Posts Tagged ‘salt mills’
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.
Many people leave a small container of salt out on the counter so they can literally “add a pinch” when they need to. Since I like kosher salt and large-grain sea salt, I keep one of these dishes on my counter for salting large amounts of water or applying a crust of seasoning to proteins. But for many dishes, the large grains can ruin the dish.
If the salt isn’t going to have a chance to breakdown during the cooking process, like in baking for example, it’s important to use fine grains. Personally, I prefer the taste of kosher and sea salt, so instead of substituting regular table salt I use a Cilio salt mill. This allows me to get the depth of flavor that kosher and sea salts offer with the benefits of tiny granules.
Every summer my grandkids come to stay with me while their parents go on a much-deserved vacation. I relish the opportunity to spoil the kids, letting them stay up late and going on fun outings everyday. But like most grandmas, my favorite indulgence for the little ones is cooking up some of their favorites.
I create all of the classic items—cookies, cakes and pies—but my grandkids also love my savory cuisine. Most of the time I’m cooking in the oven, but since it’s been so hot lately we’ve actually been utilizing the grill for the majority of the cooking. Last night I decided to cook some ribs, starting them off in the smoker with just a dash from the pepper mill and a few other basic spices. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone good, and they paired perfectly with my famous mac ’n’ cheese.
If you spend any time whatsoever in the kitchen, you are undoubtedly aware that there are several different types of salt. And while you make think that their differences are negligible, each type of salt is best suited for a particular 
purpose. Here are a few of the most popular types of salt and their recommend usage:
~Table Salt: This is what you will typically find in a Cilio salt mill. Table salt is refined, comprised almost exclusively of sodium chloride.
~Kosher Salt: Because of its large, oddly shaped crystals, kosher salt lends itself well for preparing meat under Jewish law, hence its name.
~Sea Salt: Made by evaporating seawater, this salt contains a greater variation of minerals than its counterparts, lending it a distinctive sea flavor.
When my son left for college last fall, I didn’t want him to be one of those stereotypical college males who are incapable of taking care of themselves. My friends tell me horror stories of how their sons are constantly calling them for advice on how to do laundry, go grocery shopping and complete other tasks which should be menial by this point of their lives. Much to the chagrin of my son, we carved out a couple of hours a week to go through some basic training.
Each day I would make him do a chore or task that I typically do but he takes for granted. Some nights I would make him cook dinner, while on others I would make him do the laundry for the entire family. Although he vehemently opposed my training regimen, he admits that it helped him a lot during the first year. Before he left, I made sure he had everything he needed—from salt and pepper mills, to laundry detergent and a wet mop.
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.