Diet

Should I Invest in a Cast Iron Skillet For my Kitchen?

By : kieran potts

The newest popular cooking trend is one-pot cooking. It makes cooking quicker and easier with straight forward but delicious recipes, many of the nicest pasta recipes on the internet are made in one-pot. It also makes everyone’s worst part of cooking- the cleaning, easier and less time consuming as there’s only 1 dish for you to wash up. So, with this in mind is it worth investing in a cast-iron skillet?

 

The Benefits

A cast-iron skillet actually has many benefits when it comes to cooking. One of its features is that it’s naturally nonstick so anyone who dislikes cooking their food with oil won’t have to with a cast-iron skillet. Cast iron skillets can be used both on a stovetop and in the oven, this is a unique feature only they possess making them a valuable kitchen utensil, just make sure you don’t use you cast iron skillet on a glass top stove as they can scratch up and ruin it. Some people say cast iron is harder to clean than stainless steel but this isn’t the case, just remember not to soak it in water as this will cause it to rust. The best thing about cast iron is it heats your food evenly, if you’re fed up with some of your food being burnt while some aren’t fully cooked then a cast iron skillet is a good investment for you.

 

What Cast Iron Skillet to Buy?

The average price of a good cast iron skillet is around $40. They can be bought in most shops that sell kitchen utensils including Walmart. Our favorite cast iron skillet brand is ‘Lodge’ produced in Tennessee and available to buy on Amazon.

Uncategorized

Superfoods: What They are and Why You Should Eat Them

By : kieran potts

Superfoods are integral to any good weight loss plan. Alongside some rudimentary exercise, superfoods help immensely in the weight loss process. This is because of the chemical hormone called leptin. But what is leptin?

 

The Leptin Hormone

Before talking about superfoods themselves we have to talk about leptin and leptin resistance information. Leptin is known as the satiation hormone within the body. Basically, its the hormone that tells the body that you are full and don’t need to eat anymore. Leptin resistance can be a cause of obesity as your body gets accustomed to the amount of food you eat and sends the signal to the brain that you are full at later and later time meaning that you eat more. Eating the right superfoods alongside sleeping well and exercising can reverse this leptin resistance making it easier to diet and lose weight.

 

What superfoods should you eat?

Berries are a good start for superfoods as a daily snack. Not only would it just be healthier to snack on fruit during the day than fatty processed food but berries especially contain all the right nutrients. Some studies suggest that berries might reduce some heart issues in young women because of the chemicals they contain.

Speaking of reducing heart disease, salmon and other fatty fish are incredibly high in a chemical called omega three which in many studies has shown to reduce the chance of strokes and heart failures.

Sweet potatoes make a good alternative to your average potatoes as they are naturally sweet. They don’t need layers of fat or butter added to them. They also contain lots of fiber and vitamins, specifically vitamin A.

Dark and leafy greens such as kale and spinach are great because they include many different important minerals and vitamins. They are also an incredibly versatile vegetable that works in many different meals.

Green tea is a brilliant alternative to your average sweet tea. It is filled with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory bonuses. Some studies show that brewed green tea is also responsible for a small decrease in the likelihood of getting cancer.

While eggs have a relatively high cholesterol content, especially compared to some of the other food on this list, they are still incredibly healthy food to eat. Eggs contain a huge amount of nutrients and vitamins and are also a great source for high-quality protein.

Garlic is a great source of manganese and vitamins. In some cultures, garlic is even used with other ingredients in medicines. Garlic also is relatively effective in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure. Not only that but the nutrients within garlic play a role in preventing some types of cancer.

Ginger, in whatever form eaten, contains an antioxidant called gingerol which has plenty of health benefits. It’s useful in treating nausea and preventing some more chronic illnesses such as heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Overall, superfoods can help to control weight loss, and prevent a number of different illnesses whilst also giving you the nutrients and vitamins needed for your daily lives.

Cooler

These States are Imposing Stricter Health And Safety Regulations

By : kieran potts

The world of food has always been one that has required detailed and strong regulations surrounding health and safety. The equipment in kitchens is powerful and potentially dangerous. Not to mention the risks associated with bad food. Sickness, diseases, and physical injury.

And as our understanding of biology and food science improves, so too do our rules and regulations surrounding health and safety in the food sector. To this end, a few of the biggest states in the USA are changing their regulations, making them stricter. All of this is set to take effect from the start of 2021.

 

Handling Pests

The first new move is in relation to the pest control sector. It follows on from the new announcement that Pest Control is now an essential service with the USA. Due to this change, pest control firms like http://www.positivepest.net/ are able to operate on longer hours and with increased efficiency.

This change meant the regulations around the pest control schemes within the foodservice industry could change. Starting from 2021, all restaurants and foodservice establishments have to get regular anti-pest checks and fit specialized anti-pest security measures.

This change was lead by New York and backed up by Washington and Connecticut. These three states have seen a sharp increase in pest numbers due to climate change and increased population. But it is predicted that every state will follow on with this regulation change in due course.

 

COOSH Changes

COOSH is the certification all food service establishments must follow in terms of chemical storage and usage. Industrial cleaning chemicals are dangerous and need to be handled with extreme care for both the sake of those using it and the customers. It is only the owners of a restaurant that need to go and get their COOSH qualification, but it up to them to train their staff, install proper storage and signage, and provide adequate PPE.

Starting in 2021, some states are introducing a refresher course that must be taken every 6 months. It will be the responsibility of the owner to make sure they go to these courses. They also have to bring along two members of their staff along to make sure they are also well versed in the usage of the different chemicals.

As an addendum, every restaurant also has to undergo a COOSH inspection every two years. This inspection is separate from the random health and safety checks and is simply to make sure their COOSH storage and usage is up to scratch.

Medical Training

It is required that every restaurant has a member of staff on-site that is trained in First Aide. Which is fantastic. But a few states are looking to change it up. The idea is that all restaurants will need to make sure more than half their staff are trained in First Aide, and more than half of the staff on a particular shift also need to be trained in it.

To support this, a lot of states are putting more funding into various First Aide programs, improving the quality of the education provided and the qualification. This will mean restaurants do not need to go for a top-up as often, saving them money in the long run and improving the quality of the First Aide they can provide.

 

The USA takes safety very seriously, and these changes are just further proof of that. These regulations, while they can be annoying to deal with and tiresome, improve the safety for everyone. Both customers and staff alike.

 

Blog, Diet

7 Natural Ingredients that Work as Beauty Products

By : kieran potts

Whether you’re wanting to improve your beauty routine, or if you’re just looking for a natural remedy to help ward off any harsh chemicals from getting in contact with your skin, there are plenty of natural ingredients that work excellently as beauty products. There is any number of benefits to using natural ingredients for your beauty routine. There’s no reason that natural ingredients won’t be able to provide you with an equally luxurious experience. Whether you want to create your own simple DIY beauty products using natural ingredients or if you’re looking for some more natural alternatives to the beauty products you already use and love, there are plenty of options out there.

If you’re wanting to have a look at some excellent products that use either mainly or entirely natural products, why not check out goodvara’s cosmetics for a wide range of products for every aspect of your beauty needs at a great price range.

 

Coconut Oil

One many of us probably have heard of by now, but for good reason. Coconut oil is a great way to get smooth and silky hair for a low low price. Probably not advisable to use it on your face, however, as it has been linked to acne with its pore-blocking properties. It is an excellent beauty product to use on your body and hair for silky smooth, great smelling results.

 

Honey

Another great smelling natural ingredient for beauty products is honey. Honey is an excellently versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of face masks and hair and body treatments. When used in face masks it can help smoothen your skin and it even has a small antibacterial quality to it as well.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Perhaps a more surprising addition to this list, a surprisingly useful natural product to use as part of your beauty routine is apple cider vinegar if you don’t believe us, here are 6 beauty benefits of apple cider vinegar for you to try right off the bat. From face masks to hair treatments, there is pretty much nothing apple cider vinegar can’t do.

 

Tea Tree Oil

Most recognizable in the beauty world for its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is a great way to get rid of any pesky acne you may be suffering from. Just dab a small amount onto your bad spots to get clear skin in no time. It is often most commonly found in many facial skin care products for this reason.

 

Rose Water

Seen as more of a refined natural ingredient, rose water is actually a relatively affordable way to even out your skin tone and leave your face looking refreshed and rejuvenated. It can be used in a mask or simply as a mist sprayed directly onto your face. Either way, it smells great and will have you looking great in no time.

 

Sandalwood

A great smelling ingredient, sandalwood can often be found in many body creams and lotions. Many people have invested in some sandalwood products as they know they’ll wind up smelling fantastic after using them. They offer up a bit of luxury to those who use the products as it has an undeniably refined smell.

 

Coffee Beans

Last but certainly not least, coffee beans, whilst also being a delicious way to start the day, are also actually a great natural addition to your beauty routine. They are incredibly versatile but are most commonly used in scrubs and face masks. Coffee beans not only smell great but also offer up a natural solution to calming your face or smoothing your skin depending on how you use them.

Brewing, Uncategorized

Why Craft Beer Has Become the Hot New Trend

By : kieran potts

Dabbling in the tasting and creation of unique beers has been growing in popularity as a hobby a great deal recently, home brewing kits are flying off the shelves and people are developing new craft beers to enjoy in these summer months. There’s something about being able to experiment with flavors and new and different additions like herbs, fruits, grains to create deliciously flavored beers. There is a social aspect to this hobby and many people enjoy hosting events with like-minded brewers to compare techniques and taste each other’s batches.

 

With the huge increase in popularity there has been a growth in the online craft beer presence, forums are booming with groups sharing what new flavor they are working on. The online platform has definitely contributed to the industry as it has allowed beer fanatics all over the world to connect with each other and share a passion for the creation of new craft beers, as previously mentioned the social aspect of this hobby is a strong reason as to why it has become so popular, particularly for those who are later in life and in need of something to occupy their time, we have found that craft beer enthusiasts got into the trade as they wanted to be productive in the creation of delicious beers.

 

Events

A great day out for a craft beer enthusiast would be to visit one of the amazing craft beer events that occur throughout the year. Retailers gather from around the globe to present customers with their unique and individual craft beers to taste. It is a very informative day where you can sample great beers, learn about the different methods of brewing and discover new brands, you may even have the chance to buy a few bottles to enjoy at home.

Gift Experiences

Buying gifts for men can be a struggle and the fear of buying an unappreciated gift can make the process a lot more stressful than it needs to be. Look no further and why not buy that special someone a craft beer experience day, at an affordable price and convenient online booking you will be able to find a date and location that suits you. Craft beer experiences are a great source of information for those interested in getting started at home brewing and choosing flavor pairings that will create a tasty beverage.

 

Home Brewing

A big part of the craft beer appeal comes from the fact that you can bring the pub to you and sample delicious pints made in the comfort of your own home. Many enthusiasts have experimented with constructing their home brewing setups, using unconventional materials and making it work seems to be a common mantra which has led to some very interesting methods to be found in order to produce amazing craft beers, there is also a chance to earn your money back as you will be spending less money in the pub and more time enjoying your own handy work.

 

Starter Kits

If you are someone who loves to taste new and interesting beers and has an interest in recreating the experience yourself, then I really would suggest investing in your own craft beer starter kit, you will find there are many retailers out there who can help you get started and give you some pointers about production. This hobby is win-win, not only are you having fun and being productive but at the end of it you may discover a gem and have a delicious craft beer made tastier by the fact it was homemade.

Beer, Cooler

The Best Coolers for Keeping Your Beer Cold

By : kieran potts

We have researched everything on the internet and made a list of the best coolers to keep your beer cold this summer. Based on different factors we have picked the ones that does its job well.

Best Value: Igloo MaxCold Cooler

A dependable cooler that is easy on the pocket, the Igloo MaxCold tops the list. This cooler is available online on different websites like from Foodplusice for $50 or less. In terms of performance, it stands among our top five. The cooler itself is not too fancy or pleasing to the eye but has every necessary feature for a cooler with a latch at the top of the lid and a drainage spout. It is sturdy and handy for a camping trip.

Best Performance: Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler

This amazing cooler from Yeti performs the best when compared to all the models in the market till now. The walls of this cooler are 2.75 inches in thickness that makes it well insulated than the rest. Even when you add a couple of pounds of ice in it, it will keep the temperature within to the minimum and maintain it for about 48 hours. The ice within does not melt quickly as in the other coolers. If you are looking for a cooler that keeps the ice frozen for a longer time, this should be your pick. This cooler will cost you $300 and is worth it if you need your beer to be cold for a long time.

Best Design: Lifetime High Performance Cooler

Sometimes the looks matter a lot and if you are among the ones stressing on good-looking possessions then you should pick this cooler. Costing somewhere around $97 on sale at Walmart, this cooler gives a tough competition to the rotomolded models. Its performance ties with the Igloo MaxCold cooler along with better build quality. Its aesthetic is pleasing to the eye with dual-locking latches for the lid, roped handles, and built-in bottle opener. In terms of space this cooler is larger than 62.4 quarts. A top-performing cooler that looks the best, this cooler is worth the money.

Best Mobility: Rovr Rollr 60 Cooler

If you are looking for a cooler that is easier to transport then the Rovr Rollr 60 is for you. Costing about $400 this cooler is a strong performer on the lines of Yeti and Orca. It offers good cooling capabilities along with an aluminum and stainless steel body with 9-inch wheels that can be a little heavy once loaded with your drinks. It comes with a removable wagon bin made of fabric and a plastic bin for keeping the drinks and food separately from the ice. You can get it customized at an additional cost to incorporate extras like bottle holders, Bike kit ( for towing the cooler behind your bike) or a prep board for cooking.

There are a lot of coolers cheaper than this available in the market for less than $20. If you don’t want to spend a lot on a cooler, you can buy cheap ones as well. They do not perform anywhere close to the ones mentioned above but can manage to keep your drink chilled for a couple of hours.