Cooking

The grilling season is almost over. So, if you haven’t had your first big summer BBQ, now is the time to fire up the grill and get started. That is unless you don’t have a grill.

If that’s the case, buying a pellet grill is the way to go. What is a pellet grill you may ask? Well, it’s a grill that also acts as a smoker.

It can even bake pies if you want it to. This makes it one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen arsenal.

How does it perform such cooking miracles? We’re about to tell you. Check out this guide to more about the pellet smoker grill.

What is a Pellet Grill?

Before we get into why you should buy a wood pellet grill, let’s talk a little more about what it is. Wood pellets are placed in a chamber inside the grill.

These pellets are dispersed and ignited as a system of fans kicks in to regulate the temperature throughout the grill. This system makes it easy to smoke, grill, and bake pretty much anything you want.

If you can cook it using your regular old oven, the pellet grill can handle it too and probably offer a better result.

Benefits of a Pellet Grill

The pellet grill has more benefits to offer besides being super versatile. It’s also simple to use, allows for even cooking, provides delicious flavor, and you can control it using your smartphone.

It’s Simple to Ignite

With many grills, it feels like pulling teeth to get it to ignite enough for you to start cooking your food.

When you buy a pellet grill, you’ll be able to put this chore behind you. With the touch of a button, you can both prime and ignite the grill.

Even Heating

Pellet grills have a fan system and work as a smoke chamber of sorts. It provides nice, even heating throughout the entire grill.

You won’t have to worry about some of your meat being undercooked and some of it being overcooked.

You Can Control It Using Your Phone

Perhaps the coolest part of having a pellet grill is the ability to control it using your smartphone.

Not all of them have this feature but many have WIFI capabilities and an app you can download. You’ll be able to check on the temperature of your grill and turn it up or down from the comfort of your couch.

Delicious Flavor

The wood pellets that work with the grill all come in unique, and delicious flavors like cherry, hickory, and pecan.

You can cook your food using one or even a combination of these pellets to give your food a delicious, one of a kind taste.

It’s Not Hard to Use

Pellet grills are easy to use. You can pretty much put your food on it, close the lid, and not touch it again until it’s ready to come up.

Most pellet grills come complete with whole pre-programmed cooking settings. You’ve only got to pick the setting you like and let the grill do the rest.

Consistency

The main reason why you don’t have to monitor your grill is consistency. The grill is programmed to keep track of the temperature and add wood pellets as needed on its own.

It keeps the heat at a concise temperature so you don’t have to worry about it flaring up and burning your house down. You’ll be able to actually enjoy the BBQ instead of having to stand and cook the entire time.

Large Temperature Range

It’s true that the pellet grill’s specialty is slow smoking. That’s not the only temperature setting it comes in though.

A few of the newer grill models pack a lot of heat. They can even sear if you need them to.

Best Pellet Grills

Now that you know what you can gain from buying a pellet grill, we’re going to help you pick one out. Here are a few of the best ones on the market.

Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill

First up on the list is the Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill. First off, every single Camp Chef pellet grill comes with WIFI connectivity. So, you can monitor your grill’s temperature from anywhere in your house.

They contain a PID controller that allows you to set the temperature and smoke level of your grill precisely where you want it.

If you’re interested in this pellet grill, you can go here to read more now.

Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill

Like the Camp Chef, the Traeger comes with WIFI capabilities that will allow you to monitor your grill temperature using your phone.

Older Traeger models had an issue with heating up properly and staying hot. This newer model has fixed the issues.

The pro model comes in two different sizes. We will tell you that the larger version costs a significant amount more but you’ll have more space to work with.

Z Grills 700D Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

If you want a grill that has the quality of the other two without the expensive price tag, Z Grills has you covered. It comes complete with a storage cabinet that you can use to hold your wood pellets and it offers a ton of cooking space.

You will have to give up the convenience of being able to control your grill using your smartphone but even so, this grill is a fantastic value.

Make the Pellet Grill the Star of All Your BBQs

What is a pellet grill? It’s the star of your next summer BBQ. It can cook pretty much anything you throw at it from a rack of ribs to pies.

With that versatility and all the other benefits we’ve listed, what’s not to love?

What’s a grill without tasty food ideas and recipes? Check out the cooking section of our blog daily for even more tasty articles like this one.

 

Are you a new homeowner, or are you in the process of updating your cutlery? Are you looking for a new pair of steak knives?

Steak knives do a lot more than your average kitchen knives. That’s why they’ve been a staple in American households for almost a century.

Steak knives feature serrated blades and wooden handles. They are the only type of sharp knives you can find on a typical American kitchen table. Steak knives are used to easily cut through meats like steak, chicken, and beef.

What should you be looking for in a steak knife set?

Let’s take a look.

Straight Edge

A straight edge steak knife has a single long, smooth cutting edge. These knives are excellent for cutting through soft and hard foods such as meats, fruits, and veggies. A straight edge can also help you cut through a tenderloin or porterhouse cut perfectly.

A straight edge will cut through foods in a few strokes, requiring less work on the cutter’s part. Straight edge knives typically need to get sharpened often, although they are easier to sharpen than serrated knives.

Serrated Blades

Serrated steak blades are scalloped along the edges. They are designed to cut through foods that have a tough exterior. Serrated steak knives are great for slicing through crusty loaves of bread, although they won’t slice through steak as easily.

Serrated steak knives don’t need to get sharpened as often as straight-edge blades, but they are not as easy to sharpen. They won’t blunt as easily when they come in contact with ceramic plates.

Blade Size

Knife blades come in a variety of sizes, and they’re usually between five and seven inches long. Shorter blades may have a higher cutting quality. They also have more flexibility and tend to be easier to maintain.

Longer-blade knives are often used in high-end restaurants. They make for a nice presentation, but don’t always result in a cleaner cut.

Balance

You’ll want to think about balance when choosing a steak knife. For example, you’ll want the handle to be proportional to the blade, and you want the knife to be easy to pick up. The blade should be at a straight angle from the handle.

Before purchasing a knife at your local store, feel free to hold a few, and make sure the balance feels right. You won’t want to feel like either the blade or handle are too heavy. You’ll also want to look at the blade from the side of the handle and make sure it doesn’t seem to angle away.

Remember that, if you’re a regular steak eater, the balance of your knives will be critical to you creating and enjoying those perfect slices.

Blade Materials

A popular material for steak knives to get made from is high carbon blade steel. It’s able to hold sharpness for a long time. High carbon steel blades are also easy to open.

The high carbon content, however, can also make blades more prone to rusting. You can prevent this by hand-washing the blades often and drying them completely before putting them away.

Stainless steel blades are also popular. Restaurants use them often because they’re easy to maintain. High-quality stainless steel blades can dull faster than high carbon blade steel, so you need to shop carefully.

Handle Materials

Steel handles are sometimes used for steak knives. This turns the knife into one long piece of metal, so it will be less likely to break apart. Steel handles are, however, less common and more difficult to find.

Wood steak knife handles are quite popular. They are used in homes and restaurants and always look sophisticated.

Wood steak knife handles will rot if they’re not carefully cleaned and maintained. You should make sure to thoroughly dry them after washing them.

Resin wood handles are heavy and strong. They are also highly resistant to water, heat, and salt.

Some folks don’t like the look of resin handles. You will need to shop carefully to find one with a classic appearance.

Pakkawood is also used often for steak knives. It’s made from dense wood that’s stable and water-resistant.

Pakkawood handles are black or clear. The colors are designed to enhance the natural grains of the wood.

Caring for Your Steak Knives

It’s important not to store steak knives loosely in a drawer, as this will dull them quickly.

Many inexpensive knives come with sheaths, which can help you protect them. Knife blocks are also popular. These prevent the spread of dirt and keep knives from clashing against one another

Be sure to wash your knives by hand right after you use them. Otherwise, water, acid, and chemicals can destroy the blade. Dry them with a cloth immediately afterward to prevent rusting.

Be careful not to leave your knives in the sink as they can quickly rust and corrode. You also won’t want to put them in the dishwasher unless they are dishwasher safe. Otherwise, they can become chipped and useless.

Your steak knives should get sharpened once every 1-2 years. You can do this yourself using a sharpening iron or whetstone.

If you’re uncomfortable sharpening your knives by yourself, local cooking stores will do so for only a few dollars. They can help recreate your angle precisely. Professionals will also remove no more metal than is necessary, ensuring that you’re knife’s shape and life are preserved.

Get Sharp

Choosing steak knives involves doing a little shopping and homework. With the right balance, materials, and blades, your knives could be bringing you delicious meals for years to come.

For more great lifestyle advice, read our blog today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When lunchtime rolls around, you need to decide what you are going to eat. If you are like a lot of people, you want to find something that is convenient and affordable. You could make your own lunches but that can be time-consuming and isn’t always practical. Of course, a lot of restaurant food and takeout can be expensive. Fortunately, there are a few good options.

Pizza

Pizza is the classic option for when you need something inexpensive and delicious. You can order anything from vegan pizza to a meat lovers’ slice. There are options for everyone.

Ordering pizza for a group is an excellent option. Alternatively, save some of the pizza for lunch tomorrow. If you want a simple way to heat it up: microwave with a cup of water next to the plate. This will help keep the crust from getting chewy.

For something that is a little fresher tasting, consider getting spinach alfredo pizza delivery. Again, there is something to match every taste and the prices are almost always excellent.

Pizza Sandwich

This may sound like a copy of the previous suggestion, but it is its own thing. Pizza sandwiches are a combination of a flatbread sandwich and pizza. They are absolutely delicious and very affordable. With options such as meatball pepperoni and Philly cheesesteak, you’ll be able to find one you love. Plus, it will come quickly.

Wings

Buffalo wings are another good option. They aren’t exactly a full lunch by themselves, but they can be very filling and tasty. Plus, you can often score a good deal on wings, especially if you check the restaurant’s specials.

Consider adding these to your pizza order to get some extra protein and spicy goodness. If you don’t like the heat, you may consider barbecue or other options such as honey chipotle

Getting a Great Deal

One of the best ways to bring down the cost of your lunch is by taking advantage of the restaurant’s specials and promotions. For example, you can usually get a deal on pizza. For example, if you are ordering as a group, you may be able to get four pizzas for the price of three. You may also be able to get some sides, such as wings or garlic knots.

Make sure that you sign up for rewards also. While this won’t cut down the cost of your first order, the savings will start flowing right away. Rewards programs give you some money back to spend on future orders. That means that you can keep saving the more you order from your favorite restaurants. You need to eat either way. You may as well save some money while you do it.

Order Today

Do you want to get pizza for your next lunch? It is the ultimate quick and cheap option. Before you pick the first place after searching for “pizza delivery near me,” make sure to check the specials. Ordering from the right restaurant will mean that you can get a better deal. Check out some of the options now and place your order on a delicious lunch.

Cooking meat in the Instant Pot is super easy and delicious. It is actually one of the quickest ways to end up with a perfectly cooked meat center for dinner. Because the meat is cooked under pressure, the cooking time is drastically reduced. Also, when it is cooked this way, you end up with tender and juicy meat.

No matter what type of meats you love, cooking them in the Instant Pot is one of the best ways to go. In addition, the beauty of the Instant Pot or electronic pressure cooker is that you can use frozen meat in it. Therefore, if you have a busy schedule, and want a quick and easy dinner, using the Instant Pot is the perfect option.

I have been using the Instant Pot for the past 5 years and can say with certainty that it is my favorite way to cook any type of meat in it. Usually, I have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. My family loves Instant Pot meals, and it is also a great way to rotate between your weekly menus. In my kitchen, I have well over 100 Instant Pot recipes, that you can pick from. They are all delicious and easy to make, especially for busy families.

In this post, I will share with you how to cook meat in the Instant Pot -frozen pork tenderloin. This is an ideal dinner idea for busy families, and I hope you will enjoy it just as much as I do.

What is an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker is a multi-functional cooker that does the job of a slow cooker, electric pressure cooker, steamer, and yogurt maker. It is a great kitchen gadget to have as you can cook pretty much anything in it. Also, you can steam veggies or cook desserts, such as cheesecakes in the Instant Pot.

The main benefit of it is that you can cook meals at a fraction of the time compared to the traditional, stovetop or oven method. Because the meals are cooked under HIGH pressure, the cooking time is drastically reduced!

What meats can you cook in the Instant Pot?

You can cook basically any meat in it. Also, as stated above, feel free to cook frozen meat. All you have to do is simply increase the time a bit, depending on how much you are trying to cook. The most important thing to remember when cooking meats in it is to use thicker cuts and avoid thinly sliced cuts. This way you will be rewarded with juicy and tender meat. The best meats to cook are:

Pork Chops – One of my favorite ways to cook the chops is in the Instant Pot. They are tender and mouth-watering.  Also, you can cook loin, ribs, tenderloin, or pork roast.

Chicken – You can cook fresh or frozen chicken. Similarly, you can cook any cuts as well. Whether you are craving drumsticks, breasts, or even looking to cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot, it is easily doable.

Beef – Similar to pork, beef is the perfect meat to cook. You can cook anything from the beef roast, corned beef, all the way to short ribs.

Lamb – A great way to end up with a tender lamb meal is by cooking it in the Instant Pot. Lamb stew is a great recipe because the meat ends up tender and super flavorful. Also, it is a great dish to make for St. Patrick’s Day or Easter.

How to cook frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot?

Now that you have your Instant Pot ready, I will share with you a super easy, yet delicious pork tenderloin recipe. The beauty of this recipe is that you can cook it fresh or frozen. The main difference would be to adjust the time by a few minutes.

To cook pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot, you will need the following ingredients:

• About 1-2lbs pork tenderloin
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 bay leaves

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, low sodium
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger root
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Once you have the ingredients ready, the rest is pretty simple.

1. Start by adding 2 cups of chicken broth and bay leaves to the pressure cooker pot.
2. Then, insert the trivet inside the pot, and add the fresh or frozen tenderloin piece. If the tenderloin is too large, you can cut it in two separate pieces.
3. Next, close the lid and cook on HGH pressure. The cooking time should be 20 minutes per pound for fresh tenderloin or 30 minutes per pound for frozen tenderloin.
4. Once cooked, let the pressure to release naturally.
5. Open the lid and remove the tenderloin.
6. Then, prepare the sauce, and brush it over the tenderloin.
7. Lastly, I like to broil the meat for a few minutes to give it a nice golden color.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped green onion, and serve warm over some rice or mashed potatoes.

Do you find it all too easy to close the fridge door, put your chopping board away and order in a takeaway? Even with the best of intentions, meal prepping can be difficult to stick to. From your physical and mental health to your finances however, the benefits could well change your life.

A recent study found that almost a third of British adults eat alone ‘most of the time’. As a result, many feel as if it’s not worth cooking just for themselves. Here are three compelling arguments as to why that’s not the case.

You’ll improve your diet

Let’s face it, you don’t eat out or stock your fridge with ready meals because it’s good for your health. Whether you’re doing so because you’re short on time or you feel like indulging in a treat, you’re probably taking on far more fats, sugars and salt than you otherwise would if you were cooking yourself.

Everything is okay in moderation, of course, but by planning out a week of healthy meals you’re far likelier to get more of what’s good for you. Controlling exactly what you’re eating is also a huge plus if you have any intolerances or allergies.

You’ll save money

Are you a sucker for a lunchtime meal deal? How about a post-gym snack? Those sandwiches and shakes all add up, however.

Cooking in bulk, on the other hand, often works out far cheaper than buying ingredients in single-meal quantities or picking up something pre-made. Everyday items such as grains, pulses, nuts and oats are often inexpensive when sold by the kilo and will last you for weeks on end.

It may require some upfront costs, like a larger fridge and other nifty appliances, and you’ll have to consider if and how you can afford it, but soon, both your body and your bank balance will be reaping the rewards.

You’ll better balance your day

Modern life is hectic. Amongst a busy weekday schedule of meetings, parenting duties and gym classes, it can be near impossible to cobble a decent meal together. Finding one you’ve pre-made, ready and waiting, can be a blessing. You’re doing your future a favour.

Putting a few hours’ work in on a Sunday saves you being late for your appointments or skipping eating altogether. Try it for yourself to see if you can lower your stress levels and keep your hangriness at bay.

Do you feel ready to give meal prepping a go? With these three benefits firmly in mind, you’ll be better placed to make a go of it for good.

If all you know about Taiwan’s food culture are its bubble milk tea and stinky tofu, you’ll be in for a treat once you’ve actually set foot in the country. This is especially true if you’re visiting its capital city of Taipei, where hardly anyone cooks a meal at home. With their fast-paced city lifestyles, people living here have indeed found it more practical to eat out. And what makes this an even easier choice for them is the plethora of affordable and delicious street food to choose from.

If you find yourself hungry in Taipei, the city’s night markets are always a good place to find good food. Whether it’s something uniquely Taiwanese or a traditional dish with a twist, there will be a lot to try while you’re staying in this vibrant city. So once you’ve booked a Taipei tour package, you should start planning out how to visit these must-try street food delights during your stay.

Pork Pepper Bun (Hu Jiao Bing)

Hu Jiao Bing is Taiwan’s version of the more-familiar Chinese steamed buns. Brought to the country by immigrants from Fuzhou, the main difference is that these Pork Pepper Buns are baked instead of steamed. As a result, you get a crunchy bun with the spicy, minced pork and scallion filling inside. It’s a definite favourite among the locals, so be prepared to line up if you’re looking to grab a bite.

Pork Intestine & Oyster Noodle (Orh Ah Mee Sua)

Orh Ah Mee Sua is one of those traditional Chinese dishes that were given a twist. In this case, it’s been spiced up with the addition of oysters. It’s also so popular that you can easily find this popular soup anywhere in the city. Indeed, a simple way to search for the nearest place to try it might be to just follow the sound of people slurping away at their bowls!

In general, Mee Sua is a rice flour noodle that’s incredibly delicate and light. But with the smoky pork intestine and tasty oyster combo added into the mix, it makes for a hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. Here’s a pro tip: add a bit of garlic and chili sauce to amp up the soup’s flavour profile.

Taiwanese Fried Chicken

Taiwan’s take on the traditional fried chicken comes in 2 forms: steak and popcorn. The Fried Chicken Steak is pounded breast meat that can be as wide as your face. Unlike other types of fried chicken, they are marinated in Asian spices, coated in potato flour, and double fried for guaranteed crispiness. Next, the popcorn version is basically the same, but the chicken is cut-up into nuggets before frying to make for an easy meal on the go. As a final touch, you also get to choose a flavoured powder coating for added taste. Some flavours you might encounter include seaweed, basil, and chili powder.

Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup

Head over to the Raohe Night Market for some pork bone soup that’s not only good for you but delicious too. While there are plenty of vendors selling the same dish, go ahead and visit Chen Tung Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup for something that’s good enough to get included on the Michelin Guide.

The meat is falls-off-the-bone tender, while the savoury broth smells and tastes of mouth-watering Chinese medicinal herbs and spices. For a complete meal, it’s best to pair the soup with a serving of braised pork rice.

Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)

One of Taipei’s signature dishes is the Beef Noodle Soup (or Niu Rou Mian). The name may not sound much but the taste and texture will speak for itself.

As with all great noodle soups, everything starts with the broth. The Niu Rou Mian is no exception with a rich broth from beef shanks, chicken, and pork bones. More flavour is then added thanks to a selection of aromatic herbs and spices such as fennel, cumin, and star anise. Combined with chewy noodles and tender beef tendons, you have a complete and satisfying meal in one bowl. One last thing: add a dollop of chili butter to add some kick to your soup or try out the various condiments that come with almost every Taiwanese dish.

Taiwan’s food culture is constantly evolving with creative cooks and chefs freely drawing inspiration from different countries. With this penchant for culinary innovation, it’s only a matter a time before they give the world a new food craze. Who knows? They might even make a stinky tofu dish that everyone would want to try.

 

In the past few years veganism has enjoyed a surge in popularity. There are various factors which have led countless individuals to give up meat and animal products for good. To discover some of the key factors which have directly influenced the growing popularity of veganism, simply continue reading to understand why veganism is a result of societal changes.

Below details the rise and fall of veganism in each state. This informative image has been brought to you by OWYN. If you want to discuss this topic, use #VeggieVsVegan when sharing on social media!

The Growing Popularity of Veganism: Why More Individuals Are Choosing to Follow a Vegan Diet

More individuals are becoming health conscious:

Many individuals choose to become vegans as they want to lead a healthy lifestyle and to consume a balanced, nutritious diet which is jam packed full of vitamins and nutrients. If you start following a vegan diet within a couple of weeks you should start to notice that you have more energy to get through each day and that it’s easier to maintain a healthy weight. You may even discover that your hair, skin and nails will become healthier as a result of following a vegan diet.

You can decrease your chances of developing cardiovascular dieases:

By following a vegan diet you can significantly decrease your chances of developing a serious cardiovascular disease such as heart disease. If you’d love to enjoy a long, healthy life and to be around to witness all of your kids milestones, it’s a great idea to consider following a nutritious vegan diet.

Individuals who follow a vegan diet typically consume more fresh food than meat eaters:

You shouldn’t be surprised to find out that the average vegan consumes a lot more fresh organic food such as legumes, fruits and vegetables than the average meat eater. So if you’d like to clean up your diet, you may find it worthwhile following a vegan diet. As you may be inspired to start growing your own fruits and vegetables or to visit your local farmers market on a weekly basis, in order to pick up locally grown, organic produce.

Becoming vegan is a eco-friendly choice:

As livestock such as cows are responsible for much of the world’s methane which contributes to the world’s carbon emissions, if you choose to become a vegetarian, you’ll also be making an eco-friendly choice.

Becoming a vegan is a great choice if you’re an animal lover:

If you’re a self confessed animal lover you may find becoming a vegan fits in with your individual morals and ethics.

Is there a viable option if the transition to becoming a vegan is too difficult?

Yes, if you’ve been an avid meat eater for the majority of your life, you may find it difficult to transition over night from being a meat eater to being a vegan. As vegans do not consume animal by products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt or eggs. However, more and more vegan companies are beginning to offer vegan friendly substitutes than taste similar to the real thing. Alternatively, you may want to test out becoming a vegetarian, for a month or two, before making the decision to fully commit to becoming a fully fledged vegan.

So if you’re curious about following a vegan lifestyle, it’s well worth looking up scrumptious vegan recipes and testing out becoming a vegan for a week or two. As you should find that you’ll start to lead a healthier lifestyle than when you were a meat eater.