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Internet Goes Crazy After Mum Says Her Baby Looks Just Like Gordon Ramsay

The world believes it has found a baby doppelganger of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Twitter has been going crazy over the past few days with the news. 

 

It all started when Claire Dempster, a mum from Cardiff, Tweeted Ramsay [1]with a picture of her baby, asking the chef if he had been in Wales around 10 months ago. 
Internet Goes Crazy After Mum Says Her Baby Looks Just Like Gordon Ramsay

 

She was joking about the uncanny likeness the baby shares with the celebrity chef but what she washt expecting is a reply from Ramsay. 

Internet Goes Crazy After Mum Says Her Baby Looks Just Like Gordon Ramsay

 

He  replied to Dempster’s tweets and to fuel the fire with a few logs said he was actually in Wales just a month before she was thinking. 

 

It’s obviously all a bit tongue in cheek but it’s pretty crazy how much the baby looks like the chef. 

 

For those who want a more serious hit of Ramsay, here he is nailing a reporter[2] who tried to stitch him up over well done steak. 

References

  1. ^ Tweeted Ramsay (twitter.com)
  2. ^ nailing a reporter (www.finedininglovers.com)
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Acai Berry From A to Z: 26 Things to Know

Açaí na tigela (aka açaí in the bowl). Puree of açaí is a Brazilian speciality, typical of the State of Parà. In the South, from Rio to Florianopolis, it is the star attraction of kiosks and juice bars: blended with banana pulp and various fruit juices (apple juice for instance), it is served in a bowl or glass with roasted muesli, fresh fruit and guarana syrup.

Berries. The açaí palm gives us fruit, or rather berries, of a beautiful dark purple colour. They grow in clusters and their size is similar to that of grapes. Not more than 10% of the berry is made up of flesh and skin, while the remaining part consists of a large inedible seed. Its taste is a mouth-watering cross between dark chocolate and blueberry, with notes of hazelnut.

Cultivar. In Brazil, it is also possible to find açaí berries from the so-called “Branco” palm whose drupes do not vary in colour when ripe, but remain green. Also known as the Tinca açaí, it produces a creamy white puree and is generally thought to be more digestible, with a nicer flavour.

Diet. For centuries, the staple diet of native Brazilian populations has leaned heavily on açaí berries, which are rightly believed to be nutrient-rich. Even today, in many Amazonian villages, they represent 42% of the total daily intake of calories.

Euterpe oleracea. This is the scientific name of the very tall palm tree (it can reach up to 25 metres in height), also known as the açaizero or "tree of life", bearing açaí drupes. It mainly grows wild in the state of Pará, in the swampy northern areas of the Amazon forest.

Frozen. Unless you are actually in Brazil close to a market selling the fresh berries of this plant, the popular puree is mainly to be found in frozen or deep-frozen form.

Google. In the course of last year, the number of queries registered by the well-known search engine relating directly or indirectly to "açaí-bowls" has more than doubled.

Hawaii. Who were the first açaí bowl trendsetters outside Brazil? Apparently, the fast-spreading fashion for blended puree served in a bowl and enhanced in various ways first took off in the Hawaii islands. After which, it caught on all along the West Coast, from Los Angeles to San Francisco and slowly gained ground in the other US States by plumping the offering of milkshake and juice bars or triggering the opening of specialist venues, food trucks included.

Ïwaça'i. In the Tupi language, it literally means “(fruit that) cries and expels water”. Deriving from the word used by the Tupi, formerly one of the most widespread indigenous peoples of Brazil, we now have the Brazilian-Portuguese term "açaí" (but pronounced "assaí", in English "ah-sigh-ee").

Juice. Along with the puree, it is also possible to buy açaí juice, either pure or mixed with other juices, purees or extracts of red fruits, pineapple, coconut, banana or apple, as well as almonds, guarana, yerba mate, chia seeds or ginger…

Acai Berry From A to Z: 26 Things to Know

Kcal. 100 grams of fresh açaí pulp contains just over 45 kcal. But ... the same amount of dried pulp in powder form well exceeds 500 kcal!

Liquor. Açaí drupes are used to make a liquor. Macerated in cachaça and reduced to a puree, the infusion is then flavoured with ginger, orange peel and cane sugar. The resulting liquor has pronounced citrusy, spicy and chocolaty notes. A low alcohol percentage makes it the perfect aperitif.

Milk. Milkshake bars, smoothie spots, juice bars & the like offer açaí bowls in several versions: in most of these recipes, iced puree of açaí is blended with soy, rice, almond or coconut milk for added creaminess.

Nutrition facts. The açaí berry is rich in fibre, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins A, B, C and E, mineral salts (calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium), essential unsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9), antioxidants galore (to such a point, that it is one of the best sources available, with even up to 20 times more antioxidants than red grapes) … not bad, eh?

Oprah Winfrey. In one episode of the celebrated talk show, supported by famous heart surgeon Memhet Oz and by Nicholas Perricone, the tireless and plur-awarded nutritionist and skin specialist who is known for his innovative anti-ageing theories, the queen of American TV may have triggered US "açaí-mania". In fact, the demand for açaí berry-based products (purees, syrups, pills) has soared sky-high in record time.

Phytochemicals. Açaí oil contains high percentages of phenolic compounds. With its beautiful deep green colour, it has a mild flavour and may be used to dress salads and for cooking purposes. The cosmetics industry uses it extensively owing to its well known anti-ageing and elasticising properties.

Quality. Anyone who buys açaí puree on a regular basis knows that a quality product has to be dense and dark with a beautiful deep purple/chocolate brown colour. There is also a puree rating chart: popular/fino, medio and grosso. It all depends on the “dry matter” which is measured by getting the liquid part of the pulp to evaporate in order to establish the remaining percentage. Which means: from a meagre 7% (popular/fino) to an excellent 15% (grosso). Higher percentages do exist, and deserve the rating of “especial”, but they are expensive and difficult to come by.

Recipes. Some use açaí to make an exotic hot chocolate: it is prepared with cocoa, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, chilli pepper, honey or agave nectar. Others use it to give a new twist to cocktails, such as Caipirinha for instance, or energy-packed long drinks (here’s one to beat them all: açaí juice plus banana, pineapple, ginger and orange juice). Açaí pulp may also be cooked: with dried or fresh figs (plus ginger, honey, chocolate and vanilla) it makes a jam for serving hot or cold, possibly with toasted bread and cheese (vegan and not).

Acai Berry From A to Z: 26 Things to Know

Superfruit. According to many nutritionists, açaí berries are the number one superfruit. They have numerous therapeutic properties: energy-boosting and fortifying, they support the immune system, facilitate sleep, and combat ageing and inflammations, as well as protecting the heart.

Tapioca. In the northern regions of Brazil, tapioca is added to açaí puree, with or without sugar. The original recipe however is said to be savoury rather than sweet: dried shrimps and guarana are sometimes added.

Acai Berry From A to Z: 26 Things to Know

Usa. The USA is the world’s greatest importer of açaí. Frozen pulp, juices, smoothies, energy bars, cereals, pills and dried powders generate a turnover of more than $200 million.

Ver-o-Peso. Endless baskets brimming over with fresh açaí berries are transported to Ver-o-Peso, Belem, in the state of Pará, one of the largest open-air markets in South America. It all takes place by night, immediately after the fruit is picked because the natural properties of the berries remain active for not much more than 24 hours after harvesting.

Www. According to a report published online by Baum+Whiteman[1], one of the eleven food & beverage trends of 2016 is the açaí bowl, which is described as being "the next big hipster food".

Xxx. It would appear that the berries from the Brazilian palm tree also have remarkable aphrodisiacal powers. Brazilians swear that açaí berry puree with the addition of honey is a potent potion for enhancing sexual desire!

Youtube. You will find everything you wish to know and, above all, see regarding açaí on the popular web platform, including its miraculous fruit. All it takes is the click of a mouse and you will be spoilt for choice, with information, recipes and curious facts.

Zero point. Pure açaí pulp has a very low sugar content: the quantity of maltose, fructose and glucose ranges from a minimum of 0.1g to a maximum of 0.8g in 100g of product.

 

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References

  1. ^ report published online by Baum+Whiteman (www.baumwhiteman.com)
  2. ^ Follow Fine Dining Lovers on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
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How to Make a Nourishing Bone Broth

Whatever you do, don't throw away the bones! This is heard throughout professional kitchens, homes and cooking shows. Why? Because the bones contain some of the best damn flavours in the whole meat and used wisely they can help make great stocks and, in this case, broths.

Bone broths are packed with minerals and are a breeze to make because you can use any type of left over bones and carcass. Combine those with onions, carrots, celery, herbs and water and let the stove do all the work. 

The best thing is that once you know how to cook up a simple broth you'll never throw the bones away again.

How To Make Bone Broth: A Few Tips

Bones are rich in minerals, gelatin and collagen (which helps keep skin nice and plump). In order to extract the most amount of nutrients you'll want to add a bit of vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well) to bone broth. 

You can customise it with different herbs, garlic and spices like whole peppercorns or turmeric for a burst of colour and anti-inflammatory properties.

The trick to making a rich and flavorful bone broth is to let it cook low and slow for as long as possible. If you are short on time you can try this slow cooker bone broth recipe[1]

How to Make a Nourishing Bone Broth

How To Make Bone Broth: An Easy Recipe

This simple recipe is so easy to follow, anyone, no matter what their cooking level, can easily make it.

Ingredients
4 pounds (1.8kg) of beef bones (or veal, turkey or chicken bones)
1 bay leaf
4 whole peppercorns
2 celery sticks
1 large carrot
1 large unpeeled onion, sliced in half
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Place all the ingredients in a large stock pot and cover with water. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil. Remove the lid, lower the heat and simmer for at least four hours, remembering to skim any impurities that rise to the surface. If you can, try to cook it for 12 hours or longer. This will add richness and depth of flavour to the bone both. When it's ready just strain and store in a glass container. Let cool before refrigerating.

Want to see it in action? Watch this great recipe for chicken broth from Wendy Myers[2]:

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References

  1. ^ slow cooker bone broth recipe (www.finedininglovers.com)
  2. ^ Wendy Myers (www.youtube.com)
  3. ^ Follow Fine Dining Lovers on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
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Study Suggests Eating This Italian Cheese Can Reduce Blood Pressure

Study Suggests Eating This Italian Cheese Can Reduce Blood Pressure

Italian cheese, specifically Grana Padano[1], can help to reduce blood pressure according to a new study[2].

Researchers from the Hypertension Unit of Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital and Catholic University of Piacenza (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore) in Italy tested 30 adults with hypertension (high blood pressure) over two months. Some were given a portion (28g/1oz) of Grana Padano per day to consume, while others were given a “placebo imitation cheese” – we dread to think what this consisted of.

Encouraging Results

Significant drops in systolic and diasltolic blood pressures were observed in those who had consumed the Italian hard cheese, while at the same time no changes in BMI, blood lipids or blood sugar levels were observed.

Healthy Diet

According to the study's lead author, Giuseppe Crippa M.D., "The effects are similar to what you would expect with antihypertensive medications” and “Adding a little Grana Padano to a healthy diet may provide clinically significant blood pressure lowering benefits."

He said a “little” everyone, just a little.

Other foods to lower blood pressure as part of a healthy diet reportedly include blueberries[3], beets[4] and pistachios[5].

 

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References

  1. ^ Grana Padano (www.finedininglovers.com)
  2. ^ according to a new study (www.ashjournal.com)
  3. ^ blueberries (www.finedininglovers.com)
  4. ^ beets (www.finedininglovers.com)
  5. ^ pistachios (www.finedininglovers.com)
  6. ^ Follow Fine Dining Lovers on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
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20 Kitchen Hacks You Should Know

Chef Works [1]has released a new food infographic that’s packed with 20 different kitchen hacks to save you time when cooking and prepping.

There are 20 different hacks included in the sheet with some nice ideas on how to store, clean, cut and cook foods in a number of different ways.

Many of them are common sense ideas, but there are a few really nice little bits of advice that are sure to make your kitchen time more efficient.

There’s also a small end section that examines the virtues of eating out compered to eating at home.

If you like a good kitchen hack as much as we do, don’t miss this collection of 50 different ideas.[2]

20 Kitchen Hacks You Should Know

 

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References

  1. ^ Chef Works (www.chefworks.com)
  2. ^ don’t miss this collection of 50 different ideas. (www.finedininglovers.com)
  3. ^ Follow Fine Dining Lovers on Facebook (www.facebook.com)
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