What Is The Daniel Fast Diet

The Daniel fast radically changes, for a specific number of days, your food consumption by restricting commonly enjoyed foods. The fast is a religious rite that is generally observed among Christians as an act of worship and consecration to God, as well as for enhancing personal prayer life.

Origin

The essence of the Daniel fast is found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Daniel, chapter 1:8-14. Daniel and three of his comrades were taken captive by the Babylonian army when Judah was seized. They were chosen to serve in the king's palace, and the required diet went against their tradition. Daniel asked the four be allowed to abstain from the "king's meat" for 10 days.

Types

There are two types of Daniel fasts. The 10-day Daniel fast consists of vegetables and water only; the 21-day fast includes whole grains, beans, fruits, seeds and liquids such as all-natural fruit juices.

Function

The Daniel fast is not a diet designed for weight loss, but is rather meant as a physical experience that reflects a spiritual commitment leading to deeper insights from God.

Benefits

If you're a practicing Christian, you will cleanse body, mind and spirit with the Daniel fast when you use it as a method of sacrifice unto God, combined with prayer and daily Bible reading.

Warning

If you have medical conditions that may be compromised by a lack of food, or are taking medications, you should consult with your physician prior to embarking on the Daniel fast.

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Motels Around Burlington Vermont Airport

Burlington, VT

The Burlington International Airport is located on Airport Drive in South Burlington. A number of motels are located near the airport. Burlington, Vermont, is located in the northern portion of the state and sits along Lake Champlain. There are a number of activities in and around Burlington, that include swimming, boating, sailing, fishing, biking, skiing, museums and shopping.

Ho Hum Motel

The Ho Hum Motel has an outdoor swimming pools. Micro-refrigerators are available upon requests. Dogs are welcome with an additional deposit. Contact the motel for current room rates.

Ho Hum Motel

1660 Williston Rd.

South Burlington, VT 05403

(802) 863-4551

hohummotel.com

Ethan Allen Motel

The Ethan Allen Motel has amenities that include an outdoor swimming pool, refrigerators, cable TV, free wireless Internet, and kitchenettes in some of the rooms. Complimentary coffee is offered each morning. Contact the motel for their current rates.

Ethan Allen Motel

1611 Williston Rd.

South Burlington, VT 05403

(802) 863-4573

ethanallenmotel.com

La Quinta Inn

The La Quinta Inn like many other motels in the area is less than two miles from the airport. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, free wireless Internet, laundry on premises, outdoor swimming pool, coffee makers, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, voicemail and alarm clocks. Pets are welcome.

La Quinta Inn

1285 Williston Rd.

South Burlington, VT 05403

(802) 865-3400

lq.com

Anchorage Inn

The Anchorage Inn has amenities that include an indoor pool, whirlpool, barbecue area, cable TV including HBO, complimentary beverages and doughnuts, free wireless Internet and kitchenettes in some rooms. Call in advance for current room rates.

Anchorage Inn

108 Dorset St.

South Burlington, VT 05403

(802) 863-7000

vtanchorageinn.com

DoubleTree Hotel

The DoubleTree Hotel is a short drive from the airport. Amenities include swimming pool, fitness center, shuttle service from the airport, coffee makers, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, refrigerators, in-room remote printing, Game Cube, speakerphone and free wireless internet. Pets are allowed. Contact the hotel for room rates.

DoubleTree Hotel

1117 Williston Rd.

Burlington, VT 05403

(802) 658-0250

doubletree1.hilton.com

Holiday Inn

The Holiday Inn has amenities that include a sauna, fitness center, on-site laundry, indoor and outdoor pools, free newspaper delivered to your room, cable TV with pay-per-view, coffee makers, and microwaves and refrigerators in some rooms. Contact the hotel for room rates.

Holiday Inn

1068 Williston Rd.

South Burlington, VT 05403

(802) 863-6363

holidayinn.com

Tags: Burlington 05403, South Burlington, South Burlington 05403, free wireless, room rates, that include

Do Health Food Stores Accept Food Stamps

Bananas are among the foods people receiving food assistance can buy.

Although many people still call them "food stamps," on a federal level the program that helps more than 35 million people was renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In addition, gone are the paper coupons that food assistance recipients once used to pay for their eligible food purchases. Now all states issue recipients a plastic card similar to a bank debit card to access their SNAP benefit amount, which many health food stores accept.

Plastic Not Paper

The plastic card used for food benefits now provides more anonymity than the paper coupons formerly issued for food stamps. Each month that a person is eligible for supplemental food assistance, the USDA makes an electronic benefit transfer to their account. The recipient uses his EBT card to purchase food at approved stores. The EBT card is used with a pin number like a bank debit card at the cash register to make the purchase.

Identifying Approved Natural Food Stores

Many stores that sell food accept food stamps, including many natural food stores, most grocery stores, convenience stores, and even food co-ops and some farmers markets. Look for a sign at the store that says it accepts EBT or SNAP Benefits. However, some states, including Oregon and Alaska, for example, call their food stamp EBT card a Quest card, while Ohio calls it the Ohio Direction Card. Alternatively, locate an approved natural food store online.

Locating Approved Stores By Internet

To use the Internet to locate a natural food store that accepts EBT cards for food purchases, go to the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator website and click on "Select Location." Then plug in your zip code. For example, if you plug in the zip code 20007 for Washington, D.C., the locator will give you the 25 nearest approved stores, which include several natural food stores. In addition, you can call a natural food store and ask if it accepts EBT cards.

How Natural Food Stores Qualify

Natural food stores that want to participate in the SNAP benefit program can contact the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for information on the approval process required to become certified. Eligibility requirements mean a retail store must sell food for home preparation and consumption. In addition, the store must sell foods from at least three of the four staple food groups and perishable foods in at least two of the categories on a continuous basis, or it must derive more than 50 percent of the total dollar amount of all its retail sales from the sale of such foods, according to the USDA. The four staple food groups are meat, poultry or fish; bread or cereal; vegetables or fruits; and dairy products.

Tags: food assistance, food stamps, food store, natural food store, accepts cards, approved stores

Buy Wholesale Beads On Ebay

Bracelet created by Sentimental Jewelry Creations.

If you are a jewelry maker, and you are looking to get the most for your money when you are purchasing beads and supplies, the best way to go could be to buy wholesale. This allows you to buy in larger bulk and to order at more affordable prices per bead. Ebay has many sellers who sell beads for wholesale prices. All it takes is an eBay account, and some simple searching.

Instructions

1. Log on to ebay.com. If you don't already have an account, register for one. If you have an account, go ahead and log in.

2. Decide what kinds of beads you are looking for. Are you looking for gemstones? Glass beads? There are all kinds of beads.

3. Type "wholesale beads" into the search box at eBay. It then will probably proceed to ask you which categories to eliminate from the search results. This is where you will decide if you want glass, gemstone or Czech beads, for example.

4. Click on the category of beads in which you're interested. There will be lists of beads and sellers that you can choose from. You can browse auctions by which are ending the soonest, lowest to highest, distance, best match and highest prices, too.

5. Record the prices of some of the products that you see. The ones that you are interested in, you can add to your "watch list" by clicking, "watch this item." This will allow you to come back later should you decide to make a purchase.

6. Make a bid or purchase your item once you have found beads that you would like. Most sellers require Paypal accounts or credit accounts. This allows you to make quick purchases without having to wait for a check to clear and waiting for them to receive payment. If you have a good shopping experience with the seller, you might want to note the seller's name so that you can come back should he/she have other products for sale in the future.

Tags: come back, have account, kinds beads, This allows

Wild Rice Cooking Methods

Wild rice is a mixture of four different grains.

Wild rice, also called Canadian rice or Indian rice, is a combination of four different grains. Wild rice is different from white or brown rice. Wild rice has a hard outer husk that needs to be softened before the grain is eatable. Since the grain is harder, chefs will often add 2 parts to 5 parts white rice or brown rice to 1 part wild rice to soften the texture. However, wild rice can be prepared by itself. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Boil

Rinse the wild rice in cold water. Check the wild rice for any small rocks or other non-food objects that may be hidden in the dry rice. Bring 3 cups of water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add wild rice and bring liquid back to a simmer. Cover the rice and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. The rice's outer shell will bloom, or break open, when finished. Drain any excess liquid and serve.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the wild rice in cold water. Check the wild rice for any small rocks or other non-food objects that may be hidden in the dry rice. Combine 3 cups of broth or water with 1 cup of wild rice in an oven-safe casserole dish. Cover and place in the oven for one hour to one hour 15 minutes. The rice's outer shell will bloom, or break open, when finished. Drain any excess liquid and serve.

Saute

Rinse the wild rice in cold water. Check the wild rice for any small rocks or other non-food objects that may be hidden in the dry rice. Add 1/4 cup of oil or butter to a large skillet. Melt the butter and add 1 cup of dry, wild rice. Saute for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes, the rice's outer hull will break open when finished. Add 2 cups of broth or water and bring to a high boil for 10 minutes while stirring constantly. Drain any excess liquids and serve.

Microwave

Rinse the wild rice in cold water. Check the wild rice for any small rocks or other non-food objects that may be hidden in the dry rice. Add 3 cups of water or broth and 1 cup of wild rice into a microwavable safe dish with a cover. Microwave on high power for five minutes. Then, lower the microwave's power to medium and microwave for an additional 30 minutes. Let the dish stand in the microwave for another 10 to 15 minutes. Drain any additional liquid and serve.

Tags: wild rice, Check wild, Check wild rice, cold water, cold water Check

Reheat In A Roaster Oven

A roaster oven not only cooks, but also reheats food. The large capacity of some roaster ovens lets you reheat and serve food for a party straight from the oven. When you think of your roaster oven in the same way you do a conventional oven, you will realize this small kitchen appliance's versatility. Take the internal temperature of the food after it reheats to ensure that the food has reached a high enough temperature to kill food-poisoning-causing bacteria. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Preheat the roaster oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the roasting rack into the bottom of the roaster if using a casserole or baking dish to hold the leftovers during reheating.

3. Once the roaster has preheated at least 20 minutes, place the baking dish with the food onto the baking rack or put the food directly into the cooking portion of the roaster oven.

4. Cover the roaster oven, removing only to stir the food every 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the dish and turn the heat down to low or warm on the roaster oven when the food registers at least 165 degrees.

6. Serve the food with the roaster on the warm or low setting, testing periodically with the food thermometer and stirring.

7. Re-cover with the roaster lid and turn the heat back up to 325 if the food's temperature drops below 140 degrees. Return the food to 165 degrees as soon as possible.

8. Discard any food that remains at 140 degrees or below for more than two hours.

Tags: roaster oven, baking dish, turn heat, with food, with roaster

Thaw A Frozen Bread Loaf

Most yeast bread varieties freeze well.

Loaves of homemade or store-bought bread freeze well, allowing you to stock up and save the bread for later use. Wrapping the bread well with foil or plastic wrap prevents freezer damage and retains the moisture in the bread during storage. Store-bought bread in its store wrapping may not require additional wrapping to retain quality during freezing. The bread thaws quickly once you are ready to use it, and the thawed loaves retain most of their quality and texture. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Remove the bread from the freezer. Leave the loaf inside its freezer wrappings or bag.

2. Set the bag on the counter, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Allow it to thaw for three to four hours, or until it's completely defrosted and pliable.

3. Remove the bread and slice it, if necessary. Rewrap any leftover bread and store it at room temperature in the pantry. Alternatively, refreeze any leftover bread for later use.

Tags: bread later, bread store, freeze well, leftover bread, Remove bread

Proper Bread Storage

Bread stays fresh longer if it's stored in a proper place.

Proper bread storage is a must to keep bread looking and tasting good. If the bread is left out uncovered, it will get stale or hard in just a few hours. Bread should never be stored in a place where it might get wet and get mushy. While some people store bread in the refrigerator, the best place to keep it is in a cupboard or bread box. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Store the bread in a cupboard or breadbox at room temperature. Keep prepackaged bread in its original packaging and reseal it after each use. The bread should keep until the "sell by" date on the package. Fresh bread from a deli lasts only a few days. Throw the bread out if it becomes hard or moldy. Keep all breads out of direct sunlight.

2. Cut enough aluminum foil to cover the entire loaf. Wrap the bread with the foil after each use. Place the wrapped loaf in a dry cupboard or breadbox.

3. Slice any bread you can't use before its expiration date and place it in a freezer bag. Smooth the bag out to get the air out. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator.

Tags: after each, cupboard breadbox

Make My Wheat Kernals Into Bulgar Wheat

Bulgar is a common staple in Middle Eastern cooking.

Bulgar wheat is made with whole wheat kernels, which are commonly called wheat berries. Wheat berries can be steamed or boiled before being dried and crushed to make bulgar. Bulgar is a chewy grain that has a rich, nutty flavor. It requires very little cooking once it has been made. You can make bulgar wheat to add to Middle Eastern meat dishes and vegetarian dishes to make bean salad and three-grain breakfast cereals. Bulgar can also be used as a rice substitute. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place your wheat kernels in a colander in your sink. Thoroughly rinse off the wheat berries. Place the wheat berries in a food-safe container. Add water to the container until the top of the berries is covered with water. Soak the berries overnight.

2. Place one part whole wheat berries and two parts water in a medium saucepan. Bring the water and wheat berries to a boil, then turn down the heat on the burner until the water is simmering. Simmer for one hour or until the berries are tender.

3. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees. Spread the wheat berries out into an even layer on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the oven for one hour or until the berries are dry. Stir the berries occasionally as you cook them.

4. Crack the wheat berries in a grain mill. Once you have cracked the berries open, start to sift them. Add the cracked berries to the large sieve, then place them into a medium sieve, and finally sift them through a fine sieve to eliminate hard cracked hulls or shells. Place the sifted bulgar into an air-tight storage container.

Tags: wheat berries, until berries, cookie sheet, cracked berries, hour until, hour until berries

Measure Stevia To Sugar

Recipes requring sugar can be replaced with stevia.

According to Stevia.com, stevia is an herb from South America where it has been used for hundreds of years. Stevia is used by many diabetics and people on low-carb diets as it has no caloric value and does not effect the glucose levels like sugar. Stevia can be found in most grocery and health food stores in liquid or powder form. Stevia is used as a sugar substitute for almost anything that requires sugar. Knowing measure stevia to sugar is beneficial to your recipes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Understand stevia to sugar ratios. One tsp. of powdered or liquid stevia is equal to one cup of sugar. One tbsp. is equal to six drops of liquid stevia and 1/4 tsp. of powdered stevia. One tsp. of sugar is equal to a pinch of powdered stevia and two to four drops of liquid stevia.

2. Ensure the measurement is precise by using the proper kitchen measurement tools. Level the stevia in the measuring device to ensure accuracy. For liquid stevia, use the dropper included with the bottle to measure. According to Stevia.com, stevia is 30 times as sweet as sugar. If you measure 1 cup of stevia for 1 cup of sugar, your recipe will be too sweet.

3. Add the stevia to recipes requiring sugar including cookies, pies, teas and cakes. Ensure you are using pure stevia without added ingredients, such as maltodextrin, to ensure proper conversions are being used.

Tags: liquid stevia, stevia sugar, According Stevia, According Stevia stevia, drops liquid, drops liquid stevia

Restaurants Near Perimeter Mall In Atlanta Georgia

Restaurants Near Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, Georgia

Perimeter Mall is located 16 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, in the Sandy Springs section of the city. The shopping mall consists of 200 stores and services, including department stores and boutiques. In addition to those located within the confines of the mall, a number of restaurants surround Perimeter Mall. These restaurants range from upscale tapas restaurants to casual bakeries.

Cafe Intermezzo

Established in January 1979, Cafe Intermezzo is across from Perimeter Mall in the Park Place Shopping Center. The restaurant held "Zagat" dining guide ratings of "very good to excellent" in terms of its food and decor and "good to very good" for its service. The menu is best known for its selection of 10 savory and five sweet crepes, such as the prosciutto and cheddar cheese, the turkey and brie and the lemon and raspberry. The menu also includes dinner entrees like the lasagna, seafood risotto and teriyaki-glazed chicken. Cafe Intermezzo serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are not taken. Casual attire is appropriate. Outdoor seating is available on the restaurant's patio, weather permitting.

Cafe Intermezzo

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road

Atlanta, GA 30346

770-396-1344

cafeintermezzo.com

Eclipse Di Luna

Also located across from the Perimeter Mall, Eclipse di Luna is in the Perimeter Center shopping plaza. As of September 2010, the restaurant held "Zagat" dining guide ratings of "very good to excellent" for its food and "good to very good" for its service and decor. The menu consists of tapas dishes and incorporates elements of a variety of cuisines, such as black bean hummus with Indian-style naan flatbread, mini-buffalo burgers with blue cheese and chipotle mayonnaise and an egg omelet filled with Spanish sausage and Mahon cheese. The wine list includes 40 selections, primarily from Europe. Eclipse di Luna serves lunch Mondays through Fridays and dinner nightly Reservations are highly recommended. Business casual attire is suggested. The restaurant offers outdoor dining on its patio during nice weather. Live music or a DJ is featured nightly.

Eclipse di Luna

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road

Atlanta, GA 30346

678-205-5862

eclipsediluna.com

Alon's

Alon's Bakery is in the Park Place Shopping Center, across from Perimeter Mall. On a typical morning, the restaurant serves pastries at breakfast, and then on each Sunday, it features a brunch menu that includes dishes like French toast and a vegetable frittata. The restaurant also offers lunch and light dinner daily, specializing in salads and sandwiches. A featured salad is the French connection, field greens topped with Anjou pears, spicy roasted pecans and an imported cheese of the day, topped with port wine and balsamic vinaigrette. The selection of sandwiches is a past recipient of the "Best in Atlanta" award from "Creative Loafing" magazine. Selections include Asian-barbecued salmon, warm pastrami and garlic-roasted lamb. Alon's Bakery is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and on Sundays for brunch. Reservations are not taken. Casual attire is the norm when dining at the restaurant.

Alon's Bakery

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast

Atlanta, GA 30346

770-730-9909

alons.com

Tags: Perimeter Mall, Cafe Intermezzo, Eclipse Luna, very good, 4505 Ashford, 4505 Ashford Dunwoody, across from

Make Baked Chicken Thighs

Baked chicken thighs are not only delicious, but easy on the budget as well. Chicken thighs bake very well, are full of flavor, and often are one of the cheapest cuts on the chicken making baked chicken thighs a must have addition to any family's menu. I'll show you make delicious baked chicken thighs! Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Place chicken thighs skin side up in a baking dish, allowing a little room around each piece in the dish. Smooth the skin on the chicken thighs, as sometimes it tends to slide a little while packaged in the store.

2. Pour about a half cup of beer over the chicken thighs. This is optional, but gives baked chicken thighs a wonderful flavor. All alcohol will cook off, so this is safe for those who cannot have alcohol.

3. Sprinkle a layer of chicken seasoning over chicken thighs. You may vary the seasonings to give a unique flavor to each dinner, or stick with a tried and true chicken seasoning.

4. Cover chicken thighs with foil, and bake for about an hour and a half. Remove foil, and let chicken thigh skin brown just a little, this should take roughly 15 minutes or so. Baked chicken thighs cooked in this way will be so tender the meat will practically fall off the bone!

Tags: chicken thighs, chicken thighs, baked chicken thighs, chicken seasoning, over chicken

What Is Good To Eat With Crab Meat

Crabs are popular in Asian cuisine.

The sweet, delicate flavor of crab meat is appreciated the world over, and features prominently in the cuisine and culture of most coastal countries. Some varieties are cooked and eaten whole, while others are valued primarily for their claws or legs. In either case, the shucked crab meat is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed with many other foods. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Down-Home Crab Boil

One of the East Coast's most enduring traditions is the old-fashioned crab boil. It requires a large pot, lots of crabs and as many of your friends and family as you can gather together. Season the water heavily with salt and whatever other seasonings are locally popular, from Old Bay seasoning to the fiery Creole flavors of Louisiana. Bring the water to a boil and add your crabs, along with new potatoes, fresh corn, pieces of sausage and any other seasonal vegetables you wish. When everything's cooked, spread the whole feast on a plastic tablecloth and invite everyone to dig in.

Asian Flavors

The cuisines of Asia are widely varied in style, but seafood is universally appreciated across the continent. In Bengal, sweet crab meat is used as a foil for a complex, spicy curry sauce. The Chinese use crab in many ways, including in dumplings for soup or dim sum. In Thailand and Vietnam, crab is a common filling for salad rolls and spring rolls. Throughout Southeast Asia, crab is added to clear soups with noodles and fresh herbs or vegetables.

Mediterranean Flavors

Another region with a potent seafood tradition is the Mediterranean, where crab and other forms of seafood are a much-loved staple. Cooked crab meat or crab pieces can be added to Spanish paella or Italian risotto, two of the region's best known rice dishes. Crab is widely used in Italian seafood dishes, especially in the region surrounding Venice. It can be used as filling for ravioli or canneloni, or as a garnish for pasta in cream sauce. Crab also combines well with tomatoes and saffron in the various seafood soups and stews of the region.

American Style

While many parts of the world have a deep culinary tradition, America's position as the world's melting pot has left chefs the option of picking and choosing their favorite influences to create a distinctive homegrown cuisine. Some examples have become traditional in their own right, like California's Mediterranean-influenced cioppino or Louisiana's French and Caribbean fusion. Crab chowder with sweet corn and a hint of chili heat is another fine example. More avant-garde chefs pair crab with unusual salads, or savory custards and sophisticated sauces.

Tags: crab meat, crab meat

Start A Vegan Food Pantry

A vegan diet strictly excludes all meat by-products including milk and eggs.

Vegans follow a strict diet which avoids all meat and meat by-products. Many vegetarian and vegan food products are readily available in standard grocery stores. However, chain grocery chains specializing in natural and organic products typically offer a larger selection of vegetarian and vegan fare. You also can find privately-owned specialty shops catering to vegans in larger municipalities. You also can purchase many vegan foods online. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Read the labels to make sure items are free from ingredients not part of a vegan diet. A vegan pantry, in general, is stocked with items free of certain ingredients, namely dairy, meat and fish. Vegan kitchen staples include beans and other legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

2. Shop at stores catering to customers on a vegan diet. These stores will offer a variety of packaged vegan substitutions to make stocking a vegan pantry more convenient. Whole Foods Market is a national chain which offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan products ready to purchase.

3. Shop online. A number of vegan food shops are available online and will ship the items anywhere.

4. Make baked goods or desserts with vegan substitutes for dairy products. Recipes with suggestions for replacements for milk and eggs are available online and in recipe books. Practicing vegans use soy or almond milk as a milk substitute.

5. Choose an appropriate egg substitute based on the recipe. For leavening, 1/4-cup of soy milk mixed with 1 tbsp. lemon juice is a good replacement for an egg. Replacing eggs that are needed to bind ingredients often requires some trial and error in a vegan kitchen. For some dessert recipes, 1 tbsp. of ground flaxseed combined with ¼-cup water equals one egg. For cakes and breads, 2 tbsp. of cornstarch can usually serve as a substitute for one egg.

Tags: vegan diet, vegetarian vegan, available online, items free, meat by-products, milk eggs, vegan food

Are Dandelion Greens The Same As Collard Greens

Collards are leafy greens.

Dandelion greens are not the same as collard greens. Dandelion greens are considered to be edible wild greens. Collard greens, sometimes simply called collards, are a cultivated leafy vegetable related to broccoli, kale and cabbage, although they do not form heads like cabbages do. Does this Spark an idea?

Dandelions

Dandelion greens are highly nutritious. Although the heads can be eaten also, it is the leaves that are most often used in everyday cooking. Dandelion greens contain high amounts of vitamins A and C as well as iron and potassium. They are low in calories and have a sharp, tangy, slightly bitter taste.

Collards

Collard greens are a member of the cabbage family. They are high in beta-carotene, calcium and dietary fiber and low in calories and fat. Collards are also rich in antioxidants. Like dandelion greens, they have a slightly bitter taste. The best-tasting leaves are young and fresh.

Harvesting

Dandelion greens are best harvested before the flowers appear. The younger the leaves, the more tender they are. This could be as early as late winter, when snow is still on the ground. Do not pick dandelion greens in locations where chemical weed control products might have been used in the past, such as along roadsides or in public places. Wash them well before cooking.

Collards grow on inedible stems. The leaves should be plucked off the stems. Choosing leaves from the bottom of the plant encourages the plant to keep producing new leaves. They can be harvested at any time, but the younger leaves are the most tender. Older leaves get woody and very tough. The flavor improves after a frost, so they are sometimes not harvested until after a light frost.

Uses

Dandelion greens can be sprinkled on salads and used in soups or sandwiches. They can be somewhat tough if not picked early enough, so many cooks boil them in water until they are tender. They can also be used to make tea, or dried. Traditionally, dandelion leaves have been used as a diuretic.

Collard greens are also used in soups and salads, or they are boiled and served as a side dish with a dash of butter. They are tough greens and must be boiled for a long time -- up to an hour in some cases. Remove the center vein and stem before cooking them.

Tags: Dandelion greens, also used, been used, before cooking, bitter taste, dandelion greens, greens Dandelion

Facts About Biogas

Biogas describes the gases produced through the decomposition of organic matter. These gases result from the breakdown of sewage waste, animal manure and crop residues, as well as from energy crops designed to produce the highest quality biogas. Biogas is becoming increasingly popular as a clean alternative energy source. and is being used worldwide.

Digesters

A biogas digester is the container or system used to decompose the organic waste and generate biogas. In order to produce biogas, the waste needs to be decomposed anaerobically, which means it cannot be done in the presence of oxygen. As such, the container needs to be airtight and the bacteria chosen to digest the waste needs to be anaerobic bacteria or it will die. Some digesters are similar in setup to a septic tank except that a system siphons off and stores the gas produced.

Composition

Typical biogas is about 50 to 80 percent methane, 20 to 50 percent carbon dioxide and trace amounts of other gases. Biogas can be used in many applications as is, but there are methods to purify the biogas, making it an even better fuel source. Some biogas equipment requires removing hydrogen sulfide before the biogas can be used. Removing some of the carbon dioxide also helps equipment run more efficiently. Purified biogas is referred to as renewable natural gas.

Uses

There is a variety of ways to use biogas to produce energy. It can be combusted (burned) in boilers and hot water heaters, producing hot water or steam; compressed for vehicular use; or fed into the natural gas grid. One of the main benefits of biogas usage is that it can be large- or small-scale. Farmers who have an abundance of organic waste can install digesters to decompose the waste and produce biogas, which they can use throughout the farm to provide heat and fuel. Since waste treatment plants and garbage dumps produce biogas on a much larger scale, they can use the biogas to power the plant and its vehicles or sell the biogas to a natural gas company.

Benefits

Biogas is a renewable resource, so there will never be a shortage of it as there is now with fossil fuels. Collecting organic materials and decomposing them anaerobically prevents the release of nitrous dioxide and methane into the environment. Release of these two greenhouse gases from animal manure is a major contributor to global warming. Farms utilizing biogas could become self sufficient, rather than having to pay for power, reducing the total amount of waste product.

Tags: produce biogas, animal manure, carbon dioxide, organic waste, waste needs

Jobs In Child Nutrition

As important as food is to sustaining life, one way you can make a difference in people's lives is by teaching them about nutrition while they are still young. Job options for working with children don't end in the classroom. Nutrition is an option with many different career paths. Job prospects in child nutrition range from administrative for managing school lunch choices to cooking in a day-care kitchen.

Education Requirements

Good nutritional habits reduce childhood obesity and adult diseases related to a lifetime of poor food choices. For example, milk is good for building strong bones while green vegetables give them plenty of energy to run around the playground. Learning what's best to serve start with a solid education in childhood nutrition. School nutritionists can receive credentialing and certification through programs offered by the School Nutrition Association with has affiliates in every state. With a degree from an accredited four-year college, a master's degree or a doctorate, your job choices increase.

Salary Prospects

The salary you earn will be based on the field of child nutrition you pursue and your level of education. For example, a pediatric gastroenterologist and nutritionist earn as much as $114,000 a year, while school lunchroom food server can earn $25,000 a year. Becoming a pediatric gastroenterologist requires graduate-level education, and a food server position may only require a quick course in nutrition or no education at all.

Job Outlook

Job prospects include working with public schools, private schools, day-care centers, hospitals and community youth programs. These jobs include food nutrition director, in which your job is to select the daily meals; nutrition education specialist, where your job entails teaching both parents and children about the importance of education; and site managers, where you supervise kitchen staff. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that between 2008 and 2018 hiring for dietitians and nutritionists positions would increase by 9 percent.

Job Search

Jobs can be found through traditional means such as classified ads and job fairs. You can also use social networking sites to get to know professionals already working in the field who can refer you to job openings. A resume with child-care experience or related education can get your foot in the door. Build your resume from the ground up by applying with day-care centers part time or volunteering your time with community youth programs. All jobs involved working with children require some level of criminal background check. It's more difficult to get a job in the field with any blemishes on your record.

Tags: working with, community youth, community youth programs, day-care centers, food server, nutrition education, pediatric gastroenterologist

Puff Wheat

Make a version of puffed wheat at home to use in recipes like granola or power bars.

The process of puffing grains was invented by Alexander P. Anderson in 1895. He accidentally caused an explosion in his lab that resulted in puffed rice. Quaker Oats quickly backed this process and so began the puffed grain breakfast cereal industry. Grains like rice, wheat and corn are puffed to make cereals like Rice Krispies, Cheerios, Corn Pops and Puffed Wheat. Puffing wheat at home results in a roasted, chewy kernel. Commercially puffed wheat is done with heavy-duty equipment that puts 200 pounds of pressure into extruded wheat dough. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of wheat grains into the popper.

2. Add 1/4 cup of oil. The grains need moisture to heat up and pop open. The oil gives it moisture and also adds a bit of flavor.

3. Turn the popper on and let it run until the wheat begins to pop open and it smells like baking bread. The time is different for all poppers and all types of wheat, so just stay close and watch it. Once it cracks open and smells roasted, it is done.

4. Remove the cracked, roasted wheat and let it cool.

5. Add the wheat grains to homemade granola or power bars for added nutrition.

Tags: granola power, granola power bars, open smells, power bars, puffed wheat

Make Pasta With Nonwheat Flour

Enjoy home-made pasta even on a wheat-free diet.

Avoiding wheat does not mean having to avoid all pasta. Enjoy the flavors that come with using different types of flour. This recipe is wheat-free and gluten-free and is easily doubled or tripled. Be patient and work slowly when rolling and cutting the dough as the dough easily breaks apart if it is too thin. When cooking, carefully monitor the pasta every minute so it does not become too soft and mushy. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Sift the corn flour, quinoa flour and potato starch into a large bowl.

2. Add the xanthan gum, guar gum and salt then stir together. Sift the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer.

3. Mix all eggs into the bowl with the flour. Insert the paddle attachment for the mixer and turn it on at medium speed for approximately three minutes. When properly mixed, the dough should feel flexible, but firm.

4. Cut the ball of dough into quarters if using a pasta machine and roll out each piece of dough so it is ½-inch thick. Flour sides of the dough with more potato starch so it is not too sticky.

5. Run the dough through the pasta machine. Increase the settings on the machine until the dough is very thin. Go slow and be patient so the dough does not crack.

6. Cut the ball of dough into eight pieces if you are making it by hand. Cut each of those pieces so they are about the size of golf balls. Roll out each piece of dough until it is paper-thin.

7. Cut the dough into thin strips for spaghetti, slightly thicker ¼-inch strips for fettuccine.

8. Bring a large pot of water to boil to cook the pasta. Add a pinch of salt if desired. When the water boils, add the pasta and cook for three to four minutes. Watch it carefully as cooking times may vary.

Tags: dough into, ball dough, ball dough into, each piece, each piece dough

Get Gas Out Of Beans When Cooking Them

Soaking reduces the gas-producing properties in any variety of bean.

Beans provide protein, fiber, antioxidants and several dietary minerals. However, they sometimes cause unwelcome intestinal gas as well. Because the human digestive system lacks a certain enzyme, it cannot break down the raffinose sugars, or oligosaccharides, in beans. Intestinal bacteria break down these sugars and give off gases. A quick boil followed by a long soak allows most of the indigestible sugars to leach into the water. Completely cooking the beans also makes them easier to digest. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Put at least 10 cups of cold water per pound of beans in a large pot. Bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the beans to the pot and boil for two to three minutes. Cover the pot, remove from the heat and let the beans stand overnight, or for eight to 10 hours.

3. Drain the beans in the colander and rinse them. Return the beans to the pot and add at least 6 cups of cold water.

4. Bring the beans to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the beans are soft --- 60 to 90 minutes for most varieties. Alternatively, add the beans and water to a crock-pot and cook for six to eight hours on high.

Tags: beans boil, break down, cold water, cups cold, cups cold water, eight hours

Cook Turkey Soup For A Crowd

Roast turkey is an economical meal perfect for feeding a crowd. Once you have enjoyed your roasted bird, you can use the carcass and any leftover turkey meat to make a flavorful, healthy soup. It is another low cost, healthy meal to prepare when feeding a large group. If you don't happen to have a turkey carcass, a rich flavorful soup can be made by using canned chicken broth and precooked turkey meat. Add some bread and a salad and you can serve a delicious meal to many people. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Make the turkey broth. To make the broth, put the turkey carcass in a stock pot with 12 cups water. Turn the heat on high until the water boils, then turn the heat to medium, cover the pot and simmer for one hour. Skim off any foam using the long-handled spoon.

In lieu of making the broth from scratch, you can use 12 cups (6 cans) of chicken broth.

2. Cut the vegetables and turkey meat into bite-sized pieces using your knife while the broth is simmering.

3. Remove carcass from pot and discard.

4. Add vegetables, bay leaves and poultry seasoning to the broth.

5. Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, turn the heat to medium, cover the pot and simmer the vegetables for 20 minutes or until the carrots start to get soft.

6. Add the pasta noodles and turkey meat to the pot. Cover and continue simmering another 10 minutes or until the noodles are cooked to your preference.

7. Add salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve hot.

Tags: turkey meat, chicken broth, cover simmer, heat high, heat medium

Organic Cosmetic Cream Recipes

Organic cosmetic cream recipes can be used to create all-natural cosmetic creams in the home. Use the following base organic cosmetic cream recipe, and then add your own ingredients to make dozens of recipes for cosmetic creams that can be used all over the body, including on sensitive facial skin. Does this Spark an idea?

Materials

You need a kitchen scale to weigh the ingredients, a double boiler, a tinted glass container with a secure lid, and a sturdy metal whisk or stick blender. Ingredients that are used to create the base cosmetic cream recipe includes a carrier oil, vegetable-based emulsifying wax or beeswax, distilled water and T-50 vitamin E oil.

Choose a light carrier oil that absorbs easily into the skin without leaving an oily residue. Examples of light carrier oils include jojoba, kukui, rose hip and sunflower oils. Purchase organic oils that have been cold pressed.

Organic vegetable-based emulsifying wax or organic beeswax acts as a thickening agent and is required to incorporate oil and water ingredients together to produce a cream. Creams made with organic beeswax might require occasional stirring if the ingredients separate over time. Creams made with vegetable-based emulsifying wax normally do not require additional mixing once they are made.

T-50 vitamin E oil is a natural preservative that helps extend the shelf life of your cream. T-50 vitamin E works better as a preservative than other types of vitamin E oils because it contains larger amounts of antioxidants. Distilled water is essential for the formation of a creamy consistency.

Additional ingredients that can be added include organic essential oil or a combination of organic essentials oils. You can also substitute distilled water with floral waters such as lavender water or rose water for a sweet-smelling cosmetic cream.

Making the Cream

Sterilize any materials that will be touching the cream ingredients with boiling water, and wash your hands before you begin making your cream. Add 4 oz. of the carrier oil with 1 oz. of vegetable emulsifying wax or beeswax in a double boiler over low heat. Once the wax has melted, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 oz. of distilled or floral water and 1 tsp. of essential oil ingredients. Whisk or blend the cream for at least 3 to 4 minutes.

Let the cream rest for 10 minutes and then blend or whisk the cream one more time before placing it in a dark glass container. The cream will remain fresh for up to a month as long as it is stored in a cool, dark place and limited exposure to air.

Tags: T-50 vitamin, vegetable-based emulsifying, cosmetic cream, cosmetic cream, cosmetic cream recipe, cosmetic creams, cream recipe

Nice Restaurants In Flatiron Crossing Colorado

Enjoy a great meal while shopping at the Flatiron Crossing Mall.

Located in Broomfield, Colorado, the Flatiron Crossing Mall is a large two-story shopping mall, which features an adjoining outdoor pedestrian shopping village. The mall features in excess of 200 shops and a variety of restaurants as well as movie theaters. In addition to several sit-down restaurants, the mall features and extensive food court with boutiques and dining options. Add this to my Recipe Box.

California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen or CPK as it is commonly called, offers a refined environment and an extensive menu of pastas and pizzas prepared with a distinctive California flair. Cooking their pizzas in an open kitchen with a wood burning pizza oven, the restaurant is known for its gourmet pizza with a wide variety of non-traditional toppings including, Thai Chicken, BLT, and Jerk Chicken. Additional menu items include soups, salads, appetizers and desserts.

California Pizza Kitchen

1 West Flatiron Cl.

Broomfield, CO 80021

303-410-8895

CaliforniaPizzaKitchen.com

Gordon Biersch Brewery

The original Gordon Biersch Brewery opened in Palo Alto in 1988 and currently operates 38 restaurants nationally. At the Flatiron Crossing Mall, the Gordon Biersch Brewery is serves traditional American cuisine. The restaurant features an extensive appetizer menu. Popular dishes including their signature garlic fries, southwest egg rolls, Kobe sliders, as wells as lobster and jumbo lump crab cakes. Known for their beers, the restaurant features house-made, handcrafted German lagers.

Gordon Biersch Brewery

1 West Flatiron Circle

Broomfield, CO 80021

720-887-2991

gordonbiersch.com

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

P.F. Chang's China Bistro serves American Chinese cuisine and is the only restaurant in the mall to offer a separate gluten-free menu as well as a vegetarian menu. Featuring beef, chicken, duck, pork, lamb and seafood, P.F. Chang's offers a wide variety of dishes found in most American Chinese food restaurants with a bit of a fancy twist in its preparation. The restaurant features an upscale bar serving cocktails, beer and sake. Zagat online rates P.F.Chang's as one of the top choices for healthy options, service and food.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

1 W Flatiron Cl. Unit 500, Bldg. 5

Broomfield, CO 80021

720-887-6200

pfchangs.com

Tags: Biersch Brewery, Flatiron Crossing, Gordon Biersch, Gordon Biersch Brewery, Broomfield 80021, California Pizza, California Pizza Kitchen

Quail Eggs Identification

Quail egg markings may help scientists to analyze wild populations.

Quail are ground dwelling birds and six species are native to North America, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Audubon Society. Habitat loss threatens some species, like the eastern bobwhite. Tiny quail eggs are speckled in random patterns of dark on light background, which may reveal important data about nesting patterns and population health. Preserve favorite quail habitat in your yard -- grasses, shrubs, brushy cover, even annual weeds -- to encourage quail to nest. Does this Spark an idea?

General Characteristics

Quail eggs actually differ widely in color and patterns. Scientists studying the eggshells identified color differences from white to green and blue. All quail eggs have patterns of darker brown or reddish-brown areas on a light background. The colors and patterns of the eggs can reveal information about the parent bird and the nesting habitat.

Family Traits

A study of Japanese quail eggs by two researchers in Gaziosmanpasa University, Turkot, Turkey, measured the color of the eggs, with marked variables in hue, and the patterns on the eggs. Researchers discovered that the colors of the shells are heritable, meaning that eggs from the same clutch would exhibit similar, or very similar, color characteristics.

Repeat Patterns

The patterned areas on eggs collected from distinct quail hens showed a remarkable "repeatability." That means specific hens laid eggs with near identical patterns on each egg in the whole clutch. The shapes, percentage of pattern to background color, and the saturation or darkness of the patterns all can be used to identify which eggs belong to which hens.

Camouflage

Quail nests are hidden on the ground and are subject to easy predation. Camouflage becomes extremely important and researchers theorized that the available nesting material in a bird's habitat could influence the patterns on the eggshells. Ideally, those patterns make a nest full of eggs difficult to detect.

Mate Selection

Eggshells reveal important details about the nutrition and health of the hen for several small bird species, a factor that may apply to quails. In bird populations where the male shares nesting responsibilities, shell patterns clue male birds to the healthiest potential mates and survivability of the eggs. Future research into the identifying patterns on quail eggs could determine if this is true for quails as it is for Eastern Bluebirds, Blue Tits and other songbirds.

Tags: quail eggs, eggs with, light background, patterns eggs, reveal important

Boil Long Grain Rice

Follow a some simple rules to make perfect rice -- every time.

In many countries around the world, rice is a staple that's eaten at every meal. Boiling long-grained rice is more of a science than an art. They key is to ensure the rice is cooked in enough liquid so that the grains get soft, but not soggy, and each grain separates from the others instead of sticking in clumps. If you carefully follow some basic steps when boiling rice, your rice will be light and fluffy every time. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill a pot with 4 cups water. Add rice and salt. Stir with wooden spoon.

2. Turn stove on high. Bring water to a boil.

3. When boiling, stir rice using the spoon. Put lid on pot, ensuring it fits tightly so that steam doesn't escape from the pot.

4. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid until the rice has cooked for 20 minutes.

5. Turn off heat. Let rice sit for 5 minutes before removing lid and fluffing rice with a fork.

Tags: every time, rice cooked, Turn heat

Grow Chicken Feed

Grow Chicken Feed

Growing your own chicken feed is an economical way to keep a flock of hens for both food and income from egg sales. It's also a way to ensure your chickens are fed a well-balanced diet that doesn't include the fillers and antibiotics often found in commercial feed. Free-range chickens can usually scratch out ample seeds, grains, weeds, grasses, bugs and earthworms during warm-weather months and will benefit from a special garden of nutrients grown just for them. You also can grow an assortment of greens, grains and proteins for confined hens and chickens kept during the winter months. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine an area of your yard that you can reasonably set aside exclusively for chicken feed. The area should have well-drained soil and receive at least five hours of sunlight a day. Place your chicken feed garden plot in a north-south orientation, as close to your chicken coop as possible without imposing shade from the coop or shelter.

2. Place four marking posts at the plot corners. Measure the halfway point with measuring tape, and place two marking posts there. You'll use half of your plot for corn. The other half will be divided between oats, alfalfa, soybeans or other field crops. Connect the posts with twine.

3. Identify other areas of the yard where you can grow early greens and feed, such as lettuce and peas. As early in the season as you can work the soil, place marking posts in those areas, and give the soil an initial turn and composting.

4. Scatter lettuce seed in tilled beds around the chicken coop or shelter in early spring. Place peas in rows a half-inch deep and 1 inch apart. Tamp the soil down lightly, and water well with a watering can or hose.

5. Till the soil in your chicken feed garden deeply, working in a shovel of compost every 6 inches. When threat of frost is past, create shallow furrows to receive seed. Use a sifter to clean the furrows of dirt clumps.

6. Moisten the soil in the furrows. Broadcast oat, alfalfa or other grain seed in furrows on one side of the chicken feed garden. Barely cover the seed with dirt. Tamp down gently.

7. Drill holes a half-inch deep and 8 inches apart with your finger on the other side of the garden. Place two kernels of corn seed in each hole. Cover lightly with soil and water well.

8. Keep plants well watered in dry periods. Hoe between furrows at least weekly to reduce competition from weeds.

9. Allow the chickens to roam their garden and clean the area of bugs. Harvest each crop when it matures. Grains may be cut, dried and hung upside down in the coop for chickens to peck for seeds. Preserve some seeds to plant next season.

10. Harvest corn and remove kernels from the cob. Mash or dry and run through a blender or food processor. Chickens will also peck at the cobs.

Tags: chicken feed, your chicken, chicken feed garden, feed garden, marking posts

Economic Factors In Italy

Tourism accounts for a third of Italy's gross domestic product.

According to the World Bank, Italy is one of the world's high-income economies, with a 2008 Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, of more than $2.3 trillion. However, Italy's economy faces a number of challenges, including its regional diversity, the structure of its manufacturing sector, its reliance on tourism and its large and increasing national debt.

Regional Diversity

Regional diversity is one of the main factors influencing the Italian economy. Industry and manufacturing is concentrated in the north, while the economy of the south is much more reliant on agriculture and tourism. According to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of 2010, the north and northwest regions together contribute 54.1 percent of the country's GDP, while the central region--which includes Rome--and the south contribute 21 percent and 24.8 percent respectively. Consequently, unemployment in the south tends to be much higher than in the north, with more people dependent on welfare payments.

Manufacturing

Much of Italy's manufacturing sector is based around clusters of small and medium-sized firms in the same geographical area that perform specific phases of production within the same industry. Around 95 percent of the country's business enterprises fall into this category, employing around 50 percent of the workforce. This factor, in part, is what has driven the success of the "Made in Italy" export brand, which includes clothes, accessories and furniture. However, this sector has not proved resilient in times of recession and, according to Diego Coletto of the University of Milan, small companies were hit hard by the 2009 economic crisis. He cited problems with access to credit, fewer resources for reorganization and the difficulties experienced by larger client companies as the main reasons behind the problems faced by small manufacturers.

Reliance on Tourism

UNESCO estimates that more than half of the historic/patrimony sites in the world are found in Italy. These sites, along with the country's famous landscape and food, help to make tourism a vital part of the Italian economy. The Italian government calculates that tourism supports around 1 million jobs, contributing around a third of the entire country's GDP. This, however, can leave the country vulnerable in times of economic downturn, when fewer tourists can afford to take vacations in Italy, or if some other factor, such as the 2010 volcanic ash cloud, which closed European airspace for several days, comes into play.

National Debt

As of 2010, national debt is a serious issue for the Italian economy. In June 2010, the Bank of Italy announced that the national debt stood at more than 1.8 trillion euro--more than 110 percent of the country's GDP--causing an increasing fiscal deficit as the cost of servicing the massive debt rises. To combat the effects of the debt, the Italian government implemented a number of austerity packages, which included measures such as cutting ministerial budgets, freezing public-sector wages and fighting tax evasion.

Tags: Italian economy, more than, percent country, Bank Italy, contribute percent, Italian government

Signs Of Spoiled Chicken

Knowing the signs of spoiled chicken can keep you from getting sick.

Awful flavor is only the smallest problem with spoiled chicken. Salmonella, E. coli and several other bacteria can develop on chicken as it goes bad. To avoid illness and food poisoning, it's important to learn the various signs that chicken has spoiled. Expiration dates are helpful, but rapid and unpredictable bacteria growth combined with the temperature sensitivity of raw chicken makes it necessary to learn several signs that chicken has spoiled. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Visual Appearance

While color and appearance are the most obvious indications of spoiled chicken, these signals don't appear until the most extreme levels of bacteria growth. Meat changing color also isn't always a reliable sign that it has gone bad. The United States Department of Agriculture says chicken can naturally become lighter or darker while the meat is still fresh and safe to eat. Even some colors your instincts would expect as signals of bad chicken often occur in completely healthy meat. Chicken skin can appear yellow or bluish-white while it is still fresh. These unusual colors are a product of the animal's age, exercise, breed and diet. Throw chicken away if it has obvious color changes caused by mold but look for other signals before discarding chicken that has just become slightly darker or lighter.

Smell

One of the most reliable ways to determine if chicken has spoiled is the smell of the meat. Poultry expiration dates aren't always reliable, so it's a good idea to smell chicken right when you bring it home from the store. Spoiled chicken usually has a strong unpleasant smell. If the chicken has an odor similar to yeast, ammonia or the sulfur smell of rotten eggs, the meat has gone bad.

Texture

Another easy way to tell if poultry has spoiled is to check how it feels. After chicken has become bad, it usually becomes sticky to the touch. As the meat gets older, the texture progresses from sticky to slimy. Spoiled chicken starts to smell before it gets slimy, so if the meat feels unusual, there should be additional signs that it's become bad.

Expiration Date

While the expiration date on the package seems like an obvious way to tell if the chicken is good or bad, it shouldn't be trusted if there are signs that the chicken has spoiled. If the poultry is not cold enough while it is stored, it can easily spoil before the package indicates. To maintain a constant cold temperature, raw chicken should be stored in the back of the refrigerator, away from the door. While it usually takes longer for harmful bacteria to grow, the USDA recommends using or freezing chicken within two days of purchase.

Tags: chicken spoiled, signs that, signs that chicken, spoiled chicken, that chicken, that chicken spoiled, always reliable

What Are The Health Benefits Of Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider

Health benefits and some warnings are associated with organic raw unfiltered cider.

Many health benefits are associated with eating apples, some of which may be slightly lessened by the pasteurization process. Because apple cider is generally made at the orchard where the apples are picked, raw cider is a natural way to get all the health benefits associated with apples. Organic raw unfiltered cider contains no pesticides or chemicals but contains all of the nutrients that apples do because it is not pasteurized or strained.

Heart Health

Flavonoids in organic raw unfiltered apple cider may decrease mortality rates from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. The high fiber content in the cider can lower the risk of death from coronary heart disease by 30 percent. In filtered ciders and juices, many of the nutrients, along with course pulp or sediment, are strained out and sugar is added.

Cancer Prevention

Regularly eating fiber- and phytonutrient-rich foods and beverages like apples and raw unfiltered apple cider may reduce the risk of digestive tract cancers. The apple skins contain most of the phytonutrients that slow the growth of colon and liver cancer. Further studies are needed to determine whether regular apple product consumption reduces the risks of lung and prostate cancers. According to Dr. Caroline J. Walker of Brewing Research International, cider is made from apples, and apples contain an abundance of antioxidants such as quercetin in the apple peel and hydroxycinnamic acids. Apple juice and cider also contain antioxidants.

Weight Loss

Apples, and apple products like cider, are low in calories and high in fiber, both factors which encourage weight loss. Raw, unfiltered apple cider can lengthen the feeling of fullness, as it contains the apple's fiber.

Respiratory Benefits

Eating a couple of apples a day may prevent the development of asthma, chronic cough and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A diet including apples and apple products including organic raw unfiltered cider may improve overall lung function.

Improved Memory

Regular consumption of apples and apple cider has been found to improve memory and learning and may protect against Alzheimer's disease. Raw unfiltered cider has a higher concentration of these brain-healthy nutrients.

Raw Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar

The main health features of organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar include potassium, which helps to prevent brittle teeth, hair loss and runny noses; acetic acid, which slows the digestive breakdown of starch and therefore glucose; pectin, which regulates blood pressure and reduces cholesterol; ash, which maintains pH levels; malic acid, which makes organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal; and calcium, which creates strong bones and teeth.

Raw apple cider vinegar may help with heartburn, bowl irregularity, acne, joint pain and stiffness and breaking down fats.

Warnings

Several breakouts of E. coli have been associated with unpasteurized apple cider, especially among students who take field trips to orchards and drink raw cider. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that orchards producing cider should use undamaged apples that were picked as opposed to those gathered from the ground. They should clean and sanitize equipment and storage bottles before making their cider, and keep the cider refrigerated at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tags: apple cider, associated with, unfiltered apple, unfiltered cider, organic unfiltered apple

Detox From Sugar

Remove excess sugar from your diet and improve your health.

Over-consumption of sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes and increased risk for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends women consume no more than six and men no more than nine teaspoons of added sugar per day. In reality, Americans consume an average of 22 tsp. per day, more than double and sometimes triple the recommended amount. If you consume excessive amounts of sugar, it is time to detox for the sake of your health.

Instructions

1. Restrict the amount of sugar added to your food to no more than 1 tsp. Many foods contain more than enough natural or added sugars. Adding additional spoonfuls of sugar increases the calories and your risk of sugar-related illnesses.

2. Eliminate foods with hidden sugars. It might surprise you to learn how much of your food actually contains high amounts of sugar. Even purportedly healthy items such as salad dressing, fruit juices and yogurt often contain loads of sugar. Pay close attention to foods labeled as "low fat" as these frequently include extra sugar to compensate for the difference in taste.

3. Incorporate sugar alternatives into your diet if needed. Stevia and agave nectar are two natural alternatives to sugars. It is best to eliminate sugars and alternative sweeteners from your diet completely. However, many people find it nearly impossible to move from a diet with high amounts of sugar to none at all. Incorporating sweeteners is a way to wean yourself from sugar.

4. Use more and different herbs and spices to compensate for the lack of sugar in your food. Using the right combination of herbs and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla can make you believe you are eating something with sugar. Also, substitute sweet fruit such as bananas and apples in your baking and breakfast cereals to compensate for lack of sugar.

5. Wean yourself from alternative sweeteners by slowly decreasing the servings. Although alternative sweeteners are a healthier choice than sugar, they do not compare to the healthiest alternative---completely eliminating added sugars from your diet. Gradually decrease your consumption, and you likely soon will find that you do not miss the taste of added sweeteners.

Tags: more than, your diet, alternative sweeteners, amounts sugar, from your, from your diet

Graphic Design Summer Programs For High School Students

Learn about summer programs in graphic design.

Many of the nation's top-ranked art schools offer summer programs for high school students in graphic design and other studio disciplines. These programs give high school students the chance to experience residential and academic life at a rigorous art school, as well as the opportunity to build a portfolio of work for college admissions.

Rhode Island School of Design

The Rhode Island School of Design, commonly referred to as RISD, offers several programs for high school students. Students can enter the certificate program in art school preparation, a program that spans three years and includes a variety of graphic design courses, from design fundamentals to three-dimensional design. Students work on preparing a portfolio for college admissions. The RISD pre-college program spans six weeks in the summer and offers rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to live on RISD's campus while choosing classes from among 21 different fields, including graphic design, comic book art, design for digital media, fashion design, game design, industrial design and illustration. In 2008, "U.S. News & World Report" magazine ranked RISD first among fine arts schools and first in the graphic design field.

Rhode Island School of Design

2 College St.

Providence, RI 02903

401-454-6100

risd.edu

Maryland Institute College of Art

The Maryland Institute College of Art, commonly referred to as MICA, offers a four-week summer pre-college program for high school students. Students live in dorms on MICA's campus and take courses for college credit. Students can take classes in a variety of studio disciplines, including graphic design, three-dimensional animation and illustration. The program also incorporates field trips to galleries and museums in nearby Washington, D.C., as well as New York City. In 2008, "U.S. News & World Report" magazine ranked MICA fourth among fine arts schools and sixth in the graphic design field.

Maryland Institute College of Art

1300 W. Mount Royal Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21217

410-669-9200

mica.edu

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Early College Program offers two summer institute sessions, including a three-week, three-credit program and a two-week, two-credit program. The three-week program focuses on a general curriculum, while the two-week program gives students the chance to focus on a specific studio discipline, such as graphic design. Students attend the same class five days a week for two weeks. In 2008, "U.S. News & World Report" magazine ranked SAIC third among fine arts schools.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago Early College Program

37 S. Wabash Ave., 7th Floor

Chicago, IL 60603

312-899-7458

saic.edu

Tags: graphic design, 2008 News, 2008 News World, among fine, among fine arts, arts schools

Cook Turkey With Cheesecloth

Keep turkey moist by covering it with cheesecloth while it's roasting.

Tasty roasted turkey features golden brown skin and moist meat. To ensure your turkey has both of these qualities, cover it with cheesecloth soaked with butter during the roasting process. You can soak the cheesecloth in other liquids, such a wine, to give the turkey even more flavor. The cheesecloth will seal in the juices, keeping the turkey tender and flavorful. Be sure to remove the cheesecloth in the last hour of roasting the turkey so the outside becomes crispy. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Prepare and season a whole, thawed 20-pound turkey according to recipe instructions. Place the bird, breast-side-up, in a large, sturdy roasting pan.

2. Place four sticks of butter in a glass bowl and melt them in a microwave. Add one bottle of white wine to the melted butter if you desire. Soak a large piece of cheesecloth in the butter or butter and white wine mixture for five minutes.

3. Completely cover the turkey with the soaked cheesecloth. If you're using an over-safe meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the turkey thigh. Place the turkey in an oven pre-heated to 425 degrees and lower the temperature to 350 degrees.

4. Use a pastry brush to baste the cheesecloth with the leftover butter or butter and wine mixture every 30 minutes throughout the roasting process.

5. Take the turkey out of the oven and remove the cheesecloth after roasting the bird for three-four hours (longer if the bird is stuffed). Baste the turkey with the pan drippings. Check your meat thermometer or insert an instant-read thermometer; the bird will be ready to take out of the oven when the thermometer registers 165 degrees. This will usually be about an hour after you've removed the cheesecloth.

Tags: butter butter, meat thermometer, meat thermometer insert, remove cheesecloth, roasting process, thermometer insert

Use Olive Oil For Your Beauty

Use Olive Oil For Your Beauty

Olive Oil is an amazing natural, organic mineral that you can use for all sorts of things! You can cook with it, eat it, and use it for all your beauty needs - how great is that!? Well, your probably wondering how many ways you can use Olive Oil for your beauty....MANY. I have listed them all! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. HAIR CARE: Olive Oil is AMAZING for your hair. It can do all sorts of wonderful things for it. The way best to use it as a deep conditioning hair treatment. It's great to use on damaged, colored or over-processed hair and can really improve your hair's condition. It's also great for the scalp and can be good at getting rid of dandruff. To treat your hair to this deep conditioning treatment, simply massage it into your scalp and through your hair.

2. HAIR CARE STEP 2: To treat your hair to this deep conditioning treatment, simply massage it into your scalp and through your hair. Use just regular oil for this, or you can infuse some with the herb rosemary which is good for dark hair. If you have fair hair, infuse some with chamomile for the perfect treatment for your color.

After massaging into the hair and scalp, cover your hair with a shower cap, plastic bag, or some cling film, and leave it for about an hour.

Another way to use it for conditioning hair is to simply leave it in over night, and rinse it out in the morning. You'll have perfectly shiny, healthy hair!

3. SKIN CARE: If you've been overexposed to the elements such as the sun, wind or the cold, or whenever your skin seems extra dry, simply massage a small amount into your face and neck, using small circular motions.

4. BODY CARE: A simple but very effective natural exfoliator can be made by mixing some olive oil with sugar and salt. This makes a brilliant body scrub and leaves your skin feeling silky soft. Another way to use for your body is to add a few drops in your bath water and soak. It's so great and will moisturize your skin, leaving it silky smooth.

5. NAIL CARE: It's a great treatment for your finger nails and cuticles. Warm a small amount in a dish and soak your nails for a few minutes to leave your them in better condition and your cuticles softened before a manicure. Another way is to soak your hands in warm water for a few drops and massage your cuticles after-wards. This will not only smooth the cuticles, but will help your nails grow.

6. HANDS & FEET: Any time your hands feel dry and in need of some tender loving care, massage some olive oil into them before bed, put on white cotton gloves, and sleep with them on. Do the same with your feet, wearing socks to bed.

You'll awake with the softest and smoothest hands and feet ever!

7. These are only a few of the many, many ways to use this in your everyday beauty treatments. You can almost apply it into any routine you have. Enjoy!

Tags: your hair, deep conditioning, into your, simply massage, your skin, conditioning hair

Make Bbq Sauce For Sale

Barbeque complements beef, pork, and chicken nicely.

Barbeque sauce is a main staple when using the grill. Meats that are barbequed can be very tasty. Homemade sauces can be the conversation piece among your family and friends during a social barbeque. If you have a unique, outstanding recipe, you may wish to bottle and sell your creation for profit. To start selling your own barbeque sauce you must be familiar with your state food laws and the cost you will encounter.

Instructions

1. Write down your recipes and ideas. List how you will go about procuring supplies and ingredients. Decide if you want to make a small business venture out of this or just do some fundraising. List anything that will help you with your endeavor.

2. Contact your local licensing commission to find out if you will need a business license, separate building, and inspections before you can begin. Most states require you to be licensed for small business and will not allow you to process any food products for sale at home. File for the appropriate licensing and register with the state health department. The health department will have to clear you for operation before you can start your business.

3. Apply for a small loan to start your business venture. By presenting your idea to financial lenders, you will be able to fund your business for the first six months to one year.

4. Compare prices of suppliers. Find more than one supplier that offers quality ingredients, labeling, and bottles at a low cost. Avoid cheaply made products or ingredients.

5. Seek out customers who would be interested in selling your product. Cold calling or visiting various supermarket chains, mom and pop stores, or convenience stores can help you gain a good customer base.

6. Cook your sauce in large batches. Commercial cookware will allow you to mix and make larger amounts of barbecue sauce than your home stove and soup pot would. Adjust your recipe according to the volume increase.

7. Bottle your sauce in clean, sterile bottles. Never reuse bottles. Affix a neat label to your bottles, listing the ingredients and nutritional facts of your sauce. If you are unsure of the nutritional facts, you can have your sauce examined by a professional food nutrition laboratory. Also list expiration dates and your business address.

8. Deliver your sauce to your customers at the promised times and dates. Always fill your orders as agreed. Ask your family or friends to help if you find it difficult to fill orders as your business grows.

Tags: your business, your sauce, business venture, family friends, health department, nutritional facts

Organic Roach Repellent

Repellents won't kill roaches, but it will prevent them from coming back.

Roaches are typically found in areas with a large amount of filth and food, but they can enter a clean home or apartment when searching for food. Even if you clean your home frequently, it's still possible to have a roach problem, but organic repellents help control the problem. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Bay leaves, catnip, cucumber, beer and garlic are all potential repellents for roaches, according to the website Eartheasy. If using beer as a deterrent, soak strips of bread in the beer and then place the strips in a metal container. Keep the beer-soaked bread under the sink and in cabinets.

Uses

Dried products, including the bay leaves and catnip, are effective repellents for cockroaches when placed in areas where roaches frequent such as cabinets, under sinks and on counters. With cucumber and garlic, you'll want to replace the items with fresh ones every day.

Considerations

Use repellents along the top of your cabinets, suggests Eartheasy. Roaches prefer areas high above the ground and treating your cabinets alone might not be enough.

Tags: leaves catnip, your cabinets

Store French Bread

Properly store French bread so it retains its fresh flavor.

French bread is known for its crisp, crunchy crust and chewy center. The bread's contrasting textures make it a favorite baked good among many people. French bread is versatile in that it can be used to make gourmet sandwiches, served alongside soup and dinner entrees, or slathered with butter and eaten as a breakfast item or snack. If you've made a few loaves of French bread too many, or if you stocked up at a bakery, store the extras properly so you can enjoy them at a later date. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Allow homemade French bread to cool completely at room temperature prior to storing it.

2. Place the French bread loaf into a paper bag; paper will allow the bread to "breathe" and maintain its crispy texture. Seal the end of the paper bag with a piece of tape.

3. Set the French bread into a bread box for short-term storage. Avoid storing the bread in a refrigerator, where it will quickly dry out and go stale.

4. Prepare the French bread for long-term storage by placing it into a plastic freezer bag or wrapping it tightly with a piece of foil. Seal the ends of the packaging with freezer tape. Use a marker to write the date on the tape.

5. Place the packaged bread into a freezer, where it can be stored for three months or more.

Tags: French bread, bread into, with piece

Smoke A Turkey In An Electric Smoker

Surprise your friends and family with a special dinner.

Smoked turkey has a delicious flavor and tends to be juicer than other cooking methods. Purchasing smoked turkey from the store can be expensive, but smoking it at home is not. Serve smoked turkey at your next big holiday event, surprise your friends and family with a special dinner or make it as a treat to yourself. Make sure you have at least eight hours to cook your bird. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Soak wood chips in 1 cup white wine and 1 cup apple juice and enough water to cover.

2. Turn on your electric water smoker and allow it to heat up.

3. Rinse the turkey with cold water and pat it dry.

4. Remove the giblets and neck.

5. Sprinkle the outside and rub the inside with salt and pepper. Do not stuff the turkey.

6. Strain and add wood chips once the smoker has reached temperature.

7. Pour the water mixture you soaked the wood into the water pan and add enough warm water to fill it. Add the rosemary to the water.

8. Put the turkey in the smoker and close the lid.

9. Monitor the temperature of the smoker to ensure it remains around 250 degrees F. Check the water pan after three hours and add more water if necessary.

10. Insert a thermometer into the thigh at its thickest part after six hours. If the temperature has not reached 165 F, continue cooking.

Tags: family with, family with special, friends family, friends family with, smoked turkey

Start A Backyard Farming Businesses

According to the Organic Trade Association, sales of organic foods in the United States have skyrocketed over the last 20 years. In 1990, U.S. consumers spent $1 billion on organic foods. In 2010, the total was $26.7 billion. Organic food and beverage sales made up over 4 percent of the total U.S. food market. Much of the organic food supply is produced by small farms that deliver food to local farmer's markets, or accept orders over the internet or on a call-in basis. A backyard farm is a great hobby that can turn into a business.

Instructions

Marketing

1. Identify your target market. If you are producing herbs in fairly large quantities, restaurants and foodservice companies will be your likely customers. Fresh herbs have a distinct flavor and quality that typically cannot be reproduced in dried, store-bought versions. If you decide to sell organic produce, you may also want to see if there is a local farmer's market where you could sell your produce in person.

2. Develop a marketing plan. If you are going to sell organic meats to individuals, you need a way to let them know what you sell. Selling some produce at a farmer's market, while displaying signs advertising that you are also taking orders for meat, is one way to do this.

3. Engage in social media marketing. This is a low-cost, powerful way for a small business to advertise. Write a blog about your backyard farming venture. People will read entertaining, useful content and learn about your business at the same time.

Operations

4. Map out your backyard area. If you will be growing vegetables, determine the areas of the yard which have the most sun, so that you can plant accordingly. Some plants thrive in the shade, so consider this as well.

5. Research zoning or planning requirements. If you are located in a rural area, your property is probably zoned for agricultural use, or it would be a permitted use. If you are in a suburban area, you may need a zoning variance, especially if you are raising livestock. Your city or county government may also require a business license.

6. Plan for the seasons. Seasonal cash flow is critical with a farm. Money will be invested one season, and your return on this investment may not come until a later season. If you are growing longer-term crops, like fruit trees, it may even be years before you realize a return on investment. Animals need to be fed, even if they are not generating cash flow at the time. Cash reserves are critical to a backyard farming business.

7. Start growing and harvesting as soon as possible. Although planning is important, eventually you will just need to start, even if you start on a small scale. Build on your successes as the farm grows, and continue to plan for the future.

Tags: about your, backyard farming, cash flow, farmer market, local farmer, organic foods

Buy Discount Cake Decorating Supplies

Cake decorating can be less expensive with discounted supplies.

Decorating a cake requires patience, skill and determination. A well-decorated cake can serve as the personalized centerpiece for a special occasion such as a wedding or a "sweet sixteen" party. Some people decorate cakes every so often in order to celebrate a child's birthday or provide a gift for a friend. Others draw on years of culinary education and training to bake professionally. No matter which category you fall into, if you bake cakes, you will need cake baking supplies. Fortunately there are many ways to save on cake decorating supplies.

Instructions

1. Look online. Many brick and mortar stores have websites. Buying online can save you money by allowing you to buy in bulk. If possible, check out the supplies in person at a local store first. Some websites have multiple pictures that will allow you to get a closeup look from all angles. Many supply stores will allow you choose low cost shipping options that can save you even more money. Check company websites several times a week in order to see if there are any sales that day.

2. Consider purchasing secondhand items. "Secondhand" need not imply lesser quality. A bakery can go out of business and need to liquidate items in good working order. If possible, check out the item in person. Take a close look at the items in question. Pans should not be dented. Pastry bags should not be discolored. All food items should be unopened. Any expiration dates should not have passed. Avoid items that look bent or otherwise have flaws. You may not be able to remove such kinks, rendering the item difficult to use.

3. Look for discontinued stock. Sometimes companies discontinue using certain specific lines of products. A product may be discontinued for many reasons, including failure to sell, an "improved" model was issued or the company simply went out of business in a bad economy. Most discontinued products still work well.

Tags: possible check, will allow

Make Homemade Organic Makeup

Take special care of your lips with homemade organic lip gloss.

More women are choosing organic products to use as beauty aids. Different types of makeup include foundation, eye makeup and blush, but one of the top priorities regarding makeup includes what you put on your lips. Think about how often you apply lip gloss and that what you put on your lips eventually ends up in your mouth and then in your body. Learn to make a natural, antioxidant-inducing cranberry lip gloss that is as good for the inside of your body as it is for the outside. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash the glass jar and lid in hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly with a cotton towel. Set aside.

2. Wash the cranberries in warm soapy water and rinse with clear water. Place them in a glass bowl. Set aside.

3. Measure out the almond oil and honey into a small bowl, using the measuring spoons. Pierce the protective shell of the Vitamin E oil capsule with the stick pin to make a small hole in the capsule. Squeeze one drop of vitamin E oil into the almond oil and honey. Set aside.

4. Place the cranberries in a glass bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave oven. Place a paper towel over the top of the bowl. Microwave on high for two minutes or until the cranberries begin to boil.

5. Add the honey, almond oil and vitamin E oil to the cooked cranberries, using a spatula to scrape the oil mixture into the bowl. Mash the cranberries and oil mixture with a potato masher until mixed well and the cranberries are crushed and broken down into small pieces.

6. Allow the mixture to cool and marinate for five minutes.

7. Place the sieve over the top of a bowl. Scrape the cranberry mixture into the sieve with the spatula. Use the spatula to push the mixture through the mesh of the sieve into the bowl below until only the larger pieces of cranberry are left on top of the sieve. Discard the pieces of cranberry left on the top of the sieve. Reserve the mixture in the bottom bowl.

8. Stir the mixture again. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

9. Use a small spatula to transfer the mixture into the small glass jar. Place the lid on the jar and screw on tightly. Place the jar in the refrigerator until you are ready to apply the lip gloss to your lips. Apply as often as necessary.

Tags: your lips, into small, mixture into, Allow mixture, Allow mixture cool, almond honey

Substitute Oldfashioned Molasses For Sugar

Old-fashioned molasses is made by the evaporation of sap in the sorghum plant. At one time, molasses was the only source of sweetness for some families as sugar was an expensive commodity not available to everyone. Molasses can be used as a substitute for both light and brown sugar or for half the white sugar called for in a recipe. The dark color of the molasses might give the result a different look, but it should taste just as delicious. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Replace One Cup of White Sugar

1. Measure one cup of molasses into a bowl or cup.

2. Stir 1/2 tsp. baking soda into one cup of molasses.

3. Substitute the molasses for no more than one cup of sugar in the recipe. If there is baking powder in the recipe, it might need to be reduced or omitted completely.

4. Reduce the liquid called for in your recipe by 1/4 cup as the liquid from the molasses will replace this amount.

Replace One Cup of Brown Sugar

5. Measure one cup of white sugar into a bowl.

6. Add 1/4 cup of molasses and stir.

7. Substitute the mixture for the brown sugar in the recipe.

Tags: into bowl, Sugar Measure, sugar recipe

Convection Oven Cooking Times For A Turkey Breast

Turkey breast meat will cook faster in a convection oven than in a normal oven.

A solid piece of white meat, a turkey breast usually weighs between 4 and 8 lbs, making it a suitable roast for a small group. Cooking a turkey breast in a convection oven takes less time than cooking one in a conventional oven. Add this to my Recipe Box.

An Attractive Alternative

For many years, a cook who wanted to roast a turkey had only one option--cooking a whole bird. If she only planned to feed a small gathering, however, roasting a whole turkey would result in a lot more meat than her guests could possible eat. When turkey producers started selling turkey breasts, the home cook suddenly had another choice that might particularly appeal to her if her guests preferred white meat to dark.

Convection Ovens

Convection ovens are not as common as conventional ovens, but they do have several advantages, especially when it comes to roasting meats. A convection oven has at least one fan built into it to move the heated air around the food, which results in more even and faster cooking.

Roasting Times in a Convection Oven

Butterball, a North Carolina-based company that produces turkeys and turkey products from egg to market, recommends that you roast a whole turkey breast at 325 degrees. In a convection oven, a 3- to 5 1/2-lb. breast should take between 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours; one weighing 5 1/2 to 9 lbs. will require 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours of roasting time.

By contrast, a 3-to 5 1/2-lb. turkey breast requires between 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours in a conventional oven set at 325 degrees, while a 5 1/2 to 9-lb. breast needs 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours to roast properly.

Internal Temperature

You should use the timing guidelines as a general rule, but to make sure your turkey breast has reached the proper degree of doneness, you will still need to check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. A properly cooked breast needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees, according to Butterball's website.

Process

To roast a turkey breast in a convection oven, take it out of the wrappings, dry it well with paper towels, season it and put it on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and then put the pan into the preheated oven. Set your kitchen timer for the shortest roasting time recommended for the weight of the breast.

When the timer goes off, check the temperature of the meat. You need to roast the breast to an internal temperature of 170 degrees. If it hasn't reached that temperature yet, put it back in the oven for another 20 minutes or so, then check it again.

Once the thermometer reads 170 degrees, take the pan out of the oven. Put it where the turkey breast can sit for about 15 minutes so the juices can return to the interior. After the meat has rested, you can carve it.

Tags: convection oven, turkey breast, turkey breast, between hours, breast convection, breast convection oven, breast needs