ITCHY: MOSQUITO BITE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

The oldest mosquito was discovered in the Cretaceous period. It is an insect of the family Culicidae that resembles a fly. It lived after the Jurassic period about 150 million years ago.

Mosquitoes carry dangerous diseases causing viruses and parasites which move from one person to another. They may cause death if not treated with proper medication. In general, its a concern of the public health authorities. The known viral diseases that cause death to man are dengue fever from Aedes Aegypti and malaria from Anopheles Stephensi.

An estimated 2 million people die annually and more than 700 million people are thought to carry the mosquito diseases. Countries like Africa; South America; Central America; Mexico and much of Asia are with higher records of diseases.

Both male and female mosquitoes are nectar feeders. They usually rest in a cool place during the heat of the day and live in dirty and dank places. Moreover, females are also capable of drinking blood to supplement substances such as protein and iron in their body to develop eggs. The eggs are laid where water is present. It’s a female vampire!

The Mosquito’s irritating bite is due to an immune response and it is best described as “Itchy”. If you are planning a vacation in a jungle, tropical or subtropical place it is a good idea to protect your health from whatever diseases. Here are a few reviewed, rated and recommended repellents.

• Jungle Formula Extra Strength Lotion containing 50% DEET (an active ingredient and is slightly yellow oil) that blinds the insect’s senses.
• Rentokil Plug-in Fly and Mosquito Control is an electrical device containing a reservoir of fluid that releases insecticide.
• Moskil Mosquito Coils normally work by burning slowly when lit to produce a small amount of smoke containing insecticide. It is commonly use outdoors.
• Mosquito Defence Bug Guards are bands worn on the wrist or ankle and impregnated with a high concentration of DEET.
• Ecoguard Fabric Spray contains insecticide that irritates and repels mosquitoes.

 * Photo courtesy of sites.psu.edu

QUEEN VICTORIA'S BAKED/GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

I like eating flavoured meat!

Cooking food at home is my magic wand. This is one of the reasons why I don't buy processed food or indulge myself to instant products when shopping. However, it doesn't mean I dislike them!

I have eaten grilled chicken breasts that was bought and made in the supermarket, in particular, garlic grilled chicken breasts. The taste was really scrumptious!

I bought a bag of frozen chicken breasts last time and challenged myself to cook my own baked/grilled garlic chicken breasts recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 pcs. of chicken breasts
• 3 cloves of garlic, crashed/sliced
• crashed ginger (optional) 
• 2 tbsps. of Extra Virgin oil 
• 1 tbsp. of sunflower oil
• 2 tsps. of honey
• a pinch of mixed herbs
• a pinch of salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules to taste
• 2 strands of spring onion, angled slices
• 4 cherry tomatoes, slice into 2

Sauce Preparation:

1. Mix the extra virgin oil, sunflower oil and honey in a bowl. Stir well.
2. Add the crashed ginger. Stir well again.
3. Once all mixed, just set it aside.

 

  (Baked Chicken Breasts and Grilled Chicken Breasts) 

Cooking Procedure:

1. Wash and rinse the chicken breasts (Thaw, if needed).
2. Prepare the chopping board and place the breasts on it. Use a sharp knife to scar on top and turn-over to do the same. Just set it aside.
3. Prepare your crashed/sliced garlic, then insert most of the slices in the created scars of the meat. Dont throw away the excess garlic just scatter and arrange evenly in the bottom of the pyrex glass covered with foil.
4. Rub the breasts with mixed herbs, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules for additional flavours.
5. Prepare your cooking dish (Pyrex-glass cooking dish is good) and lay the prepared breasts in the centre to create a well balanced art. Just set it aside.
6. Gradually, pour the sauce mixture you made (Sauce preparation) and make sure it is distributed evenly over the breasts.
7. Design it with angled slices of spring onions and slices of cherry tomatoes on top (Be Imaginative!). Then, cover the pyrex either with its excess foil or its lid.
8. Place it in a safe area and marinate it for 1 hour before placing it in the oven.
9. Preheat the oven to 150ºC under bake mode (electric). 
10. Place the cooking dish (with the marinated breasts) in the preheated oven, then bake it for 30 minutes. In 15 minutes time, glaze the breasts with its own sauce and be careful not to burn yourself.
11. After that, unfold the foil or removed the lid and then, change the Bake to Grill as well as adjust the temperature down to 120ºC. 
12. Place and grill it for 30 minutes. Check it every 10 minutes and glaze the breasts using its own sauce.

This is the perfect garlic chicken breasts to be served and eaten on the table with your loving family.