You Don't Have to Go Out For Good Food!

So here you are, a typical urban or suburban couple on a typical evening. The conversation goes something like this:

"What do you want to eat?"

"I dunno. What's in the fridge? We have any leftovers?"

"I want some good food for a change. Let's go out!"

And so away you go, and with tax and tip you end up laying out $40 or $50 for a meal that, while it is satisfying, is nothing you couldn't create at home for less than half the price if you just did a little preparation on your own. The secrets to good food aren't having tons of cooking knowledge or restaurant experience, they are preparation and the willingness to experiment and learn.

Say you love steak, but you're sure that the only way you'll get that steakhouse taste is to go to Ruth's Chris and lay out $60 or $80 per person for dinner. Would you believe you can get a steak just as good at home? It's true!

The first thing is to get the best piece of beef you can find. Steakhouses in general use USDA Prime beef, the best quality available. You'll pay up to $20 a pound for it, but that will be your only real expense for the adventure.

Next, you'll want to age it, unless the place where you buy it already does so for you. A lot of high-end butcher shops dry-age their beef, but if you can't find one that does, you can do it yourself in your refrigerator. Just put the steak on a rack over a plate or pan, cover it with a porous lid of some sort and place it in the back of your refrigerator for a couple of days. You'll end up with great aged beef!

Don't over season the beef, either. A little cracked pepper and kosher or sea salt put on a few minutes before grilling is all you need. Let the steak come to room temperature, then cook either over a hot grill or in a cast-iron skillet heated to 500 degrees in your oven. A couple of minutes on each side and you've got good food, as good as any restaurant, in your own home! It's easy to make good food.

Andrew Krause is a Chef and Pastry Chef for over 30 years, at persent I own a Gourmet Bakery called The Cheese Confectioner.

NOTE: You are welcome to reprint this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the about the author info at the end).

Secret Restaurant Recipes

I'm sure most people enjoy eating out frequently at their favourite restaurants, but it can also end up chewing a small hole in your pocket and is also not suited for some people's budgets.Having said this, there are many other ways to find out those secret restaurant recipes which you can enjoy making in the comfort of your own home. All you really have to do is search online and you will get loads of resources.

Now, most families enjoy eating out about 3 times per week, and for those of you with big families you will know that as a result of the food prices rising at restaurants, the costs associated with eating out can add up pretty quickly. This is why taking time to make these delicious types of foods at home can be fun and save money. I'm sure your kids and family will appreciate your every efforts in trying to make your favourite pizza from hut pizza or country fried steak.

There are many people who buy fast foods and eat out at restaurants for the sake of convenience, and that can be understood due to the high demanding life that most people have.But for those of you who do have the time on your hands to cook food, not only will it be saving you money in the long run but will also bring about great satisfaction with you being able to cook great tasting fast food and restaurant dishes.

So at the end of the day it does not matter where your tastes lie, because with a little online searching and a quick visit to the grocery shop you can whip up those mouth watering restaurant meals in good time.

If you wish to get hold of 450 secret restaurant and fast food recipes please visit the website below.

Secret Restaurant Recipes [http://secretrestaurantrecipes1.blogspot.com]

Low-Fat Recipes: Sarah's Applesauce | Submitted By: PHATCAT

4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped3/4 cup water1/4 cup white sugar1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonIn a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 121 | Total Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 0mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 121

Total Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgTotal Carbs: 31.8g    Dietary Fiber: 3.5gProtein: 0.4g VIEW DETAILED NUTRITION
About: Nutrition Info

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Reviewed on Jul. 23, 2005 by KEI8HT    This is one of the first things I've tried to cook, and I don't think it came out how it was supposed to, but I think the next time I make it, it will be even more wonderful!! I used 4 small gala apples and 1 medium granny smith, added a little bit more water, and kept the peels on for added nutritional benefit. Next time I will peel them and chop up the peels into much smaller bits and add 'em in...I'll also probably cook it a few minutes longer, I think I probably let it sit on the stove for about 21-22 minutes, stirring occasionally but a few more minutes would of probably been better. I also didn't use an exact measurement on the 1/2 t of cinn. (Just kinda eye-balled it with a 1 t) and it was the perfect amount. I will probably use a tad less sugar too. Anyway... all my non-skills at cooking aside, this tastes SOOOOO good!!!! Thanks phatcat for making one of my first cooking experiences a positive one! Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
92 users found this review helpful This is one of the first things I've tried to cook, and I don't think it came out how it was...

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Super Foods: Tuna Pita Melts | Submitted By: GLORI B.

6 (6-inch) pitas2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained2 tablespoons mayonnaise2 tablespoons dill pickle relish1/2 teaspoon dried dill1/4 teaspoon salt1 large tomato, sliced into thin wedges1 cup shredded Cheddar cheesePreheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the whole pita breads in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted. In a medium bowl, mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, relish, dill and salt. Spread an equal amount of the tuna mixture onto each of the pita breads. Arrange tomato wedges over the tuna, and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake for 5 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese has melted. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 362 | Total Fat: 12.5g | Cholesterol: 43mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Servings Per Recipe: 6

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 362

Total Fat: 12.5gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 661mgTotal Carbs: 35.2g    Dietary Fiber: 1.8gProtein: 25.8g VIEW DETAILED NUTRITION
About: Nutrition Info

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Sugar-Free Recipes: Steamed Lobster Tails | Submitted By: Nancy

1 tablespoon sea salt4 (6 ounce) lobster tails1/2 cup butter, meltedPour about 1 inch of water in the bottom of a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the salt and place a steamer insert inside the pot so that it is just above the water level. Put the lobster tails on the rack and cover the pot. Cover and steam for 8 minutes. And don't peek! Serve with melted butter. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 356 | Total Fat: 24.5g | Cholesterol: 223mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 356

Total Fat: 24.5gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 1987mgTotal Carbs: 0.9g    Dietary Fiber: 0gProtein: 32.2g VIEW DETAILED NUTRITION
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You Can Cook 5 Star Secret Restaurant Recipes Like the Chefs in Your Own Home

Do you want to cook the 5 star secret restaurant recipes at home to amaze your friends and family? Are you a big - no make that huge - fan of food? Not the kind you can get at your average fast food joint, but good food. You know premium meats and organic veggies combined with amazing spices and seasonings to create a meal that literally melts in your mouth and makes you feel as if you've just taken a little bite of heaven? Do you love to cook and want to know how your favorite five star chefs can create these wonderful meals? Well, you are closer than you think to learning how to cook like a pro.

Sure, many of us can cook and lots of us can cook well, but, we don't know quite how to cook like a professional chef, although lots of us would love to. Cooking is an art and talent, but there are certain tricks and secret recipes that 5 star chefs use that you can learn, too. Imagine transforming your cooking from good to excellent. How would it feel to be able to host a dinner party and have everyone raving about your secret restaurant recipes? No matter what we choose to do in life, we want to stand out. If you are a cook, then you need to learn what the professionals in world renowned restaurants know in order to let your talents shine.

When you learn 5 star secret recipes that you can cook in your own home, you will not only save money, but you'll be able to have what you crave any time you want - because you cook it! Not only will you get secret restaurant recipes, but you will also find out how to use herbs the way they are supposed to be used. Have you ever wondered what flavors work well together? You can get a guide that will show you exactly what flavors to combine so that you will never have a recipe disaster again.

The truth is that truly fabulous recipes such as the ones you will find in 5 star restaurants require not only the freshest ingredients, but herbs and seasonings as well. Have you ever wondered how to create a truly authentic Cajun meal such as a top notch gumbo? It's not just about the ingredients, but it also has to do with the seasonings you add and if you don't know what they are, your meal will fall very flat.

When you have secret restaurant recipes, you'll never again be left wondering whether or not your food is as flavorful as it should be. Never again will you be left worrying that you haven't added the right seasoning, or paired the wrong meat with your potatoes.

Whether you're a new cook, or someone who's just looking to improve your cooking skills, by learning 5 star chef secrets, you will be able to create true culinary masterpieces. Not only that, but you will have secret restaurant recipes right at your fingertips any time you want them. So, what are you waiting for? Increase your cooking talents by learning top secret recipes of the pros and learn to cook the way the pros do. You could be making a culinary masterpiece by tonight.

Patricia Harris provides many cooking tips and cooking recipes. To find out more about the secret restaurant recipes and to learn to cook like a chef, with wonderful '5 Star Secret Recipes' visit 'Cooking Any Style' cookinganystyle.com today.

Healthy Main Dish Recipes: Chicken Pepper Steak | Submitted By: Tiara

1 tablespoon vegetable oil4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts1 teaspoon seasoning salt1/2 teaspoon onion powder2 teaspoons minced garlic1/2 cup soy sauce, divided1 large onion, cut into long slices2 tablespoons cornstarch2 1/2 cups water1 green bell pepper, sliced4 roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and choppedHeat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and onion powder, and place in skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, then add the garlic, 4 tablespoons soy sauce, and half of the sliced onion. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, and the juices run clear. Dissolve cornstarch in water in a small bowl, and blend into the chicken mixture. Stir in 4 tablespoons soy sauce, bell pepper, tomatoes, and remaining onion. Simmer until gravy has reached desired consistency. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 248 | Total Fat: 7.5g | Cholesterol: 72mg

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Healthy Side Dish Recipes: Baked Beans, Texas Ranger | Submitted By: Daphne Esparza

1 (28 ounce) can baked beans with pork1 medium onion, diced1 medium bell pepper, diced4 links spicy pork sausage, cut into chunks2 tablespoons chili powder3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce4 tablespoons vinegar1/2 cup packed brown sugar1/2 cup ketchup1 teaspoon garlic powdersalt to taste1 dash cayenne pepper (optional)Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a Dutch oven, combine the baked beans, onion, bell pepper, and sausage. Season with chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic powder and salt. Add a dash of cayenne if desired. Cover and bake for one hour in the preheated oven. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 301 | Total Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 23mg

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High-Fiber Recipes: Artichoke and Sun-dried Tomato Chicken | Submitted By: LMVANTASSEL

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper to taste2 teaspoons olive oil1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions1/4 cup sun-dried tomato pesto1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained and quarteredSeason both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in skillet; cook, turning once to brown each side. Remove chicken from pan, and set aside. Pour tomatoes into pan; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, and incorporating any brown bits from bottom of pan. Stir in pesto and artichokes, and return chicken to pan. Cover, and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 249 | Total Fat: 6.5g | Cholesterol: 68mg

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Easy, delicious, low carb, low fat, low cal, & healthy! A perfect recipe! I only think next time I will add a little garlic. Thanks! Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
10 users found this review helpful Easy, delicious, low carb, low fat, low cal, & healthy! A perfect recipe! I only think next... 

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Low-Calorie Recipes: Mushroom Spinach Soup | Submitted By: Karena

3 tablespoons butter3 leeks, chopped2 onions, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced2 pounds chopped mushrooms2 teaspoons dried savory1/4 teaspoon dried oregano1/3 cup sherry9 cups chicken stock2 tablespoons tomato paste1 bay leafsalt to tasteground black pepper to taste10 leaves fresh spinachSaute butter, leeks, onion, and garlic until clear. Add mushrooms (except the 8 reserved chopped mushrooms), savory, oregano, sherry, stock, tomato paste and bay leaf. Simmer for 30 minutes or so. Strain out the vegetables. Stir the reserved mushrooms and spinach leaves into the broth, and cook until spinach is wilted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 106 | Total Fat: 4.5g | Cholesterol: 14mg

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Reviewed on Nov. 10, 2003 by FBA    I substituted olive oil for the butter, omitted the leeks, savory, & oregano, used regular & baby portobello mushrooms, added an extra Tbsp. of tomato paste, & added some sliced baby spinach leaves. I did not strain the soup. This would be an elegant first course for a nice dinner. I took it to lunch one day, & it's not really filling though, like a bean-type soup. Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
16 users found this review helpful I substituted olive oil for the butter, omitted the leeks, savory, & oregano, used regular &... Uh-oh, looks like no one has created a custom version of this recipe yet. Be the first to do it - make changes to this recipe now! 

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Healthy Fast Food Recipes - How to Cook Them

Love fast food but hate the calories? Here's an option that gives you the best of both worlds: cook your favorite fast food recipes at home and reduce the fat content in the process! Fast food restaurants often cook with the most fattening and salty ingredients possible to get people hooked. Fortunately, you can cook many of these menu items at home and reduce the salt and fat without reducing the flavor. Here are a few tips on how to do it.

First, instead of deep frying, fry your food in a healthy oil, like olive oil. You can also use a reduced fat oil to further decrease the calories. This will allow you to get that deep fried taste without all the harmful fats that most fast food recipes use. Simply pour a small amount into a skillet and fry it up.

Next, reduce the salt. A high salt intake causes high blood pressure and a variety of other health problems. Reduce the salt in the recipe to help reduce this problem. You won't even notice the difference. Also watch out for other seasonings high in salt.

Reduce high calories condiments. You can majorly lower the calorie content of your meal by reducing high fat condiments like mayonnaise, ranch, and sour cream. Instead, use a low-fat alternative, or just reduce the amount. You'll still get the great flavor, but you'll cut the calories nearly in half!

But how do I cook fast food recipes and dishes at home? It's surprisingly easy to cook most popular menu items at home. Many of them can be made with common household ingredients. All you need is a cookbook of replica recipes and a little practice and you can be cooking healthy fast food dishes in no time! Give it a try, you can save time, money, and calories!

Check out the website below for details.

For tons of fast food recipes, check out The CopyCat Cookbooks. They contain over 500 replica recipes from all the most popular fast food and restaurant chains in America.

Puerto Rican Food Recipes

I want to talk to you about Puerto Rican Food Recipes. A subject near and dear to my heart. Growing up my mom and my grandmother provided us with the daily food my family ate. Sometimes when you are accustomed to something you take it for granted. However, the first time I spent an extended time away from Puerto Rico I realized my home cooking was special.

If you are in a Puerto Rican restaurant or visiting Puerto Rico be sure to try some of these dishes:

1. Asopao de Pollo - A hearty chicken soup with rice. There are other variations like the one with shrimp or pigeon peas but for my money, the chicken is the one.

2. Mofongo relleno de camarones - This is a Meshed plantain dish that is usually a side dish but if you find the one stuffed with shrimp or seafood count yourself a lucky person.

3. Arroz con Pollo - Rice and chicken a Puerto Rican food recipe classic.

4. Carne Frita - Fried pork chunks. If you find a place that also adds some wilted onion on top this is a great find.

5. Chicharrones de Pollo - Deep fried chicken chunks, a tasty treat that can be eaten on its own as an appetizer or with rice and beans as a meal.

6. Pescado entero al Mojo Isleño - Whole fish with a tomato onion sauce. If you are in a coastal town in Puerto Rico and they have this on the menu you will be very happy you know about this great dish.

7. Tembleque - This is a treat it is like a light coconut custard that shakes like Jell-O. Hence the name tembleque, which can be loosely translated as jiggling.

8. Arroz con Dulce - Candied rice, another treat very common around Christmas but sometimes available the rest f the year.

So the next time you are in a Puerto Rican restaurant or home and you have the chance to taste any of these great Puerto Rican food recipes count yourself lucky and enjoy the meal.

To learn more visit Hugo Felix at The Minute Gourmet, from risotto to Caesar Salad Recipes tips and tools that get you to dinner faster, web site today! Also visit Hugo?s blog at http://hugoseats.blogspot.com for some lively discussion on making fast cooking great.