Peppers can be roasted in the broiler of your oven or over a gas stove-top. After roasting, put peppers in a plastic bag that seals and seal it up. Leave in bag to allow steaming for about 30 minutes. After steaming, remove skins, stems, seeds and membranes. Cut, chop or dice peppers to your desire.

For the Broiler – Cut peppers into halves and remove stems, seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves on cookie sheet with skin sides up. Broil about 5 inches from the heat for about 7 to 10 minutes or until the skin is blistered and evenly browned. Some spots may be black and that is normal.

Gas Stove-top – Place whole peppers on a long-handled metal fork, such as a grilling fork, and hold it about 5 inches from the gas flames. Turn the pepper often so it roasts evenly. Roast about 5 to 7 minutes or until the skin is blistered and evenly browned. Some spots may be black and that is normal.

Aspargas tip – Asparagus spears snap off naturally where they are tough. Just bend the spear near the bottom end and it will break off at its tough point.

Chipotle peppers – Chipotle peppers are smoked, dried jalapenos with a fabulous smoky flavor. They can be bought three ways; dried whole, ground and canned in spicy adobo sauce.

Green Onion curls – To make curled green onions, slice scallions lengthwise, remove the green stalk, and cover them with ice water just before serving.

Potatoes – Red, white, and brown potatoes take about 15 minutes longer to cook than sweet potatoes.

Check out other tips and recipes at http://www.cristiescookin.com.

By: Cristie Will

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Is Chicken losing its status as “King of Poultry?” Some say it has become commonplace and boring. Chicken may have ruled the roost in the past, but exotic poultry such as Squab, Pigeon, Guinea Fowl and Quail is the latest trend and flying onto menus around the world.

In the past, the availability of exotic poultry was limited and found only on bill of fares in fine-dining establishments. Since most Americans were not raised on such delicacies, high-priced menu items like Pheasant, Duck and Partridge appealed only to the upper class. While this flock of birds has been around for years, today exotic poultry is going through a bit of a revolution. As the population becomes more health-conscious and adventurous; it is fast becoming a tasty, nutritious and most importantly, affordable alternative to chicken and turkey. Gobbling up exotic poultry provides a major source of protein; it’s low in cholesterol and easier to digest in comparison to beef.

I spoke with a few chefs around Las Vegas to get their opinions on this latest trend. Chuck Becker, the in-house Corporate Chef for Outwest Meats; the largest meat company in Las Vegas said, “Requests for exotic poultry come from chefs who want to see it on his or her menu, or it’s a special request from one of their guests and then run as a special. Chefs are looking to offer their guests something different on the menu; another form of poultry besides chicken, and foods like Ostrich, Quail and Squab are perfect especially for the health-conscious since these types of meats are low in fat and calories”.

According to Executive Chef Carols Guia, “I often run exotic poultry entrees such as Quail and Squab as seasonal specials, and I get many requests for Ostrich. During the Christmas season, I offer a rich and delicious pot pie of Ostrich with Fois Gras and Black Truffles. I also offer these specials as appetizers so my guests don’t have to commit to an entrée.” Chef Carlos attributes the popularity of exotic poultry as “breaking the norm” from chicken and turkey, and he said it’s not difficult to get his patrons to try this type of cuisine. “Our servers are very good at introducing these dishes, especially to our vacation and convention clients who want to try something new, and when they return, they want to have these entrees available”.

Exotic poultry adds a diverse dimension and an enigmatic flair to a dish. According to Executive Chef, Paul Elliott, from Dragon Ridge Country Club, exotic poultry has “more savory flavor than chicken and turkey and the flavor is certainly worth the experience and the extra expense.” With exposure to a culinary resource such as televised cooking shows with world-famous chefs, and new and unique restaurants on the rise, the dining public has learned that they no longer have to settle for a simple chicken entrée or traditional turkey. Exotic poultry can turn an ordinary meal into a mouth-watering feast. Chef Paul suggests Duck Confit “because it’s moist, and you can use the fat from the Confit on other dishes to add flavor.” Chef Paul believes that exotic poultry is not difficult to work with compared to chicken and turkey. “The only difference is that some fowl is smaller. Exotic poultry lends itself to a variety of preparations from appetizers and soups to the main course; and it pairs well with almost any accompaniment, and has a unique ability to absorb a variety of spices and seasonings”.

From the conservative to the curious, diners have become more demanding and sophisticated, and willing to tempt their taste buds for that ultimate dining experience of exotic food they might not make at home. Exotic poultry is not just for the holidays and special occasions. “Most of the poultry found in restaurants today are farmed-raised in the US and available all year long”, said Chef Becker. This is good news for chefs and restaurateurs who want to increase their bottom line with unique menu items, and their calorie-conscious clientele looking for new, healthy choices.

We live in a world of cultural diversity with a growing demand for cultivated foods. The future of the food industry lies in large part with chefs who must attract customers and keep them coming back by staying up to date with the latest trends. The versatility, adaptability and healthful appeal of exotic poultry make it a popular choice for chefs who like to experiment with the unusual, dazzle their audience with the unexpected, and challenge their culinary creativity by finding innovative ways to turn this emerging trend of chicken “look-a-likes” into affordable crowd pleasers while maintaining a sense of the familiar.

EXOTIC POULTRY

Duck is more mainstream than most of its exotic counterparts. The dark-red meat is rich, sweet and juicy and best prepared medium-rare. Cornish Game Hens have a light savory flavor; slightly stronger than the flavor of chicken. Partridge is best roasted. This plump-breasted bird has a tender white meat with a slightly gamy flavor.

Quail, a member of the Partridge family, is the smallest of game birds (weighing approximately 5-8 ounces). A sturdy meat with a delicate taste. Squab is a young pigeon. The meat is exceptionally tender with a juicy delicate flavor.

Poussin is a young chicken that weighs about 8-16 ounces. The meat is tender and sweet. Goose, with its rich dark fatty meat, is traditional holiday fare in many European countries.

Ostrich is a blood-red meat that is tender, lean, rich and moist.

Grouse is similar to quail, with lean red meat and a gamy flavor.

Pheasant, weighs approximately 2-3 pounds, and is similar to grouse, but its meat is light, juicy and tender in comparison.

Guinea Fowl, often called an African pheasant or Guinea hen, has a rich succulent favor and half the fat of chicken.

Silkie (Bantam Chicken) black-boned with lean dark meat and is ideal for soups and stews. Petit Poulet, a baby chicken with slightly sweet meat.

Pigeon; dark and tender meat, and should be eaten when young.

Emu is a juicy, low fat meat.

By: Kate Mazzarella-Minshall

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exotic food

The nutrients in soil-less potting soil generally lasts about six weeks before they are drained away by watering, while soil-based potting soils will retain their nutrients for as much as eight to ten weeks. After that period of time, it is best to offer your plants a granular, slow-release plant food to maintain healthy roots, stems, leaves and flowers.

Some types of granular plant food looks like little caviar eggs, or small round pellets. This type of granular food can be added to potting mix in the spring. Timing in important when adding plant food in any form to your container garden specimens.

A dry, granular type of fertilizer will only help boost root systems when the plants are in an actual growing process. Adding more plant food than necessary according to package direction will not help you plants grow bigger, brighter or cause them to flower more often or bear more fruit. In reality, providing too much plant food in any form can cause irreparable damage by shocking the plant roots with too many chemicals at once.

By using a slow-release dry plant food according to directions. If you prefer the liquid variety, make sure you dilute it by following the instructions listed on the package or container and apply only after a thorough watering.

When looking for the best plant foods, you need to find a good ratio of the balance between nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). The ratio of these ingredients will be listed on the package in this type of format: NPK 6:4:4 or something similar.

Remember that plant foods can be customized for different plants and purposes. There are plant foods designed for flowers and fruits, as well as vegetables, shrubs and both outside gardens and those specifically designed to work best with container gardens

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By: Larry Gildea

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Recent years have seen an increasing trend regarding the popularity of exotic pets online. Since most people are not free to travel the world in search of the perfect exotic pet, it will be beneficial for you to learn just how to find exotic pets on the internet. Fortunately, finding exotic pets online is not nearly as difficult as some people would make it out to be. However, it is not quite so simple as performing a Google search for “exotic pets online” either.

Unlike common domestic animals, there are often a great number of restrictions regarding the importing, sales and even in some instances, the ability to own exotic pets. Some animals that were previously considered to be exotic are not quite so mysterious, exotic or anything other than just another animal anymore.

Ostriches are just one example of how the situation has changed. While these magnificent birds used to be considered exotic pets to some, they are now commonly raised and often raised much the same as any ordinary livestock. Far from being an exotic pet anymore, they are now a regular food source and an industry rather than simply pets.

It should be noted that most exotic pets will not fall into this category very often or anytime soon. When most people think about exotic pets, they are usually referring to reptiles of one form or another, talking, colorful and exotic birds, and a relatively few more species which are more likely to be welcomed into a home as a conversation starter or a fascination with nature and the extremes among living species.

Whatever reasons you may personally have for wanting to find an exotic pet, you may have noticed that available selections are often very limited in any local exotic pet shops. Searching for exotic pets online will definitely give you a wider selection. There are also additional benefits to searching for exotic pets online that you should take into consideration as well.

Many of the more exotic pets are more expensive and sometimes difficult to come by. There are many unscrupulous exotic pet dealers both online and in the real world. Searching for your exotic pets online will allow you to learn as much about the exotic pet dealers as it will about the animals themselves. Finding a reputable dealer is every bit as important as finding the perfect exotic pet.

Because they are exotic, these pets are often very expensive. Another consideration is that exotic pets available online and in the real world have special requirements. It may b easy for you to see why it is so important to find out as much as you can about the dealer and the animal itself. Most people don’t want to spend a large amount of money on exotic pets that may or may not have had adequate medical care, lack the proper documentation and may result in a financial loss and perhaps a broken heart due to the loss of a pet.

Before you go searching for the perfect pet or try to find a pet online gather as much information as you can to determine if an exotic pet will fit in your lifestyle. In this way, you can be certain that you get the pet that is right for you and one that you will have for a lifetime.

By: CS Swarens

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Caffeinated Content

Having an organic garden means growing organic plant food like fruits and vegetables. This will save you a lot because planting organic vegetables will not cost a lot. You can make a garden right at your backyard and you will be able to grow organic vegetables for your family. Organic foods are healthier because no chemicals were used in during the growth stage of the vegetables. And you will be able to help Mother Nature because you are using organic fertilizers for your garden.

By using organic fertilizer, you are giving the soil its nutrients back. You can also make your own organic fertilizer by making use of household scrap food, manure and decaying plants. When your organic garden is ready for harvest, you will notice a big difference with the vegetables grown locally compared to your organic vegetable.

Also study your location if there are beneficial insects that can help you protect your garden. Having your own organic plant is beneficial to your health, will save you a lot and most importantly you are helping Mother Nature do its natural ways. By making organic food, you will be saving a lot because you will not buy fertilizers made from harmful chemicals.

Aside from being economical, organic plant food is everywhere at your home. With your organic garden present in the neighborhood, you will be able to entice your neighbors to have their own garden. One way of sharing your knowledge about organic gardening is to hold a harvest party near your garden. In this way, they will be able to see the fruits of your labor. You will be able to discuss the importance of having an organic garden, inform them of the benefits and what does it do for our environment. You will not be able to convince all of them but at least you did your part.

By: Clint Sidney

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Different bottled water equipment is manufactured by various companies. They facilitate the convenient storage and effective cooling of water. Hence, for bottled water, the equipment is necessary. The different features add value to the purchase and make it really worthwhile.

The requirements for bottled water are myriad. Each one possesses different features. There is an inclined automatic bottled water filing equipment. The nozzle spacing is completely adjustable through the top screw. The container height can be adjusted from 1 to 16 inches. The nozzle stroke adjustment is from 0 to 8 inches. The gating cylinders entry and exit are adjustable, sideways, in all directions as well as inside and outside the cylinder. It functions with the help of plastic and glass containers. It does not require a change of parts for different containers. An air filter-regulator and safety lockout valve is included. The spacing and additional bottle control is obtained by flow controls, mounted on the air gating cylinders.

The other type is the automatic shrink bundler. This is economical and the high-energy shrink tunnel uses re-circulated air. It functions as an energy-saving insulation. The gravity film feed eliminates the use of electric motors and controls. This product is very versatile. It is known to package collations of round, rectangular and oblong-shaped containers, without the use of expensive trays. The apparatus can be easily moved and requires low pressure for sealing the jaw.

Another type is the automatic in-line water bottle capping machine. In this equipment all contact parts are stainless steel. It is completely adjustable for caps from 8 mm to 110 mm diameter. It has a 32-inch diameter feeding disc-ramp assembly. The other equipment includes unscrambling tables, capping machine manuals and vertical wraps around automatic labeling machines. All the additional equipment and adjustments enhance the overall use of the product.

By: Elizabeth Morgan

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