Basil Herbs, The Undisputed Kings of The Kitchen

By John Stills

Basil herbs are royalty, meaning "King"the name originated from the Greek word basileus. But you new that. Rumour has it that, many years ago, the Romans & Greeks associated the word and the herb became somewhat malicious. And get this... some good citizens believed that the only way to get herbs to germinate was to scream a curse at them. This has since proved to be incorrect but it is difficult to argue against the fact that basil herbs are a 'strongly perfumed' if not too strong.

In later years, Italian males gave their female 'targets' a handfull because it was considered a romantic thing to do. Generally considered a Mediterrean native plant also used in Thai & Italian gourmet dishes, basil actualy originated in India, yes India.

Getting Your Basil to Grow

In some temperate regions, basil is often used as an annual and in tropical areas, it's sometimes grown as a perenial. Wherever it's growing, basil is quite sensitive to temperature and it grows better in warmer climates with lots of sunlight.

Basil prefers soil that does not hold the water too much along with premium quality compost or well 'matured' manure. It needs a constant supply of water along with good drainage. Basil will wilt quickly if it doesn't get enough light or it's positioned where it gets a breeze. Additionally. those looking after basil will need to add mulch to the soil to maintain it properly. The stems will need to be removed along with the flowers when it starts to get going.

Removing the flowers is something that has to happen, that's what gives basil to the world. If yiou get the opportunity, try the flavor of basil leaves just before the plant flowers.

Basil & It's Uses

Although basil herbs do posses antviral & antibacterial benefits they're not generally used as a homeopathic extract, they are best known for their benefits to cooking. Part of the mint family they do actually aid digestive processes as well as brewing a pot of tea.

There are actually 60 known species of basil and many more we haven't discovered yet. Sweet basil is one of the most commonly used herbs for chefs, though lemon basil is just as popular for certain soups, beverages and deserts. Other notable types of basil include cinnamon, African blue (mainly used for aroma) and Opal basil.

Some of the basil available at retail outlets has been out for the ground for a long period and has lost its oomph. The benefit of having your own herb garden is your basil will be super fresh & full of flavor.

The dishes you serve up to your family will have that 'X' factor if you use fresh basil!

About the Author:

Before you go rushing out to spend money on herbs... check out some more insights from herb guru Peter Williams about basil herbs check out www.WhatAreHerbs.com Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

Discover the Many Benefits of a Good Herbs Guide

By Peter Williams

Ever been in a situation where you need to identify an herb? If you have, wouldn't an herbs guide be a handy thing to have to help you choose the herbs to suit your cooking. A good quality herbs guide should contain information about the different varieties, gardening & cooking tips & other relevant information.

Some Examples of Herbs

What are some of the healthiest and most delicious herbs that are recommended by cooks and diners alike? Garlic is certainly at the top of any herbs guide, as this herb delivers both great taste and other physical benefits. Garlic can prevent heart disease and cardiovascular disease, and it also shows signs of preventing cancer development.

Hawthorne berry is another well researched herb you can find in an herbs guide. This herb can improve the heart condition, as it opens the coronary arteries and helps to slow a rapid heart rate. Ginkgo Biloba helps the eyes and is very helpful to patients suffering from macular degeneration.

Sufferers of vertigo, depression & a number of other problems can be treated by it as well. Would you believe Licorice is considered a herb with health benefits, it helps with antiviral issues. To help with arthritis & Alzheimers & as a compliment to curry, Tumeric is the obvious choice here.

For Extra Taste & Improved Health, Eat More Herbs

There's much more to using a herbs guide than your health, many varieties are used exclusively for cooking. If you're wanting a 'minty' taste to you Italian cooking, use Basil, for a spicy, gutsy flavor, oregano is the one. Other varieties used in the kitchen include chives, cilantro, dill, hyssop & mint.

Herbs used in cooking are generally added in small quantities and their main use is to increase the taste without increasing substance. These herbs differ from other varieties like greens, spices, berries, etc and your herbs guide should explain these in detail. A portion of the kitchen herbs are really shrubs, Rosemary being one such example. And some or extracts from the bay laurel tree, while others are from non wooden (botanic) plants.

The Kitchen Cousins... Herbs & Spices

Ever thought about the differences between herbs & spices? Both of these words are commonly used to refer to the drier portions of the plant & they are both responsible for making food taste better. Herbs are more aligned with green leafier plants & spices with more aromatic plants like cinnamon.Spices do better in warm environments whereas herbs prefer a more temperate climate. Generally speaking spices now includes herbs & extracts

One way to significantly improve your cooking skills is to learn all you can about herbs, and the best tool for doing that is a good herbs guide. Herbs can improve most dishes and you'll be healthier for it.

About the Author:

Fanatical herb lover Peter Williams eats, sleeps & breathes herbs, if he doesn't know the answer, it aint worth knowing... to learn more about what a herb guide really is quickly jump along to Herbs, What Are They? Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Serve Up A Wonderful Morning With The Krups Convection Toaster Oven

By Henry Jeon

If you are on the go and you don't have a lot of time for cooking the Krups convection toaster oven can help make your life a lot simpler. The model FBC4 is great for large capacity cooking and toasting up to six slices of toast at once. It packs a lot of power in the kitchen to get going in the morning and finish up your day in a snap.

The model itself has a black design with steel sleekness that looks good in any kitchen. And since you will most likely be using it every day it will look great on your counter top. Its oven is great because it has ample space for your needs. And the buttons on the appliance are interactive and give you options. There are five preset modes for ease of use that include defrosting which is wonderful.

The convection part of the oven is great too for baking. You can bake cookies, brownies or whatever you want to do. It also has six preset buttons that automatically heat the oven to a certain temperature without having to adjust any buttons at all. These include a setting for pizza and another for bagels. The oven also has three heating elements in the device where most other toaster ovens only have two. This gives the Krups convection oven more power and better cooking.

The oven works great because the cycle of heat from the elements radiate from the bottom of the oven to the top and repeats this process until cooking is finished. With one touch you can depend on this oven to get the job done while you perform other tasks. Use the auto buttons to make it even easier. There is even a defrost feature on the device.

Because of this extra element the oven is unlike other toaster ovens of its size and does not struggle with consistent toasting. It toasts impeccably and takes about two and a half minutes to toast. It can toast up to six bagel halves or slices of bread at one time. This is great for a family that needs items all at the same time and you don't have to wait in line for toasting.

The timer function is adjustable to this is great. In one minute increments you can set the timer from one minute and an hours and thirty minutes. You can also adjust the time while the oven is already timing and you don't have to start over at all. The oven will also automatically shut off when it is done cooking.

LCD light display is standard on this model of the Krups line that shows the timer and oven temperature as well as displaying a clock for your use. The slide out racks is adjustable and reversible for ease of use and has a non-stick coating. There is also a baking and broiling tray included with the model. You can easily bake or broil while catching any grease that comes off with ease.

The Krups convection oven will not let you down, especially the FBC4 model. There are many other models as well the Krups brand makes and there is one to suit every home. Whether you have a family of two or a family of ten there is a Krups convection oven that meets your needs.

About the Author:

Looking for something different this year for someone special? Make your special person happy with a Krups convection toaster oven! The Krups convection countertop oven will make the cook on your shopping list happy all year round! Buy one now!

Chinese Breakfast Food Ideas for A New Taste Experience

By Ashley King

Most North Americans experience Chinese food through the phone book, ordering deep fried egg rolls and fried rice for take out. If you live closer to a large city, you may get more authentic cuisine in restaurants clustered together in Chinatown or Little Korea. In the end, the meals being served up are either lunch or dinner, with little mention of breakfast. It's too bad, because Chinese style cooking makes for a wonderful breakfast. Here are some ideas that you can serve up yourself.

Like most Asian dishes, rice plays a major role on the breakfast table. Unlike the elaborate many-course dinners we are accustomed to associating with Chinese food, breakfast in China is a quick, simple affair. Even if there's lots of time, such as on the weekend, breakfast is still short and sweet. Small, but full of calories, a Chinese breakfast will get you ready for the day.

A typical Chinese breakfast features a lot of deep fried foods. For example, there's the Deep Fried Devil, similar to a cruller but much longer. Other choices in deep fried breakfast goodies consist of buns, noodles and pancakes.

These deep fried delights compliment a Chinese staple that is found at other mealtimes as well: congee. Congee is similar to porridge, but it's made from rice or soybeans, and sometimes also features meats or vegetables to round out the selection. Frequently, the only home made dish at a Chinese family breakfast is the congee, while the deep fried foods are purchased from street sellers.

You would probably think that tea would be the beverage of choice for a Chinese breakfast, but you would be wrong. Because congee is so thin and watery, it actually constitutes the breakfast beverage.

How does a Chinese breakfast stack up to other Asian countries? In contrast to the hurried Chinese breakfast, breakfast in Japan is a much more substantial affair. Rice, known as 'morning rice' is still the centerpiece of the meal. Replacing the congee of Chinese breakfasts is Miso soup, based on soybeans or rice. Or Natto might be featured, a mix of fermented soybeans, vegetables and seasonings served over rice.

Breakfast traditions vary in each of the Asian countries. Breakfast is big in Korea (since lunch is a small affair), usually involving Kimchi (fermented cabbage) along with beef or pork soup. Thailand does not have a particular breakfast dish, but breakfast in Thailand is similar to China with a thick porridge (Khao) and pastry (pa thong go). In Singapore, the specialty is Kaya, a jam-like concoction of coconut milk, sugar, vanilla and eggs.

Quite a switch from the traditional western breakfast of bacon and eggs, Asian breakfasts are just as tasty and filling, but quite possibly more nutritious.

About the Author:

Find more great meal ideas at the Cooking Site. We have lots of recipes, cooking tips and fascinating facts about food to keep you reading for hours!

Lowering Your Monthly Food Budget

By Mike Jones

With an economy in disarray, there are many ways to save some pennies. Your food budget, for example, is a good place to start saving.

A good place to start saving is in restaurants. Well, actually stay out of restaurants. You can make major savings by eating in more regularly. If this is too difficult an adjustment, you can reduce the number of times you eat out or search newspapers for restaurant coupons.

Grocery outlet stores are also a good way to save in that they are widely available in most cities. While they may not offer every kind of brand and product you need, you can find great deals on many products. The same goes for shopping in bulk grocery stores where prices are reduced because you are forced to buy in large quantities.

Once you are in the super market, but sure to compare prices of different products. Taking time to do this will ensure that you find the best prices on your needs. You will often find that store brands are lower priced without skimping on quality. You should also take time to use coupons, which can usually be used in conjunction with store sales.

Coupons can also be used to buy in bulk for extra savings. Be sure to scour newspapers and magazines for savings vouchers.

First, replace vegetables and fruits for expensive junk food and candy. Another great way to save: grow your own food. Well, you can save a ton by gardening and growing your own produce. Not only will your fruits and vegetables be fresh and delicious, but you will save loads on typically pricey vegetables.

Also, do not shop when you are hungry. It is inevitable that your cart will be more full than if you have already eaten.

When making meals, it is often difficult to cook for just one. In order to prevent waste, you can save your leftovers for future meals. This, along with the aforementioned tips above, will help you save a little bit at a time. Hopefully, after a short while you will begin to notice significant savings in your budget.

About the Author:

In order that want to find out more about how to get the best ideas for a food budget, then you must try our website we provide you in this resource box. You also can acquire better ways of obtaining groceries and learning better ways to buying them with a grocery budget.

Tips To Save On Your Food Budget

By Jack Snow

With an economy in disarray, there are many ways to save some pennies. Your food budget, for example, is a good place to start saving.

First, eating out is draining on the wallet. Restaurants will almost always be more costly than cooking at home. If, however, eating out is not something you can give out, keep your eyes peeled for restaurant coupons. The best places to find them are in the newspaper and on the back of grocery receipts. You could also simply reduce the number of times each week that you eat in restaurants.

Most cities have grocery outlets and bulk grocery stores. While all of your favorite brands may not be available, these are good places to save money on your grocery shopping.

Once you are in the super market, but sure to compare prices of different products. Taking time to do this will ensure that you find the best prices on your needs. You will often find that store brands are lower priced without skimping on quality. You should also take time to use coupons, which can usually be used in conjunction with store sales.

Coupons can often apply to multiple purchases so be sure to check with a store clerk. Newspapers, magazines and the back of old super market receipts are a good resource.

A great way to save and pick up a new hobby is to start a garden. By growing your own fruits and vegetables you will save on what are often quite expensive in super markets. This can also encourage healthier eating and replace the high costs of unhealthy snacks.

If you shop when you are hungry, you are more likely to buy more than necessary. For this reason, do not shop on an empty stomach. Instead, go after you had a meal.

When making meals, it is often difficult to cook for just one. In order to prevent waste, you can save your leftovers for future meals. This, along with the aforementioned tips above, will help you save a little bit at a time. Hopefully, after a short while you will begin to notice significant savings in your budget.

About the Author:

For anyone that want to find out more about how to get the best ideas for a Food Budget, then you must try our website we provide you in this resource box. You also can acquire new ways of obtaining groceries and learning new ways to buying them with a Grocery Budget.

Holiday Treats: Non-Traditional Tasty Chocolate Cookie Recipe

By Mike Jackson

Just because something is called a cookie does not necessarily mean that it has to be a round flat treat. Some cookies have additions that make them delicious, such as M&M's candies, others are flat and shaped like a cookie but are not made from cookie-like ingredients. A great chocolate cookie recipe features fun and tasty ingredients, and is very easy to make. It makes a great addition to this year's treat platter.

For a very tasty recipe, you need only three very simple ingredients that may already be in your kitchen. You simply need to find pretzel twists or rings, chocolate kisses (caramel chocolate work best), and some pecans that are halved.

Begin by making sure to preheat your oven to no less than 300 degrees. Place your pretzels flat on a non-stick cookie sheet, as many as will fit, and fill your sheet. After that, place a kiss above every pretzel.

Bake your concoction only until the chocolate is softened, do not melt the chocolate completely. Take the pan out of your oven and set pecan halves on the top of the cookie.

There are a wide variety of Hershey's kisses and types of nuts that work well with this recipe, and it is a fun way to create a different type of treat on your holiday goodie platter. Mix and match your favorites, or create new combinations of treats that suit your individual palate.

These are a type of turtle cookies, and one bag of kisses will create about eight cookies give or take. This will really go a long way at a party, but it may be a smart idea to have some backup cookies in case your platter needs a refill during the party. Keep from snacking on the kisses, and you will be good to go.

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Are you looking for a Chocolate Cookie Recipe that will wow everyone who eats them? You can find this and much more when you take a look at our assortment of Sugar Cookie Recipes.