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Ready-made foods you should avoid at all costs

<h2>Pasta dishes</h2> <p>Those ready-made spaghetti Bolognese and creamy pasta dishes are comfort foods at their finest, but they’re not the best for your body. Skip the frozen dishes, which tend to be loaded with sodium and fat, and throw your own healthy pasta recipe together, suggests paediatric dietitian Jodi Greebel. Not only is boiling pasta quick and easy, but you also have more control over what goes into the sauce and sides. Load yours up with nutritious veggies and throw in a tin of lentils for a healthier twist on your guilty-pleasure pasta.</p> <h2>Kids’ meals</h2> <p>Parenting is a 24/7 job, and if you cook separate meals for your little ones, sometimes you lack the energy and time. It’s tempting to pop a frozen kids’ meal in the oven and serve dinner 20 minutes later, but that meal probably isn’t something you really want in your child’s belly. “Some meals have more than half the amount of fat a child needs for the whole day,” says Greebel. With just a teensy bit more effort, you can dish up something you can feel confident feeding your child. For standby freezer aisle meals, Greebel recommends baked chicken nuggets with frozen veggies, but fresh food can be just as easy. Pick up a rotisserie chicken to serve with two vegetables – food that will feed not just your children but the adults in the house too. Any leftovers use in tacos for tomorrow night’s meal.</p> <h2>Low-protein veggie burgers</h2> <p>Skipping the traditional cheeseburger for a meatless option can be better for your belly and the planet, but there’s a catch. A lot of people look at all plant-based burgers as healthy protein substitutes, but some are much higher in carbohydrates and fat than protein, says nutrition program creator Ilana Muhlstein. “Protein is important for keeping us full and preventing overeating.” Leave it on the shelf if the nutrition facts say just five grams of protein, and hunt down another veggie patty with ten grams or more, she suggests.</p> <h2>Frozen stir-fries</h2> <p>Frozen meals like stir-fries are loaded with sodium, thanks in part to the sauces they come in. Luckily, a healthier version is just as easy and freezer-friendly. Buy a pack of plain frozen veggies – some stores even sell stir-fry vegetables without the sauce – and throw them in your wok or frying pan with chicken or beef, suggests Greebel. Use just a bit of low-sodium soy or teriyaki sauce to keep the salt to a minimum.</p> <h2>Fried foods</h2> <p>So, how bad are fried foods? Chips and other frozen fried food is tasty, but it shouldn’t be a part of your regular diet. Loaded with sodium and saturated fats, it could increase your risk of heart disease and obesity. Keep some healthier snack options on hand so you’re not tempted by the fried stuff. Throw together a pita pizza instead of frozen pizza, or make chicken tacos.</p> <h2>Two-serving meals</h2> <p>When you’re looking for a quick and healthy single-serving dinner, buyer beware: some frozen foods look reasonable in calories, fat, and sodium at first glance, but they’re actually two servings disguised as one. Double-check the portion size before you dig in to make sure you’re not biting off more than you’d want to chew. Swap the poser out for a single-serving meal, or set half aside for leftovers.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/kitchen-tips/ready-made-foods-you-should-avoid-at-all-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Food & Wine

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Try this deep-fried salt and pepper octopus

<p>Time to prepare 40 mins | Cooking Time 2 mins | Serves 6</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Never cooked octopus at home? Try this easy entrée recipe today!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deep-frying, when done properly, is a great way to cook seafood. It’s fast, cooking most foods in a few minutes, it quickly seals the food’s surface, locking in flavour and moisture and it adds appealing crunch, colour and aroma.</span></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1kg baby octopus, cleaned and cut into small pieces </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons fish sauce </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons lemon juice </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 tablespoon crushed coriander seeds </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons salt flakes, crushed </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 tablespoon crushed white peppercorns </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 cups tapioca starch </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vegetable oil, for deep-frying</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions</strong></p> <p>1. Place octopus, fish sauce and lemon juice in a bowl and marinate for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.</p> <p>2. Place chilli, coriander, salt, pepper and cornflour in a large freezer bag, add the octopus and shake well to coat. Place octopus in a colander and shake well to remove excess flour.</p> <p>3. Heat oil in a wok or deep-fryer to 190ºC. Add octopus and cook for 1-2 minutes, until crisp and tender.</p> <p><strong>Tips</strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alternative species: Calamari, cuttlefish, squid, green prawns (peeled and deveined).  </span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Season: Available year round. </span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">To Buy: When purchasing fresh whole Octopus look for intact bright skin, intact head and arms, and a pleasant fresh sea smell. </span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">To Store: Make sure Octopus is gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Republished with permission of </span><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/deep-fried-salt-and-pepper-octopus.aspx"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wyza.com.au.</span></a></p>

Food & Wine

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Hot and spicy stir-fried duck

<p>Lightly dusted with Chinese five-spice, this tasty duck breast is stir-fried with a little honey, pear and fresh Asian greens to make a modern Asian lunch or dinner. It can be served as part of a shared meal with your favourite noodles or steamed rice on the side.</p> <p><strong>Serves:</strong> 4<br /><strong>Preparation:</strong> 15 minutes<br /><strong>Cooking:</strong> 10 minutes</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>400 g (14 oz) skinless, boneless duck breasts, trimmed of fat</li> <li>2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice</li> <li>2 tablespoons sunflower oil</li> <li>4 small onions, thinly sliced</li> <li>4 small celery stalks, thinly sliced, plus a few leaves, to garnish</li> <li>1 firm pear, peeled, cored and diced</li> <li>1½ cups (230 g) sliced canned water chestnuts</li> <li>1 tablespoon honey</li> <li>¼ cup (60 ml) rice vinegar or sherry vinegar</li> <li>1 tablespoon salt-reduced soy sauce</li> <li>2⅔ cups (200 g) shredded bok choy</li> <li>1½ cups (135 g) bean sprouts, trimmed</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preparation</strong></p> <ol> <li>Cut the duck breasts into thin strips and sprinkle over the five-spice to coat.</li> <li>Set aside.</li> <li>Heat the sunflower oil in a wok or heavy-based frying pan over high heat and swirl to coat the base and side.</li> <li>Add the duck pieces and stir-fry for 2 minutes, then add the onions and celery and stir-fry for 3 minutes, or until softened.</li> <li>Add the pear and water chestnuts and stir well to combine.</li> <li>Add the honey, vinegar and soy sauce to the wok and heat through.</li> <li>When the liquid is bubbling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for a further 2 minutes.</li> <li>Increase the heat to high, then add the bok choy and bean sprouts, and stir-fry for 1 minute, or until the bok choy has just wilted.</li> <li>Divide the duck and vegetables among serving plates and serve immediately, garnished with celery leaves.</li> </ol> <p><em>This recipe first appeared in <span><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/spicy-stir-fried-duck">Reader’s Digest</a></span>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN87V"><span>here’s our best subscription offer</span>.</a></em></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

Food & Wine

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The secret that makes KFC’s fried chicken so crunchy

<p>Not all fried chicken is created equal.<br /><br />Below, KFC's secret recipe to drumstick perfection is revealed.</p> <div class="view view-article-slider view-id-article_slider view-display-id-article_slider_block view-dom-id-dd28f7ccf28aa8571c06db372d2237a1"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>Make crispy chicken. Never leave the house again</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Nothing says comfort food quite like a bucket of fried chicken.</p> <p>But few places do it better than the aptly-named Kentucky Fried Chicken, especially when paired with creamy mashed potatoes and a buttery biscuit.</p> <p>What sets Kentucky Fried Chicken apart from the rest? It’s how crispy they’re able to make their chicken.</p> <p>Now, you can recreate KFC’s secret recipe at home by following the steps below.</p> <p>We bet you won’t even be able to taste a difference.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>Break out the 11 secret herbs and spices</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>To really nail the traditional flavor of Kentucky Fried Chicken, it’s all about their 11-spice seasoning blend.</p> <p>Combine KFC’s secret recipe for its breading with two cups of flour to thoroughly coat your chicken pieces after dipping in an egg and milk wash.</p> <p>2/3 tablespoon salt<br />3 tablespoons white pepper<br />1 tablespoon black pepper<br />1/2 tablespoon basil<br />1 tablespoon celery salt<br />1 tablespoon dried mustard<br />2 tablespoons garlic salt<br />1 tablespoon ground ginger<br />1/3 tablespoon oregano<br />4 tablespoons paprika<br />1/2 tablespoon thyme</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>Fry immediately</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Some insist that you should let the coated chicken sit before frying.</p> <p>Not at KFC—their rule is “from flour to fryer.”</p> <p>If the chicken is left to sit, the breading will soften for a less-than-crispy result and the skin will fall off the chicken too easily.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>All about the fryer</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>KFC swears by high temperature, industrial-strength pressure fryers for their extra-crispy skin.</p> <p>While you won’t be able at deep fry with your at home pressure cooker, you can still recreate the KFC crunch with a deep fryer, a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.</p> <p>Simply heat your oil to 350 or 360 degrees and leave each piece in for exactly 12 minutes.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>The real secret ingredient</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>According to Ron Douglas, author of <em>America’s Most Wanted Recipes</em>, the real key to the perfect crispy texture is one thing: Accent, which is monosodium glutamate (MSG) flavour enhancer.</p> <p>You can add this into your seasoning mix before breading or sprinkle it on the chicken after frying.</p> <p>Regardless, it’s a must.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>Take a rest</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Biting into a piece of chicken right out of the fryer isn’t the smartest idea.</p> <p>At Kentucky Fried Chicken, they “hold” the chicken in an oven set to 175 degrees for about 20 minutes according to a former employee.</p> <p>This allows the chicken to finish cooking while keeping it warm and the skin crunchy.</p> <p>Do the same by holding your fried chicken in a warm oven for a few minutes.</p> <p>Even if you follow the above step by step, cracking the crispy skin code may be difficult to do at home.</p> <p>That’s because the texture we all love and crave is largely due to their method of cooking - and if you don’t have a restaurant-grade pressure fryer, it can be tough to recreate.</p> <p>However, using KFC’s secret recipe along with a deep fryer can still have delicious results.</p> <p><em>Written by <span>Amanda Tarlton</span>. This article first appeared in </em><span><em><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/kitchen-tips/secret-makes-kfcs-fried-chicken-so-crunchy">Reader’s Digest</a></em></span><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><span><em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN87V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></em></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

Food & Wine

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Egg fried rice

<p>You can eat this dish by itself or as an accompaniment to meat and vegetable dishes.</p> <p><strong>Serves:</strong> 4</p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice</li> <li>2 tablespoons vegetable oil</li> <li>4 eggs, beaten</li> <li>250g (8oz) slices rindless bacon (bacon strips), trimmed and chopped</li> <li>3 carrots, diced</li> <li>8 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced</li> <li>2 cloves garlic, crushed</li> <li>1½ cups (200g) frozen baby peas</li> <li>250g (8oz) raw prawns (uncooked shrimp), peeled and deveined</li> <li>2 cups (180g) bean sprouts, trimmed</li> <li>3 tablespoons salt-reduced soy sauce</li> <li>3 tablespoons sake or dry sherry</li> <li>3 tablespoons mirin or 1 teaspoon honey</li> <li>1 tablespoon sesame oil</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preparation:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Put the rice into a large saucepan with 3 cups (750ml) water and 1 teaspoon of the vegetable oil.</li> <li>Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked.</li> <li>Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.</li> <li>Add the eggs and swirl the wok to make a thin omelette.</li> <li>Cook the eggs until set.</li> <li>Remove to a plate, cool and thinly slice.</li> <li>Add the remaining oil to the wok and cook the bacon over medium heat until cooked through.</li> <li>Add the carrots, reduce the heat and cook for 2 minutes.</li> <li>Add the spring onions, garlic and peas and cook for a further 2 minutes.</li> <li>Add the prawns to the wok, turn up the heat, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to turn pink and are cooked through, then add the bean sprouts and toss well to combine.</li> <li>Add the rice and egg to the wok, then pour in the soy sauce, sake, mirin and sesame oil and mix well to combine and coat the rice.</li> <li>Stir-fry over high heat for a further 5 minutes, or until the mixture is dry.</li> <li>Serve immediately.</li> </ol> <p><em>This article first appeared in <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/egg-fried-rice">Reader’s Digest.</a></strong></span> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestsubscribe?utm_source=readersdigest&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;keycode=WRA85S"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>offer</strong></span></a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Why McDonald's changed its French fries recipe

<p>A glaring report has found why McDonald’s French fries don’t taste as good as they once did back in the 90s.</p> <p>Canadian journalist Malcolm Gladwell hosts a podcast called <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/19-mcdonalds-broke-my-heart" target="_blank">Revisionist History</a></strong></span>, which looks at all things overlooked and misunderstood.</p> <p>He dug deep to investigate why McDonald’s changed its recipe to create a product that “tastes like cardboard”, Gladwell said.</p> <p>“They made the world’s greatest French Fry. Then they threw it away,” he said on his podcast.</p> <p>Gladwell's sleuthing takes him back to when McDonald’s changed their recipe for French fries on July 23, 1990. And the fast food chain hasn’t looked back.</p> <p>It’s all thanks to a man called Phil Sokolof, an American crusader whose heart attack in 1966 “turned him into a national evangelist of a low-cholesterol diet,” according to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/17/us/phil-sokolof-82-a-crusader-against-cholesterol-is-dead.html?_r=0" target="_blank">The </a><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/17/us/phil-sokolof-82-a-crusader-against-cholesterol-is-dead.html?_r=0" target="_blank">New York Times</a>.</strong></span></p> <p>After a heart attack at 43, the businessman spent $3 million of his own money financing newspaper ads condemning fast food chains like McDonald’s for poisoning America.</p> <p>He founded the National Heart Savers Association in 1985 and convinced McDonald’s to produce a low-fat, low-cholesterol hamburger in 1991.</p> <p>“I can’t say we’re going to tear down the golden arches by the year 2000,” Mr. Sokolof told The New York Times in 1990, “but I am confident that by the year 2000 they are going to be serving more healthful food.”</p> <p>At the time, McDonald’s was cooking its French fries in beef tallow, an animal fat.</p> <p>After Sokolof put out a full-page ad attacking the chain, headlined “the poisoning of America”, accusing McDonald’s of selling fries loaded in fat, McDonald's had to act. </p> <p>Although the chain denied the claim, it finally gave in on July 23, 1990 and changed the oil the fries are cooked in, thereby completely changing its taste.</p> <p>Gladwell explained that by changing the fat, described as “Formula 47”, McDonald’s changed everything about the fry.</p> <p>“They went from frying them in beef tallow to frying them in some combination of vegetable oil,” Gladwell explained.</p> <p>“And as you dig into this, what you realise is that that is not an inconsequential move. It’s not like when you’re frying an egg where it doesn’t really matter what you fry it in. A fried egg is a fried egg.</p> <p>“A French fry is a combination of a potato and some kind of cooking element. The thing you fry it in becomes a constituent part of the fry.”</p> <p>But as it turns out, they were wrong.</p> <p>“It turns out to be false that vegetable oil is healthier for you than beef tallow,” Gladwell said. “So not only did they destroy the French fry, they gave us something that was worse for us from a health perspective. So everything about it was a mistake.</p> <p>“If they had any balls at all, they would turn around and say, ‘We were wrong, and we’re going back to fries the old way,’” he said.</p> <p>What do you think of McDonald's fries? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Food & Wine

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Are sweet potato fries better for you than regular hot chips?

<p>Sweet potato fries have been touted as healthier for you than regular hot chips – but are they really better for you?</p> <p>Although sweet potatoes are more nutritious than you than the white spud, containing more vitamin A and has a lower glycemic index, if you’re eating sweet potato fries at a restaurant or pub than they’re not any better for you.</p> <p>You see these sweet potatoes chips have still been deep fried and cooked in oil, rendering them just as bad as the regular hot chip.</p> <p>Lauren McGuckin, accredited practising dietitian and spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia, told 9Coach, “Sweet potato fries are no healthier than regular fries if they’re deep fried and/or cooked in oil and coated in salt. The preparation method is the key.”</p> <p>However, there’s a way to enjoy a healthier version of the sweet potato chips if you cook them at home in the oven.</p> <p>“Try baking sweet potato chips in the oven with a light spray of olive oil and seasoning with fresh herbs such as rosemary for a much healthier alternative,” McGuckin suggests.</p> <p>Try one of our delicious recipes today:</p> <ul> <li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2017/05/sweet-potato-fries-lime-coriander-sauce/">Sweet potato oven fries with lime coriander dipping sauce</a></span></strong></li> <li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/03/spiced-sweet-potato-chips/">Spiced sweet potato chips</a></span></strong></li> </ul>

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Pineapple quinoa fried rice

<p>This pineapple quinoa fried rice is a healthy take on a classic making for the perfect accompaniment with your next BBQ lunch.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 2</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>2 tablespoon olive oil</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>6 large green prawns, peeled</li> <li>1 cup pineapple chunks</li> <li>1 carrot, julienned</li> <li>2 sprigs spring onion</li> <li>2 tablespoons tamari</li> <li>1 tablespoon fish sauce</li> <li>1/4 cup cashews</li> <li>2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa (see note below)</li> <li>1 cup cooked and cooled brown rice (see note below)</li> <li>2 teaspoons sesame seeds</li> <li>2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped roughly</li> <li>Red long chilli, sliced finely, to serve</li> </ul> <p>Note: Use leftover rice that has been refrigerated, or for a speedy version look for pre-cooked quinoa and rice pouches. Freshly cooked, hot rice will make a too-sticky, glue-like texture in your fried rice.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Heat a tablespoon oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat.</li> <li>Crack in the egg and scramble.</li> <li>Transfer the cooked egg out onto a plate.</li> <li>Wipe the pan clean, return to medium-high heat and add one tablespoon oil.</li> <li>Add the prawns and cook for one to two minutes on each side or until they’ve turned opaque and light pink. Transfer to the plate.</li> <li>Return the pan to the heat and add the pineapple.</li> <li>Cook for two to three minutes, stirring, until the pineapple begins to caramelise a little.</li> <li>Reduce heat to medium, add carrot, spring onion, tamari and fish sauce, stir quickly.</li> <li>Add quinoa and rice and stir-fry until they are mixed in well and warmed through.</li> <li>Return the egg and prawns to the mix and sprinkle the lot with sesame seeds, fresh coriander and chilli to serve.</li> </ol> <p>Are you a fan of fried rice?</p> <p><em>Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.aussiepineapples.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Australian Pineapples</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span></a>.</strong></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Sweet potato oven fries with lime coriander dipping sauce

<p>Oven-baked sweet potato fries sing with a zingy lime dipping sauce. It’s the perfect game-day snack. You just might need to double the recipe.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <p><em>For the fries</em></p> <ul> <li>1 large sweet potato, about 650 g, peeled and cut into chips, about 1 cm thick</li> <li>2 tablespoons polenta</li> <li>1 teaspoon sea salt</li> <li>½ teaspoon smoked paprika, or use ground cumin</li> <li>½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li> <li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li> </ul> <p><em>For the dipping sauce</em></p> <ul> <li>125 ml mayonnaise</li> <li>½ small garlic clove, finely chopped</li> <li>2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander leaves</li> <li>3 teaspoons lime juice</li> <li>½ teaspoon grated lime zest</li> <li>½ teaspoon Tabasco or other hot sauce, or to taste</li> <li>½ teaspoon sea salt</li> <li>¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol start="1"> <li>Put the sweet potato chips in a large mixing bowl, cover with cold water and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse and drain the sweet potatoes in a colander, then tip them onto paper towel to dry. Blot any remaining visible moisture with paper towel.</li> <li>Preheat the oven to 210°C. Adjust the oven racks so there is one at the top of the oven and one at the bottom. Put 2 baking trays in the oven to heat.</li> <li>In a small mixing bowl, whisk or stir the polenta, sea salt, paprika and pepper until combined.</li> <li>In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato chips in the oil until each chip is coated. Tip the polenta/spice mix over the chips and toss well, until all the chips are well coated.</li> <li>Remove the baking trays from the oven and line with baking paper. Spread half of the chips on each tray, making sure there is plenty of room between the chips. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the chips and rotate the trays. Bake until the edges of the chips are turning dark, about 15–20 minutes more.</li> <li>Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, garlic, coriander, lime juice, lime zest, Tabasco, salt and pepper.</li> <li>To serve, place the fries on a plate with the dipping sauce in a small dish on the side.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> use orange sweet potato. </p> <p><img width="182" height="171" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36509/image__182x171.jpg" alt="Image_ (276)" style="float: right;"/></p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from </em>The Potato Cookbook<em> by Dale Whybrow published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $24.99 and is available in stores nationally. Image credit: Ben Cole.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, </strong></em><strong>The Way Mum Made It</strong><em><strong>, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a></span>.</strong></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Stir-fried curry of beef with wild ginger, snake beans and holy basil

<p>Transport your tastebuds to Asia with this delicious and flavoursome stir-fried curry of beef with wild ginger, snake beans and holy basil.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">:</span></strong> 4</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>2 tablespoons vegetable oil</li> <li>500 g beef fillet or similar, cut into stir fry strips</li> <li>3 tablespoons Prik King Curry paste</li> <li>3 tablespoons fish sauce</li> <li>2 tablespoons dark palm sugar</li> <li>2 tablespoons water</li> <li>6 kaffir lime leaves, roughly torn</li> <li>1–2 tablespoons wild ginger (krachai), shredded</li> <li>200 g snake beans, cut into 2½ cm lengths</li> <li>1 cup holy basil (or Thai or sweet basil)</li> <li>2 large red chillies, deseeded and julienned</li> <li>Steamed jasmine rice, to serve</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Heat the oil until smoking then add up to half the beef fillet. Stir fry over high heat just until the meat starts to colour. Remove the beef to a plate and repeat for the rest of the beef making sure that the beef does not stew in its juices. Once all the beef is cooked, put back in the pan with the red curry paste.</li> <li>Add the fish sauce, palm sugar, water, lime leaves and wild ginger.</li> <li>Stir fry until the sugar and fish sauce combine.</li> <li>Add the snake beans, basil and red chilli. Stir fry briefly, about 30 seconds, until the basil wilts. Transfer to a serving plate and serve with steamed jasmine rice.</li> </ol> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tips:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>When stir frying quality beef over 300 g, it is best to stir fry in 2 batches, rather than risk ‘stewing’ the meat in the juices that can come out of the beef if the pan is too crowded.</li> <li>In this recipe, substitute the snake beans with green beans if you wish.</li> <li>Krachai, or wild ginger, is also called ‘lesser galangal’ andsometimes called ‘kachai’. This member of the ginger familygives a subtle spicy flavour and works well with seafood. Ithas a light brown skin and yellow interior. It can be difficultto buy fresh, but you can buy it pickled in brine. The bestbrand is called ‘Cock’ imported from Thailand.</li> </ul> <p><em><img width="185" height="210" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34543/spirit-house_frontcover_hr_185x210.jpg" alt="Spirit House _frontcover _HR (5)" style="float: right;"/></em></p> <p><em>Recipe courtesy of Spirit House The Cookbook by Helen Brierty &amp; Annette Fear, published by <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.newhollandpublishers.com/" target="_blank">New Holland Publishers</a></strong></span>, RRP $49.99, available from all good bookstores or online.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a></span>.</strong></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Baked asparagus fries

<p>Craving chips but don’t want to compromise your health and diet? Try these baked asparagus fries as a healthy alternative.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>½ cup of grated parmesan</li> <li>1 cup of Japanese panko crumbs</li> <li>½ kg of asparagus</li> <li>1 cup of flour</li> <li>2 eggs, beaten</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>After preheating your oven to 220°C, spray a baking tray with cooking spray or line with baking paper.</li> <li>Combine parmesan and panko in a bowl and add salt and pepper.</li> <li>Coat asparagus in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat in panko/parmesan.</li> <li>On your baking sheet, place asparagus and cook for 12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/chicken-and-vegetable-pie/"><em>Chicken and vegetable pie</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/curried-mince-pie/"><em>Curried mince pie</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/lamb-and-eggplant-pie-with-polenta-crust/"><em>Lamb and eggplant pie with polenta crust</em></a></strong></span></p>

Food & Wine

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Fried chicken wings with honey and sesame glaze

<p>Chicken wings glazed with honey and sesame will disappear before your very eyes. Soaking the chicken wings in brine first helps to keep the meat moist, tender and full of flavour.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>12 chicken wings, tips removed</li> <li>50g cooking salt</li> <li>100g plain flour</li> <li>100g corn starch</li> <li>100g potato starch flour</li> <li>150g onion powder</li> <li>150g garlic powder</li> <li>160g baking powder</li> <li>vegetable oil, for frying</li> </ul> <p><em>For the glaze</em></p> <ul> <li>2 tbsp. dark soy sauce</li> <li>2 tbsp. honey</li> <li>2 tbsp. oyster sauce</li> <li>2 tsp rice vinegar</li> <li>1 garlic clove, finely chopped</li> <li>2 tsp grated ginger</li> <li>2 tsp sesame oil</li> <li>2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>The day before, cut each chicken wing in half at the joint. Make a brine by combining salt with 1 litre of water. Leave chicken in brine for 18-24 hours (do not leave longer than 24 hours). Drain well.</li> <li>For the glaze, reserve 1 tbsp. sesame seeds. Whisk together remaining sesame seeds and all other ingredients in a large bowl. Check seasoning.</li> <li>Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Fill another container with cold water and have a third, empty container ready.</li> <li>Place chicken into flour mix and toss through. Shake off any excess. Place into water for a few seconds then lift out, drain well, then put back into flour mix for a second dusting. Shake off any excess and place in clean bowl ready for frying.</li> <li>Heat oil in a wok to 180°C (a cube of bread will turn gold in about 10 seconds). The oil should be deep enough to deep-fry chicken in batches until golden, about 7-8 minutes a batch. Do not overcrowd the wok and ensure oil is hot enough before adding more chicken. Drain well on paper towel.</li> <li>Dress the chicken with the glaze and serve immediately, sprinkled with remaining sesame seeds.</li> </ol> <p><em>Written by Neil Perry. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, </strong></em><strong>The Way Mum Made It</strong><em><strong>, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span></a>.</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/08/kung-pao-chicken/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Kung pao chicken</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/buttermilk-popcorn-chicken/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Buttermilk popcorn chicken</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/03/deep-fried-chicken/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Deep-fried chicken</span></em></strong></a></p>

Food & Wine

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How to cook the perfect hot chip

<p>In the annals of world cuisine, has there ever been a thing so abject yet so wonderful as the chip? It is the culinary handmaiden to steak, to fish, to the football. It's a seemingly simple subject, but scratch the crisp-golden surface and it's a mighty big topic where a little bit of thought goes a long way.</p> <p>It was Heston Blumenthal, of course, who upon deciding the chip needed to be put through the scientific wringer, went off and invented the triple-cooked chip ("The first recipe I could call my own," he has reportedly dubbed it). However, this recipe for the triple-cooked chip has ever since been colonising top restaurants one menu at a time, often referred to rather poshly as "thrice-cooked”.</p> <p><strong>The recipe: Rob Kabboord’s triple cooked chips</strong></p> <ol> <li>Cut your chips – Kabboord prefers to use a mandolin.</li> <li>Rinse them to get rid of some of the starch.</li> <li>Put chips in lightly salted boiling water and cook until soft (about five to six minutes).</li> <li>Drain and let them dry a little (Blumenthal's version first chills them in the freezer to get rid of as much moisture as possible) then put them in hot oil at 140 degrees Celsius. Cook in small batches so the temperature of the oil doesn't drop too much. "They will take another six minutes or so. You can check them – there should be no crunch or colour yet, but they will be cooked and soft all the way through. You can then reserve them without going grey (oxidising) in the fridge until you are ready for them."</li> <li>To finish, fry until golden in oil heated to about 180 degrees Celsius. Put them on absorbent paper to soak up any excess fat, then garnish with salt.</li> </ol> <p>What sauce do you like your hot chips to be served with? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Larissa Dubecki. First appeared on <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/eggplant-chips/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/08/spinach-and-potato-soup/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spinach and potato soup</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/02/oil-free-air-fryer-vs-deep-fryer/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The surprising benefits of an oil-free airfryer</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/eggplant-chips/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Eggplant chips</span></em></strong></a></p>

Food & Wine

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McDonald’s French fries ingredients revealed

<p>Potato, oil and salt. That’s all it takes to make French fries, right? Well, maybe if you were hand-making them at home.</p> <p>The American McDonald’s stores use 19 ingredients to make those golden “World Famous Fries”. In a video released this week on the McDonald's YouTube channel, Grant Imahara, from Mythbusters, finds out just what’s in those American French fries. There’s citric acid, dextrose  (a type of sugar that creates that golden colour, corn oil, “natural beef flavour" (which most likely means there’s nothing natural about it), hydrolyzed wheat, hydrolyzed milk, and other ingredients that we’re pretty sure aren’t good for you either.</p> <p>Luckily, the ones in Australia stores contain just four main ingredients: potato, canola oil, destrose and mineral salt.</p> <p>So as we’re munching on those crispy French fries, at least we can say we’re healthier than our American counterparts… but that’s not very hard, is it?</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2015/02/australian-fast-food-obsession/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Australians spend 7 billion dollars on fast food annually</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2015/01/what-food-cravings-mean/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>What do your food cravings say about you?</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/02/healthiest-diet-in-world/" target="_blank">Which country has the healthiest diets in the world?</a></strong></em></span></p>

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