On the surface, tofu might look like a bland, boring, vegan cooking ingredient, but the history of tofu is surprisingly interesting…
1. Tofu is made like cheese
While tofu is entirely vegan, with no meat or dairy products involved at any stage, the process of making tofu is remarkably similar to cheese making.
When making tofu, you take dried soybeans, soak them in water, crush them, and boil them. The end mixture is then separated into pulp (“okara”) and soy milk. Sodium is then added to the milk to separate the curds and the whey. The curds are pressed into solid white blocks to become what we know as tofu.
2. Tofu is an excellent source of vegan-friendly protein
Once upon a time, most people in the US believed that plant-based protein was inferior to protein from animals. However, tofu is an excellent source of healthy, planet-friendly protein. It’s also naturally low in fat and calories, gluten-free, and is rich in iron and calcium.
3. Tofu may have medical benefits
Not only does tofu offer a whole host of nutritional benefits, but it can also offer a range of medical benefits, including:
- Lowing the risk of medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Enhancing the skin and hair.
- Boosting energy.
- Reducing the likelihood of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
- Aiding in maintaining a healthy weight, BMI, and cholesterol levels.
- Improved kidney function.
- Reducing bone loss (especially after menopause) and reducing symptoms of osteoporosis.
- Relieving symptoms of menopause.
- Repairing and preventing liver damage.
Some studies suggest that tofu (and whole soy foods in general) can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. There is also evidence to suggest tofu could be linked to a reduction in mental deterioration associated with old age.
4. Tofu originated in China but has a Japanese name
We know that tofu was first made in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), and the oldest evidence of tofu making has been dated back to 25-220 AD (depicted in a Chinese mural).
The word “tofu” is derived from the Mandarin word, “doufu,” which literally translates to “curdled bean.” However, “tofu” is a Japanese word and is closely tied to Buddhism.
5. The story of the first tofu is a mystery
Although we know where and roughly when tofu was invented, the actual story of its conception is a mystery. There are three main theories about who invented tofu:
- Tofu was created by Prince Liu An of the Han Dynasty, nephew to the Emperor of China (179-122 BC). During this time, any discoveries were attributed to the province’s current ruler.
- Tofu was made by copying dairy-milk cheese-making processes developed by the Indians and Mongolians.
- Tofu was accidentally created when someone tried to season pureed soybean soup with seawater.
Which is your favorite?
6. Benjamin Franklin first brought tofu to the US…
The earliest written record of tofu’s existence by any American comes from Benjamin Franklin in 1770. It was in a letter written from Franklin to John Bartram with a description of a “cheese” made from soy curds and seawater. He also sent Bartram a parcel of soybeans to try it for himself.
7… But it didn’t become popular until after 1971.
Tofu might have been popular with American politicians in the 1770s, but it didn’t really gain popularity in mainstream US diets until 1971. The key? Francis Moore Lappe’s book Diet for a Small Planet.
In this book, Lappe dispelled the myth that plant-based protein was somehow inferior to animal products, and introduced the concept that a meatless diet is better for human health and the planet. Well done, Lappe!
8. Tofu is virtually flavorless
One of the most frequent arguments you’ll ever come across by those who claim not to like tofu is that it’s bland! And this is absolutely true!
Without seasoning, tofu tastes like… well, nothing.
But while this can be seen as a negative… Anyone who knows what they’re doing knows that the flavourlessness of tofu is actually the secret to what makes it so special.
With a bit of preparation and seasoning, you can make tofu taste like anything you like!
9. There are many different types of tofu
At the store, you might notice a multitude of different types of tofu on the shelves. Most commonly, these are silken, soft, medium, firm, extra-firm, and super-firm. This tells you how much water was pressed out of the soy curds during processing: the more water is removed, the firmer the tofu becomes. Firmer tofu also contains more fat and protein per gram than soft tofu.
As a general rule, if you’re frying, baking, or otherwise cooking tofu, firm or extra-firm is the way to go, as firmer tofu will hold its shape better in the pan. Silken tofu is great in more creamy foods such as smoothies, desserts, salad dressings, and dips.
10. Preparation is king
Frequently, when someone claims not to like tofu, it’s because they have no idea what to do with it!
When tofu arrives (whether homemade or from the store), even the firmest block will still contain excess water from processing, which needs to be squeezed out before use. If you don’t remove the liquid, tofu will be incapable of absorbing the seasoning that gives it flavor, and it will also be impossible to get it crispy, and it will likely just break up when cooking.
Once you’ve prepared your tofu, the options for this unassuming block of soy are virtually limitless. Make vegan chorizo crumbles, add it to a salad, or even try the world-famous Tofurky for a meat-free alternative to the classic Thanksgiving roast!
There are so many different kinds of Italian pasta – you can make endless varieties of dishes when you mix and match pasta types with different sauces and fillings.
All of these are equally delicious, and you can make them at home fairly quickly, particularly if you have a pasta maker. Pasta makers allow you to play with all kinds of shapes and textures to make the most of your love for pasta.
Here are some examples of some worldwide favorites when it comes to types of pasta.
1. Lasagna
Lasagna is one of the oldest pasta types and is a type of flat pasta that is cut into sheets. A common theory of the origin of the word is that it comes from the Greek word laganon. This word means a flat sheet of dough that is – you guessed it – cut into strips.
Lasagna is brilliant for making layers of noodles with cheese, meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Some lasagna noodles are ridged at the edges to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
2. Fettucine
Fettucine are long and wide strands of pasta and often features in restaurants. Fettucine is delicious when made with a chicken Alfredo or seafood sauce. Cream sauces also work well with fettucine, as well as thick or thin sauces. Fettucine is similar to the wider tagliatelle noodles. The word “fettucine” in Italian means “small ribbons.”
3. Tortellini
Tortellini is an Italian ring-shaped pasta that is stuffed with a meat and cheese or vegetable and cheese filling. Often tortellini are stuffed with pork loin and raw prosciutto, with added mortadella. Other fillings are spinach and ricotta, mushrooms and tomato sauce, or three cheese and herb. There are also larger versions of tortellini, called tortelloni.
4. Ravioli
Ravioli is another type of stuffed Italian pasta, though these are made with the filling between two thin dough shapes. Ravioli often has similar types of fillings to tortellini but has a different mouth feel because of the flatness of the dough shapes. The traditional form of ravioli is square, though you can find circular and semi-circular shaped ravioli as well. Ravioli is usually served in either a broth or a sauce such as a Pomodoro or a cream-based sauce.
5. Penne
Penne pasta is in thin tubes and is often served with chunky marinara or pesto sauces. Penne comes in various flavors, the most popular being egg and spinach. Some forms of penne pasta have ridges that allow more of the sauce to cling to the pasta for maximum flavor. Penne is often used in salads or covered with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple meal.
6. Linguine
Linguine translated means “little tongues” and is a flatter and longer type of spaghetti. Traditional sauces for linguine are white sauce with clams, a pesto cream sauce, a garlic and herb sauce, or a Bolognese. Many people also enjoy a red Arrabiatta sauce or a cream-based Carbonara sauce with linguine.
7. Spaghetti
We couldn’t exclude spaghetti from this list, as it’s one of the most popular kinds of Italian pasta, particularly with children. Spaghetti is typically made from durum wheat semolina and is sometimes enriched with vitamins and minerals.
Spaghetti is most commonly served with a red sauce and meatballs, but cream sauces are popular, too.
8. Angel hair pasta
Angel hair pasta is similar to spaghetti, but the strands are finer and more delicate. This pasta is perfect for thin and light tomato or oil-based sauces and is faster to cook, taking about 5 minutes. Seafood and pesto sauces are also popular with angel hair pasta. Angel hair pasta is often used as a substitute for spaghetti.
The very thin variety of angel hair pasta is called Capellini, which comes from Capelli d’angelo, or “angel hair.”
9. Elbow macaroni
Elbow macaroni is recognizable by the C-shaped tubes. This pasta type is very versatile and can be found in soups such as minestrone or chicken soup. Elbow macaroni also features in salads (think tuna and pasta salad) or in baked casseroles. Ideal sauces for macaroni have a buttery or cheesy base. Cooking time is about 6 to 8 minutes.
10. Ziti
Ziti pasta is a type of tube pasta that’s a bit thicker and can be stuffed with ricotta cheese and herbs, a meat filling, or other types of pasta fillings. Ziti makes tasty baked casseroles, and it takes 10 to 12 minutes to cook. Pesto sauce, cheese-based sauces, tomato sauces, or cream sauces all work well with ziti.
If you live in a condo and you probably don’t have any outdoor space to have a garden, you can make one indoors. How will that be possible? You can grow herbs indoors if you know the right way to do it. You can convert certain spaces in your condo to grow your herbs. All herbs need to grow is enough natural light and water. Most people prefer to have their indoor herb garden in the kitchen, but the best place to put it is close to the window where it can receive natural light.
If your windows are facing either the east or west, there is a likely chance that your plant will receive natural light because the sun faces these directions. Herbs need at least four hours of sunlight every day to grow. However, if your window faces north or south, there is a slimmer chance of getting enough sunlight for the plant. Here are a few tips to help you create your herb garden in your condo.
Test For Sunlight
If you are unsure of where to place your herb garden, you can do a little test for sunlight. The only way you can do this is to turn off the lights on a sunny day and watch where the sun directs its light in your condo. You can then know where the sun hits harder in a particular sport in your condo. The hottest spot will be the best position for your garden.
Make Drainage
You must give your plant enough room for drainage. You can do this by placing a drain pan under the pot to hold the water or a saucer. This helps to protect the surface where the herb pots will be sitting on. You will need to check the drain pan regularly to ensure the water it collects doesn’t overflow.
Get The Right Planting Pots
When getting pots for growing your herbs, avoid using clay saucers. Water can easily pass through clay and the clay will absorb the water while leaving the soil dry. It is better to use plastic, rubber, or even a metal container to grow your herbs. Also, you should consider the size of the pot you are getting for your herbs. The size you choose is determined by the type of herb you choose to plant. If it is a deep-rooted herb, you will need to make sure the pot has enough depth to allow the plant to fully develop. The standard size of pots for herbs is usually around 8 inches in diameter.
Soil For Planting
It is also important you know the type of soil to use. It is best to use soil mixtures for planting herbs or soil mixtures suitable for containers. If you use garden soil for indoor planting, it won’t allow your herbs to grow. You need to measure the amount of soil you put in each of the pots for planting. It should be measured based on the dimensions of the container.
Pick The Right Herbs For Your Location
One important thing to consider when growing herbs in your condo is your weather. Your herbs will only grow well if it is planted under the right climate. If you are planting your herbs in places with a humid climate you will need herbs that can thrive under moisture. Ontario has a continental climate but if you go farther south to live in condo units around Etobicoke which has a humid climate, you can grow herbs like mint and chervils because they survive best in moist weather.
Conclusion
It is fun having a garden in your condo and there are easy ways to go about it that won’t take much of your time. If you are a beginner, it would be best to start with the basil plant because they are easier to grow, unlike other herbs. You should also remember that your plant will need regular watering if you want it to grow.
With spring just around the corner, it might be time to bring out the old barbeque grill, crack open a cold one with the boys and have a celebration! If you want to plan the perfect barbeque, but are a little rusty on the how-to, we’ve got you covered with this easy step-by-step guide.
How to Plan the Perfect Barbeque
Whether it’s a family affair, or you’re planning on inviting the whole block, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning the perfect barbeque. If you want your shindig to be the talk of the neighborhood, you’ve got to think of everything from food to drinks, to decoration, to the music and entertainment. A little effort goes a long way, so here are some points to help get you started.
Prep Your Food and Drinks
First things first: The menu. You can’t really go wrong with a good grill and a good time, but a little planning will save you some time and nerves. Make sure to check in with your guests to see if they have any dietary requirements before you go to the store. The mark of a good host is making sure that all their guests get taken care of. Most people come to a barbeque for the ribs and potato salad, but some people come for the roasted zucchini, so make sure you got your guests covered. Don’t forget to have a nice mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests to sip on while they wait!
Safety First!
Roll up your sleeves and brief your kids and pets on safety protocols. Before you call the friends and family over, make sure you’re grilling safely and responsibly. Be sure to rid the designated grilling area from any tripping hazards and give your grill a good wipe down before you get started. Everyone loves a good smokey flavor, but nobody wants a fire hazard on their Sunday barbeque.
Include Your Guests!
A neat tip to make sure everyone’s needs are covered is to ask your guests to bring something from home. Whether they bring a side dish or a keg of beer, this will save you some money and make sure that there’s something for everyone. Just don’t forget to send out that WhatsApp message or phone call to your guests on time!
Roll Out the Snacks Before the Main Course
Sometimes, it can take a while for the grill master to start dishing out the patties. To avoid any hangry guests, make sure you have some drinks and snacks available. Perhaps a tasteful tapas, or some chips and dip, or a simple fruit platter? Whatever you prefer, make sure you have something for your guests to nibble on while they wait!
Set the Stage – Do Some Decorating
Presentation is everything, so don’t forget to spruce up the place before your guests arrive. You don’t have to go overboard, but tidying up is a good place to start. A little decoration will help your guests feel warm and welcome. Perhaps a light sparkle of fairy lights in the trees, or a sprinkle of cute tea candles, or maybe just a handsome table runner? Maybe you want a specific theme or style? Find some decoration inspiration online and get creative! Just remember, safety first, style second!
Get the Party Started!
Whether you’ve got some kids coming round or just your buddies from work, it’s always a good idea to have some fun activities planned. A good game of ping pong, charades, a good drinking game for the adults, or some DIY backyard games for the kids should get the party started. Just remember, drink responsibly and don’t drink and grill! Next on the list is the music! Whether you’re using your car radio or Bluetooth speakers, some tunes in the background of your gathering will help get the good times rolling. If you’re not much of a DJ yourself, invite someone who knows how to get things groovin’!
Dessert!
After a successful barbeque soiree, it might be time to bring out something sweet. Everyone loves a good fruit parfait, and you can never go wrong with chocolate cake, but how’s about something a little more rustic? Try cracking open a pack of marshmallows and chocolate and make some smores on the fire. The kids will love it and it’s a sure-fire way to make your barbeque memorable! Just make sure to wipe down the grill first, marshmallows and barbeque sauce don’t work for everyone!
Now you’re all prepped and ready to have the perfect barbeque! All you really need is some good food, good company, some tunes, and a safe space to have some fun! And remember, if you’re not much of a grill master yourself, just make sure to invite someone who is!
To some people, living with diabetes may often seem like a struggle, however, just because it is a chronic illness, it doesn’t mean that you should perceive it as a death sentence. Now, one of the main questions regarding this health issue that people ask doctors is what to eat?
Nobody can provide you with a one hundred percent accurate answer. Why is that? It’s because there isn’t any specific diet a diabetic person should follow. However, you should always keep in mind that the foods you consume can make a huge difference in managing this disease.
If you choose the right one, you will feel much better and have more energy for sure. If you’ve just been diagnosed with this illness, we are going to help you out by sharing some beneficial tips that are great for anyone who suffers from diabetes.
Amazing Food Tips To Help You Control Diabetes
Fish, Fish, And Some More Fish
Many scientists share the opinion that fish is one of the healthiest things in the world. Fish like Salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies are good sources of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.
All these things are also very good for your heart. If a person consumes these fats on a daily basis (or at least a couple of times per week) they are going to strengthen their heart which is an important thing to focus on, especially because people with diabetes are more prone to numerous health problems.
Both EPA and DHA protect the cells that are lining your blood vessels and decrease markers of inflammation and can also potentially enhance the function of your arteries. Moreover, many studies have shown that people who eat regularly fatty fish can successfully lower the risk of several heart issues, such as heart attack, heart failure, etc.
Subscription Boxes
Although there are so many outstanding food subscription boxes out there, sadly, there aren’t too many that are diabetic-friendly. Namely, a lot of them are literally packed with numerous savory and sweet snacks that are filled with sugar.
Now, do not despair. It still doesn’t mean that you are not going to be able to come across diabetes-friendly meal delivery online. On the contrary. Nowadays, you can stumble upon a plethora of diabetic-friendly food subscription boxes that are going to provide you with delicious, unique, low-sugar meals every month. This is a great idea for those who are flooded with work and do not have enough time to prepare meals all the time.
What Else Is Beneficial For Diabetics?
Three Meals Plus Three Snacks Each Day
A lot of people think it’s smart to skip a meal. We cannot stress enough how harmful that “strategy” can be, especially if you’re dealing with this disease. Instead, you should have three meals regularly (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), along with three healthy snacks in-between.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that these snacks must be smaller. Nowhere near the size of your typical meal. If you have a healthy snack before you go to bed, it is going to help you combat early morning or midnight hypoglycemia which low blood sugar level.
What To Avoid?
As we previously mentioned, diabetic people are more susceptible to heart problems than people who aren’t suffering from it. Furthermore, there are certain foods that can contribute to these issues, and that should be avoided as frequently as possible, such as:
- Trans fats – these things can be found in baked goods, processed foods, margarine, etc
- Saturated fats – these are typically dairy products that are high in fat, as well as animal products such as hot dogs, butter, bacon, beef. Also, it wouldn’t hurt if you decrease the amount of coconut oil you are currently using.
- Cholesterol – These sources normally involve high-fat animal protein (such as liver or egg yolks), as well as high-fat dairy products. A person who has diabetes shouldn’t be having more than two hundred milligrams of cholesterol per day.
- Sodium – It isn’t recommendable to have more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium every day. Of course, you should first consult with your doctor or nutritionists. In some instances, they tend to recommend even less, especially if you’re having issues with high blood pressure.
Unfortunately, a lot of people think that this condition is synonymous with deprivation, however, as you can see, based on the things we’ve written it’s far from that. You can fully enjoy your life, as well as the food you eat, but you just gotta be creative and just a little bit careful and that’s it!
