The Timeless Elegance of Cast Iron Cookware: A Feast of Benefits

The Timeless Elegance of Cast Iron Cookware: A Feast of Benefits

Sunday 26 November 2023

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In the ever-evolving world of kitchen gadgets and cookware, one classic material continues to stand the test of time — cast iron. Beyond its timeless elegance, cast iron cookware offers a feast of benefits that make it a staple in kitchens around the globe. Let's delve into the reasons why this age-old material remains a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.

1. Unrivaled Durability:

   - Cast iron is renowned for its robust and durable nature. A well-maintained cast iron skillet or pot can last for generations, becoming a cherished heirloom passed down through family kitchens.

2. Even Heat Distribution:

   - One of the key advantages of cast iron is its ability to distribute heat evenly. This ensures that your food cooks uniformly, preventing hot spots that can lead to unevenly cooked meals.

3. Versatility in Cooking Methods:

   - From stovetop to oven, and even over an open flame, cast iron cookware is incredibly versatile. It can seamlessly transition between cooking methods, making it a go-to choice for a variety of recipes.

4. Heat Retention:

   - Cast iron's superior heat retention means that it stays hot long after being removed from the heat source. This makes it ideal for serving dishes that require a warm presentation, such as sizzling skillet meals or cornbread straight from the oven.

5. Natural Non-Stick Properties:

   - With proper seasoning and maintenance, cast iron develops a natural non-stick surface. This eliminates the need for synthetic coatings and provides a healthier cooking alternative.

6. Iron Enrichment:

   - Cooking with cast iron can boost your iron intake. Small amounts of iron leach into the food, particularly when cooking acidic ingredients like tomatoes, contributing to a subtle but beneficial iron infusion.

7. Cost-Effective Investment:

   - While initial costs may be slightly higher, the longevity of cast iron cookware makes it a cost-effective investment in the long run. Its durability eliminates the need for frequent replacements, saving both money and resources.

8. Easy Maintenance:

   - Caring for cast iron is surprisingly simple. Regular seasoning and minimal cleaning requirements make it an attractive option for those seeking low-maintenance cookware.

9. Enhanced Flavors:

   - Over time, as cast iron absorbs and imparts flavors from various dishes, it develops a seasoning that enhances the taste of your meals. This unique characteristic adds a depth of flavor to your favorite recipes.

10. Eco-Friendly Choice:

    - Cast iron is an environmentally friendly option. It's made from recyclable materials, and its longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing waste.

In a world where kitchen trends come and go, cast iron cookware stands as a steadfast symbol of durability, versatility, and culinary craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, embracing the benefits of cast iron ensures that your kitchen is not only well-equipped but also steeped in tradition and flavor. So, why not let the timeless elegance of cast iron elevate your culinary adventures to new heights.

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5 Nutritious Breakfast Ideas

5 Nutritious Breakfast Ideas

Saturday 30 January 2021

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Good morning Saturday! 

Let's start the day with a nutritious breakfast. 

What is your go-to meal? 

I have always strived to be healthy and one of my favourite meals 

includes simple but tasty ingredients.

Porridge is one of them and I usually blast it for 2 minutes in the 

microwave and add blueberries, almond milk, and other fruits like apples, 

bananas or raspberries.  

I am also a big fan of toast with healthy spreads on top.

Some of my choices include avocado toast, 

sprinkled with herbs; salad and avocado on top 

(you can add some fruit to this one, trust me it is very delicious)

Also, eggs on toast and the combo with avocado.

Hummus and tomatoes.

An for the sweet tooths out there: peanut butter toast with banana slices on top.

You can also opt for apple slices and instead of the toast spread this on a rice cake.

So here you go; 5 ideas ( a bit more actually) for your breakfast meals.

And below I have included the ingredients you can add to your shopping list, 

in order to achieve these healthy snacks, which you can have in the afternoon too.

Ingredients:

porridge

bananas

apples

avocados

salad

hummus

blueberries

strawberries

rice cakes

peanut butter

rye bread

eggs

raspberries

Happy shopping and don't forget to subscribe for more articles like this one and let me know in the comments your thoughts.

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Poached eggs on toast

Poached eggs on toast

Wednesday 20 January 2021

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I have never been able to make poached eggs and I honestly never dreamed of making one any time soon.

But with this technique ( which is by the way absolutely genius) everything is so super easy and quick.

One truly special person to me showed me how to make these poached eggs and I was happy to assist with my usual role- chopping and prepping. 

All you will need here is: 

some toast, 

eggs ( as many as you like)

pickled beetroot

olives

pickled mini onions ( I know, but yes, they do exist and are tasty)

cherry tomatoes

soft cheese ( for the toast) 

coarse pate ( for the toast)

There is not any particular quantity here as you can add or remove depending on how hungry you are or how many people will feast on the result.

Additionally, you will also need some: 

cling film

one glass

For the ultimate trick, you can see below.

I truly hope you will like and enjoy this recipe and please let me know how you do your poached eggs and what your techniques are.

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Easy Home Made Burritos

Easy Home Made Burritos

Tuesday 19 January 2021

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Some of the ingredients we have used for these homemade super easy burritos I am going to attach below

for your reference. Again, We have simply used whatever we had left in the fridge so there really is not anything you can not use here. Play with it and have fun.

I particularly liked the chopping and neatly prepping everything on the plate ready to be cooked.

One additional piece of advice is to section the ingredients on: which ones go first and which ones require more cooking time, then the sauce etc.

* Here we used two Old El Paso kits: Burrito kit and Enchilada kit, purely for the wraps and the difference of sauce texture. We have added both sauces to the mix below. Also, do not forget to add their spices additionally to yours- You will not regret it. They are oh so lovely!

* The Deroni tomato sauce is not actually a sauce but more of a spread. It comes from Bulgaria ( my native country) and I simply love it. It is one of my childhood food memories that has just been embedded in my taste buds and once in a while, I insist on adding it here and there. You, however, can opt for any tomato sauce/paste.

* Can you spot the different textures of the wraps? The enchilada kit wraps tend to be more yellowish and tastes a bit better but overall both are very tasty. 

Lastly, we love olives so much so adding them was no brainer really.

Again, you are more than welcome to change and tweak this recipe by your own liking and I cannot wait for you to share your foodings results in the comment section below.

 

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Peanut butter coconut balls

Peanut butter coconut balls

Tuesday 2 July 2019

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Another essential snack for picnics, parties or before gym fuel!

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Supper -succulent Pheasant Sauce with soy, miring & ginger

Supper -succulent Pheasant Sauce with soy, miring & ginger

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A healthy portion is determined on how big you feel your stomach is and not your hungry eye.
So let's get to it. Another tastefulness from my kitchen with love to you:

Serves 4
Preparation 20 minutes
Cooking 10-12 minutes 
( so if you have a summer soare and you want to impress your guests, the quicker the better)

Ingredients

• 1 medium egg white
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 hen pheasant breasts, boned, skinned, sinew removed and cut into 2cm cubes ( send your men  on a hunt either in the open wild or to the shop for that hen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 50g fresh ginger, peeled and finely sliced
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• 4 pak choi, roughly shredded
• 4 table spoons soy sauce ( or any alternative you can find)

Preparation

1. Put the egg white into large bowl and break up slightly with a whisk. Add sesame oil, cornflour, salt and pepper and mix well.
2. Add cubed pheasant meat and mix well. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave to rest in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
3. Once thereat is rested, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a wok until smoking. Drain the meat well and fry in small batches for 1-2 minutes just to seal the meat. remove from the pan and keep warm.
4. Wipe out the wok, then heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil until smoking. Add the ginger and onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the pak choi and wilt slightly, then return the pheasant to the wok. Add the miring and soy sauce and cook only briefly to bring all the flavours and textures together - do not overcook!
6. Check the seasoning and serve straight away.

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Plum Clafoutis or some guilty summer pleasures

Plum Clafoutis or some guilty summer pleasures

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I really want to share this yummy recipe as it is one of the few new experiments I have tried out this summer and I swear it is deliciously tasty. And if you feel too guilty like me you can always go sweat it out in the gym afterwards. To be honest I find home made pies and cookies much healthier than the ones sold in shops.
Hope you enjoy this one!

Serves 4-6
Prepare 15 minutes ( yes! only 15 min to prep..wow)
Cook 45 minutes ( where you can read a book, chill out in the garden with a glass of wine or simply work out)

Ingredients

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150ml milk
• 100ml double cream
• 4 eggs
• 100g caster sugar
• 30g plain flour
• 20g unsalted butter
• 1tbsp light brown soft sugar ( tip: I use that as a lip scrub too )
• 6 large plums
• 1 1/2 tsp allspice
• double cream ( to serve)
• icing sugar (to dust)

Preparation

1. Heat the oven to 180 C. In a blender, whizz together the vanilla, milk, double cream, eggs, caster sugar, flour and a pinch of salt. Set aside for 20 minutes or so to allow the flour to swell in the liquid.
2. Meanwhile, grease a wide, shallow 1.25 - litre ovenproof dish with butter. Sprinkle in the brown sugar. Halve and stone the plums and spread evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with the allspice and turn to coat, ending with the plums cut side down. Roast for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from the oven and immediately  pour over the batter. Cook in the middle of the oven for 30-35 minutes, until risen and golden. Serve hot, with spoonfuls of double cream and a dusting of icing sugar.

Bon Apetit!

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Roasted sweet potatoes and veggies

Roasted sweet potatoes and veggies

Monday 29 April 2019

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Ingredients

1 Sweet Potatoes or Butternut Squash ( Peeled )
2 Tbsp olive oil
700g Unsalted butter
230g pack sprouting brocoli (purple), thick stems
halved lenght-ways
10g flat leaf parsley leaves ( roughly chopped)
1 halved lemon
30g roasted salted almonds ( or any other nut),
roughly chopped


Prep

Preheat the oven to 200˚C Cut the sweet potatoes or squash into 1cm-thick slices or cubes, put in a roasting tin and toss with the olive oil; season by your liking. I would Usually put whatever my nose likes on the moment. Cut ¹⁄ ³ of the butter into cubes and scatter over. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and roast for another 10-15 minutes until golden.


When the sweet potatoes/squash are almost done, cook the broccoli in boiling salted water for 4-5 minutes, until just tender. Drain thoroughly; set to one side. Melt the remaining butter in a pan over a low heat. Stir in the parsley and season. Transfer to a bowl and add the lemon halves to the panflesh-side down. Turn up the heat and fry briefly until slightly charred.

Arrange the vegetables on a plate, scattered with the almonds and the
butter drizzled over. Serve with the charred lemon halves alongside for squeezing.

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Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon Smoothie

Saturday 7 July 2018

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I love watermelon in summer time. It is the one thing I can not get over and 

it is also a left over habit from my country. I would get one big watermelon,

slice it into pieces and serve it to friends with a sharing platter with feta

cheese. Yes, it is weird, but trust me the combo of sour and slightly sweet

really goes. And it refreshes instantly.

Smoothies though are good too.

Hope you enjoy this one and comment bellow.

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Peanut Butter - Avocado Shake

Peanut Butter - Avocado Shake

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If you love avocado and peanut butter, you are going to love this .

Enjoy! 

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Summer Coolers: Honey Mint

Summer Coolers: Honey Mint

Monday 2 July 2018

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Next non alcoholic fresh and cool hydrating boost contains two of my favourite ingredients: Honey and Mint plus you can add one more by your liking. I personally like to add limes or lemons.

So here guys the recipe for this freshness.
Enjoy

And the result..

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Summer Coolers: Grape Fizz

Summer Coolers: Grape Fizz

Saturday 30 June 2018

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This is one of my favourite Summer coolers. I personally prefer using The Sparkling Elderflower, which you can find in Sainsbury's , Waitrose or Tesco.

Enjoy and let me know how did You like it 

x

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Hydrate and detox your body

Hydrate and detox your body

Friday 22 June 2018

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Hydration is the most important thing and even more if you are exercising regularly.
One of the things I found out the hard way was that you should hydrate before and after workout because, and trust me when I say this, dehydration is not a pleasant thing to experience.

So after my unfortunate mistake I have come up with ways I can make my water more interesting and tasty and stay on top of my game. One thing I do when I workout is I take small sips of water throughout the workout , instead of of one big load that will only make it hard for you to bounce on the treadmill. Listen to your body and when it tells you it is thirsty stop whatever you are doing and go take a sip, believe me it is important because if you ignore that call your general performance will drop significantly and you risk getting dehydrated.


Of course first thing's first, Lets start with flushing detox.
The perfect time for this in early in the morning, straight after you wake up. Take a big( yes, a big) glass of water and add one lemon. Wait a little bit. I usually prepare my breakfast while the lemon kicks in. Then I energise with some protein rich breakfast and only after this little ritual it is Okay to have coffee. You do not want to upset your tummy by having caffeine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
I have done this and well sickness is not pleasant too.

If you do not like the taste of your lemon water you can add some honey or a spice that you like for that tasty twist you so desire.

Rosemary, Mint, maybe basil or a cucumber for some fresh taste. Whatever you prefer, of course experimentation is necessary in order to find what suits your taste buds. I think I do not mind the clean lemon water anymore, it kind of grow on you, especially if you know it is doing you some pretty good favours.

If you are finding hard to hydrate during the day maybe you can consider an infused water. You know kind of like juice but healthier. And you can have so much fun with it too. You can mix pretty much whatever you want. It gives a subtle taste to your water and hopefully will make it more desirable for you.

I have read in so many articles that a three litres of water are essential, but I find this a bit silly as you will probably spend your day in the toilet . For me the correct amount depends on your body weight and height and how you generally feel. Our bodies are so clever, they do find ways of letting us know what they need. Just pay attention to your own body and never ignore it.

Yep, even if you want some junk food, allow yourself a cheat meal once in a while.

Heres an example of a simple "recipe" if I may say, for a detox water. If you are on a hurry just add everything in your "to go" bottle and its ready for you to consume on your way to work or whatever you are heading.

You will notice though that Lemon, cucumber and mint are the usual suspects and then everything else is an extra you can play with.

Another way of hydrating and getting nutrients is with smoothies.
One of my favourite ones that I use to make like crazy has as a main ingredients: Spirulina. 

Spirulina: the seaweed super food 

Spirulina is one of the oldest life forms on Earth. In fact, this blue-green microalgae is partly responsible for producing the oxygen in the planet's atmosphere that billions of years ago allowed the planet's originating life forms to develop. Spirulina is the world's first superfood, and one of the most nutrient-rich foods on Earth.

Spirulina has between 55 and 70% protein (more than beef, chicken, and soybeans), 8 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids, as well as high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), beta-carotene, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, phosphorus, nucleic acids RNA & DNA, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin, a pigment-protein complex that is found only in blue-green algae. 

Why is it good to have it once in a while

Spirulina provides a wide range of health benefits almost immediately upon ingestion. It provides a near-instantaneous boost to one's energy, while helping to improve endurance and reduce fatigue. It helps improve the immune system, and provides exceptional support for the heart, liver, and kidneys. Spirulina is also a natural detoxifier, oxygenating the blood, and helping cleanse the body of toxins and other impurities that may be causing illnesses or other health complications.

Spirulina is also a natural appetite suppressant, and it helps to improve the body's digestive system. It also has very powerful antioxidant properties and it helps to balance the body's pH, thereby reducing inflammation throughout the body in a safe and chemical-free way.


Note: Because of its high protein your body will need extra water to help it absorb the green super food. 
Or you can just not take it every day but once in a while. If you do take it every day you can just measure small doses or drink extra water.

I certainly don't drink it religiously every morning, sometimes I am in a mood for it other times i am not. Again listen to your body. If you are in a mood for something super healthy and boosting Spirulina is a good choice.

Here is the recipe for that Spirulina kick ass smoothie:

• The water from a young fresh coconut (or half a glass of coconut water)
• Half a glass Goat or Almond milk
• 1 Tablespoon Acai powder
• 1 Tablespoon Goji Berries
• 1 Tablespoon Spirulina
• 1 Tablespoon Raw Cacao powder
• 1 Tablespoon Maca Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 1 Tablespoon Raw Vegan Protein Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and enjoy.

Other super food powders you can experiment with and mix in your smoothies breakfast bowls :

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From Italy: Tiramisu

From Italy: Tiramisu

Wednesday 13 June 2018

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I am super excited to start this series in Food bits as I am going to present some of my favourite cuisine from different regions . And as a start I have chosen Italy and one of my all time top desert picks: The Tiramisu.
I hope you stick with me in this journey and leave your moments bellow.


TIRAMISU

level of difficulty: medium
preparation time: 30 minutes



Serves 4

500g mascarpone
200ml double or whipping cream
5 tablespoons caster sugar
4 egg yolks
200g sponge finger biscuits
4 tablespoons amaretto
( optional)
cocoa powder, sifted



Soak the sponge biscuit in the coffee and amaretto. Whip the cream with a tablespoonful of sugar. Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until they become creamy. Add the mascarpone little by little. Now, add the whipped cream. Assemble the desert by placing the soaked sponge biscuits with a layer of mascarpone cream. Then cover with another layer of sponge biscuits, and cover with the remaining cream. Dust the surface with cocoa powder and place in the fridge for at least one hour.

And enjoy or share with your family and friends.

Interesting info:

Many Italian regions dispute the origin of this cult desert.

Variations depend on the type of alcohol used, which can range from cognac to whisky, rum or coffee liqueur.

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La vie en Rose

La vie en Rose

Monday 28 May 2018

42 Adler St, Whitechapel, London E1 1EE, UK

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I am not really a cocktail person but once in a while I allow myself to try something new. As it was a special Birthday celebration for my sister , I could not say no to the opportunity to explore a new taste. And so my choice for "La Vie En Rose" as it sounded so dreamy and french I was even more curious.
It Consists of:
Beefeater gin, St Germain, fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup and rose lemonade.
I was not expecting much but when it was served I was pleasantly surprised by the loveliness in the glass. Soft Pink with dried lavender and rose petals..... and the taste .. well If I had to rate it I would give it a 10 out of 10.

If you like what you are seeing, You can try it in the lobby Bar at The QBIC Hotel in London.

What is your favourite cocktail ?

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Jasmine

Jasmine

Tuesday 22 May 2018

Upper St, London N1 1RQ, UK

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This little flower here is actually used for tea preparetion . It is one of my accidental findings whilst enjoying a walk with my sister on Upper street, Islington. The area is so gorgeous and filled with  so interesting and cute little shops that it was just a matter of time before I pumped into this cutie here. 

It is a Jasmine tea flower and it deffinetely raised my tea game up. 

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The perfect dessert presentation for your summer garden parties

The perfect dessert presentation for your summer garden parties

London, UK

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Back when I was a student I would take small breaks to allow myself to refresh and energize. One of my distractions was so sweet and tasty that I decided to permanently add the recipe to my cooking book. I did come up with some pretty good homemade recipes  for quick and fancy looking deserts and I am going to share them with you.
All you need for this one is bellow:

1. 800ml of milk ( any milk is good, almond, soya...whatever drives your boat)
2. 1 packet Vanilla or Strawberry Starch ( if you have no idea where to find a flavored one, I suggest you visit a polish or Eastern European shop)
3. 200gr of sugar
4. some bananas and I ave added kiwi but feel free to mix it up with your favorite fruit   

And then here comes the fun part:
Pour the milk in a saucepan and boil it, but make sure to leave aside 150ml( roughly one cup).
Mix the Flavoured starch with the milk in the cup you have put aside.

Once the milked is boiled ( you will notice it by the increased bubbles on the top ; ) ) add the sugar and the premixed cup of milk and starch while staring it all along.

Boil the mix 5-10 minutes, take off the hob and let it cool down.
All you need to do next is put in a fancy dessert dish and style.

And to get this beautiful table setting here are some of the picks I have selected for You:

SHOP HERE

SHOP HERE

SHOP HERE

SHOP HERE

SHOP HERE

Happy Shopping!

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