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.

Do Bagels Have Eggs: The Surprising Truth Revealed

Ricardo Davis

– Bagel dough typically does not contain eggs
– Egg bagels get their name from the addition of eggs to the dough
– Egg bagels often contain sugar and yellow coloring
– Egg bagels are a relatively modern invention
– Traditional bagels were made with flour, water, yeast, and salt
– Eastern and Central Europeans first baked bagels as a street food without costly ingredients like eggs or sugar
– Egg bagels were developed in the United States to meet the demand for a less crusty, softer baked good
– Egg bagels have a richer taste than plain bagels
– Egg bagels are softer and puffier than traditional bagels
– The texture of egg bagels is different due to the addition of eggs
– The boost in color that eggs bring to bagels is appreciated.

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Can You Put a Pizza Box in the Oven? Discovering the Safe and Surprising Truths

Ricardo Davis

– Reheating pizza by putting the whole pizza box in the oven is not recommended.
– Most pizza boxes are made of cardboard, which can catch fire at high temperatures.
– Heating cardboard can release toxins into the food, posing health risks.
– Using pizza box varieties in the oven is not recommended due to flammability and potential release of harmful chemicals.
– The main risks of putting a pizza box in the oven are fire and chemical contamination.
– It is safer to use oven-safe baking dishes or pizza stones for reheating pizza.
– The cardboard material of the box can also impact the taste and consistency of the pizza.
– Alternatives to cardboard for reheating pizza include aluminum foil, parchment paper, and a pizza stone or steel baking sheet.
– It is recommended to explore alternative methods whenever possible.
– Pizza boxes are unlikely to catch fire until temperatures reach around 400°F.
– There may be chemicals in the pizza box that can impact the food.
– The recommended temperature for reheating is 375°F and for keeping warm is 170°F.
– Placing a pizza box in the oven increases the risk of fire, chemical contamination, and tainted food.
– It is possible to bake a Little Caesars box as long as the heating element is kept away from it.
– Only oven-safe pizza pans or dishes should be used in the oven.
– Reheating pizza in the oven can result in uneven cooking.
– The cardboard material of the pizza box can affect the taste and texture of the pizza.
– It is advised against putting the cardboard box directly in the oven, as it can release harmful substances and is not recommended.
– If choosing to use the cardboard box to keep the pizza warm, the oven should not be set above 200°F and the pizza should not be left in the oven for more than 30 minutes.
– Preheating the oven is recommended and exploring alternative methods is suggested.
– Reheating the pizza for 10 minutes on the warm setting is unlikely to cause any harm, but it is advised to prioritize safety and explore safer reheating options.
– Potential fire hazards, chemical leaks, and the material safety of the pizza box are all factors to consider.
– It is possible to bake a Little Caesars box in the oven as long as the heating element is kept away from it.
– In general, warming up pizza boxes in the oven is not advised, and it is recommended to use oven-safe alternatives.

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Vegan Flour: A Guide to Healthier Baking Alternatives

Ricardo Davis

– Flour is derived from starchy plants and is a key part of most kitchens.
– Flour is finely ground grains, nuts, seeds, roots, or beans.
– The most common flour in the UK is made from wheat.
– There was a debate about whether flour is whitened using bone char, which would make it unsuitable for vegans.
– Research shows that white flour is not bleached using bone char.
– Plain flour and self-raising flour are both suitable for vegans.
– Self-raising flour is enriched with baking powder, which is vegan-friendly.

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Is a strawberry a nut? Common food misconceptions

Ricardo Davis

According to a recent conversation with a patient, it was revealed that a strawberry is technically considered a nut. Similarly, raspberries and blueberries are also classified as nuts despite not growing on trees like traditional nuts. However, there is no connection between having a nut allergy and developing a strawberry allergy. Peanuts, although commonly referred to as nuts, are actually legumes that grow underground. Additionally, a banana is classified as an herb since its seeds are contained within the middle of the fruit pod. Allergy to banana, strawberry, vanilla, and sesame are unrelated. According to the article, there is a belief that strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are technically nuts because their seeds are on the outside of the fruit. It is mentioned that this is a quirk of evolution, and that bananas are technically herbs because their seeds are found in the fruit pod. However, there is no connection between having a nut allergy and being allergic to strawberries, bananas, vanilla, or sesame. The article also points out that peanuts are technically legumes, not nuts.

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The Art of Gouda Cheese Tasting: A Delightful Exploration

Ricardo Davis

– Gouda cheese is traditionally bought and sold in Gouda, but it is not actually made there.
– The name “Gouda” refers more to the style of cheesemaking than the actual cheese.
– “Noord-Hollandse Gouda” is the title that represents true Dutch Gouda made with Dutch milk.
– Gouda cheese is made by curdling cultured milk, removing some whey and replacing it with warm water, pressing the curds into round molds, brining the cheese, drying it, and aging it.
– The pronunciation of Gouda is “(g)h-OW-da”.
– Dutch Gouda cheese is classified into six categories based on its age: Young or New Gouda (4 weeks), Young Matured Gouda (8 to 10 weeks), Matured Gouda (16 to 18 weeks), Extra Matured Gouda (7 to 8 months), Old or Fully Matured Gouda (10 to 12 months).
– Gouda cheese comes in different ages, ranging from 10-12 months to over 12 months.
– Younger Gouda cheeses have a mild, soft, and sweet taste and texture.
– Older Gouda cheeses become harder, stronger, and darker, with a buttery and nutty flavor.
– Older Gouda cheeses may have crunchy white crystals inside, which are actually bits of tyrosine, an amino acid.
– It is recommended to store Gouda cheese wrapped in parchment paper and loosely wrapped in plastic in the warmest area of the fridge.
– Gouda cheese can last 2 to 3 weeks.
– Freezing Gouda cheese alters its texture and is not recommended.
– There are recipes available for cooking with Gouda cheese.

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A Tantalizing Guide: The Best Substitute for Grand Marnier

Ricardo Davis

– Grand Marnier is a French liqueur that blends Cognac, bitter orange, and sugar.
– Several options for a Grand Marnier substitute include Cointreau, Cognac or any brandy, and any orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Orange Curaçao.
– Cointreau is a well-balanced orange liqueur with a citrus perfume flavor.
– Cognac can be used as a substitute since Grand Marnier is made with Cognac.
– Triple Sec is a dry style of orange liqueur, while Orange Curaçao is the original orange liqueur.
– Blue Curaçao is not recommended as a substitute for Grand Marnier.

The recommended substitutes for Grand Marnier are:

1. Cointreau: Cointreau is another orange liqueur with a citrus perfume flavor that is well-balanced between bitter and sweet. It is commonly used in cocktails like the margarita and Cosmo.

2. Cognac or any brandy: Cognac is a French brandy with flavors of citrus, vanilla, and spices. It is an easy replacement for Grand Marnier. Any type of brandy can be used if Cognac is unavailable.

3. Any orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Orange Curaçao: Triple Sec is a dry style of orange liqueur, while Orange Curaçao is the original orange liqueur. Blue Curaçao is not recommended as a substitute due to its color and overall vibe not matching well with Grand Marnier.

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