Amazing light Yeast Doughnuts

Found this recipe on Allrecipes Crispy and Creamy Doughnuts, a very easy yeast recipe that comes out light, fluffy and taste great! I made mini versions with a small cookie cutter very easy to make filled version.


Ingredients
2 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 quart vegetable oil for frying

1/3 cup butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 tablespoons hot water or as needed




Directions
1. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix for a few minutes at low speed, or stirring with a wooden spoon. Beat in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, and cover. Set in a warm place to rise until double. Dough is ready if you touch it, and the indention remains.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter. Let doughnuts sit out to rise again until double. Cover loosely with a cloth.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.
5. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown. Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack. Dip doughnuts into the glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks to drain off excess. Keep a cookie sheet or tray under racks for easier clean up.

Chicken for Lunch Edmonton

Famed Food court location from the owners of the TV shown featuring the Lingnan in Edmonton, Alberta this hideaway is located in the bottom floor Scotia Centre.
The firecracker owner Amy comes across as full of energy, shoot from the hip managing the entire steam table herself. I went early because of the legendary long lines Ive heard so much about and as stated the line up comes out of nowhere and extends into the food court.
It was my turn I panicked cause I couldn't remember the favorite item talked about by so many customer as Amy very quickly said My friend what would you like! She flipped the daily special listing my way almost annoyed I didn't know what I wanted and was going to hold up the line! The customer beside me smiled and said You must have the Hot and Dry Chicken! Almost sweating at this point I said sure I will try that. Amy said OK Buddy you will have the Ginger Chicken too..Try both you like it. with a tornado style motion she was filling the medium sized clam shell so fast I was surprised food wasn't flying everywhere, snapped an elastic band over top as the food was bursting at the seams.

I sat down to try the Crack Chicken or Hot and Dry chicken listed on the menu, the texture was like the light salty coating found on deep fried Asian chicken wings or dry spare ribs with some spice for the heat. Overall very good I can see why this is a favorite item and surprised someone else has not duplicated in other bigger mall locations.
The food is good standard Asian scoop and serve with some added specialties you will not find anywhere else, however the dynamic customer service and show put on by Amy is what draws so many to endure the long line up. You get huge portion of food good value, good flavor, and someone that just makes you chuckle and smile as Amy puts on a show.

Japanese Village - Calgary

Japanese village has some fond memories for me this is the first Japanese food experience I had almost 18 years ago, we went with friends trying to be adventurous looking for something new. We were seated by a Japanese family and probably why it was so memorable is because the family more than the restaurant. They suggested menu items to try and insisted on some sake they had purchased the first one for us and were great company the entire meal. The Teppanyaki chef was very funny and interacted with us through the meal, we had a great time and the food was fantastic.
Thinking we would get a similar food experience it has been years since our last visit so needless to say excitement to see the Teppanyaki chef do his magic and provide a great show we couldn't wait. When we arrived at the new location 317 10th Ave SW the restaurant was very busy and we had a 30 min wait time which is not too bad. However they sat us in a poorly decorated lounge area that look pieced together with odds and ends and really didn't fit the decor of the main restaurant. We were seated towards the back by a doorway I'm guessing lead to the kitchen area the smell was so foul from dirty mop water we almost decided to leave.
When we were seated in the restaurant still very busy excitement resumed with floods of memories of our first experience about the show and food. I think we ordered the same as before steak and shrimp that came with accompanying soup, salad, vegetables, and rice with the one item that stood out the most was their house steak sauce.

This visit we noticed bowls of rice with the signature steak suace on top and sure enough when our food started to come we were offered a bowl. I would have to say this was the magical moment of the visit the flavor of the sauce and rice together was amaizing and could be eaten as a meal all in it self, the steak sauce is just that good! So good I had 2 bowls my steak and shrimp were great soft and tender cooked just right, overall the food was really good. I think were we were a little disappointed this time was the Teppanyaki show lacked interaction and was just routine with our chef. The other tables had a good chef that was funny and had guest  laughing and having a good time, so I think the atmosphere is greatly improved with who is cooking for you.
Overal our experience was good I think over time it has lost a little of the luster it once had but still worth a visit and we will be back.

Smoky Squash Soup - Food Network Laura Calder

Watching Food Network which is a frequent activity for me and  this morning Laura Calder was cooking Smoky Squash Soup that looked very good. I do enjoy watching this show as most recipes look great on TV, but do they taste as good as the host leads us to believe. Well here was my chance to take Laura up on that task, I have her cook book and sure enough the recipe was there. I was pleased with the advice on the TV show to peel and cube the butternut squash before roasting as this was easier to remove the skin and give more roasting flavor. This a thick rich soup and small portions would be recommended as the flavor could become overwhelming than a thinner soup. However I did enjoy the Smoky Squash Soup and pared well with a candied walnut, fig, feta cheese salad topped with a balsamic dressing. I have left over from supper to us for my Brown Bag lunch tomorrow, Thank you Laura.

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Low Budget Easy BBQ Chicken Sandwich

When ever you have a busy day and need to make a meal that requires little effort that the whole family will love this meal for only $2.50 per plate you'll make it again. Buy boneless chicken thighs typically 9 or 10 piece pack for $9 place in crock pot with 1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce and let simmer for the day; Or place in your oven covered at 325F for 2 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve inside a toasted bun with steamed rice, and broccoli makes for easy Brown Bag Lunch the following day.

DA Kitchen Cafe Maui

Loco Moco

DA Kitchen Cafe in Maui ask many locals and they will tell you this is a must eat location tucked in a small strip mall near Queen Kaahumanu. When you arrive there will most likely be guest sitting in patio chairs out front and the inside packed, go in give them your name and take your spot outside and engage in friendly conversation with the others waiting for a seat. The service is very friendly and prepare yourself for monster portions with a great price point, the first time I went here ordering the chicken katsu barely eating half I had to take it home for later.
My absolute favorite meal with first hesitation was the Loco Moco I couldn't wrap my head around the description of this meal. Ground beef patty topped with egg, brown gravy and onions on top of rice and a side salad. Not sure how this would taste all combined together I did see many other tables order and look good. Well I am now hooked on this meal and crave it frequently the combination of gravy, egg, ground beef and rice all works so good together. The portion size is incredibly huge and is very hard to finish at one sitting.
I would fully recommend DA Kitchen to anyone and everyone that visits Maui this is one must visit on your trip. Interior is basic but comfortable, staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating but the food will bring you back again and again.

Decor: 6 out of 10
Service: 8 out of 10
Food: 9 out of 10
Price: 9 out of 10
Overall experience : 8 out of 10

Brown Bag Lunch - The Best Autumn Chili

Chili on a cool autumn day has to be a perfect match full of hearty ingredients and warmth to heat you through. I made this version of chili last night for supper and makes a perfect reheat Brown Bag lunch with a side of whole wheat flax buns. The 2ND day as anticipated the flavors continued to pull together over night in the fridge and made for a spectacular finish. This recipe was very simple took only 15 minutes to prepare than place on simmer for 3 hours so easily made in the morning for a crock pot dinner with plenty of leftovers for the next day. Low budget meal 16 servings at a cost of $1 per serving, healthy low fat full of fibre hard for any restaurant to beat this lunch.

Wendy's Chili - Cloned Recipe

Wendy's Chili is one of my favorite versions and I have always wanted to find a recipe that comes close, my youngest daughter is also a huge fan of this brand. I stumbled across this website http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/Wendys-Chili-Recipe.html that boasts a cloned version of our favorite. This recipe is so easy to make prep time was only 15 min and let simmer for 2 to 3 hours I would recommend you simmer for at least 3 hours for the flavors to combine and tomato to break down. I was very surprised as this tasted very close to the original, my entire family enjoyed it and said this was one of the best they have ever tasted! One of the key ingredients that makes the difference is the green chili, I have become a huge fan of green chili after visiting New Mexico over the years. This will taste great the 2ND day after flavors continue to blend over night in the fridge which will make a great lunch.

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 can 29oz tomato sauce
1 can 29oz Kidney beans (with liquid)
1 can 29oz Pinto beans (with liquid)
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green chili
1/4 cup diced celery
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons cumin powder
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups water

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain off fat.
2. Combine rest of ingredients to browned beef and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 - 3 hours until tomatoes have broken down.

SMITTYS - AIRDRIE

Stopped into Smitty's in Airdrie for breakfast on Sunday this location has been here for some time and I have always wanted to go. We went early before the breakfast buffet so there was lots of seating available, when ever I go past here on the weekends the parking is always full. This location seemed to have dated fast on the inside as the decor seemed to be a bit tired, or I just waited too long to visit. The price point sure has gone up for a breakfast place, I was shocked to see how much it cost for a simple bacon and egg, with hashbrown and toast. The menu selection was vast so lots to choose from and the service was friendly all the staff were energetic and smiled.
Service: 8 out of 10 (friendly)
Decor: 5 out of 10 (dated)
Prices: 6 out of 10 (mid to high price point)
Portion Size: 8 out of 10 (average)
Food: 8 out of 10
Overall Experience: 7 out of 10

KOREAN-STYLE BURGER

Made this burger at home this evening a Korean-Style Burger with wasabi mayo, and pickled cabbage all went nicely with the soya/sesame beef patty. Very easy to make and the whole family enjoyed this infusion change to regular hamburgers.

Wasabi Mayo
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons wasabi paste

Combine mayonnaise and wasbi together in a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Provides a nice creamy texture with a bit of heat.

Pickled Cabbage

2 Cups bagged shredded cabbage mix

1/4 Cup vinegar

1 tablespoon white sugar

 Combine vinegar and sugar together mix than pour over top of cabbage mixture.

Toast bun to desired browning, spread wasabi mayo on bottom bun, hamburger patty, than desired amount of pickled cabbage on top to Finnish it off. The balance between the heat of the wasabi mayo, saltiness of the soya/sesame patty, and sweet pickled cabbage makes this a mouth watering combination. Accompany with your favorite salad or sweet potato fries makes this a fast easy meal.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Mosaic Mediterranean Grill - Brampton Ontario

Urbanspoon rates Mosaic Mediterranean Grill as the #1 pick for the area with very large following and positive reviews. Based in a strip mall the outside does not give the any indication of what the quality of food inside.
I was greeted right away and sat down in very comfortable interior with Chef Tony behind the counter working the grill. I asked what the recommendations that would be popular with customers and I was suggested the Shawarma chicken I was able to substitute the Grilled Vegetable Salad in place of the Greek Salad.
I watched customers come in while I waited for my food and everyone of them made the comment either "were back again" or "I had to bring my friend in". Surprisingly Chef Tony remembered every customer and what they ordered last. Chef Tony has a sense of pride about him he is very comfortable behind the grill as you see the open kitchen right out front. Chef is listening to everything that is going on in the front as the staff talk to customers Tony gives recommendations. It's amazing how involved he is cooking by himself and listening to all the customers.
I got my meal and it looked amazing good thing I ordered the small plate, I'm glad I substituted the Grilled Vegetable Salad with Feta  as flavors of balsamic dressing, soft feta cheese, grilled vegetables on lettuce was so good. Next time I come I will have to order just the Grilled Vegetable Salad alone as a meal. The Shawarma chicken with rice and warm grilled pita hit the spot, price was fantastic although I was full if I ordered the large plate I would have eaten it all.
I wish my photo's turned out as a picture would have shown how amazing this meal was, If your in the Brampton area its worth a stop. Amazing food, great service, fantastic value for the money you won't be disappointed.

Learn How to Roll Sushi

Quick video on rolling sushi

Rascals Teriyaki Grill - California

http://rascalsteriyaki.com/


Close to Long Beach airport is a quick service place called Rascals Teriyaki Grill I checked this place out looking at Urban Spoons top recommended locations. The Teriyaki Chicken and Beef is a very large portion that is very difficult for one person to consume in a single sitting.

Charbroiled chicken is kissed with there signature teriyaki sauce, big slices of beef huge portion of rice and a chicken salad. All menu items seem to be large portions that will leave you satisfied, they offer asian influence stir Fry's, western fare sandwiches, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs. Prices are very affordable and fast friendly service, highly recommended and seems to be enjoyed by many.

Crown Burger Salt Lake City

After watching this episode of Man V Food I had to make a stop over to Crown Burger in Down Town Salt Lake City. I wasn't quite sure how a burger topped with pastrami but OMG what a fantastic paring, full flavor salty, smokey its like a mountain of juicy bacon.

Stopping at this Salt Lake land mark was an incredible find and lives up to the hype, I've eaten at many Burger places across North America and this is in my top 10 must eat burgers.

Rounding out my meal I ordered the onion rings and strawberry shake, US milk shakes are very thick although you get a straw there's now way you can enjoy this unless you use a spoon. The onion rings are sweet onion with a light crispy coating. Highly recommended and talked about burger is a must visit location when visiting Salt Lake City.

Hockey Sushi - Guelph Ontario

After checking out Urban spoon's #1 rated pick by fans for Sushi in Guelph I stopped into Hockey Sushi this evening to see what the hype was about. Located not too far from the University I'm sure it has a small following from the school in this tucked away strip mall.

All you can eat Sushi is quite standard for most places now and you can find them all over the map if your looking to get a sushi fix. However not all sushi places are the same and you have to look around in order to find that gem of a place



The exterior is like most sushi places now sprouting up in obscure strip malls not much to look at from the outside but the interior is quite modern newer looking decor. My first impression of the staff laid back appearances jeans, t-shirts and one staff making sushi with his hat not fully on but slightly propped tilted to the side.

This should have been my first indication that I might not get the standard of sushi that I have come to enjoy. If the staff require professional attention the food quality might not be to standard, but off I go as some tend to surprise.



I first ordered the Tempura Sampler that came with Yam, Broccoli, 2 tempura shrimp and . The batter was quite oily that took on a lot of the oil taste and not light or crispy. The vegetables were cooked well and tasted good, but I wasn't a fan overall.

Tempura Sampler

Next I order the Dynamite Roll and Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll, I'm a huge fan of Spicy Tuna and couldn't wait to try the crispy version out. Like the Tempura the Crispy Tuna was a huge mound of deep fried panko crumbs soaked in oil that was cold. I could not distinguish much of the tuna or spicy sauce I was disappointed and kind of grossed out by the texture and flavor. The Dynamite Roll which is usually a bug hit in Sushi spots this one lacked flavor and oily tempura batter. The rice was overworked leaving a bad mouth feel and lacked flavor of a good seasoning.


Dynamite Roll and Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll

I had ordered the Japanese Fried rice which was a typical fried rice with beef, egg, frozen peas/corn, green onion and loaded with oil. Probably the most flavorful item of then night but again ladened with so much grease at this point I was done and couldn't take anymore. The service was friendly, quick with the food being just OK I will search out a few other Sushi places in the area this week.

The Cheesecake Factory - Seattle

The Cheesecake Factory in South Seattle I always assumed this was just like the Cheesecake Cafe in Canada for some reason but quickly discovered to my surprise that both are completely different. On a recent shopping trip to Southcenter in Seattle this past weekend a stop into The Cheesecake factory was a must with multiple positive reviews on Urbanspoon.

Green Chili Burger with Fries

My first selection was the Green Chili Burger as I have become a huge fan of the famous New Mexico Green Chili Burgers. Although this was not quite a good as those but a very nice alternative to the originals nice bun and juicy burger. There were so many menu options here it was hard to decide what  I wanted and it took a long time to decide.



Thai Lettuce Wraps

 This was one of those dishes that you look across the table and think "maybe i should have ordered that!" This plate was huge comes with 3 dipping sauces and leaves you satisfied after not a bad choice I would recommend it was a hit at our table.

Kids Corn Dogs

We had ordered the kids Corn Dogs probably one of the best corn dogs I have ever tried, salty hot dog with a crisp sweet corn meal batter that compliments each other very well.

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Now this is the one item that will keep us coming back to The Cheesecake Factory, the cheesecake of course. I have had many cheesecakes at many different places before, but this is the Best so far, I had the Red Velvet Cheesecake and oh my goodness was it fantastic! The cream cheese frosting and the super moist Red Velvet cake amazing compliment to the cheesecake. The program on The Food Network "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" well this was the best cheesecake I have every had. I highly recommend The Cheesecake Factory for the cheesecake to anyone, you must go its fantastic!

Brown Bag Challenge Weekend

After my first 2 days of the challenge I find myself smack in the middle of the weekend, question is do you continue with brown bag meal ideas? We travelled to Vancouver this weekend and about to head out for the beach, might as well picnic right. In the cooler we've got turkey sandwiches on rye bread only 70 cal per peice of bread, 1/2 fat Helmans mayo, spinach and tomato. Water melon, grapes, and pink grapefruit sparkling water.

Brown Bag Challenge

We’re teaming up with fellow food bloggers to host a Brown-Bag Challenge, a month-long initiative to eat consciously and save money by packing a lunch each weekday instead of eating out. Join us here and share what you're eating on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #brownbag.

I've decided to take on the brown bag Challenge hosted by the Food Network in efforts to regain a healthy eating program. Admittedly I have become lazy in my food choices and portion sizes this year and need to re energize my efforts. Through the month of September the goal is to eat a home-packed lunch everyday during the week days. Select nutritional whole foods and proper portion control this will be challenging for myself as I eat out all week long, based on my blog restaurant visits are a way of life. So check out my progress as I stumble my way each day with plenty on Blog/Twitter entries.

Boogie's Burgers

Boogie's Burgers have been around sense 1969 and I recall frequenting here when I was a child growing up in Calgary. I will always remember Faye and Sam who once owned Boogie's use to be a very small drive through building we would go on the weekends and Faye was very friendly remembered everyone. Faye would talk with my parents every time I think that was part of the charm she treated you like family I use to get the Sam burger with bacon, onion rings and a coke one of my favorites.
I believe Faye and Sam retired and traveled back to France which Faye spoke fondly of to my parents so often. I thought they gave the business to their son who currently operates but it's been a very long time sense I went for a visit. I made the trek over to Boogie's today as I have been sampling burgers across Canada and United States over the past year time to compare.
First I was taken back upon entering the restaurant expecting the same, Time has changed this once loved burger place of my childhood. The decor has some of the old and allot of the new as well expansion for more interior seating. Once was a small store front with maybe enough room for 8 people with a video arcade game, with more tables and luchador mask decorating odds and ends. The atmosphere has definitely changed with the new era of Boogie's.
Once were Faye welcomed customers and Sam flipping burgers on the grill the 2 were in harmony, now 3 guys work the counter and not as friendly. Very personable yes but no flair or pure welcoming to see their customers, they tasked away on the grill and made small effort in making me feel welcome, big shoes to fill in comparison.
I watched the grill and saw a very familiar sight from a previous visit to Red Mill Burgers in Seattle a mountain pile of bacon stacked 12inches high beside the grill a craft of a popular burger joint.

Ordering the Double Patty burger remembering the Patty's to be thin and though 2 would be enough, the burger seems larger than but still had the special sauce. Flavor has not changed much from the past, super messy and massive burger for $6 the bun was larger than my hand. Very good burger to enjoy with fries and small drink will cost you $13 a bit pricey but nice indulgence you won't be disappointed with freshness and very little grease.
The new look, feel and warmth left me with a different impression, the food will bring me back classic burger big portions and freshness. Located on Edmonton trail between 16 Ave and Memorial Drive a hidden gem that should be on your Calgary must eat places for the burger.

Momo Restuarant

When you first drive by Momo Sushi in Red Deer's Down Town you can miss it if your not looking, tucked away and looks dated and not much to see. However step inside this little gem and the interior is warm and cozy very tiny maybe 70 seats long and narrow, you will be greeted quickly with a warm smile and friendly hello. I was seated and browsed through the menu, I was feeling like a Dynamite roll and there it was, Dynamite Roll Platter comes with Dynamite Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and 2 pieces of Nigiri one Tuna and one Salmon plus side salad and Miso Soup.

Side Salad & Miso Soup

My soup and salad came out really fast small enough to get me going until the main attraction arrives, nice sesame oil based dressing and light soup hit the spot. I didn't have to wait long before my sushi arrive and very nice presentation great plating and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Dynamite Roll Platter

I really appreciate when sushi restaurants give you plenty of ginger which looked fresh, I had a few different selections and had the right amount between rolls. I dove right into the Dynamite Roll and fantastic texture to the tempura batter, warm perfectly seasoned rice crisp vegetables and nori that broke evenly and was not chewy. The Spicy Tuna Roll was good I prefer solid tuna in comparison to the chopped tuna here but flavors worked well I enjoyed it as well. Nice size Nigiri I like that when you tip the Nigiri over to slightly dip the fish in the soya sauce my fish did not fall off as with tradition they dab light amount of wasabi between the fish and rice. Next I had the Crispy Roll a Dynamite Roll and California Roll combined, first time trying and I really enjoyed this roll too, I can't believe I have never attempted to try in the past. The crab mixture was light not overpower by mayo if I'm correct they use Japanese mayo which is creamy and light in taste. I was so full after eating here and very happy with the quality and service I received, this is a hidden gem that I will have to visit again.

Crispy Roll