How to Make Cheese Sauce Quick and Easy

You can use cheese sauce to make almost anything better. It’s a delicious dip for fries, nachos, fried chicken, etc. Do you have kids that refuse to eat their veggies? You can also use cheese sauce to coat steamed vegetables and make them more appealing to picky eaters.

There are two ways to make cheese sauce: the hard way and the ‘quick and easy’ way. The hard way takes at least 30 minutes and requires a long list of ingredients, including butter,

all-purpose flour, milk, shredded Cheddar cheese, ground black pepper, and salt, to name a few. The preparation can easily take a huge chunk of your time and the results are not always guaranteed. There’s a big chance that your DIY cheese sauce will come out gritty if you use packaged shredded cheese, for example. This is because prepacked and pre-shredded cheese is typically coasted with flour so that the shreds don’t stick together. If you want a smooth cheese sauce, you will have to shred your own cheese from a block—which again, is a lot of hard work.

If you want to make cheese sauce quickly and easily, buy an instant cheese sauce powder premix. All you have to do is mix it with water and you’re done. These premixed wonders can turn anyone—even kitchen newbies—into professional saucier.

You literally need only two ingredients to make a delicious cheese sauce: (1) one pack of cheese sauce premix and (2) water. Use one part premix and 1.5 part water. Combine the two ingredients and mix well. Then, just simmer them for 15 minutes—and you’re done. Your rich cheese sauce is ready.

Make weeknight dinners more convenient by stocking your pantry with cheese sauce premixes. Be sure to buy your cheese sauce mix from a reputable manufacturer that uses only the best ingredients.

Blog Source URL: http://www.hexafood.com/single-post/2016/12/13/How-to-Make-Cheese-Sauce-Quick-and-Easy

Finding the Best Spices Manufacturer in Malaysia

The secret to Malaysia’s flavourful dishes is the use of authentic and high-quality herbs and spices. Hence, it makes sense to purchase only the finest spices from the best spices manufacturer in Malaysia if you are thinking of recreating famous Malaysian dishes at home. Here are some tips on finding the best spice manufacturer:

•  Learn about the manufacturer’s background – Find out how long they have been in business and the types of customers who buy from them. One of the leading spice manufacturers in Malaysia has been making and supplying high-quality spices to leading supermarkets, retail outlets, food manufacturers and processors, caterers, hypermarkets, and wholesalers.

•  Make sure the manufacturer is certified Halal – The Halal seal must be displayed prominently on the manufacturer’s products to indicate that the spices are suitable to be consumed by Muslims. Likewise, the seal is a mark of quality, since manufacturers must go through strict testing and certification before they can be qualified to have that seal on their products. Halal spices are pure and clean, and produced to the highest standards.

•  Look for HACCP certification – Manufacturers that are HACCP certified are guaranteed and proven to follow food safety regulations and standards. Be sure that the manufacturer is accredited by the Malaysian Ministry of Health, too.

•  Sample the spices – Spices are typically affordable, so consider ordering small packets from at least two different spices manufacturers in Malaysia and try them to determine which products are best for your taste. While you are at it, be sure to review the packaging of their products. Reputable manufacturers will disclose all relevant information about the spices, such as best-by date and the ingredients. There should be instructions on how you can store the spices, too, along with how you can get in touch with the manufacturer should you have any questions or complaints about the products.

Blog Source URL: http://www.hexafood.com/single-post/2016/11/14/Finding-the-Best-Spices-Manufacturer-in-Malaysia

How to Use Herbs and Spices in Your Cooking

Using the proper herbs and spices will make your cooking taste better and smell more appetizing. However, you need to make sure that you use them properly. Knowing the right way to combine herbs and spices will help you achieve flavorful and aromatic dishes, enhance the taste of your food, and enhance or change the color of certain dishes. Once you have learned and mastered the basics, you should be able to enjoy cooking and produce better dishes in the long run. Here are some of the ways you can use herbs and spices in your cooking:

•      Basil – This herb is a popular with Italian dishes with white meats and pesto, but it is versatile to be used in stir-fries and healthy snacks and appetizers like strawberries and fruits. Just be sure to add it after cooking, since it can ruin the flavor if it cooks.

•      Dill – An aromatic herb, dill goes well with stews like borscht, as well as with salmon and vegetables. Some recipes have yogurt mixed with this ingredient, too.

•      Cayenne pepper – Use this spice sparingly. Since it is hot and spicy, it adds an interesting twist to sauces that are vinegar-based. Likewise, it can be combined with marinades and lemons, or used with all kinds of meat.

•      Cilantro – This comes in the form of seeds from the cilantro plant, and they are great additions to smoked fish like turkey. You can use it for fish and soups, too, or blend it with cumin to create a unique flavor.

•      Turmeric – This spice will add color to your food. In fact, it is one of the ingredients that create the distinctive color in curries, but it can also be added to rice and stir-fried vegetables.

•      Cayenne pepper – Use it on rice, salad dressings, marinades, and sauces, on fish, beef, and chicken, and with zucchini, bell peppers, eggplants, corn, tomatoes, and potatoes. You can combine it with cinnamon, paprika, and cumin, too.

Blog Source URL: http://www.hexafood.com/single-post/2016/10/12/How-to-Use-Herbs-and-Spices-in-Your-Cooking

Selecting the Right Curry Powder Manufacturer

Curry powder is a combination of several spices typically including cumin, chili pepper, coriander, fennel,cinnamon, star anise, fenugreek, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Some curry mixescontain around 20 ingredients depending on the recipe. Commercial curry powder mixes differ from brand to brand so it can be hard to ensure consistency. If you want to create authentic Malaysian curry, here are some tips:

1. Buy your mix from a Malaysian curry powder manufacturer that uses local ingredients and follows Halal practices. Check the website of the manufacturer and look for information on where they are based.

2. The best manufacturers supply to leading supermarkets. Their products are well-received in the Malaysian market, enabling them to sell through popular channels.

3. Buy from a manufacturer that sells many types of curry powders. Ask if they have the following:

Fish curry powder - Perfect for seafood curries as well as to marinate seafood.

Meat curry powder - Usually used with lamb or chicken and contains coriander, turmeric, chili, and other spices

Kurma curry powder - A mix of coriander, cumin, pepper, cardamom, and other spices used for kurma curries and to marinate meat

English curry powder – Yellowish blend of many different types of spices that is popular in the UK, but the original recipe was from India

4. A good manufacturer does not just offer curry powders but also other mixed spices such as Arabic spices, Cajun,5 Spices, Rendang, Garam Masala, etc. They cater not just for Asian and Indian cooking but also for Western dishes.

Curry powder can offer a number of health benefits including cancer prevention, protection against heart conditions, reduction of the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and even prevention of pain and inflammation. Curry has even been proven to improve the health and function of the liver. In order to enjoy all these health benefits, you need to buy your curry mix from a reputable manufacturer.

Source URL: http://www.hexafood.com/single-post/2016/09/12/Selecting-the-Right-Curry-Powder-Manufacturer

Good Seasoning Enhances the Taste of Dishes

Did you know that the proper use of good spices and seasoning can enhance the flavor of the dishes you make at home without adding unnecessary fat, sugar, sat, or tons of calories? So tickle your taste buds with spices and herbs that lend a savory taste, sensational colors, and irresistible aroma to every day meals. To get the most of your seasonings, be sure to following these tips:

You might ruin a dish by overwhelming it with too many seasonings. As a general rule, two extremely strong herbs should never be used together. Instead, you can season with one strong spice and another milder flavor for a complementary effect.

Add dried herbs early in the cooking process. Fresh herbs are typically addedtowards the end for optimum flavor.

If you are serving cold dishes, add spices and herbs several hours before you serve them. This will allow the flavors to beautifully blend together.

If you are using fresh leaves, make sure to chop them very finely. Your aim should be to expose more surface cuts to allow your dish to absorb more of the flavors of the herb.

Dry spices and herbs are usually stronger in terms of flavor compared to fresh herbs. Use this simple guide: ¼ tsp. powder = ¾ tsp. dried = 2 tsps.fresh.

If the recipe calls for powered herbs and you only have dried herbs, don’t worry—you can use a basic mortar and pestle to powder the dry herbs.

If you want to double a recipe, there is no need to double the herbs. Try using just 50% more and taste as you go along so you can adjust as necessary.

You should also store your seasonings properly to ensure that they don’t lose their flavor. Dried spices and herbs are best kept in a cool, dark, and dry, place. Try not to store them next to the stove. Though this is the most convenient position for cooking, it’s not the optimal location because the heat and moisture in that area may destroy flavor. Also make sure to put dry spices and herbs in tightly covered containers.

Source URL: http://www.hexafood.com/#!Good-Seasoning-Enhances-the-Taste-of-Dishes/z2dw8/57ada28d0cf2a89e6eaebc90

Spices - An Integral Element to Yummy Malaysian Cuisine

The cuisine of Malaysia reflects the country’s multiethnic culture and population. It has its distinct taste, which is a fusion of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Malaysian dishes are known for their distinct flavor and aroma. For example, the national dish—called Nasi Lemak—is a fragrant recipe that uses rice, coconut milk, and pandan leaf. Other Malaysian dishes like fried rice, curry puffs, and mee goreng all use spices liberally, too. Below are some of the most important Malaysian spices:

• Chili – Chili is made from processed dried red chili peppers. They come in coarse and fine variants, and your choice should depend on the dish you want to cook.

• Black pepper – Made from pepper berries that are half ripe, black pepper lends a pungent, warm, and woody taste to Malaysian cuisine.

• White pepper – Just like black pepper, white pepper comes from black pepper corns. The difference between the two goes beyond color. White pepper has a more mellow taste.

• Cinnamon – More commonly used for desserts in Western countries, cinnamon powder is added to main dishes in Malaysian cuisine. Cinnamon comes from cassia trees and lends a woody yet sweet aroma.

• Coriander – Used for both savory and sweet Malaysian dishes, coriander, is essential for making gravies and curries.

• Cumin – Be sure to use cumin powder sparingly. This spice has a very rich flavor, offering earthy, sharp, and slightly bitter tones as well as a persistent pungency.

• Fennel – Known for its medicinal properties, fennel is a flavorful and highly aromatic.

• Nutmeg – This spice is known for its strong aromatic smell and unique flavor. It can be used in grated or grounded form.

• Mace – Made from the nutmeg’s exterior coat, mace is an important ingredient for the preservation of meats and fishes.

• Poppy seed - This ingredient is used not just to add flavor to dishes but also to create texture and thickness.

    
Source URL: http://www.hexafood.com/#!Spices-An-Integral-Element-to-Yummy-Malaysian-Cuisine/z2dw8/57624c630cf26813fb95f7c4

How to Choose Authentic Herbs and Spice Suppliers in Malaysia

Malaysia is well-known for its flavourful cuisine, and you can tell that they are infused with authentic herbs and spices. If you are planning to make your own Malaysian meals at home, you need to get the best herbs and spices available straight from Malaysia. Here’s how to choose an authentic herb and spice supplier:

Look for Halal certification – The Halal seal is more than just a mark indicating that the product is suitable for Muslims—it is also a stamp of quality. Manufacturers have to go through very stringent testing before they can get a Halal certification. Halal food must have positive health benefits and needs to be produced at the highest standards in terms of purity and cleanliness.

Learn more about the supplier’s clients – Does the supplier cater to large companies, like groceries and food manufacturers? That can be a good sign of authenticity.

Check the manufacturing location– The best suppliers usually have their operations based in Malaysia. You can also check where the suppliers source their raw materials.

Try and test – Herbs and spices are not that expensive, so you can afford to buy small packets of herbs and spices offered by different suppliers and try them all at home to see what suits your taste.

Check safety standards – If you want to cook delicious and healthy meals, be sure to check if the suppliers follow all applicable food safety laws. It helps if the supplier fulfils HACCP standards and is accredited by the Ministry of Health.

Check the packaging – Make sure to read the packaging of the herbs and spices you will purchase. The wrappers of authentic herbs and spices are usually well-detailed and provide relevant information, including a full list of ingredients, a best-by date, storage instructions, and the contact information of the manufacturer.

Source URL: http://www.hexafood.com/#!How-to-Choose-Authentic-Herbs-and-Spice-Suppliers-in-Malaysia/z2dw8/5732b4680cf2c719ae27286c

Enjoy Cooking With Ready to Use Spices Powder

More and more people are now able to cook delectable meals at home, thanks to readily-available spice powders that make it easier to whip up flavourful Asian dishes. You can buy ground-up pepper, fennel, star anise, and poppy powder, or even ready-to-use spice mixes like curry, tandoori, sambar, and rasam. Now, creating your meals can be easy as 1-2-3! Contrary to what you might think, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using ready-made mixes. In fact, doing this can make your food taste 100 times better. Here are just some of the reasons why you should use ready-to-use spices:

·         Consistent flavour – The trouble with using fresh ingredients is that their tastes vary. If an ingredient is not in season or you purchase from a different supplier, you will find it hard to achieve a consistent taste. With ready to use spices and powder mixes, this is never a problem.

·         Longer life span – Fresh ingredients can go badly within a few days or even just hours. Ready to use spices powder have a very long shelf life. Just make sure to store them properly in the kitchen in the right containers.

·         Easy-to-use and convenient – Most ready to use spices simply need to be mixed with your main ingredient. There’s no need to mix them with water or other ingredients to be able to diffuse flavour. Often, spices can even be put on food that is already cooked simply to achieve better taste.

When buying ready to use spices powder, be sure to deal only with reputable manufacturers and sellers. For starters, make sure the manufacturer has been in the business for over a decade. Always check their clients to gauge their credibility. You can also read up on the standards and accreditation of the manufacturer to be safe. 

Add Flavour to Food with Malaysian Spices

Malaysia offers distinctively aromatic and flavourful dishes. Malay cuisine uses rich spices to enhance flavours. From popular dishes like chili crabs and the traditional nasi lemak to noodle and rice bowls, all of them rely on Malaysian spices. Snacks and desserts like curry puff and bubur kacang hijau, which is a green bean porridge, are also better with seasoning. If you want to recreate these flavours at home, make sure to stock your pantry with the most important spices of Malaysia, including the following:

• English curry – Originally from India, this spice takes on a yellowish colour and is a blend of different spices.
• Garam Masala – Its translation best describes it: ‘garam’ is hot while ‘masala’ means spice mixture.
• Briyani – This spice is more commonly used in Arabic dishes but can also be added to Malaysian meals.
• Five spices – As its name implies, this mix contains five spices. It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and is distinctive for its sweet taste and strong aroma.
• Rendang – This spice has a slightly spicy and warm taste. It is used for making a spicy meat dish of the same name.
• Cajun – Bold and sassy, this spice is important in Cajun cuisines, which is a combination of Southern and French taste. It is commonly used for dishes that have animal fat and dark roux.
• Satay – A very popular ingredient in Asian dishes, satay consists of galangal, turmeric, and lemon grass.
• Lemon grass – This spice offers a citrus-like, clean, and refreshingly tart flavour with a hint of pepper.
• White pepper – This is almost the same as pepper, but its taste is quite mellow. White pepper is also used for aesthetic purposes.
• Chilli – Chilli is made from dried up red peppers and can either be ground finely with the seeds removed or coarsely grounded along with the seeds.