Food - Best Places of Interest

December 1, 2023 Food, Travel

Best places to visit this Christmas and food to savor

Are you looking for some ideas on where to go and what to eat during the festive season? Well, you’re in luck, because I have compiled a list of some of the best places to visit for Christmas and Christmas food to savor. Whether you want to enjoy a snowy wonderland, a sunny beach, or a cultural city, there is something for everyone on this list. And of course, you can’t forget about the delicious food that comes with each destination.

family celebrating christmas dinner while taking selfie — Photo by Nicole Michalou on Pexels.com

Here are some of my recommendations:

Finland: If you want to experience a true winter wonderland, Finland is the place to go. You can visit Santa Claus Village, see the Northern Lights, go on a reindeer or husky safari, and stay in an igloo hotel. For food, you can try some traditional Finnish dishes like poronkäristys (reindeer stew), joulukinkku (Christmas ham), and glögi (mulled wine).

Australia: If you prefer a warm and sunny Christmas, Australia is a great option. You can enjoy the summer weather, go surfing, visit the Great Barrier Reef, or explore the Outback. For food, you can have a barbecue on the beach, eat some fresh seafood, or try some Aussie classics like pavlova, lamingtons, and mince pies.

Germany: If you love Christmas markets, Germany is the place to be. You can stroll through the festive stalls, buy some handmade crafts and ornaments, and sample some of the best German food and drinks. For food, you can enjoy some bratwursts, pretzels, stollen (fruit bread), and lebkuchen (gingerbread). And don’t forget to drink some glühwein (hot spiced wine) or feuerzangenbowle (flaming punch).

France: If you want to experience some of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, France is a wonderful choice. You can visit Paris, the city of lights, see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. You can also explore other regions like Provence, Normandy, or Alsace. For food, you can indulge in some of the finest French cuisine like foie gras, bûche de Noël (yule log cake), and crêpes. And of course, you can sip some champagne or vin chaud (hot wine)

Japan: If you are looking for a unique and fascinating culture, Japan is a must-see destination. You can visit Tokyo, the bustling metropolis, see the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Tower, and Harajuku. You can also experience some of the traditional aspects of Japan like temples, shrines, gardens, and hot springs. For food, you can enjoy some of the most delicious and varied dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, and mochi. And don’t miss out on the amazing illumination displays that light up the streets and buildings.

Prague, Czech Republic: If you want to immerse yourself in history and culture, Prague is a stunning choice. You can stroll through the medieval streets, visit the castle, admire the astronomical clock, and explore the Christmas markets. And don’t forget to taste some of the delicious Czech food, such as roast duck, dumplings, and trdelnik.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: If you want to celebrate Christmas with a carnival vibe, Rio de Janeiro is a fun destination. You can enjoy the beach, dance at the samba schools, see the giant floating tree, and join the midnight mass. And of course, you can feast on some of the amazing Brazilian food, such as feijoada, churrasco, and brigadeiro

These are just some of the places and food that you can enjoy during Christmas.

Wherever you go and whatever you eat, I hope you have a merry and tasty holiday!

red and green mistletoe decoration — Photo by Toni Cuenca on Pexels.com

Festive destinations and delicious dishes to spice up your Christmas Holidays

Are you looking for some festive destinations and delicious dishes to spice up your Christmas holidays? Well, look no further, because I have compiled a list of some of the best places to visit and food to savor during this magical season. Whether you want to enjoy the snow, the sun, or something in between, there is a perfect spot for you. And of course, you can’t forget about the mouth-watering cuisine and drinks that each place has to offer.

Here are some of my recommendations:

white wolf on snow covered ground — Photo by Ольга Бочкарева on Pexels.com

–Lapland, Finland: If you want to experience a winter wonderland, Lapland is the place to go. You can see the northern lights, ride a reindeer sleigh, visit Santa’s village, and stay in a cozy igloo. And what better way to warm up than with some traditional Finnish food and drinks, such as salmon soup, reindeer stew, cinnamon buns, and glögi (mulled wine)?

sydney opera — Photo by Rijan Hamidovic on Pexels.com

– Sydney, Australia: If you prefer a sunny Christmas, Sydney is a great option. You can enjoy the beach, watch the fireworks, and join the locals for a barbecue. And don’t miss the chance to try some Australian delicacies and drinks, such as pavlova, lamingtons, prawns, and beer.

architecture art clouds landmark — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

– New York City, USA: If you want to feel the Christmas spirit in a big city, New York City is hard to beat. You can admire the Rockefeller Center tree, skate in Central Park, shop at the holiday markets, and watch a Broadway show. And of course, you can indulge in some of the most diverse food and drinks in the world, from pizza and bagels to dim sum and tacos, and from coffee and hot chocolate to eggnog and cider.

high rise buildings at nighttime — Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Pexels.com

– Prague, Czech Republic: If you want to immerse yourself in history and culture, Prague is a stunning choice. You can stroll through the medieval streets, visit the castle, admire the astronomical clock, and explore the Christmas markets. And don’t forget to taste some of the delicious Czech food and drinks, such as roast duck, dumplings, trdelnik (pastry), and svařák (hot wine).

christ the redeemer statue — Photo by Marco Antonio Victorino on Pexels.com

– Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: If you want to celebrate Christmas with a carnival vibe, Rio de Janeiro is a fun destination. You can enjoy the beach, dance at the samba schools, see the giant floating tree, and join the midnight mass. And of course, you can feast on some of the amazing Brazilian food and drinks, such as feijoada (bean stew), churrasco (barbecue), brigadeiro (chocolate balls), and caipirinha (cocktail).

These are just a few places and food and drinks that you can enjoy during Christmas.

Wherever you go and whatever you eat and drink, I hope you have a merry and tasty holiday!

Book the best food and drinks experiences by destination

Kash Pals

Kash Pals loves to read, write and travel, DIY, Coffee, Music, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. She believes as you move through this life…you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.

What do you eat at Christmas?

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September 14, 2023 Food

Spiciness in Food

selective focus photography of bunch of chilies

How to reduce spiciness in food?

There are several ways to reduce the spiciness of a dish with green chilies, depending on the type and amount of chilies you use, the other ingredients in the dish, and your personal preference.

– Add more ingredients to dilute the spiciness. The easiest way to tone down a dish that’s too spicy is to add more ingredients to lessen the proportion of the spicy element. If it’s a soup or stew, try adding more liquid. Add more vegetables, protein, or starches, too — whatever ingredient you have extra of¹.

blur calcium close up dairy, adding milk can reduce the spiciness in food — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

– Add dairy. Dairy is great at counteracting spiciness and can add a nice cooling effect. You can add milk, sour cream, or even a dollop of plain yogurt over each serving, but beware of adding and then cooking the dairy over higher heat, as it may curdle. Coconut milk technically isn’t dairy, but lends a great creaminess to dishes; plus it goes well with a lot of Asian flavors if that’s the kind of dish you’re trying to tone down.

– Add acid. Take this trick from Thai cuisine, which happily uses lots of chiles. To counteract spiciness, a lot of their dishes use a liberal amount of acid from citrus, vinegar, or even ketchup. A spoonful can really do wonders to balance out and counteract the spiciness¹.

– Add a sweetener. Like acid, sugar or other sweeteners add a different element of flavor that can tame spiciness. This one comes with a caveat, though, as you want to add very small amounts and taste constantly so your savory dish doesn’t end up tasting like dessert. Try adding a little sugar, brown sugar, honey, or tomato sauce (which is high in sugar) to balance out too spicy chili². You could also try adding some caramelized onions which will add natural sweetness along with another layer of flavor².

– Add a potato or two. Another good idea for reducing excess spice is to add a couple of peeled russet potatoes or sweet potatoes to the chili. The potatoes will soak up liquid along with some of the spice as they cook. Because they soak up so much liquid and will release starch as they cook you may need to add additional liquid to the chili. Remove the potatoes from the chili before serving².

– Add nut butter. A fun trick I’ve read about is to add a spoonful of nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, to soups and stews. Apparently, it will help mellow the dish out but won’t be really noticeable when you eat it.

– Serve with bland, starchy foods. Let’s say your overly spicy dish tastes perfect otherwise, and you don’t want to mess with it by adding other ingredients. My simple solution is to serve it with something bland and starchy so that when eaten together, the spice is diffused a bit. Rice, pasta, crusty bread, or potatoes are all great candidates¹.

I hope this helps you reduce the spiciness of your dish with green chilies. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🌶️

Does adding or squeezing a lemon reduce the spiciness of food?

shallow focus photography of yellow lime with green leaves reduces spiciness in food — Photo by Ryan Baker on Pexels.com

Yes, adding or squeezing a lemon can help to reduce the spiciness in a dish. The acidity in lemon juice helps to neutralize the capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot. This can help to make a dish more tolerable for those who are sensitive to spice. In addition, lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors of a dish and add a bit of zing.

I hope this helps you understand how lemon juice can help with spicy food. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🍋

Kash Pals

Source:

(1) 6 Quick Ways to Tone Down a Dish That’s Too Spicy – Kitchen

(2) Help My Chili is Too Spicy (7 Ways to Cool Chili Down).

(3) 3 Ways To Tone Down The Heat Of Spicy Chili Peppers.

(4) Reducing The Spiciness Of Chili With Sugar | Greengos Cantina.

You may like to read Health Benefits of Chillies

Health benefits of green chili?

September 12, 2023 Food

Health benefits of green chili?

Does green chilli have health benefits?

Green chilli is a spicy and flavorful ingredient that can add a zing to any dish.

photo of chili peppers, health benefits — Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

But did you know that green chilli also has many health benefits? Here are some of them:

– Green chilli is a zero-calorie food that can boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. It also contains vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for your immune system, skin, and eyes.

– Green chilli has antioxidants that can protect your body from free radicals and prevent cancer. It can also reduce the risk of prostate problems by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells¹².

– Green chilli can improve your cardiovascular health by lowering your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and preventing blood clots. It can also regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes¹³.

– Green chilli can relieve pain and inflammation by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. It can also help you fight infections by stimulating the mucus membranes and clearing the nasal passages¹².

– Green chilli can enhance your mood and reduce stress by stimulating the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates happiness and well-being.

– Green chilli can boost your sex drive by increasing blood flow to the genitals and enhancing sexual arousal².

– Green chilli can prevent iron deficiency and anaemia by providing a natural source of iron, which is vital for the production of red blood cells².

I hope this helps you understand some of the health benefits of green chilli. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🌶️

Kash Pals

Source-

(1) 12 Unbelievable Health Benefits of Green Chillies: Zero Calories, But …

(2) 10 amazing health benefits of green chillies! – Hopscotch.

(3) Green Chilli – Nutrition: Health Benefits and Facts – Times Foodie.

Green chilli intake per day

The amount of green chilli you should eat per day depends on your personal preference, tolerance, and health condition. There is no definitive answer to how much green chilli is safe or optimal for everyone, but here are some general guidelines based on the information I found online:

– Eating about 12 to 15 grams of green chillies in a day is enough. Eating more than this can lead to acidity and other gut issues. However, the number of green chillies you can eat depends on your digestive capacity.

– To avoid negative side effects from chilis, limit your chilli intake to half a cup or less at a time, and choose mild chilis rather than hot chilis¹.

– It is advised that green chillies should be avoided by diabetic and piles patients. Diabetes becomes lower than normal due to excess consumption of green chillies. Therefore, diabetic patients who are on medications should avoid green chilli intake. Moreover, patients suffering from piles should also avoid the consumption of green chillies⁵.

– Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to consult their doctors before using any herb as a medicine⁴. Green chillies may have adverse effects on the mother or the baby if consumed in excess.

– People who have ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease should also be careful with their green chilli intake, as it may worsen their symptoms.

I hope this helps you understand how much green chilli you should eat per day. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🌶️

Kash Pals

Source:

(1) Benefits of green chilli: Here’s how it can cause weight loss and ….

(2) Health Benefits, Side Effects And Ways To Consume Green Chillies.

(3) Green Chilli: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!.

(4) Green Chilli Benefits And Its Side Effects | Lybrate

Green chilli wine

Green chilli wine

Have you tried making green chili wine?

There are different ways to make green chili wine, depending on the type and amount of chilies you use, the wine base you choose, and the method of infusion you follow.

Here are some general steps that you can follow to make your own green chili wine at home:

– Wash and chop or crush the green chilies of your choice. You can use fresh or frozen chilies, or even green chili wine that is already infused with chillies¹.

– Add the chilies to a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This will extract the flavor and heat from the chilies. Be careful not to inhale the steam, as it can be irritating to your eyes and nose.

– Strain the chili water and let it cool. Discard the chili solids or save them for another use.

– In a large jug or container, add the chili water to a white wine of your choice. You can use any dry or semi-sweet white wine, such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or pinot grigio. The amount of wine you use will depend on how strong you want your green chili wine to be. A good ratio is about one part chili water to four parts wine.

– Add sugar, lemon juice, khus syrup, and spices to the wine mixture, according to your taste. You can use cinnamon, ginger, paprika, cumin, or any other spices that complement the green chili flavor. You can also add vanilla essence or lemon zest for a more balanced taste.

– Stir the wine mixture well until all the sugar is dissolved. Transfer it to a sterile glass bottle or jar with an airlock or a balloon. This will allow the carbon dioxide to escape while preventing oxygen from entering.

– Store the bottle in a dark and cool place for about 10 days to two weeks. This will allow the wine to ferment and develop its flavor and alcohol content.

– After the fermentation is done, siphon the wine into another sterile bottle through a coffee filter or cheesecloth. This will remove any sediment or impurities from the wine.

– Enjoy your green chilli wine as it is or pair it with food or desserts that match its flavor and heat. You can also add a dried red or green chili to each bottle for extra decoration and spice.

I hope this helps you make your own green chili wine. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Cheers! 🍷

Source-

1) Chili Pepper Wine : 3 Steps – Instructables.

(2) Green Chile Wine – Gastro Obscura.

(3) Hatch Green Chili Wine: A Unique And Flavorful Beverage.

How long does a green chili wine last?

The shelf life of green chili wine depends on several factors, such as the type and amount of chilies used, the wine base chosen, the method of infusion followed, and the storage conditions maintained. There is no definitive answer to how long green chili wine lasts, but here are some general guidelines based on the information I found online:

– Unopened green chili wine can last for 1–20 years, depending on the type of wine used as the base. White wines tend to last shorter than red wines, and dry wines tend to last longer than sweet wines. The quality and flavor of the wine may change over time, so it is advisable to check the wine before consuming it.

– Opened green chili wine can last for a few days to a few weeks, depending on how well it is sealed and stored. The best way to store opened green chili wine is in a tightly sealed bottle in the refrigerator¹. Exposure to oxygen, heat, light, yeast, and bacteria can cause the wine to spoil faster. The wine may also lose some of its spiciness over time.

– Homemade green chili wine can last for 10 days to 2 weeks if fermented properly and stored in a sterile bottle with an airlock or a balloon². Homemade green chili wine may have a higher risk of contamination or spoilage than commercially produced wine, so it is important to follow proper hygiene and safety measures when making and storing it.

Some signs that your green chili wine has gone bad are:

– A change in color, such as darkening or browning of the wine

– A change in smell, such as a sour, musty, or vinegar-like odor

– A change in taste, such as a bitter, flat, or metallic flavor

– A change in texture, such as cloudiness, fizziness, or sedimentation in the wine

If you notice any of these signs, you should discard the wine and not drink it. Drinking spoiled wine can cause health problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or allergic reactions.

I hope this helps you understand how long green chili wine lasts and how to store it properly. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🍷

Kash Pals

Source:

(1) How Long Does Wine Last? – Healthline.

(2) How To Store Green Chillies To Increase Their Shelf Life.

(3) Green Chilli Sauce Recipe: How to make Green Chilli Sauce at home.

(4) Vol. 6, Issue 9, September 2017 Effect of Storagibility on the Shelf ….

(5) Green Chilli Facts, Health Benefits and Nutritional Value.

Green Chilli Icecream

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Category: Food

Best places to visit this Christmas and food to savor

Here are some of my recommendations:

These are just some of the places and food that you can enjoy during Christmas.

Wherever you go and whatever you eat, I hope you have a merry and tasty holiday!

Festive destinations and delicious dishes to spice up your Christmas Holidays

These are just a few places and food and drinks that you can enjoy during Christmas.

Wherever you go and whatever you eat and drink, I hope you have a merry and tasty holiday!

Spiciness in Food

There are several ways to reduce the spiciness of a dish with green chilies, depending on the type and amount of chilies you use, the other ingredients in the dish, and your personal preference.

Does adding or squeezing a lemon reduce the spiciness of food?

Health benefits of green chili?

Does green chilli have health benefits?

But did you know that green chilli also has many health benefits? Here are some of them:

Green chilli wine

Have you tried making green chili wine?

Here are some general steps that you can follow to make your own green chili wine at home:

How long does a green chili wine last?