The 5 Most Typical Dishes with Rice in Spain  

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There are many rice dishes, but these five are typical of the Mediterranean region!

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Different preparations that through vegetable or animal raw materials pick up the flavor and even enhance it, making each spoonful a set of combinations and gastronomic history.

1. Valencian Paella  

Paella is not only one of the best known rice dishes in Spain, it is also the most famous dish abroad and a preparation of magical flavor with a very special liturgy. Among the canonical ingredients of the most elementary Valencian paella are rice, water, tomato, olive oil, rabbit and chicken meats suitably salted, saffron for the yellow color, garrofón -a legume that must be rehydrated- and green beans of the ferradura type. It is also usual to add paprika, snails, rosemary for aroma, garlic in the sauce, duck meat, pork ribs or other vegetables, such as tavella or artichokes in season.

One of the most widespread versions of paella is paella marinera, which eliminates vegetables and meat and adds seafood, as well as fish stock. As is logical, paella marinera is typical of coastal towns where cuttlefish, squid, crayfish and other crustaceans are widely consumed.

There are similar recipes you can make instead of paella, using almost the same ingredients, for example, this recipe with white or brown rice: successrice.com/recipes/spanish-rice/.

2. Cuban-style rice  

From colonial times, this dish has been very common in any Spanish family. In the same dish, a portion of boiled white rice, a couple of spoonfuls of fried tomato and a fried egg that keeps the yolk liquid are unmixed. To these three elements some slices of fried plantain are added, giving an interesting contrast between sweet and salty.

The most typical form of presentation is to mold the white rice with a cup or bowl. Once cooked, it is usually molded with a glass or cup so that it looks like a kettledrum. Some variants of the dish are made substituting the egg for sausages, chorizo or another meat product. If you want a vegetarian version you can include some cooked chickpeas and then sautéed with garlic, which will add a healthy portion of fiber and vegetable proteins.

3. Arroz a banda  

Arroz a banda consists of a preparation that starts with a broth made with morralla and other humble fish. These marine products lacked value and were the food of the fishermen who invented the dish. Over time, the broth was made with higher quality ingredients and selected fish, becoming one of the most consumed and appreciated rice dishes in the Mediterranean, especially in Alicante, where it originated.

This broth added to a fried garlic, ñora and fish heads is the basis for cooking rice in a paella, once the rice has absorbed the broth is presented to the diners, usually with the accompaniment of aioli, which in addition to providing a blow of intense and different flavor, served as a caloric supplement.

4. Black rice  

The black rice, in Valencia or Catalonia, is another of the Mediterranean fish and seafood rice dishes that are most in demand at family and friendly gatherings. The adjective ‘black’ is due to the fact that during the cooking of the rice in broth, cuttlefish or squid ink is added, which changes the pearly white color of the rice grains to a dark gray tone. As it is a dry rice dish, it is cooked in paella and less frequently in an earthenware casserole. Like arroz a banda, it has a base of morralla and a fried sauce of chopped onions and garlic, to which pieces of cuttlefish, squid and prawns are added.

The black rice is not exclusive of Spain, it is also common in Italy under the name of riso al nero di seppia, although it is in the Grao of the city of Castellón and in some towns of the coast of Alicante and Gironés where it is most celebrated.

5. Baked rice  

Baked rice is a dish that uses the leftovers of the stew and the broth from the same preparation. Among its main ingredients, in addition to rice, there are various pork products -chorizo, sausages, bacon, ribs or balls of minced and spiced meat-, potatoes, chickpeas, tomato slices and a head of garlic that serves as both an ornamental and aromatic element.

This dish is cooked in an earthenware casserole resistant to the high temperatures of the oven. It is very popular throughout the Valencian Community, but it is more typical in inland towns such as Onteniente, Játiva, Cheste or Muro de Alcoy.

The Best Tips for Making Mexican Food + Spicy tuna and Avocado Burritos Recipe

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Mexican cuisine encompasses a wide variety of recipes from the different regions of Mexico!

 

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Commonly, this type of food uses beans, rice, tomatoes, chilis and tortillas in many dishes. Proteins, such as beef, chicken and seafood, are also common ingredients in Mexican recipes. Mexican food is generally flavorful and well-seasoned. To prepare Mexican food, it is preferable to use fresh ingredients that are in season.

Mexico is a large country with many regions. Each of these has a distinct cuisine based on the ingredients that are available there. For this reason, Mexican food recipes generally taste better when fresh ingredients are used. This type of cuisine uses many vegetables, herbs and spices, which can usually be purchased at a farmer’s market or supermarket. Many large cities have Mexican markets that contain some of the more obscure ingredients that can be ordered in native dishes.

A tradition of Mexico  

Many Mexican dishes are served with rice and beans. Refried beans made with lard are very popular, but whole black beans are also common in Mexican cooking. Mexican rice is usually cooked with tomatoes, onions and seasonings, resulting in a fluffy rice dish with lots of flavor. Rice and beans can also be used as a filling for tacos or burritos. You are probably how they taste, so this recipe mahatmarice.com/recipes/rice-and-beans-tacos-dorados/ is for you to try.

Beans and rice are staples of Mexican cuisine, but many Mexican food recipes also call for a type of protein. Chicken and beef are commonly used, and there are many recipes that call for seafood, such as shrimp or fish. When cooking Mexican food, the protein is often marinated for maximum flavor. If the proper ingredients are not available to make an authentic Mexican marinade, meat that is pre-seasoned and marinated can often be purchased at a Mexican butcher or grocery store.

Tortillas are often part of Mexican recipes. These can be made from flour or corn, and can be used to make dishes such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Tortillas can also be served in the same way that other cuisines serve bread with a meal. Homemade tortillas generally taste the best, but high-quality tortillas can also be purchased at a Mexican bakery or market.

Several authentic Mexican food dishes have a spicy flavor due to the use of chilis, such as jalapeños and habaneros. When preparing a dish that calls for hot peppers, care should be taken not to touch the face or eyes after handling them. If a recipe is too hot for a person’s taste, the cook can cut off the top of a bell pepper and remove the seeds for a milder flavor. Chilis can also be roasted to enhance their flavors.

Spicy tuna and avocado burritos: easy and healthy recipe  

This fresh and delicious spicy tuna and avocado burrito recipe is great for a light lunch, for dinner or even to take to the park on a family picnic day. You can also enjoy them for a savory snack or take them to the office if you don’t have much time at lunchtime.

Ingredients  

  • 9 oz of tuna in water (crumbled).
  • 1 avocado.
  • 3 onions.
  • 1 small cucumber.
  • 4 leaves of lettuce.
  • 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
  • 4 flour tortillas.
  • 1 Lemon.
  • 1 Jalapeño bell pepper.
  • Salt.
  • Ground black pepper.

How to make tuna and avocado burritos  

  1. First drain the tuna in water and place it in a bowl. Finely chop the onion, garlic and chili if you opted for the spicy version. Add these ingredients to the tuna along with the mayonnaise. Season with salt, a little pepper and stir well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
  2. In the meantime, peel the avocado, remove the stone and mash it with a fork. Add salt, pepper and a spoonful of lemon juice. Peel the cucumber and cut it into thin julienne strips. To assemble the burritos, heat the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 40 seconds. Put some lettuce leaves, a couple of spoonfuls of tuna, the avocado puree, the cucumber julienne strips and roll them up to form the burrito.

Cook’s Tips: this dish can be eaten warm since the tortillas are only heated a little. You can serve them for a light lunch or even better for dinner. They are perfect for the spring season with a cold light beer or with a seasonal fruit juice.

There is a Type of Cheese for Each Dish

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Cheese enjoys a great presence in the kitchen, where it is used in the preparation of numerous and very diverse recipes, from serving as an accompaniment to taking on an absolute leading role!

 

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This food is present in numerous dishes around the world, to which it gives a counterpoint of texture and delicious flavor.

In the market there can be found a great variety of cheeses, so one can choose one or the other depending on the type of dish that is going to be prepared. Cheese is used in many recipes, as in the cheesecake and berries dessert, or in delicious baked potatoes with cheese. In this article you will learn the perfect type of cheese to use for each recipe you make at home.

Salads

For this type of preparation, fresh cheeses with a soft texture goes very well, such as Burgos, fresh mozzarella or feta cheese, as they have a mild flavor and a low consistency.

Another option are cheeses at an intermediate point of maturity, made into cubes and combined with different types of fruit, such as peach or orange. One of the best options for a salad is Edam, which is a soft cheese ideal for serving with various nuts.

Fondues and fillings

To prepare fillings, semi-cured cheeses are the best option, such as Manchego, Gouda, Emmental, Cheddar or Edam. All of them are ideal for this purpose because they withstand frying and melt little by little inside a soufflé, a quesadilla or an empanada.

To elaborate a fondue, it is recommended using very fatty cheeses that melt well, as is the case of Gruyere, Cheddar or Emmental. In addition, they can be used both to make all kinds of fillings, to top off a sandwich or a simple meal such as chicken and rice with broccoli. To try the recipe of chicken and rice with broccoli follow this link https://minuterice.com/recipes/cheesy-chicken-and-rice/.

Pasta

Cheeses with a high fat content and a semi-hard or hard consistency bind well with pasta. The ideal way to use it is to grate them and add them at the last moment,without gratin. Among the cheeses most commonly used for this purpose are cured goat cheeses, cured Manchego cheeses and Parmesan.

A tip: it is recommended to grate the cheese at the moment of use, so that it does not lose much of its aroma.

Gratin

The star cheese when preparing a gratin is semi-cured mozzarella, which is always present in pizza or pasta dishes with a thin layer of melted cheese on top. Grated Parmesan is another interesting option. Brie and Camembert cheese can also be used, which bind very well in gratins over meat, cooked cauliflower or potatoes. In most cases, it is enough to use the grill, about 10 centimeters away, so that the cheese is perfectly au gratin.

Sauces

When cooking, use semi-cured and creamy cheeses, since their milk and fat content makes them melt easily when in contact with a heat source, giving a unique flavor and aroma to each dish. One of the preparations in which cheese is not usually missing is in soufflés.

When using them, keep in mind that they should be added towards the end of cooking, and, over low heat, stir so that they melt slowly. If this is not done, there is a risk of lumps forming.

Pastry

One of the cheeses that gives the best results in confectionery is Mascarpone. Who has not tried tiramisu? Other spreadable cheeses are also very interesting, since they have a mild flavor, a high fat content, which makes them very versatile, and a creamy texture, ideal for numerous preparations. Among the most commonly used cheeses, to accompany jams, or to make mousses, flans and creams.

As a dessert

The vast majority of cheeses can be eaten as dessert regardless of their ripening point. In most preparations, the aim is to achieve a contrast between the flavor and aroma of the cheese and the rest of the ingredients. Thus, for example, you can prepare a toast with apricot jam and a little Cabrales or Roquefort cheese. If we do not like the cured cheese, mix it with cream to obtain a cream with a softer flavor.

9 Tips to Start a Baking Business From Your Home Kitchen

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Starting your own online bakery business might be delicious if you wish to offer baked products online!

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Do you consistently create amazing cakes or enticing cupcakes everyone wants to eat? Then you’re ready to launch a profitable bakery using your baking expertise. There has always been a big market for baked goods.

However, you must confirm that you are conducting business lawfully before you sell your first homemade baked food or another item. Make sure you obtain the correct tax numbers from the federal and state governments, and check your local jurisdictions for any permit needs. You can begin developing your home baking company ideas after having those documents.

Making something inexpensive and intuitively simple for you to build can help you succeed by maximizing the investment return on your time and money. The finest home bakery business plan, always remember, starts easy.

This section will go into great length about how to establish a bakery business from the convenience of your home, or more specifically, how to start a home bakery if you enjoy baking and are interested in making it your job.

1. Choose a niche 

You are the same as every other baking firm is insufficient for any business. Therefore, the first step is to identify a unique skill that you possess that no one else has. If your goods stand out from the competition, whether vegan cupcakes or glittery birthday cakes, there is bound to be a market for them.

2. Make a kitchen space plan 

It’s crucial to approach your home kitchen like a place of business if you plan to use it as the foundation for your new enterprise. For example, maintaining a high degree of sanitary standards is crucial if you own a firm selling baked goods. For this reason, you should design your kitchen to be spick-and-span and valuable.

3. What you need for a home bakery 

You’ll need commercial-grade bakery equipment to help you produce all those baked goods without your equipment failing in the process if you want to transform your bakery into a trustworthy, lucrative business. You should buy an oven, bakeware, mixer, decorating supplies, and a refrigerator. To save time, you can opt for equipment that can self-clean. For example, Thor Kitchen professional appliances are modern with a fantastic finish and come with a self-cleaning function.

4. Legal procedure

Google your local laws or ask your state’s Department of Health or Department of Agriculture for further information about their rules. Food entrepreneurs now have a method to enter the market from their homes thanks to cottage food rules, which eliminate the need for the significant investment in a professional kitchen that was previously necessary. Decide what you will sell after ensuring you can legally work from home.

5. Make a business plan 

Making a plan is preferable to pounding your head against a brick wall for months trying to figure out why your firm isn’t succeeding. From the start, correctly set your prices. Then, instead of starting low and expecting your clients to understand when you start raising your rates, it is simpler to begin at the proper level.

The price should be lower than that of a professional bakery because you want to avoid creating a large-scale commercial enterprise. However, there are several things to consider, including the equipment’s cost, ingredients, packaging, electricity bill, delivery, etc.

6. Branding 

No matter the company’s size, branding is crucial and highly advised for all businesses. The same is true for a home bakery. Businesses can stand out from the competition by branding, making it easier for customers to relate to the brand. You must first create a visually appealing brand logo. Next, you need a memorable tagline that will stick in buyers’ minds.

7. Food Security 

Your company depends on food safety; if you get someone sick, your company might never recover. Food safety is not difficult, but it does require careful preparation. We advise keeping your children and pets out of the kitchen while you prepare.

8. Networking and marketing 

It’s crucial to consider marketing methods because people need to learn about your amazing cakes. Consider alternative options in addition to bringing your cakes to neighborhood events and using social media to connect with potential clients.

On Facebook, a lot of marketing may be done for nothing or little money. Therefore, it is impossible to exaggerate the value of a well-designed, expertly optimized website with the appropriate keywords. But this can only take the place of positive word of mouth. For example, your business might take off if you occasionally sell one popular dessert—order labels and packaging for your products.

9. A record of your income and expenses 

You need to keep track of your revenue and company spending because you operate your own business, so you can submit this information when you fill out your tax return. In addition, you may manage your business finances with the help of various small business accounting programs.

Feast Your Eyes on These Mouth Watering Chocolate Statistics for 2023

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What better way to satisfy your chocolate cravings than with some mouth watering chocolate statistics!

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Chocolate is a universal treat loved all over the world and if you have tried it in any of its various, delicious, forms, it is not hard to see why! In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into some interesting facts and figures about our favourite sweet treat, so prepare your taste buds for what’s in store, there’s a strong possibility this will make you hungry!

Let’s Start from the Beginning…

Chocolate has a long and fascinating history so before we get to the latest facts and figures, let’s have a quick recap of chocolate through the years – our favourite type of history lesson!

When the first cacao plants were discovered in what is now Mexico over 4 millenia ago, the ancient Mayans and Aztecs thought chocolate was a gift from the gods (can you blame them?!).

The Aztecs in particular were extremely passionate about drinking chocolate and even gave it as a prize to warriors after battle. Cocoa beans were also used during religious rituals and as currency with each bean being considered more valuable than gold. So, next time someone tells you money doesn’t grow on trees – just dazzle them with your knowledge of cacao’s rich history in Central America!

Today…

Over the years our love of chocolate has spread across the globe with industrialisation of the industry turning it into the product we know today! For the majority of us, chocolate is a regular indulgence and it is no surprise that over half of all new products on UK supermarket shelves have some form of chocolate included within them.

Chocolate is evidently a great way to delight your taste buds, but some of the other ways in which it can be used may surprise you. In fact, world famous chocolate company Bosco claims that their chocolate is a great alternative to fake blood… Yes, you read that correctly, fake blood. Now, while some sources dispute this fact, Bosco insist that their chocolate syrup was used as blood in the famous shower scene of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic horror movie Psycho. It has also been credited as a fake blood substitute in George Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’. Now that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, ‘death by chocolate’…

Fun Facts

So what are the most recent developments of this delightful confection? Here are some of our favourite chocolate statistics from last year.

  • The global chocolate market is predicted to grow by $41.72billion in the next 5 years! (Research & Markets)
  • The first ever chocolate bar ever made is still sold today, in fact it is still the most in demand chocolate in the UK – Cadburys (The Grocer).
  • Chocolate has always been a popular snacking option and over half of consumers are reported to be snacking more as a result of Covid-19 (FrontiersIn).
  • An interesting trend this year is that more than 55% of consumers are actually keen to spend their money on new and unusual flavours of chocolate rather than the standard dark, milk or white! (FoodBeverageInsider)
  • Chocolate statistics show that more than 90% of people don’t know it actually comes from a fruit and not a vegetable! (and no, unfortunately it doesn’t count as one of your five a day).
  • White chocolate cannot actually be considered chocolate as it contains no cocoa powder! (VeryWellHealth) 
  • A visit to Switzerland would not be complete without some mouth-watering Swiss chocolates. People from all over the world love these tasty treats but it is the Swiss who consume around 19 pounds of it per year making them the highest consumer of chocolate in the world. (Statista)
  • Mars Inc the producer of some of our favourite chocolate including Mars Bars, Snickers and Twix, is over 110 years old (Mars, Inc).
  • The world loves chocolate, and there is even an annual festival held every July 7th to celebrate it (National Day Calendar).
  • Chocolate is not just delicious but also great for your skin! Chocolate contains antioxidants like flavonoids (a type of chemical found naturally within dark foods) and has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to speed up the healing process after an injury or surgery. (Medical News Today).

And finally, our favourite statistics…

  • Chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content is actually considered to be good for you! (Biron, 2021) 
  • You can reduce stress levels with as little as 48g of 70% chocolate per day as well as improving memory and mood. (Science Daily)
  • Chocolate can help trigger the body’s natural immune response. It is also reported to supplement vaccine-induced immunity in a positive way. (Kamei, 2016)

Wrap Up

So there you have it, whether you like dark chocolate or milk, there’s no denying the power of this sweet treat to make people happy! We hope we’ve given you some food for thought as to what makes us love it so much and you’ve learnt something new about this delicious snack. Make sure to share these fun facts with your friends, family, and colleagues because we all need a little more chocolate in our lives!

7 Superb Kitchen Remodelling Tips That Will Save You Money

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Make your kitchen look updated with these kitchen remodeling tips that will save you money in the long run!

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When it comes to remodelling a contemporary living space, falling into the trap of overspending is a common occurrence – particularly for those who are dipping their toes into interior design for the first time. Curating the right kitchen for you can add value to your home as a commodity, but it can also seem like a daunting task.

From appliance installation to adding your own personal flair to the aesthetic of the room, there’s a lot to consider! Whether you’re looking for professional industry insight, or simply just need to get inspired, stick around as we cover seven superb kitchen remodelling tips that won’t break your bank.

1. Create A Realistic Budget

It’s always good practice to assess your kitchen beforehand in order to devise a plan. Working together with those in your household to decide on a price that is compatible with what needs remodelling in the space can save a lot of trial and error – and a lot of cash! Knowing what works with your budget and what doesn’t is a must.

2. Utilise Reusable Resources

Remodelling a kitchen successfully doesn’t always mean that absolutely every aspect of the room has to be brand new. Repurposing old surfaces, reusing older appliances and also investing in brands that work with renewable resources is great for taking a more cost-effective approach.

3. Work With Your Current Layout

It’s important to be smart when working with the room layout itself. This can be achieved by looking for products that are realistic for the size and shape of the area   – i.e. if you’re dealing with a limited space, investing in minimalist hairpin tables could really keep the kitchen from appearing cluttered and overdone, in an affordable and accessible way. 

4. DIY When You Can 

A huge pricing issue associated with kitchen renovation is the hired labour involved in gutting a living space and building it back up. If you’re able to, it could be a good idea to look into repurposing old appliances and countertops yourself if possible – research varnishing and painting, upgrade older or slower appliances if you’re able to develop the technical know-how. This option has the potential to save an astronomical amount of money, so it’s definitely worth considering.

5. Quality Over Quantity

Many clients who are looking to remodel their home believe spending a pretty penny will help curate the desired result. In actuality, this isn’t necessarily true, especially if you’re able to discern which products are genuinely high-quality.  Rather than opting to buy kitchen appliances in excess, look for items that serve numerous functions for a reasonable price.

6. Keep Your Cabinets

Purchasing cabinetry is one of the most expensive parts of kitchen remodelling, but it truly doesn’t have to be. It is not a “must” when developing a new aesthetic, and there are tons of ways to circumvent this issue. From refacing your current cabinets, to painting them, to replacing the hardware itself – the options are endless. 

7. Prioritise Your Investments

Knowing where to invest a chunk of money and what to compromise on is also vital in terms of cost efficiency. Generally speaking, looking to spend more on durability and convenience rather than aesthetics can serve a kitchen space rather well, as the goal should always be to create a room that meets your needs as a homeowner.

Finding the Ideal Bakery Job by Going Online

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Thinking about working in a bakery? Keep reading!

The internet has become invaluable in our daily lives for many reasons these days. We now go online for many purposes such as streaming movies, contacting friends, using social media, educational purposes, shopping, and work. When it comes to the latter, turning to internet technology can play a big part in terms of your career success, and it can help you to find the ideal position within the industry you want to work in.

If you have aspirations of becoming a baker, there are many ways in which internet tech can help you to achieve this goal. There are lots of tools and resources that you can turn to in order to boost your chances of getting into this type of job, and you will find that using these can make a big difference to your success levels. Once you succeed in securing a baker position, you can look forward to a rewarding and satisfying career doing something you enjoy. In this article, we will look at some of the ways you can get into a bakery job by going online.

How It Can Help

There are many ways in which going online can help if you have aspirations to become a baker. Some of the key ones are:

Ability to Research the Best Training Facilities

One of the ways in which going online can help is that it enables you to better research the various training facilities so that you can find the ideal one for you. It is important that you have proper training and the right skills to get into a position as a baker, and this means getting the ideal training. By going online, you can compare different training facilities to ensure you find the perfect one to develop your skills and knowledge.

Getting a Great Resume Together

Another way in which going online can help is by providing you with access to baker resume examples and templates. This then makes it easier for you to create the perfect resume to boost your chances of success within this field. A good resume is vital because it can make all the difference when you start applying for baker jobs, so you need to ensure you put time and effort into creating one that shows off your skills and demonstrates why you are the best person for the job.

Being Alerted About Suitable Positions

One of the other reasons to go online to help you get a job as a baker is that you can access a range of online job agencies where such vacancies are posted by employers. In fact, you can enter your details and the type of work you want, and details of suitable positions are then emailed directly to you. This is a great way to ensure you are alerted whenever a possibly ideal position arises.

These are some of the ways in which you can get the ideal bakery job by making use of internet technology.