Baby Shower Food Ideas For Guests

Baby showers just like any other kind of party will always consists of gifts, games, great conversations and of course food. Although, unlike most celebrations or parties this festivity does not require you to serve heavy or full meals, you can choose to serve pica-pica or finger foods. This is to make your guests easier to interact with one another and to give a cosy and warm ambience. No need for waiters to serve each guest as baby shower is one of those informal gatherings. This is also typically attended by the expectant mother’s closest friends, family and relatives. However, this does not mean that there is no need to prepare and think of special dishes to serve. To make the occasion more fun, you should always be search for baby shower ideas on the delicious foods to prepare.
The typical style in a baby shower is that guests bring their own share of food. However, if the event is not well organized, there is a big possibility that some guests would bring the same food as the other. As a host, you do not want this thing to happen, so better assign or ask your guests what they plan to bring. There is nothing wrong with instant baby showers, however if you want to avoid things like this, then try to plan ahead. Ask your invited guests for any baby shower ideas for the food.
The easiest way to collect some ideas on the food to serve during baby shower is by making a list. You can broaden your list by letting your guests help and join you. Before the event tell your expected visitors to make their own list of food as well. Then try to come up with the most common dish and make sure that it is served in the event. The typical baby shower ideas when it comes to food consist of pastrami, pizza, cupcakes and chips. After creating the possible foods to serve ask your guests if they are fine with the list this is to ensure everyone will enjoy something as not all of us have the same taste.
Now that the list of baby shower ideas has been created it is now time to see which food will all go together. Once the decision has been reached, ask your guests which food particular food they would like to bring. Assign someone also to handle the drinks, dishes, utensils, ice and all the other things needed for the party.
If in any case you are not yet satisfied with the foods presented, there is always the internet to help you find several baby shower ideas. There are tons of helpful websites that have diverse ideas to help you out.

Points To Consider When Evaluating Low Fat Air Fryers

Whereas a few years ago, hot air fryers were rare on the domestic marketplace, today, there are few individuals who haven’t heard of low fat air fryers. Tefal had been probably the first to create out their own version and this has become incredibly popular despite its high price in comparison with conventional deep fryers. However, the challenge has begun and Philips has launched their model that features a completely different look to the Tefal. So what are the main considerations you must think about when reaching your choice.

Areas you should consider are who’s going to use the air fryer, where you are going to use it, what you actually want it for, dependability and of course the purchase price. Let’s look at these factors in turn, but first, a short summary on how they work.

With a traditional deep fat fryer the food is submerged in hot fat, air fryers work by moving very hot air to heat and crisp up the outside layer of the food. Exactly how the air is circulated differs according to the air fryer product, but food is prepared quickly and without the need for anywhere near the amount of oil needed for a deep fat fryer. With the low fat air fryers, this may be absolutely no oil if you are using frozen chips that are already coated with oil, or perhaps a tablespoon regarding 800 to 1000gm of fresh food.

Please be aware I said ‘low fat’ air fryers as a few models that are sold as air fryers work in another way and will routinely dip the food in and out of the oil (e.g. the De’Longhi Rotofry). Even though this utilizes approximately half the oil of a traditional fryer, it is far removed from that used by the low fat air fryers manufactured by Philips and also Tefal.

Moving on to who’s going to use the fryer – The majority of adults will be able to use the air fryers and this is especially relevant to anyone who has difficulty gripping things as there is much less danger when handling deep fat fryers. You wont have to deal with a couple of litres of boiling oil and worry about burning yourself.

Your kitchen is obviously the right spot to use your air fryer. Nevertheless, because it doesn’t have to contain a couple of litres of oil or fat, it really is much easier to take it away with you to show it off to friends, or use within a caravan or a vacation home.

As for what you want it for, many people are thrilled to be able to consume chips that actually taste like they have been deep fried but without having all the calories. Potato chips are certainly one of the primary urges people have when you are attempting to lose weight thus, making this a good way to have exactly what your brain craves! Another thing to mention would be that the two main low fat air fryers cook different types of food items. They both cook fries and meats, but one will work with stir fries, currys etc., while the other will even bake cakes and part-baked bread! Unfortunately, they both dont do everything so you have to choose where your preferences are.

The reliability of low fat air fryers has come into question of late, and it is too soon to judge given this is quite fresh technology. The Tefal has had some issues however the Philips is far too new to touch upon. Users however, mostly seem very happy using their purchase.

Price is going to be a consideration and you must shop around to get the best value. Although the Philips currently has got the highest RRP, you can get this air fryer for around the same price as the Tefal. If price is your primary consideration, the DeLonghi is definitely the cheapest but is only going to cook food suitable for deep frying and also uses more fat.

Join Akshaya Patra Foundation to Provide Food for Children in India

When children are fed well, it shows in their physical and mental growth. The children will be more energetic and playful and more importantly they will be happy. This happy state of mind will enable them learn and explore which will help in their academics. As is stated by MFK Fisher, -First we eat, then we do every thing else.- It is a fact too. Hunger is at all level but the sooner we can address it, the better. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is one such initiative implemented by Government of India to provide food for children in India.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation under the aegis of Central and State government implements this scheme by providing mid-day meal to children studying in Government and Government-aided schools. By doing so, it also helps in countering hunger at the root level. The Foundation is working towards a future that will be hunger free and educated. It believes in providing unlimited food for education.

One nourishing meal has a big impact on the health and growth of children, and especially for those who are in need. Many instances and testimonials of the beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra’s meal have brought to fore the hard truth that the mid-day meal more often than not is their only full meal. While it is providing food for Indian children, it is also helping the children to remain in school and get educated so they grow up to be responsible and able citizens- able enough to feed their family.

The mid-day meal has contributed in positively in various ways. It has increased enrolment in schools and also has been able to reduce the dropout rates. A stomach that’s full can concentrate better- this factor is evident among children. Studies indicate that the health and general growth of children have also shown considerable improvements.

The success stories of the beneficiaries are a great motivating factor for Akshaya Patra. It works in Public-Private Partnership model. Apart from Government support, it is supported by Corporate and Individual philanthropist. The help of generous donors has been an integral factor. Smile of a child is the most wonderful gesture and everyone has the potential to bring this smile. Come ahead and donate for children. It will not only satiate their hunger but it will also bring them to school.

Your support will bring a welcome change in the future. When you contribute towards food for children in India, you are actually taking a significant step towards countering hunger and illiteracy. So, when you do food donation for children, you are actually guiding the children of India towards a successful and bright future.

Food Storage Companies Join Network Marketing

There are some newcomers to the MLM (multi-level marketing or network marketing) business these days aside from the many cosmetics, vitamins, nutritional drinks, travel, long distance phone service, and other types of companies which already exist. Emergency preparedness and food storage companies have joined the area of MLM.

Network marketing, as they prefer to be called, allows people to own their own business for a nominal start up fee as compared to regular brick and mortar businesses. It also provides a compensation plan which pays the person for bringing others into the business to share in the work and the profits. The people in several lines downward or sideways may bring cash earnings to the person who brought them into the business. They earn money from the efforts of others instead of only on their own work.

During these difficult economic times when many people throughout the world are suffering and with the natural disasters which are striking whole communities, people are seeing the value of emergency preparedness and food storage. As grocery store shelves become quickly depleted when a natural calamity hits, it becomes apparent that families would do well to be prepared with some basic essentials.

Some organizations and churches have long admonished their members to prepare themselves for emergencies and disasters. Indeed, the motto of the Boy Scouts of America is: Be Prepared.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has received quite a lot of press in the past several years because of all the natural disasters such as Katrina which have hit the United States, recommends that people have enough food, water, and first aid for three days. If a natural disaster strikes, it usually takes at least three days before government and charitable aid is able to help sufficiently.

The bad economy has caused people to lose jobs and paychecks for long periods of time. Getting government or charitable help is not always easy or quick. Having a supply of food on hand (or food storage) can help alleviate the pain and suffering which can come. Companies which provide this service are now available in network marketing. Plans can be made through them to build up a food supply for emergencies by a small investment each month from the food budget. People can earn money through the network marketing aspect, and the companies are helping people to be prepared for whatever comes.

Food And Wine Pairing Made Easy!

If you like to follow the rules then here are two basic ones that should get you through the night:

Rule One: Drink red wine with meat, white wine with fish and poultry.
Rule Two: Disregard rule one and eat and drink what you like. You will hear this over and over again and it’s so true. Always go with your personal preference first!

Of course, there are some classic matches that satisfy again and again and bring out the best in both wine and food. Wine can often enhance the flavors of your food tantalizing your taste buds in ways you never knew possible and vice versa. A prime examplemy husband HATES white wine. When he tries it he makes a face like someone just gave him a spoonful of cough syrup. One day we went to a wine and cheese paring and he was given Blue Castello and Sauvignon Blanc. It was then that I heard words I never though would come out of his mouth, “This wine is not bad. I actually like it.” It was a breakthrough among breakthroughs! It was his first true experience of food enhancing wine and bringing out flavors in the wine he had never experienced before. Food can have that sort of magical effect on wine and when you find that magic you just can’t help but searching for more of it.

Here are some of our favorite and classic food and wine pairings. I also like to say if you don’t know what to serve, then serve champagne or sparkling wine. It’s fun and extremely food friendly.

APPETIZERS & STARTERS
ANTIPASTO – Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Malbec
ARTICHOKES – Usually a no no with wine, but I love them with Chardonnay
ASPARAGUS – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc
CARPACCIO (beef) – Pinotage, Shiraz, Shiraz/Pinotage blend, Malbec
CARPACCIO (tuna) – Sauvignon Blanc
CAVIAR – Chenin Blanc, Champagne!
COLD MEATS – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
NUTS AND/OR OLIVES – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
OYSTERS (raw) – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
PASTA SALAD – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc
PASTA WITH CREAM SAUCE – Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
PASTA WITH SHELLFISH – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
PASTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz
PASTA WITH VEGETABLES – Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinotage, Malbec
PATS – Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
QUICHE – Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage Ros, Merlot
SCALLOPS – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
SMOKED FISH (Trout, Herring) – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc

SEAFOOD
CRAB – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
LOBSTER – Chardonnay, Chardonnay/Sauvignon blend, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
MUSSELS – Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
RED SNAPPER – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
SALMON – Pinotage Ros, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
SASHIMI, SUSHI – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
SHRIMP – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
STRIPED BASS – Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
SWORDFISH – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Pinot Grigio
TUNA – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay
OTHER WHITE FISH – Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc

MEAT & POULTRY
CHICKEN – Chardonnay, Merlot, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage
CHICKEN SALAD – Chenin Blanc, Pinotage Ros, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
CHICKEN (smoked) – Pinotage, Merlot, Malbec
DUCK – Pinotage, Merlot, Pinotage Ros, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec
HAM – Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage, Malbec, Pinotage Ros
HAMBURGER – Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Malbec
LAMB (grilled, broiled) – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage
PHEASANT – Pinotage, Shiraz, Malbec
QUAIL – Pinotage, Malbec
RABBIT – Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz, Malbec
SAUSAGE – Chenin Blanc, Pinotage Ros, Shiraz, Merlot, Malbec
STEAK (grilled, broiled) – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz, Malbec
TURKEY – Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinotage Ros
VEAL – Chardonnay, Merlot
VENISON – Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
COUSCOUS – Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage Ros
CURRY, FISH or CHICKEN – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage Ros
PIZZA – Merlot, Pinotage Ros, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Malbec
SPICY CHINESE – Savignon Blanc, Pino Grigio, Merlot, Pinotage Ros
SPICY MEXICAN – Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Malbec
THAI – Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio

CHEESES
*GOAT – SOFT: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage
– HARD: Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

*COW & SHEEP – MEDIUM: Pinotage, Shiraz
– HARD: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc

If you are a true rule follower here are some more:

Generally, wines and foods belonging to the same culture are compatible; for example, think Italian wines with Italian food.

Good red wines tend to be dry and rich, sometimes with a tart or astringent quality. They will go better with hearty or highly seasoned foods such as beef, pork, game, duck, goose and pasta dishes. The ‘red with red’ rule works well because the astringency of the tannins cuts through the viscosity of the fat. Reach for a tannic Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Petite Syrah or Zinfandel, especially if the meat is served with a heavy sauce. Rare prime rib tastes almost sweet, so it’s perfect with a lighter bodied Merlot or Beaujolais.

White wines are usually lighter in body and flavor and can range from dry and crisp to sweet and fragrant. Serve these wines with foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, ham and veal. Pair a honey or brown sugar glazed ham with a white wine that’s not too dry – possibly a Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer or Riesling.

Ros wines are in fact pale red wines; their lighter color is due to the shorter time the skins are left with the juice during fermentation. Ros, or blush, wines can range from dry to sweet. These wines should compliment ham, fried chicken, shellfish, cold beef and picnic style foods.

Ahhh, holiday stress. In my opinion if you can’t decide what wine to serve, then serve Champagne. You can find a great budget friendly champagne that will really get the festivities kicked off in the right way. Gloria Ferrer has some really nice sparkling wines to try that won’t hurt your wallet. ORIf you serve turkey with sweet side dishes like glazed carrots or sweet potatoes, choose a white wine with a hint of sweetness, like Chenin Blanc, Riesling or Gewurztraminer. If some dishes have a more savory flavor, try Sauvignon Blanc or a lighter bodied Chardonnay. For a bird with spicy sausage stuffing, serve Pinotage or a try a Pinot Noir.

Don’t match strong to delicate. Pairing a big, powerful, high-alcohol or high-tannin wine with a light, delicate dish (and vice versa) is rarely a good idea.

Acidity is your friend. People tend to be wary of wines described as “high acid,” like Sauvignon Blanc or Muscadet. But there’s no better quality in a wine for matching rich, creamy or cheesy sauces, deep-fried foods or fish dishes; also note, tart wines go better with tart foods.

Follow the don’t-upstage-the-star rule. If you have an amazing bottle of wine you want to show off, especially an older vintage (they tend to be more subtle, their flavors less flamboyant), don’t serve a wildly complex dish with it. A simple dish will allow the wine to be the center of attention.

Dessert, or fortified wines, are heavier and sweeter than table wines and frequently have a higher alcohol content. They are usually served alone or with cheese, nuts, fruit or sweets at the end of the meal.

If you don’t like rules, like me, then toss all of these out the door and start experimenting. I’d love to hear about combinations that have worked for you that you can’t get enough of. My rule-breaking favorite is steamed artichokes dipped in butter and a nice oaky California style Chardonnay. Send me your favs and I’ll post them here!

CHEERS!