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~Mastering Vacuum Sealing: Best Practices for Food Preservation!

ohbiteit — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 05:08:33 +0000

Key Takeaways

Vacuum sealing prolongs food shelf life by removing oxygen, thereby slowing oxidation and preventing freezer burn.

Employing proper techniques and equipment is essential to maintain food safety and quality.

Not all foods are suitable for vacuum sealing; some require special considerations.

Choosing the Right Vacuum Sealer

Selecting Appropriate Vacuum Seal Bags

Preparing Food for Vacuum Sealing

Proper Sealing Techniques

Storing Vacuum-Sealed Foods

Foods to Avoid Vacuum Sealing

Maintaining Your Vacuum Sealer

Safety Considerations

Choosing the Right Vacuum Sealer

There are two primary types of vacuum sealers:

Edge Sealers: Ideal for home use, these are affordable and suitable for dry foods. However, they may struggle with liquids and require specific textured bags.
Chamber Vacuum Sealers: More versatile and capable of sealing liquids, but they come at a higher price point and are bulkier.

Assess your needs and budget to select the appropriate type. For a detailed comparison, refer to this vacuum sealer buying guide.

In addition to the basic types, modern vacuum sealers also feature advanced features such as adjustable heat settings, marinating functions, and pulse vacuum options. Adjustable settings can be particularly useful for sealing delicate foods, as they let you control suction and heat intensity, minimizing the risk of crushing or overheating your food.

Selecting Appropriate Vacuum Seal Bags

Not all bags are suitable for vacuum sealing. Opt for:

Food-Grade Bags: Ensure they are BPA-free and designed for vacuum sealing.
Textured or Channeled Bags: These allow efficient air removal, especially important for edge sealers.
Appropriate Thickness: Thicker bags (4-6 mil) are better for sharp or bulky items.

Using the right bags prevents leaks and ensures a strong seal. For a wide selection of high-quality vacuum seal bags, consider exploring Vacuum Sealers Unlimited. They offer a comprehensive range of vacuum-sealing products, including bags compatible with various machines, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

Bag size is another key consideration. Choose bag sizes appropriate to your portion needs to minimize waste. Cutting larger bags to size for smaller items is an effective way to maximize resource efficiency and reduce costs in the long run.

Preparing Food for Vacuum Sealing

Proper preparation enhances the effectiveness of vacuum sealing:

Cool Foods: Ensure foods are cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation inside the bag.
Pre-Freeze Liquids: For soups or stews, partially freeze them before sealing to prevent liquid from being drawn into the sealer.
Wrap Sharp Edges: Cover bones or sharp items with a paper towel to prevent puncturing the bag.

These steps help maintain the integrity of the seal and the quality of the food.

Cutting and portioning food before vacuum sealing also streamlines later use. For example, portioning meats or chopping vegetables in advance lets you seal only what you’ll need for one meal, simplifying meal prep. Additionally, rinsing and thoroughly drying fruits and vegetables helps prevent excess moisture in the bag, which could otherwise promote spoilage.

Proper Sealing Techniques

To achieve a reliable seal:

Leave Adequate Headroom: Leave at least 2-3 inches of space at the top of the bag to ensure a secure seal.
Ensure Clean Sealing Area: Wipe the sealing area to remove any moisture or food particles.
Double Seal for Liquids: Consider double-sealing the bag to prevent leaks, especially for liquid-rich foods.

Attention to these details prevents seal failures and extends food preservation.

It’s advisable to freeze irregularly shaped items individually before vacuum sealing them together. This “pre-freezing” technique not only helps maintain the aesthetics of sensitive foods such as berries, but also keeps the bag from conforming too tightly and bruising foods that are easily crushed.

Storing Vacuum-Sealed Foods

Proper storage is crucial:

Refrigerate or Freeze Perishables: Vacuum sealing doesn’t eliminate the need for refrigeration or freezing.
Label Bags: Include the date and contents to keep track of storage times.
Monitor for Seal Integrity: Regularly check for broken seals or air pockets.

These practices help maintain food safety and quality.

Storing vacuum-sealed foods flat whenever possible can save space in your fridge or freezer and make stacking easier. Always rotate your vacuum-sealed foods, using older items first to prevent waste. Creating a running inventory list can further help keep track of your stored items, making it easier to plan meals around what you have on hand.

Foods to Avoid Vacuum Sealing

Some foods are not suitable for vacuum sealing due to safety concerns:

Raw Mushrooms and Garlic: They can harbor anaerobic bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments.
Soft Cheeses: Moisture content can promote bacterial growth.
Cruciferous Vegetables: They emit gases that can cause the bag to expand.

For a comprehensive list, consult this vacuum sealer guide.

In addition, avoid vacuum-sealing hot foods or foods that may retain residual heat, as this can create a breeding ground for bacteria before the item cools in storage. Instead, allow hot foods to cool to room temperature before sealing. Similarly, foods with high moisture content are best sealed with extra care and may require paper towels or pre-freezing to absorb excess moisture during sealing.

Maintaining Your Vacuum Sealer

Regular maintenance ensures longevity:

Clean After Use: Wipe down the sealing area and remove any food particles.
Check Seals and Gaskets: Inspect for wear and replace as needed.
Store Properly: Keep the sealer in a dry place to prevent damage.

Proper care keeps your equipment in optimal condition.

Additionally, refer to your manufacturer’s user manual for specific maintenance tips. Some vacuum sealers may require periodic oiling or calibration, and using only recommended replacement parts can extend your sealer’s lifespan. Be attentive to any changes in performance, such as reduced suction, which could indicate the need for cleaning or part replacement.

Safety Considerations

While vacuum sealing extends shelf life, it doesn’t make food shelf-stable. Always:

Follow Storage Guidelines: Refrigerate or freeze perishable items promptly.
Be Aware of Botulism Risks: Anaerobic bacteria can grow in vacuum-sealed foods if not stored correctly.
Inspect Seals Regularly: Ensure no air has re-entered the bags.

Adhering to safety protocols ensures the health and well-being of consumers.

Keep in mind that while vacuum sealing can greatly reduce the risk of freezer burn and spoilage, it is not a substitute for good hygiene and proper food handling. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces before and during the vacuum sealing process to prevent cross-contamination. If in doubt about the safety of vacuum-sealed foods, it is always better to err on the side of caution and discard any item that looks or smells suspicious after opening the package.

By following these best practices, you can effectively utilize vacuum sealing to preserve food, reduce waste, and enjoy fresh meals longer. Vacuum sealing revolutionizes food preservation by extending shelf life and minimizing waste. Extracting air from storage bags slows oxidation and inhibits bacterial growth. To fully harness these benefits, it’s crucial to adhere to best practices.

The post ~Mastering Vacuum Sealing: Best Practices for Food Preservation! first appeared on Oh Bite It.

~Burn Pit BBQ– Pogey Bait

ohbiteit — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 19:10:23 +0000

Turn your backyard into THE spot for amazing barbecue using Burn Pit BBQ sauces, rubs, and seasonings! A veteran-owned company based in Wisconsin, they are committed to using only high-quality all-natural ingredients to provide flavorful products all while giving back to the veteran community one barbecued-goodness bite at a time. Originally beginning as a blog offering tips on all things grilling, Burn Pit BBQ understands how disappointing it is to ruin a perfectly good slab of meat which is why they’ve created products to help achieve the barbecue bliss that will be the envy of all your neighbors this Summer! Marinate your legendary meats in some sweet Pogey Bait glaze with hints of honey!

“Pogey bait” is a reference to sweets or candy, which was in usage in the military as early as 1918. The term alludes to food (and other luxuries) rarely afforded to grunts in the field.

This Sweet Honey Sauce pairs perfectly with grilling fare including ribs, burgers, chicken, pork, vegetables, brisket and seafood

All-Natural, Gluten-Free, contain no cholesterol, no MSG and no corn syrup.

Crafted in small batches to ensure exacting standards and superior quality.

All sauces and marinades are packaged in 12 fluid oz. glass bottles.

“You know it’s summertime when every afternoon you start to smell the neighborhood lighting up their good old BBQ grill! I thought I had experienced delicious BBQ rubs & sauces, and boy, I was quickly set straight when Burn Pit BBQ arrived at my door!

Ooohh, the flavor meter has just hit a record high! We slathered that goodness on everything from wings, to ribs, to burgers with no shame, and let me tell you… the neighbors started making their way to our yard pretty darn quickly lol!”

WELCOME TO BURN PIT BBQ

We are a Veteran owned company and all of our BBQ rubs & sauces are proudly made in Wisconsin. We’re committed to high quality ingredients, great flavor, and giving back to the Veteran community one bottle at a time!

That’s what Burn Pit BBQ is all about!

GIVING BACK

As a veteran owned business, we feel it’s important to continue to give back to those who serve.

Meal time was always a time to connect and forget about the stressors of military life.

We’re grateful to carry on that tradition through Burn Pit BBQ!

The post ~Burn Pit BBQ– Pogey Bait first appeared on Oh Bite It.

What ~You Can’t Cook with Your Slow Cooker

ohbiteit — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 11:34:03 +0000

A slow cooker is a piece of handy equipment in every kitchen; it significantly reduces the food preparation time and effort. Despite its effectiveness, you cannot cook everything with your slow cooker. Some foods are so light and cooked fast that using your crockpot will leave you with a messy and tasteless result. A practical approach to guarantee you tasty meals every time is to follow easy crock pot recipes until you understand which ingredients are best cooked in your slow cooker. To avoid a disaster, it would be helpful if you did not cook the mentioned foods in this article using your slow cooker.

Foods to Avoid Cooking in Your Slow Cooker

Lean Meats

You should avoid cooking lean meats with your slow cooker. The meat is more likely to turn tougher as you cook instead of attaining that smooth and rich flavor associated with slow cooking. Other meat classifications, like pork shoulder and oxtail become tender once put in the slow cooker without losing flavor or nutritional value. Lean meats include pork fillet and chicken breasts, and it is better to fry or grill them before putting them in your crockpot.

Raw Meat

You can observe a rich-in-flavored meat chunk by looking at its color. The golden color achieved after frying or roasting your meat delivers its depth of flavor, making your meat even tastier. However, cooking with a slow cooker cannot turn your meat brown because it cooks at a gentle and controlled temperature. If you plan to include meat in your stew, you can brown it before adding it to your cooker; it will maintain its flavor and texture.

Too Much Liquid

It would also be helpful to avoid cooking foods with excess water in your slow cooker. Slow cookers are excellent at moisture retention, meaning water evaporates slower than standard cooking equipment. Your end product is more likely to stock the excess water and lose taste even after cooking, which was not your expectation. If you use a recipe not explicit to crockpots, use half of the water required to ensure your food cooks well. There is the option of topping up the water if you notice the meal looks dry.

Delicate Vegetables

Your slow cooker also proves ideal in cooking hard root vegetables; it softens them while maintaining their nutritional value. However, some vegetables have delicate structures, and putting them in your crockpot will not guarantee a productive cooking session. Vegetable options like peas, courgettes, and asparagus will come out mushy if you try cooking them with this equipment.

Dairy

Another food type you cannot cook with your slow cooker is dairy. Dairy products have a delicate structure, and cooking them over long hours will lead to their composition breaking down. The Kitchen Community advises against adding cream, yogurt, or milk to any recipes involving a crockpot or prolonged cooking. If your recipe includes milk, you can add it in the final stages of your session and stir the mixture accordingly.

Seafood

Kinds of seafood are not that different from lean meats; they have simple structures and require some light cooking. Common examples of seafood include fish and shellfish, and you should avoid cooking them with your slow burner. Cooking these types of food over a long time will destroy its texture, taste, and nutritional value. However, seafood like octopus and squid might need prolonged cooking to tenderize their meat to perfection.

Some recipes cannot cook in a slow cooker because of specific ingredients. This article features food examples that will guarantee you an unsatisfactory result, and you should avoid including them in your recipe. You can use the shared information to improve your cooking skills and deliver quality and tasty meals to your family.

The post What ~You Can’t Cook with Your Slow Cooker first appeared on Oh Bite It.

~Lavley -Jolly AF Socks!

ohbiteit — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:27:56 +0000

Get your holiday cheer on (literally) with these adorable socks from Lavley. Perfect for stuffing into stockings, these socks will have you feeling cozy, Christmasy, and Jolly AF, just in time for the Holidays.

ABOUT US

Based in Colorado, our team creates socks, oven mitts and other fun novelty items that bring some playful self-expression to our everyday lives. Our products are as unique as the individuals that receive them. They are thoughtfully crafted to get a reaction and spread joy through witty sayings, bold colors and captivating designs. We especially love seeing the smiles our products bring when gifted to others. You’ll find there’s something everyone can enjoy among our growing selection of items.

We take pride in the quality and use only premium materials that will last for many years. We test all our new ideas on ourselves, our friends and our families so that we only bring to market products that we love and would actually use ourselves, which we do ; )

FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY

At Lavley, we aim to continue developing products that celebrate people’s unique qualities, passions and beliefs, while keeping it trendy and fun. After all self-expression is a journey, not a destination!

We offer an iron-clad guarantee on all the products we sell – if you’re not satisfied, we’ll either replace your item, or give you your money back in full. That simple.

BROWSE PRODUCTS

The post ~Lavley -Jolly AF Socks! first appeared on Oh Bite It.

~What You Need to Know about Preparing Dungeness Crab!

ohbiteit — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:47:23 +0000

What You Need to Know about Preparing Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is the most common and one of the tastiest in the Western Pacific. It is found in the Pacific Northwest and is caught during the winter. It’s one of the best choices when buying crab since there are a lot of them and they are considered sustainable seafood. It isn’t caught in a trawler like other seafood and instead is caught in one-way door gates. This crab is a great choice for some traditional crab recipes, such as salads, dips, and crab cakes.

A Dungeness crab can weigh up to two pounds. If the shell is too small then it loses the old one and hardens a new one. This type of crab gives more meat per unit than others because about 25% of the weight is pure meat.

How to Cook It

A live crab can be boiled or steamed whole. All you have to do is place the crab in salted boiling water and cook for 15 minutes once the water returns to a boil. You then place the crab in ice water once it is done cooking. In order to steam, all you do is place the crab in a steaming basket and cook for about 20 minutes. A general rule is to cook for about seven to eight minutes per pound of crab.

What Does It Taste Like?

Dungeness crab is a favorite in many recipes because of the nutty, sweet, mild flavor. The body meat is juicy and tender and the leg meat has a bit more flavor and is firmer. The flavor also depends on the area where they were found in the wild and how you cook the crab. The salty and sweet flavor is common to all Dungeness crabs.

Recipes for Dungeness Crab

This meat can be used in many different crab recipes. You can use it in a traditional cioppino stew. It also makes for a great crab salad when you combine it with a citrus vinaigrette and fresh greens. Use the cooked meat in a crab salad and mix it with crunchy vegetables, seasoning, olive oil, and mayonnaise. Dungeness crab meat can be reheated in boiling water or by using a broiler before you add it to a dish. In order to avoid loss of flavor and a rubbery texture, cooked crab meat shouldn’t be recooked and should only be reheated. It can also be grilled and added to a spicy curry.

Buying Dungeness Crab

Many fish markets carry Dungeness crab but it’s always best to confirm. Purchasing live crab is better since it’s best to maintain the freshness and can be more versatile than pre-cooked crab. Dungeness crab is not as mean as blue crab when dealing with live ones.

Storing Dungeness Crab

Just like with other live crabs, you are able to keep it out of water for 24 hours as long as you are keeping it in a moist and cool environment. Once you cook it then you want to eat it within three days and keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent spoiling.

Nutrition Benefits of Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is high in protein, which makes it a good addition to a low-carb diet. It can be added to any balanced diet where a protein source is needed. There are almost 20 grams of protein in just a three-ounce serving. There is very little fat, which means it’s better than many other types of crab meat and is a leaner option. It is also rich in zinc and selenium. You can find moderate amounts of other minerals and vitamins but it also has great levels of Vitamin B12.

The post ~What You Need to Know about Preparing Dungeness Crab! first appeared on Oh Bite It.

~KOREAN BBQ BACON WINGS! -by Kevin’s Natural Foods!

ohbiteit — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 13:24:29 +0000

What you’ll need:

15-20 Chicken Wings

1lb Applewood Smoked Bacon

1/2 Cup Molasses

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

1 tbsp. Liquid Smoke

1 Pinch of Ground Ginger

1 Pinch of Garlic Powder

1 Pinch of Cayenne Pepper..to taste!

1 cup of Kevin’s KOREAN BBQ SAUCE

S&P..to taste

1/2 Cup Water

A LARGE Zipper Bag!

Directions:

In a medium bowl combine the Kevin’s Korean BBQ Sauce, Molasses, Brown Sugar, Liquid Smoke, Water and all the spices. Mix until smooth and thick…

Chop up the Bacon into approx 1″ pieces…

Add the chopped Bacon and all of the wings into a large zipper baggie, pour 3/4 of the sauce into the bag, seal it..and smush to coat everything evenly. Reserve the rest of the sauce for basting!

Spread the chicken in an even layer, onto a parchment lined baking sheet, make sure to top them with the Bacon pieces evenly. Bake them at 400 degrees for at least an hour, or until the wings are dark and cooked through. Baste them with some of the reserved sauce every 15 minutes and turn them around to keep them evenly cooked.

If you have a skillet..warm it up in the oven and serve them nice & hot!

Get yourself some Kevin’s Korean BBQ Sauce, and make a HUGE Batch!

KOREAN BBQ SAUCE

A sweet and spicy Bulgogi sauce made with coconut aminos, garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. What’s “Bulgogi” you ask? It literally means “fire meat”, and can take your steak, chicken, or pork up to the next level.

WHAT’S IN IT?

Nutrition Facts

About 6 servings per container
Serving Size	2 tbsp (31g)

Calories
per serving

Amount Per Serving

% Daily Value*

Total Fat1g	1%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol0mg	0%
Sodium280mg	12%

Amount Per Serving

% Daily Value*

Total Carbohydrate4g	1%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 2g
Includes 1g Added Sugars	2%
Protein0g

Vitamin D 0mcg 0% • Calcium 9mg 0% • Iron 0mg 0% • Potassium 39mg 0%

The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

INGREDIENTS

Water, Coconut Aminos (Coconut Nectar, Water, Sea Salt), Coconut Sugar, Sesame Oil, Vinegar, Tapioca Starch, Lemongrass Puree (Lemongrass, Water), Yeast Extract, Ginger, Chilies, Cilantro, Dehydrated Garlic, Dehydrated Onion, Shiitake Mushroom, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Monkfruit Extract.

I Believe
Food Can Help
Us Feel Good

It gives us the fuel we need to do the things we want with the people we love. Food can also help you feel good when you’re feeling less than average. That’s how I discovered my joy for food.

When I was in My 20s

I got sick. Really sick. An autoimmune disorder threw my life off balance. I went from happy and healthy to in-and-out of the hospital struggling with conventional medicine. Nothing helped consistently until I discovered the power of a clean diet that is rich in whole foods and avoids refined sugar. It helped me reclaim my energy and return to good health

Clean Eating

is what our bodies were designed to thrive on. But clean eating has had a bad rap. It seems you have to pay for guilt-free meals with boring cuisine and a lack of flavor. I made it my mission to change this.

I Want You
To Discover

the same joy I found for food. I’ve made it easy with a range of quick to prepare entrées and sauces so that you can create meals at home that help you eat clean and live happy.

SHOP NOW BROWSE RECIPE IDEAS FIRST

The post ~KOREAN BBQ BACON WINGS! -by Kevin’s Natural Foods! first appeared on Oh Bite It.

~O-Yaki Skewer System!

ohbiteit — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:24:40 +0000

O-Yaki Skewer System:

The O-Yaki Skewer System’s standing design was created to provide a more efficient way to cook food on skewers outdoors on a grill or indoors in an oven by allowing multiple skewers to be cooked at once without uneven cooking and loss of precious marinade juices.

With the O-Yaki Skewer System’s vertical design, you get all-around heat leading to moist yet well-grilled food. The skewers don’t need to be rotated while cooking and the food doesn’t touch the grill grates.

The O-Yaki Skewer System easily transitions from barbecue to outdoor buffet where it can be displayed on the stand. Thread fresh vegetables, chicken or steak onto the skewers; place it on the grill; when it’s done display it so guests can grab a skewer and help themselves.

The O-Yaki Skewer System includes a stainless steel stand, nine skewers and a recipe booklet to make delicious Garlic Shrimp, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, French Brochettes and Roast Vegetables. You can even roast a whole chicken using the O-Yaki Skewer System. To learn more, visit https://www.o-yaki.com/ and Amazon.

O-YAKI Products

portable efficient easy-store Gadgets

FOR THE HOME, INDOORS, OUTDOORS

OR WHEREVER YOU GO

CREATIVE-INNOVATIVE- EFFICIENT

About Us

CREATIVE-INNOVATIVE-EFFICIENT

O-Yaki Products brings you quality creative tools for a more efficient kitchen and grilling experience.

O-Yaki Products is a small minority-owned business and we support small businesses worldwide. Our signature items, including the storage bags and cover packaging are all made in small manufacturing units that are family owned, and overseen by our own manufacturing supervisor on the ground.

The O-Yaki Skewer System has been patented in the USA by the USPTO

We adhere to stringent manufacturing standards and have obtained the CE rating for the EU.

We are constantly researching new products to add to our line. Check back often to see what we have added.

The post ~O-Yaki Skewer System! first appeared on Oh Bite It.

~Milo’s!

ohbiteit — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:54:44 +0000

Milo’s Tea Company is a family-owned business. The Carlton family proudly carries on the tradition of uncompromising quality and commitment to its customers established by its founders, Milo and Bea Carlton, in 1946.

Every day, Milo’s is fresh brewed from real tea leaves. Our custom blend is sustainably sourced from tea farms around the globe to ensure a quality difference you can taste.

Milo’s beverages are different because they do not contain preservatives, additives, or chemicals. In fact, since 1946, our Famous Sweet Tea has been fresh brewed daily with just 3 simple ingredients: real brewed tea, purified water and pure cane sugar.

We have launched many new beverages over the years, but our commitment to using real ingredients, easily found in your kitchen, has not changed. Milo’s tastes like homemade because it’s brewed like you do at home.

Tea is a natural source of the antioxidant polyphenol, which is widely known to combat cell damage. Since Milo’s teas are fresh brewed, the antioxidant levels in our teas are 89mg or higher per serving.

Milo’s Famous

Sweet Tea

The original sweet tea that made Milo’s famous. It’s made with 3 simple ingredients: filtered water, pure cane sugar, and fresh brewed tea just like homemade. Drink Milo’s and you will Taste the Difference!

We are committed to products that are Better For You. That means we offer Low or Zero Calorie beverage options in all markets. We also consistently work to provide transparent nutrition information and real, natural ingredients so our fans can choose the calorie content that is right for them.

The post ~Milo’s! first appeared on Oh Bite It.

~Tzatziki Drop Biscuits!

ohbiteit — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 02:07:00 +0000

When I was presented with the opportunity to try out Lifeway Kefir I knew right away that I wanted to create something that highlighted my favorite dip – Tzatziki! Staying true to my “creative culinary collision concepts” I thought it would be fun to turn that delicious Tzatziki dip into warm, fluffy, tender, and scrumptious biscuits!

And not just any biscuits, I’m talking about DROP biscuits – aka. easy!

Here are some of the amazing benefits of Lifeway Probiotic Kefir!

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are live microorganisms that may provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. The benefits of these good bacteria may include supporting immunity and a healthy digestive system.

IMMUNITY

The probiotics in kefir may help support a healthy gut, where 70-80 percent of the cells that make up the immune system are located.

The World of Lifeway

At Lifeway Foods, we are on a mission. A mission that started in 1986 when we first began producing Lifeway Kefir.

Like all good missions, ours is simply expressed: We’re here to provide the best in probiotic and nutritious foods. We’re here to improve the health of our customers. And we’re here to leave the world a better place than we found it.

On a lighter note, we’re also here to change the meaning of the word delicious, and to have a little fun along the way. You with us? Good. Very good.

THE LIFEWAY STORY

FROM THE BASEMENT TO NASDAQ

The Lifeway story begins in 1986, when Russian immigrants Michael and Ludmila Smolyansky began making Kefir in the basement of their Skokie, IL home. The cultured dairy drink had been popular in Eastern Europe for centuries, but the Smolyansky family was determined to share their delicious health secret with their newfound home. Two years later, they took the company public and it debuted on the NASDAQ exchange under the ticker symbol LWAY.

Check out Lifeway Kefir all across social:

**You can purchase Lifeway products at: Walmart, Kroger, and Sprouts!

And now for this incredible recipe!

What you’ll need:

2 cups of Lifeway Kefir (plain)

1.5 sticks COLD butter – cut into small pieces

1 grated cucumber

1 grated garlic clove

3 tbsp. chopped fresh dill & mint

3 cups flour

4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

sal and pepper to taste

a food processor (helpful, but not necessary)

Instructions:

grate the cucumber, put it onto paper towel to absorb the liquid…

chop up the garlic…

over a med/lg. bowl, sift the dry ingredients…

now, mix them until fully blended…

time to add all the ingredients together~

in a food processor, add the butter into the flour – pulse until it’s fully combined, and a sand-like consistency…

now, scoop out approx. 1 tbsp. of the batter onto a lined sheet pan…

Let them rest and slightly dry out, as the oven pre-heats…

bake them at 350 degrees, for approx. 20-30 minutes, OR until they’re slightly golden and firm, let them cool slightly…

Serve them warm, and check out all those spices…

…(top with butter?) , and DIG IN! ~Enjoy!

The post ~Tzatziki Drop Biscuits! first appeared on Oh Bite It.

~Learning New Cooking Techniques One Step at a Time!

ohbiteit — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 17:41:58 +0000

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice who’s just started out on their own, there’s always something more to learn about preparing delicious foods in your own kitchen. It’s no secret that cooking at home can be much healthier than eating out. But it can also save you money, help you manage stress, and become a fulfilling way to develop your own creativity. If you’re interested in learning how to become a better cook, there are plenty of resources available to you, from Cozymeal cooking classes to books to online how-to videos. There are several basic techniques that can help you master simple yet tasty dishes at home and can take your cooking from soggy to crispy, tough to tender and bland to flavorful.

Using Proper Knife Technique

A good cook has to start at the beginning with a sharp knife and proper chopping technique. Investing in a quality chef knife won’t break the bank and can save you time and unnecessary injury since most cuts occur from using tools that are too dull and require more force. Pinch your knife where the blade meets the handle, curl your fingers and chop with a smooth rocking motion. While it may be slow going at the start, the more you work on this skill, the faster you’ll go and the more even your cuts will be. This will result in foods that cook more evenly.

Breading Foods for a Crispy Crust

Setting up a proper breading station can help ensure you get a golden, crunchy coating on your chicken, fish, veggies, and more. Begin by placing three shallow dishes side by side. Scoop about one cup of flour into the first dish, crack two eggs into the second, and add one cup of panko breadcrumbs to the third. Measurements will vary depending on the amount you’re preparing, but practice will give you a better idea of how much you will need for each layer. It’s important to season with every step, so add salt and pepper to each dish and mix well. Add a little extra seasoning to your breadcrumbs, along with a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for flavor and parsley for color. Designate a “wet” and “dry” hand to keep your hands from getting clumpy and messy. Tongs can work well but can sometimes pull the breading off of your food, so your hands are truly your best tools for the job. With your dry hand, dip both sides into the flour and shake off the excess. Switch to your wet hand to dunk in the egg mixture and then back to your dry hand to coat with breadcrumbs. This breading style works great for pan frying in a shallow layer of oil or baking in the oven.

Sautéing Meats on Your Stovetop

A properly seared or sautéed protein is a simple yet satisfying main dish that’s delicious when done appropriately. It’s important to note that you’ll need to get to know your range and how it heats in order to adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly. For chicken, start with a high-quality sauté or cast-iron pan and add a few tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil. Turn your stove on medium and allow the oil to heat for a few minutes while you generously season both sides of your chicken with salt and pepper. (Make sure the meat is no more than three-quarters of an inch at its thickest point for this technique.) Once the oil is hot, place your chicken in the pan, careful not to overcrowd it, and do not touch it for about four to five minutes. Turn once and finish on the other side for another three to four more minutes, until it is just cooked through. If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s done, use a thermometer until you have the experience to judge by sight. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil, allowing it to set for at least six minutes for a juicy, tender bite. This technique also works well with beef and pork.

If you want to become a better home cook, start with the basics and perfect the simple techniques that lead to quality and consistent results. You’ll be glad you invested the time in developing this important life skill.

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