Culinary School Restaurants

Culinary school restaurants serve mainly fine-dining menu options with a variety of different cuisine influences.

Culinary schools are secondary educational institutions where students can learn culinary practices to further their careers in the restaurant business. Students can focus on a variety of skill sets ranging from kitchen management to restaurant marketing. Some culinary schools have their own restaurants, offering students chances to gain experience by working in an actual restaurant environment. Add this to my Recipe Box.

L'Ecole

L'Ecole is a fine-dining restaurant in New York City with food prepared by students attending the French Culinary Institute's Classic Culinary Arts Career Program. Students work at every station in the restaurant in order to make them industry-ready upon graduation, and group tours of the facility are available by reservation. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner with four- or five-course meals, including menu items like yellowtail tartar, miso-glazed pork ribs, bouillabaisse and grilled fig-glazed pork belly.

Ristorante Caterina de' Medici

The Ristorante Caterina de' Medici is an Italian restaurant run by students attending the Culinary Institute of America. The Tuscan-villa setting is equipped with five dining areas including a main dining room decorated with Venetian chandeliers and brass sculptures, as well as a casual dining area with an antipasto bar and wood-fired oven. The menu is a la carte and offers a selection of Italian wines, beers and cocktails. Awards received by the restaurant include the Ivy Award and the "The Best Duchess County Restaurant" in Hudson Valley Magazine's "Best of the Hudson Valley" awards.

Careme 350

Careme 350 is a student-run restaurant sponsored by the California Culinary Academy where students in the program both prepare and serve the meals. Students apply their training in an active environment by working at kitchen stations like hot, cold and pastry, as well as being exposed to restaurant marketing and management. The food served is French cuisine with a contemporary touch, and a full bar available is available to diners. Entrees on the menu include innovations such as fig-stuffed pork loin, confit of rabbit leg ravioli and tempura fish and chips with wasabi tartar sauce. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday.

Escoffier

Escoffier is a classic French cuisine restaurant, with a contemporary influence, headed by the students of the Culinary Institute of America. The restaurant menu is a la carte and represents different culinary regions of France, with menu items like lobster bisque garnished with seafood sausage, escargots in garlic butter, and saut ed cacao crusted pork tenderloin. Along with its many awards, Escoffier was inducted into the Nation's Restaurant News Hall of Fame in 2000. Escoffier is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. Business casual dress is required.

Tags: Culinary Institute, Caterina Medici, Culinary Institute America, French cuisine, Hudson Valley, Institute America

Healthy Puppy Food Alternatives

A growing puppy will have specific diet needs.

Finding a healthy alternative to standard puppy food can be a challenge that will depend on your dog's breed, health condition and the dog itself. However, finding a healthy alternative to buying commercial puppy food can be a benefit to your dog's well-being, to your wallet or both. Experiment with different types of food and different recipes to find the meals that suit your dog's individual taste and needs.

Premium

Premium dog foods can be more beneficial to your growing puppy as they use less filler materials, such as vegetables, in the food. As puppies need to intake a higher amount of calories than a grown dog, a premium dog food specified for puppies will enable them to do just that. While a premium dog food will be more costly, the contents of the food will be much more nutritionally sound, so your puppy will likely eat less than he would with standard puppy food.

Organic

Choosing organic food for your dog is a movement gaining popularity among dog owners. Organic foods use natural ingredients, but without the hassle of preparing the puppy food yourself in your own kitchen. While organic food will likely be more costly than standard puppy food or than preparing the food yourself, you pay for that convenience. Just as humans are turning more toward organic food options, the same health benefits from organic eating are promoted for dogs as well.

Raw

The raw food movement for puppies plays upon the idea that dogs are creatures who since creation have consumed raw, uncooked food. While they may become used to consuming pellets of cooked vegetables and meat, they are not what their digestive systems were designed for. Hefty pieces of meat upon the bone are given to the puppies by their owner to consume as their primary diet. Recommended meats for the raw diet are chicken, turkey and beef.

Homemade

Making your own blend of puppy food is the best way to know exactly what your puppy is consuming, but is also the most time intensive. The Homemade Puppy Dog Place's website recommends creating your homemade dog food with 50 percent protein, 25 percent grain and 25 percent vegetables. Recommended items for this recipe are boneless chicken, lamb, beef or fish for the protein; oatmeal, pasta or rice for the grain; and carrots, green beans and broccoli for the vegetable portion. Avoid such foods as onions, grapes, garlic, mushrooms and uncooked potatoes, which are dangerous to dogs.

Tags: puppy food, food will, organic food, standard puppy, standard puppy food, food yourself, growing puppy

Start A Home Based Baking Business

Start a Home Based Baking Business

If you love to bake, you might want to start a home based baking business. People love baked goods and are usually willing to pay a hefty price for a homemade pie or even a dozen cookies. However, there are many legal requirements you will need to fulfill in order to start selling your baked goods. Learn about everything you will need to start a home based baking business in the article below.

Instructions

The Legalities

1. Each state and township has different requirements for business licensing. It is important that you check with your local government center to find out what is required for your home based baking business.

2. Most states require doing business as name, which usually also serves as your business registration. You can easily get this by visiting your local government center. It generally costs less than $50.

3. A health inspection is required by most states. This means the Department of Health for your area will send an inspector to your home to check out your baking area. In order to sell food anywhere, this is generally required.

4. You will be required to pay sales tax on all baked goods sold. In order to get a sales tax certificate in your business name, visit your state's website or call the tax department for your state. Each town, county and state charges a different amount of tax. You should always know the tax requirement where you are selling.

Business Plan

5. If you need money to start a home based baking business, you will need to write a business plan or have one written for you. This is the most essential thing you need to get your business going. Any bank or investor will require certain information about your future company before giving you a loan.

6. A good business plan includes three parts. The first part is a description of your business, which should explain your marketing plan, how you plan to operate your business on a regular basis, your business insurance information and employee information.

7. The second part of the business plan is made up of financial figures. Include any loan applications, investments you have already made into the business and income projections for up to five years.

8. The final section of your business plan is for supporting documents, such as business licensing, tax registrations, your resume, supplier information, etc.

Promotional and Advertising Materials

9. In order to get your name out there so people know you exist, it is necessary to promote your business regularly. To get started, you will need to prepare several documents. There are many companies that can design and print your advertising materials if you do not have the ability to do so.

10. Prepare business cards, letterhead, brochures or fliers and labels for your baked goods. It is always a good idea to put an ad in your local newspaper.

11. To get started, hand out your business cards to everyone you see and leave brochures or fliers at every location you visit. Mail fliers or brochures to friends and family that you think might be interested in purchasing your baked goods. Be sure to ask permission from the proper management before hanging any promotional signs, some places allow it while others do not.

Where to Sell Baked Goods

12. Once you have finished preparing the legal requirements to start your home based baking business, you will need to find a venue to sell your baked goods. In most areas of the United States, each town has at least one location where you can sell your goods on a regular basis.

13. To keep your home based baking business at home, you will need to do a lot of advertising. That is not to say it's impossible to do, just more difficult than selling in a public place.

14. Consider selling your baked goods at a local flea market, swap meet or craft show. Buyers love homemade baking and generally buy several items at a time.

15. Perhaps your town has a farmer's market. Set up at the market several times a week with your baked goods. People go to a farmer's market to buy food and that includes baked goods.

16. Sell your baked goods at a discounted price to local convenient stores and restaurants. Many places purchase baked goods from known bake shops or suppliers. However, if you can offer a better product for the same price, it is likely that they will buy from you.

Tags: your business, baked goods, your baked, your baked goods, based baking, will need

What Causes Milk To Curdle

Curdled milk is caused by multiple factors, often relating to the proteins found in milk.

Multiple factors, harmful and not, cause milk to curdle. Curdled milk is actually used in the process of cheese making and other dairy products, but you wouldn't want to pour it over your cereal or drink a big glass of it. Factors such as heat, age and added ingredients may cause milk to curdle. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Heat

Exposing milk to high temperatures, especially during cooking, will cause it to curdle. The cooking process that curdles milk is not harmful to consumers. High cooking temperatures (on the stove or in the oven) will cause the proteins found in milk to separate from the fats, thus curdling it. When cooking milk, leave it on a low temperature and stir frequently.

Age and Bacteria

Milk will curdle as it expires because of cultivating bacteria. As milk ages, bacteria convert its natural sugar-lactose to lactic acid, making it sour and curdle, according to "Milk Products" published on Homefamily.net. Milk is pasteurized to eliminate this harmful bacteria, which is naturally present in it. Leaving milk at room temperature or allowing it to sit without refrigeration allows ideal conditions for the growth of natural microorganisms, resulting in souring and curdling. Drinking milk that's curdled because of bacteria activity will result in a food-borne illness.

Adding Acidic Elements

Milk will curdle when lemon juice or any other acidic elements are added to it. Vinegar will have the same effect, thickening the milk. Some cooks use this method as a substitution for buttermilk, and isn't a harmful form of curdled milk. Acid causes a protein found in milk (casein) to curdle and form lactic acid, according to "Milk Products."

Making Cheese

Milk is intentionally curdled to make cheese. According to "Milk Products," the enzyme rennin causes the protein casein to curdle. The solid curds are separated from the liquid whey and used in the process of cheese-making.

Tags: found milk, Milk Products, according Milk, according Milk Products, casein curdle

What Is Rose Oil Used For

A fragrant essential oil known for its antidepressant and antiseptic properties, rose oil has been also known to help relieve insomnia and nervousness. There are many different ways to experience the helpful properties found in rose oil. Does this Spark an idea?

Massage

Adding 25 drops of essential oil of rose to 2 ounces of almond or grape seed oil will produce a massage oil that is effective for therapeutic purposes. Using a massage oil that contains rose may help to bring female hormones back into balance.

Skincare Products

Added to many beauty and skincare products to help hydrate the skin, rose oil has also been known to repair broken capillaries and reduce skin inflammation.

Air Freshener

As minute amounts of essential oil quickly enter the bloodstream when inhaled, the therapeutic properties of rose oil may also be experienced through infusing the air with rose oil. To make a rose oil air freshener, add 25 drops of rose oil to 16 ounces of water. Pour into a spray bottle to mist into the air.

Respiratory Relief

Rose oil steams help to provide relief from respiratory infections and nausea, to name a few. Add 5 drops of rose oil to a bowl of steaming hot water. Place a towel over the head; lean over the bowl to inhale the steam for a few minutes.

Therapeutic Bath

To use rose oil in your bathwater, first take one cup of water. Add 8 drops of essential oil to it. Pour it into your bath.

Tags: drops essential, drops rose, massage that, Pour into, properties rose, rose also, rose ounces

Facts About Cow Meat

Facts About Cow Meat

Cow meat, or beef, is flavorful and can be cooked in many ways. There are many different cuts of beef to choose from and you can buy it organic at most supermarkets. It contains several beneficial nutrients that the body needs to operate efficiently.

Chuck and Ribs

Chuck is mostly muscle. This area contains a lot of collagen, which makes the meat extremely flavorful. It's best to cook chuck slowly. Stewing, braising and roasting in a pot are great cooking options. Particularly favored cuts of this area include the blade roast, rib-eye and chuck steak.

Beef ribs are also flavorful and are best suited to roasting, sauteing, pan frying, broiling and grilling. The rib roast is a particularly good cut. It is also known as the standing rib roast. Rib steaks are another select choice of meat.

Short Plate, Shank and Brisket

The short plate is the best cut of meat for stews. It should be cooked for several hours and kept moist during the cooking process.

The shank and brisket are flavorful cuts that can be cooked in several ways. The shank is useful for stews, while the brisket is perfect for barbecue, braising and pot roasting. The front cut brisket is generally fork tender and dripping with flavor.

Short Loin

The short loin is the tender portion of the cow. It neither needs to be moistened or cooked for a long time to achieve tenderness.

Porterhouse steak is cut from the rear end of the short loin. T-bone steak, which is cut from the mid-section, tastes similar to the porterhouse. Tenderloin is either left uncut and cooked as the whole strip, cut into individual steaks, or made into filet mignon. Sirloin is usually made into steaks and tip roast. Sirloin cuts are best when sauteed, fried, broiled or grilled.

Round and Flank

Flank steak is cut from the belly of the cow. This cut is broiled and is often used for kabobs and fajitas.

Round steak is cut from the back of the cow. It is best when cooked for a long time, with plenty of moisture. Round steak cuts include the top round and rump roast. Both of these cuts are usually roasted or braised over low heat for several hours.

Organic Beef

To qualify as organic beef, a pregnant cow must be fed only organic feed starting in the last trimester of gestation. Once the calf is born it must be fed a strict vegetarian diet.

Organically fed cattle may not consume any plastic pellets for roughage, or formulas containing urea and manure. They must not be fed or injected with any growth hormones or antibiotics. They should live in open pastures that have plenty of fresh air, water and sunshine. The cattle should mostly eat grass and 100-percent organic feed. The only shelters that are allowed are specifically designed for the animals' comfort and must promote exercise.

Nutrition Facts

Beef is a good source of protein and iron. Eating protein can help to curb food cravings because it moves through the stomach at a slower rate than other foods. Protein also helps to stabilize blood sugar and energizes the body.

Eating a diet rich in iron will help to ease headaches and it will also keep the body energized. Iron aids protein with oxygen transportation and with metabolism. It also helps to produce dopamine, epinephrine and serotonin in the body.

Tags: steak from, About Meat, also helps, best when, braising roasting, cooked long, cooked long time

Teach Seven To Nine Year Olds About Plants & Seeds Using Popcorn

Children can learn about plant growth through planting popcorn kernels.

Young kids commonly plant radishes, alfalfa and bean seeds to learn about plant growth. Popcorn kernels will work just as well. Using kernels will help children understand that what they use to make popcorn comes from a corn husk and the kernel is also the seed used to grow a new corn plant. Take this opportunity to encourage your children to perform an experiment and to delve into the basics of the scientific method. By placing popcorn kernels in different conditions, they can form a hypothesis as to which plant will grow the most successfully. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Read "Popcorn Plants" by Kathleen V. Kudlinski, or a similar book, to your children, so they can start to understand where corn comes from and the basics of plant growth.

2. Give each child three clear jars with lids or three sealable bags with zippers. Tell them they are going to plant corn. Ask them to soak several pieces of paper towel with water, to place the towels in their first jar, then to place three popcorn kernels on top of the paper towels. They should seal the jar and label it with a piece of masking tape that says "sun, water" and their name. Tell them to place this jar on a sunny windowsill (If you are using plastic bags they can tape it on or near the window). The second jar should include wet toilet paper, but be placed in the dark, while the third jar should have dry paper towels, but be placed in the sunlight. They should label these jars "no sun, water" and "sun, no water" respectively, along with their names.

3. Ask the children to write down a hypothesis as to which popcorn kernel will start to sprout first and which one will grow the highest. Also ask them to write down a prediction as to whether the roots or stems will sprout first.

4. Tell the students to observe and measure their plant growth each day and to record it in a table with the appropriate dates. If you notice that there is no condensation on the bags or jars that received water, add more water to the paper.

5. Transplant the seeds to pots with soil as they begin to grow stems. The children can continue to monitor the plants for as long as you see fit.

6. Ask the children to summarize and chart their observations; they may need assistance with this. They should also write a concluding sentence indicating whether their hypothesis was correct.

7. Organize a group activity where the children create a poster of a corn plant with its leaves, roots and tassel, plus a corn husk where a corn kernel (seed) is highlighted.

Tags: plant growth, They should, about plant, about plant growth, comes from, corn husk

Build A Liquor Display Shelf

A liquor shelf can be used for many types of liquor or glassware.

A handmade liquor display shelf showcases your collection of fancy liquors, proudly displays extravagant gifts and makes your home bar look a bit more authentic. Very customizable, a liquor display shelf can store all of your bottles while matching the look and feel of your room. Whether merely lining up your liquor selections or arranging wine bottles on top and wine glasses underneath, a liquor display shelf is an excellent organizational addition to any home. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Attach the thin wooden strips around the border of the top of the shelf wood, using a thin layer of wood glue. If attaching a heavier or taller railing, mount the railing to the shelf by pre-drilling holes into the shelf and railing from below the shelf, then fastening it together with wood screws.

2. Find the wall studs in the desired shelving area using the stud finder. Mark the location of each stud using a pencil, making sure that you have located both sides of each stud so you know their thicknesses, as it will be essential that your display shelf be attached to these studs so that it can support the heavy weight of the liquor bottles.

3. Measure the distance between the center of each wall stud and the center of the next to determine the distance necessary between your shelving brackets. Transfer this measurement to your shelf and place the brackets the same distance apart.

4. Mark the screw holes in each of the brackets on the shelf. Pre-drill the holes for each, being careful not to penetrate the top surface of the shelf, which may cause an uneven surface that is unfit for storing liquor bottles. Attach the brackets using wood screws.

5. Place the shelf against the wall and position the brackets over the wall studs. Use the carpenter's level on top of the shelf to determine if the shelf is sitting straight in its position on the wall, for otherwise the liquor bottles will slide to one side over time.

6. Mark the location of the bracket's screw holes on the wall using the pencil. Drill holes in the marks on the wall, making sure that the drill bit hits the wood stud on each hole. Attach the shelf to the wall using wood screws.

Tags: display shelf, liquor bottles, liquor display, liquor display shelf, wood screws

List Of Food Franchising In The Philippines

The Jollibee franchise revolutionized the local fast-food industry in the Philippines.

Franchising is the fastest-growing business sector in the Philippines,

according to "A Guide to Franchising in the Philippines," by the Philippine Franchising Association (PFA).

A sum as small as PHP200,000 ($4,600) can serve as a start-up investment for all the franchising needs of a middle-class Filipino. A food franchise usually requires at least one employer to maintain a small cart or booth with street food and other dining options. Meanwhile, the more expensive franchises can cost about PHP5 million ($112,000).

Jollibee

Revolutionizing the fast-food industry in the Philippines for more than three decades, Jollibee offers a successful, tried-and-true business model. If the franchisee has an ideal location, the brand usually brings in a profit. While the capital outlay for Jollibee requires millions of pesos--a large sum of money--the company provides franchisees with valuable resources and feasibility support. It has more than 600 franchises successfully operating in various parts of the country. There are franchises in other countries, too: dozens of them operate in five countries--the United States, China (in Hong Kong), Vietnam, Brunei and Saudi Arabia.

Jollibee's trademark food offerings include burgers, spaghetti, fries, fried chicken, and rice meals.

Jollibee

Franchising and Events Department

9th Floor Jollibee Plaza

10 F. Ortigas Jr. Road

Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605

Philippines

jollibee.com.ph

Dr. Pearl Cooler

Popularizing milk tea and other cold beverages using Philippine raw materials including sago, jelly and flavored powder, Dr. Pearl offers franchisees a wide array of options in operating their businesses.

Those who want small-scale business ventures can choose the regular booth, cart booth or takeout shop with a capital outlay as small as PHP220,000 ($4,900). These booths and carts sell coolers and shakes. Those with more money can franchise a mini dine-in shop for about PHP400,000 to PHP600,000 ($8,900 to $13,000) or a regular dine-in shop for about PHP750,000 to PHP1.2 million ($16,700 to $27,000). These shops sell more food items: coolers, shakes, coffee, herbal tea, toasts, fries, sandwich, spaghetti, rice toppings and cheese potatoes.

Dr. Pearl Cooler

Sto. Rosario St.

Angeles City, Pampanga

Philippines

+63-45-888-3808

drpearlcooler.com

Smokey's Hotdog Bar

Smokey's is a popular premium hot dog brand in the Philippines and is owned by San Miguel Pure Foods, the largest Filipino-owned food company in the country. It offers many types of hot dogs and refreshments, and it has franchises in various sites in the Philippines, including schools, malls, churches and offices.

The franchise provides a hot-dog-cart-selling system for small- to medium-size entrepreneurs with no initial cash outlay. The company advances the PHP201,000 ($4,500) investment for the franchisee to pay back within two years. This payment covers the cost of the cart, roller, freezer and fryer.

Smokey's Hotdog Bar

San Miguel Pure Foods Site Planning and Development

16th Floor, JMT Bldg., ADB Avenue,

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Philippines

+63-2-631-5996

sanmiguelpurefoods.com

Tags: capital outlay, cart booth, Center Pasig, Center Pasig City, coolers shakes, dine-in shop, dine-in shop about

Thicken The Stock Of Chicken & Dumplings

Dumplings were popular in ancient Rome, China and Europe and were prepared in different ways using the same basic ingredients. Chicken and dumplings became a food staple in early America because the ingredients were commonly available and the dish made a complete meal, including bread, in one pot. The flour from the dumplings will thicken the stock as they cook in it, but cornstarch can also be added to bring it to a gravy-like consistency if the dumplings alone don't do it. Remove the dumplings first with a slotted spoon and set them aside so they don't break apart when you stir in the cornstarch. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Mix a solution of 2 tbsp. cornstarch with 1/4 cup of room-temperature water.

2. Whisk briskly until the cornstarch completely dissolves in the water, otherwise small lumps may appear in the stock.

3. Mix the cornstarch solution slowly into the pot of hot stock, stirring gently but thoroughly until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Repeat the process if the stock doesn't thicken to your liking the first time.

5. Thin the stock back if necessary by adding milk a little at a time. Taste the stock and add additional seasonings as needed.

6. Return the dumplings to the pot or arrange them on a serving platter with the chicken, vegetables and gravy.

Tags:

Become A Butcher

Butchers primarily work in grocery stores. Their jobs are to separate and package meat we see in display cases at grocery stores. In their work, butchers need to know wield knives, grinders and saws with accuracy and efficiency.

Instructions

1. Become a butcher's apprentice. Learning under an experienced butcher is valuable, and it gives you hands-on experience right from the start.

2. Learn become comfortable in cold damp rooms. To maintain a proper temperature for meats, the working area must be cold enough to keep meat from spoiling.

3. Develop a desire to work your way to the top. Be comfortable with starting from the bottom. Most of apprentice butchers' training will take place on the job with straightforward simple cuts and deboning.

4. Practice good hand-eye coordination. This is extremely important in order to keep all your fingers.

5. Develop upper body strength. Butchers have to lift heavy uncut portions of meat.

Tags: grocery stores

What Do Cacatua Eat

The cockatoo can be an agricultural pest in Australia.

There are about 21 species of cockatoo, genus Cacatua. The cockatoo has a powerful bill, short legs with strong feet and plumage that ranges from pure white with pale yellow or pink underwings, tail and crest, to pink to gray to black. It's native to New Guinea, Indonesia and parts of Australia, and can also be found in New Zealand. They live in tropical and subtropical rain forests as well as parks and gardens.

Habits

The cockatoo is an intelligent, tough and demanding bird (in captivity). They're noisy, intensely attached to their owner and inquisitive. They can live for decades in the wild and a well cared for pet bird can live an average of 65 years, but can live up to 120 years. In the wild cockatoos gather in great screeching flocks in open fields and on farmlands to feed. They roost in trees at night. The cockatoo's diet is quite varied.

Seeds and Grain

The cockatoo eats the seeds of the gully gum and other eucalyptus trees. The seeds dropped in great numbers from native wattle trees might also be on the cockatoo's menu. Cockatoos eat the seeds of the kanari and black bean trees. Palm cockatoos also eat the seeds excreted by cassowaries, possibly because the seeds have been softened by passage through the larger bird's gut. The powerful beak of a cockatoo can crack the shell that hides the seed of the casuarina tree. The casuarina is a delicate looking but tough tree and its seeds are encased in cones few birds can crack -- except for the cockatoo. The cockatoo also eats recently sprouted grain crops like wheat or barley.

Fruit

The cockatoo eats the buds and fruit of the nonda tree and the banksia, a native Australian tree grown in gardens. The tree grows 13 to 50 feet tall and the bird is attracted to the golden fuzzy flowers that contain nectar. (The banksia is also called the honeysuckle.) Later the banksia's seed pods pop open like clam shells. Cockatoos will also feast on the fruit of the walking palm (Pandanus), a tree that grows to 20 feet tall, has sharp spines on the edges of its leaves and produces an orange-red segmented fruit.

Roots, Tubers and Insects

The cockatoo will dig up and eat corms like taro. It might dig up the rhizomes of ginger, whose origins are in Oceania, and eat the more tender leaves, stalks and flowers of wild ginger. It can also dig up the rhizomes of turmeric and eat the young shoots and tips. Cockatoos will also eat insects and their larvae.

Tags: cockatoo eats, Cockatoos will, Cockatoos will also, feet tall, grows feet

Supplies Needed To Start A Bakery

Supplies Needed to Start a Bakery

Purchasing fancy specialty supplies is not necessary when starting a bakery. As a small business owner, one of your main priorities should be keeping your start-up costs low. Purchasing only the basic necessary supplies will allow you to keep start-up costs down and turn a profit sooner while still creating quality baked goods for your customers.

Product Display Cases

Product display cases allow you to visually tempt your customers with your decadent desserts; ideally, this will prompt them to make a purchase. The types of cases are dry cases, heated cases and refrigerated cases. Dry cases house baked goods that don't necessarily require a temperature to stay in peak condition. Heated cases and refrigerated cases house confections that must be kept at specific temperatures to remain edible and attractive.

Small Wares

All bakeries need small-ware baking supplies: cake pans, candy molds, muffin tins and cake decorating supplies. Due to the high production volume, bakeries must use commercial-sized pans, candy molds and muffin tins, which produce a higher number of items per batch. Specialty cake decorating supplies include airbrushing machines, cake dowels, decorating stands, pastry bags and tips and icing spatulas.

Mixers

Bakery mixers are used to mix cake batter, cookie dough, bread dough, frosting and other specialty items. Bakeries use two kinds of mixers, spiral and planetary. Generally, bakeries that only serve sweet treats, such as cakes and small confections, only need planetary mixers, which are used to mix all types of bakery treats. Bakeries that focus on more substantial items, such as breakfast bagels, breads and pizza, use spiral mixers, which are specifically intended to mix dough.

Ovens

If you're running a bakery, having at least one oven in your kitchen is a given. Choose your oven based on the types of goods you're hoping to produce. If you are opening a breakfast bakery that serves only small breads, such as bagels and muffins, choose a revolving oven.

If you planning on opening a cupcakery, the ideal oven is a rack oven, allowing you to easily roll at least one rack at a time into the oven without having to spend time loading and unloading trays. If you're opening an Italian bakery that focuses on savory breads and pizzas, you'll want a deck oven are tailored towards baking breads and pizzas.

Packaging

Packaging is often an afterthought to bakery owners. However, providing your customers with packaging that is comfortable to carry and safe enough to transport their purchase is essential. Don't just use a cake box to package every purchase made at your bakery, use the proper packaging to ensure that the goods will stay in peak condition. Specialty boxes to have on hand are cardboard cupcake carriers and small confection boxes for goods like cookies and pastries. Additionally, you can use your packaging to brand your bakery. Pay a few extra dollars to have your logo printed on all of your packaging items to embed your bakery's name into the minds of customers and recipients of the baked goods.

Tags: baked goods, your bakery, your customers, bakery that, breads pizzas, cake decorating

Make Your Own Natural Base Cream For Skin & Hair

Make Your Own Natural Base Cream for Skin & Hair

Keeping your skin and hair cleansed and moisturized is one of the easiest (and best) ways to get younger-looking skin. The drier the skin, the more prominent wrinkles and fine lines can look. The drier the hair, the prominent gray hairs will look. Keep your skin and hair healthy and hydrated all day long--and save some money while doing so. Many store purchased products can be expensive. Instead of buying expensive creams, make your own at home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Skin Cream

1. Pour the water and the Borax into a glass bowl. Let the Borax powder dissolve.

2. Pour the oil and the beeswax into the small bowl, mixing together.

3. Pour water into a saucepan. Use just enough water so that it fills two inches of the bottom of the sauce pot. Place the bowl with the oil and beeswax into the water. Do not let water get into the bowl.

4. Turn up the heat on the saucepan so that the wax melts into the oil.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the water and Borax mixture until it is just about to boil. Do this in a separate pot.

6. Combine the water and Borax mixture with the oil and beeswax mixture. Stir the mixture together well. Allow the cream to cool down.

7. Apply the cream to your skin. Leave it on for several minutes, then wash it off with warm water.

Hair Cream

8. Place the shea butter into a glass bowl.

9. Put the bowl with the shea butter in it into the microwave. Microwave it in 20 second increments until it is completely melted.

10. Combine all of the other ingredients into the melted shea butter. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

11. Place the hair cream into the refrigerator overnight. Take it out the following day and leave it out until it is about room temperature.

12. Apply the cream to your hair and leave it in all day.

Tags: shea butter, water Borax, your skin, Apply cream, Apply cream your, Base Cream, Base Cream Skin

Tell Male & Female Seamonkeys Apart

Sea monkeys are actually a hybrid type of aquatic creature known as brine shrimp. The brine shrimp known as sea monkeys have been bred to live longer lives in the home aquarium. Sea monkeys are small creatures, growing only between 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length. This makes telling the gender of the sea monkeys a bit of a challenge. Some people may believe that there is no way to tell apart males and females of a small shrimp. However, there are actually several ways that you can determine the gender of your tiny pets.

Instructions

1. Compare the sea monkeys' sizes, looking at all the sea monkeys as a group. Male sea monkeys are generally slightly smaller or shorter than the females.

2. Look at the sea monkey's middle. Female sea monkeys always have egg sacks, circular in shape, which are clearly visible at about the midpoint of their bodies. These sacks will be white in color if the female is not carrying any eggs. If the female is carrying eggs, the sack will look to be brownish or yellowish. If you hold a magnifying glass up to the sea monkey, you may be able to see individual eggs. If you don't see an egg sack, the sea monkey is most likely a male.

3. Look again at the sea monkey's middle region, just past the bulk of its main body --the thorax -- if you did not see an egg sack on prior inspection. Since this may mean your sea monkey is a male, you can look for the male penes, which are tubular in shape. The penes are used for reproduction. Although they are visible when they are retracted, the penes can also be viewed when they are extended. When extended, the penes may stretch to more than four times their retracted length.

4. Look at the head area of the sea monkey. All sea monkeys and brine shrimp have two sets of antennas on their heads. In females, the first set is thick and short, while the second set is small all around. In males, the first antenna set is much like the females', although it may be slightly thinner. However, the males' second set of antenna differ greatly from the females'. The males' second antenna are long and thick. They look something like large claws growing from their heads. These modified antenna are known as claspers or antlers. These claspers are what the males uses to grasp the female during spawning.

Tags: brine shrimp, carrying eggs, eggs sack, female carrying, female carrying eggs

Wholesale Bulk Spices

Purchasing spices in bulk keeps an affordable supply on hand.

Cooking with spices enhances the flavor of food. Something as simple as lightly sprinkling cinnamon on a piece of buttered toast transforms your snack into an exciting, spicy treat. Imagine, then, combining spices in different dishes to take any meal beyond the ordinary. The drawback is the cost, as spices can be expensive. Purchase them in bulk, though, and you'll always have an affordable supply on hand. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Where to Find Wholesale Bulk Spices

A search of the Internet will yield many suppliers who will sell you spices in bulk. Some of them specialize in spices originating from different countries, and others seem to carry any type of spice you could imagine. Closer to home, you may be able to find a local supplier. Search the Yellow Pages for a dealer carrying spices. Most likely you won't find a listing under "spices," but typical purveyors of bulk spices will be wholesale coffee suppliers, health food stores or bulk grocers. Whether or not you actually are able to get them at a wholesale price is uncertain. Buying in bulk will definitely save money, but the supplier will take a mark-up on whatever he paid for the spices, so you won't be paying rock-bottom prices.

Packaging

Bulk spices come packaged in a number of different ways. They may be sold in cloth or plastic bags. Some distributors package them in resealable plastic containers, like a jug. Sometimes spices come in reusable glass containers, but the cost of the container will increase the price you pay for the spices. When you purchase spices locally from a bulk grocer, she will have them stored in airtight bins to help keep them fresh. You simply scoop them out of the bins into a plastic bag to transport them home and then you can put them in whatever containers you have for storing spices.

Storage

Spices should be kept in airtight containers to keep moisture as well as air out. Spices should be kept in a cool, dark place and shouldn't be stored near heat, as that can diminish their flavor. Moisture, too, will damage spices and spoil their flavor. Some people choose to buy spices in their whole form rather than ground, because whole spices will keep longer than ground spices. Whole spices will remain good for up to five years, while ground spices should be used within six months to two years at the most.

Growing Your Own

The best way to control the cost and the amount of spices you get is to grow your own. The quality will be the best, too, if you get them fresh from your garden. Spices come from berries, seeds, blossoms and fruits. Some of the easiest to grow are peppers, cilantro, coriander and ginger. Use lightweight soil to allow air to circulate and for moisture to drain. Window boxes and small pots are ideal for growing spices, as most don't need a lot of space to thrive.

Tags: spices will, affordable supply, affordable supply hand, Bulk Spices, ground spices, should kept

A Casserole With Turkey Stuffing Mayonnaise And Sour Cream

Casseroles are an excellent way to creatively utilize holiday dinner leftovers.

Every major holiday seems to result in the unavoidable dinner leftovers. After a day or two, sandwiches and salads made from the entrees can become tedious. A better solution is to combine portions of the primary entree with one or more of the side dishes and a few commonly available ingredients that you already have on hand to create a new meal. Casseroles provide the perfect vehicle for this approach. Leftover roasted turkey and stuffing can be added to a creamy sauce made from a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream and shredded cheeses, and seasoned according to your individual taste. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees F. Allow it to preheat for several minutes while you assemble your ingredients and lightly spray your baking pan or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Place cooked turkey in a mixing bowl. Coat a saute pan with cooking spray and add shallots or onions, mushrooms, spinach or broccoli and bell pepper over medium heat. Add seasonings to taste, and cook while stirring frequently until the vegetables soften and the shallots or onions are transluscent. Turn off the heat, and set the vegetables aside.

3. Place the leftover stuffing in the prepared pan or casserole dish in an even layer. The stuffing will form a base for the other ingredients in the recipe. Remove the sauteed vegetables from the pan, and place them in the mixing bowl with the chopped turkey.

4. Add mayonnaise, sour cream and 1/4 cup each of the shredded cheddar and Asiago or Gruyere cheeses to the contents of the mixing bowl. Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir well. Use more seasonings at this point, if you wish. Spread the turkey and cheese mixture evenly in the casserole dish or baking pan over the stuffing layer.

5. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of both the cheddar and Asiago or Gruyere cheeses over the top of the casserole. If you are using bread crumbs, toss them together with the Parmesan cheese before adding them to the top of the casserole over the turkey and cheese layer. If you are omitting the bread crumbs, simply add the Parmesan to the top of the casserole, and place the dish in the oven to bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Turn off the oven and take out the casserole dish. Permit the casserole to stand for 10 minutes before serving. Wrap tightly and refrigerate any unserved portions. This casserole can be frozen and reheated if made early for a future meal.

Tags: casserole dish, mixing bowl, Asiago Gruyere, Asiago Gruyere cheeses, bread crumbs

The Healthiest Yogurts To Eat

Support your digestive tract with yogurt.

Yogurt is a beneficial way to support your health. It is high in protein and calcium, which aides in boosting the immune system. Not all yogurts are created equal; many are full of saturated fat, sugar and calories. Selecting the correct yogurt is easy if you understand the basics and compare labels. Look for things such as sugar content, live or active cultures and the USDA organic symbol for the healthiest options.

Yogurt

Yogurt is widely available, varying considerably in healthfulness. Read the label and look at the amount of sugar, saturated fat and calories and compare to labels of other yogurts. Consider low-fat and plain options for the best benefits. Top with your own fruit and nuts for added nutrients.

Yogurt With Probiotics

Probiotics are considered "good bacteria" for the gut. It is fermented from milk with live or active cultures. Probiotics may improve lactose intolerance, constipation and other digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

USDA Organic Yogurt

Products with the USDA organic label "Organic" are held to stringent regulations regarding the use of pesticides, hormones and chemicals in processing. When you see this label, it means the product contains 95 percent to 100 percent organic ingredients. If the product says, "Made with organic ingredients, then 70 percent of the ingredients must be organic. If organic ingredients are only noted in the ingredient list, then it contains less than 70 percent.

Greek Yogurt

This yogurt is thicker, creamier and smoother than other yogurts. The fermenting process filters out the whey via a cheesecloth bag. The yogurt is slightly higher in calcium, protein and live cultures, but its more sour flavor is a matter of personal taste.

Tags: organic ingredients, active cultures, compare labels, live active, live active cultures, other yogurts

How Does Food Preservative Affect Decomposition

The shape of a food can often changes as a result of microbial spoilage.

The addition of preservatives to packaged and prepared foods has been commonplace for many years now. Preservatives help keep foods from spoiling, giving them a longer life and saving consumers money. Not all preservatives are created equal, however. There are three main categories of preservatives, and each has a different way of keeping your food fresh.

Antimicrobials

Antimicrobials inhibit the growth of microbes on food, which prevents spoilage. Some foods, such as strawberries, cheese and apples, have natural antimicrobials built into them, though they too will eventually spoil. Antimicrobials include sulfites, nitrates, nitrites and propionates. They work on a cellular level to inhibit metabolic pathways, shutting down food sources for microbes to grow. They also alter cell wall permeability and block cellular transport, which lengthens the life of the food. Wine is a well-known sulfited food, as the antimicrobial properties of the sulfite extend the safe drinking period of the wine.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are known for their ability to negate the effects of damaging free radicals in humans, and they play a similar role when used as a preservative in food. Food antioxidants reduce the effect of oxidation of food. Oxidation results from exposure to oxygen, which will eventually break the food down and make it spoil. Antioxidants slow the oxidation, extending the life of treated foods. Foods that spoil due to oxidation, such as oils and nuts, will take much longer to turn rancid. Food antioxidants include propyl gallate, butylated hydroxytoluene, tert-butylhydroquinone and butylated hydroxyanisole.

Metal Chelators

Fresh fruits and vegetables are usually picked before they are ripe to allow for more transport time because, once produce is ripe, it does not take long before it spoils. Harvesting before ripening gives it a longer shelf life. This extended life may still not be long enough, so metal chelators are sprayed on the produce to further stop the ripening process. The longer a fruit or veggie takes to ripen, the longer it will last.

Preservatives in Action

There is an easy experiment that can be done to see how preservatives work. Buy one loaf of bread from the supermarket shelf. It will have preservatives in it to keep it from growing mold. Buy another loaf freshly baked without preservatives from a bakery. Alternately, you could also bake a loaf yourself without preservatives. Put 10 drops of water on a slice from each loaf and place in separate plastic sandwich bags. Seal tightly and place in a dark area. Every few days, check each bag (don't open them though) and check for evidence of mold. The slice without preservatives will grow mold faster than the one with.

Tags: without preservatives, Food antioxidants, them though, will eventually

Know If A Perfume Is Crueltyfree

A product is considered cruelty-free if animal testing was not performed at any stage during the manufacturing process. Many people around the world have become outraged at the cruelty animals can be subject to just for the sake of testing the safety of cosmetic products. If you are interested in supporting this fight for animal rights, then make sure that your scents are cruelty-free. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the perfume box and packaging. Cruelty-free products are usually clearly labeled with some sort of endorsement from an agency like the ASPCA or PETA.

2. Check the Web site of the brand in question to see if they mention animal testing. If you can't locate this information, send the company an email to ask about their testing practices. You should be able to find an email link on the "About Us" page of the Web site.

3. Seek out information on the Internet regarding cruelty-free products. Nonprofit organizations such as Choose Cruelty Free publish lists of approved and preferred products. Check these lists for the names of your favorite scents to see if they are cruelty-free.

Tags: animal testing

Chef Apprenticeship Programs

Executive chefs plan menus and supervise kitchen staff and others.

Chef apprenticeship programs at two-year community colleges and technical schools allow aspiring chefs and food-service professionals to complete studies for a culinary-arts degree while developing field experience. These programs differ from other associate's-degree programs in the culinary arts mainly in that they take a year longer to complete on average, and greater emphasis is placed on apprenticeship work.

Columbus State Community College

Located in Ohio's capital and largest city, Columbus, Columbus State Community College began in 1963 as Columbus Technical Institute. Today the public two-year community college features associate's degree, transfer, career and technical programs in a range of academic areas, including allied health fields, engineering and business, among others. Housed within the college's Hospitality Management Department, Columbus State's chef-apprenticeship major combines classroom study with apprenticeship training under the tutelage of a qualified chef. In addition to attending classes once a week at the college, students in the program complete 6,000 hours of training at a restaurant, club or hotel over the course of three years. The program's 12-quarter curriculum combines culinary and hospitality-related coursework in classes such as catering services, international cuisine and garde manger.

Columbus State Community College

550 E. Spring St.

Columbus, OH 43215

614-287-5126

cscc.edu

Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College has campuses throughout the greater Philadelphia area in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1964, the two-year public college features six liberal-arts departments. Students in Bucks County's chef-apprenticeship program can choose among concentrations in foods or pastry. The six-semester associate's-degree program requires that students log in 6,000 hours of supervised apprentice training with a qualified chef. Bucks County chef-apprenticeship students also take such courses as nutrition, buffet planning and menu planning, as well as required general education courses in English and history.

Bucks County Community College

275 Swamp Rd.

Newtown, PA 18940

215-968-8000

bucks.edu

Johnson County Community College

Founded in 1969, Johnson County Community College is located in the populous northeastern Kansas city of Overland Park. Today the two-year college features more than 50 degree and certificate programs, as well as agreements with local college and universities that allow students to transfer credits to baccalaureate programs. Johnson County's chef-apprenticeship program takes three years and will give you an associate's degree. Courses such as food-service sanitation, hospitality cost accounting and fundamentals of baking are part of the curriculum, in addition to core courses like composition and hospitality-program electives. The program also includes formal on-the-job training through an apprenticeship regulated by the American Culinary Federation. Students are required to complete 6,000 hours of apprenticeship training under the supervision of a chef.

Johnson County Community College

12345 College Blvd.

Overland Park, KS 66210

913-469-8500

jccc.edu

Tags: Bucks County, County Community, County Community College, Community College, Columbus State, Community College, Johnson County

Cook Short Grain Sticky Rice

Sticky rice is a common accompaniment to Asian dishes.

Use short grain rice in risottos, paella, sushi and rice pudding. Also called pearl rice, short grain rice is a sticky type of rice originally grown in Japan, but found today in most supermarkets across the nation. If your grocery store does not carry varieties of specialty rice, use short grain rice as a substitute in recipes that require a softer texture and more flavorful rice. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Rinse one cup of short grain rice in a colander, agitating the grains with your fingers until the water runs clear. This washes excess starch off of the rice and decreases boil over later. This is not necessary for American grown rice, but imported rice requires washing.

2. Empty the rice into a mixing bowl and add enough water to cover. Allow the rice to soak for 20 minutes; it will expand slightly as it absorbs water. Stir occasionally to break up any clumps. Add more water if needed to keep the rice below water level.

3. Strain the rice and place in a saucepan with 1-1/4 cups of water and 1/4 tsp. of salt.

4. Bring the water to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook the rice, covered, for 10 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Removing the lid releases steam and heat, halting the cooking and losing vital moisture to the surrounding air.

5. Fluff with fork and transfer to a bowl for serving. If left in the cooking pot, rice becomes overcooked and mushy. Fluffing the rice releases steam and stops the cooking process.

Tags: grain rice, short grain, short grain rice, releases steam, rice short, rice short grain

Make A Homemade Family Recipe Book

Ask your mom, aunts and grandmothers to share recipes, and siblings to share memories about food.

Every family has favorite recipes and traditions that go along with the recipes. Gathering your family recipes into a homemade book makes a wonderful gift for family members. It also preserves the traditions of your family.

Instructions

1. Tell all of your family that you are preparing a family recipe book. Ask them to send you their favorite recipes and the stories behind the recipes. Ask them to identify where they originally got the recipe.

2. Type out each recipe on the computer. Play with the fonts and colors. Add colorful borders. Use clip art of spices and food preparation materials. Have fun with this part!

3. Put the title of the family recipe book and the author or authors on the first page of the photo album. Print these items out on 4x5 cards and slide them into the photo sleeves.

4. Print out the recipes on 4-by-5 card stock. Use different colors of cardstock or decorative cardstock if you want. Place the completed recipe card on the right side of the next photo page spread, at the top.

5. Put a photo of the dish on the bottom right side of the photo spread. If you don't have a photo of the recipe, make the dish and take a picture of it.

6. Put photos of your family enjoying the dish on the left hand side of the photo spread. You can also add a card that explains the history and traditions surrounding the dish.

7. Continue with other recipes until your photo album is complete. Make multiple copies of the book to give to family members.

Tags: your family, family members, family recipe, family recipe book, favorite recipes

Start A Unique Baby Food Business

Baby food businesses will always be in high demand as parents become more selective about what their young children eat.

Starting a unique baby food business can not only be financially rewarding, but you can also gain personal satisfaction from helping families to give nutritious food to their kids.

This eHow article is for talented entrepreneurs interested in ideas about starting a baby food business online or elsewhere.

Instructions

1. First, think about what type of baby food and products you want to sell. Combine your baby food ideas with a social cause like feeding starving children throughout the world. Develop a particular brand style.

2. Second, get a team of baby food experts around you working to build this business. Hire an accountant to do the finances, bring in someone who can do marketing and add a business consultant. Always surround yourself with individuals who have done baby food products before.

3. Next, start to think of specific items that you want to sell. For example, maybe your baby food business will only specialize in vegetables. Focus your attention on one particular market and then you can expand in the future.

4. Then, develop a sample of the product you wish to sell and start giving it away for free. Create interest in your baby food products by developing a web site. Talk to grocery store managers and try to get a table set up in a popular store in your neighborhood. Give away baby food to your friends with small children.

5. Finally, pick a company name that will describe your baby food products, but also stick with consumers. For example, you could name your baby food: Grubbies (short for grub) or Small Scoops. Planning and preparation will eventually lead to a successful baby food business.

Tags: baby food, your baby, your baby food, baby food, baby food products, food business, food products

Find Pet Food Recipes

With the poisonings of pets from commercial pet foods, many pet owners are now looking for healthy and natural pet food recipes that they can easily make from home. Here are three different avenues pet owners can use to find safe and nutritious pet food recipes for their beloved pets.

Instructions

Find Pet Food Recipes on Web sites

1. Research the Internet to learn the safe and natural foods for your particular pet's diet. This will help you recognize a safe and healthy pet food recipe when you see it.

2. Do a search in your favorite Internet browser for pet food recipes.

3. Choose a Web site from the results to begin your recipe search. Look to see if the Web site has recipes for your specific pet i.e.: dog, cat, bird.

4. Research the Web site to see where its recipes originate and if they are tested. Many Web sites that contain pet food recipes will have recipes that are submitted by pet owners but are not tested for their nutritional value. Try to choose natural pet food recipes that have been tested.

5. Scrutinize the recipes for yourself. Based on the foods you know your pet needs -- and those they cannot eat, do they look nutritional? Avoid recipes that have a lot of unnecessary fillers. For an example of healthy pet food recipes for dogs and cats, please see the Related Articles section, below.

6. Continue your search through multiple Web sites until you are sure you have found pet food recipes that are both healthy and safe.

7. When you find an acceptable recipe, print it out and read it thoroughly. Follow the instructions carefully and be sure to properly store any extra pet food you make.

Find Pet Food Recipes in Books

8. Using your Internet browser, go to your favorite online book seller.

9. At the Web site, do a search for natural pet food recipes.

10. Look over the results that come back from your search. You will want to find books that cover both the ins and outs of what to feed your pet, what not to feed your pet as well as healthy recipes for your pet.

11. Read the reviews from other people who have read the books. This will give you a good idea of the quality of the book and how helpful it was.

12. Get the book. Once you find an appropriate book you can either order it online, buy it at your local bookstore if they carry it, or borrow it from your public library if the offer it.

13. Once you have your book, be sure to educate yourself on the proper nutritional needs of your particular pet. This will help you spot healthy recipes for you pets in the future if you ever want to try new ones. If you have borrowed the book from the library, you will need to copy the recipes into a pet recipe book for future use.

Finding Pet Food Recipes Via eBooks

14. An e-book is an instantly downloadable electronic book that you can order online and read on your computer or print out to read.

15. Review the author's Web page carefully. This will give you hints as to the author's credentials, what topics the book covers and any bonus books that are included with your purchase.

16. Look for ebooks that contain information on proper pet nutrition as well as healthy recipes for your pet. A good e-book should tell you what foods to avoid, what foods are safe and the best way to prepare those foods for your pet.

17.Once you find a suitable e-book pay for the book online via the order page and you will be able to instantly download your ebook.

18. Read the e-book from start to finish, educating yourself on proper pet nutrition.

19. Prepare the recipes as shown in the e-book, following the directions carefully.

Tags: food recipes, recipes that, This will, Find Food, Find Food Recipes, food recipes that

What Is A Replacement For Cheesecloth

Thin, gauzy materials work well as cheesecloth substitutes.

Cheesecloth is a loosely woven material made from cotton. It's mainly used to remove the whey from the curds during the cheese-making process. However, modern cooks also use it for a wide variety of other purposes, from straining custards to making tofu. If a recipe calls for the use of a cheesecloth and you don't have one around, you'll need to find a substitute material. Does this Spark an idea?

Available Cloth

Any cloth with a similar weave to cheesecloth will produce the same effect as cheesecloth. You might try clean handkerchiefs --- if they're new, wash and dry before use --- pantyhose or flour sacks. Some people also swear by cloth diapers as a substitute, but make sure they are new and washed before use. When choosing a substitute cloth, consider whether the recipe calls for fine cheesecloth --- that is, the type used for softening cheeses and butter --- or a coarse cheesecloth --- in other words, the kind used for draining curd and cheese pressing.

Paper Products

Some paper products may fill in for a cheesecloth just fine. Perhaps the most widely used paper substitute for cheesecloth is coffee filter paper. You can simply use a clean coffee filter exactly the same way you'd use the cheesecloth. The only limitation of this strategy is that coffee filters come in a very limited number of sizes, so you might be unable to find a coffee filter that is large enough for your specific purpose. In some cases, a sturdy paper towel will also do the trick.

Kitchen Utensils

A very fine metal strainer can do in a pinch, particularly when cheesecloth is needed to strain out lumps from custard or to strain out herbs from a broth. If your recipe calls for a fine cheesecloth, however, a strainer likely will not do, no matter how fine the metal fibers are. Keep in mind that if you have a small strainer, it may take significantly longer to strain your food material because you'll have to work in small batches.

Hunting Down Cheesecloth

It only makes sense that you'd be able to pick up cheesecloth in the same place you pick up the other necessities for making a recipe. However, not all grocery stores sell cheesecloth. If your local grocery store doesn't carry cheesecloth, you don't necessarily have to start thinking about what you have at home that will work as a substitute. You can find cheesecloth at most fabric stores and even some arts and crafts stores.

Tags: coffee filter, recipe calls, calls fine, calls fine cheesecloth, fine cheesecloth, fine metal, recipe calls fine

Cook Rice Indian Style

Indian basmati rice can be mixed with numerous flavors.

Indian style basmati rice is a flavorful dish made from the rice cultivar of the same name. Knowing prepare this traditional Indian starch product gives you the ability to introduce it as a base for a wide array of Far East flavors from curried treats to traditional basmati and dal. Using minimal ingredients and adjustments to how you normally prepare rice you can present an authentic Indian treat or side dish with your next dinner.

Instructions

1. Pour the uncooked rice into the metal strainer. Hold it under cool, running water for 5 minutes to rinse away the glutenous water that results from it. This process makes a difference in how the rice tastes once it is prepared.

2. Add two cups of water to the stockpot. Add 1 tbsp. of rice bran oil. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

3. Add the uncooked, strained rice to the rolling, boiling water. Cover it and let it cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to a simmer and remove the lid.

4. Add the vinegar and onion to the simmering pot of rice. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes.

Tags: basmati rice

Prevent Olive Oil From Going Bad

Olive Oil

Olive oil, and extra virgin olive oil in particular, has gained popularity in the United States over the past few years, in part because of American chefs who train in Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Spain, and bring their new-found knowledge back home. Olive oil can turn rancid or bitter, so it is important to take steps to keep it fresh. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Storage and Maintenance

1. Store olive oil in a dark location. Too much light might cause it to turn rancid.

2. Seal your olive oil after every use. Exposure to air could cause the olive oil to lose some of its components and/or turn bitter.

3. Do not expose your olive oil to heat by storing it next to the stove or on the windowsill. Keep it in a cool place.

4. Extra virgin olive oil should be consumed in 8 to 12 months. Do not buy large gallon containers, if you will not use it all within that period of time.

5. Buy authentic Tuscan olive oil. It is usually high in polyphenols, which keep the oil from going rancid.

Tags: turn rancid, virgin olive, your olive

Grind Cornmeal

Cornmeal is an important kitchen staple. But packaged cornmeal may have been ground some time ago, and commercial grinders often remove the outer layer (the skin and germ), lessening the nutritional value. If you want the freshest, most nutritious cornmeal, grinding it yourself is the way to go. It's easy and can be very cheap if you grind it manually. Expense varies if you grind it with an electric machine, depending on the equipment you use. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Manual Grinding

1. Select a mortar and pestle. This is the simplest, most basic way to grind corn. You can use a regular kitchen mortar and pestle or a Mexican version made explicitly for this task, called a metate.

2. Check over the corn. Stir the corn around in a loose-holed sieve to remove any dirt or small stones.

3. Pour in the corn, filling the mortar with about a cup of corn at a time. Use dent corn, also called field corn, which is a softer grain appropriate for meal.

4. Grind the corn. Using the pestle, press down on the grains, moving them around the inside of the bowl. Do this repeatedly until they are the texture you prefer.

5. Try a manual coffee or spice grinder. Follow steps 2 and 3 above, but pour the corn into a clean coffee or spice grinder. Set the grinder to the consistency you want. Turn the crank repeatedly until all of the grain has been ground up.

Electric Grinding

6. Choose an electric grinder. These range from simple electric coffee/spice grinders to heavy duty grain grinders, and the prices range accordingly. You can also use a heavy duty blender like a Vitamix, or a juicer with a grain attachment.

7. Check over the corn. Stir the corn around in a loose-holed sieve to remove any dirt or small stones.

8. Pour in the corn, using about a cup at a time (or more, if your appliance is large). Use dent corn, also called field corn, which is a softer grain appropriate for meal. Grind according to appliance directions.

Tags: coffee spice, also called, also called field, appropriate meal, appropriate meal Grind, around loose-holed, around loose-holed sieve

Is Tap Water Safe To Drink

The question of whether tap water is safe to drink is a difficult one to answer. In most cases the answer is yes. However, drinking water comes from a variety of sources, so the question of "is your tap water safe to drink?" will depend on where your water comes from.

Water Sources

Tap water comes from a number of natural and man-made sources. The most obvious of these would be lakes and rivers, but water also comes from man-made reservoirs, underground aquifers, natural springs and wells. Knowing where the water comes from, and the cleanliness of that source, allows the drinker to make an educated assessment of how safe tap water truly is.

What Is in the Water?

Even the purest sources of water contain trace amounts of dissolved salts and minerals. In fact, salts and minerals are often added back to the water once it has been filtered because these elements are responsible for the appealing taste of many brands of bottled water. However, other contaminants may find their way into the water which add nothing to the flavor and might be bad for your health. Check with your local water district to find out the exact composition of your water.

Making Water Safer

Water suppliers do their best to make tap water safe to drink. Most of the time, water districts filter the water thoroughly and add a small amount of chlorine to the water supply to kill any nasty pathogens that may be present. This gives tap water the familiar "city" taste that most of us try to avoid. Although the water might not taste like the natural spring it may come from, the added chlorine ensures that the tap water is safe to drink.

Making Water Tase Better

There are a few things you can do at home to make tap water taste better. Water filters can be purchased at most grocery and home improvement stores; these filters are easy to use and help remove many of the chemicals that give tap water its distinctive taste. Water filters can be installed directly on the tap, on the line supplying the water to your fridge and ice maker, or atop a reusable water jug.

What Can You Do?

Each of us plays a role in keeping our drinking water safe. You can do your part by keeping local bodies of water clean. This may sound like common sense, but keeping local drinking water safe begins with limiting the number of contaminants which may find their way into the water supply. Common household contaminants include pesticides, fertilizers, prescription drugs and industrial oils.

Tags: water safe, comes from, safe drink, water comes, water comes from

Start A Home Business Making Salsa

Differentiate yourself to be more than just another dip.

You have a salsa recipe that gets you invited to all the backyard barbecues; it is flavorful with just the right spice and texture. Everyone agrees that you should start selling your salsa. This sounds like a great idea but requires a lot of paperwork, legalities and regulations that most people are not aware of. A food processing business, even on a small scale, requires FDA approval. Taking your product to to the public requires jumping through all the legal hurdles in addition to the marketing bumps.

Instructions

1. Taste test your salsa recipes on a variety of people, including friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Provide people with a confidential questionnaire that gives you honest feedback on your salsa. Test both fresh and canned versions to see how the salsa stands up to canning. You need this feedback before you spend your time and money developing a new company and product.

2. Set up the corporate structure. Speak with a tax or legal adviser regarding the best structure for your company. Preferably choose an entity that limits your personal liabilities if you are sued for any reason. File the appropriate business organization paperwork with the Secretary of State where you live.

3. Register your food processing facility with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All processing facilities, even home facilities, must be approved prior to providing food products for public consumption.

FDA Industry Systems

800-216-7331

fda.gov

4. Write a business plan that includes a detailed marketing proposal. Decide whether you will target specialty shops, local grocers or institutional clients such as schools or hospitals. Getting your product into the market will be your biggest challenge.

5. Buy insurance for your company that includes errors and omissions insurance (E&O). E&O insurance is what pays for inadvertent problems such as a bad batch of salsa making a group sick. This insurance is vital to making sure your entire company doesn't get financially wiped out because of one error.

6. Find wholesalers for the food and packaging materials needed, as well as vendors for delivery. Shop around to get the best prices for the quantities you need.

7. Hire a graphic designer and web developer to create your company logo, business cards, product labels and website. Make sure you include the nutritional requirements on the label.

8. Get out there and let the world try your salsa. Consider taste testing booths in local grocery stores and farmer's markets. Have lots of salsa on hand for people to buy after they have tasted it. Be sure to let people know where to find your salsa regularly.

Tags: your salsa, your company, food processing, that includes, your product

Careers In Genetics

Genetics is the study of heredity and the human genome. Geneticists study inherited traits, diseases and DNA. Many careers in genetics require at least a master's degree in biology or genetics. Many positions require a Ph.D. or an M.D. Genetic careers offer a variety of specialties, from counseling to research, law enforcement to fertility specialist.

Lab Genetics

Lab geneticists work hands-on to solve genetic problems. Most lab geneticists have a Ph.D. or an M.D. in genetics or a related field. Lab geneticists work on a variety of issues. Some lab geneticists work in the agriculture field, working on new plant and seed hybrids. Some lab geneticists perform DNA testing as police work to help solve crimes. Finally, lab geneticists can work in pharmaceutical development and clinical medicine.

Basic Research

Geneticists that perform research usually have a degree in human biology, with additional backgrounds in chemistry, math and physics. Most geneticists performing basic research are working on their Ph.D. at a university or are working on a post-doctorate fellowship. There are many topics to research in the genetics field. Two popular areas of genetic research are mapping the human genome and stem cell research.

Genetic Counselors

Genetic counselors work in medical genetics and counseling. All genetic counselors have a background in psychology or social work, as well as public health. Genetic counselors are able to analyze your family history and explain your risks for disease. Furthermore, genetic counselors can review abnormal prenatal test results and provide families with at-risk pregnancies with information about the genetic conditions possible. Genetic counselors provide referrals to medical specialists and will advocate for patients when necessary.

Clinical Genetics

Clinical geneticists have a M.D. and work to screen and diagnose genetic disorders. Clinical geneticists perform a 3- to 5-year genetics residency and then perform a 2-year fellowship. They perform prenatal and carrier genetic testing. Clinical geneticists will work with genetic diseases such as Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. They also will test for the likelihood of familial cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

Genetics Professor

Genetics professors have a Ph.D. or an M.D. in genetics. Professors have hands-on experience in the field in any form of genetics, from gene splicing for agriculture to genetic testing to clinical diagnostician. Genetics professors may have a specialty of human genetics or perform general genetics research. Professors serve as advisors to students pursuing a genetics fellowship and will monitor student thesis research.

Tags: geneticists work, Clinical geneticists, Genetic counselors, genetic counselors, genetic testing, geneticists have

Is Growing Organic Vegetables Profitable

Make your organic produce profitable.

Organic produce becomes more and more en vogue as people are willing to pay extra to eat healthy. However, like any business, the profit margins of organic farming depend on supply and demand and how you market your business. Does this Spark an idea?

Identification

Growing a high quality and desirable product is the most important step in making your organic vegetable business profitable. If you get a reputation for growing the best tomatoes or the best lettuce, that is good for business.

Geography

Another way to make a profit is to sell vegetables that aren't common in your region. If everyone at the farmers' market is selling tomatoes, you will be just one of many selling tomatoes there.

Types

Choose vegetables that yield the greatest profit per square foot. According to Kitchen Gardeners, these include cilantro, green salad mixes, chives, lettuce and small tomatoes. The vegetables that yield the lowest margin include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and beets.

Tags: vegetables that, selling tomatoes, that yield, vegetables that yield, your organic

Cook A Hot Dog In The Microwave Without Exploding The Ends

A perfect hot dog should have smooth, sealed ends.

Perfectly cooked hot dogs are sleek and smooth, and fit perfectly in a bun. However, if you don't microwave your hot dogs properly, you may end up with a less-than-ideal finished product. One common result is a hot dog with exploded ends. This is not only somewhat unsightly, but also typically means the dog is overcooked at the ends. While this may seem an inevitable result of microwaving your hot dogs, you can, in fact, avoid it. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Pierce each end of your hot dog with a sharp knife, then do the same in its center. You do not need to actually slice the hot dog open. Instead, simply pierce the skin. This allows the steam -- which causes the ends to explode -- to escape more easily.

2. Place a paper towel on a microwave-safe dish. Lie your hot dog on the paper towel with the pierced side facing up. Cover the hot dog with another paper towel.

3. Microwave your hot dog for approximately 20 seconds. This may seem low, but in fact is typically enough to heat your hot dog through. Because hot dogs are already fully-cooked, you do not need to cook them; the goal is simply to heat them up. Overheating the hot dog makes it more likely to explode.

4. Squeeze your hot dog gently in the center. If it does not feel hot enough, microwave it for another 10 to 15 seconds.

Tags: paper towel, your dogs

Cook White Rice In The Microwave With A Rice Cooker

Try converted white rice

Rice is a popular and tasty side dish that goes with many different main dishes. Cooking white rice in the microwave with a rice cooker can simplify the rice-cooking process. By measuring and pouring the water and rice into a special rice cooker designed for microwave use, a chef can have tasty rice done to perfection in a short amount of time. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Measure the rice needed and pour it into the colander. Use 3/4 cup rice to make 1 cup of cooked rice. Use 1 1/2 cups rice to make 2 cups of cooked rice. Use 2 1/3 cups rice to make 4 cups of cooked rice. Rinse the raw rice well under cold running water and shake the colander to remove excess water.

2. Assemble the rice cooker according to any specific instructions or recommendations from the manufacturer.

3. Pour the rice from the colander into the rice cooker. To make 1 cup of cooked rice, add 1 1/3 cups water and 1/8 tsp. salt. To make 2 cups of cooked rice, add 2 1/2 cups water and 1/4 tsp. salt. To make 4 cups of cooked rice, add 3 1/2 cups water and 1/2 tsp. salt.

4. Place the lid onto the rice cooker. If there is more than one lid, place the inner lid on securely, then the outer lid. Put it in the microwave.

5. Set the microwave timer to 11 minutes to cook 1 cup of rice. Set the microwave timer to 13 minutes to cook 2 cups of rice. Set the microwave timer to 15 minutes to cook 4 cups of rice. If your microwave is 1,000 watts or more, cook the rice at 70 percent power. If your microwave is less than 1,000 watts, cook the rice at 100 percent power.

6. Allow the rice to stand for 5 minutes after the cooking time elapses and then check to see if the liquid has absorbed. If there is still unabsorbed liquid, microwave for an additional minute or two. Allow the rice to stand for 2 to 3 minutes and then check again.

Tags: cooked rice, cooked rice cups, rice cooker, rice cups, cups cooked, cups cooked rice

Differences In Kitchen Countertops

When choosing countertops currently in vogue, five different surfaces make the list.

Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen entails a string of decisions that factor in your lifestyle, the style of your home and your budget. If the countertop is too taste-specific, you risk turning off future buyers, but if you plan on staying put for years, selecting a material and color that makes your heart sing makes more sense. Real estate agents caution against overspending for your neighborhood, but if money is not a top concern, choose a surface based upon your cooking needs and aesthetic sense. Does this Spark an idea?

Going Green: Eco-Friendly Options

Finding an environmentally-friendly countertop option in a big box store once proved difficult, but ECO by Cosentino is now widely available. ECO rivals natural stone in durability and consists of 75 percent recycled content. The low-maintenance glass, mirror and stone mixture resists stains, scratches and scorching. At $70 per square foot, as of April 2011, the price is comparable to granite and 10 designer-inspired colors reflect current trends. Though less common, concrete and bamboo are other environmentally-friendly surfaces that appeal directly to buyers searching for green homes.

The Economical Option: Laminate

With the surge in demand for more durable surfaces, laminate has waned in popularity since 1999, yet it continues to appeal to homeowners on a budget. Because of its low cost -- below $20 a square foot -- consumers can afford to change their countertop on a whim. The style choices are nearly endless, and some options mimic natural stone, marble or wood. If a tight budget trumps your concern for resilience, laminate wins.

Tried-and-True Granite

When properly sealed, granite resists heat, scratches and stains.

Once a very exclusive material, granite is a substantial upgrade from laminate. This rock-like surface gained status with homeowners because of its high-end look but has fallen in price with increased competition. With installation, granite costs from $60 to $200 per square foot, depending upon your color and edge choice. Some manufacturers pretreat and seal the surface for lower maintenance, though most granite counters require periodic sealing.

The New(er) Kid on the Block: Quartz

Requiring less maintenance than most granite surfaces, quartz comes in dozens of color options. This durable surface costs about the same as granite and resists scorching, stains and scratches. Silestone is one brand of quartz that is widely available across the country. Choosing between quartz and granite is simply a matter of taste.

Designers' Love: Solid Surface

Because of its color consistency and seamless appearance, a solid surface countertop wins kudos with designers. Though stain resistant and moderately heat resistant, man-made solid surface countertops can be scratched. A light sanding removes marks. At $37 to $60 per square foot, solid surface tops are moderately priced.

Tags: square foot, granite resists, most granite, natural stone, solid surface

Use Pomace Olive Oil For Soap Making

Olive oil is a popular ingredient in cold process soaps, but the cost of virgin and refined olive oils can become prohibitive. If you want to make olive oil soap on a budget, use pomace olive oil. This oil is derived from the ground up olive pits and flesh after their initial pressing. In order to extract oil from the pomace, producers treat it with solvents. They blend the treated oil with virgin olive oil before packaging for consumption. Although it's not as high quality as virgin olive oils, pomace olive oil makes excellent soap.

Instructions

1. Fill glass measuring cup with about 24 oz of cold water.

2. Add 12 oz of lye crystals to cold water and stir for about 30 seconds Make sure you complete this process in a well-ventilated area, and don't breath in the fumes.

3. Heat 87 oz of pomace olive oil in a stainless steel pan until it has reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Allow lye solution to cool to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Pour lye solution into pomace olive oil.

6. Submerge your stick blender into the oil and lye mixture and pulse for intervals of 30 seconds. Use the stick blender to stir your mixture between pulses.

7. Remove stick blender as soon as soap begins to trace. At this point you should be able to lightly draw a line through the surface of the mixture.

8. Pour the soap into your mold. Work quickly, as olive oil soaps tend to set up very quickly after tracing.

Tags: pomace olive, stick blender, cold water, degrees Fahrenheit, olive oils, virgin olive

Make Peanut Butter

Homemade peanut butter has a rich, fresh flavor unlike the jar variety available in the supermarket. Retail peanut butter contains preservatives necessary to extend the shelf life of the spread, but homemade peanut butter contains only natural ingredients. If you are looking to eliminate the chemicals and preservatives in your family's diet, fresh peanut butter is a place to start. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the peanuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.

2. Roast two cups of peanuts in the oven for 25 minutes, until the peanuts start to turn golden brown and emit a rich peanuty aroma. Remove the tray from the oven and let them cool slightly.

3. Put the roasted peanuts into the food processor. Chop them for one minute, then add two tablespoons of peanut oil and one teaspoon of kosher salt. Process the mixture until smooth.

4. Store the peanut butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tags: peanut butter, butter contains, peanut butter contains

Substitute Peanut Butter With Peanut Butter Chips

Unless they are called for in a particular recipe, many people do not make use of peanut butter chips. They are typically used in baking because they have added sugar which makes them sweeter than peanut butter and allow for there to be less need to add more sugar to the recipe. If you want to substitute peanut butter with peanut butter chips, it is best to do so with a sweet recipe versus a savory one because of the sweetness that the peanut butter chips would add. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Find the amount of peanut butter that is needed for the recipe. Convert each amount to grams if it is not already in that unit of measure. To convert from your unit of measurement to grams, use one of the following conversions: 1/4 cup is equal to 30 grams (1 cup is equal to 120 grams) , 1 ounce is equal to 28 grams, 1 tablespoon is equal to 15 grams. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 cups of peanut butter, then the total grams of peanut butter needed is 240 grams.

2. Measure out the equivalent amount in grams of peanut butter chips. Use the nutritional facts to find the amount of sugar each serving size contains. If the serving size is not given in grams, convert the measure of the peanut butter chips to grams.

3. Leave out the sugar, if the recipe calls for any. Because there is added sugar in the peanut butter chips, it will not be necessary to include any additional sugar to the recipe.

4. Follow the recipe until you get to the step where the peanut butter is added.

5. Melt the peanut butter chips in the microwave. Pour the peanut butter chips into a microwave safe bowl and set the microwave to the lowest setting. Microwave for 15 seconds and carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir the contents and return the bowl to the microwave. Microwave for an additional 15 seconds and let cool for 5 seconds.

6. Add the melted peanut butter chips to the rest of the ingredients and incorporate fully.

7. Finish the recipe.

Tags: peanut butter, peanut butter chips, butter chips, peanut butter, butter chips, equal grams

Stock Your Kitchen With Staples

Have you ever opened your fridge and in a fit of self-pity groaned, "There's nothing to eat!"? If you fill your pantry and refrigerator with the basics below, you can throw together a darn good dinner. Create a simple and savory white bean soup from canned cannellini beans, garlic and chicken stock. Or throw together cooked penne with leftover cheeses, milk and a pinch of dried mustard, cover with bread crumbs and pop it under the broiler for a real treat. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Stock up on dry goods. These are the staple of the nothing-to-eat kitchen. Flour and baking powder are essential basics. Beans of all varieties are great non-perishables--black, navy, limas, pintos, lentils. Rice and couscous are cheap by the pound, expand when cooking so you get more bang for your buck and they both last incredibly long. Chicken and beef broth have an incredibly long shelf life and are a great flavorful substitute in most cases where water is called for. Dried fruits make for good snacks, and add a nice touch to salads. Canned vegetables, sweeteners and peanut butter round out some of the dry-good necessities.

2. invest in herbs and spices. These can be expensive in a one-off purchase, but small doses are called for, so they last fairly long. They also add great flavor. Stock up on classic, go-with-everythings like basil, pepper varieties, seeds, thyme, salt, oregano and cinnamon. Bay leaves are wonderful addition to soups, broths and most liquid-based cooking methods. Other herbs and spices to build up on are cumin, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, peppercorns and chili powder.

3. Use your refrigerator and freezer to your advantage. Condiments--mayo, mustard, ketchup--last for ages. you can extend the life of your coffee grounds by months if you freeze them (and they still remain relatively loose). Frozen berries are the best type of fruit to stash in the freezer. Bread crumbs, broths and nuts live much longer in your kitchen if placed in the refrigerator after the container is popped open. Many cheeses also have a long refrigerated shelf life, but not all do, so check to be sure before purchasing.

Tags: herbs spices, incredibly long, shelf life, throw together

Make Mink Oil Soap

Make Mink Oil Soap

Mink oil can be beneficial for nearly any skin condition, including acne, liver spots, dry skin, oily skin, chapped lips and heat rash. It will soothe burns, rashes, dandruff, itchiness, insect bites, and can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars. You can make your own batch of mink oil soap at home. Read on to learn make mink oil soap.

Instructions

1. Mix the cool water with the lye in an enameled, plastic or glass bowl.

2. Add the lye mixture to the coconut oil in a plastic, glass or enamel bowl. Stir it well with a wooden or plastic spoon, but don't yet allow it to thicken.

3. Add the mink oil and continue stirring until the mixture thickens.

4. Pour the thickened mixture into molds.

5. Wearing rubber gloves, remove the soap from the molds. If the soap is difficult to remove, put the soap in the freezer for two or three hours. The soap will contract and come out of the molds easily.

6. Stack the mink oil soap in a warm place and allow it to age and harden, at least three weeks.

Tags: Make Mink, Make Mink Soap, Mink Soap, mink soap, plastic glass