Blog | Food Culture | Food culture, that is, the sum of all food activities composed of people's ways, processes and functions in eating activities.

How to Make Regular Coffee

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April 3, 2019

Amid $5 cups of coffee sold under long menus of Italian nomenclature, you could be forgiven for thinking that brewing the beloved beverage is in any way complicated. It's not. Regular coffee calls for coffee grounds, hot water and one of a number of gadgets that will combine the two into a steaming, aromatic mug of your favorite morning drink.

How Much Coffee?

The Specialty Coffee Association of America has established the standard measurement of 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6-ounce cup. Use this as a general guide regardless of the method you choose for brewing your coffee and the coarseness of the grind. You can, of course, adjust the amount of coffee you use to suit your personal tastes.

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Auto-Drip Coffee Makers

Auto-drip coffee makers are the "typical" coffee makers found in American homes, consisting of a glass carafe set on a hot plate underneath an internal brewing mechanism. The technology is simple: The machine heats cold water and releases it in drips over a basket of ground coffee. Gravity causes the coffee-infused hot water — or coffee — to drip through a valve and down into the carafe. The hot plate keeps the coffee warm. Some machines feature an insulated carafe instead of a hot plate.

How to Use an Auto-Drip Coffee Maker

It takes only a minute or two to set up an auto-drip coffee maker, after which the machine does all the work. Here's how:

Step 1

Lift the lid of the coffee maker and insert a filter inside the basket.

Step 2

Fill the carafe with cold water, then pour the water into the reservoir at the back of the coffee maker.

Step 3

Scoop coffee into the filter.

Step 4

Close the lid and turn the coffee maker on.

Step 5

The coffee is ready when the carafe is full.

Tip

If even the simple process of setting up the coffee maker is a bit much for you to do while bleary eyed first thing in the morning, find a model with a timer function. You can set everything up in the evening and wake up to a freshly brewed pot of coffee at your chosen time.

French Press

A French press, also known as a cafetiere or press pot, is a heatproof pot with a filter and a plunging mechanism attached to its lid. Coffee grounds and hot water are added together to the pot, allowed to brew then separated by plunging the filter slowly from the top to the bottom of the pot. The grounds should remain at the bottom of the pot, allowing you to pour the filtered coffee into a cup.

How to Use a French Press

Even with zero automation, a French press is just as simple to use as any machine, and you don't have to wait any longer for your coffee to brew.

Boil water in a saucepan or kettle, then let the boiled water cool down for several minutes while you prepare the French press.
Remove the lid and add coffee grounds to the pot.
Fill the pot with hot water. Optionally stir the water and coffee together.
Set the lid on the pot with the plunger part up and the filter flush with the lid.
Let the coffee brew for two to four minutes, but no longer.
Slowly press the plunger down to the bottom of the pot.
Pour the coffee into a cup.

Tip

Keep the coffee in your French press hotter for longer by warming the pot before adding the coffee. Just fill the pot with hot water and let it sit for a minute or two. Pour the water out and then proceed with the previous steps.

Pour-Over Coffee Maker

A pour-over coffee maker is a very simple piece of equipment that works in a similar way to an auto-drip coffee maker, but without the "auto" part. Various versions are available, but the basic component is a ceramic cone that fits over a single cup or a carafe. Some models come with their own carafe, while others integrate a reusable cloth filter. You need a kettle — electric or stove top — from which to slowly pour hot water over coffee grounds set inside the cone. The water pours through the coffee and into the cup or carafe.

How to Use a Pour-Over Coffee Maker

There is something of an art to making coffee with a pour-over coffee maker. Expect to practice and experiment with the technique a few times before you get a perfect cup.

Step 1

Boil water in a kettle and let it cool for a minute or two.

Step 2

Place a paper filter inside the ceramic cone –unless the maker has its own cloth filter.

Step 3

Scoop coffee into the filter.

Step 4

Slowly trickle just enough hot water over the grounds to get them wet.

Step 5

Let the wet grounds sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds.

Step 6

Very slowly drizzle more hot water from the kettle over the grounds, directing the water around the cone to evenly wet all the grounds.

Step 7

Stop pouring water when the cup or carafe is full of coffee.

Tip

If you are grinding your own coffee beans for use with a French press or pour-over coffee maker, keep the grinds fairly coarse.

Single-Serve Machines

A relatively new form of coffee maker is the single-serve machine that uses purchased plastic pods of coffee. Each pod holds enough coffee to make 1 cup, so no measuring is needed. The machine has a reservoir for water and an interior cup in which to place the pod. The machine heats the water, pierces the foil top of the pod and forces water through the coffee grounds inside it. The coffee drips directly into your cup, which sits underneath the spout.

How to Use a Single-Serve Machine

Specific instructions vary from machine to machine, so consult your manual. The process is generally as follows:

Fill the machine's reservoir with cold water.
Lift the lever at the front of the machine to open up the top.
Insert a coffee pod, foil-side up, into the pod-sized cup at the front of the machine.
Push the lever down to close the machine.
Place your coffee cup on the platform underneath the spout.
Press the "Brew" button and wait for the machine to fill your cup with hot coffee.

10 Best Foods for Energy

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April 3, 2019

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Healthy fare, like fruits and veggies, helps keep your energy levels up. Image Credit: amanaimagesRF/amana images/Getty Images

If you wake up exhausted, or you find yourself dragging midday — even if you got a good night's sleep — your diet might be to blame. Nutrient deficiencies and sugar can cause fatigue and disrupt your blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling drained. We talked to top nutrition experts to learn which foods are best for increasing your energy, and how to incorporate them into your diet.

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Edamame

Edamame\’s high protein and fiber helps you feel full. Image Credit: Getty Images

If you're looking for an energy boost, snack on edamame — green, immature soybeans — says Rene Ficek, a registered dietitian and lead nutrition expert at Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating. Edamame comes loaded with protein and fiber, which keep you full for long-lasting energy between meals.

Use frozen edamame in soups, pastas and chilis, throw a handful of thawed beans onto a salad or snack on roasted edamame.

Chia Seeds

Chia prevents dehydration, which can leave you fatigued. Image Credit: sugar0607/iStock/Getty Images

Chia seeds are packed with protein, omega-3s and nutrients that increase your energy. "Chia fiber is uniquely hydrophilic, so they soak up a lot of water and form a gel," says Sara Vance, nutritionist and author of The Perfect Metabolism Plan. "This gel helps keep you hydrated, provides lasting energy, and supports endurance." They're also high in essential minerals, like calcium.

Add a tablespoon of chia to your smoothie or oatmeal to reap its energy boosting benefits.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil\’s unique fatty acid makeup boosts energy. Image Credit: marekuliasz/iStock/Getty Images

Coconut oil is great for energy due to its unique fatty acid composition, which includes lots of medium-chain fatty acids. "These fatty acids are more easily converted into energy and less likely to get stored as fat," says Vance.

Try mixing or blending coconut oil into your coffee, tea or smoothie. "I find having a teaspoon of coconut oil in a cup of tea helps curb sugar cravings," says Vance. You can also use it in place of cooking oils for sautéing and baking.

Cashews

Cashews offer lots of energizing magnesium. Image Credit: Getty Images

Cashews are an energizing snack you can eat on the go. Each serving comes packed with essential minerals, like copper and zinc, that your cells need to make energy.

Cashews can also work as a dairy alternative — simply soak cashews overnight in water, then blend the mixture for fresh cashew milk. Because cashews are so soft, you don't even need to strain the milk before drinking — just serve it as-is.

Hummus and Veggies

Snack on hummus and veggies for energy on the go. Image Credit: Getty Images

Pairing protein-rich hummus with fiber-rich veggies makes for a well-balanced energy boost, says Karah Stanley, a registered dietitian at the St. Elizabeth Weight Management Center in Florence, Kentucky. The fiber and protein increase satiety, so you'll feel satisfied and have lasting energy between meals.

The chickpeas in hummus also contain iron, a mineral your cells use to make energy, while the vitamin C in the veggies enhances iron absorption. Choose red pepper slices or cherry tomatoes as rich sources of vitamin C.

Whole Wheat Toast and Almond Butter

Almond butter on toast is a perfect pre-workout energy boost. Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images

Make almond butter on toast for a quick breakfast or snack for energy. "Whole wheat toast provides healthy carbohydrates and fiber to get me going and keep me feeling full," says Stanley. "And a heaping tablespoon of almond butter adds healthy fats and a protein boost."

Make sure you choose bread made with 100 percent whole grains, especially if you need an energy boost. Varieties simply labelled "wheat bread" might still contain refined flour, which can cause blood sugar crashes that leave you fatigued. Choose all-natural almond butter that only contains almonds and salt, since some varieties have added sugar.

Quinoa

Quinoa offers high-quality muscle-building protein. Image Credit: Getty Images

Quinoa comes packed with protein and offers significant amounts of B-complex vitamins, which makes it a natural energy enhancer, explains nutrition expert Stacy Goldberg, founder of Savorfull. Quinoa also contains essential minerals that help your cells produce energy and healthy carbs and fiber that keep your blood sugar levels stable, which is important for sustained energy throughout the day.

Combine quinoa with foods high in vitamin C to maximize iron absorption. Try a spinach salad topped with strawberries, walnuts, quinoa and salmon for an energizing lunch.

Salmon

The omega-3s in salmon fight fatigue. Image Credit: Getty Images

Salmon is among the best foods to eat for healthy fats and protein. It is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, supports brain health, and improves your mood.

Like quinoa, salmon is loaded with B-complex vitamins and minerals. It's also a source of vitamin D, a nutrient that helps your mitochondria — the "power stations" of your cells — work efficiently to increase your energy.

Beets

The nitrates in beets energize your cells. Image Credit: pilipphoto/iStock/Getty Images

Beets are loaded with beneficial compounds called nitrates that your body converts into energy-boosting nitric oxide. "Nitric oxide expands the walls of your blood cells, giving them the opportunity to absorb more oxygen and produce more energy," says Goldberg. Beets' slow-releasing carbohydrates also keep your blood sugar levels stable, preventing spikes and crashes.

Add shredded roasted beets to your spinach salads, blend a few pieces of raw peeled beetroot into your smoothie or serve roasted beet hummus with veggies for an energizing snack.

Water

Staying hydrated keeps your energy up. Image Credit: Getty Images

Being even a little dehydrated can leave you feeling tired and sluggish, so making sure you're getting enough water is important for energy.

Start by aiming for 64 ounces per day, recommends Stanley, and work up to getting an ounce of water for each kilogram of body weight — about 68 ounces for a 150-pound person, or 82 ounces for a 180-pound person — or more, if you're very active. Add flavor by steeping your water with cucumbers, strawberries or lemons.

How to Build a Champagne Fountain

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Glenda Taylor

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April 2, 2019

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Things You\’ll Need

Champagne glasses
Retention tray
Carpenter’s level
Circular or square mirror base.
Cardboard
Champagne

Champagne fountains add a touch of elegance.

Popular at wedding receptions and office parties, a champagne fountain offers a fun way to toast the happy event. Layers of carefully arranged champagne glasses rise in a crystal clear pyramid. This provides a solitary top glass where you will pour the champagne. Watch as it runs over and fills the glasses beneath. While it’s not difficult to build a champagne fountain, a few tricks will make your fountain a success.

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Step 1

Begin from the base up. For a champagne fountain to fill all the glasses, you must start with a level base. The table you use must be sturdy to prevent wobbling if bumped.

Step 2

Hold a carpenter’s level along the top of the table to make sure it is level. Since there are four legs on the table, make sure you check all four sides. Use bits of thin cardboard under the table legs to level it if needed.

Step 3

Put your table covering on. Position the retention tray. Because some of the glasses will usually fill up quicker than others, you will have some overflow. A retention tray can be any tray with sides to catch the spilled champagne. Most caterers cover the outside of retention trays to match the theme of the event.

Step 4

Place a pedestal in the center of the retention tray. Put the mirrored base on top.

Step 5

Position the first glass in the center of a circular base or use four glasses in the center of a square base. Continue adding glasses to the outside. On a square base, make sure the glasses are parallel to the sides of the base.

Step 6

Stack the second layer by placing the champagne glasses carefully on top of the bottom layer. The idea is to place the glass so the base rests upon the small space between the glasses. In this manner, as the champagne spills over, it will fill the glasses below.

Step 7

Continue to add layers of glasses until you reach the uppermost single glass. Take your time. Just one bump, and your champagne fountain could end up in a million pieces.

Tip

Anticipate one bottle of champagne for every six guests. If champagne flutes are used, figure one bottle for every nine flutes. Even with careful leveling, there are slight variations in the rims of most champagne glasses that may cause the champagne to drain unevenly.

Warning

Even a slight bump to the table can be disastrous. Make sure the area is not in a well-traveled part of the party.

How to Tap a Keg Without a Tap

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April 2, 2019

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Every once in a while, you may end up with a keg that is full of delicious beer, and no way to tap it because the tap is broken. Before you give up on the tailgate party and go home, there is another option for tapping the keg. You still may be able to enjoy the contents of your keg rather than just sitting around looking at it and drooling.

Step 1

Find the pressure ball valve in the center of the tap fixture on top of the key.

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Step 2

Turn the keg over and push in on the ball with the screwdriver to release the pressure in the key. Air and beer will be released when you do this, but more air than beer. Once the air is no longer coming out of the ball valve, turn the keg right side up.

Step 3

Push your screwdriver back into the ball valve and release any remaining pressure. This time it will be nearly all air and only a fine mist of beer.

Step 4

Look directly into the tap fixture on top. To the sides you will see a snap retaining ring. Pry up onto the ring with the screwdriver. When it becomes slightly dislodged, use your screwdriver to begin peeling it out from the sides.

Step 5

Push on the pressure relief ball and release any remaining pressure once the snap ring is removed.

Step 6

Notice two lugs protruding from each side inside the tap fixture. Place the flat of your screwdriver blade on one of these lugs.

Step 7

Use the palm of your hand to tap the back of the screwdriver. Every time you do this, the lug will slightly turn, unscrewing them. At about the half-turn mark, the two slots will line up with two notches in the tap fixture. This is exactly where you want to be.

Step 8

Pull the fixture out of the keg when everything is lined up. You may have to wiggle it slightly, but it will come out. You can now pour our drinks directly from the keg by tilting it.

Recipe Tutorial: How to Brown Butter (and Not Burn It!)

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April 2, 2019

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Recipe Tutorial: How to Brown Butter (and Not Burn It!)

Brown butter (also known as beurre noisette) is a wonderful thing. It comes together quickly and adds incredible flavor and richness to both sweet and savory dishes alike. Think pasta sauces, baked goods, glazes, or even a light coating over vegetables in place of regular butter! If you're unfamiliar with brown butter, it's regular, unsalted butter that has been cooked until the milk solids caramelize. They develop an aromatic, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that's out of this world. However, brown butter can burn easily if you're not careful. With this basic technique, you'll have it down in no time!

Things You\’ll Need

4 ounces (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
Medium saucepan
Whisk

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

The main thing to note here is that you want to always use unsalted butter. Some people prefer to use a spatula, but whisking the butter while it's cooking will keep the milk solids moving and help prevent burning.

Step 2: Melt butter over medium heat.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 3: Whisk the butter.

When foam appears, begin whisking constantly. After a few minutes, the foam will disappear as the milk solids fall toward the bottom of the pan. The bubbles will become larger and the butter will slowly become more translucent. Eventually, brown bits will begin to appear near the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Briefly allow the brown bits to darken.

This is the critical moment. The darker the brown butter, the richer and nuttier the flavor. However, brown butter can burn very quickly, so you might want to play it safe the first time. Or, you can be daring and push things a bit. Absolute worse case scenario, you lose a stick of butter and start over while you're getting a feel for things. The next step is also key.

Step 5: Immediately remove from the heat and transfer to a new bowl.

Once the brown butter is ready, immediately remove it from the heat and transfer to a clean bowl. The residual heat from the pan could potentially continue browning the butter (hence pushing it to "burnt") so don't let it linger too long.

Tip

Some people like to strain the brown bits through a cheese cloth and/or fine mesh strainer, reserving only the butter. You might want to do this if you'll be using the butter in a sauce and are concerned about a smooth appearance, but I prefer to scrape out every last brown bit. They have the best flavor!

Step 6: Serve or store in an airtight container.

Brown butter will store in the refrigerator for as long as regular butter.

How to Eat Like Tom Brady and Gisele: 24 Super Healthy Recipes

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April 2, 2019

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How to Eat Like Tom Brady and Gisele: 24 Super Healthy Recipes

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Eat Like Tom Brady & Gisele

You may not be a superstar athlete or a supermodel, but you can certainly eat like one. While some might think that New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady and wife Gisele Bündchen (and kids) have a limiting diet, it's actually not all that crazy… it's simply clean. You'll love these recipes!

Image Credit: Sala Kannan | Sala Kannan | Jennifer Farley 2 of 27

What Do They Eat?

Vegetables (a lot — it's about 80% of their diet according to their personal chef Allen Campbell)
Gluten-free grains (think quinoa, millet, brown rice)
Legumes (lentils and beans)
Lean meats (organic steak and chicken) and fish (mostly wild salmon)
Coconut oil

Image Credit: Bojsha65/iStock/GettyImages 3 of 27

What Don\’t They Eat?

No white sugar
No white flour
No dairy
No gluten
No coffee or caffeine
No nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms or eggplants)
No cooking with olive oil (although, raw olive oil has been given the thumbs up)
No iodized salt
No fruits (for the most part; the kids eat fruit and Tom eats bananas in his smoothies)

No fun? Not so fast! Even if you don't follow their diet to a T, you can still incorporate some of their dos and don'ts into your meal planning with these delicious recipes.

Tip: Some of these recipes may have a "don't" here and there, like fruit, Greek yogurt, or cooking with olive oil. You decide how strict you want to be.

Image Credit: YelenaYemchuk/iStock/GettyImages 4 of 27

Green Smoothie for Breakfast

Lean, green and made in a blending machine, this smoothie is perfect for busy schedules. This recipe is packed with good-for-you greens and antioxidants.

Image Credit: Julia Mueller 5 of 27

Healthy Blueberry Pancakes

Fluffy and sweet pancakes can't be beat. You can omit the blueberries if you're strict with the no fruit philosophy, however berries are low glycemic fruits, meaning they have a small impact on blood sugar levels.

Image Credit: Julia Mueller 6 of 27

Oat and Chia Pudding with Cardamom Berries

Make this the night before for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. Be sure to chose gluten-free oats if you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease (check the packaging). If you're OK with having a little dairy, we recommend using plain Greek yogurt.

Image Credit: Sala Kannan 7 of 27

Coconut Breakfast Cookies with Cacao Nibs

Not eating bananas? Go ahead and give these tasty cookies to the kids. But we dare you not to try one.

Image Credit: Ashlae Warner 8 of 27

Roasted Strawberry Amaranth Porridge

If you loved Cream of Wheat when you were a kid, you will love this creamy cereal recipe made with nutrient-dense amaranth. If amaranth isn't for you, feel free to swap out with other gluten-free grains, such as quinoa or brown rice.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 9 of 27

Hummus

Everyone will love this easy-to-make creamy dip. Serve with a variety of vegetables, such as cucumbers, radishes, carrots and sugar snap peas. It's perfect for keeping the hangries at bay until dinnertime.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 10 of 27

Make Your Own All Natural Nut Butter

If you haven't treated yourself to a homemade nut butter made with cashews, please, please, please try this recipe. The honey gives it a slight sweetness that is just delicious. Spread on toast or brown rice cakes for a perfect snack.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 11 of 27

Goji Berry and Cacao Nib Oat Bars

Store-bought granola bars are just a no. But if you need a quick 3:00 PM pick-me-up at work or an after-school snack for your kids, these vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free treats will do the trick.

Image Credit: Ashlae Warner 12 of 27

Simple Roasted Chicken and Root Vegetables

Make this one-pot wonder your Sunday night go-to meal. It requires some planning, but the active time is only about 15 minutes.

Image Credit: Maggie Jones 13 of 27

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon

Caramelized and crunchy, we'll challenge anyone who says they don't like broccoli after trying this roasted recipe. The ingredients are simple; the taste is sublime.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 14 of 27

Kale Fried Rice

Day-old rice is perfect for this rice recipe that can be made in 10 minutes or less. Try it with brown basmati and substitute tamari for the soy sauce if you're on a strictly gluten-free diet. The kale is rich in fiber, calcium and has anti-cancerous properties.

Image Credit: Sala Kannan 15 of 27

Collard Greens Dal

Pack this meal for a comforting lunch. If you really want to be like Tom, omit the tomatoes. (Although, Campbell says that Brady does eat them about once a month). Try the ghee or substitute with coconut oil.

Image Credit: Sala Kannan 16 of 27

Cabbage Salad with Sesame Maple Dressing and Roasted Cashews

Serve this crunchy, flavorful salad alongside a veggie burger or grilled fish. It can even be eaten alone as a meal since raw cabbage is full of fiber — therefore it's filling.

Image Credit: Sala Kannan 17 of 27

Chicken and Rice Soup

Set it and forget it. That's the beauty of this comforting soup made in a slow cooker. If you want, substitute coconut oil for the olive oil when sautéing the veggies.

Image Credit: Julia Mueller 18 of 27

Hummus Salad Dressing

Meet your new favorite dressing. Although very little oil is used, this dressing is creamy and tastes rich. The cumin and fresh lemon gives it a zesty pop. Try it on salads or tossed with steamed veggies or kale.

Image Credit: Sala Kannan 19 of 27

Indian Style Brussels Sprouts With Coconut

Naturally sweet coconut paired with a unique blend of spices turns the boring Brussels sprouts stigma on its head. Save yourself some prep time and buy pre-shredded Brussels sprouts at your local grocery store.

Image Credit: Sala Kannan 20 of 27

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon and Salmon Salad Wraps

Be like Tom and Giselle and use wild salmon for this grilled fish dish. And use GF corn tortillas for the wrap. It's the meal that keeps on giving.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 21 of 27

French Lentil and Kale Soup

Precooked French lentils are the secret to this soup. You can even buy your onion, carrots and celery pre-chopped too (check out the produce section at your local grocery store). Talk about a time saver! Perfect as a light dinner served with gluten-free rolls or as an afternoon snack.

Image Credit: Sala Kannan $Swiss Chard and Thyme Gluten Free Mac n\' Cheese$ 22 of 27

Swiss Chard & Thyme Mac n\’ Cheese

Gluten free, dairy free… but not flavor free. This pasta packs a flavorful punch. Kids and adults will ask for seconds.

Image Credit: Amie Valpone 23 of 27

Vegan Cheesecake with Strawberries

Maple syrup is used instead of white sugar, and no dairy is involved. You might be surprised to see that cashews make a main appearance in this cheesecake. Can be eaten with or without the fruit.

Image Credit: Ashlae Warner 24 of 27

No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Slice

No one should totally be denied chocolate. Ever. Luckily this no-bake dessert uses unrefined sugar and cacao. Your gluten-free friends and family will faint (with joy) over this.

Image Credit: Ashlae Warner 25 of 27

Raw Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

Made with good-for-you fats and natural sugars (a lot of them, so eat in moderation). While this vegan dessert doesn't taste like a traditional cheesecake, the autumnal flavors are straight up delicious.

Image Credit: Ashlae Warner 26 of 27

Kids, tell the Good Humor man to keep on driving. We've got your back with these frozen coconut milk and berry pops. Mom and Dad will approve. Make them as the weather turns warmer.

Image Credit: Julia Mueller 27 of 27

Acai Bowl

Although some may prefer acai bowls for breakfast or as a snack, we think it's a perfectly legit dessert choice. Fruits, nuts and coconut flakes? Sweet! (Naturally.) This Brazilian-inspired recipe creates the ultimate super bowl. We think Tom would like it!

Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Instant Pot Recipe: French Dip Sandwiches

Main Dishes

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April 2, 2019

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Instant Pot Recipe: French Dip Sandwiches

French dip sandwiches are a dinner staple that fit into your meal plan year-round. However, sometimes you don't want to wait all day for your roast to cook, giving you that perfect, fall-apart meat. That's where the Instant Pot comes in. Learn how to make French dip sandwiches in the Instant Pot pressure cooker in under two hours by following the steps below.

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Things You\’ll Need

1 tablespoon avocado oil
2.5 lb chuck roast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1/3 cup red wine
1 package French onion soup mix
1 bay leaf
1 sprig rosemary
2-3 basil leaves
4 hoagie rolls
4 slices provolone cheese
chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instant Pot pressure cooker
Herb ball infuser

Step 1: Prepare the Roast

Pour avocado oil into the Instant Pot bowl. Press "Saute" button. Sprinkle the roast with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in bowl and cook on both sides, about 2-3 minutes each until browned.

Remove from pot and press "Cancel/Keep Warm" button.

Step 2: Cook Roast in Au Jus Sauce

Deglaze the pot with beef broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off cooked bits from searing the roast. Mix in red wine and French onion soup mix. Put the herbs in an infuser and place in broth.

Place roast in broth. Close lid, flip valve to "Sealing" and cook on manual high pressure for 90 minutes. Let it natural release 25 minutes.

Step 3: Shred Meat

Once meat is done cooking, flip the valve to "Venting" and open the lid. Remove roast from sauce and shred. The meat should be tender and should shred easily.

Step 4: Prepare Sandwiches

Prepare four hoagie sandwiches with meat and provolone cheese. Broil in oven to melt cheese, sprinkle with parsley or basil for garnish, and serve with au jus sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Properties of Coca-Cola Products

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Peter Grant

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April 1, 2019

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Coca-Cola has a long-standing tradition as the first popular "cola" flavored soft drink.

Coca-Cola, though slightly more than 100 years old, has become an icon across cultures worldwide for not only its popularity as a soft drink, but also as a symbol of globalization. Many unique properties of Coca Cola products help set it apart from competing colas and soft drinks on the market, from its brand to its taste and color.

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Brand

The Coca-Cola brand is marked by its use of cursive lettering and red color. It was one of the first major brands to be produced in the United States. The company used the marque in its packaging, advertising, and on transportation trucks to help make Coca-Cola synonymous with drinking soda. The company first went international with the brand and product in the late 1920s and early 1930s, first expanding into Europe as a fountain soda and bottled soda.

Color and Formula

The original formula of Coca Cola is a closely-guarded trade secret, though that hasn't stopped many people from attempting to recreate the formula. It is said to contain a number of different oils and extracts including orange oil, lemon oil, coriander oil, neroli oil, water, citric acid, caffeine, caramel coloring, and granulated white sugar, which obviously dissolves among the mixture of oils and gives the drink its sweet taste. The dark, brown color of the Coca-Cola fluid comes from the caramel coloring.

Product Extensions

Leveraging the popularity of the type of Coca-Cola, the company went on to produce many other product lines that sometimes used the Coke trademark and name. Such products include Diet Coke, a reduced-calorie version of Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, a zero-calorie formula of Coca-Cola, as well as flavored offerings such as Diet Coke with Lemon, Vanilla Coca-Cola, and Cherry Coca-Cola.

Historical Properties

Coca-Cola was first created in 1886 as a fountain beverage by Dr. John S. Pemberton. As a fountain drink, it was originally made by combining soda water with the proprietary Coca-Cola syrup. Shortly after its introduction, it was patented in 1887 and finally registered as a trademark in 1893. By the year 1895, the drink was distributed in every United States territory. By 1989, the drink was officially franchised and bottling operations sprung up across the country.

How to Measure a Shot of Whiskey

drinks-cocktails

Harold Greengrass

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April 1, 2019

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Things You\’ll Need

Whiskey
Shot glass

Shot glasses are named for the sound they make when slammed down on a table.

In spite of its cultural pervasiveness as a primary unit of measuring liquor, there is no common measurement for how much a shot definitely contains. Because of this, measuring a shot of whiskey is dependent on the whim of the person pouring the drink. Despite that there is no set standard for pouring a shot of whiskey, you can still get an exact measurement on how much whiskey your own personal shot glasses will hold.

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Step 1

Pour the whiskey into a standard shot glass.

Step 2

Measure the amount of liquid by pouring the whiskey out of the shot glass into a measuring cup. Most shot glasses contain approximately 1 1/2 oz.

Step 3

Repeat this process with any other shot glasses you may have, including double shot glasses.

How to Build Wine Barrel Racks

drinks-cocktails

Brandon Salo

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March 29, 2019

0

Things You\’ll Need

4 pine boards, 4-inch-by-4-inch-by-72-inch
4 pine boards, 2-inch-by-4-inch-by-35-inch
2 plywood sheets, 35-by-54-inch-by-3/4-inch
2 pine boards, 2-inch-by-6-inch-by-71-inch
Drill/screw gun
40 wood screws, 3-inch

Aging wine in oak barrels can add a rich flavor to your vintage.

Storing wine in barrels, oak barrels specifically, affect the aging process of wine, resulting in an oak flavor to the wine. Storing the wine barrels can be a daunting task for those who are just entering the world of making wines. Thankfully there are a few methods for building wine barrel racks which require very little carpentry talent. A common set-up for racking barrels requires construction lumber, and holds four 30-gallon barrels.

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Step 1

Lay two 4-inch-by-4-inch boards flat, parallel and 28 inches apart. Screw a 2-by-4 board at the ends of these two boards perpendicularly. The 35-inch edge of the 2-by-4 should be flush with the ends of the 4-by-4 boards. Screw another 2-by-4 board so it is 26 1/2 inches away from, and parallel with, the first 2-by-4 board. Repeat this process with the other two 4-by-4, and 2-by-4 boards.

Step 2

Stand both sets of 4-by-4s on end so the edge of the bottom two 2-by-4 boards are laying on edge on the floor. The 2-by-4 boards must be between the two sets of 4-by-4s. Space the two sets of 4-by-4s 51-inches apart. Screw one 35-inch side of the plywood to one 2-by-4 board that is closest to the floor, and the other 35-inch side to the other 2-by-4 board that is closest to the floor. The barrels will lay on their side next to each other on the plywood. Screw your last sheet of plywood to the 2-by-4 boards that are above the first to complete the shelves.

Step 3

Screw your 71-inch boards perpendicularly to the top of the rack to provide support. One board should be on the front, and one should be on the back. The 71-inch edge should be flush with the top of the 4-by-4 boards, and the sides of the 4-by-4 boards should be flush with the ends of the 71-inch board.

Tip

It helps to drill pilot holes, slightly smaller than screw width, before attaching boards with screws. This job will go faster and more easily with two people.

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Edamame

Chia Seeds

Coconut Oil

Cashews

Hummus and Veggies

Whole Wheat Toast and Almond Butter

Quinoa

Salmon

Beets

Water

Things You\’ll Need

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Step 5

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Step 7

Tip

Warning

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Step 8

Things You\’ll Need

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Melt butter over medium heat.

Step 3: Whisk the butter.

Step 4: Briefly allow the brown bits to darken.

Step 5: Immediately remove from the heat and transfer to a new bowl.

Tip

Step 6: Serve or store in an airtight container.

Things You\’ll Need

Step 1: Prepare the Roast

Step 2: Cook Roast in Au Jus Sauce

Step 3: Shred Meat

Step 4: Prepare Sandwiches

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Product Extensions

Historical Properties

Things You\’ll Need

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Step 3

Things You\’ll Need

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Step 3

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