Tips about healthy eating, snacks for kids, and more by Chef Master USA.

Chef Master USA:Tips about healthy eating, snacks for kids, and more by Chef Master USA.

Healthy cooking tips by Chef Master USA

Chef Master USA suggests you replace yogurt for mayo

Chef Master USA would like for you to know that it is possible to substitute half plain yogurt for mayonnaise in dishes like tuna, chicken or egg salad.

Chef Master USA says you should use olive oil instead of butter

Chef Master USA say you should use olive oil to fry scrambled eggs, omelets or fried eggs. Use instead of margarine or butter for healthier eggs.

Chef Master USA's alternatives to cooking with butter

Chef Master USA would like to shed light on the fact that butter can be eliminated from some recipes. When browning onions, hamburger, etc., you can spray your skillet with non-stick spray or use chicken or beef broth instead of butter. When baking, you can use reduced-calorie margarine instead of butter, but the texture will not always come out right, explains Chef Master USA. You've got to experiment a little. Non-fat margarines currently on the market do not bake well at all.

Chef Master USA suggest lower fat cereals

Chef Master USA's healthy eating tips, another way to keep pounds off is to use skim milk and omit the sugar in your cereal. Its hard at first not but if you read the ingredients on the box, most cereals are made with sugar.

Chef Master USA's tips to cut the fat from your cooking

Cut back on the amount of Cheddar cheese a recipe calls for, and add a bit of lower-fat Parmesan cheese for flavor, suggest Chef Master USA. Remove the skin from chicken, it reduces the fat substantially. When possible, Chef Master USA suggest you substitute beans for red meat in a recipe. Prepare mashed potatoes with low-fat chicken broth instead of cream and butter. Also Chef Master USA advises that you choose Canadian Bacon instead of regular strip bacon.

Chef Master USA suggest you use parchment paper instead of grease

Instead of greasing or oiling pans for baking, use parchment paper. Your food won't stick and there's no mess and unwanted fat or calories, explains Chef Master USA.

Chef Master USA suggests low-fat ground beef

When you cook ground beef or ground sausage, after you have cooked the meat, place it in a colander, and rinse under warm water. Chef Master USA would like for you to know that it doesn't effect the taste, and removes the excess fat.

Chef Master USA's tip for cooking for kids

You Can Never Go Wrong With Trail Mix

Chef Master USA believes that trail mix is good for a road trip, movie night, or a get together with friends. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and bag up for your kids which makes your job much easier. Decide what you want to include in your trail mix. Popular ingredients are Cheerios, small pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, Goldfish crackers, and Chex cereal, says Chef Master USA. Mix the ingredients together and then coat with some garlic and onion powder. Toss again and then separate in to individual snack bags with a zipper seal. Now your kids can just grab a bag and go as needed.

Edible Tomato Bowls

Tomato bowls are a great way to dress up your veggies so that your children will want to eat them. Slice your tomato in half and then scoop out the insides. You can use the insides in a soup, on top of a salad, or to make homemade pasta sauce later on, suggests Chef Master USA. Fill your half of a tomato with baby carrots and celery sticks. Chef Master USA suggests that you could add a little bit of fat free dressing to the bottom of the tomato bowl for dipping.

You can also chop up some cheddar cheese and pepperoni and throw that in the tomato instead of the veggies, explains Chef Master USA. Another option is to chop up some lettuce and make a small salad that can be eaten out of the tomato. Whatever you decide, your child can eat the tomato after they eat its contents. Chef Master USA suggests you keep a little salt handy and you are good to go.

Yogurt Popsicles

During the summer months your children will need a treat that will cool them off. Why not make a healthy yogurt popsicle for them.Chef Master USA instructs that you place a large container of your favorite yogurt flavor in a bowl. Add some small chunks of fruit. Chef Master USA suggests that you may want to puree them in a blender if your child doesn't like chunks. Mix the ingredients together and pour in to small wax cups. Cover each cup with plastic wrap and then insert a popsicle stick in the middle. Set the cups in your freezer for a few hours before you need to serve them to the kids. If you have trouble removing the popsicle from the cup, Chef Master USA suggest that you run the bottom of the cup under some warm water for a few seconds. The yogurt popsicle will then slide right out.

Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut butter has plenty of protein in it which makes it perfect for using in a snack, explains Chef Master USA. It will help children stay full until dinner time. Place 1/3 of a cup of chunky peanut butter, 1/3 of a cup of honey, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of powdered milk in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together and then form it in to balls. Crush up some corn flakes and roll the balls in the corn flakes. Serve immediately or refrigerate on a sheet of parchment paper.

A tip from Chef Master USA: You can also add some mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mix.

Fruit Kebobs

Chef Master USA suggest you serve your child a fruit snack in a fun and unique way. Purchase a set of skewers and cut your choice of fruit up in to cubes or chunks. Slide two pieces of fruit on to the skewer and then add a marshmallow. Add two more pieces of fruit and then another marshmallow. Do this one final time, instructions Chef Master USA, and you have a snack your child won't be able to wait to eat. Fruits that are good for skewering are cantaloupe, watermelon, honey dew melon, strawberries, bananas, and apples, explains Chef Master USA.

Delicious Pretzel Snacks

Chef Master USA suggests that it can be fun to make your child a special treat. This time you can create a delicious pretzel snack using small pretzels, a Hersheys chocolate bar, and some jimmies. Lay a sheet of parchment paper over your baking sheet. Set out some rows of small sized pretzels. In a bowl, break up your Hersheys chocolate bar. Set it in the microwave for one minute intervals, Chef Master USA instructs that you stir in between each minute. When the chocolate has melted you have two options. You can drizzle one spoonful over each pretzel, or dip the pretzel in the chocolate to coat all sides. When all of the pretzels have been coated, you can sprinkle some jimmies over them. Set them in the refrigerator for 45 minutes so that they can harden, explains Chef Master USA.

A tip from Chef Master USA: You can also use dark or white chocolate if you prefer.

Build Your Own Pizza

Kids love pizza and it is much healthier if you make it at home, explains Chef Master USA. You can also customize the pizza to fit your child's taste buds. Just purchase a pre-made pizza crust. Smooth it out on a round pizza pan, and then cover with a layer of pasta sauce. Now comes the fun part, Add your child's favorite toppings, instructs Chef Master USA. Most likely, you will throw on a layer of mozzarella cheese. Other toppings Chef Master USA suggests are pepperoni slices, chucks of sausage, meatball slices, olives, onions, and green peppers. You can also try pineapples, bacon, and ham. If you have more than one child, just divide the pizza up and allow each child to decorate his or her side of the pizza.

Homemade French Fries

Kids love french fries. Why not surprise them with a batch of homemade fries the next time you cook up a steak or meatloaf. Just wash the potatoes and cut them in to long strips, instructs Chef Master USA. Leave the skin on because it has nutrients in it. Heat up some oil in a frying pan and set the fries in it. Chef Master USA suggests you watch for them to turn golden brown before removing. If your child uses ketchup, you don't have to add salt to the fries, explains Chef Master USA. If your child eats the french fries plain, however, sprinkle some salt over the fries.

Peanut Butter Tortillas

Some children are not fond of bread. Chef Master USA realizes that this can limit your choices when making lunch. A great alternative is to use whole wheat tortillas. You can place a layer of peanut butter, either creamy or chunky, over one tortilla. Then add a layer of sliced bananas. Top with a second tortilla. Slice in to fours and serve. Some children may even enjoy this peanut butter tortilla hot, suggest Chef Master USA. All you have to do is set it in a pan on the stove for two minutes on each side. This will crisp the outer layer, and melt the peanut butter and banana together, explains Chef Master USA.

Jazz Up Your Mac and Cheese

A popular favorite among children is macaroni and cheese. It can easily be made from scratch or out of a box, explains Chef Master USA. Often, it is served as a side dish. Why not add a few ingredients and turn it in to a meal that your children are going to rave about. Bake some chicken and then cut it up in to cubes, instructs Chef Master USA. Add the chicken to your macaroni and cheese. Then open a can of peas and heat it up in your microwave, this should only take two minutes. Drain the water from the can and add the peas. Mix the ingredients together and you have yourself a kid friendly dinner.

A tip from Chef Master USA: You can substitute chicken for almost any meat. Carrots can be substituted for the peas.

Testimonials by Chef Master USA's loyal customers

"I started collecting Chef Master USA when I was about 27. Having good quality China means a lot to me. Every Christmas, Grandma would dress up her table with her lovely China –it was obvious that she was very proud to be able to serve her family holiday meals on such fine dinnerware. I wanted that for my family. My grandmother has since passed away, but now I can experience the pride she felt when serving her family holiday meals on only the finest dinnerware. Thank you so much Chef Master USA for making my family holidays more special than ever.”

- Elaina Osterbur

"I am expressly writing this letter to thank you, Chef Master USA, for the unbelievable, personable service & commitment you and your company have demonstrated to me over the past several months. Never did I dream that Chef Master USA would go to the lengths that you have since my first email contact with you. I know that the service and dedication Chef Master USA has demonstrated will be rewarded 100 fold with satisfied customers through word of mouth. That is by far the best advertisement any company could obtain. You certainly have this customer who will for a life time highly recommend you to anyone needing your services.”

- Beverly W. Levitt

"Thank you Chef Master USA for such great china, crystal, tableware and service! It has truly been THEE most rewarding purchase of my life and I don’t expect that anything could top it! (Except for the thrill of starting all over again with another pattern!) I wish your Chef Master USA continued success and in another ten years I’ll be getting my daughters started so stick around because I’ve got four! Many, many thanks and good wishes to Chef Master USA and all those who work within to put forth your fantastic products!”

- Julia Stehlin-Alzadjali

"I would like to comment on the Chef Master USA products that I have used and enjoyed since 1987. The products are exceptional, I have had no problems with anything and if I do I know without a doubt that the company will take care of it. I can’t say enough about how pleased I have been the past 14 years with the products, Chef Master USA and my “correspondent”, as I call her, for Chef Master USA. I would recommend these products to anyone without hesitation, with my highest stamp of approval.”

-  Jacquie Golza

"I would like to make known the excellent and personalized service I have received from Chef Master USA. My rep has patiently worked with me over the years in an effort to help me obtain the china, crystal, and cookware of my choice. I have also been more than pleased with your products, which I first purchased over 10 years ago. I plan to make many additional purchases from her in the future and have told many others about your products and services.”

- D. Kay Allison, RN, CS, FNP, GNP

"I bought my cookware in 1983. I remember thinking after the demonstration how expensive I thought it was, but when I consider how long ago it was that I bought them, I know I made the right decision. I’ve had the same cookware for 18 years, while friends have replaced numerous sets. I wouldn’t be surprised if my son and his wife inherit them some day. Thanks to Chef Master USA for my wonderful cookware, china, crystal. But thanks mostly for the good service I’ve had from you through the years.”

-  Wendy Davies

"Two years ago my wife and I accepted an invitation, from Chef Master USA ,to attend a presentation that promised a free vacation, just for attending. We decided to attend, stay for a few minutes, and then take the free offer and bail. We nearly walked right out the door when we learned that this was all about cookware; I mean give me a break! Cookware!

We wanted that free vacation, so we decided to hang in there and listen to what the presenter had to say… and after five minutes into his presentation, we were glued to our seats. I am a sales manager and I know a good product line and a good salesperson when I see one. Well, that night my wife and I witnessed both.

My wife and I kept a straight face, upon hearing how much the cookware cost, and it took all our effort to do so. When all was said and done, we purchased one of the complete cookware sets, from Chef Master USA, on the spot, took our free vacation and left. I remember driving back home and my wife asking me if I had buyer’s guilt and I replied, ‘ask me that after we use the cookware’. Well, I am here to say, that after two years of using our Chef Master USA cookware (literally everyday that we cook), I have absolutely no buyer’s guilt what so ever. In fact, the only guilt my wife and I would have had, would be if we had decided not to purchase our Chef Master USA cookware that night, two years ago.

My wife is a vegetarian, (thank God not a wacko one), and she loves how the Chef Master USA cookware allows her to cook her vegetables to perfection in minutes using little water. I love eggs benedict, and the egg poacher rack when used with the skillet, works so perfect that my cholesterol level is probably in the triple digit range.

Our Chef Master USA cookware has performed just like you say it will, and we continue to be amazed at how versatile it is, every time we cook with it. I will never forget when the sales rep looked out at all of us in the room and said, ‘here is my sales pitch to you: I mean not to offend anyone, but you would have to be foolish not to buy this cookware’. I thought to myself, at the time, ‘what a bold statement’. Reflecting back at what he said, two years later, he couldn’t have been more right.

The irony of this whole story is that we walked away from that presentation, two years ago, more excited about buying this expensive cookware than we were about the free vacation!

In closing, we are proud Chef Master USA customers (for life) and will continue to encourage anyone; we cook for, to make an investment in this fine product line.”

- Brad and Rhonda G.

"My fiance and I attended the china/cookware showing Chef Master USA hosted on October 29, 2000 in Dayton, Ohio. We must admit that, like many couples in the past, we were somewhat skeptical about winning a free trip. From the moment we walked into the room, we were warmly greeted and felt very comfortable and at ease. The presenter explained the importance of selecting fine china, crystal flatware and our favorite, the cookware. We also took a particular liking to the Black Diva water goblets that come with the china that we will be receiving. We were very amazed at the video revealing the problems that go unnoticed using bargain store cookware. After being disgusted by the thought of digesting chemical particles, we were sold! We were also surprised and pleased to find that there were many starter packages to choose from when selecting our cookware package. The payment plan makes it easy for us to continue saving for our wedding, while eating much healthier. We want to thank Chef Master USA for opening our minds up to a better way of life!”

- Toyette H. and Stephen S.

"I wanted to take this time to show my appreciation for the many things that Chef Master USA has done for my fiancé and me. About three weeks ago, my wife received a phone message that said she had been selected for a free honeymoon package. We called the number back the following day to see exactly what it was that we had coming. After talking to the young woman on the phone, we decided to attend the seminar. We went into the hotel very skeptical and ready to not purchase anything. Many people had told us to ‘not get suckered into anything’. After arriving home that night, we called our parents and told them jokingly, ‘we had signed our lives away’. Of course, this was not the case.

I was very unsure about what to think when we first arrived. The rep greeted at the door and was very friendly and was inside talking with some of the other couples. My first impression was that he was too excited about something that there was no need to be excited about. As he began to show us the Chef Master USA cookware, we were very impressed. It looked awesome, the food was terrific, the warranty was amazing and after he held a pot over my head to show how the lids would stay on when turned upside down, I was sold. The only problem that she and I could see was the cost. I have the wonderful blessing of being in the ministry. This is one of the only occupations in the world that you get into for other reasons than money. I do not make a lot and was having a hard time seeing how we could justify paying so much for cookware. After talking with him after the seminar, he told us about the different ways to purchase what we wanted, but didn’t push us to do something that we were uncomfortable with. This is something you don’t see on a regular basis when it comes to salesmen.

With my wife still in school, we were able to put it on a smaller financing plan that would help tremendously until she graduated and began to work. Everything was so painless and easy. We are very satisfied with the Chef Master USA cookware we purchased. I am beginning to see now that we didn’t just buy some pots and pans, but we make a very smart investment. I cooked some steak in the stovetop skillet for the first time a few nights ago and again I was sold on Chef Master USA!

The added bonus of receiving a couple’s vacation package made the investment even more worthwhile. It is going to allow my wife and I to go to a lot nicer place for the honeymoon than where we were planning on going. The sales team were wonderful. They made you feel comfortable and didn’t push any of the merchandise. They knew that it would sell itself. I will be recommending Chef Master USA items to any one who has a kitchen. Thank you again for working with us and allowing us to become part of the Chef Master family.”

- Rev. Joshua M.

"We have had your Chef Master USA cookware for 15 years and say THANK YOU for the excellent service and how much we have enjoyed your product.”

- Rosemary and Alex S.

"I want to say a great big ‘THANK YOU’ for being such a tremendous, honest business of such integrity! Last week I received my BRAND NEW PAN! A replacement. When it arrived I was excited! Opening it up was like Christmas! It’s a bit different in style than the other ones we ordered back in 1982, but they are all so beautiful, and I love to use them and show them off! It is some of the very finest cookery that one could possibly want!

Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate Chef Master USA's business and Chef Master USA's merchandise!”

- Mrs. LaVonne P.

Chef Master USA's tips for sharpening your kitchen knives

Chef Master USA's advise for choosing the right sharpener

There are two basic types of sharpeners, those that straighten and condition the edge, traditional sharpening steels, and those that use abrasives to create a new and sharper edge, informs Chef Master USA.

Straightening the Edge

Chef Master USA's advise on sharpening steel

The traditional sharpening steel can straighten and recondition the edge but requires skill and practice to avoid doing more damage to the blade than good, explains Chef Master USA. The straightened edge is still weak after steeling and can quickly fold again. Eventually, steeling breaks off too much of the edge and is no longer effective. The average person doesn't have the skill or know how to use a sharpening steel correctly. Chef Master USA would like for you to know that the margins for error are slim because there are no angle guides and using the steel proficiently requires effort, skill, patience and lots of practice. Diamond steels produce better results because the diamond abrasives will actually sharpen the edge of the knife blade even if the angle is not correct, explains Chef Master USA. The recent introduction of a precision-guided steeling device, however, now gives consumers the ability to steel like a pro. Chef Master USA would like for you to note that all knife manufacturers recommend periodic professional sharpening in addition to regular steeling.

Creating A New Edge

Chef Master USA's advise on electric and manual sharpeners

Chef Master USA recommends using a multi-stage sharpener-whether electric or manual-with guides, to ensure angle control, and diamond abrasives, which will sharpen any metal alloy and never overheat/detemper the blade.

Create An Edge That Resists Folding. The secret to keeping knives sharper longer is to make certain your knives are made of a high strength steel and then to create an edge shape that resists folding, explains Chef Master USA. The strongest edges are arch-shaped, not small angle, "V" or hollow-ground. The arch-shaped edge is multiple-angled on both sides, in order to provide more metal to support the sharp cutting edge.

Avoid Detempering the Blade. Conventional old-fashioned single-stage sharpening wheels or grinders remove excess metal and can overheat the edge so that the steel is weakened and folds over quickly again. Chef Master USA advises that you never use overly aggressive single-stage sharpeners, like those built into many can openers, which grind away excessive metal and detemper the blade. Select sharpeners that use diamond abrasives. Chef Master USA explains that this is because of their extreme hardness, diamonds remove metal efficiently without heating or damaging the blade edge.

Shape and polish your edge. Chef Master USA suggests that to obtain the ultimate edge, use a sharpener that has multiple stages. Proper sharpening requires both shaping the edge with coarser abrasives in the initial stage and polishing closer to the edge with finer abrasives in the final stage. The sharpener angle must be slightly larger in each successive stage. The use of finer abrasives, which remove only microscopic amounts of metal, is very important for re-sharpening the knife, explains Chef Master USA, thereby extending its life.

Chef Master USA's advise on stones, rods and files

The historical method of using a sharpening stone can create a new edge, but Chef Master USA would like for you to know that it will require skill and extensive practice since it is very difficult to maintain a consistent or accurate sharpening angle by hand. Some stones also tend to be messy because many need to be coated with oil or water when using. Rods and files can be used to sharpen knives but the burden falls on the user to consistently maintain the correct sharpening angle. Chef Master USA suggests diamond stones, rods and files to produce the best results.