Thai food is undauntedly loved by most of the people round the world. With a range of delicious recipes that stimulate every bit of your taste buds, Thai food has grown to be one of the most popular cuisines across the globe. While we cherish the Thai recipes, it is even more interesting to know how did they originate and what makes them so famous? Let us look at the history of Thai cuisine. Thai cuisines is a smart blend which is influenced by the Eastern and Western food. You can find all the flavors including sour, bitter, sweet and spicy flavors. These flavors work together in combination to a peculiar style of cooking and offer a range of delicious food recipes. The Thai food changes as per the region and so there is a different taste attached to these parts. If we look at the history of Thai food, then we notice that the meals include aquatic animals, herbs, plants and other popular ingredients. Although meat in large quantities were avoided due to the Buddhist influence in the respective regions. On the other hand, there were some of these regions wherein meat was flavored with spices and herbs or were roasted and then shredded in the recipes.

Mexico is a melting pot of culture, traditions and people, and cuisine is not any different to this idea. Although there were a number of native flavors in the Mexican cuisine, over the period of time, there have been influence from Europe, India, Spain and China as well. We know that Mexican recipes have bold use of flavors and spices that make it a popular cuisine, while the ingredients too are a blend of native as well as foreign influence. Let us look at some of the popular ingredients used in Mexican cooking and how these make a dish delicious. Indigenous ingredients Meat was an uncommon element used in the Mexican food till the Spaniards arrived. Therefore, corns and beans were largely used as a staple ingredient. To add to the flavors of the dish, heavy spices and chilies were added too. A wide array of seafood was used as a source of meat for the Mexican dishes. This was especially true for seaside communities who relied on seafood. Avocados This is a perfect example of Mexican staple. If you want to add Mexican flavor to any dish, then avocados do it perfectly. One can also use this popular ingredient for a basic dish such as a salad or sandwich.

If you are an office goer who has a packed schedule around the clock, you might get very less or no time to cook something extravagant on a daily basis. Cooking a complete entree on the go when you are already running low on time is not an option. To add to it, a nine-hour desk job which compels you to sit in front of a laptop or desktop makes it more challenging to prepare something which is light on the stomach and is made with minimal efforts. Even for those who manage to get some time out of their schedule might find it difficult to pull off appetizers which require lot of ingredients and pre-preparation. There are many ways that you can cook yourself delicious appetizers within a short span of time. The best way to prepare an easy on-the-go appetizer, is use leftovers from last night’s dinner. For instance, if you had prepared something out of baked beans last night, you can add chopped spring onions or regular onions, tomatoes and sliced jalapenos. Mix them well with a salad dressing of your choice and there you have it! A healthy baked beans salad with a veggie twist, which can be prepared in no time.

Gourmet recipes are prepared using a variety of ingredients. But people might be allergic to some of the ingredients which are a must have, in a certain recipe or dish. This does not necessarily mean that they will be deprived of biting into that soft tender pink salmon just because someone is allergic to soy sauce. A few substitute ingredients can be used to prepare gourmet recipes without altering the original too much. Here are a few to name. Soy sauce substitute: People who are allergic to soy or wheat cannot consume soy sauce, but there is a simple way to prepare the dish with a substitute which might not be taste the same as the original but will serve as the next best alternative. A mix of ingredients like beef bouillon, balsamic vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, dark molasses, white pepper mixed with water and heated in a saucepan until it is reduced to soy sauce consistency. Butter substitute: People who are allergic to dairy products or are lactose intolerant cannot consume any dairy products for that matter. Dairy free margarines are a good substitute to be used in recipes which also need a lot of butter. Margarine is an imitation butter which is made from vegetable oils.

Protein is a key nutrient for the body being the essential building blocks for the tissue, which also serves as an energy source. Protein is rich in amino acids which is a must have in your daily diet, to prevent protein energy malnutrition. These nutrients are essential for growth and maintenance, for vital body organs, even hair and skin. Here are the top protein rich foods in milk and dairy products. Greek yogurt: It is high in protein compared to regular yogurt and boasts probiotic bacteria and calcium for the bones. Some flavored yogurts will have more sugar, almost double the content as compared to plain yogurt. Milk: A standard staple in any diet, the average person consumes more than 20 gallons of milk a year. Milk has a concentrated content of about 8 grams of protein per cup, with fat soluble nutrients like vitamin D. A rich and highly reliable source. Eggs: Naturally high in proteins and essential amino acids, this classic breakfast food is the best source of protein be it scrambled or boiled, fried or microwaved. Eggs boast a protein content of 6 grams per egg. Cheese: High in fats, but also high in proteins. Cheese may not be the number one when compared to dairy products consumed daily, but it packs a whopping 14 grams per half cup serving making it a rich source for proteins.

Desserts are loved by all and are a surprise to our taste buds. They come from varied cultures and have the essence of the place of origin. From candies to pie, cakes to taffies, desserts are of all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the popular and the best desserts recipes that find a place in every restaurant’s and household’s menu. Maple Taffy If you want one of the simplest and tastiest desserts on your menu, then maple taffy is sure to be one of them. Especially made during the months between February and April, maple taffy is an amazing sweet treat. It is made in the shape of a lollipop and the consistency is that of a taffy, from where it gets its name. All you require for this dessert is maple syrup and snow. Once you boil the maple syrup and then pour it over clean and fresh snow, the candy begins to set well and then it is rolled onto an ice-cream stick, just like a lollypop. Waffles Waffles are considered as both a great dish for breakfast as well as dessert. These are golden-brown and large versions of pancakes or crepes. There are different types of waffles too.

It is rightly said that families that eat together, stays together and it is observed that dinner time with family offers great bonding too. It is important that you have some great light and healthy dinner ideas for your family. It is a misconception that tasty dishes take more time for preparation but there are some of the recipes that require minimal prep and turns out to be an absolute treat. Here are some of the easy yet delicious dinner meals that you can pick for everyday dinnertimes. Vegan dishes can be made delicious If you are bored of broccoli, then it is time to experiment with the usual dish but with a savory twist. Go for braised vegetables with shallots, and garlic to add a flavorful punch to your dinner meal. You can choose a range of vegetables and season them well with salt, pepper and sprinkle oregano to get a great aftertaste. Add protein-rich chickpeas to your dish along with a blend of fennels and carrots. Now no more going bored with the vegan dishes as you can make these delightful and fun recipes for your family at dinner. Pasta is an all-time favorite Everyone loves pasta. Right from grandmas to kids in the family, pasta is enjoyed at dinner times by everyone in the family.

Who would want to spend hours in the kitchen prepping when there’s a list of no-cook appetizers to go with! All you need is a handful of ready ingredients, a few minutes, some creativity, and you are good to go! Check out five easy no-cook appetizer recipe ideas for your next get together. Salad-style appetizers Have you ever thought of turning a classic salad into a finger food? Why not! Chop your favorite vegetables into fine pieces and add some creamy sauce to get a smooth texture. Place this mixture into lettuce leaves and top them with cheese shavings. Try preparing handheld appetizers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese slices dipped in olive oil, and some basil leaves. Voila! Different salad dressing and turning them into party-ready appetizers in no time is a great option for every occasion. Blending flavors to create easy bites Last-minute calls for preparing appetizers can be daunting. You might have guests waiting in your living room and you’re left with a handful of vegetables, fruits and some slices of dry-cured ham. Sound worrying, right? But it is not. These ingredients along with some condiments are perfect for preparing a no-cook dish that is not only tasty but also quick and easy.

Is it that time of the month when all your financial prudence comes to the fore and prompts you to stay away from unnecessary indulgence before pay day? Blowing your pay check on a new wardrobe (or the like) often leads to serious implications. Neglecting a wholesome and healthy meal is one. Not anymore! Check out these easy homemade recipe ideas that will help you stay full even on an empty wallet. Roasted vegetable Buying veggies doesn’t cost much and roasting them is a child’s play. You could easily toss some broccoli, zucchinis, bell peppers and carrots (or any other vegetable of your choice) and work up a delicious and nutritious meal even on a rainy day. Tofu Tofu is a versatile food item that is not only delicious but also healthy. You could make a tofu meal with garlic/mustard sauce or add pepper and lemon to it and toss up a salad. With all the goodness of chicken for nearly half its price, tofu ranks high up in the cheap and easy to make meals. Mashed potatoes Potatoes are omnipresent and cost very little, this makes them your best buddy during crunch time. You can easily boil some potatoes and mash them up with some cheese, pepper and any seasoning of your choice.

Chicken is always a joy a cook and to devour as well. Here are the top ten chicken breast recipe ideas that can easily jazz up your meals for weekends, weekdays, and unjustified snack time. Chicken parmesan Chicken Parmesan can be done in two ways, either you can bake it or fry it. You will require ingredients like salt and pepper, spices (optional), fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic and shredded parmesan cheese, for coating the chicken breast cutlets. Then you can either shallow fry them in olive oil or butter, or either bake them in the oven. You can serve this crunchy delight with some pasta. Crockpot chicken masala This yogurt marinated dish, can be served with a steamy plate of rice. All you need is diced chicken breasts, onions, garlic cloves, ginger, tomato paste, garam masala, additional spices and herbs of your choice, and some fresh cream. Add honey if you want to incorporate an element of sweetness. Simmering these in a slow cooker adds a depth in the flavor and the texture of chicken. Chicken teriyaki Teriyaki sauce adds a punch of Asian flavors to the succulent piece of chicken. The teriyaki sauce is usually made from soy sauce, mirin, ginger, sugar or honey.

There are so many wonderful recipes all around the world, and putting all of them together in your kitchen might be an impossible task. But you are fortunate to have so many options, that can make your ordinary meals a delightful experience. Bon Appetit magazine makes your task easier, by presenting all kinds of mouth-watering recipes on its website. So, whether you’re a meat lover or a die-hard vegan, Bon Appetit has lots to offer to its readers. The Bon Appetit Magazine website has seven categories under Recipes. These comprise of Healthy, Quick, Vegetarian, Chicken, Holiday, Desserts and Family Meals. Healthy –  If you’re planning to ditch the unhealthy lifestyle for a fit one, you should definitely check out the recipes listed under the Healthy section. These are not only nutritious but can give the rather heavy food combinations a run for their money. Quick Recipes –  If easy, simple and swift is your mantra then Bon Appetit Quick Recipes is your ultimate destination. Whether you are looking for a quick fix for weeknight dinners or breakfasts with leftovers, you will find scrumptious ideas to kick the monotony away. Chicken –  This white meat is two things, versatile and yummy.