Cakes are generally sweet and baked desserts. The typical ingredients used to make cakes include flour, a sweetener (usually sugar), fats (usually margarine or butter), a binding agent (usually egg), a leavening agent (i.e. baking powder or yeast), liquid (usually milk or water), and flavors.

Cakes are often the preferred dessert at a reception during ceremonial or formal events such as weddings and anniversaries but, for almost everybody, any occasion is best celebrated with cakes whether its birthdays, graduation days, Christmas and etcetera.

Certainly, there are thousands of ways to make a cake. Cake making used to be laborious and complicated but thanks to modern baking equipment and tools and the abundance of easy-to-prepare cake recipes, making cakes for dessert can be done by the average home cook or even by young bakers.

Some cakes are simple and resemble bread while other cakes are more elaborate and rich in flavor. There are modern cakes with new and flavors such as kiwi fruit and peach cake and fun or customized designs such as sugary butterflies or cartoon characters. Of course, old-fashioned cakes are still around such as banana cakes, chocolate cakes, and the white wedding cakes. Because cakes are centuries-old desserts, there are many cultures where cakes are associated with traditions such as the ceremonial cake cutting in weddings and the celebration of festivals.

There are many varieties of cakes. The small, cup-shaped versions are known as cupcakes. There are mini cakes, which are simply scaled-down replicas of standard cakes, popularly used as desserts in wedding receptions. These cakes are meant for personal consumption. The standard cakes are meant for sharing. They are sliced and served often as desserts after a meal at a social gathering.

Cakes can also be described by the number of layers or tiers it has, normally, from one to six. Layered cakes may consist of not only layered cake sponges and icings but can also include fruits, custard, and other fillings. Cakes also come in a variety of shapes but traditional cakes are either round, square or rectangular. In modern baking, however, special shapes have emerged creating cakes not only in all sorts of geometrical shapes but in novelty shapes from suitcases to telephones, castles, animals, and so many others.

Finished cakes are usually decorated by covering it with icing, frosting, or other toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate shavings, fruits and etcetera. Royal Icing, Fondant Icing, Marzipan, almond paste and butter cream are used for icing cakes and to create embellishments such as piped messages and borders, sugar or fondant flowers, or crystallized fruits. There are even cakes decorated with edible photos. In decorating contemporary cakes, the baker

One of the best forms of aerobic exercise is swimming. Anyone who intends to become fit should consider integrating swimming workouts into their exercise program. Swimming workouts use more of the body’s major muscle groups than most other exercises. A 125 lb person can burn about 453 calories in one hour of moderate intensity swimming, which is similar to an hour of biking or 12-minute mile run.

While swimming workouts involve the use of both the upper and lower parts of the body, the fact is the upper body gets more work when you are swimming so fitness experts recommend adding other forms of exercise such as running or walking at least twice a week to for as truly balanced workout.

One unique advantage of swimming workouts lie in the water’s buoyancy, which makes the body float in water. Hence, there is less impact on the joints when you do swimming workouts so it is very suitable to overweight people or those with physical limitations. Swimming is in fact the exercise of choice for most people undergoing physical therapy.
It is also a safe and enjoyable way for older people and even pregnant women to stay active.

For those just starting with their swimming workouts, a 12 to 20 minute swim is ideal. Do not over exert yourself. Exercise at a pace that is comfortable to you and measure your heart rate from time to time. As you continue with your swimming workouts each week, you will be able to improve your endurance and you can swim longer, farther and faster. Soon you can swim for 30 minutes or even an hour just like an advanced swimmer.

The strokes you use in your swimming workouts have an effect on how strenuous your session would be. The front crawl is the most tiring so you may want to mix it with other strokes such as breaststroke or backstroke. Do four laps of each stroke to work out more muscles.

Aside from swimming laps, you may also add in some simple water exercises to tone your muscles. Exercise your legs, stomach and back by doing leg lifts in the water. Hold onto the side of the pool, lift each leg ten times to your front, back, and side. Running in the water is also a very good alternative to swimming. You can mix in other water aerobic exercises even dancing to make your swimming workouts fun and interesting.

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Fruit desserts are definitely the healthiest way to feed one’s craving for sweets. With its natural saccharine component, fruits save the dessert from containing fattening sugar making one to experience a figure-friendly and vitamin-rich indulging treat. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why fruit desserts stay on as a classic favorite in American kitchens despite the emergence of artificial or designer dessert products in the market.

For every American, first encounter with fruit desserts starts with the oven-hot treat their grandmothers usually make at home. Popular among these are the traditional cobbler and pandowdy concocted with cream, real butter, and of course lots of juicy fresh fruits.

Fruit desserts, according to food experts, are essential part of American heritage. The basic preparation of a fruit dessert, which is usually based with a sweet biscuit type of dough baked under a layer or on top of fresh fruit fillings, reflects the cooking style of the English Colonial times in America. The way the desserts are named also reflects the true American culture. Experts say that colonial Americans name dishes according to how it looks or sounds when being served or cooked.

Pandowdy, for instance, got its name since the deep-dish dessert is cooked in a pan and dowdy-looking when served.

There are many kinds of classic American fruit desserts that warmed and refreshingly delighted every American home. Perhaps, you’ve gobbled one of these sumptuous desserts not knowing what they’re really called or mistaken some for something else because they look and taste almost the same—tempting and delicious!

It would be nice to know some of these classic fruit desserts. A pandowdy is commonly made with molasses-sweetened apples topped with crumbly biscuit. Another deep-dish fruit dessert is the cobbler which uses peaches, plums, blackberries, or nectarines topped with a biscuit crust. It is also called in a bramble, grunt or slump in different regions in America. A fool is simply a combination of fruits and cream or whipped cream where the fruit could sometimes be stewed then folded into the whipped cream. Shortcake is made with a rich split biscuits topped with fruit, usually strawberry, peaches, or apricots, and whipped cream. A betty is a baked pudding made through layering spiced fruit, usually apples, and buttered bread crumbs. It is popularly called the Apple Brown Betty.

With its historical significance and health benefits, fruit desserts would remain an all-time mouth-watering dessert treat for Americans.

Traditional Chinese culture believes that cold drinks are unsafe to our digestive system, so hot soups are served instead, not as an appetizer, but as a complimentary beverage with a meal.

Ginseng is the most precious herb in the Chinese medicine. It has been utilized for hundreds of decades known to have improved the overall health of human being by putting a balance within your body, commonly referred to as the Yin-Yang balance. In ancient Chinese philosophy, everything in the world is a balance between Yin (feminine and negative) and Yang (masculine and positive).

According to Chinese medicine, ginseng provides Yang energy that aids in the circulation of blood, rejuvenates, stimulates the mind and the body, and helps in recovering from weakness after a major illness.

Ginseng is classified as a slow-growing plant. They mostly grow Asia in the Northern Hemisphere (North Korea, China, and Siberia). There are two types of ginseng. The white ginseng is grown around four to six years. It is then peeled and then sun-dried to decrease the water content in the plant by up to 12 percent. Many people think that enzymes in the root break down due to the process of drying. Drying the ginseng under the sun causes the roots to be yellowish-white in color. The other type is the red ginseng which is not harvested until 6 years. It is not peeled or dried, thereby retaining its glossy brownish-red color. The roots are just steamed and then dried.

The combination of two of the most popular articles (soup and ginseng) is known to be one of the greatest inventions in Chinese history. Ginseng soup is not only known as a staple hot drink during a cold winter’s day, it further nourishes your body giving you an overall mind and body enhancement. Since ginseng plants are readily available in some parts in Asia, it is easy for them to make ginseng soup and is widely obtainable almost anywhere. There are several ways to enjoy the magic of these therapeutic plants, and ginseng soup is only one of them. Here’s one quick recipe in making the simplest ginseng soup:

You will need around 10 grams of ginseng. Boil the roots on a low heat for one hour. Chill and then serve. Drink the ginseng soup preferably hot and on an empty stomach at least once a day.

This sweet but a little bitter drink not only warms your stomach after a long cold sleep but also revitalizes your soul.

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The French are known for their elegant couture. It’s amazing to note that the catwalks of its capital Paris, which is dubbed as the world’s fashion hub, are dominated with fabulous and highly-fashionable pieces made from simple materials. Successfully, French ingenuity were extended to their cuisine.

Soufflés are evident culinary masterpiece that reflect creativity and ingenuity of the French. It is a fluffy but light baked dessert made with ordinary ingredients such as egg yolks, beaten egg whites, butter, flour, milk, and cheese. The looks and the procedure of making a soufflé are said to embody the French sophistication and elegance.

The word soufflé is derived from French verb souffler, a verb that means “to blow up” or “puff up”, which actually occurs while baking the dessert. It is basically composed of flavoring base usually puree or cream sauce of cheese of chocolate and beaten egg whites, which allows the dessert to lift.

What makes soufflés as fashionable dessert is the way it is served in different enticing shapes and sizes depending on the creative whims of the baker or chef. Even the way it should fluff has an artistic presentation. Taste-wise, soufflés are more delectable than it looks. It is served in savory sweet, hot, or cold. Aside from being a dessert, it could also be taken as a main dish, where meat, fish, or vegetables are added to the mixture of ingredients. Dessert soufflés, on the other hand, could be done baked, chilled, or frozen.

Like couture, which needs a perfect cut, making the dessert also requires to perfectly follow a sophisticated cooking method, which starts from using squeaky clean mixing equipment especially the ones being used to beat the egg whites such as the mixing bowl and beater. Copper, stainless steel, or glass bowls should also be used in doing the egg beating process. Adding a pinch of cream of tartar and a pinch of salt is also recommended while beating the egg whites. Ensuring that the egg whites wont be over beaten and baking it on the lowest rack of the pre-heated oven should also be done to achieve a smooth and fine crust. Or else it would appear unappetizingly leathery. Refrigerating or freezing buttered dishes and using parchment collar to guide the rise of the soufflé are also part of the works.

Soufflés truly allows one to gastronomically experience the unique French couture in a plate.

Italy is a vast country that boasts a culture and tradition unique from the rest of the world. The people living in this area are naturally sweet, friendly and hospitable and these values are specifically represented by the foods they eat.

The Italian food varies generally in tastes and ways of presentation. They range from sweet to bitter and from sour to salty. Regardless of how they taste to you, the Italian desserts will definitely make you feel like it’s hard to say “No”. The desserts of Italy typically come in the form of chocolates, cookies, ice cream, and other delicate enticements. As what many claims have revealed, they all take the best of what they can offer when served with wine.

Want to know the specific names that Italians themselves consider as part of their desserts? If yes, note the following:

Gelatos – Labeled as the true heart of Italian desserts, the gelatos are ice cream like creations that are served topped with the finest of the world’s confectioners. It comes in a number of flavors, but generally they are prepared to boast the sweetest of the Italian flavors. The flavors vary from mango, chocolate, hazelnut, graham cracker, and lime.

Tiramisu – Originating from Siena, this treat is hailed by Italians themselves as one the most delicious desserts they can make for themselves and for the travelers. It is so popular throughout Italy, and is often made and served from different ingredients. Included in the list are the eggs, lady finger cookies, mascarpone cheese, liquor, cocoa, and espresso. Those who are familiar with Italian desserts made with the trifle style will definitely distinguish the unique texture that tiramisu offers. The lady finger cookies in this kind of treat are dipped in espresso mixture, which in turn creates the mouth-watering foundation of the tiramisu layers.

Cannoli – The most popular of the Sicilian desserts, cannoli is served in almost pasticceria in the whole Italy. This delicious treat is made to boast a sweetened ricotta filling that is placed beautifully on a hollow pastry shell. Most dessert enthusiasts in Italy also prepare this dessert with a mixture of chocolate pieces and candied fruits. The filling is dipped in pistachios that are finely chopped. Today, this southern Italian favorite is served in a number of variations.

Zeppole – Known nationally as the Italian doughnuts, this dessert is simply served with cinnamon and sugar dished with honey. They also often include a cream filling coated with a whipped cream. If you haven’t seen this one popular Italian dessert, then spend a little of your time during the 19th day of March and enjoy zeppole and other Italian desserts with the natives. March 19 is actually St. Joseph’s Day.

There are a lot more Italian desserts that you can enjoy while spending your holidays in Italy. The desserts are served in almost all restaurants, pizzerias and coffee shops in the country, at reasonable prices.

Tomato Garbanzo Tomato Bean Soup Recipe with Rice

It is no wonder why for thousands of years, soup remains a staple dish among many cultures around the world. Soups have a long reputation of being a nutritious and satisfying dish. Requiring only simple preparation, you can get a hearty dish rich in essential nutrients that are excellent for people of all ages and physical condition.

In this article, you will learn the healthy benefits that can be derived from a bean soup recipe. For one, legumes are good sources of plant protein, vitamins, minerals, and is also high in soluble and insoluble fiber. Combine tomato sauce and other vegetables and you’ll have a more nutritious bean soup recipe the whole family can enjoy in cold weathers.

Find that tempting enough? Why not create this bean soup recipe and satisfy your palate? The ingredients to this recipe can be found in your local grocery or even your own harvest. To begin with, prepare the following: 2 cans (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 cup water, 0.5 cup uncooked long grain white rice, 2 large carrots sliced thinly, 1 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 0.5 teaspoon salt (take note that this supplies 1,150mg of sodium), 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, and one 15-ounce can garbanzo beans.

You can substitute the fresh vegetables for the canned ones. Alternatively, you can use brown rice instead of white as the former contains more fiber. As soon as you have the ingredients on your table, prepare a large pot and combine water and the diced tomatoes with juice in it, then bring to a boil. Mix in rice and carrots, and add the seasonings such as chili powder, cumin, red pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, and then simmer for about 25 minutes or until the carrots and rice are tender.

Mix the garbanzo beans together with the rest of the ingredients in the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes. This bean soup recipe can make six servings and contains 187 calories per serving. It is also low in fat having only 1.2g and no cholesterol at all. This bean soup recipe, called “Tomato Garbanzo Soup with Rice”, supplies 36.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving, 5.5 grams of dietary fiber, as well as 6.3 grams of protein.

Furthermore, this bean soup recipe provides these vitamins and minerals in daily requirements: vitamin A (163%), vitamin C (26%), Calcium (11%), Iron (51%), Thiamin (12%), Niacin (15%), vitamin B6 (27%), Magnesium (12%), and Folate (44%). These daily requirements are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Make this hearty soup today to enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal with your family.

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Coffee Cake Recipe

Are you one of those who can’t live without coffee? That, a day without it seems to be incomplete? Most people who are so hooked up with coffee just can’t seem to get enough of it. In fact, the many coffee drinks are the result of these coffee lovers’ obsession to coffee. In addition to their satisfaction for coffee, coffee cakes are now available in different flavors as well. I have already known about coffee cakes and even tried some, what I didn’t know is that there are lots of flavors that I have never heard of. Actually, you can find a number of coffee cake recipes online and I have found one that caught my interest- Strawberry rhubarb coffee cake. Since I love strawberry and obsessed with coffee (like you!), I would want to know what it taste like. Hmmm, I wonder.

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe:

Ingredients: For filling: 3 cups sliced rhubarb, (1-inch pieces) fresh or frozen
2 pints fresh strawberries, mashed
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch

For Cake: 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder