Drink A Margarita With Tequila

Bring a batch of margaritas to the beach.

Mix up a batch of margaritas before spending your summer day lounging on a sandy beach. The best margaritas feature a tangy taste. To complement the citrus flavor of the margarita, bartenders often line the rim of the glass with kosher salt. Chef and Food Network star Tyler Florence recommends squeezing a few fresh limes into your margaritas. Keep in mind to pace yourself as the margarita is commonly made with tequila. There are numerous variations of the traditional margarita.

Instructions

Frozen

1. Place your limes onto a wooden cutting board. Slice the limes in half using a kitchen knife and then squeeze them into a measuring cup. Pour 1 cup of lime juice into your blender.

2. Pour in 1 cup of tequila as well as 1/4 cup of orange-flavored liqueur. Add in 1 tbsp. of sugar to compliment the sour taste of the lime juice. Drop a large handful of ice into your blender.

3. Fasten the lid of the blender in place. Blend the ingredients for around 30 seconds. Rub the remaining halves of the lime around the rim of four margarita glasses.

4. Pour some kosher salt onto a plate. Sprinkle sugar onto another plate for a sweet variation of the traditional margarita. Dip the rims of the glasses onto the plates.

5. Remove the lid from the blender and pour the margaritas into your salted or sugared glasses.

On the Rocks

6. Drink your margaritas on the rocks for an alternative to the frozen recipe. Pour 1 cup of lime juice, 1 cup of tequila and 1/4 cup of orange-flavored liqueur into your blender.

7. Add in 1 tbsp. of sugar. Fasten the lid of the blender in place. Blend the ingredients for a few seconds.

8. Fill four salted or sugared margarita glasses with ice. Pour the mixture over the ice for a cool and refreshing cocktail.

Straight Up

9. Pour 1 cup of lime juice, 1 cup of tequila and 1/4 cup of orange-flavored liqueur into your blender. Add in 1 tbsp. of sugar. Fasten the lid of the blender in place.

10. Place the mixture into a bar shaker with a few cubes of ice and shake for a few seconds.

11. Strain into a martini glass with salt or sugar on the rim.

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What To Do With An Advertising Degree

A degree in advertising will prepare a student for many different careers in advertising, but there are a number of careers outside the advertising field that can also benefit from an advertising degree. Many of these positions are in the public relations field.

Instructions

1. Join an advertising firm. Within advertising firms, there are a number of jobs that require an advertising degree. There are copywriting jobs, design jobs, creative director positions and other jobs that will draw on your advertising knowledge.

2. Go into marketing. Marketing shares some characteristics with advertising, but the approach can be very different. Instead of a reliance on advertising space, marketing uses advertising as well as other types of promotions to build business for a client. Marketing can be done through a marketing company or you can get a job directly with a company and focus on marketing their business.

3. Enter the public relations field. Although many people who go into public relations have either a PR or journalism degree, an advertising degree can also be useful in this field. Public relations is much like advertising- it seeks a favorable public opinion for the client. You can do this in public relations through press releases, setting up public appearances and communicating with the media about the business you represent.

4. Become a market researcher. This is a position that will require you to figure out how much demand there is for a company’s products or services. Market researchers also evaluate the competition and determine if there is enough demand for the company and its competitors. In addition, market research will help a company to identify the trends that exist in the industry and determine how that will affect their business.

5. Sell advertising. Many people who study advertising actually end up selling advertising for a radio station, TV station, newspaper or magazine. Because many of these positions come with commissions, you may actually make more money by selling advertising than designing it. With your advertising knowledge you will be able to tell clients which types of advertising are effective and how they can best use advertising to create a name for their business.

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Preserve Bananas In Fruit Salads

Bananas complement many other fruits.

Banana slices add natural sweetness and a soft texture when mixed with other fruits in a fruit salad. As the sliced bananas are exposed to the air and sugars from other fruits, they tend to brown and become softer. This change, due to oxidation, doesn't alter the taste of the bananas but makes them less appealing to the eye. Rather than picking out the bananas or throwing away the fruit salad, a little preparation can help preserve the banana.

Instructions

1. Pour orange juice into a bowl to fill it one-third of the way.

2. Orange juice helps maintain the natural color of banana slices.

Slice the bananas and add them to the bowl of orange juice as they are sliced. Add more orange juice, if needed, to ensure the bananas are covered. Allow the last slices to soak in the orange juice for a couple minutes.

3. Drain the bowl of banana slices and orange juice into a colander that's sitting in the sink. Allow the bananas to remain in the colander for a few minutes to drain off as much orange juice as possible.

4. Spread the banana slices onto a layer of paper towels. Pat dry the slices before adding them to the fruit salad.

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What Makes Avocados Go Brown

Why Avocados Turn Brown

Avocados contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase. When the flesh of the avocado is exposed to air, the enzyme oxidizes. This enzyme creates browning in many different fruits and vegetables. The enzyme transforms chemical chains formed with a benzene ring with one hydroxyl substituent, called monophenols, into benzene rings with two hydroxyl substituent, called o-diphenols. When oxygen is added, they produce another chemical chain called o-quinones; in this process, black, brown or red pigments can be created. It is these pigments that create the browning.

Prevent Avocados From Turning Brown

There are a number of methods to prevent browning from occurring in avocados. One commonly purported method is to leave the pit in the avocado, but in relation to the chemistry involved, it just doesn't make sense. However, it is true that putting an avocado in the refrigerator will slow down the enzymes. You can also tightly wrap the avocado to prevent the oxygen from getting to the enzyme. Also, the enzyme doesn't like acidic conditions, so adding an acid will slow the reactions; try lemon or lime juice, as these flavors go well with many avocado dishes.

How Long It Really Takes

Sometimes an avocado will turn brown in minutes, while at other times, it can take hours; it really depends on the avocado. The change in color won't affect the taste of the dish, but the vibrant green color of an avocado is an important part of many dishes.

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Make Delicious Fried Chicken Strips

Make Delicious Fried Chicken Strips

make fried chicken strips

Instructions

1. This chicken strips are delicious. I like the store bought one's but it seems to taste ten times better when you make them own your own. It is also so much more rewarding. In a small bowl combine the garlic salt, basil, paprika, pepper, and saltines. In another small bowl beat the egg and milk together.

2. You will now dip the chicken into the egg and milk mixture. Then shake off the excess. Then dip the chicken in the saltine mixture. You will repeat this process for all of the chicken strips. You could also do the whole chicken breast if you choose not to make chicken strips. You will now need an electric skillet or deep fryer.

3. You will need to preheat this to 375 degrees. When it reaches this temperature then begin frying the chicken strips a few at a time. This will take 2 -3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. You will need to place the chicken after it is fried onto a paper towel to drain the excess grease.

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What Is The Difference Between A Green Olive & A Black Olive

Green and black olives are grown on the same trees.

Olives trees are evergreen trees which can grow up to 30 ft. tall. Olives are native to Mediterranean countries, tropical and central Asia, and certain parts of Africa; however, they are also grown commercially in California, South Africa and Australia.

Olive Fruit

Olives develop as green drupes when they are unripe and will change color to reddish/purple and then black as they ripen. Therefore, a green olive is simply an olive which is not yet fully ripe while black olives have fully ripened.

Olive Treatment

Olives are often pickled or cured in an oil or brine solution before they are able to be consumed. However, green olives need to be cured in lye before being pickled in brine, while black olives can be brine-cured straight away. The longer the olive is left to pickle in the brine, the more intense and sweeter its flavour will become.

Preparing Olives

Green olives are often pitted and filled with various stuffings, such as almonds, anchovies, peppers and capers, to enhance their flavor and taste. Black olives are less likely to be stuffed with extra filling; however, they do contain more olive oil than green olives. Black olives will also be softer to the touch and higher in fat due to the length of time they have spent ripening.

Eating Olives

Due to the bitterness and harder outer shell that often comes with a green olive, they tend to be used more as a snack or appetizer. Black olives will tend to be used more as ingredients for cooking as they don't overpower the flavour of the other ingredients used in the recipe. They are often found on freshly-made pizzas and salads.

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Make Delicious Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese can be used in a number of dishes, from tortes to lasagnas, and it is simple to make at home.

Ricotta is a fantastic cheese to make at home, especially if you are a cheese-making novice. It doesn't require any specialty ingredients or molds, and the taste and texture of fresh, homemade ricotta cheese is far superior to what you'll find on grocery store shelves. All it takes is four basic food ingredients, a few tools and a few minutes to create your own creamy, flavorful ricotta.

Instructions

1. Combine milk, cream and salt in heavy saucepan.

2. Place over medium to medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Once the milk-cream mixture is boiling, add lemon juice or vinegar.

4. Reduce heat to low and stir constantly until curds separate from liquid, approximately one to two minutes.

5. Once the mixture is curdled, remove saucepan from heat.

6. Line strainer or colander with a double layer of cheesecloth and place in sink.

7. Pour mixture from pot into strainer, letting liquid drain into sink.

8. Once liquid is drained, place strainer or colander over bowl. Set aside and let drain for one hour.

9. Once mixture has drained and only solids remain, discard liquid. Cover remaining solids with cheesecloth and refrigerate in a covered container.

Tags: make home, Once mixture, strainer colander

Start A Winery

Wine lovers may dream of having a winery, but it's one thing to dream about it and quite another to actually make it happen. The reality is that opening a winery involves hard work and knowledge in the manufacturing, marketing and selling of wine. Follow these steps to begin development of a successful winery.

Instructions

1. Get initial start-up capital. Costs are a few thousand dollars, depending on the type and size of winery you want to develop. Expenses include a facility, equipment, machinery, consultants, labor and marketing. You may want to start your winery with investment partners and hired professionals.

2. Apply for proper state and federal licenses. Production, sale and shipping of alcohol are regulated. Apply at least 6 months before the anticipated sales date.

3. Decide on a business strategy. 2 business models used to sell wine are, "People to the Bottle," in which people drive to your location for a winery tour and tasting and, "Bottle to the People," in which the wine is delivered to retailers using a "3-Tier System" from producer, to distributor and finally to retailer.

4. Develop a winery business plan and wine market analysis based on the strategy you choose. This determines the financial decisions you have to make for your winery business.

5. Choose a potential target market for your wine to increase your chances of success. To attract experienced wine drinkers, you need to produce a different type of wine than if you want to attract "new to wine" customers.

6. Establish a contract with a grape vineyard to purchase the grape type you want to use to produce your wine. Hire an expert to assist in this process so you don't waste time, money and effort making costly mistakes.

7. Purchase the proper facility, machinery, equipment and staff to set up your winery business. Contract wine professionals who know start a winery business to assist in the purchase of these items.

8. Visit wineries and meet with the owners to learn about their business experiences. Be prepared to work hard to build a successful winery business. Read winery resource material, join state or national wine association groups and attend winery seminars and events.

Tags: winery business, your winery, successful winery, your wine, your winery business

Names Of Cheese Made From Goat Milk

Names of Cheese Made From Goat Milk

Chevre means goat in French, but it has also come to mean almost any cheese made from goat's milk. Goat's milk cheeses may be soft, semi-soft or firm, ripened or unripened. Most goat cheese found in stores in the United States came from France, but more and more domestic goat dairies are producing cheeses, and you may find goat cheese sold at local farmers' markets.

Soft, Unripened Cheese

Most cheeses start as curds. Curds that are drained and seasoned become cottage cheese. If the curds are drained and then pressed together, the result is a semi-soft cheese, sometimes flavored with herbs or stored in oil. This cheese is often sold in logs and is what most people think of when they think of chevre, or goat cheese. It requires no ripening and can be eaten as soon as its made, spread on crackers or mixed into dips. Another variety of unripened cheese made with goat's milk is crottin. This tangy cheese can be served soft, but the curds are often allowed to dry and crumble, similar to a feta cheese.

Hard, Unripened Cheese

Gjetost is a firm, caramel-colored cheese with a sweet, buttery flavor, imported from Norway. To make this cheese, a mixture of goat's milk, cream and whey is cooked down to a caramel consistency. Gjetost is usually sold in small cubes.

Chevre sec is an unripened, dry cheese similar to Romano. It can be grated for use in recipes or on salads.

Ripened Cheeses

Chevrefeuille and chevrita are two soft, ripened cheeses similar to brie or Camembert. The little wheels of cheese are covered with a white mold and allowed to age for several weeks or months. Like brie, chevregeuille and chevrita can be eaten raw or baked. Some cheese makers make hard cheeses similar to Swiss, jack and cheddar, using goat's milk instead of cow's milk. These cheeses are aged for several months before eating, and the goat versions taste very similar to varieties made with cow's milk.

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Chili Fundraiser Ideas

Most every cook has a special chili recipe. Capitalize on the spirit of competition and determine who makes the best chili. A chili cookoff can be a fun event and raise a significant amount of money for your group. If staged as an annual event, it can grow quite large, attracting more entries and spectators every year.

The Fundraiser

Start by choosing a date that is far enough in the future to allow time for promotion and that doesn't compete with other popular local events. Consider the time of year; chili is more popular during cold weather. Few people will turn out for a bowl of chili on a hot summer day.

Charge a small entry fee for each contestant. As the reputation of your event grows, you can charge more in future years. From this entry fee, you can pay a cash prize to the winner if you choose. Establish categories for entries: mild, spicy, white chili, unusual chili, any that you wish. Each entrant will cook enough chili for the judges, as well as extra for spectators to taste.

On the day of the fundraiser, charge an admission fee to spectators. Provide small bowls, spoons, and crackers for tasting. Guests can try all the different chilis and vote for their favorites.

You should choose knowledgeable judges ahead of time to determine the winners in each category. Additionally, award a taster's choice award for the chili that was most popular with guests.

Between entry fees and admission fees, you should clear a nice profit if you advertise your event well. You can also combine the chili cookoff with other fundraisers, to make it even more successful.

Chili Cookoff Cookbook

If your cookoff is a friendly competition, not on a professional level, you can ask each cook to providehis recipe in advance for publication in a small cookoff cookbook that is available for sale on the day of the event. A small booklet can be easily put together by volunteers and sold for $5 to $10 each, more if your event is a large one with many entries.

Silent Auction

Since you will have a crowd of spectators milling around, run a silent auction during the cookoff. Spectators can look over the auction items between chili courses. A silent auction has written bids instead of an auctioneer.

Solicit donations of items from local businesses for a silent auction. Suitable items include gift baskets, gift certificates, certificates for services and merchandise. Start by soliciting items from volunteers and members of your group. Then ask local businesses what they might donate.

On the day of the event, conduct a silent auction for the items, or recruit an auctioneer and conduct a live auction if you have a large attendance. Promote the businesses of your donors at the event and thank them for their sponsorship. You will be asking them to donate again next year, so try to make sure they see a benefit from participating.

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Make Bowls Out Of Parmesan Cheese

Make Bowls Out of Parmesan Cheese

Amaze your guests with homemade edible bowls made out of Parmesan cheese. You can do this using only one ingredient: Parmesan cheese. This aged, hard grating cheese contains a moisture content low enough to prevent it from bubbling as it melts, unlike other cheeses such as cheddar or Swiss. While these bowls will not stand up to servings of liquids or heavy foods, you can serve a light salad in them as long as the cheese bowls rest on a plate.

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Place the parchment paper on top of a baking pan. Turn the bowl upside down on the paper.

3. Draw an outline of the bowl on the parchment with a pencil.

4. Remove the bowl and sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the outline of the bowl on the parchment.

5. Transfer the baking pan to the oven and cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the cheese turns slightly golden.

6. While the cheese cooks, spray the exterior bottom of the overturned bowl with cooking spray.

7. Pick up each cheese circle from the parchment paper with a spatula. Drape each one over one of the prepared bowls, letting the cheese conform to the shape of the bowl.

8. Let each one cool completely so the cheese hardens into the shape of the bowl, about 10 to 15 minutes.

9. Gently lift the hardened cheese bowl from the glass bowl and turn right side up to fill with lightweight, non-liquid items.

Tags: Parmesan cheese, bowl parchment, Bowls Parmesan, Bowls Parmesan Cheese, Make Bowls

What Makes The Leaves Curl On Banana Pepper Plants

Banana peppers grow into a long shape that resembles a banana and are one of three colors: red, orange or yellow. All peppers, including banana peppers, are susceptible to pests and diseases that cause the leaves to curl and wilt.

Aphids

Aphids have small, black bodies and live on the undersides of leaves on banana pepper plants. They cause the leaves they live on to deform and curl. They also exude a sticky substance known as honeydew, which serves as a breeding ground for black sooty mold. Use insecticidal soap to treat for aphids.

Thrips

Thrips are small, flying insects that concentrate by the hundreds on the undersides of leaves. They are active insects that suck the sap from leaves causing them to curl up into boat-like shapes. Spray thrips with a hose to wash them off the leaves. While unsightly, they do not warrant the use of insecticides.

Wilt Disease

Two fungi known as verticilium and fusarium, which are present in the soil, cause wilt diseases. Symptoms include the wilting and upward curling of the leaves as well as a yellowing color. If allowed to continue, the roots and stems become affected as well.

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Fry Crawfish

You don't have to be from Louisiana to enjoy the savory flavors of fried crawfish. Cajun cuisine combines the delicacies of the sea with the spices of the south to create mouth watering dishes that are sure to please even the most finicky eater. Follow these steps to create your own fried seafood dish with crawfish.

Instructions

1. Pierce seafood bag with knife to create a small hole in the bottom. Saturate crawfish bag with water. Empty bag and repeat process.

2. Seal the hole in the bag. Shake entire container of salt into bag of crawfish filling bag with enough water to cover crawfish. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat process.

3. Whip your eggs. Mix salt into the milk. Add this milk mixture to your whipped eggs, blending thoroughly.

4. Dip each crawfish into your milk and eggs mixture.

5. Mix salt and pepper into your flour.

6. Melt butter in a deep frying skillet. Pick a milk-dipped crawfish and dip into the flour mixture. Repeat this step for all crawfish.

7. Add your floured crawfish to the melted hot butter over a medium to high heat setting and monitor carefully until all are done. Be careful not to overcrowd your skillet allowing room to turn your crawfish during the cooking process. Dip your fried crawfish into your own special seafood sauce or serve alone.

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Become A Sommelier

A sommelier is a wine expert that manages the wine in a restaurant. To truly understand the complexity of wine, you must know the process of its creation and have the skills it takes to distinguish between a great wine from a not-so-great wine. This requires an excellent sense of smell and taste, as well as knowledge of the color each wine should have. Use these steps to learn become a sommelier.

Instructions

1. Decide how you will be using your wine knowledge. Do you want to work in a restaurant or just impress your friends? A true sommelier has to attend culinary classes and pass a test.

2. Research culinary schools in your area. The Culinary Institute of America is widely-known as the best in America. Find out what kind of sommelier classes are offered, the tuition and other costs involved. (See Resources below.)

3. Understand that the job of a sommelier is not only to know and appreciate wine. It also includes managing, receiving, purchasing, storage, service and sales of the wine at a restaurant, hotel, resort or other place.

4. Attend the required classes, pass the tests and sign up with one of the sommelier associations to secure your education and legitimacy.

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Recipes

Recipe to make orange pineapple cake. This is an easy recipe to cook orange pineapple cake. Prepare and serve orange pineapple cake for family or friends tonight! Cooking is fun with easy recipes check all my easy recipes here on eHow.

Instructions

1. Step one in baking your Orange Pineapple Cake with this recipe is to beat eggs until frothy with a fork.

2. Step two in cooking your Orange Pineapple Cake with easy recipes like this one, is to add cake mix, oranges, and oil. Beat by hand until well mixed. DO NOT USE ELECTRIC MIXER.

3. Pour into three 8" layer cake pans that have been sprayed with Pam and dusted with flour. Bake @ 350* for 25 minutes.

4. Cool 10 minutes in the pans and then remove and cool on racks.

5. The final step to make Orange Pineapple Cake with this recipe is to make the frosting. To make the frosting use a bowl and mix the Cool Whip with the instant pudding and pineapple. (Use the pudding mix straight from the package; you do not need to combine it with milk). Fold slowly together, mixing well. Put cake layers together, when cooled, frosting between layers and on sides and top. Keep refrigerated. This recipe Serves 10-12.

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Wine Sales Job Descriptions

Wine sales have flourished.

The wine industry has grown tremendously in the last 20 years, and with it, the number of jobs involved in the sale of wine to consumers through retailers and restaurants. Many wine sales jobs do not require a formal education, but do require individuals to be knowledgeable about wine and be able to convey that knowledge to others.

Retail Wine Sales Consultant

A retail wine consultant or sales associate is a wine-knowledgeable individual who works in a retail shop or outlet and provides friendly and efficient service to customers in the selection of wine. A retail wine consultant promotes sales by assisting customers with suggestions and recommendations for food pairings. A wine consultant also ensures that products are stocked and attractively displayed and may assist in wine tastings. Retail wine consultants are salaried but may be eligible for commissions on the sale of selected items.

Retail Wine Sales Manager

A retail wine sales manager is experienced in the duties of a wine consultant, in addition, supervises store personnel and is responsible for inventory control and the ordering of wine from wholesalers. A manager would also be involved in all aspects of daily store operations, including handling Internet sales if the store has a website. Sales managers are generally salaried but may be eligible for bonuses or commissions based on reaching certain sales goals.

Wholesale Wine Sales Representative

A wholesale wine sales representative is an individual who works for a distributor or wine importer and calls on retailers and restaurants within a certain territory to take orders, set up displays and introduce new wines, and conduct in-store wine tastings. Wholesale wine sales representatives usually have sales quotas and receive a small weekly advance against commissions.

Sommelier

A sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, primarily working in fine restaurants and hotels, who specializes in all aspects of wine sales and service. A sommelier can also be responsible for the creation of the wine list and work closely with the head chef in the procurement of wines that will best complement dishes on the menu. A sommelier's main responsibility is to suggest and serve wines that best fit the taste preference and food selection of the patron. Most sommeliers are salaried and may receive commissions.

Private Wine Consultant

A private wine consultant is someone who knowledgeable about food and wine and is experienced in providing wine for events and private parties, working closely with caterers. A private consultant might also be involved in wine cellar stocking and management. Private wine consultants usually charge a fee for their services.

Tasting Room Server

A tasting room server is a wine-educated individual who works in a vineyard's tasting room, promoting, serving and selling wines produced at the vineyard. A server should be warm, friendly and professional. A tasting room server may be required to wash glasses, organize supplies and keep track of the wine stock used for tasting. Most importantly, a server should know when to tell a customer they've had too much to drink. Wine servers are usually salaried, but may receive commissions based on the sale of certain wines.

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Malt O Meal Instructions

The Malt-O-Meal brand of hot cereal provides important minerals, such as iron, folic acid and calcium, as well as additional B vitamins that help promote healthy digestion. With only a few minutes of preparation, a piping hot bowl of Malt-O-Meal cereal can be ready to eat for a satisfying breakfast. Follow the manufacturer instructions to make one serving or a whole pot of hot Malt-O-Meal cereal to start the day.

Instructions

1. Measure water for the amount of Malt-O-Meal you wish to make. Measure 1 cup of water to make one serving, 1 2/3 cups of water to make two servings and 3 1/4 cups of water to make four servings. Pour the water into the saucepan.

2. Add salt to the water, if you desire. Add 1/8 tsp. of salt for one serving, 1/4 tsp. of salt for two servings and 1/2 tsp. of salt for four servings.

3. Boil the water and salt on the stove top over medium-high heat.

4. Reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle Malt-O-Meal over the water. Add 3 tbsp. Malt-O-Meal for one serving, 1/3 cup Malt-O-Meal for two servings and 2/3 cup Malt-O-Meal for four servings.

5. Stir the ingredients well and bring the ingredients back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

6. Cook the ingredients and stir constantly for two to three minutes.

7. Remove the saucepan from the heat after the cereal thickens.

8. Pour the Malt-O-Meal into bowls and serve it with milk and if desired, sugar and fresh fruit.

Tags: four servings, water make, cups water, cups water make, make serving

Homemade Wax Seals

Wax seals add a classic touch to any letter or parcel.

A wax seal, typically bearing an embossed design, closes letters and packages, providing an indicator as to whether someone has previously opened it. While many novelty and stationery stores sell wax seals, traditionally, a wax seal is personal to its owner. According to Leslie Linsley, author of "Crafts for Dummies," a handmade wax seal is a simple craft you can pass down through your family as an heirloom. Only a few simple supplies and a bit of creativity are required to make your own wax seals.

Instructions

1. Sketch ideas for your wax seal onto a piece of paper until you find one you like. Consider using your initials, an outline of your favorite animal or your family's coat of arms.

2. Roll a piece of air-drying clay into a 5-inch-long, 2-inch-thick cylindrical shape on a clean table surface. This will be the body of your wax seal.

3. Use a nonserrated knife to slice off a half-inch from each side of your wax seal body. Cut straight down so you leave a smooth, flat surface. Discard the cut pieces.

4. Carve the design you sketched earlier into one end of your wax seal with a toothpick. If you mess up, smooth it over with your thumb and start over. If you have two designs you like, carve another into the other side of your wax seal.

5. Allow the clay to dry for the time specified by the manufacturer or for a minimum of 24 hours.

6. Melt a colored candle onto the letter you would like to seal, using a lighter, until you have a quarter-sized puddle of wax.

7. Press the carved end of your wax seal into the puddle, and hold for 20 seconds before pulling it straight up to reveal your personalized wax seal.

Tags: your seal, side your, side your seal, your family

Goat'S Milk

Goat's milk is very similar to the milk that comes from cows. The breast milk that women produce after pregnancy is more similar to goat's milk, although goat's milk does not contain enough nutrients necessary for that young age. Older children and adults, however, can find many benefits to adding a glass of goat's milk to their diet.

Choosing a Carton

The date to sell the milk by that is printed on goat's milk containers can be very important when deciding which carton to purchase. The carton with the most time between purchasing and drinking is probably the one to buy and take home. The smell of the container, usually the top, can help with the decision of which one to buy as well.

Storing

Because it can go sour fast, goat's milk should be kept in a refrigerator when not in use. It should also be housed on the shelves of the refrigerator that are not on the door, as goat's milk can be very susceptible to spoilage at warmer temperatures. Placing the milk on the door shelf of the refrigerator may expose it to warmer temperatures as the door is opened and closed.

Lactose

Individuals who may be lactose intolerant to milk from a cow might have the same problem with goat's milk. The milk is generally only slightly lower in lactose than cow's milk with a difference of only about 6 percent less lactose.

Health Benefits

The milk from a goat contains calcium, which is good for both the growing bones of children and sustaining the strength of bones in adults. Goat's milk also contains various vitamins and proteins such as riboflavin, which can help the body produce energy, and potassium, which can be good for the heart.

As an Ingredient

Goat's milk can be added as an ingredient to many foods that are made with cow's milk. Items such as yogurts and dips can be made even more healthy by the use of goat's milk because of its healthy properties. Foods such as salads and soups can be topped with goat cheese for flavor and health as well.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome risks may be lessened by drinking goat's milk daily. Goat's milk contains linolenic acid, which may help improve the body's reaction to insulin after a meal. A more balanced insulin level may also mean better blood pressure.

Easier Digestion

The casein curd in goat's milk may allow for easier digestion than cow's milk. This may be due in part to it being smaller and softer than the curd that is found in the milk from cows.

Tags: goat milk, milk from, milk that, from cows, goat milk

Make Bug Juice

Raisins and blueberries are the "bugs" in this juice.

Bug juice is a popular sweet drink that's often served at summer camps. This version has "bugs" floating in it made of raisins and blueberries, making it a fun treat for Halloween parties. You can easily prepare this simple, fruity drink in large quantities for parties. You can easily substitute other dried fruits for bugs and vary the fruit or juice flavors.

Instructions

1. Mash the strawberries with a fork until no large chunks remain. You can also use a blender to puree the frozen berries.

2. Combine the mashed strawberries and lemonade either in the blender or by mixing together in a large pitcher.

3. Pour some of the juice mixture into ice cube trays and add one blueberry or raisin to each cube. Put them in the freezer until frozen.

4. Add ginger ale to the remaining juice mixture.

5. Place raisins and blueberries in glasses or a punch bowl. Add the frozen juice cubes as well.

6. Pour juice mixture over the raisins and blueberries. They will float to the top like "bugs".

7. Drape a Gummi worm over the edge of the glass or bowl for an added touch.

Tags: juice mixture, raisins blueberries, parties easily

Substitute Marscapone Cheese

Substitute Marscapone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese is a type of Italian cheese that is soft and can be spread, similar to cream cheese. It is made with cow's milk and has a high fat content, which gives it a rich taste. Mascarpone cheese tends to be pricey or difficult to find if your grocery store doesn't have a well-stocked Italian foods section, but that doesn't mean you have to forgo recipes that call for it. You can use another type of cheese to mimic the creaminess mascarpone adds to dishes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Add 8 oz. of whole milk ricotta cheese and 3/4 cup of heavy cream into a food processor to substitute for 1 lb. of mascarpone cheese. Secure the food processor lid tightly and process the ingredients until the ricotta cheese is smooth and the heavy cream is evenly distributed.

2. Transfer the ricotta cheese and heavy cream mixture into a large mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture briskly for about 30 seconds to smooth out any lumps and to incorporate air, which will make the cheese mixture fluffy instead of heavy.

3. Pour another 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the ricotta cheese and heavy cream mixture if it feels too heavy and stiff (it should be the consistency of a spread). Whisk the additional cream into the mixture until it is evenly distributed and the mixture has a smooth, creamy texture.

4. Repeat the entire process with an additional 8 oz. container of whole milk ricotta cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream if you need another pound of mascarpone cheese. Use the mascarpone cheese substitute immediately or store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to two days. Whisk the refrigerated mixture before using it in case it starts to form a watery layer on top.

Tags: heavy cream, ricotta cheese, cheese heavy, cheese heavy cream, ricotta cheese heavy

What Is The Origin Of Oyster Stew

What Is the Origin of Oyster Stew?

It is not clear what the origins of oyster stew are. There are as many stories about the beginnings of this savory dish as there are cultures that claim to use oyster stew for holiday celebrations or special meals.

Early History

Early history of the use of oysters goes back to ancient Greek and Roman times. Many thought of oysters as an aphrodisiac and cooked and ate them in many ways and in many dishes.

From the Irish?

Some believe that oyster stew was brought to North America when the Irish came to escape the potato famine in Ireland. The coordinator of the Irish Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee mentions in his writings that they were accustomed to making stew with ling fish, according to an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. However, upon arrival in America ling fish were not available and oysters seemed to be the closest they could come to a likeness in taste, so they substituted.

Native Americans

According to Diane Morgan in her book "The New Thanksgiving Table" (Chronicle Books, 2009), Native Americans harvested shellfish--including oysters--and most often dried them to store for winter. Historians believe that the Native Americans taught the English colonists and early settlers cook them into a stew.

Holidays

Because it is a "warming dish," many people today use oyster stew for a winter holiday dish. Many use it at Christmas while others use it at New Year's.

Other Thoughts

There are places from which oyster stew most likely did not originate. For instance, according to Jerry Apps, a professor emeritus at University of Wisconsin, some have speculated that it came over with the Germans because they cook oyster stew for Christmas celebrations. An article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel states that this is probably not the case as the waters off Germany are much too cold to grow and harvest oysters.

Tags: oyster stew, Native Americans, article Milwaukee, article Milwaukee Journal, believe that, Journal Sentinel

Make An Angel Food Cake

Making your own angel food cake is much more appealing than that off-white and bland styrofoam you can buy from your local grocery store's bakery. Unlike most cakes, Angel Food is actually very airy and light. It is fairly healthy to eat as well. Angel Food makes a great base for a myriad of deserts like strawberry shortcake.

Instructions

1. Beat the egg whites in a bowl until forming steak peaks.

2. Add cream of tartar, vanilla extract and almond extract.

3. Sift the flour, salt and sugar together. Repeat 5 times.

4. Gently combine the dry ingredients with half of the egg whites by gently folding until incorporated then add remaining egg whites and combine fully.

5. Pour batter into tube pan.

6. Place the cake pan, with batter, inside of the cold oven.

7. Turn the oven on to 325 degrees, and cook one hour or until the cake is golden brown.

8. Remove pan from oven and invert on to a plate.

9. Allow cake to cool completely. Remove the pan.

Tags: Angel Food

Effects Of Neotame Sweetener

Neotame is a sweetener frequently used by dieters as a sugar substitute and is the updated "sister-product" of Aspartame. The usage of sweeteners has been called into question after a series of health-problems were reported by researchers investigating the use of Aspartame. According to Dr. David Rietz, problems associated with Aspartame include seizures and brain tumors. A recent study conducted by the University of Hawaii, however, puts this claim into question.

Use as a Sweetener

Neotame is an estimated 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than household table sugar. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the acceptable daily intake is 18mg per kg of body weight. Neotame was approved by the FDA in 2002 and, while chemically similar to Aspartame, it does not contain "phenylalanine". Aspartame was not heat-stable, but Neotame can be used in baking as a sugar substitute for cakes, pastries and biscuits.

Research

While Aspartame has been widely investigated as a food product, less research has been conducted on Neotame. There are currently four studies testing Neotame on animal subjects. Two of these studies were conducted by Neotame's manufacturer, Nutrasweet, thus putting the results into question. Neither of the other two studies reveal any adverse effects resulting from Neotame usage. However, it should be noted that neither study investigated neurological effects and one report was simply a World Health Organization report into general sweetener consumption.

Conclusions from Research

Studies conducted thus far indicate that Neotame consumption may be safe. However, the studies that have been conducted should be considered inconclusive given the small number of studies (four), the conflict of interest issues in two of them and the fact that that neurological effects were not specifically looked at in the remaining two.

Tags: into question, been conducted, conducted Neotame, neurological effects, sugar substitute

Cook Salmon In The Microwave

While novice chefs often seem to consider cooking seafood a tricky or difficult undertaking, it does not have to be. With a versatile fish like salmon, a tasty marinade and a trusty microwave, a delicious meal is quick and easy.

Instructions

1. Choose a salmon filet. For the best flavor, pick a fresh filet with a vibrant pink-orange color that appears firm. Discoloration around the edges of the filet can indicate a filet that is old or has been stored incorrectly. Frozen filets, while just as easy to cook as fresh, often have a strong fishy taste.

2. Marinade the fish. Italian dressing or pre-bottled teriyaki marinade pair nicely with salmon because of their sweetness. Submerge the filet in the marinade for several hours, at least, before you cook the salmon in the microwave.

3. Remove your fish from the marinade and place it with the skin side up in a microwave-safe glass baking dish. Be sure to spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray, and pour the remaining marinade over the fish before cooking.

4. Microwave your salmon according to size. Frozen filets are often come in 3 to 6 oz. pieces while fresh filets come in portions anywhere from 5 to 15 oz. Small filets should cook from 3 to 4 minutes while larger filets should cook from 6 to 8 minutes. If you enjoy your fish rare to medium rare, reduce the cooking times by a minute or so, and monitor it closely during cooking.

5. Monitor your salmon closely. Stop the microwave about halfway through the cooking to check on its progress. The skin should crisp up while the flesh stays moist and tender.

Tags: cook from, cook from minutes, filets should, filets should cook, from minutes, Frozen filets, should cook

Bison Burgers Vs All Beef Burgers

Bison Burgers Vs. All Beef Burgers

Bison burgers are much leaner than all but very low-fat all-beef burgers. The two are comparable in nutrients and protein but bison has been described as sweeter and richer in flavor.

Definition

Beef comes from cattle. Bison, which are indigenous to North America, are often called buffalo but that is a misnomer. The two types of true buffalo come from Africa and Asia, the Bison Group North America reports.

History

Bison were a major protein source for the Plains Indians. Although once at risk of extinction, they are no longer endangered.

Flavor Comparison

Bison has been described as being sweeter and richer in flavor than beef.

Nutritional Comparison

Ground bison and beef are high in protein (about 22g per serving) and in many vitamins (e.g. niacin, vitamins B-6, B-12 and A, iron, selenium, zinc and phosphorous). Both are also high in cholesterol. Bison burgers are far lower in fat than all but very lean ground beef burgers. Unlike nonorganic beef, bison are not exposed to antibiotics or growth hormones.

Preparation

Bison can be substituted for beef in all recipes. Ground beef can be cooked from rare to well done, but bison cooks faster and at low temperatures to prevent overcooking.

Tags: been described, Bison Burgers, Bison Burgers Beef, Burgers Beef, Burgers Beef Burgers, North America, richer flavor

Make Sweetandsour Shrimp

This simple classic of Chinese-American cooking is actually more American than anything else. The dish is often made with a red sugar syrup, but use Asian plum sauce for better flavor. The recipe serves four.

Instructions

1. Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Reserve about 1/4 c. pineapple juice.

2. Cut the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized chunks.

3. Peel, devein and butterfly the shrimp. Set it aside.

4. Mix the ketchup, sugar, vinegar and plum sauce together in a small saucepan.

5. Heat the pan over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is very hot. Stir the mixture so it doesn't scorch.

6. Stir in the pineapple juice. The sauce should be thin enough to pour but thick enough to coat a spoon. Add water to thin the sauce, if necessary.

7. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat.

8. Pour in the peanut oil and swirl the skillet or wok.

9. Stir-fry the onions and peppers until they begin to brown. Use high heat so that the vegetables take on some color before they soften too much; the vegetables should still be crisp when the dish is finished.

10. Stir in the shrimp, season with salt and stir-fry for 1 minute or until the shrimp begin to turn pink.

11. Add the pineapple and about half the sauce and stir everything together until the dish is heated through.

12. Serve immediately. This dish is great served over steamed white rice.

Tags: bite-sized chunks, high heat, into bite-sized, into bite-sized chunks, pineapple juice, plum sauce

Make Chocolate

Homemade chocolate makes a great gift. Just wrap these tiny nuggets in colorful shiny papers, put them in a fancy box and present them to your friends and family for birthdays, anniversaries or the holidays. Follow these steps to learn make chocolate.

Instructions

1. Purchase good quality raw cocoa beans. You can buy them online from several reputable sources (see Resources below).

2. Spread the beans evenly and in a single layer on a flat baking sheet.

3. Roast the beans in the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees F (or about 200 degrees Celsius).

4. Let the beans cool down and remove the husks.

5. Spread the beans on a tea towel, place another towel to cover them and use a hammer to break the beans. Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle to do the work.

6. Put the unevenly broken cocoa beans in a coffee grinder or a clean pepper mill and grind them finely. Remember not to grind them too much or they will liquefy and create a mess.

7. Shift the powdered beans to the mortar and pestle and resume grinding with hands. You will have a mushy mixture.

8. Transfer the mush to a pan and over a pot of boiling water, heat the mush. Don't put the pan containing cocoa mush directly on the stove.

9. Mix in the sugar, vanilla extract and other spices (if you desire) in the gooey cocoa mixture.

10. Pour it into greased molds and let it set. You may even put the molds in the refrigerator.

Tags: cocoa beans, grind them, mortar pestle, Spread beans

What Is The Difference Between Long Grain Rice & Red Rice

White rice has had its bran layer milled off, red rice has not.

Rice is the daily staple food for about half of the people on the planet. There are thought to be more than 100,000 varieties in total, divided into the longer Indica and shorter Japonica types. Both can be grown in tropical, semitropical and temperate climates, with cultivars and cultivation methods varying accordingly. Although white long-grain rice is the most common, exotic red varieties are now available in North America.

Long-Grain Rice vs. Red Rice

Long-grain rices are in the Indica family and are long and thin in shape with a total length usually four or five times their width. They are tender and fluffy when cooked, with each grain remaining separate and distinct. Indian rices and Chinese rices are long grain as is most American rice. White rice has had the outer layer of dark bran milled away, while brown rice has not. With red rice varieties, the bran layer has a distinctively reddish hue and is left unmilled or only partially milled.

Thai "Cargo" Rice

Red varieties of Thai rice are closely related to the better-known jasmine rice, but do not have the distinctive floral character. They have a chewier texture than white rice but cook in about the same length of time. The flavor is more complex that that of white rice, having deeply nutty notes. The red pigment is water-soluble and will tint dishes made with the rice. Thai red rice is sometimes called "cargo" rice because it was originally exported in bulk form rather than in retail packaging.

Bhutanese Red Rice

Another variety of red rice is the only agricultural export of the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. It is a medium-grain rice of the Japonica family and has a soft, delicate texture when cooked. This was the staple of the local diet until recent decades, when inexpensive mass-produced white rice from China and India changed local eating patterns. Cultivation of the heirloom red rice has been maintained by marketing it to the West as an exotic product with excellent nutritional value. Bhutanese rice cooks in about the same time as white rice.

Camargue Red Rice

The French also grow red rice in the storied Camargue region. Located in the marshy Rhone river delta, the largest in western Europe, the Camargue was famed as much for its wildness and lawlessness as for its beautiful white horses. Its low and watery nature and warm Mediterranean climate make an excellent environment for rice cultivation. Camargue red rice is a short-grain variety with a complex, nutty flavor and a slightly sticky texture. It takes about 35 to 40 minutes to cook.

Tags: about same, bran layer, Rice Rice, Thai rice, when cooked, white rice

Alternatives To Chex Mix

Chex Mix contains a variety of tasty treats in one bowl.

Home cooks once prepared their own Chex Mix snack blends in the kitchen, but General Mills now offers an array of prepared Chex Mix varieties as well. The original party mix consisted of a blend of Chex cereals, pretzels, mixed nuts, butter, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings; variations on the theme could include anything from chocolate chips to tortilla chips. Variety party mixes and snacks make viable alternatives to Chex Mix.

Trail Mix

Almonds, raisins and coconut flakes add flavor and texture to this trail mix blend.

Trail mix gets its name from how well it travels. Hikers, bikers and campers could pack along a ration of this blend of nuts, grains and dried fruit to eat while on the move. As a party snack, trail mix is easy to eat without making a mess or requiring a plate. Both commercial and home-blended trail mixes typically contain a base of nuts and fruit; additional ingredients might include candy-coated chocolate pieces, bite-sized crackers, dried peas or pumpkin seeds. Specialty trail mixes incorporate low-fat, low-calorie or gluten-free ingredients to accommodate people with specific dietary needs.

Cereal Mixes

Chex is only one commercially-prepared cereal that can form the basis of a party mix. Any unsweetened oat, corn, wheat or bran cereal works in savory snack mixes; sweetened cereals suit sweeter snack blends or sweet and savory combinations. Flaked cereals don't lend themselves to easy snacking, but any cereal that comes in O-shaped pieces or shredded squares can become the foundation of a homemade snack blend. Experiment with cereal mixtures and spice blends to create a personalized party mix.

Granola

Granola doubles as a snack food and a breakfast cereal.

As its name suggests, granola contains grains, typically oats or rice. Honey, nuts and dried fruit add sweetness and flavor to the grain base. Granola resembles trail mix, but its grainy base differentiates it from the predominantly nutty and fruity trail mix. The toasted-grain snack has its roots in the health-food movement of the early 20th century, then grew in popularity throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. Modern commercial granola blends focus more on taste than on health benefits, but its formula is highly customizable for snackers who want to emphasize certain nutrients.

Mixed Nuts

Pecans, cashews and peanuts enliven this nut mixture.

Chex Mix blends contain nuts, but nut aficionados may choose to enjoy nothing but their favorite part of the party mix: the nuts themselves. Mixed nuts incorporate two or more nut varieties in the same blend. Commercial mixed nut blends include salted, roasted, honey-roasted, flavored and spiced nuts to suit any taste. Chocolate-coated "bridge mix" varieties provide a sweeter take on mixed nuts. Nuts provide so much protein that the U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies them with meats, eggs and fish as a source of protein in the food group pyramid. As they are low in carbohydrates, mixed nuts make a viable snack alternative for people on reduced-carbohydrate dietary plans.

Tags: cereal that, dried fruit, make viable, mixed nuts, snack blends

Make Tomato Coconut Soup

If you would like to make an interesting variation of tomato soup, make tomato coconut soup. This delicious soup has a unique flavor that you are sure to enjoy. Originally, tomato coconut soup came from Indian and Thai cooking, but today there are many variations of this tasty soup.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot.

2. Saute the chopped celery and onion in the oil until they are tender, which generally takes about 10 minutes.

3. Pour the water and canned tomatoes into the soup pot. Add the oregano, bay leaf and cinnamon and bring everything to a boil.

4. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.

5. Remove the bay leaf and slowly stir in the coconut milk.

6. Puree the soup in an electric blender. Place only 2 cups of soup into the blender at one time. Blend until the ingredients have become a puree, then put the processed soup back in the stockpot and keep it warm on the stove.

7. Add salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Garnish the soup with toasted coconut and serve.

Tags: coconut soup, tomato coconut, tomato coconut soup

Remove The Smell Of Feta Cheese

When crumbled over a Greek salad, feta cheese adds a distinct flavor.

Feta cheese is a white, semi-soft cheese frequently cooked into main dishes or sprinkled over salad. The pungent flavor adds to or complements the other foods with which it is blended. In addition to its distinct flavor, feta cheese also has a strong smell when kept in a contained area. Feta cheese kept in the refrigerator without proper wrapping or storage can cause an odor that greets you every time you open the refrigerator door.

Instructions

1. Remove the feta cheese and any other foods in the surrounding area from the refrigerator. If the smell is very strong, empty the entire refrigerator for a thorough cleaning. Place the feta cheese in an airtight container to keep the smell from permeating into the refrigerator again.

2. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon hot water. Add 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar to the hot water.

3. Clean the inside of the refrigerator, especially at the source of the smell, with the baking soda and vinegar solution to remove cheese residue and odor. Both vinegar and baking soda are effective, natural cleaners and deodorizers.

4. Wipe the inside of the refrigerator with a damp cloth to remove baking soda residue. Dry with a clean cloth. Prop the refrigerator door open and allow it to air dry for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Coffee grounds naturally remove unpleasant smells.

Cover the bottom of a shallow baking pan with fresh coffee grounds. Place all the items back in the refrigerator then put the coffee grounds in the refrigerator. Allow the coffee grounds to remain overnight to absorb any remaining feta cheese smell.

Tags: baking soda, feta cheese, coffee grounds, distinct flavor, inside refrigerator, other foods, refrigerator door

Cook Roasted Garlic

Garlic is not only delicious, it has also been shown to have positive effects on your health, including lowering cholesterol levels. Garlic can be eaten in a variety of ways, one of the most popular of which is roasted. Roasted garlic is wonderful when spread on bread or used in sauces. Here's roast garlic.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. You will be roasting your garlic in a very hot oven, so use oven mitts and take safety precautions when cooking your garlic. (See Things You'll Need below.)

2. Purchase two large, firm heads of garlic and one small bottle of extra virgin olive oil. Garlic can be purchased at your local farmer's market or in the grocery store in the produce section.

3. Remove the outer papery covering from the heads of garlic. Cut approximately 1/4 inch off the top off each garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the heads in a small baking dish.

4. Drizzle two teaspoons of oil over each head of garlic. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in heated oven.

5. Roast for 45 minutes, until garlic is soft. Remove from oven.

6. Allow garlic to cool slightly. Separate the garlic heads into individual cloves. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into a small serving dish. Mash garlic with a fork. Or squeeze garlic right on a crusty slice of good bread.

7. Serve roasted garlic with a side dish of extra virgin olive oil. Dip piping hot bread into the olive oil and then dip into the garlic. Or serve garlic with goat cheese or figs.

Tags: garlic with, baking dish, extra virgin, extra virgin olive, heads garlic, roasted garlic

What Is Popcorn Made Of

People have been eating popcorn for thousands of years. It was originally discovered by Native Americans in prehistoric times. Popcorn is a type of corn, and has the scientific name Zea mays everta. While it grows in the same way as other types of corn, only popcorn can be popped. This tasty snack is surprisingly nutritious.

Parts of a popcorn kernel

The composition of a popcorn kernel is what enables it to pop. At the center of each kernel is a small amount of water. Surrounding the water is soft starch. Surrounding the starch is an outer hull that does not let water pass through.

How popcorn pops

When a kernel is heated, the water inside expands and turns to steam. The steam cannot simply seep out of the kernel because the kernel's outer hull is waterproof. Instead, pressure builds up inside the kernel. By the time the temperature of the kernel reaches 347 degrees Fahrenheit, the pressure inside will be an astonishing 135 pounds per square inch, and the kernel will explode. The hot starch will inflate and spill out of the kernel, becoming as much as 50 times larger than its original size.

History

The oldest known popcorn was found by archeologists in a cave in New Mexico and is about 5,600 years old. European explorers learned about popcorn from Native Americans in North and South America. Popcorn became popular in the United States in the mid-1800s. In the 20th century, its popularity increased when it was sold in movie theaters.

Benefits

Popcorn may have a bad reputation because it is often cooked in unhealthy oils and topped with gobs of butter. But popcorn itself, without the added fat, is a healthy whole grain, and whole grains are good for the heart. Popcorn eaters may get more than twice as much whole grain in their diet as non-popcorn eaters. The healthiest way to prepare popcorn is to air pop it or to use a healthy fat such as olive oil.

Storage

If popcorn kernels lose their moisture, they won't pop properly. Don't store unpopped kernels in the refrigerator, because that could dry them out. Instead, keep them in a cool place in airtight containers.

Tags: Native Americans, outer hull, popcorn kernel, whole grain

What Is Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a traditional food found mainly in the southern United States. It is a simple cheese spread that is ingrained in Southern culture and used as a quick meal or as an appetizer. With only a few ingredients and many varieties, this is an easy spread to make.

Ingredients

Pimento cheese is made from very simple ingredients, the basics of which are pimentos, sharp cheddar cheese and mayonnaise. A bit of mustard, salt and pepper can be added as well as onions, garlic, and horseradish (all optional).

Geography

Pimento cheese is traditionally and culturally tied with the southern United States, particularly around Georgia. Outside of this area, pimento cheese may be eaten occasionally but it is rarely a common food as it is in the South.

History

The exact origin of pimento cheese is unclear, though it began to be widely made and consumed during the early 1900's as a quick snack on southern U.S. farms.

Culinary Use

Pimento cheese is commonly used in sandwiches with white bread. It is also eaten as a spread or a dip,or mixed in with foods such as grits or mashed potatoes.

Cooking

Pimento cheese is very easy to make, which is one of the main reasons it is made so often. Simply combine all the ingredients together and blend by hand or using a food processor.

Tags: Pimento cheese, pimento cheese, southern United, southern United States, United States

Recipes

Recipe to make tarragon chicken salad. This is an easy recipe to cook tarragon chicken salad. Prepare and serve tarragon chicken salad for family or friends tonight!

Instructions

1. Step one in making your Tarragon Chicken Salad with this recipe is to separate the leaves from the stems of the fresh tarragon. Coarsely chop

and set aside.

2. Step two in cooking your Tarragon Chicken Salad with easy recipes like this one, is to fill a medium saucepan half full with hot water. Add stems from the fresh tarragon and the bay leaves.

3. When the water is rapidly boiling, add the chicken; poach chicken for about 8 minutes until the chicken is firm, but not over cooked.

4. Core and dice apples into ? inch cubes, leaving the skin on. Put the apple pieces in very cold water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning.

5. As soon as the chicken is fully cooked, drain it and chill it down with ice; the chicken should be very cold before it is mixed into the salad. Chicken should be cut into ? to ? inch pieces.

6. Thoroughly blend mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, vinegar, walnuts, tarragon leaves, and dried tarragon leaves in a medium sized plastic bowl.

7. Completely drain chicken, making sure it is free of stems and bay leaves. Drain apples.

8. The final step to make Tarragon Chicken Salad with this recipe is to add apples, chicken, and Gorgonzola to mayonnaise mixture. Mix by hand so that chicken is distributed evenly throughout the salad and the apples are coated with the sauce. Cover and refrigerate.

Tags: Chicken Salad with, Salad with, Tarragon Chicken Salad, tarragon leaves, your Tarragon Chicken, chicken salad, Chicken Salad

What Is Mastic Gum

Mastic gum is a spice that is produced on the Greek island of Chios in the Aegean Sea. In Hebrew, the word mastic means gum.

Description

Mastic gum is the sticky, resinous, yellow to white sap of the Pistacia lentiscus tree, a member of the pistachio family that grows up to 13 feet tall.

Harvesting

During the summer, the trees are cut so they bleed their sap onto the ground. The gum is then collected, hand washed and left to dry in the sun.

Production Rights

The European Union (EU) recognizes Chios' exclusive right to mastic gum production by granting them Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) rights.

Uses

Mastic gum has culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses. It is chewed as a gum; used in liquor, desserts, cheese and bread; is an ingredient in toothpaste, lotion and perfume; and is believed to possess healing powers.

Reserach

Researchers at Nottingham University tested mastic gum as a treatment for ulcers and found that if one gram is taken daily for two weeks, peptic ulcers are reduced.

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Make Artichoke Dip

Artichoke dip is always popular as an appetizer at theme restaurants, but did you know you can reproduce the results at home without much hassle? Making your own artichoke dip at home will make it feel like you and your family just went out to eat!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish before starting this recipe.

2. Mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan and garlic in a bowl. Stir the mixture until it is smooth, but do not mix it until it is whipped. Whipping it can make the dip messy after it's cooked.

3. Add the mozzarella and drained artichoke hearts to the mixture and stir until mixed in completely. Sprinkle a layer of paprika on the top of the mixture. An additional layer of Parmesan or mozzarella also will make your dip more delicious.

4. Bake your dip for about 30 minutes. The surface should be lightly browned and the cheese should be bubbly. If you want a sharper flavor, add a layer of Asiago cheese to the dip just before you take it out of your oven.

5. Consider adding a few extras to your dip before serving it. Another layer of cheese or paprika will give your dip a little more spice. You also might want to stick a layer of tortilla chips inside the cooked dip to break it up and make it easier to serve and eat.

Tags: will make, your oven

Make Garlic Cole Slaw

Give your coleslaw recipe a sweet and spicy flavor by adding garlic into the mix. It tastes delicious and takes only a few minutes to prepare. Make garlic coleslaw any time of year for a yummy side dish with any main course or serve garlic coleslaw at your next family get together, picnic or party, for a big hit even the kids will love. Refrigerate and enjoy the leftovers for up to three days.

Instructions

1. Pour the cream, whipped salad dressing and vinegar into a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined.

2. Whisk the sugar into the liquid ingredients. Then add the garlic powder, salt and pepper to complete the dressing.

3. Place the garlic, cabbage and carrots into a large bowl and mix them together using a large fork.

4. Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Use a large fork to mix the dressing with the cabbage mixture, coating the vegetables fully.

5. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place the garlic coleslaw into the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.

Tags: garlic coleslaw, large fork, Place garlic