A Dinner-Party Ready Serving Board

Product reviewed: JK Adams Hillside Collection Rectangle Ash Server

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Serving boards seem to be all the rage these days, especially with food photography’s rise in popularity. With wood, marble and slate options, a simple cheese plate quickly gets an upgrade to restaurant quality without much expense. And the options aren’t limited to cheese or charcuterie — they can also be used to decoratively serve tea, cocktails, quick breads, sandwiches and fruit.

I couldn’t wait to review the JK Adams serving board. With a family that loves to gather over cheese (and wine!) before a special meal, I knew the board was going to be a lovely addition to my kitchen. It’s made by hand from sustainably grown and harvested North American ash wood and has a clear, teak oil finish. Simple yet elegant, this board is ready to become your next kitchen heirloom.

There is no assembly required. Just remove from the box, clean with a soft sponge dipped in warm, soapy water and allow to dry thoroughly. The initial feel of the board is a little rough, but not to the point where you might get a splinter. The board did not come with oil or a conditioner, so I used a mineral oil I had on hand to treat it, distributing it evenly with clean hands. The color was unchanged as was the rough feel of the board, but I imagine that might smooth out over time with regular use. Regular treatments with a food-safe moisturizing oil or wood conditioner are recommended for longevity.

I tested the board’s functionality during a special family meal. As soon as the wine came out, I quickly loaded the serving board with a variety of cheese and fruit for everyone to enjoy. The ash wood made it easy for everyone to cut their cheese directly on the board, and its large size — 15-by-8 inches — allowed me to fit a variety of cheeses with room for guests to approach it from all angles. I can’t wait to continue using this board for serving cheese, meats, crusty bread, fruit, sandwiches and other appetizers.

For those with limited storage, the board’s size might make it difficult to store. However, its handle allows you to hook it decoratively on a kitchen wall or in a pantry for easy storage.

The JK Adams Hillside Collection Rectangle Ash Server would be great for anyone who loves to host dinner parties or stay in for wine and cheese with family or friends. With options for letter engraving, this server can also make a unique gift.

Dark Chocolate Muesli Breakfast Cupcake

Treat yourself to a decadent yet healthy breakfast cupcake with whole-grain muesli, chocolate chips, cinnamon and dates.

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Servings: 2
Serving size: 1 cupcake (80 grams)
Prep time: 7 minutes
Cooking time: 40 seconds

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-fine almond flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 finely chopped Medjool dates, pitted
• ½ teaspoon (3 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
• 2 teaspoons unsalted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Combine almond flour, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl. Add egg, dates and vanilla to flour mixture and blend with an immersion blender until all ingredients are combined and dates are chopped into smaller pieces. Add oats, chocolate chips, walnuts and pumpkin seeds and stir well to combine. Spoon batter equally into 2 microwave-safe silicone muffin cups and cook in microwave on high for 40 seconds each.

Nutrition Per Serving:
CALORIES 286; TOTAL FAT 16g; SAT. FAT 4g; CHOL. 83mg; SODIUM 230mg; CARB. 30g; FIBER 5g; SUGARS 16g; PROTEIN 9g; POTASSIUM N/A; PHOSPHORUS N/A

Note: Nutrition information for potassium and phosphorus in almond flour not available.

The Secret to Making Crispy Honeycomb Waffles

My morning breakfast routine typically consists of quick, nutritious meals like avocado toast or oatmeal. Making waffles isn't high on my list, mostly because of the time it takes. But I have been convinced otherwise by the ease and delicious waffle creations of the Nordic Ware Waffle Puff Pan. 

This pan isn't like a traditional waffle maker. Instead of the fluffy waffles you are used to, this kitchen gadget creates crispy, honeycomb-like treats using a sweet, egg-based batter.  Its cast aluminum non-stick finish is inspired by egg waffles, which are a popular street food in Hong Kong and Malaysia. 

The tool consists of two plates that clasp together easily. You simply place one side of the pan on a medium-hot stove surface, fill with batter, clasp the second plate on top and turn every two minutes until the waffle is cooked evenly. 

In my first attempt, I tried the traditional egg waffle recipe shared on the product packaging. It took about 20 minutes to prepare the batter and another 15 minutes to cook the waffles. Since it was the weekend, I had plenty of time, but it would be difficult to make these during the week when I need a quick breakfast. Additionally, the recipe consisted of more sugar that I would like. While delicious, it was certainly a treat. (In fact, I think these would make great desserts!) 

The second time I decided to use my own Blueberry Protein Waffle recipe. The result was a total success. The protein waffle cooked evenly, and since the recipe was for a single serving, I was done in a matter of minutes. 

This is a perfect tool for anyone who wants to create a unique, culturally-inspired treat. You can use any batter and have fun with toppings to impress guests, or in my case, my husband! Fresh mixed berries with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and banana slices with almond butter were our favorites.

The two cast aluminum plates are heavy, so be careful when flipping and be sure not to slam them down on the stove top. Also, start small with the batter as it will spread out when you place the second plate on top. 

The Nordic Ware Waffle Puff Pan is a fun kitchen gadget to whip out on special occasions. It makes Instagram-worthy waffles and can be used with many different recipes, whether for a nutritious breakfast or a sweet treat. 

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Blueberry Protein Waffles

Serves 1

Ingredients

• ½ cup egg whites
•  cup oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup fresh blueberries

Directions

1. Blend egg whites, oats, cinnamon and vanilla extract for 15 seconds.
2. Pour mixture into Nordic Ware Waffle Puff Pan or waffle iron, or you can use an oiled, small saucepan to make a pancake. Mixture should cover entire surface of the pan.
3. Evenly place blueberries in mixture. Place pan over medium heat.
4. If using waffle puff pan, flip after 2 minutes and repeat until waffle is evenly cooked. If making a pancake, cook until batter on the surface is hardening, then flip and cook for 30 to 60 more seconds.
5. Finish with your choice of toppings — almond butter, maple syrup, agave nectar or fresh fruit!

Food Safety Survey Points to Continued Need for Education

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million people get sick from foodborne diseases each year in the U.S. alone. That’s a staggering number, isn’t it? Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has put the annual cost of foodborne illness at more than $15.6 billion.

Late last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the 2016 Food Safety Survey Report, which included some useful and interesting data about critical elements of food safety, as well as areas where the U.S. public is doing well and where we can improve. Key findings in the report spotlight use of food thermometers, rates of hand-washing and an interesting new measure that looked at hand-washing after smartphone and electronics use in the kitchen.

Here are a few of the highlights:

Food Thermometers

While food thermometer ownership rates have remained constant — 67 percent of respondents — usage has slightly increased in the last 10 years. In 2016, 38 percent reported they always used a meat thermometer for roasts, compared to 19 percent for chicken parts, and 10 percent for hamburgers.

Hand-washing

Hand-washing rates have remained constant or decreased between 2010 and 2016. The percent who reported washing with soap after touching raw meat or raw fish remained constant since 2010 at 85 percent. There was a slight decrease in the percent who reported always washing before preparing food from 78 percent in 2010 to 75 percent in 2016.

Device Use and Hand-washing

Most consumers do not wash their hands after using handheld phones or tablets in the kitchen. About half of consumers use devices such as smartphones or tablets while preparing food, but only about a third of them reported washing their hands with soap after touching the device while preparing food.

Dietitians are uniquely positioned to encourage food safety and raise public awareness about this important topic.  One simple way to broach the subject would be to incorporate it into messaging. For instance, when working with individual patients or clients, RDNs could include a section on their intake or assessment form that reminds them to ask individuals they are counseling whether they practice food safety measures at home, in what way, and whether they have questions about food safety. Organizations could coordinate in-services and contract RDNs to provide food-safety messaging or even create a brochure on key elements of food safety. Since foodborne illness costs employers millions of dollars annually in sick day expenses, this could be a worthwhile investment.

To see the 2016 Food Safety Survey Report findings in presentation mode, 

Tofu: Versatile and High in Protein

In honor of National Soyfoods Month, I wanted to write about a favorite ingredient of mine. Tofu can be prepared in so many inventive ways to create different flavors and textures. From sweet to savory and smooth to crispy, it's one of the most versatile and healthful high-protein foods!

Tofu is to soymilk as cheese is to dairy milk. Just like cheese, a coagulant is added to the soymilk to make it curdle. In fact, that's why tofu is also called bean curd. Silken tofu, which has a custardy texture, is by far my favorite ingredient to use for creamy recipes and desserts.

Tofu Facts

• Tofu is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories.
• Tofu is an excellent source of protein, iron and calcium (when a calcium-based coagulant is used).
• Tofu contains isoflavones, which when consumed regularly have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, breast and prostate cancer, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and age-related mental disorders.
• Tofu contains phytoestrogens and may be helpful for women in perimenopause when estrogen production slows down.
• Organic tofu ensures that it is not made with genetically modified soybeans.

Want to try tofu yourself? Try the sauce recipe below. Serve this over whole-wheat pasta with sliced cherry tomatoes, or you can use it as a sauce for risotto, as a dip or as a spread on toast.

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Layne's Creamy Green Tofu Pesto Sauce

Serves 4

Ingredients

• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1½ cups packed baby spinach
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 chopped clove of garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup silken tofu, firm
• Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender. Process until the texture is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Note: Eliminate cheese or Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan to make this recipe vegan.

Make Weekend Brunches More Fun with Crepes

Do you like pancakes? If your answer is yes, that means you’ll like crepes, too! The thinner, more delicate pancake is a staple on French breakfast tables and, while the batter is easy to whip up, the execution often is where crepe-making gets tough.

That’s why I was super excited to test out the electronic Lagrange crepe maker! This stand-alone crepe maker plugs into an outlet and heats up in just eight minutes. The nonstick aluminum plate makes for easy cleanup and reduces the need for excess butter or oil when cooking.

The crepe maker comes with three interchangeable silicone molds — one to make four mini-crepes, one to make one large crepe, and one to make mini-crepes in star and heart shapes, which are especially fun for kids. It also comes with a ladle for mini-crepes, a spatula and a batter spreader. In addition to the silicone molds, you can use the heated plate of the crepe maker as a griddle for frying eggs, making pancakes and cooking bacon (since I keep kosher, I couldn’t test that part out!).

I loved the quickness and ease of using the Lagrange crepe maker and the perfectly shaped crepes I made, but I did find the crepes hard to flip while in the mold. I found it easier to remove the molds once the crepes set, but since you can’t adjust the heat setting and crepes cook very quickly, you need to move fast. I also found the silicone molds difficult to clean. They are dishwasher safe, but there are grooves on the underside and if batter gets in those, it’s tough to get out. The griddle itself is a cinch to clean and stores easily if you have a spare shelf or deep drawer.

If you love making weekend brunch and you have the room to store it, the Lagrange crepe maker is a fun kitchen tool to have on hand! 

Stone Soup Vlog: Jackfruit Larb

Jackfruit Larb

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red shallot
• 1 thinly sliced scallion (white and green parts)
• ½ cup thinly sliced mint leaves
• ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 10 ounces shredded jackfruit (about 2 ½ cups)  
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 leaves butter lettuce 

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine shallot, scallion, mint, cilantro, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice and sugar. This will be your dressing
2. Open the jackfruit, or purchased pre-quartered, and pull it apart into shreds. Discard hard and fibrous pieces.  
3. Heat olive oil in small skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add jackfruit, red chili flakes and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 1 minute, until mixture is heated through. 
4. Transfer jackfruit to dressing and toss. Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a serving plate and mound dressed jackfruit on top. Garnish with mint leaves.

Roasted Turmeric Black Pepper Fingerling Potatoes

 I always try to keep a jar of the dried Indian spice on hand for homemade curry dishes. And though I was familiar with dried turmeric, I had never actually cooked with the fresh root until I tried these roasted fingerling potatoes.  

Fresh turmeric root carries a bolder flavor than the dried powder, and black pepper is the perfect complement to give this dish even more punch. With these flavors, along with an array of health benefits, it’s no wonder the people of India have been adding turmeric and black pepper to curry blends for ages. The combination is surprisingly versatile and goes well with nearly any roasted vegetable

ou can find fresh turmeric root in the produce section, often near the ginger. It looks a lot like ginger, too, until you cut it open to find its vibrant orange flesh. After making these potatoes, try steeping what’s left of the root in a pot of hot water for a spicy and delicious homemade tea that’s perfect for winter.

Roasted Turmeric Black Pepper Fingerling Potatoes

Serves 4

Ingredients

1½ pounds fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon fresh grated turmeric root, or substitute with 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 cloves minced or pressed garlic
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Salt to taste
Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Combine ingredients in a large bowl and stir. Spread potatoes, flat side down, onto a baking sheet.
Roast until tender and golden, about 20 minutes

The Culinary Challenge of Marbled Rye

First cultivated as a food crop in the poor soil and harsh climate of northern and eastern  Europe and Russia during the 4th century BCE, rye remains popular in these regions and across the globe. The original loaves of northern and eastern Europe and Russia were made with 100-percent rye flour — dark, dense, strong, sustaining. As these traditions came to America, the loaves lightened in both color and heft as portions of the rye flour were replaced with softer, cheaper wheat-based flours. For better or worse, the blend stuck.
My recipe is made from one part light rye flour to two parts bread flour, and incorporates olive oil and molasses, which all contribute to a  hearty-yet-fluffy bread. Sweet licorice-like caraway seeds add a gentle crunch and drive home the classic flavor.
Marbled rye is not the easiest to put together, but with a little hands-on effort, this beautifully decorative bread is definitely worth it. My marbling is created by layering and rolling portions of plain rye dough with portions of the same dough darkened with cocoa powder. The end result was faint — next time I might increase the amount of cocoa or try a cocoa-espresso powder combo to give it a boost.
In order to have your two doughs ready to marble at the same time, measure out all your ingredients — and combine dry ingredients, for both the light and dark doughs — in advance. This significantly streamlines the process, ensuring that both dough portions are done rising and ready to work with within minutes of each other.
Devote a cool morning to baking, turn up the oven fires, and turn out warmth, yeasty aromas, and a fancy yet homey bread. I do hope you try for yourself!

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Marbled Rye Bread 

Makes: 1 very large loaf (about 28 thin slices) 

Ingredients 

For the light rye dough  

• 3 ounces, or roughly ¾ cups, light rye flour 
• 6¾ ounces, or roughly 1½  cups, unbleached bread flour 
• ¾ teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional) 
• ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon lukewarm water, between 110° and 115° F, divided 
• 1 teaspoon molasses 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

For the dark rye dough 

• ¾ cup light rye flour 
• 6¾ ounces, or roughly 1½ cups, unbleached bread flour 
• ¾ teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon  instant yeast 
• 1 teaspoon  caraway seeds (optional) 
• ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon lukewarm water, between 110° and 115° F, divided 
• 1 teaspoon molasses 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, whisked into 1 tablespoon water to form a paste 

Instructions 

FOR THE LIGHT RYE PORTION:

1. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, briefly stir together the flours, salt, yeast and caraway seeds, if using. Add ¾ cup warm water, molasses and olive oil to a large liquid measuring cup or small bowl and stir to combine. 
2. Pour liquid ingredients into the dry, and mix with your hands, a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, on low, until a rough dough is formed. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula or dough scraper to help incorporate any of the remaining dry bits. Continue to knead with your hands or stand mixer, with speed increased to medium-low, until dough comes together in a cohesive ball, adding 1 tablespoon water only if needed. The dough is ready when it is smooth, springs back when gently pressed, and is tacky but not sticky to the touch or sticking to the sides of the bowl. 
3. Knead the dough a few times on a lightly floured surface to help form it into a ball. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, and roll it around to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature or inside a turned-off oven until doubled in volume, about 90 minutes. 

FOR THE DARK RYE PORTION:

Immediately after completing the light rye portion, repeat the same process as above for the dark rye portion, adding the cocoa-water paste to the liquid mixture before adding it to the dry ingredients. Following the same process for kneading, transferring to oiled bowl and covering lightly with plastic wrap for 90 minutes or until doubled in volume. This portion should be done proofing only a few minutes after the light rye.

MARBLING AND BAKING

1. When both doughs are risen, line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a baking mat. Place the dough balls onto a lightly floured surface, and divide and shape each ball into 2 evenly sized oblong circles, roughly 8 inches long and 5 inches wide. Stack the dough portions on top of one another (see photo at right), alternating light and dark, to total 4 layers.  
2. Starting from the long side, roll the four layers tightly to form a log, pressing the dough together with your fingers as you go and pinching the final seam as best you can. Very briefly — otherwise your marbling won't be as prominent — use the palms of your hands to gently roll the loaf back and forth, working from the center out toward the ends, to help stretch and seal the dough.  
3. Transfer the dough, seam-side down, to a baking tray and drape a piece of oiled plastic wrap loosely over the top. Rest again, at room temperature, until almost doubled in volume, between 60 to 90 minutes. 
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle position. Remove plastic from the dough. If you wish, cut a few ¼-inch-deep slits on a diagonal across the top of the loaf. Bake, rotating the tray once at halfway point, until the bread is golden brown and cooked through, about 40 to 45 minutes. When done, the bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, and an instant-read thermometer should register 190°F. 
5. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Cover with a light kitchen towel for a more tender crust and soft interior. Cool completely, at least 1 hour, before slicing or storing. 
6. Bread will keep 3 to 5 days in a sealed plastic bag or container on the counter. For longer storage, slice the bread in half and wrap first with plastic, then foil. Freeze the wrapped loaf in a tightly-sealed freezer bag or container up to 1 month. To enjoy from the freezer: Remove the bread from its container and thaw in wrapping for 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 425ºF, and bake 3 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, thaw the bread overnight in its container and wrapping on the counter. Slice and eat as desired!

Slow Cooker Greek Shrimp and Rice

Greek flavors are so fresh and tasty, and using the slow cooker is so easy! If you've never cooked seafood in the slow cooker before, this recipe is a great introduction. I used smaller, frozen raw shrimp in my dish, but you can substitute large or jumbo shrimp — whichever you prefer.

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Slow Cooker Greek Shrimp and Rice 

Recipe by Kitty Broihier, MS, RD, LD

Ingredients

• 1 8-ounce bottle clam juice or fish stock
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1½ pounds raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup feta
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Stir together clam juice or fish stock, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in slow cooker crock.
2. Add shrimp and stir to coat with liquid.
3. Cover and cook 1½ hours on low heat setting.
4. Stir in cooked rice, cover and cook an additional 1 hour on low heat setting.
5. Stir in spinach, feta and olives. Spoon into 4 bowls and garnish with parsley. Serves 4.

How to Build a Charcuterie Plate on a Budget

On a summer day spent hanging out at the beach, exploring nature or playing in the park, the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven to roast a chicken. Instead, I'm hoping for a quick and light dinner — no cooking required — that will get me right back outside to enjoy the last hours of a long summer evening. At times like these, my go-to is a charcuterie plate: fancy cheeses, thinly sliced meats and special accompaniments.
I first experienced the wonders of charcuterie at a hip restaurant in Boston's Back Bay, but it was too expensive to keep going back, so I decided to make one myself.

Assemble Cheeses and Meat

While the individual items on a charcuterie plate can get pricey, there are easy ways to cut down on the cost. For instance, you only need two or three slices of cured meat per person. If you're only feeding two people, it may be cheaper and more delicious to buy a small amount of the fancy stuff at the deli counter than choosing more of a pre-packaged variety.
When it comes to selecting cheeses, I like to choose a trio: one hard (such as cheddar), one soft (such as goat cheese) and one somewhere in between (such as blue cheese or brie). If you're looking for advice, ask for help. When I'm at a more upscale grocery store or farmers market, I like to strike up a conversation with the cheese monger. These people truly know and love what they are doing, and they usually are happy to slice off a small taste so you do not have to purchase a large, expensive chunk of cheese. My other strategy is to rummage through the "scrap" cheese bin; there you can find small pieces of high-priced cheese for under $2!

Add "Snackables"

Because cheese and cured meats are high in saturated fat and sodium, I like to add balance to the plate with healthier sides, such as:

• Whole-wheat baguette slices (for fiber)
• Unsalted nuts (for extra protein and unsaturated fats)
• Olives (high in sodium, but also high in healthy fats)
• No-sugar-added preserves or honey
• Dried fruits
• Hummus

Don't Forget Produce

Make sure there's plenty of bite-sized fruits and veggies on the plate, too. Half of every meal — even a charcuterie plate — should consist of these foods. My favorites include:

• Strawberries or other berries
• Cherries
• Sliced starfruit
• Citrus segments
• Sliced apples, pears or peaches
• Figs
• Grapes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chilled roasted vegetables
• Canned artichoke hearts, drained
• Fresh herbs

It may seem fancy, but charcuterie plates are completely adaptable — pick and choose to please your taste buds and budget. Plus, you can avoid dirtying your pots and pans. All you need is a large cutting board, a knife or two, some toothpicks and some napkins. Lay everything out on the cutting board and dinner is served!

My Family's Favorite Vegan Chocolate Mousse

This simple, no-cook, vegan dessert recipe can be whipped up in a matter of minutes and will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. It was the go-to snack for my children when they were young, and it remains a family favorite today.

Info for Chocolate Lovers

Cocoa powder is made by removing the fat (cocoa butter) from bitter chocolate and powdering the remaining material. Using cocoa powder is a great way to get the benefits of cocoa flavonoids (a class of phytochemicals that may have a role in lowering blood pressure) without the saturated fat calories from cocoa butter.

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Velvety Vegan Chocolate Tofu Mousse 

Recipe by Layne Lieberman, MS, RD, CDN

Ingredients

• 1 banana, broken into chunks
• 12 ounces firm tofu, silken preferred
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons soymilk
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients, cover and puree until smooth.
2. Pour into individual ramekins and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Serves 4.

Sodium and High Blood Pressure — 5 Tips to Take Control

Sodium — that is, salt — is the food industry's dirty little secret for taste enhancement and cost savings in the production of food. If you deconstructed a corn chip or cheese doodle, you'd realize these snacks are essentially puffs of air coated in salt and processed flavor powder. Yuck!
But put these salty snack foods in a package of screaming rainbow colors and advertise them with a funny commercial and, well, we seem to not be able to resist.
Snacks aren't the only place where excessive sodium lurks. Restaurants rely on it, too. Spices, rubs, marinades and those cute little dribbles of sauce on the plate are where most of the sodium is hidden in the world of fine dining, while fast staples such as burgers and fries are often loaded with sodium. The reason is simple: sodium adds flavor and can mask lesser quality ingredients.

5 Ways to Fight Back Against Sodium and High Blood Pressure 

1. If you are healthy and have no family history of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming no more than the 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. However, if you are in certain risk categories — if you have a family history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease; if you are African American; if you are 51 years old or over; if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease — the American Heart Association recommends your daily sodium intake be 1,500 milligrams per day.
2. Know your personal health history, particularly your blood pressure and weight, and consult with your doctor about what to do next. Many physicians recommend the DASH diet, which follows a high-fiber and low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and poultry and beans.
3. Find flavor from places other than sodium. For instance, use roasted garlic, caramelized onions and fresh or dried herbs rather than salt
4. Keep a food record so that when you make a change you can see your progress in writing.
5. Don't forget to exercise at least 150 minutes per week … better yet, make it one hour a day. Exercise will help keep your blood pressure normal — and also help keep your body strong and fit, your mind clear, your kidneys working right and your weight down.

A Taste of Sudanese Halal Cooking

While living in Sudan, a predominantly Muslim country, I had the wonderful opportunity to eat like a local. I was even invited to several iftar meals, which celebrate the breaking of the day's fast during Ramadan. It was during these meals that I truly fell in love with Sudanese cuisine. Even today, back home in Los Angeles, these halal recipes remain some of my favorites.

What Is Halal?

In Arabic, "halal" means "permitted" ("haram" means "forbidden"). Halal foods are ones that Muslims are allowed to eat, and the term often is used to describe how the food is prepared. Pork and alcohol are never permitted to be consumed. But other meats only are considered halal if they follow strict rules. In this way, halal has similarities to the Jewish practice of kosher, but there are some important distinctions. For instance, for meat to be halal:

• The animal must be alive before slaughter.
• To make the slaughter as fast and painless as possible, the animal's blood must be drained and a knife must be used which is four times the size of the neck and razor-sharp.
• No other animals can witness the slaughter.
• A Muslim must bless the animal before carrying out the slaughter. Or, depending on the branch of Islam, a Jew or Christian also may conduct the slaughter.

This traditional halal recipe from Darfur, Sudan, uses peanut butter; ground nuts are a staple crop in the region. I love how peanut butter acts as a fantastically nutritious (it's high in protein and a great source of healthy fat) addition to this savory dish.

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Sudanese Savory Peanut Chicken 

Recipe by Mascha Davis, MPH, RDN

Ingredients

• 2 halal chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1½ tablespoons peanut oil, sesame oil or vegetable oil, divided
• ½ cup tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup water

Directions

1. Sauté chicken in 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat in a large pan until cooked through. When chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Add remaining oil to the same pan, still on medium heat. Add tomatoes, onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Add salt and peanut butter and mix until everything is combined. Add water and stir.
4. Add cooked chicken back into the mixture and bring to a boil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Serve over rice with a side of vegetables, such as broccoli or sautéed greens.

Cooking Note

• Make the dish vegan-friendly by substituting tofu for chicken.

Cara Mengecilkan Perut Buncit Dengan Cepat Dan Mudah

Cara mengecilkan perut buncit yang benar bukanlah dengan sit up, namun dengan membakar lemak terlebih dahulu. Karena latihan sit up tidak membakar lemak sama sekali. Sit up bertujuan untuk membentuk otot perut menjadi lebih kencang dan sixpack. 

Latihan sit up cocok untuk Anda yang telah memiliki perut rata. Bagi Anda yang masih memiliki perut buncit, sebaiknya hindari latihan tersebut. Karena sekeras apapun latihan yang Anda lakukan tidak akan memberikan pengaruh sama sekali.

Cara Mengecilkan Perut

Lantas latihan apa yang cocok untuk mengecilkan perut buncit? Cara sederhana namun memberikan hasil maksimal adalah latihan kardio. Latihan ini dapat membakar lemak pada area perut sedikit demi sedikit hingga perut terlihat rata. Berikut ini beberapa latihan kardio yang bisa Anda coba:

Jalan Cepat

Berjalan cepat dapat membakar lemak dan mengecilkan perut buncit. Bagi Anda yang tidak bisa melakukan jalan cepat diluar ruangan, bisa melakukannya di treadmill. 

Berlari

Seperti jalan cepat, berlari dapat dilakukan diluar maupun didalam ruangan dengan menggunakan treadmill. Latihan ini sangat baik untuk mengecilkan perut dan menurunkan berat badan. Jika bosan di dalam ruangan, maka bisa mengajak teman untuk jongging sekitar area rumah atau mencari track yang lebih menantang.

Bersepeda

Bersepeda juga bisa dilakukan di dalam ruangan menggunakan sepeda sepeda stasioner. Jika ingin menghirup udara segar, maka bersepeda di luar ruangan merupakan pilihan terbaik.

Beranang Selain dapat membakar lemak, berenang juga dapat membangun otot dan membentuk tubuh ideal. Sebagai contohnya Anda bisa melihat para perenang profesional, mereka memiliki bentuk tubuh yang bagus dan proporsional.

Perbaiki Pola Makan

Selain latihan kardio, menjaga pola makan juga sangat penting. Lemak yang dibakar harus lebih banyak dari pada yang masuk kedalam tubuh. Batasi sumber lemak tinggi dan makanan yang digoreng seperti keripik, snack, serta camilan lainnya. Gantilah sumber karbo dengan karbo kompleks seperti nasi merah atau oatmeal, minuam air mineral minimal delapan gelas setiap hari dan perbanyak pula mengkonsumsi sayur dan buah.

Tahapan Lanjutan Mengecilkan Perut

Jika lemak perut Anda mulai terkikis dan terlihat perubahannya setelah melakukan latihan kardio, maka saatnya mulai membentuk perut menjadi lebih indah.  Namun jangan terburu-buru melakukan gerakan sit up. Lakukan gerakan multijoint seperti squat atau pull up yang lebih efektif melatih otot perut dari pada gerakan isolasi seperti sit up. Selain itu Anda juga bisa melakukan bicycle crunch.

Squat 

Bicycle Crunch

Pull up

Konsisten dan kerja keras merupakan harga mati, karena jika bermalas-malasan maka Anda tidak akan mendapatkan hasil yang diinginkan. Ingat, tidak ada cara instan dan ekspress untuk mengecilkan perut. Yang harus Anda lakukan adalah melakukan program dengan sungguh-sungguh dan merubah gaya hidup menjadi lebih sehat.

3 Cara Mengecilkan Paha Dengan Metode yang Tepat

Memiliki paha yang langsing dapat membuat bentuk tubuh Anda terlihat lebih proporsional. Selain itu lebih memudahkan dalam memilih celana jeans, karena jika memiliki paha yang besar sedikit sulit mencari ukuran yang pas.

Mengecilkan paha berarti mengurangi tumpukan lemak pada area tersebut, oleh sebab itu Anda dapat memasukkan program diet dengan memperbanyak asupan serat, biji-bijian, gandum, dan melakukan gaya hidup yang sehat. Hindari makanan yang tinggi karbohidrat, lemak, gula, minuman berkafein dan bersoda.

Apa yang menyebabkan seseorang memiliki paha yang besar? 

Ada beberapa faktor yang menyebabkan seseorang memiliki paha besar, diantaranya adalah:

Gender

Wanita cenderung memiliki paha yang lebih besar dari pada pria, hal ini dikarenakan hormon estrogen yang dimiliki wanita mengarahkan untuk menimbun lemak pada area pinggul, pantat, dan paha.

Genetik

Faktor genetik memiliki pengaruh besar terhadap penumpukan lemak dalam tubuh. Meskipun merupakan faktor bawaan, namun Anda tetap bisa mengecilkan paha dengan cara yang tepat.

Lemak

Seperti yang dijelaskan diatas, kebanyakan wanita cenderung menyimpan lemak pada area paha. Ini menunjukkan bahwa Anda harus berjuang ekstra keras untuk membakar lemak pada area tersebut.

Otot

Faktor lain penyebab paha yang besar adalah otot, bisa saja Anda memiliki otot paha yang besar secara alami. Belum lagi ditambah timbunan lemak sehingga membuat paha terlihat lebih besar.

Ada yang bilang bahwa mengecilkan paha jauh lebih susah dari pada mengecilkan perut, benarkah demikian? Well, sebaiknya Anda coba dulu beberapa latihan berikut ini untuk membuktikannya. 

Latihan Pertama : Squat with Ball

Caranya:

• Tempatkan bola latihan antara dinding dan lekukan punggung bawah Anda.
• Berdiri dengan kaki selebar bahu yang direnggangkan.
• Tekuk lutut Anda pada posisi lebih rendah antara 5 sampai 10 inci, menjaga posisi bahu dan pinggul. Tahan posisi ini selama 3 detik, setelah itu berdiri kembali.
• Mulailah dengan 5 kali pengulangan dan lanjutkan ke latihan berikutnya. Anda bisa mengambil istirahat selama 30 detik selama jeda antar set.

Latihan kedua: Flamingo Balance

Caranya:

• Pegang dumbbell di tangan kanan, berdiri dengan tangan kiri Anda di pinggul.
• Berdiri condong ke depan, mengangkat kaki kiri Anda ke belakang setinggi pinggul. Pada saat yang sama, tinju lengan kanan ke depan .
• Putar telapak tangan menghadap ke atas, lakukan latihan bisep.
• Turunkan kaki sebentar, kemudian ulangi untuk 12 kali pengulangan. Pastikan untuk menjaga kaki kiri lurus saat menekuk lutut kanan.
• Setelah pengulangan selama 12 kali, lakukan untuk sisi sebaliknya dengan 12 kali pengulangan juga.

Latihan Ketiga : Plyometric Squat

Caranya:

• Jongkok, tekuk lutut Anda hingga 90 derajat.
• Lompat dan kembali lagi dalam posisi jongkok. Gunakan kekuatan di kaki dan pantat saat Anda melompat.
• Lakukan sampai 8 kali pengulangan.
• Ambil posisi awal berdiri dengan kaki selebar bahu yang direnggangkan.

Ketiga latihan diatas dapat Anda lakukan secara rutin dan teratur untuk mendapatkan paha yang langsing. Latihan tersebut tergolong mudah dan tanpa membutuhkan bantuan seorang personal trainee, sehingga dapa Anda lakukan dimana saja dan kapan saja. Selamat mencoba!

Cara Menurunkan Berat Badan Dalam Seminggu Hingga 7kg

Cara menurunkan berat badan dalam seminggu bukanlah hal yang mustahil dan bisa dilakukan. Dengan sedikit pengorbanan, Anda bisa menurunkan berat badan 2,5 kg hingga 7 kg. Hasil yang didapat tentu saja tergantung seberapa besar usaha yang dilakukan. Kuncinya adalah tekat dan kemauan yang keras untuk mendapatkan tubuh langsing ideal.

Tingkat keberhasilan diet tergantung pada pelakunya. Jika cepat bosan atau tidak bisa menerapkan aturan diet maka bisa dipastikan diet Anda akan gagal dan tidak akan mendapatkan hasil sesuai target. Karena kebanyakan orang bersemangat di awal kemudian menyerah saat menjalaninya.

Cara Menurunkan Berat Badan Dalam Seminggu

Cara Menurunkan Berat Badan

Idealnya berat badan bisa turun antara 1,5 kg - 2,5 kg atau bahkan bisa 7kg pada akhir pekan nanti. Setelah itu tinggal bagaimana Anda mempertahankan berat badan ideal tersebut. Seperti yang dikutip dari vemale.com, berikut ini rincian hari pertama hingga hari ke tujuh proram yang harus Anda lakukan.

Hari Pertama

Hari pertama merupakan hari yang sangat penting dalam program diet. Karena semua kebiasaan lama dirubah dan tentu saja membutuhkan sedikit adaptasi. Awali hari dengan mengkomsumsi buah-buahan ringan dan berair. Sepanjang hari Anda hanya boleh makan buah-buahan kaya air, kecuali pisang. Anda juga bisa minum air secukupnya untuk mencegah dehidrasi.

Hari Kedua
Jika Anda menginginkan berat badan turun 7 kg, maka Anda harus melakukan diet ketat sayuran. Konsumsi berbagai warna sayuran. Untuk mengolahnya sebaiknya direbus atau bisa dikonsumsi mentah sebagai salad. Jangan mengolah dengan cara digoreng atau ditumis. Untuk menambah variasi, Anda bisa menambahkan kentang. Namun cara mengolahnya juga harus dikukus atau direbus. Jangan lupa tetap konsumsi air putih minimal delapan gelas sehari.

Hari Ketiga

Kombinasikan sayuran dan buah-buahan agar lebih berwarna. Anda dapat mengkonsumsinya tiga kali atau lebih dalam sehari. Jangan menambahkan kentang atau pisang jika ingin menurunkan berat badan sebanyak 7 kg. Asupan air minum tetap seperti hari sebelumnya agar terhindar dari dehidrasi.

Hari Keempat

Hari ini Anda hanya boleh mengkonsumsi pisang dan susu. Pisang bisa diolah menjadi apa saja kecuali digoreng, misalnya milkshake pisang atau dikonsumsi secara langsung. Ingat, hanya kedua menu ini yang diperbolehkan.

Hari Kelima

Pada hari kelima ini biasanya Anda sudah merasakan sedikit perbedaan dan sedikit ringan. Anda boleh mengkonsumsi 5 sendok nasi . Tambahkan 7-8 potongan tomat mentah atau direbus. Anda bisa mengkonsumsi nasi dua kali pagi dan siang. Untuk malam sebaiknya jangan mengkonsumsi nasi. Tingkatkan jumlah asupan air minum Anda.

Hari Keenam

Sarapan pagi dengan protein, untuk makan siangnya konsumsi nasi 5 sendok dengan lauk sayuran saja.

Hari Ketujuh

Hari terakhir diet Anda tetap bisa mengkonsumsi 5 sendok nasi dengan sayuran dan buah-buahan segar. 

Kini Anda bisa mengecek berat badan Anda, berapa kg berat badan yang berhasil Anda pangkas? Jika ingin mempertahankan berat badan atau ingin membakar lemak tubuh lebih banyak lagi, Anda dapat rutin melakukan latihan kardio seperti jongging dan bersepeda. Bisa juga berolahraga di tempat gym untuk membentuk tubuh proporsional. Jangan lupa tetap jaga asupan makanan agar tidak terjadi penambahan lemak tubuh.

Tips-Tips Berdiet dengan Cepat dan Aman

Berat badan yang berlebih sering memicu munculnya penyakit-penyakit yang tidak diinginkan serta dapat mempengaruhi penampilan dan produktivitas kerja. Atas dasar itu, program diet diperkenalkan sebagai salah satu cara sederhana dan murah dalam menurunkan berat badan.

Ada banyak program diet yang ditawarkan, mulai dengan mengkonsumsi pil atau obat khusus, diet dengan mengkonsumsi jenis makanan tertentu saja, diet dengan menahan rasa lapar untuk waktu tertentu, hingga diet OCD yang belakangan ini semakin populer.

Secara umum, apapun jenis diet yang dijalani oleh para dieters, hasil yang cepat dan aman serta memberikan hasil yang memuaskan tentu saja menjadi keinginan mutlak. Namun terkadang ada beberapa program diet yang memberikan hasil bagus namun bisa menimbulkan masalah atau keluhan yang baru. 

Oleh karena itu, kali ini kami akan memberikan tips berdiet dengan cepat dan aman yang bisa memberikan hasil nyata hanya dalam waktu 1 minggu.

Menambah Jam Olah Raga

Cukup dengan menambah jam olahraga maka berat badan bisa dikurangi hanya dalam waktu 1 minggu saja. Olahraga yang baik untuk dilakukan adalah berlari dan berenang. Kedua jenis olahraga ini terbukti efektif dalam menurunkan berat badan sekaligus memberikan bentuk betis yang atletis.

Kurangi Makan

Konsep dasar dari diet adalah mengurangi porsi makan. Oleh karena itu, usahakanlah untuk mengurangi porsi makan Anda secara konsisten dan jangan mencoba menambah porsi makan hanya karena tergoda oleh rasa nikmat yang ditawarkan. Anda tetap bisa memakan makanan yang Anda suka selama berdiet asalkan dalam porsi yang sedikit.

Hindari Makanan Siap Saji

Makanan siap saji atau junk food merupakan jenis makanan yang harus ditinggalkan jika ingin berdiet dengan cepat dan aman. Hal ini dikarenakan dalam satu porsi junk food memiliki jumlah kalori yang sangat besar dan cukup untuk membuat timbunan lemak dalam tubuh. Menghentikan kebiasaan konsumsi junk food akan berimbas pada berat badan Anda yang akan lebih cepat turun.

Kurangi Minuman Bersoda

Selain makanan siap saji, minuman bersoda juga memiliki kandungan kalori yang banyak. Bahkan dalam sebotol minuman berjenis ini bisa memuat lebih dari 250 kalori yang tentu saja bisa memicu terjadinya kegemukan.

Selain itu, minuman bersoda juga tidak dianjurkan bagi Anda yang sedang berdiet karena tidak memiliki kandungan vitamin yang cukup. Oleh karena itu, kurangilah konsumsi minuman bersoda, atau lebih baik jika Anda berhenti mengkonsumsi minuman jenis ini.

Perbanyak Minum Air Mineral

Saat melakukan program diet, tubuh Anda akan terasa lemas dan mengalami dehidrasi karena jumlah asupan makanan yang dikurangi. Untuk itu, perbanyaklah meminum air mineral. Usahakan untuk mengatur waktu minum secara konsisten agar tubuh tidak kekurangan asupan cairan.

Minum Sebelum Makan

Berdiet dengan cepat dan aman bisa dilakukan dengan terbiasa minum air putih sebelum makan. Hal ini akan membuat perut Anda terasa kenyang sehingga terhindar dari keinginan makan dalam jumlah yang banyak. Konsumsi air putih yang cukup juga sudah bisa membantu Anda dalam melakukan aktifitas sehari-hari.

Mengganti Nasi Putih dengan Nasi Merah atau Nasi Ketan

Kebiasaan memakan nasi putih juga tidak bagus bagi Anda yang sedang dalam tahap menurunkan berat badan. Hal ini diakrenakan nasi putih juga memiliki kandungan kalori yang tinggi. Sebagai solusi, Anda bisa mengganti nasi putih dengan nasi ketan atau nasi merah.

Baca: 8 Rahasia dan Tips Kuruskan Badan, Paha, Lengan, dan Pipi

Nasi ketan sangat bagus karena memiliki tekstur yang lebih lengket daripada nasi putih sehingga akan membuat Anda menjadi lebih cepat kenyang. Sedangkan nasi merah memiliki kandungan karbohidrat yang tinggi sehingga bisa juga memberikan rasa kenyang dalam waktu yang cepat.

Konsumsi Buah-buahan

Memperbanyak konsumsi buah-buahan juga bisa dicoba untuk bisa berdiet dengan cepat dan aman. Untuk mendapatkan hasil yang lebih optimal, kombinasikan dengan konsumsi sayur-sayuran hijau.

Baca: Diet Cepat dan Sehat dengan Sayuran

Konsumsi buah-buahan juga bisa menjadi solusi bagi Anda yang tidak bisa meninggalkan kebeiasaan mengemil keripik atau cokelat. Selain tidak menambah berat badan, konsumsi buah-buahan juga akan membuat tubuh menjadi lebih sehat.

Konsisten Menjalankan Program Diet

Hal terakhir yang perlu diperhatikan adalah konsistensi. Karena terlepas dari program diet apapun yang Anda jalankan jika tidak diiringi dengan konsistensi serta motivasi berlebih, maka Anda tidak akan mendapatkan hasil yang optimal

Untuk itu, usahakan untuk mencoba lebih konsisten saat menjalankan program diet sehingga berat tubuh yang dinginkan bisa didapatkan dalam waktu yang relatif singkat.

Perawatan Alami! 6 Manfaat Kopi Untuk Wajah

Kopi adalah salah satu minuman yang disukai oleh banyak orang. Beberapa orang memanfaatkan kopi untuk menahan diri dari rasa kantuk. Tapi siapa yang menyangka jika kopi yang memiliki rasa sedap dapat digunakan untuk perawatan wajah. Manfaat kopi untuk wajah sudah menjadi rahasia umum bagi wanita di dunia. Simaklah manfaat dari kopi ini!

Inilah Manfaat Kopi untuk Wajah

Wanita adalah kaum yang sangat peduli akan penampilannya, bahkan mereka rela mengeluarkan banyak uang untuk perawatan tersebut. Tak tanggung-tanggung, mereka melakukan operasi hanya untuk mengubah penampilan menjadi apa yang mereka inginkan. Tapi tak jarang hal ini memberikan efek samping yang negatif. Oleh karena itu, penggunaan kopi adalah cara terbaik untuk mendapatkan kecantikan secara alami.

Berikut ini adalah 6 manfaat masker dari kopi untuk perawatan wajah, yaitu:

1. Mengecilkan Pori-pori Pada Wajah

Tekstur wajah yang tidak halus biasanya disebabkan karena pori-pori terlalu besar. Apabila kita rutin menggunakan kopi sebagai masker maka lambat laun pori-pori di wajah kita akan semakin mengecil dan wajah akan halus.

2. Mengatasi Wajah Berminyak

Wajah yang berminyak akan rentan dengan jerawat. Selain itu, wajah berminyak terlihat lebih kusam dan menyebabkan banyak kotoran mudah menempel pada wajah. Masker kopi dapat mengatasi wajah berminyak ini sehingga wajah lebih lembab apabila dilakukan maskeran secara rutin. Inilah manfaat kopi untuk wajah berminyak.

3. Mengatasi Wajah Kusam

Kopi memiliki kandungan antioksidan yang cukup tinggi sehingga bisa digunakan untuk melindungi kulit dari radikal bebas. Selain itu kopi dapat mengangkat kulit mati di wajah sehingga wajah akan terlihat lebih cerah jika masker digunakan secara teratur. Masker kopi juga akan membuat wajah menjadi lebih segar.

4. Melembutkan dan Menghaluskan Kulit

Kopi dapat digunakan sebagai scrub sehingga membuat kulit lebih halus. Tak semua wajah memiliki tekstur kulit yang halus sehingga kita dapat menggunakan kopi sebagai solusi terbaiknya.

5. Mengatasi & Menyamarkan Bekas Jerawat

Jerawat adalah masalah utama bagi para wanita. Selain mengganggu penampilan, terkadang jerawat menimbulkan rasa sakit. Oleh karena itu, jerawat sangat dihindari oleh semua orang. Ketika jerawat muncul, sebagian besar orang akan memecahkan jerawat tersebut karena ingin segera menghilangkannya. Tapi hal ini justru akan meninggalkan bekas noda pada wajah. Bahkan jika kita tidak menggunakan cara yang tepat, noda tersebut tidak akan hilang. Oleh karena itu, penggunaan masker kopi dapat menghilangkan bekas jerawat tanpa efek samping.

6. Menghilangkan Komedo

Komedo biasanya muncul di sekitar hidung. Apabila komedo tidak segera dihilangkan, maka akan berubah menjadi komedo hitam dan pada akhirnya akan susah untuk dihilangkan. Masker kopi dapat mencegah adanya komedo bahkan masker kopi dapat menghilangkan komedo pada hidung. Cukup dengan meletakkan masker kopi pada bagian hidung akan membuat komedo terangkat dan hidung menjadi bersih.

Cara Membuat Masker Kopi

Setelah kita tahu begitu banyaknya manfaat kopi untuk wajah dan kulit, maka tidak ada salahnya jika kita mencoba membuat masker dari kopi, yakni:

1. Cara pertama dapat dilakukan sebelum mandi.

Siapkan kopi yang telah menjadi ampas secukupnya kemudian gunakan pada kulit dngan menggosok-gosoknya secara perlahan pada wajah sambil melakukan pemijatan lembut. Lakukanlah hal ini selama 10 menit kemudian tunggu hingga 10 menit hingga kopi mengering. Setelah itu bersihkan dengan sabun pembersih wajah.

2. Cara kedua dapat ditambahkan dengan madu secukupnya.

Campurkan kopi dan madu secara merata kemudian oleskan ada wajah dan lakukanlah hal seperti cara pertama. Diamkan masker sekitar 20 menit kemudian bersihkan dengan air hangat dan diulangi dengan air dingin untuk menutup pori-pori.

3. Cara ketiga dengan menambahkan 1 butir telur bagian putihnya.

Campur kedua bahan secara merata kemudian gosok-gosoklahpada wajah secara perlahan. Tunggu masker hingga mengering sekitar 15 menit. Kemudian bilaslah menggunakan air dingin.

Demikian manfaat kopi untuk wajah dan cara membuat masker kopi. Kita akan mendapatkan manfaat dari kopi secara maksimal jika masker digunakan secara rutin sekitar 2 sampai 3 kali seminggu. Selain itu, dengan tambahan bahan seperti telur dan madu akan memaksimalkan fungsi dari kopi tersebut.