Make A Dog Food Station In The Kitchen

Make a Dog Food Station in the Kitchen

Raising and owning a dog is rewarding, but it's also hard work. It's smart to set up a dog food station somewhere in your house, preferably the kitchen as it will be easiest to clean up. Dogs and puppies can create quite a mess while eating. Picking a location and setting up a fresh food and water area is key to setting up a station for your dog or puppy.

Instructions

1. Choose a place in your kitchen for the dog food station. It must be in an area that's out of the way, and if you have small children, it should be a place that they cannot access. If you have a dog door or doggie bed in the kitchen, consider setting up the station nearby so your dog can have his resources all in one area.

2. Place a large mat in the chosen area. It should be made of plastic or vinyl so it can be easily cleaned, with an anti-sliding material on the bottom so it sticks to the floor. The mat should be large enough for the dog to stand on with a food and water bowl.

3. Choose a food and water bowl system that's suitable for your dog. Water systems can range from a large bowl of water that you change every day, to a more advanced filtration and cycling system. Some food bowls use a portion system, where only one portion of the food is accessible each day. Or you can choose a bowl that you refill yourself. The choice depends upon your dog and how much money you want to spend.

4. Set up a cabinet in your kitchen with your dog's treats, bones, brushes and leashes, if desired.

Tags: food water, Food Station, Food Station Kitchen, food water bowl, Make Food, Make Food Station, setting station

The Average Food Budget For A Family Of Four

There are many expenses that a family faces each month, and priorities may vary according to personal needs and preferences. However, one expense that is likely considered a top priority by any family is the monthly food budget. This may be dictated by the lifestyle of the family as well as the choices in types of foods that each family prefers.

National Food Budget Averages

As of March of 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated that a family of four spent an average of $8,513 per year on food, or $709 per month. Additionally, the amount of money that is spent on food each year by families increases by 4 percent each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dining Out Vs. Eating In

According to The New York Daily News, based on these figures, an average family of four is likely not spending much on gourmet food, nor is it dining out very often (except for fast food). According to Consumer Reports magazine, the average family spent up to 44 percent of its food budget dining out, as of 2006. While this statistic did not reflect a categorization of types of restaurants, the indication seems to be that nearly half of an average family's food budget was paid out to others for meal preparation.

Food Budgets and Nutrition Concerns

The USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion reports that although 52 percent of the primary food preparers in American households claim to stick to a strict food budget, 75 percent of households with three or more members that stay within their food budget average less than $40,000 in annual income. The concern for proper nutrition on a limited food budget is expressed by nearly 50 percent of household budgeters whose yearly income is between $20,000 and $40,000.

Choices Dictate Expenditures

Staying within a strict food budget, especially for people with annual incomes below $50,000, often requires adjustments in food choices. The need to provide nutritional minimums is likely part of the decision-making process for most families, but limits on high-dollar food items, such as meat, may also require some different approaches. Protein is important, and substituting less expensive meats or cuts of meat can save money. Alternative protein sources may be considered as well, such as beans in side dishes or as part of soups, stews or casseroles. Fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic items, can often be found on sale.

Tips on Food Budgeting

Making shopping lists in advance can save money if they are adhered to. This can also eliminate impulse buying, which can account for an unexpectedly high amount of expenditure. Limiting shopping trips to two or three times a month may also help in staying within a budget. Spending time on comparing prices between brands as well as food stores can also help. The use of coupons can save money, although a store discount can often be more than the savings provided by a coupon.

Tags: average family, food budget, save money, also help, each year, family four

Open A Home Business Without A License

Data-entry professionals often work from home without a license.

Starting a home-based business offers great risks and rewards for a savvy entrepreneur. Professionals seeking to run organizations from their home often invest in a business license or incorporation to protect themselves against potential lawsuits or other liabilities. Not all business ideas require licensing, however; opportunities exist for home businesses without a license. Opening a home business without a license has its share of pitfalls --- avoiding them may increase the longevity and profitability of the business.

Instructions

1. Choose a business that avoids retail sales or regulated industries. Home businesses that engage in retail sales typically must report sales or use taxes and receive licenses to collect such. Federal- or state-regulated businesses often have mandatory licensing requirements. Check with your local chamber of commerce to verify if these requirements exist in your area.

2. Consider service-based operations with low liability. Consulting, data entry or freelance work typically doesn't require licensing or bonding and avoids the hassles of purchasing liability insurance. Without a license, any legal recourse taken against the company goes directly after the owner's assets.

3. Verify local zoning regulations for businesses operating in residential areas. Not all laws regarding home businesses come directly from state offices. Local zoning laws may limit the number of deliveries, occupants and visitors or impose other limits on unlicensed home operations.

4. Advertise your services through professional publications in the field, classified ads or sponsorship of events. Home businesses that offer telecommuting, such as data entry or appointment setting, may have a national marketing reach, while localized services should focus on the immediate community.

Tags: without license, businesses that, data entry, Home businesses, Home businesses that, require licensing, retail sales

Put Corn In A Broiler

There are many options when it comes to preparing corn on the cob, including steaming, boiling, baking and grilling. Grilling the corn produces a barbecue flavor but it is not always possible to grill the corn due to bad weather. If this happens, you can take advantage of your broiler to achieve a similar taste. It is important, however, that you use the broiler correctly to avoid an unnecessary fire. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Remove and discard the husks and silk strands from the ears of corn.

2. Fill a large pot with cold water and soak the corn for one hour.

3. Drain the water from the pot and set the corn cobs on sheets of aluminum foil. The sheets must be big enough to wrap around the corn.

4. Pour 1 tbsp. melted butter in a mixing bowl. Add 1/8 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and 1/2 tsp. of Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined.

5. Preheat the broiler to high. While the broiler is heating up, brush the contents of your mixing bowl over the ears of corn. Finish wrapping the corn in the aluminum foil.

6. Set the corn under the broiler for four minutes. Flip the aluminum foil packet over and cook another four minutes. Remove and serve hot.

Tags: aluminum foil, ears corn, four minutes, mixing bowl

Take The Neck & Giblets Out Of A Whole Chicken

Remove everything from the inside of the chicken before cooking.

A fresh chicken that you purchase at the grocery store often has giblets and a neck inside its body. Some cooks use the neck and giblets as part of a chicken stock or gravy. The giblets are also sometimes used in stuffing for the chicken because of the flavor that they add. Many cooks choose to simply get rid of the neck and giblets and work with the chicken without the additional parts. Whichever choice you use, you do need to remove these parts before cooking the chicken. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands before handling raw chicken and then dry your hands well. Place a cutting board on your counter so that the chicken does not contaminate the counter. Remove the packaging material from the chicken and throw it away.

2. Examine the chicken and turn it so that the legs are facing you. The largest hole on the chicken will also be facing you.

3. Place one hand on top of the raw chicken to keep the chicken from moving around.

4. Reach into the chicken with your other hand and feel for a bag that has some raw chicken in it.

5. Pull the bag out of the chicken and set it aside on the cutting board. Place your hand into the chicken one more time and check to make sure you have removed everything from the center of the chicken's body.

Tags: before cooking, cutting board, everything from, into chicken, neck giblets, your hands

Instructions For The George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Grilling Machine

Cook kabobs on a George Foreman grill.

Many people recognize the name of the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Grilling Machine. With its focus on healthy cooking and an easy-to-use grilling function, it has become an increasing addition to households nationwide. Aside from the cooking benefits, these grills are also extremely easy to clean. The most common use of a George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Grilling Machine is to cook cuts of meat, but you can also grill vegetables, make quesadillas, and fry bacon on these machines. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Clean the grill so it is free of old food materials. Close the lid and plug in the grill. The grill should light up to indicate it is heating up.

2. Allow the grill to preheat for at least seven minutes. The light will turn green when the automatic preset cooking temperature has been reached.

3. Open the top lid using the oven mitt. Carefully place the food on the bottom grill plate. Do not overstuff the grill because food will cook unevenly.

4. Close the lid using the oven mitt. If cooking meat, squeeze the grill down occasionally to eliminate fats and oils.

5. Open the lid with the oven mitt when your food is done cooking. Use the spatula to move food to a plate so it can cool before eating.

6. Unplug the machine. Be careful handling it because it will be hot for a few minutes after use.

Tags: George Foreman, Foreman Lean, Foreman Lean Mean, George Foreman Lean, Grilling Machine

Make Fried Chicken Strips

You can make restaurant-quality chicken strips in your own kitchen.

Fried chicken is a popular dish throughout the world. In the United States, the term "fried chicken" usually refers to chicken fried bone-in. Fried chicken strips, on the other hand, have all the flavor and crispness of fried chicken without the hassle of dealing with bones. The process of cooking fried chicken strips is not difficult; as long as you have the right oil and pan, you can easily prepare it in your own kitchen. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into strips. You can cut them to your own desired thickness; many cookbooks recommend slicing the chicken breasts into fourths.

2. Scramble some eggs in a large bowl. Crack the eggs into the bowl and use a fork to whisk them until the liquid is completely yellow.

3. Add milk, salt and pepper into the scrambled eggs. Add approximately 1 tsp. of milk for every egg you scrambled, and salt and pepper to taste. If you want to include other types of spices, such as paprika or cumin, add them to the egg mixture as well.

4. Pour flour into another large bowl, enough so that you cannot see the bottom of the bowl.

5. Prepare the frying oil in the frying pan. Turn the burner to medium and heat the pan without the oil. Slowly add in the oil. Add enough oil to completely cover the chicken strips when you add them later.

6. Dip the chicken strips in the egg mixture.

7. Dip the chicken strips that are covered in egg mixture into the flour. The flour should stick to the chicken strips so that all sides are covered.

8. Place the chicken strips in the frying pan.

9. Fry the chicken strips for seven minutes.

10. Turn the chicken strips over and fry for another seven minutes.

11. Remove the chicken strips from the pan, letting the oil drip off and back into the pan before placing them on a plate for consumption.

Tags: chicken strips, fried chicken, chicken breasts, chicken strips, chicken strips that, Fried chicken, large bowl

Information On Cooking Schools

Cooking schools train students in different aspects of the culinary arts: cooking, baking, restaurant management, catering, menu management and so forth. A professional culinary arts degree can help pave a career path in the competitive restaurant industry. If you plan to pursue a culinary career, carefully choose a school that will help you reach that goal.

Degrees

Determine what type of degree you need. Various culinary schools offer associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, diplomas, professional certification and other degree types. Base your choice on your personal career goals as well as the amount of time and money you are willing to invest in obtaining a degree. Bachelor's degrees tend to focus more on the business and management side of the restaurant industry, while two-year associate's degree programs are more common in the industry.

Focus

Ask about the focus of the degree. A general culinary arts degree will cover all the basic skills a chef needs to function in a professional kitchen. Some degrees, however, have a specific focus, such as baking and pastry, business and management, catering or other sub-fields within the culinary arts world. This is a personal decision that should take into account your career goals and main areas of cooking interest.

Cost

Tuition costs vary widely, depending on whether you attend a community college, a culinary institute or a public or private university. The website Cooking School 101 estimates that tuition could range from $2,000 to $45,000 per year. You also need to budget for other costs, including books, cooking equipment and room and board.

Location

Location can play an important role is choosing a cooking school. If a school you are considering offers internships or job placement upon graduation, get a sense of the restaurant scene in the area. The school's location can also dramatically affect your transportation, housing and food costs.

Tags: culinary arts, arts degree, business management, career goals, culinary arts degree, management catering

Cook Smoked Turkey Legs

Cook Smoked Turkey Legs

Preparing smoked turkey legs can add flavor beyond regular cooking or baking. Smoking a turkey leg is a relatively simple process with the addition of a few materials and careful preparation. Smoked turkey legs can be smoked first and frozen for later consumption and is a year-round dish as opposed to whole turkeys used for the holidays. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Prepare the brine for the turkey legs.

Create the brine for the turkey legs by placing 1/2 gallon of chicken stock in a large pot. Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of salt to the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Stir the mixture to make sure the salt and brown sugar dissolve completely. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool to about room temperature.

2. Put the turkey legs in the brine.

Just before you put the turkey legs into the brine, add a matching amount of ice cold water to the chicken stock mixture. This should be 1/2 gallon. In a large container or pot, submerge your completely thawed turkey legs into the mixture and allow them to soak for 8 to 24 hours, depending on their size. Larger drumsticks need to soak longer. Refrigerate turkey legs while they soak.

3. Remove turkey legs from the brine after they have soaked. Rinse the turkey legs off with cold or room temperature water. After you have rinsed the turkey legs, season them with your favorite herbs and spices. To do this, you can use either a dry rub or wet rub (seasoning mixed with olive oil or vegetable oil).

4. Heat your grill to anywhere between 220 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a charcoal grill, ensure that all the briquettes are on one side of the bottom of the grill. Wet half of the smoke-flavored chips you will be using to smoke the turkey legs; leave the other half dry. Wrap four individual packs of a handful of wet-smoke chips and a handful of dry-smoke chips in aluminum foil. Poke a hole or two in the packs so the smoke can escape easily.

5. Grease the grates of the grill so that the turkey legs do not stick. Place the seasoned turkey legs on the side of the grill that is not over direct heat. Place one pack of chips into the flame or onto the charcoal briquettes, depending on the type of grill you possess. Allow the turkey legs to cook with the lid closed for about four hours or until they are 170 degrees Fahrenheit inside. Change the smoke packet out at least every hour.

Tags: turkey legs, chicken stock, turkey legs, brine turkey, brine turkey legs

Compost Chicken Manure

A typical hen creates 1 cubic foot of manure every 6 months. Fortunately, chicken manure compost not only adds rich organic matter to the soil--more than even horse or cow manure--but it also improves the earth's ability to retain water. The trick, however, is to handle the chicken manure properly. If the manure isn't well-composted, it will burn and possibly even kill your plants. The good news is, the process is easy, once you know the rules. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Prepare a compost pile or bin. Keep a pile in one corner of the garden, or buy an enclosed composter.

2. Shovel up chicken manure and chicken bedding (which may include sawdust, shavings or leaves).

3. Place manure and bedding in the compost bin or pile.

4. Add carbon materials to the compost pile to help the manure decompose more quickly. How much you'll need to add depends upon what bedding materials you use. As a general rule of thumb, remember the manure itself is high in nitrogen, so try to add 1-part browns (like shredded leaves, shrub prunings, straw, hay, pine needles, wood ash or shredded newspaper) to 1-part greens (like manure and fruit and vegetable scraps). Some gardeners prefer a 2:1 ratio when using chicken manure. The correct ratio will make the compost hot for about 3 days.

5. Wet the mixture of manure and carbon materials.

6. Rotate the materials in the compost pile after about 3 days.

7. Add more manure and more carbon materials at least three times.

8. Cover an open compost pile or allow the compost bin to sit, undisturbed, for about 2 to 6 months. After this time, the compost should be crumbly, dark and have a sweet, earthy scent. You can now add it to the garden.

Tags: compost pile, carbon materials, about days, chicken manure, chicken manure

Make Stuffing

As a Southern woman I cannot imagine a family gathering or Sunday dinner without a huge pan of cornbread stuffing. This delicious stuffing is a tradition in my family. This recipe is perfect for stuffing chicken, turkey or pork. The stuffing can also be prepared in a large baking pan if you would prefer. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Creating Stuffing

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8 inch shallow baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Combine ½ cup self rising flour, 1 cup corn meal, ¾ cup buttermilk , 2 eggs and 2 tbsp. vegetable oil in a medium sized bowl and mix well.

3. Pour the mixture into the greased 8 inch pan and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the cornbread to cool completely.

4. Place the pecans in a medium-sized frying pan and toast over medium-high heat for 2 minutes or until the pecans are slightly brown. Allow the pecans to cool then roughly chop them and set aside until needed.

5. Crumble the cornbread and crackers into a large mixing bowl. Add the cubed French bread and set aside.

6. Put the stick of butter to a medium-size frying pan and heat over medium heat until melted. Add the chopped celery and onion to the melted butter and sauté until transparent.

7. Pour the sautéed vegetables into the bowl with the bread mixture. Add the 7 cups of chicken broth and combine. Add the salt pepper, sage, poultry seasoning, currants, parsley, chopped pecans, and beaten eggs to the bread and broth mixture and mix well.

8. Pour the mixture into a 9 by 13 inch non-stick pan and bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tags: mixture into, Pour mixture, Pour mixture into, well Pour, well Pour mixture

Thai Yoga Massage Schools

Thai yoga massage combines yogic and ayurvedic teachings.

Thai yoga massage is a technique based on the combination of yoga and ayurveda. Thai massage is a combination of movement and stretches with the massage techniques applied to the pressure points and energy lines. There are many schools that offer certificate programs in Thai yoga massage.

DeonThai School

DeonThai School offers a five-class program that leads to a deonThai METHOD Practitioner certification. The course is eligible for continuing education units by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

DeonThai School

8111 Beverly Blvd, Suite 202

Los Angeles, CA 90048

323-610-6000

deonthaiyoga.com

Lotus Palm

The Lotus Palm School of Thai Yoga Massage offers a 240-hour Thai yoga massage practitioner training program. This is a three-part course that is recognized by North American massage associations. Residents of the greater Montreal area may also participate in an internship program under certified Thai massage practitioners.

Lotus Palm School

5244 St Urbain

Montreal, Quebec

H2T 2W9

Canada

514-270-5713

lotuspalm.com

School of Thai Yoga Massage

The School of Thai Yoga Massage offers a certificate program in Thai yoga massage. The school is accredited by the Traditional Thai Yoga Massage Association and upon completion of the certificate program, practitioners may be a part of the Traditional Thai Yoga Massage Practitioners Register.

The School of Thai Yoga Massage

PO Box 33822

London N8 8XA

0845 0900 211

thaiyogamassage.co.uk

Thai Bodywork School of Thai Massage

Thai Bodywork School of Thai Massage offers a Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner program. This program is 220 hours. The school also offers a 20-hour fundamentals of Thai massage course. The courses are also approved for continuing education hours.

Thai Bodywork School of Thai Massage

537 Custer Avenue, Suite 5

Evanston, IL 60202

888-576-8424

thaimassageschool.net

SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies

SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies offers a Thai yoga and Thai massage Certified Thai Practitioner Training and Certification Program. The program is 200 hours. The program is recognized by the International Thai Therapists Association and is an approved continuing education provider.

The Thai Yoga Center

SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies

4715 Bruton Rd.

Plant City, Florida

706-358-8646

thaiyogacenter.com

Tags: School Thai, Yoga Massage, School Thai Yoga, Thai Bodywork, Thai massage

Ripen Fruits & Vegetables

Ripen your fruits and veggies at home.

Whether you're pulling them from the plant or bringing them home from the store, ripening fruits and vegetables at home isn't difficult. In fact, all that you need is some time and patience. When you have fruits and vegetables that are too firm to eat yet, ripening them yourself provides better texture and flavor. Ripening fruits and vegetables at home is ideal for eating them fresh and adding them to a myriad of dishes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

From the Plant

1. Snip the fruit or vegetable from the plant of your choice when it is still firm or green. Cut a little bit of the plant stem at an angle, leaving some of it on the fruit or vegetable. Cut at a knuckled point on the plant to promote regrowth.

2. Place the fruits and vegetables that you've cut into a large paper grocery sack. The grocery sack prevents light from hitting the vegetables or fruits.

3. Place the bag somewhere dry for up to a week, checking the fruits or vegetables every three days to ensure they aren't rotting.

Produce

4. Place an assortment of fruits or vegetables of your choice into a paper sack.

5. Sit the sack on your kitchen counter.

6. Check the sack after four days. Squeeze softly to check if the fruit or vegetable has tendered. If it is at the desired consistency, remove the fruit or vegetable from the sack. Otherwise, leave it in the bag for two days at a time until it's at the desired firmness and ripeness.

Tags: fruits vegetables, fruit vegetable, fruit vegetable from, fruits vegetables home, fruits vegetables that

Prostate Cancer Cure Rates

According to the Mayo Clinic, the prostate is a male gland that produces seminal fluid. Unfortunately, it is prone to the development of cancer. Roughly one in six men will develop prostate cancer, which can be a deadly disease. Fortunately it tends to be slow-growing, so it is curable if detected early. The National Cancer Institute says advances in treatment continue to be made, which means that cure rates are steadily increasing.

One in six men will develop prostate cancer, but most can be cured.

Rates

According to the NCI, about 220,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and 28,000 of them will die because of the disease. The National Institutes of Health says that the overall cure rate for prostate cancer is 99.7 percent, meaning that they survive for at least five years. Naturally, the chances of surviving are affected by the stage at which the cancer is detected. The NIH says that cancer that has not spread has a 100 percent cure rate. If it has moved beyond the prostate, the cure rate can be as low as 30.6 percent, depending on the extent of the problem.

Time Frame

The cure rate for prostate cancer has risen steadily over the years. The NCI says the overall cure rate for prostate cancer in the mid-1970s was 69 percent, compared to the current 99.7 percent rate.

Factors

One of the main factors for this increased success in treating the disease is the development of the PSA blood test, an exam developed in the 1980s that measures a certain protein that is often elevated in men with prostate cancer. The NCI says the test helps doctors diagnose 90 percent of prostate cancers at an early stage, when they are most curable. Advances in chemotherapy, surgery and other treatments are also helping to boost cure rates.

Considerations

Not all men have the same cure rate for prostate cancer. Caucasian males tend to have a much better chance of survival than African-American men. Overall, African-Americans have the lowest cure rate of any ethnicity. According to the NCI, they are twice as likely to die from this cancer as men in other ethic groups. However, the NIH says they still have an overall cure rate of 96.5 percent.

Considerations

Because prostate cancer grows so slowly, the Mayo Clinic says that many men do not need any treatment. Deciding whether to try to cure the disease depends on the man's age. In some older men, the potential side effects of treatment may outweigh the benefits. This is especially true of men with poor overall health who may not respond well to treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, many older men with prostate cancer live out a natural lifespan without ever having it spread or cause other health issues.

Tags: prostate cancer, cure rate, cure rate prostate, rate prostate, rate prostate cancer, Mayo Clinic

Separate Garlic Cloves For Planting

A garlic bulb divided to show two of its cloves

A perennial, garlic (Allium sativum) belongs to the onion family. The plant grows from a bulb. The bulb is comprised of approximately 12 to 20 individual cloves clustered together and encased in a thin, white skin that provides protection. When the bulb is divided into individual cloves, each clove has the ability to produce one garlic plant. Once planted the clove begins to grow into a bulb in diameter and size it and it produces a cluster of surrounding cloves. Three types of garlic exist; stiff neck (A. sativum var. ophioscorodon), soft neck (A. Allium sativum) and elephant (A. ampeloprasum). Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a planting location during the fall that is located in full sunlight. Work compost or aged manure into the soil until it feels crumbly to the touch.

2. Dig a trench that is approximately 4 inches deep. Plant the garlic cloves three to four weeks before the first expected hard frost in the fall.

3. Divide the garlic bulbs into individual cloves two days prior to planting. Gently pry the bulb apart with your hands.

4. Remove the large outer cloves first by prying them away from the inner cloves. The larger cloves produce a larger, healthier garlic plant when planted. Discard the tiny inner cloves because they only grow a small, weak plant.

5. Look closely at each clove. Discard any cloves that appear soft or have spotting.

6. Set the cloves aside on a plate until planting. Plant each clove in the trench with the pointed end skyward. Space the cloves 3 to 5 inches apart. Push the soil around the and over the cloves so they sit at a depth of 4 inches. Firm the soil over the top of the cloves.

7. Mulch the planting site with straw, leaf debris or pine needles after the ground freezes. Applying mulch will help prevent the soil from heaving during the winter months, offer protection from excessively cold weather and prevent weed growth.

Tags: each clove, individual cloves, Allium sativum, bulb divided, garlic plant, inner cloves, into individual

Get Back To Basics For Better Health

Eating apples and their peelings is one way to naturally maintain good health.

Modern advancements make our lives easier by allowing us to work, shop, read, and gather information from the comfort of our computers. While this is a tremendous advantage in some ways, our technology also makes it difficult for us to wind down, and as a result, many of us don't eat right and get the exercise we need to maintain optimum physical health. It's easier than you might think to get back to basics for better health.

Instructions

1. Go barefoot whenever possible. Modern footwear, especially pointed toes and high heels, can force feet into unnatural positions and cause pain and medical problems. Walking barefoot stimlates the soles of the feet to improve balance and agility.

2. Get as much sleep as you can. People living in early civilizations went to bed at dark and rose at dawn, due to the absence of electric light sources. This meant getting as much as 10 or 11 hours of sleep a night, as opposed to the five or six hours people average today. Sufficient rest is naturally healing to the body.

3. Stop eating processed foods. Opt instead for the Mediterranean diet. Research suggests that a diet rich in natural foods such as olive oil, avocados, fish, whole grains, and nuts is one of the healthiest. Avoid foods that are filled with artificial chemicals, and focus on eliminating toxins from your diet.

4. Consume at least three ounces of protein at each meal. This will help you curb hunger and maintain healthy energy levels.

5. Eat fruit and don't forget to eat the peeling, if you can. According to a 2010 article on the News Tribune website, eating apples may reduce the incidence of breast cancer by as much as 50 percent. However, since most of the apple's vital antioxidants are contained in its peeling, they lose up to half of this benefit if they're peeled.

6. Practice portion control. Food is inexpensive in the United States, and our super-sized portions reflect that. Read labels regarding portion sizes, shop for organic produce whenever possible, and avoid overeating by aiming for meals that are the size of two cupped hands.

Tags: whenever possible

Grants For Rural Housing

Grants to finance housing projects in rural communities are available.

There are several programs available that sponsor grants to finance the construction and renovation of homes and housing units in rural areas. These financial awards can cover land acquisitions, labor, equipment and supply purchases and administrative costs. These rural housing grants are not required to be repaid by the recipients.

Self-help Homeownership Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsors the Self-help Homeownership Program (SHOP). Grants from SHOP are used for the acquisition of land and the construction or renovation of homes for low-income home buyers. SHOP requires home buyers to participate in the construction phase of their homes by providing physical labor. Grants are open to regional and national nonprofit organizations that have built at least 24 self-help homes in the previous 30 months. These grants cover administrative costs (up to 20 percent of the grant), and projects cannot cost more than $15,000.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th St. SW

Washington, DC 20410

202-708-1112

hud.gov

Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants

Grants from the Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants program are used to construct and renovate housing units to be occupied by seasonal and year-long farm workers. Funds from this grant program are also used to finance the construction of facilities such as laundromats, daycare centers and small infirmaries for the use of workers. Only U.S.-documented workers who make a substantial amount of their incomes from farming can live in these housing units. Public and private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit corporations of farm workers, state and tribal government agencies are eligible to apply for these grants. Recipients must match at least 10 percent of the grant with funds from outside sources. This program is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture.

USDA

Rural Development

Preservation and Direct Loan Division

1400 Independence Ave. SW

Washington, District of Columbia 20250-0781

202-720-1604

rurdev.usda.gov

Individual Water and Waste Water Grants

Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Individual Water and Waste Water Grants are used to install service lines and pay hook-up fees, as well as install plumbing fixtures such as tubs, sinks and water heaters. Grants are open to households living in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, California and Texas where incomes are lower than the poverty levels. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 in lifetime assistance under this grant program, while a maximum amount of $4,000 is allocated for connecting sewer lines and $3,500 for connecting water lines. Applicants cannot be delinquent on any federal debts.

USDA Rural Development

Room 5014-S

Mail Stop 0701

1400 Independence Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20250-0701

202-690-1533

rurdev.usda.gov

Tags: housing units, 1400 Independence, administrative costs, construction renovation, construction renovation homes, Department Agriculture

Alkalize

Alkalize

If you find that your energy level is low and you're getting sick often, maybe it's time to look at what you eat and its affect on your well being. Maybe its time for you to alkalize your system. Alkalizing is the process of modifying your eating to increase your body's pH balance. The closer your pH is to 7.0, the better you will feel. Here is alkalize.

Instructions

1. Test your body's pH level to determine whether or not you need to alkalize your system. Read the instructions on the pH test paper to learn test your pH level.

2. Write down your pH level. If your level is below 7.0, then you should alkalize your system.

3. Find out which foods promote the proper pH. Using your favorite search engine, put in a search for "alkalizing food chart." You will find many websites that offer detailed information and charts on foods that will help to alkalize your system. Similarly, avoid those foods that promote an acidic system. Ideally aim to eat 80 percent alkalizing foods and 20 percent acid-forming foods.

4. Reduce stress. Daily stresses promote an acidic reaction in your body. Things such as meditation, prayer, yoga and exercise help to reduce stress and thus reduce acid reactions.

5. Get adequate sleep.

Tags: alkalize your, alkalize your system, your system, your body, your level, foods that, promote acidic

Top Ten Healthiest Green Foods

Greens are among the most nutritious foods available.

Green vegetables are among the most vitamin- and mineral-rich foods in the world, each with its own merits. From kale to collards, mustard to dandelion, if it is green, rest assured it is good for you.

Kale

Kale, a close relative of the cabbage, grows abundantly in Central and Northern Europe, as well as North America. It is not a naturally occurring plant, though; it is the result of selective breeding of the mustard plant. Regardless, kale is one of the most vitamin-packed vegetables by volume you can find. One cup of kale contains the recommended daily amount of vitamins A, K and C. In studies, kale has been noted for its link to decreasing the risk of breast, ovarian and colon cancers, as it contains a highly concentrated amount of antioxidants.

Spinach

Spinach, unlike kale, must be consumed in large quantities because, when it is cooked, it shrinks by nearly 3/4 of its volume. However, cooked spinach maintains all of the fiber and vitamin C of the fresh leaves.

Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli rabe, like kale, is also packed with a great deal of antioxidants and provides almost half of your daily requirement of vitamins C and A in a 3 1/2-oz. serving. It is also packed with fiber, calcium, potassium and folate.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a difficult vegetable to eat raw because it is very bitter. Luckily, however, it keeps all of its nutrients even after steaming or cooking. Chard contains high levels of phytochemicals, chlorophyll, iron and soluble fiber, which all help in the prevention of cancer.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are similar in flavor to horseradish, and, like Swiss chard, are slightly bitter and difficult to consume raw. Tests show that the nutrients in mustard greens also help prevent cancer, heart disease and bone loss.

Dandelion Greens

Very few people realize that dandelion greens are not only edible, but extremely nutritious as well. They are high in vitamin A, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin and are believed to promote digestion and fight off inflammation, jaundice, edema, gout, acne, high blood pressure and constipation.

Watercress

Also a member of the cabbage family, watercress is full of vitamins C and B6, as well as magnesium and carotene. Watercress also contains high levels of folic acid and helps facilitate digestion. Due to its distinct peppery taste, watercress is usually eaten raw on salads or in sandwiches.

Chicory

Chicory includes radicchio, sugar loaf, large leaf and Belgian endive greens. It is usually eaten as the green base of a salad. Chicory greens are particularly high in calcium (more than kale per serving), iron, potassium, vitamins A and B and was believed in Medieval medicine to help settle upset stomachs.

Bok Choy

Bok choy is used in Asian dishes such as stir fries and cabbage salads. It has a thick leaf and a surprisingly sweet taste. A half cup of bok choy provides more than the daily need of vitamin A and the majority of vitamin C. Its stalk contain high levels of calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium.

Collard Greens

Famous in the cooking of the Southern U.S., collards are large flat leaves rich in vitamins A, C and K and contain high levels of calcium and fiber, even when cooked.

Tags: high levels, also packed, also packed with, among most, calcium magnesium

Make Cheesecloth

Any good chef keeps cheesecloth handy in the kitchen. It is used to catch the curd while allowing the whey to drain when making cheese. It is usually made of loosely woven cotton with enough holes to provide good drainage. It is important that it is free of any dyes to avoid affecting the flavor. Save a few bucks by making your cheesecloth from home.

Instructions

1. Use cotton handkerchiefs. Large, plain white handkerchiefs make for excellent homemade cheesecloth. They are hardy and porous, and will serve all your drainage needs.

2. Try cotton dish towels. White, non-terry towels can also serve as homemade cheesecloth. As they are not quite as permeable as normal cheesecloth, they may require extra time for full drainage.

3. Try Muslin fabric. This fabric is porous and is often used to make homemade tea bags. Cut the fabric into 12 by 12-inch squares and hem the edges. Be sure the cloth has not been dyed or chemically treated.

4. Use tea bags. For small pieces of cheesecloth, try using empty tea bags purchased at any local grocer.

5. Use case cloth. This includes 100% cotton bed sheets or pillow cases. Clean with bleach or boil fabric for sanitation.

Tags: homemade cheesecloth

What Is The Income Of A Food Taster

Food tasters in the US make $33,393 a year on average.

A food taster or--professional sensory panelist--risked life and limb to save the king during medieval times. To protect royals from assassination, food tasters would sample the fare intended for royal throats in case it was poisoned--thus protecting royal rulers from an ugly death. The average salary of a food taster as of 2010 is $33,393, according to cbsalary.com. The biggest perk of a food taster these days involves not having to risk death by poison to do a good job.

Salary Range

While the average income of a food taster is $33,393--there is a high end and a low end. The food taster salary in the U.S. goes as low as $23,159 in some areas. Higher-end food tasters--working in highly specialized laboratories or for large food distributors--can rake in as much as $47,342. Food tasters can taste general samples of food or drink, or they can specialize.

Types

There are two basic types of food taster careers. Food taster and pet food taster. Pet food tasters pull down an average of $40,000 according to simplyhired.com. According to Itchmo.com, in the article, "The Man Who Tests Pet Food," Simon Allison, professional pet food taster, said he's trained his palate to detect the delicacies cats and dogs as well as their owners love. Allison says he loves his job and his favorite dish is organic chicken dinner--vegetables included--for cats.

Food Taster

Food tasters earn their salaries sampling food or beverages to see if the items taste good, according to careerplanner.com's job description. The taster must be able to brew or cook small lots of beverages or food. They have to be proficient in determining approximate market value of the product, must be able to grade the product, and the food taster must determine if the beverage or food is acceptable to consumer tastes, according to careerplanner.com. They must also be able to write blending formulas to guide workers who prepare commercial quantities of food, or drink products. Food taster jobs may offer specialties such as dessert taster or tea taster.

Pet Food Taster

Pet food tasters average $40,000 a year.

This may rank up there with a job as odd as that of a crocodile wrangler's, but somebody's got to do it. Like any other food, dog and cat food must taste good enough to market. Unfortunately, pets can't discuss specifics about the taste. Like food tasters--there is a range in the pet food taster's salary. In rural areas, pet food taster salaries go as low as $33,000. Higher-end pet food tasters can earn as much as $52,000. Pet food tasters use part of their salaries stocking their labcoats with a generous supply of breath mints. Allison said he has water on hand to drink after every sample and always carries gum.

Training

Food tasters are paid for their specialized palate. They train their palates like athletes train their limbs, according to taste panel arranger, Fred Caporaso, in the Fox News article, Professional Taster. Caporaso serves as director of Chapman University's Sensory Evaluation Laboratory. He hires food tasters with aptitude who have a sharper than usual palate.

Tags: food taster, food taster, according careerplanner, food drink, food taster salary, Food tasters, food tasters

Vegetable Cooking Games

Vegetable cooking games can be fun and educational for kids.

Vegetable cooking games can be a useful tool for kids and adults to help them learn about healthy non-meat food recipes. These educational titles use animation and simple computer mouse actions to guide kids in the preparation of these types of food dishes. You may want to consider having your kids play some of these vegetable cooking-related online games.

Make Chilled Vegetable Salad

This is a brief instructional cooking game that shows you prepare a chilled vegetable salad via a series of interactive steps. Ingredients and instructions are highlighted for you to follow with point and click actions. Items are then cut and cooked until completion. You can also print the recipe for your personal use. Find this free game through the 123Peppy.com website.

Prepare the Vegetables

Kids can prepare vegetable salads and dishes by playing this free online PC game through MyGames4Girls.com. Use your computer mouse to cut, chop, mix and cook vegetables to make delicious dishes. Each game round is timed at about three minutes. The game gives tips on perform each of the tasks.

Make Vegetable Manchurian

This is an interactive cooking game that shows you the steps to make the vegetable Manchurian dish. Point and click the appropriate ingredients displayed in the on-screen instructions. Interact with the cooking utensils and equipment to complete preparation of the dish. You can also print out the recipe for use at home. Find this game through the iGameFlash.com website.

Cooking Show - Lasagna

Lasagna is a favorite Italian dish that many kids love. This vegetarian-friendly interactive game illustrates the steps for preparing a non-meat lasagna dish. Using point-and-click mouse actions, prepare the ingredients for the lasagna by cutting, dicing and grating vegetables. The lasagna cooks in a virtual oven and you remove it when finished. Try this game through Games-Free-Online.net.

Tags: game through, also print, also print recipe, computer mouse, cooking game, cooking game that

Make A Simple Moonshine Still At Home

Brewing a jug of moonshine has romantic roots.

The recipe sounds simple enough: Mix yeast and molasses with water and let the mixture ferment until it becomes a bubbling cauldron of high-powered booze that is guaranteed to leave drinkers hungover the following morning. Technicalities aside, brewing a jug of moonshine has romantic roots. From rural Tennessee stills to law-flaunting Prohibition hooch runners, homemade mash has filled the world's alcohol gaps when, for one reason or another, availability, cash and laws have injected themselves between people and their favorite brew. Always looking to circumvent these roadblocks, brewers found unique ways to get their fixes. The most practical has been a do-it-yourself approach to mixing up private-label stock. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Check local, state, federal and national statutes to make sure you won't break any laws by building a still to prepare your blend. Most states have prohibitions against making alcoholic beverages that exceed a specific proof, so adhere to those restrictions.

2. Drill a hole in the Crock-Pot lid, and feed one end of the copper tubing into the pot via the hole.

3. Fasten the plastic top to the milk bottle.

4. Carve out a large hole to be used for feeding ice into the container. Puncture the bottle top and feed the tubing into the bottle, then out the side of the bottle--approximately 2 inches from the bottom.

5. Feed the end of the tubing into the jug where you plan to keep your homemade brew.

6. Use waterproof seal to fill any gaps around the tubing where it feeds into both lids.

7. Blow into the tubing to make sure there are no obstructions, then fill the steamer/Crock-Pot with your ingredients (see Resources). Fill 2/3 of the milk bottle with ice cubes.

8. Cook the blend between 173 and 200 degrees F. If you don't plan to monitor the distilling process closely, rig up your still outside on a stone surface--and away from all flammable materials--in case the brew runs over or catches fire.

9. Discard the first few ounces to avoid ingesting impurities the still produces when it begins to brew the beverage.

10. Add ice to the milk bottle throughout the distilling process so the plastic doesn't melt.

11. Sample the brew frequently for taste and quality.

12. Turn off the still (wear gloves) when you start to taste nothing but water, and dump the residue. Add a fresh batch of ingredients and make the next batch.

13. When the beverage is cool, put a piece of charcoal between paper coffee filters arranged in a large strainer or funnel and purify the liquor.

Tags: milk bottle, tubing into, distilling process, make sure, moonshine romantic, moonshine romantic roots

Quit Being A Vegan

If you have been questioning your decision to become a vegan, perhaps it's time to go about introducing animal products back into your diet. Depending on your reasons for becoming a vegan in the first place, this could be a delicate process. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Remember why you became a vegan. Maybe your parents raised you that way, or maybe you are sensitive to the way animals raised for food consumption are treated. On the other hand, perhaps you are following a vegan diet for the health benefits.

2. Find animal products grown by local farmers who are sensitive to animals, treat animals with respect and slaughter them while inflicting the least amount of pain possible. This will help ease your conscience if you became a vegan for the animals. If you would rather stay away from animal products with hormones, purchase organic dairy foods, eggs and meats.

3. Introduce animal products back into your diet in small amounts so that you don't upset your stomach. If you drink a gallon of milk and eat a big steak on your first day, you will probably end up with gas, bloating and constipation. In addition, it may take your palate some time to adjust to the flavor of animal products again.

4. Research the health benefits of drinking nonfat milk and eating baked or grilled lean meats. In addition to beans and whole grains, animal products contain protein, which is excellent for building muscle mass and providing energy for people with a high activity level.

5. Learn introduce animal products back into your diet in a healthy way, without going overboard on fat content. Animal products can definitely be a part of a healthy and low-fat diet.

Tags: animal products, animal products, animal products back, back into, back into your

Cooking Time For Roast Turkey Breast

If you are only planning to have a few guests over for turkey, or if all of your guests prefer white meat to dark, roasting a turkey breast rather than the whole bird may be a good decision. The breast of a turkey takes considerably less time to roast than does a whole bird. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Turkey Breast Facts

Turkey breasts usually weigh between 4 and 12 pounds. You can find frozen breasts in most supermarkets, but if you have a source for fresh whole turkeys, you may also be able to get a turkey breast from that vendor.

Safe Thawing

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed useful guidelines for safely thawing and roasting a turkey breast. You can thaw a frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

In the refrigerator, a frozen breast will take about one day for every 4 lbs. to thaw. Thus, a 12 lb. turkey breast will take about three days to thaw. A breast will thaw faster if you put it into the kitchen sink and fill the sink with cold water, changing the water every half hour. This method will thaw your bird at the rate of about a ½ lb. per hour. You can also thaw the turkey breast in your microwave oven. Consult the owner's manual to find out how big a breast you can safely thaw in it. Take the wrapping off and put the breast in a microwave-safe container.

Getting Ready to Roast

When you've thawed your turkey breast, it's ready to roast. Preheat the oven to at least 325 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the lowest temperature the USDA recommends. If you didn't thaw the turkey breast in the microwave, take its wrappings off, dry it inside and out with paper towels, season it and put it on a rack in an open roasting pan.

Cooking Times

According to the USDA, the cooking time for a 4- to 8-lb., unstuffed turkey breast is between 1 ½ and 3 ¼ hours at 325 degrees. Generally, you wouldn't stuff a breast weighing less than 6 lbs. For a stuffed breast weighing between 6 and 8 lbs., the roasting time would range from 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours at the same temperature.

Internal Temperature

You may feel supremely confident that your bird will be done when the suggested time has elapsed, but for safety's sake, check the temperature of the breast meat before you take it out of the oven. The USDA recommends you roast your bird to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tags: turkey breast, turkey breast, breast will, your bird, breast weighing, breast will take, cold water

Ideas For Travel Trailer Living

Get your travel trailer into shape for a better travel experience.

Learn how travel trailers towed behind cars are not just vacation homes, but offer low-cost, year-around housing. Modern mobile homes vary from the classic Airstream with a total of 98 square feet of available space, to larger luxury models. Ideas for travel trailer living include remodeling them into compact homes with room for office spaces, craft supplies and even a traveling store.

D cor Ideas

Factory set ups leave a lot to be desired in terms of d cor. Consider remodeling your trailer and optimizing the placement of fixtures to customize to your needs. Painting the walls in light shades and adding matching cushion covers and curtains brightens the trailer. Plenty of pillows in toning shades offer comfort for seating and sleeping in tight spaces. Replace the carpet with vinyl or cork tiles, adding removable rugs for winter warmth, or anything which cleans up fast and feels comfortable to bare feet. To give the illusion of an extra window, mount a framed mirror opposite an existing window. Mirrored portions of walls reflect light and make the living space seem larger than it is.

Space Saving Ideas

To maximize the amount of living space, try replacing the fixed furniture. Typical factory-installed dinette sets up take up far too much room and cannot be folded away when not in use. Replace it with a folding model or table top and legs which can be neatly stowed away between meals. Replace the fold-out sofa with fitted seating units which follow the shape of the walls, leaving an empty central space. These are made from plywood with storage bins underneath and topped with the more modern memory foam cushions. For extreme space saving, a wooden or metal rod serves as a closet. For compact kitchens, wall mounted perforated steel sheets sold by metal-supply shops and cut to size use every inch of space to hang items like cookware. Add storage shelves of varying width everywhere, especially in the unused spaces above doors and windows. At permanent sites, build a high deck for use as an extra outside room and park your car underneath it. Add an awning for roadside and overnight stops.

Power Ideas

Back up your grid electricity hook-up with renewable and free solar power. Solar panels installed on the roof with storage batteries hidden away, but sufficiently vented, offer an alternative source of power for stops at locations such as deserted beaches. Local RV centers are good sources of information on this system; some will offer to install the system for you. You may not be able to power the AC, TV and microwave from these batteries, but still have power for lighting, swamp coolers and radios in remote places. To save power on daytime lighting, install a large central and translucent skylight.

Tags: living space, with storage

Cook Oats In A Rice Cooker

Cook Oats in a Rice Cooker

The traditional stove top method for preparing slow-cooked oats results in a luxurious, velvety consistency, but as the name suggests, it's a method that can take awhile. If you enjoy slow-cooked oats but prefer to not spend hours waiting for the perfect, creamy texture to develop on the stove, there is an alternate. Use a countertop electric rice cooker instead, which provides a quick, convenient and automated way to make a tasty batch of slow-cooked oats. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place 1 cup steel-cut oats, 2 1/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon each of vanilla and cinnamon, a pinch of fine-ground sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the rice cooker's metal bowl. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

2. Sprinkle 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries on top of the oats in the rice cooker.

3. Place the lid on the rice cooker.

4. Turn on the rice cooker. Choose the porridge setting on the cooker if it has one. If not, place the rice cooker to the "cook" setting.

5. Stir the mixture using a wooden spoon once the oats have cooked for approximately 20 minutes. Depending on your machine, the total cooking time can vary between 30 to 45 minutes. If you are using a rice cooker without a porridge setting, a sensor will determine when the right amount of liquid has been absorbed and the cooker will turn off automatically when the oats are done. If the cooker does use a porridge setting, the rice cooker will either turn itself off or it will buzz to let you know when the cooking cycle is over.

6. Sprinkle the finished oats with chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts and serve warm.

Tags: rice cooker, porridge setting, slow-cooked oats, Cook Oats, Cook Oats Rice, cooker will, Oats Rice

Call Turkeys

You may think that you can call a turkey simply by standing in the middle of the woods and yelling, "Gobble, gobble!" Believe it or not, most turkeys are too smart to fall for it. Instead, a better way to call turkeys is to make one of the noises they actually recognize. If you just don't have the voice talent to do it the old-fashioned way, there are plenty of turkey calls on the market that can help you. Just check your local outdoor-supply shop.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Go out at the right time of year. The easiest way to call a turkey is by making the sounds a hen uses to attract mates. However, this only works during mating season. At other times of year, the turkeys are likely to ignore you completely. So plan to hunt in the spring if you want to attract gobblers (male turkeys).

2. Buy a call. The easiest call to use is a shaker, which mimics a turkey when you shake it up and down in rapid succession. It can make different sounds depending on how much and how fast air passes through it. Make sure it has a silencer so it won't continue to make noise when you're walking around or taking off for the day.

3. Practice using your call at home so you don't end up looking silly in front of your friends. The mating call sounds like three yelps, getting successively higher in pitch, with two short and lower-pitched tones following it. If you're not sure what this should sound like, visit the National Wild Turkey Federation's website and listen to the example of the "plain yelp" and then the "cluck." If you're really good, you can learn to make the sounds with your mouth.

4. Be patient. Using a turkey call once won't send a gobbler running straight to you. You'll have to sit still and listen for one to answer you back. Then go out and look for it, moving slowly and carefully as to not scare the gobbler away. If you just sit and make the call over and over, you're more likely to attract other hunters than turkeys.

Tags: call turkey, easiest call

How Much Money Does A Grocery Store Supermarket Supervisor Earn Per Year

Grocery supervisors earn full-time salaries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clerks and cashiers fill approximately fifty percent of supermarket jobs. However, grocery stores employ supervisors and managers in a number of higher-paid positions, including sales supervisor, food preparation supervisor, assistant store manager and store manager. Although cashiers average fewer than 30 hours weekly, most supervisors work at least full time. Factors affecting their average salaries include the type of supervisory position and the job location.

Sales Supervisors' Average Salary

Grocery store sales supervisors supervise the workers in the various areas, including meat, produce and so on. They earned an average annual income of $38,000 as of 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS included 129,940 supermarket supervisors in its 2009 study.

Comparison with Other Retail Supervisors

According to the BLS, the average annual income of retail supervisors in all industries came to $39,130 as of 2009, or $1,130 more than the average grocery supervisor. Supervisors in general merchandise stores averaged $31,480 per year, while clothing store supervisors averaged $37,940 per year. Department store supervisors averaged $32,190 per year.

Food Preparation Supervisors

Many grocery stores include butcher, bakery, deli or other food preparation departments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24,220 supervisors of food preparation and serving were working in grocery stores nationwide as of 2009. Their average salary in grocery stores came to $35,120 per year, compared to an average of $31,770 for food preparation supervisors in all industries. The largest employer of food preparation supervisors, limited service restaurants, paid an average of $28,580 per year, while full-service restaurants paid an average of $34,290.

Grocery Supervisor Salaries by City

Salary Expert provides wage information for grocery supervisors in major metropolitan areas. As of May 2011, the average salary for supervisors in Los Angeles comes to $54,610 per year, while those in Miami earn $55,005. Supervisors in Dallas earn $52,314 on average, and those in Charlotte average $47,579 annually. Salaries are even higher in the New York-Manhattan area, where grocery supervisors receive an average annual income of $61,550.

Grocery Store Assistant Managers and Managers

A grocery store assistant manager helps the manager with everyday store processes. Most jobs require a high school education plus two or more years of experience. According to Salary.com, as of May 2011 the median salary for a grocery assistant manager is $48,820. A store manager usually has a bachelor's degree and five or more years experience. According to Salary.com, the median salary for a grocery store manager comes to $68,373.

Job Outlook

The BLS expects little, if any, job growth in supermarkets from 2008 to 2011 as the population continues to purchase more food in superstores, warehouse stores and restaurants. In addition, the grocery business will become more efficient as supermarkets combine and some chains close. Entry-level and part-time jobs will be abundant due to fast turnover, however. Employees with college training and strong communication and business skills will have good opportunities to advance to supervisor or manager positions.

Tags: food preparation, grocery stores, store manager, annual income, average annual

Incorporate Cracked Wheat Into A Diet

Cracked wheat, a whole grain, is a good alternative to white rice or other starchy foods and is high in fiber, minerals and vitamins. It is usually available in bulk at your local health food store, in fine, medium and coarse grades. It is raw, and very different from other forms of wheat, such as bulgar, which is cooked and dried before it is sold. Learn here incorporate it into your diet and flavor it to your taste.

Instructions

1. Start small, with one serving a day. Try it as a hot cereal with honey. Refrigerate it and put a tablespoon in your favorite blended fruit smoothie. Try some bread made with cracked wheat. Easing whole grains into your diet slowly will not be taxing to your digestive system.

2. Find where you can substitute whole grains in your diet. For instance, if you eat a bagel in the morning, choose a whole wheat bagel. Many whole wheat products contain cracked wheat. Ditch the hero roll and make your sandwich with cracked wheat bread instead.

3. Start incorporating cracked wheat into your meals. Do some research. Serve cracked wheat bread as a side dish to your meal. Cook some cracked wheat and add it to your vegetable dishes. Snack on crackers made with cracked wheat.

4. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day. This will decrease any side effects of adding more fiber to your diet.

Tags: cracked wheat, your diet, into your, with cracked, with cracked wheat

Healthy Meat & Vegetable Diet

A healthy meat and vegetable diet includes red meats and poultry and a variety of fresh vegetables. Meats provide proteins and iron, while vegetables contain a variety of vitamins and minerals needed for the body. A healthy meat and vegetable diet boosts the immune system and helps maintain overall health.

Choosing Meats

Choosing lean meats is key to a healthy meat diet, which includes red meat. Red meat is not necessarily bad, even for those with high cholesterol or heart disease. Choosing the right cut and portion size is key. "Lean" meats mean it contains less than 10g of fat per 3-oz. serving and "extra lean" means less than 5g of fat. Choose ground beef with 5 percent or less fat, usually notated as 95/5 or 97/3. For cuts of beef, choose round or sirloin, which have the lowest fat content. While T-bone and ribeye contain the highest fat, a 3-oz. portion is still considered lean, as it has just 8g of fat. Beef provides the body with zinc, protein and iron.

Other meats that fit a healthy diet include chicken, turkey and venison. Chicken breast and turkey provide the leanest fat content with all the health benefits of protein, niacin, selenium, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. Venison is not often found, but contains just 3g of fat per 3 oz. Venison contains the same nutrients as chicken and turkey as well as zinc, copper and iron.

Choosing Vegetables

The guideline with vegetables is to include the "rainbow on your plate." Red vegetables like red bell peppers, red cabbage and beets contain lycopene linked to reduce the risk of certain cancers and contain antioxidants to protect cells from damage. Orange and yellow vegetables contain vitamin A needed for healthy skin and eyes. Orange and yellow vegetables get their color from carotenoid, which is good for heart health and to reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Green vegetables have lutein, folate and vitamin B. The high chlorophyll content is also beneficial for reducing stomach acids. Blue and purple vegetables contain antioxidants that protect from cell damage and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. White vegetables, like ginger root and onions help lower blood pressure and may help reduce the risk of stomach cancer and heart disease.

Tags: reduce risk, heart disease, vegetables contain, cancer heart, cancer heart disease

Least Messy Way To Get Rid Of Ants

Clean up ant problems without making a mess.

Ants march one by one in an orderly fashion, but there is nothing orderly about waking up to an ant infestation in your kitchen or outside your front door. Liquid or aerosol pesticides can be harmful and sloppy. Eliminate ants the cleanest way with a treatment that is non-toxic, soft and silky to touch and can be cleaned up with your household vacuum. Treating ant problems with fossilized remains of microscopic shells, called Diatomaceous Earth, will leave your house cleaner after treatment than it was when the ants came marching in. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Apply Diatomaceous Earth to cracks and crevices in interior walls and areas where ants may be coming in from outside such as vents and interior door jambs.

2. Apply Diatomaceous Earth to interior carpets, upholstry and pet bedding.

3. Vacuuming removes the ant treatment, food particles and dead ants.

Leave the powder in place for an hour and then vacuum thoroughly.

4. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth outside around the foundation of your home, in spots where ants may be entering including door and window frames and directly on ant piles. It is safe to sprinkle by hand.

5. Keep your grass free of pests and ready for fun.

Cover large areas of the yard or walkways by spreading Diatomaceous Earth with a garden duster.

6. Reapply after a rain because the powder works by dehydrating ants and is only effective when dry.

Tags: Diatomaceous Earth, Apply Diatomaceous, Apply Diatomaceous Earth, where ants

Decorate A Candy Store

You might have the best candy in the world, but if the store you sell it in is not pleasant and inviting, customers will not come to buy your delicious treats. The ambiance of a retail establishment is nearly as important as the products sold. The way you choose to decorate your candy store will determine the level of your success. Try these ideas when decorating your candy store.

Instructions

1. Hire consultants with retail experience to design and help you implement your overall design. They can do the market research and find the decor that will give your candy store the personality you mean it to have.

2. Use your own creative personality to decorate. If you are a single small business owner, let people know that by creating a place that is unique and inviting. Use the things that make you smile to pass that same feeling on to your customers.

3. Stick to a theme throughout the store. For example, if you love sailing, give your place a nautical theme and decorate with boating items such as sails, fishing nets, lifesavers, and so on. If your chocolate comes from Europe, decorate in a Parisian or Italian decor.

4. Consider your market. If you want to attract families with children, give the kids a reason to want to come to your place instead of getting their candy at the grocery store. Children will push their parents to go where they want to go. Install interactive rides or games in the store. Decorate with animals or popular cartoon figures.

5. Keep your store clean. Dust and deep clean all your decorations regularly. Old, worn-out or dusty decorations give a store a dumpy, unappealing look. Change the decor every few years to keep it fresh and give your customers new things to look at as they shop.

Tags: give your, your candy, your candy store, candy store, come your, your customers

Trap Baby Chickens

Baby chicks are fast runners so be prepared to trap it

Baby chickens require careful looking after. Maintaining the correct incubation, feeding, watering and providing a suitable environment for their growth are considerations you need to make. Whether you are a farmer with a flock of chicks or if you have just bought a chick as a pet, if your chick escapes don't run around like a headless chicken trying to catch it. Follow some simple steps to avoid it coming to harm and restore it to its best environment for care.

Instructions

Try Different Techniques

1. Before running after the chick, assess the area in which it is loose. Do you need to erect a barrier to stop it from escaping further out of the farmhouse or front door of your house, for example? If so, get a flattened cardboard box and place it vertically in the gap to prevent the baby chick from escaping further.

2. Ask yourself if there are dangers present. Is there a fire or any sharp objects that the baby chick may collide with and cause itself injury? If so remove them to avoid injury to the chick.

3. If the area is secure, try approaching the baby chick and catching it manually. If it is less than 21 days old, it may be too small to runaway from you and you can simply scoop it beneath it's body and return it to it's home.

4. If the baby chick still escapes, try cornering it with a friend. This way you will not need any further equipment and will minimise the time needed to catch the baby chicken. You can use a flattened piece of cardboard to edge it into a corner. Or each person moves towards a corner of the area the baby chick has escaped, encouraging the chick to back into the corner. You can then scoop it up manually and return it to its home.

5. If the baby chick is still too quick or outdoors, you can try using a net to catch it. You may have a basic net in the house such as a net for catching fish which will give your arm an extension to reach the chick. However if you don't have one you can easily make one using a piece of wood, such as that of a sweeping brush. Attach a net to the end of the artificial arm to form a bag to catch the baby chick. Approach the baby chick slowly to avoid startling it and then quickly place the net over it's head. Be careful not to hit the chick.

6. Another method to catch it is to feed it. Get a plastic tub filed with grain. Shake the tub to try to grab the attention of the baby chick. Place some grain on the ground. When it pecks at the grain, you can firmly snoop up the baby chick while it is distracted.

7. Once your baby chick is caught make sure it is now secure. Consider building a new chicken coop that is more secure. Backyard Chickens provides over 450 different coop designs to ensure your chickens are kept safe.

Tags: baby chick, baby chick still, catch baby, chick still, escaping further, from escaping, from escaping further

Cook Pastured Turkey

Pastured turkeys are turkeys that were raised on free-range farms and ate naturally occuring foods like grass, insects and plants. Unlike commercial turkey farms, where turkeys are cramped together in tight quarters, fed commercial grain feeds and pumped full of antibiotics to keep them healthy, pastured birds lived relatively stress-free lives and used the gifts of mother nature for food. These natural turkeys are said to be better tasting and more nutritious than commercial turkeys. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Cooking Your Pastured Turkey

1. Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees. Rinse your turkey with cold water and pat it dry. Place it in the roasting pan breast-side-up.

2. Season and stuff the turkey as desired and place it, uncovered, in a 325-degree oven.

For extra delicious flavor, try lightly lifting the skin above the breast and inserting seasonings like lemon slices, garlic cloves or rosemary leaves beneath the skin in addition to seasoning the outside of the turkey.

3. Cook the turkey for 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees by using your meat thermometer.

An 18-pound pastured turkey will take approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4.5 hours to cook. If you desire, use a baster to occasionally baste the bird in its own juices.

4. Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to sit for approximately 20 minutes before carving.

If desired, utilize the juices and fat that remain in the bottom of the roasting pan to make delicious homemade gravy.

Tags: Pastured Turkey

Gain Weight For A Low Carb Diabetic

Gaining weight can be challenging if you are a diabetic on a low-carb diet. If you are underweight and seeking to gain lean muscle mass in a healthful manner, then you will need to increase your calories from protein sources, not carbohydrates. It can be challenging to gain weight from protein and fat, but the weight you gain will be healthy, not fattening. Focus on following a low carb diet that emphasizes a lot of calories and do some weight training for serious muscle growth.

Instructions

Low Carb Foods

1. Drink two high-calorie protein shakes per day. Each shake should contain at least 250 calories, mostly from protein. You can blend in milk to make the shakes extra dense. Low- or no-carb protein shakes are best for a diabetic, since too much sugar will increase your glucose levels. You can purchase protein shakes or powder from a health food store or online.

2. Add healthy oils to your salads and dishes. Olive oil, raw coconut oil and flaxseed oil are great for adding calories without carbs. Each tablespoon of oil is about 120 calories and will not raise your blood sugar levels. You can also put the oils into your protein shakes.

3. Snack on mixed nuts throughout the day. Nuts are low-carb and the fat in them will add calories. This will help you gain weight without having to eat a large quantity of food. Put natural peanut butter on celery for a quick snack.

4. Consume lean meats and eggs. Lean steak, chicken and fish are healthy low-carb choices, and if you add a few tablespoons of oil, you will make the meal calorie dense while keeping your blood sugar levels down.

5. Focus on weight training three times a week. Do a low number of reps with heavy weights to add muscle to your frame. Cut back on your cardio to conserve your calories.

Tags: protein shakes, from protein, blood sugar, blood sugar levels, increase your, sugar levels

Store Dry Goods In Bulk

Storing bulk food properly for use at a later time is both convenient and prudent. Knowing you have food "put by" provides peace of mind and saves money. The cost of food is rising continuously and buying in bulk allows you to buy at today's prices avoiding costly trips to the supermarket and higher food prices in the future. Read this article to learn store bulk food. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Storing bulk food in food-grade white plastic buckets with airtight lids is the best way to store most dry goods. Flour, sugar, rice, potato flakes, dry beans, soup mixes, powdered eggs, powdered milk, oatmeal, hard winter wheat, pancake mix, salt, noodles and cereals all do well being stored in a cool dry place. Ask for buckets with lids at delis and bakeries; most times they will give them to you free of charge and they are food grade.

2. Investing in a dehydrator will allow you to dry out all kinds of fruit snacks such as banana chips and apple chips, which may then be stored in white plastic buckets with airtight lids along with the rest of your bulk food. Dehydrated food can last for years.

3. Placing bay leaves into the buckets containing flour and other cereal products will prevent weevils hatching. All cereal products contain insect eggs--it's a fact that cannot be changed. Preventing the eggs from hatching will ensure your product stays good for consumption. Storing in a cool dry place such as a cellar will also prevent the insect eggs from hatching and ruining your product.

Tags: bulk food, buckets with, airtight lids, buckets with airtight, cereal products, cool place, eggs from

Spikenard Plants

The American spikenard, Aralia racemosa, is a perennial flowering bush that is widely distributed in North America. The plant has played an important role in Native American medicine and every part of the plant has been utilized in some way to provide medicinal effects, according to the Texas A&M University Horticulture website. The spikenard plant is closely related to the wild sarsaparilla, which has also been used regularly because of its aromatic roots, which are similar to the spikenard. Does this Spark an idea?

Appearance

The American spikenard is a tall plant with red and purple berries and greenish-white flowers. The plant can reach heights of up to 10 feet and can grow 5 feet in width. The flowers bloom each summer, generally in the months of July and August. The flowers grow in clusters on the bushy stems. The leaves of the spikenard are large, dark green to red and hang from wide limbs.

Distribution

The spikenard grows from central Canada in the north to parts of Virginia and Georgia in the southern United States. The plant also grows throughout the west, although Texas does not have many spikenard plants with the exception of the ones that grow in thickets in the higher altitudes of the Trans-Pecos region, or the farthest western portion of the state. In fact, the only state in the United States that some form of the spikenard does not grow is in Nevada, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.

Medicinal Uses

The medicinal uses of the spikenard plant are extensive. Native Americans first used the spikenard for various conditions that included making a tea from the plant to treat back pain and gas. The spikenard was also used in a concoction to relieve coughing, asthma and angina among the Shawnee tribes.

Women in various tribes drank spikenard tea to make childbirth quicker and less painful. The Micmac Indians made a salve from the spikenard to treat topical wounds, and the Ojibwas used it to treat broken bones, according to the Herbs 2000 website.

Settlers used the juice from the berries to cure earaches and it was believed it could cure the deaf. Blood purification was thought to be a side effect of spikenard, making it an acceptable medicine in those days for syphilis, rheumatism and gout.

Tags: American spikenard, spikenard plant, United States

Make A Clorox Wash

A Clorox wash both disinfects and removes stains.

Think of Clorox bleach and thoughts of laundry, specifically white colored clothing, often come to mind. While this bleach product removes stains, it also has other helpful everyday functions as well. For example, you can make your own Clorox wash to disinfect items around your house such as kitchen utensils, gardening tools and children's toys. All you need to make this Clorox wash is the bleach itself, a little water, and a few household items. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill a bowl with one gallon of water. Use a measuring cup or equally sized container (i.e. empty milk container) if necessary to make an accurate measurement.

2. Fill a measuring cup with 3/4 cup of Clorox bleach.

3. Dip a sponge into the Clorox bleach wash and wipe down all items that need disinfecting. Thoroughly wipe until the item is cleaned. Wait five minutes after wiping to allow the wash to take effect and kill harmful germs and bacteria.

4. Wash the item with water to remove the bleach. Air dry the item and allow it to completely dry. Once dry, you can use the item again as usual.

Tags: Clorox bleach, Clorox wash, removes stains

Ayurvedic Medicines

Ayurvedic Medicines

Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and has evolved over several thousand years. As one of the world's oldest medical systems, Ayurvedic medicine predates written records, and was handed down orally from generation to generation before being codified in texts. Using massage, herbs and specialized diets, Ayurvedic medicine is considered in the West to be an alternative or complementary medicine designed to bring the mind, body and spirit into harmony.

Geography

Ayurvedic medicine originated and continues to be practiced in India. Systematic research on Ayurvedic medicine by the Indian government began in 1969 and continues today. Ayurvedic medicine is used by most of the population in India, and it is common in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. In addition, an increasing number of people in Western countries are turning to Ayurvedic medicine as an alternative to traditional medicine.

Function

Ayurvedic medicine holds specific beliefs about the physical body, general health and preventing health problems. The general quality of a person's health is called a constitution, or prakriti. The prakriti is an unchanging combination of the psychological and physical characteristics of the person, containing three energies, called doshas: The Vata which is made up of the two elements space and air; the Pitta, which is made up of fire and water; and the Kapha, which is made up of water and earth. These doshas are believed to control the body's activities. Balancing these doshas keeps the body healthy, increases the ability to resist and recover from disease.

Exams

Ayurvedic medicine treats and prevents illness by determining the main dosha and creating balance among the three. During an exam, practitioners will ask patients about their diet, lifestyle and recent illnesses, and they will examine the patient's appearance including weight, skin, eyes, tongue, teeth, voice and pulse. Practitioners will also check the patient's urine and stool samples. Ayurvedic practitioners look for imbalances in the doshas and will create a lifestyle plan to bring the patients doshas back into harmony.

Treatment

Ayurvedic practitioners use an assortment of methods to cleanse the body, mind and spirit. Impurities are eliminated through the use of enemas, fasting, therapeutic vomiting, massage and special diets to remove undigested food from the body. This cleansing of the digestive tract is believed to prevents disruptions that can lead to disease.

Herbal tonics made from plants, and often mixed with honey, are used as medicine to treat certain conditions, increase the appetite and improve digestion. Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend making complete dietary changes or using specific foods. Exercise, stretching, meditation and yoga are recommended to relieve symptoms as well as reduce stress and create harmony.

Benefits

Ayurvedic medicine can be used to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, relieve stress, increase flexibility, relieve insomnia and ease depression. In addition, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes have been treated with this medicine. Practitioners claim that their methods also benefit obesity, inflammation, acne, insomnia, nervous disorders and ulcers.

Warning

If you are under the care of a traditional physician, consult with her prior to beginning or using an alternative medicine, including Ayurvedic medicine, to insure a coordinated and complementary treatment plan. If you takie any medications, consult a pharmacist or physician prior to taking any alternative medications as they may interact or have harmful side effects. Ayurvedic medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding by traditional physicians due to the use of the herb turmeric.

Tags: Ayurvedic medicine, Ayurvedic practitioners, which made, Ayurvedic medicine originated, Ayurvedic medicine used, Ayurvedic Medicines, into harmony

Burdock Side Effects

Burdock is a plant whose parts are used as an herbal nutritional supplement. Some people have used this herb to treat diabetes, hair loss and arthritis. The health benefits of burdock have not been extensively studied by scientists.

Allergic Reactions

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, allergic skin reactions have occurred in some people who used burdock plasters on their skin or touched the plant with bare hands.

Tannins

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, burdock has tannins that may be toxic and may cause an upset stomach, liver problems and kidney disorders.

Warnings

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, burdock may increase or decrease blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. HIV patients have reported diuretic effects while using burdock.

Root Tea Poisoning

According to Drugs.com, burdock root tea poisoning has been reported with unusual nervous system side effects, rashes and dryness of the nose and mouth.

Drug Interactions

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, burdock may enhance the diuretic effects of diuretic drugs and may increase the estrogenic effects of some birth control pills.

Tags: According National, According National Library, Library Medicine, National Library, National Library Medicine, Library Medicine burdock

Raw Shea Butter Vs Processed Shea Butter

Shea butter hails from countries in Western Africa.

Since the 1st century BC, raw shea butter has been integral to African skin care, cooking and everyday living. Derived from the shea fruit (Butyrospermum parkii), the butter is native to places like Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal. Also known as Karit , the seeds are used to produce the raw butter and a more refined cream. Though both products are primarily exported to European and American cosmetic manufacturers, raw shea butter is also used in Japan's food industry. Does this Spark an idea?

Raw Shea Butter

In its raw state, shea butter is yellow dough-like paste that has a strong nutty odor. To produce the butter, the seeds are fermented, washed, sun-dried and roasted in a large kiln. Afterward, they're ground into a fine powder, and mixed with water to produce a thick mud-like paste. An hour of vigorous stirring separates the fat from the rest of the mixture; it's skimmed off the top, boiled and cooled to produce raw shea butter.

Processed Shea Butter

Through processing, shea butter can be refined to a scentless white cream. The refined butter is produced by heating the shea nuts to higher temperatures with the use of hexane, a special petroleum-based fuel. Hexane can help to extract more of the fats from the nut, bleach the color and remove most of the odor. As a result, processed shea butter has a smoother and silkier texture than the raw butter.

Benefits

Raw shea butter is more nutrient-rich than the processed butter; it's high in Vitamin A and E, both of which help nourish the skin. Additionally, there are significant amounts of phytosterols, triterpenes, fatty esters and phenolic acids in the raw butter, which is good for cellular protection, so raw shea butter is used to protect the skin from UV rays. Due to the refining process, processed shea butter has approximately 75 percent less nutrients than its raw counterpart, according to a April 2011 article in Health Tourism Magazine. However, the white butter can make skin and hair softer, as it penetrates cells easily, helping them retain moisture.

Uses

Unrefined shea butter can substitute for palm and vegetable oils in Japanese food manufacturing and local cuisines. The lower grades of the raw butter can be used to heat lamps and as a sealant for waterproofing houses. Some cosmetic firms use raw butter for ointments, soaps and hair treatments, but many European and American firms opt for refined shea butter for high-end creams, lip balms and bath oils. Processed shea butter is not used for cooking, due to traces of hexane, which can be evident after the refining procedure.

Tags: shea butter, butter used, shea butter, butter more, European American, Processed Shea

Grind Rice Flour In A Vitamix Blender

Rice flour is made from brown rice, basmati rice or jasmine rice.

Rice flour is a substitute flour for many products, often as a gluten-free option. Any rice, whether brown or white, is possible to make into rice flour. Vita-Mix blenders are powerful blending options that make grinding the rice flour quick and effective. Once the flour is ground, use it in baking projects, such as for cakes, breads or pastries. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place the rice in a strainer and run water over it to rinse it. This removes any rocks or dust from the rice. Pour the rice into a pot or bowl and cover it with water. Allow it to soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Pour the water and rice back into the strainer to drain the water away. Shake the strainer gently to remove as much water as possible.

3. Place the rice on paper towels and spread it out. The paper towels will drain excess water from the rice, while spreading it will allow the rice to dry. Let it sit until the rice is dry. Drying times will differ depending on the rice. Put a fan on the rice to speed drying times as preferred.

4. Put the rice into the Vita-Mix blender. Pour enough rice into the blender to cover the blades, but avoid overfilling the blender. Pouring about 1 to 2 cups of rice at a time is ideal.

5. Plug in the blender and turn it to "Grind." Watch the rice grind into flour. A Vita-Mix blender is powerful, so it should only take a minute or two to grind the rice. Pour the flour out of the blender and into a container, such as a bowl. Repeat the process until all of the rice is flour or until there is enough rice flour for personal needs.

Tags: rice flour, rice into, enough rice, flour Vita-Mix, from rice, paper towels