Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Intrepid: A Mine of History

              Hello readers! Today I have special post for you all. I will be sharing a few facts on the Intrepid. There is so much to learn and enjoy at the Intrepid. It gives us information that is treasured above all still today. We may not ever be able explore what the soldiers went through, but we have resources that reveal much about the past.
                             A- 12 Blackbird

       One aircraft that was on the Intrepid's Flight Deck was the A- 12 Blackbird. The Blackbird was the first ever aircraft to consistently fly well over three times the speed of sound. It was used for the CIA's secret surveillance missions. The Lockheed A-12 Blackbird was believed to be the child of the Cold war that erupted between Soviet Union and United States before World War II ended. The Blackbird was used from 1963 to 1968.

Mess Deck
The purpose of this deck was an essential one. It served as an area to eat and cook food. It was reserved for U.S. Navy members only. This deck was extremely important because it was a key factor to survive for the Navy. The soldiers that spent time on this deck were the Navy members.
Three Cool Facts
  1. The Hangar Deck played an important role in the Intrepid's history. The Hangar Deck was where the air crafts were stored and maintained.
  2. The Ready Room were where the pilots were suited up and were briefed on their missions. This room was the most important room of all.
  3. The Pilots learned four basic forces: lift, drag, thrust, and gravity (weight).
The 8 Ports of Call
  1. The Intrepid Launches- April 26, 1943. It launched in Newport News, Virginia.
  2. The Intrepid arrived in Pearl Harbor- January 10, 1944. This event took place in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. 
  3. The Japanese Kamikaze attack happened on November 25, 1944. Western Pacific Ocean, Philippines.
  4. Men were allowed to explore the ports while on Liberty (shore leave)- March 13, 1945. Ulithi, Micronesia. 
  5. Space recovery: Mercury 7 Space Mission. This happened on May 24, 1962 in North Atlantic Ocean.
  6. Gemini- 3 space mission: Splash Down- March 23, 1965. This happened at North Atlantic Ocean.
  7. The Intrepid passes through Suez Canal- June 1, 1967. This happened in Egypt.
  8. The Intrepid officially opens as the Sea, Air, and Space museum- August 3, 1982. The Intrepid opens in New York after decommissioning.
        The Final Word...
   The Intrepid continues to be an important part of our world's history. It stands as a tribute to the soldiers who have given up their lives and sacrificed a lot for our country.

Information from Wikipedia, Google, and Intrepid Museum

Friday, May 24, 2013

Fondant: The Best Way to Decorate Your Cake; Part Three

          Hello readers! You are viewing the last part of my fondant trilogy! After I finish this post, I am going to share a few summer recipes and some tips on your vacation (if there is one) this year. Today's post will be about some simple fondant decoration for your cake. Today's post will be about some of the best decorations for your cake- using fondant. Let's get started!
         
        Top Five Fondant/ Gum paste Decorations

  • Roses- Roses are an excellent way to decorate your cake. They make your cake look more girly and elegant.

  • Bows- If you have bows on your cake, it brings out the look of your cake and gives it a classy, formal look.













  • Ribbons- Ribbons on a cake give it an extraordinary look. They make the cake look professional and superior. 











  • Polka Dots- Polka dots are a simple way to decorate a cake. They make the cake look bright and bubbly. 











  • Flowers- Fondant flowers are similar to roses, but they give off a more homemade look. These are great or small family meetings.


             I hope everyone enjoyed this post. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!
pictures from: https://www.google.com/
 video from: http://www.youtube.com

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Pavlova: A Russian Dessert

           Hello readers! I know I veered off course with my "traveling around the world" posts. Today, however, I am back with a very famous dish of Russia: Pavlova. This dish is named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova. This is a scrumptious delight, fit for evening parties and  family desserts. It's filled with the delicious flavor of meringue. Let's get started!

           You will need:

  • Egg whites
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • White wine vinegar
  • Vanilla essence
  • Cream of tartar 
  • Salt
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Confectioners sugar 
  • Fruit Preserves
  • Extra fruit for topping



Pavlova
  1. Preheat your oven to 300 Degrees Fahrenheit. 
  2. Take a piece of parchment paper and trace an eight inch plate on it. 
  3. Flip the paper over so you can still see the circle.
  4. Take your egg whites and beat them with an electric mixer(optional) until you see that bubbles are starting to form.
  5. Add in a pinch of salt and some cream of tartar.
  6. Slowly, add in the sugar. Stir until the mix is very thick and light.
  7. Take your beater and make four dots of meringue with it. Stick your parchment paper on (non- pencil side up).
  8. Add in the cornstarch, the vanilla essence, and a drop off white wine vinegar. 
  9. Stir very thoroughly and quickly.
  10. Pour your mixture onto the back of the eight inch circle that you drew earlier. 
  11. Flatten the mixture out so it is within the eight inch circle (very important) and it is not as thick.
  12. Smooth out from the edges.
  13. Put the pavlova into the oven for fifty (50) minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and open the oven door a little bit and let the pavlova cool completely (this can take 2-3 hours).
                                         

Whipped Cream
  1. Once your pavlova has cooled, begin on the whipped cream.
  2. Pour heavy whipping cream and the sugar into an electric beater and beat it.
  3. Heat up your fruit preserves until they are runny.
  4.  Transfer your pavlova onto a cake stand or plate.



Topping
  1. Take your whipped cream and spread it over the pavlova.
  2. Spread your fruit evenly on top of the pavlova.
  3. Spread your preserves on top of the fruit.
  4. Serve!
     I hope everyone enjoyed this recipe. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!


Information from: Wikipedia
pictures from: https://www.google.com/
 video from: http://www.youtube.com

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Fondant: The Best Way to Decorate Your Cake; Part Two

         Hello readers! I am back with another post for fondant. Today we will be focusing on how to place the fondant on the cake. It sounds easy, but it can be just as tricky. Fondant can tear easily, so it is best to put fondant on professionally. Rightly placed fondant can also give your cake a finished, neat look. Before we proceed, however I would like to thank the person who commented on my previous post. I would like to tell you once again, that I appreciate all comments. So if you want to comment, please feel free. Let's start!

       You will need:
  • Fondant 
  • An iced cake
  • Cornstarch to pour on your counter
  • Rolling Pin



                               Steps 
  1. Spread cornstarch or sugar on your counter top.
  2. Flatten your fondant into a circular shape and begin flattening the fondant with the rolling pin.
  3. Carefully put your hands under the fondant and place it over the cake.
  4. Move your fingers up and down on the fondant until it is smooth from the sides.
  5. Place your cake carefully on a cardboard stand or a plate.
  6. With a knife, gently cut the fondant at the edges of your plate or cardboard.
  7. Wrap it around the bottom.
  8. It's ready!
   I hope everyone enjoyed this recipe. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!
pictures from: https://www.google.com/
 video from: http://www.youtube.com

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Fondant: The Best Way to Decorate Your Cake; Part One

      Hello readers! Spring has come, but the temperatures are not cooperating in the area where I live. Spring comes bringing bright colors with it. However, in the area where I live, there are hardly any colors- everything is so dull. That's why I chose today's topic to be fondant. There are may things to do with fondant and you will explore some of them in the upcoming three posts. For now, however, we are going how to learn how to make fondant. Let's get started!


      You will need:


  • Bag of mini marshmallows
  • Powdered sugar
  • Extract
  • Gum Paste Mix (optional)
  • Any color you want to color your fondant
  • Water
Steps

  1. Take your water and pour it on top of the marshmallows. Put the marshmallows in the microwave until the mix is completely melted.
  2. Add a few drops of extract to your marshmallows and stir it thoroughly until it reaches a smooth consistency.
  3. Add the gum paste mix to the powdered sugar. (This step is optional).
  4. Pour the marshmallows into the powdered sugar and stir thoroughly.
  5. Knead your fondant to get rid of air pockets (much like you would do with clay).
  6. Add the coloring to it and then knead the fondant again to blend the color in.
  7. Store the fondant in an airtight bag or container. DO NOT KEEP IT IN THE FRIDGE.
  8. Enjoy!





        I hope everyone enjoyed this recipe. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!
pictures from: https://www.google.com/
 video from: http://www.youtube.com





Thursday, April 11, 2013

French Chocolate Mousse

        Hello readers! As you probably know from my previous posts, I have been trying to present a dish from a separate part of the world each time. So this time, I chose France.Today's dish is Chocolate Mousse. Before we get started however, I would like to say (write) a few things. In the right (right as in opposite of left, not right as in being correct) section of my blog, there is a big blue button that says join this site. If you follow the instructions from there, you can become an official chef! Let's get started!


    You will need:

  • One and a half cup of heavy cream
  • Six eggs (separated)
  • One half cup strong coffee or espresso
  • One third cup sugar
  • One forth cup orange liqueur
  • 18 oz. bittersweet chocolate chopped
Steps
  1. Take a saucepan and fill it with about an inch of water. Turn on the heat and let it simmer.
  2. Pour your chocolate, coffee/espresso, and sugar into a bowl. Stir thoroughly.
  3. Place your bowl on top of your pan. Stir frequently and take off heat when the chocolate has completely melted.
  4. Pour your egg whites into a bowl or mug and mix it with a hand mixer until stiff peaks begin to form.
  5. Take your hand mixer once more and stir the cream until it has a ribbon like look.
  6. Pour your egg yolks and liqueur into the chocolate. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it reaches a smooth consistency.
  7. Put in your egg whites and stir again. Be careful: by the time it takes to get a smooth consistency, the egg whites will start making life difficult for you.
  8. Pour in the whipped cream and stir again. Remember: it is very important to get everything to a smooth consistency.
  9. Put your mousse into the refrigerator for about two to three hours. You can even leave it in the fridge for one hour depending on your taste of firmness. 
  10. Serve!

 I hope everyone enjoyed this recipe. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!(the video is a little bit old)

pictures from: https://www.google.com/
 video from: http://www.youtube.com


Thursday, April 4, 2013

Spring Delights

     Hello readers! Spring is here! Spring means parties, birthdays, and lots of cooking! But don't worry, I am here to your rescue! In this post I will be posting the top five spring recipes. Sweets are the one thing in this world that almost everyone likes. So here are some fantastic ideas on spring desserts. 



Top Five Spring Desserts:
  1. Cupcakes (bright colors)
  2. Icecream  (strawberry or multi color)
  3. Pie(most likely based on fruits)
  4. Mousse (great for formal occasions)
  5. Cake (any flavor)

Spring Delights


This was just a quick post informing you about the top five spring desserts. These are excellent to make in the spring and please adults as well as kids. Spring is a time for color, so keep everything bright! Bright colors look better against dull colors in the spring. Dull colors such as brown or dark purple look better in the winter. That's all for now, bye!


Italian Cheesecake

         Hello readers! As you might have read from the post title, today recipe is Italian cheesecake. Personally, I am a big fan of cheesecake and so are most of the people I know. I thought it would be a good idea to try out Italian cheesecake rather than the normal one. I am trying to do recipes from different parts of the world, so if you have any suggestions for the place I do next, please leave a comment. Let's get started!



         You will need:

  • 16 oz. ricotta cheese
  • 3 tbsp. flour
  • Graham cracker crust
  • Half cup butter
  • 16 oz. cream cheese
  •  1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • Four eggs
  • One and a half cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp. corn starch
  • 16 oz. sour cream





Steps
  1. Combine the ricotta and the cream cheese in a bowl. Blend it until it is smooth.
  2. Use the same bowl and pour in all the other ingredients other than sour cream and graham cracker crust. Blend until smooth.
  3. Now, put in the sour cream and blend the mixture together.
  4. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust. Make sure it is even on all sides.
  5. Put the dish into the oven for an hour.
  6. After the hour is up, turn off the heat. Keep the dish in the oven.
  7. Put the cheesecake into the fridge for an hour and a half.
  8. Serve!
I hope everyone enjoyed this recipe. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!

pictures from: https://www.google.com/
 video from: http://www.youtube.com

Monday, March 25, 2013

Ladoo: An Indian Delight

           Hello readers! Today I am going to show you how to make a sweet made in India called ladoo. Anyone that is not of Indian origin may not have heard about this dish. I assure you, however, these are very tasty and excellent to make for parties. Let's get started!



      You will need:
  • 2 cups gram flour (besan)
  • 1 cup sugar (cheeni)
  • 1/4 cup clarified butter (ghee)
  • Assorted nuts [Example: pistachio(pista), raisins(kishmish),almond(badaam), etc.]
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder(ilaichi powder)
  • 1 tsp semolina(sooji)
  • A pinch of salt (namak)

Steps
  1. Take a microwave safe bowl and add the clarified butter (ghee) into it.
  2. Keep the bowl in the microwave until the clarified butter (ghee)  has completely melted.
  3. Add the semolina (sooji), the salt (namak),  and the gram flour (besan) to the completely melted clarified butter (ghee).
  4. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it reaches a smooth consistency.
  5. Put the mixture in the microwave for about two to three minutes depending on the power of your microwave.
  6. Stir the mixture again until it is smooth and balanced out completely.
  7. Put the mixture in the microwave for three minutes total, stirring the mixture every one minute.
  8. Add the nuts to your taste. Add as much nuts as you want but be careful, too much nuts can change the taste of the ladoos.
  9. Put the mixture in the microwave for about one minute (yes; I know a lot of microwaving!).
  10. Let the mixture cool down completely. This can take from fifteen to thirty minutes.
  11. Once the mixture has cooled down, add the sugar (cheeni) and cardamom powder (ilaichi powder). Then, stir thoroughly.
  12. According to your taste, take a certain amount of mixture in your hand. Roll the mixture into a ball. 
  13. Repeat for all of the mixture until you have made all your ladoos.
  14. Serve!

          I hope everyone enjoyed this recipe. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!

pictures from: https://www.google.com/
 video from: http://www.youtube.com

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Chocolate Easter Eggs

           Hi everyone! Easter is approaching, probably one of my most loved holidays. Today I am back with a treat that is Easter - inspired. Today I am going to show you how to make chocolate Easter eggs. These are eye pleasing when you look at them, and they taste even better. Kids love this delight and they will want to decorate the eggs too! This is not a simple recipe, but once it is finished, the eggs will look fantastic. Let's get started!




         You will need:


  • Any type(s) of chocolate you want! You can use all of the types or one type of chocolate, all to your preference!
  • Ten to fifteen toothpicks
  • Any type of filling you want! Example: caramel, toffee, ganache, melted chocolate, etc.
  • Easter egg moulds
  • Piping bag
  • Melted flavor of your preference chocolate





                                  Steps
  1. Pour the different types of chocolate into different bowls.
  2. Melt all the types of chocolate in the microwave at ten second intervals before the chocolate is completely melted.
  3. Pour the chocolate into the egg moulds.
  4. Leave the eggs alone for ten to fifteen minutes.
  5. After the ten to fifteen minute break, put the eggs in the fridge for twenty to sixty minutes.
  6. Remove the chocolate from the moulds.
  7. Fill a piping bag with your preference filling.
  8. Fill in half of the eggs with your filling.
  9. Take one filled and one unfilled eggs and stick them together using the melted chocolate.
  10. Then, take your toothpick and wipe away any excess chocolate.
  11. Repeat these steps with all the other eggs.
  12. Put the filled eggs back in the mould and place them in the fridge for twenty more minutes.
  13. Decorate and serve!

            I hope everyone enjoyed this recipe. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!

 pictures from: https://www.google.com/
 video from: http://www.youtube.com

    Friday, March 15, 2013

    Caramel Fudge

             Hello readers! I don't know about you, but I am a very big fan of sweet things, especially fudge and caramel. These two things put together have a magical taste. Today I am going to show you how to make caramel fudge, a truly delightful treat. Let's get started!




          You will need:


    • 125 grams butter
    • 395 grams condensed milk
    • two tablespoons golden syrup
    • one cup brown sugar
    • white chocolate
    • a baking tray 

                                  Steps
    1. Pour the butter into a pan and heat it on the stove until it  is completely melted.
    2. Add the condensed milk in the same pan as the butter.
    3. Give the mixture a stir and add the golden syrup.
    4. Add the brown sugar and stir thoroughly (keep the pot on low heat).
    5. Turn off the heat and add white chocolate. Stir thoroughly until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
    6. Pour the batter in the baking tray.
    7. Leave the mixture on a flat surface for ten to fifteen minutes.
    8. Place it in the fridge for about two to three hours.
    9. Serve!
                                                            

       I hope everyone enjoyed this recipe. Remember, the comments section is always open for advice, suggestions, or questions. Bye and keep coming for more mouth watering recipes!


                    pictures from: https://www.google.com/
                                                                      video from: http://www.youtube.com


    Sunday, March 10, 2013

    Godiva Chocolate vs. Cadbury Chocolate: Which is better?

             Godiva Chocolate vs. Cadbury Chocolate: The Debate
          Chocolate is a favorite sweet of many. But many people do not consider what brand is best for them. In this post you will be able to explore the many facts behind the the two most popular brands of chocolate. You will even be able to state your opinion by taking the poll.
         Godiva Chocolate
        Since 1926, Godiva has been producing fine, belgium chocolate. Their most valued and first ingredient that leads to their area of expertise on fine chocolate making is a cocoa bean. Unlike the other chocolate making brands that rely heavily on artificial flavors and preservatives, Godiva chocolate is made from high quality ingredients. To learn more about Godiva chocolate, go to this website   Godiva Chocolate.
          Cadbury Chocolate
        Cadbury was founded over two hundred years ago. John Cadbury opened a small shop around eighteen twenty four. Then, in eighteen thirty one, he bought a small factory, in which he made chocolate. His customers expanded in eighteen fourty two. Ever since then, the Cadbury company has been making fine chocolate and filling us all with its mouthwatering taste. To learn more about Cadbury Chocolate, go to this website    Cadbury Chocolate.
            The Facts
         Discover the secrets behind the two most popular brands of chocolate: Cadbury and Godiva.

    Milk Chocolate                                 
    Godiva ChocolateCadbury Chocolate
    1. In four chunks of Godiva’s milk chocolate, there are 220 calories.1. In four chunks of Cadbury’s milk chocolate, there are 120 calories.
    2. In four chunks of Godiva’s milk chocolate, there are 13 grams total fat.2. In four chunks of Cadbury’s milk chocolate, there are 7 grams total fat.
    3. In four chunks of Godiva’s milk chocolate, there are 20 grams sugar.3. In four chunks of Cadbury’s milk chocolate, there are 13 grams sugar.
    4.  In four chunks of Godiva’s milk chocolate, there are 3 grams protein.4. In four chunks of Cadbury’s milk chocolate, there are 2 grams protein.
    5. In four chunks of Godiva’s milk chocolate, there are 22 grams carbs.5. In four chunks of Cadbury’s milk chocolate, there are 13 grams carbs.

    Dark Chocolate
    Godiva ChocolateCadbury Chocolate
    1. In four pieces of Godiva’s dark chocolate, there are 240 calories.1. In four pieces of Cadbury’s dark chocolate, there are 125 calories.
    2. In four pieces of Godiva’s dark chocolate, there are 17 grams fat.2. In four pieces of Cadbury’s dark chocolate, there are 7 grams fat.
    3. In four pieces of Godiva’s dark chocolate, there are 11 grams sugar.3. In four pieces of Cadbury’s dark chocolate, there are 14 grams sugar.
    4. In four pieces of Godiva’s dark chocolate, there are 3 grams protein.4. In four pieces of Cadbury’s dark chocolate, there is 1 gram protein.
    5. In four pieces of Godiva’s dark chocolate, there are 19 grams carbs.5. In four pieces of Cadbury’s dark chocolate, there are 15 grams carbs.

    Top Five
    Below you will find two lists of Godiva’s and Cadbury’s bestseller products.
    Top Five Bestsellers: Godiva Chocolate
    1. Dark Chocolate Truffles Dark Chocolate Truffles
    2. Milk Chocolate Truffles Milk Chocolate Truffles
    3. Gems- Milk Chocolate Caramels Gems- Milk Chocolate Caramels
    4. Dark Chocolate with Raspberry Filling (bar) Dark Chocolate with Raspberry Filling
    5. Assorted Truffles Assorted Truffles
       Top Five Bestsellers: Cadbury Chocolate
    1. Fruit and Nut Fruit and Nut
    2. Milk Chocolate Bar Milk Chocolate Bar
    3. Roses Roses
    4. Chocolate Fingers Chocolate Fingers
    5. Fudge Fudge
    You Decide
    You’ve looked at all the facts and information. Which is better? Give your opinion by taking the poll on the top right hand of my blog or by leaving a comment.