Soul Food Restaurants - 3 Most Frequently Asked Questions

Soul food restaurants have a reputation of good food and plenty of it for a reasonable price. Of course the in my opinion the top soul food restaurants still live in the south. But as the competition gets hotter more upstarts are making a name for themselves in many northern, eastern and western locations. These new upstarts bring a new twist and a fresh angle to traditional southern cuisine never seen before. This has caused many questions in people minds who watch changes slowly take place in the industry.  I often get questions on the new trend of soul food eating establishments spreading across the country, I'll share them here with you.

1. Is old school soul food restaurants fading away?

Yes and no. If you're talking about the eatery that refuses to change in the way of ingredients they use such as lard or other animal fats. Or subject their customers to bad service and less than desirable cleaning practices, yes. That establishment is working on borrowed time. But the business that continues to look for healthier ways to cook their dishes while preserving the down-home taste of it's recipes as much as possible is here to stay.

2. What's up with the healthy trend?

This has been the edge that carried the tasty southern cuisine back. Long saddled with the reputation of being unhealthy because of the large amount of animal fat, salt and butter, soul has turned healthier leaf on life. Restaurants continue to turn to healthier ingredients, cooking methods and  seasoning techniques to offer a healthier end product to the customer.

3. What's the best way to choose a good soul food restaurant?

You can go by many ways. For example, time in business,  convenient location,  price. But the best way that has stood the test of time is word-of-mouth. A good place to eat will always leave clues. If it's real good people will talk ... If it's real bad people will talk.

Discover the top 20 Free Soul Food Recipes for this month chosen by readers - based on taste, easy preparation and low cost. Watch video cooking demonstrations - go to ... Soul Food Recipes

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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Healthy Side Dish Recipes: Avocado Side Dish | Submitted By: sal

1 (8 ounce) package uncooked spaghetti1 avocado - pitted, peeled, and cubed1 tablespoon lime juice1 (15 ounce) can vegetarian chili1/3 cup sliced green onion2 large tomatoes, diced1 teaspoon minced garlic1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantroBring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. In a small bowl combine avocado and lime juice. In a separate bowl combine chili, green onion, tomatoes, garlic and cilantro. Serve pasta topped with chili mixture and avocado. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 210 | Total Fat: 5.6g | Cholesterol: 0mg

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Soul Food Questions - Top FAQ on Soul Food

Soul food continues to rise in popularity. The southern cuisine is famous for its homemade, comfort food feeling. In this age of mass-produced, over processed, fast food, the magical taste and down-home feeling this southern comfort cuisine brings to a table and people's taste buds makes it appealing. The converts continue to grow across color, racial and ethnic lines.

The popular African American food has been around for hundreds of years. Surprisingly many people have little or no idea what it is. Many people born and raised in the Northern United States, Canada or other foreign countries have only a vague idea of what soul food is.

Here's some of the most frequently asked questions.

The origin of soul food recipes go back to the time of slavery in the America. It's one of the few foods that originated in America. The food usually consisted of meats, vegetables and other edibles the slave masters wouldn't or didn't eat. For example, the slave masters gave the cheapest cuts of meat, the less desirable or worse tasting vegetables and fruits to the slaves.

Slowly discovering creative ways to prepare, cook and season the food quickly made it into a special taste treat. Soon the food not only began to taste good , but it supplied the needed energy and staying power slaves needed to work the long days.

Soon slaves began to call it good times food. Why? Because it represented good times as people began to enjoy it on holidays and other special occasions as they still do today. The term soul food, coined in the 1960's, affectionately described the food that was not only good for the body, but good for the soul too.

Over the years cooks have developed cooking and seasoning techniques to make a once undesirable food into a taste treat. Examples of soul food? Sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, collard greens, black eye peas, hot water cornbread, hush puppies and seafood gumbo to name a few.

Is It Bad For Your Health?

Traditional this southern favorite, which used high amounts of animal fats such as lard, used large amounts of salt and included fatty meats have been contributors of various health concerns. For example, high blood, pressure diabetes and other health ailments.

But with new cooking techniques, ingredients and the elimination of animal fats, healthy recipes continue to grow in popularity. The popular African American food continues to collect loyal fans outside the African American community.

What's the Best Way To Choose A Good Restaurant?

There's many points to consider when choosing a good restaurant, such as ambiance, price, reputation, etc. But the best way to choose a good soul food establishment that continues to stand the test of time is simply word of mouth.

One subject people like to brag about is good places they've eaten at. Many of my readers ask me this question. "Roy what's best way to pick a good restaurant?" My answer's always the same, "good restaurants leave witnesses." Let this be your guide when choosing a good soul food restaurant, look for witnesses, if you can't find any ... beware!

Roy Primm has written dozens of soul food articles and other online soul food recipes. For more food for the soul cooking tips, recipes and thousands of free Brand Name Coupons go to Free Soul Food Recipes

Two Tasty Enchilada Recipes

An enchilada is a corn tortilla wrapped around a filling and topped with chili sauce. There are various recipes that you can choose from if you want to make some authentic Mexican food recipes.

This recipe can feature meat, poultry, beans, cheese, or a combination of these. The most important parts are the corn tortilla and the chili sauce and enchiladas are amongst the most popular Mexican food recipes ordered at Mexican restaurants.

Sonora Style Enchiladas

These tasty snacks feature green onions and Longhorn cheese, as well as salad. This is a very simple recipe and it makes a great dinner for a busy weeknight evening.

What you will need:

1 chopped onion
2 cups red chili sauce
4 chopped green onions
1 1/2 cups shredded Longhorn cheese
12 corn tortillas
1/4 shredded lettuce
2 chopped tomatoes
Sour cream and salsa, to serve

How to make them:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat the chili sauce in a pan. Dip a tortilla in the sauce then lay it on a cookie sheet. Ladle a tablespoon of sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle cheese on top.

Add some chopped onion. Repeat this to make a stack of three. Bake for ten minutes, then garnish with tomato, lettuce, and green onions. Serve the enchiladas with salsa and sour cream.

Easy Microwave Enchilada Recipe

You can use the microwave to make enchiladas but they will still take a total of about twenty minutes to cook, so the oven might be just as good. If you are using the oven to cook something else though, this microwave enchilada recipe can be handy. The julienne-cut vegetables add nutrition and color to these tasty Mexican snacks and the taco seasoning adds spiciness.

What you will need:

2 tablespoons water
1 sliced onion
1 cup peeled, julienned carrots
1 chopped tomato
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cups julienned zucchini
1 chopped green bell pepper
10 corn or flour tortillas
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 1/4 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese

How to make them:

Put the water and onion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Cook on high for two minutes, and then add the carrots, tomato, mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, and taco seasoning. Microwave on high for fourteen minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Wrap the tortillas with wax paper and cook them on high until they are warm. This will take about fifty seconds. Put a tablespoon of the vegetable mixture at one end of the tortilla and sprinkle a tablespoon of cheese over the top.

Roll the tortillas up and put them seam-side down in a twelve by eight inch dish. Pour the rest of the vegetable liquid over them, then cover the dish with wax paper and cook the tortillas for five minutes on high. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over them and serve.

If you enjoy making different Mexican recipes what about making enchiladas? There are also hundreds of other traditional Mexican recipes that you can make quickly and easily at home with fresh produce, poultry, meat or fish and a clever combination of Mexican herbs and spices.

MexicanFoodRecipes.org When it has to be Real Authentic Mexican Food

Healthy Breakfast Recipes: Tofuberry Smoothie | Submitted By: FEBA

1/4 cup diced silken tofu2 tablespoons soy milk1/4 cup fruit yogurt1/2 cup raspberries1/4 banana2 cups orange juicePlace tofu, soy milk, yogurt, raspberries, banana, and orange juice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour in glasses over ice or vanilla ice cream. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 132 | Total Fat: 1.4g | Cholesterol: < 1mg

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High-Fiber Recipes: Taco Seasoning III | Submitted By: Joanie

1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour1/2 cup dried onion flakes1 teaspoon dried minced garlic1 cup chili powder2 teaspoons dried oregano2 teaspoons ground cumin4 teaspoons saltIn a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine flour, onion flakes, garlic, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt. Close lid securely, and shake well to mix contents. One half cup is equivalent to 1 (1.25 ounce) package of taco seasoning. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 27 | Total Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg

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Low Glycemic Impact Recipes: Fresh Pea Soup | Submitted By: Lizz C.

2 tablespoons butter2 medium shallots, finely chopped2 cups water3 cups fresh shelled green peassalt and pepper to taste3 tablespoons whipping cream (optional)Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Cook the shallots until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Pour in the water and peas, season to taste with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the peas are tender, 12 to 18 minutes. Puree the peas in a blender or food processor in batches. Strain back into the saucepan, stir in the cream if using, and reheat. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 195 | Total Fat: 10.3g | Cholesterol: 31mg

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Free Soul Food Recipes Sites Booming

Free soul food recipe sites continue to see adding growth. Many experts believe the recession is causing more people to flee to free recipes sites including sites specializing in southern cuisine. The comfort feeling food has enjoyed a surge in popularity in the past two years. As the economy slows studies reveal more people seek the comfort of food to ease the pain, disappointment and uncertainty.

As the economy tightens people slowly abandon eating at restaurants and choose to cook more meals at home. This encourages more budding and want-to-be cooks to seek the knowledge free soul food recipe sites bring. Many sites not only offer recipes they also have cooking tips, instructional books, demonstrating videos and even online classes to meet the growing consumer demand. Soul food has the reputation of staying with you longer compared to other American foods. Foods such as collard greens, pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, cornbread, peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, candied yams and more make up this southern cuisine.

Formerly soul food recipes was handed down from grandmothers to daughters. But with the fast food boom of the last 2 decades many of today's adults don't know how to cook like past generations. However, the economic downturn of the past year has forced many families to prepare more meals at home. A Department of Agriculture estimates a family can save over 47%-57% by preparing meals at home as opposed to eating out. That's an enormous savings in a time where most families watch every penny. If you love the down home comfort feeling of this southern cuisine, take advantage of the many free soul food recipes sites available on the web. They'll help you slash the cost of feeding your family.

Discover the top 20 Free Soul Food Recipes for this month chosen by readers - based on taste, easy preparation and low cost. Watch video cooking demonstrations - go to ... Soul Food Recipes

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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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.

Low-Carb Recipes: Emily's Famous Onion Dip | Submitted By: Emily B.

2 tablespoons butter1 small onion, finely chopped2 cups plain yogurt1/2 teaspoon white vinegarsalt and pepper to tasteMelt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onions in butter until tender and lightly browned. Transfer onions to a serving bowl, and stir in yogurt and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to blend flavors. This tastes even better if it sits overnight. The onion flavor gets stronger. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 34 | Total Fat: 1.9g | Cholesterol: 6mg

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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.

Low-Sodium Recipes: Tomato Tang Salad Dressing | Submitted By: Sara

1 cup chopped fresh tomato1/3 cup red wine vinegar1 dash Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon ketchup2 teaspoons Dijon mustard1 tablespoon minced fresh basil1 tablespoon minced fresh thymePlace tomato, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, basil, and thyme in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate until serving. Amount Per Serving  Calories: 18 | Total Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 0mg

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Japanese Food Recipes - Easy to Make

In many countries, Japanese restaurants are great places to hang out in, as the food tastes great, and the ambience is cool and relaxed. More and more people are becoming fans of Japanese food, as it is also very healthy; making them look for Japanese food recipes. There are many different dishes offered in Japanese restaurants, and two of the favourites are teriyaki and tempura. To show that Japanese food recipes are easy to follow, we will look at how these two are prepared.

Teriyaki sauce is an example of a Japanese food recipe that's easy to follow. There are plenty of foods that use teriyaki sauce, and it is certainly a great addition to meats, giving it a tangy and sweet taste. You will need a half cup of soy sauce and a half cup of mirin, or Japanese cooking wine. Pour both into a pan and stir. Put it in low heat and let simmer for a couple of minutes. Let cool and place into a jar. Pour onto beef or chicken for a sweet sauce.

Many people cannot resist tempura. This is good food that can be eaten as part of a meal, or even as a snack. Best of all, tempura batter can be done so easily. All you need is an egg, a cup of ice water, and a cup of all-purpose flour. Beat the egg in a bowl and add the ice water in. Slowly add in the sifted flour and mix lightly. Dip the shrimps into the batter and fry. If you are making vegetable tempura, make sure you fry the vegetables first before the shrimps or seafood.

These two are favourites among Japanese food enthusiasts, but are very simple to make. Now you can enjoy these foods in your own home, and serve them to friends and family.

Are you looking to cook delicious Japanese foods?? We can show you every step you need to follow to cook over 108 top Japanese recipes!? Save money and cook amazing Japanese food, go to http://www.JapaneseCookingDIY.com now!

The Simplest Italian Food Recipes

A lot of flavorsome Italian food recipes are available which you can easily prepare and serves to your guests. Why pay for a restaurant meal when you can make things really easily at home? These simple recipes are easy to prepare and lovely to serve. Try some of those listed below.

Chicken Marsala

One of the most popular Italian recipes made with wine is chicken Marsala. Based on Marsala wine, mixed with sherry wine, this is an exclusive and elegant recipe and is apposite for the most sophisticated events or official parties. It is easy to prepare, low fat by using skinless boneless chicken breasts and very little oil. It also contains fresh herbs, usually oregano. In this dish chicken is generally served on a bed of steamed rice along with steamed vegetables. A fantastic way to eat low fat food.

Shrimp Scampi

This recipe is also an excellent Italian dish usually loved by the local Italians. It is good with garlic and butter. Serve it with crusty bread to make it more attractive to the diners.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs is one of the most famous Italian recipes. The most significant cooking tip here is to use the best available ingredients. You can benefit from using the best ingredients as even the chopped tomatoes can really make this recipe more delicious. Moreover for making the meatballs you can choose beef or veal. The most appropriate is beef as it is more suitable to the sauce used as veal goes best with mild, delicate sauces.

Beef Carpaccio

This Italian dish is a restaurant-style starter that looks very smart but is actually really simple. It contains thin cuts of raw beef and is normally served as a starter or as an "antipasto". Beef Carpaccio was actually introduced in Harry's Bar in the Venice of 1950 and named after the Renaissance painter Vittore Carpaccio. From here it has become well-known across the whole globe. Certain recipe ingredients often utilized in this delicious dish for example, lemon wedges and arugula (or rocket) leaves make its taste extraordinary.

Kath Ibbetson has a BSc, a diploma in aromatherapy and a certificate in counseling. But most of all she is a mother and an enthusiastic Italian cook. Italian food is her passion and she has been cooking it for 30 years. Visit her site
FoodTheItalianWay.com

Why Soul Food Recipe Sites are Flooding the Internet

One of the fastest growing cuisines on the internet is free soul food recipe sites. You can find advertisers clamoring for space on many of the many popular search engines. You can find major mainstream food manufacturers and processors advertising under the keywords. And you can find ambitious upstarts paying for adverting along side billion dollar food corporations for search engine ad space.

Where did this sudden interest come from? Soul food recipes have always enjoyed a long tradition. A popular southern cuisine that dates back to Pre-Civil war slavery. The food that slaves invented, nurtured and preserved for over 3 centuries, is now a billion dollar industry. Yes, this popular southern cuisine has come from food the slave master didn't want to a lucrative industry. The soul food recipes industry includes cookbook publishing, restaurants, food manufacturing, television cooking shows, and food marketing. Now can you see why major food manufactures are elbowing for a piece of the soul food recipe market.

But what's fueling this sudden surge in popularity? The big surge now is the economy. People are eating out less and cooking more meals at home, specifically African Americans who have been hit hardest by the economic downturn of the past 3 years. They'll looking for more ways to save money. One of the biggest and quickest ways to save money is to cook more meals at home. The average family can save over half of their total food cost by cooking more meals at home instead of eating out.

As more African Americans save money by cooking more meals at home this has been an obvious boost to the soul food industry. Why? Because African Americans consume the most. And any market that experiences fast growth automatically attracts advertisers and the crowd that comes with it. That's why you're finding more websites, food marketers, processors and distributors adverting on those pages hoping to attract the growing number of eyes to their products and services.

In the industry is expected to grow as more new families and mothers look to save by cooking more meals at home. There is a whole new generation who will have a need to learn soul food cooking skills in the coming years. Recipe books, websites and even classes will fill a growing consumer need to many people who have to learn how to do what mothers of past generation learned from their mothers and grandmothers.

Be sure to see the top 20 soul food recipes chosen by readers this month, plus watch soul food experts cook the most popular southern dishes and watch the recipes come alive before your eyes... Go to... http://blackhomeownernews.com/soulfoodrecipes.html