Author: Greg Folli

Healthy and Delicious: 5 Recipes to Try Today


When you think of healthy eating, what comes to mind? Probably a lot of bland and unappetizing dishes. But that doesn’t have to be the case! There are plenty of delicious recipes out there that can help you stay on track with your health goals. In this blog post, we will share five recipes with you that are both healthy and tasty. So whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner ideas, we have you covered!

Berry Chia Seed Pudding

This recipe is perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. It is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and omega- fatty acids. Plus, it is super easy to make!

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • ¾ cup almond milk or coconut milk beverage
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, honey (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the berries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.

To serve, divide the pudding among four bowls. Top with almonds if desired. Enjoy!

Black Bean Brownies

Who said healthy eating has to be bland? These black bean brownies are a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ¼ cup water
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup sugar or honey
  • ⅓ cup Nutella or other chocolate hazelnut spread
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an eight-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

In a food processor, combine the black beans, water, cocoa powder, sugar or honey, Nutella, baking powder, and salt. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Turkey Chili

This hearty chili is perfect for chilly winter days. It is packed with protein and fiber, and it is a great source of vitamins A and C.

Ingredients:

  • ½ pound lean ground turkey
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
  • ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup diced yellow bell pepper
  • ¼ cup diced celery
  • ¼ cup diced carrot
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • One 15.25 ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • One 15.25 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • One 15.25 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • One 14.75 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • One tablespoon tomato paste
  • Two cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.

Add the onion, bell peppers, celery, carrot, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt and black pepper to the pot. Stir well.

Add the tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste and chicken broth. Stir well. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Stir in the cilantro and serve warm. Enjoy!

Turkey and Kale Wraps

These wraps are a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. They are packed with protein and fiber, and they taste delicious!

Ingredients:

  • One 12-ounce package smoked turkey breast, diced
  • One cup chopped kale leaves
  • Two tablespoons hummus or other dip of choice
  • Four whole wheat tortillas

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the smoked turkey, kale leaves and hummus. Stir well.

Lay out the tortillas on a work surface. Divide the turkey mixture evenly among each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber. It is perfect for picnics or potlucks!

Ingredients:

  • One cup cooked and cooled quinoa
  • One cup chopped cucumber
  • One cup chopped tomatoes
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • One tablespoon olive oil
  • Two tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion and parsley. Stir well.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and stir well. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!


How to Make Your Kitchen More Comfortable: 5 Tips for a Cozy Cooking Space


If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time in your kitchen. It’s the heart of your home, where you cook meals, eat breakfast, and chat with friends and family. That’s why it’s important to make your kitchen as comfortable as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips for making your kitchen more cozy and inviting!

Tip #01: Add some personal touches.

One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen more comfortable is to add some personal touches. This could mean hanging up some of your favorite artwork or photos, or adding a few plants or flowers. If you have a lot of counter space, you could also try using it to display your favorite dishes or cookbooks.

Tip #02: Get a comfortable chair.

A lot of people spend a lot of time in their kitchens, so it’s important to have a comfortable chair to sit in. This could be an old-fashioned rocking chair, or something more modern like a lounge chair. If you don’t have much space, you could try using a bar stool or even a bench.

Tip #03: Add some color.

A kitchen can feel a bit drab if it’s all white or beige. That’s why it’s a good idea to add some color! This could mean painting the walls in a bright shade, adding a colorful rug, or hanging some colorful curtains. Just be careful not to go too crazy with the color – you don’t want your kitchen to feel like a clown car.

Tip #04: Add some warmth.

A cold kitchen can be really uncomfortable, especially in the winter. That’s why it’s important to add some warmth! You could try adding a few candles, using a fireplace or space heater, or even installing under-floor heating.

Tip #05: Make it smell good.

One of the best ways to make your kitchen more comfortable is to make it smell good. This could mean using scented candles, simmering some spices on the stove, or even installing a ventilation hood. Whatever you do, make sure the smell is something you enjoy – there’s nothing worse than a kitchen that smells like rotting food.

We hope these tips help you make your kitchen more cozy and inviting! For more ideas, be sure to check out our other blog posts. Thanks for reading!


Cooking: Logical Behavior in the Kitchen


Cooking is a logical process. It requires logic to create, and logic to execute. You need to know what you are doing in order for your food not only to turn out well, but also taste good. In this article we will go over 5 habits that can help you be more successful as a cook:

1) Read the Recipe Carefully – Before cooking anything, read through the recipe thoroughly so there are no mistakes or surprises when it’s time to start making the dish. This way you’ll have an idea of how long each step should take and what ingredients you’ll need before starting cooking!

2) Gather Ingredients First – Create a list of all of the different ingredients that you will need for the dish, then gather them all together before you start cooking. This will help avoid any last minute trips to the grocery store or pantry, and will save you time overall in the kitchen.

3) Prepare Your Work Space – If you’re cooking in the kitchen, make sure that your counter space is cleared and clean. Organize all of the ingredients into pre-determined sections for easy access when needed. You should also try to keep track of how long it will take between steps so you can plan accordingly!

4) Learn Basic Cooking Techniques – There are a few basic cooking techniques that everyone should know in order to be successful in the kitchen. These include boiling, poaching, roasting, sautéing, and frying. Once you have mastered these techniques, you will be able to cook just about anything!

5) Cook with Love – When cooking, make sure to do it with love! This will ensure that your food not only tastes good but is also prepared with care. Cooking should be a fun and enjoyable experience for you and the people around you.

Once you get grasp of these habits, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time! And who knows, maybe you’ll even start to enjoy it. 🙂


Things You Can Blow Your Money On: 10 items for your kitchen that are worth the investment


If you are looking for ways to make your kitchen more efficient, there are a few items that can really help. These expensive gadgets might be worth the investment if you use them often. Here are 10 must-have items for any kitchen:

1) A high quality chef knife set – For professional chefs, these knives are essential tools in their arsenal of cooking weapons. For home cooks, they’re just as important. Quality chef knives will last longer and save time while prepping food because they cut through everything with ease.

2) An ice cream maker – If you love making homemade ice cream this is one gadget that’s well worth the price tag! Homemade ice creams have so much flavor and always taste better than store-bought.

3) A high quality microplane – This tool makes zesting lemons, limes and other citrus fruits a breeze. Just be careful not to grate your knuckles!

4) A stand mixer – A good quality stand mixer can do everything from kneading dough to whipping cream. They come in all shapes and sizes, so find one that fits your needs.

5) An air fryer – This appliance is perfect for those who want to indulge in their favorite fried foods but don’t want to feel guilty afterwards. An air fryer uses very little oil, so your food comes out crispy without all the added fat.

6) A Smart Oven – A Smart Oven is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook. It has all the features of a regular oven, but also comes with a built-in microwave and dehydrator.

7) A pasta maker – If you love making your own pasta, a pasta maker is a must-have. With this handy gadget, you can make any kind of pasta imaginable.

8) A quality blender – A good blender can do so much, from making smoothies to whipping up dips. Invest in one that can handle any task you throw at it!

9) A quality waffle maker – A good waffle maker is a must-have for any breakfast lover. With one of these, you can make restaurant-quality Belgian waffles in the comfort of your own home.

10) A KitchenAid Stand Mixer – This is by far the most expensive item on this list, but it’s also the most versatile. You can use it to knead dough, whip up cream and even make pasta!

Thinking of making the investment? Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Does it come with multiple functions?
  • Is it easy and intuitive to use?
  • Will I actually use this gadget on a regular basis, or will it just take up space in my kitchen cabinet?

If you answer yes to these questions and your budget allows, these items might be worth the investment. If not, there are plenty of other gadgets that can do just as much for a fraction of the price tag!


How To Keep Your Dog Occupied When You’re Cooking


Dogs are as cute as can be, but when you’re on a mission to pull together a dinner to remember then you might need a bit of alone time so you can get the job done. What if your dog is looking for some attention? Sometimes when you need to focus just happens to coincide precisely with playtime in their minds. If they see you working away, they may just want to join in on the action. Don’t worry, there are some things you can try to keep your dog at bay while you make the magic happen.

Find Their Favorite Chew Toy

A needy dog can often be put to work for hours on end with a simple chew toy. If you haven’t found one that your dog loves then you’re missing out, this is a quick and easy solution that will keep them knawing away while you go off to work in the kitchen. If they seem to snub typical chew toys, try something that you can put some food in. After all, you’re trying to buy some time so you can go to work making a delicious meal, why not put them to work in the same way? A kong filled with frozen peanut butter is a time-honored solution that should help get you thinking.

Let Them Get Exercise With An Electric Dog Fence

If you are fortunate enough to have access to a back yard in your home, why not let them run around without worrying if they’ll escape to the neighbor’s yard? As long as they are set up properly they are quite reliable, so you can let your dog get some fun in the sun while you whip up a piping hot meal for your family. How’s that for a change?

Alternatively, Try A Training Collar

Maybe your dog is whimpering and whining while you’re trying to mince onions, celery, and carrots for a nice mirepoix? Or worse, they’re barking frantically as you’re trying to put the finishing touches on a perfect beef stroganoff? Many people have turned to training collars because they work like magic. You can either get a bark collar if that is your main problem, or a collar with a remote so that you can get them off the couch without having to drop what you’re doing.

Gate Them Off In A Room

Maybe your dog isn’t barking like crazy, and it’s more a matter of them getting tangled up in your feet while you’re running around making sure all of the components of your dishes hit the plate at the exact right moment. You might find that a good, old-fashioned door gate is just what the doctor ordered in this situation. The best thing about this solution is that it’s dead simple and cheap, plus it can be repurposed for all sorts of applications. Kids on the way too? You’ll be glad you have a door gate anyway.

Try Some Music or TV

The fall back is to try what works for so many of us humans – pop on the TV or the stereo and see if you get any engagement from your dog. Lots of dog owners utilize this tactic when they go out for the day to make their dogs feel like they aren’t the only ones at home, and it may just work in this case as well. Try out some different shows and types of music before you throw in the towel, it may just be that you haven’t found your dog’s favorites yet!


How To Choose A Killer Sound System For Your Food Truck


Any entrepreneur who ventures in food truck business must consider some factors that are vital to the success of the business. Some of these factors include the customers’ interest, working experience of the workers, management, location and the capital required. The most significant factor among all these is the customers’ interest; without the customer, the business cannot run as they are the cornerstone for any business. For this reason, it’s essential to meet all the needs, tastes and preferences of all the customers. The needs of the customer can be achieved by ensuring that the food is of high quality and that the customers are entertained and inspired to purchase other products more often. 

It’s important for food truck owners to consider installing a quality sound system to keep all the customers entertained and informed. When purchasing the sound system, you should consider the size, volume and the cost factors. The cost of a killer sound system can be relatively cheap, the size should be intermediate, and the volume should be clear and balanced. 

A food truck without music? That could be lame.

Researchers have provided their point of view on the car amplifiers that are efficient and reliable. These amplifiers include:

1. Pioneer GM-D9605

This is a class D bridgeable amplifier. It is well designed and has numerous features that make it convenient and dependable for your car. They include:

  • Keeps your sound very smooth and the vibrations are regulated to ensure that your stereo is well protected from damage that can be caused by the internal temperatures. 
  • The amplifier has a simple connection process, and turning is very easy. The pioneer GM-D9605 has a speaker level input that enhances automatic turning. The amp also has high and low pass filters that will enable you to adjust the audio sound to match your preferences. 
  • You will enjoy the first class audio — experts design pioneer GM-D9605. It’s also fitted with efficient class D modern technology that enhances the cooling system of your stereo. The class D technology also promotes you with a pleasurable listening experience. 
  • Your car will be filled with loads of Punch. Pioneer GM-D9605 is designed to have 2000w MAX. The bass and the volume are well designed to meet your preferences. 
  • It’s very easy to install the Pioneer GM-D9605. 

2. Planet Audio AC1800.5 Anarchy

This amplifier contains up to 1800w that allows your system to regulate the sound as per your preferences and requirement. Some of the features that make this amplifier to be reliable and convenient include:

  • It has a 3- way System Protection Circuitry that ensure that all the thermal and current overloads are regulated. 
  • It contains a switchable input sensitivity that will enable you to control the input signal from the receiver; this ensures the balance between power and audio quality. 
You should have plenty of space to store the important components of your sound system.

3. BOSS Audio PV3700 Phantom

  • It contains a massive power output of 3700w MAX that makes it more reliable.
  • BOSS Audio PV3700 Phantom has A/B linear circuitry that increases the quality as well as the minimizing the distortion.
  • The BOSS Audio PV3700 Phantom amplifier is well protected from voltage upsurge and thermal increase using the constant monitors. 

4. Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime 

Some would say that this is the best 5 channel car amp. Its unique features include

  • Its ability to hold about four speakers with 50 watts each.
  • It runs the entire system comfortably.
  • It easily turns the boom up when driving thus making the bass and volume efficient.
  • Its bridgeable with class AB and D technology that gives you the best sound qualifier. 

5. JL Audio XD700/5V2 Compact Amp

Last but not least is the JL Audio CD700/5V2. Features include:

  • It’s small in size but packs massive power for your entire system as it delivers 75 watts RMS to four speakers.
  • It has an exclusive protection circuit and can fit in any vehicle.
  • Designed with 2 auto turn modes that can be controlled from the driver’s seat.

How To Set Up A Stunning Dining Room


Setting up a stunning dining room is much simpler than you might think. You do not need to purchase thousands of dollars of Victorian furniture to make this happen. You can build a lovely dining room from a few simple pieces, and you will discover that you can create a room that is not expensive, not complicated, and fun to eat in every day. Make your dining room into a place that you use regularly, and remember that you can completely change the styling of your house if you have built a brand new dining room. 

1. The Walls 

You do not need to have wallpaper to make your dining room look great. You should look over the walls to see which colors would be best. You can use wall colors to create a style that helps Accenture the colors of your China and furniture. you could paint opposite walls the same color, and you could paint patterns on the wall that will help make the room look much more lively. You could use warmer tones on the walls to make the room look softer, or you could use bright colors if they is a room where you will celebrate. 

2. Lights 

You should add softer lights to the room that are more than just a chandelier. You could create a room that is beautiful to look at, and you will find that you could use recessed lights on the walls, a couple overhead lights, or candles on the table. These are simple things to install, and they will help create the ambience that you want. 

3. Furniture 

You should purchase furniture that is the right color, size, and style for the room. You need a table that you can use to make the walls and light shine in a color that you have chosen. You could purchase extra chairs for the table, or you could buy benches for the table because that make it feel more like a family style table. You could bring extra chairs into the room, and you must have the extra leaf of your table ready to go if you believe that you should extend the table for an event. 

4. The China Cabinet 

The China cabinet that you have purchased should leave you enough room for your utensils, the China, and your crystal. You are purchasing a lot of different items to sit on display for most of the year, and you could even drop your linens into this cabinet so that you have all the things you need for an event in the same place. The China cabinet is a central figure in the room, and it can either sit on the wall or sit in the corner. 

5. Curtains 

If your dining room has windows, you need window treatments that will keep light out while also making the space feel more colorful. You could get some stately drapes that you believe will uphold the dignified style of the room, or you could choose something very colorful that will support the whimsical emperor styling of the room. Curtains could be used to keep light out, or you could use curtains when you want to have layers on the wall that help accentuate the colors you already chose. Ensure you have lovely curtain rods that support your style along with shades that might help direct light coming through the window. 

6. Conclusion 

Your dining room should be designed using all the different things above. There are many people who will find that they have all the pieces even though they are not laid out in the right way. Bring in the right lights and colors so that your room will look perfect, and you could have a celebration every day in this room. You can bring all your friends over to eat in this room, and you can dazzle them with the things that you have introduced to the space.


Five Tools That You Really Need In Your Kitchen


 There are obviously many items that you need in your kitchen. If you have just moved into your first apartment or home and need a starting point, then here are the top five things you should have in your kitchen to get you started. We’ll ignore the most obvious such as utensils, plates, cups, etc. The items listed here will get you on the right track to preparing delicious meals for yourself as well as guests. 

Cutting Board

Cutting boards are generally made of either a plastic material or wood. Whichever one you choose basically comes down to preference. A good teak wood cutting board is one of the easiest to maintain over other wood boards. It has a pleasant and comfortable cutting surface. The only downfall is that it will require a more proper cleaning then a plastic board. If a plastic cutting board is more your thing, then try going with one that has rubber feet so there is no slipping while cutting food. Also, try and find one that has a juice groove to catch any excess liquids. 

Chef Knife

While most people will just purchase a standard set of knives, it is recommended to have one good and reliable chefs knife. These knives are sturdy, durable, extremely sharp, and can be used as a general utility kitchen knife. They generally have a blade that is 8 inches in length and 1 1/2 inches in width. They are typically made of either stainless steel or carbon steel. Unlike other knives, such as a pairing knife, these knives are designed for various cutting purposes. They can be used for chopping, slicing and mincing vegetables, slicing meat, and other cutting purposes. 

High Powered Blender/Food Processor

A blender-food processor combo is an extremely convenient must in the kitchen these days. With its multi-purpose application, it will cut down on food prep by an amazing amount of time. It can be used as a blender for making milkshakes, smoothies, margaritas, or daiquiris. It can be used to chop nuts and vegetables. It can be used to cream together ingredients for dips, purees, and desserts. They come with a variety of very useful attachments that will make life in the kitchen a whole lot easier. 

Large Saute Pan

A saute pan typically has a wide and flat bottom with tall sides, a long handle, and a lid. There are several different types of saute pans on the market. Once again, the type you choose comes down to preference. Non-stick pans have a coating which layers the bottom and sides of the pan. These are ideal when cooking for there is little to no chance of the food sticking. You should always use the right plastic utensils while cooking with these pans, as well as a soft sponge while cleaning them. The coating can become damaged with too much abuse. Classic saute pans do not have the non-stick coating, but rather an aluminum core or base. Many saute pans are also oven safe so they can be used not only for stove-top cooking but in the oven as well. 

Baking Sheet

Baking sheets come in many different sizes and are pretty basic. There are some that are non-stick for easy removal of those freshly baked cookies. While others are a basic aluminum or aluminum steel, and require some light greasing or lining with parchment paper when baking sticky foods. Some baking sheets are light and affordable, while others are more heavy duty and durable. Another thing to consider is whether to get a cookie sheet or a baking sheet. A baking sheet has rolled edges, while a cookie sheet does not. Since the lack of edges on a typical cookie sheet may limit the type of baking you can do, it is probably wise to start off with a baking sheet.


Three Ways to Prepare Delicious Ribeye Steaks


There are three excellent and easy ways to cook a ribeye steak. These ways are searing, broiling, and barbequing. These receipts for cooking ribeye steak are so tasty and inviting anyone who likes steak would thoroughly enjoy the flavor.

To sear the ribeye steak in a frying pan, the ingredients needed are extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, a ½ stick of butter and one crushed clove of garlic. First, rub the steak with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper on each side. Then place the oil in the frying pan to boil. Next, add the steak to the sizzling hot pan. Leave one side down until seared then turn the steak over to sear the other side. Then, base the steak with crushed garlic and ½ stick of butter. Remove the steak from pan, let it cool then slice.

To broil the ribeye in the oven the ingredients needed are ½ tsp ground green and black peppercorns, salt, 30 cloves of garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and ⅓ cup of white balsamic vinegar. Rub the steak liberally with the green and black peppercorns, and salt. Then let the ribeye sit for five minutes before cooking. In the meantime mince the 30 garlic cloves. Then cook, and stir the garlic in a medium temperature frying pan and rosemary, white balsamic vinegar, and pepper. Next, add additional olive oil to make a loose paste and set aside. Then preheat the oven to the highest broiler setting and set the oven rack to the most top position. Pat off any excess moisture on the steak and then add olive oil. Cook the steak in the broiler for six to eight minutes then turn and repeat. While the steak is cooking take out the rosemary from the frying pan and transfer the garlic sauce into a bowl. Next, remove the steak from the heat. Then place on a cooling rack with tin foil over the top to hold in the juices, let the steak rest, then slice.

To cook the ribeye steak on a barbeque the ingredients needed are olive oil, salt, and black pepper. First, let the steak sit out of the refrigerator until it comes to room temperature for about one hour. Then rub both sides of the steak with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat the grill to high heat, and add the ribeye steak, close the lid and set the timer for approximately six minutes. Then flip over the steak and repeat. To see if the ribeye is cooked touch the meat for firmness. It should be the same as feeling the palm of your hand when the thumb and middle finger are placed together. Then take the steak off the grill and set it on a plate for about five minutes before slicing.