Food and Beer

The sweet love of everyone–Chocolate Cake! The sponge chocolate cake layers enrobed with melt-in-mouth chocolate and topped with choco chips, or chunks is a heavenly dessert that pleases the taste-buds and soul, like none other. The rich and dark taste of chocolate makes chocolate cake the first choice of every cake lover. Whether it’s a birthday or someone is having sweet cravings, chocolate cake is the first and foremost choice of many, always. It would not be wrong to say that chocolate cake is a crowd pleaser! In it’s every form, the chocolate cake never fails to delight relishers.

Though you have the convenient option of online cake delivery in Hyderabad at your doorstep or any other city, say Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, etc. wherever you live. Online cake deliveries make it easy for you to savour your favourite chocolate cake on any day, at any time. But how about baking one?

Recently, many have seemed to don the baker’s hat. Almost every other person is spending their time baking love for the self and family. So, if you are among them or have a forever love for baking, way before the quarantine came into existence, here is a chocolate cake recipe for you to try at home.

This Chocolate Cake Recipe Is:

• Easy and Quick To Make
• Comes with Variations for every taste bud
• Deeply Flavourful
• Moist and Dense
• Tastes as Good as the chocolate cake online

Are you ready to take the whisks?

Preparation Time: 15min

Bake Time: 30 min

Total Time: 45 min

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 boiling water

 

Chocolate Frosting

• 290 g unsweetened butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3-4 cups of confectioner’s sugar
• 3-5 tablespoon of heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Choco chips

 

Instructions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the cake tin and line it with parchment paper. Now, grease the parchment paper with oil or butter.

2) Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cocoa powder and espresso powder in a large bowl

3) Beat eggs, oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl until combined well. Then, add milk and mix well.

4) Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add hot water and combine. Mix until you get a smooth consistency.

5) Pour the batter into the cake tin.

6) Bake the batter. Keep an eye on the temperature as every oven temperature differs. Rotate the cake tin so that it bakes evenly. At last, take the toothpick test.

7) Let the cake cool down.

Chocolate Frosting

1) Beat the butter in a bowl. Add confectioner sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Whip it until it becomes fluffy. But, do not over-whip it.

Assemble the Cake

1. Spread the chocolate frosting on the cake and sprinkle choco-chips over it.

Additional Tips

• For Gluten-Free Cake: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
• For Vegan Cake: Use almond or coconut milk instead of dairy milk
• For Eggless Cake: Add unsweetened applesauce or vinegar in place of eggs.

Happy Baking!!

 

 

In recent times, enjoying the restaurant scene for date night, exploring the streets looking for hole-in-the-wall corner cafes and dancing the night away in hot, loud, pumping clubs have all become things of the past.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a different kind of nighttime fun in the comfort of your own home. The ideas we’re about to share with you are all you need to enjoy a perfect night in—without breaking the bank nor the law.

Snacks for Days

You need to have a decent snack supply to achieve a truly great night in. We don’t know why this is the case exactly; we just know it’s true and that science backs up this fact. So, make sure you have snacks such as chocolates, popcorn, fruits and veggies, chips, sweets or finger foods in the pantry. Whether you make your snacks health-centric or cheat-day worthy is entirely up to you.

Something to Entertain You

Obviously, you need something planned that will entertain you, otherwise a night in can turn into a night “trapped” at home very quickly. Whether you’ve discovered a binge-worthy new series on Netflix, plan on having a movie marathon or are tempted to spend the night playing board games, there are plenty of entertainment options for you to pick from.

A No Phone Zone

Most of the time people enjoy nights in to escape the pressures of going out. Even though you’ve probably spent a lot of time indoors lately, it’s important that your night in feels like an escape from the ordinary. Switch your phone off, unplug your tablet and let your laptop go to sleep—you need a break from the constant connectedness we’re all experiencing as it takes its toll.

Something to Get Your Heart Thumping

What fun is a night in if it doesn’t involve a little something to get your pulse racing? It’s easy to feel down in the dumps if you’re doing nothing exciting. Forget high-speed joyrides and instead let the best online casino help you achieve that rush of adrenaline and excitement that takes a chilled night in to a more exciting level.

A Special Drink

The perfect night in involves plenty of drinking. You can drink whatever you’d like but try to make it a little different from what you normally drink at home. Our favourites include creamy cups of hot cocoa, refreshing virgin cocktails, home-brewed pineapple beer, sneaky sips of whiskey and shots of bourbon.

Final Thoughts

See? You don’t have to go out to have an awesome evening, and the five ideas we shared with your today prove just that! Just make sure you have something to eat, drink, do and get your heart pumping & you’re sorted.

We’ve all heard the saying “Stay home, save lives” but we’re officially tweaking this saying to “Stay home, save lives, and have fun while you’re at it”.

If you are planning for a picnic or get together, you surely will need refreshments at some point in time. While it may be impossible for you to carry your kitchen along with you, it is possible to carry your food along with you. For this, you will need a quality food flask.

Finding the right food flask for any purpose may not be a walk in the park. For one, there are too many products available in the market. There is also the chance that you could end up with one that doesn’t meet up to its specification. So how then can you find the best ones available? You can start by looking at the review section below.

Do I Need a Food Flask?

If you are going to be meeting or partying outdoors and have refreshments planned, you surely need a means of conveying your food and keeping it warm. Except you are going to be doing your cooking at the venue, food flasks and containers seem to be the best option to get your food on-site safely. The link below explains in-depth how the thermos flask works. So you may want to check it out.

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/vacuumflasks.html

How to Shop for Quality Food Flasks

If you move through the dishes and cutlery section of any supermarket, you most like will find a large number of options available to you. The same goes for when you are looking to buy one online. It could be a lot easier if you have suggestions to work with, and if that’s not the case, here are a few tips to help you shop for quality food flasks.

Ask for Recommendation

When it comes to buying any product, be it tech gadget or kitchen utensils, it will be a lot easier if you have a few recommendations to begin. The best persons to confide in are friends and family members. Get in touch with them and ask for suggestions. There is a high probability that your mum, aunt, or sister may a few suggestions for you.

Check Online

The internet is also a good place for you to find the best food flasks around. A quick Google search should turn up a few hundred or thousand options for you to make a pick. The best place to start is by checking through online reviews. There you will be able to learn more about the user experience with the product.

Check the Features

If you want a product that will be long-lasting, you should confirm that it has all the features that you need in a food flask. Some of the essential things you need include

Design

The design of the thermos is vital as it helps to guarantee that the product will last long. You want to check for brands that feature stainless steel construction. This helps to ensure durability, and that you won’t be needing a replacement only after a few outing.

Insulation

If you want to enjoy your food warm and fresh, it is right that you get a brand that provides insulation in their design.

Food Capacity

The holding capacity of the thermos is also something you want to keep in mind. If you want a product that can hold much food, it is best to opt for a brand with a large capacity. Whether you are shopping for a kid’s flask or a family-sized one, you surely can find one that will work for you.

The Lid

You should also take note of the lid on your food flask. It should be able to easily secure and keep your food safe from contamination. If you are shopping for kitchenware, you can find more useful suggestions here on some of the essential things to add to your home collection.

Summary

There are too many options for a thermos flask in the market. You can find them available in different designs and sizes. It is best to always shop for a product that will meet your needs. If you need to keep your food warm and fresh, it is worth spending on a quality one.

 

There is nothing quite like a cold beer on a spring afternoon or evening. We all love heading to the pub and catching up with friends over our favourite beverages. There is a world of beers out there and breweries are always adding to the list – sometimes it can be difficult to keep up! We have had a look around and come up with some of the best beers of 2020. Our list is filled with choices that are bound to get your taste buds tingling!

Heineken

Believe it or not, Heineken has been one of the top-selling beers worldwide and continues to hold its crown. This may be down to the fact that the brand does not shy away from marketing itself around the world. It was the official sponsor of the Rugby World Cup in Japan last year and continues to sponsor the Champions League. The Dutch beer seems to continue going from strength to strength.

Asahi Super Dry

This Japanese beer is famous for its fresh taste and its authentic Japanese recipe. It got off to a fantastic start in Japan when it first hit the scene and then moved on to become a popular brand worldwide. The company was started in 1889 in Osaka and became one of the pillars of the Japanese beer market. It’s a light beer as it has been brewed with rice and goes down well on a summer’s day.

Bud Light

Bud Light is considered the number one beer in America. This light beer offers drinkers a clean and crisp taste to enjoy. Made with a mixture of malts, rice and barley. It looks like Americans cannot get enough of this highly sought-after beer. Bud Light has also been praised for its transparency it provides customers on its packaging which includes serving facts and a full ingredients label.

Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier

Considered to be one of the finest German beers around, Weihenstephan comes from the “The World’s Oldest Brewery” – almost 900 years old! It is easily found in most supermarkets in the UK. As far as the taste goes, you will catch a hint of spice, banana and cloves. A special yeast is used in its base which helps form its smooth flavour – a taste of Germany in a glass. For another taste of German culture, why not try Heidi’s Bier Haus Slot at Magical Vegas Casino!

Victoria Bitter

You cannot talk about world beer without mentioning Australia! Believe us when we say they do not disappoint. Victoria Bitter is the premier beer Down Under. Produced by the Carlton & United brewery. The beverage has been a long-standing favourite for some time due to its thirst-quenching taste which gives relief from the Australian sun.

So, the next time you decide to break out the barbeque. Don’t forget to add some of the above beers to your shopping list and impress your friends with your knowledge of world beers! All these selected beers are perfect for any occasion and accompany food well.

Are you new to grilling? There is nothing to fear, and it is not as complicated as it looks. While it might seem like organizing a BBQ is fun and simple, there is more that goes into making your first BBQ a success than meets the eye.

Grilling, like all types of cooking, can be dangerous. Whenever you are in doubt, always consult the grill’s user manual and heed the safety warning. However, no one starts as a BBQ master, and despite all the planning, several things are bound to go wrong.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know before making your first BBQ. This guide will help you grill like a pro every time.

Picking Out the Right Grill

Modern outdoor grills come in various shapes and sizes. You need to choose the right one for your first BBQ. Stainless steel is the standard material, but it is not created equal. For your first grill, you need to have at least grade 304 stainless steel, which should have a cooking area of between 600 and 900 square inches if you are cooking for friends and family.

Here are the different types of grills available on the market:

Gas Grills

Gas grills are perfect for people who want to grill their hot dogs and burgers quickly. They heat up much faster, and it are easy to clean. However, you need to choose one that has lava rocks, which mimics charcoal in heat distribution.

They are designed to be used with bottled propane or natural gas. When buying a gas grill, look for brands that have a grate with porcelain coating steel bars.

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are for people looking to experience the age-old method of long and slow barbecuing process. This type of grill gives your meets the full-bodied charcoal flavor due to the open flame.

If you also want to smoke your meats, this is the best type of grill. When buying, look for a charcoal grill that has cast-iron grates since they are better heat conductors than stainless steel.

Electric Grill

Electric grills cook meat using heated grill plates, which means that there is no fire required. They are best for people living in apartment blocks who are prohibited by fire regulations. When shopping for one, you need to consider the size, especially if you live in an apartment. They are cheaper than other types of grills, and they are easy to clean.

Grilling Accessories

Having picked out a grill, you also need the appropriate accessories for your first BBQ. Here are the must-have grilling accessories:

Chimney Starter

This is a necessary grilling accessory if you have a charcoal grill. The chimney starter allows you to start the grill much faster and hotter without using lighter fluid. You can use crumpled newspaper or odorless fuel starter to start the fire. Let the charcoal burn until it is covered with white-grey ash, which means it has achieved the right temperature for grilling.

Grill Mitts

Most beginners pass up on using grill mitts and use oven mitts instead, which is a fatal mistake. The grill mitts should be long enough to reach your elbows and made from fire-retardant fabrics or silicone, leather, heavy-duty cotton and more.

Meat Thermometer

Temperature is one of the best ways to tell if your meat is cooked through. A meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the food and away from the bone.

You should check the meet towards the end of the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking and burning it. We have designed a handy buying guide that includes everything you need to know to make your first BBQ memorable.

Basting Kit

Basting is the act of brushing, pouring, or spooning sauces, liquids, and marinades over food. It is the best way to add flavor to grilled meat and add moisture. While you can use an ordinary container such as a bowl, it is best to invest in a proper basting kit that includes a cast iron sauce pot and a nesting silicone or natural bristle basting brush. To kill bacteria, you need to keep dipping the brush in the sauce.

Spring-Loaded and Long-Handled Tongs

The best types of tongs for grilling have spring-loaded and long handles. They can be used with different kinds of foods, including thick steaks, thin and long dogs, sausages, or asparagus spears. Some beginners use big forks, but they tend to ruin the shape, and they let the juices escape. In addition, the long handles will keep your forearm from burns.

An All-Purpose Grill Basket

Grill baskets are useful for grilling vegetables, fruit, delicate fish, and other small foods that could fall through the grill grate. While there are specialized grill baskets, such as one for sliders, meatballs, and more, but a large, all-purpose grill basket will allow you to grill a variety of foods.

Skewers

Some people call skewers shish kebabs, but they are the same thing. They are easy to customize and great for mixing flavors as well as ingredients. Wooden skewers are inexpensive and widely available. However, you need to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid them burning. However, if you plan to grill more often, invest in a set of stainless-steel skewers, which are re-usable and come in a variety of sizes.

Grill Brush

For healthy grilling, you need to keep your grill clean by using a grill brush. Brass bristled grill brushes are the best compared to steel bristles, which can scratch the enamel or porcelain finish on some grates. In case you do not have a grill brush, you could substitute it with a ball of heavy-duty aluminum foil held by a pair of tongs.

Conclusion

Many things can go wrong on your first BBQ. We hope that the advice and tips above will be useful for your first and subsequent grilling. You could also consider portable grills. They can use propane or charcoal as fuel and are great if you plan on grilling outdoors when camping or picnicking.

If you’ve only ever had unhappy experiences with steamed asparagus, this recipe will change how you feel about asparagus forever. “Salty and savory, the roasting method kills the natural bitterness of asparagus. Try it next to grilled fish or lamb,” says recipe creator Swedish milk. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it a quick and easy side dish for maple salmon.

Sweet Restaurant Slaw

Coleslaw is the perfect pairing for fried fish (especially this Southern Fried Catfish ). “This was absolutely delicious, and I’m not even a huge slaw fan! I used two bags of prepared slaw and made the dressing as directed. Plenty of dressing. Refrigerated overnight, and plenty of sweet, creamy slaw,” says reviewer Saveur.

Easy Zucchini Fritters

Reviewer Autumn Heather says, “These were just scrumptious! I had been given a huge zucchini and was looking for something to do with it and found this recipe… My mother pronounced them ‘Delicious!’ twice! We loved ’em!” This is a great way to sneak in some veggies on the side. When paired with Hudson,s

Baked Tilapia With Dill Sauce, you have a delicious and well-balanced meal.

Quinoa and Black Beans

Quinoa, corn, black beans, and fresh cilantro make this a light and colorful sea side dish for Veracruz-Style Red Snapper. “This satisfies ALL my requirements for a ‘great’ recipe! Get a load of this, and I am not exaggerating: It’s quick and easy, inexpensive, attractive to look at, delicious, and very very healthy. It travels AND refrigerated well and it can be eaten hot or cold,” says reviewer Naomi Witzke.

Broccoli and Tortellini Salad

Pasta is a classic pairing for seafood, and this top-rated tortellini salad is no different. “I have made this dish over three dozen times (for catered events, family parties, etc.). It always gets raves — no leftovers! As recommended by others, I blanch the broccoli florets for about 30 seconds, plunge into ice water until cooled then drain and dry. The broccoli stays a gorgeous green and is easier to eat,” says reviewer TLBRAN. Try serving it with this simple Grilled Salmon.

Baked French Fries

These homemade seasoned fries are an easy side dish that everyone at the table will love. “These were phenomenally good! Quick and easy — and much tastier than the frozen variety,” says reviewer Serena. Pair them with Heavenly Halibut.

Curried Cashew, Pear, and Grape Salad

Curried cashews, bacon, pears, and red grapes are tossed with mixed greens in a light vinaigrette. “This is a wonderful salad and very forgiving as you can add almost any fruit to it and it still comes out superb! Try adding mandarin oranges — you won’t be disappointed,” says reviewer Crystal S. It’s a flavorful and crunchy side dish for Alaska Salmon Bake With Pecan Crunch Coating.

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

There are endless ways to cook cauliflower, but this roasted variation has more than 2,000 glowing reviews for a reason. Reviewer Naples 34102 says, “This was unlike any cauliflower I have ever eaten — truly special and unique. Whether it’s the roasting aspect, or the addition of Parmesan cheese, or the combination of the two, this is a memorable dish, which is saying a lot since, after all, this is just cauliflower!” Serve it with Perfect Ten Baked Cod to make this memorable side dish into a memorable meal.

These are the two Beekman Brothers. They are in search of great beer all around the world. Follow their travel into Tampa Bay, and what they found.

Places like Tampa Bay have a lot to offer. Spending a short time in the area can give you a great sense of what you want to do, where you want to visit, and what beer you want to drink.

Going to a new place for the first time can be intimidating, however, so we want to give you some insight into what we like to do in Tampa Bay and where we would recommend you visit.

If you’re someone that is looking for adventure or a laid back trip, we have a little something for everyone.

Keep reading to learn more about the Beekman Brothers’ time in Tampa Bay and what you may want to do next time you visit.

4 Things to Do in the Tampa Bay Area

While there are a lot of things you could do during your time in Tampa Bay, these are four things that we absolutely loved. If we could do them again, we would.

Don’t forget to explore as much as you can to make the most of your vacation!

1. Visit the Palma Sola Botanical Garden

This is a 10 acre garden with a lot of different kinds of plants, including fruit trees, tropical plants, and native plants. You will find three lakes that you can relax by during the day or two gazebos to sit under if the sun gets to be too much for you.

Not only is this a great place for a self-guided tour, but you can also take part in one of the many activities on the calendar.

In the Florida sun, you will probably want to be outside as much as possible. Why not learn about some interesting and beautiful plants at the same time?

2. Get Out on the Water

Check out some of the best boating destinations in this area to maximize your trip. There are a lot of small islands around Tampa Bay that are great for photography or just general sight-seeing, but one we wanted to mention was Egmont Key.

Egmont Key is a beautiful island with a lot of local history that you can only access by boat. You will find plenty of natural beauty and you may even see some wildlife. The refuge there has a lot of animals and if you’re interested in photography, this is a spot you can’t miss.

3. Don’t Miss the Salvador Dalí Museum

If you’re a Salvador Dalí fan like we are, you absolutely need to check this museum out. It has the biggest collection of his works outside of Europe and is set right on the water, making for some beautiful views.

There are events for so many different things that you’re sure to find something that interests you, but you can also just tour the museum and check out the artwork on your own.

4. Do Something That Gets Your Heart Rate Up

If you want something that is a little more adrenaline-filled, Tampa Bay has plenty of that as well.

Whether it is indoor skydiving without a parachute, swimming with sharks, or riding a rollercoaster, there is something for you. Just be sure to put safety first and you’ll have a great time.

Beekman Brothers Find Great Beer in Tampa Bay

You might be like us and want to find the best beer everywhere you go. If so, you’re in luck because below are some of the places that we found to have a great local selection in the Tampa Bay area.

Don’t be afraid to check out other local breweries as well to find the perfect spot for you and your crew. Tampa Bay has a lot of beer options and while they may all be great, these were our favorites.

Angry Chair Brewing

This brewery has developed a cult following in recent years and while it is pretty small on the inside, you want to check it out if you get the chance.

They are known for their stout beers, but you really can’t go wrong with anything that they offer. The menu changes often, so you’ll always find new selections to keep it interesting.

Coppetail Brewing Co.

Coppetail has great food and great beer, which is obviously a great combination, but it also has a fun atmosphere.

The staff here know what they are talking about and are willing to answer questions about the menu, beer selection, or the local area.

You can also ask for a tour here for $7.50 (including tax) to see “where the magic happens” and get a souvenir pint glass.

Ulele Spring Brewery

Located on the Tampa Riverwalk, this brewery is fun and inviting. You’ll find beer of all types here, so whether you like light lagers, oatmeal stouts, or a hoppy IPA, something will fit your needs.

If you’re interested in a brewery tour, you can request one and set up a time that works for you.

7venth Sun Brewery

While the original 7venth Sun is located in Dunedin, FL, the Tampa location is a lot bigger. In what was once a roller skating rink, this brewery has 28 taps to choose from and displays art from local artists that you can buy on the spot.

Are You Going to Tampa Bay?

The Beekman Brothers love to travel and Tampa Bay is a great place to visit.

Not only do you get some great food and beer in this area, but you also get some wonderful views and there is plenty to do.

If you’re looking for great beer in a certain area or just some travel advice, check out the rest of our website to see what other posts may interest you.

Going vegan comes with plenty of ups and downs, but your range of food options are certainly some of the best things that come with the transition. While most people believe that vegans eat nothing more than cucumbers and celery, the truth is that cruelty-free food is full of flavour and texture and, more often than not, more delicious than their ordinary counterparts.

The key to cooking delicious vegan dishes is to look for alternatives to your kitchen essentials. Whether it is cheese, butter, or mayonnaise, you will surely find a variation appropriate for cruelty-free diets.

You can even make magical vegan condiments out of dairy replacements such as chickpeas and almond milk, and you will undoubtedly fall in love with their more vibrant, guilt-free flavour profiles. Here are some fun and easy recipe inspirations to kickstart your meat-free gastronomic adventure.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are french fries’ sweeter and more nutrient-dense cousin. Their boiled or roasted variation is a popular item on the weight loss menu for dieters all over the world because they contain plenty of antioxidants, Vitamin A and C, and selenium. While they are delicious that way, you can opt to bake sweet potato fries if you can afford a little bit of a caloric leeway.

The process is simple: preheat the oven to 400 F. Wash the sweet potato, peel, and slice to fry-sized pieces, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, add in cumin, paprika, and sea salt before tossing in a bowl. Meanwhile, you want to spray a baking sheet with vegetable-based oil and add in a wax sheet before lining up your sweet potato fries.

Bake for 30 minutes, and you have a brilliant burst of crispy flavours. To further elevate the taste, add in your favourite vegan condiments. A recommendation is to use chipotle mayo — the perfect low-calorie dip for equally low-calorie fries.

Vegan Burrito

Nobody can say no to a burrito, so a vegan version is necessary for all meat-free folks to enjoy the infamous Mexican dish. There are plenty of ways you can go about this recipe, but here is a super easy one for days when you’re in a rush to prepare a healthy dinner spread. First, lay out the ingredients: rice, beans, lettuce, corn, tomatoes, guacamole, cilantro, lime, and vegan sour cream.

You want to cook the rice, beans, and corn before mixing them along with the rest of the ingredients, based on your preferred ratio. Generally, 2 cups of rice equate to 1 cup of beans and 1 cup of veggies. Lay them all on top of a tortilla, spread a generous amount of vegan sour cream, and wrap them up nicely. Squeeze in some lime as you eat, and you will soon be addicted to the delicious — and completely vegan — flavour.

Fishless Fingers

While a classic fish and chip will never make it back to your vegan diet, there is a fantastic alternative that will bring back the dreamy combination of a soft texture wrapped with a crispy exterior. But this recipe is entirely cruelty-free. The magic ingredient is tofu — a common meat alternative used for its relatively mild flavour.

To start, get blocks of firm tofu, cut into thick strips, and coat in flour. Mix soy or almond milk with lemon juice on a separate bowl before using it to add another layer to your floured tofu.

For the crispy exterior, dip the coated tofu onto breadcrumbs before baking for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. If you do not have an oven, you can pan fry each side until you get the desired colour. You can enjoy your fishless fingers with an array of vegan condiments, including garlic aioli and sour cream. Alternatively, you can make tartar sauce with vegan mayo, relish, lemon, and a hint of dill.

Anyone can enjoy vegan recipes regardless of their lifestyle and diet choices. Nothing beats exploring new flavour profiles and finding fresh condiments to stock your shelves and flavour your food, after all. Who knows — it might be the push you need to transition to a cruelty-free lifestyle.

Author – Jane Smith

Kids today prefer only snacks and finger foods when it comes to their tiffin. Parents have to make sure that these snacks are filling when hunger hits in school hours. Protein could be the key that makes sure that kids’ school snacks are nutritious. Proteins like beef promote fullness and ensure a great taste that kids love. Here are some beef snacks that your kids can enjoy taking in their tiffin:

• Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas-

  Tastefully ground beef with sweet sauce, oodles of gooey cheese and a crisp golden tortilla on the outside is the perfect combination that kids can bring to school. This recipe is quick, easy and fuss-free. The kids can take these quesadillas to school happily as they are perfect for eating with hands and do not create any mess.

  You could make these cheesy quesadillas with simple ingredients like freshly made or leftover minced beef, a basic tomato sauce, your favourite melting cheese and store brought tortilla wraps. All you need to do it butter up a flat pan and lay a tortilla there- slather half of it with the sauce, put the cooked beef and add the cheese. Now fold the wrap and flip it, the cheese will melt and do its job of keeping this tortilla together in the tiffin.

• Australian Meat Pie-

  This beef meat pie is very simple to make, easy to carry and yummy to eat. The filling consists of chunks of steak braised in mild spices with fresh rosemary, and if your kid is a fussy eater, you may even incorporate some veggies in the filling.

  Many of us might think making a puff pastry will be the most challenging task, but you could buy a ready and precut puff pastry, and it can all come together quickly with just 30 minutes of baking. You can make a batch and stack it as this is a freezer-friendly snack.

• Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs-

  These little bombs are not only delicious, but they are also easy to make. The buns are crispy on the outer side and soft on the inner side. The fixing is full of all things good like cheese, seasoned ground beef, onions, and irresistible bacon bits.

  Your task is to pack all these fixings into a rolled bread dough and bake it in the oven till it becomes fluffy and golden brown. The best part is that these are very quick to make and super convenient to bring in the tiffin as they are sealed on all sides. Your kids will polish them off. Don’t forget to pack extra ones for their friends!

• Mini beef meatballs-

  Everyone loves this classic beef recipe, and when you make them in mini size, your kids will love them even more. You can never go wrong with beef meatballs as they are made with simple ingredients like good quality Australian beef, fried onions, breadcrumbs, and simple seasoning.

  To do these little wonders, mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and shallow fry teaspoon-sized balls of mince mixture in a skillet. You can freeze them, and they are great to go in the lunch box with a side of pasta or veggie sticks. Click here for more side dish options.

• Indian style beef cutlets-

  This is a crunchy bite-sized tiffin snack that your kids will fall in love with. These beef cutlets are easy to make and refrigerator friendly, so you can make them ahead and store. To make these add cooked beef, boiled potatoes, onions, ginger and curry leaves in the food processor. Make small balls, coat them with egg wash and breadcrumbs and then deep fry the cutlets.

 

The number of tea drinkers in Australia is steadily increasing in the past couple of years. A recent study shows that 9.8 million Australians aged 14 and up are now drinking at least one cup of tea every week, and those who are over 65 years old are drinking an average of eleven cups per week. The rise could be attributed to the growing appreciation of tea’s physical and mental health benefits.

If you are one of the many who are getting hooked with the calming and soothing effects of a cup of warm tea, you should stop buying mass-produced tea products from the supermarket and order from a specialty tea store instead. Before you dismiss the idea, here are some compelling reasons why you should make the switch:

Expertise

Do you ask the grocery staff to give you some recommendations when shopping for tea? No. Unless you want to know what brands they have and the price of each, nobody in the store will have an idea of what kind of tea would be best for you. The best you could do is read the labels and rely on the description of the manufacturers.

When you buy from a tea shop, you will meet tea specialists who can guide you in finding the tea that will not only fit your palate but will complement your health and lifestyle requirements. Stopping by the supermarket to buy a box or two of your favourite tea may be convenient, but you will not find experts there who have a wealth of knowledge, passion, and love for tea that can help you find that perfect cup.

Quality

The superiority of the tea is primarily determined by leaf quality. Given this condition, you can readily tell that you are not drinking the best tea if you buy mass-produced products sold in the supermarket. To produce in bulk means manufacturers rely on machines to pluck tea leaves. As such, meticulous leaf selection is eliminated from the process.

Tea products sold in a tea store, on the other hand, are not only sourced from the best tea-producing regions, but they are also hand-picked to ensure that every tea leaf is of excellent quality. Moreover, artisan teas are made from 100% tea leaves. In contrast, those in the grocery stores are often made with artificial ingredients, colours, flavours, and other additives to mask the inferiority of the tea leaves used.

Taste

You may enjoy the flavour of store-bought teas for now, but once you tried drinking premium teas sold at specialty tea shops, you can readily tell the vast difference in depth of flavour and overall drinking experience. Apart from the quality of leaves, the process of tea-making significantly impacts flavour. While machines can manufacture tons of tea bags in a short time, no type of technology can recreate the taste of teas carefully crafted by tea masters.

Selection

The types of teas available in supermarkets are limited compared to the wide array of tea selection offered by specialty tea shops. Apart from the usual green, oolong, English breakfast, and black teas, tea stores offer herbal, wellness, and other types of brew you cannot find anywhere else.

Even if you have been drinking and enjoying tea for years because of its many benefits, you have yet to experience the exquisite pleasure of real tea drinking if you only tried mass-produced tea bags sold in grocery stores. Try purchasing your supply from a reputable tea store, and you will discover what you have been missing all along.