How Are Green Eggs Produced

Green eggs-travaganza

Eggs are boiled for 10 minutes and the eggshells are carefully peeled afterward. The eggs are then cut in half to remove the yolks without destroying the boiled egg. The yolks are then mixed with mayonnaise and mustard. Salt and pepper is added to taste. To make the egg mixture look green, food coloring is added depending on the desired shade. The whole mixture is then scooped back into the egg whites and garnished with parsley or individual ham rounds.

The eggs are usually served with toast.

Green eggs and ham a la Sam-I-Am

If you have been wondering what exactly Sam served to the other character that turned out to be so delicious in the end, here is an idea. This version of green eggs and ham uses any type of ham that can be found in the kitchen. Ham is fried in butter over medium heat until it is slightly crisp. Eggs, salt, pepper and milk are then mixed together until a frothy mixture is produced. To turn the eggs green, a drop or two of food coloring is added. The egg mixture is then fried in butter over medium heat until the eggs are firm.

The eggs are served with the fried ham and garnished with parsley.

Green eggs and ham for grownups

If you are not a big fan of food coloring, there is another way to make the eggs turn green. The grownup version of green eggs and ham uses spinach pesto sauce. Spinach, scallions and ham are stirred in hot butter and cooked over medium-high heat for two minutes. After that, the eggs are poured into the mixture and cooked until they are firm enough, at which point, pesto, pepper and salt are added.

Tags: food coloring, butter over, butter over medium, coloring added, eggs uses

Make Plum Fruit Leather

Make Plum Fruit Leather

Sometimes fresh fruit begs you to do something different with it rather than a commonplace cobbler or pie. For a refreshing change of pace, consider making delicious fruit leather out of delicious summer produce. Plums are a tasty fruit that are ideal for using to make fruit leather. If you have a fruit dehydrator you can use this to make the fruit leather, otherwise an oven will suffice. With a few common kitchen ingredients and utensils, you will quickly be ready to eat your delicious plum fruit leather.

Instructions

1. Place the prepared plums into the saucepan. Add the water and slowly heat the fruit over low heat. Place the cover on the pan and allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the plums are cooked.

2. Uncover the saucepan and stir the plums. Mash the plums with the potato masher. Add 1 tsp. of lemon juice and begin to add the sugar slowly to the plum mixture. Add one spoonful of sugar at a time so you do not over-sweeten the plums.

3. Cook the plums for approximately ten more minutes.

4. Remove the plums from the heat and pour the fruit into the blender. Puree the plums in the blender until they are completely smooth.

5. Spread the plastic wrap over the baking sheet. Pour the pureed plums over the plastic wrap, spreading it so it is approximately ¼-inch thick.

6. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the fruit puree at 140 degrees F. The entire drying process takes between 8 and 12 hours.

7. Touch the fruit leather lightly to see if it is finished baking. If it is not sticky and is smooth, the fruit leather is finished.

Tags: fruit leather, baking sheet, make fruit, make fruit leather, Make Plum, Make Plum Fruit, plastic wrap

Healthy Three Course Meals

Healthy three-course dishes can be made at home by paying attention to the ingredients you use and your methods of cooking. Eating three-course meals means you will eat less at each course and eat a wider variety of flavors and nutrients than if you fill up on one main course. There are many healthy yet tasty appetizers, main dishes and desserts to choose from, and most favorite dishes can be adapted to make healthier versions.

American Cuisine

Classic American favorites can be used to make a healthy three-course meal. A basic green salad is a healthy appetizer. It is low in fat if you avoid creamy dressings and ingredients such as cheese and bacon. Soup also can be a healthy appetizer. Whether you make your own soup or buy it, choose clear soups rather than creamy ones. If you make your own soup, you control the nutritional value of all the ingredients and you can make a soup from vegetables and broth that is almost entirely fat-free.

Favorite American main courses, such as hot dogs and hamburgers, have healthy alternatives that include turkey burgers, grilled chicken breasts and fish cakes. Pay attention to the condiments you choose as toppings and go for mustard, ketchup and pickles instead of cheese or mayonnaise. A healthier version of French fries is baked potato wedges. Scrub the potatoes, chop them into wedges, coat with a little olive oil and bake them in the oven until they are crispy. Wedges are as tasty as fries but considerably lower in fat.

If you like ice cream for dessert, substitute a fruit sorbet or a low-fat frozen yogurt as a healthier alternative.

Italian Cuisine

If you avoid cheese- and cream-based dishes and choose tomato-based ones instead, you can eat a healthy three-course Italian meal. Bruschetta makes a delicious low-fat appetizer; try topping toasted bread with olive tapenade as an alternative.

To make a healthy pizza, purchase or make your own pizza dough and top it with fresh tomatoes and vegetables. Low-fat cheese, a small amount of cheese or none at all will cut down on the fat content. Also, use vegetable toppings instead of fatty meats. A side salad will help you eat less pizza and more vegetables but still have a filling meal.

Tomato-based pasta dishes are a healthy option, especially if you make your own sauce from fresh or canned tomatoes and sauteed onions and garlic. If you add meat, use skinless chicken breast or shrimp instead of beef or sausage.

A fruit terrine makes a relatively healthy dessert to follow an Italian meal.

Asian Cuisine

Asian cuisine lends itself to fresh, healthy ingredients flavored with bold seasonings, such as garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Clear broth soups are an Asian staple and if they're homemade, they can be low in fat and calories. Marinated fish, shrimp or chicken skewers make tasty low-fat appetizers too.

For the main course, a stir fry made with lots of finely chopped vegetables packs in lots of nutrients and requires only a small amount of oil for cooking. Cabbage, bean sprouts, bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms and canned water chestnuts and bamboo shoots are appropriate vegetables to use for an Asian-flavored stir-fry dish. Boiled plain noodles or white rice can make a complementary low-fat carbohydrate element.

For dessert, consider a fresh tropical fruit salad made from pineapple, mango and kiwi fruit.

Tags: make your, appetizers main, healthy appetizer, healthy three-course, Italian meal

Different Ways To Serve Tomato Soup

Tomato soup topped with a garnish of chives.

Tomato soup, served as a main meal or side dish, offers comfort food rich in color, nutrients and vitamins. Starting with a large batch of soup, you can serve this basic dish extended with different seasonings and combinations of grains and vegetables for hearty meals during a busy week.

Adding to the Soup Base

For variety, try adding strips of greens such as chard, kale or spinach. Sliced mushrooms, plus fresh or dried oregano, or basil make elegant additions. Tender cooked white beans plus saut ed onions and garlic also give texture and flavor. For a hearty tomato soup, stir in crumbled cooked sausage or bacon. Serving with slices of leftover roast beef or chicken plus rice adds protein. You can experiment with different kinds of cooked pasta, such as fusilli, macaroni and alphabet to appeal to children's tastes.

Seasonal Soup

If possible, try adding locally grown, in-season vegetables to your tomato soup servings. Winter vegetables roasted, then cut in small pieces include squash, sweet potatoes and turnips. In summer, experiment with collards, eggplant, shallots, kohlrabi and okra. A colorful garden soup includes corn kernels, cauliflower florets, peas, green beans and carrots. For holiday celebrations, such as Thanksgiving, tomato soup can include shredded cabbage, leeks and winter squash.

Grains and International Tastes

Healthy grains complement the basic tomato soup. Try adding a scoop of cooked rice, couscous, barley, quinoa or other cooked grain in a soup bowl. Ladle the rich, hot soup around the scoop or over top. Tomato soup recipes easily adapt ingredients from internationally inspired cuisines. For an Asian touch, try stirring in diced, firm tofu plus greens, such as tender bok choy. A more European taste includes different cheeses grated as a garnish.

Vegetable Garnishes

Garnishes add color, texture and nutritional variety to the tomato soup. As an alternative to crackers, you can make croutons with seasoned, diced bread baked on a single layer on a baking sheet. Vegetable garnishes include grated parsnip, carrot curls and shredded zucchini. Chopped parsley, chives or cilantro make a deep green garnish that contrasts well with the rich, red soup.

Other Uses

A thicker version tops meals much like a gravy over meatloaf and pasta dishes. Tomato soup also becomes a barbecue sauce with saut ed onion, celery, plus any hot sauce, if desired. This soup also teams well in casseroles, such as tomato beef casserole with ground beef and medium noodles and corn. In some casserole recipes, you can substitute tomato soup for water or other liquid. This soup also adds a vegetable when mixed in with popular macaroni and cheese dishes. Ladling into a partially hollowed sourdough roll or other large, firm bread roll makes an edible bowl.

Future Servings

Freezing tomato soup allows time-saving on days when you have little time to prepare soup from scratch. Small freezer containers, freezer bags and ice cube trays hold soup for future use. Cream soups tend to freeze less successfully because the soup separates. Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating or freezing.

Tags: soup also, tomato soup, tomato soup, experiment with, greens such, rich soup

Dry Fruit

Fruits are preserved by removing all of the moisture. Drying fruit is one of the most widely used natural methods to conserve the quality and taste of the fruit for a long time. It is easy to follow the various approaches to dry and preserve different varieties of fruit.

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit

1. Select fruit pieces that are ripe and unspoiled. Wash the fruit thoroughly. Remove the pits and slice in equal sizes. Bite-sized pieces are recommended.

2. Steam fruit such as apricots and apples for 3 to 4 minutes or suspend them in a strainer in boiling water to preserve the color. Transfer immediately to ice cold water for one minute. Remove and dry with a paper towel.

3. Make a solution of one cup water and one box powdered pectin. Bring it to a boil and add 1/2 cup sugar and one cup cold water. Let the sugar dissolve and remove. Dip fruit such as cherries, peaches and berries in the mixture for 5 minutes. Dry with a paper towel.

4. Combine 1 cup sugar and 3 cups water. Boil and add 1 cup honey. Mix well to make a dip for fruit like pineapples, peaches and bananas. Transfer the fruit after 5 minutes. As a variation, mix 1 cup lukewarm water, pineapple juice and 2 Tbsp. persevered lemon juice to make the dipping solution.

5. Prepare a universal fruit dip by combining 2 Tbsp. ascorbic acid or finely crushed vitamin C tablets in 2 cups water. Dip desired fruit for a few minutes.

Dry the Fruit

6. Lay the fruit on a screen and place it outside in the sunlight 4 to 5 days in a row. Cover the screen with a net cloth to prevent birds from picking at the fruit. Bring the fruit inside at night to avoid dew build up. Turn over the fruit twice during the process.

7. Dry the fruit in the oven if the temperature outside is above 100 degrees F. Place a cheese cloth over the racks. Keep the oven door open by inserting a metal spatula in the doorway. Pre-heat to 145 degrees. Turn off the oven and place the fruit inside. Wait 4 to 12 hours for the fruit to completely dry.

8. Place the dry fruit inside a big, open-mouthed pot and cover the pot with a net. Let the pot sit for 2 weeks in a warm and dry location. Stir once or twice every 3 days. This completely removes any hidden moisture inside the fruit and makes it wrinkly and dry.

9. Place the dried fruit in a paper bag and keep inside a clear air tight plastic bag or container. Store in a cool, humid-free area.

Tags: fruit inside, cold water, cups water, fruit such, paper towel, with paper, with paper towel

Make A Frozen Margarita From Scratch

Frozen margaritas make the perfect summer drink to accompany a party, evening at home or a barbecue. While ordering frozen margaritas at a bar can be expensive, making them at home is easy and much more affordable. Margarita mixes are available, but the end quality of the drink is nowhere near as good as made a made from scratch margarita at home.

Instructions

1. Put approximately 2 1/2 cups of ice into your blender to make a 36 ounce pitcher of frozen margaritas. Most margarita glasses hold around 12 ounces, so this will make about 3 drinks. Adjust quantities if needed.

2. Pour 4 ounces of tequila into your blender. Add to this 2 ounces of Cointreau or Triple Sec. Good quality tequila makes a significant difference in your frozen margaritas.

3. Add 1//4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice to the blender, along with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Bottled juices will also work in your frozen margaritas from scratch. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and blend. If needed, add up to 1/3 cup of water to help blend the margaritas.

4. Pour margarita salt into a shallow pan. Dip the rim of each glass into water and then into the salt. If you cannot find margarita salt, kosher or sea salt will also work well.

5. Fill each margarita glass with your frozen margaritas from scratch. Add a lime wedge or slice to each to garnish.

Tags: frozen margaritas, your frozen margaritas, your frozen, also work, from scratch, frozen margaritas from

Compost With Humus

Because you make humus from waste, there is no cost to composting beyond the composter itself.

A rich compost, also called humus, can be made from leaves, yard debris, kitchen scraps and other waste right outside your home in a composter or pile. In composting, all of the materials you put in the composter are broken down into fine soil-like humus full of nutrients and minerals that will be slowly released into the soil. With a few basic steps or upkeep, you should have ready to use humus within a few months.

Instructions

1. Place your composter in a location convenient to your home for quick access year round. Make sure the area receives full sun for four to five hours each day to heat the contents inside.

2. Gather together "brown" material such as sticks, woody stems, dried grass, dried leaves, twigs, shredded newspaper, and shredded cardboard. Collect together "green" materials like pruned plants, fresh leaves, fresh cut grass, and kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.

3. Bring together your green and brown materials in equal amounts. Place about half of the brown material along the bottom of the composter to get it started followed by all of your green materials. Layer the second half of the browns to cover over the fresh green material.

4. Pour 1/2 gallon of water over the layers to wet the material and make it moist inside the composter. Close the lid of the composter, if available. Allow the material to rest for a week to begin to heat up and start to break down.

5. Open the composter and use a pitchfork or spading fork to turn the material over, bringing the lower brown layer up, while turning the green and the upper brown layer to the bottom. Look at how moist or dry the material is to see if a 1/2 gallon of water was enough to keep the material damp for a week. If the material is soggy, then a 1/2 gallon is too much water.

6. Add green material over your turned mixture, followed by an equal amount of brown material. An equal quantity of each substance ensures that your final humus ends up with well-balanced nutrients. Add the amount of water you need to keep your pile moist.

7. Add new material in equal amounts anytime you have it available. Repeat turning the existing material and adding water at least weekly to keep the material cooking. When it resembles a black, rich soil, the humus is finished.

Tags: brown material, brown layer, equal amounts, gallon water, green material, green materials, keep material

What Is Saffron Risotto

Saffron Risotto is an Italian rice dish flavored with saffron. It can contain any number of ingredients including meats, vegetables, and sea food or it can be served plain. The main point is that the saffron turns the rice bright yellow.

Saffron

Saffron comes from the crocus sativus, a perennial flower that blooms in the autumn and is native to Asia Minor. The part of the crocus that people eat are the stigmas, the female parts that look like three thin yellow threads that grow in the center of each bloom. Saffron is very expensive to collect but a little bit goes a very long way in the kitchen. One-fourth teaspoon of saffron is enough to flavor about 10 pounds of rice.

Toasting the Rice

Risotto is Italian for rice. Saffron risotto starts with uncooked rice. To make the rice have its distinctive texture, before adding any liquid, the uncooked grains are toasted in a frying pan in about 4 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil. It takes careful attention to toast the rice so that it plumps up and gets a bit more color but does not burn or turn too brown. Usually, 1/3 cup of finely chopped pieces of onion are sauteed in the same pan along with the rice.

Cooking the Rice

Instead of cooking the rice in a pot of water, saffron risotto is made using beef broth and white wine. For 1 1/2 cups of uncooked rice, you will need 5 cups of broth and 1/2 cup of wine. Put the toasted rice and the onions into a saucepan. Pour over the broth and wine mixture and allow it to cook over a medium heat.

Adding Saffron

Saffron is sold in two forms--as a powder or as threads. When the rice has been cooking for around 10 minutes, add a very small pinch of powdered saffron. This will color the rice yellow and add a subtle flavor. The rice needs to continue cooking for approximately ten more minutes. You will know that it is ready when all of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.

Options

Saffron risotto can include extra ingredients like Parmesan cheese. Add this, freshly grated, to the rice at the table so that each diner can select how much cheese they want. Saffron risotto can even be used as the basis of more elaborate dishes as well. Add cooked pieces of beef, chicken, seafood, or lamb along with some fried green or red peppers with another cup of broth or water and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.

Tags: along with, broth wine, Italian rice, Risotto Italian, Risotto Italian rice, Saffron risotto

What Is A Savory Dish

Party guests in the U.K. eat pork pies as savory snacks.

In cooking, most dishes fall into one of two categories: sweet or savory. You can define a savory dish by its ingredients, its flavor and often by where and when it is served.

Meaning

A savory dish typically tastes salty or spicy, rather than sugary; the opposite of a sweet dish. The word "savory" (or "savoury" in British English) literally means "pleasing in taste," from the Old French "savour," meaning "to taste."

Examples

Savory dishes use ingredients such as meat, vegetables, rice, potatoes and herbs and spices. Popular savory snacks and foods includes meats, non-sweet pastries, cheese, crackers, chips and pretzels.

Occasions

You may eat savory dishes as an appetizer, as an accompaniment, as part of a main course or as a snack. In the U.K., party guests enjoy savory dishes picked from a buffet. Traditionally, hosts served savory dishes after the dessert to cleanse the palate.

Tags: savory dish, savory dishes, savory snacks

Pair Wine & Salad Dressing

Salad and wine make a good pair, provided that you pay attention to the salad dressing.

Usually, wines of higher acidity are better suited as a complement to raw vegetables. However, when serving salad, the host must also consider the salad dressing. When raw vegetables are topped with a dressing or sauce, the standard vegetable/wine-pairing rules fail. In this case, as the host, you need to know what wine will best suit the salad dressing, not the vegetables in the salad. There are many aspects to consider when pairing wines and salad dressings.

Instructions

1. Decide on what takes precedence: the wine or the salad. If the salad is more important, you need to find a wine to match it. If the wine is more important, choose a complementary salad dressing. No matter which is more important to you, this article can be used in the same way, but let us assume that you already have a choice of salad dressing and need a suitable wine to match it.

2. Determine the vinegar content of your salad dressing. If it contains a large amount of vinegar, do not choose an acidic wine. The taste of the vinegar on the tongue will alter the true flavor of an acidic wine. In this case, stay away from sauvignon-style wines. Less acidic wines such as chardonnay will prove more suitable as a pairing to vinegar-based salad dressings.

3. Assess the overall flavor of your salad dressing. Ask yourself whether the salad dressing is either complex or simple. If you feel the salad dressing has a mix of many flavors, a simple wine will be a suitable choice, as it will not obscure the flavor of your salad dressing. Hence, stay away from more intricate wines such as aged cabernets, and choose a pinot blanc or similarly simple wine.

4. Consider the creaminess of your salad dressing. If it is a thick, creamy dressing, your situation is the opposite of that of a vinegar-rich salad. A creamy dressing is best paired with a wine high in acidity, such as sauvignon blanc.

Tags: salad dressing, your salad, your salad dressing, more important, salad dressing, acidic wine

Unique Food Gifts To Make

Expressing hospitality through gifts of bread or wine is a practice that reaches across centuries and continents.

Whether you are welcoming a new neighbor, celebrating a friend's birthday or providing meals to assist a co-worker after surgery, food gifts are always welcome. Warm bread, sticky jam or tins of cookies feed the heart and nourish community. In order to avoid a baking rut, consider adding some unique recipes to your repertoire so that whatever the occasion, you are prepared to dish out hospitality.

Preserves, Jams, Garnishes, Condiments

Sometimes the most convenient food gift is one that does not require immediate consumption. However, you may tire of giving predictable jars of strawberry jam or your homemade salsa. Consider seasonal or international ingredients and recipes to create unusual treats like fig jam, saffron curry marinade, cashew bacon brittle or home-grown sun-dried heirloom tomatoes. Unleashing your inner "foodie" can result in delicious spreads and snacks; just remember to make test batches of new recipes before integrating them into your hospitable giving.

Breads, Cookies, Baked Goods

Sometimes unique food gifts are special because of their origin rather than any particular complexity - not that you have to tell the recipient. Portuguese farm bread, for instance, immediately sounds rustic and labor-intensive, yet it only requires five ingredients. Crossing categories is another way to create unique food gifts: honey lavender shortbread sounds like bread, tastes like a cookie and uses a flower as an ingredient. Guinness stout ginger cake combines dessert and drinks. Label your gift so that recipients can savor the discovery of what their treat contains after you've gone.

Tags: food gifts, gift that, unique food

Construct A Sorghum Mill

A mill is needed in order to extract the juice from the stalks of the sweet sorghum plant. A traditional roller press is used to extract the juice from the stalks. An old-fashioned washing machine with a hand-operated press is an excellent choice for a sorghum mill. It only needs to be properly cleaned before and between uses to make sure it is fully disinfected. Otherwise, no changes need to be made to the machine.

Instructions

1. Disinfect the machine by soaking it in a tub of water with bleach. Add 1 cup of bleach to the tub of water. There must be enough water in the tub so that the machine can be fully submerged.

2. Scrub down all of the parts of the machine. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when doing so.

3. Empty the tub and fill it with 2 cups of white vinegar and enough hot water to submerge the machine.

4. Put on your rubber gloves. Scrub the machine to get rid of all of the bleach. Rinse the machine under hot water to make sure all of the bleach has been washed away.

5. The washing machine is ready to be used as a sorghum mill.

Tags: enough water, extract juice, extract juice from, from stalks, juice from

Raw Sugar Uses

Raw sugar in North America has been slighly refined to meet health standards.

Once sugar cane has been processed to remove the molasses and to refine the white sugar, there is a leftover substance called raw sugar. In North America, three main types of raw sugars are used: Demerara, Muscovado or Barbados, and Turbinado sugar. Because of health regulations, it is not possible to purchase 100 percent raw sugar. These types of sugars have been slightly refined to remove contaminants and make them safe for human consumption. They can be used in place of white and brown sugar in a variety of recipes.

Demerara Sugar

This type of raw sugar was named after its place of origin -- Demerara, Guyana. It is a pale, toffee-tasting sugar that comes in the form of large, golden crystals. Demerara sugar is known for its characteristic crunchy texture, which defines its uses. It is commonly used as an alternative to white sugar to sweeten coffee. Because of its crunchy texture, this raw sugar is perfect for use in recipes that could benefit from the added crunch. Examples include baked crumbles, cheesecake bases and flapjacks. Also, because of its large crystals, Demerara can be used to decorate baked goods such as cookies. Demerara sugar can also be purchased in a finer grain that can be used in cake recipes.

Muscovado Sugar (Barbados Sugar)

Muscovado, or Barbados, sugar is a popular choice in Great Britain and is commonly used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar. There are two types of Muscovado sugar: dark and light. The dark sugar has a strong flavor that tends to linger. It is best paired with recipes that have rich flavors to blend with the strong taste. Dark Muscovado sugar can be used in gingerbread recipes, as a coffee sweetener, or in chocolate cakes or fudge. Light Muscovado sugar has a finer, more subtle molasses flavor. The faint aroma of molasses makes this type of sugar a good substitute for virtually any recipe that calls for brown sugar.

Turbinado Sugar

This type of sugar is made from crushing sugar cane and extracting the juice by steam cleaning. It is very similar to Demerara sugar in that it is coarse grained and light colored. Because of Turbinado sugar's faint molasses flavor, it is used in recipes to add a bit more complex flavor than white sugar would allow. Turbinado sugar can be used as a replacement to most recipes that call for white, granulated sugar. Because of its off-white color, this sugar can also be used as a method of altering the color of a white dessert.

Tags: brown sugar, Demerara sugar, Muscovado sugar, recipes that, Turbinado sugar

Kill Grass With Chemicals

While many homeowners and landscapers love grass, there are many occasions where grass is an unwanted guest. As many people have found out, grass is a hearty plant that often refuses to go away easily. If you are serious about ridding your land of grass, using chemicals is a great option.

Instructions

1. Clear away the land of anything you may want to survive. Applying chemicals can seriously harm or kill other flowers and plants if they are nearby. If plants are potted, move them far away. If they are in the ground, get as far away from the base and roots of the plant as possible to avoid contamination.

2. Mow the grass you are trying to kill. Tall grass will prevent your chemicals from reaching the roots. If you first trim the grass low, the chemicals you apply will seep into the ground and ultimately have a higher success rate than if the grass were taller.

3. Chose a chemical that is at least 46 percent superconcentrate. The smaller spray bottle grass killers do not have the strength necessary for the job. Superconcentrates can be purchased at lawn and garden stores and hardware stores. Popular brands include Round-Up and Spectracide.

4. Spray the chemicals onto the grass. Wear rubber gloves when handling the chemicals. Spread the liquid thoroughly and evenly over the grass you are trying to kill. The more heavy duty chemicals will simply come in a jug that you can slosh around. You may also transfer the chemicals to a spray bottle for more accuracy when spraying.

5. Allow the chemicals to work for a few days and check back. There will most likely be patches of dead grass and green grass. Reapply the chemicals to the living grass and repeat this process until all the grass is dead.

Tags: grass trying, grass trying kill, spray bottle, trying kill

Tell When Cucumbers Are Bad

Cucumbers are part of the squash family of vegetables.

The refreshing and crisp cucumber is among the healthiest vegetables you can eat. Although comprised primarily of water, cucumbers have Vitamins A and C, and folic acid. Cucumbers also contain no fat, have very little carbohydrates and are an excellent source of silica, which is a mineral that helps to strengthen connective tissue. This is the reason why cucumbers are effective for relieving facial skin problems such as eye puffiness and sunburn. When bringing home cucumbers from the store, they must be refrigerated to stay fresh, where they will last for roughly one week.

Instructions

1. Look at the cucumbers. If the cucumber has any signs of mold, it's rotten and should be thrown out. Do not just discard the skin. Mold on high moisture vegetables such as cucumbers can also be contaminated underneath the skin as well.

2. Touch the cucumber. Fresh cucumbers will be firm and rigid to to the touch. Cucumbers that have gone bad will be soft and bendable.

3. Slice the cucumber. The cucumber flesh should be firm and crispy, aside from the seeds in the middle. If the flesh is mushy or really soft to the touch, the cucumber is old and should be discarded.

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What Is Quiche

Quiche is one of many European dishes enjoyed in many areas of the world. Quiche is filling, nutritious--more or less so, depending on extra high-calorie ingredients added--and simple to make. Served hot or cold, it is a suitable dish for any season. In addition, you can add different meats or vegetables to quiche, turning a simple light meal into a hearty, savory meal with very little effort.

Ingredients

A basic quiche is made of a flour pastry crust, eggs, milk and seasoning. Meats, such as bacon or ham, and vegetables--especially spinach and other greens--are common additions to quiche recipes.

Features

Since one of the main ingredients in quiche is beaten eggs, it has a light, fluffy texture.

If cheese is added, however, it is slightly denser and heavier. Quiche is suitable as a main course or a side dish.

Cooking Quiche

Starting with a basic pie-sized pastry crust--you can buy ready-made crusts at the store--layer your choice of cooked ham or bacon (if using meat) or vegetables. Beat two or three eggs with a fork. Add a cup of milk and seasoning, then beat well. Pour this over the meats or vegetables in the crust and bake at 350 to 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Cooking time and temperature may depend on your oven. Quiche is done cooking when it is firm but not too dry.

Nutrition

Each quiche will vary nutritionally according to how many eggs and other ingredients are used. However, in general this dish is very high in protein and a good source of calcium. The eggs and milk in a non-meat quiche provide a lot of protein. Add meat and you have a very high protein meal. Milk provides the calcium. Adding tomatoes and green leafy vegetables can make this a balanced meal.

Considerations

For best flavor and texture, don't cut quiche as soon as you take it out of the oven. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes to cool.

If you'd like to make quiche but are concerned about the fat content, you can cut a lot of the fat by substituting several ingredients. Instead of whole eggs, use a low-fat egg substitute. Use skim milk instead of milk and use a harder cheese, such as parmesan, for extra flavor.

Warning

Quiche is sometimes served cold. However, this does not mean it should be left unrefrigerated. It will spoil like any other product containing eggs or milk.

Tags: eggs milk, high protein, meats vegetables, milk seasoning, very high, very high protein

Slow Cook Turkey

Roasting a turkey slowly will keep it moist and tender.

Cooking a turkey too fast can often lead to a dry, tasteless meal. Since turkey can be used in so many different recipes, you want to do everything you can to prevent this from happening. The best way is to take your time and cook your turkey slowly.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

2. Give your turkey a quick rinse under the sink and lay it in your roasting pan. Check to see if there is a bag of innards or a neck. If there is, then remove them. Add some water to the bottom of the roasting pan.

3. Dress up your turkey for a little bit for flavor and so it doesn't dry out. Generously rub vegetable oil all over your bird, including its legs and sides. Now when you are adding the spices, they will stick to the turkey because of the oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder all over the turkey. You want to use a good amount of the spices, but don't dump the whole bottle on there.

4. Cover your turkey with tin foil or your roasting pan's lid. Place your turkey in the oven and cook according to the weight of your turkey. An 8- to 12-lb. turkey would take approximately 3 hours to cook; a 12- to 14-lb. turkey, 3 3/4 hours, a 14- to 18-lb. turkey, 4 1/4 hours; and an 18- to 20-lb. turkey would take 4 1/2 hours. Anything over 20 lbs., you should check after 5 hours.

5. Carefully remove your roasting pan from the oven and check the temperature of the turkey's breast. If your cooking thermometer says 170 degrees, you're good. Anything less than that and the turkey needs to go back in to the oven.

Tags: your turkey, your roasting, turkey hours, turkey slowly, turkey would

Spicy Spanish Foods

Chili peppers are in popular spicy Spanish dishes.

Food is an important part of the culture of Spain. Meals are a time to relax with family and with friends. Each region of Spain is known for its own characteristic dishes and flavors.The Indigo Guide website says that spicy Spanish foods vary among the regions, and each region of Spain has distinctive dishes that are particular to that area. The various areas of Spain take advantage of local native spices to create a cuisine unlike any other area in the world.

La Rioja

The cuisine of La Rioja in Spain reflects the influence of neighboring regions with dishes that have been adapted to local tastes and available food products. According to Spain Recipes website, farmers grow peppers, garlic, flavorful onions, lettuce and many other vegetables. Fava beans are a favorite ingredient in many dishes in La Rioja. The fava beans in La Rioja are never fully dried like other beans, so they retain much of their original flavor and blend well with spicy dishes.

Spain Recipes also says that salsa frittata is a popular spicy green sauce with chilies, tomatoes, avocados and cheese that is served with fried foods. Spicy chorizo sausages are a local favorite and are served with local fresh vegetables. For example, spicy potatoes made with chorizo are served with meats like pork or lamb. Fish are imported from the coastal regions where they are prepared with tomatoes and peppers.

Catalonia

The Top Tour of Spain website mentions that Catalonia dishes are influenced by the Mediterranean cultures as well as the Italian culture. Many of the ingredients that are familiar to those who enjoy Mediterranean cuisine are found in the dishes favored by the people of Catalonia. According to the Spain Recipes website, local dishes contain tomatoes, garlic, herbs and olive oil. Onions and fish are popular ingredients in many foods. Catalonian creations often combine seafood with meats like rabbit and chicken. Grilled green onions, called calcots, and strong garlic sauce called allioli are also popular. Spicy sausages and rice dishes often accompany fish stews that are prepared using red peppers, tomatoes and chilies.

Navarra

Navarra, located in northern Spain, is renowned for using natural ingredients to prepare local cuisine. According to the Spain Recipes website, lamb stew with garlic and olive oil is a traditional dish in Pamplona. Lamp and suckling pig is often prepared with spicy pimiento piquillo peppers. Spicy pollo chilindron is a chicken and smoked ham dish that is flavored with smoked paprika, peppers, garlic and onions. Piquillo peppers are frequently used in meat dishes to add a spicy flavor. Tapas, or snack foods, are popular in the Navarra region of Spain. Popular tapas include piquillo peppers lightly saut ed in olive oil, manchego cheese, chorizo sausage and breads.

Tags: Spain Recipes, According Spain, According Spain Recipes, Recipes website, region Spain

Cook A Cucumber

Cucumbers are tasty and nutritious.

A cucumber is a nutritious food high in vitamin C. There are a number of ways to consume a cucumber: raw, cooked or pickled. Cook a cucumber separately or add it in a salad. Season cucumbers with mint, dill, rosemary or thyme. There is virtually no wrong way to cook a cucumber.

Instructions

1. Peel the cucumber with a carrot peeler or knife. Lay the cucumber on a cutting board and cut it in half the long way. Open the two sides so the seeds are facing up.

2. Scoop out the seeds with a small spoon. Cut the two halves into chunks. Sprinkle salt into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Place the cucumber chunks into the water.

3. Boil the cucumber for four to five minutes. Empty the pot into a strainer. Place the pot back on the stove and put butter in it to melt. Add your choice of herb to the melted butter.

4. Add the cucumber to the seasoned butter and stir. Keep the cucumber on the stove until the pieces are warm. Then, remove from the heat and serve.

Tags: into water

Make A Three Bean Casserole

Three bean casseroles are full of vitamins and nutrients. Black turtle and lima beans have high levels of protein. This three bean casserole is low in calories and vegetarian friendly. Prepare and cook your three bean casserole in about one hour. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

2. Melt the butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Peel and dice the onion and garlic. Place them in the skillet and saute for 5 to 10 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.

4. Stir in the brown sugar, mustard, black turtle beans, lima beans, baked beans, tomato sauce, vinegar, whole kernel corn and barley. Mix the ingredients well.

5. Taste the casserole. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Pour all of the ingredients into a buttered, 2-quart casserole dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

7. Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

8. Remove the dish from the oven and uncover carefully. Steam from the casserole may burn the skin.

9. Stir the casserole thoroughly and then place it back into the oven for 5 minutes.

Tags: lima beans, three bean, three bean casserole

Dry Wild Morel Mushrooms

Morel mushrooms are good either fresh or dried.

Morel mushrooms grow in the forests between early April and June, depending on the geographic location. Morels can be found alone or in clumps and in many colors, including browns, black, grays and reds. When picking morels, avoid mushrooms that feel soft, mushy or granular. These will be too old or wormy. Do not clean morels in water. Instead, gently brush them clean. Soaking morels in water removes their flavor.

Instructions

1. Lay the morels on the screen and place it in a sunny spot. Cutting the morels in half first helps them dry faster. Drying in the sun can take several days. Bring the mushrooms indoors at night to prevent morning dew from rehydrating the mushrooms.

2. Tie the morels to your oven rack with string so that they hang from the rack. Set the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and leave the door ajar to allow air to circulate. If you have trouble tying the morels to the rack, take a needle and thread or dental floss and pierce the morel's stem, about 1/2 inch from the bottom, with the threaded needle (an embroidery needle works well). Pull the thread through and loop it over the oven rack. Knot the thread. The morels should take about eight hours to dry.

3. Store the mushrooms in air-tight containers such as mason jars. Make sure your morels are dry before storing; they should look very light and feel hard as a rock.

Tags: Morel mushrooms, morels water, oven rack

What Is Hoisin Dipping Sauce

Hoisin sauce, a sweet and salty dipping sauce from Southern China, is used in many areas of Asia. It has gained popularity in the U.S. due to immigrants from China and Vietnam bringing their cuisines to the country.

Origin

Hoisin sauce originated in the Canton region of China. It began as a dipping sauce for seafood. "Hoisin" means "seafood" in Cantonese. In Taiwan and China, the sauce is sold with a label specifically stating that it is seafood sauce, but cooks and diners do not limit the use of hoisin sauce to seafood.

Ingredients

Different brands of hoisin sauce contain different ingredients. Some of the common ingredients across brands are sweet potato, soybeans, garlic, salt, vinegar and water. Sauces labeled as vegetarian hoisin sauce do not contain garlic or chili because Taiwanese Buddhist vegetarians do not eat these foods.

Uses

In Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine, hoisin sauce is used both as a dipping sauce and as a cooking ingredient. For the well-known dish Peking duck, diners wrap duck pieces in crepelike pancakes and dip them into hoisin sauce. For a cooking ingredient, many Chinese and Taiwanese chefs use hoisin sauce in marinades for pork dishes. In Vietnam, for the popular dish pho, or beef noodle soup, diners add hoisin sauce to the broth or use it as a dipping sauce for the beef.

Tags: hoisin sauce, dipping sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese Taiwanese, cooking ingredient, hoisin sauce contain, sauce contain

Do Weight Watchers As A Vegetarian

Do Weight Watchers as a Vegetarian

Weight Watchers is a vegetarian-friendly eating plan. You are given a set amount of points per day depending on your current weight. You must stay within those points, although you have the freedom to eat what you prefer. The higher the fiber and the lower the fat and calories, the fewer points the food accumulates. Nearly all vegetables have 0 points. Pasta, bread, potatoes and cheese have higher point values.

Instructions

1. Eat fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. The key is to eat balanced meals.

2. Substitute plenty of protein. Vegetarians' diets often lack in protein that's usually found in meat. So, you should eat beans, veggie burgers, tofu, peanut butter, spinach and nuts to get the essential nutrient.

3. Plan your day or week in advance and shop with those menus in mind. This will help you stay on track and avoid grabbing unhealthy food.

4. Leave some points unused, in case of splurges that you didn't plan on. There are also 35 FlexPoints available each week for those special occasions. You will still lose weight if you use these extra points, but you'll lose faster if you don't.

5. Use Weight Watchers recipes to get inspired. You can easily fall into a rut, whether you're on Weight Watchers or any other eating plan. Look online for recipes to spice things up.

6. Buy a cookbook. Weight Watchers has a book called Versatile Vegetarian that's chock full of recipes.

7. Join a community board for support. You can find other vegetarians on the Weight Watchers forums. Get tips and swap recipes.

Tags: Weight Watchers, eating plan, Watchers Vegetarian, Weight Watchers Vegetarian

Cook Chicken And Rice In A Pressure Cooker

Use brown or white rice in this versatile recipe.

Cooking chicken and rice in a pressure cooker will allow you to create a delicious, homemade meal in a matter of minutes. Pressure cookers trap steam inside of the pot, expediting the cooking time and making it an ideal meal option for when you are short on time. Furthermore, cooking the recipe in a pressure cooker is a simple process that only requires mixing together the ingredients in the cooker. These qualities make the recipe perfect for dinners after long days of work when you lack energy.

Instructions

1. Cover the bottom of the cooker with olive oil.

Place enough olive oil in the pressure cooker to cover the bottom.

2. Season the chicken breast before cooking.

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

3. Place the chicken breasts in the pressure cooker and stir to coat them with the oil.

4. Add both the cream of cheddar and cream of mushroom soups.

5. You can use any variety of onion.

Mince the onion.

6. Carrots and celery add nutrition and flavor.

Chop the carrots and celery.

7. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, rice and water to the cooker.

8. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

9. Stir the entire contents in the cooker until they are evenly combined.

10. Cover the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.

11. Check the chicken; if it is not tender, continue cooking for five more minutes.

Tags: pressure cooker, carrots celery, chicken breasts, salt pepper, Season chicken

Cook Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon is a smoked pork product that looks and tastes quite similar to ham. It is cut from the pork loin, so it is somewhat leaner than traditional American bacon. Two slices of Canadian bacon have 4 g of fat, while the equivalent amount of traditional bacon contains 6 fat grams. The Canadian bacon sold in the United States is precooked and can be easily heated in a skillet.

Instructions

1. Spray a skillet with a light coating of cooking spray and place it on the stove over medium heat. Let the skillet warm up for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Place the Canadian bacon into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Flip the Canadian bacon over using a spatula. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Remove the Canadian bacon when it appears lightly crispy. The bacon should remain pink--similar to the color of ham--while the edges should be golden brown.

5. Place the Canadian bacon on a paper towel to drain any excess grease. Serve immediately while it is still warm.

Tags: Canadian bacon, Canadian bacon, Place Canadian, Place Canadian bacon

Fun Facts Tootsie Rolls

Candy store

A familiar brand from childhood, Tootsie Rolls have a long history in the United States. The first Tootsie Rolls were manufactured in 1896 and the company continues to make history today.

History

The first Tootsie Rolls were created inside a small candy store in New York by confectioner Leo Hirshfield. The candies were named after his daughter's nickname, Tootsie, and were sold for a penny a piece.

Firsts

Tootsie Rolls were the first wrapped penny candy to be sold in the United States.

Growth

As the company expanded to meet demand and to become a multi-national corporation, Hirshfield's original recipe has been maintained. The candies are mass-manufactured at the Tootsie Roll factory in Chicago, IL. and are gluten, nut and peanut-free, making them a safe treat for people with allergies.

Production

The Tootsie Roll International facility produces 62 million candies each day. Employees have access to complimentary candy during their shifts. The company is headed by CEO Ellen Gordon, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1996.

Contact

Tootsie Roll International maintains a record of responding to all letters sent to the company by children.

Tags: Tootsie Rolls, Rolls were, Tootsie Roll, Tootsie Rolls were, first Tootsie

Cooking Ideas For Polish Kielbasa

There are dozens of different sausages in the average grocery store. While many sausages have distinct flavors that don't translate well if cooked in different ways, Polish kielbasa is mild enough to be versatile. This plain-tasting sausage can be a good base for foods in many different styles, and the flavor is so mild that it can pick up other spices and tastes from the foods around it.

With Pasta

Slice Polish kielbasa into rounds and brown it in a pan with some onions and garlic. Add this mixture to any shape of pasta you like, along with cooked red and green peppers and marinara sauce. This meal appeals to younger children who might be put off by the stronger flavor of Italian sausages, while being flavorful enough for the adults in the family.

Classic Sauerkraut Bake

Turn the classic Polish kielbasa and sauerkraut into an autumn casserole. Line the bottom of a casserole dish with a layer of drained sauerkraut. Top it with sliced rounds of kielbasa, chunks of red skin potatoes, baby carrots and wedges of cored apple. Bake the casserole in a medium oven until the vegetables are soft and the kielbasa has begun to brown, and serve it with crusty bread or baking powder biscuits.

Breakfast

Cut lengths of kielbasa into 1/4 inch cubes. Brown the sausage cubes in a pan, then add beaten egg. Scramble the eggs and kielbasa together until the eggs are set. Sprinkle on some shredded cheddar or Muenster cheese right before you remove the eggs from the pan. Serve this mixture with toast, in a pita pocket, wrapped in a flour tortilla or in a large breakfast with pancakes and fruit.

Appetizers

Slice Polish kielbasa into rounds 1/4 inch thick. Heat the sausage coins in one of the classic meatball appetizer sauces, like ketchup or cranberry sauce. Offer plastic swords to spear the sausage circles.

Brown the sausage circles in a pan and turn them out onto a paper towel to drain the grease. Pile the sausages on a serving tray next to cheese cubes, olives, crackers and fruit pieces for an attractive appetizer tray for snacking.

Tags: kielbasa into, Polish kielbasa, Brown sausage, into rounds, kielbasa into rounds, Polish kielbasa into, sausage circles

Make Jackolantern Cupcakes

Your Halloween party isn't complete without cupcakes. Jack-o-lantern cupcakes are so easy to make and decorate that you'll be surprised. You could make these for a class party or for a scout group or just to serve to your family as part of your celebration. Here's what to do. The recipe makes 24.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line the muffin tins with cupcake wrappers.

2. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder in one bowl.

3. Use an electric mixer to beat the sugar into the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Measure the milk and add the vanilla to the milk. Beat a third of the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar.

4. Beat in a third of the milk mixture. Beat in the next third of the dry ingredients followed by the next third of the wet ingredients. Then do it one more time. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins that you have already lined with cupcake wrappers.

5. Bake the cupcakes for about 35 minutes or until they bounce back when you touch them and if you insert a clean sharp knife into the center of one of the cakes, the knife comes out clean. Remove them from the oven and place them on a cooling rack. Make sure that the cupcakes come to room temperature before proceeding to make your Jack-o-lantern cupcakes.

6. Prepare orange frosting so that your cupcakes will look like pumpkins. Start by transferring the white frosting from the store's container to a mixing bowl. Place about 5 drops of yellow food coloring and 5 drops of red food coloring into the frosting. Stir. The colors will blend to form orange. You may need to adjust the color by adding more of one of the colors. Experiment until you arrive at the right color for pumpkins.

7. Spread the orange frosting on top of the cupcakes giving each one a generous portion.

8. Turn the orange pumpkin cupcakes into Jack-o-lanterns by adding faces. Press one chocolate chip into the frosting to make each eye. Press another chocolate chip into the frosting to make a nose. Create a mouth out of the black licorice. Cut a piece and press it into the frosting below the nose.

9. Cut stems for your Jack-o-lantern cupcakes from the green or tan cardstock. Each stem should be about two inches long and 3/4 inch wide. The sides should be tapered so that the final shape looks like a bent stem.

10. Use your fine line black marker to draw curved lines down the stem for texture. You can even write the names of the guests on the stem and use the Jack-o-lantern cupcakes as place cards at your table. Press the stems so that they stand up out of the frosting like the top of a pumpkin does after it has been carved. Serve with a smile.

Tags: into frosting, Jack-o-lantern cupcakes, third ingredients, Beat third, chip into

What Spices Go With Strawberries

Select plump, bright red strawberries for the best taste.

When it comes to complementing strawberries, sweets may come to mind such as sugar, whipped cream and ice cream. While these sweet treats are popular additions to strawberries, it can get a little redundant. The next time you bring home a batch of strawberries, try adding some spice instead of, or in addition to other sweeter ingredients. Some spices complement the taste of strawberries very well, striking a balance between sweet and spicy flavors.

Black Pepper

For a mild bit of spice, sprinkle 1 tbsp. of freshly ground black pepper over sliced strawberries sweetened with 3 tbsp. of sugar. Toss with 2 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes. You can also add a tablespoon or two of black pepper to the filling when making a strawberry pie or tart.

Curry Powder

Curry, combined with other ingredients, is a striking, flavorful addition to strawberries. Place cut strawberries in a bowl and stir in 1 cup of coconut cream. Add 2 tbsp. of honey or maple syrup, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp. of curry powder. The curry can be mild or very spicy.

Cinnamon

Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into strawberry smoothies or in strawberry lemonade for a slightly sweet spiced taste. You can also add cinnamon to melted chocolate for cinnamon chocolate-covered strawberries. Cinnamon and sugar also go well with strawberries that have been sauteed in a pan. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream. Add a tablespoon or two of cinnamon to baked strawberry desserts such as tarts or muffins.

Dried Herbs

Dried herbs such as basil and mint are often paired with strawberries, particularly in salad or in strawberry dressing or sauce. To make a simple strawberry basil salad, combine 1/4 cup fresh basil with 2 cups of sliced strawberries and 8 cups of lettuce. Top with a balsamic and olive oil dressing. Top meats with a strawberry, honey and mint sauce by combining 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup mint leaves, 2 tbsp. lemon juice and 2 cups of chopped strawberries in a blender. Try sprinkling other dried herbs such as rosemary and oregano over sauteed strawberries as well.

Tags: with tbsp, black pepper, herbs such, honey mint, sliced strawberries

Use A Garlic Press

Use a garlic press to crush your garlic when you want to give a dish big garlic flavor. The press is an easy way to prepare your garlic. You can store the pressed garlic in a glass container in the refrigerator for future use. This is also an excellent tool to create small portions for homemade baby food.

Instructions

1. Pick garlic that has tight skin with no green shoots growing from the top. Take any green shoots you find inside the cloves out before pressing.

2. Put one clove of garlic in the press at a time, unless you have a big press that can handle many cloves. Peeling the skin from the garlic is not necessary.

3. Press the handles of the garlic press firmly together while holding it over a container. If the garlic is being pressed to be stored, use a glass container with a tight fitting lid to prevent the odor from getting out.

4. Store garlic in the refrigerator once it has been pressed. It can keep for months if properly stored.

5. Use pressed garlic in dishes that you want to have strong flavor. Pressing garlic brings out the oils and flavor more than chopping it.

6. Press bananas for pancakes or muffins. Mash cooked apples, carrots or peas for homemade baby food. The garlic press is excellent as it makes small portions.

7. Allow the children to use the garlic press. Kids love making hair out of dough for cooking recipes that require it. Put a small ball of dough in the press. Form long strands of dough that can be used as hair for decorating in recipes.

Tags: garlic press, baby food, glass container, green shoots, homemade baby, homemade baby food

Tools Used To Make Peanut Brittle

Making candy can be fun for families.

Making peanut brittle involves only a few basic kitchen tools whether you're going by an heirloom recipe or a new one found in a cookbook. The key to this confection is the peanut. Peanuts are available in a number of varieties, such as Valencia, Runner, Virginia and Spanish peanuts.

Measuring Tools

The simple ingredients used to make the hard candy for peanut brittle are sugar, corn syrup, peanuts, butter and baking soda. Measuring tools for these are teaspoons, tablespoons and measuring cups.

Thermometer

Making peanut brittle requires a tool to monitor the temperature of the sugar as it reacts to heat on the stovetop. With peanut brittle, a candy thermometer is used to monitor the heated mixture.

Cooking Equipment

A heavy-duty saucepan is best for making peanut brittle. First, the ingredients are combined in the pan, which is then placed on a heat source until everything melts together. At this point, the peanuts are added.

Spoons

To stir the ingredients as they melt, a sturdy mixing tool is required for making peanut brittle. One such mixing tool is a long-handled wooden spoon. A rubber spatula works as well.

Bowl

Butter and baking soda are combined then added to the cooked ingredients. A small mixing bowl is used to combine these ingredients separately from the other ingredients.

Work Surface

The tool used to cool the peanut brittle is a smooth, flat surface that has been buttered. A marble slab is ideal as a cooling surface where the cooked mixture can be shaped.

Shaping

After pouring the hot mixture onto the cooling surface, it is worked with buttered hands to pull the candy out into a flat sheet. Rubber gloves also can be used to protect your hands from burns. A pair of kitchen scissors can be used to break the candy into pieces after it cools.

Storage

The finished peanut brittle can be wrapped for gift giving or placed in a sealed container for later use.

Tags: peanut brittle, baking soda, candy into, cooling surface, making peanut brittle, Making peanut brittle

Healthy Valentine'S Treats

Chocolate-covered strawberries are sweet and healthy.

Valentine's Day is considered a sweet holiday as gifts typically revolve around unhealthy candy and snacks. However, there are many alternatives to candy for Valentine's Day that are just as sweet, and your loved ones will like just as much.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Strawberries dipped in chocolate are not only delicious, but they are also healthy and easy to make. Start by buying ripe, plump strawberries from the grocery store. You can also use another fruits, based on your preference. Buy dark, milk or white chocolate, or a combination of all three, and melt them in a fondue part. If you don't have a fondue pot, heat the chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, or melt the chocolate in the microwave. Line a baking sheet or large platter with wax paper and set aside. When the chocolate has melted, dip the strawberries lengthwise halfway, shake off the excess chocolate and place them on the wax paper to cool.

Edible Arrangements

Instead of sending flowers or buying chocolates, send a fruit basket to your loved one. EdibleArrangements.com has a variety of creative fruit gift baskets. They have arrangements in every shape, size and price range. You can also choose to have your fruit dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with cinnamon, coconut or almonds. You can order online or by phone and have the arrangement delivered right to that special someone's door.

Jello Hearts

Jello is a sweet, low-calorie treat. Make the Jello according to the package directions, then pour into a shallow baking dish. After the Jello has hardened, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out Jello hearts. You can top each heart with a lengthwise-sliced strawberry so it looks like a heart.

Heart-Shaped Sandwiches

Your sweetie is sure to appreciate these festive, yummy sandwiches. You can use any kind of sandwich recipe you like, however grilled cheese or hot ham and cheese will most likely stay together the best. Assemble the sandwich as you normally would, use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the center of the sandwich, then grill it if you are making a hot sandwich. You can serve grilled cheese sandwiches with a bowl of tomato soup to incorporate the Valentine's Day red color into the meal.

Heart-Shaped Pancakes

What better way to start off the day than with heart-shaped pancakes? You can use whole grain pancake mix to keep the meal nutritious. Make the pancake mix according to the directions on the package. You can even add a drop of red food coloring to the mix. Heat the griddle over medium heat, using a little bit of oil or butter to keep the pancakes from sticking. When the pan is hot enough, poor the batter into a heart shape. The pan must be hot enough so the batter doesn't run. It will also help if you are cooking on an even cooking surface.

Tags: cookie cutter, dipped chocolate, grilled cheese, heart-shaped cookie, heart-shaped cookie cutter, your loved

Make Whey & Cream Cheese

Homemade cream cheese tastes more tangy than shop bought ones.

Milk can be versatile and used to make many other foods without having to buy expensive equipment. Whey is a high quality complete protein found in milk, and contains all the essential amino acids needed by the body on a daily basis. Extracting whey and cream cheese from products such as yogurt is straightforward, the whey being the liquid that drips from the yogurt, changing the yogurt to cream cheese in the process.

Instructions

1. Put a piece of cheesecloth or a clean tea towel over a strainer, and put the strainer over a bowl.

2. Pour the yogurt into the cloth and cover it. Whey will start dripping through the cloth into the bowl.

3. Tie the cloth containing the yogurt and hang it on a wooden spoon over a glass jug after a few hours. This enables you to see when it stops dripping, normally after nine or ten hours.

4. Add what is in the cloth to your toast or your bagel to enjoy your homemade cream cheese.

5. Put one tablespoon of the liquid whey from the jug into a glass of water and drink three times a day to aid digestion.

Tags: cream cheese

Chili Spices

Chili can be made with a wide variety of mild to hot spices.

Chili recipes are as varied as the people who make and eat them. The hearty soup can be meatless, contain one or more meat or poultry ingredients either ground or in chunks, have a variety of vegetables, and be served alone or with toppings. Chili spices are just as diverse and range from mild to fiery hot.

Common Chili Spices

Most chili recipes have tomatoes, tomato paste or tomato sauce in them. The flavor of tomatoes is enhanced by spices such as oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne, coriander, garlic powder and salt. Oregano is a mild, fragrant spice that adds depth to the mixture. Cumin provides a nutty, peppery taste, coriander adds an earthy balance, paprika imparts a hot-sweet taste and cayenne adds pure heat. Ground dried chiles such as jalapeno, habanero, pasillo and ancho are available and add a considerable hotness to the dish.

Fragrant Spices

Some chili recipes call for cinnamon, cloves or allspice, all of which are usually associated with sweet baked goods or desserts. Adding a cinnamon stick or a scant amount of ground cinnamon cloves or allspice adds a complexity to the dish and makes the savory spices more distinguishable. These additions also add an interesting fragrance to the chili.

Chili Powder

A simple way to flavor chili is to use a premixed chili powder. These convenient mixtures typically contain one or two kinds of dried, ground red chiles along with all or some of the common chili spices noted above. When chili powder is listed as a recipe ingredient, use a spice combination unless the instructions specify a particular type such as ancho or pasilla.

Homemade Chili Powder

To guarantee you are getting the full flavor and hotness of pure chili powder, make it at home. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and roast your choice of dried, stemmed chiles for 20 minutes. Cool completely and pulverize them in a food processor fitted with the metal blade or in a blender, being careful not to breathe in the fumes. Ground chiles will retain their strength and flavor for up to six months frozen in a well-sealed freezer bag.

Other Flavor Enhancers

In addition to spices, you can add flavor to chili with herbs and vegetables. Chopped fresh cilantro is a colorful, fragrant citrusy herb whose dried seeds are used to make the chili spice coriander. Add it to chili right before serving. Freshly chopped scallions add visual appeal, flavor and freshness to the bowl. Serve chili with a shaker of hot red pepper flakes or a dish of hot pepper sauce for diners who desire extra hotness.

Tags: chili powder, chili recipes, Chili Spices, chili with, cinnamon cloves, cinnamon cloves allspice, cloves allspice

High Protein Vegetarian Foods

High Protein Vegetarian Foods

There is always a lingering question on obtain enough protein in a vegetarian diet. Plant sources contain adequate amounts of dietary protein. Soy protein is equivalent to animal protein and can serve as an exclusive source of protein intake. With a reasonably varied diet, protein is protein regardless if it comes from an animal or a plant. With an array of selections, either raw or packaged, locating high protein foods takes little energy.

Benefits

Scientific studies confirm that vegetarians suffer less from health concerns including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer. A healthful vegetarian diet based on high proteins such as whole grains, pulses, nuts, fruits and vegetables is good for your heart and low in fat.

Types

High protein sources include but are not limited to: eggs, soybean, whole grains (brown rice, barley, quinoa, oatmeal and wheat), nuts and seeds (pumpkin, almond, hemp, sunflower and sesame), pulses (beans, peas and lentils) and almond butter. Vegetables include broccoli, kale, spinach, squash and pumpkin. Green plants such as algae and wheat grass are another high-protein resource.

Considerations

The amount of high protein needed depends on body type. Different foods contain different amounts of protein. Beans, pulses and soybean take the place of meat and fish as a major source of high protein.

Solutions

For those on the go who want a high-protein vegetarian selection, many options are available. In the refrigerator or freezer section of the grocery, one can select seitan (wheat-based protein), flavored baked tofu, soy sausage and deli meats, smart ground, BBQ ribs and gardenburgers.

Misconceptions

There is a misconception that a vegetarian diet cannot be healthy unless certain foods are combined for complete protein. Research consistently shows that vegetarians and vegans have a satisfactory protein intake. Eating enough variety daily can easily meet individual requirements.

Tags: vegetarian diet, High Protein, high protein, High Protein Vegetarian, protein intake, protein protein, Protein Vegetarian

Stock Your Bar With Quality Alcohol

A bar is not a bar without alcohol, and all alcohol is not the same. Quality alcohol is often referred to as top shelf because that is where bars keep the good stuff. To stock your bar with quality alcohol, you need to get top shelf brands. Here's stock your bar with quality alcohol.

Instructions

1. The first step is to decide what type of alcohol you want to stock. This depends on the type of drinks you plan on serving.

2. Buy a drink recipe book. Once you decide on what drinks you plan on serving, get a recipe book showing the ingredients needed for each particular drink.

3. Create a list of what you need. Write down the types and necessary amounts of alcohol, such as vodka, gin, rum and tequila.

4. Bring your list to the nearest grocery or liquor store. Find the aisle that has the particular type of alcohol you are looking for.

5. Buy the quality brands. Just as in bars, stores will have the quality brands on the top shelves. As a general rule of thumb, the more expensive the product, the higher the quality of the alcohol.

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Things To Make With The Magic Bullet

Blend fruit smoothies, salsa, and baby food with the Magic Bullet.

Delicious food is made at an incredible speed with the Magic Bullet. It is perfect for students, busy parents, cookouts, and parties while taking up little space. Create your own sauces, soup, dips, and baby food. The Magic Bullet is able to be an extra hand in the kitchen and extremely handy for both beginning or expert cooks.

Blend Beverages

Buy ingredients for blended beverages such as milkshakes, fruit smoothies and frozen cocktails. For a milkshake, fill the tall cup with ice-cream, pour milk till it covers half of the ice-cream, blend till smooth. Fruit smoothies need a tall cup filled with washed and chopped fruit; fill to the cover half with milk, juice or water, add a table spoon of sugar and blend till smooth. Cocktails are made by filling the tall cup with ice, cocktail mixing juice and a shot of your desired liquor. Blend till smooth.

Make Your Own Sauces

Create your own sauces such as tomato sauce for pasta and salsa for Mexican food. For tomato sauce, use the tall cup to fill with whole peeled tomatoes from a can, add half an onion, oregano, a pinch of salt, half a cup of water and a tablespoon of olive oil. Blend till smooth. This can also be made in advance and frozen. For salsa, fill the tall cup with fresh cherry tomatoes, onion, one small fresh jalapeno pepper, a pinch of both salt and pepper and three table spoons of water. Blend until chunky.

Make Soups

Make tasty natural soups such as creamy tomato or vegetable. Buy basic ingredients such as potatoes, onion, carrots, celery and tomatoes. Place veggies in a pot and fill with water till covered by 1 inch. Boil until tender when pierced with a fork. Keep the boiled water but take out the vegetables and let cool for five minutes. Place in tall cup and add a bit of salt, herbs, and half a cup of water from the stock or cream depending on desired soup then blend.

Create Baby Food

Homemade baby food is easy to make with the Magic Bullet. Follow pediatrician recommendations for the baby's food based on its age and individual development. For applesauce and vegetables, boil peeled till tender, let cool and blend with some of its natural juice in the tall cup. Strain to take out any large pieces of pulp. Let it cool completely before feeding to the baby.

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Use A Pizza Stone

A pizza stone is a porous, sand-like stone 1/4 inch thick. If you've ever made pizza before, you'll find it turns out much better if you use a pizza stone. You can purchase one at gourmet or better department stores.

Instructions

1. Preheat pizza stone for 15 to 30 minutes on lowest oven rack in a 450 to 500 degree F oven. Sprinkle cornmeal on a cookie sheet or a pizza peel (which looks like a wooden paddle).

2. Place your dough on the cookie sheet or pizza peel and put on desired sauces, toppings and cheeses. Shake the cookie sheet or pizza peel often to make sure the dough doesn't stick.

3. Open your oven door when it's finished preheating and slide the pizza onto the stone. Cook for about ten minutes.

4. Slide pizza back onto the cookie sheet or peel when it's finished cooking. Slice it, a pizza slicer works best, and eat your pizza.

5. Plan a pizza party. Provide various toppings and allow each person to add his toppings to his section of the pizza before baking.

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