Let us now begin with English language learning. This article will especially concentrate on one of the core uses of a language: understanding its vocabulary. Vocabulary can be considered as the building block that provides ways of language articulation, self-expression, and comprehension of others. Without vocabulary, speaking or writing out any sentences or having any conversations is rendered impossible. So let's turn our attention to the everyday English vocabulary that will be appropriate for starters who would wish to start speaking English on a daily basis.

Why is vocabulary important?

Before we look at such kinds of words in this article, let us first establish the need and importance of vocabulary. Whenever you learn a new word, you are learning a new aspect of communicating more effectively than what you were capable of before. Each vocabulary unit is like a tool that lets you relay an idea or comprehend someone's speech. However, vocabulary is not necessarily knowing some grandiloquent words. Rather it is the knowing of basic vocabulary which will be the frequently encountered words which is more of interest. Knowing this vocabulary will enable you to handle situations of introductory nature, make inquiries and follow directions.

Types of Vocabulary which we use Everyday

To start, we will define vocabulary relevant to the different categories that will be most appropriate in your daily tasks. Such categories will include the following ones:

1. Greetings and Introducing.
2. Words of Food and Drinks.
3. Numerals and Times.
4. Some Useful Adjectives.
5. Words Used in the Description of other People/objects.
6. Questions about Places.
7. Words related to Shopping.

Let's tackle all the above categories one by one.

1. Greetings and Introductions

In what follows we explain the steps you need to take at the start of the conversation that will require you to provide a self-introduction or make a polite request for a handshake. While this format may vary depending on contexts, the following words and expressions would be appropriate here:

• Hi / Hello – Used when casually greeting individuals.
• Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening – Respectful forms of greetings depending on the time of an encounter.
• How are you? – An expression meant to raise concern or to express good wishes to someone.
• I am alright, thank you. And you? You may also respond to this question by asking the same question: How are you? – An automatic response to how someone is feeling.
• Thanks for having me. Margaret, please I'm prepared. I'm up for the IQ test. This is an expression used when meeting someone for the first time.
• Bye / Goodbye – Used when bidding someone farewell.
• Goodbye. I hope to see you soon. This means that the subject cannot determine the exact time to see the Other Party, though he or she is confident about meeting again in the near future.

These customary resources will be beneficial for you, regardless of whether you are introducing yourself to a new person or welcoming a friend back.

2. Food and Drink

Knowing how to say and understand food and drinks can be beneficial at a restaurant, a cafe, or even a supermarket. Allow me to list a few important absolute terms:

• Water
• Coffee
• Tea
• Bread
• Rice
• Chicken
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Soup
• Sandwich

Apart from identifying food items you may wish to eat, you may wish to mention some simple actions that one does with their mouth, as in:

• Eat - "It is in the morning when I eat breakfast, at 8 am."
• Drink – "Is there coffee for you to drink?"
• Order - "I would like to order a sandwich."
• Cook - "I make dinner every day."

3. Numbers and Time

The ability to read numerals and understand the concept of time and its representation through clocks and watches is rather important in the world today. Let us begin with basic numbers: 1-10:

• When 1 of something is: One
• When 2 of something is: Two
• When 3 of something is: Three
• When 4 of something is: Four
• When 5 of something is: Five
• When 6 of something is: Six
• When 7 of something is: Seven
• When 8 of something is: Eight
• When 9 of something is: Nine
• When 10 of something is: Ten

When telling time, the following may also be useful:

For instance, What time is it? It's three o'clock.

Minutes: The train will depart in 10 minutes.

Early in the day's light, later in the day / evening / or at night.

If I may say, "I have a practice in the morning, aimed at intellectual growth and development."

How about tomorrow, or the day before today? "Tomorrow, uh, I have a meeting within me."

A few of these simple words will come in handy when booking a meeting, setting plans, and figuring out the time when some activity will take place.

4. Common Verbs

Every one of us engages in an activity or action, and such activities or actions are denoted as Verbs. Below, there is a list of commonly used verbs in the day-to-day life:

• Go – "I go to school every day."
• Come – "Come on, let's go to the party."
• Do – "What do you do on weekends?"
• Have – "I have got a new book."
• Make – "Will you make a cake, please?"
• Like – "I like eating ice-cream."
• Need – "Oh no! I need help with my homework."
• Want – "I want to learn English for the coming examination."
• Read – "I presume I'll read a book by this author very soon, as I like his style."
• Write – "Please write your name here."

These types of verbs give you the ability to indicate the performance of activities and oblige another person to do something. Apply them in different instances.

5. Describing People and Objects

It is always good to know how to describe people and objects. Here are some adjectives (descriptive words) that you can use:

• Big / Small – "This house is big."
• Hot / Cold – "That coffee is hot."
• Old / Young – "My grandfather is old."
• Happy / Sad – "She looks happy today."
• Fast / Slow – "That car is fast."
• New / Old – "This phone is new."

Adjectives are a wonderful beginning for people when explaining anything in their daily life situations.

6. Asking for Directions

Be it a new city or just looking for something specific, one must always learn how to ask for directions. Some useful questions include the ones below:

• Where is…? – "Where is the railway station?"
• How do I get to…? – "How do I get to the shopping mall?"
• Turn left / Turn right – "Turn right from the traffic lights."
• Go straight ahead – "Go straight ahead for two blocks."
• Near / Far – "Is park near that place?"

Knowing the above questions will assist you in moving around in the different places and seeking assistance wherever necessary.

7. Shopping Vocabulary

If you are out shopping for clothes, groceries, or any other type of items, then you might find these phrases useful:

• How much is this? – "How much is this shirt?"
• I'd like to buy… – "I'd like to buy a pair of shoes."
• Do you have…? – "Do you have this in a different size?"
• Expensive / Cheap – "This watch is expensive."
• Cash / Credit card – "Can I pay with a credit card?"

You will understand some of these words and our responses to questions where you will be required to make a purchase or request for more information.

Practice and Review

Now that we have looked at some of the frequently used words, the next stage is the application of these words in practical settings. One may want to talk to a partner, compose a few sentences with recently acquired vocabulary, or listen and watch these words on TV and around other people. As with most things, the more one does it the easier it becomes to remember and use the words.

Let's not forget all the words are not learned by rote and recalled. Context is important. How are they used in phrases? In sentences? Practice but don't be shy to make silly mistakes and practice as much as you can.

In this article, we have presented some basic words in English that French speakers will frequently use in common everyday situations: phrases of greetings, food, numbers, common verbs, talking about people and things, asking for directions, and shopping. Such lexis will enable you to begin speaking and understanding the English language in practice.

A soft and fluffy cinnamon roll will just melt in your mouth making you feel refreshed. You can make the perfect bakery shop-style cinnamon roll at home with this amazing recipe.

Health benefits

Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants which help to maintain blood sugar. It also protects from heart disease. Cinnamon has many other medicinal properties that are good for your health.

Ingredients

The Dough

• All-purpose flour – 4 cups
• Granulated sugar – 1/3 cup
• Instant yeast – 2.25 teaspoons or 1 pack
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Milk – 1.5 cups
• Butter – 6 tablespoons
• Egg – 1, room temperature

The cinnamon sugar filling

• Butter – ¼ cup, room temperature
• Brown sugar – 2/3 cup
• Ground cinnamon – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – a pinch

Cream cheese frosting

• Cream cheese, 4 ounces, room temperature
• Unsalted butter, ½ cup, room temperature
• Milk – 2 to 3 tablespoons
• Powdered sugar – 3 cups
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – a pinch

Instructions

• Take a large bowl and mix 2 cups of flour, salt, sugar and yeast.
• Melt the butter and warm the milk. Just put them in the oven for 30 seconds.
• Add warm milk and butter to the flour.
• Add the egg.
• Beat the mixture at low speed using an electric beater for 2 minutes. Add 1 more cup of flour and beat again till the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
• Knead the dough for 10 minutes by hand or in a stand mixer.
• Let it sit for an hour to give room to rise.
• Roll the dough into a rectangle. Prepare the filling by mixing all the ingredients and spreading the filling over the dough.
• Spread the butter of the filling towards the edges and press hard so that the dough sticks to the butter.
• Roll up tightly and seal the bottom by punching the dough.
• Make slices (about 12) using a sharp knife and place them in a baking pan (preferably 9X13 inch size). Make sure the pan is lined with parchment paper.
• Cover the dough and let it rise for one hour.
• Bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F or till it's golden brown in color.
• Top them with cream cheese icing after it is cooled. Use a stand mixer or handheld mixer to blend the cream cheese, butter, milk, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
• Beat in low heat and then slowly increase the speed until it becomes light and fluffy. Now spread the icing on the 12 rolls evenly.

How to know kneading is sufficient

You can use the window pane test to see if your kneading is done. To do this rip off a piece of dough and put it in between your fingers. Gently spread the fingers to stretch the dough. If it stretches out and gets translucent then the dough is perfect. To see if it is translucent, go near a window and see if light passes through the dough. If the dough rips then you need to knead more.

Tips

• Don't over-bake. In fact, it should be a bit under-baked at the center.
• Don't overheat the milk as it will kill the yeast and your cinnamon roll won't rise.
• For the filling, use butter at room temperature.
• Eat them warm to get the best taste. If it gets cold, put it in the microwave for 20 seconds before eating.

Storing

You can keep the dough in the freezer after it rises for the first time. Before you want to bake it, thaw the dough overnight or warm it for 30 seconds. If you want to store it after baking, first let the cinnamon rolls reach room temperature. You can either put the entire baking pan in the freezer or put the cinnamon rolls inside an airtight container.

Instead of baking muffins or chocolate chip cookies, try a cinnamon roll today. It's a healthy and super delicious baking item that everyone In your family will love. It might take some time to make a perfect dough. A soft and fluffy cinnamon roll is what you will need on a stressful day to keep you calm.

It is another great Italian dish that you must try. If you like traditional pasta, then you will also like this one. This dish is a wonderful combo of sausage and pasta. 'Ragu' means sauce that is meat-based. This Italian sauce is made of tomatoes, meat, onions, carrots, and celery. Pappardelle, on the other hand, is flat, broad, and long ribbons of egg pasta. Its origin is in Tuscany. Its broad surface is complemented with ragu sauce. You will love this meaty pasta for your lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• Pork sausage – 400 gm
• Italian seasoning – ½ teaspoon
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Chilli flakes – ½ teaspoon
• Shallot – 1, finely diced
• Garlic cloves, 2 – finely grated
• Tomato puree – 1 tablespoon
• Plum tomatoes, 400 gm
• Water – ½ cup
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon
• Sea salt – ½ teaspoon
• Nutmeg – 1/8 teaspoon, grated
• Ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon
• Freshly chopped parsley – ¼ cup
• Dried pappardelle – 300 gm
• Freshly grated parmesan (to garnish)

Cooking instructions

1. Take a large skillet and put it on medium-high heat. Add olive oil and then put sausage meat. Sprinkle chili flakes and Italian seasoning. Break them with your spatula. Fry for about 10 minutes or till browned and crispy.
2. Put shallot and fry till it becomes soft.
3. Add garlic and tomato puree. Stir for some time.
4. Add plum tomatoes and break them with the spatula.
5. Pour water into the mixture. Sprinkle salt, sugar, pepper, Italian seasoning and nutmeg. Simmer for 15 minutes. The mixture will thicken.
6. Cook pappardelle according to the instructions written on the packet (roughly 4 liters of water is needed for 500 gm and you need to cook for 10 minutes. Don't forget to add salt!)
7. Add cooked pappardelle to the mixture and combine with the spatula.
8. Sprinkle cheese and parsley.
9. Serve hot.

After eating you can store the leftovers in the refrigerator. You can reheat it on the stovetop later. Just sprinkle some water to loosen the ingredients. You can also reheat in the microwave.

Making pappardelle at home

Ingredients

• 00 flour – 1.5 cups (a fine Italian flour that makes the pizza crust tender yet stretchy)
• Semolina flour – ¼ cup
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Egg – 1
• Yolks – 8

Directions

1. Take a large bowl and mix the 00 and semolina flour along with salt. Make a well to add the egg and yolks. Incorporate the eggs into the flour using a form. Add a splash of water if the dough is too dry; add some flour if it is too wet.
2. Flour the work surface and put the dough there. Knead it for 10 to 12 minutes. You will notice that the dough springs back. At this time, flatten the dough and make it even square.
3. Wrap the dough in a plastic wrap. Let it stay for 1 hour at room temperature.
4. Slice the dough into 3 pieces.
5. Use the pasta roller to flatten the dough to ¼ inch. Roll the dough on the widest setting and send the dough through the machine. Repeat.

Customizations

You can create your own sausage ragu with pappardelle pasta recipe with these variations:

• Sausages - Instead of using pork sausage, you can use beef, venison, or chicken sausage.
• Seasoning – You can use thyme, rosemary, or fennel seeds instead of using Italian seasoning.
• Pasta – Instead of using pappardelle you can use any gluten-free pasta as well.

The pappardelle pasta gives a filling taste. With meat, ragu, and Italian seasoning, this dish becomes a must-have on any occasion. The richness of its flavor is unparalleled. Along with the unique flavor, you get the typical Italian cheesy flavor as well.

I won't be surprised if you haven't heard of this Italian dish Frittata. It's a popular local dish that has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well. You will find similarities with an omelet, scrambled eggs, or crustless quiche. The twist is that it's enriched with vegetables, meat, and cheese to give you a much-enhanced taste. Also, the ratio of egg to milk is different in quiche where you use fewer eggs and more milk. This makes the texture of frittata more solid than quiche. Omelet, on the other hand, is lighter than frittata and you don't need to bake it.

Ingredients

• Large eggs – 8
• Milk – 1/2 cup
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
• Goat cheese – ½ cup
• Cherry tomatoes – ½ cup
• Bell pepper – ½ cup, different colors
• Butter – 1 tablespoon
• Herbs – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Red pepper flakes
• Ground black pepper

This recipe is ideal for serving 4 people.

Cooking method

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Whisk eggs, heavy cream, and salt together until you get a smooth texture. Set them aside.
3. Chop the vegetables. Boil some vegetables like kale, broccoli, and others. You don't need to boil bell peppers and tomatoes. You can use mushrooms, jalapenos, or olives straight from the can.
4. Put butter on the cast iron pan. It is good to use a pan 9X10 inches in diameter. This pan will fit both the stovetop and oven. Alternatively, coat the sides of the baking pan with melted butter.
5. Add the vegetables evenly to the pan.
6. Pour the egg mixture on top.
7. Add cheese and other toppings.
8. Bake them for 15 minutes. You should make sure that you don't over-bake the frittata, or else it will become dry and rubbery.

How to check if frittata is done:

• Notice the center and edges of the frittata and see if they are still jiggly or not. If they are not and turn light golden in color then it is done.
• Just like you test a cake, get a knife or toothpick and insert it into the center of the frittata. If they come out clean, you can stop baking.
• You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. When the internal temperature becomes 160 degrees F, it is done.

You can serve it with coffee cake, scones, or cinnamon rolls.

Storing

You should first cool the frittata after taking it out from the oven and then slice it. Use a plastic wrap to cover the slices. Then put them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Before eating the refrigerated frittata you need to reheat it in the microwave.

Tips

• If you want to omit dairy, then you can do so. However, the frittata will taste more eggy and less creamy.
• It will be convenient for you to precook the vegetables.
• Grease the baking pan; otherwise, frittata might stick to the pan.
• It is better to cook the vegetables before pouring the egg mixture over them. Some vegetables tend to be watery, like spinach. So, if you don't cook it before, it will release water into the egg mixture making it watery.
• Season and saute the veggies before adding the egg mixture.
• Make sure your skillet is oven-safe and nonstick. It is best to use a cast iron skillet.
• Add pesto sauce or warm salsa to spice it up.

Frittata variations

Frittata is a versatile egg dish that gives you room to be creative with the toppings. You can add your favorite ingredients to make it your favorite dish of the day.

• Cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, feta, or goat cheese
• Veggies: Broccoli, red bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, onions, zucchini, eggplant, jalapenos, garlic, leaves, shallots, olives, tomatoes, spinach, and kale.
• Meat: bacon, chicken, beef
• Herbs: chives, ill, basil, parsley, oregano

Try out this excellent breakfast item today and get appreciation from your family members. It's easy to cook and delicious to eat. It is a great dish for a brunch. You can prepare the veggies in advance and keep them in the refrigerator so that you can cook quickly.

If you are into baking then you will enjoy cooking this baked chicken pasta. It's a complete meal and it will make you fuller when you have it for dinner. This meal is juicy and saucy and is loaded with different toppings.

Ingredients

Chicken

• Chicken thighs - 500 gm, cut into small pieces
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Italian herb – 2 teaspoon

Pasta bake

• Pasta (rigatoni, penne, macaroni, or shell) – 300 gm
• Salt- 2 teaspoon
• Bacon – 5 slices
• Onion – ½, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves -2, minced
• Dried oregano – ½ teaspoon
• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoon
• Chilli flakes – ½ teaspoon
• Tomato puree – 700 gm
• Water – ½ cup
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Tomatoes – 3, cut in small wedges
• Baby spinach – 2 handfuls
• Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, finely shredded
• Parmesan cheese – 2 cups, finely shredded

Cooking method

Prepare the chicken

• Take chicken thighs and season them with Italian herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken till it turns golden in color. Leave the fat in the pan.
• Saute garlic, onion, dried oregano, and chili flakes. This will bring out excellent flavor.

Cook pasta

You should cook pasta according to the packet instructions. Boil water and add some salt. After the pasta is done, drain and rinse with water. Let it cool while you make the sauce.

Make the tomato pasta sauce

You need to use tomato puree, garlic, onion, oregano, and chili. Put the chicken into the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Prepare the add-ins

• Cook the bacon until it is crispy and chop it into small pieces.
• Then add the tomato chunks to the pasta bake.
• Add baby spinach and cheese.

Prepare chicken pasta bake

Mix well and transfer to a baking pan (9 X 13 inches). Make sure to level the surface. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and then parmesan cheese. You will get a beautiful golden crust due to the parmesan cheese. Bake for 25 minutes at 180 degrees C. Take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then serve hot!

Storing

You can make the pasta and sauce beforehand and store it in the fridge by covering it with a plastic wrap. Just make sure that you don't mix them. Take them out the next day and put them in the oven to bake.

Cooking tips

• Put salt in the boiling water before adding the pasta. It will not only cook the pasta fast but will also add flavor to it.
• Do tasks simultaneously to save time. For example, while your pasta is cooking on one stove, prepare the chicken and bacon on the other stovetop. That way you will save a lot of time.
• Don't make your sauce watery by adding extra water.
• Add veggies of your choice, like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.

Health benefits

This pasta dish will give you a lot of energy. Your fiber intake will increase. It will lower the risk of high cholesterol levels. The recipe includes lots of vegetables, herbs, meat, and cheese giving you balanced nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fat. You will feel energized after eating this delicious meal. Also, baking is a healthy cooking method that reduces the intake of oil which might have adverse effects on your heart.

Baked chicken pasta is a very healthy meal for the entire family. You can customize this meal with your preference for pasta, meat, vegetables, herbs, and cheese. As it requires a number of steps to make it, you can invite your family members to help you so that you can have a fun time preparing. After eating you can store the leftovers in the fridge.

Craving some Krispy Crème donuts? With this recipe, you can make your favorite full-proof donut at home. Donut is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Eating a soft and fluffy donut is a delightful experience to brighten up your day. Donuts go with any occasion. It is also the best indulgence for regular moments. It is a family dessert item that everyone loves. The best part of donuts is that you can create varieties of them with the same batter. All you need to do is change the flavors, colorings, and toppings.

Ingredients

Dough

• Whole milk – 1 cup, warm
• Instant dry yeast – 2.25 teaspoons
• Granulated sugar 1/3 cup
• Eggs – 2, large
• Unsalted butter – 85gm
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoons
• All-purpose flour – 4 cups
• Vegetable oil – 1-2 quarts
• Salt- ½ teaspoon

Glazing

• Confectioner's sugar – 2 cups, sifted
• Heavy cream or whole milk – 1/3 cup
• Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon

Cooking instructions

1. Warm the milk.
2. Add yeast and one tablespoon of sugar to the milk.
3. Whisk them together with a spatula in a mixing bowl.
4. Cover and let it sit for some 10 minutes till the top becomes frothy and foamy.
5. Add the rest of the sugar, butter, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix. Then add flour. Beat using a beater for 1 minute at low speed. Make sure the scrape down the bowl's sides with a spatula.
6. Pour the rest of the flour and now beat the mixture on medium speed.
7. After beating for about 2 minutes, you will notice the dough coming together and pulling away from the bowl's sides. If it doesn't then add more flour, a small amount at a time until it comes off the sides of the bowl. Alternatively, you can knead the dough on a lightly floured surface. You need to press hard using your hand muscles.
8. Grease a large bowl with oil. Put the dough in the bowl making sure to coat it on all sides with the oil. Cover the bowl and leave it for 2 hours in a warm place. Wait for it to double in size.
9. Once the dough rises, punch the dough down to get rid of the air. Flour the rolling surface and put the dough there. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough. Make it ½ inch thick.
10. Use a dough cutter (3 to 3.5 inches) to cut the dough in shape. Don't throw away the scraps. Re-roll them to make more shapes.
11. Line baking sheets and place your doughnuts there. Cover them loosely and let them rest so that they rise a bit.
12. You can either fry or bake the donuts. For frying, add oil to a heavy-duty pot. Heat the oil and put a few doughnuts at a time. Cook each side for one minute. Then take out the doughnuts and place them in a rack.
13. To make the glaze whisk the ingredients. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar if it's watery and adding water if it's too thick. Place them in different bowls and add different food colors if you want to make colorful donuts. After you add the food color whisk again to mix the color in each bowl. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze. Wait for the glaze to set.

Storing

You can freeze the doughnuts for up to 3 months. If you want to serve them then keep the doughnuts at room temperature for about 5 days.

How to knead the dough perfectly

The purpose of kneading is to incorporate air into the dough. You also need to stretch out the gluten strands to build strength and structure. If you don't knead properly, the donut won't rise and it won't be soft or fluffy. You can use the dough hook attachment of the stand mixture to knead the dough. First, run it on low speed. When you decide to use your hand instead, make sure you don't add more flour. Just use enough to prevent sticking it on your work surface and hand. When you feel that the texture of the dough is smooth and feels soft to the touch, you know that it's done. Another way to test it is to poke it with your finger. If it bounces back without sticking to the finger then you know that your kneading has been perfect. If it doesn't then continue kneading for a bit longer.

Frosting ideas

Strawberry donut frosting

Take 5 strawberries and blend them in a food processor. Add confectioner's sugar, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract.

Vanilla donut frosting

Whisk together melted butter, confectioner's sugar, milk, salt, and vanilla extract.

Chocolate Donut Frosting

Melt a chocolate bar, either sweet or dark. You can use chocolate chips as well. Add butter, corn syrup, and water.

You must remember to dip warm donuts into the frosting. Keep the frosted donuts on a cooling rack. Place the baking sheet below to catch any dripping.

Frosted Donut Toppings

• Ice Cream Sundae
• Marshmallow Glaze
• Caramel
• Cookies 'n Cream
• Cream Cheese
• Blueberry Cheesecake

If you have kids at home, try to make donuts with them. It's really fun to make colorful soft donuts. Your kids will love the experience.

We tend to feel hungry in between meals. It is not healthy to buy snacks from the store every time. Knowing how to make some quick snacks at home can be very helpful. Here are some easy snack recipes that you can try.

1. Cottage cheese snack jar

You can easily create this cheese jar by mixing cottage cheese with cubes of peaches or other fruits. You can add some cinnamon and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

2. Cucumber salmon bites

Who says you can only serve salmon at meal times? You can also have salmon as a snack. Just be creative and make this snack. You can put a small slice of sandwich over sticky rice. You can top it with herms and cream cheese.

3. Yogurt with blackberries and honey

This is a very yummy snack-time dish. Mixing plain yogurt with berries and honey improves the taste of yogurt many times. It is a super healthy food as well.

4. Boiled egg with sauce

It's probably the easiest to make, yet will keep you healthy. Boil an egg in water. When cool peel off the skin. Cut the egg vertically in half. Then add some sauce and herbs.

5. Tortilla pinwheels

The tortilla is made with tortilla flour, cream, jalapeno pepper, onion, and lime juice. Make the cheese filling and chill. Wrap it up with a tortilla.

6. Caramel-coated popcorn

This snack is ideal when you are watching a movie at home or having a good time with your friends. To make this you need to bring sugar and water to boil. Then place popcorn on a baking tray along with the caramel sauce and put it inside the oven. Your popcorn will be ready within a short time.

7. Savory cookies

These delicious cookies are packed with butter, cheese, and herbs. You can quickly make the batter and put it in the oven for a quick snack before dinner.

8. Cauliflower wings

Take out the cauliflower florets and boil them with some salt. Fry these with a batter mixture and enjoy this healthy snack with your choice of sauce.

9. Chicken strip fry

Cut chicken breast into thin slices. Add seasonings and fry. Make sure they are crispy and cooked. You can have it with chili sauce or sour cream. Coleslaw will be a wonderful addition to this snack.

10. Cheese straws

These are super addictive snacks that you can't get rid of. These are made from green onions, cheddar cheese, and sesame seeds. You can have them with or without sauce.

11. Roasted chickpeas

Chickpeas are very energetic. You can roast chickpeas with some seasoning and enjoy a handful of them during your snack time. You won't realize that you just ate all in the bowl.

12. Strawberry shortcakes

You can bake this super yummy shortcake with a few ingredients. White chocolate along with rice krispies make a wonderful blend. The fresh fruit gives this dish another dimension.

13. Fig bar

The soft cake with fig jam inside will melt in your mouth. It's a very nutritious classic snack that has a burst of flavors of spices and zesty orange.

14. Homemade cheese crackers

You can make these delicious crackers easily at home. You can customize it with your choice of cheese and herbs. You can also two or more cheeses for an enhanced flavor.

15. Avocado hummus

Hummus is full of nutrition and will give you energy. Avocado is also a very healthy food and the combo is a good snack dish. Drizzle some hot sauce over it and enjoy!

16. Cherry-almond granola bar

It is a very nutritious snack that can replace any big meal. It has fiber and vitamins. You can put some chocolate over it and enjoy eating every bite of it.

17. Mini yogurt cheesecake

This mouthwatering dish requires no explanation; the name says it all. You can make the crust from crackers. Then mix yogurt and cream cheese to fill out the top. Bake it and then refrigerate it.

18. Jalapeno poppers

It is a very interesting snack that is made using minced meat, cheese, and herbs. You cut the jalapenos in half and stuff them with these ingredients for a meaty and cheesy experience.

These snacks are healthy and tasty. It takes very little time to make these at home. You can use fresh ingredients and make healthy snacks instead of ordering from the fast food shop all the time.

Have you ever tried fish pasta? Well, it might be rare in your neighborhood restaurants, but it's very common in Italian restaurants. Fish pasta like the calabrian fish ragu pasta is equally popular just like the traditional ones. It is a quick meal that you can cook for your family in busy weekdays. The name 'calabrian' comes from the seasoning that is inspired by flavors of Calabria, like chillies, salami paste, and others. These seasonings give a bold flavor to this pasta.

Preparing the fish

It is convenient to buy fish fillets from the supermarket to save yourself from the hassle of cutting the whole fish. However, making the pasta with freshly cut fish is a different story. If you are opting for the second option then you first need to clean the fish properly. Take off the scales and cut the fins. Then remove the head. Make an incision from the belly. They cut the fish in half to get the fillets. Remove the skin using your knife. Get rid of the bones with the help of tweezers. Don't throw away the scraps as you need them to make the fish stock.

Ingredients

Calabrian fish

• White fish fillets – 250 gm, skinless and boneless (you can choose cod, snapper, or barramundi fish for this dish)
• Fennel seeds – 1 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika – 1 tablespoon
• Black peppercorn – ¾ teaspoon
• Chilli flakes – ½ teaspoon
• Nutmeg power – ½ teaspoon
• Fine sugar – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoon
• Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons

Pasta

• Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine pasta) – 250 gm
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Extra virgin olive oil – 1.5 tablespoon
• Garlic cloves – 3
• Tomato puree – ¾ cup

Garnish

• Parsley – 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
• Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated

Pangrattato

• Stale bread (like ciabatta or sourdough with crusts removed and bread chopped into irregular pieces) – 1 cup
• Salt – a pinch
• Extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoon

Cooking instructions

1. Place the pangrattato in the oven. Toss olive oil and salt, then bake at 180°C for 10 minutes or until they become crispy.
2. Place a deep pot on medium flame. Toast fennel seeds and black peppercorn for a few minutes without any oil. When you start getting fragrant and the spices become slightly brown, remove them from the pan and transfer to a mortal. Crush and make powder using a pestle while still hot.
3. Mix this spice with the Calabrian fish ingredients using a spatula and set them aside.
4. Place the fish scrapes, head, and bones in a pan. Add fennel seeds, peppercorns, bay leaf, and water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Your fish stock will be prepared.
5. In another stove place a frying pan and warm the oil. Add chopped onions and cook for 10 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes, and some fish stock. Cook for a few minutes.
6. Add the fish fillets and cook thoroughly. Turn the fish.
7. Take another pan and pour the rest of the fish stock. Put the pasta now and add more hot water if needed according to the pasta packet instructions. Drain the water and keep it aside.
8. When it's done, add parsley and parmesan; the pasta is complete!

Tips

• The following fishes are ideal for this dish: cod, snapper, john or silver dory, varramundi, bream, tilapia, flathead, perch, bass, hake.
• Avoid using fish like swordfish, bonito, tuna, marlin, or kingfish and they tend to dry out quickly when cooked. You must also avoid thin-filleted fish like turbot, sole, or plaice as they will blend completely into the dish. You shouldn't use mackerel or sardines as well because the taste of these fishes won't match your recipe.
• Instead of using ready-made powdered spices, grind whole spices.
• You can store the leftovers for up to 3 days inside the refrigerator.
• You can add vegetables like onion, garlic, parsley, and carrot in a food processor s as needed. Saute the vegetable mixture in oil and put the tomato paste as well. Simmer for some time. Add blended tomatoes, fish sauce, and sugar.

If you enjoy fish dishes then you will love Calabrian fish ragu pasta. It may be a bit difficult to remember the steps when you cook for the first time. But you will get hold of it soon. It is not a very common item to serve the guests. So, you can be the one to serve it as a unique dish when you host any occasion at home.

If you are looking for a vegan dish then you might like this healthy dish. Though it's meant for vegan people, anyone can have it. The tricky question is that vegans don't eat any animal product but the name of the dish indicates that there is chicken. So, what's the catch?

These are tofu nuggets which are cooked in the air frying. Thus, they are a healthier choice than the chicken nuggets that you find in stores. These nuggets are crispy, juicy, and delicious. The main ingredients include tofu, dill pickle juice, and soy sauce. Tofu is used here as it gives the firm structure that chicken nuggets have. You must wash the tofu and press it for 20 minutes to remove water. Tofu is soft and can retain water easily. So, removing water this way ensures that the dish's flavor is not affected. The pickle adds tanginess and sweetness to the diet.

Ingredients

● Extra firm tofu – 1 block
● Dill pickle juice – 2 tablespoons
● Tamary soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
● White sugar – ½ teaspoon
● Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
● White flour – 1 tablespoon
● Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
● Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
● Smoked paprika- ½ teaspoon
● Salt – to taste
● Oil spray

Process of making vegan chicken nuggets

1. Get rid of the water from the tofu by pressing hard. Use a paper towel to clean them.
2. Using hand break the tofu into nugget-like pieces.
3. Combine dill pickle juice, oil, sugar, and soy sauce. Toss the tofu into this paste. Marinade in the fridge for an hour.
4. Put garlic powder, salt, pepper, flour, and smoked paprika in the air fryer, and then add tofu.
5. Air fry for 20 minutes. Make sure you flip the tofu halfway through.
6. You can spray some olive oil to ensure they don't stick to the surface.
7. After air frying if your nugget is not yet crispy then air fry again for some time.
8. If you don't have an air fryer you can bake the tofu in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees C.

Variations

● You can make a dish with oyster mushrooms or cauliflower instead of tofu.
● You can use flour of your choice to coat the nuggets. For example, instead of wheat flour, you can use chickpea flour.
● Instead of dill pickle juice, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Preparing dill pickle juice

You can easily prepare this pickle using cucumber. Slice Persian cucumber lengthwise into quarters. Fill up a jar. Add fresh dill, garlic cloves, peppercorns, and mustard seeds. Next, you need to make brine. Mix white vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Heat brine on the stove till sugar and salt dissolve. Pour it over the jarred cucumbers. Let the jars come to room temperature and then chill in the fridge.

Health benefits of tofu

● Contains essential amino acids
● Good for bones
● Supports heart health
● Helps in weight loss
● Maintains blood sugar level
● Lifts mood
● Reduces the chance of cancer

Tofu nugget is an excellent alternative to chicken nuggets. You will get a similar taste. If you don't have an air fryer you can fry. But baking would be a healthier option. Enjoy these vegan nuggets with your favorite sauce and pickles!

Have you tried any Cambodian dishes before? If not, then it's an opportunity for you to experience the best of Cambodian cuisine. Beef skewer is a very fancy dish. On top of that, you get to experience local Cambodian flavor. It is a wonderful combination of lemongrass and different aromatic leaves.

Ingredients

Lemongrass – 4 tablespoons, minced
Bay leaves – 2
Thyme leaves -2 teaspoons
Lime zest – 1 teaspoon
Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon
Ginger – 2 teaspoons, diced
Garlic cloves – 8, crushed
Turmeric powder – 1.5 teaspoons
Lemon juice – 1.5 teaspoons
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Sugar – 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Beef – 1 pound, sliced
Vegetable oil – 1 tablespoon
Fish sauce – 2 teaspoons

Method

● You need to make a paste of lemongrass and all the leaves like thyme, bay, lemon and lime zest, ginger, and garlic.
● Add lemon juice, turmeric, cinnamon, salt and sugar. Mix everything well.
● Place beef in a bowl; add fish sauce and oil.
● Stir in the aromatic paste that you just created and coat the beef evenly.
● Put the beef strips onto the bamboo skewers.
● Use your grill machine to grill beef. Alternatively, you can use your grill pan.
● Once the meat is tender you can serve it with pickles.

Variations

● You can use chicken instead of beef.
● Add oyster sauce instead of fish sauce.

Storing

● You can store the paste that you have created of different aromatic leaves in the refrigerator for some days.
● You can put beef onto the skewers and put the tray in the freezer by covering it. You can later take it out and grill it.

Tips

● Marinade the beef with spices and leaves for a long time to get juicy grilled beef. As the beef is cut into thin slices, the marinade will easily seep in and make the beef tender. This way it won't take much time to cook.
● Use a mortar to crush the leaves and spices to a coarse paste. This process will bring out the best flavors from the ingredients.
● Invest in a good grill machine. Buy the one that uses charcoal to get a smoky taste every time you cook something. Buying a portable machine will be helpful.
● Wash the skewers well before inserting beef in them.

The grilled lemongrass dish is now popular in other Asian countries as well. If you have a good grill machine then the beef will turn out to be outstanding. You can have rice and vegetable platter with it. It's a very fulfilling dish with lots of flavors and distinct smells. It's a very inviting dish and you must try it today!

Health benefits

Beef is nutritious. Your body needs it, though in a limited amount. Lemongrass and different herbs are sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibers. The leaves can boost the immune system. It's a light meal and will help you to keep your weight in check.

Serving

You can serve this dish with your choice of veggie saute and different types of sauce. It is a full platter meal and will satisfy your taste buds. Use a big platter to incorporate everything. You can sprinkle some dry herbs on top too for more aroma.