Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

A Country Western themed menu is perfect for almost any type of party. Perfect for a great Sunday afternoon, try these country western menu options for your next after lazy afternoon party.

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

Select a terrific appetizer for a country western party like pigs in a blanket. There are many varieties of pigs in a blanket - you can wrap hot dogs in heat and eat croissants, or make a mixture of meat and onions to wrap in cabbage leaves. After guests devour the pigs in a blanket, sit down with a main course of slow cooked barbeque ribs and sour cream corn bread. Finish the meal off with sweet strawberry shortcake. Of course it wouldn't be a country western party without the guests' favorite beer to sip on.
To create the sour cream corn bread for the country western party start with 1 1/2 cups cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 scant teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup sour cream, 1 can (approx. 15 ounces) cream-style corn, 3 eggs, and 6 tablespoons butter, melted. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the remaining ingredients. Combine mixtures, stirring until all ingredients are moistened. Spread in a greased and floured 9-inch baking pan. Bake at 375° for 35 to 40 minutes.

Hot Dog Cooker

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

A perfect Sunday afternoon is complete after eating this country western menu of pigs in a blanket, barbeque ribs, sour cream corn bread and strawberry shortcake. Try these dishes at your next gathering or any meal with loved ones. This will keep your guests trotting back for more.

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

Background information

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

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How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

Quinoa is often thought of as a grain but in fact seeds from a plant. These seeds are small and come in a range of varieties. The most common variety is white which has now become readily available in the uk being stocked by Tesco, Sainsbury's and numerous health Food shops. Red quinoa has recently become available in the uk although I understand that it has been on sale in the U.S. for quite some time.

The truth about rinsing

For most types you do not need to rinse it. This is because the large manufacturers realized that they would sell more if it was prewashed before going on sale. So I have not found quinoa on sale that has not been rinsed in the last few months. If it tastes bitter then you need to rinse it by running it under a cold tap for 2 - 3 minutes before Cooking.

What does it taste like?

This superFood has a unique flavour and feel to it. It is compared to rice but it has a definite crunch to it. If you overcook it, it will become soft and fluffy like rice but it will not become sticky and stodgy like overcooked rice does. The flavour is unique but is similar to other grains which is probably why it gets confused with other grains. The best description I can think of is like a mildly crunchy porridge.

How do you cook it?

The simplest method is to boil it. You take one part of quinoa to two parts of cold water. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 10 - 20 minutes. There are 2 factors that effect the Cooking time.

You can slightly under cook the grains for 8 - 10 minutes which gives a much nuttier and crunchy feel. This is the way I prefer it. When it is subsequently added to other ingredients for a bit more Cooking it is better to undercook it. In fact one method of Cooking (shown below) includes no pre-cooking at all.

How to microwave these grains

It can be cooked in a microwave quite simply. Using the same ratio of 1 part quinoa and 2 parts water place them in a microwave dish and cook for 3 minutes. Then leave to stand. Stir for a moMent and cook for a further 3 - 5 minutes. Allow to stand for 2 minutes. Any remaining liquid can be drained - it is important that the grains in a microwave are not allowed to go dry.

Cooking soups and casseroles

This method simply includes quinoa in soup recipes and casseroles. There is no need to pre-cook the grains in the ways shown above. In soups it can add substance and flavour just by adding it to a favourite recipe. It really is a matter of trying out different soup recipes to find out what you like. Casseroles are very similar.

How to sprout

Quinoa sprouts are the least impressive sprouts you will ever see.It takes only 2 - 3 days to sprout and must be eaten straight away as it does not keep well. The sprouts are tiny. The benefit of preparing the grains this way is that you can eat it raw. A huge boost for those on a restrictive diet demanding raw food. The protein content is almost legendary and raw it really packs a punch as it is full of nutrients and vitamins. It is best combined with other salad vegetables as it can be quite bland on its own.

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

A hot dog is a classic American treat - much like Grandma's hot apple pie or a Sunday afternoon spent Watching a baseball game. When choosing your hot dog equipMent, it is important to know the difference between a grill, a Steamer, and a rotisserie. Once you are familiar with the most popular equipMent, it will be easy to choose which one is right for your concession stand.

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

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How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

The Convenience of a Steamer

A hot dog Steamer is a compact way to serve delicious hot dogs at any type of event or venue. A steamer is most often made from stainless steel, with pricing starting at 0. A mid-size hot dog steamer is capable of handling a quarter pound of hot dogs at one time.

However, the large steamer is actually a better buy then a smaller model; it has a separate water pan and heat control that makes it a more efficient product. With this type of steamer, there is more Cooking room and the sections easily come apart, making cleaning a breeze.

The Appeal of a Hot Dog Grill

A grill is one of the most popular pieces of hot dog equipMent that is currently available. A hot dog grill is highly popular because most of the population loves grilled Food, especially during the summertime. There are different types and sizes of grills that can handle a small or large volume of people.

A grill is more expensive then a steamer, but can service a greater volume of customers. For example, the Lil' Diggity Slanted Hot Dog Grill has dual heat and motor controls that make this hot dog grill easy to handle, even during peak times. The hot dog grill has a stainless steel cabinet and stainless steel roller tubes, which are guaranteed for life.

The one downside to having a hot dog grill, beyond the cost factor, is that it takes 20-30 minutes to cook each dog. You will have to have a staff member work the grill at all times and be ready to handle peak times. Nonetheless, a hot dog grill, whichever size, appeals to all of the senses of your customers, and it delivers a delicious merchandise every time.

The Volume Capabilities of a Hot Dog Rotisserie

A rotisserie is an easy way to cook over 50 hot dogs at one time. The visual appeal of a hotdog rotisserie makes it an excellent addition to any concession stand; the rotating rack attracts the attention of the consumer, therefore increasing the amount of traffic that your hot dog stand receives. Also, most rotisseries come with a bun warmer, holding up to 40 buns at once. You obtain the bonus of a two-in-one piece of equipMent, which minimizes both space needs and expense.

A hot dog rotisserie is more expensive than the other options, but an attractive element for any concession stand to have.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Concession Stand

Your choice in concession equipment depends upon your budget, size restrictions, and volume needs. You should also keep in mind that there are several enhancements you can make to the equipment, such as bun warmers. In addition, you want to provide sufficient space for condiments, as a hot dog is naked without ketchup, mustard, and relish.

Whichever type of hot dog equipment you choose, the all-American classic Food will give you a surefire hit, regardless of the type of venue you are servicing.

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

In deciding on whether you want to get a hot dog push cart or a trailer towed cart, here are some features that you should also consider:

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

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Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

Hot Dog Broiler

A Food cart will often include a broiler for keeping those dogs toasty. The hot dog broiler is your classic "heat box" where the dogs rotate on sticks. As they rotate, they get close to the broiling area where they get heated through.

Hot Dog Steamer

A Steamer works on a different principle. It uses hot steam to cook the dogs. This will also be a common fixture on your cart.

Bun Warmer

A bun warmer is an important part of the cart setup for sellers who want to create the best experience for their patrons. It keeps the buns crisp and presentable. It is often attached to a larger commercial machine.

Continuous Welding

This is a welding method where the weld goes all along a seam to provide added strength. This is used on some street vending carts to make sure they stand up to the pressures of the road.

Hot dog carts should ideally be:

Built from durable materials that resist corrosion
Able to withstand constant use and abuse
Hygienic
Easy to clean

To achieve these qualities, most carts are made of stainless steel. But some carts also have parts made from plastic, wood or fiberglass. Vending carts may vary from a lightweight push cart at about 200 lbs (90 kg) to fully enclosed walk-in carts weighing half a ton or more.

Health code regulations are usually dictated by state and county health departMents and, as a result, they vary widely across the United States and Canada. In addition to determining the kind of Food to be served, these local codes often specify the types of equipMent that should be installed on a mobile Food cart.

These mandated health regulations also ensure that the Food cart has built-in facilities for appropriate hygiene standards, the equipMent and utensils being used, and the operator handling the food.

This may include hot and cold running water, an insulated ice box, and a number of separate sinks for washing hands and utensils. Some jurisdictions even clearly specify that a cart have as many as four sinks.

Local or state codes may also require that a food cart be approved by a quality assurance agency such as NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation). Local health codes may also require:

The cart to be physically inspected by the local health department; and
A cart operator should attend a training course in safe food handling and preparation.

Choosing between a push cart and tow cart as your next hot dog cart will basically depend on your space requirements and budget.

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Rice is one of those fantastic Foods which goes with just about anything and makes summertime meal preparation quick and easy. Who wants to spend hours in a hot kitchen when the sun is shining and there's laughter in the Air?

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

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Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Here are five great rice dishes to make summertime meals quick and delicious.

#1 Gallo Pinto
In Costa Rica rice is a staple, they even have it for breakFast. This tasty dish will help you start your day on the right foot.

Step One: Make one cup of white rice.

Step Two: You can make this ahead of time, the night before, and store it in your refrigerator. Sautee one small chopped onion in one tbsp of olive oil.

Step Three: Add one can of rinsed and drained black beans and one package of adobo sauce with cilantro and one tbsp of Lizano sauce. This is a salsa commonly found in Costa Rica. You can find it in your grocer or online.

Step Four: Refrigerate or set aside.

Step Five: Scramble two eggs in a nonstick pan. Add bean mixture and rice to egg mixture and serve.

#2 Chile-Cheese Burritos with Rice

Step One: Cook 1 cup of white rice.

Step Two: Sautee ½ cup shredded zucchini, ½ cup thinly sliced green onions, and 1 tbsp of canned chopped green chilies in a non-stick pan coated with Cooking spray.

Step Three: Add rice to sautéed vegetables, cook for one minute, remove from heat and add 3 tbsp sour cream.

Step Four: Warm flour tortillas according to package directions. Place rice mixture in the center of the tortilla, top with 1 oz of Monterey jack cheese and roll up.

Step Five: Serve with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a Dollop of salsa - enjoy!

#3 Fried Rice

This wonderfully easy recipe is great for leftover rice and makes a great quick and easy meal.

Step One: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium high heat in large skillet or wok.

Step Two: Add one or two eggs to pan (depending on how eggy you like your fried rice) and 1 teaspoon of dark sesame oil. Stir fry for two minutes.

Step Three: Add three cups of cold rice and stir fry for three minutes.

Step Four: Add vegetables of choice to rice. Common ingredients include ½ cup peas, ¼ cup diced carrot, and ¼ cup chopped onion.

Step Five: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with soy sauce - enjoy!

#4 Summertime Rice Salad

Cold rice? You betcha! This great salad is best served cold and jam packed with healthy seasonal vegetables.

Step One: Cook two cups of white rice.

Step Two: Chop and combine 2 green onions, 2 to 3 cloves of garlic, crushed and finely minced, 1 small summer squash, 1 large tomato, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1 cup spinach leaves, rolled together tightly and very thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 small carrot, grated or minced.

Step Three: In a small bowl combine: 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.

Step Four: Pour lemon juice and oil Dressing over vegetables. Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.

Step Five: Add rice to vegetable mixture and refrigerate or serve immediately.

#5 Rice Pudding.

We've covered breakFast, lunch, dinner and a salad, it's time for dessert and what's better than rice pudding?

Step One: Cook ¾ cup of your favorite rice. Basmati makes the best pudding.

Step Two: Combine 6 egg yolks and ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl and beat until smooth.

Step Three: Add the rice to the egg mixture and place in a shallow baking dish or pie pan.

Step Four: Place dish containing egg and rice mixture in a larger dish and add boiling water until it reaches halfway up the side of the egg mixture dish.

Step Five: Bake in a 250 degree oven for about an hour. Insert a knife in the center of the pudding. If it is done the knife will come out clean.

Step Six: Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Step Seven: Before serving sprinkle pudding with brown sugar and place under a pre-heated broiler for about one minute. Watch closely so it doesn't burn! Serve warm or cold.

Rice makes a fine foundation for a wide range of meals, while it can certainly be enjoyed year around the simplicity makes it a great base for many summertime meals.

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Choosing a used hot dog cart over a brand new one when starting a Food cart business is a wise move. Of course, that's because used carts are a lot cheaper than brand new ones. However, getting a used Food cart has its fAir share of pitfalls. Here is a list of these mistakes and how to avoid them:

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

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Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Hesitancy

Used hot dog carts are sold by former hot dog cart owners upon them upgrading their hot dog cart business. Vending cart manufacturers, more often than not, sell these used Food carts. Generally, they are sold at very affordable or under market value. In addition, they are refurbished to excellent condition. They sell rather quickly.

If you are having second thoughts or chose to live outgetting one, more likely you'll end up either having no other choice but to get the more expensive brand new cart or getting nothing at all.

Partial Research and Incomplete Examination

There are several online classified ads and sites that also advertise used hot dog carts such as eBay and craigslist. You can scout any of these websites. Specifications of these food carts will most likely be detailed on the site. However, there are physical features that you may need to actually see.

If you don't conduct thorough research about the unit you might end up getting a used hot dog cart in less then acceptable condition. So contact the trader and ask questions about the online shop. Take the time to personally inspect it.

Less DetailedInspection

Keep in mind that you have to painstakingly check the used cart you intend to buy. Other than the health inspection you have to inspect these three important features of a used cart:

1. the actual condition of the cart
2. inherent structural damages
3. possible hidden and unknown defects.

Getting an Non-inspected Used Cart

Does the used carts pass all health departMent requireMents? When was its last inspection? These are two basic and most important questions that you should be asking the seller or vending cart manufacturer when you decide to buy a used cart.

If the used food cart you're eying to buy hasn't been recently inspected or didn't pass a health inspection, you'll probably end up spending more money on upgrades in order to meethealth department regulations. Remember, you're just starting in the food cart business and you're still testing the waters. Save money where you can by buying equipment that needs minimal upgrading to operate and meets minimum code.

Impatience

Buying a used food cart that actually meets your ideal and fits your business plan can be arduous, tricky and quite difficult. Patience is what you need. However, this doesn't mean that you should dawdle.

So take your time to research but don't sit on your hands too long once you have all the information to make a purchase. Ask questions. Scout around. You'll see ... all your efforts and perseverance will all be worth it once you find the used hot dog cart that suits your business needs best.

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Summertime crock pot recipes, you may ask? But the crock pot is only used for "cold-weather meals" such as Catalan dishes, roasts, and other hearty stick-to-your-ribs type meals. Wrong! This fabulous kitchen appliance has truly received a seasonal stereotype and sits in many kitchen cupboards all summer long. Bring it back to your kitchen counter during the summer; there are so many benefits and fabulous light summertime meals that can be prepared in the slow cooker!

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

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Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Most people already know how wonderful crockpot Cooking is; throw a few ingredients in a pot, turn it on, and come back eight hours later to a wonderful home cooked meal. We also know that cheaper cuts of meat tender and juicy turn out because they're cooked with moist heat over long periods of time. It isperfect for the busy homemaker mom, the office, the busy dad, the work-at-home mom, anyone who has anything to do during the day and is Tired by dinnertime, not wanting to spend countless hours preparing dinner for their family. But crock pot Cooking is also perfect for the summertime.

Where I live, we have humid, hot, sticky summers where the last thing I want to do is turn on my oven or fire up my gas stove, much less spend time standing around them preparing meals! During the summer I don't crave meals like chicken and dumplings, lasagna, beef stew, or Pork roast. I want light meals with little or no preparation so I'm not standing in a hot kitchen getting even warmer and stickier. So, I use my crock pot! Out of any of the Cooking devices in your kitchen, it setsoff very little heat and can allow you to put everything into the slow cooker in the morning (when your kitchen is cool) and spoon it up at dinnertime (when your kitchen is not).

Sandwiches are among our favorite summertime meals, especially pAired with corn on the cob and a salad. Put a 3 pound beef or Pork roast in your crock pot with 1 cup of water. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove roast and shred meat, replace to crock pot and add a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. Stir, cover and cook on high an additional 15-20 minutes. Serve on sandwich buns--a great summertime meal.

Brats are also a huge summertime meal where I live, and many techniques have been created to prepare them properly. Many simmer their brats over a low flame on their stove in beerfor hours, heating up their kitchen as they do so. I use my crockpot! Place 12 brats in your crock pot, cover with 3-4 cans of beer (the cheaper the better), add one chopped onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cover and cook on high 7-8 hours. Remove brats and grill over a low flame until browned. Serve in hot dog or brat buns with ketchup, mustard, minced onion, and other desired toppings.

The crock pot is a wonderful kitchen appliance that should not be ignored during the summer. Here are more great summertime crockpot recipes!

Summertime Crockpot Recipes