The world of Italian cuisine has something for everyone. From homemade pizzas to hearty lasagnas and fresh seafood dishes—there is no denying the deliciousness of traditional Italian food. But when it comes to exploring pasta, the possibilities are endless. With hundreds of unique shapes and varieties available in stores and online, you have many options for creating a culinary masterpiece.

This article explores different pasta shapes, from classic choices like spaghetti or rigatoni to more creative alternatives for your next dish. Along with these fun shapes, we’ll dive into some delicious recipes so you can get cooking immediately.

An Overview of Classic Pasta Shapes and Their Unique Benefits 

Pasta is a beloved staple in the culinary world, with endless possibilities for creativity and taste. While many may be accustomed to traditional spaghetti or penne pasta, numerous classic shapes with distinct characteristics and benefits should be noticed. Take tortellini, for example, known for its ring-shaped shell and stuffed filling that adds an unexpected burst of flavor to every bite. [Read more…]

How would you describe your cooking style? Is it simple or complicated? Are you a master chef or a novice? If you want to teach your kids how to cook, then you should start from the basics. And the best way to get them started is through food.

Cooking is a great way to bond with family members and friends. Children love learning new things, especially when they see their parents enjoying themselves too. The problem is that some parents don’t know where to begin when teaching their children how to cook.

 Of course, you can always make a trick and order from a food delivery company. Thus you will not have to worry about what ingredients are needed for the recipe. With such a service you would never lose the food options that they provide. You just need to find out which one suits your needs. But if you want to learn how to cook, then there are many ways to do so.

Children who eat well tend to live longer. They also develop better social skills and become less prone to obesity. This means that teaching your child how to cook is a great way to improve his/her health and overall well-being.

Thus, in this article, we will go over 5 super easy recipes to teach your kid to cook:

1. Chicken Nuggets

This recipe for chicken nuggets can be made at home by any parent, regardless of whether he has experience as a caterer. All you need are two bowls – one for mixing dough and another for frying it. You can make these delicious snacks in 30 minutes flat.

Ingredients

• 1 whole egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup milk
• Vegetable oil (as needed)

Steps

1. Mix eggs with milk and add salt; stir until mixed thoroughly.
2. Add flour slowly into the bowl containing the egg mixture while stirring constantly. Once the mixture forms a ball, knead it gently. It will take about 5 minutes.
3. Let the dough rest in a large bowl covered with plastic wrap for 15 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each part out with a rolling pin into a rectangle shape. Cut into small pieces.
5. Use a fork to pierce holes on both sides of the breaded chicken cubes.
6. Heat a skillet with vegetable oil and fry breaded cubes for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Flip once during frying.

Serve hot with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles.

2. Pizza

Pizza is a favorite among many people. Whether you like it thin or thick, there are so many different types of pizza available today. But making homemade pizza at home is not difficult. It takes only 20 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 package yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc.

Steps

1. Combine all ingredients except the flour and mix well.
2. Sift flour and combine with other dry ingredients.
3. Pour batter into a greased pan and bake for 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing.

3. Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are very popular because they are soft and chewy. They are also low in calories and high in fiber. These cookies are perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1 egg

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease a cookie sheet and set it aside.
3. Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
4. Drop by spoonful onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Cool completely before removing it from the cookie sheet.

4. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. The secret behind their success lies in the addition of chocolate chips. They give the cookies an extra crunchy texture.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup shortening
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts

Steps

1. Cream shortening and sugars together in a mixer.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Stir into the creamed mixture along with chocolate chips and nuts.
5. Roll dough into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
6. Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees F.

Cool on wire racks.

5. Banana Bread

Banana bread is one of the most delicious desserts around. It’s moist, sweet, and full of banana flavor. This recipe is easy to make and can be made ahead of time. Another popular option is Tofu pumpkin bread, which is also a great healthy and nutritious food for kids.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 teaspoons nutmeg
• 1/3 cups sour cream
• 1/3 cups applesauce
• 1/3 bananas mashed
• 1/3 lemon juice

Steps

1. Mix the first 9 ingredients.
2. Add remaining ingredients and stir well.

Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes at 325 degrees F.

Conclusion

Cooking with kids is fun and rewarding. Kids love to help out in the kitchen. Cooking with them will not only teach them how to prepare meals but will also show them that cooking is a skill that anyone can learn. Using these simple recipes as a guide you can create many different dishes. We hope this article has inspired you to try some new recipes with your family.

Do you want to order Champagne on your next night out but not sure where to start? This guide can help you order the luxury drink with sophistication with all the knowledge you need!

P.S. If you want to experience champagne for yourself at home first, Liquorland’s range of champagne from the Champagne region is perfect for beginners and connoisseurs alike. 

Explore Non-Vintage Champagnes

Non-Vintage Champagne is a traditional and classic choice for celebrating life’s big and small moments.  [Read more…]

Mom pages, blogs, and forums come with quintessential quotes about coffee and wine. For many, caffeine starts the day and keeps it going, providing the energy to keep up with the little ones and everything else on their plates.

Not any brew will suffice, though. So, instead of replacing your water intake with endless cups of sugary, milky drinks, why not discover ways to make the most of this magical drink? 

Caffeine for Super-Moms

If you want to be the mom who does it all, coffee is the trick up your sleeve. Benefits include:

• Health. This drink packs quite a punch in the health department, helping you burn fat and reducing the risk of diabetes.
• Energy. Caffeine is a life-saver after a long night of teething.
• Alone time. A cup of Joe calling your name gives you an excuse to slow down for a moment.

Mornings and Afternoons Made Easier

Coffee is a fantastic way to kickstart your day with a ritual that feels good, giving you a moment of embracing the quiet.

Get the brew going while you brush your teeth, and have a tall glass of water and a quick bite as it cools. Give yourself half an hour before waking the kids to get in a positive mood for when the munchkins get up. 

You might be itching for a second dose as early as 10 am, but wait until lunch. That way, you’ll speed up digestion, avoid the afternoon slump, and supply some extra vigor to push through the pm. Sip on it while helping your kids with homework or catch up with your partner over a cup.

Whatever ritual you choose, the timing you opt for determines how much it energizes you, but that’s only one of its roles. Seeing this simple drink as a routine that you maintain for yourself amps up your mood and helps you feel fantastic about life.

Preparation Matters

Most people who believe they don’t enjoy coffee only ever tried the regular black brew. So, they use snacks and energy drinks whenever they get drowsy, which harms their health and adds unnecessary calories to their days.

With the proper brewing method, this beverage can taste however you desire.

Invest in high-quality beans – you can read about blends on Good Fika – and a machine that brews the ideal drink every time with little to no effort on your end.

• Espresso. If you’re in a rush, a short espresso is your best bet, providing you with a quick energy boost.
• Drip. These devices ask you only to add some filtered water and beans to the machine.
• French press. Enthusiasts could try the French version for a richer taste.

Try these options as the base, and start experimenting with cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas the next time you’re feeling adventurous.

Coffee Considerations

Finally, remember that there’s a thin line between enjoying your java and overdoing it. Keep the following in mind:

• Amount. Stick to up to three cups a day.
• Sugar. Vanilla toppings and caramel foam taste like magic. Still, stay mindful of your sugar intake.
• Timing. Don’t have a cup too close to bedtime to avoid a restless night.
• Nutrition and hydration. Coffee might suppress your appetite, but don’t forget to treat your body with healthy meals and fresh, plain water.

Get Energized and Enjoy Life

Overall, coffee can maximize the enjoyment you get from your day-to-day life and help you tackle chores head-on. Use these tips to determine your preferences for the perfect brew and find comfort in this yummy drink.