Rosemary Chocolate Cake

A few years ago I found a cake recipe that used oil and yogurt as opposed to butter and milk and it yields a glorious result every time I make it. But once I find a base recipe I really like, and practice it to perfection, I like to experiment. This one started out as light lemon cake, but through several major changes I've adapted it into richer, delicious dessert.

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients
1/2 cup of olive oil (infused with 3-5 sprigs of rosemary for at least 30 minutes)
5-6 tbsp sugar
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup yogurt
2 large eggs
6 ounces chocolate chips
2 tbsp strongly brewed green tea

Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Butter a nine inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.

3. In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips. 3 minutes in the microwave does the job. Make sure you mix afterwards to ensure all chips have melted.

4. Remove all rosemary from the oil and mix infused oil into the melted chocolate. In a large bowl mix together sugar and ricotta until smooth. After they are thoroughly combine, stir in yogurt, eggs and green tea. Then mix in the oil/chocolate mixture.

5. Mix about 1/3 of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then stir in the rest in two batches. Mix just until everything is thoroughly incorporated but do not over mix.

6. Scare the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick come out clean.

7. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before gently running a knife around the edge and removing it from the pan. Remove the parchment paper and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

8. You can top the cake with whatever you choose, but I opted for a light dusting of matcha green tea powder.

Bon Appetite!

Food Online: Jamie Oliver's Food Tube

While perusing through the great selection of videos on YouTube, I came across the channel of the world renown chef Jamie Oliver. I have never been a huge Oliver fan, I'm more of a Julia Child or a Good Eats person myself, but I have tested some of his recipes and they haven't disappointed me yet. His recipes are simple yet unique and of a higher caliber than the average pasta or pizza recipe. With his use of diverse ingredient combinations as well as his home-cooking roots, Jamie Oliver is definitely someone to keep on your radar.

Anyways, on his channel, Jamie has many different videos from cooking tutoriols to foodie photography lessons to new, aspiring chefs making their debuts. Essentially, there is anything for anyone, no matter your section of interest in the food world. The videos that I currently enjoy the most, and that I find the most helpful, are Jamie's series in how to film food videos. As a food blogger, its important to know different ways to get your ideas and your perspective out, so tutorials on how to put yourself out there are very informative. While lighting and setup may seem simple, perfect presentation and great video quality are essential for a successful video. Jamie Oliver's tutorials are a great way to learn how to maybe even start your own channel.

Youtube, like a blog, is another great media platform to explore. If you enjoy sharing your opinions on food, restaurants, and that sort, you should definitely consider watching Jamie's channel and learning some tricks of the trade to start making your own videos. Also, I spotted a video on his channel, searching for the next Youtube food star, so pop by his channel for some great opportunities and delicious recipes.

Oils

When choosing to purchase a cooking oil, people tend to jump to what they know. If their relatives use canola oil, thats what they buy. If their best friend uses toasted sesame seed oil, they turn to that. This instinctive follow the leader behavior isn't bad; you are following techniques that are tried and true. But do some research before you buy your oils, because depending on how often you cook and what you cook, different oils will suit your different needs. I also added a handy dandy Oil Chart for you!!!


Plant vs. Animal: PLANT

In almost every single case*, plant oils are healthier than animal fats. Plants come straight from the ground, so their oils are less processed than that of an animal. And to make sure you are getting the best plant oils possible, try to get organic oils, pesticides are fat-soluble. But if you're going to end up using the oil for coking, you don't need to stress so much about organic vs. non organic.

*non hydrogenated lard and duck fat are actually healthier than grape seed oil, because grape seen oil is super high in Omega-6 (BAD STUFF).


Hydrogenated vs. Non-Hydrogenated: NON-HYDROGENATED

Hydrogenated and refined oils/fats are always worse for you than their opposites. In fact, refined coconut oil is one of the most unhealthy oils while UN-refined coconut oil is one of the healthiest. The refining process allows certain oils to burn longer at higher temperatures, but it strips them of their nutrients and adds nasty chemicals. The worst oil though is partially hydrogenated oil, better known as trans-fat. It kills, like really kills you over time. Lesson learned: avoid processed oils at all costs, because they will clog up your arteries and kill you.


So those are the basics. Yup, after these easy steps, oils branch off in every direction. Some lend themselves better to cooking, others better to dressings. And then you need to factor in allergies, taste preferences, cooking utilizing, etc. My personal favorite is olive oil, one of the healthiest oils ever, but thats just me. So test, explore, broaden your horizons! But as always, "stay healthy my friends".


AGAIN HERE IS THE Oil Chart : I found this on http://smallbites.andybellatti.com/handy-dandy-cooking-oil-comparison-chart/

To Come: Summer Eve Supper and More

Hello Subscribers! Sorry I haven't posted in forever, what with summer being the most laid back time of year, I should be posting all the time. But I've been working nonstop so I haven't had down time to do fun stuff, like cook and blog, except at my job. SO here are some ideas for future projects, including a meal I'm going to prepare tomorrow night, but more on that then.

So for summer, its all about light meals, fresh greens, and pit fruits. Its about barbecues, beach picnics, and moonlight patio parties. Everything is as light and cool as a mid summer breeze. Summer is also very versatile, since a whole paraphernalia of produce is in season, from baby bok-choy to california black apricots. This is the perfect time for produce to take center stage, instead of being a side to a starchy dish, which is also extremely healthy! Take advantage of the delectable versatility that summer brings to expand your culinary horizons and enliven your palette.

For some future projects, I have tomorrow nights diner which will be posted sometime around Wednesday, as well as some features on youtubers and hopefully some restaurant reviews. As always, please, Please, feel free to send in suggestions or questions that you want me to feature!

Have a delicious night.

Exercise and Healthy Eating: Loosing Weight and Keeping it Off

300! I just want to that you all for reading this blog, its such an amazing thing that so many people have an interest in what I think, what I have to say, about food. I mean food! Its un-real to me that this has happened, so here is to 300 more! Now for what you care about, more food(or less)!

NOTE: check out http://www.webmd.com to see what is considered a healthy body weight for YOUR body type.

A huge misconception about weight loss is that dieting and starvation are the answers. So many women think that if they just eat beets fora month, or if they just eat nothing, they will become Miranda Kerr. These myths, social norms, and habits are unhealthy and won't help you become a healthier version of yourself. Crazy diets and fads, as well as the (sadly) age old choice of starvation, simply lower your metabolism and if they don't seriously hurt your body, can cause you to gain weight. Yup, diets cause weight GAIN. So before you google the how toos on the newest watermelon and cracker diet, read this, because no one needs an unhappy body change, you just need a joyous life style change.

This term, lifestyle change, is so much more appropriate when talking about loosing weight, because crazy diets may take weight off, but as soon as you go back to your normal habits, the weight comes right back on. Thats why it is necessary to not temporarily change your eating habits and exercise routine for the long run, and this doesn't mean eating beets forever. 

When deciding to take a step, or a leap, in the healthy direction, you need to do some research. Lifestyle changing means you will be changing the food you eat forever, so find what farmers markets or organic super markets are in your area, because these venues will be so  helpful for everyday healthy eating. Fancy super markets may be pricey, but don't despair, your local Vons has tons of cheap fruits and veggies, chia seeds, etc. While Lays and McDonalds may be low cost and filling, they are more expensive in the long run, since they can cause all sorts of cholesterol issues. While it may be hard to switch from fries to fruits, make the change gradually and you will feel better.

Eating lean meats, fresh produce, nuts and limiting carbs are basic steps for changing your lifestyle. Also adding daily cardio and mental relaxation help improve your quality of life, regardless of your economic standing. Less stress give you more time to be at peace with yourself, which is proven to help with weight issues, but exercising is an absolute necessity. Adding an easy 30 min of carido to your daily routine is easy for even the busiest person, and it helps shed unwanted fat. Another thing, weight does NOT equal fat, fat ways less than muscle, so if in the process of your lifestyle change you gain a few pounds, it is not to worry about. You are simply gaining muscle, which will feel loads better than being weighed down by unhealthy fat.

Check out http://www.webmd.com for more great tips. 

People of all sizes, thin, fat, muscly, weak, deserve to feel beautiful and appreciated. Someones looks do not determine who they are inside. This is simply an article promoting Healthy eating, that will promote the best life style.