Get Recipe!
from Serious Eats: Recipes https://ift.tt/385J6rh
via IFTTT
Continue reading "Mini Garlic Butter Pretzels" »
A criteria for any hangover brunch date, the croque madame is a classic French comfort food with a major twist. We enlisted the help of Chef Gerald Kenny of Le Politique in Austin, Texas to learn what makes the madame, well, a madame, and how to get that perfectly crispy, baked breakfast sandwich texture that’s satisfying AF.
“A croque madame is a baked sandwich which can be used as an hors d’oeuvre or a small entrée. It consists of soft bread, boiled ham, cheese, béchamel, and a fried egg,” says Chef Gerard Kenny. What makes it different than a croque monsieur—another menu item you’ve probably seen—you may ask? Well, that’s all in the addition of the egg on top. “The egg is said to resemble an older style of hat worn by women in France,” adds Kenny. Result: More cute and much more tasty, especially in this miniature format.
It’s all about getting a good crust on the bread, our expert tells us. A perfect croque should ideally be crisp, but tender. Slicing the ham and cheese thin to ensure they can cook and melt simultaneously is key, Kenny tells us, as is keeping a runny yolk within the egg. “When you cut your croque the egg should ooze and disperse over the bread.” Yummers.
Yeah, like that (Chowhound’s Egg, Ham, and Cheese Crepe)
“Cut the bread evenly to ensure even cooking. When assembling, the amount of ham and cheese should not exceed the thickness of the bread,” he adds. “I like to first get color on the bread in a sauté pan with melted butter at a low/medium heat. Once both sides have some color and the inside cheese is melted, I top with my mornay—béchamel with gruyere—and bake in the oven until the sauce has been absorbed by the bread and has a golden-brown color.” Last, Kenny tells us to top it all off with a sunny side up egg. Et voila, it’s time to indulge.
Traditionally, pan de mie, more commonly known as a Pullman loaf, will do the trick. Kenny suggests an enriched dough like brioche, which has added butter to give more flavor and a better crust when it’s cooked.
“An unsmoked, cured, lean ham will best suit this preparation. For cheese, I like Comté in the sandwich and gruyere with the béchamel on top. The Comté gives an earthy flavor and the gruyere balances the sandwich with a sweet cream flavor,” Kenny says.
How low can you go? “Low heat and a well-seasoned pan will get you there,” Kenny advises. “Your best bet is to use a non-stick pan and allow your egg to get to room temperature before cooking, as it will keep your pan from reducing dramatically in surface temperature.” It’s also clutch if you’ve never tried that trick when making the perfect omelette.
Related Reading: Chefs’ Favorite Cold Weather Comfort Foods
Can an alkaline diet cure acid reflux? This writer had success reducing his reflux symptoms on a low-acid diet.
While I’m a skeptic of diet fads, I take note when something works. In 2017, my acid reflux flared up so badly I lost my voice and developed a nodule on my vocal chords. My doctor put me on a regimen of two different antacids twice a day, lots of rest (as if that is actually possible), and mentioned that I should avoid acid triggers and overeating. Leaving the visit, I still felt that just taking medications couldn’t be the answer. There had to be a way to dramatically shift my acidity. Then, I found the alkaline diet theory.
Prior to learning more about it, I thought an alkaline diet was about drinking lemon water and testing your urine every hour. In reality, it is about monitoring what you put into your digestive system with an aim to reducing inflammation and stomach acid.
When we metabolize, we burn food to release energy. After burning, there is ash residue that can be acidic, alkaline, or neutral. Alkaline dieters claim the acidity of the food you eat affects the acidity of your body. So, theoretically, you can lower your body’s acidity through your diet, specifically by eating foods that are high in alkalizing minerals and avoiding acidic foods.
Be warned. Not everything the diet promises is actually possible. And there is really no need to measure your pee’s pH. To those who disagree, I politely say “Ew!” and “Hell no!” This practice is also not an accurate measurement of your blood pH. In fact, your body has to tightly regulate your blood pH because a high blood pH can be fatal. So, eating alkaline will not dramatically change the pH of your “whole” body and it cannot guarantee you won’t get cancer or osteoporosis for other reasons that take too long to explain.
Luckily, you can use this diet to manage your stomach’s acidity. In my case, it has dramatically reduced my acid reflux flares. My vocal nodule is not gone yet, but my singing range, which had shrunk, has been coming back stronger than ever.
Related Reading: What Is the Low-FODMAP Diet All About?
Also, for those of you interested in weight less, while your mileage may vary, I lost seven pounds of mostly fat all over my body (especially my tummy). In fact, this may be the first year where I don’t need “winter pants.”
Roughly speaking, under the diet, foods fall into three categories:
Acidic: Meat, dairy, eggs, grains, alcohol, and other fermented foods
Neutral: Natural fat, starch, and sugar
Alkaline: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes
Each food actually has it own pH level index, which you can thoroughly investigate through the endless number of lists that exist online, but I refuse to get that anal about my life. I am not a purist, so I do not abstain from everything that could ever be acidic. That would drive me crazy. Instead, I enjoy acidic food and drink sparingly and focus on neutral and alkaline food. However, it is still largely a plant-based diet and there are certain foods that I tried my best to stop cold turkey:
Milk: Non-dairy milk such as coconut milk, soy milk, cashew milk, almond milk, etc.
Protein: Plant protein whenever possible and lean cuts of meat that are not breaded.
Grains: Whole grains, period.
Vegetables: Pretty much everything, as fresh as possible, preferably raw, and never fried; leafy greens like spinach and kale are especially good, as are broccoli and cauliflower, avocado, cucumber, and mushrooms.
Fruit: Pome fruit (apples, pears); tropical fruit (except pineapple); berries; melons; and citrus (this seems strange since citrus tastes so acidic, but it’s actually considered alkalizing when processed by the body).
Fats: Plant fat likes olive oil and coconut oil.
Beverages: Water, juice (that is just juice), and herbal tea.
Wild! I know. But there are some great dishes that I have found along the way.
Use an alkaline food chart to help you create your own dishes that fit within an alkaline diet plan, but try these specific recipes too.
Chowhound
While I have always been an oatmeal and raisin person in the morning, I sometimes need a change and this alternative is like cheating. You basically make applesauce and then use it to flavor your quinoa. When I finish making the dish, I love to add some raw cashews or whatever nut butter I have lying around the pantry. It’s like mini-nutty apple pie. Get the Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa recipe. And try our Fig Quinoa Porridge recipe too (but replace the skim milk with a non-dairy option).
OatmealStories / RooM / Getty Images
While they are fancy enough for hip restaurant breakfast menus and hipster coffee shops, coconut chia puddings are surprisingly easy to make at home. They are a refreshing, non-dairy, creamy start to the day. Please note, I usually skip the maple syrup in favor of unsweetened applesauce. The entire thing also pairs well with whatever fruit you have in the house. Get the Coconut Chia Pudding recipe.
From the first time I traded my chopped salad for a quinoa bowl, I knew I could never go back. A quinoa bowl consists of a generous dose of quinoa paired with cooked or raw veggies, protein, and salad. The flavor can change with every batch and you can always substitute quinoa for veggie proteins or sneak in a little meat. The Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Bowl is perfect when I am on the go. I can eat for half for lunch and half as a mid-afternoon snack. Please note: To avoid citrus, I use apple cider vinegar. Get the Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Bowl recipe.
As a person who loves pasta but also hates feeling bloated, my spiralizer is giving me so much life right now. I can come home, grind up a vegetable and then make a quick pad Thai with the veggie strands—or this creamy cashew sweet potato noodle dish. It’s basically a vegan alfredo sauce. Get the Sweet Potato Noodles recipe.
Like anything, I believe it’s best to take all this in with a grain of salt. Essentially, an alkaline diet promotes health because it encourages fresh food, whole grains, healthy protein, and discourages fried and processed food. This is the same spiel we hear in many diets. What makes Alkaline different is that it changes how you combine foods and helps you find balance. Now, if I eat or drink acidic things, I know what it does to me, the consequences on my body, and how to eat to bring myself back to normal. So, if you need to detox, are experiencing acid reflux or heartburn, or your digestion feels out of whack, try going alkaline for a couple days. You’ll feel right as rain in no time.
That said, if symptoms persist, always see your doctor for the best advice and to figure out a treatment plan that works for you.
You’ve probably heard a lot about chia in the past few years. The black, white, and gray edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, it seems like the superfood has quickly popped up everywhere, from smoothies and muffins to puddings and cookies. And according to Marcel Vigneron, celebrity chef and owner of WOLF and Tacos Lobos, it all makes sense when you consider chia was the Mayan word for “strength.”
“Chia seeds can help to control hunger by expanding in your belly and keeping you full,” says Nicolette Pace, a dietician, chef, and nutritionist. “They are also packed with fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 [fatty acids].” Per Diana Stobo, creator of Truth Bar, chia “is also considered a perfect protein with all 9 amino acids in its profile. That makes chia a great vegan option for those looking to get enough protein in their diet.”
An easy way to sneak much-needed fiber and vitamins into your diet, there are also plenty of ways to incorporate chia seeds into your life: “They’re so small that you can put them on just about anything. You can sprinkle them in water, juice, or smoothies, or on top of salads. Bake them into bread or use them as an egg substitute if you’re vegan. I’ve even used them in risotto,” Pace says.
Need further proof as to why you should be sneaking this superfood into your “New Year, New You” healthy eating habits? If it’s good enough for Meghan Markle, it’s good enough for us—right? Check out 7 recipes packed with chia to get you started.
Mama Chia
Chia and Middle Eastern herbs give an otherwise standard hummus recipe texture and an interesting pop of flavor in this Mamma Chia-created recipe.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Diana Stobo
“Chia is a cornerstone in all my sweet treats—I use it as a binder in my cookies, granolas, and cakes, and I also love making a variety of chia puddings,” says Truth Bar creator Diana Stobo.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Created by Cara Whiteman, a private chef on The Yacht Week, this recipe makes for a light, fuss-free breakfast or pick-me-up snack, especially when you’re in vacation mode.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
La Cafette
The La Cafette menu is built around real food—humanely-raised proteins, sustainably-sourced produce, and simple yet elegant takes on classic French dishes, like this easy-to-make chia bowl from Chef Aubry.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Marcel Vigneron
Mango, pineapple, and papaya mixed into this porridge from Chef Vigneron—which is jam-packed with chia—will make you dream of being at the beach, or at the very least, inspire you to book your next vacation.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Joseph Man
“I love this recipe because it is super easy to make and healthy. You can make it the night the before because we all know how rush rush everyone can be in the morning,” says Joseph Man, banquet chef at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Related Reading: 3 More Ways to Do Overnight Oats
Green Chef
Chicken with veggies is a staple on most healthy eating plans, but the chia and mole in this Green Chef recipe give the otherwise standard dish a hearty, comfort food style that will keep your belly feeling full.
Ingredients:
Related Reading: The Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services to Try in 2020
Less than $230 would already be a good price for one of the most well-loved kitchen appliances on the planet — the KitchenAid stand mixer — but throw in a handy attachment that retails for as much as $50, and you’ve got one of the best deals we’ve seen.
Right now, Best Buy is selling the KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer in six bright colors and packaged with popular food grinder attachment for less than $230. That’s $220 off the normal price of $450, happening right now and for today only.
We could spend hours blathering about how great the KitchenAid is just for mixing dough and batter for baking projects, but it’s really the many smart attachments — like the food grinder — that turn the baking buddy into a truly versatile kitchen workhorse. This package includes the easy-to-use food grinder attachment plus a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip.
Related Reading: These Are All the KitchenAid Attachments You Need
Best Buy will ship the KitchenAid stand mixer and food grinder for free by this Friday. Or order it online and pick it up at your local brick-and-mortar store. Choose from classic empire red, copper pearl, orange, pink, yellow or cobalt blue.
Score the 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer with a bonus food grinder for easily milling grains, grinding meats, and much more.Buy Now
It may be the start of a new decade but the keto movement remains as popular as ever. For those of you who are new to the diet (perhaps the result of a New Year’s resolution?), be warned. Carving a path to achieving a state of ketosis, ensuring fat is the primary source of fuel that is revving up your body’s engine, can be difficult, especially if you’re not using the right tools.
Related Reading: What Exactly Is the Keto Diet?
The key is cutting out those pesky carbs which likely means making some changes to what’s in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. While some familiar items need to sashay away, that doesn’t mean you need to completely change your eating habits. With a few simple swaps, you can go full-keto while continuing to enjoy your food favorites, even dessert!
Soy sauce may be used across the wide spectrum of Asian cuisine, from stir-frys to sashimi dipping, but it’s certainly not essential. Thankfully, coconut aminos can help fill in the gap when you’re on the keto diet. The salty and slightly sweet sauce (it’s a great teriyaki alternative as well) is low on carbs as well as sodium. Unlike other aminos it’s produced from coconut sap instead of soy which means it’s also gluten-free.
Get your baked goods and sweets fix without having to succumb to the power of all-purpose flour. Instead, go nuts for its almond alternative to prepare a variety of keto-friendly treats including pancakes, muffins, and cookies. Just be sure to keep in mind almond flour isn’t exactly a perfect swap for white flour. It has a slightly grainy texture so avoid using it as a thickener. Also, once opened, you’ll want to store it in the fridge rather than the pantry.
Speaking of sweets, refined sugar is definitely a keto no-no. But if you’re in need of a sweet substitute, your prayers have been answered. Not only does monk fruit sweetener contain zero net carbs and zero calories, it’s a cup-for-cup replacement for refined sugar so you don’t have to do any extra math when a recipe calls for it.
This popular option from Lakanto also contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol which is another popular keto-friendly refined sugar alternative. Keep it handy for addictive Brownie Bites or for a keto version of cranberry sauce during the holidays.
Chowhound
Cauliflower continues to emerge as a stronger presence in the frozen food aisle and for good reason. It’s the ultimate side piece for the carb conscious, serving as a faithful stand-in for grain rice or beloved tuber-based standards such as gnocchi and mashed potatoes. While there are now plenty of pre-made options to choose from, go the homemade route if you have the time. We’re especially big fans of this creamy mashed cauliflower recipe, which is as easy to make as it is delicious. Try making cauliflower rice, cauliflower fried rice, and cauliflower pizza crust too.
Related Reading: 5 Plant-Based Swaps for the Carbs You Crave
Amazon
One of the great things about the keto diet is that even though you’ll have to eschew carb-heavy items such as spuds, fatty favorites like cheese are A-OK. So while you may lament the loss of potato chips from your snack routine, celebrate the introduction of equally craveable Parmesan and cheddar crisps which can be bought in bags or prepared from scratch in only a few minutes. Chicken chips are another option.
Related Reading: The Best New Keto Snacks We’ve Tried
Westend61 / Getty Images
Partaking in the goodness of flour-based pasta is perhaps the most dreaded sacrifice for going keto, but zucchini can help fill the void. While taking the veggie direction doesn’t exactly recapture that carbtastic magic, it’s healthy, tastes great and is simple to prepare: simply buy a spiralizer then watch this how-to video and you’ll be getting your noodle on in no time. Consider Palmini noodles too.
Here’s some sweet relief for fans of ice cream who want to hop on the keto train. You can now find several low-carb, low-calorie frozen delights (ingredients such as coconut milk and erythritol take the place of cow’s milk and refined sugar) from brands such as Enlightened and Rebel. You can even go DIY with this keto ice cream cookbook which has a five-star rating on Amazon.
Related Reading: The Best Keto Cookbooks for Your Low-Carb Kitchen