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.