Casey

What Is Sweet Tea Made Of?

The ingredients can vary depending on who makes it, but the main recipe for sweet tea consists of adding sugar or syrup to black tea while it’s still brewing. The sweetener doesn’t have to be added when the tea is still brewing and can be added after when the tea is still hot. 

After brewing the black tea and adding a sweetener, the tea is usually cooled and served ice cold. Other ingredients can be added including, lemon, peach, or mint.

What Makes Something Gluten Free?

For something to be gluten-free, it has to be free of any gluten (big surprise). Gluten is a protein found in wheat and grains that can have a negative impact on some people’s gut health. For example, people with celiacs have an immune reaction to gluten that causes damage to the small intestine. 

It is still possible to not have celiac and be gluten sensitive, which is why so many people try to avoid it in their diets. Thankfully, many commercially available foods are labeled as being gluten-free or not, helping to determine if they are safe to eat. 

Is Sweet Tea Gluten Free?

Since sweet tea is made from black tea, then it is naturally gluten-free as long as no extra ingredients are added. It’s best to read the label on any teas you use to ensure they’re actually gluten-free.

Be sure to double-check the type of tea you’re using as well since some teas aren’t naturally gluten-free. For example, herbal, matcha, chai, and malted tea may all contain gluten. The reason some teas aren’t gluten-free is that some are made with grains such as barley.  

Is Sweet Tea Good For You?

Sweet tea isn’t exactly rich in nutrients. Other than the vitamins and nutrients present in the tea used, there’s not much else to consider as healthy. In fact, a large portion of the calories present in sweet tea comes from the sugar added. The amount of sugar will depend on the kind of sweetener you use and the amount though, but regardless it’s not the healthiest drink on the market.

However, there is one main benefit to drinking sweet tea, antioxidants. Black tea (the root of sweet tea) is a great source of antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. 

Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine?

Sweet tea does have a small amount of caffeine in it as most teas do. The amount of caffeine in sweet tea isn’t that much, especially compared to coffee. 

A 16oz. glass of sweet tea will contain roughly 41mg of caffeine. Compared to a similar 16oz. serving of coffee at 190mg of caffeine, sweet tea has only a fraction of the caffeine coffee does. 

If you’re a coffee addict and trying to cut back, then maybe sweet tea is a great alternative to slowly weening off and avoiding any headaches.

Does Sweet Tea Need To Be Refrigerated?

Technically, sweet tea needs to be refrigerated if you want to keep it fresh for longer. Not refrigerating your sweet tea will speed up its expiration, leaving you with bad tea sooner. 

The timeframe on when your tea will go bad depends on a lot of factors, but refrigerating is recommended to lengthen its lifespan. Also, sweet tea is commonly served cold, so refrigerating is a must if you want your sweet tea to taste good. 

Summary

Sweet tea is a delicious treat enjoyed by many! This slightly caffeinated drink is naturally gluten-free but should still be checked for any additional ingredients that may contain gluten. 

7 Things You Should Know About Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a delicious addition to most meals. Whether they be roasted sweet potatoes or a casserole with marshmallows, you’ll be sure to enjoy them. 

But what do we really know about yams, other than their popularity around Thanksgiving? Well, there’s a lot to know about these root vegetables other than how great they are during autumn. 

So let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions about sweet potatoes!

Sweet Potato Benefits

So what are the benefits of eating sweet potatoes, if any?

Nutrient Filled

Sweet potatoes aren’t exactly nutrient-rich, but they do offer plenty of vitamins that are required in a healthy diet. 

A one-cup serving of sweet potatoes contains roughly 448mg of potassium, 4g of dietary fiber, and 2.1g of protein. The vitamin content for the same serving size will yield about 5% of the daily value for vitamin C, 4% for iron, 15% vitamin B6, 8% magnesium, and 4% calcium. 

Obviously, these aren’t game-changing numbers but they do offer some help. Considering they are usually a side dish, sweet potatoes are a great opportunity to catch up on any daily values you’re missing. 

Supports Immune System

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, a compound that is converted to vitamin A when ingested. Vitamin A is crucial to a healthy immune system and who doesn’t love staying healthy. 

In addition to providing support for your immune system, vitamin A aids in keeping the lining in your gut healthy. Since most health issues or diseases originate from what you eat, having a healthy gut can also prevent severe illnesses. 

Are Sweet Potatoes High In Histamine?

If you’re looking for a vegetable that is low in histamine then you’ll be happy to learn about sweet potatoes!

Sweet potatoes are low in histamine and do not trigger the release of the body’s natural histamine. This doesn’t mean they are histamine free, but overall they are safe to eat.

If you’re concerned about any histamine intolerance and want to be safe, I recommend checking with your doctor to determine what’s safe to eat in your diet. 

Can Sweet Potatoes Be Frozen?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be frozen. However, there are some best practices to follow when freezing sweet potatoes that you should follow. 

First, avoid freezing raw sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes have high water content and are likely to get freezer burn if you try to freeze them raw. 

Secondly, blanche before you freeze! This will add to their crispness and also avoid any problems with expanding after freezing. 

Are Sweet Potatoes Keto?

Keto diets generally want to avoid high carb foods and will focus on lower carb meals. Sadly, sweet potatoes are fairly high in carbohydrates, meaning they aren’t keto-friendly. 

That being said, you don’t necessarily have to avoid sweet potatoes at all costs. If you eat them in moderation and control your portions to fit the number of carbs you’re allowed, then you may be able to still enjoy them. 

Are Sweet Potatoes Gluten-Free?

Sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free and safe to eat. However, problems may arise in their preparation and any ingredients added in. As an example, if you’re preparing your sweet potatoes in an area where gluten-containing foods also are prepared, then they may be at risk of cross-contamination. 

The best solution is to check any ingredients that you may be adding to your sweet potatoes and avoid preparing them around any kinds of wheat, grains, or other gluten-filled food. 

Are Sweet Potatoes High In Fiber?

Sweet potatoes are rich in many nutrients and fiber is one of them. The average medium-sized sweet potato contains roughly 3.8 grams of fiber, making it a great source of fiber. 

Fiber is a beneficial nutrient that promotes a healthy digestive system. That adds another healthy aspect of sweet potatoes, because of their high fiber content. 

Are Sweet Potatoes High In Potassium?

We discussed the health benefits earlier and the content of potassium was mentioned.

Sweet potatoes are relatively high in potassium and a great source if you’re missing potassium in your diet. A one-cup serving of sweet potato contains a staggering 448mg of potassium, which is a good amount. 

Summary

Sweet potatoes are a great addition to any plate. They are low in histamine, high in fiber, high in potassium, gluten-free, and offer a lot of nutrients. The biggest downside to sweet potatoes is that they aren’t keto friendly. But, if you’re not following a keto diet, then I strongly recommend adding them to your diet!

My favorite meals to make are any that use a slow cooker. There’s no better feeling than throwing a bunch of things in a pot, letting the amazing aroma fill up the house, then have a ready made dinner when it’s done. 

A side note about this beef stew recipe, is that it isn’t made to be very thick like some beef stews. If you want it to be a little thicker, that’s nothing a little cornstarch can change!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A tasty beef stew that takes little effort to make!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 8 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Beef stew meat (chopped into 1 inch cubes)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 lb Russet Potatoes (chopped into 1 inch cubes)
• 2-4 Carrots (chopped)
• 3/4 Onion (diced)
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 3 cups Beef Broth
• 2 tbsps Tomato Paste
• 2 tbsps Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Rosemary
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tbsps Parsley (chopped)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a skillet heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Cook beef in skillet until evenly brown, adding salt and pepper to taste.
• In slow cooker, place all ingredients left except flour and mix evenly, including the cooked beef.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours.
• After the 8 hours, whisk flour and 1/2 cup stew broth until evenly mixed. Add it into the slow cooker, cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

Keyword beef stew recipe, slow cooker beef stew

Need help converting measurements in the kitchen? Check out our articles on a Grams to Cups Conversion Table and our Tablespoons to Cups Conversion Chart!

Caviar, the delicacy of fish roe or fish eggs. Yep, caviar is known far and wide as a strange culinary treat that costs a bit too much for the average seafood lover. Well not necessarily, there are some very affordable caviar options.

We’ll be going over some interesting things about caviar in this article from if caviar is kosher to storing options for caviar. 

What Is Caviar?

The caviar comes from fish roe, otherwise known as fish eggs. These eggs are collected from the sturgeon family as they are believed to offer the best roe culinarily speaking. Sturgeon are the specific fish required to get eggs from for it to be considered caviar. Eggs from other fish such as trout and salmon can also be eaten but aren’t considered caviar. 

Not all caviar is created equal. There are three main types of caviar called beluga, ossetra, and sevruga.

• Beluga – This is the rarest form of caviar and is distinguishable by its large pea-sized pearls that are creamy and nutty in flavor. 
• Ossetra – An incredibly popular form of caviar and beloved for its rich, nutty, and briny flavor. 
• Sevruga – The more common version of caviar, it’s said to be very rich in buttery flavor.

What Makes Something Kosher?

The rules of kosher food are extensive and somewhat complex. In fact, the scope of what defines something as kosher is well beyond that of this article. If you’re curious to know more about the rules of kosher foods, then read this as a quick primer. 

Because we’re focusing on if caviar is kosher or not, we’ll focus on the rule related to fish eggs which state: “The eggs (or other by-products) of non-kosher birds or fish are not kosher. Caviar, therefore, must come from a kosher fish and this requires reliable supervision. Commercial liquid eggs also require supervision. Eggs of kosher fowl that contain blood spots must be discarded, and therefore eggs should be checked before use.”

Is Caviar Kosher?

Considering what we’ve learned about what makes something kosher regarding fish eggs, is caviar kosher? Well, it depends on what fish the eggs came from. If the fish contains both fins and scales (of a certain type), then it can be considered kosher. For example, the true black caviar comes from the primeval sturgeon family which has scales but is not the correct kind to be considered kosher. Sturgeon are covered in ganoin and can’t be removed without tearing the skin. Because the scales can’t be removed without tearing skin, they are not kosher. 

That being said, you can still eat fish roe from fish that are considered kosher. 

Is Salmon Roe Kosher?

So some caviar isn’t kosher since the fish they come from aren’t kosher. But what about other fish such as salmon and are salmon roe kosher?

If it’s something you’re looking to try then salmon roe is considered kosher!

Is Caviar Good For You?

Many people talk about caviar because of its relation to fine and luxurious dining. But, maybe they should be mentioning its health benefits and what caviar can offer your body. 

For example, caviar is rich in vitamin B12, which is crucial to many of the body’s functions. Additionally, caviar is high in omega-3 fatty acids. While being important to pregnancy and infant development, omega-3 fatty acids are also helpful in improving memory and mood. 

Overall, there are a plethora of vitamins and minerals in caviar that help support healthy skin and boost immunity. 

How Long Does Caviar Last?

Unsurprisingly, caviar (or fish eggs) don’t last very long once exposed to air. A can of caviar may last up to a month but once it’s opened it will only last a maximum of three days. There are ways to store and extend the life of caviar, but I wouldn’t try and stretch it too far due to health risks. 

Does Caviar Need To Be Refrigerated?

Caviar is very perishable and needs lower temperatures with minimal air exposure to extend its shelf life. 

So you should refrigerate caviar to ensure it stays good for longer. If caviar is unopened and refrigerated, then it stands a better chance of lasting up to 4 to 6 weeks before expiration. 

Can Caviar Be Frozen?

While we know caviar should be refrigerated to keep it good longer. But, is it safe to freeze caviar?

You can freeze caviar but I’d advise against it as it’ll compromise the texture of the caviar. When caviar freezes and thaws, a lot of the water content expands as it freezes in the caviar. As the caviar thaws, it shrinks and loses a lot of the natural texture that contributes to it being so enjoyable. I recommend never freezing caviar and keeping it no cooler than your fridge. 

What Is Gluten?

Simply stated, gluten is a protein found in wheat and many other grains. Gluten is naturally occurring and can even be extracted or concentrated depending on the food and the purpose it serves. 

Why is it important to know about gluten? Well, most people are able to process some gluten, but not all of it gets digested and makes its way into the small intestine. The average response is that the undigested gluten is handled, but in some people, it can cause an autoimmune response with some less than pleasant symptoms. 

That autoimmune response is what many people know as celiac disease. Not everyone has celiacs and gluten isn’t inherently bad for you. But if you have a sensitivity to gluten then it’s best to avoid it. 

Is Folgers Coffee Gluten Free? 

So, let’s say you are gluten sensitive but still want to enjoy a morning coffee. Folgers coffee is a common brand that numerous people enjoy, but is Folgers coffee gluten-free?

You’ll be happy to hear that according to Folgers, coffee is not a natural source of gluten and that their products are produced in a facility free of other types of gluten-producing plants. Although they do caution that equipment used to harvest, store, and transport their crops may also be used on gluten-containing crops. So while Folgers coffee is gluten-free, they do state there may be trace amounts of gluten due to the shared use of farming equipment on other crops. 

Folgers Coffee Ingredients

According to Folgers, they use 100% coffee and there are no preservatives used in their coffee. 

Coffee is derived from grinding up harvested coffee beans and storing them. As they state to only use 100% coffee, it doesn’t mean that pesticides, fungicides, or other agricultural chemicals haven’t been used. 

Is Folgers Coffee Organic?

There are varying definitions of what’s considered organic. For the purpose of this question, we consider organic to be anything that is grown without using synthetic pesticides, bioengineering, or any other method that is untraditional in agriculture. 

By the definition above, at the time of writing Folgers does not claim any certifications that would certify it as organic. 

Is Folgers Coffee Vegan?

Folgers uses 100% coffee in its production and no additives that might be anti-vegan. So, concerning the ingredients of Folgers coffee, it is vegan friendly. 

Keep in mind that adding dairy to your coffee would mean that its no longer vegan and only black folders coffee with no creamer/milk is vegan friendly. 

What Are Oxalates?

Oxalic acid is nothing more than an organic compound. This compound is found in many plants we eat including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and more.

Where oxalates come into play is when oxalic acid binds to other minerals in those plants, forming oxalates. The interesting part is that while we can find oxalates in other sources such as plants, our body can produce its own oxalates.

While these oxalates are generally no problem for some, they can bind to other minerals when ingested and create compounds such as calcium oxalate and iron oxalate. Plenty of people will excrete these compounds in their stool, but some can have build-ups in certain areas such as the kidneys, resulting in an increased chance of kidney stones. 

Don’t be too concerned though, even if you are more likely to develop kidney stones or other issues, they can be avoided by controlling oxalate intake. 

Is Kale High In Oxalates?

Kale is rich in nutrients and a fairly healthy vegetable. An added benefit to kale is that it’s also low in oxalates, containing roughly 2 milligrams per 1 cup serving. 

If you have issues with kidney stones or other digestion problems that oxalates aggravate, you’ll be pleased to know that kale is a safe vegetable to eat concerning oxalate content. Because of its low oxalate levels, many of the nutrients in kale are easier to absorb during digestion and less is wasted.

Is Kale Good For You?

Most people are already aware that kale has its health benefits, but exactly how good is it?

Kale has a wide variety of vitamins from vitamins A, K, B6, and C, to nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. It’s also not very calorie-dense, coming in at only 33 calories for every cup. Being so rich in nutrients and relatively low in fat, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. 

Another benefit of kale is it contains antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol. Antioxidants are an important addition to any diet as they help counteract oxidative damage done to the body from free radicals. 

There are quite a few extra health benefits from kale that I recommend reading here!

Other Things To Know About Kale

Kale is an overall healthy vegetable with low oxalate content compared to other vegetables. 

So we know of some great things that kale has to offer, but what else is there to know? Below we’ll cover some commonly asked questions about kale. 

Is Kale Good For Your Skin?

Kale contains numerous vitamins such as vitamin C, E, and K. These vitamins are commonly known to help your skin look younger and be healthier overall. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that help counteract any oxidative damage done to your skin.

Vitamin K is another reason that kale is good to add to your diet. It can reduce darkness, fine lines, and wrinkles, helping the appearance of your skin.

Does Kale Have Vitamin K?

I mentioned previously the benefits that kale has and one of the benefits is due to kale containing a decent amount of vitamin K, roughly 176mg per one-cup serving. That’s a fair amount of vitamin K for a small vegetable serving and another testament to why this is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. 

Does Kale Have Vitamin D?

While kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables, it surprisingly doesn’t contain any vitamin D. Keep in mind that kale is still a nutrient-rich food that is overall healthy. If you’re looking for a leafy green vegetable with vitamin D, then spinach is a great option and contains roughly 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D in a one-cup serving. 

Does Kale Have Protein?

Protein is an incredibly important part of any diet and should not be overlooked. Surprisingly, kale contains a decent amount of protein, roughly 2.9 grams per 1 cup serving. It may not seem like a lot, but for a leafy green vegetable, 2.9 grams in only 1 cup is a fair amount. 

So if you’re looking for a small source of protein that’s also packed full of nutrients, then kale is a great option!

What Are Oxalates?

Oxalic acid is nothing more than an organic compound. This compound is found in many plants we eat including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and more.

Where oxalates come into play is when oxalic acid binds to other minerals in those plants, forming oxalates. The interesting part is that while we can find oxalates in other sources such as plants, our body can produce its own oxalates.

While these oxalates are generally no problem for some, they can bind to other minerals when ingested and create compounds such as calcium oxalate and iron oxalate. Plenty of people will excrete these compounds in their stool, but some can have build-ups in certain areas such as the kidneys, resulting in an increased chance of kidney stones. 

Don’t be too concerned though, even if you are more likely to develop kidney stones or other issues, they can be avoided by controlling oxalate intake. 

Is Arugula High In Oxalates?

Arugula is a common leafy vegetable much like its close relative spinach. There are quite a few aspects of arugula that make it a great addition to any diet. One notable property is something that set’s it aside from spinach, which is its oxalate content.

Arugula is low in oxalates, unlike spinach, making it a go-to vegetable if you’re prone to kidney problems or other health issues related to oxalate intake. 

This level of oxalate is important as it contributes to how well your body absorbs the minerals in the food you eat. Spinach for example is full of minerals, but many won’t be absorbed due to the high oxalate content as they are binding to the minerals and keeping them from being digested.

Other Things To Know About Arugula

Oxalate content isn’t the only important thing to consider when looking at arugula. This vegetable has a few other aspects worth noting that make it more appealing. 

Is Arugula Healthy?

Arugula is a very healthy vegetable with plenty of notable health benefits. Many people who think of healthy green vegetables first think of spinach or kale, but don’t leave out arugula as a great substitute or replacement!

This peppery flavored veggie is chock full of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. Another positive is that it’s low in calories, sugar, carbohydrates, and fats. Eating arugula is basically like taking a better-tasting multivitamin. 

Which nutrients does arugula have though? To name a few of the nutrients and vitamins in arugula, it contains vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, Folate, potassium, and calcium. All of the aforementioned nutrients play vital roles in keeping your body healthy and in an optimum functioning state. 

Because of all the health benefits from arugula, studies show it helps reduce cancer, aids in osteoporosis prevention, lowers the risk of diabetes, and improves heart health. 

Is Arugula High In Iron?

Many articles claim that arugula is high in iron. While arugula does contain some iron, roughly 1.5mg per 100g serving, it’s not exactly loaded with the nutrient. That doesn’t mean it’s not good for you and even the limited amount of iron in arugula is only part of the numerous other nutrients this vegetable is packed with. 

In fact, the recommended serving size for iron per day can range from as low as 13.7mg for children to as high as 20.5mg per day for men. These numbers aren’t very high since your body can only process so much at a time. Since a 100g serving of arugula isn’t a whole lot, you can pack a decent amount of iron into your daily intake by adding arugula to your meals. 

There’s nothing quite like the smell of activated yeast and freshly baked bread filling the house. 

But, with the joy of making homemade bread comes the struggle of keeping it fresh. Thankfully there are options to help preserve your delicious creation!

Some people choose to freeze their bread and others have bread boxes. Regardless of where you choose to store your homemade bread, you’ll still need a bread bag to ensure it stays fresh. 

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best ways to store bread and different kinds of bread bags to help. 

How Long Does Bread Last?

Not every bread is made the same and how long they last will vary depending on what kind of bread it is. 

That being said, there are still general rules for normal wheat bread and its shelf life. In general, most homemade bread can last anywhere from 3-5 days, and store-bought bread can last up to 7 days with some extra time depending on preservatives. 

Freezing bread can extend the life span of bread significantly if you don’t plan on eating it anytime soon. 

How To Store Bread

There are quite a few factors that go into keeping your homemade bread fresh and free of mold. Like most people, I would keep my bread on top of the fridge in a plastic bag. It turns out that this wasn’t the best decision and there are much better ways to store bread.

Let’s look at some important things to remember when considering how to store homemade bread.

1. Temperature
2. Location
3. Storage Container Type

Those are the 3 things to keep in mind when trying to store bread; temperature, location, and container type. Let’s take a look at the best option for each. 

Temperature

Temperature is obviously important and humidity is sort of included in this as well. Many people choose to freeze bread and it’s understandable since the lower the temperature, the less active any bacteria will be. Be careful when thawing though, if you let your bread thaw out on the counter while still in a container, it can get soggy! The best option is to dethaw it in the refrigerator with no cover on it to allow any water to evaporate. 

Keep in mind that freezing is mostly for long-term storage and if you plan on eating through your bread in under 4 days, then leaving it stored on your counter will be fine. 

Location

It’s important to know that some places are better suited for storing bread than others and you can’t just place a loaf anywhere expecting it to stay fresh. As an example, if you choose to keep bread out of the freezer because you plan on using it throughout the week, then keeping it somewhere dark and dry will work best (usually a bread box or bread bag).

But, some people may opt to put bread on top of the fridge not realizing this is a mistake! Keeping bread enclosed and on top of something that gets warm (the top of a fridge), then it will condensate on the inside of the container and be a petri dish for bacteria to grow. 

Storage Container

For most people, the type of container won’t make a huge difference. But, for some households, it might mean the difference between fast molding or staying fresh. 

To start, most homemade bread won’t do too well in plastic bags if the air isn’t sucked out of them. Plastic is a perfectly sealed container and if there is moisture inside it won’t be able to get out. Over time that moisture is what allows mold to grow on your bread. I know what you’re thinking, “grocery stores use plastic bags”. The bread you buy from the grocery store has other preservatives added usually and avoid moisture storing in other ways. 

All things considered, plastic isn’t you’re worst enemy but for homemade bread, a bread box or cloth bread bag might be best as it allows the moisture from crusty homemade bread to breathe. 

What Makes A Good Bread Bag

There aren’t a load of different options on the market for bread bags. The reason you won’t find much variation is that there’s no superior bread bag by design and the main differences are usually the material they’re made from. 

In my opinion, finding a linen or cloth bread bag will be a great option over plastics. Read on to learn about the difference between cloth and linen bread bags to see which might be the best for your home. 

Best Bread Bags For Homemade Bread

Considering everything we’ve talked about previously with choosing a linen bag over plastic, where to store it, and how to treat homemade bread vs store-bought, then there are only a few options that will work. Granted, you can still use plastic or other paper bag bread bags if that’s your preference. 

However, if you’re looking for reusability and portability, then I’d recommend the following bread bag for your delicious homemade loaf!

Bread Story Bag For Homemade Bread

These are simple and a perfect option to store homemade bread. They’re 8 x 12 x 0.5 inches in dimensions, which works well as most homemade loaves are usually around 8 inches in length. If you’re making other artisan bread such as baguettes then you may have to get some different bags specifically for longer loaves. 

Another great aspect of these cloth bread bags versus plastic is that they’re reusable! Simply follow any washing instructions listed on the product and they’ll be ready for use again on the next loaf of homemade bread!

How To Keep Bread Fresh In Hot Weather

While it may seem like a good idea to keep bread in the fridge, you should avoid doing so regardless of the temperature you’re in! Keeping bread in the fridge can speed up how fast mold grows on bread and cause it to go stale faster. Alternatively, you can freeze bread as long as it’s thoroughly sealed.

But, that’s not what we’re looking for here. We want to know how to keep bread fresh even in hot weather. 

First, avoid using plastic as a container as the surrounding hot temperatures can cause the moisture in the bag to condensate and spoil your bread. You’ll want a storage container that allows some breathability for moisture to be released but allows not exposed to open air. Using a cloth bread bag or a bread box will work well to help keep your bread fresh even in hot weather. I would try to keep the surrounding area of the bread at room temperature though if you can.  

Best Patty Melt EVER

I just recently got into the grand world of artisan sandwiches. Now is this an artisan sandwich? No this is not an artisan sandwich, but it is delicious! It’s simple and while caramelizing onions can take awhile (the majority of time for this recipe), it’s entirely worth it for the amazing flavor!

Another plus to this dish, is how many servings you can make! While there are only four servings for this recipe, scaling up is easy and won’t require much more time.

What’s in a Patty Melt?

A patty melt consists of a beef patty with swiss cheese and caramelized onions on rye bread. This recipe takes a slightly different approach and uses sourdough panini bread as I find it provides a slightly sweeter flavor. 

A patty melt is common for a dinner sandwich, but it works just as well for a filling lunchtime treat. 

How to Caramelize Onions

Something you should know beforehand is that there are plenty of “cooking tips” out there that say they can speed up the process of caramelizing onions. Be wary of any tip that says it can make the process faster, as good caramelized onions will always take time and patience!

First off, what are caramelized onions? Ironically, they are called that because they go through a caramelization process where the sugars in the onion break down and become something far sweeter and make the onion a soft brown.

This process is achieved by frying the onions in an oil/butter mixture on medium heat for roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. Occasionally, the onions may heat up too much and brown too fast. If the onions are beginning to burn, simply add water to deglaze and continue the caramelization process while lowering the heat slightly.

Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions

A delicious lunch with creamy swiss cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 815 kcal

Ingredients

  

Caramelized Onions

• 1 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Vidalia onion (peeled and sliced to length)
• 1 pinch Brown Sugar

Beef Patty

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1/4 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tbsp Onion powder
• 2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Sourdough Bread

• 4 tbsp Butter
• 3 tbsp Mayonnaise
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

 

Caramelized Onions

• Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a non-stick cooking pan or skillet.
• Add sliced onions to the pan and sautee until golden brown. This process can take between 50 minutes to and 1 hour if done correctly. If the onions are browning to quickly, simply add water to deglaze them and lower the heat a little. Add brown sugar to sweeten and salt to taste.

Patty Melt

• In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix together ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Form beef into patties slightly larger than the bread slice you'll be using, they'll shrink when cooked.
• Using any pan, cook the patties on medium heat on both sides until there's no pink in the middle.
• In a small bowl, mix the butter and mayonnaise until combined.
• Spread the mayo/butter mixture on each piece of sourdough on one side each.
• Using a pan, place a slice of buttered sourdough into the pan, butter side down. Place 1 slice of swiss cheese on the dry side. Add caramelized onions over the cheese. Place the beef patty over the onions and another slice of swiss cheese. Finally, place another piece of sourdough with the buttered side up.
• Cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Keyword lunch sandwich, melt sandwich, patty melt

Need help converting measurements in the kitchen? Check out our articles on a Grams to Cups Conversion Table and our Tablespoons to Cups Conversion Chart!

How To Tell If A Mug Is Oven Safe

In this article, I’ll be going over the different types of mugs that are oven safe. But before we get to the different types of mugs like stoneware and ceramic, I wanted to take a look at how to tell if a mug is oven safe. Not all will follow along with these rules but it may help when you’re shopping and aren’t sure about the material of a mug you’ve found. 

Sometimes, the manufacturer will specify if a coffee/tea mug is oven safe. Otherwise, some mugs have small icons on the bottom showing if it’s oven safe or not. If a mug is oven safe then it will have a small picture of an oven on the bottom! Most of the time, stoneware mugs are oven safe but if the mug can be identified as porcelain, earthenware, or china, then it will crack in a conventional oven under high temperatures. 

If you’ve checked on the bottom of the mug and the packaging the mug came in and can’t find an oven-safe symbol, you should still check the manufacturer’s website to verify they aren’t oven safe. 

Keep in mind that even though some mugs are oven safe, any designs or decorations on the mug might not stand up against high temperatures and could corrode. 

Are Stoneware Mugs Oven Safe?

Stoneware mugs are a common product in most kitchens and with the increase in coffee mug cake recipes, their popularity has grown. The question we’re here to ask though, is are stoneware mugs oven-safe?

Thankfully, stoneware mugs are oven safe and are made to withstand higher temperatures. This is why they’re chosen to make mug cake recipes because they’re perfect for cooking in an oven!

Most stoneware mugs are fired at very high temperatures when they’re being made. Also, they’re made fairly thick and sturdy! But, if there are decorations or paints applied to the mug after it’s been made then it shouldn’t go in the oven. These decorations can cause issues when they are heated to high heat and may corrode. 

What Are Stoneware Mugs Made Of?

Some people will hear this question and think, “well obviously stone”. However, it’s not that simple of an answer and sometimes stoneware will contain a few different composites. 

Most stoneware is made from a variety of clay, stone, and flint. The composite is then fired at very high temperatures to ensure it’s non-porous and durable. An interesting aspect of stoneware is that it also retains heat better and distributes it evenly. 

The kind of clay that’s used in making stoneware is ironically referred to as stoneware clay. So if you’re looking to make some yourself and have them fired, then getting the right kind of clay is important and you should look specifically for stoneware clay.

Best Stoneware Coffee Mugs

After finding out that stoneware coffee mugs are oven safe, are you planning on finding some to add to your kitchen? Even if you have some already, maybe you want more stoneware coffee mugs?

I won’t go in-depth showing a long list of coffee mug options, but I do want to list out three of the best options for stoneware mugs.

Pisten Homme 26 Oz Ceramic Stoneware Large Coffee Mug

The first mug I’ll recommend is the Pisten Homme 26oz Stoneware Coffee Mug. 26 ounces is a fair amount of space for any mug and will hold plenty of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate!

Pisten Homme offers a variety of other stoneware mugs of varying sizes and all of them are dishwasher and microwave safe! Click the button below to view recent prices and availability! 

Stone Lain Stoneware Mugs Set

Another great mug with a bit more of a sleek finish, the Stone Lain Stoneware Mug Set is great if you want a few matching coffee mugs. It also helps to have extra in case you’re in a rush and forgot to clean your last mug, or if you have company over. 

These mugs are also dishwasher safe like the previous ones and are very durable! 

Don’t stop at just coffee mugs though, I recommend checking out some of Stone Lain’s other products since they make a variety of other stoneware goods that make great additions to any kitchen. 

Heartland Hive Set of 6 Stoneware Coffee Mugs

This set from Heartland Hive offers a different design to mugs instead of a flat or slightly skewed color scheme. Another plus is that they come in a set of 6, perfect if you’re looking for matching mugs for your family members!

A possible downside to these mugs is that it doesn’t state they’re dishwasher safe. So while they may be fine to dishwash, be warned it doesn’t state anywhere on here that they can be. Personally that’s not a deal breaker for me and they are still durable!

Are Starbucks Mugs Oven Safe?

Whether or not Starbucks mugs are oven safe isn’t an easy to answer question. Be aware that I’m talking about the mugs starbucks sells, not the coffee cups that are given when you order a coffee at Starbucks. 

Most of their mugs are ceramic and come as dishwasher and microwave safe. However, nowhere do they state they are safe for high temperatures in an oven! So it can’t be stated that every mug from Starbucks is/is not oven safe, since they have sold a wide variety of mugs over the years. The best advice is to avoid using Starbucks mugs in an oven unless they specifically label it’s safe. 

Are Ceramic Mugs Oven Safe?

Every mug is different and that includes those made with ceramics. While most ceramic mugs are oven safe, they can still shatter due to quick temperature changes or steam. Another factor to consider is how thick the mug is. A thinner mug will have less durability and can’t be relied on as much as a thicker mug. 

While ceramic as a material will be oven safe up to certain temperatures, it’s best to still check the labels on the bottom of the mug or contact the manufacturer to ensure they were tested to be used in an oven. 

Are IKEA Mugs Oven Safe?

It will depend which IKEA mug you’re referring to, but most won’t be safe in an oven above 300F. Most IKEA mugs like these are made with feldspar porcelain which is only safe up to 300F, meaning you should probably avoid using them in an oven. 

IKEA mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe though if that’s also a concern. 

Summary

Most stoneware mugs are oven safe as they are fired at higher temperatures and a very durable. If you’re concerned about a certain mug, then looking on the bottom of the mug for a label is the first thing you should do. If there’s no information listed on the mug, contact the manufacturer to verify they are safe for oven use.