Looking for an easy way to elevate your traditional spinach manicotti recipe? I have a wonderful recipe that incorporates a few shortcuts and cooking tricks that take this classic dish to the next level without any extra work for you. First, I add heavy cream to good-quality jarred marinara sauce, creating a rich tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with the cheesy spinach filling. It’s as easy as opening a jar and a carton! Next, I add creamy mascarpone, mozzarella, and sharp Pecorino Romano cheeses to the traditional ricotta and spinach filling. This not only adds delicious flavor but also prevents the filling from becoming grainy, which is a common issue with pasta dishes made with ricotta cheese. Fun fact: the word “manicotti” means “little sleeve” in Italian, describing the cylindrical shape of the pasta tubes. It’s a great prep-ahead dish to pop in the oven when you’ve got company coming or simply for enjoying with family. Pair it with a salad and some crusty bread for a cozy and satisfying meal. What You’ll Need To Make Spinach Manicotti   Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1: Parboil the Manicotti Shells Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells for exactly 6 minutes (they will only be partially cooked). Drain well and rinse with cold water.   Add the ricotta, mascarpone cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, 1 cup of the Pecorino Romano, the spinach, basil, garlic, oregano, and salt. Mix until evenly combined. Transfer the filling to a pastry bag or large zip-lock bag. (If using a zip-lock bag, be sure the corners are square; the rounded-corner bags are difficult to use.) Twist and squeeze the bag so the filling is in one corner. With scissors, snip a ¾-inch opening in corner. Pipe the filling into both ends of the manicotti shells, filling until completely full. Step 3: Make the Sauce In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Mix to combine. Transfer the filling to a pastry bag or large zip-lock bag. (If using a zip-lock bag, be sure the corners are square; the rounded-corner bags are difficult to use.) Twist and squeeze the bag so the filling is in one corner. With scissors, snip a ¾-inch opening in corner. Pipe the filling into both ends of the manicotti shells, filling until completely full. Step 3: Make the Sauce In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Mix to combine. Step 4: Assemble & Bake Spread ¾ cup of the sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells, narrow side up, over the sauce. Pour just enough sauce to cover the manicotti (you’ll have about ¾ cup leftover; save it for serving). Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and top the manicotti with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Pecorino Romano cheeses. Bake, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. (To brown the cheese further, turn on the broiler and bake for a few more minutes, keeping a close eye, until the cheese is golden.) Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.   Please find original recipe here.

  When I think of classic Italian stuffed shells, I think of cozy Sunday night dinners around the table with family. This recipe, adapted from Big Flavors from Italian America by America’s Test Kitchen, fits that bill perfectly. The recipe is fairly simple to make because there’s no need to parboil the shells before stuffing them. Instead, the shells are smothered in a thin tomato sauce prior to baking, ensuring the pasta cooks through. The filling is loaded with flavor, thanks to a blend of creamy ricotta, gooey fontina, and salty Pecorino Romano cheeses, as well as garlic, basil, and oregano. Finally, to make the dish even more irresistible, a generous sprinkle of fontina cheese over the shells creates a rich, cheesy topping. Even without any meat, this dish is as satisfying as the heartiest lasagna. To stuff the shells, disposable pastry bags come in handy (and you can use them for decorating cakes and cookies or filling deviled eggs, too). However, if you don’t have them, a ziplock bag with a snipped corner does the job well. What You’ll Need To Make Stuffed Shells   Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1: Make the Sauce Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, salt, and pepper.   Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds (don’t brown the garlic).   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, water, and sugar and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, until flavors have melded, about 5 minutes. (The cooled sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.)   Step 2: Make the Filling Combine the ricotta cheese, shredded fontina (or whole-milk mozzarella) cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, eggs, basil, cornstarch, garlic, oregano, and salt in a bowl.   Mix until thoroughly combined.   Transfer the filling to pastry bag or large zipper-lock bag. (If using a zipper-lock bag, be sure the corners are square; the rounded-corner bags are difficult to use.) Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Shells Adjust the oven rack to middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the shells open side up on the counter. Cut ½-inch off of the tip or corner of the bag.   Pipe the filling into shells until each is full.   Spread 1 cup of the sauce over the bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the shells, open side up, to the prepared dish.     Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells to completely cover.   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake until the shells are tender and the sauce is boiling rapidly, about 45 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven and discard the foil.   Sprinkle the fontina (or mozzarella) over top. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the cheese is lightly browned, about 15 minutes.   Let the dish cool, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes (this rest is essential to fully cook the pasta).   Sprinkle with the basil and serve.   Please find original link here.

Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting layered casserole similar to lasagna, only with breaded and fried slices of eggplant replacing the noodles. The eggplant is shingled and layered in a baking dish with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, béchamel sauce, and Parmigiano Reggiano and then baked until bubbly and golden. The traditional preparation takes some time – particularly salting, breading, and frying the eggplant slices – but you can save time by using good-quality jarred marinara sauce. It’s very important to salt the eggplant for at least 90 minutes before frying – this not only seasons the eggplant from the inside out but also draws out the liquid so it absorbs less oil and gives it a creamy, silky texture. You may be wondering if you can bake the eggplant instead of frying it. It will work if you use enough oil on the baking sheets, but I strongly recommend sticking with the traditional frying method, as it will give you the best result in terms of both flavor and texture. I serve eggplant parmesan as a main dish with a Caesar or green salad, but it can also be served as a side dish to meatballs, grilled steak, or Italian sausage.   What You’ll Need To Make Eggplant Parmesan   Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1: Salt the Eggplant In a large bowl, on a baking sheet, or directly on a cutting board, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly all over the eggplant slices.   Lay out a few layers of paper towels on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Arrange about one-third of the eggplant slices in a single layer and cover with more paper towels. Continue stacking the eggplant and paper towels, finishing with a final layer of paper towels. Let sit for 1½ to 2 hours. Press on the paper towels to absorb any excess liquid before proceeding.   Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce Béchamel sauce is not necessarily traditional in eggplant parmesan, but I love the richness it adds. It counters the acidity of the marinara sauce and also prevents the melted mozzarella cheese from turning rubbery. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the flour.   Cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes.   Add the milk and whisk until evenly combined.   Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Add the Parmigiano Reggiano, salt, and pepper.   Whisk to combine and set aside.   tep 3: Bread and Fry the Eggplant Combine the flour and ¾ teaspoon salt on a large plate. Whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons cold water in a wide bowl. Mix the breadcrumbs with ¾ teaspoon salt on a large plate. Lightly coat each slice of eggplant in the flour, shaking off excess.   Dip in egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.   Then dredge in the breadcrumbs, pressing with your fingertips so the crumbs adhere. (Use one hand for the dry ingredients – the flour and breadcrumbs – and one for the egg mixture – it’s much neater this way!) Set the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet.   ine another baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels. Pour enough oil into a large (12-inch) skillet to measure about ¼-inch deep and heat over medium heat until hot (if you dip a piece of eggplant into the oil, it will sizzle immediately). Working in batches, add as much eggplant as will fit in a single layer.   Fry, flipping once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.   Transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat, frying the remaining eggplant and layering it between sheets of paper towels to drain.   Step 4: Assemble and Bake Preheat the oven to 425°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Spread ¾ cup of the marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.   Layer in one-third of the eggplant slices, overlapping the slices to fit.   Cover the eggplant with another ¾ cup of marinara sauce.   Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, then spoon one-third of the béchamel sauce over the cheese (if the béchamel has solidified a bit, it’s fine to add it in dollops; no need to spread it around).   Repeat two more layers, leaving the edges of the eggplant exposed on the top layer to create crispy edges. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano Reggiano.   Bake until bubbling and golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool, loosely covered with foil, for about 20 minutes, then scatter the basil over top (if using), cut into slices, and serve. Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions Eggplant parmesan can be assembled up to 2 days before baking; it can also be frozen, baked, or unbaked, for up to 3 months. (If freezing, defrost in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating/baking.)   Please find original recipe here.

  An Italian-American dish that originated in the city of Philadelphia, stromboli is like a rolled-up version of pizza. Filled with cheese and Italian deli meats, like pepperoni, salami, and ham, and served with marinara sauce for dipping, it’s a huge crowd-pleaser – perfect for game day, an easy dinner, or anytime you’re having people over. Just keep in mind that stromboli disappears quickly; I recommend making two rolls, especially if you’re feeding men and boys. I use my favorite homemade pizza dough to make stromboli, pizza, and calzones but store-bought dough works very well, too. Don’t worry if your stromboli bursts a little while baking; it’s normal for some cheese to ooze out of the crust. In fact, some say that the name for this dish was taken from Mt. Stromboli, one of the three active volcanos in Italy because the ingredients look like they are about to explode from a volcano. What You’ll Need To Make Stromboli   Step-by-Step Instructions On a lightly floured work surface, stretch and/or roll the dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.   Arrange the dough rectangle so the long side is closest to you. Brush the surface with the oil, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Spread the garlic evenly over the top of the oil, then sprinkle with the oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and the pecorino romano.   Shingle the provolone slices evenly over the pecorino romano, followed by the ham, mozzarella, and cured meats.   Brush the borders of the dough with the egg (reserve the remaining egg for brushing the top of the stromboli). Fold the bottom third of the stromboli in toward the middle.   Fold the top third of stromboli down to cover first fold, creating a wide log, like a folded letter. Pinch the seam tightly to seal.   Transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Pinch the ends tightly to seal and tuck underneath. Loosely cover the stromboli with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour. (The stromboli won’t look much different after the rise; that’s okay.)   Preheat the oven to 375°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Brush the top of the dough with the remaining egg. Using a sharp knife, make 5 evenly spaced 1/2-inch-deep slits, 1-1/2 inches long, on top of the stromboli.   Bake until golden brown, puffy, and bubbling, about 35 minutes (if you have a thermometer, the center should register 200°F). Some grease or cheese may bubble out of the sides and top; that’s normal. Use a paper towel to blot any excess grease on the baking sheet.   Let the stromboli cool on the baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and cut into 1-inch-thick slices. Serve warm or at room temperature, with marinara sauce on the side (if using).   Please find original recipe here.

Introduction: Performance optimization and monitoring play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency, scalability, and reliability of ASP.NET Core applications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into various techniques, best practices, and tools for optimizing performance and monitoring the health of ASP.NET Core applications, accompanied by detailed examples for each concept. Optimizing Performance: 1. Efficient Database Querying with Entity Framework Core: Efficient database querying is crucial for improving application performance. With Entity Framework Core, we can optimize database access by minimizing the number of round-trips and optimizing query execution. Example: // Before Optimization var products = dbContext.Products.Where(p => p.CategoryId == categoryId).ToList(); // After Optimization var products = dbContext.Products.AsNoTracking().Where(p => p.CategoryId == categoryId).ToList(); In the optimized query, we use AsNoTracking() to disable change tracking for read-only operations, resulting in improved performance. 2. Caching Strategies for Improved Performance: Caching frequently accessed data can significantly reduce database round-trips and improve application response times. ASP.NET Core provides built-in caching mechanisms that we can leverage to implement caching strategies effectively. Example: public async Task<List<Product>> GetProductsAsync(int categoryId) { var cacheKey = $"products_{categoryId}"; if (!_cache.TryGetValue(cacheKey, out List<Product> products)) { products = await dbContext.Products.Where(p => p.CategoryId == categoryId).ToListAsync(); _cache.Set(cacheKey, products, TimeSpan.FromMinutes(10)); // Cache for 10 minutes } return products; } In this example, we cache the products retrieved based on the category ID for a specified duration, enhancing application performance. 3. Asynchronous Programming for Scalability: Asynchronous programming enables applications to handle multiple concurrent operations efficiently, leading to improved scalability and responsiveness. By utilizing async/await keywords in ASP.NET Core, we can execute asynchronous operations seamlessly. Example: public async Task<ActionResult> GetProductsAsync() { var products = await dbContext.Products.ToListAsync(); return Ok(products); } This example demonstrates retrieving products asynchronously from the database, enhancing the scalability of the application. 4. Compression for Network Efficiency: Compressing HTTP responses can significantly reduce bandwidth usage and improve network efficiency. ASP.NET Core supports response compression middleware, allowing us to compress HTTP responses before sending them to clients. Example: public void Configure(IApplicationBuilder app) { app.UseResponseCompression(); } By enabling response compression middleware, we can reduce data transfer sizes and improve overall network efficiency. 5. Lazy Loading for Improved Page Load Times: Lazy loading is a technique used to defer loading resources until they are needed, enhancing initial page load times and improving user experience. In ASP.NET Core applications, we can implement lazy loading for resources such as images and scripts. Example: <img src="placeholder.jpg" data-src="image.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Lazy Loaded Image"> This example illustrates lazy loading of an image by specifying the actual image source in the data-src attribute, reducing initial page load times. Monitoring and Diagnostics: 1. Application Insights for Real-time Monitoring: Application Insights is a powerful tool provided by Azure for monitoring and diagnosing ASP.NET Core applications in real time. By integrating Application Insights into our application, we can gain valuable insights into application performance, availability, and usage. Example: public void ConfigureServices(IServiceCollection services) { services.AddApplicationInsightsTelemetry(Configuration["InstrumentationKey"]); } By adding Application Insights telemetry, we can monitor various metrics such as request rates, response times, and server resource utilization, enabling proactive performance monitoring and diagnostics. 2. Logging and Error Handling with Serilog: Logging is essential for capturing and analyzing application events, errors, and diagnostic information. Serilog is a popular logging library for ASP.NET Core applications, offering flexible configuration and various output sinks for logging data. Example: public void ConfigureLogger() { Log.Logger = new LoggerConfiguration() .WriteTo.File("log.txt") .CreateLogger(); } By configuring Serilog to log to a file, we can capture application events and errors for troubleshooting and analysis, enhancing the overall monitoring and diagnostics capabilities of the application. 3. Health Checks for Application Health Monitoring: Health checks are endpoints that provide information about the health of an application and its dependencies. By implementing health checks in ASP.NET Core applications, we can monitor the health and availability of critical components, such as databases, external services, and internal dependencies. Example: public void ConfigureServices(IServiceCollection services) { services.AddHealthChecks(); } This example demonstrates adding health checks to the ASP.NET Core application, enabling continuous monitoring of the application’s health and readiness. 4. Profiling and Performance Analysis with MiniProfiler: MiniProfiler is a lightweight profiling tool that helps identify performance bottlenecks in ASP.NET Core applications. By integrating MiniProfiler into our application, we can profile individual requests and identify areas for performance optimization. Example: public async Task<ActionResult> GetProductsAsync() { using (MiniProfiler.Current.Step("GetProductsAsync")) { var products = await dbContext.Products.ToListAsync(); return Ok(products); } } By wrapping the database query in a MiniProfiler step, we can measure the execution time and identify potential performance bottlenecks, enhancing the overall performance tuning and monitoring capabilities of the application. Conclusion: Optimizing performance and monitoring the health of ASP.NET Core applications are essential for delivering a seamless user experience and ensuring the reliability and scalability of the application. By implementing the techniques and best practices outlined in this guide, ASP.NET Core developers can optimize application performance, enhance scalability, and proactively monitor and diagnose issues, ensuring the smooth operation of their applications in production environments. Please find original article here.

Introduction LINQ (Language-Integrated Query) and Lambda expressions are powerful features in C# that allow developers to query and manipulate data in a concise and expressive manner. While both are used for similar purposes, they have distinct syntaxes and use cases. This document aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between LINQ and Lambda expressions in C#, along with code examples to illustrate their usage. LINQ (Language-Integrated Query): Definition: LINQ is a set of features in C# that enables developers to query data from different data sources using a SQL-like syntax directly within the C# language. Syntax: LINQ syntax consists of keywords such as from, where, select, group by, order by, etc., which resemble SQL syntax. Use Cases: LINQ is commonly used for querying data from collections (such as arrays, lists, and dictionaries), databases (using Entity Framework or LINQ to SQL), XML files, and other data sources. Code Example: Querying a list of objects using LINQ. List<int> numbers = new List<int> { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }; var evenNumbers = from num in numbers where num % 2 == 0 select num; Lambda Expressions: Definition: Lambda expressions are anonymous functions that allow developers to write inline delegate functions without explicitly defining a method. Syntax: Lambda expressions consist of the => (arrow) operator, parameters, and an expression or statement block. Use Cases: Lambda expressions are commonly used for sorting, filtering, and transforming data within LINQ queries, as well as in LINQ extension methods and delegates. Code Example: Filtering a list of objects using Lambda expressions. List<int> numbers = new List<int> { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }; var evenNumbers = numbers.Where(num => num % 2 == 0); Key Differences: Syntax: LINQ uses a declarative query syntax resembling SQL, while Lambda expressions use a more concise and functional syntax. Readability: LINQ queries are often more readable and intuitive for complex queries involving multiple operations, while Lambda expressions are preferred for simple and single-purpose operations. Flexibility: Lambda expressions provide more flexibility and can be used in various contexts beyond LINQ queries, such as delegates, event handlers, and LINQ extension methods. Let’s expand on the previous examples and provide multiple scenarios to illustrate the usage of LINQ and Lambda expressions in C#. 1. Filtering a List of Objects: Using LINQ: List<int> numbers = new List<int> { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }; var evenNumbers = from num in numbers where num % 2 == 0 select num; Using Lambda Expression: var evenNumbers = numbers.Where(num => num % 2 == 0); 2. Sorting a List of Objects: Using LINQ: List<string> fruits = new List<string> { "Apple", "Banana", "Orange", "Grape" }; var sortedFruits = from fruit in fruits orderby fruit descending select fruit; Using Lambda Expression: var sortedFruits = fruits.OrderByDescending(fruit => fruit); 3. Selecting Specific Properties from a List of Objects: Using LINQ: List<Person> people = new List<Person> { new Person { Name = "Alice", Age = 25 }, new Person { Name = "Bob", Age = 30 }, new Person { Name = "Charlie", Age = 28 } }; var names = from person in people select person.Name; Using Lambda Expression: var names = people.Select(person => person.Name); 4. Filtering and Projecting Data from a List of Objects: Using LINQ: List<Person> people = new List<Person> { new Person { Name = "Alice", Age = 25 }, new Person { Name = "Bob", Age = 30 }, new Person { Name = "Charlie", Age = 28 } }; var adults = from person in people where person.Age >= 18 select new { person.Name, person.Age }; Using Lambda Expression: var adults = people.Where(person => person.Age >= 18) .Select(person => new { person.Name, person.Age }); 5. Grouping Data from a List of Objects: Using LINQ: List<Person> people = new List<Person> { new Person { Name = "Alice", Age = 25 }, new Person { Name = "Bob", Age = 30 }, new Person { Name = "Charlie", Age = 28 } }; var ageGroups = from person in people group person by person.Age < 30 into youngGroup select new { IsYoung = youngGroup.Key, People = youngGroup.ToList() }; Using Lambda Expression: var ageGroups = people.GroupBy(person => person.Age < 30) .Select(youngGroup => new { IsYoung = youngGroup.Key, People = youngGroup.ToList() }); These examples demonstrate various scenarios where LINQ and Lambda expressions are used to query, filter, project, sort, and group data in C#. By understanding and mastering these features, developers can write concise and expressive code for data manipulation tasks. Note: The Person class used in these examples is assumed to have properties Name and Age. Conclusion: Both LINQ and Lambda expressions are essential features of C# that offer different approaches to querying and manipulating data. While LINQ provides a declarative and SQL-like syntax for querying data from various sources, Lambda expressions offer a more concise and functional approach for inline delegate functions. Understanding the differences between these two features will help developers choose the appropriate approach based on the specific requirements of their projects Please find original article here.

In the world of programming, understanding interfaces and abstract classes in C# is essential for creating flexible and maintainable code. In this blog post, we’ll explore these foundational concepts, discussing their definitions, differences, benefits, and providing clear examples in C#. Let’s dive into the basics of interfaces and abstract classes in C# programming! Interfaces: Definition: Interfaces in C# serve as contracts that define a set of methods or properties that implementing classes must adhere to. They declare the “what” of a class without specifying the “how,” promoting loose coupling and allowing for polymorphism. Interfaces are declared using the interface keyword and can be implemented by multiple classes. Syntax: Interfaces are declared using the interface keyword. interface IAnimal { void MakeSound(); } Example: Let’s consider a scenario where we have different animals in a zoo. We want each animal class to implement a method to make a sound. We can define an interface IAnimal: interface IAnimal { void MakeSound(); } Each animal class can then implement this interface and provide its own implementation of the MakeSound method: class Dog : IAnimal { public void MakeSound() { Console.WriteLine("Woof"); } } class Cat : IAnimal { public void MakeSound() { Console.WriteLine("Meow"); } } Benefits: Flexibility: Enables loose coupling between classes, promoting “programming to interfaces” rather than concrete implementations. Multiple Inheritance: Supports multiple inheritance, allowing a class to implement multiple interfaces. API Design: Defines contracts for classes, facilitating the design of flexible and interoperable APIs. Abstract Classes: Definition: Abstract classes in C# are classes that cannot be instantiated on their own and may contain abstract methods (methods without implementation) as well as concrete methods (methods with implementation). They provide a blueprint for derived classes to follow, enabling code reuse and providing a common base for related classes. Syntax: Abstract classes are declared using the abstract keyword. abstract class Shape { public abstract double GetArea(); } Example: Let’s consider a drawing application where we have different shapes, each with its own area calculation logic. We can define an abstract class Shape: abstract class Shape { public abstract double GetArea(); } Each shape class can inherit from this abstract class and provide its own implementation of the GetArea method: class Rectangle : Shape { public double Length { get; set; } public double Width { get; set; } public override double GetArea() { return Length * Width; } } class Circle : Shape { public double Radius { get; set; } public override double GetArea() { return Math.PI * Radius * Radius; } } Benefits: Code Reuse: Enables the definition of common behavior for related classes without implementing all methods. Default Implementation: Allows for the creation of methods with a default implementation. Initialization: Can have constructors, facilitating initialization of fields in subclasses. GitHub Differences and Considerations: Instantiation: Interfaces cannot be instantiated directly, while abstract classes cannot be instantiated unless all their abstract members are implemented by a concrete subclass. Multiple Inheritance: C# supports multiple inheritance through interfaces, but not through abstract classes (a class can only inherit from one abstract class). Method Implementation: In interfaces, all members are by default abstract and must be implemented by the implementing class. Abstract classes can have both abstract and concrete members, and the concrete members can be directly used by the subclass. Fields: Interfaces cannot contain fields, only members’ signatures. Abstract classes can contain fields, constructors, and members with implementation. Here’s a tabular format highlighting the differences between interfaces and abstract classes in C#: Feature Interfaces Abstract Classes Instantiation Cannot be instantiated directly Cannot be instantiated directly Inheritance Supports multiple inheritance Does not support multiple inheritance Members Can only contain method signatures (no fields or implementation) Can contain both abstract and concrete members (including fields and methods with implementation) Implementation All members are abstract (no implementation) Can have both abstract and concrete members Purpose Defines a contract for classes to implement Provides a blueprint for derived classes Example Syntax csharp interface IExample { void Method(); } csharp abstract class Example { public abstract void Method(); } Differences between interfaces and abstract classes This tabular format clearly outlines the key differences between interfaces and abstract classes in C#, making it easier to understand their distinctions. In conclusion, interfaces and abstract classes are powerful tools in C# for designing flexible and maintainable code. Understanding their differences and benefits is crucial for effective software design and development. Please find original article here.

In modern web applications, efficient data retrieval is crucial for providing a seamless user experience. Dynamic pagination with filters allows users to search and browse through large datasets effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore how to implement dynamic pagination with filters in an ASP.NET Core application step by step. In this guide, we’ll explore how to implement dynamic pagination with filters in an ASP.NET Core application step by step, enhancing usability and performance. Define Filter Model and Comparison Enum: Introduce the ExpressionFilter class and Comparison enum, which represent filter criteria and comparison operations, respectively. These components form the foundation for defining and applying filters in the ASP.NET Core application. Implement Expression Builder: Explore the ExpressionBuilder class, which provides methods for dynamically constructing LINQ expressions based on provided filters. The ConstructAndExpressionTree method generates an expression tree based on a list of filters, while the GetExpression method constructs a LINQ expression for a single filter criterion. Base Repository Interface and Implementation: Define the repository interface and implementation responsible for querying the database and applying filters for pagination. Discuss how filters are dynamically applied to the LINQ query, enabling efficient data retrieval based on user-defined criteria. Base Service Interface and Implementation: Explain the service interface and implementation for retrieving paginated data with filters. Highlight how the service interacts with the repository to fetch data and map it to view models, facilitating the creation of paginated data view models for presentation. Controller Setup: Detail the setup of the controller method to handle HTTP GET requests for retrieving paginated data with filters. Discuss how the controller accepts parameters for pagination, search criteria, and applies default values if not provided. Explore how filters are constructed based on the search criteria and applied to the ProductService to retrieve paginated data. 1. Define Filter Model and Comparison Enum public class ExpressionFilter { public string? PropertyName { get; set; } public object? Value { get; set; } public Comparison Comparison { get; set; } } public enum Comparison { [Display(Name = "==")] Equal, [Display(Name = "<")] LessThan, [Display(Name = "<=")] LessThanOrEqual, [Display(Name = ">")] GreaterThan, [Display(Name = ">=")] GreaterThanOrEqual, [Display(Name = "!=")] NotEqual, [Display(Name = "Contains")] Contains, //for strings [Display(Name = "StartsWith")] StartsWith, //for strings [Display(Name = "EndsWith")] EndsWith, //for strings }   The ExpressionFilter class represents a filter criterion with properties like PropertyName, Value, and Comparison. The Comparison enum enumerates various comparison operations like equal, less than, greater than, etc. 2. Implement Expression Builder public static class ExpressionBuilder { public static Expression<Func<T, bool>> ConstructAndExpressionTree<T>(List<ExpressionFilter> filters) { if (filters.Count == 0) return null; ParameterExpression param = Expression.Parameter(typeof(T), "t"); Expression exp = null; if (filters.Count == 1) { exp = GetExpression<T>(param, filters[0]); } else { exp = GetExpression<T>(param, filters[0]); for (int i = 1; i < filters.Count; i++) { exp = Expression.Or(exp, GetExpression<T>(param, filters[i])); } } return Expression.Lambda<Func<T, bool>>(exp, param); } public static Expression GetExpression<T>(ParameterExpression param, ExpressionFilter filter) { MethodInfo containsMethod = typeof(string).GetMethod("Contains", new Type[] { typeof(string) }); MethodInfo startsWithMethod = typeof(string).GetMethod("StartsWith", new Type[] { typeof(string) }); MethodInfo endsWithMethod = typeof(string).GetMethod("EndsWith", new Type[] { typeof(string) }); MemberExpression member = Expression.Property(param, filter.PropertyName); ConstantExpression constant = Expression.Constant(filter.Value); switch (filter.Comparison) { case Comparison.Equal: return Expression.Equal(member, constant); case Comparison.GreaterThan: return Expression.GreaterThan(member, constant); case Comparison.GreaterThanOrEqual: return Expression.GreaterThanOrEqual(member, constant); case Comparison.LessThan: return Expression.LessThan(member, constant); case Comparison.LessThanOrEqual: return Expression.LessThanOrEqual(member, constant); case Comparison.NotEqual: return Expression.NotEqual(member, constant); case Comparison.Contains: return Expression.Call(member, containsMethod, constant); case Comparison.StartsWith: return Expression.Call(member, startsWithMethod, constant); case Comparison.EndsWith: return Expression.Call(member, endsWithMethod, constant); default: return null; } } } The ExpressionBuilder class provides methods for dynamically constructing LINQ expressions based on provided filters. The ConstructAndExpressionTree method constructs an expression tree based on a list of filters. The GetExpression method constructs a LINQ expression for a single filter criterion based on its comparison type. 3. Base Repository Interface and Implementation // Interface Task<PaginatedDataViewModel<T>> GetPaginatedDataWithFilter(int pageNumber, int pageSize, List<ExpressionFilter> filters, CancellationToken cancellationToken); // Implementation public async Task<PaginatedDataViewModel<T>> GetPaginatedDataWithFilter(int pageNumber, int pageSize, List<ExpressionFilter> filters, CancellationToken cancellationToken = default) { var query = _dbContext.Set<T>().AsNoTracking(); // Apply search criteria if provided if (filters != null && filters.Any()) { // Construct expression tree based on filters var expressionTree = ExpressionBuilder.ConstructAndExpressionTree<T>(filters); query = query.Where(expressionTree); } // Pagination var data = await query .Skip((pageNumber - 1) * pageSize) .Take(pageSize) .ToListAsync(cancellationToken); // Total count of data var totalCount = await query.CountAsync(cancellationToken); // Create and return paginated data view model return new PaginatedDataViewModel<T>(data, totalCount); } The repository interface defines a method GetPaginatedDataWithFilter to retrieve paginated data with filters. The repository implementation constructs a LINQ query dynamically based on the provided filters. Filters are applied to the query using the ExpressionBuilder class. Pagination is applied to the query to retrieve a specific subset of data. The total count of data is calculated. A paginated data view model containing the queried data and total count is created and returned. 4. Base Service Interface and Implementation // Interface Task<PaginatedDataViewModel<TViewModel>> GetPaginatedDataWithFilter(int pageNumber, int pageSize, List<ExpressionFilter> filters, CancellationToken cancellationToken); // Implementation public virtual async Task<PaginatedDataViewModel<TViewModel>> GetPaginatedDataWithFilter(int pageNumber, int pageSize, List<ExpressionFilter> filters, CancellationToken cancellationToken) { // Retrieve paginated data with filters from repository var paginatedData = await _repository.GetPaginatedDataWithFilter(pageNumber, pageSize, filters, cancellationToken); // Map data to view models var mappedData = _viewModelMapper.MapList(paginatedData.Data); // Create paginated data view model var paginatedDataViewModel = new PaginatedDataViewModel<TViewModel>(mappedData.ToList(), paginatedData.TotalCount); // Return paginated data view model return paginatedDataViewModel; } The service interface defines a method GetPaginatedDataWithFilter to retrieve paginated data with filters. The service implementation retrieves paginated data with filters from the repository. Retrieved data is mapped to view models using a view model mapper. A paginated data view model is created and returned. 5. Controller Setup [HttpGet("paginated-data-with-filter")] public async Task<IActionResult> Get(int? pageNumber, int? pageSize, string? search, CancellationToken cancellationToken) { try { // Setting default values for pagination int pageSizeValue = pageSize ?? 10; int pageNumberValue = pageNumber ?? 1; // List to hold filters var filters = new List<ExpressionFilter>(); // Check if search criteria is provided if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(search) && search != null) { // Add filters for relevant properties based on the search string filters.AddRange(new[] { new ExpressionFilter { PropertyName = "Code", Value = search, Comparison = Comparison.Contains }, new ExpressionFilter { PropertyName = "Name", Value = search, Comparison = Comparison.Contains }, new ExpressionFilter { PropertyName = "Description", Value = search, Comparison = Comparison.Contains } }); // Check if the search string represents a valid numeric value for the "Price" property if (double.TryParse(search, out double price)) { filters.Add(new ExpressionFilter { PropertyName = "Price", Value = price, Comparison = Comparison.Equal }); } } // Retrieve paginated data with filters from ProductService var products = await _productService.GetPaginatedDataWithFilter(pageNumberValue, pageSizeValue, filters, cancellationToken); // Create response containing paginated data var response = new ResponseViewModel<PaginatedDataViewModel<ProductViewModel>> { Success = true, Message = "Products retrieved successfully", Data = products }; // Return response return Ok(response); } catch (Exception ex) { // Log error _logger.LogError(ex, "An error occurred while retrieving products"); // Create error response var errorResponse = new ResponseViewModel<IEnumerable<ProductViewModel>> { Success = false, Message = "Error retrieving products", Error = new ErrorViewModel { Code = "ERROR_CODE", Message = ex.Message } }; // Return error response return StatusCode(StatusCodes.Status500InternalServerError, errorResponse); } } This controller method handles HTTP GET requests to retrieve paginated data with filters. It accepts parameters for pagination (pageNumber and pageSize) and a search string (search). Default values for pagination are set if not provided. Filters are constructed based on the search criteria, including properties like Code, Name, Description, and Price. The search string is checked to determine if it represents a valid numeric value for the Price property. Paginated data with filters is retrieved from the ProductService. A response containing paginated data is created and returned if successful. If an error occurs, it is logged, and an error response is returned. In conclusion, implementing dynamic pagination with filters in an ASP.NET Core application enhances the user experience by enabling efficient data retrieval and browsing capabilities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, developers can create web applications that provide seamless navigation through large datasets, improving usability and performance. Stay tuned for more in-depth tutorials and best practices in ASP.NET Core development! Please find original article here.

The idea for this recipe came to me after I discovered an amazing documentary series on Netflix called Chef’s Table, which debuted last year. Each episode of the show focuses on a world-renowned chef and gives an intimate view of their life, their restaurants and their journey to mastering their craft. It’s beautifully done and so inspiring — I binge-watched the entire first season in just a few days. You can watch the trailer below. One of the featured chefs on the series is Dan Barber, the chef and co-owner of Blue Hill in Manhattan and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, New York. After learning about him, I was eager to try some of his recipes; a quick Google search led me to his Cauliflower Steak with Cauliflower Purée in Bon Appétit and Food52’s Genius Recipes column. The recipe goes along with Barber’s nose-to-tail, whole-farm eating approach, as he uses the center of the cauliflower to make the “steaks” and the remaining florets to make the purée. I love the idea as a way to jazz up the trendy cauliflower steak, so I decided to feature my own slightly adapted version here. What you’ll need to make Cauliflower steaks   How to make Cauliflower steaks To begin, use a sharp knife to cut two 1-inch-thick slices from the center of the cauliflower. Cut the remaining florets into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium pot, bring the broth and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the cauliflower and bring back to a boil.   Cover, reduce the heat to low and steam for about 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is very tender.   Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cauliflower to a food processor. Add 1/2 cup of the broth from the pot, along with the butter. Process until smooth, then add the thyme and process until just combined.   Heat 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower steaks to the skillet, nice side down (whichever side is prettier), and then drizzle the cauliflower steaks with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle each steak with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper.   Cook until the first side is golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Flip the cauliflower steaks over and transfer the pan to the oven. Bake until tender, about 10 minutes.   Rewarm the cauliflower purée. Then, divide the purée between 2 plates, and top each with a cauliflower steak, nice side up.   Please find original recipe here.

Savor the classic flavors (and colors) of Italy with a crispy thin-crust Margherita pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria! Margherita pizza is a beloved Italian classic that traces its roots back to Naples, where it was first created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. The story goes that during her visit to Naples in 1889, she was served a pizza featuring the colors of the Italian flag: red from tomatoes, white from mozzarella cheese, and green from fresh basil. This simple yet flavorful pizza quickly became a symbol of Italian pride and has since captured the hearts of pizza lovers around the world. A traditional Margherita pizza is made with a few key ingredients: a rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and sometimes a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. While it's often baked in a wood-fired oven for that perfect crispy crust, you can easily recreate this delicious pizza at home with just a hot oven and a sheet pan. I recommend using a homemade pizza dough for the best results, though store-bought dough works just as well. The sauce is a quick, no-cook Neapolitan style made from canned San Marzano tomatoes, which you can prepare in just five minutes! When making Margherita pizza, the key is simplicity. The magic is in the quality of the ingredients, so don't overload your pizza with too many toppings. A little sauce and cheese go a long way — too much can make the pizza soggy. Less is definitely more when it comes to this iconic pizza! What You’ll Need To Make Margherita Pizza Homemade pizza dough is ideal, but store-bought may be substituted (these dough balls weigh about 1 pound each). San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of plum tomatoes that originate from the town of San Marzano sul Sarno, near Naples, Italy. They have a sweeter, less acidic, and more concentrated flavor than typical roma tomatoes. Many supermarkets carry them but don’t worry if you can’t find them; regular crushed tomatoes will work. Look for a fresh mozzarella ball that is not packed in water. (Or, if the cheese is packed in water, be sure to dry it well.) Also, it’s important to use authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, which you can identify by looking at the rind, which is embossed with the name over and over. If the cheese is already grated, it should be labeled “Parmigiano Reggiano,” not “Parmesan.” Step-By-Step Instructions Make the sauce by combining the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar in a small bowl. Mix to combine. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender. (Note: This recipe makes enough sauce for four pizzas. You can refrigerate extra sauce for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.) On a lightly floured surface, using your hands, stretch and press one ball of dough into an 12-inch round. Transfer the dough to a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet, and gently stretch it out again so that it maintains its shape. Spread 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons of the sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 7 minutes, until the crust is partially cooked. Remove from the oven, and scatter half of the mozzarella cubes over the sauce, followed by half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Slide the pan back into the oven and cook until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 4 minutes more. Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Sprinkle with the basil and slice. Repeat with the remaining pizza dough and ingredients. (If you’d like to bake the two pizzas at the same time, you can fire up two ovens. Or, if you don’t mind the crust a little thicker, you can form the two dough balls into 8×12-inch rectangles and place them side by side on the baking sheet.)   Please find original recipe link here.