Sep09

World's Weirdest Snack Vending Machines

by admin on September 9th, 2011
Posted In: Uncategorized


A recent article on the IBTimes website discussed an automatic vending machine operated and manufactured by Space International. What made this vending machine worthy of being the subject of its very own article was the fact that instead of distributing Snickers bars, Doritos potato chips or cans of Coca-Cola like your typical snack vending machines, this device sells gold.

That’s right; this Japanese computer parts company and manufacturer has begun distributing gold in coin and bar form through a vending machine. The theory is that buying gold or tradable gold funds is a tedious process, which is filled with bureaucratic hassles and a series of commission fees. By offering gold through vending machines, interested parties can avoid a plethora of hassle.

While the theory is sound, we have to admit the idea of walking up to a vending machine to buy bricks of gold is a unique mental image, to put it kindly. It got us interested in some of the other wacky vending machines out there. Here are some of the things we found: Lobster Vending Machine

When we first saw this one, we assumed it was just some sort of basic snack vending machine that perhaps distributed pre-cooked lobster tail or some other sort of ready-to-eat style of lobster dish. Turns out, the lobster vending machine is a tank full of water and filled with live, living, breathing lobsters. Questions such as “Where does the lobster come out of?” and “How do I transport this lobster from the snack vending machine exit to my kitchen?” have yet to be answered.

Cannabis Vending Machine In California, medical cannabis has been legal for a little bit of time now. And while the pot-shops aren’t too hard to find, there’s still the matter of convenience, something a vending machine can provide. Assuming you have a prescription, it is now possible in California to get a freshly rolled joint right out of a machine. Brilliant Marketing Idea: putting a HUGE snack vending machine filled with a tremendous selection of “munchies” options right next to the cannabis one. That’s just smart business.

Anger Release Vending Machine

Every punch a snack vending machine out of frustration cause your pack of peanut m&m’s got stuck? Hey, we’ve all been there. Life is filled with tiny aggravations, not all of them caused by slip-ups in a vending machine. But the Anger Release Machine aims to reverse the animosity, offering small pieces of china for the specific purpose of smashing them. Not 100% sure what the prices are on these things, but if we’re only discussing a handful of dollars, it sounds like a winning idea to me.



By: Mark Etinger

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Sep05

Ramadan Recipes in Muslim Countries

by admin on September 5th, 2011
Posted In: Uncategorized


In Islamic calendar, the month of Ramadan is considered holy and Muslims from all over the world fast during this month. They celebrate Eid-ul-fitr after the end of the Ramadan, and on the first day of next month ‘Shawwal’.

The holy month of Ramadan also has great impact on Muslim culture. In many countries, people make special arrangements to pray together and listening holy Quran being recited during these prayers. Special food is prepared to end the fast each day.

Even though Muslims fast during this month, but it also brought a wonderful diversity in the food they serve during Iftar (the meal they eat to break their fast just before evening prayer time). In Pakistan this time of day has very important cultural significance. People return home from work early to join their families on Iftar dinner. Special Ramadan Recipes are prepared and served. These Ramadan recipes vary from one country to another. Since Muslims are spread all over the world so their local customs and local cuisines also affect their recipes and the menu of Iftar Dinner. Some ingredients such as Dates are common almost everywhere. In many countries Muslims break their fast by eating a Date to follow the way of Prophet Muhammad.

In Indian Ramadan recipes are quite similar to Pakistani Ramadan recipes. Samosa and Pakory are common in both countries. Another common Ramadan recipe is Fruit Chaat recipe, in which fruit salad is served with spices and sugar. Ramadan recipes vary from one country to another, even in a single country like Pakistan, people of different ethnic origins prepare their Ramadan recipes differently following their usual local cuisine and using more local ingredients.

The menu of an Iftar dinner could be both casual and formal. Rich and affluent people throw special Iftar parties where people get together on the Iftar Dinner. At that time many types of Ramadan Recipes are served. The centuries of this tradition has brought great variety and flavors to Ramadan Recipes. Fruits are the most common ingredient of an Iftar dinner in most Muslim countries. But there are also recipes containing beef, meat, chicken, fried and cooked, bar be cue, desserts, and some refreshing drinks.

In Pakistan people usually drink a rose flavored drink called Roh Afza. In rural parts some families serve Lassi or Yogurt Milkshake instead of rose flavored drink. If Ramadan arrives in summer then lemonades are served at Iftar dinners. Since Muslim calendar is a lunar calendar so there is no fix season for Ramadan. Therefore seasonal fruits and ingredients bring more variety to Ramadan recipes.

Iftar dinner is not just the time of the day when Muslims end their fast and then pray. It is also the time for families to sit together and wait for the call of evening prayers Azaan. In some countries like India, Pakistan and Egypt, local mosques use special sirens to announce that it is time for Iftar and then recite Azaan on loudspeakers. In some countries where mosques are not located that closely people wait to hear the announcement on TV or Radio or break their fast by looking at the time of sun down.

 



By: Anne Aijaz

About the Author:
Anne Ajaz is the author of several Indian Recipes books and is now working on Ramadan Recipes collection. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters.



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Sep05

Smoked Salmon Recipes

by admin on September 5th, 2011
Posted In: Uncategorized


Using smoked foods, including smoked salmon, is an elegant alternative to old standards for entertaining, or even every day meals. It has a unique taste and the flavors of natural wood smoke, seasonings, and brines. The quality, texture, and taste of salmon lend themselves to outstanding quality and versatility in recipes. Smoked salmon can be used for appetizers or main courses for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Smoked salmon is commonly seen on breakfast or weekend brunch menus as a delicious option. Classic Nova style sliced smoked salmon is delectable on its own or paired with bagels, cream cheese, capers, and onions. It also works well for delightful brunch recipes such as the following frittata:

Smoked Salmon, Leek, and Dill Frittata



1 tablespoon butter

1 medium leek (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

1 ounce cream cheese, cut into pea-size pieces

2 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon or lox, cut into thin strips



Preparation

Preheat broiler. Melt butter in medium, nonstick, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add leek; cover and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Whisk eggs and dill in medium bowl to blend; stir in cream cheese. Pour eggs over leek; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook until edges are set but center is still runny, about 4 minutes. Scatter salmon over frittata. Broil until frittata is puffed and golden, about 1 minute. Cut frittata into 4 wedges. Place 2 wedges on each plate and serve.

Smoked salmon is also frequently seen as a wonderful appetizer or hors d’oeuvre, and again, it stands alone beautifully, but can also be enjoyed in many recipes. An elegant smoke salmon recipe to serve for entertaining special guests could be the Caviar and Salmon Blini Tortes, which are sure to impress.

Caviar and Salmon Blini Tortes

For Egg Salad



1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 tablespoon finely chopped chives



For Blini



2 tablespoons buckwheat flour

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup whole milk

1 large egg, separated

1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided



For Filling



1/4 lb thinly sliced smoked salmon at room temperature

2 oz trout caviar, such as rainbow- trout caviar, or salmon roe

Garnish: sour cream; chopped chives



Preparation

Make egg salad:

Stir together all ingredients and a pinch of salt.

Make blini:

Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl. Add milk and yolk and whisk until smooth. Beat egg white with a clean whisk in another bowl until it just holds soft peaks. Fold into batter along with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Brush a 12-inch nonstick skillet with some of remaining melted butter, then heat over medium heat until hot. Working in batches of 6 or 7, drop 1 level tablespoon batter per pancake into skillet and cook until bubbles appear on surface and undersides are golden, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Flip over and cook 1 minute more. Brush blini on both sides with some of remaining melted butter, then transfer to a plate and keep warm, covered with foil. Brush skillet with butter between batches.

Fill tortes:

Drape smoked salmon on 6 blini and top with egg salad. Spoon caviar onto 6 more blini, then stack on egg-salad-topped blini and serve.

Using smoked salmon recipes for a main course makes a statement with the distinctive taste that sets it apart from the ordinary. North Atlantic salmon is available as well as wild Alaskan Sockeye salmon. Both can be prepared hot or cold smoked with unique spice blends for their characteristic flavor. The following main dish pasta recipe uses the smoked salmon combined with crème fraiche and herbs to complement the flavor.

Smoked Salmon Pasta Verde



1 1/2 cups dry white wine

3/4 cup crème fraîche or sour cream

12 ounces dried fettuccine

8 ounces small sugar snap peas (about 2 cups), strings removed, or thawed frozen shelled edamame

1 cup thinly sliced green onions (about 5)

1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

4 ounces smoked salmon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips



Preparation

Boil wine in medium saucepan until reduced to 3/4 cup, about 8 minutes. Remove wine from heat and whisk in crème fraîche.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until almost tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Add sugar snap peas or edamame to same pot and cook until peas are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain pasta and peas, and then return to pot.

Pour crème fraîche mixture over pasta and peas. Add green onions, parsley, and thyme; toss to coat. Add salmon; toss again. Season pasta with salt and pepper. Divide pasta among plates and serve.

Sugartown Smoked Specialties, Inc. offers smoked salmon, and has an expertise smokehouse staff who pays particular attention to detail in preparing their smoked foods. The result is exceptional tasting smoked seafood, fowl, pork, and other specialties offered by Smokedfoods.com. Products are available on line, and at their retail location in Chester County, Pennsylvania.



By: Grace Enderlein

About the Author:
Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor. “Smoked Salmon Recipes” notes the versatility of smoked salmon used in recipes. Smokedfoods.com offers finely prepared smoked foods. For more smoked food recipes visit our site Smokedfoods.com.



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Sep04

HOME COOKING: Carl’s Jr Charcoaled Burger Restaurant Recipes You Can Do At Home – Carl’s Jr’s Famous Star – Carl’s Jr. Chicken Club – Prime Recipes

by admin on September 4th, 2011
Posted In: Uncategorized


In an era when so-called value menus are attempting to lure customers with dollar-priced snacks and bite-sized burgers, Carl’s Jr. is proving that taste and quality never go out of style.

With the creation of its ultimate premium burger, the Prime Rib Six Dollar Burger, Carl’s Jr. set a new standard for quality fast-food and re-defined value in comparison to similar items available at fancy sit-down restaurants thoughout West Coast communities.

 The new high-end burger is the latest in the Carl’s Jr. string of “meat-as-a-condiment” menu items, which have included the Pastrami Six Dollar Burger and the Philly Cheesesteak Six Dollar Burger. The newest meat-on-meat creation is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of prime rib lovers.

The Prime Rib Six Dollar Burger consists of a charbroiled, 100 percent Black Angus beef patty topped with thinly-sliced prime rib, melted Swiss cheese, grilled onions and horseradish sauce all on a toasted Ciabatta roll – and all for about the price of a gallon of gasoline.

With enough spice to challenge even a jalapeño-lover’s taste buds, the Jalapeño Chicken Sandwich is also topped with Carl’s Jr.’s zesty, signature Santa Fe sauce and Pepperjack cheese, so it’s sure to leave stomachs satisfied and eyes glistening.

 

By combining the spicy success of the Jalapeño Burger and Jalapeño Six Dollar Burger with the juicy flavor of its marinated and charbroiled chicken breast sandwiches, Carl’s Jr. extends its history of product innovation in the quick-service restaurant industry. Carl’s Jr Charcoaled Burger Restaurant has united fast-food with real home-cooked taste. Among their most popular items are:

1. Parmesan Chicken Sandwich – A Crispy Chicken Fillet with Melted Cheese and Marinara Sauce on a Seeded Bun.

2. The Big Carl – Two charbroiled beef patties, our classic sauce, two slices of American cheese, and lettuce all on a toasted sesame seed bun.

3. Green Burrito Taco Salad – Seasoned Ground Beef with Refried Beans, Jack and Cheddar Cheeses, Lettuce, Fresh Salsa, Hot Sauce and Sou.r Cream in a Crispy Flour Tortilla Bowl.

4. Chili Cheese Fries – Natural Cut French Fries smothered in Chili and Shredded, Melted Jack and Cheddar Cheeses.

 

>>>And here are their most popular items – complete recipes so you can make ‘em at home!

–Carl’s Jr’s Famous Star–

1/4 pound ground chuck

1 large sesame-seed bun

Kraft mayonnaise

Heinz ketchup

Heinz hamburger relish (the red stuff)

Vlasic hamburger slices

tomato, white onion, lettuce

Pre-Prepare your Condiments:

Mix 1 Tablespoon ketchup with 1/2 Tablespoon relish, set aside. Chop the lettuce…you’ll need a handful per burger.

Thinly slice the tomato and onion. You’ll need 1-2 tomato slices, and 3-4 rings of fresh onion. (These amounts are for each Famous Star.

Divide one pound of ground chuck ito 4 equal portions. On waxed paper, form each portion into 5 inch round patties. Freeze for at least an hour.

Keep any spares frozen until needed. Obviously you’ll do this in advance. When cooking time draws near, toast the faces of the bun (top and bottom) on a 375 electric griddle. They should be an even tan color.

1. Preheat either an outdoor gas barbecue, or an indoor electric one. After it is pre-heated, place a still-frozen beef patty on the grill, pressing down firmly for 4-5 seconds. (This will get you the grill marks) Salt liberally. Cook for 3 minutes (gas) or 5-6 minutes (electric). Eyeball it—if it looks ready to turn, turn it.

2. While the beef is cooking, dress your bun as follows: Top Half: Your pre-mixed special sauce (ketchup and relish) 1/2 Tablespoon mayonnaise Bottom Half: 1/2 Tablespoon mayonnaise 3 pickle slices 1 handful of chopped iceberg lettuce 1-2 tomato slices 3-4 fresh rings of onion.

3. Turn the beef patty over, press down firmly with a spatula for 3-4 seconds, and salt liberally. (Don’t be afraid to have a few flames “kiss.” the burger…they are charbroiled.

4. Place the cooked beef patty on the dressed bottom bun, add the top. Carl’s Jr’s Famous Star 88 Want to make a Carl’s Jr All-Star ? After placing the beef on the bottom bun, add a slice of real Amercian cheese on top of the patty, then 2 slices of cooked bacon before placing the top bun on. (Criss-cross the bacon in an X pattern)

 

–Carl’s Jr. Chicken Club–

 2 Whole chicken breasts, Boned and halved

1 Cup Teriyaki marinade (Lawry’s Is best)

4 Whole-wheat hamburger buns

8 Slice Bacon

1/4 Cup Mayonnaise

1 Cup Alfalfa sprouts, loosely

Packed

4 Lettuce leaves

4 Large Tomato slices

4 Slice Kraft Swiss Cheese Singles

Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki marinade in a shallow bowl for 30 minutes. Preheat a clean barbecue to medium grilling heat.

Brown the faces of each bun in a frying pan on the stove. Keep the pan hot. Cook the bacon in the pan until crisp, then set aside.

Grill the chicken breasts 5 to 8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the face of each bun, top and bottom. Divide the sprouts into 4 portions and mound on each bottom bun.

On the sprouts, stack a lettuce leaf, then a slice of tomato. Place one chicken breast half on each of the sandwiches, a top the tomato. Next, stack a slice of Swiss cheese on the chicken, and then the 2 pieces of bacon, crossed over each other.

Top off the sandwich with the top bun. Microwave for 15 seconds on high. Makes 4 sandwiches.

 

Bon Appetit!

 

A Graduate of the Holland College Culinary Course, Brian Alan Burhoe has cooked in Atlantic Coast restaurants for over 30 years. He is a member of the Canadian Culinary Federation. Brian’s articles reflect his interests in food service, dreamstudy, imaginative literature and our best friends — our dogs.

His Home Page is A CULINARY MYSTERY TOUR – A Literary Chef. His articles have been reprinted on numerous Blogs and culinary websites, including the popular WUVING.com.

 In 2008, Carl’s Jr. introduced its “Fake Restaurant” ad campaign. By using actors and props, Carl’s Jr. created a formal gourmet burger restaurant to demonstrate–via supposedly hidden cameras–people enjoying the burgers and the fact they will happily pay $14-16 for a Carl’s Jr. Six Dollar Burger, which actually is priced at only around $3.99 plus tax.



By: Brian Alan Burhoe

About the Author:
A Graduate of the Holland College Culinary Course, Brian Alan Burhoe has cooked in Atlantic Coast restaurants for over 30 years. He is a member of the Canadian Culinary Federation. His articles reflect his interests in food service, dreamstudy, imaginative literature and our best friends — our dogs. His Home Page is A CULINARY MYSTERY TOUR – A Literary Chef



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Aug30

Food Ethics Followers put Fairtrade Food and Organic Food at Your Fingertips

by admin on August 30th, 2011
Posted In: Uncategorized


In the UK, there has been an increase in awareness of how foods are grown, prepared and delivered to the public. Food ethics followers who develop a food ethical policy embrace the belief that customers deserve the right to gain access to high quality foods that are produced and marketed in a way that is fair to growers and farmers alike. From the size of portions to the foods themselves, fair-trade food and organic food at your fingertips can mean a truly healthy eating regimen that leads to optimal body weight and all around good health which promotes longevity and a higher quality of living.

Many people are quite aware of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is designed to improve the conditions in supply chains of food products of all types. Some of the top UK retailers are not only committed to support this ethical policy but are continuing to promote Fairtrade foods and organic foods that are a part of a growing range of products more readily available than ever before. These food ethics followers are set on applying ethical policy methods for Fairtrade foods and organic foods across their suppliers, particularly those in developing countries where laws are in progress to stop child labour and provide workers with reasonable working hours and reasonable pay.

From Fairtrade bananas to Fairtrade chocolate, some of the top UK supermarket supporters of Fairtrade have continued to increase product offerings at the retail level. In many cases, more than 180 grocery product lines and 2,200 outlets for these products are a testament to the commitment to continuing to provide Fairtrade food and organic food at the fingertips of customers everywhere in the UK who want to make ethical choices for their food purchases. For those looking for a Fairtrade hot beverage range which includes coffee, tea and hot chocolate, a choice of one of the top UK ethical trading retailers can put these items in your pantry right away.

Some of the world’s poorest countries in Africa and India are being looked at in Fairtrade food and organic food considerations which means your patronization can ensure they receive a guaranteed price for their crop, get a Fairtrade premium to invest in the community products that they choose themselves such as medical facilities, water supply and educational equipment. Enjoying the good feeling of making a difference in the ethical trade arena means you can elect to purchase Fairtrade food and organic food from the UK’s top Fairtrade policy holders.

Change your buying habits to include the purchase of fairtrade food and fairtrade coffee wherever possible and not only will you be getting a great product but you’ll be doing your bit too.



By: Jamie Francis

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