The Rare Blue Lobster
Most live American lobsters have a usual olive green or dark greenish brown color. In rare cases, lobsters come in different hues ranging from bright blue, white, yellow, black, and even, red. In fact the most unusual and rare lobsters of all are those that have the “half and half,” two colors that meet in a line straight down their backs.
The Blue lobster, also known as Atroceruleous Homarus, is a mutated species of lobster found on North America. A genetic defect that produces an excessive amount of protein are found in blue lobsters. The protein covers a small carotenoid molecule, astaxanthin, and when they’re combined together, they produce a blue complex called crystacyanin. This is what gives the lobster a blue color. About one in a million lobsters are blue.
According to some experts, that there are a lot of blue lobsters but they do not survive for a long period of time because predators find them as easy target with their bright blue shells. However, there are reports now that the blue lobster is thriving because of overfishing of cod. It’s other enemies are flounder, haddock and other lobsters.
Blue lobsters range from 10 inches to 26 inches in length and half a kilogram to four kilograms in weight, and have the capacity to reach as long as 40 inches and 20 kilograms or more. They thrive in cold water filled with rocks to cover themselves away from predators. According to some scientists, blue lobsters are more aggressive than other “normal” colored lobsters. They have adapted and changed to survive. They usually feed on fish, small crustaceans and mollusks.
The blue lobster, in its rarity, is truly a sight to see. Many professional fishermen and lobstermen have searched a lifetime just to see or capture one of Mother Nature’s gifts, some didn’t have the luck, while those have the opportunity to catch and see one, it is a sight to behold. They are left spellbound and in awe that they don’t have the heart to cook it but rather donate it to aquariums and other habitats for others to admire too.
Things To Know About Baking Substitutes
One hobby that is loved by many and probably appreciated by all is baking. A lot of people love to bake and everyone likes being treated to baked goodies. Recipes come from all over the world and can now be easily accessed and shared online for the rest of the world to use. We have to remember though that not all the ingredients present in one location are present in all locations so some substitution has to be done. Another point to remember is not everyone has the same lifestyle and diet and because of this, substitution also has to be done.
Vegans cannot have anything with eggs or with animal meat while diabetics cannot or should not be served with baked goodies that contain so much sugar. You also have to think of allergies of the people and you have to consider them before baking anything. Using baking substitutes has been done for years, it may not taste or look 100% the same as the original but it is still the same product.
Before doing any type of baking for friends and family try to find out if anyone has allergies. Some can be allergic to peanuts while other can be lactose intolerant. You do not need to spoil the fun for everyone by baking something bland but you have to give the people with allergies other options so they can enjoy your baked goods too. You can use baking substitutes and bake by batches. The first batch of baked goods can be done by following the full recipe and some other batches can made sans the food that some are allergic to. You can use chocolates like M&M’s instead of using nuts just to provide some chunk in the baked goodies and fresh milk can be changed to soy milk.
You also have to take the diet of some people into consideration. Diabetics have to stay away from so much sugar and some others may be watching their weight. You can either choose to use sugar substitutes like Splenda or you can just lessen the use of sugar in the recipe. Those weight watchers might also prefer if you lessened the butter in the recipes or you could make a low-fat batch just for them.
The baked goods you make should be enjoyed by as many people as possible. Be sure to ask them what they want to eat and what they are allergic to if you offered to bake something for them. Friends and family will really appreciate your move to look for baking substitutes for their welfare and well being.
Buy Lobsters, Live or Frozen
The best way to buy lobster is when they are alive and fresh off the boat. There are also live lobsters available in aquarium or tanks of seafood markets or groceries. If you find these places inaccessible then the alternative way is to buy frozen lobsters.
Frozen lobsters in supermarkets must be examined carefully. Chances are the lobster has passed through different suppliers since it’s been caught from its habitat. Check for discoloration, if one is not sure of the quality, the best option is not to buy it, but if you have to buy lobster, then the preferable option is to cook it right away.
If you have the opportunity to buy lobsters live and fresh, then one should be discerning as to who would have the honor of entertaining your discriminating palate. It all begins in the proper selection.
When buying lobsters, one first must examine the holding tank. Examine the tank for presence of dead lobsters, for algae and if the clarity of the water. If there’s no overcrowding and water’s clear then it’s time to select for your lobster.
Lobsters that are usually sold weighs between 1 to 3 pounds. Although the heavier the lobster means it’s meatier, there are some who prefer those fewer than two pounds because of its tenderness.
The second thing to look out for when buying lobster is to check lobster activity. An active lobster usually moves its claws. If the lobster is sluggish and seems to be moving slowly, do not worry, the tank may seem to be cold for its taste so the best thing to do is pick it up.
Be careful when picking up the lobster, make sure that you place your thumb behind the claws while your forefinger holds the body. See if the lobster’s tail would curl and flap around. Uncurl the tail and make sure it curls back when you release your hold. The lobster claws should not also be drooping. Do not buy a lobster that cannot curl back its tail and with drooping claws, chances are it has only a few moments to live.
Finally, check for hard shell versus soft shell. Hard shell means it has more meat, while soft shell lobsters are lobsters that just have molted. The most important thing to remember is soft shells are cheaper because of the space in between the shell and meat.
Now that you know the criteria for buying lobster, the next step is cooking it and enjoying it with friends and family.
How to do Vegan Baking
Many people these days prefer to live alternative and healthier lifestyles. One of the biggest movements in the alternative lifestyle is vegetarianisms or veganism. Vegetarians or vegans believe and follow the philosophy that no animal should be harmed in any which way or form in order for humans to eat or survive. Vegans do not consume any food products from animals and they do not purchase clothes and shoes made from any part on an animal.
The main concern of vegetarians is the welfare and well being of the animals which is why they are against any form of animal testing and mass animal farming. One of the most common reasons for converting to vegetarianism is the ethical treatment and handling of the animals and the moral obligations that we don’t seem to follow. Some vegetarians have issues with how the animals are treated before humans consume them while some just really choose to have nothing to do with animals either in their diet or their lifestyle.
Many vegans prefer to follow this type of way of life to encourage a more humanitarian and compassionate planet Vegans know that they are far from being faultless, but they believe that they have to protect and respect animals. Vegans are not judgmental of others who do not follow their lifestyle. They try their best to impart their knowledge without being forceful of what they believe in.
A vegan diet is also called being a strict or pure vegetarian. Vegan baking is part if this diet and can be one of the most complex for non vegans to do. We all know that eggs are key to baking and making the batter stick together but since vegans do not consume eggs, they are not part of the ingredients. Eggs can be replaced by many other ingredients that are plant based and healthier and can work as well as eggs or even better. Flaxseed can be used to replace eggs by adding water to them and whipping them. Ripe bananas can also do the job of bringing the batter together. Applesauce is another secret of vegan cooking and can be used instead of eggs. There are also quite a number of egg substitute powders in the market which can best be used when making cookies.
Vegan baking, just like ordinary baking, can produce many delicious baked goods. The possibilities of vegan baking are endless just as long as you know the proper substitute to eggs. Moist chocolate cakes, soft batch cookies, breads, whatever you can think of can also be done by vegan baking.
How to Start a Home Catering Service
Starting a home catering service is actually a good business to invest money on especially if you are into cooking or organizing events. If you are a chef who wants to work at home, then this is definitely the perfect business for you. On the other hand, those people who are not certified chefs can also take a go at this business which makes it even more ideal. However before having a successful home catering business, you have to know the tips and tricks in starting up this kind of business. Here are some of them.
Prepare a capital that has the capacity to pay for the ingredients, the cooking utensils and the delivery service. If you´re starting at a limited budget, start with simpler menus. Be resourceful when it comes to the cooking utensils that you have. And, for the delivery service, you might want to start using your own car first.
Always remember that the key to a successful home catering business is a building a loyal clientele. If you´re in the food business, the best way to do this is by providing each and every one of your customers with the best tasting food that you can make. You can start off with simple dishes but make sure that they are very tasty.
It is also very important to advertise your business a lot. With today´s technology, spreading the word that you have a home catering business is just one click away. If you are living in a smaller community, the best way to do this would be to give out flyers. The flyers should contain nothing but the best food that you can offer and of course the number that they can contact you.
One thing about the home catering business though is that you might not be able to see a solid net income after your first few events. But, once you get to establish your name and once you have loyal clients, you will soon see that the home catering business is indeed very profitable and is something that is worth pursuing and developing.
