Cambridge Foodie Blog

The Most Important Features Of Convertible Car Seats To Focus On

Parenting

There is nothing the kids love more than hopping into the car and going for hamburgers, except maybe heading for ice cream. You will find that you will spend a lot of time playing chauffeur for your kids which is why having a child seat that is built to be safe and comfortable will go a long way to making your life easier. In the US, all 50 states have some sort of law on the books that require children to use a safety seat while riding in a vehicle.

But what should you look for in a car seat? Which aspects are the most vital to offer the maximum protection for my baby? We will break down some of the features found on today’s best car seats to help you better understand how they perform and to make sure that the seat you buy is something that will put your mind at ease.

Side Impact Protection

Riding in the backseat is a crucial step in using a car seat correctly, but this is the area of the car that is susceptible to side impacts. Which ever car seat that you purchase should pass the minimum standards for protection in this area. A seat which has wings that are padded with extra support will not only help sustain any forces from impact but it will also help protect your little one from flying debris such as glass. An infant seat, or convertible car seat in which your child seats deep will help guard them in the event of this type of collision.

Energy Absorbing Foam

This is another thing that most safety seats make use of. The material and padding can help absorb the forces of impact and reduce stress on your child in the event of a crash. Not only is this important for safety, but it can also help contribute to the overall comfort of your child. Extra padding can help take the edge off of various bumps of the road and make the ride a little more enjoyable.

Safety Harness

This is the apparatus that secures your child safely into the seat. Some of the higher end models offer various points of adjustment to guarantee that your child will fit snug and proper while in use. A misaligned harness strap can be very dangerous so it is important to read the manual to ensure you are using it correctly. These harnesses are strong and they are what hold your child in place during a crash.

LATCH System

This is a system that uses tethers and anchors to secure the seat to the back seat of your vehicle. This is an alternative method to using the vehicle’s seat belt. This method was invented to help make things easier for parents as getting the car seat to stay tight and secure can be somewhat of a challenge. Again for the seat to function properly, everything must be snug. A lot of modern seats use this but not all. It is not really any safer than using the car’s seat belt, it is just for convenience.

ClickTight

This is something that is used on Britax model convertible car seats. It is a super simple way to secure that seat to the vehicle with the seat belt. The safety seat area lifts up giving you access to the base and lets you strap the seat belt across the back. When this is done, the seat is the lowered and it “Clicks tight” in place. Again this is a design feature aimed to take some of the hassle out of using the car seat.

Extra Features

All seats being sold today from reputable stores should pass all of the required safety standards and meet the laws of your state for minimum protection. There are added features that you can get depending on budget. Options like a steel frame, energy absorbing frame, energy absorbing base, height adjustment, seat recline, cup holders, colors and patterns are all things that can make picking a car seat difficult. There are a lot of quality choices out there and factors such as price, the weight of the seat (for moving back and forth between different automobiles), style, ease of use, how easy it is to clean, and how comfortable it is for your child, are all important aspects that ultimately make finding the perfect option for your family a tedious choice.

Where To Begin?

The best place to start would be reading reviews from parents who have actually used the car seat and have experience with it. Owner ratings are important and insightful. Reviews of the best convertible child seats that include user feedback will help you make a more informed decision. You can then narrow the field by cost or any other criteria that is on your list. Finding the best convertible car seat for your children is not something to take lightly, but it is something that is also easy to do. Going over the latest child safety seat reviews is a smart place to start your search.

Keep in mind that car seats have expiration dates, and they should only be bought new from a store that you can trust. Buying a used seat off of Craigslist may be a good way to save money, but you have no idea if what your getting has already been in an accident or if it even works properly. Price is always a concern, but buying a car seat should not be an area where you should try and skimp if you can avoid it.

With some minor homework it should be rather easy to find a seat that suits both your and your child’s needs and can offer enough protection and safety that you will drive with a little more peace of mind that they will be protected in the event of an accident.

Retire Your Cutting Board And Get A Food Processor

Cooking

top-food-processors

If you still use a knife to handle all of your food prep work in the kitchen, then it is finally time to move into the modern age and take advantage of today’s technology. You wouldn’t use an outhouse if you have indoor plumbing available, nor would you operate on candlelight when you have electricity running throughout your house. So why would you continue to use your cutting board when food processors can handle the same work, and more?

Advantages Of Today’s Food Processor

The modern food processor offers chefs of any skill level numerous benefits that make it one of the more indispensable small appliances that belong in every kitchen.

Safety

If you are unsure of your knife skills then why would you continue to risk the well being of your fingertips when you don’t have to? One of the advantages to using a food processor is that you can safely chop, mince, dice, and slice all of the hard vegetables that may have given you problems. You no longer have to reach for a band-aid and you can save your hands from accidental slips of the knife.

Speed

The boring, labor intensive food prep tasks like chopping, mixing, or dicing can be quickly done with a simple push of a button. If you cook for a lot of people then you know that large recipes can drain a lot of time in the preparation phase. You can speed up this process with a food processor and get back to more important things like socializing and eating.

Easy to Use

Today’s food processors are also simple to use, usually with just a couple of buttons to operate. They have various cutting disks to handle any chore and they clean up fast. Dishwasher safe parts make them a breeze to wash. The entire process from start to finish is pretty hassle-free.

Top Food Processors Worth Considering

Below are three of the highest rated food processors that can benefit you tremendously in your kitchen. These cover a wide range of price points so no matter your budget you should be able to find something of quality for your kitchen.

Cuisinart DLC-10 Pro

This is a true classic. Cuisinart has long been the leader when it comes to the food processor, and this model is their most reliable version. It may not offer a lot as far as modern styling, but its performance in the kitchen is second to none.

With a powerful motor, stainless steel cutting discs, and a nearly indestructible bowl, the DLC-10 can manage big or small cooking chores with reliable ease. This model is a true workhorse designed for those that do a lot of work making homemade meals.

Breville BFP800XL

This is an ultra-modern machine designed for serious chefs that need a powerful and technologically advanced appliance for their countertop. This is the most expensive model on our list at around $350, so it is not going to be ideal for most folks. While it is a lot to spend on a food processor, it does offer excellent performance and versatility. Its sleek styling, LCD display screen and backlit buttons bring the food processor into the 21st century.

Cuisinart DLC-2007N

This is more of your basic food processor which features a 7 cup capacity bowl. This is great for small families or those just cooking for themselves. No extra bells and whistles, just straight food processing power and dependability. This is the least expensive model of the three at somewhere south of $100. For its power and performance this machine offers owners superb value in the kitchen.

Don’t Forget The Onions

We saved the biggest advantage until last, and that is you will no longer have to deal with the pain of chopping onions. All of the machines above will save you from the horrific experience of having tears running down your face as you try and rush through trying to get the perfect dice on your onions. You simple drop them into the food processor, hit a button, and rejoice with dry eyes.

Cooking can be an extremely rewarding exercise as you prepare fresh ingredients for your family and friends. Enjoying a home cooked meal that is healthy and delicious is something that really brings a family together. The less you have to work, and the safer that you can achieve this goal, the better your food will taste. Do your kitchen a favor and go out and upgrade to a food processor. Save the knife for carving a pumpkin.

Quick, Simple & Healthy Toaster Oven Recipes

Healthy Eating

toaster-oven-cooking

Using a toaster oven in your kitchen may not seem like a big deal, but it can make a huge difference in the way that you think about cooking. For a lot of people using their conventional sized oven can be a real chore. It can also use up a fair amount of time and energy. Having a countertop oven in your kitchen is a great way to make cooking a lot more efficient and fun.

As you will see below, you can make so much more than just toast. If you happen to get one with all of the bells and whistles that offer you advanced cooking technology, then you should be able to completely replace your full sized oven except for only bigger meals. There are tons of fantastic recipes out there, but here are just a few recipes to get you started that you can pull of in a toaster oven that will delight the entire family.

Mini Breakfast Pizza

We all know how having a pizza for breakfast can turn a rather dull morning into a great start to your day. Thanks to your toaster oven, you can prepare one in not more than 10 minutes. Here is a quick recipe for a four servings.

You will need four eggs, Oregano leaves (dried) 1/2 cup of Italian cheese blend, 2 English muffins, and a 1/3 cup pizza sauce.

Directions:

Preheat your toaster oven to 450 degrees, then coat a skillet with cooking spray: ensure you heat over medium heat until hot. Gently pour in eggs across the pan with an inverted turner to form a soft curd. Pull, Lift and fold the eggs until thickened. Remove from heat and do not stir constantly. Spread the pizza sauce on muffin halves, top with eggs and the Italian cheese and place on a baking sheet. Place your pizza in your toaster oven and let it cook until you see the cheese melting. This should take not more than 2 minutes. Sprinkle with oregano and you now can enjoy your delicious mini breakfast pizza with your family.

Toaster Oven Bacon

Bacon, everyone knows how to cook it, just fry, right? But, not everyone knows how to do it right with a toaster oven. Here is a little help.

You will need a bacon, of course, four slices at least for one serving, baking sheet, aluminum foil, and tong.

Directions:

One terrible mistake those who claims to know how to prepare the bacon on toaster oven makes is preheating it, well I won’t advise that. Starting with a cold oven ensures that your bacon cooks slowly and evenly in good temperature.

Get your baking sheet and put a foil upon it. Prepare the bacon and put in the toaster oven when cold. Close the door of your oven and adjust the temperature to around 400 degrees then check the color of the bacon after around 20 minutes. If it turns brown then it’s ready if it isn’t it means that you need to increase the temperature if that’s possible in your toaster oven.

Baked Oatmeal

To many, baked oatmeal is a morning must, since it provides nutrients and fiber that our bodies require. All you need is few minutes in your toaster oven, and you have a wonderful and healthy breakfast.

You will need a bay leaf, 1 cup of rolled oats, raisins ( 2 tablespoons), a tablespoon of almonds and cinnamon, sugar and salt.

Directions:

Boil salted water and the bay leaf in a small saucepan after preheating your toaster oven to around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. When water boils, add your oatmeal and turn it to a medium low mode. Add the raisins and toasted nuts to the oats, and then pour the mix into two ramekins. Top with cinnamon and sugar and bake for few minutes 20 minutes at most. You should not be ready to enjoy your baked oatmeal breakfast!

Toaster Oven Meatloaf (with chili)

Many people like a toaster oven meatloaf but do not how to prepare it right. Here what you need to make a delicious toaster oven meatloaf. You will need a 1/2 cup of milk, sandwich bread( white)ground round, onion and garlic, chili sauce, 1/4 glaze and ketchup, two lightly beaten eggs coarse sugar and brown sugar.

Directions:

Preheat the toaster oven to 350 degrees F and with the rack at the bottom. Pour milk over sandwich bread until soaked then add pork, ground round, onion garlic, chili/ pepper parsley salt and the lightly beaten eggs in the bowl. Mix them completely but not to the point where your meatloaf will be dense. Bake for at least 50 minutes and let it rest for 5 minutes after removing from your toaster oven. You can spread two tablespoons on top and return to the toaster oven for another few minutes.

These are just a few basic recipes to get you started. Any recipe that you have that requires the use of an oven can be cooked in a toaster oven. If you do not yet own one of these fabulous small kitchen appliances then you can check out the best toaster oven reviews found on GourmetWorrier.com to find an oven perfect for your kitchen.

Check out the video below of more great examples that you can prepare in a countertop oven.

Homemade Ice Cream Recipe Ideas For The Family

Healthy Eating

Healthy ice cream options

If you think dessert cannot be healthy then you would be wrong. When you control the ingredients then you can also control nutrient make up of whatever you make in your kitchen.

Buying an ice cream maker for your home is one of the best investments that you can make. Is there anyone out there who does not love the taste of an indulgent bowl of frozen goodness. The great thing about today’s top machines is that they can do a lot more than just make ice cream. They are frozen dessert makers capable of making gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and more. You will find that the kids will also be eager to help making the entire experience a worthwhile family activity.

Ice cream makers are surprisingly quite affordable, meaning you will not have to break the bank to get in on the fun of making homemade ice cream. For those that have already discovered the magic of owning your very own ice cream machine, it is now time to experiment with some fruit flavored recipes that the entire family will enjoy.

Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Avocado Ice Cream

Ingredients

– 2 medium – large sized avocados
– 1 medium banana
– ¼ cup coconut butter or oil
– 2 table spoons of maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon peppermint
– 5 tablespoon chocolate chips

How to prepare

Scoop the avocados and peel the banana and have them in the blender. Add all the other ingredients except chocolate chips and blend them until even. Peppermint is used to give the ice cream a pepper flavor and hence an optional ingredient. Put the mixture into a large bowl then add the chocolate chips as you stir. Once thoroughly mixed, place the mixture into the freezer and stir the mixture after every 30 minutes. After two and half hours, the mixture should be ready to serve or store in the freezer for use at a later time.

Blueberry Protein Ice Cream

Ingredients

– 1/2 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 banana
– 1/3 cup blueberries
– 3 tablespoon almond milk
– ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
– 7 drops liquid stervia
– 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (used to thicken)

Preparation

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until they acquire a smooth mix. Put the mix into a freeze for approximately two to three hours. Remove the thick mix and add your desired toppings. Toasted coconut or peanut butter offers a perfect choice.

Chai Coconut Ice Cream

Ingredients

– 4 bags of aslam or regular tea
– 28 ounces of fat coconut milk
– 1/2 cup of honey (used to sweeten)
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– Some pinch of sea salt
– ¼ teaspoon of cloves
– ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon of allspice
– 1 1/2 teaspoon arrowroot starch

Preparation

Dip the teabags into one cup of boiling water and let them steep for 4 minutes before removing them. Which the coconut milk, honey, tea, vanilla, spices and sale until they form a perfect mix. You might require to heat the mixture over medium heat to mix with the cream effectively. Add the arrowroot starch and a few tablespoons of coconut milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat as you stir to achieve a thorough mix. Once mixed add the heat while stirring frequently for one minute. Once done, remove it from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature before placing in the freezer.

Vegan Chocolate and Hazelnut Ice Cream

Ingredients

– 2 cans of full fat coconut milk
– 12 pitted dates
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Cocoa powder
– Hazelnuts
– Vegan dark chocolate

Preparation

Mix the coconut milk with the dates and blend using a high powered blender. And the vanilla and cocoa powder and continue blending until it is even. Transfer the mix to a bowl and freeze for approximately one hour. Roast the hazelnuts I the oven at 4000F for about 10 – 15 minutes. This should make the nuts turn golden brown and fragrant. Chop them after they cool down and keep them aside. Churn the frozen ice cream until frozen then top with hazelnuts and chocolate.

Coffee Coconut Ice Cream

Ingredients

– 3 1/2 cups of full fat coconut milk
– 1/2 cup raw sugar
– 1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee
– 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Whisk the combination of coconut milk, raw sugar and coffee in a small pan over medium heat until well mixed. Remove the mix from heat and whisk in vanilla. Transfer the mix to a bowl and let it cool to room temperatures before transferring to the freezer. Let in chill in the freezer for at least six hours but if possible overnight. After chilling, transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions after which you can transfer your ice cream to freezer safe container for storage or serve while it is fresh. After storage for some days, you need to keep the ice cream in normal temperatures for at least 15 minutes to allow it to soften for ease in serving.

Creating Ice Cream With Your Own Machine

The advancement of the modern ice cream machine has made creating your indulgent frozen favorites that much easier. You can find budget options that are simple to use or you can spend a little more for a little more convenience. While Cuisinart ice cream makers are rated as the best, there are plenty of other options sure to put a smile on your family’s faces.