Published on: 16 December 2019
Last Updated on: 18 December 2019
Particularly popular in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe region, kashkaval is a semi-hard yellow cheese. It derives its name from the Italian cheese “Caciocavolla”. Kashkaval cheese is made from cow’s milk or ewe’s milk. The version made from cow’s milk is called Kashkaval Vitosha. The one made from ewe’s milk is called kashkaval Balkan. There is also a variety that uses a mixture of both of these types of milk. The cheese made from the mixture of these two kinds of milk is called kashkaval Preslav.
The different names of kashkaval:
Kashkaval is very popular in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. This variety of kashkaval cheese is also to be found widely in countries such as Turkey, Hungary, and Croatia. Each country has a different name for this variety of cheese though. While the Turkish refer to this cheese as “Kasra”, the Greeks call it “Kasseri”. The Romanians, on the other hand, call it “Cascaval”.
Kashkaval belongs to the pasta filata cheeses. This means that the curd is given a hot bath during the production process. This semi-hard yellow cheese or Kashkaval cheese is allowed to age for a good six months. This lends it a piquant and spicy flavor on the one hand and salty flavor on the other. In taste, it is very similar to the cheddar cheese that is widely popular in the United Kingdom. The Kashkaval cheese is also famously referred to as “the cheddar cheese of the Balkans”.
Popular kashkaval recipes:
The slightly hard texture of this yellow cheese makes it perfect for grilling and grating. It is thus generously used in salads, pizzas, appetizers, and lasagna. One of the famous Eastern European street food made with the kashkaval cheese is kashkaval pane. It is favored for its portability and thus preferred as an appetizer or served in clubs and bars.
It is essentially fried cheese made with simple and easy to find ingredients such as flour, breadcrumbs, and eggs apart from the kashkaval cheese itself. Served hot right off the pan it is known for its crunchy, melty goodness! Another popular Bulgarian recipe made with Kashkaval cheese made in Eastern European homes is the Bulgarian cheese banitza or banitsa that is also served as an appetizer. It is can also be served in the main course alongside other dishes.
It is similar to a Greek cheese pie or a Serbian burek. To make this you will need two cups of crumbled kashkaval, 2 eggs beaten, 16 sheets of filo dough, 6 tablespoons of plain yogurt, two sticks of unsalted butter and chopped green onions and sea salt for garnishing. To make this recipe, you will need to combine the cheese, yogurt, and eggs in a large bowl and beat them until they are smooth.
The next thing to do is fold one filo sheet in half and brush it with melted butter. Portion out the filling in the sheets making either a cigar-shaped roll or an S-shaped scroll. Remember to fold up the bottom edge first and then roll it up until you are looking at a tight cylindrical shape. Repeat the process with the remaining sheets. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sea salt if desired and place on a parchment-lined pan.
The next thing to do is bake these goodies in a pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes until they are brown and crisp. Serve hot with your favorite wine and your recipe is bound to be a hit among your guests in gathering or with your family when you are gearing up for a fun evening with food and wine! The bottom line is kashkaval is a popular cheese and can be replaced with cheddar for a slightly exotic dish or simply whipped up in an omelet!
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If you're a foodie looking for new tastes and experiences in northern Colorado, visit Lafayette. Chefs use locally sourced food to create tasty dishes delivered by friendly staff. Lafayette is nestled between Boulder and Denver, so when you stay in Colorado, you can visit modern restaurants in these cities as well. Don't miss these local culinary favorites.
The Post Brewing Company:
When you have a hankering for fried chicken, pull up a chair at The Post Brewing Company. This American brewpub offers classic dishes like chicken and waffles alongside gluten-free fried chicken. You'll feel at home in this casual eatery with homemade meals. Give your chicken meal an extra kick with the variety of hot sauces you'll find on each table.
Cool off with a craft beer brewed on-site like an Elkhorn lager or a Big Rosie porter. If you want something other than chicken, try the meatloaf or shrimp and grits. Diners rave about the friendly service, too. You'll find this brewpub on Emma Street just south of State Route 7 in Lafayette.
Community:
If you prefer sustainable, farm-to-table meals, head over to South Public Road and add Community to your list of Lafayette eateries to visit. Sample local comfort food and artisan cocktails. Start with small plates to share including Shaolin-style duck nachos and Curry cauliflower tots. For your entree, choose from favorites like meatloaf, lamb, and pork tenderloin.
Save room for some dessert like key lime pie or an after-dinner drink to top off your meal. Community doesn't take reservations, but if you have a large group, you can call ahead to see if the staff can accommodate you.
Stay local and take a short ride to Boulder or Denver. Reserve a room in Lafayette for easy access to top-rated restaurants in these nearby cities known for their culinary delights.
Oak at Fourteenth:
Image via Flickr by Ken Lund
Don't miss having an upscale meal at Oak at Fourteenth on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder. Try the pan-roasted sablefish paired with an Oak martini. You can also share a family plate of crispy pork shoulder prepared with pineapple fried rice. Menus are updated seasonally and feature locally grown ingredients. Call ahead to reserve a table.
Izakaya Den:
When the foodie in you craves fresh sushi and sashimi, take a short trip to Denver and make yourself at home at Izakaya Den: The Sake House with Tapas. Order specialty rolls created with tuna and salmon served tapas-style that you can share with your table. Mix and match rolls and fresh seafood.
Your catch of the day may be Tasmanian king salmon, bluefin akami, or wild tai snapper. Izakaya Den also offers a Japanese menu featuring Ramen and Udon noodle bowls. You may call the restaurant or reserve a table online to make your reservation.
Your culinary tour of Lafayette will deliver delicious meals at local hot spots with a family atmosphere. You can also travel a short distance to Boulder or Denver and experience a wider variety of modern fare in an upscale setting.
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Although mushrooms have been used in cooking and customs for over a millennia, their popularity has increased recently. Previously unfashionable and difficult to market, portobello mushrooms are now in high demand all across the world.
These big, meaty mushrooms taste fantastic when grilled, stuffed, or used as a meat substitute in burgers and sandwiches. They also have a delightfully rich flavor.
But do portobello mushrooms have any health benefits over other foods? What are the negative effects of portobello mushrooms? Here we will talk about different methods to incorporate portobello mushrooms into your diet and their positive and negative aspects.
What Are Portobello Mushrooms?
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The delicious Agaricus bisporus fungus, which also produces cremini and button mushrooms, is the source of these large mushrooms. Actually, despite being in various stages of development, all of these mushrooms are the same. The biggest and darkest of the three mushrooms, portobellos are the most mature. They can occasionally reach a width of around 6 inches and have a deep brown color.
Large-scale portobello mushroom cultivation is famous all over the world. These mushrooms, however, are from the meadows of Eurasia and North America in the wild.
They have a less spongy texture than other mushrooms. These mushrooms have a meatier texture which makes them a good substitute in vegan and vegetarian meals.
Portobello mushrooms are generally thought to be a fantastic source of important nutrients that are good for your body. It is believed that portobello mushrooms are rich in beneficial plant-derived nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, potassium, copper, and selenium. If they are exposed to UV radiation while developing, they can also be a rich source of vitamin D.
Mushrooms were initially not acceptable to the general public and to persuade people to add them to their shopping baskets- voluntarily. In order to make that happen they were given the rather glitzy-sounding name Portabella in the 1980s.
Today, 90% of all mushrooms produced in the USA are portobello mushrooms. They are also a common addition to recipes by professional chefs at restaurants and for recipes cooked at home.
Next time you see these delectable mushrooms you're shopping and they're labeled portabella rather than portobello, don't worry—they're the same!
Many people think that mushrooms, in general, offer a number of health advantages. The same is true of portobello mushrooms, which are a rich source of protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals.
However, it is important to remember that there has been little research on the health advantages of portobello mushrooms. It cannot be suggested for consumption without necessary caution.
Benefits Of Portobello Mushrooms
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Here are three positive health benefits of having portobello mushrooms based on popular research:
Portobello mushrooms are an excellent addition to any diet because they lower fat and calories, like all mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms have a low calorie and fat content of 22 per 100 grams. They also contain 2.11 and 1.3 grams of protein and fiber.
High concentrations of B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid enrich portobello mushrooms. They are essential for many bodily functions, like energy production and the metabolism of macronutrients.
According to research, portobello mushrooms are rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining muscle health and strength. 128g of cooked portobello mushrooms contain 440mg of potassium. It is roughly 9% of the daily adult intake.
Negative Effects Of Portobello Mushrooms
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Like any meal, portobello mushrooms may not be suitable for everyone. The following are a few possible drawbacks of portobello mushrooms:
Allergic Reactions
Portobellos and other mushrooms may cause an allergic reaction in certain people. The degree of allergic reactions can vary. It can range from minor symptoms like irritation and hives to more serious ones like breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis. Consumption of portobello mushrooms can cause a severe reaction if you have a mushroom allergy.
Digestive Problems
Portobellos and other mushrooms contain chitin, a form of carbohydrate. Humans find chitin difficult to digest, and for some people, it can be uncomfortable. If ingested in large numbers or not cooked well, mushrooms can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, or upset stomach.
Risks Of Contamination
If you don't handle, preserve, and prepare portobello mushrooms correctly, they may become contaminated with bacteria, molds, and other hazardous germs. In this regard, they are much like other mushrooms. Food poisoning from eating contaminated mushrooms can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Medication Interactions
Portobello mushrooms, like several other foods, may have an effect on how some medicines work. For instance, they might impact how some medications and anticoagulants work. To be certain. There are no reported interactions. However, you can talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are taking drugs.
How To Cook Portobello Mushrooms?
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Portobello mushrooms are ideal veggies in a variety of ways, including grilled, stuffed, and fried. However, you can also serve them on their own. They are very popular in Italian recipes like spaghetti and even as toppings on pizza.
In a variety of vegetarian and vegan meals, including burgers and steaks, portobello mushrooms' are an ideal meat substitute. Here are a few of our favorite methods for preparing delicious portobello mushrooms:
You may substitute a grilled portobello mushroom for a traditional meat burger or eat it alone as a plant-based steak.
To prepare portobello mushrooms for pasta dishes and sauces, put them in a skillet and cook briefly until fork-tender.
Portobello mushroom stuffing is an all-time favorite! Load a generous amount of cheese into the mushroom's center before baking it in an oven until it turns golden.
Slice up a few of these chewy deliciousnesses. Put them on toast or toss them over for a savory stir fry!
How To Choose The Right Portobello Mushrooms?
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Pick fresh, firm portobello mushrooms when you're shopping. Avoid portobello mushrooms that have bruises, or that have soft patches, as they are not suitable for consumption. You must consume fresh mushrooms right away because they are bad for your health when old.
Fresh portobello mushrooms are best when in a paper bag or their original container in the refrigerator. These fresh mushrooms should be kept in an airtight container and kept at room temperature. It will prevent the formation of dangerous bacteria that could cause botulism.
To help avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands both before and after handling portobello mushrooms. Before preparing and eating, immediately wash mushrooms under running water. Other than water, there is nothing else you need to use to clean your mushrooms. Never pre-wash mushrooms since the dampness will hasten their deterioration.
Wrapping Up
So it appears that portobello mushrooms may be more than we originally thought! There are so many good reasons to include portobello mushrooms in your diet. The possible health advantages and their distinctive texture and flavor make them super palatable.
Remember that the negative consequences are not all-encompassing and might not be relevant for everyone. When included in a balanced diet, portobello mushrooms are a generally healthy and safe food option. However, it is advised to speak with a healthcare provider or allergist for specialized guidance if you have known allergies.
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When you are into bodybuilding, your primary goal is to build muscles through weightlifting and proper nutrition. Bulking is a part of the bodybuilding process. However, bulking requires proper nutrition along with weightlifting. You need to consume the best bulking foods to ensure the right nutrition.
In this article, you will learn about the best bulking foods. Here, this article will explain the key nutrients bulking nutrients and the best protein sources.
Apart from that, you will also learn about the best fat and carbohydrate sources useful for bulking. Finally, you will also get some tips for effective bulking. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
Why Is Bulking Integral To Bodybuilding?
Generally, bodybuilding involves two phases: bulking and cutting. In the former, the goal is to gain weight and build muscles, while the latter consists in reducing body fat.
Basically, bulking is a dietary process where you consume excess calories for muscle growth and weight gain. In fact, it is a common approach that athletes and bodybuilders use to increase their strength and muscle mass.
Hence, bulking refers to an increase in calories that your body consumes when it is in the process of intense weight training.
It is the stage where you gain muscles in your body. Here, you have to consume more calories than your body needs. However, you do it for a set period of time (4-6 months).
The extra calories that you consume works as a necessary fuel for muscle growth. Moreover, it provides strength to your body through weight training.
Best Bulking Foods: A General Overview
In bulking, your focus should be to give your body more energy than it consumes, thus creating a calorie surplus.
Meanwhile, this surplus creates extra energy, with the help of which your body creates muscle mass. Moreover, this energy helps you repair damaged tissues and fuel intense workouts.
Actually, bulking is one of the most important aspects of muscle growth. This is because if you build muscles, you must provide your body with enough energy. This way, it can build and repair damaged muscle tissues after your workout.
However, just because you are bulking, it does not mean that you have to consume as much food as possible. In fact, you must choose the best bulking foods and count your macronutrients. This way, you can support your muscle growth and minimize fat gain.
Key Nutrients For Bulking
If you want to achieve a clean bulk, you have to make smart food choices. In fact, if your choice of food is poor, it will lead to “dirty bulking.” As a result, you will end up with a lot of accumulated fat and minimal muscle gain.
In fact, in healthy bulking, you must consume quality foods and minimize your fat gains. This is because your goal is to maximize your muscle gain and ensure proper metabolism.
When bulking, you must focus on protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here is a breakdown of each nutrient you need for muscle gain:
Proteins
The importance of protein in muscle growth and repair is the highest. This is because proteins are the building blocks of muscles. Hence, in your bulking phase, aim to have a higher protein intake.
Consume 1g of protein for each pound of your body weight. For example, if your body weight is 180 lbs, consume 180 grams of protein each day when you are bulking.
Some good sources of lean protein include lean meats, eggs, poultry, fish, dairy products, lentils, beans, etc.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates help you in providing energy for intense workouts. Also, it helps create a bulk in the muscles. Basically, carbs replenish the glycogen inside your muscles.
However, when you are bulking, take 1.5 grams of carbs for 1 lb of your weight. For example, if your body weight is 180 lbs, consume 250-270 grams of carbs daily when you are bulking.
When choosing carbs for bulking, focus on consuming complex carbohydrates. These include brown rice, whole grains, fruits, sweet potatoes, and vegetables.
Fats
Healthy fats are necessary for overall health and hormone production. Apart from that, it also helps in nutrient absorption. Hence, to consume healthy fats, you can include sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, etc.
Best Protein Sources For Bulking
The following are some of the best protein sources when you are in your bulking phase:
Lean Meats: Some good sources of protein are chicken or turkey. This is because they have less saturated fat than red meat. For instance, you will get 18-25 grams of protein from 100 grams of chicken breast.
Dairy Products: Generally, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk have high protein and high calories. Hence, they help you to build muscles faster. Apart from that, cottage cheese helps you in muscle recovery and growth due to its slow and steady dissolution.
Fish and Seafood: Fishes like salmon, tuna, and shrimp are high in protein and healthy fat. Hence, you can consider consuming them from time to time.
Eggs: Eggs are a good and fast-acting source of lean protein. Also, it contains healthy cholesterol. However, do not consume the egg yolk (yellow part) more than 2 in a day as it will increase cholesterol in your body. Meanwhile, you can consume multiple egg whites of boiled eggs in a single day. In fact, this is a good source of lean protein.
Plant-Based Proteins: Plant-based proteins are lean and healthy at the same time. Some good sources of such protein are beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh.
Protein Supplements: If you eat too much, you will feel bloated at the end of the day. Hence, you need protein supplements that will help you supplement the shortage of protein that you consume in a day. Some examples of protein supplements are whey protein, casein protein, and plant-based protein powders.
Best Carbohydrate Sources For Bulking
Here are some of the best bulking foods for carbohydrates that will help you during the bulking phase:
Sweet Potatoes: a great post-workout snack that contains nutrients and fibers. Also, it will help you restore glycogen levels in your body.
Fruits: Different types of fruits come with various nutrients and carbohydrates. Apart from that, fruits also add antioxidants to your body. For instance, a good fruit option to consume after a workout is a banana.
Whole Grains: You can find whole-grain bread and pasta helping you consume complex carbs. Generally, they contain more vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Apart from that, you can also choose brown rice to get good-quality carbs.
Legumes and Quinoa: Quinoa, beans, and lentils are excellent sources of carbohydrates.
Best Fat Sources For Bulking
Here are some of the best bulking foods for healthy fats that you can use during your bulking phase:
Nuts and Seeds: Some essential and healthy sources of fats are almonds, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Oils: For instance, coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil are great additions when considering fat for your diet. Hence, try to use coconut oil and olive oil in your cooking. This way, you can increase healthy fats and additional calories.
Avocados: Avocadoes are rich in healthy fats and nutrients. Basically, they contain monounsaturated fatty acids that add healthy calories and fat to your diet. Also, it is a source of antioxidants and vitamin E.
Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are fatty fishes that help you remain healthy and achieve clean bulk. Also, a large dose of omega-3 fatty acids, can improve your joints and cardiovascular health.
Dairy: Full-fat yogurt and cheese help your muscle restore glycogen stores. This helps more in the muscle-building process.
Tips For Effective Bulking
The following are some of the major tips for effective bulking:
Meal Frequency: Eating multiple times a day is important to ensure a good flow of nutrients and faster metabolism. Hence, make sure to eat small multiple times throughout the day.
Caloric Surplus: Always count your calories and your nutrients. For instance, if you see a caloric surplus to support muscle growth, you will have more energy for intense workouts and repairing damaged tissues.
Hydration: Since you are working out and eating a lot, you must stay hydrated. This will support overall health and performance.
Consistency: When you are in your bulking phase, be consistent with your diet and workout. Moreover, make sure to adjust your Intake. For instance, you can tweak calorie and nutrient intake based on progress and goals.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
To ensure efficient bulking, here are some common mistakes you must avoid:
Do not eat too much quickly, as it will get difficult to cut later on.
Make sure there is not a big gap between the two meals.
Getting ample rest will not be helpful for your muscles. Basically, your muscles need to get rest for growth. Hence, it would help if you got enough sleep when you are working out regularly.
Do cardio at least once a week. This helps you increase your appetite and helps you break down your calories faster.
Summing Up
Now you know the best bulking foods to help you grow your muscles and gain muscle weight. However, your nutrient intake and workout must go hand in hand. Only then will you get your desired results.
Do you have more suggestions on the best bulking foods to consume? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
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