Prawn Salad Ideas

Prawns can be used just like shrimp in salad.

A prawn, though interchangeable with shrimp in recipes, is not actually a shrimp. These crustaceans are from the same family as shrimp, but are much larger in size. Prawns can often be found at the seafood counter of your grocery store with shrimp and may be referred to as shrimp. A traditional prawn is cooked with its head still on and is identified by its large pincher claw located at the tail of the shrimp, which is removed for cooking. In the event you cannot find prawns, rest assured you can change out your prawn recipe with shrimp.

Ceviche

Ceviche is a Spanish dish that is made from raw seafood, usually shrimp. This dish can be prepared with raw prawns. Remove the head and claw from the prawn, and clean and devein it. Dice into small pieces and mix with avocado, cabbage, onion and some form of acid which will cure the prawn meat for eating. The most common acid used is lime or lemon juice.

Creamy Salad

A creamy prawn salad can be made to spread on bread, serve with crackers or scooped up with pieces of cleaned endive leaves. Use 1 lb. cooked prawns, 1/3 cup chopped vegetables, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning to taste, and lemon juice and mix into a bowl. Chill for at least 30 minutes or until mixture is cooled completely. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.

Prawns and Avocado

There is nothing wrong with serving simple prawns and sliced avocados as a salad. Cook prawns whole or without their head in boiling water. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve on top of freshly sliced avocado. Squeeze lemon juice on top of the salad to keep the avocado from browning.

Thai Salad

Prawns can be used in a variety of cultural cuisines, including Thai. Marinate headless and cleaned prawns in lime juice, sesame oil, peanut satay sauce and cilantro. Fry in a wok until pink and cooked through. Serve over rice noodles and sprinkle with sliced cucumber, peanuts and a squirt of lime juice.

Tags: lemon juice, with shrimp, lime juice, Prawns used

Make Dough For Pot Stickers

Make Dough for Pot Stickers

Pot stickers are Chinese dumplings with filling tucked inside a simple flour dough wrapper. Make the filling for pot stickers out of pork or beef and cabbage. The dough for pot stickers is simply flour and water. Once you construct the pot stickers, you then pan-fry the bottoms lightly in oil while steaming the tops of the pot stickers. This is the reason for the unusual name of this delicious savory treat. After the pot stickers are sufficiently fried and steamed, the cook simply lifts them from the pan with a spatula and serves them immediately.

Instructions

1. Measure and pour the all-purpose flour into the bowl. Make a small well in the center of the flour and pour the water into the well.

2. Mix the ingredients with the wooden spoon until the flour and water are incorporated.

3. Place the dough onto a floured counter top and knead the dough with your hands for three minutes. Form the dough into a ball and place a moistened towel over the dough. Leave the dough undisturbed for ten minutes.

4. Remove the towel and knead the dough for three more minutes. Roll the dough into a long tube with a 1-inch diameter.

5. Divide the tube into 24 equal pieces by cutting each piece approximately ¼-inch wide.

6. Cover your work surface with additional flour to prevent sticking. Flatten each piece and roll it into a flat round that is approximately 4 1/2 inches wide and 1/8-inch thick. Leave the rounds to sit for several minutes and they should shrink back to approximately 4-inch diameters.

7. Place 1 tbsp. of filling in the center of each round and pinch the dough around the filling to construct the pot stickers.

Tags: construct stickers, dough into, each piece, flour water, knead dough, Make Dough, Make Dough Stickers

Make Chili Lime Butter

If you're tired of serving the same old butter with dinner, then it is time to spice it up. Here is a great chili lime butter recipe.

Instructions

1. Allow butter to soften by taking it out of the fridge and leaving it on the counter for about 15 minutes. With this recipe, you can make as much or as little as you would like. But to make it worth your while, use at least 1/2 lb. of butter.

2. Grate the lime peel using a fine grater into a bowl. For each 1/2 lb. of butter, you will need the zest of 1 grated lime.

3. Add the Chili Flakes to the bowl. For each 1/2 lb. of butter, add 2 tsp. of chili lime flakes to the bowl of lime zest.

4. Squeeze the lime juice into the bowl. For every 1/2 lb. of butter, use 1 lime.

5. Place the softened butter into the bowl and mix. Make sure the ingredients are well stirred and that your butter is well softened.

6. Put your newly mixed chili lime butter into a container and store in the fridge. It will keep for about two months.

Tags: into bowl, bowl each, bowl each butter, butter into, chili lime, each butter

Make Three Meals Off Of One Turkey

A lot of people love turkey. It is healthier and often times less expensive than other main dish options. However, to get the best deal out of a turkey purchase it is usually best to buy a whole turkey rather than a turkey breast or roast. But the question remains: What do you do with the leftovers? Below are steps that will help you to get three meals out of a single turkey purchase.

Instructions

1. Purchase a turkey of a decent size from your local grocery market. The exact weight will be dependent upon the number of guests you intend to have at each of the three meals that the bird will serve. If you don't already have the ingredients for recipe one and two on hand, purchase those at the same time.

2. Thaw the turkey inside the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare your first turkey meal.

3. Prepare the turkey for roasting. Remove all of the accessory pieces inside of the bird's cavity. Make certain that the turkey's legs are bound by string or rubber bands to hold the bird in place during roasting.

4. Brush a bit of olive oil over the top or the turkey, breast side up.

5. Season the turkey according to your preferences.

6. Stuff the turkey with your favorite dressing.

7. Roast the turkey for about three hours for a bird between 8 and 14 lbs. A stuffed turkey will require more roasting time than one that is not stuffed. Cover the turkey with a tin tent for the first two hours of cooking and then remove. Once the turkey achieves the desired "roasted" look, return the tent to its position until the bird is done.

8. Remove the turkey once it is roasted to your liking and serve with the rest of your pre-planned meal.

9. After the first meal, remove the remaining turkey from the bones. Separate light and dark meat and store until ready to make your second meal.

10. For meal number two, make a homemade turkey pie. Use about one half of both the white and dark meat from the remaining turkey leftovers, chopped into bite sized pieces.

11. Add the chopped turkey to one can of cream of chicken and one half-can of cream of mushroom soup.

12. Add in one can of small pearlized onions and one package of mixed vegetables of your choice.

13. Mix in one cup of water and stir to blend everything thoroughly. Taste and add seasonings like salt and pepper as desired.

14. Pour the mixture into one pre-prepared pie crust. Use the other pie crust to top the turkey pie, brushing a bit of butter across the top and cutting two or three slits for venting purposes.

15. Bake the turkey pie in the oven at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes (or until browned to the level that you like).

16. Serve your second turkey meal.

17.For turkey meal number three, finely chop the remaining turkey leftovers.

18. Dice one medium-sized onion and mix together with the turkey.

19. Pour the turkey and onions into a large mixing bowl and add 1 to 2 tbsp. for parsley, 1/2 tsp. of pepper and 1/2 tsp. of dill and mix again.

20. Add enough mayonnaise to make a good consistency of turkey salad. The exact amount of mayo used will be dependent upon the amount of turkey leftover meat used.

21. Add a half package of dried cranberries and one-quarter cup of finely chopped pecans into the turkey salad and mix thoroughly. You may need to add more mayo to the mixture in order to maintain the turkey salad consistency that you want.

22. Add salt, pepper and other seasonings to taste.

23. Serve the turkey salad on a croissant for a light, yet delicious lunch or stuff the turkey salad into hollowed out tomatoes for a beautiful luncheon presentation. To add a bit of sweetness to the salad, stuff it into a hollowed out pineapple shell and let sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Tags: turkey salad, remaining turkey, turkey meal, dark meat, dependent upon

Pack A Cheap School Lunch

Pack an inexpensive and healthy school lunch for your child.

A nutritious lunch is vital to a child's achievement at school. It not only helps him learn healthy eating habits, but will keep him alert during the school day. But you don't have to break the bank when packing lunches. If your family is on a budget or trying to reduce costs, it is possible to pack a cheap school lunch that your child will love.

Instructions

1. Make a wrap or a sandwich using whole wheat tortillas or bread. This is the biggest part of the lunch. Whole wheat wraps containing turkey, lettuce and a slice of cheese is a cheap and protein-rich lunch option. Another is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread.

2. Pack a school lunch containing leftovers if your child tires of wraps and sandwiches. Foods such as meatloaf and bean burritos are useful in school lunches. Put together burritos containing refried beans, lettuce and cheese on whole-wheat tortillas. Make a meatloaf sandwich by putting a slice of it between two pieces of whole wheat bread.

3. Include a small container of yogurt. Buy the individual yogurts in packs to save the most money. Yogurt is an affordable source of calcium for young kids. Add a plastic spoon.

4. Put vegetables in plastic baggies. Buying produce and cutting it up yourself is cheaper than buying pre-cut vegetables. Some options for vegetables to include are baby carrots, pea pods and edamame. Include one baggie of vegetables each day. Add flavor by including a small container of hummus for use as a healthy dip.

5. Include in-season fruit. In-season fruit is much cheaper than out-of season fruit. In a medium-sized container, create a fruit mix with oranges, bananas, melon and cantaloupe. If the child has a sweet tooth, add marshmallows and coconut flakes to the fruit mixture.

6. Include a reusable water bottle in the lunch. Water is free and the best thing to drink. Using commercial water bottles are expensive and unnecessary. If the child is not big on drinking water, add three drops of lemon juice to the water.

Tags: your child, cheaper than, school lunch, small container, wheat bread

Make Cheesecake Bites

Mini cheesecake bites may look like you've spent hours in the kitchen laboring over them, but they are actually easy to make. If you have access to a food processor and several mini muffin pans four batches can be baked at once.

These directions will result in six dozen cheesecake bites.

Instructions

Make Cheesecake Bites

1. Pour the entire box of vanilla wafers into a gallon size food storage bag; seal completely. Use a rolling pin to crush the wafers into fine crumbs. Alternately, you can use a food processor. Add the melted butter to the crumbs. Mix thoroughly.

2. Line a mini muffin pan with mini foil baking cups. Make the crust for your mini cheesecakes by placing a teaspoon of crumbs into the bottom of each cup. Press the crumbs down with your thumb so they cover the bottom of the cup.

3. Combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in the bowl of a food processor or mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are blended into a smooth batter. If you are not using a food processor, you will need to use an electric mixer to get the best results.

4. Fill the baking cups to about three-fourths full, and bake for 25 minutes at 325 degrees.

5. Turn off the oven at the end of 25 minutes and open the oven door a crack. Leave it open for about 20 minutes, allowing the cheesecake bites to cool down until the pan can be handled without the need of an oven mitt. They may form cracks on top if they are not cooled in the oven.

6. Remove the cups to a serving tray and refrigerate. If you wish, you can peel away the foil cup before serving.

Tags: food processor, baking cups, cheesecake bites, Make Cheesecake, Make Cheesecake Bites

Effects Of Too Little Carbohydrates

With so many diets and healthy recipes out there, there seem to be a number of "bad" words in the diet realm. One of those words is carbohydrate, and many diets insist on regulating carbohydrates as much as they regulate fat and calories. But are there consequences of eating too few carbohydrates? Yes.

Decreased energy

Without the presence of carbohydrates, fat is broken down into components that include a byproduct called ketones. When ketones begin to accumulate, the result is headaches, dizziness, decreased energy and fatigue.

Digestive difficulties

Dehydration often follows a lack of carbohydrates, and can lead to constipation as well as adding to the feelings of headache, fatigue and aching muscles.

Raising vulnerabilities

Cutting out carbohydrates means cutting out a number of vegetables and whole grains, which also eliminates the benefits of such foods. Risks of cancers can increase when some of these foods are eliminated from the diet.

Kidney stones

The same ketones that are created by improper fat burning can cause blockages and result in kidney stones.

Heart disease

When carbohydrates are eliminated from a diet, there are other compounds that need to take their place, such as proteins, cholesterol and fats--which can all lead to an increased risk for heart disease.

Tags: eliminated from, eliminated from diet, from diet, many diets

Hints For Wolfgang Puck Bread Machines

Bread machines simplify baking your own bread.

Wolfgang Puck Bread and Dessert Maker machines are, as of May 2011, available from Internet resellers for about $40. This makes them an economical way to experiment with baking your own fresh bread. There is no question that using bread machines is a more convenient way to bake your own fresh bread than baking bread completely by hand. However, because the machine kneads the dough, there are some tips you should follow to increase your chances of getting good bread every time you use the machine.

Sift Your Flour

Sifting flour is one of the keys to good bread.

This is probably the single most important thing you can do when baking. Sifting incorporates air into the dry ingredients so they can be wet more thoroughly and mixed and kneaded more easily. Measure the amount of flour the recipe calls for, then sift it into the baking pan of your bread machine. Sifting takes a little time and can be a little messy, but it noticeably lightens baked goods. If you don't have a flour sifter, pour the flour into a separate bowl and stir it vigorously with a fork or whisk for a few minutes before adding it to the baking pan.

Use Lukewarm Liquids

Unless otherwise specified, all liquids required by the recipe should be lukewarm and no warmer. If the liquid is too cold, the yeast will not produce enough carbon dioxide and if it is too hot, it will kill the millions of microorganisms that are yeast.

Proof Your Yeast

The Wolfgang Puck Bread and Dessert Maker manual calls for bread machine yeast, or fast-rising yeast, which can be bought in jars as well as envelopes. You should buy it in a jar so that every time you make a batch of bread, you can proof your yeast. Add a little sugar to about 1/2 cup of lukewarm water and stir to dissolve, then add a little yeast and wait for five to 10 minutes. If foam forms on top of the water, your yeast is alive and you can bake with it. If not, buy a new jar.

Read the Manual

Follow the instructions in the manual and add the ingredients in the order the recipe specifies. In particular, always add yeast after flour. The yeast should not touch liquid until it is incorporated into the dough. Otherwise, the yeast will begin producing carbon dioxide before the dough can absorb the gas. Without that gas, the dough can't rise.

Tags: baking your, Puck Bread, Wolfgang Puck, Wolfgang Puck Bread, baking your bread

Cook Canilla Rice

Rice is enjoyed by people around the world.

The United States produces more than 20 billion pounds of rice each year, according to USA Rice Federation. Canilla rice comes in both short and long-grain varieties and according to Goya.com, "is a favorite for generations and a staple in the Hispanic diet." Many people eat canilla rice as part of a healthy diet. It can be paired with meat, fish and poultry or even served alone. Canilla rice can be cooked in less than 30 minutes by following a few easy steps.

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients to be combined with the canilla rice. Coarsely chop 1 ½ cups of arugula, mince one clove of garlic and julienne 1 ½ cups radicchio. Chop 1 tbsp. fresh Italian parsley and 1 cup watercress leaves and set aside.

2. Bring 2 ½ cups of water to boil in a 6 qt. saucepan. Pour in 1 cup canilla rice, turn down the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Use a heavy pan to keep the rice on the bottom from getting burnt. To keep canilla rice from sticking together when cooking, add one tbsp. of oil or butter.

3. Heat the butter and oil in a 12 inch frying pan while the rice is cooking. Mix in the watercress, garlic and arugula. Maintain a medium heat and stir continually until the greens become somewhat wilted.

4. Add the canilla rice to the frying pan once it has finished cooking. Then thoroughly mix in the parsley, radicchio, salt and pepper to taste.

5. Transfer the cooked rice to a serving bowl, cover to keep warm and serve immediately.

Tags: canilla rice, canilla rice

Break A Coconut

Coconuts always look so darn appetizing. Images often pop to mind of sitting on a deserted island with your feet in the sand, drinking a refreshing rum beverage right from a coconut that just fell from a tree. But that image is quickly erased when you soon realize how hard it is to open the darn things.

Instructions

1. Inspect the coconut. Usually coconuts will have some dark areas on them. About the size of the dime, there are usually three such areas. These are the weakest points of the coconut. Using that area's weakness, it's time to break out the hammer!

2. Nail the coconut. Literally. Lay out your towel and place the coconut on top. Then using your hammer and nail, nail into one of the weak spots on the coconut. Don't drive the nail all the way. Just enough so that you feel it break through the shell to the hollow middle. Remove the nail.

3. Drain the coconut. Next place the coconut over a short glass or bowl with the hole side down. Let the coconut drain for 3 minutes or so. If you wish you may drink the coconut milk, or save it, and make drinks with it. (It's quite tasty with rum!)

4. Place your coconut back in the towel. Now it's time to take out some aggression! Once in the towel, take your hammer and strike the coconut forcefully. This may be best done on the ground or on pavement, as you will need to strike it quite hard and you don't want to ruin your counter top. Continue striking the coconut until you feel it break. You may continue to strike it a few more times until you have broken it into several pieces. This make it easier to grate or remove the "meat" of the coconut.

5. Use your knife. This is an alternate way to break a coconut and perhaps a tad more impressive in front of your friends. But it should be noted that this is not for children to try. And if you feel your child is old enough, be sure to supervise them closely. Take a heavy cleaver knife in one hand and the coconut in the other. Then rotate the knife so that the BLADE IS FACING UP, AWAY FROM THE COCONUT, and strike the coconut with back of the blade. It will probably take several forceful whacks as it did with the hammer. Also be sure to strike the coconut in the center. This will keep it from flying out of your hand and also distribute the most amount of force throughout the shell. Congratulations, you have just learned break a coconut!

Tags: strike coconut, break coconut, feel break, place coconut, your hammer

Make Rosemary Oil For Hair

Rosemary oil will make your hair look shiny and healthy.

Rosemary oil has moisturizing and fortifying properties that can strengthen hair while also making it shiny and smooth. You can make your own rosemary oil treatment for your hair with a few simple ingredients, and use it whenever your hair is feeling or looking particularly brittle or damaged. Use the treatment about once a week to strengthen and moisturize your hair.

Instructions

1. Purchase the necessary ingredients from a makeup wholesaler. You can also purchase some of the ingredients, like the sweet almond oil, from organic food stores. Products like the rosemary essential oil can also be found at candle-supply stores.

2. Put 2 oz. sweet almond oil, 1/2 oz. avocado oil, 1 tsp. wheat germ oil, 1/2 tsp. lecithin, and 15 drops rosemary essential oil in a plastic bowl, and blend well until all of the ingredients have combined.

3. Pour the finished rosemary oil mixture into a small glass jar or glass bottle. Then, boil about two cups of water, and set aside.

4. Place the jar of rosemary oil into the hot water bath to heat the mixture for use. Carefully test the mixture to make sure it isn't too hot before using on your hair.

5. Apply the rosemary oil treatment all over your hair, from the roots to tips, and massage deeply into your scalp. Cover your treated hair with a shower cap, and allow the rosemary oil to soak in for about 30 minutes. Rinse off and shampoo hair as usual.

Tags: your hair, hair with, make your, rosemary essential, rosemary treatment

Serve Salmon

Versatile, succulent and relatively inexpensive, salmon doubles as a satisfying main course for a large crowd or as a quick family meal on week nights. Salmon's naturally deep flavors eliminate the need to spend hours simmering elaborate sauces to serve with it. Most of the sauces and other accompaniments that pair well with salmon cook up in minutes.

Instructions

1. Make an Alfredo-style sauce of heavy cream, butter and salt. Roast salmon fillets till almost done. Pour sauce over salmon and roast an additional two minutes. Serve over fettuccine.

2. Pan-sear Cajun-seasoned salmon steaks till cooked through. Top with mild salsa, guacamole, sour cream and minced green onions. Serve with grilled corn tortillas and sliced beefsteak tomatoes.

3. Whip up a dill sauce by mixing mayonnaise with fresh dill, Dijon mustard and black pepper. Spread half the sauce on baked salmon during the last ten minutes of baking. Serve the remaining sauce with the salmon at the table alongside crisply fried potato slices.

4. Roast chunks of potatoes, carrots and parsnips in a buttered casserole. Lay vegetables on a large serving platter and top with broiled salmon fillets. Serve with broiled tomato halves and a salad of field greens.

5. Grill skewers of salted salmon chunks over hot mesquite coals. Then sprinkle with oregano and fresh lemon. Serve salmon chunks wrapped in warm pitas with shredded Romaine lettuce and grape tomato halves.

6. Fry floured salmon. Then douse with malt vinegar, red onion slices and fresh rosemary sprigs. Refrigerate several hours. Serve cold with cucumber salad, sour cream and Black Russian bagels.

Tags: salmon chunks, salmon fillets, sour cream, tomato halves, with broiled, with salmon

Things You Grow In A Garden That Chickens Can Eat

Chickens love garden vegetables.

Chickens are not picky eaters and will consume just about any type of food including produce, grains, meat and dairy. Chickens especially enjoy vegetables, fruits and flowers, which can easily be grown in your garden and provide a lasting supply of treats for your chickens. If you do not have a garden plot available, you can use containers to grow your produce. Vegetables, fruits, flowers and grasses are healthy treats for your chickens, but they should not encompass the entire diet of your poultry. Chickens require proper poultry feed in addition to these treats.

Vegetables

Chickens enjoy most vegetables and are particularly fond of greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale and chard. Greens tend to grow quickly and are a good choice for chickens. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and corn are also good options as they require the chickens to eat slowly and will give them something to peck at all day long. Vegetables such as carrots, eggplants, beets and cucumbers are also favorites. Make sure that you allow your vegetable plants to become established before letting your chickens have full access to them. Chickens will completely consume small seedlings and sprouts very quickly. With most vegetable plants, it is best to harvest the produce and leaves from the plant and feed it to your chickens in a separate area to avoid damage to the plant.

Grass

Grass is very beneficial for your chickens and can be grown in your garden or you can allow your chickens to have access to your lawn. Certain grasses such as wheat and oat sprouts are well suited for gardens or containers and grow quickly, making them a good choice for chicken feed.

Fruits

Chickens enjoy fruits like strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe. Fruits and melons are a special treat for your chickens and should be fed in moderation as they do not contain as many nutrients as vegetables and grasses. Melons tend to grow slower than most vegetables and take up more space in your plot, so they are not always a practical choice for your garden.

Flowers

Marigolds, nasturtiums, daisies and pansies are good choices as they add a colorful touch to your garden and tend to grow quickly; however, chickens tend to like most types of flowers. They enjoy the flower petals, seeds and stems. Be careful when allowing your chickens around flowers in your yard or garden that you cherish as they will often devour the entire plant. Several types of flowers can be poisonous to chickens so you should fully research the flower before planting.

Poisonous Plants

Avoid keeping poisonous plants in your yard or garden where your chickens may access them. Common poisonous plants include onions, chives, garlic, amaryllis, azalea, lily of the valley, oleander, hemlock, wisteria and columbine. PoultryHelp.com offers a complete list of poisonous plants and flowers.

Tags: your chickens, your garden, chickens have, grow quickly, poisonous plants

What Are The Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds On Arthritis

Pumpkin seeds may help to reduce joint pain in arthritis sufferers.

Pumpkin seed oil contains omega-3 fatty acid, a type of essential fatty acid that must be obtained through food. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, essential fatty acids are currently being researched for their positive impact on a number of degenerative conditions such as heart disease, lupus and arthritis. The main role that omega-3 fatty acids seem to play in the body is lowering inflammation. While arthritis is a degenerative joint condition, inflammation plays a major role in the disease's symptoms. Using pumpkin seed oil may benefit arthritis sufferers.

Joint Pain

While the omega-3 fatty acids in pumpkin seeds have not shown a tendency to slow or reverse the progression of arthritis, they do help to reduce the intensity of the joint pain. The ability of omega-3 fatty acids to decrease pain and joint stiffness allows arthritis sufferers greater range of motion as well as increased walking speed and hand strength. Unlike pain relieving drugs, the omega-3 fatty acids in pumpkin seeds takes time to produce pain relief.

Morning Stiffness

One of the major symptoms of arthritis is morning stiffness that lasts for a period greater than half an hour. Morning stiffness reduces the patient's productivity and only adds to the difficulties arthritis sufferers face. Omega-3 fatty acids help to alleviate morning stiffness by reducing the amount of inflammation and joint stiffness that accrues overnight. Again, the benefits of pumpkin seed oil may not be seen immediately but, given time, improvement should be felt.

Reduction of Medication

Once the omega-3 fatty acids have affected a pain relieving response, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are often prescribed to arthritis patients may be reduced in dosage. This can be especially good news to those who react negatively to these pain relieving drugs. According to the University of Washington, NSAIDs have been known to cause stomach pain, vomiting and indigestion. In this respect, the anti-inflammatory properties of the omega-3 fatty acids in pumpkin seeds may reduce more than arthritis pain.

Arthritis and Depression

According to the University of Nebraska, depression is common in arthritis patients and may even precede symptoms in some patients. While treating depression may not improve arthritis symptoms, it would improve the coping abilities of patients. The omega-3 fatty acids in pumpkin seeds have shown some benefits in reducing depression. However, they are often used in conjunction with prescription medications for depression and should not be relied upon to treat this serious condition.

Tags: fatty acids, omega-3 fatty, acids pumpkin, acids pumpkin seeds, arthritis sufferers

Roast Tomatoes With Parmesan

Tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C and a healthy part of any diet. But if you're tired of seeing the same old chunks of tomato in your salad, try roasting them. Follow these steps and you'll be enjoying roast tomatoes with parmesan in under an hour.

Instructions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Place a piece of foil over your baking sheet, and then spray the foil with non-stick spray.

3. Wash, pat, dry and quarter your tomatoes with your knife.

4. Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer on your baking sheet.

5. Drizzle the tomatoes with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil.

6. Add freshly cracked pepper and 2 pinches of salt onto your tomatoes. Sprinkle it evenly.

7. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes or until the tomatoes look deflated, or collapsed, in their skin.

8. Grate a healthy amount fresh parmesan over your tomatoes while still hot.

9. Chop the fresh basil and sprinkle liberally over your tomatoes. You are now ready to serve your roast tomatoes with parmesan.

Tags: your tomatoes, over your, baking sheet, over your tomatoes, roast tomatoes, roast tomatoes with, tomatoes with

Open A Lobster Tail

Lobster provides tender sweet meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes or as a meal on its own. Many argue that the finest of lobster meat is found in the claws and in the tail of the crustacean. To get to the tender tail meat, you must first be able to open a lobster tail. Though this process may seem intimidating, it can be fairly simple when following the proper steps.

Instructions

1. Pick up the cooked lobster using two hands. Hold the body of the lobster with one hand and the tail portion of the lobster with the other hand.

2. Twist the sections of the lobster in opposite directions. After being twisted, the two sections should easily separate.

3. Pull the two sections apart. Set the lobster body aside.

4. Grab the small flippers at the end of the tail. These little flippers are called telsons. Pull each telson off of the main piece of the tail. These little sections may contain very small but flavorful pieces of meat.

5. Push your index finger or a small fork into the opening created by removing the telsons. Use your index finger or the fork to push the tail meat through the opening at the opposite end. This piece of tail meat should come out in one piece.

6. Remove the string of meat along the top of the tail. This will expose a black vein that runs the length of the lobster. Remove and discard this vein before eating the tail meat.

Tags: tail meat, your index finger, index finger, lobster with, piece tail, tail These

Teach A Child To Use Chopsticks

Chopsticks on a Bed of Fried Rice

Teaching your child to use chopsticks is a great learning experience. Children in China start using chopsticks at age 1 and are generally masters by the age of 4. Like with so many other things, the younger you start teaching your child to use chopsticks, the easier it is. Here are step-by-step instructions to teach your child.

Instructions

1. First, you need a pair of kids' chopsticks. You can find training chopsticks at most large grocery store chains. You can also order them online. Fred & Friends make cute chopsticks just to help kids learn to use them correctly.

2. Next, you need to prepare some food for your child. Apple chunks, cubed cheese, and mini marshmallows are good to start with, as they are easy to pick up. Try to avoid foods that are too slippery, as this could frustrate a beginner.

3. Most of how a child learns to use chopsticks comes from watching adults use them correctly. It does take time, but this will help engender patience and appreciation for the food they are eating.

4. To begin, give your child the sticks and let her grip them with her fist. This should be done just like she were picking up a fork or spoon.

5. Show the proper technique by having her rest one chopstick in the V-shape of her thumb and forefinger. She will then support that chopstick with her little finger and ring finger. It is important that you demonstrate for your child a few times until she gets the hang of it.

6. Next, instruct her to hold the other chopstick like a pencil. This is between the middle finger and the index finger. Now have her hold the bottom stick still and move the top stick to pick up the food. You can liken the motion to a bird picking its food up with its beak. (See Resources for photos of each step.)

Tags: your child, child chopsticks, them correctly, your child chopsticks

Buy Premium Tequila

With the growing popularity and availability of premium tequila, you may want to learn which tequila to mix in margaritas and which should be savored on its own. Following these steps will help you decide which premium tequila to buy.

Instructions

1. Note the types of tequila available. All tequila has one of the following labels: Blanco, oro, reposado or reserva.

2. Understand tequila blanco (white or silver). This tequila is bottled immediately after distillation and exhibits the distinct peppery flavors of the blue agave plant.

3. Become familiar with tequila oro (gold). Tequila labeled gold or oro is aged in oak casks for up to four years. It features a mellower flavor and heat than white or silver tequila. The distinct caramel color of gold tequila is attributed to the aging and the addition of colorants.

4. Know about tequila reposado (rested or aged). Tequila that has been aged in either white oak casks or stainless steel vats for at least 1 month and up to 1 year is labeled reposado. This type of tequila has a smooth, gentle heat as opposed to the biting heat of other tequilas.

5. Recognize anejo tequila. These tequilas are aged in white oak casks for at least 2 months and up to 1 year. The flavors and heat from the alcohol content mellow during the aging process and the wood casks impart some of its smoked wood flavor to anejo tequila.

6. Identify tequila reserva. Not technically its own category, reserve tequilas are aged for up to 8 years in small oak casks. Reservas feature smooth and mellow flavors and heat.

Tags: anejo tequila, flavors heat, premium tequila, tequilas aged, white casks, white silver

Open A Beer Bottle With A Car Key

When you're thirsty with a beer in hand but no bottle opener in sight, all you need is a car key. Rather than attach a bottle opener to your key ring, making the whole group cumbersome and heavy, why not use your key itself as a bottle opener.

Instructions

1. Hold the beer bottle by the neck close to the cap. Grip the bottle tightly and make sure the condensation does not cause your hand to slip. If you are right-handed, hold the bottle in your left hand.

2. Holding the key in your right hand, wedge the key lengthwise, teeth side out, between the bottle cap and the lowest, largest section of your index finger. You may have to readjust your left hand grip higher or lower on the bottle neck to accomodate.

3. Using your finger as a fulcrum, push the key's head down with your right hand so the length of key engaged with the bottle cap puts pressure on the cap, ultimately popping it off the bottle. Apply slow steady pressure rather than one quick effort.

4. Pick up the cap, which may have flown far, and enjoy the refreshing beverage.

Tags: bottle opener, bottle neck, left hand, right hand, your left, your left hand, your right

Electric Fry Pan Instructions

Electric frying pans, also known as electric skillets, provide an even cooking surface with a heat setting dial to monitor the temperature of the pan. The pans come in square or round shapes, and in a variety of sizes to accommodate small or large families. Cooking with electric fry pans is simple and safe, as long as you adhere to certain precautions and procedures when cooking with the pans.

Instructions

1. Place the electric fry pan on a kitchen countertop close to an electric wall outlet.

2. Slide one end of the power cord closest to the heating dial into the fry pan. Plug the other end of the power cord into the wall outlet.

3. Set the heating dial to the desired heat setting. Place food into the pan when it reaches the correct temperature, and cook until done. When finished, unplug the power cord from the wall outlet, and allow it to cool completely before washing.

4. Remove the power cord from the frying pan. Wash the frying pan with a dishrag in mild dish soap and warm water. Rinse the pan with hot water, and dry with a dish towel.

Tags: power cord, wall outlet, cord from, heat setting, heating dial, power cord from

Make Herbal Iced Tea

People have been making herbal tea for hundreds of years. They're wonderful natural remedies, and refreshing beverages. There are many ways to make herbal tea and each new flavor can help a variety of symptoms. Whether you're treating a sore throat or a headache, or you just want a nice, cool drink on a summer day, a herbal iced tea is a great beverage to enjoy.

Instructions

1. Bring to a boil a pot of cool water. You need more water than the amount of tea you're making. If you're using a glass pitcher to hold your tea, boil 50 percent more water than the pitcher can hold.

2. Rinse your pitcher with the extra boiling water. This ensures that the pitcher is clean and there's no leftover residue that can affect the flavor of the herbal tea.

3. Add 2 tbsp. of dried herbs or 3 tbsp. fresh herbs for every cup of water. This tastes a bit stronger as a hot tea, but it's perfect once the ice melts in your glass.

4. Steep the herbal tea covered for approximately 5 minutes. Taste it every couple of minutes until you get the desired flavor. Remember, it's right when it's slightly too strong because the melted ice weakens the flavor.

5. Strain the herbs from the water when you reach the desired strength for your tea. You can add citrus juices, honey or sugar to sweeten it. Cool your herbal tea in the refrigerator and add ice.

Tags: more water, more water than, pitcher hold, water than, water This

Stuff An 18 Pound Turkey With Meat Stuffing

A rich and savory turkey with decadent meat stuffing should not wait until the holidays. Stuffing the turkey before baking allows the juices of the turkey to keep the stuffing moist. To prevent the growth of bacteria in the stuffing, follow the USDA's recommendations of cooking the turkey until the center of the stuffing reads 165 degrees F.

Instructions

1. Cook the meat and vegetables for the stuffing as directed by the recipe and refrigerate with the butter or broth until ready to stuff. Do not mix the dry ingredients such as flour, bread cubes or bread crumbs with the refrigerated ingredients until ready to stuff the turkey.

2. Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity at the back of the turkey if included.

3. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

4. Combine the cooked and refrigerated vegetables, meats and liquids with the dry stuffing ingredients.

5. Wearing food preparation gloves, place handfuls of the meat stuffing into the large cavity at the back of the turkey, but do not put more than 13 ½ cups of stuffing into the turkey as over-stuffing encourages bacterial development, according to Clemson University.

6. Place the stuffed turkey with the breast up into a roasting pan and transfer the pan to the preheated oven.

7. Roast the stuffed 18 lb. turkey for 4 to 4 1/2 hours or until a food thermometer inserted into the middle of the stuffing reads 165 degrees F. Cook the entire turkey to 165 degrees F to follow the USDA's recommendations, which notes that higher temperatures should depend on personal preference. North Carolina State University recommends an internal temperature for the thigh meat of 180 degrees F and the breast of 170 degrees F.

Tags: back turkey, cavity back, cavity back turkey, follow USDA, follow USDA recommendations, meat stuffing

Mix Taco Seasoning With Sour Cream

Combine sour cream and taco seasoning to make a dip for nachos.

Combine taco seasoning and sour cream to make a tasty base for many variations of a party dip. Start with a basic mix and use other ingredients to create your own special blend of flavors, since many recipes for similar dips exist. Try dipping taco chips, raw vegetables, whole wheat crackers or nachos. Use low-fat or fat-free ingredients to limit the amount of fat and calories. Keep the dip refrigerated until you take it to the table.

Instructions

1. Place 1 cup sour cream and 2 tbsp. dry taco seasoning in a bowl with 1 cup cream cheese. Mix until creamy and thoroughly combined, using an electric mixer or wooden spoon.

2. Spread the mixture evenly in an 8-inch-deep dish.

3. Chop one tomato and three to four green onions into 1/4-inch or smaller pieces. Sprinkle them on top. Drain 1/4 cup sliced black olives and add on top, along with 1 cup shredded lettuce.

4. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top.

Tags: sour cream, taco seasoning

Microwave Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are delicious when cooked in the microwave.

Red potatoes are the ideal whole potatoes to cook in the microwave. The flash cooking of the microwave and the moist heat it produces do not compromise the vegetable's flavor and texture. Red potatoes have thin skins, and there is no reason to remove the peel. Quickly cook whole red potatoes in the microwave, chill, dice and make them into potato salad---or leave them whole and serve them as a hot side dish.

Instructions

With Water

1. Rinse the red potatoes under running cold water to clean.

2. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl.

3. Add 1/2-cup water to the bowl for every pound of potatoes you are cooking.

4. Cook on high for 6 to 8 minutes per pound. Turn the potatoes off mid-way, rotate the potatoes in the bowl and continue cooking for the remainder of the time.

Without Water

5. Place a pound of washed red potatoes in a microwave-safe quart bowl and cover.

6. Microwave the dish on high for 10 minutes or until tender. If a fork easily goes into a potato, it is tender.

7. Add butter, lemon juice, chives and dill weed to the potatoes.

8. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, uncovered. Stir the potatoes to coat before serving.

Tags: high minutes, into potato, potatoes microwave-safe, whole potatoes

Make Flavored Coffee

Some coffee lovers feel that coffee should have no flavor other than coffee flavor. Other coffee drinkers like a variety of flavors in their favorite beverage. There is a wide variety of flavored coffee available on the market. However, many experts recommend that you flavor your coffee yourself because the oils use on flavored beans can stick to your coffee maker and change the taste of future pots of coffee.

Instructions

1. Purchase flavored creamer to put into your cup of coffee. These are also sold in wide variety of flavors.

2. Flavor your coffee while brewing. Mix cinnamon or nutmeg in with your ground coffee beans before brewing. If you like the taste of nuts, grind up some of your favorite nuts with your coffee beans and then brew. Orange or lemon zest added to your coffee grounds makes a nice fruity coffee.

3. Sir flavor into your coffee if you would rather flavor it by the cup instead of the whole pot. A spoon of your favorite ice cream makes a wonderful flavored coffee. Chocolate syrup or baking cocoa makes a nice chocolate coffee.

4. Give your coffee a kick along with the flavor by stirring in some liquor. Irish cream and Kahlua are some of the more popular choices, but brandy, rum, cognac and fruity liquors are also good choices for flavoring coffee.

5. Use confectioners or vanilla sugar instead of regular sugar as sweetener in your coffee for a subtle flavor change. A spoonful of whipped cream or cool whip also offers a little bit of flavor while still letting the taste of the coffee dominate the drink.

6. Try a peppermint stick or other flavored candy stick as a stirrer for your coffee. The candy dissolves slightly in the cup as you stir, adding flavor.

Tags: your coffee, coffee beans, coffee flavor, flavored coffee, into your

Identify A Chiantistyle Wine

Chianti is a dry wine made from red Sangiovese grapes out of Italy. Used often as a dinner wine, it is named after the Chianti wine-growing region located in Tuscany. It is one of the most popular wines to have with pasta, pizza, chicken, red meat and cheese. Learn identify a Chianti-style wine with the following characteristics.

Instructions

1. Look at the appearance of the bottle. While Chianti wine is available in a standard glass bottle, it also appears as a traditional, squat-sized bottle encased in a wicker basket. Chianti brands can also be identified by a "Black Rooster" label, which indicates the region where the wine was produced.

2. Assess the color of the Chianti. It should appear as ruby red since it's made from red Sangiovese grapes. Vintage Chiantis, also known as Reserves Chiantis, appear dark red. Like other wines, Chianti should have a clear appearance rather than cloudy.

3. Smell the wine to make sure it is Chianti. It should smell like a blend of wildflowers, berries, cherries or plums as opposed to an old, musty scent.

4. Taste the Chianti. It should have a bold, strong flavor because of the acidity of the grapes and their skins, also known as tannins. Chianti should also have a fruity flavor similar to berries, cherries or plums as mentioned in Step 3.

Tags: Chianti should, also known, berries cherries, berries cherries plums, cherries plums

Freeze Zucchini Or Yellow Squash

Store zucchini in the freezer for up to a year.

Frozen zucchini slices keep well for as long as a year if frozen and stored properly. Zucchini and yellow squash can be frozen in the same manner. Frozen zucchini slices stored in single-serving containers are convenient for quick recipes. Zucchini and yellow squash can be used in recipes such as casseroles, breads, grilled vegetable packets, cakes, soups and salads. If you prefer to store grated zucchini in the freezer, all you need to do is grate it and place it in a freezer bag.

Instructions

1. Fill a pot with water and allow it to boil. As you wait for the water to boil, wash the zucchini with water.

2. Cut the zucchini into ½-inch slices.

3. Drop the zucchini into the boiling water, allowing it to boil for three minutes.

4. Fill a bowl with cold water while you allow the zucchini to boil. Transfer the boiled zucchini to the bowl of cold water to cool.

5. Drain the zucchini in a colander, and place the zucchini slices into freezer-safe bags. Place one serving per bag, or about one zucchini per bag.

Tags: zucchini slices, Zucchini yellow squash, cold water, Frozen zucchini, Frozen zucchini slices

Buy Live Maine Lobster Online

Maine lobster is some of the tastiest lobster in the world, but if you don't live near Maine, it's still possible to have a Maine lobster feast. Many Maine lobster sellers ship their product around the United States and internationally. The secret to selecting an online vendor of Maine lobster is in finding one that with fast shipping and a fair reimbursement policy if a lobster dies in transit.

Instructions

1. Locate an online seller who ships live Maine lobsters (see Resources below). The Maine Lobster Promotion Council's website has a searchable directory of lobster vendors who will ship live lobsters.

2. Ask the vendor where the lobsters come from and if they are certified Maine lobsters. Certified Maine lobsters come from Maine waters and are caught by licensed Maine lobstermen.

3. Check the shipping costs, which can be high, and also compare the costs of purchasing lobster from at least two online vendors. Shipping costs can vary from vendor to vendor, and it's worth checking the overall price of more than one seller. The best way to compare is to check both sellers' prices for shipping one lobster of the same weight.

4. Find out how the lobster will be shipped. Because it will be shipped live, it is perishable, and it must be shipped the quickest way possible. Ask the vendor about which shipping service they use and what the estimated delivery time is.

5. Look for lobsters that weigh under 2 lb., since a smaller lobster is younger and thus its meat is sweeter and more tender.

6. Eat the lobster the day it arrives. Boiling and steaming are two popular methods of cooking live lobster. To boil it, bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove, and drop the lobster in. After 10 to 13 minutes, when it turns a bright red, remove the pot from the stove and serve the lobster with melted butter. To steam, do not fill the pot with water; instead, bring 2 cups of water to boil and add the lobster. Cook until it turns a bright red, about 15 minutes.

Tags: Maine lobster, Maine lobsters, come from, lobsters come, lobsters come from

Make A Butter Sauce For Lobster

Adding butter sauce to a lobster can add to the flavor.

When preparing a delicious lobster dinner, the addition of a butter sauce for dipping can make the flavor of the meal really special. Having a warm liquid butter sauce for dipping is a very customary side to lobster, as well as other shell fish like crab or certain varieties of shrimp. The sauce is mostly butter but adds herbs and lemon to ensure it does not solidify too quickly before being consumed with the meal.

Instructions

1. Add 1 tbsp. of butter to the medium saucepan over a stove on medium heat. Add 1 tbsp. of garlic to the butter as it reaches its melting point. Let garlic simmer for 3 minutes or until it begins to brown.

2. Add in the rest of the cup of butter. Reduce heat to low. Stir the butter continuously until it becomes fully melted. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Allow the mixture to cook on low undisturbed for 10 minutes.

3. Strain the mixture in a fine metal strainer (if desired) over a serving bowl. Let the butter sauce cool before consuming.

Tags: butter sauce, butter sauce dipping, sauce dipping

Make Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

If you like traditional bread pudding, you'll love the Mexican version of it. To add a little variety to your next holiday meal, serve capirotada for dessert. Serves six.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Bring the sugar, cinnamon stick, clove and 2 c. water to a boil, then simmer until it has a syrupy consistency.

3. Remove the cinnamon stick and clove and keep the syrup warm.

4. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and then add the oil. Keep warm.

5. Place the chunks of bread on a cookie sheet and brush with the butter and oil. Brown the bread in the oven.

6. Remove the bread from the oven. Butter the bottom and sides of a medium-sized baking dish.

7. Put a layer of bread in the dish, then top with some of the apple slices, raisins, almonds and cheese.

8. Repeat the layering process until those ingredients are gone.

9. Pour the syrup over the layers and bake for 30 minutes.

10. Beat the eggs with the milk and vanilla extract.

11. Remove the dish from the oven and pour the milk mixture over the top.

12. Bake for another 30 minutes or until the top is brown.

13. Serve hot or cold.

Tags: cinnamon stick, cinnamon stick clove, from oven, stick clove

What Is Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a gourmet, Swiss desert that is made by melting white, dark or milk chocolate in an earthenware pot over a small flame and dipping things into the melted chocolate.

Fondue

Fondue is a Swiss word that means "to melt." Fondue itself is a traditional Swiss meal that is served as a group dish where multiple people dip things into melted sauces.

History

Fondue's original purpose was to preserve food. Before modern methods, Swiss natives would store bread and cheese in the summer and fall to eat during the harsh winters. But, the bread would stale and hard, and the cheese would become brittle. The first fondue was made when the Swiss decided to melt the cheese and dip the bread into the cheese to soften it.

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue was created in the 1960s, along with other dessert fondues, which can involve anything from caramel to honey to marshmallows. These fondues can also have nuts, coconut or other things added to their mixtures for increased flavor.

Types

Fruit, bread, pretzel sticks, marshmallows, pastries and small pieces of cakes are usually dipped in the mixture of chocolate and wine.

Etiquette

Fondue, like other public dishes, has a proper conduct that is expected to be followed. You should never allow your lips, tongue or fingertips to touch your dipping utensil. That is considered rude and unhealthy. It will contaminate the fondue.

Considerations

When dipping fondue, it is taboo to double-dip. Once your piece of food has been dipped, you cannot redip it.

Tags: into melted, things into, things into melted

Cook Lit'L Smokies In A Crock Pot

Lit'l Smokies smoked sausages are a great complement to any potluck or game-day spread. They're simple to put together and require little tending.

Instructions

1. Place the crock pot on a counter or table and plug it into an outlet. Turn the setting to low.

2. Gather a package of Lit'l smokies, brown sugar and water. You can also add some onion and apple chunks if you so desire.

3. Combine the ingredients. Begin by opening the Lit'l Smokies package and dumping the sausages into the crock pot. Then measure out one cup of brown sugar, and put that into the crock pot as well. Last, put half a cup of water into the crock pot and stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved.

4. Cover and cook until the smokies are heated through. Let the ingredients warm together for three to four hours on low, stirring occasionally.

5. Serve and enjoy. Serve your smokies with a cold beer and some cheese wedges for one of the best game-day snacks around.

Tags: into crock, brown sugar

Make Amish Bread Starter

Amish bread is traditionally known as Amish friendship bread. Although it takes several days to make the starter for Amish bread, once it's done, you can make delicious Amish bread and you have a wonderful gift anytime you need it. Give your friends and family a loaf of Amish bread and include some starter and they can pass the gift along to their friends and family.

Instructions

1. Place 2/3 cup of milk and 2/3 cup of flour in a large resealable bag or a sealed non-metal container and blend it thoroughly. Don't refrigerate the mixture, but store it at room temperature.

2. Stir the starter daily for 17 days. If you use a resealable bag, you can just blend it with your fingers.

3. Allow the starter to sit without disturbing it on day 18 and stir it on days 19, 20 and 21.

4. Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of milk on day 22, and stir well. Stir the mixture on days 23 through 26. Add 1 cup of sugar and one cup of milk on day 27 and mix well.

5. Take out 3 cups, one cup at a time, and put them in separate, non-metal containers. Keep one for yourself and give 2 cups away to friends and family.

6. Make bread with your starter as directed on an Amish bread recipe. You will have enough starter left over to make additional starter and more Amish bread.

Tags: Amish bread, friends family, Amish bread, sugar milk, with your

Mellow Spicy Chili

Counteract the spicness of your chili by adding base ingredients and dairy.

Adding too much chili powder, cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers can ruin the flavor of your chili and overwhelm sensitive palates. You can implement simple culinary techniques to create a less spicy taste by incorporating certain ingredients into your chili that can help tone down its heat factor. Another option to mellow out the spiciness is to serve your chili topped with a cream-based product such as cheese or sour cream.

Instructions

1. Ladle half of your chili mixture out of the saucepan and into a different saucepan. Simmer both chili mixtures on low heat.

2. Stir half a jar of tomato sauce into each saucepan of chili to dilute the spiciness.

3. Chop and add more vegetables such as bell peppers and onions to each saucepan. Add half a can of kidney beans to each of the chili mixtures.

4. Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to a skillet. Saut meat on medium heat for about four minutes or until browned. Add meat to each saucepan.

5. Stir the ingredients into each sauce pan and cook until the chili in each saucepan reaches your desired consistency and flavor. Do not add more spices.

6. Ladle chili into bowls. Top each bowl of chili with grated cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Cream-based ingredients cut down the spicy flavor. Serve the fresh chili with bread and butter, crackers or tortilla chips to absorb the spiciness.

7. Place leftover chili in a container and seal the lid. Store in the refrigerator or freeze the chili and defrost it to eat when desired.

Tags: your chili, each saucepan, chili mixtures, chili with, fresh chili

Quit Drinking Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in America. However, getting that daily cup of java may not be best choice for everyone. Pregnant women, persons with difficulty sleeping at night and persons with a sensitivity to caffeine may not be able to drink coffee at all. Here are some tips to help you through the process.

Instructions

1. Recognize that you are facing an addiction and taking steps to provide your body with the optimum level of health. Withdrawal symptoms are frequently worse for those with a longer drinking history, so patience will be the key to your success.

2. Substitute herbal teas for coffee. Don't replace your caffeine addiction with other sources of caffeine. Instead of replacing coffee with soda, chocolate beverages or caffeine energy drinks, choose herbal teas as a healthier alternative.

3. Drink more water. Caffeine dehydrates the body, so add water to your diet. Most long term coffee drinkers are habitually dehydrated, so be sure to replenish the body with the proper nutrients. You might find that drinking sports drinks is also beneficial.

4. Take time to relax each day. Learn reduce stress naturally to help you through the withdrawal symptoms. You might find that it is a good idea to catch up on lost sleep as well.

5. Take a headache medicine that does not contain caffeine. One of the most prevalent caffeine withdrawal symptoms is the common headache. The headache may last anywhere from several days to several weeks.

Tags: body with, find that, help through, herbal teas, might find, might find that

Cedar Plank Oven Cooking

Cedar plank cooking is often associated with barbecue grills, but the planks can also be used indoor in your oven for cooking seafood, pork, vegetables and the traditional salmon. The cedar imparts a distinctive taste, and the moisture from the plank helps cook the food. Eastern or Western Red Cedar can be used for the planks. While you can purchase them from a specialty cooking store, you can also purchase untreated cedar at the lumber yard and make your own.

Prepare the Planks

In a shallow oven-safe baking pan or roaster, soak the cedar planks for at least an hour. You can use water, cider, wine or beer; the important part is that the plank be covered in the liquid. After an hour, make sure the liquid level is at least 1/4 inch thick in the pan. Just before cooking, brush the plank with olive oil to prevent the food from sticking. Place the plank in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes to sterilize the plank for cooking.

Cooking Fish and Seafood

Season the fish or seafood to taste. Place the food on the cedar plank in the pan and place in the oven at 350 degrees. Bake the fish until it can be easily flaked with a fork. Scallops aren't cooked until they turn a uniform white; shrimp are done when they turn a uniform pink.

Cooking Meat

Roast beef steaks and roasts until the desired degree of doneness is achieved. Rare meats should cook to 145 degrees, medium is achieved at 160 and well done at 170. Use a thermometer to ensure that these temperatures are achieved. Burgers should always be cooked to well done. Chicken should be roasted to 165 degrees and pork should have an internal temperature of 160.

Planking Vegetables

Cut desired vegetables into large chunks. Some vegetables that work well with planking are green peppers, onions, asparagus and summer squashes. Marinade the vegetables in Italian dressing or other herbed or spiced oil for 30 minutes or longer. Lay in a single layer on the plank and cook 30 to 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Cleaning the Planks

Wash the planks in hot, soapy water. Use a plastic scrubber to remove any baked-on food residue. Dry the plank thoroughly, or let air dry, before storing. A cedar plank can be reused dozens of times if cared for properly.

Tags: cedar plank, degree oven, plank cooking, they turn, they turn uniform, turn uniform, well done

Remove Chili Hot Sauce Stains

Remove Chili Hot Sauce Stains

Chili hot sauce has several ingredients that can cause stains, often red in color, on fabrics it comes in contact with. The red color usually comes from hot peppers used to make the sauce, which may include chili, cayenne and jalapeno peppers. The hot pepper in the sauce includes acidic oil, tomato sauces can leave a sugar residue, and other ingredients can leave a grease stain. Methods must be used to remove all types of stains that are produced by chili hot sauce.

Instructions

1. Remove excess chili hot sauce from the fabric immediately. Blot the stain with a clean white paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as that can set the stain.

2. Cover the stain with baking powder, cornstarch or baby powder to absorb the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes or longer. Rinse with cold water; using hot or warm water can set chili hot sauce stains permanently.

3. Mix 1 tsp. of mild clear or white neutral dish detergent in 1 cup of cold water. Blot the stain with the solution to remove grease residue. You can also use a clear degreasing dish detergent directly on the stain as a pre-soak. Apply the detergent to the chili hot sauce stain and let it sit for up to an hour.

4. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water and apply the solution to the stain to remove any sugar or acid residue. If a brown spot from sugar residue remains, blot the stain with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution until the spot is removed.

5. Launder the stained garment with an enzymatic laundry detergent that will remove the remaining protein in the stain. Check the garment carefully after laundering to make sure the stain is completely removed. If any stain remains, re-treat.

Tags: stain with, chili sauce, Chili Sauce, cold water, dish detergent, Remove Chili

Make Soft And Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you love soft and chewy homemade chocolate chip cookies, try combining them with oatmeal. This recipe mixes chocolate chips and oatmeal for a taste that will leave you wanting more. Make these cookies for your kids or bring them as a treat for your co-workers.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening and sugars with an electric mixer until light colored and fluffy.

2. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Set this mixture aside.

3. Combine flour, salt and baking soda in another large bowl. Blend thoroughly with wire whisk.

4. Mix flour mixture into creamed ingredients gradually until the dough is blended and smooth.

5. Mix in the oatmeal and chocolate chips with a heavy duty spoon.

6. Drop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto greased baking pan. Bake for 11 minutes. Do not over bake. Let the cookies cool on baking sheet for five minutes before removing to a wire rack. Store the cookies in an airtight container.

Tags: chocolate chips

Common Foods In Spanish Speaking Countries

Foods in Spanish-speaking countries vary.

There are 21 countries in the world where people speak Spanish as their primary language. These include Spain in Europe; Equatorial Guinea in Africa; Mexico in North America; and Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. The majority of Spanish speakers live in both Central and South America, in countries such as Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Chile. There are a number of traditional, common foods served in these countries, each with its own distinct flavor and taste.

Pupusas

Pupusas are traditionally served in El Salvador, although different variations of the dish can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in the U.S. Pupusas were the invention of an indigenous people called the Pipils. A pupusa is a mixture of ground corn, mixed with a liquid and kneaded into dough. The dough, called "masa de maíz," is then sectioned and flattened by hand, and made into tortillas. The tortillas are fried or baked and stuffed with cheese, beans or a variety of meats, such as pork, beef or chicken.

Chicharrones

Chicharrone is a dish common to Spain and Andalusia, where it originated. However, chicharrones are eaten in most Spanish-speaking countries. They are sometimes referred to by different names, and served in a variety of different ways. For example in Mexico, chicharrone is served in a taco or gordita. In Chile it is considered a side dish and is cooked as a type of fritter, called tortillas con chicharrones. Chicharrones are traditionally made with pork, but can also be made with other meats as the main ingredient, depending on the country. Seasoned meat is cut into long strips and either fried or baked until crispy, and served with a number of condiments.

Cuy

Cuy, otherwise known as guinea pig, was eaten frequently by the Incas in Peru, and was often prepared and reserved only for royalty and special guests. Today, cuy is still a common dish in Peru, especially in the Peruvian mountains where the animals are raised as domestic food. It is considered to be a great honor to be served guinea pig as a guest. Guinea pigs are served in a number of ways as a main dish--roasted, fried and baked whole, or cut into pieces and stir-fried.

Barbacoa

Barbacoa is a traditional dish in Mexico. It is commonly eaten for breakfast. According to Joy Adapon, author of "Culinary Art and Anthropology," Barbacoa is a "fiesta food" that is prepared by particular individuals or families who specialize in its preparation. Barbacoa is made using the head of a cow. The head, or cabeza, is cleaned and prepared after the eyes and ears have been removed. It is then seasoned, mixed with various vegetables and placed in a large pot to be left to simmer for several hours. Sometimes barbacoa is still cooked the traditional way by burying it in the ground on a bed of hot embers and leaving it to cook for several days.

Tags: fried baked, Spanish-speaking countries, made with, mixed with

Marinate Eggplant

Eggplant is wonderfully versatile. Whether it is used in eggplant parmesan or a fried eggplant recipe, it absorbs the flavor of the herbs and spices accompanying it. Follow these steps to marinate eggplant for a side dish or a healthy snack.

Instructions

1. Remove the eggplant skins with the vegetable peeler.

2. Slice the eggplant in pieces that are about 1/4 to 1/3 of an inch thick. You will be left with eggplant rounds. Then slice the eggplant rounds into several pieces so you are left with thick "shoe string shapes."

3. Put eggplant strips in a bowl with salt. Toss it well and make sure it is well coated.

4. Place the eggplant in the colander. Then take a similar sized bowl, and place this bowl on top of the eggplant in the colander and let it rest for about an hour. This will help remove the bitterness from the eggplant.

5. Rinse the salt off vigorously with cold water and squeeze it dry with a paper towel.

6. Set the eggplant in a bowl with the vinegar. Allow the eggplant to sit in the vinegar for 20 minutes.

7. Remove the vinegar from the eggplant by draining it, and again squeezing it dry.

8. Combine all other ingredients in a bowl and add eggplant. Toss the eggplant so that it is well coated in herbs and olive oil. From this point you can seal your marinated eggplant in an airtight jar, or move to the grill on foil for smoking.

Tags: bowl eggplant, bowl with, eggplant colander, eggplant rounds, from eggplant

Make Caramel Apple Empanadas

I am a Personal Chef and Caterer in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. We have a large Mexican and Hispanic population here; so I'm always looking for ways to spice up a meal. This dessert is so esay! And so much better than empanadas from fast food restaurants. I use frozen pie crust for this recipe; but bisquit dough can also be used. Frozen pie crust is one of my favorite store bought ingredients when it comes to making desserts; and its so versitale!

Instructions

1. Mix apple pie filling, cinnamon and brown sugar in a large bowl.

2. Roll out the pie filling and use cookie cutters to cut it into circles depending on how big you want the empanadas to be. If you don't have cookie cutters use small bowls or cups. Put a heaping tablespoon or so on half of the circle leaving room on the edges. Fold the dough over and press closed with a fork.

3. Beat egg with a couple tablespoons of water and brush the eggwash over the empanadas. Only do this if you are baking them, not if you are going to fry them. The egg hepls give the empanadas a nice golden brown color while baking in the oven.

4. Bake in the oven as directed for the pie crust, or deep fat fry until golden brown for the best results. Sprinkle with raw sugar when finished. Garnish with cinnamon whipped cream.

Tags: cookie cutters, golden brown