A Few Types of Food Contamination to be Aware of

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Francis Pitt

It’s no secret that food can get contaminated. But did you know that there are different ways in which food can become contaminated? That’s right, there are countless contaminants out there that could potentially get into food. This is, in part, why food packaging equipment needs to be so precise. Here are a few of the most common forms of food contamination that you need to be aware of.
Biological Contamination
Biological contamination includes almost everything under the sun. Bacteria and other toxins can enter food through bodily contact, dust, pets or pests, and even from a food handler’s clothing. This is most often the cause of food poisoning, as harmful bacteria can actually spoil food or make it poisonous to eat. Some bacteria, like salmonella, staphylococcus, and listeria, can be extremely harmful to humans. Seafood, cooked pasta, and dairy products are all considered extremely susceptible to these kinds of harmful bacteria.
Chemical Contamination
When food is exposed to chemicals such as those present in kitchen cleaning agents, pesticides, non-safe plastics, pest-control products, and cleaning agents used in heavy equipment cleaning. So the solution used to clean an x-ray food inspection machine could actually be harming the food being inspected. All of these chemical solutions could potentially contaminate food and lead to chemical poisoning if that food is ingested. This is one of the most important reasons why health experts recommend washing all of your produce before eating any of it. The chemicals used to protect it could actually end up harming you.
Physical Contamination
Physical contamination happens when and object makes its way into the food. Things such as bones, fingernails, hair, glass or metal, and even pests can make their way into food, contaminating it and potentially harming someone who consumes it. This is one of the most important reasons behind x-ray food inspections and food metal detectors. If there’s something in food that shouldn’t be there, these machines can find it and dispose of that food appropriately.
Food is an important part of life; it’s what keeps us alive. But if you’re not careful, your food could end up doing more harm than good.

16 Events When People Love A Scoop Of Ice Cream

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Francis Pitt

We all love our ice cream. Having a nice ice cream cup can make most of our days. The sweet and creamy dessert can pick us up and also be a great center piece for a social event. To hit that point home, here are 16 occasions in life when an ice cream cup is the best.

On A Hot Day
This example is obvious. A nice cold scoop of creamy ice cream on a hot, sweltering day? That just sounds like heaven. Who wouldn’t want to cool down with a bit of vanilla or chocolate?
Next To The Pool
With that, having a scoop while chilling out by the pool is pretty great. You’ve got the water and you’ve got the dessert to help you relax on a bright and hot summer day.
At the Beach
Or, if you want to go further outside, the beach is a great vacation. When you’re not in the water or making a sand castle, enjoy the sweet relief of an ice cream cup.
As An After School Snack
Next, it’s great to have a gelato cup right after you get out from school. Kids love having something sweet and a happy kid is a happy home.
At An Ice Cream Party
Or, maybe you want to have a festive party. Consider hosting an ice cream party for you and your friends and see everyone enjoy your themed event.
Birthday Party
Of course, one of the most important parties in existence is greatly improved by having some ice cream there. A birthday party isn’t complete without some cake and ice cream on the side, so make sure to get some for your event.
After A Breakup
This event is sadly not a happy one. If you’re feeling down because you’re significant other dumped you, know that there’s always a delicious treat waiting to comfort you.
On Movie Night
Not only can you get a cool bite sized ice cream snack at a theater, but you can also prepare ahead of time and have some ice cream ready when you’re just watching a video at home. Both are great.
When Hanging Out With Friends
You and your friends get each other. Sometimes, it’s like you’re the same person. As such, it’s great when you guys can sit down and enjoy a nice sweet treat together.
When Studying For An Exam
Another great time to enjoy an ice cream snack would be as a sweet moment of relief during exam season. Have the snack next to you to help you get through a night of study.
As A Reward After An Exam
Then, when exam season is over you deserve something to celebrate. Have an ice cream cup as a reward for all the hard work you put into studying.
Date Night
In addition, something sweet is always nice when you’re out with the one you love. Have a romantic dinner and then a nice cup of ice cream to celebrate being together.
After A Hard Day At Work
Just like your kids when they get off of school, you can enjoy a scoop or two when you’ve gotten off of work. This is especially good when you’ve had an especially hard day.
Some Sweet After Clubbing
Another time that ice cream is great is when you’ve got gotten home from a night out. Late night excursions are often fun but tiring, have a scoop of ice cream to help you wind down from all that.
On Cheat Day
Then, when you’re trying to be healthier and keep a tight body, it might be hard to have ice cream. That said, everyone deserves a nice, sweet treat and cheat day’s a great time for you to have what you deserve.
As A Nice Surprise
All of these events are great, but the one that’s possibly the best is when you’re not expecting the dessert. Say your parent, friend, or lover gets you ice cream as a surprise. That is a great way to uplift your day.

Ice cream is a wonderful treat. Most of us love them and there are many ways that it comes into out lives. All of these events are just some on a long list of ice cream induced happiness. So, raise your ice cream cups and have a scoop on me. You deserve it.

Finding the Best Mexican Restaurants in Your Area

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Francis Pitt

Many places all over the world have different types of restaurants serving international cuisine, and many big cities, regardless of their location on the globe, have at least one Mexican restaurant. A favorite for many and disliked by few, the colorful dishes and powerful flavor pops of Mexican food have most people coming back for seconds… or thirds!

Finding the best Mexican restaurants in your area

If you are looking to start a heated debate in any given group of individuals, whether they are your coworkers, family members, or fellow passengers on the subway, ask where to find the best Mexican food. Everyone has their favorite that they absolutely swear by and are ready to defend the most loudly. Of course, different people have different tastes and each person could have a different reason behind their choice, but the truly best Mexican restaurants will not only offer a wide variety of options, but also serve authentic dishes, that really bring with them the essence of the actual experience of enjoying a meal in Mexico.

The popularity of Mexican food

One recent look at the prevalence of Mexican restaurants in the United States showed that there were 38,000 Mexican restaurants peppered across the nation. That leaves a lot of room for discussion and debate over which of those are the absolute bet Mexican restaurants. One thing is clear, however, and that is that the popularity of Mexican food has indeed been growing. Salsa now outranks both ketchup and mayonnaise as the most popular condiment, and tortillas have been selling better than hot dog buns for the last few years. This hints at the fact that nearly three quarters of the households across the country cook and eat Mexican food and the ingredients commonly used in the delicious cuisine.

Being the best

There are several types of international restaurants and cuisine available throughout the United States, but with one in 10 restaurants selling Mexican food, the cuisine from our neighbors to the south holds the title for most popular international cuisine in the nation. And that makes the establishments that are commonly referred to as the best Mexican restaurants incredibly popular indeed. While 75% of people indulging in foreign cuisine are seeking new flavors, two thirds are on the hunt for flavors that are bolder, and dishes that are unfamiliar. The best Mexican restaurants know how to deliver each of those!

Why Golf Courses Are One of the Best Wedding Venues

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Francis Pitt

Outdoor weddings are becoming more and more popular. Beaches, gardens and even farms have become favorite locations for couples to exchange their vows. Among outdoor wedding places, golf courses have a number of advantages for couples and event planners. They offer a picture perfect setting as well as all facilities for a memorable party. With indoor reception spaces and ballrooms, and a trained staff of party planners, they can help you create a perfect celebration.

A beautiful natural setting
The largest number of weddings are held in the summer, taking advantage of the warm weather and the natural beauty of the outdoors. In fact over a third, or 35% of all weddings are now held out of doors, according to Hudson Valley Weddings. Outdoor venues can in include beaches, gardens, parks, and golf courses.
Golf courses offer vistas of smooth manicured greens with a backdrop of wooded hills, and a range of indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy the view and the event. Golf clubs actually are some of the best party venues, because they come fully equipped with all the facilities for a party. They have wedding, banquet, meeting and special events facilities, which make planning a party much easier.

Elegance and convenience in a single package
What makes a golf course one of the best places to have a wedding? Among outdoor wedding places, golf courses have one big advantage, and that’s accessibility. Not everyone can hike up a mountain trail to watch a couple exchange their vows, but grandparents and elderly relatives can make it out to the golf club.
A golf course wedding is also much easier to plan. It’s easily accessible to all caterers, florists, photographers, DJs and other professionals who will make the event happen. As well as outdoor wedding places, there is a club house with elegant decor, and trained staff who understand the art of hospitality.

On trend hospitality and party planning
With the avenge wedding reception costing $ 28,385, a golf club wedding offers some of the best value for your money. There will be a number of indoor banquet halls and reception rooms, lighted terraces and even a grand ballroom for a memorable night of celebration and dancing.
With a kitchen and staff that are experienced in the arts of hospitality and party planning, you can be sure that your event will be on trend. For example, in 2015, ethnic brunch items like Asian-flavored syrups, Chorizo scrambled eggs, coconut milk pancakes were a hot trend, according to 67% of respondents. A wedding brunch may be the perfect weekend party for your family and friends.

Among popular outdoor wedding places, golf courses and club houses offer a combination of natural beauty and elegant surroundings. This, along with a trained staff of party planners, makes them a good place to celebrate one of the most important days of your life.

Too Busy to Cook? Call for a Rotisserie Chicken Delivery

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Francis Pitt

Chicken is a popular protein choice throughout the United States. It’s interesting to note that people in this country eat more chicken than anywhere else in the world. In fact, the National Chicken Council projected that in 2016, each person in the United States would eat a minimum of 91.8 pounds of chicken.

There are so many different ways to prepare chicken, which is another reason why it is such a popular choice. Just imagine the delicious aroma of latin-style barbecue chicken . . .Lightly-spiced chicken wings, for example, make a great afternoon or late-night snack. A rotisserie chicken or two can provide a delicious main course for a meal shared with family and friends.

When you love latin-style cuisine, chicken may be one of your favorite menu items. If you’re looking for where and what to eat after a day at the beach or an evening out on the town, a chicken kitchen is an excellent choice. Furthermore, when compared with other fast foods, chicken wings or a rotisserie chicken are much healthier choices. Add in a side dish or two, and you will have a filling and fulfilling meal.

If you’re having a relaxing afternoon and don’t feel like cooking or going out for a meal, it’s nice to know that there are food delivery and catering services available. This is a convenient and tasty solution when you have an impromptu or planned get-together with family or friends.

It’s also a good idea to pick up a few extra rotisserie chickens so that you have a better chance to have leftovers. You can make chicken sandwiches, add chicken to salads, or mix it up with some rice. Another great idea when there’s a bit of chicken left on the bone is to make soup. Add in onions, garlic, corn, celery, and black beans, and you’ll have a delicious, aromatic soup.

If you’re hungry and are planning to go shopping, why not visit a chicken kitchen before to get something to eat. This is particularly a good idea if you’re planning to go grocery shopping, as you’ll make smarter decisions when you’ve just had a satisfying meal.

Know Your Mexican Food — The Difference Between Flour and Corn Tortillas

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Francis Pitt

In America, one of the most important characteristics is the multicultural fabric of its society and the great things it brings to the table as far as cuisine is concerned. Since there are so many cultures bound together in the same location, the kind of food that is available in America and is consumed on a daily basis by millions of its citizens is interesting to say the least. Influences from multiple kinds of cuisines all over the world make it so exciting to be of food enthusiast in this country, and one of the most important staples when it comes to ethnic cuisine in the country is Mexican food. The best Mexican restaurants in the country serve the best Mexican food that you can find, and if you know how to spot authentic Mexican food, you can embark on a journey that involves exotic spices, a great depth of flavor and aromas, and visual presentation that makes the food even more worth it. One of the things that many people overlook, however, is the nutritional benefits of Mexican food. Not only is it extremely healthy and full of good food value and nutrients, but to the presence of integrated taste and flavors contributes to its appeal.

One of the most important ingredients when it comes to Mexican food is the tortilla. Used in a variety of ways and contributing to a lot of Mexican dishes that we now recognize as staples in the country, the tortilla is something very simple. It is essentially a flat bread, which is created by rolling the dough in a circular shape and then breaking it either in an oven or on the open heat. This creates a very simple, starchy flat bread which can be used with a variety of different ingredients to create amazing Mexican staples that are all well known in this country for their excellent and bold flavors. One of the most important things that decide the kind of tortilla that you end up with is the choice of flour. Tortilla can be made with many different kinds of flour, and the two most commonly used ones are regular flour and corn flour. Indeed, this is the main difference between flour and corn tortillas, and each of them brings something different to the table, and are consequently used in different kinds of recipes and creations.

Let us get more in-depth and explored the difference between flour and corn tortillas, and what each brings to the table in terms of characteristics as ingredients. To start off with, flour tortillas are in general very soft and quite pliable,and have it taste which is extremely neutral with a hint of sweetness. Since they are soft by nature, they are the ideal choice for things like tacos and enchiladas, and you can even use stable wants to create quesadillas. However, due to their soft texture, they are not great for frying. In most cases, they are used in recipes where you really want the feeling or the flavor inside to be the star of the show and the tortilla is just the shell that holds things together.

The other side of the contest in the difference between flour and corn tortillas is the interesting corn tortilla, which is also slightly pliable, but mostly firm. They have a more chewy texture, which makes them an interesting ingredient. The taste is also not as neutral as that of flour tortillas, as the corn flavor shines through. One of the main aspects of the difference between flour and corn tortillas is that corn tortillas are excellent for frying, and you can use them as tortillas chips. It can also be used as a shelf for tacos if you want the shell to be a part of the flavor profile and to contribute to the overall taste of the dish. Both of these are extremely interesting ingredients and can be used creatively in a variety of different ways to bring life to Mexican cuisine.

These are the main points of difference between flour and corn tortillas and you should choose accordingly when cooking great Mexican food.

How To Create The Ultimate Wedding Menu Diets, Allergies, Seasonal Options And More

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Francis Pitt

Weddings are one of the most beloved celebrations in the United States. They symbolize a union built on love and trust, creating warm memories that withstand the test of time. Because of this popularity it stands to reason every element of a wedding is held to a high standard, from designs to set-ups, and will be given the utmost quality. A quality menu for weddings is an incredibly involving feature that takes into account everything from unique tastes to particular diets, crafted to offer every guest something delicious to whet their appetite and create an evening to remember.

Food Services Never Go Out Of Style

Everyone loves a good spread. There are an estimated 321,000 American men and women working in both the food management and catering industry today — they do everything from cooking to baking to designing, working night and day to create the most brilliant weddings and after-parties imaginable. Good caterers should be aware of with the most up-to-date food safety regulations and should easily manage a staff of cooks, servers, dishwashers and cleaners. While everyone has different roles, some caterers are also in charge of decor, table arrangements and general presentation.

Seasonally Driven Menus Are Always In

No two seasons are the same. Neither are weddings! A good food catering menu for weddings should properly reflect the changing weather and passing holidays, all the better to cultivate an environment that feels relevant to all attending. A summer spread should have plenty of fun foods as well as classic spreads to cultivate the cheer of the season, while a winter spread should combine a proper mixture of filling and sweet.

Top It Off With A Good Drink

Drinks are so popular they have their own sections and guidelines. Should you be cultivating a menu for weddings in a more rural location, such as a vineyard or ranch, keep in mind your kitchen facilities may be inefficient to meet the challenges of providing a proper spread and drink selection for your guests. There should be a good range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options for all and sundry, with martinis and vodka mixes still some of the most popular fun choices for adults. Even now ‘Great Gatsby-inspired’ weddings with champagne towers and cocktails are incredibly popular.

Better To Be Safe Than Sorry

A menu for weddings should never neglect allergies, alternate diets or food intolerance. Recipes should be adjusted to cope with the aforementioned issues and there should always be easy-to-find disclaimers so people know what they’re interacting with. Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, shellfish and wheat. Common intolerance issues include soy, milk and eggs. Alternate diets should take into account vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians. Some allergies are rarer and, at the end of the day, it never hurts to double-check to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

Creating A Good Menu For Weddings

Now for a little refresher. A dinner catering menu is one of the most essential elements to a successful wedding and easily takes up a significant amount of time for the couple in question. Seasonally driven menus are some of the most popular decisions, while good drinks should always be in heavy supply. Double-checking for allergies and alternative diets will go a long way in preventing trouble, while hiring the right outside catering services will reduce a lot of stress on your already busy schedule. Ready to create the ultimate wedding? It pays to be prepared!

Organic Food Benefits

live happily, healthily and deliciously in the fast food nation