Author: Ricardo Davis

Hello! My name is Ricardo Davis and I'm a food blogger. I'm not a professional cook, but that doesn't mean I don't have some good strategies and ideas. There are a lot of simple and practical things on the site about heating, freezing, dehydrating and so on. It was written by chefs, food experts, home cooks, and me.

Can You Eat Dry Ice? Discover the Fascinating Science Behind Its Sublimation and Potential Hazards!

Ricardo Davis

Can you eat dry ice?
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that undergoes sublimation, turning directly into a gas without becoming a liquid. Touching dry ice briefly does not cause harm, but prolonged contact can lead to frostbite, burns, and scars. Swallowing dry ice is more dangerous as it can freeze tissue in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, and the buildup of pressure from the sublimation could rupture the stomach. Dry ice sinks to the bottom of drinks and is sometimes used in special fog effect cocktails. “Smoking” dry ice by putting it in the mouth poses a risk of accidental swallowing. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) that goes from a solid to gas without becoming a liquid. It can only exist at -79C and is made from liquid carbon dioxide that is released through a nozzle to create “dry ice snow”. Dry ice is stored in an insulated container and should not be stored in an airtight or glass container. It should be stored in well-ventilated areas and should not come into contact with surfaces that are susceptible to damage from extreme cold. Dry ice is safe if safety guidelines are followed.

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What Does Uncured Hot Dogs Mean? A Healthier Alternative

Ricardo Davis

– Uncured hot dogs are cured using natural ingredients instead of synthetic nitrites and nitrates.
– Nitrites in cured hot dogs can react with stomach acid and proteins to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
– Uncured hot dogs may be a safer alternative to synthetic nitrites and nitrates.
– Hot dogs can be made from leftover meat scraps and can contain artificial additives.
– Some hot dogs contain high-fructose corn syrup, while others contain honey or pure cane sugar.
– Hot dogs can contain up to 3.5% non-meat binders such as cornstarch and dry milk powder.
– The sodium content in hot dogs can vary between brands.
– Coleman Natural all-beef hot dogs do not contain artificial ingredients and are made from high-quality meat.
– Americans spent over $7.68 billion on hot dogs and sausages in 2020.
– Hot dogs are a popular food in the United States and part of American culture.
– Uncured and cured hot dogs are both approved by the FDA and USDA.
– Uncured hot dogs have similar nutrition facts to cured hot dogs.
– Uncured hot dogs are safe to eat and can be prepared the same way as cured hot dogs.
– Guidelines for storing and consuming hot dogs are provided.
– Hot dogs should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours or more than 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°F.
– Casings should be removed from hot dogs for children under 4 to avoid choking hazards.
– Uncured hot dogs can be included in a ketogenic diet as they are low in carbs and high in fat.
– Uncured hot dogs can be consumed during pregnancy if cooked to a temperature of at least 160°F to reduce the risk of contamination.
– Eating raw uncured hot dogs can cause miscarriages, stillborn births, and birth defects.
– Uncured hot dogs come pre-cooked but should still be reheated before eating.
– Uncured hot dogs carry a risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, which causes listeriosis.
– Reheating hot dogs until they are steaming hot can help reduce the risk of listeriosis.
– Cured hot dogs contain synthetic nitrates and nitrites, while uncured hot dogs contain natural nitrates and nitrites.
– Cured hot dogs have a longer shelf life and may have slightly higher sodium content.
– Choosing uncured hot dogs can help reduce the intake of synthetic preservatives.
– Thoroughly cooking both cured and uncured hot dogs is important before consumption.
– It is recommended to be aware of reliable information and facts in a world filled with fake news.
– “Uncured” in relation to hot dogs refers to the absence of artificial curing agents such as nitrites and nitrates.
– Uncured hot dogs are made with natural additives like celery juice or cherry powder as substitutes for artificial ingredients.

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What is Crudo? Exploring the Origins, Unique Preparation, and Delicious Variations

Ricardo Davis

– Italian crudo: a simple version of crudo dressed with lemon, olive oil, and salt
– Japanese sashimi: traditionally not dressed with oil, but often served with citrus-based ponzu or soy-based sauces
– Ono’s sashimi dishes: lean more towards crudo or ceviche, with a combination of seasonal fruit and lime juice with fish
– Crudo: Italian and Spanish word for “raw,” refers to a dish of uncooked fish, shellfish, or meat dressed with seasoning
– Carpaccio: a type of crudo where the uncooked stuff is sliced thin and often dressed with olive oil and lemon
– Tartare: another type of crudo made with raw meat or seafood that is chopped up and bound with sauce or dressing
– Sashimi: a raw preparation not in the crudo category, made with carefully sliced raw fish rarely marinated, sauced, or garnished
– Ceviche: a cousin of the crudo family, made with raw seafood marinated in citrus juice to “cook” it and transform its texture
– Tiradito: a dish from Nikkei cuisine, a mash-up of raw fish sliced thinly like carpaccio or sashimi, often marinated for a short period of time
– Different cultures have different ways of making raw food delicious, and combining these traditions can result in great dishes.

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Are Raw Potatoes Bad for You? Debunking Myths

Ricardo Davis

– Raw potatoes have a bitter taste and starchy texture compared to cooked potatoes.
– Raw potatoes are high in resistant starch, which provides energy for beneficial gut bacteria and has potential health benefits such as lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, promoting weight loss, and improving digestive health.
– Resistant starch is converted into butyrate, which can suppress inflammation in the colon and block the growth of colon cancer cells.
– Treatment with butyrate may also help decrease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
– Raw potatoes contain fewer calories, carbs, protein, and potassium compared to baked potatoes.
– Raw potatoes are significantly higher in vitamin C, with twice as much vitamin C per gram compared to baked potatoes.
– Potatoes contain antinutrients like protein trypsin inhibitor and lectins, which can interfere with nutrient absorption. Cooking potatoes helps reduce antinutrient content for better absorption of nutrients.
– Potatoes can contain toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids, particularly green potatoes. High consumption of glycoalkaloids can cause symptoms like drowsiness, itchiness, and digestive issues. Boiling, baking, and microwaving potatoes can reduce glycoalkaloid levels.
– Raw potatoes, due to high levels of resistant starch, can contribute to digestive problems such as gas and bloating. They may also harbor contaminants.
– Eating raw potatoes in high amounts may cause digestive issues like stomach discomfort, gas, and bloating. This is because raw potatoes may contain bacteria from the soil that is usually destroyed by cooking.
– Eating raw potatoes may not be advisable as they contain solanine and lectins, which can cause gastric distress and potentially make a person sick. Solanine is a poisonous compound that can cause symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. Lectins are proteins that can cause nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea when consumed in large amounts.
– Feeding raw potatoes to dogs is also dangerous due to the presence of solanine. Baked or broiled potatoes are safer options for dogs.

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What Does Hibiscus Taste Like? Discover This Exotic Floral Infusion

Ricardo Davis

– Hibiscus is a red tropical flower
– It is used to make herbal tea
– The petals are dried and steeped in water
– It has a tart flavor with a hint of fruitiness
– It is native to West Africa
– It is also found in other regions such as Asia and the Middle East
– It has medicinal benefits, including lowering blood pressure and managing weight
– The taste of hibiscus is sour with floral or fruity undertones
– It is similar to tart fruits like pomegranate or cranberry
– Steeping the flowers for too long can make them bitter
– Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants
– It can be eaten straight from the plant or brewed into tea
– Hibiscus tea is a popular way to consume hibiscus
– A recipe for making hibiscus tea is provided
– Lime juice and honey can be added for flavor
– It can be used to make sorbet
– It can be added to cocktails and dishes for taste and visual appeal
– Hibiscus has a subtle flavor and mild fragrance
– The author’s personal experience of making hibiscus tea is shared
– The author notes that it tastes sweet even without adding sugar

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Can you freeze Crumbl cookies without compromising freshness?

Ricardo Davis

– The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to freeze Crumbl Cookies for later consumption.
– Most flavors of Crumbl Cookies can be frozen, both frosted and unfrosted varieties.
– For unfrosted cookies, ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.
– Unfrosted cookies can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap or separated with parchment or wax paper before stacking.
– Freezer-safe bags or containers can be used for packaging the cookies, with quart or gallon size bags recommended.
– Label containers and freeze up to three layers of cookies in a single container.
– Recommended container size for freezing Crumbl Cookies is about 5″x5″ or more.
– Freezing for 1 month is recommended for best quality.
– Unfrosted cookies can be thawed at room temperature or in the microwave.
– Frosted cookies should be thawed in the fridge for safety.
– Basic buttercream or similar frostings freeze well, but non-traditional frostings or mushy toppings may not freeze as successfully.
– Frosted cookies should be frozen before being placed in a container or freezer bag.
– Each frosted cookie should be individually wrapped or separated with parchment or wax paper.
– Thaw frosted cookies in the fridge, not at room temperature.
– Put each cookie in a freezer-safe container or bag and place them in the freezer.
– The frosting may flatten slightly, but the taste will still be good.
– Thaw the cookies in a separate container and use a paper towel to absorb moisture to avoid sogginess.
– Mention of making homemade Crumbl cookies using copycat recipes such as Milk Chocolate Chip, Chilled Pink Sugar Cookie, and Peanut Butter Cookie.
– Some unfrosted cookie flavors that can be frozen include Milk Chocolate Chip, Original ft. M&M’s, Blueberry Muffin, Brownie Batter, and Classic Oatmeal.
– Completely cool the unfrosted cookies before freezing.
– Option to wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper or stack with parchment squares in between to prevent sticking.
– Use quart or gallon-sized freezer-safe bags or containers for packing the cookies.
– Layer and stack up to three layers of cookies in a container.
– Containers made for freezer use, measuring about 5″x5″ or larger, are recommended.
– Best to freeze the cookies for 1 month for optimal quality.
– Thaw unfrosted cookies at room temperature until soft.
– Thaw frosted cookies in the fridge to ensure they stay cold and safe to eat.
– Ensure frosting is set/hard before freezing frosted cookies.
– Individually wrap each frosted cookie with plastic wrap or separate with squares of parchment or wax paper.
– Maximum of two layers of frosted cookies when freezing.
– Thaw frosted cookies in the fridge, maintaining refrigeration throughout the process until ready to eat.
– Skip flash freezing step and directly place each frosted cookie into a freezer-safe container or bag.
– Frosting may squish a bit, but the taste will be unaffected.
– Thaw frosted cookies in a separate container to prevent sogginess.
– Lining the container with a paper towel can help absorb moisture.
– Only thaw what you plan to eat.
– Using the freezer to stock up on favorite cookie flavors for convenience.

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The Best Canned Tomato Soup: A Delicious, Nutritious, HomemadeInspired

Ricardo Davis

– The article discusses the best canned tomato soups.
– The soups were tested blindly by 5 people for texture and flavor.
– Amy’s Cream of Tomato Soup was the top choice for creamy soup lovers.
– Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup was praised for its nostalgic taste.
– Rao’s Tomato Basil Soup received positive feedback for its homemade taste and chunky texture.
– Maya Kaimal Tomato & Warm Spices was recommended for those who prefer more adventurous flavors.

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DemiGlace Recipes: Elevate Your Culinary Skills with Exquisite Sauces!

Ricardo Davis

– A demi-glace is a rich, brown sauce used in French cuisine.
– It can be used on its own or as a foundation for other sauces.
– It is not a gravy or stock, but stock is used to make it.
– Making demi-glace involves several steps including simmering, reducing, and straining.
– The traditional method should be followed for deep flavor and a shiny finish.
– The stock can be made in advance and frozen.
– Preparing the Espagnole sauce beforehand can make the process less daunting.
– This recipe does not require seasoning the finished demi-glace, but it can be seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper if served as a finished sauce.
– A traditional demi-glace recipe combines half basic brown sauce and half brown stock, simmering until reduced by half.
– This shortcut recipe uses store-bought stock or broth instead of homemade stock to save time.
– Demi-glace is a sauce served with red meats such as roasts and grilled steaks.
– Making demi-glace from scratch can be time-consuming.
– Using store-bought beef stock may not be preferred by purists, but it makes the recipe more accessible.
– High-quality stock or broth should be used, preferably low-sodium or no-salt varieties.
– The process of reducing the stock concentrates saltiness.
– Cheesecloth is needed to strain the sauce and make the sachet d’épices (a bundle of herbs and spices).
– Cooking twine is needed to tie the sachet d’épices.

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Can You Freeze Oranges? The Surprising Answer Revealed

Ricardo Davis

– Oranges are a source of fiber, vitamin C, and folate, and are low in calories and fat
– Oranges, along with bell peppers, cucumbers, ginger, pineapple, and strawberries, can be frozen
– Freezing oranges allows for year-round use in recipes
– Steps to freeze oranges can be followed to have oranges available at any time
– It is recommended to stock up and freeze oranges when they are in season or on sale.

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