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How to freeze eggs in the freezer…?

Eggs are a kitchen staple, but their shelf life can be a concern if you buy them in bulk or don’t use them frequently. The good news is that eggs can be frozen, allowing you to preserve their freshness for months. However, freezing eggs requires proper preparation to maintain their texture and taste. How to Freeze Eggs Properly? Best Tips & Tricks! In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to freeze eggs in the freezer, including the best methods for freezing whole eggs, egg whites, egg yolks, and even cooked eggs. Let’s dive in! Can You Freeze Eggs? Yes, eggs can be frozen, but not in their shells. The liquid inside eggs expands when frozen, causing the shells to crack, which can lead to contamination. Instead, eggs should be removed from their shells before freezing and stored in a way that preserves their quality. Why Freeze Eggs? Freezing eggs offers several advantages: Prevents Waste – If you have too many eggs and fear they might go bad, freezing them extends their shelf life. Saves Money – Buying eggs in bulk during sales and freezing them helps save costs. Convenience – Pre-portioned frozen eggs make meal prep and baking easier. How to Freeze Raw Eggs There are three primary ways to freeze raw eggs: whole, separated whites, and separated yolks. Each requires specific preparation for the best results. 1. Freezing Whole Eggs If you want to freeze whole eggs (without shells), follow these steps: Steps to Freeze Whole Eggs: Crack the eggs into a clean bowl. Gently whisk them together until the yolks and whites are combined. Avoid overbeating, as too much air can affect texture. Portion them out using ice cube trays or small containers. One whole egg equals about 3 tablespoons of the mixture. Freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen egg cubes into a labeled freezer-safe bag or container. Storage Time: Up to 1 year in the freezer. 2. Freezing Egg Whites Egg whites freeze beautifully without any additives and can be used for baking, meringues, and omelets. Steps to Freeze Egg Whites: Separate the egg whites from the yolks carefully. Pour the whites into ice cube trays, using 2 tablespoons per cube (equivalent to one egg white). Freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, label with the date, and store. Storage Time: Up to 1 year in the freezer. 3. Freezing Egg Yolks Egg yolks tend to thicken when frozen due to gelatinization. To prevent this, add sugar or [...]

By |2025-04-27T03:00:27+00:00February 12th, 2025|Cooking, Food|0 Comments
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How County Fair Food Trends Have Changed Over the Years

Food trends are constantly evolving, and few places showcase this better than local fairs. What started as a gathering for showcasing homemade treats and fresh produce has transformed into a spectacle of deep-fried inventions and viral social media sensations. How Have County Fair Food Trends Evolved? From classic caramel apples to rainbow-colored grilled cheese, fair food reflects changing tastes, cultural influences, and even technological advancements. This article takes a look at how these trends have shifted over the years and what might be next for the world of fairground eats. The Early Days: Simple, Homegrown Favorites County fairs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were built around agriculture. Farmers and local vendors would gather to share their best produce, livestock, and homemade goods. Naturally, fair food was simple, focusing on hearty, comforting flavors. Popular Fair Foods in the Early Days Corn on the cob – Freshly grilled and buttered, reflecting the farm-to-table simplicity. Apple pie and other baked goods – Often made by local families showcasing their best recipes. Roasted nuts and popcorn – Affordable, easy to carry, and popular among children. Caramel apples – Introduced in the early 1900s, combining fresh fruit with a sweet coating. These foods were less about indulgence and more about tradition. People went to the fair expecting wholesome, familiar flavors, often tied to their region’s agricultural heritage. The Rise of Fried Food: When Everything Went Into the Deep Fryer The mid-to-late 20th century marked a turning point. While classic treats remained popular, deep-frying became the new standard. Fair vendors realized that frying simple ingredients not only made them taste better but also attracted more attention. Why Fried Food Became the Star of the Show Cheap and easy to prepare – Frying required minimal ingredients and was fast to serve. Irresistible texture – The combination of crispy exteriors and soft interiors made deep-fried foods universally appealing. Longer-lasting appeal – Unlike fresh produce, fried foods stayed warm and tasty for longer periods. Some of the most famous deep-fried fair foods emerged during this era: Corn dogs – A battered and fried hot dog on a stick, making it an easy, on-the-go snack. Funnel cakes – Deep-fried batter topped with powdered sugar, a staple in nearly every county fair. Fried Oreos and Twinkies – Taking store-bought treats and dipping them in batter for a new twist. Elephant ears – Large, thin pieces of fried dough, often coated with cinnamon sugar. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, fairs became a battleground for [...]

By |2025-04-27T03:28:19+00:00February 12th, 2025|County Fair, Fair Food|0 Comments
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Irish Soda Bread:A Hearty & Flavorful Bread for Any Occasion

Kent Whitaker who is author of this post Irish Soda Bread, also known as “The Deck Chef,” is an award-winning culinary writer and cookbook author. He’s also penned Young Reader, NASCAR, and History titles. The former winner of the Emeril Live Food Network Barbecue Contest also covers football, motorsports, and bass fishing. Kent currently lives in East Tennessee with his wife, son, and a couple of dogs that love when he fires up the smoker or grill. You can reach out to Kent at www.thedeckchef.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you’ve done any baking from scratch you know that sometimes there’s a fine art to getting yeast to activate and to get the proper rise from your loaf of bread. Or, you can forget about yeast and try your hand at a traditional Irish Soda Bread. This tasty and hearty bread is made from simple ingredients and yeast is not one of them! Baking Soda The main activator for this recipe is baking soda and is very simple to make. I have to thank my niece Tiffany who is a Southern girl and a big-time Auburn Tiger football fan. She now lives with her husband Conor and their family in Ireland. She was my go-to source for a real soda bread recipe which she credits to originally coming from the official Irish Food Board. A Bit of Brown Soda Bread Background Soda bread is a staple in Irish cooking and it’s safe to say that there are plenty of families with their own “secret” recipes. But, food historians trace the original version of the bread back to native Americans who baked a version of soda-style bread with pearl ash as an ingredient. Pearl ash is a natural form of baking soda derived from the ashes of burnt wood. This leavened the bread without yeast. Now, jump forward to the 1800s - specifically around 1830 - when baking soda, or bicarbonate soda, started to be commonly available in Ireland. This kicked off the wave of making Irish Soda bread which is known as being hearty, packed with flavor, and with a signature crusty shell with a pillow-soft interior. ???? Irish Soda Bread As I mentioned above, this recipe was provided to me by our niece Tiffany and her family in Ireland. She credits the government-run Irish Food Board for her starter recipe but mentions it is very versatile and pairs with a wide variety of dishes. But she does have her favorites. [...]

By |2024-01-10T00:40:18+00:00March 6th, 2023|Recipe, Bread|0 Comments
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Valentines Sweet Tooth Recipes:How to Make Sugar-Free Treats

Kent Whitaker who is author of this post Valentines Sweet Tooth Recipes, also known as “The Deck Chef,” is an award-winning culinary writer and cookbook author. He’s also penned Young Reader, NASCAR and History titles. The former winner of the Emeril Live Food Network Barbecue Contest also covers football, motorsports, and bass fishing. Kent currently lives in East Tennessee with his wife, son, and a couple of dogs that love when he fires up the smoker or grill. You can reach out to Kent at: The Deck Chef Facebook, or Instagram, and Twitter. Marketing geniuses have helped us associate Valentine’s Day with all types of sugary treats! But, what if you’re looking for a tastebud-pleasing item that was free of added sugar? Good news – there are alternatives to dishes loaded with processed sugar, including both the decadent richness of chocolate and the sweetness of strawberries! After all, the whole consumer concept of Valentine’s Day revolves around chocolate and strawberries… as well as roses. But, because we are not diving into the realm of edible rose petal recipes, we are sticking to the two favorites - minus the needless added sugar. Let’s get started! No Sugar Added Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread Let’s start with strawberries for Valentine’s Day! That includes this tasty hack for making two versions of a spread packed with strawberry flavor and cream cheese. And, it has no added processed sugar that you’ll need to add. Let’s get started! Grab a few simple ingredients and follow the instructions. Ingredients: • 1 package of 8-ounce low-fat cream cheese, often labeled as American Neufchâtel cheese, softened • 2 teaspoons Stevia or your favorite sugar substitute • 1 to 2 teaspoons of strawberry extract – or 2-3 tablespoons of sliced and mashed fresh strawberries. • Dash of vanilla flavoring – start with ½ teaspoon and taste. Instructions: Whip cream cheese in a mixing bowl on medium speed while adding the remaining ingredients. Chill before using for about thirty minutes. Here’s a hack – start with your low-fat cream cheese/American Neufchâtel cheese, a drip of vanilla, and then add in a spoonful of sugar-free strawberry jam. Why a no-sugar-added strawberry spread? Because you can use it in several ways! It is perfect for spreading on a freshly toasted bagel, muffin, or toast. You can use it as a dip for fruit, veggies, crackers, and more. No Sugar Added Chocolate Drizzle Sauce Of course, you can’t have Valentine’s Day without chocolate! But once again, why go [...]

By |2024-01-10T00:34:14+00:00January 21st, 2023|Valentine Day, Chocolate, Strawberries|0 Comments
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The Best Food Concessions: Where to Find Them & What to Try

The Best Food Concessions in the USA There are many great festival food concessions across the United States, but some of the most popular and well-known include: Kona Ice: a shaved ice truck and trailer that serves a variety of flavors. Known for its tropical-themed decor. The Corn Roaster: Is a concession stand that serves freshly roasted sweet corn on the cob. The Lemonade Stand: a stand that serves a variety of lemonade flavors and it is known for its colorful decor. The Funnel Cake Truck: a food truck that serves freshly made funnel cakes with a variety and lots of toppings. The Grilled Cheese Truck: Is a food truck that serves gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. The Ice Cream Truck: Is a truck that serves a variety of ice cream and frozen treats. The BBQ Stand: a stand that serves barbecue items such as brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. The Waffle Cone Stand: a stand that serves freshly made waffle cones filled with ice cream and toppings. The Fryer: A stand that serves a variety of fried foods such as French fries, fried pickles, and fried Oreos. It's worth noting that the best festival food concessionaires are those that have a great quality food. they also have good customer service, a variety of options and a great presentation. ********************************************************************** Concession Links Concessions and How Not to Get Booked Corndogs

By |2024-02-24T16:09:41+00:00January 18th, 2023|Fair Food, Food, Fruit, Lemonade|0 Comments
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Three Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hacks

Kent Whitaker, Author of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Post, also known as “The Deck Chef,” is an award-winning culinary writer and cookbook author. He’s also penned Young Reader, NASCAR and History titles. The former winner of the Emeril Live Food Network Barbecue Contest also covers football, motorsports, and bass fishing. Kent currently lives in East Tennessee with his wife, son, and a couple of dogs that love when he fires up the smoker or grill. You can reach out to Kent at: The Deck Chef, on Facebook, or Instagram, and Twitter. Chocolate-covered strawberries and Valentine's day go together! The combination of flavor, texture, and sweetness make for a perfect treat. It’s decadent enough to satisfy a craving and yet we can munch down on them without worrying about calories from the chocolate… because calories don’t count on February 14th! Sadly, the calories still count, but why not enjoy the moment! The great thing is that you can make these on your own as a surprise for a loved one. Or, you can make them as a couple, and the recipe can be kid-friendly once the chocolate is melted. Don’t Stress about Melting Chocolate First, don’t worry about melting chocolate. Simply follow the directions on the packaging! Just make sure you purchase melting chocolate for making candy. The package will be marked and in the baking section of your grocery store. Sometimes it’s called “bark” chocolate. If you are comfortable using a double boiler, then go that route. If not, almost every package has directions for using a microwave. And, if you don’t want to melt chocolate and let it re-harden, a simple squeeze bottle chocolate drizzle never made anyone mad! Prep the Strawberries Here’s the secret to making chocolate covered strawberries and it’s not the chocolate! It is the strawberries! To be exact – it is the moisture in the strawberries! People may think they did something wrong with melting chocolate because it does not stick to the strawberry! That may be because the strawberries are moist or wet. Make sure when you rinse and remove excess stems that you allow them to completely dry. And, avoid slicing the strawberries. You want a dry, whole strawberry. One note – leave some of the green at the top of the strawberry, but remove any excess or browned pieces. The Process – Simple! Ok, you have your clean and dry strawberries and some melted chocolate. You also have your sprinkles ready… what’s next? Here’s the trick! [...]

By |2024-01-10T04:22:40+00:00January 27th, 2021|Valentine Day, Fruit, Recipe|0 Comments
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