Stephanie Linus Daily

Category: Food & Home

  • Amazing Fact: Tomato Is A Fruit Not A Veggie

    If you were asked, is Tomato a fruit or a vegetable, I’m sure you’d probably say a vegetable.
    I thought so too before, but now I know better.
    The confusion about ‘fruit’ and ‘vegetable’ arises because of the differences in usage between scientists and cooks. Scientifically speaking, a tomato is definitely a fruit. True fruits are developed from the ovary in the base of the flower, and contain the seeds of the plant (though cultivated forms may be seedless). Blueberries, raspberries, and oranges are true fruits, and so are many kinds of nut.
    However, the cooks have a different view, some things like tomatoes may be called ‘vegetables’, because they are used in savoury rather than sweet cooking.
    So technically, tomato is the fruit of the tomato plant, but can be used as a vegetable in cooking.
    Do you know of any other interesting facts?

  • 5 Things To Put In Your Fridge That Aren’t Food

    Did you know the shelf-life of some items can be extended if they’re kept in cold, dry areas? From beauty items to some common tricks, here are five non-food items to put in your fridge for best results:

    1. Medicines: I’ve always kept medicines in the fridge right from my childhood days. The instructions for preservation of most drugs actually advise for storage in a cool, dry place such as a fridge. Not freezer!

    2. Batteries: You’re supposed to keep batteries in a cool, dry location, making the fridge—at around 40°F—an ideal location. The low temperature prevents electrolyte fluid, which is what allows the current to surge into battery-powered objects, from depleting.

    3. Lipsticks: Lipsticks, just like most makeup items can “go bad” over time. This is because the oxidation reactions cause some of the oils to spoil. The problem with storing lipsticks in the fridge however is that you may see tiny droplets (sweating) forming on the lipstick over time. For those colors you only wear every once in a while, or for tubes that seem to last endlessly, it might be worth keeping them cool.

    4. Eye Cream: Putting your eye cream inside the fridge for a while to cool will help with depuffing after a long night or an early morning.

    5. Envelopes: Here’s a new trick: If you want to open a sealed the envelope without messing it up, simply stick the envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. When you bring it out, you should easily be able to pop the adhesive with a knife or letter opener.

    What NON-food items do you keep in your fridge and/or freezer?

  • 8 Amazing Kitchen Tips To Make Cooking Easier

    It’ a beautiful Saturday and I’m sure like me, some of you would be spending some time in the kitchen.

    To make your cooking experience easier, here are some interesting kitchen tips I’d like to share with you:

    • Always wash your meat thoroughly with lime or lemon. It kills off all the bacteria & gets rid of all that awful smell.
    • When boiling rice or pasta always add a tablespoon of butter. It gives it wonderful aroma & makes it taste even nicer.
    • Always wash rice thoroughly before cooking at all times. This way you don’t need to parboil the rice. Especially Basmati rice.
    • If you don’t like the skin of chicken and you happen to be the one taking it off, all you have to do is get a cloth or napkin, place it on top of the chicken part & pull the skin off. Easy!
    • If you aren’t sure how fresh your eggs are, place them in about 10cm of water.Eggs that stay on the bottom are fresh. If only one end tips up, the egg is less fresh and should be used soon. If it floats, it’s past the fresh stage.
    • If you over-salt a pot of soup, just drop in a peeled potato, the potato will absorb the excess salt.
    • For burnt rice, place a piece of white bread on top of the rice for 5-10 minutes to draw out the burned flavour.
    • Don’t store your bananas in a bunch or in a fruit bowl with other fruits. Separate your bananas and place each in a different location. Bananas release gases which cause fruits (including other bananas) to ripen quickly. Separating them will keep them fresh longer.

    Do you have any more kitchen tips to add?

  • 5 Reasons To Be Nice To People Serving You

    Food servers don’t get as much recognition or respect as they deserve. I have had to endure watching people mistreat a waiter or waitress at public places and the sight was never pleasant. A recent experience inspired me to write this post. You should always be nice to someone serving you. Here are 5 reasons why:

    1. They need to be motivated
    Many times, to get great service from someone serving you, a simple smile does the trick. When they’ve been working for hours, they’re bound to be tired, and even when they’re not tired they’re going to be less inclined to do their best for someone who isn’t nice to them. So put your bad mood aside and motivate them to provide the best possible service.

    2. They’re human
    It’s really sad to hear many people treating a server badly as if they don’t see him or her as a fellow human being but rather just a means of getting their food. They really aren’t machines, but humans like you and I with their lives, family, problems… and deserve to be treated with politeness. Let’s not forget that.

    3. They don’t earn so much
    They don’t get paid anywhere near what politicians and others do for serving the public. Yet what would we do without them? Food servers are not paid enough for what they have to endure. This should be enough reason to be extra nice to them.

    4. They don’t often get good compliments
    It’s a two-way street. Be nice to them, and they’ll be nice to you. Everyone needs good compliments once in a while. If you have a complaint about the food or service, make your point calmly and you’re more likely to get a satisfactory resolution.

    5. They are handling your food
    You should also be aware that food servers have many devious ways of getting back at you if you treat them badly. I’ve heard shocking stories about what disgruntled chefs and servers do to your food in anger. Some may not be true, but its best not to take chances on annoying someone with access to your food. Isn’t it?

    Do you have any more reasons why its important to be nice to people serving you? What are some of the shocking stories you’ve heard of or experienced between a food server and a customer?

     

  • How To Make Cucumber Juice

    Remember I once told you that I learn a lot from you in the comment section of this blog? Yes, I do!

    Some days ago, when I put up a post on the 5 Healthy Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers, a reader mentioned that she makes cucumber juice. Now, this is something I’ve never done before so I did some research and found the recipe.

    Cucumbers are naturally high in vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. Sometimes, you might have lots of them and won’t want them to get spoilt. One way to use up those extra cucumbers is in homemade cucumber juice, which you can use for mixed drinks or sauces or consume on its own. Many people add cucumber juice to their diets to improve the quality of their skin, nails, and hair, and when consumed regularly, the drink can help treat high blood pressure and kidney stones.

    So, join me and let’s learn how to make some cucumber juice. I got this from Wikihow:

    1. Peel your cucumbers. The skin of a cucumber is coated in a protective wax. While you can eat this coating without much problem, the wax will distort the texture of cucumber juice. You can accomplish this task by using either a potato peeler or a sharp knife with a smooth blade.
    1. Peel your cucumbers. The skin of a cucumber is coated in a protective wax. While you can eat this coating without much problem, the wax will distort the texture of cucumber juice. You can accomplish this task by using either a potato peeler or a sharp knife with a smooth blade.
    2. Slice off the ends of your cucumbers using a sharp knife. The bottom and top stem are hard, inedible parts that you should not attempt to turn into juice.
    2. Slice off the ends of your cucumbers using a sharp knife. The bottom and top stem are hard, inedible parts that you should not attempt to turn into juice.
    3. Chop the cucumbers into large chunks. The pieces can be up to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in height, width, and depth. Smaller pieces will also work, but you should avoid using pieces that are much bigger than that.
    3. Chop the cucumbers into large chunks. The pieces can be up to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in height, width, and depth. Smaller pieces will also work, but you should avoid using pieces that are much bigger than that.
    4. Place the cucumber chunks into a food processor or blender. You should leave a couple of inches in between the top cucumber pieces and the rim of the machine. Do not fill the food processor to the top.
    4. Place the cucumber chunks into a food processor or blender. You should leave a couple of inches in between the top cucumber pieces and the rim of the machine. Do not fill the food processor to the top.
    5. Blend the cucumber pieces on a medium or high speed. Run the machine for approximately two minutes. The mixture should be pulpy, but it does not need to be smooth.
    5. Blend the cucumber pieces on a medium or high speed. Run the machine for approximately two minutes. The mixture should be pulpy, but it does not need to be smooth.
    6. Place a mesh strainer over a large bowl. The strainer should be small enough to fit inside the mouth of the bowl, but if possible, you should use a strainer with a wide enough rim to rest on top of the brim of the bowl. By resting the strainer on top of the bowl, you free up both hands.
    6. Place a mesh strainer over a large bowl. The strainer should be small enough to fit inside the mouth of the bowl, but if possible, you should use a strainer with a wide enough rim to rest on top of the brim of the bowl. By resting the strainer on top of the bowl, you free up both hands.
    7. Place cheesecloth inside the strainer. The cloth will allow you to strain out more pulp. You can also line the strainer with coffee filters to create the same effect.
    7. Place cheesecloth inside the strainer. The cloth will allow you to strain out more pulp. You can also line the strainer with coffee filters to create the same effect.
    8. Slowly pour the blended cucumbers through the strainer. Pour as much of the cucumber puree into the strainer as possible without causing the puree to overflow.
    8. Slowly pour the blended cucumbers through the strainer. Pour as much of the cucumber puree into the strainer as possible without causing the puree to overflow.
    9. Stir the puree with a rubber spatula or metal spoon, occasionally pressing down into the cheesecloth or mesh. By stirring the cucumbers, you encourage the juice to seep out and flow through the strainers, into the bowl. Continue stirring and pressing until no more juice comes out.
    9. Stir the puree with a rubber spatula or metal spoon, occasionally pressing down into the cheesecloth or mesh. By stirring the cucumbers, you encourage the juice to seep out and flow through the strainers, into the bowl. Continue stirring and pressing until no more juice comes out.
    10. Pour the cucumber juice into glasses, chill, and serve. You can also store fresh cucumber juice in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for one week.
    10. Pour the cucumber juice into glasses, chill, and serve. You can also store fresh cucumber juice in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for one week.

    Simple, isn’t it? Remember, if you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender. There is also the option of mixing it with honey for a sweetened taste but I tend to prefer this one.

    Would you try this soon?

  • 5 Surprising Flat Belly Foods

    Belly fat! Carrying unwanted weight around your midsection is often uncomfortable and embarrassing. The good news is that with a healthier diet, exercises and some lifestyle changes, this can be reduced and hopefully eliminated.

    Start eating your way to a trimmer waistline with these top 5 foods for a flat stomach.

    1. Whole Grains
    Whole grains including quinoa, popcorn, oats and wheat can help flatten your tummy. This is mainly because they are so high in dietary fiber which regulates blood sugar and staves off hunger. Eating whole grains also helps to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and insulin in the body, both of which encourage fat to be stored around the belly.

    2. Eggs
    Eggs for breakfast generally help you to keep from overeating for the rest of the day. This is because they are packed with protein to keep you feeling full and Vitamin B-12 which helps your body break down fat more efficiently.

    3. Bananas
    Banana is rich in potassium, a natural diuretic that helps de-bloats the belly. Banana also relieves/prevent constipation which could result in a belly bloat.

    4. Cucumbers
    Cucumbers are loaded with water and naturally low in calories to help with hydration and weight management. One whole cucumber has just 45 calories. If you are feeling bloated, cucumbers can help with that too.

    5. Yoghurt
    Not only is yogurt low in fat and calories, so good as a weight loss food, but many yogurts also contain active cultures (probiotics) which promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and help with digestion, excess gas and bloating. You could also try combining natural yogurt, berries and flax seeds in a morning smoothie or bowl of cereal, getting you off to a great tummy-trimming start before you even leave the house.

    SL Fabz, what else would you recommend for a flatter tummy?

  • My Jollof Rice Secret Ingredient

    Hmmm…… Good Ol’ Jollof rice!

    This is one meal I’m sure lots of people would be eating today. A typical Nigerian party menu is incomplete without this meal. It is easy to prepare, widely accepted and enjoyed by lots of people. It is one meal almost every Nigerian lady knows how to prepare, but as it is with most recipes, different people have different ways they bring out the flavour in their dishes.

    Same goes for Jollof Rice. As simple as it looks, you’d be shocked that many people prepare this meal in different ways. For some people, Jollof Rice is never complete without real chicken broth. For other people, fresh tomatoes must be sliced inside the pot when the meal is about getting done.

    But for me, my most important Jollof Rice ingredient is…. Bay Leaves! I don’t miss out on this when preparing this meal. It gives a unique aroma and taste to my meal that no other spice can. It also has some great health benefits such as:

    bay leaf

    1. Bay leaf greatly helps in digestion. It is used as a natural remedy in a wide range of digestive disorders.
    2. Bay leaf helps in regulating blood sugar levels.
    3. Bay leaf contains the phytonutrients, caffeic acid and rutin, as well as salicylates. These phytonutrients protect the heart and lower the risk of strokes and heart attack.

     

    Don’t forget, its best to use it dry rather than fresh.

    So, tell me. What’s your most important ingredient in Jollof Rice? How do you prepare your Jollof Rice that makes it unique?

    I’d love to know!

  • 3 Delicious Health Benefits Of Eating Chocolate

    I know you’re probably smiling while reading this post. Why wouldn’t you? Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you’re gearing up to eat as much chocolate as you can!

    I’m not here to say you should over indulge yourself and eat so much chocolate… No. Chocolate has been said to cause a lot of problems including acne and obesity when taken in large enough quantities. But in recent years, studies have found that eating small amounts of the right kind of chocolate can actually be healthy.

    Studies show that Dark Chocolate (not just any kind of chocolate) is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Take a look at some of the surprising health benefits of chocolate:

    A Healthier Heart
    Regular chocolate eaters welcome a host of benefits for their hearts, including lower blood pressure, lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease.

    One of the reasons dark chocolate is especially heart-healthy is its inflammation-fighting properties, which reduce cardiovascular risk. A study showed that chocolate 5+ times per week lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 57%.  Another recent study in Australia showed that eating chocolate high in healthy antioxidants reduced the blood pressure-raising effects of exercise on overweight individuals.

    A Good Source Of Antioxidants
    Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of aging.

    Reduces Risk Of Stroke
    A 2011 Swedish study found that women who ate more than 45 grams of chocolate a week had a 20 percent lower risk of stroke than women who treated themselves to fewer than 9 grams of the sweet stuff. Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. This helps reduce your risk of stroke.

    I found other health benefits of chocolate while doing some research but these three above struck me the most.

    Because it’s rich in fiber, dark chocolate can actually help keep you full, so you’ll eat less. It also contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health such as Potassium, Copper, Magnesium and Iron. The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate are also great for your skin. And let’s not forget its amazing taste. Hmm…. Yummy.

    SL Fabz, don’t forget. Eat chocolate in moderation. Don’t go overboard, chocolate still contains sugar and fat. Enjoy a little bit of it for its great health benefits.

    Have a Sweet Friday!

  • Groovy Friday: How To Eat Healthy At Owambe Parties

    The last day of the work week is here and a weekend of fun stretches before us.

    I’m pretty sure most of us have one or two parties to attend this weekend. Owambe has become the term for parties these days. It’s a Yoruba word loosely translated as “It is happening there” or “I was there”, and it is now a name for big weddings and birthday parties.

    A typical Owambe has a large crowd of guests, lots of people dressed in aso-ebi, dancing, spraying of money, and of course lots to eat and drink.

    It is usually difficult to eat a healthy meal when you see lots of food. Follow these tips to help you eat healthier at parties.

    1. Eat more protein than carbs: Try to ignore the heaps of pounded yam and large spoons of rice. If you must take them, take little quantity. Instead, opt for foods with protein like moi-moi, eggs, fish, chicken and meat. If there are vegetables, salads and/or fruits available, go for that. You don’t necessarily have to heap your plate with these either. Eat in moderation.

    2. Don’t leave home hungry: This applies not just for Owambe parties but for any social function where you know food will be served. With an empty stomach, its difficult to make wise decisions about the quantity of food you eat outside and you just might end up embarassing yourself.

    3. Eat small portions: I deliberately eat very little at social functions. Not only is it healthier, but it helps you exercise more self control. Imagine that its time for you to dance with the celebrant or the couple and you can’t because your tummy is so full!

    4. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Don’t wait till you get to the middle of the line and you see something else you like ahead when your plate is already full. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced.

    5. Choose your drinks wisely. Avoid drinking too much sugary drinks or alcohol. Too much sugar affects your health badly and helps you pack on the weight. Also, what’s the point of getting drunk and not being able to properly enjoy your friend or relative’s party?

    Do you have any more tips to add? How do you select your food when you go out for parties?

    Have a fab weekend!

    SL

  • Good Ol’ Foods That I Love

    Hi SL Fabz,

    I hope you’re all having a great Thursday!

    I’m in the throw back mood today and guess what I’m reminiscing? Food!!!

    Some of them are food I used to eat way back, some are those I simply love but don’t get to eat very often.

    1. Cabin Biscuit

    cabin biscuit

    Who can forget the good ol’ Cabin Biscuit. Have this with a glass of milk and its a lovely refreshing snack.

    2. Tapioca

    tapioca

    I learnt how to eat this from a dear old friend many years ago and I so love it. I don’t get to eat it often though, but I enjoy it whenever I get the opportunity.

    3. Kilishi
    Kilishi
    This is a must-eat for me every time I am in Abuja. I don’t know about you but I find this dried meat very tasty and spicy and I just can’t resist it.

    Let me stop here. I’d like to read your comments. What are the foods you love eating but don’t get to eat so often?