4 Ingredient Homemade Alfredo Sauce (That You’d Never Guess Was Healthy!)

Homemade Alfredo sauce is one of the easiest, most flavorful sauce recipes I make. Only 4 ingredients needed and ready in just 10 minutes! 

Prepare yourself for creamy indulgence that is shockingly easy to make and actually healthy — not usually words to describe homemade Alfredo sauce, am I right?  This Alfredo sauce is rich, creamy, cheesy and with just the right amount of garlic. Plus it’s HEALTHY. How awesome is that?

I haven’t always made it this way though. There was a time when my Alfredo sauce wasn’t healthy. Gasp! Heck, I used to buy the canned stuff in the glass jar at some point. Yep, it’s true.  Unfortunately, it was full of preservatives and added chemicals to keep it stable on the grocery shelf so it was clearly not good for my body or healthy lifestyle.

Not cool.  This had to change. I needed homemade Alfredo and I needed it to be healthy! So I made that happen! And I’m gonna share the steps for how to make Alfredo sauce because I want you to enjoy this awesome homemade Alfredo, too.

And I hope you’re excited because this is the best Alfredo sauce!

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE

To those of you who don’t think it’s that big of a deal to just use the canned stuff or the powdered sauce mixes for your Alfredo from time to time, try this recipe and tell me it doesn’t change your mind.  I dare you. Once you learn how to make Alfredo Sauce, you’ll never want to go back. Trust me.

Here are the ingredients for the Alfredo Sauce I used to use (and we bought the more expensive Bertolii brand stuff, too!): Water, Heavy Cream, Butter (Cream, Salt), Parmesan Cheese (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Soybean Oil, Modified Corn Starch, Enzyme Modified Egg Yolk (Egg Yolk, Salt, Enzyme), Romano Cheese made from Cow’s Milk (Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Salt, American Sherry Cooking Wine (Wine, Grape Alcohol, Salt, Potassium Metabisulfite [Preservative]), Whey, Yeast Extract, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Phosphate, Garlic Powder, Spices, Natural Flavors.

And before that, we used to use the powdered stuff made by Knorr, which includes: maltodextrin, corn starch, wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), parmesan, romano, cheddar and blue cheeses (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), salt, whey, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed corn protein, palm oil, natural flavor (soy), nonfat milk*, citric acid, lactic acid, sodium caseinate, soybean oil, spice.

And the ingredients for my homemade Alfredo sauce: cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, milk, and garlic powder.

And, BTW, making Alfredo sauce at home is very easy so you have no reason not to try it. To make this easy Alfredo sauce, you have to follow only 3 simple steps:

1. add all ingredients for the healthy Alfredo sauce to a blender and blend until very smooth;
2. transfer the mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium heat;
3. heat through, stirring frequently.

Extra tip –-> make sure you don’t overheat because it will begin to separate!

WHAT IS ALFREDO SAUCE?

In case you’re unfamiliar with what Alfredo sauce is or you have always wondered, but were never really sure, Alfredo sauce is an Italian white sauce typically used in pasta dishes. I say typically because I like it on pizza and as a topping to baked potatoes, too. YUMMY.

Traditionally, Alfredo sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. I’ll explain why I don’t use heavy cream or butter in a bit!  It’s a very dense, thick, and luscious sauce and is absolutely delicious, in my humble opinion.

HOW TO THICKEN ALFREDO SAUCE

If you’ve tried homemade Alfredo sauce before and the reason you stopped making it at home it’s because it never turned out quite right texture wise, blame it on the cheese!

The answer to how to thicken Alfredo sauce is parmesan. I recommend freshly grated parmesan, not the one you can buy already grated. The Alfredo sauce thickens easily with freshly grated parmesan. However, if the homemade Alfredo is still not thick enough for you, allow the sauce to stand for a couple of minutes before serving. Alfredo sauce thickens while it cools.

Also, the fact that this healthy Alfredo sauce recipe requires cottage cheese helps because it’s naturally thick, especially when blended.

TIPS FOR MAKING HEALTHY ALFREDO SAUCE

To make this light alfredo sauce happen, I use only 4 simple ingredients. Before my clean eating era, I used to make Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic cloves, cream cheese, milk, parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Nowadays, I…

• replace cream cheese (or heavy cream) with cottage cheese for more protein and less saturated fat;
• use almond milk instead of milk– this is just a preference, you can use cow milk if you want;
• skip salt because parmesan and cottage cheese is salty enough.

Pretty simple substitutions, don’t you think? But they make this homemade Alfredo sauce healthy and still so creamy and delicious.

Oh, I almost forgot. I like my Alfredo sauce a little garlicky. So I add a little bit of garlic powder to make it extra special.  I use garlic powder, but you can easily sub in whole garlic cloves if you’d prefer.

WHAT TO MAKE WITH ALFREDO SAUCE

The most obvious answer to what to make with Alfredo sauce is fettuccine Alfredo. Because classics are always amazing. But, since this is healthy Alfredo sauce, you can replace the traditional Fettuccine with whole-wheat fettuccine to make a very healthy yet totes delicious dish. Or with zoodles aka zucchini noodles, like I like to do. Because zoodles are amazeballs and a great low-carb alternative for pasta. If you don’t know how to make them, check out my How To Make Zucchini Noodles post.  Spoiler: they’re super easy, too!

You can add chicken to your Alfredo Zucchini Noodles and turn the dish into Chicken Alfredo, another yummy classic.

For pizza night, you can also use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce if you wanna change up the taste of pizza. Make a whole-wheat pizza crust or a cauliflower pizza crust, top the Alfredo sauce with chicken, spinach, and red onions.

HOW LONG DOES ALFREDO SAUCE LAST?

Before answering how long does Alfredo sauce last in the fridge, let me tell you a little story about traditional Alfredo sauce (besides the fact that’s not very healthy). I always had problems when I wanted to reheat the homemade Alfredo sauce when following the traditional recipe. The Alfredo sauce always turned into a garlic butter sauce, as opposed to the rich and creamy Alfredo it was when first prepared.  Somehow, all the white creamy goodness that makes an Alfredo an Alfredo would just up and disappear. The good news is this doesn’t happen if you use cottage cheese! Hooray!

So, knowing this, how long does alfredo sauce last in the fridge?

If you store it properly in mason jars or any air-tight containers, homemade Alfredo sauce lasts for 4*5 days in the fridge.

CAN YOU FREEZE ALFREDO SAUCE?

I have more great news, friends – you can freeze Alfredo sauce too! How freaking amazing, right? You can double or even triple my Alfredo recipe and freeze it for later. If you do this, you can make your favorite Alfredo dishes whenever the cravings hit without settling for the canned Alfredo filled with bad ingredients. Alfredo dishes healthy and guilt-free? Yes, please!

To freeze Alfredo sauce…

1. allow the sauce to cool;
2. transfer the homemade Alfredo to Ziploc bags or freezer-safe airtight containers;
3. then place in the freezer.

Frozen Alfredo sauce lasts for 3-4 months.  It may not be quite as creamy and smooth when you reheat it, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

HOW TO REHEAT ALFREDO SAUCE

The best thing about this homemade Alfredo is that, when you’ll reheat it, you won’t run into the problems I had in the past. Thank you cottage cheese for making this possible!

However, whether you reheat Alfredo sauce from frozen or from the fridge, make sure you stir well while reheating. And reheat it in a saucepan gradually, stirring frequently, to keep it from burning.  This was will also help to prevent the cheese from curdling so the easy Alfredo sauce will be just as good as when you made it.

3 MORE HEALTHY SAUCE RECIPES

This Alfredo recipe is not the only sauce recipe I like to make. In fact, I really love to make my own sauce recipes. Homemade sauce recipes are just the best. You can adjust the taste and you have full control over the ingredients. I am all for that!

PESTO SAUCE

If you have fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan, you gotta make this Pesto Sauce!

This Pesto Sauce is super quick and easy to make (ready in just 5 minutes!) and it’s delicious and versatile. Get the recipe.

CAULIFLOWER CHEESE SAUCE

Check out this Cauliflower Cheese Sauce and be amazed by cauliflower’s awesomeness. Cauliflower can turn many recipes into healthy recipes. Cheese sauce is not an exception.

The sauce is creamy, cheesy, and so yummy. And you won’t even notice the cauliflower. Get the recipe.

HOW TO MAKE ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE

Learn How to Make Roasted Tomato Sauce and enjoy the amazing flavors of tomatoes all year long.

This Roasted Tomato Sauce doesn’t compare to the canned one. It’s deep, vibrant, and at least 100 times more delicious. Get the recipe.

4 Ingredient Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Homemade Alfredo sauce is one of the easiest, most flavorful sauce recipes I make. Only 4 ingredients needed and ready in just 10 minutes! 

• 24 oz (3 cups) full fat cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice), (plus more, as needed, to thin)

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until very smooth.

2. Add to a saucepan and heat over medium heat.

3. Heat through, but take care not to overheat because it will begin to separate.
4. Toss with noodles and parsley.

This post contains affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.

The post 4 Ingredient Homemade Alfredo Sauce (That You’d Never Guess Was Healthy!) appeared first on A Sweet Pea Chef.

* This article was originally published here

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2PD5UGK
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Going to the Swedish Woods to Live an Instagram Fairy Tale

By INGRID K. WILLIAMS from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2GL4tCd


from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2LdCUqG
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes (made right in the blender!)

Banana oatmeal pancakes made right in the blender! These fluffy healthy pancakes are naturally gluten free, dairy free and contain no flour or added sugar. Get ready for a simple yet delicious breakfast! My latest mission in life is to become the Queen of Healthy Pancakes, mother of oat flour, first of her name, the [...]

The post Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes (made right in the blender!) appeared first on Ambitious Kitchen.

* This article was originally published here

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2XSMy3l
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Marriott Wants to Rent You a Vacation Home

By ELAINE GLUSAC from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2PAnR8L


from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2WeOAui
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Homemade Instant Miso Soup 即席味噌汁

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2DDyraz
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

The Forbidding Reputation and Hypnotic Scenery of the Devil’s Highway

By MICHAEL BENANAV from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2V30CdB


from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2GTg1EN
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

12 Gluten Free Desserts Everyone Will Love

Osaka Guide: Dotonbori and Namba

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2PANgiA
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Weekend Favorites: Things We Loved in April

Celebrating May with all of the things we loved in April! Enjoy a new playlist, go-to shoes and accessories for spring, and the newest natural skincare products to try. Happy weekend and happy *almost* May! So excited to share our favorite things from this past month. We’ve had a busy April filled with events, incredible [...]

The post Weekend Favorites: Things We Loved in April appeared first on Ambitious Kitchen.

* This article was originally published here

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2vqVQaC
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Hotel Review: The Generator Miami, in Miami Beach

By NORA WALSH from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2voIYSa


from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2W8rKEA
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Perfect Roasted Asparagus

It’s asparagus season, and I can’t get enough of it. Roasting asparagus brings out its best. The tips get a little crispy in the oven, which I love, and the flavor is more concentrated than it would be if you steamed or sautéed it.

Roasted asparagus is the perfect springtime side dish, whether for brunch or dinner. As a bonus, it’s simple to throw together while your main dish cooks on the stove.

For these photos, I decked out my asparagus with lemon, mint, red pepper flakes and the lightest shaving of Parmesan.

You can keep your roasted asparagus as simple as you’d like. I included the basic recipe below, plus ideas for changing up the seasonings!

Continue to the recipe...

The post Perfect Roasted Asparagus appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

* This article was originally published here

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2L2xOgB
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Garlic Dill Sunflower Dip

If you’re like us, sometimes you consume so much hummus on a weekly basis you just need an alternative to switch things up. Something without so many beans? Anyone else?

If this is you, look no further than our tasty hummus alternative: sunflower seed “hummus” dip! It has all of the amazing flavors of classic hummus, plus herbs (!), and it utilizes nutritious soaked sunflower seeds in place of chickpeas!

Garlic Dill Sunflower Dip from Minimalist Baker →

* This article was originally published here

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2GxKV4b
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Decoding Japanese Food Emojis

Are you familiar with the colorful, yummy looking but slightly mysterious Japanese food and drink emojis? Today we’re going to demystify some of the popular Japanese food emojis you have come across over text or email messages, and hopefully, this will give you a fun introduction to the ever-evolving Japanese cuisine.

 

We are emoji aficionados over at Just One Cookbook, particularly Japanese food emojis. If you are a subscriber to our email newsletter or a follower of our Instagram, you’ve probably seen different graphic icons that accompanying each recipe and travel & cultural post that we share. Not only they illustrate the recipes and various topics in such a delightful way, but these emojis are also essentially a representation of Japanese culture.

Hungry for some steaming bowl of 🍜 or maybe some fresh 🍣? Let’s dig in!

Emojis at a Quick Glance – Origin & Its Influence

Just like Super Mario that took the world by storm, Emoji is another digital invention by the Japanese in the late 1990s by a creator named Shigetaka Kurita. They are tiny pixel images that were initially used on mobile phones in Japan and the word ’emoji (絵文字)’ literally translates as “picture (絵) letter (文字)”.

These ‘picture letters’ are kawaii (cute in Japanese), playful, and imaginative. As the saying goes ‘A picture paints a thousand words’, it can’t be any more truth to that!

Rather than typing the text out, emoji has the power in capturing your attention instantaneously. Which is why it doesn’t take long for Emoji to infiltrate the modern world and become a sort of new language in human communication. I think the influence of emoji lies on its indigenous way of expressing one’s thought or emotion in the most succinct and charming manner.

Different Groups of Emojis

These days you can find emojis being used in all types of devices and platforms. In general, these emoji or emoticons can be grouped into a few main groups: people (the smiley face), objects, nature, places, and symbols.

Since they are originated in Japan, you’d find a lot of emojis related to Japanese culture. And with food being an integral part of the culture, you could find many food and drink-related emojis over the collection. Depending on your familiarity with Japanese cuisine, some of these icons may be more recognizable than the others.

Wondering what is the white and pink swirl emoji 🍥? What does 🍘 mean? What exactly are those colorful balls on a stick🍡? If you are curious about learning more, we’re going to decode these emojis in this post, and hopefully, it could well be your first steps in discovering iconic Japanese foods. What’s more exciting? We even have recipes for most of the emoji you’re going to learn today!

Japanese Food & Drink Emojis

Rice Ball Emoji

This triangular shape icon with a dark green square in the center is called the onigiri, also known as Japanese rice ball.

Onigiri is made from steamed rice formed into the typical triangular, ball, or cylinder shapes stuffed with a variety of fillings and usually wrapped with nori (dried seaweed). These rice balls are synonymous to sandwiches in Japan as they are portable and make a delicious quick snack or lunch-on-the-go.

Some of the popular fillings for onigiri include umeboshi (pickled plum), salted salmon, and tuna mayo. You can easily pick them up from the airport, convenience stores, train stations, departmental stores or even specialty stores in Japan as they make excellent travel food.

Did you know? Onigiri is not a type of sushi as they are made of plain steamed rice, while sushi is made of steamed rice seasoned with salt, sugar, and vinegar.

Wish to make these riceballs🍙 at home? Here are the recipes:

• Onigiri
• Yaki Onigiri (grilled version)
• Salmon Onigiri

Naruto (Fish Cake) Emoji

This pinwheel-shaped icon with a cutesy pink swirl is probably one of the most intriguing Japanese food emojis. It refers to a slice of Japanese narutomaki (なると巻き) or naruto, also known as Japanese fish cake that you often see as a topping served atop of ramen.

The fish cake is made with pureed whitefish that is cured, molded and steamed into a small log with ridges. On the inside of the cylinder fish cake is the decorative pattern of pink spiral swirls. You can purchase naruto from the refrigerated section at the Japanese grocery stores. It is already pre-cooked and ready to use. To serve, slice the fish cake thinly and top a few slices over each noodle bowl before pouring the broth over.

Did you know? The fish cake is named after the tidal whirlpools of the Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku in Japan.

Recipes featuring naruto 🍥:

• Spicy Shoyu Ramen
• Kitsune Udon
• Oden (Japanese Fish Cake Stew)
• Chawanmushi (Japanese Savory Egg Custard)

Bento Box Emoji

This emoji should be easy to decipher. Even if you’re a novice to Japanese food, you can at least figure it has something to do with a Japanese lunch box. Known as bento (弁当 bentō) or obento (お弁当 obentō), the meal is packed in a compartmentalized box, usually consisting of rice with a variety of accompaniments such as grilled meat, fish or seafood, omelette or scrambled egg, vegetables, and fruits.

Compact and colorful, bento is the typical lunch that the Japanese bring to school or to work. But you can also purchase a bento box from convenient stores, train stations, and departmental stores in Japan. They make a filling and convenient food for a picnic or a long train ride.

Did you know? The little red circle in the middle of the rice you see on the emoji is a pickled plum (umeboshi). It has a very sour and salty flavor, which makes it a favorite pickle to serve with steamed rice or rice balls to awake the palate.

What’s in your 🍱 today? Learn how to make bento lunch boxes with the tutorial and recipes below:

• Bento 101: Tips and Tricks for Bento
• Back to School Easy Bento Ideas & Recipes

Tempura (Fried Shrimp) Emoji

Tempura refers to seafood, chicken and vegetables that have been coated with a light batter and deep-fried into golden crisp deliciousness. Some of the most popular tempura include shrimp tempura (as depicted in the tempura emoji) and sweet potato tempura. Tempura is not only enjoyed as a standalone dish, but they are also often served as part of donburi (rice bowl) or noodle soup.

Did you know? In Japan, you can even find specialized restaurants that serve only the best of the best tempura.

Wish to enjoy some crispy 🍤 at home? Don’t miss out these mouthwatering tempura recipes:

• Shrimp Tempura 
• Gluten Free Tempura
• Vegetable Tempura
• Chicken Tempura

Nabe (Hot Pot) Emoji

With steam drifting up from a warming soup-pot, this emoji comes in handy when all you could think about is a hot pot of food on a chilly day. The graphic icon makes reference to nabe 鍋 or nabemono, a variety of hot pot dishes that are very popular in Japan during the cold weather months.

Typically served from a clay pot or iron pot with simmering broth that is shared communally, nabe includes an amazing mixture of fresh vegetables, meat, seafood, tofu, and soybean products, or seasonal ingredients.

It’s surprisingly easy to make nabe 🍲at home, and here are just some of the popular nabe recipes you should try:

• Sukiyaki
• Shabu Shabu
• Nabeyaki Udon
• Nabemono: A Guide to Japanese Hot Pot

Senbei (Rice Crackers) Emoji

Now that you’ve learned the dark green square on the icon is nori sheet (seaweed), you could probably describe the brown circle piece as toasty and snacky. And you’re right! This emoji refers to Senbei 煎餅 or rice crackers, a popular savory snack you can find in Japan. Come in various sizes and shapes, the rice crackers are typically brushed with a soy sauce glaze and grilled, then wrapped with a piece of nori.

Did you know? Senbei originated from China, where flour was used to make the crackers. But the Japanese loved rice so much that they started making the crackers with rice instead.

You can easily find rice crackers 🍘 being sold at the airports, tourist destinations or at festivals.

Curry Rice Emoji

This may not be the most appetizing food emoji you’ve seen, but I can guarantee the real thing is so much more delicious that you could imagine. The emoji depicts the famous Kare Raisu カレーライス aka Japanese Curry Rice, characterized by the thick brown sauce that is served over fluffy steamed rice. The reddish circles are the red pickled daikon. Unlike Indian or Thai curry, Japanese curry has a stew-like consistency and a sweeter taste.  It is also less spicy which is suitable for children. The curry is always served with rice.

Did you know? The curry was brought to Japan in late 1800 by the British. As always, the Japanese habitually adapted the curry to their own version soon after. By 1950s S&B Foods company introduced curry roux in block form and started selling the instant roux everywhere, which resulting curry rice a very popular dish people make at home.

You too can make Japanese curry 🍛 at home with these delicious recipes:

• How to Make Japanese Curry Roux from Scratch
• Japanese Chicken Curry & Instant Pot version 
• Japanese Beef Curry

Dango Emoji

A type of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi), dango are dumplings made with rice flour and skewered on a stick. The dumplings are mildly sweet with a chewy texture similar to mochi. There are different types of dango, but the one you see here is hanami dango 花見団子, which is typically enjoyed during the cherry blossom season.

Did you know? Hanami dango always consists of three colors, with pink, white and green in the order. The colors represent the life cycle of cherry blossom.

You can purchase 🍡 at the pop-up food stalls during cherry blossom season, or you can make them at home with this recipe:

• Hanami Dango

Oden Emoji

Loosely described as Japanese fish cake stew, oden is a type of one pot simmered dish, which includes a variety of ingredients such as fish balls, fish cakes, deep-fried tofu, hard-boiled eggs, konnyaku, and vegetables gently cooked in a soy sauce based broth. It is considered as a comfort dish during winter in Japan.

Did you know? Oden is also known as a food stall dish, and it’s especially popular among the salarymen after work where they enjoy the hot food and sake with their coworkers. You can even buy oden from convenience stores.

Wish to enjoy this simmered dish 🍢 out of the comfort of your home? Don’t miss out the recipe:

• Oden

Kakigori (Shaved Ice) Emoji

You’d see a lot of uses of this emoji during the summertime because it is the symbol of a dessert made of shaved ice flavored with syrups, and sometimes with additional toppings such as red bean paste, sweet dumplings, sweetened condensed milk, and ice cream. To make the dessert, you need a special machine so the ice is shaved into a fine and fluffy texture before it is served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon.

Did you know? Kakigori or shaved ice dessert has a long history where it is said to have already existed in the ancient time during the Heian period. The ice was shaved with a knife into a metal bowl and eaten with a sweet sap and doused with some golden syrup on top. It was considered a luxury treat and only enjoyed by the elites.

Nowadays kakigori is a popular sweet loved by all generations and you can find it sold at the summer festivals and food stalls in Japan.

Wish to enjoy some shaved ice🍧 at home this summer? We have an amazing shaved ice recipe just for you:

• Green Tea Shaved Ice

Purin (Custard/Flan) Emoji

This custard-looking emoji is indeed a popular Japanese dessert. Known as Purinプリン, it is basically a custard pudding with a layer of soft caramel on top. The texture is silky smooth and slightly firm, with a gentle wobble.

Did you know? Japanese “Purin” available at supermarkets and convenience stores in Japan is all made with gelatin.  They are not baked or steamed.

Wish to enjoy 🍮 at home? Here’s the recipe:

• Japanese Purin (No Bake Creme Caramel)

Matcha Green Tea Emoji

This teacup with an unmistakable bright green drink is the analog for a special Japanese green tea called matcha. Pronounced as “MA-cha” 抹茶, this iconic Japanese beverage has become just as mainstream as cappuccino in many parts of the world. It is made of finely milled green tea powder that is whisked with hot water using a bamboo whisk and served in special tea bowls at tea ceremonies. These days matcha, the green tea powder, is also widely used in flavoring desserts and sweets, and enjoyed in drinks like smoothies and lattes.

Did you know? Matcha is high in antioxidant and a perfect energy booster. Although it has as much caffeine as coffee, it is absorbed by the body a slower rate and doesn’t give you the jitters. If you are looking for a drink that can give you a longer lasting energy, matcha makes a great alternative.

Check out our matcha  🍵 recipes:

• How to Make Matcha 
• Matcha Latte
• Matcha Smoothie

Sake Emoji

Sake (pronounced as SAH-keh, not saki), also referred to as Japanese rice wine, is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice and water. Depending on the season or personal reference, sake can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or heated. As seen on the emoji, it is drunk from small cups and poured from a small flask called tokkuri.

Did you know? Traditionally, it is a custom for allowing your drinking partner to pour your drink and vice versa. The practice has relaxed in recent years, but it is still widely observed in formal settings, especially when you partake a drink or a meal with an elderly or someone with higher social rankings.

Just like how wine is used in cooking, sake is widely used in Japanese cooking and is considered an important ingredient in many dishes. To learn more about sake 🍶 in Japanese cooking, read our article here.

Did you enjoy this article?

There are a lot more emojis we could list out here, but we hope the above give you a good start in familiarizing with the basic Japanese food. Do you have a favorite? Are there any Japanese food emojis you’d like to learn more about? Let us know in the comment below!

Sign up for the free Just One Cookbook newsletter delivered to your inbox! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram for all the latest updates.

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Originally from Penang, Malaysia, Reese lives in Minnesota with her husband and their baby boy. She previously ran an Asian spice shop, and also worked on UNESCO Heritage projects in Penang in the areas of performing arts, history, and arts education. Reese loves spending time with her family, listening to podcasts, and reading up on art & design. And of course, dreaming of another trip to Japan to hike mountain trails and eat her favorite street food Okonomiyaki. More from Reese →

 

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2XJcezq
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

36 Hours in Kobe, Japan

By INGRID K. WILLIAMS from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2USLcZn


from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2W4Q9uP
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Mujaddara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions)

Are you familiar with mujadarra? It’s a beautiful dish layered with lentils and rice at the bottom, followed by caramelized onions (the more, the better), and hopefully a couple of creamy or spicy sauces on the side.

Mujadarra is served across the Middle East in various forms and goes by differing names, depending on where you are. It’s one of my favorite items to order at Middle Eastern restaurants, and this recipe tastes just like it.

If you’re not sold yet on mujadarra yet, let me tell you that it’s a seriously inexpensive vegetarian meal that would make a statement at your next get-together.

It’s also special diet-friendly, since it’s gluten free and easily vegan/dairy free (simply serve hummus or tahini sauce on the side instead of yogurt).

Lastly, mujadarra is fun to make! Want to learn how?

Continue to the recipe...

The post Mujaddara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions) appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

* This article was originally published here

from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2UQEaUS
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

A New Museum Explores 2,000 Years of Jewish Life in Italy

By HARRY D. WALL from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2PqEFz4


from Merah Hati Cintaku http://bit.ly/2PsuOIU
via merahhaticintaku.blogspot.my

Taking Your Dog on a Plane Just Got Harder

By LISA GAY from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2GDWDvi


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Kombu

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Healthy Honey Flax Tahini Banana Bread

Healthy Tahini Banana Bread made with whole wheat flour, flaxseed, sesame seeds and naturally sweetened with honey. This oil-free healthy banana bread is wonderful toasted with a drizzle of honey. How is it almost the end of April?! The weather’s been strange, but I’m just rolling with it. 30 degrees one day, 70 degrees the [...]

The post Healthy Honey Flax Tahini Banana Bread appeared first on Ambitious Kitchen.

* This article was originally published here

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How to Take Better Travel Photos, Without a New Camera

By GEOFFREY MORRISON from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2VledML


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In Uzbekistan, Encounters With a Dead Goat. But in a Good Way.

By SEBASTIAN MODAK from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2L6g4kq


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United Airlines Employee Charged With Using Racial Slurs Toward Customer

By TARIRO MZEZEWA from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2VZy8hm


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Traveling to Cuba May Get Harder for Americans

By TARIRO MZEZEWA from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2GBwIUZ


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What to Do with Hard Boiled Eggs

Tackling the Plastic Problem, One City (or Country) at a Time

By ZACH WICHTER from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2IKZLa9


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Chasing Rembrandt’s Tulips on Two Wheels

By SUSANNE MASTERS from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2IMS6Ic


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How to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution While Traveling

By HAHNA YOON from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2UvQ819


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19 Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar + How To Drink It

Everybody says apple cider vinegar is amazing. And there are many health benefits of apple cider vinegar.  Wanna know why and what are those benefits are, specifically? Here are all the reasons why everyone is drinking apple cider vinegar plus helpful tips for how to incorporate apple cider vinegar to your diet.

Apple cider vinegar is everywhere. Everybody talks about it and everybody seems to love it. Is this just a new hype or is apple cider vinegar actually amazing? Are there actual health benefits of apple cider vinegar?

First of all, there’s nothing new here. Apple cider vinegar was used as a natural remedy for health problems for a very long period of time. In fact, it’s an ancient remedy. It seems that we’re becoming more aware of those benefits these days, but they were always there. It’s a re-discovery, if you will.

More people are trying to improve their life by making healthier and more natural choices these days and that’s why you’ll see apple cider vinegar pretty much anywhere there’s a conversation about health, food, and natural remedies.

So I’ll get my POV right out here: I think Apple Cider Vinegar (aka ACV) is amazing. Seriously, AH-MAZING.

And most of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar are endorsed by science — so nope, not just a hype.

However, despite being so amazing, apple cider vinegar won’t work miracles. And it won’t replace a balanced diet and exercise. It promotes health and it helps you maintain it, but drinking apple cider vinegar won’t have a major impact unless you’re making other steps towards your health. No remedy can do that. Moderation is always key.

WHAT IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR?

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apples. Duh, right?  More specifically, it’s fermented apple juice.

To make apple cider vinegar, apples are crushed and exposed to yeast. By doing this, the natural sugar from the apple is fermented over time and turned into alcohol (like you would do with wine). Sounds like making apple cider, right? Yeah, because the process is similar. The difference is the apple cider vinegar is fermented twice –once to make alcoholic cider and a second time to make it vinegar.

WHY DRINK APPLE CIDER VINEGAR?

As crazy as it may sound at first, drinking apple cider vinegar will bring you many health benefits which will be discussed in detail in just a sec. Aside from health benefits, apple cider vinegar also reduces cravings by inducing satiety which means apple cider vinegar is great for weight loss or for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only that, but apple cider vinegar is filled with beneficial nutrients.

basically, apple cider vinegar rocks!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

So what about those health benefits of apple cider vinegar?  This almost-magical vinegar can do many things for your health.  Let’s start with a list and then get into more details with the ones that will help you to live a healthier life, ok?

Apple cider vinegar…

• is a natural laxative and it can improve digestion;
• lowers blood sugar levels;
• improves insulin sensitivity;
• increases satiety and helps people to lose weight;
• reduces belly fat;
• lowers cholesterol;
• lowers blood pressure and improves heart health;
• prevents and decreases the risk of getting cancer and slows down the growth of cancer cells.

HELPFUL NUTRIENTS IN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Impressive, right? But wait… there’s more. Apple cider vinegar is also a nutritional powerhouse. That would explain some of the health benefits! Let’s take a closer look at apple cider vinegar’s nutritional composition to see what makes it so special.

Apple cider vinegar contains:

• magnesium;
• iron;
• phosphorus;
• manganese;
• amino acids;
• antioxidants;
• only 3 calories per tablespoon.

DRINKING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Most people use apple cider vinegar for weight loss, but they don’t know the rest of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. That’s because apple cider vinegar was used as an aid in weight loss for ages.

There are several studies that have concluded using apple cider vinegar for weight loss actually works. They also found it works even without dietary changes. However, when drinking apple cider combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results are truly impressive.

So…how does this happen?  Most people overeat because they don’t feel full. Apple cider vinegar increases satiety (your feeling of fullness) and that’s very helpful for staying on track with your healthy diet. Especially at the beginning of your weight loss journey when you need a little bit of help to start and to stay on track.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND DIABETES

When it comes to apple cider vinegar and diabetes, there are a few things you should know.  Apple cider vinegar is great in diabetes prevention. So, if you have a family history of diabetes, you should consider drinking apple cider vinegar to decrease the risk.

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when one is fasting (not eating), which is incredibly beneficial for people who have difficulty regulating their own blood sugar levels, like those who have diabetes.  However, this won’t replace medication. A healthy diet and exercise are always recommended for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and take insulin or prescription drugs, you should talk to your doctor before drinking apple cider vinegar because your potassium levels can drop too much.

CHOLESTEROL, BLOOD PRESSURE, AND APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Other common uses for apple cider vinegar are to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.  What’s the deal with apple cider vinegar cholesterol and apple cider vinegar blood pressure? Apple cider vinegar helps in controlling renin, a hormone produces by your kidneys that is responsible for constricting and dilating the blood vessels. When the blood vessels are constricting, the blood pressure rises. Apple cider vinegar keeps the vessels relax, and that means blood pressure won’t rise.

As for apple cider vinegar helping with cholesterol – drinking apple cider vinegar before a meal lowers cholesterol. Basically, studies have shown that apple cider vinegar reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL (good cholesterol) due to its natural antioxidants.

HOW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HELPS WITH DIGESTION

As I already mentioned, apple cider vinegar improves digestion. Drinking apple cider vinegar for digestion can…

• get rid of heartburn;
• reduce bloating;
• improve digestion overall.

Let me just say that discomfort and pain are not normal. When we experience pain and discomfort after a meal, we should listen to our bodies and realize that something is not exactly right. Maybe we ate too much or maybe our digestive system doesn’t work properly.

Proper digestion means proper acid levels in the stomach so the nutrients in our food can be absorbed. When there’s not enough acid, food is not properly broken down and the nutrients are not assimilated which can lead to digestive issues like the ones I mentioned. Or more serious ones.

Drinking apple cider vinegar for digestion means increasing acid production. And that leads to proper digestion. Simple, right?

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR KILLS BACTERIA

Did you know apple cider vinegar kills bacteria? In fact, apple cider vinegar was used for disinfecting wounds and treating fungus back in the day.

It was – and still is – a great way to treat and prevent infection because apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria easily. It also inhibits bacteria, like E-coli, from spoiling food so that’s why it’s so often used as a food preservative. It’s also natural and better than artificial preservatives.  So awesome!

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND CANCER

When it comes to apple cider vinegar and cancer, it has been shown that apple cider vinegar can help in cancer prevention because it promotes health. There are many factors and causes for cancer and we still have a long way to go in terms of prevention and treatment but, what we do know is apple cider vinegar can reduce the risk of cancer and can slow down the cancer cell (tumor) growth.

That being said, apple cider vinegar shouldn’t replace treatment for someone diagnosed with cancer or a healthy lifestyle for those who want to reduce the risk of developing different types of cancer.

USING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR SKIN AND HAIR

Aside from the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, using apple cider vinegar can also improve skin appearance and hair health. Woot!  See? Apple cider vinegar is indeed amazing. Told ya!

Why apple cider vinegar is great for skin and hair:

• treats and reduces the prevalence of acne;
• treats and soothes sunburn;
• has anti-aging properties;
• improves hair health;
• combats hair tangles;
• reduces hair frizz;
• seals the hair cuticles and help the hair to retain moisture;
• treats dandruff.

Seriously, is there anything apple cider vinegar cannot do? I don’t think so! However, it’s important to note it is not recommended to apply apple cider vinegar to the skin without diluting it in water first.

POPULAR WAYS TO DRINK APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Since there are so many health benefits apple of cider vinegar, you’re probably considering drinking apple cider vinegar right out of the bottle to benefit from its amazing properties. But… let’s first discuss how to drink apple cider vinegar.

First off, look for the unfiltered and organic type cuz’ that’s the best type.  The Bragg’s Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar I have pictured in this post is my fave, but there are many other options as well.

How to drink apple cider vinegar

Well, you don’t really have to drink it. Especially if you don’t like the taste. There are other ways to consume apple cider vinegar.  You can incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet by…

• using it in various recipes including salad dressing recipes and marinade recipes.
• making an apple cider vinegar tonic by mixing apple cider vinegar with lemon juice – 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar added to a glass of fruit juice. Drinking apple cider vinegar is easier this way. You won’t notice the taste as much but you’ll get all the health benefits of apple cider. Plus the benefits of fruit juice. Make your own fruit juice at home for a fresh and yummy tonic.  You can spice it up with a little ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper or sweeten it with a little raw honey.  Good stuff.

If you don’t mind the taste of apple cider vinegar, you can add it to a glass of water and drink it. It’s as simple as that.

HOW MUCH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHOULD I DRINK DAILY?

This is important. Because you don’t want to overdo it. That’s never a good idea. So how much apple cider vinegar daily? And how much is too much?

Common dosage per day is 15-30 ml. Basically, 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar – mixed with water or made into a tonic or added to a salad dressing.

My advice is to start with a tablespoon and then increase to 2 tablespoons if you don’t notice any side effects.  It can be quite strong at first, so you’ll want to get used to it.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF DRINKING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider is rather harmless, but too much of anything can cause problems. Also, there are certain instances when apple cider vinegar is not at all recommended. For example, if you have stomach ulcer or kidney problems.

As a reminder, drinking apple cider vinegar without diluting it is not at all recommended because apple cider vinegar is acidic and it can cause:

• tooth decay and weaken tooth enamel;
• low potassium levels – when drinking more apple cider vinegar than recommended or when you already have low potassium levels;
• indigestion – too much apple cider vinegar can cause indigestion;
• digestive problems – this may sound counterintuitive since apple cider vinegar can improve digestion but for someone who has ulcers or acid reflux, apple cider vinegar will only worsen the symptoms.
• skin burns – another counterintuitive one since apple cider vinegar can soothe sunburn but if you apply it to the skin undiluted it can burn your skin. For treating acne, make sure you add only a little bit of apple cider vinegar in water before applying it to the skin. For sunburn – use 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into your bath water.

A little really goes a long way.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy apple cider vinegar?  Let me know in the comments below!

 

This post contains affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.

The post 19 Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar + How To Drink It appeared first on A Sweet Pea Chef.

* This article was originally published here

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How to Travel Without Leaving a Trace

By RIA MISRA from NYT Travel https://nyti.ms/2GoTo9C


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Osaka Guide: Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai District

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50+ Spring Brunch Recipes

Kansas City is in full bloom and I feel like I’m living in an Easter basket. I spy shades of light purple, pink and yellow from my window. After the long winter, I’m thrilled to see signs of life outside again.

Since Easter is right around the corner, I’ve rounded up some fresh, vegetarian brunch options. You’ll find more recipes below than you could possibly need for one meal. They’re are all great candidates for weekend meals this spring, so you might want to bookmark this page.

Below, you’ll find some spring sweets, egg and main dishes, salads, sides, cocktails and drinks, and vegan options at the end. Gluten-free recipes are denoted (GF). Wishing you a happy and delicious weekend!

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The post 50+ Spring Brunch Recipes appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

* This article was originally published here

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