Top 20 Steak Grilling Tips from Experts

5 Best Chef Knives for Weekly Home Use

Cooking is so common that only few of us feel like chefs when preparing dinner. You work your creativity and skills to develop good-looking meals that should also be tasty and quick to make. There needs to be harmony between all your kitchen tools so that you can have a smooth cooking process. Slicing, carving, mincing and dicing ingredients can fasten and improve when you use the best chef knives.

Chef knives are professionally-developed kitchen tools that allow you to cut meat, vegetables, fruit and fish. They are made for restaurants, chefs and cooking specialists. You recognize chef knives by the wide and usually long blade and strong and balanced handle. Chef knives were initially invented to help cutting beef. However, they become essential tools once you discover that chef knives are above all multi-purpose.

Assorted fresh vegetables on cutting board on rustic table with a chef knife

What You Should Know about Chef Knives

• The most popular chef knives for home use have an 8-inch (around 20 centimeters) blade, usually made of carbon or stainless steel. You may also find laminated or ceramic models. However, these are more fragile.
• The best chef knives are available in online or specialized stores. Don’t fall for the cheapest products available in convenience stores – they are neither long-lasting nor safe. You should research and make a shortlist before picking your favorite knife.
• Make sure that online reviews include specs, sizes and manufacturing techniques. Click here to see how thorough reviews of the best products of their kind should look like.
• Weight and cutting techniques differ for any user. Chef knives are a lot about usage convenience and balance. If the knife feels like falling continuously when you use it, you have just found the perfect model.
• Grip the knife by the handle and cut a sheet of paper. You should use your most comfortable position and end up with a straight cut.

Choosing out of the Best Chef Knives Available Now

1.      DALSTRONG Chef’s Knife

There are products with 5-star ratings which are also market as Amazon’s choice. This is the DALSTRONG chef’s knife. The knife combines craftsmanship with technology by being hand-polished and having an ultra-premium G-10 handle.

The knife is robust while having a premium ability to cut without allowing slices to stick to the blade. Its edge is sharp, and its handle is ergonomic. Specialists say that it cuts with a surgical-like precision. This is thanks to the Japanese rust-free steel, folded in 67 layers to create a spectacular blade.

2.      ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife 8 inch

Japanese specialists have managed to revolutionize by using craftsmanship for this product also. The chef knife was developed to ensure precision and efficiency for most of your ingredients. You will notice that it’s a bit heavier. However, its weight was calculated to support perfect balance.

The knife is non-stick, stain and rust resistant and was designed with great attention to details, as you can see on its blade. This is one of the best chef knives as it managed to make its design functional. Therefore, it ensures smooth cutting for meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and herbs.

3.      Dom Marzen Chef Knife

The best chef knives need to ensure high quality. Therefore, the Dom Marzen chef knife combines carbon steel which ensures stability to the wooden ergonomic handle which balances its weight. The ultra-sharp blade is made using German engineering technology.

The knife also includes 16 – 18% chrome to prevent the blade from tarnishing or fading. You can chop, mince, slice, dice and even cut through bones or frozen food. This product is your reliable help whenever cooking becomes difficult.

4.      Mercer Tool Corp. Genesis 6″ Short Bolster Forged Chef’s Knife

You will need a short-bolstered knife especially when you need to cook fast. The ergonomic handle helps you maneuver it easier if you must carve ingredients. The blade is made of high-carbon German which protects it from discoloration, corrosion or rust.

As manufacturers say, you can use t

he chef knife when your hands are wet. The knife is resistant to hot and cold temperatures, so you can easily take it on a camping trip. Moreover, its simple and stylish design makes it look fabulous next to your ceramic cookware.

5.      MasterGO Ultra Sharp Chef Knife

As we’ve said above, the best chef knives should be multi-purpose. This product is made using German stainless steel and is designed based on Japanese techniques. It has an ergonomic design thanks to its wood handle.

You can use it whenever you need sharpness, stability and precise cuts. Manufacturers also mention that you can use it to create some spectacular sushi rolls. The product also has a high corrosion resistance.

How to Care for the Best Chef Knives

The most reliable and best chef knives come with maintenance instructions. However, many manufacturers recommend users to avoid washing the products in the dishwasher, to protect their blade. Also, you should dry the knife before storage. You can sharpen the knife following guidelines.

You should avoid cutting on hard surfaces such as glass cutting boards. Specialists recommend using polyethylene plastic cutting boards. Also, you should have a knife block or a storage system which keeps blades separate.

Final Thoughts

The best chef knives are reliable and easy to use. You should get used to the products’ specs after a few days. You should hold on to your chef knives for a few years as they are resistant and can always be sharpened.

Find the best chef knives and turn weekly cooking into professionally-looking and delicious treats!

Images Source: Depositphotos.com.

10 Foods That Help Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, has been a serious health concern for quite some time.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 75 million Americans currently have high blood pressure.

Known as the silent killer for a reason, hypertension develops over time and most people are not aware they have it. Sadly, people may often not realize until they are diagnosed with heart or kidney disease, which stems from high blood pressure.

There is always a reason to get your blood pressure checked regularly with your doctor. Outside of that, if you do have concerns, you can always make lifestyle changes that help to lower blood pressure naturally.

The increased pressure pushing your blood through arteries can cause serious damage over time.  Artery walls can become weakened, and blood vessels can be permanently damaged with continued exposure to high blood pressure.

With no observable symptoms, hypertension creeps up, and when left untreated, leads to serious cardiovascular complications, including heart attack and stroke. What may seem minor at first, can spiral out of control into problems that can ultimately lead to death.

Studies have found that a major contributor to high blood pressure is our diet, specifically sodium and sugar intake. Knowing this allows you to change your diet, so you can keep blood pressure low and remain heart healthy.

Foods That Help Lower Blood Pressure

Unfortunately, the typical American diet consists of a large amount of processed and sugary foods, which are damaging to your body in many ways. The best course of action is to curb these foods and replace them with healthier options.

Several foods are available that can help you regulate your blood pressure while providing healthy and essential nutrients. If you worry about hypertension because it runs in your family or you have other risk factors, then consider switching up your meal plans to get control over your blood pressure before it kills you.

The foods below can help you to lower blood pressure and prevent serious damage to your arteries and blood vessels. Foods that are low in sodium and high in calcium, magnesium, or potassium can help to cut your risk of stroke or heart attack in half.

Switch out some of your usual snacks and meals to include these items to promote a healthier cardiovascular system and enhance your overall health for the long run.

White Beans: One cup of white beans delivers 13 percent of the calcium, 30 percent of the magnesium, and 24 percent of the potassium you need every day. Providing the three power nutrients and remaining low in sodium, white beans are an ideal heart healthy food to add to any dish.

Be sure to rinse well if you used canned versions, to remove any sodium used during canning.

Fat-Free Plain Yogurt: With one cup of yogurt, you get 49 percent of the calcium, 12 percent of the magnesium, and 18 percent of the potassium you need for the day. Perfect for breakfast with some added fruit or used to make sauces and dressings, plain yogurt is a great choice.

Make sure you always buy the low-sugar varieties that are free of flavorings.

Kiwi: One single kiwi a day provides small amounts of the three power nutrients but makes a much healthier snack than chips or candy. They also contain more vitamin C than oranges, so, combined with having no sodium, these furry fruits are good for your entire body.

Kale: Cooked or raw, one cup will provide 9 percent of the calcium and potassium and 6 percent of the magnesium you need daily. Kale is also low in calories and is widely hailed as a superfood because of the large dose of antioxidants it contains, which help to protect your cells from oxidative damage.

They are a great base for any salad and also possess a plant-based fat known as alpha-linolenic acid, which reduces inflammation. Since inflammation also contributes to cardiovascular problems, kale provides double protection.

Pork Tenderloin: Pork gives you magnesium and a decent dose of potassium. As an alternative to other red meats that can contribute to hypertension, this leaner cut of protein is good for regulating blood pressure levels.

It is best to grill or broil the tenderloins, rather than fry them, to ensure you can take advantage of the nutrients without consuming unwanted fats.

Bananas: Known for high potassium content, bananas should be eaten daily for those worried about hypertension. No need to get rid of them if the peel turns brown.

You can mash them up and a make a heart healthy smoothie. Bananas also help to lower stress hormone production, and too many of those can elevate blood pressure, so it is best to keep them to a minimum.

Broccoli: One cup of cooked broccoli gives you small amounts of calcium and magnesium and 14 percent of your daily potassium. Not only can broccoli help to strengthen blood vessels and artery walls, it also possesses cancer-fighting phytonutrients, making it a super-healthy addition to any meal.

Quinoa: With an impressive amount of magnesium to support blood coagulation and flow, quinoa is a healthy side dish that is also high in protein. It is easier and quicker to cook than rice and also contains phytonutrients that help to stave off cancer cell growth.

Avocado: Although fairly high in potassium, avocados are better known for the heart healthy monounsaturated fats they contain. Avocados are perfect to use in salads because they help to fill you up without unnecessary carbohydrates and fats.

They also contain carotenoids, which are useful in preventing cancer and protecting cells throughout your body.

Sweet Potato: As a dessert, side dish, or added to a smoothie, sweet potatoes deliver all of the power nutrients that promote heart health and can help to regulate blood pressure levels. The best part about sweet potatoes is that they can be included in every meal of the day, ensuring you support your heart all day long.

The bottom line is that your blood pressure is so much more than just a set of numbers: It is a solid indicator for the state of your health. High blood pressure can be the sign of a more serious disease or health issue, so you should always pay attention to those numbers.

There are certain factors that increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, including smoking, family history, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and diabetes. Whether these factors apply to you or not, it is a good idea to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

Choosing the Best Ceramic Cookware: A Quick Comprehensive Guide

What differentiates ceramic cookware from its peers? Essentially, the coating on the inside is baked or bonded, and it consists of a carcinogen-free ceramic glaze that has been deemed safer to use than other older formulas. Still, just like with any other product, they aren’t a “one size fits all” type of deal.

If you read more ceramic cookware reviews, you will see that each make and model comes with its own specifications. Some are more fragile and prone to breakage or damage, while other newer ones even allow the use of metal utensils in the process. Similarly, while some pots and pans of this variety are dishwasher safe, others aren’t.

Furthermore, it’s important not to forget that this technology is relatively new. Therefore, there isn’t a universal way to clean and look after them. Each manufacturer has their own specifications in this department, which is why you need to consult the instructions that come with the cookware closely before employing them.

Safety Specifications

Nowadays, it’s no longer a secret that using classic pots and pans in the kitchen might be worse for our health than we think. In fact, past studies have shown that the perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA for short, used in traditional nonstick cookware is linked with the development of testicular, pancreatic and liver cancer.

Nevertheless, many of the reviews have been deemed inconclusive by the medical community. Further research needs to be conducted in order to establish a connection once and for all between PFOA and fast-growing cancers. In the meantime, it’s better to avoid any potential problems. And one of the most effective alternatives for this is ceramic cookware.

The only safety and health concerns surrounding the ceramic glazing is that it contains lead and cadmium, two highly toxic and dangerous substances. Nevertheless, these have been phased out over the years, which means that this type of cookware is now one hundred percent friendly and perfect to use in any kitchen.

What to Look For

As previously discussed, depending on the manufacturer, the specifications of a ceramic set of pots, griddles and pans for various purposes will differ. Ideally, you should go for a sturdier model that is both dishwasher and metal safe. This means that it doesn’t have to be washed manually, and you won’t have to fumble looking for a wooden spoon when you just want a quick meal.

Nevertheless, if you want the nonstick coating on the inside to stand the test of time, avoiding these comforts is recommended, even though the label on the packaging says you can. On top of that, make sure that you know exactly what the company policy on using cooking sprays and oils on their products is.

While some varieties allow for a light coating to aid in the meal preparing process, others strictly forbid it. You won’t know until you check the detailed guidelines provided. After that’s out of the way, you can focus on other important features.

If you want to have a pleasant and hassle-free cooking experience, pots and pans with silicone handles will be your best friend. This type of construction doesn’t conduct heat, which means that you can grab onto a cool surface when it’s time to take the food off the stove or out of the oven and serve it to your friends and family.

Another aspect to keep in mind would be that you have a choice between buying the pieces individually or getting a set instead. While the latter might be a lot more convenient from a financial standpoint, you will rarely if ever find a set that contains all the pieces that you want and need. This means that some things will be purchased separately as well.

And speaking of cookware sets, the number of items described includes lids and tops as well. This means that, out of a total of let’s say 12 pieces, at least will be covers. There’s no particular issue with that, but it’s something worth remembering so that you don’t expect to get more containers than you actually will.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to healthier cooking styles, ceramic pots, pans and griddles surely make a difference. The glaze used to coat their insides doesn’t contain carcinogens such as perfluorooctanoic acid, which means that no unwanted substances leach in your food during frying, baking or boiling.

And with lead and cadmium having been phased out from the composition of ceramic, this type of cookware is now safer than ever. So, why not enjoy its benefits and get yourself a few pieces, or even an entire set if you’re feeling adventurous?

Rice Bhakri Recipe: Even your Kids Can Do It

Indians have some of the unique and tasty foods in the world. Exotic with a touch of modernity and a lot of chilies!

For many years I have always wanted to prepare an Indian recipe for my family but I didn’t know where to start.

Luckily, an Indian family moved in and I thought it would be a good idea to befriend them.

Not like the friendship will be solely pegged on them helping me prepare Indian recipes but I am looking to visit India soon and who knows we might as well take the vacation together!

These flat breads originate from Goan region in India goes well with chicken curry, mutton rassa, or even veggies.

Here is a simple rice bhakri recipe which you can try at home with your kids

Prep time:  40 min

Cook time:  10 min

Total time:  50 min

Ingredients

• 4 cups Rice Flour
• 4 cups of water
• Rice flour
• Cooking Oil
• 1 Tablespoon salt

Important note: Mix the flour and water in the ratio of 1:1

Preparation Method

• Boil 4 cups of water and add soil.
• Mix thoroughly until the salt dissolves
• Reduce the heat and add the rice flour
• Mix thoroughly
• Remove from the flame, cover and allow it to rest for 40 minutes
• After the 40 minutes, transfer to a kneading bowl
• Add oil and start kneading by making small balls
• Light up your fire again place the griddle as you start flattening the balls between your palms
• Using a rolling pin, continue flattening the balls and dust with a little flour to avoid them from sticking
• Place the rolled bhakri on the no hot griddle
• Sprinkle some water on the upper side of the bhakri
• Cook the underside for 1 min and then flip using kitchen tongs.
• Apply pressure on the upper side using a cloth ensuring that the bhakri puffs evenly
• Remove from the griddle and place on a plate.
• Your Bhakri is ready and you can eat it with the previously mentioned foods or even gravy.

Go ahead and try it at home with your kids.

About the Author:

Jane Grates – Writing from Copenhagen, Denmark, Jane is an entrepreneur, and a full-time housewife. She spends most of her time on doing kitchen stuff reviews and owns several health and home sites such as Jane Kitchen Miracles, That Sweet Gift, The Fit Bay, My Kids Needs That & Nicer Shoes.

Love Bites – The Best Dine And Date Events In Dubai

Being so busy with work, family and other life responsibilities can take its toll on relationships. This is why relationship gurus strongly advise couples to deliberately set aside time for dates.

Why?

“The most important message a date night or special occasion or catch up — whatever form it takes — conveys to the couple is that they are creating a unique and special space for one another,” says Matt Garrett of Relationships Australia.

It’s important to not take each other for granted. When you have found someone who fits perfectly with you, remind yourself that other people aren’t so lucky. Therefore, you need to nurture what you have in every way possible.

Setting aside time and sharing experiences wherein you both can be the person each other fell in love with is one effective way of taking care of the relationship.

Dates are the perfect events for that.

Dine and Date Ideas

Planning dates can feel like a burden if you’re juggling a bunch of responsibilities. Luckily, in Dubai, there are places that make going on dates a breeze because they have everything covered – there’s great food and drinks, fun or romantic activities, and other types of entertainment. All you and your significant other need to do is show up.

So, are you ready to spend quality fun time with your partner? Here are some of the best date events to take advantage of in the City of Gold.

●    Prohibition Brunch

This is not your typical brunch because it’s held much later than usual – between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Here, you and your partner can sample some of the finest dishes in a chic and modern setting.

Both of you can just kick back, relax and exchange stories about the recent events in your life. If it’s been a while since you two shared a meal, this Prohibition Brunch is a splendid way to restore your commitment to making time with each other.

You’ll fall in love with the amazing selection of food while also rekindling the romance of your relationship.

●    Cellar ‘n Cheddar

If you want another chilled date event, set aside a Tuesday evening for sampling an unlimited supply of cheeses and the best wines. This is a great way to learn something new together.

A nice little side advantage of coming to this regular event is that it can serve as inspiration for future stay-home dates. If you want a quick and no-fuss date with just a simple cheese platter, a bottle of good wine, and a movie, you’ll definitely learn the best-tasting cheese and wine pairings to use if you come to this event.

●    Great Gatsby After Party

Head to the Dubai International Financial Center and find a shindig every Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy gourmet food and great music. And if you’re not feeling in any way inhibited, get on the dance floor and bust some moves to the beats of the DJ.

You’re sure to have loads of fun for a couple of hours. All the carefree dancing and laughter will surely spark joy in your relationship.

If you have more time to spare on Fridays, come much earlier for the Great Gatsby Friday Brunch. Dress up for the event, sample elegant, classic recipes, and perhaps meet new people who are like you – having a grand old time with their partners.

●    Jazz Thursdays with Rita and The Rogues

Dine to the jazz tunes of Dubai’s favorite jazz act.

Treating yourself to jazz music over dinner has many health benefits. If you and your partner had a stressful day, there’s nothing like jazz music to relax and heal your body and soul.

Studies show that jazz music has the ability to lower heart and respiratory rates. It can even improve the verbal memory, focus, and moods of people who have suffered a stroke.

There are many more events in the city that can make dating easy for you and your partner; the four mentioned above are just the regular events. As the seasons change, various establishments throughout Dubai come up with their own special activities.

Keep an eye out for them because they are worth considering for dates that won’t be a hassle to plan, but will surely be a memorable experience for you and your special partner.

Dine and Date Regularly

The importance of going on dates points back to the reality that “relationships take work to work out.” Making the effort is a must. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a simple gesture or a grand one; the key is to do something, to make the gesture.

Dates are actually among the simplest efforts that partners can make to help each other truly feel that they matter. These events only take a few hours, but this special time will certainly have a huge impact on the quality of your relationship.

AUTHOR BIO

Kunal Lahori is a passionate leader, boasting a long track record of successful management across a variety of business industries in the UAE. He founded Bazxar in the DIFC, the most exciting bar in the city that looks, feels and tastes like nowhere else in Dubai. He is also notably the founder of the award-winning El Sur, a contemporary Spanish restaurant located in the Westin Dubai. In addition, he is the founder & CEO of Pret To Go, a brand of organic and healthy cafes located across the UAE in 8 business clusters in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport.

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