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While most Asian cuisines can be prepared with regular pots, there are special utensils to make cooking easier. You might not be able to afford everything at once, but you can always start somewhere. For instance, you can start with a bamboo skimmer and enjoy branching your vegetables. With time, you'll be able to get every Asian utensil you need with a bit of patience. Among the most important Asian kitchen utensils include:

1.     Cast Iron Wok

The wok is always on the top list of Asian kitchen utensils. There isn't any Asian kitchen without an iron cast wok. A wok is used for cooking almost every dish—from curries to stir-fries, dumplings, and deep-fried foods.

When purchasing a wok, there are some guidelines to follow. First, the wok should be made from cast iron. A cast iron requires more maintenance than a non-stick wok but it can enhance food flavour due to its coating. Second, the wok should be at least 14 inches with a long handle to prevent the hands from burning. You may want to visit webky.com.au for more information on woks and their prices.

2.     Wok Spatula And Ladle

Where there's a wok, there's a wok spatula. A good wok spatula should have a wooden handle to avoid burning the fingers. While there are fancy wok spatulas with stainless steel handles, they might not be a good choice since stainless steel is a good conductor of heat. With such a spatula wok, you are more likely to burn your fingers, unlike when using one with wooden handles. In addition, your hands are bound to become oily and greasy, making it difficult to have a good grip on a wok with stainless steel handles.

On the other hand, a wok ladle is essential when preparing and serving soup. The ladle should also have a wooden handle. In the same way steel wok spatulas aren't and shouldn't be used on a non-stick surface, silicone, bamboo, and wooden spatulas shouldn't be used in a wok since they might not collect the food from the bottom of the wok properly. Since wok spatulas come with a curved end, it glides the bottom of a curved wok, easily picking up all the food and sauces at the bottom.

3.     Clay Pots

Clay pots are probably the oldest Asian kitchen tool to date. Their designs also haven't changed much. Clay pots and braziers are made of sand and clay. They are suitable for cooking various cuisines such as stews, soups, and curries.

Most Asians love to transfer the already cooked food into a clay pot until serving time. This way, the food remains warm and fresh. You can choose a simple and rustic design or settle for a fancy design, but they're all valuable and efficient.

4.     Rice Cooker

Rice is an Asian staple food. Therefore, investing in a high-quality rice cooker is paramount among Asians. While you can also cook delicious rice on a stove, an electric rice cooker is more convenient and efficient. All you need to do is fill the cooker with clean rice and add water to the marked level before turning on the cooker.

You'll no longer experience mushy, undercooked, or burnt rice with an electric cooker. Also, the electric rice cooker can keep the rice warm for several hours. Therefore, regardless of whether you prepared your rice early, it will still be warm during mealtime.

5.     Bamboo Skimmer

A bamboo or spider skimmer is essential as far as deep-frying is concerned. Unlike when using a wok or spatula, a skimmer picks up more food when serving. Skimmers are found in different sizes to suit various needs. Larger skimmers are suitable for vegetable and noodle branching, while medium skimmers are suitable for deep-frying.

6.     Mortar And Pestle

Asians are known for preparing spicy delicacies, hence the need for a mortar and pestle. Grinding fresh spices such as garlic and ginger is easier with these tools.

7.     Chinese Cleaver

Just looking at a Chinese cleaver can be intimidating. However, after using it, you'll definitely grow fond of it. A Chinese cleaver is used to cut meat like chicken and pork ribs. Since most Chinese dishes with pork ribs require the ribs to be chopped into small pieces, a cleaver is essential to make the work easy.

8.     Bamboo Wok Brush

A bamboo wok brush is essential if you have a wok in the kitchen. However, you can also use a stainless-steel scrubber to clean your wok instead of a bamboo wok brush.

When using a wok brush, rinse the wok first under running water, then brush it in a circular motion to get rid of food particles. Afterward, place the wok on the burner under medium heat for it to dry. As much as possible, avoid using soap since it can remove the much-needed oils to give the wok a nice patina.

Conclusion

Asians are known for preparing incomparable delicacies. And to succeed in their cooking, they require high-quality utensils. Those mentioned above are but a few essentials. They are easily accessible, and you can always get some if you'd want to use Asian utensils.

It’s well-known that English could be the universal language, but anyone saying that hasn’t tried fusion cuisine before. There’s possibly nothing else that’d uniquely bring two places together as food could. Friends and families share meals every day, bonding over delicious food and drinks. Every person has their own unique food flavour preference. Some would add more spices, others like fresh ingredients, many mixes various flavours in one sitting.The coming together of traditional foods from different parts of the world is called fusion cuisine. There’s so much more for all to learn about this fascinating cooking, so here are a few more things you must know:

1. Fusion Is Designer And Not

Although fusion cuisine is usually seen in high-end restaurants with chefs skilfully weaving flavours together, it’s believed that fusion started in a more everyday setting, as seen  here at https://gotzinger.com. Many generations of cultures have unknowingly created fusion food using ingredients from many different sources.Chefs specialising in fusion cuisine have achieved great success from this cooking style, and most of them sell their creations at astronomical prices. The good news is that these dishes can easily be recreated at home with just a bit of skill and practice.

2. It Promotes Cultural Diversity

For as long as humans can remember, wars have been fought around cultural differences. If ingredients from different cultures can come together and create such lovely dishes, humans can take some lessons from fusion cuisine.Eating a cuisine that’s not part of the regular diet could spark interesting conversations about cultural diversity. It may make people more curious about where the food came from, how it’s traditionally prepared, and how the natives would make it part of their customs.

3. Provides An Exploration Of Tastes

Some people are more adventurous than others, and fusion cuisine gives them the perfect opportunity to try something new. Be daring and find a new go-to favourite for a snack, learn to cook with spices previously never used, or have a virtual tour around the world by inhaling thearomas. People who eat the same kind of food day in and day out may want more, a new and fun experience. With so many options stemming from the fusion style of cooking, the chance of having a bland meal is slim to none.

Even picky eaters may find fusion cuisine fascinating, and they can combine what they like. Eating in this way could challenge them to explore textures, tastes, and types of food they’d never otherwise think of eating.

4. Recipes And Ingredients Have Traditions

Food can be associated with many traditions and plays a big part in celebrations worldwide.What would the holidays be without those yummy snacks everyone’s looking forward to all yearlong? Roast turkey is seen at Thanksgiving for Americans, halva or laddu for the Hindu celebration of Diwali, and dumplings and spring rolls for Chinese New Year. Over the years, many other cultures have shared some of these traditional favourites, including them in their festivities.Fusion cuisine brings all these traditions together, and people from all walks of life can participate in the celebrations of flavours presented on one plate. Cross-cultural relationship shave embraced the fusion lifestyle, and they’d confess that it has certainly made their lives more colourful.

5. Try Different Of The Same

Many restaurants, taverns, fast food places, and homes have combinations of various meals and ingredients. All dishes would vary in taste even though the same ingredients were used. Again, it comes down to personal preferences regarding the cooking method and food spicing that makes all the difference.There are millions of blends possible, so it’s likely that one dish may not impress as much as a similar one. With fusion cuisine, the idea is to merge two or more cultural palates into one, and these need to be explored.

Blending It Into OneFor a flavourful fantasy of taste explosions, try fusion cuisine and see what all the hype is about.Learn new facts about traditions, cultures, and how to combine the best flavours worldwide. Be transported to the best destinations by putting a forkful of unique blends into your mouth and feeling part of a greater community.Fusion cuisine is indeed one of the best happy accidents ever stumbled upon, and sharing this with family and friends could make for a few content stomachs as well. Become part of the more significant global majority that’s raving about this new fun cooking style. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you plan and prepare.

The human gut is a lot more intricate than many people believe it to be. It can influence your entire body’s health. A healthy gut can promote a robust immune system, a better mood, a healthy heart, better sleep, and of course, effective digestion. Maintaining good gut health can also prevent the development of autoimmune diseases and certain kinds of cancers. Gut health is the balance of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract. Maintaining the health of your gut and keeping the right balance of these microorganisms is necessary to ensure good mental and physical health. 

The gut flora or microbiome is made up of trillions of these viruses, yeasts, and bacteria. Various microbes are beneficial for our health. Some of them are even vital. However, others, especially when found in abundance, can be incredibly harmful. Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, that you can adopt to guarantee better gut health, and in turn, improve your general health. Read this article to find out what you should eat for a healthy gut.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which are considered to be a type of friendly and beneficial bacteria. Your best bet is to search for brands with full-fat and sugar-free yogurt versions. For a delicious breakfast or snack, you can combine it with a fruit of your choice. If you prefer yogurt drinks, these are great too, as they include an abundance of bacteria that is beneficial for the gut. Yogurt drinks actually have higher numbers of good bacteria than you would find in a regular cup of yogurt. Beware, however, since some of these drinks, especially the flavored versions, are high in sugar content.

Kefir

Kefir is another type of probiotic drink. This beverage is made of fermented milk, which is then enriched with good bacteria. Kefir originally comes from Russia, Central Asia, and the mountainous area that lies between Europe and Asia. Kefir makes a great base ingredient for salad dressings. It tastes great when combined with seasoning and lemon juice. Many people also add it to soups and smoothies.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is among the best food items that you can eat to ensure a healthy gut. This is because it is very rich in probiotics, vitamins, and fiber. Sauerkraut is finely chopped fermented cabbage. It is widely known to be a German dish. However, Central and Eastern Europe and Australia also have their own versions of this recipe. When you set out to Buy Sauerkraut, make sure that you select one that hasn’t been pickled in vinegar. This is because it loses many of its benefits. It is very appetizing when served alongside sausages. This meal is very affordable and is easy to prepare at home.

Miso

Fermented soybeans are added to rice or barley to make miso. Miso is abundant in numerous beneficial components, such as enzymes and good bacteria. This recipe is a great savory paste that is typically incorporated into soup, dressings, and dips. Many people also use it as a marinade while making tofu or salmon. If you’re into Japanese food, then chances are that you know this cuisine staple. Miso also makes for a great flavor booster in dairy-free cheeses and sauces. However, there isn’t sufficient research for sure to tell whether the bacteria found in miso can effectively reach the human gut. It is certain though that people who live in regions where Miso is the predominant food item have lower rates of bowel disease and overall better gut health.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a Korean food item that is made with fermented vegetables. This popular dish comes with the endless benefits of probiotic bacteria along with a high content of fiber and vitamins. Kimchi makes a great side dish when it’s served with eggs, meat, or salad. Did you know that Kimchi is so popular in Korea that they say “kimchi” instead of “cheese” when they’re being photographed?

Almonds

Almonds make a great snack whenever you could use something to eat. Besides being very good for gut health due to their great probiotic properties, almonds are awesome sources of nutrition. They are rich in healthy fats, fiber, polyphenols, vitamin E, magnesium, and protein. Almonds can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.

Sourdough

You may have noticed the rising, yet very confusing obsession with sourdough. We are here to tell you that it’s all for good reason! To make sourdough, you must first ferment the dough. The fermentation process makes it much easier to digest than other, unfermented types of bread. Not to mention that the energy in sourdough releases slowly, which means that it’s likely to keep you full and energized for longer. You can replace your regular toast with sourdough to make very delicious sandwiches and an all-around healthier meal.

Kombucha

Kombucha is also very popular at the moment. This beverage, which is believed to have originated in Manchuria, is basically fermented tea. This makes it an excellent source of probiotics and good bacteria. This tea has a tangy, sharp taste that is rather vinegary. You can either drink it on its own to enjoy its refreshing essence or season it with spices and fruit. If you like cocktails, you can use kombucha as a base for a refined taste.

Garlic

Garlic is enriched with antifungal and antibacterial properties. While this won’t bring good bacteria in, it surely will regulate bad and harmful bacteria, as well as aid in balancing the yeast in the gut. While you won’t eat garlic on its own, you can incorporate it into savory dishes for a great flavor. Additionally, garlic and its beneficial properties can prompt the bacteria to perform their job efficiently and improve the function of the gut.

Ginger

Fresh ginger aids in the generation of stomach acid. It also helps the digestive system maintain the movement of food throughout the gut. You can incorporate grated fresh ginger into various recipes, including stews, sauces, and smoothies. You can also make ginger tea for a refresher. 

Maintaining good gut health is essential if you want to stay healthy. When left out of balance, the microorganisms that inhabit the body can cause severe harm. Fortunately, there are various things that you can eat to promote good bacteria functions, increase the number of helpful bacteria in the gut, and keep harmful bacteria under control.

As an event planner, you know that food is a crucial element in any gathering. From appetizers to desserts, it's important to offer a variety of tasty treats that cater to everyone's preferences, including those who prefer to limit their sugar intake. Sugar is one of the most common ingredients in our diet, but it also might be the most harmful. However, there are plenty of healthy sugar alternatives that can be used in recipes without sacrificing the sweetness everyone craves. In this blog, we're going to share ten of our favourite healthy sugar alternatives that you can use in your next event.
1. Honey - Honey is one of the most popular substitutes for sugar. It's a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Honey can be used in place of sugar in any recipe. It's particularly delicious when used in marinades, dressings or as a glaze for roasted meats.
2. Stevia - Stevia is a herb made from a plant called Stevia rebaudiana. It's a calorie-free sweetener that can be used in place of sugar. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. It's great for sweetening beverages, baked goods and desserts.
3. Maple Syrup - Maple syrup comes from the sap of the maple tree. It's a natural sweetener that contains over fifty antioxidants. Maple syrup can be used in place of sugar in any recipe. It's particularly delicious when used in oatmeal, on pancakes or in barbecue sauce.
4. Agave Syrup - Agave syrup comes from the agave plant, which is a plant native to Mexico. It is very similar in taste and texture to honey, but it has a little fewer calories. Agave syrup can be used in place of sugar in any recipe. It's particularly delicious in cocktails or as a sweetener for dressings.
5. Coconut Sugar - Coconut sugar is made from the flowers of the coconut palm tree. It is not refined and contains some nutrients such as iron, zinc and potassium. It also doesn't contain any fructose and has a low glycemic index. Coconut sugar can be used in place of sugar in any recipe. It's particularly delicious in coffee or as a topping for oatmeal.
6. Unsweetened Applesauce - By replacing regular sugar with unsweetened applesauce you can save yourself some calories, but don't expect it to taste like applesauce. Applesauce can be used in recipes that call for sugar and oil or butter.
7. Molasses - Molasses is the byproduct of refining cane juice into table sugar. Its rich flavour adds a depth that sugar can never equal. Many people use molasses in baked goods, but it's great in any savoury recipe. Use it for glazes or marinades.
8. Blackstrap Molasses - Blackstrap molasses is the byproduct of sugar refining. It has a more robust flavour and is rich in iron, calcium and magnesium. Blackstrap molasses can be used in place of sugar in any recipe that can handle its strong taste.
9. Coconut Oil - Coconut oil can be used in place of butter or oil for certain dishes. Coconut oil has a slightly sweet taste that adds flavour without adding sugar. Use it for frying or sautéing vegetables.
10. Unsweetened Chocolate - Unsweetened chocolate has a strong cocoa flavour that cannot be replicated by any amount of sugar. The cocoa powder can be substituted one for one with unsweetened chocolate. Use it in cakes, brownies or as an ingredient in hot chocolate.
Conclusion:
As an event planner, offering healthy food options is becoming increasingly important. By using our ten healthy sugar alternatives, you can provide healthy and delicious food options that cater to everyone's needs at your next event. Not only will you be reducing the sugar intake of your guests, but you'll also provide them with the satisfaction of indulging in their favourite foods without feeling guilty. So, go ahead and experiment with these healthy alternatives, and let us know which one is your favourite!

How to Buy, Store and Prepare Chicken?

Australians eat more chicken every year than any other meat or protein. It can be a nutritious and tasty choice, but raw chicken often contains nasty salmonella. If not handled properly, the bacteria could make someone really sick! Poultry is a product that deteriorates quickly, so it’s important to know when it is fresh or not. Here are some hints to find the freshest chicken and the best way to store it.

Buying Chicken

• When purchasing chicken, make sure there’s no ‘off’ smell. Fresh poultry should have very little, or no aroma.
• If buying a whole bird, ensure the skin, flesh and bones appear undamaged.
• Chicken breasts should be plump with a very pale pink flesh.
• Chicken thighs have a darker meat. They should have a dark pink flesh and a little white fat.
• Make sure to purchase from a reputable supplier who has been approved by local authorities.
• Check that the chicken is delivered at 5C or below.
• Confirm that frozen chicken products are completely frozen and inspect the packaging for any signs of thawing.
• Don’t accept any chicken that is soft, discoloured or sticky. Pay particular attention to the wings and joints.

Storage

To store chicken, leave it in its original packaging or place in a container and cover completely. Store on the bottom shelf (or the coldest part) of your the fridge for up to 2 days. This helps prevent contaminating any foods below. Cook any raw chicken within two days of purchase and freeze whatever you don’t use. Ensure to wrap your chicken in airtight packages. Label, date and keep refrigerated at 5C or below, or frozen at -15C or below.

If freezing fresh portions, do so immediately after purchasing (in its original packaging) for up to 2 months. Alternatively, separate the chicken into serving portions, thoroughly wrap in plastic bags or cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. It is very important to thaw chicken completely before cooking. To defrost, place the chicken in the fridge on a large plate (in its original packaging). This will take between 12-24 hours. Never refreeze chicken that has already been thawed. Cooked chicken can then be frozen for later use.

Commonly Used Cuts

Whole Bird

A whole chook can be used for roasting, poaching, making stock or dishes like Vietnamese pho or Hainanese chicken rice. Alternatively, you can flatten or “butterfly” a chicken. This is a great way to roast or barbecue a whole bird, that promotes quick and even cooking. The secret to a delicious chicken is buying the best quality you can find, such as free-range, locally sourced or organic.

Breast & Tenderloin

Chicken breast is such a versatile cut of poultry. It’s a white meat with very little fat, perfect for throwing into stir-fries, grilling, steaming, pan-frying and oven roasting. They are also great for poaching to be used in salads, soups or sandwiches. Another method brilliant for cooking a chicken breast is crumbing. Not only do the breadcrumbs keep the chicken moist, but they also give a wonderful, crunchy texture (as seen in a chicken parma or katsu).

Chicken breasts found in the supermarket tend to be quite large with the tenderloin attached. This can make them difficult to cook through perfectly, without drying out. To ensure your chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy, you can slice the breast into even cuts or use a rolling pin to slightly flatten it out. There’s nothing worse than eating a dried-out piece of chicken, so the key is to keep it moist without overcooking. Chicken is cooked through when a temperature probe reads 73C.

Tenderloins, found underneath the breast, are a delicious and speedy cooking option. They are slightly more tender than the whole breast and are great crumbed, fried, baked, or quickly marinated and chargrilled.

Thighs

Thighs can be bought as fillets (with or without skin) or cutlets with the bone attached. Chicken thigh meat is generally darker and has a little more fat than the breast. It’s a working muscle and therefore has more flavour comparatively. Diced chicken thighs are great for BBQ skewers, slow cooking, stir-frying or thrown into soups and curries. Use the whole thigh or cutlet for roasting, bakes, barbecues and stews.

Chicken Maryland is a cut where the thigh and drumstick are attached. Marylands are good for roasting, poaching, braising and baking. They are ideal for cooking slowly over a barbecue or char-grill.

Drumsticks & Wings

Chicken wings and drumsticks are typically cheaper per kilo but are often seen as the most flavourful. They are great baked, fried or simmered in a sticky glaze or marinade and eaten with your hands. The skin to meat ratio is greater in these cuts, so the outside gets nice and crispy, while the inside stays juicy. No matter what you do with this part of the chicken, it’s bound to taste good! It’s also really difficult to overcook wings and drumsticks, making for less stressful cooking.

If you’ve ever been to a Chinese, Indian, or Thai restaurant, you likely already know how intentional Asians are when it comes to preparing food. Their dishes can’t be easily replicated using the typical options you find around you, so you’ll need to look for a good source of Asian ingredients. 

It’s popular knowledge that to make the best Asian cuisine, you should have the best ingredients. You probably want to try cooking some Asian meals at home, but you don’t even know where you can get everything you need to do so. Fortunately for you, the answer is right here. Just read on to know how you can search for and get your hands on quality ingredients for Asian cuisine.

1. Browse Catalogues

You’re probably wondering why you haven’t thought about this. Or maybe you have. Either way, checking catalogues is a great way to locate specific shops where you can get good ingredients for the Asian food you want to serve.

Not only will a catalogue provide you with store names, but it’ll also help you know the prices of the ingredients you’re after. Browsing a Coles catalogue and others similar to it will even allow you to discover special offers you can take advantage of.

1. Visit An Asian Supermarket

You may have already gone to different supermarkets in your area numerous times to purchase ingredients for your everyday meals. However, those places might not have the specific ingredients that’ll allow you to prepare Asian dishes the right way. You have to go to Asian grocery stores to buy those, so keep an eye out for one whenever you’re walking around or traveling from one place to another.

1. Do An Internet Search

In a world where nearly every business is online, you’ll surely be able to find an Asian online store offering high-quality ingredients. Some of them may even offer discounts on certain items. You only have to take your time and ensure that you choose the right one for you. 

Although many of them have physical shops, it may be more convenient for you to order from them online and have your items delivered. In doing so, you’ll save time and effort and get your Asian ingredients at excellent prices.

1. Ask An Asian Friend Or Neighbour

Of course, your Asian friends and acquaintances would know exactly where you can buy fresh ingredients for Asian cuisine, and they’ll be delighted to share that sort of information with you. Don’t be surprised if they even offer to accompany you to the particular stores they mention. And when they do go with you, they might just be able to teach you how you can determine the freshness and quality of certain food items.

Common Ingredients In Asian Cuisine

If you’re wondering what ingredients you’ll need for Asian dishes, check the list below. Unlike Western cuisine, Asian cuisine has plenty of plant-based options that aren’t merely salads or sides. So if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll definitely want to try your hand at cooking with some of these ingredients:

• Tofu

Tofu is highly favoured among Asians since it’s low in fat and rich in protein. It’s made from soybeans and can be easily incorporated into all sorts of dishes since it absorbs the flavours of the other ingredients you cook it with.

• Bamboo

Bamboo is a unique vegetable often used in Asian cuisine. There are many edible species of bamboo, and they can either be tough or tender. What’s more, they’re rich in protein, fibre, and vitamin B.

To make the most of bamboo shoots, they’re often boiled before use. This helps get rid of their naturally bitter taste. Then, they’re thinly sliced and added to soups or stir fries to give them a pleasant yet subtle flavour.

• Chili Pepper

The chili pepper is an all-time favourite of Asians to make a wide variety of dishes more exciting and add a nice kick to them. It can even be processed into powder form. Powdered chili pepper is convenient for storage and can be found not only in Asian stores but in most regular stores.

• Fish Sauce 

Unlike tofu, bamboo, and chili pepper that are plant-based ingredients, fish sauce is animal-based. It’s prevalent in Southeast Asian countries. This liquid condiment is processed from small fish just before fermentation. It has a strong, salty flavour that may not be appealing to some people. The key to using this in your dishes is to avoid adding too much of it at a time.

Conclusion

Asians can be rather particular about their meals. Although many of them enjoy plant-based dishes, meat is just as abundant in their cuisine. To prepare a delicious Asian meal, you have to get the freshest ingredients you can find, and you’ll be able to do just that by following the tips discussed above.