Cook Anson Mills Yellow Grits

Making grits is an art, and Southeners are very particular about their grits. Anson Mills draws upon a long tradition of grit making in the Charleston, South Carolina area. The company uses heirloom corn varieties passed down from generations of grit makers and bootleggers. Anson Mills' grits, both the yellow and white varieties, are coarse and take much more time and attention to cook than quick grits. For authentic Charlestonian grits, you will need to cook the grits in a cast iron pot. However, a regular pot or a slow cooker will yield delicious results. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

On the Stovetop

1. Place 1 cup of yellow grits in 2 1/2 cups of water in the pot. Stir and let the grits settle for at least one minute. Then, tilt the pot and use the tea strainer to skim off any particles that floated to the top of the water. Cover the grits and soak them overnight.

2. Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat. Stir the grits constantly with a wooden spoon. After approximately 5 minutes, the "first starch" will take hold. With the first starch, the finer grits thicken the mixture enough to allow the larger grits to remain suspended in the water. Good grit cooking technique requires you to stir constantly until the first starch occurs.

3. Cover the grits and turn the stove down to the lowest setting possible. On another burner, heat 2 cups of water to an almost boil.

4. Stir the grits every 10 minutes. If the grits become thick, add some of the hot water.

5. Add a pinch of salt after the grits have cooked for 20 minutes. Cook the grits for another 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. When the grits are tender, they are ready to serve.

In a Slow Cooker

6. Stir 1 cup of grits and 3 cups of water in the slow cooker. Let the grits rest for 1 minute. Then, tilt the pot and skim the surface with the tea strainer to remove any floating debris.

7. Place the cover on the slow cooker and turn it on. Cook the grits on high for 2 hours and 15 minutes, stirring once every hour.

8. Add a pinch of salt after the grits have cooked for 2 hours. When the grits are tender and creamy, they are ready to serve.

Tags: Stir grits, Anson Mills, cups water, first starch, slow cooker

The Instructions For Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is commonly served as an accompaniment to Thai dishes.

Jasmine rice, sometimes referred to as Thai fragrant rice because of its rich aroma, is a medium-grain, fine rice that is commonly found in Thai cooking, and less commonly in Chinese and Vietnamese food. Jasmine rice tends to stick together more than other varieties like Basmati rice from India or Koshihikari rice from Japan. Jasmine rice is commonly used in Thai curries and as an accompaniment to meat and vegetable dishes. However, its flavor balances well with a wide variety of foods, and it can easily be prepared and served alongside many different meals. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place the rice in a 3-quart saucepan. Run cold, clean water from the faucet over the rice, filling the saucepan about halfway with cold water.

2. Allow the rice to sit for 30 seconds before pouring the dirty water into a small sieve, which will catch the rice. Rinse the rice two more times, returning it to your 3-quart saucepan after the final rinse.

3. Measure 3 cups of clean, cold water in a measuring cup. Add the water to the saucepan with the Jasmine rice.

4. Cover the saucepan with the lid and place it on the stove over medium high heat until boiling, about 5 to 7 minutes.

5. Reduce the heat to low once the water is boiling and stir the rice once with a wooden spoon. Cover the rice with the lid and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes or until the water has fully evaporated.

6. Turn the burner off and remove the rice from heat. Allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes without removing the lid.

7. Transfer the rice to a serving or storage bowl to stop the cooking process. Serve the rice warm or at room temperature.

Tags: Jasmine rice, rice from, 3-quart saucepan, Allow rice, cold water, Jasmine rice commonly, rice commonly

Make Norinse Shampoo

Washing and styling your hair takes a lot of time, especially if you blow-dry it straight. Rather then washing your hair every day, a dry shampoo can be used to absorb the oil on your scalp and keep your hair looking fresh and clean. Using the product one to two days after washing your hair allows you to get a couple extra days out of each shampoo and style. While dry shampoo is a miracle product for many individuals, purchasing it can be costly. With a few products and the right steps, you can make your own dry shampoo at home for a fraction of the price.

Instructions

Make Dry Shampoo

1. Gather your products. You need several products to make your own dry shampoo. Gather an empty baby powder container, three bowls, a plastic container with a lid, cornstarch, regular oatmeal, fragrance and baking soda. You need at least 1/3 cup to 2/3 cup of each of the following: cornstarch, oatmeal and baking soda. When you choose the fragrance you would like to use, make sure it is an oil, because that will produce a stronger scent that lasts longer.

2. Measure the products. Decide how much dry shampoo you would like to make. If you would like to make a small quantity, you will need 1/3 cup of each product. If you are making a larger quantity, use 2/3 cup of each product. Measure out equal parts of oatmeal, cornstarch and baking soda. After measuring each product separately, put each one in a separate bowl.

3. Add the fragrance to the oatmeal. Add several drops of fragrance to the oatmeal and mix it together. Once the oatmeal and fragrance have been thoroughly mixed, smell the oatmeal and decide if the scent is strong enough or if you would like to add more fragrance. You want the fragrance to be rather strong, because you will be adding equal parts of cornstarch and baking soda, which will soften the scent.

4. Grind the oatmeal. Once you are satisfied with the scent of the oatmeal, it's time to grind the oatmeal. You want the oatmeal to be as close to powder form as possible. Place the oatmeal in the blender and select the puree function. Blend the oatmeal for at least 1 minute and then check its progress. If the oatmeal is in powder form, you are finished and can proceed to the next step. If not, repeat this step until it the oatmeal resembles powder.

5. Put it all together. It's time to mix all of the products together to make your dry shampoo. The best method to mix the products is to pour all of them into a large plastic bowl. Put the lid on the bowl and seal it tightly, then shake the bowl to mix the products together. Repeat this step a couple of times until you feel the products have been adequately mixed. Once that is done, pour the final product into an empty baby powder container. Enjoy your new dry shampoo.

Tags: baking soda, would like, your hair, your shampoo, each product, like make

Become Usda Organically Certified

Organic Farm

These are inviting times to become an organically certified farmer as, according to the USDA's report on Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry, the demand for organic products has grown dramatically through the years. The report states, "Organic food sales have more than quintupled, increasing from $3.6 billion in 1997 to $21.1 billion in 2008." The 2008 Farm Act provides financial support to assist farmers to convert to organic production. This article will help you walk through the process and become USDA organically certified.

Instructions

Become USDA Organically Certified

1. Organic fields

Locate a certifying agent. There are two types of certifying agents for the organic markets: domestic and foreign. You need to go to the USDA website, choose your market (domestic or foreign) and, from the drop down box, choose your state from the list. The contact information, including phone numbers and websites, is listed on the USDA's site.

2. Organic produce

Apply to a certifying agent. According to the USDA brochure, an applicant must submit the following information: the history of all substances (pesticides, etc.) that have been applied to the soil; which organic products will be grown, raised or processed on the farm; and an action plan ensuring that procedures are in place to monitor the processes to make certain that all organic products will be kept separate from inorganic products. These documents must be surrendered to the USDA or the certifying agent at any time post-certification. They must be kept for at least 5 years according to the USDA National Organic Program's guidelines.

3. Organic cattle

Continue keeping records once certified. The USDA states that all the applicants must continue to keep accurate post-certification records for 5 years for all products that are being sold as organic. There are stiff penalties for anyone selling "organic" products that do not meet the guidelines.

Tags: organic products, certifying agent, choose your, domestic foreign, organic products will

How Much Food Per Person For Party Of 40

How Much Food Per Person for Party of 40?

Cooking for a large group may seem a bit exasperating at the outset, but try not to focus on the number of people and instead concentrate on the amount of food that needs to be brought to the table. The amount people normally eat won't change just because they are in a group setting. Caterers tend to use weights when determining food amounts and don't spend as much time trying to figure out how many pieces of chicken or slices of meat they need. Their standards are usually spot-on and can save you a lot of time and headaches. Does this Spark an idea?

Meat

A standard portion of meat generally tops out at four ounces, or a quarter-pound. You can go higher if you like, but this is usually plenty. Using that number, you can serve four people with one pound of meat. Taking that further, you would need 10 pounds to serve 40 people. When serving meat to a large group, it's smart to concentrate on preparing roasts that you can slice, as opposed to cooking individual pieces of chicken or small steaks, which can get pricey and time-consuming. Serve dishes like roast beef, prime rib, baked ham or roast turkey.

Shop for roasts at three and four pounds or larger and combine them to reach the 10-pound mark. Take care when you are buying meat with the bone-in--the bone will be reflected in the total weight, so you will have to compensate. Also buy an extra couple of pounds of meat for surprise guests or hearty eaters.

Pasta and Rice

Most people enjoy pasta, and it's a common choice for group meals because it's cheap and easy to prepare without much fuss. If you're buying regular spaghetti, stay with the rule of four ounces of dry pasta per person. You'll only need two ounces per person if you're buying macaroni. If you're using fresh pasta or a larger noodle like rigatoni, check the package and look at the recommended serving size to estimate the amount you need. If you are serving pasta as the main course, add one or two extra pounds of dry pasta to be safe.

The same weight rule generally applies for rice if you are using it as a side dish. You will need about four ounces of dry rice per person, or 10 pounds for 40 people.

Vegetables

Buy 10-15 pounds of vegetables for your group of 40.

If you purchase food at a warehouse store, you can find five-pound bags of pre-cut broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans and many other prepared vegetables. Place these vegetables in a pot of salted, boiling water and cook them fairly quickly.

Potatoes are an excellent side dish because you can prepare them ahead of time and warm them up before service. You can parboil baby potatoes until they are fork-tender, drain them and put them in the refrigerator. Later, place them on a roasting sheet and bake for 20 to 30 minutes to warm them up. You can also prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time. These tend to be particularly good when twice-baked.

Tags: four ounces, ahead time, Food Person, Food Person Party, large group, Much Food

Canadian Chef Schools

Professional cooking is both an art and a science.

If you want to pursue a career as a chef, you need to acquire culinary education or attend courses at a chef school. Courses in Canadian chef schools familiarize you with the ingredients and techniques of professional cooking. To excel in this field, you need to be an informed chef who is dedicated to the work.

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, in Vancouver, British Columbia, was founded in 1996. It offers short programs to develop your culinary skills, such as classes in wine, beer and cake decoration. Classes are limited to 15 students. The program covers culinary fundamentals such as nutrition, running a kitchen and knife handling.

Neil Baxter's Rundles Cooking Classes

These classes are held in the Rundles restaurant in Stratford, Ontario. Celebrity chef Neil Baxter presents cooking classes that help students learn experimental cooking. Weekend classes, private classes and corporate cooking lessons are offered. Classes begin with a discussion of the menu and ingredients, then break into student groups, with each group responsible for preparing one course or part of the meal.

Liaison College

Liaison College, in the Toronto suburb of Oakville, is Ontario's biggest training institute for cooks and chefs. It offers four diploma programs: culinary management, basic cooking, chef de cuisine and specialist chef. Graduates are provided with career planning assistance.

Niagara College Canada

Niagara College Canada, with campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake, offers a two-year diploma course run by the Canadian Food and Wine Institute. It provides comprehensive training in culinary management and methods of food preparation and presentation. Courses also focus on efficient use of the modern kitchen and its appliances. The program features state-of-the-art cooking facilities and renowned faculty.

Tags: College Canada, Culinary Arts, culinary management, Institute Culinary, Institute Culinary Arts, Liaison College, Neil Baxter

Types Of Crucibles

Types of Crucibles

Crucibles are severe tests that challenge one's faith. Otherworldly spirits, people or nature may present these trials. Crucibles often serve as core stories in a religious doctrine and are designed to inspire people to have faith during difficult times. These tales frequently become ingrained in the culture as reference points for other ordeals, as in "She has the patience of Job," or "He was like Daniel in the lion's den."

The Crucible of Evil

Also called the Crucible of Satan or the Devil. Evil spirits tempt those of strong faith to commit sin or abandon their beliefs, often through bribery. Examples of this include Satan tempting Jesus in the desert and Mara tempting Buddha under the bo tree. Demons can challenge lesser beings, too. Satan believes that Job will lose faith if God inflicts great misery upon him only to be proven wrong.

The Crucible of Good

Also called the Crucible of God, this trial involves a supreme undergoing an immense hardship before someone. Among these are God sending Jesus Christ to Earth to redeem mankind's sin through his death on the cross, and ordering Abraham to kill his son Isaac to prove his faith. Sometimes the afflicted must complete the challenge, sometimes not as in the case of God sending an angel to keep Abraham from sacrificing his son.

The Crucible of Man

This test comes from unbelievers who challenge an individual's faith before being defeated. Daniel is told that he cannot pray because it is against the law. He does so anyway and is sealed in a den of lions where his faith keeps him safe. The lions then set upon those who accused him of breaking the law. Local merchants offer Muhammad wealth and prestige if he abandons Islam, but he refuses, only to destroy the old religion.

The Crucible of Sin

Also the Crucible of Temptation, this test comes from personal weakness and the breaking of a divine law or command. In Hinduism, the first level of human existence is pleasure, and until one gives up such sin, he cannot progress to the next level.

This crucible stands alone among the others in that the challenged individual often succumbs to the temptation but later repents or is punished. Adam and Eve give way to ambition and eat from the Tree of Knowledge, only to be banned from the Garden of Eden. Augustine, a philanderer, sums up the difficulties of this crucible when praying, "God, save me from my sins! Just not yet."

The Crucible of Aging

This crucible is at the center of Buddhism, since it leads the Buddha to seek a better path after realizing that people grow old and die. It is also a challenge to other religions to ensure that faith is strengthened and not weakened by despair or bitterness as people face impending death. Methuselah, Abraham, Noah and many other biblical persons are granted long life for being virtuous.

The Crucible of Sickness

This trial examines how people respond to illness and physical disabilities, replete with examples of faith being the cure for such maladies. Jesus heals the blind, the lame, lepers and others through faith if he recognizes them as true believers.

Tags: Also called, Also called Crucible, called Crucible, comes from, test comes, test comes from

Deep Fried Turkey Tips

Deep frying a turkey has become a popular way of cooking turkey for both holidays and outdoor barbecues. Whether you are deep frying a whole turkey or just turkey parts, there are special precautions and tips to follow to make that bird a special meal. A turkey that is deep fried will be moist, tender and golden brown if done safely and properly. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Deep Fryer

Deep fryers can be bought at most department and sporting goods stores. When you buy your fryer, read the manual that comes with it to make sure you understand how your particular fryer works. While all fryers work in the same basic method (i.e. propane heats the oil), different brands have specific instructions for their models.

The Turkey

The USDA recommends that a turkey to be deep fried should be completely thawed and weigh less than 12 pounds. Remove the neck and giblet package from the turkey and do not stuff the bird before frying.

Deep Fryer Safety

Place the deep fryer in an area where it will be away from children and pets. It should be placed on a flat surface that is not made of wood and should be away from wooden buildings and trees and shrubs. Once you have lit the burner on the fryer, you should not leave the fryer unattended. Even after the burner is extinguished, the cooking oil will remain hot for several hours. Make sure you do not overfill the fryer with oil, spillovers can cause fire as oil can hit the burner flame and ignite the entire fryer.

Cooking the Turkey

Set up your fryer and heat the oil to 350 degrees F. This can take up to an hour, depending on the outside temperature and winds. Pat the thawed turkey dry with paper towels. Slowly immerse the turkey into the oil. Cook for three to five minutes per pound, keeping the oil temperature at 350 degrees F. The turkey is cooked when the internal temperature, using a good meat thermometer, is 165 degrees F in both the thickest part of the thigh and the breast.

Other Tips

Keep a fire extinguisher near the fryer in case of flare-ups. To protect your eyes while cooking, safety glasses are a cheap way to avoid oil splatter. Have a supply of hot pads and mitts nearby to lift the basket from the oil when the turkey is done.

Tags: away from, deep fried, your fryer

South Minneapolis Restaurants

Visitors and residents in south Minneapolis dine at a variety of restaurants.

The southern portion of Minneapolis encompasses neighborhoods south of Interstate 394 like East Harriet and Tangletown. Visitors can head south on Lyndale Avenue to find shops and parks in south Minneapolis. This area attracts nature lovers who want to hike, cycle and run around Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. You can plan meals at a variety of restaurants in south Minneapolis to re-energize between tourist attractions.

Cafe Ena

Cafe Ena serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. The lunch menu features entrees like mango French toast and huevos rancheros. Dinner patrons can select from main courses of grilled corvina and Argentine steak. The dessert list available all day presents sweet dishes like churros and lemon pie. Wine lovers can visit Cafe Ena for half-price specials every Sunday and Monday and monthly wine tastings. This south Minneapolis restaurant participates in the annual Restaurant Week each August with low prices on multi-course tasting menus.

Cafe Ena

4601 Grand Ave. South

Minneapolis, MN 55419

612-824-4441

cafeena.net

Cafe Maude

Cafe Maude features lunch specials Tuesday through Friday and dinner specials seven days a week. The lunch menu presents house specialties including classic roast beef sandwiches and confit tuna burgers. The restaurant also creates entrees like pork tenderloin and hummus flatbreads for dinner guests. Cafe Maude produces daily desserts such as panna cotta and lemon cheesecake. Patrons can sample multiple dishes with three-course tasting menus offered every Sunday and Monday. Music lovers enjoy live concerts in the main dining room on Friday and Saturday nights.

Cafe Maude

5411 Penn Ave. South

Minneapolis, MN 55419

612-822-5411

cafemaude.com

The Rail Station Bar & Grill

The Rail Station Bar & Grill is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu includes standard fare like Denver omelets and pork chop and egg scrambles. Lunch patrons can order Cajun burgers and chicken stir fry before touring south Minneapolis. Dinner specials include T-bone steaks and walleye pike served in ample portions. The kid's menu at the Rail Station Bar & Grill offers dishes like apple sauce and chicken tenders. This restaurant hosts Bar Bingo every Wednesday and Saturday to accompany its dinner service.

The Rail Station Bar & Grill

3675 Minnehana Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55406

612-729-3663

railstationbarandgrill.com

Al Vento Italiana Cucina

Al Vento Cucina creates Italian entrees and desserts for dinner patrons seven days a week. Main courses range from the red potato pizza to the grilled pork tenderloin. Diners can conclude their meals at Al Vento Cucina with homemade gelato and olive oil cake from the dessert menu. The restaurant bar serves specialty cocktails such as the Italian mojito and the Mediterranean Collins. This south Minneapolis restaurant opens every Sunday for a brunch buffet. Couples can order discounted three-course tasting menus during Date Night specials every Tuesday.

Al Vento Italiana Cucina

5001 34th Ave. South

Minneapolis, MN 55417

612-724-3009

alventorestaurant.com

Tags: Cafe Maude, Rail Station, Rail Station Grill, Station Grill, days week

Cream Of Wheat Cooking Directions

Cream of Wheat cooks in just minutes and makes a hot and hearty breakfast.

Cream of Wheat is a hot cereal made from farina, and it has been a popular and hearty breakfast option for generations. Inexpensive and simple to make, it provides a wholesome dietary start to anyone's day. Whether served with fruit or toast or mixed with your own favorite concoctions, Cream of Wheat is a hot breakfast option that can be cooked in just a very few minutes each morning. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Accoutrements

Before you cook your Cream of Wheat, your first step is to assemble the items you'll need. A 2-quart saucepan is sufficient in size to make breakfast for a family of four. You'll also need a measuring cup, a set of measuring spoons, salt, water, and a large spoon for cooking.

Mix and Cook

Measure 4 1/2 cups of water into your saucepan. Add 1 tsp of salt to the water. Heat the water to boiling. Stir in 3/4 cup of Cream of Wheat. Stir constantly so the hot cereal doesn't become lumpy. As soon as the mixture returns to a slow boil, turn down the heat. Continue stirring. When the Cream of Wheat reaches the thickness you like, remove it from the heat and spoon it into bowls for serving.

Eat and Enjoy

Serve your Cream of Wheat with a teaspoon of sugar sprinkled over it and some milk poured on it as well. Other variations include sprinkling it with brown sugar or cinnamon, adding raisins, or slicing fresh strawberries and mixing them into the hot cereal. You may prefer to add blueberries or raspberries to your Cream of Wheat instead. Some people swirl a tablespoon of jelly or preserves into their Cream of Wheat. An average serving is 3/4 of a cup of the hot cereal.

Tags: Cream Wheat, your Cream, your Cream Wheat, breakfast option, hearty breakfast, salt water

Make A Flourless Chocolate Mocha Cake

flourless chocolate mocha cake

An easy recipe for chocolate mocha cake. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350. In double boiler over med. heat, bring water to a simmer, or set heat-proof bowl over a pot filled with 2" simmering water, making sure bottom of bowl is not touching water. Add 3 chocolate bars, butter and kahlua. Cook until melted and then remove from heat and cool until room temp.

2. Beat egg yolks and sugar with your electric mixer on high for approx. 3 minutes or until thickened. Fold in cooled chocolate mix. In separate bowl mix egg whites 5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into chocolate mix and then pour into 9" cake pan coated with bakers joy.

3. Bake 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool cake for 10 minutes then remove from the pan and cool completely.

4. Mix 1/2 cup boiling water and remaining chocolate in med. size mixing bowl, let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, and then let cool 2 minutes. Pour chocolate over cake to coat,and chill before serving.

Tags: minutes until, chocolate mocha cake, remove from, then remove, then remove from

Cook With To Ayurveda Prinicples

Cook With to Ayurveda Prinicples

Ayurveda means "knowledge of life." Ayurvedic principles provide guidelines for food choices, foods to achieve harmony as well as foods to avoid. Ayurveda promotes healthy balance in the body and mind. The ultimate goal of Ayurveda cooking is higher consciousness.

Instructions

Ayurveda Cooking

1. Acquaint yourself with Ayurveda principles as a total health system and as a path to spiritual awareness. For Ayurveda cooking, there are three categories of foods that guide care of the body and mind. Selecting or avoiding Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic types of foods is key to Ayurveda dietary health.

2. Select Sattvic foods, which include organic fresh fruits and vegetables that are seasonally harvested. Other Sattvic staples are honey, legumes, dairy products and grains. Sattvic foods promote Sattva, a balanced and peaceful mind.

3. Add variety and spice to Ayurveda cooking with Rajasic foods that promote activity and creativity. Onions, peppers, curries, garlic, meat and fish, and caffeinated beverages all enhance Rajas. Use caution. If over-indulged, Rajasic foods can lead to restlessness.

4. Avoid Tamasic foods, the third category of foods described by Ayurvedic principles. Poultry, pork, alcohol and any processed or factory-farmed foods promote Tamas. Tamas stops the body and mind with inertia and overall inactivity.

5. Experience Ojas, harmonious physical, mental and spiritual health. Explore the rest of what Ayurveda offers the whole person.

Tags: Ayurveda cooking, body mind, Ayurveda Prinicples, Ayurvedic principles, Cook With, Cook With Ayurveda

Places To Get Married In Burlington Vermont

Lake Champlain provides a romantic backdrop for weddings in Burlington, Vermont.

Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains and a quaint historical downtown center are a few of the key ingredients that make Burlington, Vermont a picturesque place for a wedding. The venue you choose in Burlington ultimately depends on your budget, the size of your guest list, whether or not you want the ceremony and reception indoors or outdoors and whether you want a formal or more casual event.

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts

The advantage of choosing a hotel or B&B is, of course, that you and your guests have the option of staying overnight at the same venue where the wedding and reception take place. You can often get discounted room rates when you're booking a wedding event at the same location.

The Sunset Ballroom atop Comfort Suites and the Hilton Burlington offer ceremony, reception and rehearsal dinner packages and can accommodate 325 and 680 people, respectively, so if you want a formal indoor event and plan on having a lot of people there, these options may be your best bet in town. If you want a more intimate affair, Hartwell House Bed & Breakfast, One of a Kind Bed and Breakfast and Lang House on Main Street Bed and Breakfast can host smaller events.

Golf Course / Country Club

For a large outdoor event with a formal touch, consider the Burlington Country Club. This golf course is equipped to deal with all kinds of special events, including wedding ceremonies and rehearsal dinners. The Quarry Hill Club is a banquet and reception facility with two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, five tennis courts and four acres of land. Casual and formal menus are available, and it has a clubhouse with a banquet room as well as a large white tent to accommodate large numbers of guests.

Parks

City parks are a natural choice if you want a more casual outdoor event that can accommodate a large number of people without breaking your budget. The Burlington Community Boathouse at Waterfront Park is a popular location for weddings and has catering services available. North Beach Park and Oakledge Park & Beach are also city parks with pavilions at the edge of Lake Champlain where you can host your wedding. Contact the Burlington Department of Parks & Recreation for rental information.

On the Water

If you'd rather be on the water, take a cruise while saying your vows and then watch the sun go down on the water while you and your guests enjoy eating and dancing onboard. Two ships host wedding events on Lake Champlain: The Northern Lights is a 115-foot long vessel offering three wedding menus depending on your budget, and The Spirit of Ethan Allen III is a ship that can accommodate up to 424 guests. In addition to weddings, they also host engagement parties and bachelor or bachelorette cocktail cruises.

Tags: Lake Champlain, Burlington Vermont, your budget, accommodate large, ceremony reception, Country Club, more casual

Christmas Gifts For The Hardtobuyfor Woman

Choose a creative gift for the woman who has everything.

Some women are simply hard to shop for. It might be tough to think of something for her because she is picky, she already has everything or she prefers shopping for herself. Whatever the reason, there is always something that she would love. Get creative and come up with something she doesn't have. Alternatively, buy her a better version of something she has.

Rare

If she's hard to shop for, go for something rare that she would not be able to find every day. For example, if she loves clothing, buy her something that a famous actress once wore. Or go with a vintage designer handbag from decades ago. Maybe she is a big music fan. Purchase an item that has been autographed by her favorite band or musician.

Upgrade

Maybe she is difficult to shop for because it seems like she already has everything you might buy for her. Don't be afraid to duplicate. Think of things she already has that could use an upgrade. For example, maybe she loves cooking, but she has every kitchen tool imaginable. Buy her a new state-of-the-art stand mixer with a bread hook, pasta maker attachment and extra mixing bowl. If she loves listening to music but already has an MP3 player, buy her a better one.

Philanthropy

Some women are hard to shop for because there is nothing they need and almost nothing they could not afford to buy themselves. If she genuinely does not want you to purchase a gift for her, put your money to good use. Choose a charity she supports and give a donation in her name. Maybe you aren't sure which charities she donates to. In that case, think about her life and choose one that seems to fit. For example, if she has pets, donate to the local animal shelter. If she loves the outdoors, donate to an organization devoted to saving forest land.

Jewelry

Maybe you aren't sure what to get her because she is extremely picky. No matter how picky she is, most women love a nice piece of jewelry. Choose something classic and simple, such as a delicate locket on a thin chain or a white gold bangle bracelet. If she has a few pieces of jewelry that she wears often, buy a pair of earrings, a necklace or a ring that coordinates with something she already owns.

Tags: hard shop, already everything, aren sure, Maybe aren, Maybe aren sure

Thaw Ezekiel Bread

Sprouted grain bread is healthy and hearty.

The smell of freshly baked bread is one of the most recognizable and delicious smells. Traditionally, breads are made using basic ingredients such as flour, yeast, water and in some cases milk or oil. Sprouted grain bread, such as Ezekiel bread, use untreated, live, sprouted grains in its recipe. Ezekiel bread can be found at health food stores or organic markets. To allow the bread to keep longer, most stores sell Ezekiel bread frozen. Thawing the bread properly is necessary to fully enjoy the hearty bread. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Basic Thaw

1. Remove the Ezekiel bread from the freezer. If the bread is sliced, take the number of slices out of the bag that you need, and reseal the bag. Then place it back in the freezer for future use.

2. Place the slices of bread on parchment paper on the counter. Allow the bread to thaw naturally which will usually take one to two hours.

3. Flip the bread at the half hour mark so the bread will not get soggy on one side. Check the bread periodically during the thawing process.

Toasting Frozen Bread

4. Take one to two slices of frozen bread from the freezer. Reseal the bag and place back in the freezer.

5. Place the slices of bread in your toaster. Set the toaster one setting darker than you use for fresh bread. This will ensure that the bread will toast to your desired color and consistency.

6. Spread butter over the toast and serve.

Quick thaw method

7. Remove Ezekiel bread from the freezer and open the bag. Wrap the Ezekiel bread in aluminum foil and place in the oven at 400 degrees F for 20-30 minutes until warmed all the way through. Because Ezekiel bread is a dense bread, it may take longer than basic bread to thaw.

8. Take the thawed Ezekiel bread out of the oven and allow it to cool for five to 10 minutes.

9. Remove the aluminum foil, while being careful to avoid any steam that could be released. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the bread. Place the fresh, warm bread in a lined basket and serve.

Tags: Ezekiel bread, bread from, bread from freezer, from freezer, aluminum foil

Start An Organic Product Business

If you are passionate about good, clean food, then consider starting an organic products company. According to the Organic Trade Association, the market for organic products grew from $1 billion in 1990 to $24.6 billion in 2008. Although this growth slowed somewhat during the recession that began in 2008, organic products continue to be a good bet heading into the future because of people's mounting collective concern regarding environmental and health issues.

Instructions

1. Consider the many options for starting an organic products business. You might choose to be a producer of organic products, a distributor or a retailer. If you enjoy the hands-on work of physically creating a clean product, then look into becoming a producer. If you are skilled at researching and marketing products, then tailor your interest in organic products to becoming a distributor, making connections between producers and retailers. If you enjoy working directly with customers, finding products that meet their needs and also supporting organic producers and distrubutors, then consider becoming an organic retailer by opening a store or building a website that sells organic products.

2. Research the licenses and permits you will need to start your organic product business. You will probably need to obtain organic certification from your state, and if you are creating a product that will be distributed across state lines, then you will need to obtain organic certification from the USDA. You will also need business licenses from your state and municipality, as well as a food processor's license if you will be producing a food product. Register as an employer with your state and with the federal government if you will be hiring employees.

3. Choose a product or product line that interests you personally and will appeal to a range of customers. Do formal and informal marketing research by speaking to retailers, distributors and customers about their needs and preferences and also by tracking trends in the organic industry. Join the Organic Trade Association, and take advantage of the marketing and information resources it provides. Attend organic trade shows to get a feel for the type of products currently popular.

4. Develop your customer base by advertising your organic product business through natural foods outlets and organizations that promote healthy living and environmental values, such as yoga centers, alternative day-care centers and elementary schools, as well as green businesses and organizations. Advertise in their newsletters, and distribute product samples.

Tags: organic products, your state, certification from, from your, from your state, need obtain

Gain Weight On A Vegan Diet

Strange as it may sound, some vegans seek to gain weight. Whether because of a fitness regimen or health reasons, people on a vegan diet often need to increase their body mass. Not all vegans are stereotypically skinny and wasting away. There are even vegan body builders. The same principle of weight gain applies as with an omnivorous diet: Eat more calories than you use. When not consuming animal fats and proteins, however, there are special considerations to be made.

Basics

Knowing some basic nutritional information is essential to gaining weight as a vegan. Consume more calories in a day than you burn, and you gain weight. Consume fewer calories in a day than you burn, and you lose weight. Consuming the right type of calories is also important. Eating lots of simple sugars will put on weight, but that is not very healthy. Get your calories from protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.

Protein

Eating lots of protein is key to putting on muscle mass. Consuming between 1g and 2g of protein for every pound of lean muscle mass does the trick. Take your total body weight, subtract the amount of your weight that comes from body fat, and then eat 1g of protein for every remaining pound, every day. Nuts and beans and other legumes are protein-rich vegan foods. Get a wide variety of amino acids, which help build muscles.

Fat

Getting enough fat is important, especially for vegans. Healthy oils (such as flax seed oil, which is rich in omega fats) and nuts provide abundant amounts of unsaturated fats. Small amounts of saturated fats are necessary as well. Find these in coconut milk and oil.

Calorie Loading

Eat more calories in a day than you burn. Drink lots of protein shakes, put nuts and oils into your food and eat calorie-dense fruits and vegetables such as avocados, bananas and raisins. Complex carbohydrates provide energy and calories. Eat lots of whole wheat bread, potatoes and whole grain pasta.

Exercise

Regular exercise is important, no matter why you're gaining weight. Without exercising regularly, all your excess calories will turn to fat. You need to build lean muscle mass to be healthy.

Tags: calories than, calories than burn, more calories, more calories than, muscle mass

Five Star Restaurants In Ogunquit Maine

Ogunquit, Maine is just down the state coastline from world-famous Kennebunkport.

Ogunquit, Maine has five-star restaurants, but less than 12 miles up the coastline in Kennebunkport, there are even more to sample. With menu selections ranging from vegetables to seafood, diners can choose from restaurants that have large menus, or one with a prix fixe meal that changes throughout the season. Restaurants offer additional options from overnight stays at inns or sites and services for weddings.

Arrows Restaurant

The Arrows Restaurant, which was rated 14th in the America's Top 50 Restaurants by Gourmet magazine in 2006, offers patrons dinner choices from lobster to lamb to poached rabbit. The restaurant holds special nights throughout the year to celebrate events from Mother's Day to Thanksgiving. Weddings are handled by an in-house James Beard Award-winning pastry chef, sommelier and wedding coordinator.

Arrows Restaurant

P.O. Box 803

Ogunquit, ME 03907

207-361-1100

http://www.arrowsrestaurant.com/index.cfm

White Barn Inn

The White Barn Inn is in nearby Kennebunkport and has a Five Star Diamond rating from AAA as well as the only Forbes Five Star rating north of New York City. Dininer is a four-course prix fixe meal that is priced at $98 per person plus tax, gratuity and alcohol. Reservations are required, as is a jacket for men. Ties are optional.

The White Barn Inn & Spa

37 Beach Ave.

Kennebunk Beach, Maine 04043

207-967-2321

http://www.whitebarninn.com/kennebunkport-maine-restaurants/

Cape Arundel Inn

The Cape Arundel Inn in Kennebunkport is the only oceanfront dining room in town. Diners are treated to lobster stew, broiled portobello mushrooms or grilled Atlantic salmon fillet. The five-star review from Fodor's says every candlelit table has a view of the ocean.

Cape Arundel Inn

208 Ocean Ave.

Kennebunkport, ME 04046

207-967-2125

http://www.capearundelinn.com/

Tags: Arrows Restaurant, Cape Arundel, Five Star, Ogunquit Maine, White Barn

Make Money Cooking Catering Family Meals

Make Money Cooking: Catering Family Meals

Starting a home cooking business is a great idea if you really, really like to cook. Because, trust me, if your food is good and priced fairly, your business will grow. All you need is a good knowledge of food preparation and safety, some great recipes and the drive to be successful. If I can do it, so can you!

Instructions

1. Learn the basics of food safety, and comply with all local and state regulations. In many states it is illegal to make food for sale in your home. A quick way to get shut down, and fined, is to break the law. You may want to consider renting a health department approved kitchen. Many churches, clubs and organizations offer their kitchens for rental on an as needed basis. Another option is to cook in your clients' homes. A food handlers license or food safety management certificate may be required as well. Check with your local health department for information on education and certification requirements.

2. Create a menu. This is more than a simple list of foods you will be offering. A menu should inform your customers about the ingredients, cooking method, and even the origins of the dish. Because many of the families you'll be serving have young children, include dishes that will appeal to them, as well. You should be prepared to provide a complete list of ingredients for each dish you offer, so clients can avoid dishes containing foods that cause allergic reactions.

3. Price your menu items: the cost of the food; shopping, preparation and transportation time; food containers; transportation and travel expenses; rent; insurance; and utilities. All of these factors should be considered when deciding how much to charge for the food you make. A 30% profit is standard in the catering business.

4. Standardize your recipes. You want to be sure that your food is consistent. Customers will have favorite meals that you've prepared for them. Don't disappoint.

5. Find your customers. This was easier than I thought it would be. Start with contacting friends and family. Chances are you know someone who needs some help in the kitchen, or could just use a night off once in a while. Don't be shy about offering your services.

6. Be professional. Pay attention to your appearance, the cleanliness of your equipment, the freshness of your food, and being on time. Good business practices, as well as good food means happy customers.

7. Stay out of the kitchen at least one day a week. Go out to eat, let someone else serve you.

Tags: your food, Catering Family, Catering Family Meals, Cooking Catering, Cooking Catering Family, Family Meals

Pet Food For Feral Cats

Whether they reside in your neighborhood, near your workplace or in some other location you frequent, stray cats, or feral cats, are difficult to resist feeding. Since they're used to eating whatever they can find, their expectations aren't high, but there are a few things to keep in mind that will make feeding feral cats easier and more economical.

Type of Food

Most cats enjoy a combination of canned and dry food. However, simply providing dry food for feral cats is sufficient and usually more economical.

Amount of Food

In general, a feral cat can eat a 5.5-ounce can of wet food and 2 ounces of dry food daily (or 4 ounces if feeding dry food only), according to feral cat advocate group Alley Cat Allies. A good rule of thumb is to watch the cats after you put out the food. If all the food is gone in 15 minutes, try putting out more food. If there are leftovers after 30 minutes, put out less food.

Feeding a Colony

Be aware that not all cats in a colony will eat at the same time nor the same amount every day. Factors such as seniority, social status and even weather can affect the amount cats eat.

Location of Food

A feral cat feeding station should be in a safe location that is relatively weatherproof. Alley Cat Allies recommends keeping the location out of sight from people as much as possible, not only for the security and comfort of the cats but also so as not to be an eyesore for the community.

Cheap or Free Food Sources

Occasionally humane societies have a surplus of pet food they are willing to give to citizens that are taking care of feral cat colonies. Pet food supply stores or even veterinarians might be willing to donate food that is outdated or in broken bags.

Other Considerations

Ant-proof bowls are helpful in keeping away pests, but they are not essential, especially if you take away any uneaten food after 30 minutes. Also, it is important that feral cats have a constant supply of water.

Tags: feral cats, after minutes, Alley Allies, more economical

Buy Roasting Rabbits

Rabbit meat is low in fat, tender and tasty. It's gaining in popularity as a dinner choice as more restaurants add it to their menus. There are several places where you can get rabbits. Follow these steps to buy roasting rabbits. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Talk to people in your community about where you might find a rabbit to roast. You'd be surprised at what you can learn via word of mouth.

2. Check the grocery store meat section. Rabbit meat is popular among some cultures. So, depending on where you live, you may find rabbits at the store. If there aren't any in the case, ask the butcher if he can get one for you.

3. Go to the local independent butcher and see if he has any rabbits. If he doesn't, he should have a resource from which to order one.

4. Ask a hunter during rabbit season to get you a rabbit to roast. Thousands of people hunt for rabbit during the allotted season. Some are in it for the sport and they don't eat it, anyway.

5. Post an ad on a forum website like Craigslist or Chowhound. Ask others if they know where you can find a rabbit to roast.

6. Inquire at local restaurants that serve rabbit on their menus. Not only do some actually sell it to you, they can also tell you where they get them.

7. Seek out a poultry dealer. This is the same company that keeps supermarkets and restaurants stocked. They will surely be able to sell you a rabbit to roast.

Tags: rabbit roast, find rabbit, find rabbit roast, Rabbit meat, their menus

Garcinia Cambogia Benefits

Garcinia Cambogia is a small fruit that bears a resemblance to the pumpkin. It is a native fruit to India and parts of Asia. The fruit and rind are used in many natural weight-loss and weight-control products. The fruit's extract hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is where the anti-obesity properties are found.

Appetite Suppresant

Garcinia cambogia is said to work as an appetite suppressant. It also claims to speed up metabolism and help to work in weight-loss diets.

Low Carb Diets

Garcinia cambogia can help those attempting to follow a low carb diet. It works to inhibit the craving of carbohydrates. Garcinia cambogia does this by augmenting serotonin levels in the brain and thus reducing the desire for carbohydrates.

Boosts Energy

Garcinia cambogia may help increase energy levels. Garcinia cambogia is said to deflect calorie intake away from the production of fats to glycogen, thus boosting energy.

Immune System

Garcinia cambogia is said to help with everything from rheumatism to bowel complaints, swelling, flu symptoms and colic. Garcinia cambogia may also relieve colds, sore throats and liver disorders.

Ulcers

Extracts from garcinia cambogia are believed to enhance mucosal defense means in the stomach. This may help with gastric ulcers. Garcinia cambogia may reduce stomach acidity in addition to upping the defensive properties on gastric juices.

Studies

In a published study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was surmised that the adults taking garcinia cambogia did not show any difference in weight loss than a control group. Advocates claim that the study may have been compromised by the high fiber regime the dieters followed which may interfere with the absorption of HCA.

Tags: cambogia said, Garcinia cambogia, Garcinia cambogia, Garcinia cambogia said, cambogia help

Make A Wooden Compost Bin

Compost is a great way to enrich the soil in your garden and recycle kitchen and yard waste at the same time. You could simply make a big pile of yard waste and kitchen scraps, and they would eventually decompose and become compost. While this method is simple, an open compost pile can attract pests and the neighbors may consider it unsightly. A wooden compost bin will speed up the composting process, discourage pests, and hide the entire process behind a decorative facade. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Build A Wooden Compost Bin

1. Choose a convenient spot near the garden for your compost bin. The ground should be level and solid.

2. Lay one pallet, slats facing up, on the ground in your chosen spot. This will be the bottom of your compost bin.

3. Stand one pallet upright on top of the bottom one, slats facing outward. Brace the side pallet upright while you nail it to the bottom.

4. Repeat with two of the remaining sides. They should fit snugly together.

5. Nail the three sides to each other to give the bin stability.

6. Use the hinges to affix the fourth side to the bin. Install the gate latch according to the manufacturer's instructions. The fourth side will act as a gate to allow you to remove the finished compost.

7. Paint the compost bin if desired. Be sure to paint only the outside of the bin, as chemicals in the paint can leach into the compost if the inside is painted. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding compost materials.

8. Fill the bin with layers of yard waste, such as grass trimmings, small sticks and dry leaves. Alternate with layers of kitchen scraps such as vegetable trimmings, dry bread, crushed egg shells, and fruit peels.

Tags: yard waste, fourth side, kitchen scraps, pallet upright, slats facing, with layers

Private Inhome Cooking Lessons

Take in-home cooking classes for culinary inspiration and training.

Many people wish they could cook for their family and friends, but simply lack the training and resources. Others simply wish they had more training to perfect the techniques they've acquired through informal learning. If you have the money, in-home cooking classes are one way to brush up on your skills or learn something new in the kitchen. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Benefits

When you sign up for private in-home cooking lessons, you're paying for a personal chef to come into your home to give you one-on-one instruction. There are several benefits to this. First of all, you're on your own turf and using the familiar kitchen tools you'll use when the chef leaves. Secondly, you receive very personalized attention that you might not receive in other cooking lessons, because the teacher will work with your needs, space and your kitchen appliances and tools.

The Drawbacks

There are some downsides, too, to this type of instruction. Obviously, it can be very expensive. The lessons typically start at several hundred dollars for two hours, as of June 2011. Prices goes up for more people taking lessons or if your home is far away from the chef. Also, if you don't have a fully-equipped kitchen, you may be limited in the lessons and what you can make after the lessons are over.

Menus

The menus for in-home cooking lessons can be expansive if you live in or near a city. By searching the Internet, you can find private chefs and companies who offer these classes in your area. Some chefs specialize in baking, others in gourmet cooking, while some will simply help you get a handle on the basics of cooking.

Parties

While you may want one-on-one attention, companies also offer in-home cooking parties for adults or children. This is an idea for a girls' night in or a child's birthday party. Lessons learned open the door for neighborhood gatherings and playdates for children.

Tags: in-home cooking, cooking lessons, cooking classes, in-home cooking classes, in-home cooking lessons

Grow Chives Commercially

Chives are easy to grow but must be refrigerated once cut.

The market for herbs has not yet been fully explored. Chives and other herbs present multiple sales options to a willing market of people curious about herbs. They can be grown for sale in the vegetable department of grocery stores, at farmers markets, as potted plants for consumers to grow, dried and bottled for culinary use or for health product manufacturers. Families often grow chives and other herbs in fields or greenhouses. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Prepare the soil and plant the new plants. Dig the soil to loosen it. Remove and destroy all weeds. Mix a good quantity of weed-free mulch into the soil. Chives should be grown in well-drained soil in a warm location. If growing for sale as potted herbs, plant them in cardboard or plastic containers out in the field or in pots in greenhouses.

2. Familiarize yourself with the pesticides that can be used on chives. The FDA does not allow many pesticides to be used for herbs, so most disease control is done by prevention, although chives do not suffer from many diseases or pests. Weed control and careful sanitation are important. Organic herbs may not come into contact with any type of pesticide.

3. Water and fertilize the chives regularly. They have a deep root system and are heavy feeders. Do not use fertilizer with a high nitrogen content as this may cause the plants to grow too fast, which would negatively impact the flavor. Only organic compost or well-rotted manure can be used if you are growing organic chives. Fresh manure will generate heat and burn the plants

4. Harvest the plants when ready and before they flower. Multiple cuttings can be made from each plant. Bag and refrigerate the leaves immediately, as chives do not keep well once they have been cut. If you are drying them, place them on the drying racks in the sun or a dehydrator and chop small when dry.

5. Dig the cardboard or plastic pots out of the ground and trim off excess roots gently if they are being sold as growing plants. Mist spray with water and wrap with plastic wrap. Place in a refrigerated room or truck. At a farmers market you can sell your chives as growing plants or cut and bag for fresh chives at the time of purchase.

6. Grow new chives from seed in your propagation area every two weeks and transplant them into individual pots when ready. Replace plants in the field as soon as the mature plants have been removed. This will keep the rotation going and will ensure that you always have a supply of market-ready plants.

Tags: cardboard plastic, growing plants, have been, other herbs, when ready

Natural Poultry Production Methods

No artificial ingredients may be used to produce natural poultry.

Poultry must meet certain production requirements set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to be labeled "natural." Poultry meat with no added color or artificial ingredients, that uses minimal production and processing, is considered natural and is allowed to include the natural label, along with an explanation of the label's meaning. There are differences between free range, natural and organic, so farmers must be aware of the differences before labeling their poultry products as such.

Natural Poultry Description

Natural poultry is poultry that contains no artificial ingredients or added colors and uses a minimal production process. Minimal production means the shape and form of the poultry product was not changed in a drastic way. For instance; a standard whole turkey or chicken breast is minimally produced, but a processed, reformed chicken nugget is not.

Natural versus Organic

While natural poultry limits adding color, artificial additives and processing, organic poultry is a stricter label that limits hormone and antibiotic use, feed and housing types. The differences between these designations are reflected in the labeling of a finished poultry product, and the farming processes it takes for the bird to be a ready-to-eat chicken product.

Poultry Housing

Since natural poultry does not place restrictions on the types of housing used to raise birds, farmers have more choice in types of barns or coops to raise their poultry. Cage systems and ventilated barns are acceptable, but free range and pastured birds become increasingly popular. Free range barns allow birds access to the outdoors and allow farmers to label their finished product "Free Range."

Feed

Limits on the feed types given to natural poultry are also loosely regulated, but restrict farmers from using artificial colors and ingredients. Natural chicken's largest determining factor is eliminating the usage of those unnatural ingredients. Feed birds food only made with whole ingredients. Fat, fiber, calcium, and protein are key ingredients to poultry feed.

Tags: artificial ingredients, color artificial, differences between, minimal production, natural poultry

Puff Rice

Puffed rice, or muri, is used in a variety of recipes.

Puffed rice is a modern version of a traditional Asian food called muri. Typically, muri is made by mixing rice, salt and sand in a clay stove, then straining the sand out of the rice. However, puffed rice can be made in a modern kitchen without the sand. Puffed rice is commonly used in deserts, appetizers and cereals to add crunch to the recipe. Making puffed rice is a long process. It usually takes about 24 hours, but the finished product can be stored for later use. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Soak 3 cups of sweet, sticky rice in water overnight. When it's done soaking, drain the water from the rice.

2. Spread cheesecloth over the bottom of a steamer basket and place the rice on top of it. Cover and steam the rice over boiling water for 40 minutes or until the rice is soft. Take rice off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

3. Preheat oven to 175 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

4. Place the rice in a single layer on the baking sheet. Although the rice is sticky, spread it as thinly as possible to ensure even cooking. Place in the oven.

5. Separate and turn the rice after it has cooked for 15 minutes. Repeat this process every 15 minutes for a total cooking time of 45 minutes.

6. Turn off the oven and leave the rice in the cooling oven until it is dry and hard. This typically takes about four hours, although it can be left in the oven overnight if desired.

7. Heat 2 1/2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 375 degrees. Remove the cooled rice from the oven.

8. Add 1/2 cup of rice to the hot oil. Separate any pieces of rice that are stuck together while they are in the oil. When the rice begins to change color and rise to the top, use a small strainer to remove the rice from the oil. Repeat this step until all the rice has been used.

9. Drain the oil from the rice. Allow rice to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container.

Tags: baking sheet, cool room, cool room temperature, from rice, Repeat this

How Long Do Cooked Beans Last In A Refrigerator

Cooked beans last three to five days in the refrigerator.

Cooked beans last three to five days in the refrigerator. To avoid unsafe bacteria, cover and refrigerate at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit soon after cooking. You can also freeze them for up to eight months. Add this to my Recipe Box.

When to Refrigerate

You should refrigerate most foods within two hours of cooking. Cooked beans and other legumes, however, are more likely to allow harmful bacteria to multiply and should be refrigerated as soon as possible. It's best to refrigerate them within one hour.

Choosing a Storage Container or Wrap

Store cooked beans in a sealed container or covered in heavy-duty plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator.

Adding Salt to Extend Shelf Life

Seasoning cooked beans with salt can prolong their shelf life in the refrigerator to about one week. Salt acts as a natural preservative, making food last longer.

Tags: Cooked beans, beans last, beans last three, cooked beans, days refrigerator, five days, five days refrigerator

Be A Good Wife

Everyone has different opinions of what a "good wife" is. Some women think a spotless house and home-cooked meals are the keys to a happy marriage. Others focus more on the relationship. If you are feeling at a loss on make your husband happy, read on for some thoughtful tips.

Instructions

1. Keep nagging to a minimum. This rarely works and doesn't help the relationship. If you need him to do something, ask nicely and with respect.

2. Welcome him home with a smile and a hug instead of a sour face. Listen to him talk about his day, especially if it was a difficult one.

3. Plan little surprises for him. They do not have to be elaborate and can be as simple as getting him his favorite snack to let him know you are thinking of him. Or, plan a surprise date night with him.

4. Give him his space. Encourage him to go out and hang out with his friends for a break or engage in a hobby or sport that he likes.

5. Cook him his favorite dishes once in a while even if you would rather eat something else.

6. Express your love and appreciation often. Find time to be intimate even though you may be tired; it's an expression of your love for him.

7. Join him in activities that he's interested in. Watching Sunday football may not be something you would choose to do, but it's doesn't hurt to show an interest from time to time.

Tags: your love

Growing Purple Millet By Seed

Purple millet is the common name for Pennisetum glaucum "Purple Majesty," an ornamental cultivar of annual grass grown for its purple leaves and cattail-like flower spikes. The flower spikes contain a large quantity of small, pearl-like seeds, which can be used to grow new plants. However, the seeds must be sown into warm soil to successfully germinate, so it's best to start the seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last winter frost if they are to reach their ultimate height of 3 to 5 feet by the end of the growing season. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pack potting soil into the bottom two-thirds of 2-inch starter pots. Fill a pot for each purple millet plant you want to grow.

2. Spritz the potting soil in each starter pot with a spray bottle. Keep spraying the soil until the top half is moderately moist.

3. Sow four purple millet seeds in each starter pot. Place the seeds on the soil in the pots. Cover the seeds with a 1/2-inch-thick layer of potting soil. Mist the top layer of soil with the spray bottle to settle it.

4. Set the starter pots on a warming mat with the temperature set to 68 degrees F. Lower the temperature to 59 F at night to mimic outdoor conditions.

5. Mist the potting soil in the starter pots whenever the surface dries out. Mist the soil just enough to moisten it to a depth of 3/4 inch.

6. Watch for sprouting in two to five days. Remove all but two of the purple millet seedlings from each starter pot. Leave the largest and healthiest seedlings in the pots.

7. Move the starter pots to a bright, sunny windowsill once they germinate. Keep them moist and warm until one week after the last frost in spring, then plant them 12 inches apart in a sunny bed, once soil and air temperatures warm to 65 degrees F.

Tags: potting soil, starter pots, each starter, purple millet, flower spikes, spray bottle, with spray

Start A Diaper Cake Business

Diaper cakes are usually used as centerpieces for baby showers and gifts for expectant moms. They are actually made of rolled or folded diapers and adorned with ribbons, bows, stuffed animals and gifts for mother and baby. You can start a diaper cake business for a small initial investment in some inventory and a little effort to market your new products.

Instructions

1. Practice making diaper cakes before you start your business. Even if you're not planning on making the cakes yourself, you need to be familiar with the process, and you may have to train your employees as well. Determine if this is something you can do out of your home or if you'll need to rent a shop.

2. Do a budget and project how much you'll need to sell to break even each month and recoup your initial investment. To do this, you'll need to price how much the diapers and accessories will cost and figure rough prices for the diaper cakes. Obtain any financial assistance you may need.

3. Buy the stock you need to make your diaper cakes. You can call manufacturers directly to locate suppliers who can service smaller companies. Also decide on a name for your company and file a fictitious name registration or paperwork for an LLC or corporation.

4. Set up a merchant account so you can accept credit cards. If you don't have a storefront and will be accepting only online or phone orders, expect to pay a higher discount fee. Determine what your payment policies will be (e.g., charging a fee for bounced checks).

5. Start marketing your diaper cake business. Create a website and display your prices, along with pictures of sample cakes. Talk to area hospitals, doctor's offices, midwives and children's clothing stores to see if you can contract with them or set up small displays in their lobbies. Your biggest source of advertising will most likely be word of mouth, so tell everyone who will listen about your new diaper cake business.

Tags: cake business, diaper cakes, your diaper, diaper cake, diaper cake business, initial investment, your diaper cake

New York Colleges With Culinary Programs

New York culinary schools feature international cuisine

New York City is the restaurant capital of the world, while New York State supplies many of its fresh meats and produce. It is no surprise that it is home to some of the world's top cooking schools. Learn the secrets of international cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Culinary Institute of America

Culinary schools prepare workers for a variety of food-related jobs

The Culinary Institute of America calls itself the world's premier culinary college. It boasts recognition throughout the food and restaurant industry as the leader in its field. Instructors from all over the world teach courses, and the facilities include scores of kitchens, bakeries, a comprehensive culinary library, on-premises restaurants as well as a satellite campuses in California. The Culinary Institute of America is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. For more information, contact:

Culinary Institute of America

1946 Campus Drive

Hyde Park, NY 12538

845-452-9600

ciachef.edu

The New School Culinary Arts Program

The New School's culinary arts program offers courses in the role of food in history, science, politics and culture. Both degree and continuing education programs are available. Learn run a restaurant, publish a cookbook or launch a food business. For more information, contact:

The New School

127 West 24th Street,

New York, NY 10011

212-255-4141

nsu.newschool.edu

The French Culinary Institute

France is synonymous with fine cuisine, but students can learn the art of French cooking right in New York City. The French Culinary Institute offers courses for both the career professional and the amateur. The curriculum is devised by world-famous master chefs, and its location in the heart of New York City allows students to sample some of the country's finest cooking. Advanced courses are given in restaurant management, wine fundamentals and culinary technology. For more information, contact:

The French Culinary Institute

462 Broadway

New York, NY 10013-2618

212-219-8890

frenchculinary.com

Tags: Culinary Institute, Culinary Institute America, Institute America, French Culinary, French Culinary Institute

Make Organic Gooseberry Wine

Gooseberry wine complements the flavors of a variety of foods.

The gooseberry family consists of genera plants that come in many varieties. The type usually associated with making wine includes the Ribes genus. There are approximately 150 species, including currants which are considered to make very good wine. The recipe for making gooseberry wine is straightforward, and you can enjoy your wine within a year. Once you have made your wine, you can extend and fortify the flavor by combining it with a pint of white brandy per gallon. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Remove the stems from the organic gooseberries while rinsing them with water. Use a vinegar solution or fruit and vegetable cleansing agent to thoroughly remove dirt and residue. Dispose of any unripe or damaged berries.

2. Boil the water and sugar until dissolved, stirring occasionally. Set the mixture aside. Place the gooseberries in the nylon bag. Tie the bag and place it into one of the containers. Press the berries to a pulp with a potato masher.

3. Pour the boiled sugar water over the gooseberries. Cover the container with a clean kitchen cloth and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Stir the yeast nutrient and crushed Campden tablet into the cooled gooseberry mixture. Place the cloth over the container again. Let the mixture sit for 12 hours.

4. Stir the pectic enzyme into the gooseberry mixture. Cover with the cloth and let stand for an additional 12 hours. Stir in the yeast ingredient. Let the mixture sit for seven days, stirring once each day. Allow the organic gooseberry juice to drain naturally into the container. Do not squeeze the bag. Discard any additional pulp and let the mixture sit overnight.

5. Pour the gooseberry juice into a clean, fresh container and secure the airlock lid on top of it. Repeat this step every 30 days until no new sediment forms in the juice for a 30-day period. Typically, it is necessary to perform this step at least three times.

6. Let the wine stabilize for 10 days and then pour it into the wine bottles. Age for six months to one year prior to consumption.

Tags: gooseberry juice, gooseberry mixture, hours Stir, Stir yeast, this step, your wine

Stew Chicken Breasts

Always thaw chicken breast before stewing.

The meat taken from stewed chicken breasts is more tender and flavorful than pan-cooked or baked varieties. To stew chicken breasts, you must simmer them in a mixture of water and chicken stock to infuse them with a stronger flavor. The moisture from the water and chicken stock makes it easier to slice or pull the meat. Stewing three chicken breasts requires approximately one hour. Allow for an extra 25 minutes for every three additional chicken breasts. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with 2 cups chicken stock for every three chicken breasts you are stewing. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

2. Add 1/2 cup hot water to the chicken stock and bring the liquids to a simmer.

3. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cover. Let them cook for 25 minutes for every three chicken breasts you are stewing.

4. Remove the pot from heat and leave the chicken to set for 30 minutes. Remove the stewed chicken breasts with metal tongs and use immediately. Discard the liquid in the pot.

Tags: chicken breasts, chicken stock, every three, three chicken, three chicken breasts, water chicken, water chicken stock

Is Durum Flour Related To Buckwheat

Durum and buckwheat flours are botanically distinct.

Not only are durum wheat and buckwheat made into different types of flour for different uses, they are, botanically speaking, different types of plants altogether. Durum wheat is a cereal grass, while buckwheat is an herb, despite its inclusion in most cereal grain guides. Both flours have specialty cooking uses and are prized by professional chefs and home cooks alike. Does this Spark an idea?

Durum Flour

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) is a cereal grain belonging to the Poaceae family, which also includes crabgrass and bluegrass. Other species of Triticum include common wheat, bulgur, spelt and hard wheat, among many other varieties. Durum makes up an estimated 8 percent of the world's wheat in production and grows in the northern plain states in America. North Dakota grows 76 percent of the nation's supply, with Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota growing the rest.

Uses for Durum Flour

Most durum flour produces pasta.

A very hard wheat with a high gluten content, durum works well for some breads and for pasta. Cakes, on the other hand, rely on softer wheat to prevent toughness. Most often, durum flour is finely milled to produce semolina flour for pasta. The high gluten content gives semolina pasta a firm yet tender quality. Semolina flour has a slightly yellow tinge from the yellow endosperm of the durum wheat.

Buckwheat

Belonging to the Polygonaceae family and the Fagopyrum genus, buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus) is not a cereal grain or grass like durum wheat. Rather, it is an herb. Other members of the family include rhubarb and sorrel. Buckwheat originated in China and is considered a minor crop in the U.S.

Uses for Buckwheat

Buckwheat blossoms are long-blooming and contain high amounts of nectar, making them a favorite for beekeepers. Buckwheat flour in the U.S. is mixed with other flours and used primarily for buckwheat pancakes, which have a strong and somewhat nutty flavor. Russian blini pancakes, often topped with sour cream and Russian caviar, use buckwheat flour. Health-food advocates use buckwheat groats, the hulled and crushed kernels, and kasha, roasted groats, as breakfast cereals, in pilafs and in whole-grain salads.

Tags: cereal grain, different types, Durum Flour, gluten content, hard wheat

Cook Summer Squash

Cook Summer Squash

The "summer" squash - zucchini, crookneck, pattypan, and other smaller, delicate squash - taste best steamed or sauteed. As with most recipes you can add your own flavor to the suggested cooking instructions below. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Boil sliced summer squash in salted water for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on the size of your slices) or until tender.

2. Steam slices or chunks of summer squash for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the size of the slices.

3. Microwave slices or chunks of summer squash with a little water for 4 to 6 minutes.

4. Saute sliced summer squash over medium-high heat, with olive oil and garlic, for 5 minutes, or until browned in places and tender.

5. Grill thick slices of oil-brushed summer squash over medium coals for 5 minutes per side.

6. Try summer squash with finely chopped mixed fresh herbs (perhaps parsley, summer savory and marjoram) and lemon or butter.

Tags: summer squash, chunks summer, chunks summer squash, Cook Summer, Cook Summer Squash

Cook Chicken Wings In A Smoker

Make smoked chicken wings for dinner tonight.

Chicken wings are a classic American pub staple that are normally served deep-fried and dripping in sauce. Many people can feel intimidated by the thought of making wings; if you don't have a deep fryer, spark up your backyard smoker to make delicious (and somewhat healthier) chicken wings at home. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Begin preparing the wings at least 4 hours before they need to be smoked. Dissolve ¼ cup of salt and ½ cup of sugar into 1 quart of water to make a simple brine.

2. Add the chicken wings to the brine and refrigerate for up to an hour.

3. Transfer the wings to a large plate covered with paper towels; discard the brine.

4. Make sure the wings are thoroughly dry before adding your seasoning of choice. Almost any dry seasoning can be used for a smoked chicken wing; salt and pepper, sugar-based dry rubs or spicy chili powder rubs all work well. Massage the seasoning into the wing; cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

5. Place wood chips in a bowl; fill with water until chips are covered completely. Soak chips for at least 30 minutes so they absorb enough moisture necessary for smoking.

Almost all wood that comes from a tree that produces fruit or nuts can be used for smoking chicken wings. Hickory is a popular choice for chicken, but should be used sparingly due to the strong flavor it can impart; for a subtler flavor, use Pecan wood chips. Fruit tree woods are generally more delicate in flavor than nut-bearing and hard woods.

6. Pull the cooking racks out of the smoker; clean if necessary, then lightly oil the grates. Preheat the smoker to 200 degrees. Add the pre-soaked wood chips to the bottom of the smoker.

7. Place the seasoned chicken wings onto the grates. Close the door promptly to help keep the smoke in. Cooking times may vary based on how many wings are being smoked, but the whole smoking process should take between two to four hours. The wings are fully cooked when the meat reaches 180 degrees according to an instant-read thermometer. Do not overcook the wings; the meat will become dry and stringy. Once the wings are thoroughly smoked, they can be eaten as is or quickly grilled to crisp up the skin.

8. Serve the chicken wings with a variety of accompaniments. Carrot and celery sticks are a classic side dish. Set out bowls of blue cheese or ranch salad dressing to help cool the palate. For those who like their wings saucy, provide a variety of barbecue and hot sauces. Creamy coleslaw and buttered corn on the cob can round out the menu

Tags: chicken wings, chicken wings, wood chips, smoked chicken, wings thoroughly

Low Income & Its Effect On Healthy Eating

People in low income neighborhoods don't always have access to healthy foods.

Most people who live in low-income areas have eating habits that are unhealthier than those of the general population. According to the Rudd Report published by Yale University in 2008, low-income individuals, minorities and people living in rural areas suffer the highest rates of preventable, diet-related diseases that are linked to unhealthy eating habits.

Causes

According to the 2008 Rudd Report from Yale University, low-income areas have fewer supermarkets and grocery stores that carry healthy foods compared to higher income areas. Additionally, stores in lower income communities tend to stock less produce and have lower quality produce. Public transportation in these communities can be a barrier for some people to get access to healthy foods, and the cost associated with buying healthier food is another cause of unhealthy eating behaviors in low-income communities.

Effects

In 2009, two thirds of the American population were either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Low-income communities, and minorities in particular, have higher rates of obesity and diabetes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of affordable, healthy foods is directly linked to obesity and diabetes in low-income communities. Fast food restaurants are prevalent in low-income communities, and many people turn to this type of restaurant because of the cheap, convenient food; however, fast food only increases the problem.

Costs

According to a 2007 study published in the journal of the American Dietetic Association, lower income families would need to allocate 43 to 70 percent of their weekly food budget to fruits and vegetables in order to satisfy the 2005 Dietary Guidelines (see health.gov) of five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The problem is being felt on a larger scale, as well. According to a 2009 CDC study, the annual healthcare costs associated with obesity in the United States have reached $147 billion.

Increasing Access

According to a 2007 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, increased access to supermarkets in lower income communities is associated with lower BMI (body mass index) and obesity in children; while increased access to convenience stores, which is typically seen in lower income communities, results in higher BMI and obesity in children. There is a positive correlation between increased access to healthy foods and improvement in health of diets in low-income areas.

Prevention/Solution

At the state and federal level, urge your legislators to introduce tax incentive policies to supermarkets, develop affordable and efficient public transportation systems and create incentives to establish more farmer's markets that offer access to fresh, local foods. Urban farming is another way to transform potentially barren land into farming spaces that can feed people in low-income communities. Community supported agriculture, or "CSA" groups, allows people to come together and purchase weekly shares of healthy produce in groups to lower the costs.

Tags: healthy foods, lower income, access healthy, access healthy foods, associated with, income communities

Use Wvo In An Oil Furnace

Use WVO in the oil furnace and keep these house warm.

As heating costs rise and concerns about peak oil seem closer to being realized, people are turning to alternative ways to heat their house in winter. For some, heating with wood is not an option. There is another alternative: Heating with waste vegetable oil, or WVO, which can be used in your oil furnace. The WVO has lower emissions than fuel oil, and it can be processed to work in your furnace. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pump WVO into the 275-gallon storage tank. You can get discarded vegetable oil from restaurants in your area.

2. Gravity feed the oil through the pipe into a 55-gallon drum. When you have added 40 gallons of oil to the drum, add 10 gallons of methanol. Add enough lye to cause the two liquids to agitate or react.

3. Heat the drum to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir the mixture with a long pole for an hour. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation as you do so; if you're working in a garage, keep the door open. Let stand for about eight hours. To stir the mixture in the drum, you may have to stand on a stool.

4. Drain the lighter biodiesel from the top of the drum (the heavier glycerine sinks to the bottom). Put the biodiesel into plastic containers that you can wheel about and can hold 28 gallons.

5. Fill your furnace oil tank with the biodiesel you made from WVO.

Tags: your furnace

Use Brown Rice For Detoxification

Brown rice is rich in essential minerals.

Brown rice is rich in iodine, potassium and essential minerals. It is a wonderful food to eat to detoxify your body. Using brown to detox also increases energy, mental alertness and can also be a very effective tool to shed unwanted body weight. A basic body detox program using brown consists of a 5 -day program that is simple to complete. Here is how you can begin the detoxification process today.

Instructions

Detox with Brown Rice

1. Consume a leafy green salad and one cup of herbal laxative tea at least an hour before going to bed. Do this on the evening before you begin your 5-day brown rice detoxification program. This will help rid your bowels of unwanted waste before you begin cleansing your body. It is important to start fresh. You want to be free from waste that you may be carrying.

2. Squeeze 1 fresh lemon into 10 to 12 oz. of spring water with breakfast. Lemons have powerful digestive properties that will help digest your breakfast quicker. Grate 3 oz. of raw carrots, and sprinkle them over your main dish. Carrots have powerful fibrous qualities, and they are rich in beta carotene. This keeps the body stocked with vitamin A.

3. Steam 1 cup of brown rice for lunch. You also want to eat 2 to 3 ounces of celery. Celery possesses powerful fibrous qualities, and it will help breakdown the starch in the rice which will ignite your metabolism. This will help your body cleanse itself properly.

4. Eat 3 oz. of raw, peeled carrots with 1/4 cup of steamed brown rice between lunch and dinner. This snack is important because it will keep your metabolism going. Be sure to drink 1 bottle of spring water with this snack. It is important to keep enough water in your system when you use brown rice to flush your system.

5. Eat 1/2 cup of brown rice with 3 oz. of steamed broccoli for dinner. Broccoli is high in potassium and calcium, and it is powerful in keeping the blood healthy. This promotes solid heart and lung function, and that is necessary to cleanse your body. It also works to break down the brown rice.

6. Eat 1/4 cup of brown rice and one carrot before going to bed. Have one sliced kiwi for dessert afterwards. Kiwis have powerful digestive enzymes that will help break down the properties in the rice.

Body Care and Exercise

7. Begin each day by doing 15 minutes of aerobic exercise. This can include a brisk walk, riding on a stationary bike or jogging. Starchy carbohydrates work best in cleansing the body when the metabolism is sped up.

8. Spend 20 minutes in a sauna each day of your 5-day brown rice cleanse. Take hot bath if a sauna is not in your reach. It is important to let the rice work. Allow yourself to excessively perspire.

9. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day while on your brown rice cleansing program. It is important to keep your body hydrated as it works to flush your system.

10. Stretch your muscles and your joints before rising in the morning. Do the same before going to bed at night. Stretching will spark your metabolism so your body is able to properly burn the brown rice you are eating.

Tags: your body, brown rice, will help, brown rice, before going, have powerful, your metabolism

Season Brown Rice

Cook brown rice with mild seasonings to enjoy its nutty flavor.

Consuming brown rice instead of white rice is a healthy choice, as brown rice is an unprocessed grain. Unlike white rice, brown rice retains its nutritious bran layer, which is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. While brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, it is an excellent source of dietary fiber. When cooked, brown rice has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Use different seasonings to enhance the flavor of brown rice, and enjoy it as a salad, pilaf or stir-fry. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Pilaf

1. Use almonds to season brown rice and prepare a nutty pilaf. Put 1 cup of brown rice in a medium-bottomed pot and add 3 cups of water to cook. Since brown rice has a hard outer bran coating, it requires a greater quantity of water to soften and cook than white rice does.

2. Mix 1/2 tsp. of salt and set the saucepan on medium heat. Let the rice simmer uncovered for around 40 minutes or until it becomes soft. Use a sieve to drain any remainder water from the cooked rice and set aside.

3. Heat a small amount of butter in a saucepan on low heat. Add about a cup of chopped almonds and cook until the almonds are lightly browned. Use more or less almonds to suit your taste.

4. Add the cooked brown rice and a pinch of nutmeg powder. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly and serve warm.

Salads

5. Combine cooked brown rice with raw salad vegetables, herbs and a mild dressing to prepare a healthy salad. Mix 1/4 cup each of chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, onion, bell peppers and tomatoes with 1 cup of brown rice in a large bowl.

6. Add 1tbsp. each of finely chopped parsley, cilantro and lime juice. Sprinkle salt and pepper according to taste and mix well.

7. Refrigerate for half an hour before serving for a cool and crunchy salad. This salad can be consumed on its own or as a refreshing side dish.

Asian Stir-Fry

8. Prepare Asian-style fried rice by seasoning brown rice with soy sauce and vegetables. Heat sesame oil in a saucepan; add 1/2 tsp. of finely grated fresh ginger and saute for two minutes.

9. Add 1/4 cup each of thinly sliced vegetables such as spring onions, bell pepper and cabbage. Stir-fry until lightly brown.

10. Add 1 cup of cooked brown rice and 1 tbsp. of soy sauce. Toss and mix all the ingredients. Cook for 3 minutes and serve warm.

Tags: brown rice, brown rice, cooked brown, cooked brown rice, white rice, brown rice with

White Wine Vinegar Substitutes

Carefully choose the right vinegar substitute for each recipe.

The delicate balance of ingredients in a recipe can sometimes be upset if even one ingredient is missing or an inappropriate substitution is made for an item not in your pantry. White wine vinegar most often lends its tangy yet mild flavor to Hollandaise and Bearnaise sauces and vinaigrette. Understanding the subtle differences between vinegars will help you choose an appropriate substitute for the white wine vinegar in your recipe. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Red Wine Vinegar

The red variety of wine vinegar is very similar to its white counterpart as they both are processed from fermented grapes. The red's flavor is a bit stronger and it may slightly color lighter sauces. It will work best if used in a soup, stew or vinaigrette.

Champagne Vinegar

This wine vinegar variety is made from champagne grapes and has a delicately mild flavor. It often has a lower acidity level than other wine vinegars, so less oil can be used when creating a well-balanced vinaigrette. This substitute also works well as a base for herb-infused or fruit-flavored vinegars.

Rice or Rice Wine Vinegar

Made from either rice or rice wine, this vinegar is popular in Asian dishes. It is mild, slightly sweet and low in acid. Because of its delicate flavor, it works well in vinaigrette. Rice vinegar is available in white, red or black varieties as well as plain or seasoned with salt and sugar.

Cider Vinegar

One of the most common vinegars in western cooking, cider vinegar is distilled from fermented apples. Tangy and fruity in flavor, it works best in stews and marinades; its stronger flavor is overpowering in a delicate vinaigrette. This is an all-purpose vinegar and among the least expensive.

Caution

Avoid confusing distilled white vinegar with white wine vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is made from ethyl alcohol and is too harsh to use in most recipes. It is best left for pickling and cleaning out coffee pots.

Tags: wine vinegar, flavor works, from fermented, mild flavor, vinaigrette This