Banana Caramel Cream Trifles

Image

INGREDIENTS

Vanilla Pudding:
    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/3 cup cornstarch
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla
    • 3 large eggs
    • 3 1/2 cups milk, whole milk preferred for a creamier pudding
Nilla Wafer Crumble:
    • 2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed Nilla Wafers (about 3/4 of an 11-ounce box)
    • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Bananas, Cream and Caramel:
  • 2-4 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup good-quality caramel sauce (my favorite homemade version here)
  • Sweetened whipped cream (1 cup heavy whipping cream whipped with 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar)

DIRECTIONS

  1. For the vanilla pudding, in a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, vanilla and eggs until well-combined. Whisk in 1/2 cup of the milk. In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 3 cups milk over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Slowly ladle in 1/2 cup or so of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking quickly and vigorously the entire time to avoid cooking the eggs and forming lumps. Repeat with another ladle of the hot milk, whisking until completely combined. This process tempers the eggs so they don’t scramble when added to the hot milk. Slowly pour the tempered egg/milk mixture into the simmering milk, whisking constantly, and cook over medium heat, stirring with a whisk or silicone spatula, until large bubbles break at the surface and the pudding is thick and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes. If desired, strain the pudding through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or just pour the pudding into a large bowl. cover the pudding with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding. Refrigerate until completely cooled, 4-5 hours.
  2. For the Nilla wafer crumble, combine the crumbs with the melted butter. Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, tossing once or twice, until the crumbs are golden and fragrant. They will appear soft right out of the oven, but once they cool on the baking sheet, they will crisp up. Once cool, the crumbs can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
  3. To assemble, keep in mind, this isn’t rocket science. You can basically layer the components however you like but this is how I did it: Start with a few tablespoons of the crumbles and press into the bottom of an individual trifle dish or similar-type dish. I added each layer to all of the six dishes before proceeding with the next layer. Now add a dollop of vanilla pudding to cover the crumbles. Spread the pudding to the edges of the dish(es). Add slices of banana to cover the pudding. Top the bananas with a spoonful of sweetened whipped cream, spreading to the edges of the dish. Add another layer of NIlla Wafer crumbles and a drizzle of caramel. Another layer of pudding, bananas, whipped cream, a sprinkle of crumbles on top and a final drizzle of caramel.
  4. Seriously, once you delve into this heavenly concoction, it won’t matter how it’s layered. Refrigerate the desserts for 1-2 hours (any longer and the bananas will have a tendency to get brown and mushy). Serve chilled.

7 Sports That Will Make You Healthier and Happier

Sport plays an important role in our life as it contributes greatly to our health. If you tend to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, you should certainly do some sports. It doesn’t mean you have to train day and night to become a professional sportsman, just make sure you do some slight physical exercises regularly and you will feel their positive effect soon. There are lots of sports that can be a nice pastime for you. By doing them you will boost your body’s activity and improve your mood at the same time. Depending on the weather, you’ll be able to enjoy these sports either outside or inside. Most sports are usually associated with hard work and exhaustion, but when you choose one of the following activities you will see that doing sport can be a great pleasure.

Image

1. Bowling

Image

Bowling is a wonderful indoor sport that normally involves a group of people. So, if you are looking for an active and fun way to spend time with your friends, this sport is exactly for you. Moreover, your children can also join this entertainment. When you decide to play bowling you won’t have to worry about special equipment as everything is provided by the lane. The only thing you need to do is to grab your friends or family and get ready to have fun.

2. Volleyball

Image

Every time I think about volleyball, such words as “summer” and “beach” come to my mind. Without a doubt, it is one of the most popular outdoor sports that you can do in summer. Surely, a place near the sea with soft sand is the perfect location for this ball game. However, you will not regret if you put up volleyball nets in a local park or your backyard. The number of people who can play volleyball is unlimited, even if you have a group of two you may start a game.

3. Tennis

Image

Playing tennis is an excellent way to exercise and get positive emotions. This is one of my favorite sports that I like to do with my friends on weekends. Tennis is an easy game to play and that is one of the main reasons I choose it from a variety of other activities. In case you don’t have anyone else with you, it is possible to do this sport alone. Go to the nearest park and simply hit the ball against the backboard. This exercise will help you to relieve stress and feel better. While other sports require different expensive equipment and special clothes, for tennis you just need to get a racket and a few tennis balls. If you purchase them at a secondhand store you’ll manage to save some money.

4. Badminton

Image

To some extent this sport resembles tennis, though there are still some differences between them. First of all, you are supposed to use a shuttlecock instead of a ball while playing badminton. Another difference is a long-handled racket with the help of which you will send a shuttlecock over a net. Perhaps, it seems too simple, but in real it may be rather difficult to beat your opponent. It would be a splendid idea to play badminton when you are at a picnic. This amusement will create cheerful atmosphere for you and your friends.

5. Slow Pitch Softball

Image

Slow pitch is a nice alternative to baseball, plus it’s much easier for beginners. When comparing this kind of sport with baseball, I should mention that it is played with slower speed and a larger ball is necessary for it. Due to this fact you can achieve good results in softball without problems. Anyway your failure is not a reason to get upset because you are not an athlete, it’s just a way to relax and have a great time with your pals. If you are sitting in front of your TV set and switching from channel to channel, I advise you to put on your sneakers and try slow pitch softball for a change.

6. Cross Country Skiing

Image

This pleasurable winter sport is recommended for those who are not afraid of severe weather and like adventures. Cross country skiing will give you a unique opportunity to exercise and admire marvelous landscapes around you. In addition, it will be an efficient way for you to forget about your problems and refresh your mind. One more reason why you should try this sport is the chance to burn extra calories. If you don’t have any experience in skiing it would be better to go with a person who is really good at this sport. First, you should learn to go up and down the hills, and then you will feel all the benefits of cross country skiing

7. Pool

Image

People of different age and capabilities can do this exciting sport. When you make a decision to play this game you should realize that geometry and some thinking ability are necessary for it. It is important to choose the right tactic in order to reach the desired destination with your ball. To demonstrate good results in an individual game you should know plenty of rules. But if your intention is just to entertain yourself you can pick up the pool cue and hit the balls to get them in the corners.

Every kind of sport has its advantages and disadvantages. Some sports are competitive and quite difficult to do while others are a good relaxation for you. When choosing the best activity to try in your free time, you should consider your individual tastes, physical abilities and those of the people who are with you.

10 Foods to Eat to Trim Down Your Body Naturally

Nowadays most of us have busy schedules and we don’t pay enough attention to our health. As we know, nutrition is the most significant part of our physical and emotional well-being, and it’s important to eat well even if you are on a diet. The main thing is to trim down your body the natural and healthy way and do it step-by-step that is quite difficult at times. Just look for all the best foods that make your body work like as a clock. Don’t be too strict and avoid suffering from poor nutrition and going hungry the whole day. Remember, wealth is nothing without health. So make sure you eat healthy and trim down your body naturally. Try to enrich your dishes with foods that support your physical well-being and help drop those unwanted pounds. You won’t have a feeling like you are a diet slave and there’s no need to stay hungry. Combine these foods with your snacks and meals and enjoy the process of losing weight with little efforts.

Image

 

1. Oats

A steaming bowl of fresh cooked oatmeal is the best way to gain the strength and energy to start off your active day. Oats are very easy to digest and always fulfill you with a great portion of healthy substances. 

Oats are a great source of magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. They contain a lot of iron and vitamin B1, too. Plus, oats are fat-free, having a lot of healthy minerals and vitamins. You can use oats in different dishes; add them to cookies, muffins, chicken omelets and smoothies. Oats stabilize the level of sugar in your blood and increase your fiber and protein intake. Nowadays many people eat oat meals in the morning and take it as a rule. We should know that oats are extremely useful for our health and they are one of the best foods to eat to trim down your body naturally.

Image

2. Fish

Fish is considered to be a super nourishing food that can help you drop a few unwanted pounds as quick as possible. It increases and repairs your lean muscle mass due to its amino acids content. Not to become bored with constant fish dishes, you can pair it with some other healthy foods. Fish is low in calories so don’t be afraid of getting fat, furthermore it contains no carbs at all. If you are anxious about fast weight loss, you should be sure that choosing other kinds of meat is not the best option.They say that fish is an indispensable element of nutrition. It is packed with vitamins and minerals. 

Image

3. Berries

Image

It seems berries are the most delicious food to eat to trim down your body naturally. They are extremely low in sugar and help burn fat cells as well. Berries raise the level of serotonin, making your mood majestic and stable to stresses. They contain a great number of vitamins, minerals and are rich in antioxidants, including quercetin, anthocyanins and vitamin C. All these elements help release toxins from a set of cells in the body.

Berries are “juicy foods” because they contain mostly water, that’s why they are great for losing weight. Moreover, berries contain folate and fiber that help us lower the level of cholesterol and normalize blood pressure

4. Greens

Image

Many people find greens the most effective way to trim down the body. Greens are incredibly low in calories and can help keep you full longer. Greens balance your body, regulate different physiological processes and make your mind bright. Greens are full of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that protect and restore your skin and body cells. They contain a high level of nutrients. When you eat greens, your body does not require more signals to eat, as a result, you feel full and don’t overeat.

Greens reduce the risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Moreover, they help reduce blood cholesterol levels. As we see, eating greens is one of the best ways to stay healthy and lose weight. They are a rich source of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamins such as C, K, E and B group as well.

5.coconut

Image

Coconut is a very special and delightful food to eat to trim down your body naturally. If you didn’t know, the palm tree is believed to be “The Tree of Life.” Coconut is good for your immunity, having antibacterial and antiviral effects. It boosts your mental activity, protects from stress by reducing the level of cortisol in your blood and keeps your mood in order.

Coconuts are an excellent source of fiber, minerals, amino acids and vitamins. They are packed with potassium, magnesium, calcium and a set of electrolytes. Coconut is used in many forms like oil, milk and butter. Eating coconuts supports the structure and development of healthy and strong teeth and bones. Coconut has useful antioxidant properties that slow down the aging process. It is a quick energy source and many people find it extremely nourishing.

6. Cucumbers

Image

I think everyone loves cucumbers. They are so useful and rich in helpful elements and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. Cucumbers are good for your health and they can help you shed a few unwanted pounds fast. Just be aware that they are often sprayed with pesticides, so try to buy organic ones.
Due to their low calorie and high water content, cucumbers aid in digestion and weight loss. Did you know that cucumbers eliminate bad breath? Take a slice of it and press in to the roof of your mouth with the tongue for a minute. Its chemicals will kill bacteria in your mouth.

Apart from weight loss, cucumbers boast numerous benefits. They are high in sulfur and silicon that help to stimulate hair growth. Cucumbers are also used to ease sunburns and skin irritations. Add them to your green smoothies, vegetable salads or eat them raw.

7. Egg whites

Image

Egg whites contain a lot of proteins and don’t have many calories. One egg has only 71calories and it’s one of the best foods to add to your healthy diet. An egg white contains selenium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. Egg whites can be used in various recipes. Eat them in the morning and they will leave you feeling much fuller than breakfast cereals. Egg whites also contain small amounts of vitamin B which is healthy for your body.

8. Lemons

Image

Lemons reduce stress due to their vitamin C content and burn fats with lightning speed. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings your weight down. Lemons are high in antioxidants that fight off free radicals, preventing many diseases, including cancers, stroke and cardiovascular diseases. If you feel that you are getting ill, try to start curing yourself with help of lemons. Lemon helps produce antibodies in blood that attack the invading micro organism and fights the infection. Add a few drops of lemon juice in hot water to purify the liver and clear the digestive system. Lemon is one of the best fat burning foods that can help you trim down your body naturally.

9. Veggies

Image

Veggies can be freely paired with greens to make your nutrition full and balanced. Everyone has their own favorite set of veggies. I prefer carrots, beets, celery, turnips and potatoes. I’m sure everyone knows about enormous benefits of Brussel spouts, onions, broccoli and cabbages. They are extremely nutritious and contain a great number of vitamins, fiber and water. All these elements and minerals fill your body up and help trim down the body naturally.

Veggies are also high in folate, potassium and vitamins A, E and C. The proverb says: “A sound mind in a sound body.” Try to add more veggies and greens to your eating plan and you will notice the improvement in a quite short period of time.

10. Nonfat Greek yogurt

Image

Everyone seems to like nonfat Greek yogurt it’s a great snack that is low in sugar, calories and high in protein. It’s also packed with potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin D and B 12. Nonfat Greek yogurts are essential, especially for women. Add your favorite berries to your yogurt and you will have a wonderful snack that will help you trim down your body naturally.

Choux Pastry/Profiteroles

Image

Ingredients:
Water 1 cup
Unsalted butter 1/2 cup or 4 oz
Salt a pinch
Sugar 1 tsp
Cup flour (sifted) 1 tsp
Eggs 4
for Filling:
Whipping cream 2 cups
Icing sugar 1/2 cup
Vanilla essence a few drops
for Chocolate Glaze:
Cooking chocolate 1/2 cup
Oil 2 tbsp


Method:

Preheat oven to 200C. Grease a baking sheet. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat and add in sifted flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Put back on heat, cook, and stir until mixture forms a ball. Transfer it in a bowl and cool for 10 minutes. Add eggs one at a time beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition to form a shiny and smooth dough. Pipe small rounds for profiteroles and long strips for éclairs. Brush them with some egg. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave them in for 5 more minutes. (total 35 minutes) The profiteroles should be golden brown and firm to touch. Cool.
For filling, whip the cream with the icing sugar and vanilla till firm. Slit the profiteroles from the sides and pipe in the cream.
For chocolate glaze, melt chocolate over hot water. Add oil and mix. Drizzle the glaze over the profiteroles and chill them before serving.

Coffee Dessert

Image

Ingredients:

  • 1 liter milk
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tin condensed milk or more
  • 4 1/2 heaped Tbsp. corn flour
  • 1 tsp. cocoa powder
  • 3 tsp. coffee powder

Method:

  1. Boil the milk and sugar together.
  2. In the meantime mix the rest of the ingredients except the  condensed milk with a little milk to make a paste.
  3. Add this paste to the boiling milk on the stove and stir continuously to avoid lumps and remove when thicken.
  4. Add the condensed milk .
  5. Then pour into bowls and before serving top with nestle dessert cream, chocolate or anything you fancy

Chicken Shawarma

Image

Ingredients:

  • 500 gm boneless chicken breast, cut into even sized cubes
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp tandoori masala
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp yogurt
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Pita Bread ( as required )
  • salad/lettuce or cabbage, cucumbers (fresh or pickled), tomatoes and onions, all finely sliced

Method:

  1. Marinate the chicken cubes in the above ingredients preferably overnight or for at least 4 hours.
  2. Skewer them and grill until tender. You can dab a bit of oil on the pieces as they grill. Do not over-cook them, they should be ready within 10-15minutes. Make sure you turn the skewers several times if you’re grilling on a bbq grill to ensure all sides are evenly cooked. If baking under an oven grill, set the temperature at 200 C, bake for 10 minutes per side or until slightly charred.
  3. Remove from the skewers, chop into smaller chunks and keep warm.
  4. Place a pita bread (or slit one if you’re using the puffed pita). Spread some garlic sauce or mayonnaise, any chilli or ketchup sauce, even tamarind chutney if you like. Add some chopped lettuce or cabbage, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, fries.
  5. Roll and wrap with grease proof paper or foil. Serve warm.

Note: (If you don’t want to grill or bake chicken you can cook it in the pan and smoke it with coal to give bbq aroma)

MAYONNAISE

Image

Ingredients:

  • Eggs 2
  • Oil 300 ml
  • Vinegar 3 tbsp
  • Sugar 2 tbsp
  • Salt to taste

Method:

  1. In a blender jug add eggs, vinegar, salt to taste and cinnamon blend it well to prepare a mixture.
  2. In the process, keep stirring the mixture.
  3. Now take off the cover of blinder jug and add oil, keep mixing until it gets the shape of mayonnaise.
  4. Mayonnaise is ready.

14 Reasons You Should Start Eating Cucumber

Image

 

 Cucumbers are number four most cultivated vegetable in the world and known to be one of the best foods for your overall health, often referred to as a super food. Pick a handful of firm, dark green cucumbers and drop them into your shopping cart. Congratulations! You have just bought yourself stuff full of good health.

Cucumber rehydrates body

If you are too busy to drink enough water, eat the cool cucumber, which is 90 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate your water lost.

Cucumber fights heat inside and out

Eating cucumber will get your body relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin and you will get relief from sunburn.

Cucumber eliminates toxins

All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your body. With regular eating, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

Cucumber replenishes daily vitamins

Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. A B and C, which boost your immune system keep you radiant and give you energy. Make it more powerful by juicing cucumber with spinach and carrot. Don’t forget to leave the skin on because it contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 12 percent of the daily recommended allowance.

Image

Cucumber supplies skin friendly minerals

Cucumber is high in potassium, magnesium and silicon. That is why spas abound cucumber based treatments.

Cucumber aids in digestion and weight loss

Due to its high water and low calorie content, cucumber is an ideal source for people who are looking for weight loss. Use cucumbers in your soups and salads. If it is not your favorite snack you can crunchy cucumber sticks with creamy low fat yogurt dip. Chewing cucumber gives your jaws a good workout and the fiber in it is great for digestion. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as an aid for chronic constipation.

Cucumber revives the eyes

Placing a chilled slice of cucumber over puffy eyes is a clichéd beauty visual but it really can help reduce under-eye bags and puffiness due to its anti inflammatory properties.

Cucumber fights cancers

Cucumber is known to contain secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol. The three lignans have a strong connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including ovarian, breast, prostate and uterine cancer.

Cucumber cures diabetes, reduces cholesterol and controls blood pressure

Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin which is widely spread to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers have found that a compound called sterols in cucumbers can help decrease levels of cholesterol. Cucumbers contain a lot of fiber, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients work effectively for regulating blood pressure. That is why cucumber is good for treating both high blood pressure and low blood pressure.

Image

Cucumber refreshes the mouth

Cucumber juice heals and refreshes diseased gums. Get a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for a half minute, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing unpleasant breath.

Cucumber smoothes hair and nails

The wonder mineral Silica in cucumber makes your hair and nails shinier and stronger. The sulfur and silica in cucumbers help to stimulate your hair growth.

Cucumber promotes joint health, relieves arthritis and gout pain

As cucumber is an excellent source of silica it promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. When mixed with carrot juice, cucumber can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering levels of the uric acid.

Cucumber cures hangover

To avoid a morning headache or hangover you can eat a few cucumber slices before going to sleep. Cucumbers contain enough B vitamins, sugar and electrolytes to replenish many essential nutrients and reducing the severity of both hangover and headache.

Cucumber keeps kidneys in shape

Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your body and though keeping the kidneys healthy.