Chicken And Egg Fried Rice Recipe

                                                                                             
                                                                                              Cooking Time: 20-30 mint
                                                                                                           Serves: 2-3

The simplest of Chinese recipes is recreated here by stir-frying chicken, rice, soy sauce and egg. The trick to make perfect fried rice is not to use hot rice, but cold, cooked rice.

Ingredients:


1 egg
1 tablespoon water
15g butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
315g cooked white rice, cold
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
140g cooked chicken meat, chopped

Method:

In a small bowl, beat egg with water. Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium low heat. Allow the egg to cook without disturbing it for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from frying pan and cut into thin strips.

Heat oil in same frying pan; add onion and saute until soft. Then add rice, soy sauce, pepper and chicken. Stir fry together for about 5 minutes, then stir in egg. Serve hot.

Chicken chow mein

                                                                                                           Cooking Time : 30 mins
                                                                                                                        Serves: 2-3

As part of our 'Cooking with Auntie Sara' series, Sara Buenfeld shows the kids how to make the classic takeaway favourite

Ingredients:

For the sauce:

thumb-size piece fresh root ginger
2 garlic cloves
3 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce

For the noodles:

1 large red pepper
5 spring onions
half a 400g bag beansprouts
1 large or 2 small chicken breasts
3 nests medium egg noodles
1 tbsp sunflower oil

Method:

Use a potato peeler to remove the skin from the ginger. Discard skin, then carefully grate 1 tbsp from the root. Put in a bowl, crush in the garlic, and add the ketchup, oyster sauce, soy sauce and 3 tbsp water. Stir.
Use a sharp knife to cut the pepper into quarters on a board. Remove the seeds and stalk, then slice diagonally into strips. Cut the ends from the spring onions, and cut the green and white of the onion lengthways. Open the bag of beansprouts. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces.
Boil a large pan of water on the hob. when the water is boiling, drop in the noodles, turn off the heat and set the timer to 4 mins. when the time is up, drain in a colander or a large sieve in the sink. ask an adult to help you.
With everything prepared, you can now start cooking. Heat the wok – it’s hot enough when it starts to smoke. add the oil and chicken. Use a wooden spoon to keep moving the chicken around the wok until it is half white, half pink. add the pepper and stir-fry for a further 1 min.
Pour the sauce into the wok and stir well until bubbling.
Add the noodles, beansprouts and spring onions a handful at a time, then toss into the sauce until it is well coated, stirring constantly until the beansprouts wilt. Serve in bowls – an easy way is to use tongs.

Cantloupes - Tips

Cantloupes

The melon that Americans call cantaloupe is truly a muskmelon. True cantaloupes are mainly grown in Europe and have a rough, warty surface quite different from the melons grown in the United States. The American "cantaloupe" is the most nutritious melon of all and is related to the squash family, somewhere between the winter and summer squash in terms of nutrition.
Cantaloupes have the high water content and low calorie count of the summer squash and the high levels of beta-carotene, potassium and Vitamin C found in the winter squash like pumpkins and butternut squash.
Cantaloupes grow best in warm to hot weather. California is the number-one melon supplier. In the peak of the melon season from June through October the San Joaquin Valley in central California supplies 95% of the cantaloupes bought in North America. Most imports come from Mexico and Central America, particularly Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Canteloupe Nutrition

Selection and Storage:

The netting on the cantaloupe, that raised surface all around the melon, should cover the melon completely. Avoid very small cantaloupes, less than 5 inches in diameter, and ones with a large bald or smooth spot on their surface. However, it's all right for one side of the netting to be bleached where the melon touched the ground. Look for cantaloupes that have a smooth stem end or "full slip," illustrating that the melon detached from the stem of the plant naturally, with little effort. An unacceptable "half-slip" detachment will leave some stem fibers at the end.

It is also important to look for melons that have a good fragrance, because if it smells good, it will usually taste good. Melons should be firm with a little give, not overly soft, which means the melon is overripe. This is particularly true of the stem end, which should yield to pressure but not be soft or mushy. Good moisture content means that the melon will be heavy for its size. Shake the melon; if you hear liquid sloshing around inside, the melon is probably overripe. Avoid melons that show cracks, shriveling, or other obvious signs of poor quality.

Melons will ripen after they are picked, but their sugar content won't increase. It will take up to four days for melons to ripen at room temperature. Because melons are ethylene sensitive, they will ripen more rapidly in the presence of ethylene-producing fruit such as bananas and pears.

Don't refrigerate melons unless they become too ripe or have been cut. Whole ripe or cut melons should be stored at between 40°F and 45°F, and a whole ripe melon will last in the refrigerator about three days. Leave the seeds inside a cut melon until you're ready to eat it, to help keep the melon moist. Cut melons should be tightly wrapped, and always taste better if they are brought to room temperature before you eat them. Melons don't freeze well.

Preparation:

It is suggested that you wash cantaloupes thoroughly before slicing to remove any potential bacteria. The easiest way to enjoy a melon is to cut it in half, remove the seeds, and eat a half or quarter (depending on its size), scooping out the flesh with a teaspoon.
Cantaloupe Seasons To cube a cantaloupe, quarter the cantaloupe lengthwise and slice off the usable fruit from the rind with a sharp knife, and then cube as desired. Another method is to slice off the rind with a sharp chef's knife and slice lengthwise (to the desired width), and cut crosswise into cubes. This method works best when you have a lot of melon cubes to do.

Cantaloupe balls can be scooped right from a melon half without removing the rind. Melon ballers come in various sizes and are handy not just for melons, but for other fruits as well. A twist of the wrist and a little twirl will give you pretty, round shapes.

Make a classic hors d'oeuvre by wrapping cubed melon in a thin slice of prosciutto, and securing with a toothpick, or for a first course, lay a few thin slices of cantaloupe across a plate, and drape or lightly wrap sheer slices of prosciutto over them.

If you discover that a cantaloupe is not quite ripe after you've cut it open, it can be rescued with some orange or melon liqueur, orange or other citrus juice, a little sugar, and maybe some minced candied ginger for added flavor. Overripe melon can be used for cold melon soup or a smoothie with some yogurt, honey, and orange juice.

Health Benefits of Cantaloupe:

Cantalopue contains high amount of Vitamin A, C, K, B1, B3 and B6. This melon family fruit has pastel colored flesh. The fruit helps in decreasing cataract and metabolic syndrome risk. The fruit contains copper, magnesium, potassium, folate and fiber. It also contains phytonutrients that help in fighting inflammation. Cantaloupe has omega 3 fats. The antioxidants present in the fruit help in fighting free radical damage. Cantaloupe makes the immune system healthy

Beneficial for lungs:

Due to smoking and exposure to smoking for a long period of time, vitamin A is lost from the body. Cantaloupes provide you the vitamin A that is lost from the body and helps in rejuvenating the lungs. So it is very useful for those who smoke.

Beneficial for pregnant women:

The folates contained in cantaloupes help in the production of new cells and in maintaining them. So it is beneficial for pregnant women.

Cures tooth ache:

The skin of cantaloupe helps in curing tooth aches. Take about 6 gm of the skin and simmer it in water till it is cooked. Cool it and use it to rinse your mouth.

Cardiovascular health:

Being rich in potassium, cantaloupes help in controlling blood pressure and hence keep your heart healthy. Potassium is also effective in preventing hypertension and protects the body from the harmful effects of sodium. The compound adenosine found in cantaloupe has the properly to make blood thin and is therefore good for the heart and prevents blood clotting. Vitamin C also prevents the hardening of arteries and the folates prevent heart attacks.

Combats stress:

The potassium present in cantaloupe helps in making the heart beat normal and in increasing the availability of oxygen to the brain. This makes you feel more relaxed and increases your concentration. It also contains superoxide dismutase, which helps in lowering the blood pressure and making the nerves relaxed. It also helps in preventing cellular death as a result of oxidative stress.

Eye health:

Cantaloupe contains beta carotenes, which when absorbed by the body changes in to vitamin A. This is very beneficial in improving your eye sight. It also helps in protecting your eyes from cataract. According to studies made, it is proved that if you consume vitamin enriched food regularly, it can reduce the chances of cataracts by 40%.

Helps in weight loss:

Cantaloupe is rich in fiber and low in calories and therefore you can consume it when you are on a diet to lose weight. The fibers present in it make your stomach full and prevent you from eating more food. It also prevents you from eating snacks in between meals as it occupies more space in your stomach and make you feel full.

Medicinal value of cantaloupe seeds:

You can get rid of intestinal worms by eating crushed seeds of cantaloupe. These seeds are also helpful for those suffering from cough, cold indigestion and fever.

Medicinal value of cantaloupe tea:

You can make cantaloupe tea by taking the root of cantaloupe. It has great medicinal values.

Prevents cancer:

Free radicals formed in the body can attack the cells of the body and cause cancer. Vitamin C and beta-carotene present in cantaloupe fight against these free radicals and destroy them.

Prevents diabetic nephropathy:

The extract that you get from cantaloupe called oxykine, can prevent diabetic nephropathy, which is a condition wherein the kidney cells are highly damaged. Cantaloupes also contain simple sugars and are therefore not harmful for diabetic patients.

Quit Smoking:

If you want to quit smoking, start consuming cantaloupes as the minerals contained in them help you to overcome the nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with it. It also provides you the vitamin A that you have lost as a result of smoking and helps in fast recovery.

Strengthens the immune system:

Cantaloupe is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is essential for enhancing immunity of the body by activating the white blood cells. White blood cells fight against the foreign bodies that enter the body and also destroy the infections that are caused. Vitamin C is also a strong antioxidant and reverses the harmful actions of the free radicals in the body, thus preventing any damage to the skin which may cause premature ageing. So include cantaloupe in your daily diet and stay young for a longer period of time.

Treatment of insomnia:

Cantaloupe has the property to relax your nerves and calm anxiety. So it is beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia and provide them restful sleep.

Treatment of menstrual problems:

Cantaloupes contain vitamin C, which helps in regulating the menstrual flow, reduces pains caused as a result of it and also removes all other menstrual problems. Some consume it to induce menstruation.

Benefits of Cantaloupe skin & hair

Skin Benefits:

All varieties of melons are great for skin, and cantaloupe melon being the most nutritious among them, is no exception. It offers the following benefits for your skin.

Hydrates and Rejuvenates Skin:

Cantaloupe contains Vitamins K and E which play an important role in keeping your skin healthy and radiant. The high water content hydrates your skin from within. Cantaloupe is also a good source of B vitamins, choline and betaine which keep your skin replenished and rejuvenated. Topical application of cantaloupe juice helps in softening and hydrating your skin.

Skin Regeneration:

The high content of Vitamins A and C in cantaloupe fruit makes it beneficial for your skin. Vitamin A encourages skin regeneration while Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen, the connective tissue that imparts a youthful glow to your skin. You can prepare a face pack by processing some cantaloupe in a blender and adding powdered oatmeal and yogurt to the pulp to make a thick and smooth paste. Apply this pack all over your face and neck and remove by massaging it in gentle circular movements. Wash off with warm water. This should be applied thrice a week for best results.

Anti-ageing Benefits:

Cantaloupe has abundant folic acid which facilitates regeneration of cells, thus imparting you with healthy skin. This is particularly beneficial for pregnant women. Vitamin C on the other hand prevents damage by free radicals. In this way, cantaloupe helps keep wrinkles at bay, maintains skin elasticity and facilitates collagen synthesis, thus providing anti-ageing benefits.

Treatment of Eczema and Other Skin Problems:

The cantaloupe juice is also an effective lotion for treating eczema and removing freckles. It can also be used as a first aid for burns and abrasions.

Hair Benefits

Cantaloupe contains all the vital nutrients and minerals that are required for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Its benefits for hair are given below.

 Hair Loss:

Insonitol is a form of Vitamin B which is required to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. This vitamin is mostly found in citrus fruits except lemons. Cantaloupe contains sufficient amount of insonitol and hence, regular consumption of this fruit can stimulate hair growth.

Perfect Conditioner:

Cantaloupe can be a perfect hair conditioner during the summer months. All you need to do is mash a cup of cantaloupe with a fork and massage your hair with this pulp after shampooing. Wash off after 10 minutes.

Gulab Jamun

                                                                                                         
                                                                                              Cooking time: 30 mins
                                                                                                        Serves : As Desired

Gulab jamun is very popular Dessert, Mithai, sweet and also very easy to make. gulab jamun are not only popular in Pakistan but also very famous in foreign countries. Learn how to make gulab jamun at Home.

Ingredients:

1 cup dry milk powder
1 Tsp suji
1 large egg
1 Tsp of oil
1/4tsp of baking powder (oil for frying)
(shera)
1 cup suger
2cups water

Method:

firstly make shera by adding suger &water.not so cold or not too hot ,keep it lukewarm.then heat oil on medium heat mix together all ingredients (milk powder,suji,oil,baking powder,egg) .then make a stiky dough,make small balls(9-10) of this dough then deep fry it on medium heat,when these r dark brown put them in the luke warm shera and cover the pot for about 15 min.after this serve them warm .it is really delicious & easy to make.

Custard Apple -Tips

Buying & storing:

Ripe custard apples have pale green skin and yield to gentle pressure. Ripen darker green fruit at room temperature. Once ripe, store in the fridge and eat within two days.

Preparation:

Cut the custard apple in half or pull apart with your hands. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh to eat.

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: Scoop out the flesh and mix with any of the following: cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon, orange, honey and vanilla. A delicious food for toddlers.

Benefits of Custard Apple Hair & Skin

Benefits of Custard Apple for Hair:

Custard apple contains vital nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin A and phosphorus, which can benefit the hair in multiple ways.

1. Helps To Eliminate Lice:

Unripe custard apple fruit powder can help you to get rid of lice. Mix the powder with water or coconut oil and apply it on the scalp. Wash it off after 10 minutes to treat hair lice and nits.

2. For Better Collagen Levels:

Vitamin C in custard apple contributes to the development of collagen, a protein which makes up the major portion of our hair and scalp.

3. For A Luxurious, Moisturized Hair:

Custard apple seed oil is useful for taming wavy and coarse hair. It hydrates and moisturizes the scalp, making the hair lustrous, voluminous and shiny. The high levels of vitamin A in custard apple seed oil hydrate the hair without weighing it down.

4. Prevents Premature Graying:

The high levels of copper in custard apple contribute to the formation of melanin, preventing premature hair graying. It also maintains the natural color of the hair.

5. Natural Antidote For Scalp Infections:

The vitamin C and antioxidants in custard apple regulate the sebum production in the scalp, reducing dandruff and flaky skin.

6. For Better Hair Growth:

It inhibits scalp inflammation, preventing hair fall. It also facilitates the absorption of nutrients, providing nourishment to the hair. The high amount of iron in custard apple improves blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating the follicles to promote hair growth.


Benefits of Custard Apple for Skin:

1. Good For Skin Rejuvenation:

Custard apple is not only a delicious fruit, but is excellent for the skin as well. It contains nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, antioxidants, which are required for rejuvenating the skin’s health.

2. Naturally Heals The Skin Infections:

The paste of custard apple is used to treat ulcer, abscesses, and boils. Vitamin C in custard apple helps in the healing of wounds and forming cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Consuming custard apple juice on a regular basis stimulates the development of new cells in the layers of the skin. It also assists in healing of abrasion and cuts. The latex of custard apple tree when applied on the skin treats skin diseases like inflammation, eczema and psoriasis.

3. Delays Ageing And Keeps Skin Youthful:

Regular consumption of custard apple thickens and stimulates the collagen to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It increases the deposition of collagen and slows its breakdown, improving the elasticity of the skin. It also improves hydration in and around the cells. Vitamin C in custard apple combats free radicals in the body, providing a healthy, flawless and glowing skin. It promotes a healthy cell membrane. The antioxidants in custard apple neutralize free radicals, hastening the process of regeneration. It helps to delay the signs of ageing like age spots and blemishes. The antioxidants fight the harsh rays of the sun, protecting from sun damage. Consumption of custard apple helps in the regeneration of skin cells and contributes in making the skin youthful.

4. Keeps Skin Cancer Away:

The acetogenin compounds in custard apple help in the eradication of pre-cancerous skin lesion, preventing skin cancer.

5. Lowers Pigmentation Problems:

Custard apple decreases the clustering of melanin granules, reducing brown spots and pigmentation. It also helps to reverse the pigmentation caused due to the free radicals.

6. Eases Rosacea Symptoms:

The high levels of iron in custard apple increase blood circulation, reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

7. Good For Pimple-Prone Skin:

Consumption of custard apple decreases sebum production, controlling acne and pimples. Mix custard apple paste with lemon juice and use it three times a week to control sebum production. The anti-inflammatory properties of custard apple fight acne and clear the pores to prevent further breakout.

Benefits of Custard Apple

Benefits of Custard Apple

1. Healthy Skin and Hair:

Thanks to the high-levels of vitamin A, custard apple is great for healthy skin, healthy hair and better eyesight. It plays a role in moisturisation and anti-aging. The creamy flesh or pulp can be used as a balm to treat boils and ulcers. The outer skin of custard apple is helpful in combating against tooth decay and gum pain.

2. Hyper-Thyroidism:

Custard apples are good for those who need to gain weight. A mixture of honey and custard apple when consumed regularly will help add on the required weight and those much required calories. All in the healthy way.

3. During Pregnancy:

Custard apple helps develop the brain, nervous system and immune system of a fetus effectively. Regular consumption of custard apple also reduces the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy and minimizes the extent of labor pain during childbirth. The pregnancy-wonder fruit also helps the expectant mother to cope with morning sickness, fight nausea, numbness and mood swings. Regular consumption during pregnancy is excellent for production of breast milk.

4. Prevents Asthma:

Custard apple is rich in vitamin B6, which help reduce the bronchial inflammation and help prevent asthmatic attacks.

5. Prevents Heart Attacks:

The magnesium content in custard apples helps defend the heart from cardiac attack and can help relax the muscles. Moreover, vitamin B6 in custard apples help prevent homocystein collection which also minimize the risk of heart diseases.

6. Aids Digestion:

Custard apple is rich in copper and dietary fibre, which helps assist digestion, help ease bowel movement and relives from constipation. Sun dried custard apple pulp can be crushed into powder and consumption of the powder with water will help heal diarrhea.

7. Excellent for Diabetics:

The abundance of dietary fiber in custard apple helps slow down the absorption of sugar and reduces the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

8. Controls Blood Pressure:

Custard apples are good sources of potassium and magnesium which help keep the blood pressure levels in control. For those with fluctuating blood pressure levels, a custard apple a day will help keep them in control.

9. Reduces Cholesterol:

Custard apples contain high levels of niacin and dietary fiber, which help lower cholesterol levels effectively.

10. Treating Anemia:

Custard apples serve as a stimulant, coolant, expectorant and haematnic. Moreover, the rich iron source is also useful in treating anemia.

Forget counting the seeds of the fruit, instead, start counting the health benefits and relish the creamy fruit. Leave a comment below to share your views

11. Helps To Gain Weight:

Custard apple is an ideal snack and/or dessert for those who wish to put on some weight. A calorie-laden fruit, the sugars present in it make peps up the metabolic rate, thus, stimulating the appetite levels. The more your appetite is, the better the food intake will be. This, in turn, can help you gain weight.