FoodSeptember 11, 2008 1:56 am

Ice Cream History and Folklore

Most of the following material has been extracted from "The History of Ice Cream", written by the International Association of Ice Cream Manufacturers (IAICM), Washington DC, 1978. As you will note below, however, much of the early history of ice cream remains unproven folklore.

Once upon a time, hundreds of years ago, Charles I of England hosted a sumptous state banquet for many of his friends and family. The meal, consisting of many delicacies of the day, had been simply superb but the "coup de grace" was yet to come. After much preparation, the King’s french chef had concocted an apparently new dish. It was cold and resembled fresh- fallen snow but was much creamier and sweeter than any other after- dinner dessert. The guests were delighted, as was Charles, who summoned the cook and asked him not to divulge the recipe for his frozen cream. The King wanted the delicacy to be served only at the Royal table and offered the cook 500 pounds a year to keep it that way. Sometime later, however, poor Charles fell into disfavour with his people and was beheaded in 1649. But by that time, the secret of the frozen cream remained a secret no more. The cook, named DeMirco, had not kept his promise.

This story is just one of many of the fascinating tales which surround the evolution of our country’s most popular dessert, ice cream. It is likely that ice cream was not invented, but rather came to be over years of similar efforts. Indeed, the Roman Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar is said to have sent slaves to the mountains to bring snow and ice to cool and freeze the fruit drinks he was so fond of. Centuries later, the Italian Marco Polo returned from his famous journey to the Far East with a recipe for making water ices resembling modern day sherbets.

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FoodMay 19, 2008 5:21 am

Spiced Aromatic Idli Recipe

Spiced aromatic idli recipe serves as one of the most wonderful weight watcher snacks. Recepie of spiced aromatic idli makes usage of moong dal with rice and the taste it has is simply amazing. Here are the steps as to how to make the receipe of spicy aromatic idli…

  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Per Serving: (Makes 10) Calories 174, Proteins 5.3 g, Fat 2.5 g, Carbohydrates: 23.3 g
  • Ingredients
  • 200 gm unpolished rice
  • 100 gm semolina of wheat (suji)
  • 450 gm yoghurt
  • 25 gm moong lentil, freshly sprouted
  • 3 gm black peppercorns
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • 6 cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Sea salt Method

·  Method:

  • Take unpolished rice in a bowl and wash them thrice. Now tie them in a cloth for about 10-12 minutes.
  • Spread out the rice in sunlight to let them dry completely. Then pound it to a coarse powder.
  • Beat the rice, semolina, yoghurt, freshly crushed pepper and sea salt together well with a whisk and leave for 1 1/2 hour.
  • Add on some water and beat again. The mixture should be moderate, as in neither too thin nor too thick.
  • Wet pieces of muslin and place then over each idli mould.
  • Pour the idli batter on idli moulds and scatter moong sprouts on it.
  • Put water into a steamer, add on the spices and boil for five minutes.
  • Return to medium heat, place the idli moulds in position and steam for 8-10 minutes.
  • To check if the idlis are properly cooked or not, put a toothpick inside the idli and if it comes out neatly, then your idlis are ready to be served.

 

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Food, Health and ScienceMay 15, 2008 5:14 am

Benefits Of Pineapple

One of the juiciest fruits that is absolutely a delight to eat is the pineapple. It can be taken with whipped cream, custard or just like that. Pineapple juice is equally yummy and refreshing and is one of the favorite drinks of many people during hot weather. The best part about pineapples is that it is loaded with nutrients and beneficial enzymes, which ensures that you not only have a healthy body but also a glowing complexion. To know the nutritional value and health benefits of eating pineapples, read below.
 
Nutritional Value of Pineapple
Given here is the value of different nutrients in 100 grams of pineapple. 

  • Calcium - 16 mg
  • Calories - 52
  • Carbohydrates - 13.7 gm
  • Dietary Fiber - 1.4 gm
  • Iron - 0.28 mg
  • Magnesium - 12 mg
  • Protein - 0.54 g
  • Phosphorus - 11 mg
  • Potassium - 150 mg
  • Vitamin A - 130 I.U
  • Vitamin B1 - 0.079 mg
  • Vitamin B2 - 0.031 mg
  • Vitamin B3 - 0.489 mg
  • Vitamin B6 - 0.110 mg
  • Vitamin C - 24 mg
  • Zinc - 0.10 mg 

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Pineapple 

  • Pineapple is known to be very effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movement. This is because it is rich in fiber, which makes bowel movements regular and easy.
  • For any kind of morning sickness, motion sickness or nausea, drink pineapple juice. It works effectively in getting rid of nausea and vomiting sensation.
  • It has virtually no fat and cholesterol and is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins that are needed by the body for overall growth and development.
  • Juice from fresh pineapple can be used to relieve bronchitis, diphtheria and chest congestion. Not only does it have enough amounts of Vitamin C, but it also contains an enzyme called Bromelain, which is known to dissolve and loosen up mucus.
  • Pineapple is effective in getting rid of intestinal worms and also keeps the intestines and kidneys clean. It is effective in flushing out the toxins from the body, thus making the metabolism healthy.
  • Pineapples are very rich in manganese and even a single cup of pineapple is supposed to contain a good amount of it. This mineral is required for the growth of healthy bones and tissues.
  • High content in Vitamin C ensures that oral health remains in top condition always. It helps prevent gum disease and also prevents the formation of plaque, thus keeping the teeth healthy.
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