Posts Tagged ‘Cilio Salt Mill’
Unlike baking, there aren’t any set and fast rules when it comes to basic cooking. If you observe an experienced chef, you’ll notice that they rarely, if ever, meter out the seasonings and spices they use in there cuisine. This is because the amount of seasoning you use when cooking doesn’t affect the consistency or cooking time like it does in baking. And since fresh ingredients like meat, fish, poultry and produce vary greatly in their flavor depending on the season and region they come from, the necessary seasonings will be different every time you step into the kitchen.
Many home cooks make the mistake of seasoning all of their food the same. Certain foods, such as most fish and crustaceans, have naturally high levels of sodium. So it probably isn’t necessary to whip out the salt mill. The best way to determine the proper blend of seasonings is through simple experimentation. Once you have a grasp of the flavor profile of various foods, you’ll naturally be able to discern which spices will meld best with the natural flavors.
Since the dawn of time, man has searched for the means to transcend aging, and for centuries upon centuries has failed. The truth is, no known substance can prevent aging; there’s no pill that can rejuvenate aging cells, or make hair turn back to its natural color. However, it is possible to appear more youthful and live longer with a few smart lifestyle choices. For example, it’s a good idea to avoid ingesting excessive fats and calories while using discretion when you breakout the salt mill. The old adage “you are what you eat” holds true for aging too. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods with lots of preservatives.
It’s also important to avoid drugs and alcohol, as smoking especially causes cells to decay at a much faster rate. People who don’t smoke live longer; it’s a fact. It’s also important to limit alcohol consumption, and avoid drinking to excess.
An increasing number of people in the US, and around the globe, are paying more attention to what they eat, which is certainly a good thing. Some people take their healthy lifestyle to the extreme, eliminating certain foodstuffs from their diet. And while you certainly don’t need trans fats or artificial sweeteners, many things we consider bad are necessary in moderation.
Good fats, for example, are essential to a healthy diet, as they contain a plethora of nutrients and some level of fat is necessary for our normal biological processes. Sodium is another thing that people often cut excessively; large amounts are detrimental, but your body needs it to a certain degree. So don’t be afraid to use your salt mills, just remember the mantra of every good diet: everything in moderation.
Whether you consider yourself a seasoned chef or loathe the nights you have to cook, we all want to make delicious fare when we step into the kitchen. And creating succulent food isn’t rocket science, all you need is quality ingredients and to cook the food properly. Some people will douse their food in sauce, butter or oil mistakenly thinking that this is the only way to infuse flavor into the cuisine. In fact, proper seasoning can make any dish tasty, regardless of the cooking process.
No matter if you’re frying, sautéing, grilling or roasting, seasoning your food before you introduce it to the heat source is imperative. This allows the flavors to sear on the outside and permeate deep into the food. The seasonings you choose are largely a matter of personal preference, but will also be dictated by the other dishes on the menu. However, pepper and salt mills are a good place to start for any meal.
It would certainly be a stretch to say Americans have refined palettes. The vast majority are more than willing to consume fast food, prepackaged meals and artificial ingredients. And while these foods may be convenient, they certainly aren’t the tastiest or healthiest of choices. Many people assume that having a “refined palette” is analogous to being snooty and only dining out at ritzy restaurants, which certainly isn’t the case; it is simply the appreciation of good food and quality ingredients.
You would find few people who would argue that a Big Mac is superior to a prime sirloin burger, but not all food discrepancies are this blatant. If you are looking to improve your cuisine, you don’t have to blow your budget on Kobe beef, lobster tails and caviar—simply using high quality, fresh ingredients is enough. And remember: the small changes count to. Something as simple as trading out your pepper shaker for a Cilio pepper mill and freshly cracking whole peppercorns can make a huge difference.
According to a new government report, adults should consume less than one teaspoon of salt per day—and in many cases, that number is even lower. However, just 1 in 18 people live up to this stringent standard. Litanies of health risks are associated with high sodium intake, including high blood pressure and heart disease. For most American 
families, the salt mill is a mainstay in the kitchen, so here are a few tips to help reduce your sodium intake:
~Experiment with new spices: Many people use excessive amounts of salt when other spices would actually work better with the dish. Try out new spices in cuisine and also be sure to utilize fresh herbs, which add an extra depth of flavor.
~Avoid seasoning blends: Most seasoning blends are packed with salt in order to cut costs. If you do utilize seasoning blends, be sure to look for low- or no-sodium options.
~Buy low-sodium products: Whether you’re buying chicken stock, soy sauce or peanut butter, always opt for the low sodium option; not only will this cutback on your sodium intake, it also allows you to adjust sodium levels to your liking. Remember: You can always put more salt in, but you can’t take it out.
Here’s a delicious recipe for banana bread that is sure to make an impression on your family and friends; it’s also a
great snack with a cup of coffee!
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 ½ cups flour
Dash of salt from a salt mill
Directions:
Preheat you oven to 350 F. Mix the butter and the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl, then add the additional ingredients mixing in the flour last. Pour the mixture into a buttered 6 inch mini loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the bread begins to rise, then cool on a wire rack.