Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Say Bye To Trans-Fat With Frozen Foods

When it comes to fat, trans-fat is considered to be the worst of all types. Tans-fat, also known as unsaturated fat or fatty acids is responsible for raising the so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and lowering the ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) in your body. A high amount of LDL and low HDL cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease in both men and women. Despite its harmful effects, trans-fats are still used by various food manufacturing companies, particularly, of fried foods, such as doughnuts and French fries. The main reason behind this is that trans-fats keep the food items fresh for a longer time and gives it a longer shelf life. Besides, fried food, commercial baked food such as cookies, cakes, pastries and crackers may also contain a heavy amount of trans-fat. 

However, if you want to stay away from trans-fat, opting for frozen food items is a great alternative. As the micro-organisms do not grow below -9.5°C, there is no requirement to add any kind of preservatives or fatty acids in the food item. The freezing itself is sufficient in preventing food decay. For long term preservation, a tasteless and odorless stabilizer named Carboxymethyl cellulose is added to the frozen food, which neither has any effect on the quality or taste of the food. It also doesn’t adulterate it.

Another option is to shift on to kettle cooked food items. Unlike the deep frying method, the kettle cooking adopts the method of slow cooking at a low temperature. The food items that require frying such as chips, tacos and tortillas are first fried at low temperature and later cooled down. This is basically done to break down the starch content. Then the extra oil is removed from them prior to the second frying at higher temperature.

Classic Foods is one of the famous producers of kettle chips and food products in the state. They use a range of steam jacketed and injected kettle cookers to make a number of kettle cooked food products. The kettles include vertical, steam jacketed kettles, MTC steam injected kettle and horizontal, steam jacketed kettles.

To name a few, kettle cooked food items offered by them are chili, Soups, Sauces, Queso, Gravies, Taco Fillings, Beans, Fajitas, Jalapenos, Hot dogs, Chips, Barbecue products are cooked.  For more information about the products and services offered by Classic Foods, feel free to visit them at 629 Mony, Ft. Worth, Texas 76102. You can also call them at 817.332.1071.

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Quick and easy to make, buffalo chicken nachos makes for a tasty snack to enjoy with family and friends. When it comes to preparing a good plate of nachos, the trick lies in using quality ingredients in the right proportions. The best thing about these nachos is that you can modify them to suit your taste and liking. Some even consider them to be a full-fledged meal. The amount of filling in the nachos is what decides whether they can be had as a meal or a snack.

The basic ingredients for the snack are butter, hot sauce, cooked chicken (preferably diced), tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Some even include cloves of garlic, tomatoes, celery stalk, chopped cilantro etc. The basic concept is mixing butter, sauce and chicken and layering it with chips and cheese. This is then followed with baking it for some time. Some give a lot of importance to the topping after the nachos are baked. Usually cheese crumbs, green onions or chopped celery are sprinkled on top.  Blue cheese sauce is a common topping used.

For the health conscious, a few variations can be made to the dish to suit your calorie intake. Buffalo chicken nachos is one of the favorites of kids. They are highly fulfilling and kids love them for their awesome flavor. Those who don’t want to use chicken can opt for roasted chickpeas instead.  You can also experiment with the toppings and sometimes have it sans the topping for an original version.

Those interested in the nutritional information of this snack would be glad to know that it’s a perfect blend of all the nutrients required by the body. There’s almost every vitamin, enough fiber, a decent amount of fat, lots of protein and enough carbohydrates to keep you going for a substantial period of time. This is turn will be beneficial in keeping you from munching something every few minutes. So the next time you have guests over or your children are hungry like crazy, you know what to prepare in the shortest time possible and that too without compromising on the nutritional value. Being a pro at making such a quick snack will save you and your family from the wrath of junk food and what’s more, you get to enjoy a mouth watering dish within the comfort of your home!

Contact Classic Foods at 629 Mony, Ft. Worth, Texas 76102 (Phone No: 817.332.1071) to get best  frozen diced chicken with a tangy buffalo sauce.  

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Chili Con Carne: The Official Dish Of State Of Texas

Famously known as Chili, Chili Con Carne is a spicy and tasty stew like dish that comprises ingredients like beef, garlic, onions, cumin, chili peppers and other mature meat.  It’s immensely popular in Texas and a favorite of many during cold weather. Chilies in Texas are usually beef-based and lots of dried red chili peppers are used to create the amazing red color and the spicy taste. The main ingredient in the Texas chilies is beef and chili peppers. Beans are virtually not included and veggies are kept to a minimum.

The chilies used in Chili Con Carne are boiled, peeled, and finely chopped. As far as the rest of the ingredients are concerned, there are plenty of variations to choose from. Some recipes use very tough meat. Others use chicken breast meat and northern beans. There are variations made with bell-peppers too. Vegetarian chilies comprise kidney beans, red and green bell-peppers, and chili powder. The following are some common variations of the dish:-
  • Vegetarian chili – it refers to chili without any meat.
  • Chili Verde – this is a stew that’s made from chunks of pork.
  • White chili – it’s made using white beans and turkey meat.
  • Brick chili – it’s a compressed form of chili produced by pressing out all the moisture
Beans are a good substitute for those who want to do away with beef in the chili as it’s a highly debatable ingredient and many do not consider it as part of the stew. It’s a personal choice though. Fresh chunks of mushroom can be used to substitute beans for the calorie conscious people. Tomatoes are another controversial ingredient on which opinions differ. Those who add them in the stew do so for their distinct flavor.

This dish is usually accompanied with chilled beverages to nullify the spicy effect. Ice-cold beer or cold milk is great to sip on while feasting on the dish. Scattering saltine crackers on top of the dish also works well for soothing the throat. One can even add commercial corn chips as a topping for an interesting effect. Other variations include pouring a small portion of pickle juice into the bowl of chili or dipping coleslaw in the same before eating it.

There are a couple of other dishes that can be made with chili and are as delicious as this famous stew. Examples are:-
  • Chili burger
  • Chili cheese fries
  • Chili dog
  • Chili mac
  • Chili stuffed baked potato etc.
Classic Foods is a food brand that is quite renowned among the residents of Texas as well as other American states. If offers all kinds of ready-to-cook as well as ready-to-eat food items.  One of their best selling items includes Sheriff Blaylock’s Beef Chili.  The kind of chili that you are able to obtain at Classic Foods cannot be replicated by any other brand because of the secret, well-guarded recipe that has been in use for generations by this company for this product.

For more information about the chili products offered by Classic Foods, visit them at 629 Mony, Ft. Worth, Texas 76102. You can also call them at 817.332.1071. 

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

Make Smart Food Choices With Convenience Foods

In today’s grab-and-go world, convenience foods are one of the most practical and healthy food options available. The deal is to make a smart choice when picking the food item of your choice. To follow a healthy lifestyle while on the move, it’s imperative to buy quality, healthy and convenient foods. Convenience foods refer to those foods that are not only healthy, but the benefits of which extend beyond their mere nutritional value. They are very easy to use and form a part of many recipes. Convenience foods are usually prepared food stuffs that are sold as hot, ready-to-eat dishes or as refrigerated or frozen products that require minimal preparation. Choosing healthy convenience foods are great for preventing heart diseases and maintaining good health.

Making a smart choice of convenience foods involves a few wise steps. The most important step is to look at the food labels. Those trying to control their blood pressure should opt for stuff that’s low in sodium. Many food manufacturers these days are very careful about keeping the sodium levels low.  If you are watching over your cholesterol levels, then choose foods that have signs like low fat, low saturated fat, low cholesterol, lean, extra lean, etc. Keep your intake of fried foods minimum as they are high in trans-fats. Limit your intake of foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Choose foods that are high in dietary fiber.  These include brown rice, wheat pasta, crackers, cereals, dried beans, nuts, etc. Choose foods that contain soy protein to keep your cholesterol in check. Go for veggie burgers, soy crumbles, tofu, miso, etc. You may also opt for kettle cooked food items.

If convenience foods are eaten in moderation and reasonable portion sizes, they can be a part of an overall healthy diet. Watch your total caloric intake while feasting on convenience foods. A little care in choosing healthy convenience foods will go a long way in keeping you healthy. Take some time out of your busy schedule to educate yourself on healthy convenience food options. Steer clear of ingredients that can take a toll on your general well-being. As their name suggests, convenience foods are just meant for convenience and not as a habitual part of our daily lives. They are great for days on which you are rushed and need a quick fix. The trick is in choosing something that’s inexpensive and nutritious. That’s what a smart food choice is all about.

Classic Foods is highly renowned to offer high quality frozen cooked food items and convenience food products at really affordable prices. For further details about the food products and services, you can contact them at 629 Mony, Ft. Worth, Texas 76102 or call at 817.332.1071.

Friday, 25 May 2012

Soups For Kids

As any mother would know, getting your kid to gulp down healthy soups can be a herculean task. But that’s only if you make the mistake of putting your kid in the same box as adults. Making a little bit of a special effort is all that it takes to make your child fall in love with soups. Considering how healthy and easy it is to make soups are, it really is worth the effort, if this simple dish makes it to your child’s list of favorites. Here are a few easy-to-cook soup suggestions that your little one is sure to love-
  1. Chicken soup- You can add a twist to regular chicken soup by throwing in some noodles into the pan. This slurpy delicacy goes perfectly well with the savory taste of chicken soup, and is sure to tempt your child to have it all. You can also add finely chopped veggies like celery, carrots, zucchini, onions, and red peppers to enhance the nutritional value of the soup. 
  2. Tomato soup- Tomato soup, if well-made, is a favorite among kids across the globe. The key factor to pay heed to here is the texture and consistency. Adding some cream to the soup can help in making it rich and thick, which is something that kids love.  Special seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, basil and pepper can add that tangy zing to the soup. Crackers, grilled cheese, and fried bread make for some great accompaniments. 
  3. Vegetable soup- Vegetable soup is one of the healthiest meals that you can serve on your child’s platter. Unfortunately though, most kids aren’t very fond of steamed veggies floating in a milky broth. To make sure that doesn’t happen, just blend all the veggies after steaming them. Add a cup of milk and some seasonings to the mix and voila you have a soup that kids are sure to love. You can further add to the kid’s appeal of your soup by floating some funny shaped crackers in the soup.
  4. Carrot ginger soup- Anything that’s colored is sure to catch your child’s fancy. Carrot ginger soup is a great way to tap on this weakness of your little ones. Not only is this soup incredibly healthy, but it’s got the perfect balance of sweet and sour to tempt your child’s palette. Chives and Parsley make for great garnishes with this soup. You can cook it in chicken broth to further up its nutritional value.
Classic Foods offers a wide range of delicious soups like Vegetable Beef Soups, Creamy Corn Chowder, Broccoli and Cheese Soups, Hearty Chicken Noodle Soups, Tomato basil Soups, Chicken Tortilla soups and many more. All products are offered in frozen and easy-to-prepare pouches. For more information visit them at 629 Mony, Ft. Worth, Texas 76102 or call them at 817.332.1071.

Friday, 18 May 2012

Summer Soups And Salads

Nothing can be more refreshing and rejuvenating than chilled soups and salads on a hot summer day. After a long day of work on a typical summer day, the body is usually drained out and fatigued. With less energy to make a dish when back home, the best thing would be to resort to cold soup or salad that can be made in a jiffy. Such soups and salads are extremely nutritious, filling and above all, cooling. Many people can’t stomach the idea of cold soups for summers. Having one will be a pleasant surprise.

Feasting on heavy foods in summers has an adverse effect on the energy levels of the body. It leads to lethargy and consequent problems like weight gain, acidity and a lack of alertness. During summers, it’s highly recommended to have meals that are light and nutritious. Summer soups and salads are great for beating the heat and at the same time, they leave you feeling full for a long time. The direct effects that you will witness sooner or later are high energy levels and weight loss. Always start with a variety of leafy greens when making your salads and soups. Then aim for a rainbow of color to get the maximum number of health promoting nutrients. Choose red products for lycopene, orange for beta carotene, blue or purple for anthocyanins, and greens for cancer fighting properties.

Common summer soups are gazpacho soup, cold buttermilk and shrimp soup, chilled fruit soups, tomato based cold soups, zucchini soup, creamed broccoli soup, sweet and spicy soups with peas and sweet potatoes and many more. Gazpacho and cucumber soups are classics but it doesn’t hurt experimenting with different and new soups. For summer salads, grilled chicken salad with seasonal fruit, green feta salad, fruity green salad with pomegranate dressings etc are extremely refreshing and healthy. The trick is in blending fresh leafy greens, lean protein, whole grains and seeds to achieve maximum health benefits.

Raw food diets like that of soups and salads is low in sodium and saturated fat, and high in magnesium, potassium, folate, fiber and antioxidants. They help us keep a tab on our calorie intake, are light on the stomach, easy to prepare and are not heavy on the pocket either. Using a little bit of imagination can make the seemingly boring salads interesting to feast on. All you need to do is juggle a few ingredients, mix them with unusual dressings and voila! You are good to go.

If you are looking for yummy soups in Texas, contact Classic Foods. They are renowned to offer the best convenience food products like frozen soup, frozen sauces, side dishes and a lot more. They are located at 629 Mony, Ft. Worth, Texas 76102. You can also call them at 817.332.1071. 

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Healthy Frozen Food For Kids

When it comes to kids, taste is all that matters. Kids are generally picky about what they eat and this is the main reason for which mother’s resort to junk food to quickly satiate their hunger. That’s probably the number one cause for obesity especially in US. This is where frozen foods come as a life saver. They are extremely nutritious and a quick fix for moms who are too busy to figure out what to give to a fussy child. Most of the frozen meals in the market changed to frozen immediately after being cooked and this preserves their nutrients and flavors while extending their shelf life.

Kids are naturally not great vegetable lovers and this translates into an omission of vital nutrients, vitamins and fiber that are essential to growth. Some frozen foods smartly hide the veggies by pureeing them in the meals. This way, your child feasts on the meals without the slightest inkling of any vegetable presence and has his or her nutritional requirements met. While buying frozen meals for your child, look for brands that include no additives, flavors, colors, preservatives, trans-fats or high fructose corn syrup. The packaging of frozen foods of good companies, meet the highest safety standards, with no BPA, phthalates or other potentially harmful chemicals. It’s a pretty safe bet for parents looking for convenient but safe options for their kids and is way better than junk food!

Common frozen foods for kids include meat balls, peas, purees, soups, sauces, fish sticks, potato foods, onion rings, bread crumbs etc. There is even a variety of allergy free foods to choose from for kids who are allergic to wheat, gluten, eggs, nuts or soy. You can be sure to find something suitable for your child without compromising on his or her liking. Most of these meals are an excellent source of protein, rich in vegetables, vitamins, iron, calcium, fiber and more. They are moderate in sodium, saturated fat and trans-fat.

In today’s fast paced life, parents can rely on frozen foods as an immediate solution for a starving kid. They can be prepared in less than ten minutes and require no clean up. What’s more, you can be sure that your child is not missing on his or her nutritional requirements. They can also fit in as great packed lunch if your kid goes to school. Quick to prepare and hassle free, you can save a lot of your precious time everyday by incorporating these meals in your lifestyle.

Classic Foods is highly renowned to offer high quality frozen cooked food items at really affordable prices. For further details about the food products and food services provided by them, contact them at 629 Mony, Ft. Worth, Texas 76102. You can also call at 817.332.1071.