Essential International Spices

A well-stocked spice cabinet is necessary to begin this gastronomic adventure, but the sheer number of spices available might be intimidating. The following five staple spices are used around the world and form the basis of many cuisines:

• Turmeric is a commonly used spice in Indian cuisine, known for its bold color and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used in curries and can enhance the flavor of any dish with its earthy and peppery taste.
• Cumin is a spice that is widely used in various cuisines, such as Mexican tacos and Moroccan tagines, due to its nutty and warming flavor that adds depth to many dishes.
• Saffron is a spice highly valued in Middle Eastern and Spanish cuisine due to its distinct aroma and golden color, which adds flavor and visual appeal to dishes such as Spanish paella and Iranian saffron rice.
• Cinnamon (Southeast Asia): Its sweet and woody flavor profile is enjoyed in cuisines worldwide, not just in Southeast Asia where it is often associated with sweet, dessert-like dishes. Cinnamon is a spice that is known for its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes. Its sweet and woody flavor profile is enjoyed in cuisines worldwide, not just in Southeast Asia where it is often associated with sweet, dessert-like dishes.
• Paprika is a spice that can be used in a variety of cuisines, from sweet to smoky to hot. It is a key ingredient in Hungarian goulash and can also add a vibrant red color to Spanish dishes.

Dale Jenkins, owner of theheightcomparison.org, believes these spices are a must-have for any foodie. With a diverse blend of spices from around the world, they give any dish an authentic touch of international flavor.

Integrating these spices into your cooking not only enhances flavor but also introduces an element of global tradition into your kitchen.

Spice Storage Tips

Maximizing the flavor of these spices involves more than just their selection; proper storage is crucial:

• Darkness and Coolness: Spices degrade with exposure to light and heat. Store them in a cool, dark place to preserve their essential oils and flavor.
• Airtight Containers: Moisture is the enemy of spice potency. Use airtight containers to prevent clumping and flavor loss.
• Labeling: Keep track of freshness by labeling jars with purchase dates. Ground spices typically retain their potency for six months, while whole spices can last up to two years.

Adhering to these storage principles ensures that your spices maintain their flavor integrity, ready to imbue your dishes with global essence at a moment’s notice.

Spice Substitution Guide

Culinary creativity often involves improvisation, especially when a specific spice is unavailable. Here are a few smart substitutions:

• Cumin for Caraway: In recipes calling for cumin, caraway seeds can offer a similar earthy, slightly peppery taste.
• Coriander for Cilantro Seeds: Lacking coriander? Its cousin, cilantro seeds, can provide a comparable lemony, floral flavor profile.
• Turmeric for Saffron: For the golden color without the cost, turmeric serves as a practical alternative to saffron, though the flavors differ.

Mastering the art of substitution allows you to adapt recipes to your available spice collection, encouraging experimentation and flexibility in your cooking.

Homemade Spice Blends

One of the most rewarding aspects of cooking with international spices is creating your own homemade spice blends. These blends not only save money but also offer a freshness and personal touch that store-bought versions can’t match:

• Garam Masala (India): This aromatic blend typically includes cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamom pods, ground together. It’s indispensable in Indian cooking, adding warmth and depth to dishes.
• Taco Seasoning (Mexico): A mix of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano can be adjusted to taste for the perfect homemade taco seasoning. It’s an easy way to add authentic Mexican flavor to meats and vegetables.
• Chinese Five Spice (China): Combining star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, this blend offers a balance of the five essential flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. It’s a staple in Chinese marinades and stir-fries.

Crafting these blends not only enriches your cooking with authentic flavors but also connects you more deeply with the culinary traditions of each cuisine.

Health Benefits of Spices

Beyond their culinary uses, many spices are lauded for their health benefits:

• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Cinnamon: Known for its ability to lower blood sugar levels and reduce heart disease risk factors.
• Ginger: Offers anti-inflammatory effects and can help treat nausea, especially morning sickness.

Incorporating spices into your diet can thus contribute to both the flavor and healthfulness of your meals.

Using Spices in Everyday Meals

The true magic of a global spice cabinet is realized in its daily use, transforming everyday meals into expressions of global cuisine:

• Breakfast: Start your day with a sprinkle of cinnamon on oatmeal or turmeric in a smoothie for an anti-inflammatory boost.
• Lunch: A pinch of cumin in salad dressing or smoked paprika on roasted vegetables can elevate a simple lunch.
• Dinner: Experiment with creating a Moroccan tagine using homemade ras el hanout or adding garam masala to a vegetable stew for a comforting dinner.

Through the thoughtful incorporation of international spices, every meal becomes an opportunity to explore new flavors and cultures, enriching your culinary repertoire and palate.

This is only the start of our investigation into the realm of exotic spices. In addition to improving your cuisine, adopting these international flavors will allow you to explore the diverse range of culinary customs that exist around the world. Traveling across international cuisine gives countless opportunities for joy and discovery, whether it’s through a basic sprinkling of cinnamon or a sophisticated handcrafted garam masala.

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9 Budget Meal Ideas to Consider
If your food expenses are hard to bare, it’s time to do something with it. You should start planning your meals in advance. It takes a bit of time, but it will help you balance your budget. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Make a menu
   You should decide on the recipes you would prepare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Write down a list of items that you need to buy. Once you have a plan, you will stick with it while doing the shopping. This will save you from unnecessary expenses.
2. Check your kitchen cupboards and freezer
   Before you go shopping, you should check the supplies in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Is there anything you could cook next week? Is the expiry date valid? Considering the answers to these questions, you will have a clear understanding of what needs to be purchased.
   When looking for the available products, you should focus on the recipes you’ve picked for your weekly menu. This will save a lot of money and keep your meal well-balanced.
3. Make your meals based on products that are on sale
   Before cooking something, you should buy all the necessary ingredients. Check store flyers, newspaper inserts, and coupon sites in order to discover any price reductions. You may be surprised at the excellent price offers available.
   Large supermarkets often put a great number of products on sale once or twice a week. Some of these items are even sold below cost to attract more customers. Planning your meals around the discounted products will save you a solid amount of money.
4. Have at least one meatless and fishless meal a week
   Beans, lentils, dried peas, eggs, peanut butter, and canned fish turn out to be the source of great protein. The prices of these products usually don’t make your wallet cry. On the Internet, you can find a lot of meal recipes, which don’t involve meat.
5. Add more grains to your ratio
   Grains such as rice, pasta, barley, and couscous are quite cheap, which doesn’t make them less useful for your health. You can use them in multiple recipes, including soups, stews, and salads. Mixed with other products, they can be incredibly good solutions for breakfast and dinner.
6. Avoid recipes with expensive ingredients
   Some recipes require specific ingredients which cost a lot. You can’t afford such recipes in your weekly menu. Is it possible to replace the expensive ingredient with a cheap one? Can you use different ingredients without changing the main concept of the dish? For example, you can put stewed vegetables with mushrooms into a pie that used to involve some meat. Or you can cook some fish soup using a cheaper sort of fish. You can figure something out to make a classic recipe more affordable. In most cases, the taste doesn’t get worse.
7. Look for seasonal recipes
   Some products are getting cheaper during the hot season. For example, you can buy fresh vegetables and fruit of good quality and at a good price during the summer months. This way, you can enjoy healthy products without damaging your budget.
8. Keep leftovers
   You should be careful with leftovers. Don’t rush throwing them away. Instead, you can have them later on. For example, if you are cooking roast beef with vegetables for Saturday dinner, then you can make ham sandwiches for breakfast or make ham salad for lunch the next day.
9. Make up a shopping list
   You should have a well-developed meal plan ready before going to the store. Write down a list of products you need for every single recipe in your weekly menu. Don’t skip anything but don’t try new items while doing the shopping. Your task is to buy everything you need without overspending.

Make Your Favorites
It may take some time to develop a budget meal plan that would work for you on a regular basis. Don’t be scared of experiments. Eventually, you will discover your favorites. This will make your life much easier as you don’t have to think about what to cook each time you are hungry.
Healthy yet delicious eating does not have to cost you a fortune. Just take the time to plan your meals every week. You will most likely end up saving money in the long run. You will also save a lot of time that could be spent on other important tasks. By the end of the day, meal planning on a budget shouldn’t be hard to do. A little forethought will help you put together delicious and easy-to-prepare meals that allow you to stay within your budget.

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Many of the best casinos in the world, in addition to slots, spielautomaten online and games, offer good eateries to keep players in the same room.

However, it is not all about food. Some restaurants located in prestigious casinos are landmarks since they offer original menus, immersive dining experiences and creative cocktails to high rollers.

If you have not yet decided on the location you would like to visit and enjoy yourself, then you are in the right place. We’ve made a list of the top world casino restaurants you can visit on your next trip!

Restaurant Guy Savoy, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, US

This restaurant offers its visitors to enjoy delicious French cuisine. According to many critics and reviewers, Guy Savoy belongs to the best restaurants in Las Vegas. And it is not surprising since Guy Savoy, the Chef and restaurant owner, has conceived a group of Michelin-starred restaurants.

At the popular Caesars Palace casino, a high-end restaurant is sure to quickly achieve success. Here you can not only play slots (or sloturi in Romanian), but also arrange a chic dinner

The restaurant menu offers a variety of extraordinary à la carte dishes such as oysters, caviar, black truffle soup, and lobsters.

In their feedback, Tripadvisor reviewers highlight such restaurant features as special carts of bread, desserts, and champagne, as well as a 13-course tasting menu and overall food experience.

Top of the World, The Strat, Las Vegas, US

On your visit to Las Vegas, it is very difficult to miss the opportunity of enjoying this restaurant ambience. The name of the Top of the World restaurant at the Strat Hotel & Casino speaks for itself, but it’s still worth saying a little about it. Here you can enjoy delicious food and be deeply impressed with stunning city views since the restaurant is located at an altitude of more than 840 feet (0.26 km) above the Vegas Valley.

Moreover, every 80 minutes, the restaurant building rotates 360 degrees, which makes it especially attractive for those who have not been to it yet.

The restaurant has been awarded for excellent food and wine. This is not surprising since visitors choose between many gourmet dishes, including shrimp, oysters, lobsters, crabs, steaks, and pasta.

Tripadvisor reviewers note the excellent observation deck, the revolving aspect, and the opportunity to observe the city’s sights while eating.

Robuchon au Dôme, Grand Lisboa, Macau, China

The Robuchon au Dôme restaurant is housed in the dome of the iconic architecture of the Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino Skyscraper. The restaurant regularly ranks among the world’s best dining places and, among other things, it offers extravagant French cuisine.

In addition to the mesmerizing interior, including a cascading crystal chandelier, the restaurant can boast Michelin stars and a wine list accounting for tens of thousands of items. The legacy of one of the best chefs, Joel Robuchon, is best known for this restaurant.

Wing Lei Palace, Wynn Palace, Macau, China

Another world-famous restaurant in Macau stands out for its Cantonese cuisine. Many of the world’s top guides highly rate Wing Lei Palace.

This place enchants even before the visitor has time to get into it. After all, to reach the location, you have to sail through the garden up to the restaurant in golden, white and green hues and overlooking the famous Performance Lake at Wynn Palace.

Clients have the opportunity to book rooms with terraces on the lake. Speaking of food, you can enjoy dim sum, bean curd, Peking duck, and roast goose with plum sauce.

Bobby Flay Steak, The Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, US

The top 10 casino restaurants lists would be incomplete without this dining place located in Atlantic City. The restaurant is set out in the Empire Boardwalk style and features Philadelphia-Style Steak as its hallmark. Other than that, you can find dishes like tuna, burrata, and lobster bar dishes like lobster crab cake.

Buddha-Bar, Place du Casino, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Buddha-Bar is positioned as a lounge restaurant and combines notes of Japanese and Thai culture, design, and cuisine.

The restaurant features a converted concert hall with a seven-meter ceiling, a huge Buddha statue, and open terraces.

However, the highlight is the food. Here you can find sushi, sashimi, and a range of Pan-Asian dishes that have earned accolades on the menu.

Tripadvisor reviews praise the champagne, sushi, overall ambiance, and live DJ.

Unfortunately, there are no such places in Brazil, but you can always try your luck at Booi casino.

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I first made pancakes about 15 years ago and have been making them very often ever since. Of course, in that time I have tried many variations of classic pancakes, but I chose this one. They are tender, thin, fragrant, slightly crispy around the edges and unbelievably delicious!

The dough doesn’t pose any problems when baking, so you’re sure to have them quick and easy to make.
The finished dough may seem a little runny to you. Don’t let this bother you; it should be that way if you want thin pancakes.
If you want thicker pancakes, add 50g more flour. The batter will become thicker, and the pancakes will be denser. Important: When the batter is ready, let it stand for 10 minutes before baking.
I prefer to use a blender for whipping, but if you don’t have a blender, you can make the batter with a whisk or mixer.

INGREDIENTS

Water – 125 ml.
Milk – 250 ml.
Eggs – 3 eggs.
Butter – 50 gr (3-4 tablespoons)
Flour – 160 gr.
Sugar – 1 tsp.
Salt – 1 tsp.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COOKING

• Melt butter in a microwave for 15 seconds.
• Put all the ingredients in a blender.
• Whisk everything together until smooth.
• Heat a frying pan and grease it with vegetable oil. Start baking the pancakes. Add the batter to the pan and with a quick, circular motion spread evenly over the entire pan. Fry until golden and flip. Fry for about 15 seconds more and remove. They will be golden on one side and paler on the other.
• Brush the pancakes with butter, if desired. Done!

NOTES .

1. When the batter is ready, let it stand for about 10 minutes.
2. Fry only in a very hot frying pan.
3. If beating the dough with a hand whisk, use warm milk and water to avoid lumps.

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︎ Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They also contain iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin E and even some B vitamins.

︎ Walnuts contain more antioxidants than most other nuts, which can help fight oxidative damage in your body.

︎ Walnuts are a source of a plant-based form of omega-3 fats that can help reduce your risk of heart disease.

︎ Walnuts can improve your gut function, which in turn can affect your overall health and improve digestion. Walnuts also support brain function as you age.

INGREDIENTS

1. Walnuts – 200 grams.
2. Salt as desired

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 165 gr.
2. Spread the nuts evenly on the tray and place in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Pour baked nuts into a blender (grinding attachment) and whisk until thick (about 10 – 15 minutes). Pour into a container and store for 2 – 3 months in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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Oat flour is considered a healthy whole grain flour and in addition to the above beneficial properties, oats are rich in manganese, phosphorus, copper, B vitamins, iron, magnesium and zinc.

Now that we know that oat flour is useful and rich in vitamins, the question arises: can it completely replace wheat flour? Unfortunately, oat flour is good at absorbing moisture. Therefore, there is a chance that your baked goods may turn out damp inside and not very airy. But there is a way out, you can substitute some of the wheat flour in recipes with oat flour (the recommended portion is 25%). If you decide to use only oat flour in the recipe, then add some crushed flax seeds, which will act as a binding component.

But despite the benefits, you should not abuse oat flour, as it can lead to overweight and allergic reactions. As for the gluten content, it is in oat flour. Much less than in wheat flour, but it is still there. The exception is oat flakes, which have been specially treated and labeled as gluten-free.

In order to make oat flour we will need a blender and oat flakes. For flour, absolutely any oat flakes (even instant oat flakes) will do. All you need to do is to grind oatmeal in a blender until it becomes flour. It is better to store in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life up to 2 months. Or in the freezer to keep the flour fresh for 6 months.

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Again, there will be those who will say that it is easier to buy and why waste time and effort on it? And you can’t argue with that when it comes to making really complicated time-consuming recipes, but this is not about almond milk. So, to make almond milk, we need a minimum of equipment, namely a blender, gauze, a bowl, and a container to hold the finished milk!

And just one ingredient – raw almonds (not fried!). If you want, you can add dates, which I did this time, and a little vanilla extract, so the milk becomes a little sweet and fragrant.

INGREDIENTS
Raw almonds – 150g.
Water – 3 cups
Dates – 1 pc or more (optional)
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Soak almonds in water for about 4 to 8 hours or pour hot water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Recall that the almonds must not be roasted! During this time, the almonds will absorb the water and become more juicy. Drain the excess liquid and rinse the almonds under running water.

2. Transfer to a blender, pour 3 cups of water, if desired, add 1 date (you can add more if you want sweet milk) and a little vanilla extract. Whisk for 1 minute on high speed.

3. Next, we will need gauze and a deep bowl where we will decant the milk. Strain the whipped almonds through the gauze and see the white almond milk dripping down your hands. Pour it into a dry and sterilized container and close tightly! The milk should be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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