Archive for » July, 2009 «

30
Jul
Have A Unique Event With Devon Hog Roasts

 

Devon Hog Roasts

We’d like to make your celebration – large or small - a special one, so here’s a rundown on how we can do that. A Devon hog roast is the reliable way to hold a unique experience your guests will surely love. It’s great for celebrations with many guests coming, such as weddings. If you are holding a wedding at a venue in Devon, we are the experts at making this aspect of your day a special one. Remember that hog roasts are also perfect for smaller celebrations, and we can tailor our services to your needs.

Devon Hog Roasts

The roasting process

After many years of doing hog roasts in Devon and the Westcountry, Dave has crafted his own machine. The device is easy to transport, since it can be attached to a trailer. The hog is turned slowly on the spit inside, for many hours, under a constant temperature. No additives of flavourings or any kind are added, only salt on the rind. The result is the most tantalising, succulent meat which literally falls off the bone during carving. Your guests will surely the spectacular crackling that this roasting method produces.

The temperature of the hog is tested at regular intervals with a digital thermometer. It is ready to eat when the hog’s shoulder - the thickest part, registers 90 degrees Celsius. Afterwards, we turn off the gas burner, and the hog is allowed to rest for half an hour. Although the meat will stay hot for several hours, it is at its best carved immediately after this resting period because the crackling is at its most crisp at this point. We are expert at serving the meat directly to your guests, usually in bread rolls. We are also flexible enough to serve the meat on platters, if this is what you would like.

Devon Hog Roasts

We have superbly trained our staff, who all wear immaculate uniforms, in particular hog roasting procedure. We also clean up the celebration area afterwards, and we leave left-over meat for guests to enjoy.

Some provisions we require

To perform our jobs well, we need access to an electric socket and some hot water. The location of the festivities should ideally be accessible by van and trailer. Should space be a problem, we can remove the roaster from the trailer. If you have chosen a location where there is no hot water, we can usually work around this also. We protect our roaster from possible damage caused by rain with our own marquee.

Your family and friends will remember the Devon hog roast they attended long after it ended.

You can browse our testimonials and photo galleries to witness satisfied customers and smiling faces.

 

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29
Jul
Some Tips On How To Pick Great American Shrimp

When choosing items for a seafood banquet, wild caught American shrimp are preferred among gourmet cooks. Shrimp are not only recognized for excellent flavour but they can be a crucial part of a healthy diet.

Wild Yank shrimp are tasty steamed, boiled, grilled, fried and in recipes like scampi. they are favored as an appetisers such as shrimp cocktail, bisques and salads. They also freeze well and can be bought in giant numbers, processed and excess amounts frozen for later meals.

Shrimp are low in fats and calories and have no carbs or trans fatty acids. They contain vitamins B3, B6, B12, vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids and are sources of tryptophan, selenium, protein and minerals including iron, phosphorus, zinc and copper.

American species include white (Litopenaeus setiferus), brown (Farfantepenaeus aztecus), pink (Penaeus duorarum) and royal red ( Pleoticus robustus or Hymenopenaeus robustus ) rock ( Sicyonia brevirostris ) and Northern (Pandalus borealis).

Shrimp are sized by “count”. The number of specimens per pound. This applies to both whole and heads-off products. As an instance, headless shrimp of 16/20 count means there are 16 to 20 headless product per pound. Counts for headless product typically range between 16/20 ( large ) to 60/70 (small). Pacific pink shrimp are even smaller, having counts of about one hundred to 140 whole shrimp per pound.

Wild Yankee shrimp are also a good choice in terms of sustainability. Many of the American fisheries have been known for ethical harvesting techniques.

The Wild Yankee Shrimp Certification Program certifies that warm-water, wild caught shrimp from U.S. Coastal waters meet a high standard of quality and consistency. Authorized Wild American Shrimp receive special labeling. Collusion in the certification program is available to harvesters, processors, distributors, outlets, greengrocers and restaurateurs.

Another Yankee fishery has received international recognition. Oregon’s pink shrimp fishery has earned the planet’s first sustainable shrimp certification under the Marine Stewardship Council ( MSC ) certification program.

The Sea Stewardship Council (MSC), which runs the planet’s leading independent certification program for sustainable fisheries, and independent certifier TAVEL Certification Inc, awarded Oregon pink shrimp its certification on December 6, 2007. The action distinguishes Oregon’s pink shrimp trawl fishery as a sustainable and well-managed fishery. The Sea Stewardship Council certification also permits Oregon pink shrimp to be sold using the desirable blue MSC eco-label indicating a sustainable fishery.

The Marine Stewardship Council is an association that works to improve the healthiness of the planet’s seas and to help create a sustainable global seafood market. MSC pursues its mission by certifying fisheries that meet its sustainable standards and developing market requirement for certificated seafood. The MSC model is based on shoppers rewarding sustainable fisheries by selecting seafood that originates from licensed sustainable fisheries.

Pink shrimp, a. K. A bay or salad shrimp are small (100-140 whole per lb). They are harvested using sophisticated trawl methods. Pink MSC authorized shrimp are dropped at shore for cooking, peeling and freezing, resulting in an intensely fresh product of excellent quality.

The variety of top of the range, healthy and sustainable Yank shrimp makes them a brilliant choice for seafood lovers.
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How much time do you spend cooking each day? For some easy recipes you can use daily to create some of the best meals, visit cooking101.org and have a look at buffalo shrimp.

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28
Jul
How Some Shrimp Can Grow Longer Than Twelve Inches

Yes, it is a ‘Forrest Gump’ reference and it should be predicted any time shrimp is discussed for the subsequent 20 years. “Bubba Gump” shrimp is how Forrest made his millions in the Hollywood movie. But, the picture will always be remembered for the amazing number of way somebody can make shrimp. As Bubba would say, “There’s barbecue shrimp, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp soup, fried shrimp.the list is nearly endless. And while there are actually an enormous variety of ways to cook shrimp, there’s really a fair amount of confusion as to what exactly a shrimp actually is. Maybe Bubba wasn’t basically cooking shrimp?

In England and a number of other places, what would be called shrimp in the U. S. is actually referred to as prawn. If you were to look at a prawn and a shrimp side by side, it’d be most unlikely to distinguish which was which. Technically talking a prawn actually isn’t a shrimp.

To the naked eye, the two may appear identical but they are biologically different. On the abdomen of a shrimp or prawn are flaps. Without going into too much detail and causing everybody to go running for a Biology book, let’s just say that the there’s a very subtle difference difference between the first abdomen flap on a shrimp and a prawn. But basically, these are the same creature.

As far as the Americans are concerned, a shrimp is any crustacean that is a part of the Natantia family of crustaceans. It does not matter how gigantic the shrimp is or where it is found-so long as it’s a Nantantia crustacean-it’s a shrimp! However, there is a rather peculiar phenomenon among American shrimp that does have to do with size.

Were Bubba to have grown up on the West Coast of the United States, he definitely would not have seen much potential in the shrimp-for eating, not to mention making any money! The reason is because the classic size of a shrimp found of the West Coast is about in. In length. For some reason, the Pacific Sea just is not a good place for jumbo shrimp to grow. But elsewhere, it is nothing for shrimp to be twelve inches in length or more.

Shrimp, like any species, comes in a wide collection of variety. There are rock, brine, royal red, white, brown, and even pink shrimp to choose from. Each offers a unique flavor and consistency but all are absolutely delicious when prepared properly. And, Bubba was correct-you can make shrimp just about any way your imagination will let you! So whether you want to call it prawn or just plain old shrimp-the truth is that it tastes great no matter how you make it!.

For more information about food and useful cooking tips, check out cooking101.org and also have a look at how to make garlic shrimp.

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27
Jul
The Important Aspects of Maple Syrup and Derivative Maple Products

Maple syrup is popular because of its sweet and unique taste that blends perfectly with waffles, pancakes and other pastry foods. However, maple syrup is not only good because of its taste but also because it of its health benefits. First and foremost, maple syrup is 100% organic. It is created by taking fresh sap from maple trees and boiling this sap until it thickens completely into syrup. There are certainly no added preservatives! It has also a lower amount of calories compared to sugarcane but is 3 times sweeter! Thus, it can be used as a sweetener and is perfect for individuals with diabetes. It can be used as your pastry or coffee sweetener rather than honey or white sugar. In the US, grade b maple syrup are classified that way based on their color and flavor. No matter if you choose Vermont maple syrup or some other variety, you will be healthier for it. The health benefits of maple syrup are numerous.

Manganese, a mineral that plays an important role in energy production and antioxidant defenses, is contained also in maple syrup. This is because mitochondria, the energy factories of our body, need manganese in its functioning. Moreover, superoxide dismutase, a body enzyme, needs manganese in order to properly perform its function as an antioxidant by neutralizing the body’s free radicals. Just an ounce of maple syrup is enough to provide our bodies with the daily needed amount of manganese which is 22%.

Aside from this, maple syrup is also good for the heart because it contains zinc. Aside from antioxidant purposes, zinc also helps in considerably decreasing the progression of the heart condition atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells also need it in order to function properly. It has been proven that cells in the endothelium that are low in zinc are more prone to injury.

Furthermore, the doy’s immune system needs these two minerals, zinc and manganese, contained in maple syrup to perform its function correctly. There are a number of cells in the immune system, particularly in children, that rely on zinc for optimal function. Studies have also shown that poor immune response and an increase in the number of white blood cells are some of the effects of low zinc levels. Also, manganese helps in reducing inflammation of wounds and other sores, thereby promoting healing. It also acts as a stimulant of the immune system.

Maple syrup is also very beneficial to reproductive health, especially that of men. This is because the prostate is where zinc is more highly concentrated than in any other tissue in the body. Studies have also shown a link between zinc deficiency and higher risks of prostate cancer and prostatitis development. In fact, zinc is used as a therapeutic by numerous health care specialists for reducing the size of the prostate. On the other hand, reproductive health also benefits from manganese because is participates in the production of hormones that stimulate sexual drive.

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27
Jul
Is Beef Jerky Good for you?

There is a lot of consternation about whether beef jerky is good for a person or not. People wonder whether beef jerky can really bring about weight loss and muscle gain as the various advertisements on the Internet proclaim. Also, they are interested in knowing whether beef jerky is healthy enough to be consumed every day.

Let us get familiarized with beef jerky first. This is a food that is made from beef, which is highly cooked and slightly smoked. Salt is added to improve the taste of the beef jerky and some other spices might be added too. During the cooking process, most of the fats are removed from the beef and it becomes crisp and thin like a wafer, due to which the food is classified as a snap. People who are usually on the move such as soldiers, trekkers and hikers, backpackers and such use beef jerky for their sustenance for long intervals! of time.

Since meat is the active ingredient in beef jerky, it has a good amount of protein. On the other hand, the amount of fat is less. Because of that, beef jerky is considered quite healthy. People consume it as a health snack when they are dieting.

How does Beef Jerky help in Weight Loss

Beef jerky has an exceptionally low fat content. This is the direct reason why it is beneficial in weight loss. Another reason why it is effective in weight loss is because it can satisfy a person’s hunger faster than other foods can, which is why the person tends to eat less.

Beef Jerky for Muscle Gain

Beef jerky has a considerable amount of protein, which is a vital ingredient in building muscle. It can remove flab from the body and help in improving muscle mass. This improves the overall body shape and tone.

Beef Jerky Everyday?

Many people want to know about whether they can have beef jerky daily. Beef jerky is acknowledged as a health food and that is the reason people want to know! about it. Advertisers say that this product must be substituted with other products that we eat to experience its full benefits. However, at the same time, there are aspersions about using it regularly because of its high sodium chemical value.

But for people who are used to unhealthy snacks all the time, beef jerky can be a good substitute. It is much healthier than several junk foods that people are used to, because it has a very low fat content. The food is considered good for health, but is not the best.

 

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20
Jul
Maple Syrup: Fun for Your Sweet Tooth, Fun for Your Health

Do you love eating sweets? Yes, sugar can give you an energy boost, but that’s only temporary. Actually, excessive intake of sugar can harm your health. Refined with sugar contributes to lower B-vitamin amounts, cholesterol accumulation, and tooth damage. Sugar doesn’t contain fiber or nutrients to keep the body functioning well. It is rich in calories, which are stored as fats when they’re not used by the body.

Maple syrup, which is sweet as sugar, is a more nutritious substitute. Include maple syrup in your diet, and you get the best of both worlds—sweet flavor plus healthy body. You can find many uses for maple syrup in your daily life including pure maple syrup and maple cookies ideas. An amber liquid with viscous consistency made from maple tree sap, maple syrup provides a lot of health benefits. Although it’s rich in sugar, maple syrup is a healthier sweetener than sugar. Compared to honey and sugar, maple syrup has fewer calories and more minerals. A ¼ cup of maple syrup contains more calcium than milk and more potassium than a banana. Maple syrup is a rich source of phosphorous, iron, and B vitamins, which are very essential to your health. What’s more, you have lower risk of diseases when you use maple syrup instead of sugar.

Maple syrup can boost antioxidant defenses and production of energy, thanks to its manganese content. Manganese also helps in faster healing and lessening inflammations. About 22 percent of the recommended manganese content in the body can be supplied by daily intake of an ounce of maple syrup. The immune system also benefits from the manganese found in maple syrup. Maple syrup is also an excellent source of zinc, a mineral that can boost immune defenses. And because maple syrup contains zinc, it can also keep your heart healthy. Zinc is known as an essential trace mineral that can lower the risk of atherosclerosis (accumulation of cholesterol and other substances in the arteries), heart attack, and stroke. Maple syrup can help prevent prostate cancer that usually occurs in men because of its zinc content. Male reproductive health also gets a boost from maple syrup that increases the production of sex hormones.

Maple syrup is not dangerous to health compared to processed white sugar. This nutritious product contains very small amount of sodium at about 2 mg. per 50 mL. Low sodium content means maple syrup won’t pose a threat to people with high blood pressure, kidney ailment, or diabetes. Maple syrup is free from substances such as oxalates, goitrogens, and purines that can get in the way of proper bodily functions. And it doesn’t trigger any allergic reaction.

When you use maple sugar as an alternative to sugar, you get to enjoy both its sweetness and health benefits. Thus, it pays to lessen your intake of sugar and make sure that you buy your own supply of maple syrup on your next visit at the local supermarket. Making sure that you have maple syrup supplies can mean the difference between an unhealthy and a healthy you.

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