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How to Cook Plantains


Plantains are kind of like bananas, but used only for cooking applications. This is due to their firm texture and bitter taste. Plantains are great for an addition to a main course or as a snack (cooked, of course). Learning how to cook plantains is extremely easy.

this is how to cook plantains

The best way to cook plantains is to take the peel off then slice the plantain into small slices. Heat a pan on the stove big enough for deep frying. When the oil is hot fry the plantains until they begin to float. This should only take a couple of minutes . Drain the plantains on a paper towel and sprinkle with a little bit of salt or a little sugar.

Plantains can be also be mashed, broiled, or added to various soups. To make a popular drink a plantain is boiled then blended with a mixture of sugar and water. Plantains have a lower sugar content then bananas. Plantains are a good source of fiber and potassium . This fruit is popular in Caribbean cooking.

Here's to another Fantastic meal!

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How to Cook Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes have been the tasty side dish to a juicy steak for many years. Cooking a baked potato at home is easy, as long as you are prepared and don't try to rush the cooking process. Read below to find out how to cook baked potatoes.

This is how to cook baked potatoes

Take a trip to the supermarket and choose the best looking baking potato you can find. Don't worry about it being too big, you can always save half of it for lunch the next day.

After arriving home you need to rinse the potato off and remove any dirt or other debris. Set the oven at 350 degrees. Using a paring knife, poke several holes in the potato. While the potato is still wet, cover it with some rock salt and then wrap it in foil.

Place your potato in the oven and cook for slightly over an hour. You will know your potato is done when it is fork tender (meaning once you can easily poke it with a fork). Baked potatoes are a good source of potassium and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings from sour cream to salsa.

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How to Cook Red Potatoes

Potatoes are a nutritious and low calorie food and are a fabulous side dish to any meal. Red potatoes provide a good source of vitamins C, B6, potassium and other minerals. Learning how to cook red potatoes is very simple. Do not remove the skin when preparing red potatoes , since the fiber is in the skin and many of the nutrients are near the surface. Instead wash them under water with a soft vegetable brush. Baking, steaming or microwaving will preserve the maximum amount of nutrients but some say that a lot of the flavor is lost.

This is how to cook red potatoes

The most common and delicious way I've learned how to cook red potatoes is to roast them in the oven. These are the steps to follow to ensure the red potatoes are cooked to perfection when roasting.

Cooking Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Wash six to ten red potatoes thoroughly under warm water.
3. Quarter the potatoes with the skin on.
4. Place the quartered pieces into a large mixing bowl.
5. Drizzle olive oil onto the quartered potatoes then add salt and pepper. Mix well until evenly coated. Rosemary or any other seasonings maybe added.
6. Place seasoned potatoes on a cookie sheet or non-stick baking dish in a single layer.
7. Place in oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

This is just one way red potatoes can be cooked. Some other interesting thoughts on how to cook red potatoes are boiling, frying or microwaving. Red potatoes only become fattening when fried or served with butter and creamy sauces. Depending on the cream sauce you use, though, they can be both healthy and delicious. My very favorite way of cooking red potatoes is to boil the potatoes and then add a healthy cream sauce. It's amazing!

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How to Cook Corn on the Grill

Very few things in this world are more tasty than hot corn off the grill, especially if you know how to cook corn on the grill to perfection. Here's the best way I've learned how to cook corn on the grill .

This is how to cook corn on the grill

You will need the following ingredients:
- two to four ears of corn
- Butter
- Salt and Pepper

You can add as much corn as you want to this recipe, but for our purposes lets stick with an easy two ears of corn. There are two ways to cook corn on the grill , one is to remove the corn husks and silk and put them on the grill and the other way to cook the corn is to leave only the last few husks of corn on and grill them that way. This will hold in the flavor and produce awesome results.

Making sure that the grill is nice and hot, place each ear of corn on the grill. Let each side cook for three minutes and than use a pair of tongs to turn the corn over as they cook. Total time on the grill should be about 15 minutes. One thing to keep in mind is not to panic if the corn starts getting burned black at the edges during the cooking process. It's a natural part of grilling corn and actually adds to the flavor.

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How to Cook Cauliflower

If traditional vegetables are becoming boring, consider preparing cauliflower. Cauliflower comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to purple. White is the most common color of cauliflower available. When preparing cauliflower, you will have many options. In this recipe, we will show you how to cook cauliflower by boiling it.

This is how to cook cauliflower

To prepare the cauliflower, start by removing all the leaves from the head. Next, remove the core from the center of the cauliflower. After the core is removed, dice up the individual florets. Wash the florets thoroughly. You are now ready to begin cooking. In a large pan, add three quarts of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a fast boil. After the water has begun to boil, add in the cauliflower. Cook on high heat for 20 minutes. When the cauliflower is done, you will be able to pierce it with a fork.

Cauliflower goes great in soups and salads. If you are wanting a quick snack, serve fresh cauliflower with dips. I personally love cauliflower with a light cheese sauce. Sauvignon Blanc wines will enhance the flavor of any cauliflower dish. If digestive problems have you down, consider adding cauliflower to your diet. This crisp vegetable aids in digestion and detoxification of the colon.

photo by Indigo Goat

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How to Cook Leeks

First: what is a leek? Leeks are relatives of garlic and onions. (As if vegetables had relatives, right?) Leeks are positively delicious additions to soups or salads and can also be eaten alone as a side dish. Here's a brief explanation of the tastiest way I know how to cook leeks.

This is how to cook leeks

Place washed and trimmed leeks in a single layer in a baking dish. Dissolve stock into 1/2 cup red wine and 1/2 cup cream. Pour the liquid over the leeks and add water until the liquid is about half way up the sides of the leeks. Dot with butter and season to taste with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. Boil on top of the stove and cover. Braise in a preheated oven at 350 degrees with the cover ajar for 30 to 40 minutes. Sprinkle minced fresh parsley on top and serve.

Leeks provide a good source of fiber, folic acid, vitamins B6 and C, manganese, and iron. They can be used in place of onions for common recipes for a slight flavor change. Reported to help lose weight, they can just be soaked in salt water and eaten raw if desired.

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How to Cook Okra

Okra is a green vegetable grown in South America, the West Indies, and India. Not only is it delicious, but also is filled with nutrients and with many health benefits. It naturally decleanses toxins from the body.A delicious, roasted okra dish!

This is how to cook okra

You will need the following ingredients:
- 15 raw okra pods, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil and brush with melted butter.
3. Place the slices of okra on the cookie sheet.
4. Mix the salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
5. Drizzle the okra with olive oil and then sprinkle with the mixed seasoning.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, serve, and enjoy!

There are many different methods of how to cook okra, but this roasted dish is one of the best! This healthy okra dish goes along great with chicken breast and a side of rice.

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How to Cook Potatoes

Potatoes have been a staple in kitchens for hundred of years. When it comes to choosing potatoes, you will have many options. Russet potatoes work best for most cooking applications. This easy to follow recipe will show you how to cook potatoes.

This is how to cook potatoes

One of the great things about potatoes is that you can cook them in dozens of different ways to suit different palates, styles, and tastes. In this recipe we will show you how to prepare baked potatoes. First, gather your potatoes. When cooking baked potatoes, larger potatoes work best. Clean the potatoes with cold water. Remove any bruises that may be on the potato. Using a fork, puncture 8-12 holes into the potato. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Coat each potato with olive oil. After the potato is coated in oil, sprinkle with salt. Place the potatoes in the oven and cook for one hour. The potato should be soft.

You can create a "loaded potato" by adding sour cream, chili, cheese, etc. on top of the potato once you have cut it open. Baked potatoes go great with steak. Consider adding a side salad for a complete meal.

If you are having trouble with your digestion, consider adding potatoes to your diet. Potatoes can reduce inflammation of the digestive tract. Potatoes have also been used to treat high blood pressure.

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How to Cook a Sweet Potato

Learning how to cook a sweet potato it couldn't be easier. And the benefits? Endless!

This is how to cook a sweet potato

Take a sweet potato that weighs about a pound. Poke it all over with a fork. If you wish, you may rub it with olive oil. Preheat an oven to 500 degrees F. Place the sweet potato on a cookie sheet in the oven, and let it bake for an hour.

After cooking, remove the sweet potato from the oven. If the cook is in a hurry, they can, holding the sweet potato with tongs, cut it open and put in a few pats of butter. They can also wait till the sweet potato is a bit cooler and drizzle in some olive oil. Add a pinch of sea salt and enjoy!

A tall, cold glass of milk goes best with a sweet potato, but it could also go with a nice Tokay.

A sweet potato isn't the same as a yam. A yam comes from a different plant and is a little sweeter. But sweet potato is very rich in nutrients, including beta carotene, which gives it its orange color, fiber, Vitamin A, C, B6 and complex carbohydrates.

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How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds

Carving pumpkins and roasting seeds is a favorite fall tradition for many families. If you want to continue the tradition in your home, here is a quick refresher on how to cook pumpkin seeds.

This is how to cook pumpkin seeds

You will need the following ingredients:
- pumpkin seeds
- 2 tsp of oil for every 2 cups pumpkin seeds
- dash of salt (or to taste)
- Optional: seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder or cayenne

After scooping a pumpkin (removing the seeds and other innards), separate the pulp and strings from the seeds before the pulp dries. Next, place the seeds in a colander and rinse under cold water.

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