14 May, 2024

Beyond the Bowl: Creative Ways to Use Sour Cream at Home

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Sour cream is a tangy and thick dairy product that can do wonders in the kitchen. It goes well with a number of dishes – whether as a topping or as a basic ingredient. Made by adding lactic acid bacteria to cream, sour cream is great for thickening or adding flavor to any dish.

With its creamy texture and slightly tart flavor, sour cream is the missing ingredient your recipes have been searching for. Here are a few ways you can get creative with sour cream in the kitchen:

How to use sour cream in the kitchen?

1. Make a delicious dip

Mix sour cream with a bit of garlic, onion powder, and your favorite blend of herbs, and indulge in a dip like no other. Have it alongside crunchy chips, crackers, or vegetables.

2. Add creaminess to soups

If you're looking for a way to add a creamy consistency to your soups without using cream, try stirring in a spoonful of sour cream. It’ll take your recipe to a whole new level, trust us.

3. Create a creamy salad dressing

Create a flavorful and creamy salad dressing by combining sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. The sour cream gives the dressing a thick and creamy texture.

4. Make a creamy sauce

You can create a delicious sauce by combining sour cream, diced tomatoes, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. This creamy mix is perfect for topping pasta and tacos, adding a zesty touch to any meal.

5. Top baked potatoes

Adding sour cream to a baked potato is a delicious way to enhance its flavor. Put a spoonful of sour cream on top of your potato, and then top it with your favorite herbs or spices for some extra flavor.

6. Add fluffiness to pancakes

Adding some sour cream to your pancake batter can create a delicate and airy texture, taking your pancake game to the next level.

Other ways you can use sour cream

1. Facial mask

Using a dollop of sour cream as a mask can help hydrate and nurture your complexion. The lactic acid in the sour cream helps exfoliate and soften the skin, while the fats and proteins help nourish and replenish it.

2. Hair treatment

Combine equal parts of sour cream and coconut oil in a bowl before applying the mixture to freshly washed hair for an all-natural conditioning treatment that will leave your hair looking shiny and healthy!

3. Body scrub

Mix a combination of sour cream and sugar to create a paste. Gently rub the paste onto the skin and massage in circular motions. Rinse off the scrub with warm water. The sugar will help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, while the sour cream will help nourish and soften the skin.

A sour & creamy ending

These are just a few creative ways to use sour cream at home. Its versatility make it a favorite among kitchen enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a savory dish or a luxurious beauty treatment, sour cream can be a great addition to your routine. So, the next time you're looking to try something new, think of sour cream! And make sure to choose the right brand because it makes all the difference.

Baladna is a trusted dairy and beverage company in Qatar. Our products are fresh, authentic, and of excellent quality. Order sour cream, and other dairy products, from Baladna today and enjoy them right away!

27 August, 2025

Power Hour: The Best Time To Drink Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice is a delicious and refreshing drink that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is made from the fruit of the pineapple plant, which is native to South America but is now grown in many parts of the world. But, did you know that pineapple juice is like a superhero drink packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants? That's right! It's like having a powerful elixir that can provide numerous health benefits to your body and mind. In this article, we will take a closer look at the health benefits of pineapple juice. We’ll also explore the best time to drink it. Pineapple Juice: A look at calories and nutrition factsA 100 ml bottle of Baladna Pineapple Juice contains around 46.1 calories, which makes it a relatively low-calorie drink. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals. In fact, one cup of pineapple juice can help you achieve your recommended vitamin C intake. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, thiamin, and folate. Did you know that pineapple juice is also good for your heart health? It's true! This power drink is packed with potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and promote a healthy heart. Plus, it's got a few other sidekicks like calcium, magnesium, and iron that can help keep your body strong and healthy. When is the best time to drink pineapple juice?There is no one right answer to this question. The ideal time to drink pineapple juice depends on your preferences and lifestyle. But, here are some guidelines to help you maximize the benefits of pineapple juice: In the morningDo you need help to get your day started? Grab a glass of pineapple juice and get ready to feel energized! Pineapple juice is the perfect way to kickstart your metabolism and give you a natural boost of energy. What’s more – it's packed with vitamin C, like a superhero that fights off bad guys (aka free radicals) and boosts your immune system. And get this, vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, which is super important for keeping your blood cells healthy.But wait, there's even more! Drinking pineapple juice in the morning on an empty stomach can help your tummy too. It helps break down proteins, making you feel less bloated and more comfortable. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of pineapple juice in the morning and get ready to take on the day!Before or after exerciseAre you seeking a secret weapon to take your workouts to the next level? Look no further than pineapple juice! This tasty drink can help improve your athletic performance and aid muscle recovery. Pineapple juice contains potassium, which works wonders for your muscles. It helps regulate fluid balance and prevents pesky muscle cramps from ruining your workout. It also provides a quick burst of energy, perfect for powering you up before a workout.But the magic of pineapple juice doesn't stop there. After a tough workout, drinking pineapple juice can help reduce inflammation and aid in muscle recovery. This is all thanks to the bromelain enzyme in pineapple. It helps fight off soreness in your muscles, so you can recover faster and get back to crushing your workouts.Before a mealDrinking pineapple juice before a healthy feast can help stimulate digestion and reduce your appetite. Pineapple juice is packed with fiber, which can help regulate your digestive system and promote feelings of fullness.Drinking pineapple juice before a meal can also help reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks and promote weight loss. The natural sugars in pineapple juice provide a quick energy boost, which can help curb cravings for sugary or fatty foods. Before bedAre you having trouble catching a proper good night's sleep? Well, pineapple juice will certainly help you drift off to dreamland. That is because pineapple contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which is like a sidekick to serotonin – the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and promote feelings of relaxation. This means no more tossing and turning as you try to get comfortable! But, if you're sensitive to acidic foods, you may want to skip this drink before bedtime.Go ahead and pour yourself a glass of pineapple juice! Are you looking for a fun and delicious way to boost your health? Well, look no further because Baladna Pineapple Juice is here to save the day! Get yourself some pineapple juice today; your taste buds and body will thank you!

27 January, 2023

Halloumi Cheese: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re a fan of Mediterranean food, then you’ve certainly come across halloumi cheese before. Halloumi is a classic Cypriot cheese made from goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, or a combination of the two. Sometimes, cow's milk is utilized. Because it holds its shape when cooked, it is most loved in its grilled form. This type of cheese deserves some appreciation, so we’ve gathered all there is to know about halloumi cheese below. Ready to get your dose of halloumi knowledge? What is Halloumi? Halloumi is a white, layered cheese similar to mozzarella. Traditionally made on the Eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus from goat and sheep's milk, halloumi cheese has grown in popularity across different parts of the world. As a semi-hard, unripened cheese that has been brined, halloumi cheese is known for its mild spongy texture and salty flavor. Cow's milk is sometimes used to make halloumi. Either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk is available as well. Although halloumi can be consumed raw, its high melting point makes it a perfect cheese for grilling or frying. When grilled or pan-fried, it melts on the inside and crunches on the outside, comparable to the texture of a marshmallow when roasted.Halloumi is gaining popularity. It is fairly priced and available in most stocked supermarkets and specialty shops. Baladna’s halloumi cheese is available in many grocery stores. Alternatively, you can purchase it directly from Baladna’s website.How is Halloumi Made? Halloumi is made when rennet or vegetarian rennet is added to hot milk to get it to thicken. The whey is then removed from the curds once they have formed. The curds are then chopped, firmed up, and pressed into molds. Halloumi's resistance to melting is provided by the additional heating step of poaching the cheese in water or whey. The cheese is then salted and can be consumed immediately after that for three to five days. If not, it can be aged for many months and preserved in brine, which gives the cheese its salty flavor. Like feta cheese, halloumi is marketed in compact bricks that are vacuum-packed in plastic and have a solid texture. Baladna’s farmers produce many kinds of cheeses that resemble halloumi. These cheeses are typically referred to as grillable or halloumi-style cheeses for legal proprietary reasons. They are also known as frying cheese, grilled cheese, or queso de freír in Spanish.It may be challenging to substitute halloumi due to its distinctive texture. Some recipes may call for tofu or Indian paneer, but they won't taste quite the same as halloumi. Hard, dry feta cheese is somewhat comparable when eaten uncooked.Uses Consider grilling, frying, or slicing Halloumi. Use it in salads or a Caprese salad in place of mozzarella. As a gluten-free alternative, use grilled halloumi slices instead of bread in sandwiches. You may also serve it with watermelon, as they do in Cyprus. Although halloumi can be consumed raw, many people prefer its taste when warmed, grilled, or heated. Once the cheese is cooked, the saltiness disappears and is replaced by a powerful, savory bite and a slightly creamy mouthfeel. StorageKeep your halloumi in the fridge for up to a year, unopened. Refrigerate in salted water for up to two weeks after opening, then tightly wrap in waxed paper, parchment paper, or cheese wrap. If you wrap your halloumi in plastic or foil, you may keep it in the freezer for up to three months.Halloumi for the win .. and grillHalloumi is a type of cheese that has been around for a long time and its popularity is only growing. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, as it holds its shape when heated, making it ideal for grilling or frying. With a 2.6 million square meter footprint, Baladna is one of the largest cattle farms in the region and offers authentic, fresh, and high-quality dairy products. Baladna is 100% Qatari. Up to 24,000 cows can be housed on our farm in a cozy and well-kept environment, enabling them to produce as much as they can comfortably. Get your favorite Baladna cheese today!

16 August, 2024

Decoding Cheese Colors: What The Hue Says About Flavor

Cheese is a staple food in many cultures around the world. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from gooey pizza to creamy pasta. But did you know that the color of cheese can tell us a lot about its flavor, texture, and origin? In this article, we will explore the different colors of cheese and what they indicate.The science of cheese colorThe color of cheese is determined by various factors, including the breed of the cow, the animal's diet, and the processing method. The main component of cheese is milk, which contains a natural pigment called carotenoids. Carotenoids are responsible for giving cheese its yellow or orange color.The level of carotenoids in milk can vary depending on the cow's diet. Cows that consume more grass produce milk with higher levels of carotenoids, resulting in a more yellow-colored cheese. On the other hand, cows that are fed a corn or soybeans diet produce milk with lower levels of carotenoids, resulting in a whiter cheese.A look at white cheeseWhite cheese is often associated with milder, fresher flavors. It is typically made from cow's milk and has a mild, creamy texture. Examples of white cheese include feta, mozzarella, and ricotta.Feta cheese is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a crumbly texture and a tangy, slightly salty flavor. Mozzarella cheese is an Italian cheese made from buffalo or cow's milk. It has a soft, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Ricotta cheese is an Italian cheese made from whey, a byproduct of cheese-making. It has a soft, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.A look at yellow cheeseYellow cheese is known for having a stronger and more complex flavor. It is typically made from cow's milk and has a firmer texture. Examples of yellow cheese include cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan.Cheddar cheese is an English cheese made from cow's milk. It has a sharp, tangy flavor and a firm, crumbly texture. Gouda cheese is a Dutch cheese made from cow's milk. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a firm, smooth texture. Parmesan cheese is an Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a salty, nutty flavor and a hard, granular texture.A look at blue cheeseBlue cheese is a type of cheese that is characterized by the presence of blue or green veins. It is typically made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and has a strong, pungent flavor. Examples of blue cheese include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton.Roquefort cheese is a French cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a sharp, tangy flavor and a creamy, crumbly texture. Gorgonzola cheese is an Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a sharp, tangy flavor and a creamy, crumbly texture. Stilton cheese is an English cheese made from cow's milk. It has a strong, tangy flavor and a creamy, crumbly texture.Regional variations in cheese colorThe color of cheese can also vary depending on the region where it is produced. For example, in France, cheese made from cow's milk tends to be more yellow than cheese made from goat's milk. In Italy, Parmesan cheese made from cow's milk is more yellow than Parmesan made from buffalo milk.The world of cheese is one full of wondersThe color of cheese can tell us a lot about its flavor, texture, and origin. By understanding the color of cheese, we can make more informed choices about which cheeses to use in our cooking and which ones to enjoy.Looking for healthy cheese options? Look no further than Baladna! Our 100% Qatari farm provides authentic, fresh, and quality dairy products that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Try our range of cheeses today and experience the delicious and healthy goodness of Baladna.

26 August, 2025

Mila’s Weekly Routine Tracker

Keep mornings and evenings on track with Mila’s weekly routine chart. Kids can write down their tasks, check them off each day, and celebrate their progress. It’s a fun way to build healthy habits and stay motivated all week long