Easy Microwave Peanut Butter Candy

Peanut butter candies are a real treat for peanut butter lovers. Sometimes these decadent sweets are time consuming to prepare. Using the microwave to make these easy peanut butter candy recipes makes the job quick and simple. There may be less work in making these candies, but the taste is still the same. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge is an alternative to traditional chocolate fudge. Use creamy or chunky peanut butter in this recipe, whichever you prefer.

Grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with butter. Set aside.

Mix a 12-oz. bag of peanut butter chips, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and a 10-oz. jar of peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave on "low" for 3 minutes. Stop microwave and stir the contents of the bowl after a minute and a half. Finish the 3 minute cooking time. Stir to melt any tiny bits of chips. Add more time if necessary.

Pour into the greased baking dish. Put in the refrigerator until set. Cut into 24 pieces.

Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is a classic candy. This crunchy treat is good any time of the year.

Grease a cookie sheet with butter. Make sure the cookie sheet has sides.

In a large microwave safe bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of light corn syrup. Cook on high for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes an amber color. Pull the bowl out of the microwave and add 3/4 cup of salted, dry roasted peanuts. Cook for 1 more minute. Take bowl out of microwave and quickly add 1 tsp. of margarine, 1 tsp. of baking soda and 1 tsp. of vanilla. Stir thoroughly. Pour the mixture onto the cookie sheet and spread around with the back of a spoon.

Let the brittle cool. Use the tip of a knife to break into bite-size pieces.

Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut butter cups are a sweet treat that many people enjoy. These are easy to make and are just as delicious as the ones you buy in the store. Make a lot of these because they are sure to disappear.

Separate small, paper candy cups. These are like cupcake papers, only smaller. Place these on a platter.

Melt 2 12-oz. bags of chocolate chips in the microwave. Stir the chocolate often to prevent it from scorching. Use a small spoon to fill the paper cups half way. Use another spoon to add a dollop of peanut butter. Finish filling the cups with chocolate. Let the candies sit until hardened.

Tags: bowl microwave, cookie sheet, peanut butter, baking dish, microwave safe

Things To See And Do In Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a fishing village located in Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. This port is small--with a population of roughly 30,000-- but it is a popular tourist destination because of its beaches that are popular with the surfing crowd. Some places to go in Puerto Escondido are the Playa Principal, Playa Carrizalillo--with its breath-taking cove--and Playa Zicatela for sunbathing and mingling with the hip crowd. Mercado Benito Juarez, Andador Escenico Sea Walk and Finca Las Nieves are also worth the visit.

Beaches

The two main beaches in Puerto Escondido are the Playa Principal, or main beach, and Zicatela. They are good spots for surfing and swimming, but people can rent boats at Playa Principal to visit secluded beaches and view El Morro, the rock formation that separates Playa Zicatela from other beaches. You can take a boat out early in the morning or at sunset to watch dolphins and turtles or go for a deep-sea fishing expedition.

Carrizalillo Cove

Carrizalillo Cove features emerald green waters and cliffs, featuring food and beverage service nearby. The reef breaks in the cove provide a good place for surfing, swimming and snorkeling.

Market

Mercado Benito Juarez is one of the newer markets in Oaxaca, held everyday on an entire city block. The market fare includes fresh fruits and vegetables, chayote squash, fish, tortillas and cheese as well as other items such as flowers, incense and shoes. Try their tamales, sopes and many other items of the legendary Oaxacan cuisine.

Sea Walk

Andador Escenico Sea Walk is a walkway that starts at the Playa Principal and goes up to rocky ocean-side cliffs. This mile-long walkway goes along shores that are below a lighthouse and features a bridge over the seawater of the Playa Principal.

Finca Las Nieves

Finca Las Nieves is a cloud forest where one can walk on a number of hiking trails around a mountain canyon. In this forest, coffee has been produced in organic coffee farms for more than a hundred years.

Tags: Playa Principal, Puerto Escondido, Finca Nieves, Andador Escenico, Andador Escenico Walk

Cook With Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens have revolutionized American food preparation. Follow these few simple rules and your microwaved food will be perfect every time. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Perfect Microwave Meals in Minutes

1. Choose the right foods for your microwave meal. Use microwave ovens to refresh restaurant leftovers, create fabulous food from your freezer and prepare pantry products everyone will love. After some successful meals, you may want to try more creative recipes from scratch, but you never have to take cooking classes to use your microwave successfully if you follow a few basics.

2. Know what happens inside your microwave oven for best results. Radio waves inside the oven are absorbed by water, sugar and fat. Once absorbed, these waves are turned to heat. Because the radio waves are not absorbed by most ceramics, plastics or glass, these containers work well for microwave cooking. Waves are reflected by metal, so metal should not be used in a microwave oven.

3. Watch your cooking times closely and don't cook too long. Food cooks fast from the inside out in a microwave oven. The radio waves heat water, sugar and fat inside your food all at once to cook quickly. Large amounts of food will heat simultaneously but unevenly, which is why you may need to stir or rotate the food. Never cook in a microwave as long as you would in regular ovens, on grills or stove tops or by other cooking methods. They all require heat to migrate from the outside until food is cooked all the way through to the middle, which takes much longer. With all cooking methods, food continues to cook after you remove it from the heat, so don't overcook.

4. Select foods that are low in water content and not crispy or crusty for best results. Good restaurant reheating candidates are recipes containing rice, noodles, light sauces, or smaller pieces of meat and vegetables. Avoid soups, crackers or chips, and meats with bones. Asian and Italian dishes microwave better than burgers, hot dogs and French fries. Mexican foods made with soft tortillas are excellent in the microwave, but hard shell tacos or nacho chips become soggy. Frozen foods and pantry products are best cooked following the microwave cooking directions on their packages. If the package doesn't provide microwave instructions, it's best not to try to cook that product in the microwave as the results may disappoint.

5. Use your microwave to prepare almost anything from scratch if you wish, but results may be different from other cooking methods. Potatoes, tomatoes, squash and other thick skinned foods will trap steam when cooked in a microwave, so pierce them first and don't expect the skins to be crunchy. Cheese can be melted between two slices of bread in the microwave, but it won't be grilled to a golden brown. Pies, cakes and other baked goods will cook, but they don't brown and textures are different.

Tags: your microwave, cooking methods, microwave oven, best results, food will, from scratch

The Eating Habits Of Rabbits Compared To Hares

Rabbits and hares are herbivores, eating mainly plants.

Rabbits and hares, often referred to as rodents, are lagomorphs. A lagomorph's digestive system can only digest plant material, making them herbivores. The diets of rabbits and hares vary depending on their location and environment. Though they prefer young growth vegetation when it is available, both rabbits and hares will eat bark and other woody vegetation if their preferred food is not available.

Herbivores

Rabbits and hares are obligate herbivores. This means their digestive systems can only obtain their nutrients from plant material. They are also opportunistic feeders, which means they eat whatever plant food is available, including grass, leaves, roots, seeds and even bark from trees. An herbivore's diet contains large amounts of hard to digest cellulose; however, their stomach, intestines and cecum contain special bacteria designed to break down the cellulose and extract the necessary calories and nutrients from the food. Rabbits and hares also produce soft droppings that they eat to extract more nutrients before producing harder droppings that are left behind.

Vegetation

Both hares and rabbits prefer to eat vegetation in the early stages of development. These plants are tender and sweet. They may dig for roots and even nibble on the bark of young trees. They seek out tender new grass growth, clover, dandelions and leaves. They are not fussy eaters, however, and will also eat more mature plants when young plants are not available. During dry years and winter months, when plant growth is limited, they will even eat the tougher bark of mature trees.

Hare Food Preference

Though they will eat grasses and leaves, the hare prefers the woodier parts of plants such as bark and small twigs. However, this preference also differs depending on the hare's location and climate. The Arctic hare prefers willow twigs and roots, while the Scrub hare of Africa prefers tender grass shoots. The snowshoe hare found in America concentrates on grasses and ferns during the summer and switches to woody vegetation such as pine needles and bark in the winter.

Rabbit Food Preference

Rabbits concentrate on eating mostly grasses, leaves and roots; however, the main diet depends on their location. The Amami rabbit of Japan concentrates on bamboo shoots, berries and the leaves and stems of sweet potatoes as these items are abundant in Japan. The cottontails of America eat new grass sprouts, leaves, roots and dandelions. However, during dry spells or severe winters, they will make a diet of pine needles and bark like the snowshoe hare.

Tags: leaves roots, Rabbits hares, they will, droppings that, food available

Freeze Fireroasted Corn

Blanching fire-roasted corn in mildly salinized water helps retain its vibrant color, nutrient content and smoky essence.

Roasted corn, like most vegetables, must go through a blanching process to halt the enzyme action that leads to deterioration during storage. Although roasted corn has been exposed to high temperatures, the blanching water envelops the ears and reaches areas in the cob untouched by dry heat. Roasted corn will maintain its flavor, color and vitamin and mineral content for up to six months when properly frozen. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill a 12-quart pot with 8 qt. of water. Add 1/8 cup kosher salt to the water after it reaches boiling temperature.

2. Fill a container half-full with water and half-full with ice.

3. Blanch the corn for seven minutes to 10 minutes, depending on their size. Blanch small ears for seven minutes, medium ears for nine minutes and large ears for 11 minutes.

4. Remove the corn from the water with a slotted spoon and place in the ice bath. Drain the roasted corn thoroughly.

5. Wrap each ear tightly in cling film. Make the wrapped corn as airtight as possible by placing it in a large, sealable freezer bag. Date each bag or package of corn. Store the corn at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for up to six months for best results.

Tags: half-full with, Roasted corn, seven minutes, with water

California Association Of Charter Schools

Nearly three-quarters of all charter schools in California belong to CCSA.

The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) serves charter schools in the state. These are public, tuition-free learning institutions that have the freedom to offer specialized programs because they are independent of local school districts. California has 809 charter schools, the largest number of any state as of 2011. Seventy-two percent of charter schools statewide belong to CCSA.

Purpose

The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), which calls itself the "public voice" for charter schools in the state, lobbies the legislature on behalf of its membership, collects data about student achievement and supports member schools by assisting them with technology and other resources. The association furthers the charter school movement by helping new schools open and holding existing schools accountable. CCSA also communicates news about charter schools to the public.

Structure

CCSA is headed by a management team consisting of a president/chief operating officer and senior vice presidents of statewide advocacy, government affairs and legal advocacy, among other tasks. Other top positions include the chief financial officer, vice president of development and various research analysts. Regional managers head up key areas such as Los Angeles, Fresno and San Diego. The association's board of directors is made up of education advocates statewide and a member council of representatives from the schools it serves.

Membership Benefits

CCSA sponsors an annual conference; it also publishes a monthly newsletter with information about upcoming grant opportunities and other awards, plus other charter school news. The association helps schools with emergency loans and lends money to schools that want to construct new facilities. Charter schools facing legal trouble are eligible to tap the association's Charter Schools Legal Defense Fund. Member schools can also obtain group health insurance through the association.

Accountability

Researchers from CCSA developed the Similar Students Measure (SSM), a method for measuring the academic achievement of its members by identifying excelling and underperforming schools. Schools that don't meet specific criteria are not permitted to renew their membership with the association. Each year, schools receive report cards that can be shared with teachers and parents.

Tags: charter schools, Association CCSA, belong CCSA, California Charter, California Charter Schools, charter school, Charter Schools

Know What You Can Buy With Food Stamps

SNAP benefits are now distributed through electronic cards.

The federal food stamp program was established in 1964. In 2008 Congress passed the Food Conservation and Energy Act and changed the program's name to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Households must pass resource and income tests to receive SNAP benefits, which are distributed monthly through an electronic card that is similar to a debit card. Your card can be used only to buy certain types of food items. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, offers several resources to help you determine what you can buy with your benefit.

Instructions

1. Access the USDA's SNAP Retail Locator o find SNAP-eligible retailers in your area. Click the "Select Location" button in the upper-right corner of the map, enter your address and click "Locate Retailers."

2. Review the guidelines regarding what food items are eligible to be purchased with SNAP benefits. In general, all foods, seeds and plants intended for household use are eligible for purchase. Items including beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes and tobacco; nonfood items such as pet food or household supplies; vitamins and medicines; food meant to be eaten in the store and hot foods are not eligible.

3. Refer to USDA guidelines for particular generic items. Some items, such as bows and arrows, can only be purchased with SNAP benefits in specific areas.

4. If you are still unsure if an item can be purchased with SNAP benefits, ask an employee at a SNAP-eligible retailer. Retailers typically maintain guidance regarding product-specific SNAP eligibility.

Tags: SNAP benefits, purchased with, purchased with SNAP, with SNAP, with SNAP benefits

What Is Ayurvedic Treatment

What Is Ayurvedic Treatment?

Unlike conventional Western medicine, Ayurvedic treatment does not treat the symptoms of diseases with mind or body-altering drugs. Instead, Ayurvedic treatment focuses on finding the root cause of the ailment and abolishing it using individualized treatment plans that heal through internal cleansing, proper diet, herbal combinations, exercise and meditation.

History

Srila Vyasadeva, a sage living in the Himalayan Mountains 5,000 years ago, wrote down a series of medicinal texts called Ayurveda, or "The Science of Life." These medicinal texts included specific information on such health topics as dieting and nutrition, surgery, herbal drugs, anatomy, pediatrics, and gynecology and were the basis for both traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine. Ayurvedic treatment methods were suppressed for many years, but are currently experiencing a native and worldwide revival.

Doshas

Ayurvedic treatment is grounded in the concept that three fundamental energies control a person's outer and inner circumstances. These energies, called doshas, are responsible for every individual's mind and body characteristics. Vata, the first dosha, signifies the wind; Kapha signifies the earth; and Pitta signifies fire.

Vata dosha people tend to be unpredictable and erratic, Kapha dosha people tend to be reliable, and Pitta dosha people tend to be highly assertive and aggressive. Every person has his own dosha proportion that is usually a blend of a primary and secondary dosha, although some people only have one dosha and others have a combination of all three doshas. These dosha classifications are one of the major deciding factors for Ayurvedic treatments.

Methodology

Once a person's dosha configuration is determined and an observational analysis of his ill health is noted, an individualized Ayurvedic treatment plan is prescribed. For example, two people may have a similar medical history with similar symptoms. One person may have a dominant Vata dosha, and be prescribed a treatment plan that includes warm milk, unleavened whole wheat bread and cold fruit juices. The other person may have a dominant Kapha dosha, and be advised to stay away from all fruit juices and dairy and begin a complete spicy food regimen. Furthermore, these two people would be advised to take different herbs, do different exercises and perform different meditations.

Potential

According to AyurvedaHerbs.com, it usually takes one month of an Ayurvedic treatment healing for every year of abuse that the body has gone through. Therefore, it is extremely important to provide a thorough and accurate health history to your Ayurvedic treatment practitioner so that your health problem can be solved from its root source.

Considerations

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, many Ayurvedic herbal medications have not been adequately studied and could possibly be toxic. The United States regulates Ayurvedic herbal medications as dietary supplements and states that people who use them should do so under the care of an Ayurvedic doctor rather than treating themselves.

Tags: Ayurvedic treatment, Ayurvedic treatment, dosha people, dosha people tend, people tend, Ayurvedic herbal, Ayurvedic herbal medications

Cook With Himalayan Sea Salt

Himalayan sea salt is an ancient salt formed millions of years ago in the Himalayan mountain ranges. Harvested and ground by hand, this gourmet salt can be purchased at gourmet food stores and online. Himalayan sea salt can also be found in slabs of various shapes and sizes. These slabs are used to sear or plate food, such as fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, giving the food a touch of salty taste. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Use ground Himalayan sea salt alone to season meats and vegetables during cooking.

2. Add the ground salt to any barbecue meat rub. Himalayan sea salt has a more intense salt flavor, but it's never bitter since it doesn't have the chemicals used in ordinary table salt.

3. Lay a Himalayan sea-salt slab or plate on your grill. (Slat slabs and plates can be as small as 4 inches by 4 inches, or as large as 8 inches by 12 inches. They are usually 1 1/2 inches thick. Plates are round, usually around 12 inches in diameter, while bricks can be any size.) Heat it up and use the slab to sear and grill shrimp, scallops or other seafood. The salt in the slab will flavor the food as it sears and grills.

4. Heat a Himalayan sea salt slab on a metal cookie sheet under your oven's broiler for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, add a tablespoon of butter to the surface and sauté vegetables and thin meat slices at the table for a unique presentation. You need no other heating method to cook the food; the slab will retain enough heat. Wear heavy oven mitts when touching a hot sea salt slab.

5. Heat a sea salt slab in the oven at 350 degrees for one hour. Use a pizza peel to place pizza or flat breads on the slab to cook. It will give them an incredible crust.

Tags: Himalayan salt, salt slab, inches inches, slab will

Spikenard Oil Uses

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) is an herb of the valerian family. Spikenard essential oil is steam distilled from the roots of the plant. The ancient Egyptians and Romans made spikenard into an ointment, which the New Testament reports that Mary Magdalene used to anoint the feet of Christ at the Last Supper. Modern spikenard oil uses include medicinal, skin care and emotional.

Medicinal Uses

According to the "Essential Oils Desk Reference," the medicinal properties of spikenard oil are that it helps fight bacteria, fungus and inflammation, and it is relaxing and helps stimulate the immune system. Spikenard's antifungal properties may help get rid of athlete's foot and toenail fungus.

"Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art" reports that spikenard is considered a nerve and liver tonic and may be helpful for nervous indigestion, insomnia, headaches and heart palpitations. To help you sleep, you can diffuse spikenard essential oil or place one to three drops of the oil on a cotton ball or tissue and inhale for a minimum of 30 to 60 seconds.

Spikenard oil may be useful for balancing hormones in both women and men. According to aromatherapist K.G. Stiles, spikenard is especially useful during onset of puberty and for menopausal issues in women.

Skin Care Uses

Spikenard essential oil also helps nourish and regenerate the skin through stimulating circulation of blood, lymph and nerve supply. According to "Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art," spikenard is good for all skin and hair types but especially effective for dry or mature skin.

Spikenard oil uses for skin care include relief of scalp irritation, skin inflammation, rashes and psoriasis. Dilute spikenard essential oil in a carrier oil and apply to skin. Patch test first to make sure you are not sensitive to the oil.

Emotional Uses

Spikenard is relaxing and relieves emotional tension. Diffusing spikenard is useful for meditation. K.G. Stiles reports that spikenard oil lifts your spirits and inspires your heart and mind to selfless acts of devotion and quiet inner peace. According to "The Fragrant Heavens," the emotional healing effects of spikenard essential oil are to encourage forgiveness, fearlessness, balance and resolution.

Cautions

Do not use spikenard if you are pregnant. No other contraindications for spikenard oil are reported; however, consult a professional healthcare provider if you have a medical condition. Also, seek out high-quality essential oils, as cheap, synthetic copies of oils are less likely to be effective and more likely to cause side effects.

Tags: reports that, Aromatherapy Complete, Aromatherapy Complete Guide, Complete Guide, Complete Guide Healing

Clear Plu Keys On A Sharp Era320 Manual

The first cash register was invented in 1879.

The Sharp ER-A320 is an electronic cash register designed with small businesses in mind. The cash register is commonly used in retail and hospitality businesses. One of the features of the cash register is that it holds 600 price look-up codes, or PLUs. Businesses use PLU codes because they help them identify popular selling items and keep track of items on special. The PLU codes are stored in the register's memory. Using the master reset function can clear the PLU keys.

Instructions

1. Unplug the AC cord from the electrical outlet. The ER-A320 will flash a decimal point on the far right of the display screen. It will also beep 3 times.

2. Turn the mode switch to the SRV' position. The mode switch is located on the upper right corner of the cash register.

3. Plug the AC cord back into the electrical outlet. Hold down the "Journal Feed" key. While holding the key down, turn the mode dial from the SRV' to the SRV position. The ER-A320 will print out a receipt with 6 stars and the number 1.

Tags: cash register, electrical outlet, ER-A320 will, mode switch

Grow Gourmet Dandelions

Most people think of dandelions as those annoying weeds that invade our lawns every spring, summer and fall. However, many people eat dandelion greens and flowers. Garden retailers are now selling dandelion seeds to grow for a tasty addition to any salad. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Search home and garden stores, local greenhouses and Internet garden retailers for dandelion seeds. Look in the Italian or gourmet greens section of Internet garden retailer stores. Dandelion seeds sold for red, yellow and Italian dandelions.

2. Make a dandelion garden bed. Tillthe garden soil, build a raised bed or use containers for the dandelions. Add compost or other organic materials to the garden soil to make it rich and loamy. Use an all-purpose garden or vegetable fertilizer for better growth and productivity.

3. Thin the plants as they grow. Keep at least 6 inches between each plant. This checks disease and maximizes leaf production.

4. Harvest the outer leaves as you would harvest lettuce. Use the leaves in a salad. To harvest the whole plant, cut the dandelion greens with a sharp knife, garden shears or scissors.

5. Store gourmet dandelion leaves and flowers in a freezer bag in the refrigerator and serve them within a week for the best taste. Throw out any that wilt. Prepare dandelion roots by drying them in the sun.

6. Let the gourmet dandelion flowers go to seed toward the end of the season. Then harvest the seeds for next year's dandelion garden.

Tags: dandelion garden, dandelion greens, dandelion seeds, garden soil, gourmet dandelion, Internet garden

Natural Products To Sell Online

A local beekeeper's honey would be a good product to sell online.

According to the Nutrition Business Journal, sales of natural products in the U.S. reached $102 billion in 2008. Consumers not only want to purchase natural products for health benefits, but believe that they also contribute to environmental sustainability. Natural products are those formulated without artificial ingredients and undergo minimal processing. Products include natural and organic foods, health and beauty products, dietary supplements, "green" cleaning supplies and clothing of natural fibers. Natural products are big business and could be a lucrative online business, too.

Food Products

If you are going to sell food products that you have made yourself, you will need to comply with state and local codes for the commercial production of food and obtain the appropriate license from your local public health department. Bringing a home kitchen up to code standards can be costly. However, you may be able to find a fully licensed, local restaurant kitchen that well rent you its space when it is not open. Homemade baked goods, jellies, jams, salsas, barbecue rubs and sauces, pickles, relishes, candy, spiced nuts and bottled fruits, using only natural ingredients, all have the potential to sell well. Start by identifying any fruits and products that are local to your area, and find ways to use them, to give your products an authentic, local flavor. Additionally, you can source natural products made by local farmers that you could sell in your online store. Perhaps there is a local beekeeper that would be happy for you to sell his honey.

Clothing

Organic cotton, hemp, soy and bamboo are just some of the natural fibers being used to make ecologically sound clothing. If you can make clothes, you can source fabrics and make your own line of clothing items. Alternatively, you can find wholesalers that can supply you with suitable garments to sell online. Take a look at the Natural Clothing Companies website for ideas. Moms-to-be are increasingly seeking natural and organic baby products, and this may be an area of the market worth exploring.

Beauty Products

While the US Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act defines what cosmetics and beauty products are, it does little to regulate the production process other than state that manufacturers must not use toxic or contaminated substances and must not mislabel products. Therefore, it is easy to create natural cosmetic, bath and beauty products to sell using herbs, flowers and oils. There are a number of useful publications that can help you learn production techniques, such as Julie Gabriel's "The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances" and Elizabeth Letcavage's "Basic Soap Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started."

Tags: natural products, beauty products, local beekeeper, natural fibers, natural organic

Make A Banana Smoothie Without A Blender

You can still make a banana smoothie without the help of a blender.

Aside from being a tasty drink, banana smoothies provide you with a dose of calcium, protein and potassium and a small bit of fiber. They're a suitable beverage to start your day with or to use as a snack or source of energy in the middle of the day. If your blender is broken or you don't have access to one, you can still enjoy this beneficial beverage. While a blender provides an ideal smoothie consistency, you can still come close to this consistency without one. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place six ice cubes in the plastic bag, and seal. Wrap the bag in a dish towel, and place it on the floor. Carefully strike the bag with a hammer, crushing the ice cubes. Pour the crushed ice into a large bowl.

2. Peel and cut up a banana on a cutting board. Mash it with a large spoon. Scrape the mashed banana into the large bowl containing the crushed ice.

3. Add the yogurt and milk. Mix with an electric hand mixer until the consistency is smooth. Pour into a large glass.

Tags: into large, into large bowl, large bowl

New York State Food Stamp Rules

The last thing you want to worry about when supporting yourself or your family is put food on your table. You may have many financial obligations -- car payments, rent payments, medical bills, school supplies for children -- that can consume all of your income at the end of the month. The state of New York provides food stamp support to you if you are in need of assistance. In under 30 days, you can have a large burden lifted from your shoulders.

Eligibility

The state of New York uses your gross monthly income to determine your food stamp eligibility. A caseworker may use your annual gross income, or monthly gross income, in addition to any social security you receive to calculate your benefit amount. As of January 1, 2008, New York no longer considers assets like stocks or retirement when calculating food stamp need.

Application

You must fill out an application for food stamps by visiting the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or picking up an application at a local office. After you submit your application, you will be contacted for an interview. You must have an in-person interview, unless you are elderly, disabled or prohibited from attending because of work. The state allows telephone interviews for food stamps, or you may designate an individual to apply on your behalf.

Allowable Purchases

You may purchase a number of foods with your New York food stamps to support your household. However, the state specifies that some items are not allowable purchases, including alcohol, cigarettes, nonfood items, medicine, and "hot foods." You may purchase soft drinks with your food stamps, as well as energy drinks. You cannot buy live animals with food stamps.

Citizenship

Certain non-citizens of the United States may receive food stamps if they meet specified criteria. If you are a refugee from another country, an honorably discharged U.S. veteran, an alien on active duty with the U.S. military, or a qualified child of an alien under the age 18, you may receive food stamps from the state of New York.

Recertification

If you are a current recipient of food stamps in the state of New York, and are not currently enrolled in a Temporary Assistance program with the state, you may renew your food stamp benefits via telephone. New York implemented this method of renewal to make the process easier on recipients who may need the time for job searching, work, or other matters.

Tags: food stamps, food stamp, state York, your food, gross income, receive food, receive food stamps

What Foods Should My Baby Have First

A baby may have to taste new foods several times before he likes them.

Your baby needs only breast milk or infant formula for his first few months, but by 4 to 6 months, he can start eating solid foods. As he advances to different levels of development, he can begin eating different kinds of foods. Before he can have any solid foods, though, he should weigh double the amount he weighed at birth, be able to swallow foods rather than spit them out and be able to support his own head without your help. Talk to your pediatrician before starting your baby on solid foods.

Infant Cereal

When your 4- to 6-month-old baby can sit up with only a little assistance, she can begin eating iron-fortified infant rice cereal. Mix the cereal with formula or breast milk. Using formula or breast milk gives the cereal a familiar, pleasant taste, which helps the baby transition to eating solid foods more easily. Feed your baby from a bowl, with a spoon; never put the rice cereal in a bottle. Start with a high ratio of liquid to cereal, and as your baby gets the hang of eating from a spoon, you can gradually thicken the mixture. After she eats rice cereal for a few weeks, try barley and oatmeal infant cereals.

Pureed Fruits and Veggies

At 5 to 8 months, your baby should be ready to try fruits and vegetables. When he begins to chew, sits up on his own and grabs things in his hands, you can introduce these foods. Vegetables and hard fruits, such as apples, need to be cooked and pureed smoothly; don't give your child chunky baby food yet. Soft fruits, like pears, bananas, peaches or avocados don't need to be pureed, but you should mash them up before feeding. Try a broad range of tastes, textures and colors. For example, try peas, then carrots, then potatoes.

Protein

By 6 to 8 months, once your baby can chew fairly well, you can give her some protein-based foods. She can now eat meat, such as minced or pureed chicken or fish without any bones. She can begin eating other proteins, too, such as mashed beans, cottage cheese, tofu and plain yogurt.

Juice

At 6 or 7 months, you can give your baby fruit juice. Some experts, however, recommend waiting until your child reaches his first birthday, notes the Florida Department of Health. If you give your baby juice, only use 100 percent juice, and limit it to 4 oz. a day. Only put juice in a cup, never in a bottle. Never let your baby drink juice in bed; it causes him to develop bad habits and endangers his dental health.

Finger Foods

By 7 or 8 months, your baby will learn to pick up pieces of food, hold food in her hands, take bites and chew effectively. At this point, you can give your baby some appropriate larger, firmer snacks. Try unsalted crackers, pieces of cooked veggies and meat, slices of soft fruit, bagels, toast, soft pasta in small pieces, rice and cubes of soft cheese.

Tags: your baby, give your, solid foods, your baby, begin eating, breast milk, give your baby

How Long Do Cockapoos Live

How Long Do Cockapoos Live?

The small "designer" breed of dog known as a cockapoo lives a life average for its size, but long compared to other breeds.

Typical Lifespan

The average life span of a cockapoo (also known as a cockerpoo, cockadoodle or spoodle) is typically 12 to 15 years. However, the American Cockapoo Club more generously estimates the breed's life expectancy at 14 to 18 years.

Maximum Age

Some cockapoos have been known to live for up to 22 years.

Compared to Average Age

Compared to other dogs, the life expectancy of the Cockapoo is right around average. The average of a dog in Europe and North America is 12.8 years.

Compared to Related Breeds

Compared to the breeds from which cockapoos come (American or English cocker spaniel and a poodle, often a toy poodle), cockapoos' life expectancy falls unsurprisingly in between the two. Toy poodles average 14.4 years of life, and cocker spaniels average 12.5 years.

Compared to Large Dogs

Generally, smaller dogs like the cockapoo tend to live longer than bigger dogs. For example, the Chihuahua averages a life span of 13 years, while the great Dane averages 8.4 years.

Tags: life expectancy, years Compared, average years, Cockapoos Live, life span, Long Cockapoos

Tell If A Chicken'S Egg Is Spoiled

Your egg's freshness depends on the amount of air inside the shell.

A number of quick and easy ways can tell you how fresh your chicken's egg is. While it is important to know how fresh your egg is, just because an egg is older doesn't mean it's spoiled. Less fresh eggs are still perfectly good for using in cake mixes, sauces or omelets, though they have a noticeably different consistency if you poach or fry them. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Hold the egg in your hand and smell it. If it is bad, it feels unnaturally light and smell terrible.

2. Lower the egg into a fairly deep bowl of water. If the egg sinks quickly to the bottom and lies on its side, it is fresh. If the egg floats, it is spoiled.

3. Crack the egg on a plate. If the yoke is very flat or breaks easily, or if the egg white is transparent, the egg is not very fresh. As long as it doesn't smell strongly, though, it should still be edible.

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Natural Black Hair Care Tips

Caring for natural black hair is different than caring for Caucasian, Asian or Hispanic hair. Natural black hair is typically dry and it's essential to keep the hair and scalp moist. This creates healthy, shiny hair and promotes hair growth. Here are a few easy tips to help you care for natural black hair. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a satin pillow case or hair wrap. Because natural black hair is dry, keeping the hair moist is vital. One way to retain moisture is to sleep on a satin pillow case. If you don't have a satin pillow case, wrap your hair in a satin hair scarf before going to bed. Cotton pillow cases and scarfs can strip moisture from the hair and produce split ends.

2. Apply oil to the hair and scalp. Another way to retain moisture and care for natural black hair is to apply oil to the hair and scalp daily. Castor oils applied directly to the scalp and oil sheen sprays applied to the hair provide instant sheen and softens the hair.

3. Wash your hair once every one to two weeks. Rather than wash natural black hair daily, it's best to wash the hair once every one to two weeks. Frequent washing can dry the hair and scalp. This causes the hair to lose moisture, which can result in breakage and split ends.

4. Apply a leave-in conditioner. After washing your hair, be sure to apply a leave-in conditioner. Conditioners detangle the hair, create moisture and produce manageable hair.

5. Use little heat. Blow drying and using hot curlers on a daily basis can damage natural black hair. That's why it's a good idea to wash the hair weekly or bi-weekly. Rather than use hot combs and curlers, apply rollers.

6. Eat a healthy diet. Foods such as potatoes, fruits and vegetables can strengthen the hair and promote hair growth. In addition, natural health supplements such as HairFinity can put an end to dryness, split ends and excess shedding (see Resources).

Tags: black hair, natural black hair, natural black, hair scalp, pillow case

The Best Hotels In New Orleans

New Orleans features more than 140 hotels.

New Orleans, dubbed the Big Easy and the Crescent City, is home to more than 300,000 residents. Best known for its jazz, Creole cuisine, winter Mardi Gras celebration and varied architecture, the city is one of the top 10 most-visited cities, according to the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. New Orleans features more than 140 hotels and more than 31,000 hotel rooms.

Windsor Court Hotel

The Windsor Court Hotel, operated by Orient-Express Hotels, is located in New Orleans' central business district, about two blocks from the French Quarter. The hotel opened in 1984 and features 22 floors and 324 guest accommodations, 266 of which are suites. Facilities at the Windsor Court include an outdoor heated swimming pool, meeting rooms, multiple restaurants, business center and health club.

Windsor Court Hotel

300 Gravier St.

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Toll-free: (888) 596-0955

Local: (504) 523-6000

www.windsorcourthotel.com

Ritz Carlton, New Orleans

The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, is located in the city's French Quarter. The elegant hotel has 527 guest rooms and 38 suites. Facilities include a spa, restaurant, two ballrooms, meeting space, fitness center and a business/computer center.

Ritz Carlton, New Orleans

921 Canal St.

New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

Toll-free: (800) 542-8680

Local: (504) 524-1331

www.ritzcarlton.com

Le Pavillion

Le Pavillion, a part of the Historic Hotels of America collection of small luxury hotels, is located at the edge of New Orleans's French Quarter. The hotel boasts 219 guest rooms and seven suites, all decorated in period antiques. Facilities at Le Pavillion include a business center, roof-top swimming pool and lounge, fitness center and several meeting rooms.

Le Pavillion

833 Poydras St.

New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

Toll-free: (800) 535-9095

Local: (504) 581-3111

www.lepavillon.com

Royal Sonesta Hotel

The Royal Sonesta Hotel, located in the heart of the French Quarter, is designed in the traditional New Orleans style with wrought-iron balconies and center courtyards. The hotel features 483 guest rooms and 35 suites. Facilities include a 24-hour business center, outdoor swimming pool with spa services available, five restaurants and a gift shop.

Royal Sonesta Hotel

300 Bourbon St.

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Toll-free: (800) 766-3782

Local: (504) 586-0300

www.sonesta.com

Tags: French Quarter, more than, Orleans Louisiana, Windsor Court, business center, Carlton Orleans

Homemade Eye Serum Recipe

Under-eye serum can get rid of wrinkles.

There are many products on the market that are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles under your eyes. These products contain chemicals that tighten the skin. If you have sensitive skin, these chemicals could do more harm than good. Fortunately, you can make your own eye serum at home using only all-natural ingredients. With consistent use, you will begin to see an improvement in the skin under your eyes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pop open one vitamin E capsule with a pin. Hold it over a small bottle and squeeze the contents in.

2. Add two drops of rosehip oil, 1 tsp. of grape seed oil and two drops of lavender oil to your small bottle.

3. Place the lid on the small bottle and shake to combine.

4. Rub two drops of the homemade eye serum under each eye first thing in the morning, and just before bed.

5. Wait a total of five minutes and then wipe off any excess serum with a tissue.

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Alberta Street Restaurants In Portland Or

A grilled cheese sandwich restaurant on Alberta Street will bring back childhood memories.

You'll find the Alberta Arts District on Northeast Alberta Street in Portland, Oregon. In this residential neighborhood, you'll find not only the arts, but clothing boutiques and different kinds of restaurants. On your next trip to Portland, walk along Alberta Street and dine in a local restaurant depending on what you're in the mood for from simple sandwiches to French-inspired meals.

Tin Shed Garden Cafe

If you're conscious about your food choices, then the Tin Shed Garden Cafe is the right restaurant for you. This casual restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating amongst flowering plants and trees. The beef, chicken and eggs here are all free-range and the dairy products used are packed locally. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. Some specialties include the rice and beans, wild salmon and a chicken fajita casserole. A kids menu is available and 100 percent of your leftovers are turned into compost.

The Grilled Cheese Grill

The Grilled Cheese Grill is not your typical restaurant because it serves its food from a mobile vehicle. However, it's always in the same location and outdoor seating is available. Serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers food reminiscent of your childhood. Of course, there's the classic grilled cheese sandwich, but you can also order different kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches -- such as one with four cheeses, one with sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese and another with roasted jalapenos, Colby Jack, cream cheese and tortilla chips. The Grilled Cheese Grill is closed on Mondays.

Helser's On Alberta

Helser's On Alberta is a restaurant that prepares its food using many family recipes and local ingredients. The restaurant serves breakfast all day and sandwiches for lunch. Try the sausage breakfast, black bean chili scramble, curry tuna sandwich or traditional Reuben sandwich. A kids menu, private parties, catering services and boxed lunches are available. Helser's On Alberta is open daily but only serves lunch on weekdays.

Petite Provence

Petite Provence Boulangerie and Patisserie aims to give customers the taste and atmosphere of France with its food, architectural design and decor. For breakfast you can order the northwest salmon hash, savory French toast or risotto cakes & eggs. Soups, tossed salads and sandwiches -- such as the chipotle chicken sandwich, vegetarian croissant and Provence BLT -- are served for lunch. Petite Provence is open daily.

Tags: Alberta Street, Cheese Grill, Grilled Cheese Grill, Helser Alberta, Petite Provence, cheese sandwich, different kinds

Desserts That Use Canned Whole Cranberry

Canned whole cranberries typically come packed in a sweetened, cranberry sauce liquid.

When it comes to fruit, it doesn't get more American than cranberries, one of only a few fruits native to North America. A classic at the Thanksgiving table, cranberries have a tart, slightly sweet taste to them that works well in several recipes. When working with cranberries, fresh is always best, but not always available. Canned whole cranberries are a fine substitute for fresh in just about any recipe that calls for cranberries. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Cranberry Sauce

Although you can simply open up the can of whole cranberries, dump it in a bowl with its liquid and serve it as is, doctor it up a bit for a more dessert-like cranberry sauce. One option is to add other fruits to it, such as mandarin oranges, blueberries or chopped apples. Add nuts, such as pecans and walnuts, to add a bit of crunch to plain cranberry sauce. Add spices, such as nutmeg or cinnamon to spruce it up as well.

Cranberries in Gelatin

Fruit is a common addition to gelatin mold desserts and canned cranberries are no exception. Cranberry gelatin salad is a classic gelatin dessert that starts with dissolving the gelatin mix in water, then adding the cranberries and sauce. Some recipes call for the addition of other fruits as well, such as pineapples and apples. Once well-combined, refrigerate the gelatin mixture to chill until firm. Top with heavy whipped cream when you are ready to serve.

Cranberries in Pie

If you love cherry pie, think of cranberry pie as a tart twist on the original. Canned cranberries work very well as a fruit filling because it already comes in a sweetened sauce so all you have to do is pour it into a prepared pie shell. You can also add canned cranberries to cherry pie or other fruit pies, such as apples, blueberry or even peach pie. Another idea is to spoon the canned cranberries over cheesecake instead of the more-common cherry topping.

Cranberries in Cakes

You can add whole cranberries to a simple cake batter to make a cranberry cake. Drain the cranberries from the sauce first so you do not end up with thinned-out batter. Use the cranberries for cupcakes, coffee cake, muffins and scones as well. Another way to add cranberries to cake is to sprinkle the canned cranberries with flour and pour them on top of a cake batter already in the baking pan. Once bake,d the cake has an attractive layer of cranberries on top. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tags: whole cranberries, canned cranberries, cranberry sauce, cake batter, Canned whole

Insure Your Pet Dog Or Cat

Protect your pet with insurance.

Pet insurance is no longer just available to cover veterinary expenses. Insurance companies have realized that many pet owners want to protect their pets if they become ill. As a result, there are now several options for getting your dog, cat or exotic pet insured for various life events. Having pet insurance can help you afford care for that pet throughout its life.

Instructions

1. Get pet health insurance. There are several companies offering insurance for dogs and cats to cover veterinary expenses. Some pet insurance companies even cover more exotic pets such as birds and lizards.

2. Add pet life insurance to your pet health insurance policy. Some pet insurance companies offer this as an add-on to the standard veterinary pet insurance. Pet life insurance helps with end of life expenses such as euthanasia, burial and/or cremation of your pet. Some might also cover counseling and bereavement services to handle the loss of a beloved pet.

3. Get pet injury insurance coverage through your car insurance company. With pet injury coverage, the car insurance pays for veterinary expenses related to an accident if the pet was injured in the accident. Contact your insurance agent to determine if your company offers pet injury coverage.

Tags: veterinary expenses, cover veterinary, cover veterinary expenses, health insurance, injury coverage

Make Puppy Food

Happy Beagle Puppy

Most people treat their dogs just like family, so why not give them delicious, great tasting food? There are many recipes for dog food that are easy to make. We need to make sure that our pets are getting the proper nutrition while they are young so that they can grow up healthy and live a long and active life.

Instructions

1. Consult with your vet. Before you begin making homemade puppy food, be sure to check with the vet for any guidelines that are necessary to keep your pet healthy. Some dogs are allergic to some food items, so be sure to watch them for any signs of illness when they begin to eat homemade food.

2. Cook food for puppies in a ratio of 1/3 protein, 2/3 vegetables and small amounts of grains. Many vegetables and proteins contain the proper nutrients your puppy will need for full growth.

3. Make meal patties for your puppy by combining the recommended amount of ground protein, grain and vegetables to a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Heat up a frying pan with a teaspoon of oil and shape the mixing bowl contents in to 1/2 patties. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until the middles are done and no longer pink.

4. Cooking ground protein, or fish from a can, combined with the suggested amount of chopped vegetables and rice can be a healthy and nutritious alternative from the store bought dog foods. Feed the puppies according to veterinarian recommendation, and be careful to not overfeed.

Tags: ground protein, mixing bowl, your puppy

Start A Grocery Store

The grocery business is an exciting and rewarding field to be involved in. Owning a grocery store is a lot of work, but can have a large financial payoff. You'll also enjoy the peace of mind that you're helping people fulfill one of their most basic needs.

Starting a grocery store requires a well-thought-out and executed plan, hard work and the financial backing to be able to purchase and finance all the needed supplies, permits, leases and other mandatory components involved in opening a business.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to open a stand-alone store or become part of a large grocer chain (such as Publix, Kroger, Giant or Harris Teeter). Both options have benefits and drawbacks.

Having a stand-alone store will allow you more control as the owner. You will be able to control what inventory you buy, when you have sales and what promotions you employ. On the downside, you will also not receive support----either financial or administrative----from anyone, so you'll need to be prepared to handle everything on your own.

Signing up with a franchise will give you much-needed support. Unfortunately, along with this support will come control over what you sell and how much you sell it for. The franchise will also likely require a percentage of your profits.

Be sure to evaluate all of these issues before making your final decision.

2. Find a good location to operate your store. Pick a community that is not already saturated with grocery stores. It is often hard to determine exactly how many grocery stores are too many in a given area. A good way to make an educated decision if another store would succeed is to monitor the number of cars in the parking lots of the already-existing stores. If the parking lots are always full of cars, with people fighting for spots, another store may be needed. If not, you might want to look for another community to open a store in.

In addition, make sure you are in an area that has the financial means to support a store. It's best to compare multiple locations in order to choose the best one. Your location will be a very important part of your success.

When evaluating each location, consider issues such as safety, ease of finding the store, neighboring businesses, parking availability, area permit laws and the building's square footage.

3. Decide what products you would like to offer and how large a variety of food distributors you want to work with. If you offer multiple brands of the same product, you might have to work with a variety of distributors. This will add costs and headaches to your operations, but will also assist your customers with added variety.

The number of distributors you work with should be a reflection of the number of products you wish to carry in your store. Larger stores tend to have more distributors, since they offer a greater variety of products. Smaller stores will only have a few dependable distributors.

Decide if you would like to include a pharmacy in your store. This will require additional permitting and highly skilled employees.

4. Choose food distributors that you can trust and work easily with. Have each distributor sign a binding contract that will guarantee delivery, quality and price. Decide what brands you would like to carry and search on the Internet to see which distributors carry those brands. Contact those people to discuss prices and setup.

5. Hire employees. Try to find people who are dependable, hard-working and possess good customer service skills. The number of employees you hire depends on the size of the store. As a rule of thumb, try to have one employee available for every five customers that you expect during a peak time.

You will also need to hire managers. Start by hiring a front end manager (to take care of the cashiers and check out), a human relations manager (to deal with hiring and training employees) and a manager for every major department or section of the store (i.e. produce, meat, dairy, dry goods).

6. Plan your grand opening. This is your moment to introduce yourself to the community and show them why you are a better option than stores that are already operating.

Decide where you want to advertise. It is normally a good strategy to pick multiple means of advertising, such as online, radio, print and TV. Think about offering grand opening discounts or teaming up with a charity and donating a percentage of your net sales to the charity during the first week. The goal is to motivate people to walk though your doors and discover what a great store you are.

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Keep Turkey Moist

Walk into a kitchen when a turkey is roasting and it smells simply delicious. Today’s turkeys cook faster than turkeys in the past so use a good thermometer to check its progress. You’ll want the turkey to be tasty and moist. Here are several ways to keep a turkey moist. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Always rinse the turkey well and remove anything that might be inside the bird, including the neck. Often there is a plastic cord that is holding the turkey together.

2. Rub butter (or margarine) over the entire bird. Since the turkey will be cold before it goes in the oven, wait about 15 minutes after placing the bird in the oven. Continue to baste with the butter/margarine and pan drippings every half hour while it’s cooking.

3. Soak two or three layers of cheesecloth in butter (or margarine) and drape over the turkey while it cooks. If you like crispy skin, remove the cheesecloth for the last half hour of cooking.

4. Make a brine solution and soak the turkey in it overnight in your refrigerator. Allow about an hour of time for every pound of turkey. Choose a turkey that is not pre-basted because the brine will make it very salty. Place the turkey in a container/pan or a heavy plastic bag--the container should be big enough so you can turn the bird over. For the brine you’ll need enough water to cover the turkey. Use one cup of table salt or kosher salt to one gallon of water and adjust the amounts of each to fit the turkey and the container. Be sure the salt is fully dissolved before adding additional seasonings. You can add any seasoning you like garlic or perhaps something spicier. Turn the turkey over a couple of times to distribute the brine evenly. Rinse well before cooking.

5. Place your turkey with the breast side down until the last half hour of cooking time. Turn the turkey over for the last part of cooking so you’ll get a nice, browned skin.

6. Butter a piece of tin foil that is big enough to cover the turkey (or turkey breast). Cover the bird before placing it in the oven. Remove the foil for the last 30-40 minutes of cooking

Tags: butter margarine, half hour, cover turkey, half hour cooking, hour cooking

Vegan Restaurants In New Haven Ct

You will find many vegan options in New Haven, CT, especially at restaurants featuring ethnic food.

While there are few 100 percent vegan restaurants in New Haven, Connecticut, there are many vegan options available at restaurants in the local food scene. As usual, your best bet for finding vegan options is to try foods of different ethnicities, including Indian, Mexican, Jamaican and Ethiopian. From takeout to fine dining, you will enjoy many vegan meals in New Haven, CT. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Elaine's Healthy Choice

Located at 117 Whalley Ave. in New Haven, Elaine's Healthy Choice offers 100 percent cruelty-free food with a Jamaican influence. Elaine's uses organic and locally grown ingredients when possible and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for take-out only.

Bentara

Bentara, an upscale Malaysian restaurant at 76 Orange St. in New Haven, offers entrees made with tofu, coconut milk and lots of veggies for vegans to enjoy. Bentara also features a bar and private rooms for parties. Visit their website at bentara.com for more information and a complete menu.

Lalibela

Lalibela dedicates a full menu page to vegetarian and vegan entrees, including a combo platter to sample four entrees at once. Located at 126 Temple St., Lalibela is an Ethiopian restaurant that also offers takeout, catering and entertainment. Visit their website at lalibelarestaurantct.com for more information.

Mamoun's Falafel

With a page of their website, at mamouns.com, dedicated to 100 percent vegan choices, Mamoun's Falafel offers vegans many choices for enjoying lunch or dinner. Located at 85 Howe St. in New Haven, Mamoun's originated in New York City and also offers catering.

Miya's Sushi

Miya's Sushi offers a large selection of vegetable rolls, although you should note that some do contain cheese. There are also many entrees that are either vegan or can be adjusted to be vegan, so ask your server for more information. Miya's Sushi is located at 68 Howe St. and was voted one of the top 10 most sustainable restaurants in the United States in April 2010 by the producers of the film "The End of the Line."

Tags: many vegan, Miya Sushi, more information, their website, vegan options

List Of Agriculture Careers & Their Salaries

Dairy farmers is just one type of many jobs available in agriculture.

Agriculture is the sector of the economy that produces food by growing crops and raising livestock. There are many career opportunities as work involves a variety of fields depending upon the types of animals raised, crops planted and how large a farm is. There are also careers that involve roles which support farmers in their work with such tasks as harvesting and working as contractors. These various job roles have varying rates of pay.

Farm and Ranch Management

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), farmers and ranchers who handle a variety of livestock made up 45 percent of the total workers in agriculture. Farmers and ranchers oversee the feeding, raising and selling of various livestock such as cows, horses, pigs and other animals. They must handle record keeping, maintain housing for livestock, immunize the animals against disease and examine them for health issues. Their yearly salary can fluctuate with the price of, and consumer demand for, their products. Farmers and ranchers earned an average of $775 a week in 2008, according to the BLS.

Agricultural Science

Agricultural scientists closely study the various crops grown by farmers, making sure that crops are safe and trying to improve their overall quality. They also study ways to keep insects and disease from destroying crops. Many work in the area of biotechnology, where scientists work to alter the genetic makeup of plants to make them resistant to disease and grow more efficiently. According to the BLS, the average yearly wage for this field in 2008 was $59,520).

Agricultural Laborers

Agricultural laborers help to feed and handle livestock, such as pigs.

These individuals work in various roles in planting and harvesting crops, tending livestock, applying chemicals to crops and helping in farm maintenance. In this role you would assist in keeping records on animals, repair structures and fencing along with feeding and related duties. Some are promoted in time to be supervisors over crews. The BLS reports that the average weekly salary for laborers was $459 as of 2008.

Purchasing Managers and Agents

As a production buyer, manager or agent you will be involved in buying various agricultural products for a particular company or agency. Your goal is to get the best quality items and related services for the lowest possible price. This job requires examining different suppliers of farm products for the quality of their goods and prices charged. According to the BLS, the average yearly wage was $49,670 as of 2008.

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Is Olive Oil High In Cholesterol

Is Olive Oil High in Cholesterol?

Olive oil, while high in fat, is not high in cholesterol. In fact, studies show that olive oil actually helps reduce cholesterol, and doctors suggest incorporating this highly beneficial oil into everyone's diet.

Monounsaturated Fat

Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, a type of fat that is good for you. Especially beneficial if eaten in moderation, monounsaturated fats can be used to replace trans fats (which are the bad kind of fats) in your diet. Olive oil is also especially high in antioxidants.

Cholesterol-Lowering Abilities

Cholesterol is made of is high-density lipoprotein (HDL), a type of cholesterol that protects the heart from disease, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a type of cholesterol that can build up in arteries. Because of it's combination of monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, olive oil helps lower your LDL levels while keeping your HDL unchanged. In addition, consuming a healthy amount of olive oil each day could potentially lower your chance of having a heart attack and stroke.

Adding Olive Oil to Your Diet

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily is enough for you to reap its benefits. Simple ways to incorporate this oil into your diet is to eat olive oil-based salad dressings and to cook your meat and vegetables with it. Additionally, olive oil is an important part of the widely popular and heart-healthy Mediterranean Diet, which incorporates healthy fats (from foods like fish and olive oil), as well as fruits and vegetables that originated from countries near the Mediterranean Sea.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is created from the first pressing of the olives. It is less processed and contains even more antioxidants than regular olive oil. According to the Mayo Clinic, some research implies that extra virgin olive oil is more effective at lowering cholesterol than regular olive oil.

Light Olive Oil

The Mayo Clinic recommends against olive oils marketed as "light." Light olive oil is simply lighter in color---meaning it is more processed---and does not contain less fat or calories.

Tags: cholesterol that, High Cholesterol, lipoprotein type, lipoprotein type cholesterol, lower your

Find The Food Network Schedule For Today

Food Network Schedule for Today

Having the Food Network schedule for today will allow you to catch every minute of Food Network programming and make sure that you don't miss a minute of your favorite TV chefs. The Food Network schedule for today can be obtained from the Food Network online or from your local TV channel listings. Here's make sure you get the Food Network schedule for today and see all your most liked shows.

Instructions

1. By going to foodnetwork.com and clicking on -shows- which is a tab near the top of the site, you'll be at the Food Network main page for the TV shows and this is where you can find the Food Network schedule for today if you are using the Food Network website. Along with the TV information you can get all kinds of recipes and read biographies of your favorite chefs.

2. TV guide has a great site that is similar to their paper guide and can be found at tvguide.com. All you have to do is input your zip code and you can look up the Food Network schedule for today in your area. If you let your browser save the cookies from their site you should be able to come back there and not have to type anything else in to pull up listings in your area.

3. If you have either cable or satellite TV you should be able to access a guide function using your remote control to pull up the Food Network Schedule for today. All you have to do is enable the guide and scroll up to where the Food Network channel is and then scroll ahead to later on in the day to see what's on.

4. The more traditional way of looking up the Food Network schedule for today is to look in the newspaper at the TV listings and see what is on for the day. Most people use other means nowadays but this method is accurate and still does work.

Tags: Food Network, Food Network schedule, Network schedule, schedule today, Food Network Schedule, Network schedule today, favorite chefs

Cook Turkey Meat

Cook Turkey Meat

Native to North America, the turkey was raised as early as the second century by Native Americans. Traditionally served on Thanksgiving in the United States, turkey can be cooked whole, in pieces or ground like ground beef. During the holiday season, supermarkets and grocery stores often run special prices on the poultry, but the bird can be cooked year-round, in a variety of ways. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Roast a whole turkey, in the traditional Thanksgiving style. Rinsed, patted dry, seasoned, and rubbed with butter or olive oil, the whole turkey can be roasted in the oven at 325 degrees F. Cooking the turkey upside down (breast down) will produce a moister, tastier, but less attractive bird. Cooking time varies, depending on weight, and if the bird is stuffed or unstuffed. Recommended cooking time is typically displayed on the product packaging (approximately 15 minutes per pound). Whole turkey should be placed on a meat rack, in a roasting roasting pan. Keep loosely covered with foil until the last hour or so of roasting.

2. Deep fry the turkey for a moist center and crispy skin. Add the turkey (whole or breast) to the fryer basket, and insert in an empty deep fryer. Add water, to the fill line according to the operating instructions on your fryer. Remove the basket and turkey, and then remove and measure the water. This is to help you determine how much oil to add to the fryer, to cook the amount of turkey you will be frying. Dry the fryer, and set up according to the instructions, add peanut oil (same amount as the water you removed), and allow to heat for about an hour. Dry the turkey completely (very important) and place in the frying basket. Slowly add the turkey to the hot oil, according to instructions that come with the deep fryer. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per pound.

3. Use ground turkey as you would use ground beef. Ground turkey meat can be formed into patties to make hamburgers, fried to make taco meat, mixed with breadcrumbs and vegetables to make meatloaf or used to make turkey chili. Mixed with seasoning, it can be made into turkey sausage.

4. Smoke the turkey. Fire up the outdoor smoker with charcoal or wood chips and fill the water tray with water or another liquid to add flavor. Add the cleaned, prepared and seasoned turkey (whole or parts) to the grill and close the lid. Smoke for about 1 hour per pound, for an average sized turkey. Smaller pieces may cook faster.

5. Barbecue the turkey on the grill over indirect heat. Similar to smoking, barbecuing will cook faster than smoking, as the heat tends to be higher. Keep the lid closed to the barbecue while cooking.

Tags: about hour, according instructions, cook faster, Cook Turkey, Cook Turkey Meat

What Does Wholesale Funding Mean

What Does Wholesale Funding Mean?

According to the American Bankers Association, wholesale funding refers to loans that financial institutions offer with or without collateral, depending on the lender. Businesses can use wholesale funding to preserve their liquidity and manage cash flow.

Collateralized Funding

Institutions like the Federal Home Loan Bank System and the Federal Reserve Bank provide wholesale funding with collateral, according to the American Bankers Association. Banks have traditionally used such funding to manage their reserves at levels subject to government regulation.

Unsecured Funding

Brokers sometimes provide funding in the form of insured deposits to customers without collateral. Wholesale funding serves short-term needs, according to the American Bankers Association.

Benefits

According to the American Bankers Association, the benefits of wholesale funding over obtaining credit from local sources include the ability to decide on the duration of the loan, more competitive rates from more lending sources and better control over costs.

Tags: American Bankers, American Bankers Association, Bankers Association, wholesale funding, according American, According American Bankers

Salt Free Seasonings And Spices

Swap out that salt poultry seasoning for some fresh spices.

Spices and seasonings turn bland meals into delicious creations, but it can be difficult to avoid raising the sodium level in foods when adding them. Instead of loading your favorite dish with salt, look for varieties that will give your meal a healthy, sodium-free kick. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is typically a mixture of basil, oregano, sage, thyme, red pepper and other herbs. It's free of salt and can be added to spaghetti, lasagna, pizza sauce, chicken Parmesan and endless other dishes. Mix it with vinegar and olive oil for salad dressings or dipping bread. You can be make it at home and add a spicy, bitter Italian taste to otherwise bland foods.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is another useful spice to have on hand, although not all varieties are salt free. Made from dried ground chili peppers, Mexican oregano, cumin, onion powder and garlic powder, it's useful in spicy dishes like chili, enchiladas and tacos -- but also serves as a tasty spice rub. Salt-free chili powder can be purchased online or you can make it in your own kitchen.

Lemon Pepper

Lemon pepper, a mix of cracked black peppercorns and lemon zest, is widely used for seasoning chicken, fish and other seafood, and can be used as a rub as well. Sprinkle some on your favorite pasta dish or salad for a zesty, peppery flavor. Lemon pepper can also be made at home.

Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning, a blend of white and black pepper, garlic powder, ground red pepper, onion powder and paprika, is used in Louisiana dishes like crawfish, broiled shrimp and grilled meats. Blackened steaks and pastas are also enhanced with this powerful seasoning, but make sure you read the label before you buy -- some contain salt.

Tags: dishes like, garlic powder, onion powder, your favorite

How Much Carbon Dioxide Per Gallon Of Gas

CO2 emissions from gasoline contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Gasoline is made from processed crude oil, a fossil fuel commonly known as petroleum. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), 85 percent of U.S. energy today comes from fossil fuels, which contain hydrocarbons, organic compounds and small amounts of metal.

What Is Carbon Dioxide?

When fossil fuels are burned, the hydrocarbons separate into hydrogen and carbon. The hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water, and the carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2).

Calculating CO2 Emissions

DOE statistics show that CO2 and other emissions from energy-related fuels accounted for more than 86.2 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2008. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses this formula for calculating CO2 emissions from a gallon of gasoline: Multiply the average carbon content per gallon (2,421 grams) by the amount of carbon that remains un-oxidized (0.99) by the ratio of molecular weight of CO2 to carbon (44/12) = 8,788 grams/8.8 kg/19.4 pounds per gallon.

Reducing CO2 Emissions

We can help reduce greenhouse gases by using sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind and water and reducing energy consumption through clean vehicles and other energy-efficient technologies.

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Nutrition Lesson Plans & Crafts For Kids

Thinking About Nutrition

Nutrition lesson plans and crafts can help kids to learn about nutrition and learn to value taking care of their bodies. When they are growing up in a world where fast-food commercials are flashed everywhere, it can be hard for them to stop and think about doing what is best for their bodies. But with the proper support from educators and parents, kids can overcome these pressures and make healthy decisions.

The Food Pyramid

A lesson plan on the food pyramid is a vital part of teaching kids about nutrition. Get a copy of the food pyramid from the USDA and create a coloring page featuring the pyramid. Invite kids to color in the food pyramid and talk about foods that might fit into each section.

Set the Plate

Teach children to create balanced meals featuring a variety of colors and foods from each food group. For this lesson plan, hand out white paper plates and construction paper. Have the children color their plates and cut out foods from the construction paper to show what a healthy meal would look like. This lesson will help them experience putting together healthy meals and also proper portion sizes.

The Grocery Store

Teach the kids shop by setting up a grocery store in your classroom. Put fresh produce, meats, and dairy products around the perimeter of the classroom and junk food in the middle. Give the children green construction paper and have them cut out play money to use in going grocery shopping. Teach them to buy items from the perimeter of the store instead of from the center isles where the junk food is displayed.

Organic Foods

Make sure to include a lesson plan on eating organic foods when possible. Talk about the impact of pesticides and antibiotics on our bodies and about how much easier it is for our bodies to process foods that are not laden with chemicals. Have the children fill paper cups with good organic soil and then plant beans in the cups. Show the children grow the beans without chemicals, transplant them to a larger growing area as they grow, and then let them enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Tags: construction paper, lesson plan, about nutrition, food pyramid, foods from, foods that, Have children

What Is An Electric Counter Top Roaster Oven

An electric counter top roasting oven is a cooking appliance that sits out on the counter when in use and can be cleaned and put away when not in use. Electric roasters are popularly used for cooking whole poultry and fish because of their ability to maintain a constant heat. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Function

Electric counter top roaster ovens are used for slow and low roasting applications for everything from whole turkeys to roasts and stews.The constant temperature and moist environment evenly cook foods to a delicious golden brown without drying them out.

Sizes

Many sizes of counter top electric roasting ovens are available to suit the needs of the home and commercial kitchen. Some larger models are intended to accommodate multiple entrees in one cooking session.

Features

Counter top electric roasting ovens come equipped with a variety of safety, versatility and ease-of-use features. Many units have automatic shutoff switches, top vents for steam cooking and easy clean-up nonstick surfaces.

Benefits

A well-sealed counter top roasting oven will cook a meal like a conventional oven without heating up the house. Counter top models also give the user plenty of room in the conventional oven for other dishes when large meals are being prepared.

Warnings

The electric heating element of many counter top electric roasting ovens should never be submersed while cleaning the unit. Carefully read your instruction manual to be sure you are taking all precautions to protect the plug and electrical element when cleaning.

Tags: electric roasting, electric roasting ovens, roasting ovens, conventional oven, counter electric, counter electric roasting

Kill Fire Ants In The Garden

Fire ants are small creatures that range in size from 1/8 to 1/4 inch. They are both brown and red and are known as one of the most aggressive species of ants on the planet. When their mound is messed with, they will come out in angry droves to sting anyone unfortunate enough to be near it. Unlike regular ants, fire ants will sting their prey multiple times. Several methods, such as dry ice and a lye soap/water combination, will rid your garden of fire ants. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Dry Ice

1. Make a hole at the bottom of your fire ant mound.

2. Place a chunk of your dry ice into the hole.

3. Push the dry ice to the bottom of the hole with your piece of rebar. The queen fire ant will be killed and when she dies, the rest of the ants in the mount cannot survive.

Lye Soap

4. Safeguard your hands by making sure you use work gloves. Lye soap can cause extreme burns.

5. Mix 1/2 bar of your lye soap (a natural ingredient) with 5 gallons of water. Pour your solution around the fire ant mound. This will prevent them from escaping.

6. Create a commotion in the ant mount and make sure it is soaked thoroughly.

Tags: fire mound

Start A Cake And Candy Supply Store

Most cake and candy supply stores sell professional quality ingredients.

Cake and candy supply stores service not only professional bakers and candy makers, but home chefs that like to create gourmet foods. These shops sell ingredients such as meringue powders and professional-quality cake flour, which can't be found in most grocery stores and supermarkets. It is possible to start a profitable cake and candy supply store planning and research.

Instructions

1. Obtain a resale permit or tax identification number from your state (if required), register an assumed business name (DBA) with the county and obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. An EIN, resale permit or tax identification number is needed to establish wholesale accounts and purchase inventory.

2. Check with the local health department to see whether a food business license is needed. This will be the case if planning to make any of the perishable or edible cake and candy supplies to be sold; however it is unlikely if the business only resells packaged supplies.

3. Lease a retail space that is at least 700 square feet---enough space to display products and store extra inventory. The cost for leasing such as retail space depends on the area, but can range from $650 to $1,200 per month.

4. Establish wholesale accounts with cake and candy supply distributors such as Food Service Warehouse, Bulk Foods Consumer Online Market or A Best Kitchen.

5. Buy retail supplies, including shopping baskets, registers and merchant accounts, shipping bags, pricing guns and shelving, from a company such as Store Supply or American Retail Supply.

6. Advertise your cake and candy supply store by developing a promotional website or blog, handing out coupons and fliers to local bakeries, chocolatiers and restaurants, placing ads in print and online business directories and attending trade shows such as Sweets & Snacks Expo and The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show.

Tags: cake candy, cake candy supply, candy supply, identification number, candy supply stores

Open Your Own Business In India

India is a quickly growing economy

Opening a business in India involves a long and tedious process of registration with various bureaucratic agencies, but many entrepreneurs see untapped profit potential in this burgeoning economy. Gaining an understanding of open your own business in India can help you to navigate the maze of red tape required to set up shop.

Instructions

1. Register your company name with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Names must be unique and must appropriately convey the purpose of the business. Submit your name application online on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website, where it will pass through several clerks for approval before being posted on the website as approved. It is your responsibility to regularly check the website or call the ROC to ascertain the status of your application.

2. Obtain approval for your articles of association, a certificate of incorporation, and a company seal. Obtain a stamp for your articles of association at an authorized bank. Submit the stamped articles, along with a registration fee and other required documents, to the ROC and await issuance of a certificate of incorporation. A company seal will be required if you plan to offer shares of stock.

3. File for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Account Number. A PAN is required for the tax purposes, and can be obtained from an agent or franchise appointed by National Securities Depository Services Limited (NSDSL). A TAN is required for the submission of income taxes, and can be obtained from the Assessing Office of the Mumbai Income Tax Department.

4. Register for value added tax (VAT) and profession tax with the Sales Tax Officer in your local ward. VAT is a consumption tax passed on to consumers, while profession tax is a essentially a tax on doing business, and is required for all non-government entities.

5. Obtain medical insurance to cover employees and guests on your premises. Medical insurance is nationalized in India, and is required for all businesses. This step can take from as little as three days to over a week to complete.

6. Register with the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) if you employ more than twenty people. The EPFO is concerned with ensuring the proper reporting of workforce sizes for purposes of tax accounting. According to doingbusiness.org, this registration cannot be completed online, and must be done in person or via mail.

Tags: Account Number, articles association, business India, certificate incorporation, certificate incorporation company, company seal

Cheap Decorating Ideas You Can Do For Trailer Houses

Decorate your trailer house inexpensively.

Decorating a trailer house does not have to be expensive. If you shop for gently used items, no one will know you did not spend a small fortune decorating your home. Find matching items for each room in your trailer house. Decide if you want to decorate each room differently or if you want the whole trailer house decorated in the same style.

Spackle

Typically, paneling in trailer houses has seams. Many people do not enjoy the look of dark seams on their walls. Spackle is inexpensive and fills the seams on the paneling, creating a smooth surface. Scrape off excess spackling with a putty knife, as this creates the illusion of a smooth wall. Allow the spackling to dry before applying paint to the walls.

Paint

An inexpensive coat of paint on the wooden paneling on the walls will make the paneling resemble drywall. Paint the walls in your trailer house a light color to create the illusion of a larger room. This allows you to change the color and decor of the room you painted.

Shelving

Hang shelving above windows, doorways and on the walls in your trailer house. Shelving allows you to display your knickknacks and photos and creates more storage. You may wish to hang a shelf above your kitchen sink to hold items, and a different shelf above the kitchen window to display your knickknacks. Shelving comes in a variety of sizes and colors to match your decor needs.

Theme

Decorate the rooms in the trailer house around a theme. You may wish to have your kitchen display a grape theme and your living room a purple and gold theme. Purchase items inexpensively at thrift stores and consignment stores. You may wish to have one theme throughout the entire trailer house or a different theme in each room.

Furniture Covers

Furniture covers allow you to cheaply change the look of the furniture in your trailer house. If your furniture does not match, this option allows you to cheaply create matching furniture. You do not need to replace your furniture when decorating on a budget.

Rugs

If the flooring in your trailer house needs a makeover, purchase area rugs. Area rugs typically cover most of the floor in a room and instantly decorate a room. You may wish to purchase gently used area rugs inexpensively. Select area rugs to match the colors and decor of the rooms in your trailer house.

Tags: trailer house, your trailer house, your trailer, each room, area rugs, display your

Grow Mushrooms With Organic Brown Rice Flour

Flour made of brown rice is an ideal medium for growing mushrooms.

Fresh mushrooms make a delicious and nutritious addition to meals. Mushrooms begin to lose flavor and nutrients as soon as they are harvested, making store-bought varieties of lesser quality than freshly grown mushrooms. Growing mushrooms from spawn in a simple set-up is possible, though it requires effort, proper equipment and patience. Growing conditions including light, temperature, moisture and growing medium must be exact to achieve success. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Empty 1/2 cup vermiculite into a mixing bowl, pouring water over the vermiculite until it becomes moistened. The mixture should look similar to oatmeal.

2. Add 2 oz. organic brown rice flour to the mixing bowl. Stir the vermiculite, water and brown rice flour mixture until all is combined and moist.

3. Spoon the mixture into glass canning jars, filling each jar to 1/2 inch from the top of the jar. Fill the jars the rest of the way with dry vermiculite.

4. Fold one 5-inch piece of aluminum foil in half. Repeat this, making a folded foil strip for each jar. Cover each jar with aluminum foil, pressing the foil firmly over the jar opening. Fold the edges of the foil and press them inward toward the jar to create a sealed "lid" on the jar.

5. Fold another 5-inch piece of foil, placing it over the jar. Leave the ends of this piece pointing downward, as it must be lifted during the growing process.

6. Pour enough water into a pressure cooker to make the water 1-inch deep. Place a rack into the pressure cooker, then stack the jars onto the rack.

7. Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and set the burner to a medium heat. Slowly bring the pressure cooker's pressure up to 15 psi. Cook the growing medium for 45 minutes to sterilize and prepare it for inoculation. After 45 minutes, allow the cooker to cool to the touch. Remove the jars once the cooker is cool. Place the jars on a clean counter or table before loosening the top layer of foil on each one.

8. Shake the mushroom spore syringe to break up clumps. Place the needle over the flame of a lighter. Pull the plunger back, bringing 1 cc of sterile air into the syringe. Place the needle of the syringe into the flame until it glows red. Remove the needle from heat and allow it to cool.

9. Remove the top layer of foil from each jar. Inject 1 cc mushroom spore into the jar, near the outer edge so the spore entering the jar can be seen while watching from outside the jar. Inject each jar four times, equally spaced, around the perimeter of the jar. Replace foil to the top of each jar.

10. Place the mushroom jars in a damp, warm place with consistent 80-degree Fahrenheit temperatures for up to five days. Check jars daily for white specks. Once specks appear, expose each jar to 12 continuous hours of sunlight. Use a grow light if necessary to facilitate 12 hours.

11. Gently turn each jar upside down once the specks begin to look like mushrooms. Remove the foil from the jar and catch the mushrooms and medium in your hand. Place the growing mushroom cake into a clean plastic container, such as a bucket or trash can, with a 1/2-inch layer of pearlite on the bottom.

12. Cover the container loosely with a plastic bag. Allow the mushrooms to grow for up to three weeks before harvesting.

Tags: pressure cooker, brown rice, 5-inch piece, aluminum foil, brown rice flour

Decorate A Southernfood Restaurant

A Southern-food restaurant should have themes that remind customers of the South.

Southern cooking often has a down-home feel to it and this type of cooking also is known as comfort food by those who love Southern cuisine. When you decorate your Southern-food restaurant, you want to use as many Southern-themed influences as possible but not go overboard with your decorations. You also can get ideas for a Southern-themed decoration by reading magazines such as "Country Living," "Southern Living" and "Better Homes and Gardens." If you have some relatives who live in the South but you live in a different region, call them and ask for suggestions.

Instructions

1. Put some Southern-themed framed pictures and posters on the walls. Visit some local thrift stores and antique shops and seek out pictures and posters that have the kind of Southern themes you're interested in. For example, if your restaurant specializes primarily in Southern soul food, look for posters of African-American soul artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Temptations and The Supremes. Also seek out framed pictures of African-American families.

2. Paste album and CD covers of Southern-themed music on the restaurant tables. Some good artists' covers to use include Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, The Carter Family, Reba McIntire, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and George Jones.

3. Use country-themed chairs and tables for the restaurant. If your restaurant is in the South and you have relatives there, ask them if they have any old tables and chairs that you can place in the restaurant. Also visit some vintage furniture stores in your area and ask the clerks what types of chairs and tables would work for a Southern-food restaurant. Place some of your old collectibles, such as dolls, decorative saucers and postcards, on the tables.

4. Paint your walls with subtle but not boring colors. If you love neutral colors, paint your walls in colors such as a deep orange, golden yellow, medium brown, light gray or a teal color. If you're using posters on the walls, choose paint colors that bring out the colors in the posters.

Tags: Southern-food restaurant, chairs tables, framed pictures, pictures posters, posters walls, your restaurant