Cocina Now

Here's a selection made with love for you. Ready?

1. Frozen Skol Beats

A vibrant mix that will win you over from the first sip and a lively drink to liven up your parties!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 liter

Ingredients

• 2 cans of Skol Beats Senses
• 1 squeezed lemon
• 1 can of condensed milk
• Lots of ice

Preparation method

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender at maximum speed until the ice is completely broken.
2. Distribute the drink into glasses.

And just enjoy!

2. Frozen lemon drink with a “caipivodka” feel

Famous both domestically and internationally, the caipirinha is the Brazilian drink most loved by foreigners and can be adapted to be made with vodka instead of cachaça. How about, in addition to the traditional adaptation, turning it into a frozen drink?

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 500 ml

Ingredients

• 100-120 ml of vodka (may vary more or less depending on your taste)
• 3 tablespoons of refined sugar
• 3 squeezed lemons
• Ice

Preparation method

1. Blend the vodka, sugar, and lemon juice in a blender, gradually adding ice and blending again until you get a creamy, firm drink.
2. Distribute into glasses and consume immediately.

To add a touch of charm to the presentation, you can decorate the drink with a lemon slice cut in half and placed in the “mouth” of each glass.

Want a real frozen caipirinha? Just go back to the previous version and keep the cachaça in place of the vodka, but keep the dosage to a minimum.

3. Halls Cherry Flavored Frozen Candy

This is one of those recipes you need to prepare and taste before serving, otherwise, you'll have a hard time convincing your friends or family that it's actually delicious. Oh! You can remove the alcohol from the ingredient list and offer it as a non-alcoholic drink , if you like.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 liter

Ingredients

• 1 packet (28 g) of Halls cherry flavored candy
• 1 can of condensed milk
• 100-120 ml of vodka
• Ice

Preparation method

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender.
2. Serve the beverage right away after pouring it into cups.

You can choose other candy flavors and play with people's senses. Just don't risk it with the one in the black wrapper!

4. Frozen passion fruit

Fans of a more tart drink will be delighted! Refreshing and full of personality, the passion fruit alcoholic frozen drink further highlights the delicious combination of sweetness and acidity of this tropical fruit.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 liter

Ingredients

• 500 ml frozen passion fruit pulp
• 4 tablespoons of refined sugar
• 35 ml of Tahiti lime juice
• 240 ml of vodka

Preparation method

1. In a blender, combine the frozen passion fruit pulp, sugar, lemon juice, and vodka.
2. Beat for 2 minutes until a thick cream forms.
3. Serve immediately.

Extra (and chic!) tip: try serving your drink in dry martini glasses.

5. Tangerine Frozen

Simplicity and intensity are the main characteristics of this recipe.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 liter

Ingredients

• 200 ml of vodka
• 300 ml of water
• 2 sachets of tangerine juice powder
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of refined sugar
• Lots of ice

Preparation method

1. Fill the blender with ice.
2. Add the vodka, powdered juice and water.
3. Blend well until everything is thoroughly blended. You'll get a thick drink.
4. Don't add honey or sugar to the drink! Set aside two small plates and place each ingredient on one.
5. Now, yes! Serve!

Tin-tin.

6. Frozen strawberry with vodka

Just the right amount of sweetness, a strawberry drink wins hearts! Super refreshing and quick to make, it's incredibly appealing when served in martini glasses garnished with strawberry slices, as pictured. Just remember to properly clean the fruit before preparing.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 500 ml

Ingredients

• 250 g strawberries
• 1 squeezed Sicilian lemon
• 2 tablespoons of refined sugar
• 200 ml of vodka

Preparation method

1. Remove the stems and leaves from the cleaned strawberries and freeze them whole.
2. After a few hours, take the strawberries out of the freezer and place them, still frozen, in the blender jar.
3. Add the strained Sicilian lemon juice to the blender – to remove seeds and segments.
4. Add the remaining ingredients, except the ice, and blend.
5. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until the drink reaches a creamy consistency.

Now, are you ready to try some bolder alternatives? Just look at this rum-based frozen treat!

7. Strawberry and Rum Frozen

Prepare your taste buds for a sensory experience that will transport you straight to the Caribbean without needing a passport: strawberry + rum + lime.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 500 ml

Ingredients

• 150 ml of rum (golden type)
• 1 squeezed lemon
• 1 tablespoon of refined sugar
• 8 ripe strawberries
• Ice

Preparation method

1. Clean the strawberries and remove stems and leaves.
2. Blend all ingredients in a blender.

8. Frozen watermelon “Moscow Mule” style

In this recipe, the traditional Moscow Mule – made with vodka, lime, and ginger foam – gets a charming, tropical twist by replacing the lime with watermelon.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 liter

Ingredients

• 60 ml of vodka
• 1 cup (tea) of watermelon cut into cubes and without seeds
• 30 ml ginger syrup
• Ice at will

Preparation method

1. Mix the vodka and ice in a blender until all the rocks are thoroughly broken up.
2. Add the watermelon cubes and ginger syrup and blend again on high speed.
3. Ready!

Now, just serve it in glasses, in the famous copper mugs or in glasses.

9. Tropical frozen drink (with sake)

What? Passion fruit and pineapple together? Yes! This tropical frozen drink blends the two fruits, combining sweet and sour in a delicious combination.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 750 ml

Ingredients

• 100 ml of sake
• 1-2 cups pineapple, cut into chunks
• 40 ml condensed milk
• 40 ml of cream
• Ice

Preparation method

1. In a blender, add 100 ml of sake, pineapple pieces, and passion fruit pulp with or without seeds, as you prefer.
2. Also add the condensed milk and cream.
3. Finally, add the ice and blend everything.

A good strawberry smoothie can be made with vodka, wine, or cachaça, not to mention the key elements of this type of drink: fruit and condensed milk – or a chilled substitute that you'll learn about in this article.

All options are valid when it comes to pleasing the taste of your customers or guests.

And if the best way to win people's love is through their stomach, there's nothing better than having a really tasty and different drink to go with it, right?

Now, see everything you need to know to make the best strawberry smoothies in your region!

5 best types of strawberry smoothie

The five best strawberry smoothies are those made with vodka, ice cream, wine, gin, and, believe it or not, even non-alcoholic ones! This drink is perfect for any type of crowd because it's incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

1. Strawberry and vodka smoothie

The most classic strawberry milkshake recipes call for vodka. A modest amount is more than plenty to give the drink its alcohol flavor and make it tasty, but you can add more if you'd like.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 cups

Ingredients

100 mL of vodka
7 to 10 strawberries
1 can of condensed milk
Ice to taste

Preparation method

1. Place all ingredients in the blender.
2. Beat until the mixture is smooth.
3. Serve in a glass garnished with strawberry chunks and syrup.

Prefer something a little different? The next version does the trick!

2. Strawberry wine smoothie

This is an unconventional variation of the drink, which will please wine fans a lot.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

1 L of sparkling or white wine
8 strawberries
1 can of condensed milk
2 tablespoons of refined sugar
Ice to taste

Preparation method

1. Separate the ingredients and clean the strawberries before starting.
2. Put everything in the blender.
3. Then, turn on the device, let each ingredient mix and that's it!

The tip here is to use the wine already chilled to avoid using too much ice and to fully enjoy the flavor of the drink! Just like that, you now have another drink variation to add to your menu.

3. Strawberry and gin smoothie

Among the many gin cocktail recipes , this one is sure to become a crowd favorite. There's no secret: just add a shot of gin to the strawberry smoothie. Check it out!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

200 mL of gin
7 to 10 strawberries
1 can of condensed milk
Ice to taste

Preparation method

1. Place all ingredients in the blender.
2. Blend everything in pulse mode to break up the ice.
3. Then, beat a little more at medium speed.
4. Then, just serve the drink in a pretty glass.

Simple and tasty!

4. Strawberry smoothie with ice cream

A scoop of ice cream that complements the strawberry flavor, such as vanilla or chocolate, will be a hit in either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic version of the smoothie . You can follow the previous recipes and simply add it as an "extra," or make it as explained below.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

250g vanilla or chocolate ice cream
500ml milk
8 to 10 strawberries
Alcoholic beverage of your choice (optional)

Preparation method

1. In a blender, combine the milk and ice cream.
2. Add the strawberries, the alcoholic option (if desired) and blend everything again.
3. The result will be a chilled and super creamy drink to enjoy.

5. Strawberry smoothie with condensed milk (alcohol-free)

Yes! Those who don't drink alcohol also deserve a delicious drink. Besides being simpler and cheaper to make, you can also reach a segment of the public who doesn't want or can't drink.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

7 to 10 strawberries
1 box (200 mL) of cream
1 can of condensed milk
Ice to taste

Preparation method

1. Place all ingredients in the blender.
2. Beat until the mixture is smooth.
3. If there is still a lot of ice, select the “pulse” option to break it up a little more.

How to make strawberry milkshake with cachaça?

Also known as strawberry caipirinha with condensed milk, this recipe is present on the menu of bars, restaurants and also at dinner with friends.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

100 mL of cachaça
16 strawberries
8 tablespoons of condensed milk
8 ice cubes
4 tablespoons of filtered ice water

Preparation method

1. In a cocktail shaker, add the already cleaned strawberries and sugar.
2. Crush the fruit with a muddler and combine it with the sugar.
3. Close the shaker after adding the ice cubes, water, and condensed milk.
4. Shake well to mix the ingredients.
5. Serve in a glass of your choice and garnish with a strawberry to finish.

With the exception of this last masterpiece, basically every smoothie consists of throwing a few ingredients into the blender. In fact, even the last recipe tastes good if made in a less professional way, mind you!

You spend the whole day rushing around, and when night falls, you feel like eating something different or raiding the fridge? It's a great time!

Due to convenience, daily stress or lack of time, we often end up falling into the temptation of eating ready-made foods, such as processed meats, snacks or frozen foods.

These foods, in addition to not being good for your health, can contribute to weight gain and even disrupt your sleep.

To prevent nighttime eating from becoming a nightmare, the best alternative is to adopt healthier routines and opt for lighter foods.

And that's where the question arises: what's healthy to eat at night? There are many options, and if you're creative, you can be sure your dish won't be lacking in flavor.

But, before we talk about the delicious options recommended for the evening, how about we understand a little more about why eating a balanced diet is essential for a happier and healthier night and life?

The importance of healthy eating at night

You've probably heard that our bodies work like clockwork, right? Well, that's absolutely true.

Our biological clock perfectly understands when to sleep and wake up, and look how incredible it is: when the sun starts to set, our body knows that it's time to rest.

Consequently, our blood pressure begins to drop, our rhythm slows down and our functions move towards a state of rest.

Nighttime is a time for repair and recharging. When we eat properly, we ensure a peaceful night. However, if we don't cooperate, instead of being a peaceful time, we can experience sleepless moments.

The truth is that when we eat heavy foods at night, such as red meat, pizza, pasta, and fried foods, we force our body, which is already slower, to work harder to digest.

This means we spend much of the night processing food. This leaves our bodies with insufficient time to rest. As a result, we may wake up the next day feeling tired, bloated, and more prone to stress.

Therefore, at night, the ideal is to opt for a lighter, more balanced menu, which allows you to sleep better and feel fuller for longer.

Check out the super tasty tips we've put together for you to try at home.

Healthy meal recipes to eat at night

For a good dinner, a plate of food with fewer carbohydrates and more good fats and proteins goes down very well.

Choose what to prepare:

1. Creamy vegetable soup

Nutritious and easy to make, soups, besides bringing that feeling of comfort at the end of the day, can have an infinite number of flavors.

Cream soups, for example, are delicious and perfect for colder days. Check out this recipe we've selected for you to make at home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• ½ chopped onion
• 3 peeled and seeded tomatoes, chopped
• 2 chopped carrots
• 6 broccoli florets
• 6 cauliflower florets
• 4 kale leaves
• 1 medium chayote, chopped
• 1 liter of water
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley to taste

Preparation method

1. Add the tomato, onion, and garlic to a skillet with hot oil.
2. Add the vegetables, greens, water and salt.
3. Let the ingredients cook until soft.
4. Blend the contents in a blender after it has cooled.
5. Finally, serve the soup and sprinkle parsley on top.

2. Roasted vegetables

A wonderful option for those who don't want to waste time in the kitchen is roasting vegetables.

Preparation time: up to 1 hour

Yield: up to 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 zucchini cut into half-moons
• 3 medium potatoes cut diagonally
• ½ cauliflower cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation method

1. Select, wash and cut the vegetables.
2. Place them on a baking sheet.
3. Season them with olive oil, salt and black pepper.
4. Bake for about 45 minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy!

3. Crepioca

Gluten-free, lactose-free, and low in carbohydrates, crepioca is the perfect choice for those looking for an easy-to-make meal.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yield: 2 small crepes

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of tapioca starch
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation method

1. To prepare the dough, add one egg, two tablespoons of tapioca starch and a pinch of salt to a bowl and mix well.
2. Then, place the mixture in a previously heated non-stick frying pan.
3. When it's cooked, add the filling as desired and fold it in half.

4. Zucchini Spaghetti

How about swapping traditional pasta for zucchini spaghetti? Besides avoiding a large amount of carbs at night, the alternative is mouthwatering!

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 2 zucchini
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1/2 onion
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the sauce

• 1 can of peeled tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/2 onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of butter

How to prepare zucchini

1. Making it is very simple, you just need to wash the zucchini well and grate it into strips.
2. Then, place them in a frying pan with olive oil, butter and onion and sauté for about 3 minutes.
3. Add salt and set aside.

How to prepare the sauce

1. Blend the peeled tomatoes in a blender.
2. Heat the garlic, chopped onion, and olive oil in a pan.
3. Season the pan with salt, sugar, pureed tomatoes, and pepper to taste.
4. Once the sauce is ready, simply add it over the zucchini and serve.

5. Cauliflower rice

For those seeking flavor and convenience, another popular dish on many menus is cauliflower rice. Besides being nutritious, this ingredient pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as salad and grilled chicken.

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 700 grams of florets of clean cauliflower
• ½ tablespoon of olive oil
• ½ tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon chopped onion
• ¾ boiling water

Preparation method

1. To begin, wash the cauliflower well, remove the green leaves and place them raw in a food processor.
2. Then, in a pan, sauté the oil, garlic and onion for approximately 2 minutes.
3. Add the cauliflower, boiling water and salt to taste.
4. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until dry.

Whether due to intolerance or choice, eating gluten-free and lactose-free products shouldn't stop you from enjoying delicious dishes, such as cakes, for example.

People with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) have a bit of difficulty eating cakes, due to the amount of flour needed to make them — The same is true for those who have a dairy or milk intolerance.

There are cases in which, even when the recipe does not require cow's milk, its derivatives are still necessary, whether to prepare the dough or for the filling, such as butter and margarine.

The importance of ingredient substitution

The solution for everyone to be able to taste and enjoy different recipes is to substitute ingredients.

Wheat flour can be replaced by, for example:

• oatmeal;
• rice flour; and
• coconut flour.

The same can be done with cow's milk, which can be replaced by:

• soy milk;
• coconut milk;
• rice milk; and
• almond milk.

Changing the ingredients is important because the recipe doesn't lose any of its qualities or flavor. On the contrary, you still consume other nutrients. For example, by swapping wheat for whole-wheat flours, you ensure nutrients like fiber and protein.

You can also replace the fat. Instead of using butter or margarine, which are both unhealthy fats and contain lactose, opt for coconut or sunflower oil.

The amount of milk can easily be replaced with water or other types of milk, such as almond milk. If the recipe allows, there's no need to add milk or milk substitutes.

But you need to keep in mind that this change can affect the texture of your cake, so you need to know exactly which product to use to make each treat.

To help you prepare, we've put together two delicious recipes to help you enjoy your afternoon coffee with all the flavor and nutrients possible, for a healthy, vitamin-rich diet.

Check it out!

1. Carrot cake with chocolate sauce

Cooking time: approximately 40 minutes

Yield: approximately 15 slices or 9 cupcakes

Nutritional information: gluten, lactose and egg free

Ingredients for the cake

• 2 tablespoons of flaxseed flour
• 3/4 cup demerara sugar
• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 8 tablespoons of warm water
• 1 cup of sweet cassava starch
• 3/4 cup oil
• 200g of carrots
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of yeast

How to prepare the cake

1. Preheat the oven to approximately 180ºC.
2. Mix the rice flour, tapioca flour, yeast, and salt together; set aside.
3. Then, place the flaxseed and water in a separate container, mix well and let it rest for about 3 minutes, to release the gel.
4. In a blender, blend the oil, flaxseed gel and carrots.
5. Pour the batter into a greased, round pan with a hole in the middle.
6. Bake the batter for around forty minutes after it is finished.

Ingredients for the syrup

• 100g of chopped or chipped dark chocolate
• 25g cocoa powder
• 250 ml of water
• 50g demerara sugar

How to prepare the syrup

1. Put all the ingredients in a pot and heat it to medium.
2. Then, lower the heat and stir until everything is incorporated, bringing to a boil and stirring frequently.
3. The consistency of the syrup can be as thick or thin as you like, depending on the heat and the boiling time.
   
   Note: Always use a pan with a hole in the middle, as regular pans distribute less heat and can result in a heavy texture and appearance, detracting from its tenderness.

Know the brand of rice flour you're using, as some contain a higher amount of starch, which can also affect the cake's consistency. Therefore, opt for whole-wheat flours.

2. Banana cake

Cooking time: approximately 30 minutes

Yield: approximately 10 slices or 6 cupcakes

Nutritional information: gluten, lactose, sugar and soy free

Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted nuts or cashews
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or other
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – optional
• 1 tablespoon of yeast
• 2 eggs
• 3 very ripe bananas (any type)
• Banana slices for decoration – optional

Preparation method 

1. In a blender, beat the bananas, oil, and eggs until a creamy consistency is reached.
2. Then, still in the blender, add the rolled oats and chestnuts to the cream and blend again.
3. Add the cinnamon and baking powder last, and mix well with a spatula — no need to use the blender anymore.
4. Place the dough in a greased pan and bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
5. The oven needs to be preheated to 180ºC.

Quick bites are increasingly important when it comes to mealtimes, as the rush of everyday life often prevents the preparation of more elaborate dishes. With haste, calories, carbohydrates, and fats pile up.

Thinking of good alternatives, we can think of the natural sandwich. Made with light, filling breads, lean meats, and fresh salads, they become the perfect alternative to coffee—and even a replacement for lunch or dinner .

These snacks contain benefits such as nutrients and vitamins capable of meeting the body's needs for an entire day, in addition to a variety of flavors with incredible combination possibilities.

Today, you'll learn six recipes for natural chicken sandwiches that will make your diet more practical and healthy.

6 natural snack recipes with chicken

1. Quick Chicken Sandwich

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 2 slices of whole wheat bread
• 100g cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 100g of chopped white cheese or processed ricotta
• 1 heaped tablespoon of light mayonnaise
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped olives
• Grated carrot
• Lettuce

Preparation method

1. Place all the ingredients in a baking dish, except the bread, and mix well.
2. Mix well and spread between the bread slices.
3. Join the two slices together and you're done. It's even better chilled!

2. Simple chicken and arugula sandwich

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

• 1 package of sliced bread (wholemeal or milk)
• One cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast (tea)
• 1 small grated carrot
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon of complete seasoning
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 3 tablespoons of regular or light mayonnaise
• Arugula leaves

Preparation method

1. Mix all ingredients except bread and arugula.
2. Spread a layer over the bread slices.
3. Add the arugula leaves and cover with another slice of bread.

3. Healthy chicken sandwich

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup (tea) of shredded cooked chicken
• 2 tablespoons of light mayonnaise
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 1 sliced tomato
• 6 arugula leaves
• Half a grated carrot
• Half a grated beetroot
• 4 slices of whole wheat bread

Preparation method

1. In a baking dish, place the chicken, mayonnaise, carrot and beetroot, and mix everything until it forms a paste.
2. Divide half of the leaves and tomato slices for each snack,
3. Then, spread a layer of the paste on the four slices of bread and finish filling with lettuce, arugula and sliced tomato.

4. Chicken and corn sandwich

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 2 slices of whole wheat bread
• 3 tablespoons of shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons of corn
• 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
• Half a chopped tomato
• 2 American lettuce leaves, cut into strips

Preparation method

1. Open the bread on a counter.
2. In a baking dish, stir the chicken, corn, mayonnaise, tomato and lettuce until well combined.
3. Spread it on the bread slices with a spoon, cover, and savor.

5. Chicken Pita Bread Sandwich

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pita breads
• 1 cooked and shredded chicken fillet
• 1 medium carrot, cooked and grated
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of light cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise

Preparation method

1. Cut the bread in half.
2. Open the bread, spread cream cheese on one slice, mayonnaise on the other, spread the shredded chicken and add a portion of sautéed cabbage and a portion of grated carrot.
3. Brush a little oil over the filling, close the sandwich and it's ready.

6. Creamy Chicken Sandwich

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 4 slices of whole wheat bread
• 100g cooked and shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons of light cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons of light cream
• 1 clove of garlic, processed or crushed
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salad (lettuce, arugula and tomato are recommended)

Preparation method

1. Stir together the cream cheese, cream, and shredded chicken.
2. When well mixed, add the pepper and garlic.
3. Spread the pâté over the bread slices and garnish with salad to taste. When you close it, it's ready.

Benefits of natural snacks

The benefits of natural snacks come from the ingredients they contain. The richer they are in fresh and—preferably—organic vegetables, the more vitamins and nutrients your body can absorb.

If, for example, you use whole-wheat bread, the sandwich will be rich in fiber and a great source of energy, as well as filling you up faster and for longer.

Adding carrots helps maintain good vision and skin health. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, making them perfect for any snack.

Cheese is rich in calcium, sodium, and potassium, strengthening bones and cartilage. It pairs well with boiled eggs, which slow aging, boost immunity, and contain several vitamins that help prevent disease.

Now just add your cooked and shredded chicken, rich in Vitamin B, iron, and phosphorus, which is perfect as the main ingredient in a healthy snack.

There you go! You've learned how to make a natural chicken snack and can follow the recipes to bring health to your busy days or simply innovate, changing your menu, taste, and lifestyle, adopting lighter, more balanced practices.

Comfort, food, drink, and good conversation: hosting friends at home is always a pleasure. But have you decided what to serve?

At this point, you have two options: offer snacks that are easy to prepare or show off all your culinary skills, which will require more time and planning.

When choosing the dish to serve, it's important to consider the time available for preparation, because, although it's nice to prepare more elaborate meals, practical snacks to entertain friends can also be very tasty.

This option also allows you to get everything done faster and enjoy the moment with your friends, without making a mess in the kitchen — and without having to clean a bunch of dishes in the sink afterwards.

It would be perfect for a night out, wouldn't it? With that in mind, we've put together five quick snack recipes for you to entertain your friends.

5 quick recipes to make for friends

1. Cold cuts board

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: 1 board serves up to 5 people

Ingredients

• 1 jar of preserved hearts of palm
• 1 jar of preserved olives
• 1 jar of preserved quail eggs
• 1 jar of pickled cucumber
• 400g provolone cheese
• 400g of Minas cheese
• 500g of salami
• 500g turkey breast
• 2 large bunches of grapes

Preparation method

1. Place all ingredients on a counter.
2. Choose a large tray made of wood, glass, ceramic, porcelain, or whatever you have available.
3. Place the bunches of grapes side by side or in two different places on the tray.
4. On one side of the tray, place the hearts of palm and cucumbers, chopped large enough to be skewered, and distribute them alongside the olives and quail eggs.
5. Next, add the diced cheeses.
6. And lastly, finely sliced turkey breast and salami.

Bonus tip

You can add sauces like honey mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, etc. Mix and match the ingredients you choose for your board.

2. Rolls with tuna antipasto

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

• Mini breads of your choice (French, brioche, puff pastry, etc.)
• 500g tuna
• ½ chopped onion
• 1 can of tomato paste
• Oil
• Green smell to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation method

1. Place the olive oil, chopped onion, tuna and salt in a pan.
2. Sauté and add the tomato paste.
3. Add the pepper and parsley.
4. Serve in a separate container from the rolls.

It's ready: serve with your favorite bread (you can serve more than one type!) and the tuna antipasto in a single separate container, for just a few friends or, if you have a lot of friends, distribute it in other small containers on the table.

3. Stuffed tomato

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped or ground
• 1 cup (tea) of chopped smoked turkey breast
• 1/2 cup (tea) of chopped green olives
• 1/2 cup (tea) of grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation method

1. Wash the tomatoes well, remove a lid from the base with a knife so that the tomatoes stand upright, and cut a lid, also on the top, Using a spoon, remove the pulp and seeds, setting them aside in a different container.
2. Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat a frying pan with olive oil and, over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic.
4. Add the chopped turkey breast, chopped tomato pulp and seeds, and olives to the skillet, and season everything with salt and pepper.
5. Wait for it to cool and add basil and half of the grated mozzarella cheese.
6. Stuff the tomatoes and place them in an ovenproof dish.
7. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
8. With the oven already preheated, let it bake for 10 minutes on high heat or until golden brown.
9. Serve garnished with basil leaves.

4. Guacamole

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

• 1 medium Brazilian avocado (or 4 avocados)
• 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, well ground/crushed
• 1 bunch of chopped cilantro
• 1 chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation method

1. Put it in a bowl and use a fork to mash it until it's pureed.
2. Add the lemon, garlic, salt, and black pepper and stir until well combined.
3. Add the tomato, onion, cilantro, and chili pepper. All finely chopped.
4. Serve with chips, crackers, or tacos.

5. Rustic potato

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

• 5 large potatoes
• 8 cloves of garlic, chopped, unpeeled
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation method

1. Wash the potatoes well and, without peeling them, cut them into thick strips.
2. Pre-cook the potatoes until they are slightly soft.
3. Remove from the oven and place them on a baking sheet, adding the minced garlic, unpeeled garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all the ingredients together.
4. Add the olive oil, drizzling it over all the ingredients in the baking dish.
5. Bake for 15 minutes over high heat, stirring the potatoes with a spatula to brown all sides evenly.

Gather friends regardless of the recipe

You don't need a reason to bring together new and old friends, but you can use major sporting events, such as football, volleyball, and basketball games, to set up this meeting.

If you're feeling lazy about cooking, even if it's a quick recipe, the ideal option is to order a snack to entertain friends in the afternoon or evening.

Fun and joy are guaranteed when you're around the people you love, so it's important to schedule time to relax, listen to good music, and share experiences, recharging your batteries to start the week feeling lighter.

There's nothing better than eating a juicy, flavorful burger, and it's amazing to be able to recreate a homemade burger at home, right? To do so, you need to know how to make a homemade burger, the best meat for a homemade burger, and how to make a sauce to make your burger even more delicious.

The first rule of making a homemade burger is no flour or eggs to bind the meat together. Those delicious burgers from burger joints are made with just a blend of meats and nothing else, because the fat in the meat is what binds the burger together.

We've put together a selection of the best meat combinations - known as blends - for your homemade burger.

Let's get to the tips!

What is the best meat for making homemade burgers?

Choosing the right meat blend is the first step to creating a succulent meal when you're out with friends . Mixing a fattier meat with a higher-fiber one is the perfect combination for a homemade burger.

That's why we've selected the most popular blends for you to prepare a juicy and tasty burger.

1. Brisket and chuck

Two cuts from the front of the beef, the brisket and chuck, combine very well, as the chuck is a tasty meat that doesn't have much fat, while the brisket comes into the combination with a higher fat content to give the burger its "binding point."

Since brisket is a fatty but also flavorful meat, you can mix 50% brisket with 50% chuck.

2. Ribs and chuck

With a ratio of 70% ribs and 30% chuck, this burger stands out for the added juiciness of the prime cut. In fact, the rib burger is one of the most popular among customers, as the high fat content of the meat gives it a more tender and juicy texture.

3. Flank steak and ribs

Once again, ribs take center stage in the blend . However, flank steak takes center stage this time, with 80% of the meat combined with 20% ribs. Juiciness isn't a problem here, as both meats have a high fat content.

Can a burger be made with only lean meat?

Unfortunately, no. Fat is the main ingredient in a burger, both for its juiciness and for its "stickiness" and its shape. Lean cuts like flank steak and filet mignon can be very tasty, but they require additional fat to form a burger.

In fact, a good burger should always have between 20 and 25% fat, as with less than that, it tends to be dry and fall apart, while steaks with more than 25% fat tend to be sickly and pasty.

In fact, each preparation method adapts better to different fat levels. We've put together some tips for you on how to make a homemade burger.

How to prepare a burger in a frying pan or griddle

The best type of burger to prepare on the griddle is the famous “ smash burger ”, which consists of a thinner burger, as the griddle tends to distribute the heat better, but also has less power when cooking the steaks.

In order to grill all the parts evenly, the burger should preferably not be very thick. Additionally, because the grill retains fat during cooking, the perfect burger for grilling should have about 20% fat.

See how easy it is to prepare a smash burger on the griddle or frying pan:

1. Make meatballs of approximately 150g and arrange them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Cover them with another piece of parchment paper.
3. Press the steak to flatten it.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the burger on top once it's really heated.
6. Grill the burger, turning it only once. Cooking time should be the same on both sides. For a 150g steak, rare should be cooked for one minute on high heat and one minute on low heat, adding one minute on low heat for medium-rare and two minutes for well-done.

Ideally, when assembling a burger, you shouldn't handle the meat too much, as the heat from your hands tends to make the burger mushy.

How to cook a grilled burger

Grilled burgers are those cooked on a grill or barbecue. They tend to be thicker, as the heat from the grill is much higher than that of a griddle, for example.

Furthermore, the ideal fat content for grilled burgers is 25%, as with this type of preparation, the burger tends to drip - and consequently lose - a lot of fat.

For this type of preparation, it's best to let it grill until the burger forms a crust, as this makes all the difference in flavor.

Here's how to prepare them:

1. Make meatballs of an average of 200g.
2. Arrange them on a baking sheet or board lined with parchment paper.
3. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the burger and press down on the meat until it reaches the desired thickness for the steak.
4. Season with salt and pepper and place on a very hot grill.
5. Let the burger develop a crust - which may look burnt, but it isn't - and flip it over so the other side does the same.
6. With an average burger thickness of 3 cm, the burger is cooked for 1 and a half minutes on each side, 2 and a half minutes for medium-rare meat, and 4 minutes for well-done.

Work routines often prevent us from eating meals due to lack of time, so it's important to always have different, affordable, and practical snacks to eat when you're out and about.

Of course, if it's hard to eat, imagine stopping to cook something? Almost impossible, right? So, the best option is to look for something to nibble on delivery apps so your stomach doesn't go empty for hours.

Choosing healthy , baked snacks is important, as this will help you avoid any discomfort, reduce your chances of getting sick, and ensure you have a balanced diet.

Well, with that in mind, we've prepared an assorted selection of different snacks to sell that are sure to be a hit with your customers, as they're easy to store and consume, and delicious.

Check it out!

5 different and easy snack recipes

Yam cheese bread

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups sweet cassava starch
• 1 cup of sour cassava starch
• ½ cup oil
• ½ cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of chia
• 100g of Minas cheese
• Salt to taste
• Mashed 2 yams

Preparation method

1. In a bowl, combine the sweet cassava starch, sour cassava starch, oil, Minas cheese, and season with salt. Mix well.
2. Add the water, chia seeds, and yam puree.
3. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform mass.
4. Make balls of approximately 2 cm with the dough.
5. Place them in an oiled pan, but remember to leave at least 1.5cm between each ball, as they will grow and may stick together.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 30 minutes and it's ready.

Sweet potato chips

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Black pepper, oregano and salt to taste

Preparation method

1. Peel the sweet potato and cut it into 2 to 3mm thick slices.
2. In a bowl, place the sliced potatoes, olive oil, pepper, oregano and salt, mixing well to distribute the seasoning throughout the slices.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange the seasoned potato slices on it.
4. When they are golden and crispy, remove and bake a new batch.
5. Once cooled, store in a tightly closed container for up to three days.

Seasoned peanuts

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Yield: 1 individual serving

Ingredients

• 1 cup roasted skinless peanuts
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

Preparation method

1. Combine all the ingredients in a jar.
   1. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
2. Remove from the oven, wait for it to cool and store in a container with a lid.

Turkey breast rolls with mozzarella

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 tortilla doughs
• 150g finely chopped mozzarella
• 150g thinly sliced turkey breast
• Mayonnaise to taste
• Half a bunch of chopped lettuce

Preparation method

1. In a hot frying pan, cook both sides of the dough.
2. Spread mayonnaise on one side and add mozzarella, turkey breast, and lettuce.
3. Roll or fold, but if you choose to roll, tie it with a green onion leaf to keep it from coming undone. And it's ready!

You can create a variety of fillings and sell them in the same format, as tortilla dough goes great with many types of meats and vegetables.

White chocolate and pistachio cookies

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Yield: 35 servings

Ingredients

• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• 7 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup ground pistachios
• 60g whole pistachios
• 60g chopped white chocolate

Preparation method

1. In a mixer, place the butter, confectioner's sugar and brown sugar and beat until very smooth.
2. Add the vanilla mixture and egg.
3. In a bowl, place the flour with the baking soda, stir to mix and also transfer to the mixer.
4. When the dough is smooth, add the pistachios and white chocolate.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown, and it's ready!

When it's time to take a break from work, opting for a tasty and different snack is good for you. It saves time by replacing meal preparation with leisure time, allows you to try a variety of foods and create new habits.

When working outside the home and using delivery frequently, your palate can get tired of the same flavors, creating the opportunity to try new things. Therefore, diversifying your menu and offering dishes that deviate, even slightly, from traditional flavors will help sales.

For those looking to start a food business, a griddle is a great idea and investment. Easy to use, even for those new to it, the griddle can be used to quickly prepare a variety of dishes.

The biggest challenge of starting a business is choosing and preparing the menu, as offering attractive and tasty food will make all the difference when competing with competitors in the same segment.

To get you ready to start your business, we've prepared a brief introduction to working on a grill and some dish ideas with practical and simple suggestions that, with a special and personal touch, can be sold in your restaurant.

In fact, the tips we'll give you below are useful for any cook, even amateurs who are just looking for a different recipe to surprise their friends.

The first use of the plate

Before using your griddle for the first time, turn it on to 175°C, pour a thin layer of vegetable oil over it, and let it heat up. This will sterilize your equipment and free it from the chemicals used in its manufacture. Wipe away the oil with an absorbent cloth or paper towel.

After each use or work shift, use a spatula to scrape all food residue into the grease container and clean it. After the griddle has heated up, add cold water containing vinegar, baking soda, and lemon and leave it for a few minutes.

By the way, these ingredients are also great for cleaning stainless steel pans .

This mixture will help loosen any remaining dirt on the griddle. Instead of the mixture, you can opt for a griddle cleaner.

To finish, rub the plate with steel wool, rinse and remove any excess water with an absorbent towel or paper towel.

In addition to these cleaning items, an important tip is to have a starter kit for using the griddle. We have listed the essential items below:

• 1 hamburger shaper
• 1 hamburger mold
• 1 muffler
• 1 round egg shaper
• 1 curved spatula
• 1 straight spatula
• 1 scale
• 1 box of disposable gloves
• 1 box of disposable caps
• 2 aprons

So, you can start experimenting with dishes for your menu! Let's explore some snack options!

5 types of grilled snacks

Check out five dishes that can be made on the grill to complete or add to snacks or served on boards.

1. Grilled burger

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg of ground beef heart
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oil

Preparation method

1. To taste, add salt and black pepper to 150g of uncooked ground beef.
2. Shape the burger with your hands or a mold, pressing firmly.
3. Drizzle some olive oil over the griddle and cook the burger.
4. Now, just add it to bread with cheese, salads and other accompaniments as described in the snack, such as pepperoni, bacon, ham, rump steak, etc.

2. Picanha with sides

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 3 picanha steaks cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• Salt to taste
• 1 onion, sliced into thin strips
• 1 zucchini cut into sticks
• 1 pre-cooked carrot, cut into strips
• 1 cup of pre-cooked whole green beans

Preparation method

1. In a container, place the meat, onion, zucchini, carrot and green beans.
2. Season with paprika and salt, mixing all ingredients well.
3. Heat the griddle, add a dash of olive oil and brown all the ingredients.
4. Serve in a bowl.

3. Fried cassava and calabresa sausage with onions

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Yield: 1 serving for 2 people

Ingredients

• 2 sliced calabresa sausages
• 2 cooked cassavas cut into strips
• 2 stalks of fine herbs
• Olive oil to taste

Preparation method

1. Put the calabresa sausages on the griddle with a little olive oil and cook until the edges are browned.
2. Remove and place on the board or serving container.
3. In a frying pan, fry the cassava strips until golden brown and add them to the calabresa sausage.
4. Serve the cassava with the fine herbs sprinkled on top.

4. Grilled shrimp with vegetables

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1 cup pre-cooked sugar snap peas
• 1 cup pre-cooked carrots
• 2 cups pre-cooked shrimp
• 1 cup pre-cooked squid
• Salt to taste

Preparation method

1. On the griddle, add a drizzle of olive oil and the pre-cooked shrimp and squid, stirring until all sides are golden brown.
2. Then, add all the vegetables, peas and salt and fry until a kind of burnt crust forms, but not burnt, just a level above golden.
3. Finally, pour everything into a bowl and serve on a board with green mayonnaise and honey mustard.

5. Grilled chicken with fries

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast cut into strips
• 1 shot of cachaça
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 dessert spoon of curry
• 1 sliced onion
• 1 sliced bell pepper
• 3 potatoes cut into canoe shapes
• Fennel to taste
• Salt to taste
• Oil

Preparation method

1. Season the chicken with cachaça, lemon, salt, and curry and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a baking dish, place the potatoes and olive oil and let them bake until a fork goes in easily.
3. Start by adding the chicken to a hot griddle pan. When it starts to brown, toss in the vegetables and salt until it turns golden.
4. Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle with fennel, and serve on a rustic board with the chicken.

Ideally, you should always have a good amount of portions resting, so the customer doesn't have to wait long to be served.