Farm Tax Deductions

Farmers are in the business to make money. Whether they raise livestock or grow vegetables, they are working to earn a living for themselves and their families. Like any businesspeople, farmers use permissible deductions to reduce their taxable income and their overall tax liability.

Farm Business Expenses

The Internal Revenue Service allows a deduction for any expense necessary for the business to operate. This may include a proportional amount of the living expenses for the farmers themselves. Most farms include the farmer's personal residence, which is indistinguishable from the farm itself. A comparative amount of the utilities, depreciation and loan interest is included in the expenses for operation of the farm, while the remaining is not deductible as it relates to personal expenses.

Equipment Purchases

Farmers need equipment and tools to remain in business. They can deduct the cost of these purchases and the total ancillary costs associated with the purchase to get the item ready for its intended use. Farmers usually deduct, or depreciate the equipment over its useful life rather than in the year of purchase.

Section 179 Expense

The Section 179 expense is an alternative to the depreciation method previously mentioned. The Internal Revenue Service understands the necessity of equipment to stimulate growth in businesses. Without new and efficient equipment, many businesses cannot continue to move forward. To help facilitate expansion, they implemented the Section 179 expense allowing companies the ability to deduct the full cost of equipment in the year of purchase. For the 2010 tax year, the Internal Revenue Service limits this deduction to a cap of $500,000; however, this deduction is subject to change each tax year.

Income Averaging

Farmers make money sporadically throughout the year. Many times the money they make is from the fruits of their labor from prior years. In order to alleviate a tax bill that is just as sporadic as their income, they can deduct this income from the current year and allocate it to the three prior years. Moving income to a prior year that contained a loss allows the farmer to reduce taxes in the current year, while not affecting their tax liability in a prior year.

Non-Deductible Expenses

Most farmers take out loans to operate their farms. Their income is intermittent and daily operations require a daily infusion of cash. Bank loans help to fill the cash-flow gap created and keep the farm running smoothly. The deduction of payments made to service the loan is limited to the interest only. Principle payments are not deductible as they are a return of capital to the lending institution and not an expense to the farm itself.

Tags: Internal Revenue, Internal Revenue Service, Revenue Service, current year, farm itself, make money

Job Fields Related To Cake Decorating

Catering chefs often create wedding cakes for clients.

If you've got an eye for style, a keen sense of design and solid baking skills, you have many career options in the cooking and baking fields. While many people start out baking and decorating cakes in their home kitchens, elite bakers can go on to have careers as cake decorators, catering chefs or instructors. All of these careers keep the cook in the kitchen, working on cakes.

Cake Decorator

A cake decorator applies the final designs to a cake based on a client's wishes. Typically, a cake decorator discusses the style for the cake directly with the client, taking notes on colors, shape, size and design. The cake decorator then blends icing and frosting to create the right colors and consistency, and applies the icing or frosting to a base cake baked by a baker. The decorator also applies finishing touches such as candles, flowers, beads or glitter to give the cake a polished look.

Baker

A baker creates the cake for finished decorated cake projects. The baker will mix and bake different types and textures of cakes and build them in different shapes and sizes to meet the client's wishes. Bakers also create a variety of other breads and deserts such as pies, cupcakes and pastries. Many bakers work in bakeries either attached to grocery stores or independent venues. Some bakers also travel with catering companies.

Catering Chef

A catering chef creates full menus for private clients. Catering chefs focus on a wide range of food and work in a variety of different settings. For example, a catering chef may create a Mexican themed dinner for a corporate function, or design the cake and appetizers for a wedding. Catering chefs travel often, working both inside and outside of the kitchen. For example, the chef may meet a client at his place of business, prep the dishes at a restaurant and set up final preparations at the client's choice of venue.

Cake Decorator Instructor

Experienced cake decorators can teach their craft to students at colleges, continuing education centers or community outreach centers. For example, culinary schools typically higher cake decorator instructors to teach both basic and advanced level courses. Cake decorator instructors typically work in a hands on setting as many classrooms come equipped with baking equipment and supplies. The cake decorator must create lesson plans, give lectures, conduct practice baking with their students and grade student's work.

Tags: cake decorator, cake decorators, catering chef, Catering chefs, client wishes, decorator instructors, design cake

Start A Candy Business

Are you known for whipping up tasty treats? Do co-workers, family or friends gush about how delicious your goodies are? Are you ready to take your hobby to the next level? If your culinary skills are reeling in the compliments, it may be time to start your own candy business. The candy business can be extremely lucrative for a committed entrepreneur with an imaginative palette. With any food service business, there are a number of regulations that must be addressed. However, don't let these discourage you.

Instructions

1. Contact your local health department about the food regulations and permits for your city. Food that is sold to the public must be made in a licensed kitchen. You may be able to get your kitchen licensed for a fee. However, it may be easier just to purchase a storefront that includes one. You will need a sales tax permit and a food service or handler license.

2. Register your business. Create a catchy name and logo for your candy company. Purchase business cards and candy bags with your company name and logo on them. If you decide to purchase a storefront and intend to hire employees, you will need to incorporate your business and apply for a federal tax identification number. Incorporating your business (as with an LLC) will offer liability protection that you wouldn't have if you operated as a sole proprietor. It's still a good idea to purchase product liability insurance. This will protect you from consumer complaints or lawsuits related to your candy.

3. Separate yourself from other candy businesses in your area. In order to break into the market, you must offer customers a reason to want to check you out. Create a business plan that identifies how you intend to stand apart from the competition. Consider how you will design and package your candy so that it is unique.

4. Purchase your candy supplies. These may include molds, trays, cellophane, bags, ribbons, ties, labels, boxes and ingredients. Visit Sugarcraft.com for an extensive list of candy supplies (see link below). For heavy-duty equipment such as ovens, refrigerators, heavy-duty mixers, shelving and display cases, visit Empirebake.com. Call (800) 878-4070 or see link below.

5. Make your candy. Create samples to place on your store counter or to take with you to craft fairs, fairs, trade shows, home parties, fundraisers and schools.

6. Promote your store. Offer 10% off or Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupons. Consider opening a website. Take clear photos of your best candy creations and post them on your website. Drop business cards off at colleges and other free community boards. List your business in local directories and on Google Maps.

Tags: your candy, your business, business cards, candy business, candy supplies

What Is A Word Processor

Word processors, in their earliest forms, were actual machines. They were a step up from typewriters in that they generally had some form of memory and would display anywhere from one to four lines of text before it was put to paper, giving typists a chance to fix their mistakes before they were committed. Some of these machines still exist, but for the most part, when someone refers to a word processor, they are referring to a computer program.

Alpha

In the style of old word processing machines, NeoSmart created the Alpha. It is a small word processor that runs on 2 AA batteries and has a four-line monochrome screen. You can hook the Alpha up to a printer or a computer through a USB cable and print or upload what you've written.

Typing

At its most basic, a word processor is a program that allows the user to type. It creates documents or any other form of printable material.

Formatting

One feature that most word processors have is formatting. Formatting allows the user to set margins, change fonts, font sizes, font colors and margins, among other things.

Forms

Most word processors have the ability to create forms, including invoices, expense reports, certificates, brochures and even business cards. Depending on the type of word processor, it may include even more forms as standard templates.

Mail Merge

Many word processors have the option to create a mail merge. This allows a list of names and addresses from another source to be imported into letters or labels, helping to automate what used to be a repetitive, time-consuming task.

Mark Up

If you're using a more advanced word processor, you should have the option to "mark up" your work or the work of another. You can make changes and track them, allowing others to see what has been done.

Programs

Common word processing programs include Microsoft Word, Open Office, Google Docs, Word Pad, Word Perfect and Works.

Tags: processors have, word processor, word processors have, allows user, have option, word processing, word processor

Get The Bag Of Giblets From The Chicken

Giblets are inside the chicken's body cavity.

Whole chickens are sold with the giblets, which include the heart, liver and gizzard, wrapped in a little paper bag. The giblets can be added to chicken gravy or sauces or made into a rich smooth pate. More squeamish cooks simply throw them away. Whatever your intention, it is best to remove the bag before roasting the whole chicken. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Defrost the chicken if frozen; the giblets are impossible to remove from a frozen carcass. Place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

An alternative is to keep the chicken in its store wrapping and place in a sink full of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. The chicken should be defrosted in 2 hours.

You could also use the defrost cycle on your microwave oven.

2. Open the plastic bag and remove the chicken. Throw out the bag. It's best to do this over the kitchen sink to catch any liquid that comes out of the bag.

3. Set the chicken on a cutting board so the breast side is up. There are two cavities in a dressed chicken. The body cavity is found between the chicken legs. Reach in and feel for the bag of giblets with your fingers. Grasp it by closing your fingers around the bag with the bag held against your palm. Pull it out of the chicken and toward you. If the bag of giblets isn't in the body cavity, it will be in the neck cavity.

4. Turn the chicken so the legs are pointing away from you. There is a small cavity where the neck was attached to the chicken. It is covered by a large flap of skin. Pull the flap up and look underneath it. Remove the bag of giblets by grasping it with your hand.

Tags: body cavity, chicken body, chicken body cavity, chicken legs, with your, your fingers

Growing Ginseng Hydroponically

Ginseng has become a popular supplement in American culture, associated with benefits like increased energy, focus and alertness. Few people consider the fact that this supplement comes from a plant-specifically from the roots of the plant. Ginseng is a small, protected plant that grows easily indoors and in controlled situations like in a hydroponic system. To grow ginseng hydroponically, make sure you can provide the conditions and time and get started. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill your growing pots with peat moss as a growing foundation for ginseng. Hydroponic systems don't use soil, but since ginseng grows naturally on forest floors, peat moss provides a natural environment.

2. Purchase ginseng roots or seedlings from a reputable retailer or nursery. If you live in an area where ginseng grows in the wild, gather your own ginseng plants. Plant them 1 to 2 inches deep in the peat moss, with the sprouting side of the roots up.

3. Purchase ginseng or herb-specific nutrient solution from a garden or hydroponic shop. Since hydroponic systems don't use soil, they use nutrient solution to nourish plants. Nutrient solutions are designed to address the needs of specific plants, so always look for the right solution for what you're growing.

4. Mix the nutrient solution with pure water, per the directions; pour this combination into the water trays of your hydroponic system, and turn the system on. The system is designed to circulate the water over the ginseng roots at a set rate-and to provide the plants with water and nutrition.

5. Put the hydroponic system in an area where it gets filtered sunlight. Ginseng needs light, but naturally grows on forest floors, where sunlight is only dappled.

Tags: hydroponic system, nutrient solution, peat moss, area where, forest floors, ginseng grows

Homemade Raw Diet For Dogs

Feeding dogs a raw diet can greatly improve their energy levels.

In recent years, raw diets for dogs have become increasingly popular. This diet consists of feeding a dog fresh, varied foods rather than standard canned or dry dog food. The belief is that this is similar to what a dog would eat in the wild; therefore, it is healthier. Benefits of this diet for your dog include better breath and healthier teeth, less stool production, improved general health and more energy, while the benefits for you are fewer vet bills and less expensive dog food. While starting your dog on this diet can seem overwhelming, it is actually easy to do.

Instructions

1. Experiment with different meats to see which one your dog responds to best.

Feed your dog raw meat. This includes chicken, turkey, beef, pork, rabbit and fish. Your dog's digestive system, unlike ours, can handle the bacteria in meat, so don't worry about your dog getting sick.

2. Include organ meats in your dog's diet. When you give your dog liver or kidney meat, it receives a much higher nutrient concentration than it would get from standard animal meat.

3. Raw, meaty bones have plenty of benefits.

Give your dog raw, meaty bones. These are bones that still have meat attached to them. Chewing on these bones cleans your dog's teeth and gums as well as developing its muscles in its jaw, neck and shoulders. The chewing action stimulates stomach acid, which makes it easier for your dog to digest food.

4. Feed your dog whole carcasses occasionally. You can get whole rabbits or chickens from your local butcher. A whole carcass contains all of the animal's meat, bones and organs, giving your dog everything it needs to stay healthy.

5. Encourage your dog to eat slowly. A dog who has only eaten canned food doesn't always learn chew properly, and this can cause it to choke on solid food. Giving your dog bones or whole carcasses often while transitioning it to raw food can slow down its eating.

6. While humans require fresh fruits and vegetables, your dog doesn't need them.

Never feed your dog vegetables, fruit or grains as part of a raw diet. Dogs are carnivores, so these types of foods add nothing to their diet. Dogs thrive on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.

Tags: animal meat, canned food, diet Dogs, Feed your, meaty bones, this diet

Medical Terminology Study Tools

A medical dictionary helps with medical terminology

Whether taking a classroom course, an online course, or using resources for independent and self-paced study, a medical terminology students need tools that reinforce lessons, provide opportunities for practice and memorization of terms and provide a foundation for understanding the formation of medical terms.

Textbook or Study Guide

A textbook or study guide provides lists of Greek and Latin root words, abbreviations, prefixes, suffixes and lessons for forming and understanding medical terms. Students may pay fees to use online textbooks or study guides. They also may purchase textbooks or use free online materials.

Reinforcement Materials

Professional study materials such as laminated medical terminology study guides are available; however, students may also use index cards to make "flash cards" of medical terms. A mnemonic learning technique helps with memorization by attaching a memorable association to each term.

Medical Dictionary

The medical dictionary provides definitions and breakdowns of medical terms. The dictionaries often include abbreviations, anatomical terms and acronyms used in medical fields.

Anatomy Book

An anatomy textbook or related study material is useful for learning medical terminology associated with human anatomy.

Online Study Program

Online programs provide full courses or basic information for the study of medical terminology. Online resources often provide additional links and information that enhance studies and practice exams for self-testing.

Tip

An exam description helps to guide students and prepare them to take certification exams.

Tags: medical terminology, medical terms, helps with, medical dictionary, study guides, study medical, study medical terminology

Parboiled Rice Nutrition

Parboiled rice is a nutritious type of rice, as it is partially cooked while still in the husk. This form of cleaning and processing rice brings out multiple nutritional benefits that may make it a good fit for your diet.

Serving

The USDA defines one serving of parboiled rice as 1 cup of white, long-grain, parboiled and unenriched cooked rice.

Calories

One serving of parboiled rice has 194 calories. These calories are good for energy and come from the carbohydrates in the rice.

Fat

Parboiled rice is a good food for those who are on a low-fat diet. There is only 1 g of fat in every serving of parboiled rice.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

One serving of parboiled rice can give you 16 percent of your daily value of carbohydrates. It can also provide you with 6 percent of your daily value of dietary fiber.

Vitamins and Minerals

Parboiled rice has 3 percent of your daily value of calcium, 2 percent of your daily value of iron and 9 percent of your daily value of protein. It is also a good source of niacin (18 percent), vitamin B6 (12 percent), thiamine (8 percent), manganese (28 percent) and selenium (21 percent).

Tags: daily value, percent your, percent your daily, your daily, your daily value, serving parboiled, serving parboiled rice

Make A Pipe Cleaner Elephant

Use a real elephant as inspiration for your pipe-cleaner design.

Pipe cleaners are an easy-to-work-with craft supply that can be bent into almost any shape you desire. Use just five of these fuzzy wires to create a miniature elephant. With a few spirals and a little shaping, you can create a three-dimensional elephant to display on your desk or play with as a moveable toy. Select pipe cleaners in typical elephant colors, such as gray or blue, or create a one-of-a-kind elephant using pink, purple or red wires.

Instructions

1. Wrap a pipe cleaner around a thick marker to create the elephant's body. The thicker the marker, the fatter the elephant will be. Coil the pipe cleaner end to end around the body of the marker, keeping the coils touching with each loop. Slide the coiled pipe cleaner off one end of the marker. Straighten out one end of the coil to represent the creature's tail.

2. Wrap another piece of pipe cleaner around a thinner marker or pencil to create the elephant's head. Loop about half the pipe cleaner around the marker, leaving the other half uncoiled. Shape the uncoiled part into a curve to make the elephant's trunk.

3. Cut a piece of pipe cleaner into two 1-inch pieces. Curve the material into a "C" shape to make the elephant's ears. Attach these pieces to the sides of the elephant's head by making a small bend at the top of each ear. Hook the bend around one side of the coil of the elephant's head and pinch it in place. Repeat on the other side with the other ear.

4. Snip two pipe cleaners in half with a scissors. Wrap each of the four pieces around a pencil or marker to shape the animal's legs. Slide the coils off. Make a small hook at the top of each leg. Wrap each one of the leg hooks around a coil on the underside of the elephant's body and pinch them in place.

5. Use white glue to attach two googly eyes to the face of the elephant.

Tags: pipe cleaner, cleaner around, pipe cleaner around, elephant head, create elephant

Detailed Stock Information

The New York Stock Exchange is one of the largest exchanges in the world and trades stock from every sector of the economy.

Not all companies issue stock to raise investor capital, but the ones that do are called public companies. Most stock from public companies trades in organized exchanges around the world. In the United States, the largest exchange is the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). To trade on an exchange like the NYSE, companies have to meet specific income and stock-value requirements.

Definition

A share of stock represents an equity stake in a public company. As an equity stake, you have a claim on profits and company value based on the number of stocks you own. In addition to dividends, stock holders benefit from an appreciation in stock value. So if you bought stock at $25 today and the price increases to $27 tomorrow, you have made $2 on every share you bought.

Types

Stocks exist in two main forms: common and preferred. Owners of common stock can exercise votes during annual shareholder meetings to elect the board of directors. Preferred stock holders do not have voting rights but are a priority group to receive dividends and proceeds from asset liquidation if the company fails.

Indexes

A stock index is a group of related stocks whose combined average stock price helps investors gauge the health of a particular sector of the economy. For example, the Dow Jones Industrials comprise a group of stocks called blue chips. These stocks are the 30 largest companies in the U.S. By monitoring the Dow Jones Industrial Average, investors and the public have an estimate of business activity and expectations of the largest companies. Other indexes are used to measure the performance of specific sectors such technology, utilities and transportation.

Prices

The price of a stock is affected by supply-and-demand forces within the financial markets. However, these forces are influenced by factors such as the financial health of a particular company. According to the New York Stock Exchange, corporate financial health influences investor decisions to invest if the company shows consistent profits and prospects of future profitability.

Expectations

In addition, expectations for a particular industry influence how much investors want to invest in a particular stock. For example, if you own stock in a particular company that is proven to be profitable, future profits may decrease if the industry in which your company operates is on a decline or faces slower growth. This means your investment may lose value in the future. For this reason, investors monitor economic and industry developments.

Tags: Stock Exchange, York Stock, York Stock Exchange, equity stake, financial health, health particular, largest companies

Lose Weight On A Vegan Diet

A vegan diet can be flavorful and healthy.

Animal products are high in saturated fat, calories and cholesterol. Even lean meats gain 20 to 40 percent of their calories from fat. Eating vegan allows you to eat in a way that is conducive to weight loss. A diet rich in plant-based foods is high in fiber and low in fat and calories. Like other diets, vegan weight loss follows the same principle -- you must burn more calories than you consume if you want to lose weight. An active lifestyle and a balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes will allow your body to lose weight naturally.

Instructions

Preparing and Shopping for Vegan Weight Loss

1. Creating a menu and shopping list will help you stay organized when attempting to shop for vegan foods.

Create a shopping list at the beginning of each week. Being vegan takes some pre-planning. Use a notepad to write down healthy meal ideas and the animal-free ingredients needed.

2. Caffiene-free green tea helps boost your metabolism.

Purchase caffeine-free green tea as a coffee replacement. Caffeine makes the body acidic. When the body is acidic, it creates fat cells to protect the organs from the acidity.

3. There are many easy vegan recipes online.

Purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, brown rice, hummus, lentils, soups, vegetable pastas, nuts and snacks that do not contain refined sugar. Refined sugar substitutes include evaporated cane juice, barely malt, brown rice syrup, Sucanat, raw sugar, maple syrup and molasses.

Eating Vegan and Losing Weight

4. Begin with fresh fruit, consuming grains only if you still feel hungry 20 minutes after eating.

Eat whole organic fruit for breakfast. Fresh fruit sets the tone for a healthy day with less junk food cravings.

5. Eat lunch when you begin to feel hungry.

Eat fresh raw vegetables for lunch. Organic salads or raw vegetables with hummus will suffice. Drink plenty of water in between breakfast and lunch to wash out your system.

6. Eat snacks in small controlled portions.

Allow yourself one snack in between lunch and dinner, but only if you have a craving. Snacks should consist of small portions. If you think you can wait for dinner, skip the snack.

7. Rice and beans provide proteins and essential carbohydrates.

Eat dinner when you begin to feel hungry. Brown rice, lentils, soups and vegetable pastas are acceptable vegan dinners. You can spice up a vegan meal with vegetables and seasonings.

8. Create a journal to track your calories consumed and burned.

Create a food journal with two columns. In one column, write down the foods you've consumed and their calorie content. In the other column write down the physical activities you've done that day, along with the calories you've burned.

9. Weight loss is most effective when you combine diet with exercise.

Adjust your caloric intake to burn more calories than you are consuming. Vegans are easily aware of their calorie intake because they must also be sure the foods they are consuming do not contain animal products.

10. Adjust your physical activity level to burn more calories than you are consuming. Physical activity is an essential element for weight loss. A vegan diet is most effective when combined with exercise.

Tags: burn more, burn more calories, calories than, feel hungry, more calories

Make Healthier Pumpkin Bread

Tasty pumpkin bread doesn't have to be loaded with fat.

This tweaked pumpkin bread recipe uses less fat and sugar than most traditional recipes, but you'll never taste the difference. It calls for applesauce to stand in for shortening and cuts the sugar by half. Adding wheat bran or wheat germ improves the bread's nutritional value. The texture is slightly different from that of high-fat pumpkin bread. It is somewhat spongy rather than heavy or greasy. Note that you'll be making two loaves. Freeze one loaf for later or give it to a friend. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease only the bottoms of the loaf pans using cooking spray or canola oil.

2. Mix the sugar and applesauce or apple butter in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin, water and eggs.

3. Mix in flour, wheat germ or wheat bran, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and baking powder. Pour into pans. Bake for approximately one hour and five minutes.

Tags: pumpkin bread, wheat bran, wheat germ

Plan For Farm Work

Proper planning can make farms profitable.

Planning on starting your own farm? Agricultural businesses, such as farming, require consideration of factors that many other businesses do not, including such things as weather trends and crop prices. If planned correctly, farming can be profitable. Many farms operate within their families, and this is important for farms looking to have long-term success because it makes it easier to find a younger generation to continue the farm in the future. But whether operating the farm with family members or outside hires, an important step is planning a successful business model for the farm.

Instructions

1. Examine past successes and disappointments in the farming process. Use these to build a structure for the new farm. Determine your values and goals for the farm and what you want to get out of it as a first-time farmer.

2. Assess potential workers and decide where they will fit into the farm. Fixing equipment, raising live stock, raising crops, bookkeeping, marketing and selling are different aspects of farm work. Conduct interviews to uncover worker goals, strengths and weaknesses and different skill sets. Be sure the workers you choose have goals that are in line with your own goals.

3. Analyze the state of the farm: How much land, labor and how many resources will be required? Look at different aspects of the business, such as who will work on the farm, why it will exist, what will need to be raised and grown, etc. Know what external factors could influence the farm and overcome these to become profitable.

4. Develop a mission statement defining the reason the farm exists and its critical purpose.

5. Create five essential business plans. These plans include: An overall business plan, a retirement plan, a transition plan, an estate plan and an investment plan. Although the plans are separate, they have to be able to work together harmoniously.

6. Develop a business plan that enables the farm to be profitable for a long time. Decide what is beneficial to plant and raise in your area and climate. Research different farms in the area, what they have grown and how they have become profitable. Develop a plan of action for production and operation practices, as well as for marketing and financial practices. Use a SWOT analysis to evaluate each of these sectors, which is an outline of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

7. Develop a retirement plan that addresses how much money will be set aside for retirement and the farm's obligation to retirees.

8. Develop a transition plan to determine how the farm is going to be run in the future and how the farm is going to be passed down through generations.

9. Develop an estate plan to determine how assets of the farm, such as land and crops, are going to be divided in case of a death.

10. Develop an investment plan to ensure that workers are going to make money in the future as well as in the present.

Tags: they have, become profitable, become profitable Develop, business plan, different aspects, estate plan

Proteinbased Rice Foods For Kids

Rice is a good source of protein for kids.

Rice protein is ideal for people who want to avoid milk and soy. In addition to common brown rice, children may enjoy rice protein powder, rice protein bars or homemade protein-based rice treats. Rice protein is considered a complete protein because it contains all amino acids. Rice protein is hypoallergenic, so it is perfect for children with common food allergies. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Brown Rice

Cooked long-grain brown rice contains five grams of protein per one-cup serving. Long-grain brown rice typically takes 45 minutes to prepare. In addition to providing a good source of protein, brown rice supplies manganese, selenium, dietary fiber, iron and calcium. Brown rice can be served with lean protein like chicken or turkey to increase total protein.

Rice Protein Powder

Rice protein powder contains about 12 grams of protein per serving. The protein is hypoallergenic, but read the label to ensure that the powder is not processed with common allergens like soy, milk or peanuts. Rice protein powder can be mixed with water or rice milk and added to recipes in place of milk or consumed as a drink. Rice protein powder is available in chocolate, vanilla and other flavors.

Commercial Rice Protein Bars

Rice protein bars use rice protein powder and brown rice to create a protein-rich rice food. Protein values differ by brand, but many contain eight grams of protein or more. If food allergies are a concern, parents can check the label for ingredients like nuts, milk and soy. Some rice protein bars include sugar alcohols which can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as gas and bloating.

DIY Rice Protein Treats

Parents can easily create a protein-based rice food with brown rice and rice protein powder. Cooked brown rice can be mixed with grains, nuts, fruits and rice protein powder to create a rice protein bar. Cocoa can add a familiar, sugar-free chocolate taste. If sugar is not a concern, marshmallows can be used to create a rice treat that is sticky and delicious.

Warnings

Some rice protein powders and bars are designed to boost energy, increase muscle growth or reduce weight. These may include ingredients unsafe for children. Common ingredients in specialty rice protein bars and powders may include creatine monohydrate and herbal stimulants. The label should list all ingredients.

Tags: protein powder, brown rice, brown rice, grams protein, rice protein, rice protein bars, rice protein powder

Cook Thawed Tilapia Fillets

Frozen tilapia fillets substitute perfectly for fresh fillets in any recipe.

Frozen fish fillets are a blessing for home cooks. They are less expensive than buying fresh fish and they make good quality seafood accessible anywhere. Always observe food safety when thawing fish by letting it defrost in the refrigerator and keeping it cool until you are ready to use it. Rinse the fillets after thawing them to get the best flavor. Thawed tilapia can be cooked just like fresh tilapia. Use your favorite recipe and revel in the convenience of delicious frozen tilapia. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Broil

1. Preheat the broiler.

2. Brush the fillets with a marinade or olive oil.

3. Line the rack of a broiler pan with foil and broil the fish until cooked through, which should be roughly 6 to 9 minutes.

Grill

4. Marinate with a sauce and brush liberally with olive oil.

5. Grill on the grates or use a grilling basket.

6. Cook the fish until it's flaky, which should be after roughly 5 minutes on each side for each inch of thickness.

Bake

7. Bake the tilapia to keep the fillets moist. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

8. Coat a cast iron skillet with cooking spray.

9. Pat the fillets dry, season and place in the skillet.

10. Top each fillet with a pat of butter and bake for 8 to 12 minutes.

Saute

11. Saute the thawed fillets to impart wonderful flavor. Season the fillets with salt, then dust them with flour.

12. Melt 1½ tbsp. butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

13. Cook the fish for 1½ minutes on each side until opaque, then finish by sprinkling a little lemon juice over the top of the fish.

Tags: Cook fish, each side, fillets with, fish until, minutes each, minutes each side

Can Chow Chow With A Pressure Canner

Chow Chow is the U.S. cousin to India's chutney.

The South has a number of food traditions: fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, fried chicken and Chow Chow. Chow Chow is a relish that is typically made from green tomatoes and cabbage, as well as a bounty of whatever vegetables are left at the end of the harvest season. Southerners love to add a dollop of Chow Csoups or pinto beans or scoop it onto crackers or crispy vegetables. Some eat it directly from the jar with a spoon. Although it's a little time-consuming, Chow Chow can be preserved at home with a pressure canner. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Boil the jars and lids for 10 minutes, or sanitize them in the dishwasher, using the heat setting to dry. Make sure they remain warm until ready to use.

2. Combine the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Add the salt and stir, and then allow the mixture to rest for four to six hours in the refrigerator.

3. Drain the vegetables of the brine by pouring the mixture into a colander.

4. Add the sugar, celery seed, dry mustard, mustard seed, turmeric, ginger and vinegar to a large saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Add the drained vegetables and simmer for 10 more minutes.

6. Bring the Chow Ca boil and then remove from the heat.

7. Fill each jar with the Chow Chow using a ladle to easily transfer the relish; leave about ¼-inch of headspace.

8. Insert the spatula into each jar to stir to eliminate air bubbles in the relish.

9. Dampen a paper towel, and use it to wipe away relish from the tops and sides of the jars.

10. Adjust the seals and lids to the jars and tighten.

11. Dial the pressure canner to 11 lbs. of pressure, and process the jars for 20 minutes.

Tags: Chow Chow, Chow Chow Chow, green tomatoes, pressure canner

Live A Crueltyfree Life

Live a Cruelty-Free Life

Living a cruelty-free life is most often defined as avoiding animal-based products as much as possible, as well as avoiding manufactured items that are tested on animals.

Instructions

1. Go vegan. The best way to begin a cruelty-free life is to not eat animal-based foods, including eggs and dairy products.

2. Buy products that say they are cruelty-free. This means they have not been tested on animals. Read the labels. This includes cosmetics, toiletries, household cleaners and laundry products.

3. Avoid buying anything not labeled cruelty-free unless you know for a fact that the manufacturer does not test on animals.

4. Use leather alternatives. They've come a long way, and many look and feel like the real thing.

5. Avoid anything made of real fur. This includes clothing and novelty items. Pet toys are sometimes made with real fur. Check before you buy.

6. Read labels carefully. Animal-derived ingredients appear when least expected. Collagen, for example, is normally derived from animals.

7. Look it up. If you're unsure about the origin of an ingredient, there are several books on the market to assist consumers in deciphering ingredients. You can also find relevant information on Web sites.

8. Stick with companies that you know do not use animal-derived ingredients and do not test their products on animals.

9. Avoid down products. Synthetics are very advanced now and tend to be warmer, lighter and less allergenic than goose or duck down.

10. Accept the fact that you can't avoid all animal products. For example, you may buy a chair that was manufactured using glue made partially from an animal-based ingredient.

11. Do the best you can.

Tags: cruelty-free life, fact that, Read labels, tested animals, This includes

Culinary Schools In Texas

Learn the art of making specialty desserts at a Texas culinary school.

Most of the major cities in Texas, such as Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston, are host to at least one culinary school. These schools train chefs in many areas of food preparation, including knife skills, flavoring and specific cooking techniques. Some schools also offer additional programs in pastry and baking arts that focus on techniques specific to the creation of desserts.

Le Cordon Bleu

Le Cordon Bleu has campuses in Austin and Dallas. Both campuses offer the same basic curriculum and programs. Le Cordon Bleu offers three basic programs: the culinary arts program, the patisserie and baking program, and the hospitality and restaurant management program. All programs focus on a demonstration and hands-on learning philosophy. In the culinary arts program, students learn classical cooking methods, American regional and international cuisine, food science and concepts in baking and pastry. The patisserie and baking program covers artisan bread production, design and creation of chocolate and sugar showpieces, classic European pastry production and fine patisserie. In the hospitality and restaurant management program students explore theoretical and practical management approaches, wine studies, hospitality business law, food and beverage management, and all aspects of managing a restaurant, including the kitchen and dining room environments. To apply, students must submit a complete application form, application fee and proof of high school graduation or equivalent. An admissions interview is also required.

Le Cordon Bleu Austin

3110 Esperanza Crossing Suite 100

Austin, TX 78758

512-837-2665

chefs.edu/Austin

Le Cordon Bleu Dallas

11830 Webb Chapel Road #1200

Dallas, TX 75234

214-647-8500

chefs.edu/Dallas

The International Culinary Schools of the Art Institute

Campuses for The International Culinary Schools at the Art Institutes are located in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and Austin. The school uses a building block philosophy that requires students to master basic cooking skills and knowledge before advancing to more specific and technical skills. All campuses offer two main programs: culinary arts and culinary management. The culinary arts program includes foundation skills and techniques, such as basic cuts and managing a menu; studies in South American, African, Middle Eastern, Eastern Europe and Asian cuisines; classical cuisines and techniques; American dishes and indigenous ingredients; specialties in baking and pastry; and garde manger and a la carte. The culinary management program begins with the basic cooking fundamentals of the culinary arts program and proceeds to teach entrepreneurial and managerial skills that include training, leadership, motivation, management, human resources, technology, accounting, marketing and customer relations. Admissions requirements are available from an admissions representative; contact info is available through the school’s website.

The Art Institute of Austin

101 W. Louis Henna Blvd. Suite 100

Austin, TX 78728

512-691-1707

artinstitutes.edu/austin

The Art Institute of Dallas

8080 Park Lane, Suite 100

Dallas, TX 75231

214-692-8080

artinstitutes.edu/dallas

The Art Institute of Houston

1900 Yorktown Street

Houston, TX 77056

713-623-2040

artinstitutes.edu/houston

The Art Institute of San Antonio

10000 IH-10 West Suite 200

San Antonio, TX 78230

210-338-7320

artinstitutes.edu/sanantonio

Culinary Academy of Austin

Located in Austin, Texas, the Culinary Academy of Austin uses small class sizes for more individual instruction. The school offers two main programs: professional culinary arts and pastry arts. The professional culinary arts program consists of five major blocks, with each block taking three months to complete. Students are introduced to a commercial kitchen and commercial recipes, and learn various techniques and skills that are necessary to become a professional chef. The program also requires completion of a 400-hour externship. The pastry arts program prepares chefs for work in the pastry field with 618 hours of pastry and baker training. The program also requires an externship of 120 hours. Admissions requirements for the Culinary Academy of Austin include a high school diploma or GED, registration and tuition fees, CAA admissions application, application essay, goals and evaluation questionnaire, two letters of recommendation, student survey, financial aid interview and personal interview. Although not required, experience in the cooking or food service industry is encouraged.

Culinary Academy of Austin

6020-B Dillard Circle

Austin, TX 78752

866-552-2433

culinaryacademyofaustin.com

Tags: culinary arts, arts program, Cordon Bleu, culinary arts program, Academy Austin

How Much Feed Does A Broiler Chicken Need

Backyard flocks are growing in popularity as people take control of their personal food supply, but it's important to remember that the nutritional requirements of a broiler chicken are very different from what a layer needs to thrive. To optimize your flock's health, growth and performance, it must be fed with not only its intended purpose in mind, but also calculating factors such as breed, age and season.

Feed Basics

Feed comes in several forms: mash, which is a complete food in a finely-ground form; pellets, where the nutrition is evenly distributed; scratch, which is meant to supplement pasturing but does not provide for all of the chicken's nutritional needs; and crumble, which is an adult food that is harmful to a baby chick's digestion.

Only feed as much as a chicken can consume in 10 minutes, but feed them twice a day. This cuts back on waste and spoilage.

A broiler will generally eat 2 lbs. of food for every 1 lb. of weight gain.

Breed

There are two types of birds for a broiler flock: heritage breeds, such as the Barred Rock, Delaware or Wyandottes; or commercial hybrids, such as the Cornish Cross. They will generally eat the same quantity of feed, but heritage chickens will need to eat for a longer number of weeks due to their less-efficient feed conversion. Commercial crosses will need to have their feed restricted, or else their bodies cannot keep up with their rate of growth.

Age

A heritage flock will eat a 20 percent protein feed for the first eight weeks.

For commercial-type birds, it is best to start them on 24 percent protein feed for the first two weeks of life, then transition to a 20 percent protein grower ration for the next two weeks of life and finish them with an 18 percent protein feed until they reach market weight, generally at eight or nine weeks.

Season

Without sufficient water, the chicken will not eat properly. One gallon of water is sufficient for a dozen chickens. In summer months, this must be increased to two gallons of water for every 12 chickens.

While commercial hybrids do not forage, heritage birds do. If your flock is permitted to forage for food, their feed may be supplemented by bugs, worms, caterpillars, seeds and other extras that they discover. They may eat more or less of their feed depending on the seasonal availability of their forage.

Tags: percent protein, percent protein feed, protein feed, their feed, commercial hybrids, feed first, protein feed first

Biogas Plant Types

Biogas is a type of gas that is produced when waste materials such as manure, plant material or sewage are allowed to decompose in an anaerobic environment. Biogas plants collect this natural gas and use it as a source of fuel. Biogas is a sustainable and "green" fuel that can be used to heat homes, power engines, generate electricity and for any other purpose for which more conventional, combustible fuels can be used. Does this Spark an idea?

Floating-Dome and Fixed-Dome Plants

In a floating-dome plant, a mixture of organic waste and water called a slurry is pumped into an underground well with a steel cap on top of it. The material decomposes in the well, generating gas which accumulates in the steel cap, which floats on top of the slurry. The steel dome has an outlet valve through which the pressurized gas can be released. The slurry is pumped from a primary chamber to a secondary chamber inside the well and then, to an overflow tank after it has been allowed to decompose sufficiently. The overflow material can then be used for fertilizer, treated at a sewage-processing plant or disposed of in a landfill. A fixed-dome plant works just like a floating-dome plant except the dome that collects the gas is fixed in place and is not free-floating.

Water Jacket Plant

A water jacket plant is a special type of floating-dome plant. Rather than sitting directly on top of the slurry, the dome floats on a track filled with water. It can still move up and down in response to pressure, but is more sanitary and easier to maintain. Water jacket plants are also less prone to corrosion than standard floating-dome plants.

Balloon Plants

Balloon plants are an alternative to floating- and fixed-dome plants. Rather than being stored inside of a solid dome that must be maintained, the gas is stored in a flexible PVC balloon. The balloon expands as gas accumulates. The pressurized gas can then be pumped out of the balloon through a release nozzle. Balloon plants are cheap and easy to build, but have shorter life expectancies than other types of plants, since the balloon can wear out or be accidentally damaged.

Tags: floating-dome plant, allowed decompose, Balloon plants, dome that, Rather than, slurry pumped

Animals To Raise On Hobby Farms

Most farm animals can be raised in small quantities on a hobby farm.

Hobby farmers grow food and raise animals on a small farm, usually between five and 30 acres. The farm is considered a hobby farm if it fails to earn much of a profit and is operated primarily as a hobby, instead of for income. Usually the sale of food or animals, if any, is about enough to offset the cost of equipment and operation.

Sheep

Sheep are not very difficult to care for, so they are ideal for the hobby farmer who just has a grassy field and wants to keep sheep for their wool and their meat. Lambs kept for meat should be butchered when they are 5 to 6 months old. The meat of adult sheep is called mutton and is tougher than lamb.

Goats

Most goats only require about 15 square feet of indoor space and 200 square feet of outdoor space, so they work well on small hobby farms. Because they are social, farmers should keep at least two goats at any given time. Dairy goats can produce about 90 quarts of milk per month and meat goats provide 25 to 40 pounds of meat each.

Llamas and Alpacas

Hobby farmers typically raise llamas and alpacas for their fibers, which are nearly as valuable as wool and cashmere. Llamas may also act as guardian animals, keeping watch over smaller animals on the hobby farm.

Cattle

Cattle produce milk and meat in large quantities and typically leave hobby farmers with excess to sell. A typical dairy cow produces about six gallons of milk per day. Cattle kept for meat can eat grass on land that is not adequate for growing crops and are typically slaughtered after their second summer.

Horses

Horses do not produce food, but many hobby farmers raise them or their relatives, donkeys and mules, for companionship and to help with some labor on the farm. Hobby farmers sometimes get into breeding and selling miniature horses, riding horses or show horses.

Pigs

Pigs produce a lot of meat on very little land, making them an ideal food animal on hobby farms. Farmers typically purchase 50-pound feeder pigs and grow them to 250 pounds in about four months, at which point they slaughter them for their meat.

Poultry

Chicken, ducks, turkeys and geese are all raised on hobby farms. Their noisy behaviors keep things interesting, and they produce eggs, meat and down. Ducks and geese can usually forage for their own food, but chickens and turkeys need supplemental feed.

Tags: hobby farm, Hobby farmers, hobby farms, farm Hobby, farm Hobby farmers, kept meat, square feet

Make Basil Grow Faster

Basil prefers a sunny area.

Speed up the growing cycle of basil by creating a environment where the plant thrives. Basil, an herb from the mint family, is a plant that you can grow inside or outside depending on the weather conditions of your area. While the plant thrives indoors in a sunny window, you can also start the seeds inside in late winter and move the plant outdoors once the weather warms in late spring. The plant will continue to grow fast when provided with adequate light, water and fertilizer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Moisten seed-starting soil with water so it feels like a damp sponge to promote seed germination and growth. Add the moist soil to a 2-inch diameter container with bottom drainage holes.

2. Sprinkle the basil seeds on top of the soil so they are spaced about 1/2-inch apart. Sprinkle a 1/4-inch-layer of seed-starting soil on top of the seeds. Leave the soil loose on top of the seeds so the young plants can sprout quickly through the soil.

3. Cover the container with a piece of clear plastic wrap to create a greenhouse environment that speeds the germination process.

4. Move the growing containers to a sunny area and remove the plastic covering once the sprouts pop through the soil. Mist the soil as it begins to dry to provide moisture for fast growth.

5. Apply a liquid houseplant fertilizer mixed to one-half strength once the sprouts are about 1-inch-tall to stimulate strong and fast growth. Repeat the fertilizer application every two weeks.

6. Thin the basil sprouts by snipping off weak or crowded sprouts at the soil level to limit competition for sunlight, water and nutrients for fast plant growth.

7. Pinch the top off tall basil plants once they reach 6 to 8 inches tall. This promotes branch growth for a compact plant that produces many basil leaves.

Tags: container with, fast growth, once sprouts, plant that, plant thrives, seed-starting soil, sunny area

Polish Restaurants In Atlanta

There are several Polish restaurants in Atlanta and its suburbs.

There are several Polish restaurants in Atlanta and its suburbs. Each restaurant has its own alluring food selection and, more importantly, individual style that makes each restaurant an adventure of its own into the delicacies of Polish cuisine. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Gizma Polish Restaurant

Gizma Polish Restaurant is located in Norcross, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta located only 30 minutes from downtown. The chefs, invited specifically from Poland by the founders of the restaurant, prepare authentic Polish cuisine every morning for the freshest taste. The restaurant offers a variety of popular Polish foods, including Krupnik, or Barley Vegetable Soup, and Krokiety, pancakes filled with pork, onions, mushrooms and sauerkraut. Gizma is the only place in Georgia that serves Zywiec, a Polish beer, on tap. Be prepared to stumble over the words on the menu--they are all in Polish!

Gizma

3435 Medlock Bridge Road

Norcross, GA 30092

(770) 441-2268

gizmapolishrestaurant.com

Ecco European Restaurant

Ecco Restaurant is an upscale fusion restaurant located in midtown Atlanta. This elegant eatery offers classic Polish and other European delights with an American flair in a sophisticated, modern environment. The menu includes pizzas, pastas, soups and a wide and varied selection of meats, as well as fine wines and cocktails.

Ecco

40 7th Street NE

Atlanta, GA 30308

(404) 347-9555

ecco-atlanta.com

Adam's European Deli

Adam's European Deli specializes in supplying Atlanta and its suburbs with Polish meats, sweets and breads. The menu includes Golonka Zapiekana, or grilled pork hock, pierogies and custom breads and pastries. Adam's caters for any occasion. The deli is located 40 minutes from downtown Atlanta.

Adam's European Deli

4256 Creek Park Drive Suite 300

Suwanee GA 30024

770-622-5833

adamseuropeanmarket.com

Tags: Adam European, Adam European Deli, Atlanta suburbs, European Deli, from downtown, Gizma Polish, Gizma Polish Restaurant

Learn To Use A Convection Oven

Radiant ovens are the type most people have in their kitchens. The heat source comes from the top or bottom in gas and electric ovens and is uneven. This explains why some things may get too done or not done enough when cooking large quantities in them. Convection ovens are different. They have a fan that circulates the air around the oven. There are no cold or hot spots, and everything cooks perfectly and more quickly. Experimenting is the best way to learn when using a convection oven. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set the temperature of the oven 25 degrees lower than instructed when making baked goods. Bake for the same amount of time the recipe indicates. A recipe for cookies that calls for a 350 degree F oven temperature will require the heat set to 325 degrees F instead. The time for baking the recipe is 12 minutes, and that is how long you should bake the cookies. If cookies that come out overdone, maintain the temperature at 325 degrees F, but reduce the time to 9 minutes.

2. Set the temperature of the oven to the same degree as indicated in the recipe when roasting meat, but reduce the cooking time by 25 percent. A recipe for meatloaf calls for 350 degree F oven temperature for one hour. Set the temperature to 350, but reduce the cooking time to 45 minutes. If the meatloaf seems overcooked, try next time to reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F for 45 minutes.

3. Use the same cookware that you use in a thermal oven, but do not use lids, as this will impede the air circulation over the food.

Tags: calls degree, calls degree oven, cookies that, cooking time, degree oven, degree oven temperature, oven temperature

Prayers Of Consecration To God

A close walk with God is initiated and sustained through consistent and intimate communion with him in prayer. During conversion to Christianity, God gives to man a new nature but during consecration, man gives back to God out of the new nature. Prayers of consecration are appropriate during these times of communion with God. Consecration is the dedication and sanctification of one's life and all that one has unto God. Someone achieves a consecrated life through desire and obedience to the Word of God.

The Body

A study of the Bible reveals that man's body is to be God's dwelling place. It is to be holy and to be used for holy purposes. Making a prayer of consecration to God in regards to the body is appropriate. The prayer commits the person to preserve and use his body as a holy living sacrifice unto God. The making of such a prayer of consecration will demand that one avoids sexual immorality and also takes care of the body in such a way as to please the Lord .

Wealth

An understanding of the Word of God in regards to wealth concludes that God is the owner of all that is in the earth and that man is a steward of his resources. With this understanding one should make a prayer of consecration in regards to the wealth God has entrusted to him. Such a prayer commits to God the use of present and future blessings of wealth for the purposes of God's kingdom. This prayer of dedication will therefore demand one to give out his wealth as the Lord directs.

The Home

Prayers of consecration to God should also include one's house. In the Old Testament Bible, God requested the children of Israel to build him a physical sanctuary so that he would dwell among them. In the New Testament Bible, saints opened their homes to other people to pray and have fellowship together. A prayer of dedication in regards to one's house is a commitment to allow the Lord to have a place not only in our bodies but in our physical homes. This prayer demands the removal of all that is unpleasant to the Lord in one's home.

The Children

In both Old and New Testament passages of the Bible, people dedicated their children to the Lord. Prayers of consecration should include the dedication of children to the will and work of the Lord. This prayer demands that the parents be willing to be role models in the raising of their children in the fear of the Lord.

Tags: prayer consecration, Prayers consecration, This prayer, communion with, consecration regards

Raise Wild Rice

Wild rice is often mixed with long- or short-grain rice to make side dishes.

You might find it surprising to learn that wild rice is not actually a grain but is instead a member of the grass family. Wild rice grows from seed on the edges of marshy lakes or shallow, slow-moving rivers and other tributaries in locations that do not get extremely warm during the summer. Wild rice grows beneath the water's surface and is harvested shortly after growing above the water's surface. Raising wild rice successfully depends mostly on location and climate. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Verify that you have the right conditions for growth. Wild rice grows best in still or slow-moving water that is between 4 and 6 feet deep with a marshy or soft soil bottom of an even mixture of clay and silt. The average ambient temperature of the water should not drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 85 degrees. There should not be a glut of other plants growing in the area you wish to plant wild rice. The water should have a low saline content.

2. Obtain wild rice seeds. Seeds can be purchased from many feed and farm supply stores or from several companies online.

3. Plant the wild rice seeds. Once the temperature typically stays above 45 degrees, scatter wild rice seeds from a boat. Scatter them by handfuls as they will float to the bottom.

4. Harvest rice in the early fall before the temperature regularly drops below 45 degrees. Use a boat to travel along the rice field. Use a long stick to collect rice grains and seeds by smacking the ripe heads of the grass toward the bottom of the boat. Separate the wild rice grains from the seeds. Keep the seeds and plant them next season.

Tags: rice grows, rice seeds, wild rice, Wild rice grows, wild rice seeds, above degrees, below degrees

Make Bread For Diabetics

If you or a loved one has diabetes, it can be difficult finding bread recipes that fit into your diet. It is important that you discuss with your doctor or nutritionist your personal dietary concerns since some with diabetes also need to avoid extra fat, cholesterol and salt, in addition to refined sugars. Below is a sugar-free quick bread made with Splenda. It is called a quick bread because you do not need to use yeast, wait for it to rise, or knead the dough. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Scatter chopped walnuts over the baking sheet in a single layer and bake in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until toasted but not blackened. When you can smell the toasted walnuts, they are finished. This step is optional, but it will add more flavor to your banana bread.

3. Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees to preheat for the bread.

4. Combine milk and vinegar in a small bowl and set aside to allow the milk to curdle slightly.

5. In the large mixing bowl, combine flour, Splenda, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.

6. Add mashed banana and vanilla extract to milk and vinegar mixture. These are the wet ingredients.

7. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir to just combine. There should still be some lumps in the batter. See Warning.

8. Fold the toasted walnuts into the batter. Pour the batter into the parchment paper--lined loaf pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes or until cooked through. Insert a long piece of dry spaghetti or a knife into the center of the loaf. If it comes out cleanly, the bread is fully cooked.

9. Let the bread remain in the loaf pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tags: baking sheet, milk vinegar, minutes until, parchment paper, quick bread, toasted walnuts

What Are The Benefits Of Quail Eggs

Quail Eggs are Speckled

The quail egg is prized as a dietary and healing food. It is recorded that Chinese medical practitioners have used quail eggs for thousands of years to remedy aliments such as rhinitis, asthma, hay fever, spasmodic cough along with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. More recently the benefits are found in quail egg capsules sold online. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Chicken Egg vs. Quail Egg

Chicken eggs are considerable larger

Quail eggs are packed with vitamins and minerals. Even with their small size, their nutritional value is three to four times greater than chicken eggs. Quail eggs contain 13 percent proteins compared to 11 percent in chicken eggs. Quail eggs also contain 140 percent of vitamin B1 compared to 50 percent in chicken eggs. In addition, quail eggs provide five times as much iron and potassium. Unlike chicken eggs, quail eggs have not been know to cause allergies or diathesis. Actually they help fight allergy symptoms due to the ovomucoid protein they contain.

Health Benefits

Regular consumption of quail eggs helps fight against many diseases. They are a natural combatant against digestive tract disorders such as stomach ulcers. Quail eggs strengthen the immune system, promote memory health, increase brain activity and stabilize the nervous system. They help with anemia by increasing the level of hemoglobin in the body while removing toxins and heavy metals. The Chinese use quail eggs to help treat tuberculosis, asthma, and even diabetes. If you are a sufferer of kidney, liver, or gallbladder stones quail eggs can help prevent and remove these types of stones.

Complementary Benefits

Children eating quail eggs are less inclined to suffer from infectious diseases than other children do. In men, quail eggs provide the prostate gland with phosphorus, proteins, and vitamins that can be a powerful stimulant for sexual potency. Women find that the egg improves skin color and strengthens hair. This is why quail eggs are in facial and in hair care products.

Ways to Consume Quail Eggs

If you purely want to promote your health without concern for intake you can eat raw quail eggs after washing them in boiling water. You don’t have to worry about salmonella with quail eggs as quails are resistant to infections due to their increased content of lysozyme that kills harmful bacteria. For this method eating three to five quail eggs each morning promotes a strong immune system and improves metabolism.

Raw quail egg consumption provides stronger health benefits than cooked eggs.

Tags: chicken eggs, quail eggs, quail eggs, chicken eggs Quail, compared percent, compared percent chicken, contain percent

Wood Vs Nylon Cooking Utensils

Wooden utensils have been used for centuries, whereas nylon utensils are a modern invention.

A cook is only as good as his utensils in the kitchen, but with so many options available, people may find it difficult to decide if wooden or nylon utensils are better. Does this Spark an idea?

Use

You can use wooden and nylon cooking utensils for all types of cooking, since neither type has any adverse affect on food. Many cooks use nylon utensils when working with nonstick pans, because the nylon will not scratch the surface like metal or sharp wooden utensils may. Wood and nylon cooking utensils are heat-resistant.

Shape

Wooden cooking utensils vary greatly in shape, from traditional spoon shape to fork-like or triangular spoons. Most nylon cooking utensils are flatter, like pancake turners, or look like large spoons.

Care

Wooden utensils may slightly warp, or develop a "raise," from wear and moisture. Gently rub the wooden utensil with sandpaper to remove the issue, as well as any burns and stains. Discard nylon utensils that have burns or cracks; they cannot be salvaged.

Tags: nylon utensils, nylon cooking, nylon cooking utensils, cooking utensils, cooking utensils, wooden nylon

Cake Manufacturing Process

Commercial bakeries strive for consistency in their products.

Commercial baking companies turn out billions of products a day. The products must be uniform in size, shape and appearance in order to pass quality control tests, and this is achieved with the help of a largely automated process. Commercial mixers, fillers and ovens combine to process a high volume of products as consistently as possible. Most manufacturers use preservatives and other additives to achieve a long shelf life and uniform appearance. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Commercial Cake Ingredients

Most standard commercial cakes use a batter made from wheat flour, fat, eggs, sugar, milk powder, water, flavorings, preservatives such as sulphur dioxide and raising agents such as sodium carbonate. The ingredients are combined in either the sugar batter or flour batter methods. In the sugar batter method, the fat and sugar are creamed together, followed by the liquid then the flour. In the flour batter method, the fat is blended with the flour before being gradually mixed with the eggs and sugar. Increasingly, the "all-in-one" method is being used, which combines all the ingredients except fruit simultaneously.

Mixing the Batter

The batter is mixed in a commercial mixer. Once all the ingredients are combined, the mixer continues to beat the mixture for a further 10 minutes in order to trap in air and allow the cake to rise properly. The air works in conjunction with the added raising ingredient and the cake will grow in size during the baking process. Once the mixing is completed, the batter is turned into a mold for baking.

Filling the Mold

The baking mold is automatically sprayed with a thin layer of oil, which prevents the batter from sticking to the mold during the baking process. The mold is then filled with batter via an automatic dosing system, which monitors the shape, weight and level of the batter.

Baking

Once full, the molds are taken via conveyor belt through an automatic oven. The temperature and humidity of the oven are carefully regulated to produce the best result for the cake type so that it cooks evenly and thoroughly. To prevent the surface of the cake from cracking during the initial rising process, the crust is sprayed with water to make it more flexible. Once the cake has fully risen, the crust is allowed to dry and take on its baked coloring.

Cooling Down

After baking, the cake must be thoroughly and carefully cooled so that it does not collapse. As the cake cools, it releases moisture into the air that is removed by powerful suction pumps in the room so that no condensation forms.

Stripping and Packaging

Once the cake is completely cool, it is released from its mold and packaged so that it will be ready for transportation. The cake must be completely cool before packaging, or condensation will form and damage the product. Commercial cakes are normally wrapped in plastic packaging, possibly with the additional of a cardboard tray.

Tags: baking process, batter method, cake must, completely cool, during baking

Print A Mini Book Of Poetry

Print a small book of poetry and bind it with ribbon or yarn.

Watching poems go from scribbles and scratches to full poems to printed work is a rewarding experience. Miniature books of poetry are smaller than standard five-by-six-inch books that are often hand made or printed and bound by a printing company. A similar format, the chapbook, is a simply printed and bound book of poems as short as four poems or as long as 100 poems that show off a beginning poet's work. To print a mini book of poetry, first decide whether you would like to try printing it yourself or work with a printer or publisher.

Instructions

1. Choose the size of your miniature poetry book. Select from sizes as small as two inches by three inches to five or six inches. Once you have the size you want, format the poetry to fit into the pages. Alter the font size and style if necessary. Note that the most common sizes of poetry books are 5.5-by-8.5-inch or six-by-nine-inch. You can create a "miniaturized" version of either.

2. Select the paper type. Some poetry chapbooks are printed on glossy paper and others on thicker card stock. Sample a few poetry books at a book shop to see and feel which type you prefer. Make notes about size.

3. Speak with or write to a staff member at a self-publishing company. Inquire about purchasing a publishing package, which includes printing, publication, and choices of binding, cover page material and artistic choices such as cover design. If you are interested, ask the company to print and publish your mini book of poetry.

4. Try a printing company. Make sure the company prints books; some do not, for economic reasons. Ask how they would like you to format your poetry manuscript. Determine whether the company would like you to email the document or come in with a hard and digital copy. Request a certain number of books. While it is ideal to keep the number of books under 100, you can print as many as you wish and can afford.

5. Try printing poetry yourself. Create a simple, chapbook style mini-poetry book from home. Format the poems on your word processor to fit a particular paper size. Check that the printer is in "book" mode so that a poem prints on each opposite page. Insert the paper. Create a binding by folding the left edge of the book. Bind the mini-book with staples, ribbon or materials such as shoelaces or yarn. Decorate the paper with a line sketch, stamps, stencils, a photograph or paints.

Tags: would like, book poetry, mini book, number books, poetry books, printed bound, printing company

Keep Bugs Out Of Flour

Have you ever opened the flour jar or bag to find little bugs? No matter how tight the seal seems to be on your flour container, these sneaky little insects find a way in. Here's rid your flour of these pesky pests once and for all. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Freeze your flour. It sounds weird, but the freezer will not adversely affect it. There is no moisture in the freezer, so there are no clumps.

2. Spread bay leaves around your kitchen. This natural bug repellent is an old wives way of keeping the critters away.

3. Identify your bug. Sometimes it takes a little investigation to rid your flour of bugs. Flour and grain weevils are not harmful; but you can avoid them by making sure you use a container with an airtight seal.

4. Clean out the entire closet, pantry or cupboard when you find moth worms. Make sure to apply a food-safe pesticide after you clean.

5. Discard all products exposed to cockroaches because they carry disease. Check with a pest control company for the best course of action.

6. Make sure that you clean spilled flour and other foods at all times. This can help prevent most bugs. Be sure to clean under the shelf paper when cleaning out pantries.

Tags: your flour, Make sure

Lauric Acid Hazards

Lauric acid is the main type of acid found in oil from coconuts. As with other acids found in food products, it's generally safe in small quantities, but exposure to concentrated forms can be hazardous. It's important to know the potential dangers, as well as treat or control any possible side effects associated with working with or around lauric acid. The proper precautions can prevent harm or damage to people and buildings.

Eye Irritation

Lauric acid can cause burning and irritation if it gets in the eyes. If lauric acid gets in your eyes, remove contacts, if necessary, and rinse the eyes with water. Seek transportation to the emergency room immediately after exposure, but do not attempt to drive yourself. If necessary, call for an ambulance to convey you.

Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is common with exposure to lauric acid. Remove all contaminated clothing as soon as exposure occurs. Rinse the affected area of skin under running water and scrub it with a non-exfoliating soap. Pay extra attention to deep wrinkles or folds in the skin to ensure all the acid gets washed away. Pat the skin dry and apply a deep moisturizer. Seek medical attention only if irritation worsens or persists after 24 hours.

Respiratory Problems

Lauric acid, when inhaled, can cause respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing or pain in the lungs. Move to a well-ventilated area and sit down as soon as inhalation occurs. Focus on breathing at a normal rate until the breathing returns to normal. If breathing is halting, or if trouble breathing persists longer than several minutes, seek immediate medical attention.

Ingestion

Lauric acid ingestion can cause nausea and vomiting. Remove all tight clothing, such as belts, snug pants or snug collared shirts immediately after ingestion. In severe cases, ingestion can cause you to stop breathing, a condition that must be treated with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and a prompt call to 911. Regardless of how severe the reaction is, medical treatment is important after lauric acid ingestion.

Water Pollutant

Lauric acid may be dangerous to human, animal and plant life if it seeps into water systems. Notify the local health and wildlife offices if this problem occurs. If water intakes are nearby, notify the operators of the intakes as well.

Flammability

Lauric acid may be combustible at high temperatures, typically 230 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Small fires can be controlled by smothering the flames with a dry chemical powder. Large fires can be controlled with water spray, alcohol foam or a Class B fire extinguisher. Call the nearest fire department or 911 if there is any doubt about whether you can control the fire on your own.

Tags: acid gets, acid ingestion, fires controlled, immediately after, ingestion cause, Lauric acid

Make Clear Chicken Soup

Clarified and Non-Clarified Broth

A marvel of less-than-modern medicine, the restorative powers of chicken soup are legendary. As the ultimate comfort food, it can be chock full of chicken and vegetables, but the broth alone enhances the flavor of meats, stews, pastas, rice and side dishes. If your aim is to use the soup without visible ingredients, clarify the broth before adding it to your favorite recipes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Chicken Broth Clarified

1. Remove the innards from a full chicken and submerge it in water or prepared chicken broth. The chicken flavor will be stronger from a broth-based recipe, but some prepared broths contain large amounts of sodium or monosodium glutamate.

2. Add onion, carrots, celery and parsley.

3. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for one hour.

4. Remove chicken and vegetables and skim off fat.

5. Strain broth through sieve.

6. Combine 1/4 cup cold water with egg white and broken shell. Add to strained broth and bring to a boil.

7. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

8. Strain broth through cheesecloth-lined sieve and discard egg and shell pieces.

Tags: bring boil, broth through, chicken vegetables, full chicken, heat allow

Make A Perfume From A Plant

Make a Perfume From a Plant

Making perfume from plants is a natural way to harness the beauty of nature. Man has been making fragrances since the beginning of time using the heavenly scents found in the world around him. Making your own natural perfume is easy and basically consists of two steps: creating an essential oil and transforming the oil into perfume. Once the perfume is finished, it is ready to use and, if properly stored, can last for months. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Making Natural Essential Oil

1. Pack 1 cup of the flower petals into the measuring cup.

2. Bruise the petals by mashing them with the wooden spoon.

3. Pour the petals in the bowl and add the almond oil.

4. Mix thoroughly, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand overnight in a cool, dark place.

5. Strain the mixture using the cheesecloth or a coffee filter, discard the petals and return the oil to the bowl.

6. Repeat the steps above three times using the same oil; the entire process should take 4 days.

Making Perfume From Essential Oil

7. Measure 5 tsp. of vodka into a small bowl.

8. Drop 1 drop of the essential oil into the vodka, mix thoroughly and repeat, using not more than 5 to 10 drops of essential oil total.

9. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a cool, dark place for 48 hours.

10. Mix 1 cup of distilled water into the oil blend.

11. Strain perfume using cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any sediment.

12. Pour the perfume (using a funnel) into a dark brown bottle, vial or atomizing spray bottle.

Tags: Perfume From, bowl with, bowl with plastic, cheesecloth coffee, cheesecloth coffee filter, coffee filter, cool dark

Ingredients For Potting Soil

A high-quality potting soil consists of some basic organic materials.

A high-quality potting soil is very important to successfully growing plants. While many gardeners simply buy whatever potting soil they find at the store, experienced gardeners know that the right ingredients in the potting soil are crucial. Whether you want to make an informed purchase or make a batch of potting soil yourself, it pays to know a few of the basic ingredients in a good potting soil. Does this Spark an idea?

Compost

Compost is the key ingredient in a potting soil. A potting soil should have decomposed organic matter in it, as it adds essential nutrients. Pine bark is one of the common ingredients in compost, but leaves, hay and straw are also used often. You can make your own compost by adding easily found items like grass clippings, tea bags, coffee grounds and egg shells.

Peat Moss

Peat moss is important in a potting soil because it adds nutrients, contributes to the ability of the soil to hold moisture and increases soil acidity. Use Canadian sphagnum peat moss as it is harvested in an environmentally friendly manner and the harvest areas are restored.

Perlite

Perlite is basically a high-fired volcanic rock. It is important to potting soil because it contributes the important characteristic of good drainage, accomplished by creating air pockets in the soil.

Sand

Playground sand or other coarse sands also improve drainage and at the same time make the potting soil loose rather than easily compacted. Sand like this is readily available and inexpensive and should be a part of any potting soil mix.

Tags: potting soil, potting soil, high-quality potting, high-quality potting soil, important potting

Sprout Store Bought Potatoes

Sprouted potato plants thrive in soil temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can sprout store bought potatoes to grow healthy potato plants. Potatoes are the swollen starch-filled tuber section of a subterranean rhizome. Rhizomes grow from buds which are often called eyes on a potato. Under the right conditions, the buds will sprout and form green leaves to begin producing food for the new potato plant. Turn a single store bought potato into a sustainable crop of new potatoes with some water and a few toothpicks. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the store bought potatoes in an unsealed container. Move them to a part of the house that is dry and stays above 70 degrees F. Check on the potatoes after three week to see if the eyes have begun forming small white buds.

2. Set a budding potato on a level surface, the end with the most eyes pointing downward. Push four toothpicks halfway into the potato about two thirds up its length and equal distance from one another.

3. Lower the potato into a glass until the toothpicks rest evenly on the rim and support its weight. Pour rain water or spring water into the glass until it is filled to just below the rim. Carefully move the glass to a window sill or somewhere indoors that is warm and often sunny.

4. Dump out and refill the water each time it appears cloudy or gets low. Look for small roots growing down into the water after two weeks. Leaves usually emerge from the top of the potato after three weeks.

5. Move the sprouted potato to soil to continue growing after the leaves have opened. Remove the toothpicks and bury the potato up to the stem in the soil. Keep the soil from drying out completely with regular watering.

Tags: store bought, above degrees, after three, bought potatoes, glass until, into glass, into glass until

How Long Should A Turkey Be Smoked

Smoking a turkey adds a lot of flavor and maintains the moisture in a bird that has a reputation for being dry and bland. More moisture can be added by brining the turkey before smoking. Flavor with a dry rub as desired, and choose a flavorful wood for smoking. This will be a turkey to remember. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Food Safety

Turkeys less than 12 pounds are suitable for smoking whole. A larger turkey will not cook fast enough in a smoker to guarantee its safety. Larger turkeys can halved or divided into pieces for smoking.

Turkeys should not be stuffed when smoking. Because smoking uses a very low temperature, the stuffing will not cook fast enough and will spend too much time in the danger zone, below 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Smoking Times

Smoke the turkey at a low temperature, between 225 and 250 degrees. Expect that the turkey will require at least 30 minutes per pound to smoke at 230 degrees. A 12-pound turkey will need six hours--minimum--to smoke.

About an hour before you expect the turkey to be ready, check its progress. Test the turkey for doneness using a meat thermometer. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh and breast, making sure that the thermometer does not touch a bone. The turkey is done when both readings are 165 degrees or higher. Usually the breast will cook faster, so continue to smoke the turkey until the thermometer reads at least 165 degrees in both places.

When done, the legs and wings will move easily. Carefully remove the turkey from the smoker and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. The turkey will continue to cook during this time, and the juices will have a chance to redistribute, yielding a moist turkey.

Considerations

Thirty minutes per pound is a minimum time that your turkey should need at an ideal 230 degrees Fahrenheit. The actual smoking time will depend on the temperature of your grill and maintaining even heat. Add charcoal as needed to keep the grill temperature between 225 and 250.

Avoid opening the grill whenever possible. Every time the lid is raised, the temperature drops and it takes time to get back up to temperature, adding to your cooking time.

Tags: turkey will, will cook, cook fast, cook fast enough, degrees Fahrenheit

Health Dangers Of Gas Grills

Outdoor gas barbecue grills are among the fastest, most efficient means of preparing food over an open flame. Improper care and careless use, however, quickly lead to burns and other health dangers. When using these staples of outdoor cooking, pay close attention to what you're doing and take proper precautions to avoid injury. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Grate Danger

The most obvious burn hazards from gas grills originate from the cooking grate, where food meets flame. Using tongs or spatulas with short handles--like standard kitchen utensils--can leave arm hairs and skin singed or seared. Long-handled grilling tongs and spatulas help prevent these injuries.

Hot Lids

Gas grill lids--and grill exteriors--often are tempered, coated or stainless steel, all of which heat to high temperatures and retain that heat long after the flames go out. Using heat-resistant oven or grilling mitts and avoiding contact between skin and the grill lid prevents burns from hot grill metal.

Grease Flare-ups

Full grease traps or reservoirs and grates with caked-on fat from cooking act as candles without the benefit of stabilizing wax. When flames get near such conditions, a conflagration ensues that can spread outside of the grill and cause severe burns. Regular emptying of grease traps and scouring of grill grates eliminates this threat.

Fume Hazards

Failing to turn off grill burners and shut off the gas knob atop propane tanks allows gas fumes to escape from the grill, creating the potential for an explosion. Lighting matches or cigarettes near a grill improperly closed down after use is a recipe for disaster.

Closed Lid Lighting

Attempting to light a propane or natural gas grill with the lid closed allows fumes to build up inside the grilling chamber. If the fumes catch after a large buildup of gas, the grill can explode. Always open the lid during the lighting process.

Tags: allows fumes, from cooking, from grill, grease traps, tongs spatulas

Tips For Live In A Travel Trailer

Use outdoor areas to enhance indoor living space.

Make the most out of living in your travel trailer by staying ahead of seasonal changes, keeping your living environment clean, and learning live with only what you need. Borrow, don't buy items if at all possible. For example, DVDs, CDs, books and audio tapes can be checked out of the library, and many RV resorts offer a sharing library in common areas. Take contact information from people you meet along your travels for future networking benefits.

Visit Different Areas

When you live in a travel trailer seeing the same scenery day after day can prove challenging after a while. To make the most out of your ability to pick up and go as you choose, have national park and RV camping resort maps handy in your glove box. To avoid having to store these on board, you can also take advantage of internet websites offering the same information. Keep seasonal weather changes in mind when selecting a fresh destination.

Downsize Your Life

Whether you're settling into your RV for the first time or simply looking to switch up your routine, numerous options are available when looking to fix up your environment. Downsize all material goods, especially goods that are not used on a daily basis. For example, if you own a PC, sell that computer and invest in a smaller laptop. Likewise, a small-screen television with a built-in DVD player suits your needs. A toaster oven and single stove-top burner can also be stored in cabinets, opening up counter space.

Stay Organized

Getting and staying organized is a significant aspect of having enough room to accommodate your lifestyle while living in a travel trailer. Before you start moving things around, walk through the unit and take inventory of every open space available. Attach dish shelves to walls, or pots, pans and lid storage on the inside of cabinet doors. Hang storage containers on walls in the bathroom and in cupboards if possible, and utilize plastic containers that can fit under the bed or seating areas.

Budgeting

Making a budget and sticking to it are key to staying ahead of your finances when living in a travel trailer. This can be tricky if you have limited space due to the fact that buying in bulk is one obvious way to save. To make up for this limitation, take stock of your trailer and get rid of unnecessary items that are tying up extra room. Next, decide what you can't live without, food or toilet paper for example, and use the freed-up space to store them.

Tags: travel trailer, living travel, living travel trailer, staying ahead