
A DIY enthusiast named Rachad has created an automatic xylophone using homemade solenoids controlled by a computer. The project involved building custom solenoids using coils of wire and nails, and the software converts MIDI files into a serial output read by an Arduino. While the instrument may not be suitable for professional orchestras, it produces a surprisingly good sound. Rachad plans to further develop the project by training an AI to read sheet music in the future.
October 8 is National Pierogi Day, and while it's a great excuse to indulge in these delicious dumplings, they can be enjoyed year-round. Making homemade pierogies is surprisingly easy, and there are countless variations for both the dough and fillings. From classic potato and cheese to nontraditional options like "Everything Bagel" or Ethiopian-inspired dessert pierogies, the possibilities are endless. Whether boiled or pan-fried, pierogies are best enjoyed fresh or frozen, and they can be served with caramelized onions, sour cream, or a variety of sauces.
Almond butter is considered the healthiest nut butter due to its high Vitamin E content and additional nutrients like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and fiber. However, there are other healthy options depending on specific dietary goals. Peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter are recommended for Vitamin E intake, walnut butter for Omega-3s, almond butter or sesame seed butter for calcium, and cashew butter for estrogen-dominant individuals. When buying nut butter, it's best to choose natural options with minimal ingredients and avoid those with added hydrogenated oils. Making nut butter at home is also a cost-effective and healthier choice. Nut butter can be a nutritious addition to a healthy diet, but portion control is important due to its calorie density.
Bone broth, a collagen-rich beverage, has gained popularity as a superfood due to its claimed health benefits such as improved sleep, mood, and skin health. While bone broth does contain nutrients like collagen, iron, calcium, and vitamins, the collagen in bone broth cannot be directly absorbed by the body. However, bone broth is still considered more nutrient-dense than regular broth made with meat. Making bone broth at home allows for greater control over ingredients, but it can be challenging to make it taste good. Choosing meaty bones and fresh, organic vegetables is key. While bone broth is comforting and delicious, it may not be a cure-all solution.
Granola, often considered a healthy snack, can negatively impact metabolism due to high sugar content in store-bought varieties. Consuming sugary granola can lead to blood sugar spikes, inflammation, and long-term metabolic disruptions. Opting for homemade granola without added sugars or seeking no-sugar-added alternatives is recommended for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
While vinegar and oil do not need to be refrigerated, homemade vinaigrettes should be stored in the fridge, especially if they contain perishable ingredients like eggs, cream, citrus juice, fresh herbs, or vegetables. Store-bought vinaigrettes should also be refrigerated after opening. Homemade vinaigrettes with shelf-stable ingredients can be left unrefrigerated, but refrigeration is recommended for optimal flavor. Properly stored vinaigrettes can last around 3 days for homemade versions with fresh ingredients, 3 to 5 days for preservative-free refrigerated store-bought vinaigrettes, and longer for inexpensive, shelf-stable bottled dressings.
Nutrition experts compare kettle-cooked chips to regular potato chips, revealing that both types are high in calories and fat due to the frying process. Kettle chips contain lower sodium levels, but higher levels of acrylamide have been found in some brands. It is recommended to enjoy kettle chips in moderation and consider making homemade versions using healthier oils and cooking methods. A DIY recipe for healthy kettle-style chips is provided.