Birthday Party Ideas-Are You Determined To Have Something Different This Year?

By Kevin Quinn

So, it's that time of the year and your birthday is just around the corner. You are planning to invite family and friends on your birthday party, you are determined to have something different this year, yet you are running out of party ides. You don't want anything crazy and, of course, you don't want anything dull. You feel like your house is the best venue, you have your guest list sorted out, and now you have to decide on the food.

And if you are just like the rest of us, you will have friends that range from crazy burger-lovers to the vegans. Well, here is one pretty good idea for you - sushi party! That's right, almost every adult is crazy about sushi, it is trendy, it's hip, and if you make it yourself, it will be far less expensive that you expect. Do-it-yourself sushi parties are becoming more and more popular and with careful preparation nothing will go wrong (theoretically speaking).

Just do some reading, write down everything that you need to purchase, and set that party idea into motion. What about your vegan friends? Do not worry - you can make vegan sushi too, just a quick search on Google will turn up thousands of recipes.By now you are convinced that hosing a birthday sushi party at your premises is a brilliant idea and now it's time to begin with the preparation.

If you live in a big city, then in most cases you have nothing to worry about - almost all Japanese or Korean stores will be selling the ingredients that you need (don't forget the chopsticks). And once you are at the grocery, make sure that you grab a bottle or two of sake too, I'm pretty sure that your friends would love it.Once you purchase all you necessary ingredients, get ready to roll those sushi rolls up.

If you are a family man or a woman, make sure that the whole family joins you in that kitchen, the kids included. This will not only help speed up the sushi-making process, but it is great fun and will put you in the party mood. Once you are done with the rolls, it is time to take care of the other details - if you have a low table and pillows for your guests to sit on - great, if you don't - don't worry about it, sit your guests at your dinner table.

Make sure that you have a couple of side dishes and if you are up for the challenge, you can serve even miso soup and iceberg salad. Sushi can be eaten either with your fingers or with chopsticks, and you should have a damp hand towel for each of your guests.And once they arrive, remember - it's your birthday sushi party and it's time to celebrate! I know that your sushi rolls don't look perfect, I am pretty sure that you might have forgotten a thing or two, but after all - this is your party, this is your family, these are your friends, and all that really matters is having a great time!

About the Author:

And once they arrive, remember - it's your birthday sushi party and it's time to celebrate! I know that your sushi rolls don't look perfect, I am pretty sure that you might have forgotten a thing or two, but after all - this is your birthday party, this is your family, these are your friends, and all that really matters is having a great time!

Why You Should Make Your Own Ice Cream - 8 Simple Reasons

By Mia Kane

People are always asking me why I make my own ice cream (I have done so for years and have a neighbourhood reputation for it lol). So in short and very simply, this is why I never buy ice cream any more and why I am always telling people to stop buying and start making.

1. My family and I love ice cream. We eat a lot of it all year round not just in summer. On a regular basis I found buying ice cream adds up, and on a monthly grocery bill, well lets just say I got a real shock. When I make my own, I make it a lot cheaper (but just as tasty, even tastier) than store bought. So I save on my food bill.

2. Having kids I am now more conscious of being 'green' and kinder to the planet. Making my own ice cream, is one way I can decrease my food miles. And instead of paying for ice cream to travel halfway around the country to me, everything I use for it I get on my own doorstep.

3. I get total control over what goes in. So I don't have to spend time reading the very small print on the back of the carton, to see what they have managed to sneak in there. Only good wholesome naturalness goes into mine.

4. Allergies are not a problem. More and more friends and family these days seem to suffer from some sort of allergy or another. Well I can usually just leave out what they are allergic to, and replace it with something else.

5. I bring my ice cream over to friends, or families houses for dinner. It beats spending a fortune on flowers. I bring along the dessert which we can all enjoy together.

6. Getting the kids involved is a great way of involving them in what they eat. It sparks an interest in how things are made, not to mention it can keep them and their pals quite on a wet afternoon.

7. I also use ice cream as a way of getting the kids to eat some things they normally would not. Like I maybe put a spoonful of oats on the top (so they can't separate them out), or I sprinkle nuts into it. They eat fruit better like that too.

8. I always make my ice cream with lower fat cream or half and half. Honestly they don't notice the difference. It's so much less calorific than store bought.

There it is. My ice cream tastes great. Looks wonderful and costs less. I hope you start making yours too. It really is so much more rewarding than buying it.

About the Author:

If you are considering buying an electric ice cream maker, then be sure to review them before choosing. You can read some interesting reviews from existing users here IceCreamMakersReviewed

Shrimp Scampi is Delicious

By Mike Sasaki

One of my favorite meals is shrimp scampi. There isn't anything more delicious than shrimp scampi. It's quick, but looks and tastes like it took forever to make. You can serve it by itself or add it to pasta. Linguini is my favorite to have with shrimp scampi. The thicker noodles soak up all of the delicious flavors.

I have one secret ingredient: offshore shrimp...shhh.

I try to use only Wild United States Shrimp, from the gulf coast or the southern Atlantic Ocean. Surprisingly, shrimp eaten in the United States are raised in either Asia or Latin America. Foreign shrimp simply do not taste as good as shrimp from the United States. Try for yourself, you'll taste the difference.

I discovered that almost 90% of shrimp consumed in America is foreign raised on farms in Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia and South America. The American shrimper simply cannot compete with the flood of farmed raised shrimp that is shipped into the United States.

However, Wild American Shrimp is catching on in the U.S.

Foreign shrimp have large amounts of fungicides, antibiotics, pesticides and algaecides in them, while Wild American shrimp feed on plankton and other protein sources in its own natural environment. They are more nutritious and have a more flavorful taste than their Asian or Latin American cousins. Simply cook both American Wild Shrimp and foreign shrimp and eat them. Much like all wild food, wild shrimp will win the taste test hands down!

Besides the chemicals introduced to foreign shrimp as they are grown in earthen ponds, much of the shrimp are raised on grained based food. This gives them a bland taste compared to the products harvested off the southern shores of the United States.

So, there you have it! Wild shrimp off the coast is the best. Fresh pasta is also the best...especially, when added to shrimp scampi. In twenty minutes, you'll have shrimp scampi and add a simple salad to your meal and you'll have a great dinner that everybody will love.

About the Author:

Try RecipeMatcher's awesome Shrimp Scampi

Fresh Lobster - Make a Statment at Your Next Party!

By Sherrilyndon Brazalinska

Numerous people have special occasions that they celebrate every year, that is why it is quite difficult to make each of them different and unique from one another, and would think about how they can make this party really special. Well, a fresh lobster will definitely make any celebration special and unforgettable.

There are countless of reasons why a fresh lobster is the answer to your problem. First of all, it is considered as one of the most interesting delicacies available in the market. Lobsters are one of the worlds most well-known and favorite treats because it is the finest in terms of taste in all the seafood out there.

In addition, all the excellent things about a fresh lobster work together, thereby taking the center stage in any special occasion. Birthdays, family get-togethers or excursions, anniversary, holidays and other celebrations that you can think of, lobsters can always be a part of that fun and joyful occasion.

You can make a simple feast and transform it into an experience that will be remembered by all of your guests just by serving a fresh lobster, so regardless of the occasion that you are planning, it can be an enjoyable one and can be regarded as a memory worth cherishing. In other words, there is nothing that can be compared to this treat.

Moreover, even if you have no forthcoming events being scheduled, you can still enjoy a fresh lobster at any time of the day because it is always the best means to pamper your palate. Each pleasant bite will always be a satisfaction and will likewise be regarded as your best treat, whether eating alone or with a friend or family member.

Also, whether it is a big or just a small intimate event, a fresh lobster can absolutely turn that day into a magical one. The atmosphere that you will create, together with this treat, is just secondary to its very pleasant flavor. You and your guests will surely enjoy each and every delectable bite.

If you want to satisfy your curiosity about fresh lobster, then you try and taste it for yourself. It will not only be you who will be surprised, but all your guests as well, and is going to be the center of attention at your party. Not only that, your party will create memories and be remembered for many years to come.

About the Author:

If you've liked all the wonderfulinformation you dipped into here about seafood,you'll love everything else you find at online seafood

Eating To Lose Weight Effectively

By Selene Foong

One of the important parts of any weight loss program is obviously the food you consume. Food is an important part of any weight loss program because it is the main factor that could make your weight loss a success or a total failure. So, do remember this point whenever you pile up food on your plate during mealtimes.

Do keep in mind that by choosing what you eat purely means you have to only count the calories because it is not. You will still need to choose the types of food you are eating and the quality of these foods. What you need are healthy foods, not just low calorie foods that may not be nutritious or good for you. Zero calorie food aren't all good and healthy and healthy food may not necessarily be zero calories too. Some healthy food with moderate amount of calories are good for your body and health while some zero calorie food can be detrimental to your health and harm your body.

You don't need to be eating food that are not good for you or healthy even when it is low in calories. It is preferable that you choose foods that are nutritious and has a moderate amount of calories that will provide your body with the fuel it needs to function. These kinds of food will actually help you in your losing weight goals. Unhealthy zero calorie foods will not do this and can't be the fuel to help you burn fat. Take zero calorie soft drinks as an example. These may be zero calories but they don't benefit you at all cause they don't provide you with any nutrients at all. But if you drink a glass of low fat milk which has more calories, it is good enough to give your body a boost of nutrients especially calcium.

Milk is actually a good protein that you can provide for your body as it is healthy, nutritious and easy to drink. If you get the low fat kinds, you don't even have to worry so much about the calories. Popular diets may tell you to restrict your dairy products but drinking a glass or even two glasses of low fat milk a day will not harm you but could even help you. After drinking milk, it could help cut down your cravings and reduce the food you consume.

This is how it works. Milk is a type of protein, thus it is filling. After drinking a glass of milk, you will be less hungry and in the end, feel less inclined to binge or over eat later. This is the same with eating foods like oats or whole grains. These type of foods are what we would term as fat burning foods as they have the ability to keep you full longer and you will consume lesser calories.

It is pretty easy to go for healthy foods because all you need to do is yo choose natural foods and stay away from processed food. Vegetables and fruits are natural food that you should always go for as these are fresh and contains a lot of vitamins and nutrients. Other than just choosing your food based on the calorie content, you should also look out for the fat content and the nutritious value of the food. Always choose those loaded with vitamins and nutrients and at the same time is low in fat. Once you load up in vitamins-rich food, it is the best way for you to maintain a healthy body.

About the Author:

Selene has a lot of simple and healthy recipes to share and thinks you should eat more of these fat burning food. This and other unique content '' articles are available with free reprint rights.

Straight Forward Methods to Eat More Fiber with the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme

By Jennifer Petigrew

I eat a high fiber diet. After having a ruptured colon, temporary colostomy in my late twenties and the lifelong diagnosis of advanced diverticula and irritable bowel syndrome, I now need to eat a high fiber diet. Most doctors will say that most of us do not eat adequate amounts of fiber.

With the appearance of fast foods and extra additives, it can be hard to eat the recommended 25 to fifty grams of fiber a day.

Whether or not you are share my predicament and have health problems or you simply want to feed your loved ones more healthy foods, a good way to get extra fiber to your diet is to whip up your own whole wheat bread. Conventional bread making can take hours. You have got to buy the right flours and ingredients, add the right type of yeast at the right time, and cook the loaf of bread. After that you have to knead it, let it rise, and bake it - the whole process can take forever!

If you don't want to invest hours in the kitchen with a thermometer waiting for yeast to get to the right temperature, you can still bake your own bread at home with a bread maker like the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Bread Maker.

The Zojirushi Bread Machine bakes aconventional shaped two pound loaf of bread. It features the power to vary the kneading strategies, rising and bake time.

With this machine you read a LCD display to change your preferences. And, with a great programmable timer, you can put the ingredients in before you go to bed and awaken to a freshly baked loaf of bread.

You can use bread flour in your Zojirushi, or you can get a variety mix at the store. A wide selection of bread mixes will be for sale at local grocery stores. Typically multi grain and wheat varieties will be offering more fiber, but make efforts to check the labels. One of my fave tricks is to buy the inappropriate fiber powders from the purgative aisle and add in one or two scoops to the mix. By adding a fiber powder, you can increase the fiber of the bread by five grams depending on the powder, which is a 5th of the daily fiber recommendation! You can also add a handful of special ingredients like oatbran, nuts, raisins, or wheat germ!

And, you are able to add fiber to other foods, too. The Zojirushi Home Bakery supreme can also make fresh fruit jams, cakes, or meatloaf. Fiber powder may also be added to jam, cakes and meatloaf for additional fiber.

Your spouse will eat tasty meals without tasting the extra fiber. And, it's as simple as adding the ingredients, setting the controls, and turning on the timer.

Adding fiber to your diet can be easy. By incorporating products like the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme, you can simply put more fiber-rich foods on the dinner table. And, with the Zojirushi Home Bakery's versatility, eating a healthier more healthy fiber-rich diet has never been so easy!

About the Author:

Making your own fresh, high fiber bread has never been so easy, thanks to the Zojirushi Home Bakery. Zojirushi is known for its high-quality home appliances. Their Home Bakery Supreme is especially well-suited to kneading heavy whole-wheat breads because of its two-paddle kneading mechanism. The Zojirushi Home Bakery really delivers.

Assuming Control Of Your Fitness With Rock Star Nutrition

By Trent Lockner

Do you want to look after your health? Do you hear nourishment recommendations from doctors, physical fitness trainers, and diet books and eagerly implement the best tactics? Are you trying to find better methods to integrate fresh, organic and local raw fruit and veggies into your diet? Me, too! And I'm wondering if you can relate to the following story about my private experiences...

Although I haven't ever had any major health problems, I believe that diet and exercise play a critical role in helping us maintain our well being and increase our longevity. In truth, I started working out in 6th grade, after my father thought it would be good for us all to get in better shape.

I always played sports and been active, kept my weight in line, and have always gotten a good health check from the doctor.

But now I've started reading a book called "The China Study" which is truly making me rethink the "diet" portion of the "good health" equation and question whether I am on the right track to better health.

According to "The China Study," which is a wonderful, comprehensible, research-based book citing over seven hundred systematic studies, there is ample evidence to support the hypothesis that animal protein, including eggs, milk and meat, isn't the solution to good health and muscle-growth that we have all been led to believe. I was fully stunned to find out that skim milk is not a super-food when it comes to strong bones, teeth and muscles. In fact, the author points out that in the face of all his own research studies (and much to his dissatisfaction since he grew up on a dairy farm) he has switched to a vegan diet. He now believes a diet free from animal protein is actually perfect for boosting our health and reducing the symptoms of aging.

The China Study book endorses a vegan diet rich in unprocessed plant-based foods.

Many advocates to this philosophy take this approach a step further and focus on eating raw plant foods, forgoing foods like rice, barley, pasta, etc. These raw food advocates believe that we preserve and ingest the most nutrition in our foods when we don't prepare them by cooking them.

One of the toughest issues to preparing and eating a lot of plants is that it can just plain take a very long time. Cutting, washing, etc. Is a laborious process. Particularly once you begin to look at incorporating vegetables like lettuce, spinach, kale, and celery - greens that are vital to our growth.

That is where a robust juicer can solve your issues. Making juice out of your fruits, veggies and greens with the Breville Juice Fountain Elite is a good way to mix your fruits and vegetables into a fresh, tasty and mouth-watering drink that might guarantee you get all the nourishment you would like, even if you don't have time to sit down to "a healthy breakfast" of bacon and eggs.

Consider recipes like carrot-apple-ginger juice or blueberry, strawberry, grape and kale juice. Green smoothies made with bananas and spinach are a fave raw-food vegan classic - the fruit is cheap, the taste is great and it's vitamin-packed!

If you have a regular blender (like the one my husband bought for making margaritas ), or maybe a name-brand juicer like Jack LaLanne's from TV, you will find that they don't hold up to regular juicing. Since their main function is not to make juice, or if it is, they are often underpowered for the task, they don't do this challenging task well. The ones that do make juice easily enough surprise the first time juicer with the length and intricacy of the tedious clean-up process.

The Breville Juice Fountain Elite solves all these issues. It is German-engineered to be a top-of the line juicer for people who make juice each day and need a quick-and-simple way to make their juice. In fact, you can produce an 8-oz cup of juice in under five seconds and as the juicer takes Huge pieces of apple, carrot and other hard fruits - you do not have to do much slicing. THe juicer even does a pleasant job with leafy or stringy products like lettuce and celery. Including veggies like this in your juice will actually increase their nutritional value.

If you are prepared to make some changes in your diet to become healthier, more energetic, and maybe lengthen your lifespan - begin with including more fruits and vegetables. Like "The Omnivore's Dilemma" recommends - Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.

Start with tasty juice from local organic produce made with the Breville Juice Fountain Elite.

About the Author:

Science has proven raw fruits and vegetables are a nutritious part of our diets. Now the Breville Juicer makes it easy to increase your fruit and vegetable servings with delicious fruit juices made from raw fruits and vegetables. The Breville Juice Fountain Elite is quick to use and easy to clean. You'll love how it makes you feel.