Domestic Cooking Lessons

Domestic cooking lessons prepare domestics to make delicious meals.

Many families hire domestics to help out with the cleaning and cooking tasks in the home. This is especially common in families with two working parents. You can send your domestic to cooking classes to learn the fundamentals in meal preparation, ingredients and tasty recipes for the family to enjoy. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Breakfast Foods

Because breakfast is the first meal of the day, start off your domestic cooking adventures with a breakfast foods class. She'll learn make scrambled eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles and French toast from scratch. Accompaniments to the meals will also be part of the lesson, such as frying bacon, sausage and making skillet potatoes. Cooking classes will teach her combine certain breakfast foods so she creates well-balanced meals with protein and carbohydrates.

Pasta Dishes

Pasta is a good starter dish to teach in domestic cooking classes because there are many variations on pasta dishes. Pasta with marinara sauce, Bolognaise, meat or vegetable lasagnas, spaghetti and meatballs (or turkey balls), baked ziti, pasta Alfredo and macaroni and cheese are some of the more popular pasta dishes. As a domestic cook, he'll learn make sauces, the technique for boiling pasta so it doesn't come out too soft or too al dente, melt cheese into pasta and layer lasagna. He may learn a pizza recipe.

Making Meats

Meat dishes are family favorites, so domestic cooking courses will teach her the basic meat meals to conquer in the kitchen. Meatloaf, burgers, steaks, pork chops, chicken and fish dishes will give her a variety of meat meals to choose from when cooking for your family. She'll get to learn about the different sauces and spices to complement meats and bring out the best flavors.

Vegetables

Vegetables are essential to a healthy diet, and domestic cooking classes will give him lessons on make your vegetables flavorful. This is especially useful if she's working for a house of vegetarians. She'll learn about making roasted vegetables, grilled vegetables, portobello mushroom burgers, eggplant parmesan and sweet glazed carrots.

Basic Baking

As the designated family chef, he'll need to know whip up some baked goods, such as muffins, cookies, cupcakes and breads. Basic baking classes help him learn about key ingredients in baking and how they work together. He'll learn recipes for chewy chocolate chip cookies and healthy muffins. As he advances from the beginner's course, he'll learn recipes for making cinnamon rolls and pastries from scratch.

Tags: domestic cooking, domestic cooking classes, learn about, breakfast foods, classes will, cooking classes

Eat Vegetarian While Pregnant

Many vegetarians worry about maintaining their diet while pregnant. Those around them may gently suggest they start eating meat for the baby. The truth is many doctors agree that a vegetarian diet is perfectly healthy for pregnant women. A few nutritional tips can help ensure you’re getting the proper nutrition. Here’s eat vegetarian while pregnant.

Instructions

1. Count your protein grams. While pregnant, you should increase your protein by 11 percent or 60 grams of protein a day. You should get all of the protein you need with items like egg whites, cheese, yogurt and milk. Use a piece of paper to track it each day.

2. Increase your calcium intake. While pregnant, it’s important that you get enough calcium. Consume at least four servings of calcium rich foods a day. This includes milk, yogurt, tofu and cheese. Vegetables like broccoli are also a good choice.

3. Pay attention to your B12 consumption. You may need to increase your B12 consumption while pregnant because it’s important to the development of tissue and bones. Your targeted intake is 1.5 micrograms per day. If you eat eggs, you should have no problem with this requirement.

4. Have your doctor check for iron deficiency. Although most vegetarians get enough iron, it’s never a bad idea to get checked. Most doctors will do this routinely with all patients.

5. Continue to watch your requirements after baby is born. If you choose to breastfeed, you’ll need to watch your diet after baby is born. Making sure you meet all of the requirements will ensure baby develops well. And it will make sure you are healthy also.

Tags: after baby, after baby born, baby born, increase your, watch your, while pregnant, your consumption

Crafts Made From Jelly Beans

Jelly beans

Jelly beans are a cheerful, happy snack because of their bright colors and their many flavors. You can create all different taste combinations by eating different jelly beans at a time, and there is no end to the amount of arts and crafts projects that can be made with these same small candies.

Necklace

You can string your own colorful necklace with a handful of jelly beans and a piece of string. The only other things you need are a needle to thread through the string and a clasp for the back of your necklace, if you would like. This project is simple to make: Poke the needle through each jelly bean and thread onto the string. When the string is full, tie the back around your neck or secure with a clasp. This can either be worn, eaten or both!

Bunny Rabbit

This is an adorable project for young children, but they will probably need adult help to complete it. To make the jelly bean bunny, you will need to cut out the shape of a rabbit from very sturdy paper, such as card stock. Make sure you give the rabbit a nice, generously round stomach. Bend the rabbit's feet at the ankle and secure with tape so that it can stand.

The children can fill small, clear bags with jelly beans and tape the top shut. Then you simply glue or tape the jelly bean bags to the stomach of the rabbit for a cheerful treat that can be displayed or eaten. This project can be done with a variety of animals and shapes.

Rainbow

This is an unusual and special way to teach children the colors of a rainbow. Using different jelly beans sorted into categories by color, have children create a rainbow on a clean sheet of paper. They can begin by lining up all of the red jelly beans in a rainbow shape, then making a row of orange jelly beans and so on until they have completed the whole task. To take home this project, have them glue as they go, or skip the glue for a craft that they can eat when they finish.

Tags: jelly bean, jelly beans, different jelly, different jelly beans, Jelly beans, jelly beans

Unrefined Sugar Benefits Vs Raw

The different varieties of sugar available can be confusing for many consumers.

There are a number of different types of sugars available in the market. Typical markets offer choices of natural and artificial sweeteners. Sugar cane, stevia plants, corn and honey are some of the more common sources of sweeteners available and appear in a variety of forms in the grocery store aisles.

Unrefined Vs. Brown Sugar

There are a number of conventions for labeling products, particularly when it comes to sweeteners. When it comes to sugar, the "unrefined" and "raw" types are identical in composition.

Definition

Unrefined and raw sugars are those made from sugar cane juice that has been dehydrated in order to concentrate flavors. Unlike white, or "refined" sugar, molasses is allowed to remain, giving the sugars a distinctive taste and color.

Benefits

Unrefined raw sugars are by definition less processed that typical white table sugar. Because sugar cane has negligible amounts of nutrients and minerals to begin with, neither varieties can be said to be beneficial for health. According to the World Health Organization, the consumption of all added sugar in the diet -- raw, unrefined or, otherwise -- should be limited to no more than 10 percent of daily caloric consumption.

Tags: There number, Unrefined sugars

Prepare Dried Soy Beans

Dried soybeans cook like other dry legumes.

Dried soybeans will last longer than fresh. Like other forms of dried beans, you must reconstitute these beans before cooking. Soy beans are a high protein legume. When planning the amount of dried soybeans to cook, estimate each dried cup will produce 2 1/2 cups cooked soybeans. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Mix the water and baking soda in a sauce pan.

2. Add 1 cup of soybeans to the water and soak at room temperature for four to eight hours.

3. Bring the soaking liquid and soybeans to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes.

4. Cool the soybeans in the pan until you can comfortably put your hands under the water.

5. Rub the beans under the water with your hands to remove the skins.

6. Skim the skins that float to the top of the water with a slotted spoon.

7. Drain the soybeans through a colander.

8. Return the soybeans to the pot and cover with water.

9. Boil the soybeans for 90 to 120 minutes or until the soybeans become tender. Do not add salt to the soybeans until after cooking.

Tags: Dried soybeans, soybeans cook, soybeans until, under water, water with, your hands

Easy Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are similar to chicken noodle soup, but with the comfort level kicked up a notch. The dish combines pieces of chicken in a broth served with dumplings, or round balls of dough cooked right in the broth. The dumplings add a soft, yet hearty texture to the dish, but can end up hard or overly doughy if not handled properly. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ingredients

Purchase a whole chicken for the most authentic chicken and dumplings. Using a whole chicken gives the dish the most flavor, but you can use boneless chicken to save time. If you decide to use boneless chicken, purchase a 10 oz. can of chicken broth to use as the base. When boneless chicken cooks in water, it won't produce a flavorful enough base since it doesn't have flavor from bones. Recipes may vary for the dumpling dough ingredients and amounts, but use whole milk or buttermilk to moisten the dough. Low-fat milk won't be thick enough to properly hold the dumplings together. Use shortening, not butter or margarine spread, for the flakiest texture. You'll also usually need all-purpose flour and salt.

Preparing Chicken

If you're using a whole chicken, cut it into eight pieces so it can fit more easily into a large soup pot. To make a broth for the dish, cover the chicken with water. It usually requires between 4 and 6 cups. Make sure to season the water with salt or the broth will turn out bland. Heat the chicken and water over a medium heat for about one hour or until the chicken is tender enough to easily pull off the bone. Pull all the chicken off the bones and shred it or cut it into bite-size chunks. Since the broth is the main flavor base of the dish, taste it and add ground black pepper or dried herbs if it's bland. If you're using boneless chicken, prepare the chicken in the same manner, but substitute canned chicken broth for water. Canned broth already contains salt, so don't add more or it will be overwhelming. It should take about 20 minutes for the chicken to become tender.

Making Dumplings

When making the dumplings, make sure your dry ingredients (such as flour or salt) are thoroughly mixed before you add in the shortening. To ensure the shortening distributes evenly into the dry ingredients, cut it into small cubes and use a pastry blender or a fork to mix. The mixture will look like pea-sized clumps. When you add the milk, pour it in slowly and use your pastry blender or fork to combine it. Adding too much liquid at once will make the dumplings too doughy. Use a rolling pin to evenly flatten the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. You can cut the dough into small pieces or pinch off larger chunks.

Heating

To heat the dumplings through, the easiest way is to boil your broth and drop the dumplings in singly. Do not add them in a handful or they may stick together. Once all the dumplings are in the broth, lower the heat to medium so they can heat slowly. The cooking time for the dumplings depends on their size, although it typically takes about 10 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy. To ensure the chicken remains moist and not overcooked, add the cooked chicken into the broth after the dumplings are cooked through.

Tags: boneless chicken, chicken broth, whole chicken, about minutes, blender fork, chicken into, cooked through

Make A Plant Cell Model For Kids

Use food to create a plant cell kids will understand.

Plant cells are what plants are made up of and are the things that help plants grow and stay healthy. The plant cell is a complex structure containing many different parts. It is made up of the cell membrane, cytoplasm, vacuoles, mitochondria, a nucleus, a nucleus membrane, cell walls and chloroplasts. Teaching children about plant cells can be difficult due to the complexity of the topic. Using a model to illustrate the different parts of a plant cell, however, can help significantly because youngsters often learn better when they can see what they are being taught.

Instructions

1. Grease a cookie sheet lightly with cooking spray. Roll sugar-cookie dough into a rectangular shape onto a cookie sheet and bake according to the packet instructions. Let the dough cool before continuing. This dough will represent the cell wall within the plant cell.

2. Smear chocolate pudding across the cookie dough. This pudding is representing the cell membrane so create a one-inch border between the pudding and the edge of the dough.

3. Cut four squares out of fruit roll-ups. Place the squares randomly on the cookie. This will represent the cytoplasm in the plant cell.

4. Take a round peppermint candy and place it in the center of the cookie. This is the nucleus.

5. Place two chocolate buttons on top of each roll-up square. This will represent the vacuoles within the cytoplasm.

6. Place green jellybeans around the cookie to represent chloroplasts and place red gummy candies on the cookie to represent mitochondria.

7. Create labels on small pieces of paper and tape each one to a toothpick. Place the toothpicks around the cookie to explain what each piece of candy represents. Once each part of the plant cell is explained, remove the toothpicks and quiz the kids on what each part is. When they successfully name the items, cut up the cookie and let them each have a piece.

Tags: plant cell, plant cell, will represent, around cookie, cell membrane

Store Flour & Sugar For Long Periods Of Time

Extend the life of food by proper storage.

Sugar and flour are two basic pantry staples. In previous generations, before mass-produced convenience foods were the norm, households stocked up on flour and sugar, used to make such basics as breads and other bakery items. For our great-grandparents, the need for long-term flour and sugar storage was often due to the inability to get to the market during some seasons. In modern times, households unable to use an entire package of flour or sugar within a short time frame must safely store flour and sugar for a long period. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Flour

1. Pack flour in an airtight, moisture-proof, freezer container and secure lid.

2. Label the container, identifying the ingredients and the date purchased.

3. Place in the freezer. Flour will keep several years when stored in the freezer, at approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If flour is not stored in the freezer, keep it in an air tight, vapor-proof material to prevent the absorption of odors. Store the flour in a cool, dry, dark location, off the floor and away from materials with strong odors, such as soap, chemicals or onions. Flour will keep for about 6 to 8 months when stored in this manner.

Sugar

4. Pour the sugar from the bag into an opaque airtight container that is moisture- and odor-proof. Glass jars, with lids, make ideal storage containers. Discard the packaging the sugar came in.

5. Secure a lid on the container, or seal in a food storage bag.

6. Store the container in a dry, cool location, off the ground. Keep away from other foods or products with strong odors. Don't store the sugar in the refrigerator or freezer. The moisture from the refrigerator hardens sugar, making it lumpy.

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Feed A Crowd For Cheap

Many hosts choose a buffet style meal to stretch their dollars.

Feeding a crowd can be an expensive prospect even when you take steps to stretch your food dollars to the max. A hungry group can wipe out your carefully planned menu before you know it and come back for more. When you're working on a limited budget and need to get the most bang for your buck, it's crucial to plan carefully, shop smart and still see that all of your guests are well-fed.

Instructions

1. Provide a salad bar with all the fixings. Green, leafy vegetables are cheap and fill up your guests early on. Provide chopped eggs, shredded cheese, sliced onions, diced tomatoes and homemade croutons. Prepare dressings from scratch and take the edge off of your guests' appetites.

2. Offer soups and bread to your guests before the main course. Chicken noodle, potato and onion soups are inexpensive to make, as is chili. Provide loaves of a variety of breads and spreads, and allow your guests to eat their fill before presenting your entree.

3. Implement pasta and rice dishes as sides to accompany your main dish. Pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, broccoli and rice casserole and Spanish rice are all options that won't break the bank and offer a hot, filling option to please your guests.

4. Opt for main dishes made from inexpensive ingredients. Serve soup beans with ham and cornbread. Make several pans of lasagna -- meaty, meatless and vegetarian options -- from scratch. Serve spaghetti and homemade meatballs prepared from ground beef and dry soup mix. Choose a Mexican theme, prepare all of the ingredients and let guests create their own tacos, burritos and nachos. All of these dishes are made from inexpensive ingredients that you can easily stretch to feed a crowd.

5. Choose punch as your main beverage, rather than spending a fortune on expensive cans of soda pop. Mix up several quarts of powdered drink mix and sugar, add cans of carbonated citrus drinks and create your own punch in minutes. Add crushed pineapple or strawberries for a fruity touch.

6. Pick up several boxes of cake mix and containers of frosting at your local dollar store. Purchase cereal there as well, and make crispy rice and marshmallow treats that you can easily cut into dozens of squares. Opt for an armful of budget brownie mixes, and top them with your own homemade frosting made from vegetable shortening and confectioner's sugar.

Tags: your guests, made from, dishes made, dishes made from, from inexpensive, from inexpensive ingredients

Candy Ideas For Homemade Christmas Gifts

Give homemade candy for the sweetest Christmas ever.

Nothing beats a homemade gift at Christmas, and candy is as much fun to make as it is to receive. Candy is loved by youngsters and old-timers alike, and it is an appropriate gift for anyone from your best friend to the mailman or the chairman of the board. Whether you stick to one tried-and-true recipe or make a huge assortment of different treats, homemade candy is a Christmas gift that everyone will appreciate. Does this Spark an idea?

Chocolates

Sweet, creamy fudge is practically synonymous with Christmas, but there are other types of chocolate candy that are even easier to make. Try melting chocolate in a microwave or double boiler, then dipping in an assortment of treats such as pretzels, sandwich cookies, fresh strawberries and dried pineapple. Truffles, which are simple to make, can be dipped in chocolate or rolled in cocoa powder and look surprisingly elegant nestled in fluted paper cups in a golden gift box.

Hard Candy

Most people think of cookies and soft, chewy candies when they consider making Christmas goodies, but you can make hard candy at home, too. You may have made rock candy in your childhood, but if you didn't, it's not too late to try it. Skewer perfect apples, dip them in a hard red candy coating and give them as gifts along with butterscotch lozenges and your own jawbreakers. You can buy kits for easy-to-make lollipops (complete with molds) in most crafts stores; for a finishing touch, tie a pair of homemade candy canes to every wrapped gift.

Salty and Nutty

Homemade peanut brittle is far more delectable than anything you could buy in a store. Popcorn balls are fun to prepare with children; you can make them plain, caramel, or any flavor and color that you like. Give tins of glazed pecans, sweet and sour walnuts and caramel nut clusters; throw in some pastel homemade Jordan almonds for the ultimate seasonal touch.

Creamy and Chewy

Divinity is a traditional holiday favorite and so is hand-pulled taffy. Caramel is simple to make yourself and has a delicate, buttery flavor that is not present in the store-brand caramels. Homemade marshmallows are a snap to make and you can finish off with your own cream cheese after-dinner mints for a truly sweet Christmas.

Tags: homemade candy, hard candy, simple make

Make Yogurt Pops

Make Yogurt Pops

Frozen yogurt pops are a tasty, healthy treat sure to please kids. Any flavor or variety of yogurt can be used to prepare the pops. Because yogurt pops are made with only one ingredient, even young children can make their own pops with a little guidance and assistance from an adult. Whether looking for a quick after-school bite or a nutritional anytime snack, yogurt pops are an ideal frozen treat. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Buy yogurt in your child's favorite flavors.

2. Spoon the yogurt into paper cups or ice pop molds. Use cups that hold a slightly larger amount than 8 ounces to prevent overflow. If you use molds, you may not be able to use the entire container of yogurt for one mold, depending on the size of it.

3. Place a piece of aluminum foil or clear plastic wrap over each paper cup. Insert a small wooden craft stick or lollipop stick through the foil or wrap into the center of the cup. Insert the plastic stick and cover over the end of the mold if you are using an ice pop mold.

4. Put the cups or molds on a tray and place in your freezer for 1 to 2 hours. Test the ice pops for firmness before removing them from the freezer.

5. Peel off the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and the paper cup. If you are using ice pop molds, dip each mold briefly in warm water to allow easier removal. It's now ready to eat.

Tags: aluminum foil, cups molds, Make Yogurt, Make Yogurt Pops, plastic wrap

Order At A Restaurant As A Vegetarian

Eating out as a vegetarian has become much easier than it used to be. Most large cities have vegetarian restaurants, and most restaurants offer meatless entrees. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find the vegetarian restaurants in your town. That's the easiest way to eat out when you're a vegetarian. Check the yellow pages or check with your local branch of a vegetarian society.

2. Frequent Asian restaurants. They rely heavily on noodles, vegetables and soy, and usually offer a wide variety of meatless dishes.

3. Check out Italian restaurants. They usually have meatless dishes. If you like pasta, you'll have no problem ordering a vegetarian entree.

4. If you're unsure of the ingredients, ask. For example, some dishes may sound vegetarian but may include some meat.

5. Check with the waiter or even the chef if you're strictly vegan and want to make sure there aren't any "hidden" items in your meal, such as eggs and milk.

6. Avoid dishes with creamy sauces if you avoid dairy. These usually contain milk or cream.

7. Ask about the stock before ordering soup. Even if a soup is meatless, it may have been cooked in a chicken or beef stock.

8. Let restaurants know that you appreciate their meatless entrees. Let them know you'll be back as long as they keep offering them.

9. Get recommendations from friends if you're traveling away from home. Ask a travel agent or do a search on the Web to find vegetarian restaurants before you go to a new place.

Tags: vegetarian restaurants, meatless dishes, meatless entrees, restaurants They

Easily Cure Bad Breath

A few hygiene practices will improve your breath.

Cure bad breath easily and efficiently. Use these curative tips to freshen your breath immediately and get rid of smelly breath. Persistent bad breath can also be the sign of a health problem so visit your doctor if you suffer from chronic bad breath.

Instructions

1. Chew on mint leaves. Organic mint leaves can naturally improve the quality of your breath. Mint can also calm down an upset stomach and improve indigestion symptoms.

2. Floss at least once per day. Flossing can remove harmful bacteria that cause bad breath.

3. Brush your teeth and your tongue at least twice a day. If you are bothered by constant bad breath or halitosis brush more frequently.

4. Visit your dentist for regular ceanings. Dental cleanings can be done once a year or more often. Sometimes a deep cleaning can remove the plaque and bacteria that everyday brushing and flossing can miss. Your dentist can also determine if your bad breath is a symptom of gingivitis or gum disease.

5. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can often cause bad breath so stay hydrated and keep your mouth lubricated by sipping on water throughout the day. Easily cure bad breath by drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day.

Tags: your breath, bacteria that, cause breath, mint leaves

Build Your Own Biogas Digester

Municipal waste and animal dung can be used to generate cooking fuel.

A biogas digester is a sustainable design to produce methane gas using feedstocks of various sources, which can then be used to supply cooking stoves and ovens. The waste, such as animal manure, municipal waste and food waste, releases methane gas, a clean-burning fuel source that does not produce soot. The following instructions are for a personal-use biogas digester. Other types and sizes are available depending on how much feedstock is available for energy generation.

Instructions

1. Cut the top of the larger water tank completely off. This will serve as the digester tank to hold the feedstock. Cut the top from the smaller barrel and fit it, upside down, inside of the larger jug for a telescoping effect. This will act as the dome to capture the methane gas. This barrel system should be fitted on a frame with a flat, horizontal base and a cross-beam at the top to hold the dome in place once it reaches its maximum methane capacity.

2. Fit the flexible pipe to the bottom of the large tank. This pipe should be a few centimeters longer than the height of the barrel itself. Attach a funnel to the open end. This will be used to pour the slurry, which is the mixture of feedstock and water that ferments to produce the methane gas. The funnel end will be loosely attached to the top of the tank and can be used in case of an overflow.

3. Fit the outlet valve to the upper section of the larger waste barrel. This valve determines the amount of waste the digester is capable of holding. The spent feedstock can be used in various ways, including as fertilizer for gardens, in compost piles and as a supplement in livestock feed.

4. Attach the gas outlet to the top section of the smaller, inner tank. This should be placed so it can be attached conveniently to a stove or oven. The outlet valve can be attached to the stove using a flexible pipe. Determine the correct fitting for the stove by consulting the manufacturer's suggestions.

5. Load the system with 20kg of waste slurry composed of water and cattle dung. It is especially important that the first load of feedstock is cattle dung because the bacteria in the dung breaks down organic matter to produce the methane gas.

After waiting about two weeks, gas production should begin and be noticeable as the dome begins to rise up from the larger tank. Test the gas to be sure it is combustible. If so, you can begin using other types of feedstocks such as municipal and food waste.

Tags: produce methane, This will, biogas digester, cattle dung, flexible pipe, food waste, outlet valve

Tomato Plant Information

Tomato Plant Information

Tomatoes are a favorite for the family garden. They will produce an ongoing crop of tomatoes throughout the growing season. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and A, and are low in calories. Does this Spark an idea?

Selection

There are numerous varieties of tomato plants developed for specific regions. Visit your local nursery for the best selection for your area.

Growing Area

Select a growing space where the plant will receive full sun. Plant them away from trees and buildings. Soil should have good drainage to prevent root rot.

Soil

Prepare the soil with peat moss, leaf mold, compost or rotted manure. Add lime in the fall for a spring garden.

Planting Distance

Many tomato plants can be purchased from a nursery in a pot. These plants can be left in the pot during the season on a patio or porch. For plants intended for the garden, plant 24 to 36 in. apart. Vine tomatoes need 36 in. of space. Rows should be 4 to 5 ft. apart.

Watering

Tomatoes are 95 percent water and will require about 2 qt. of water daily. Plants that are producing fruit will need 2 to 4 qt. a day. Soak the soil thoroughly to encourage a good root system.

Insects

A number of insects are attracted to tomatoes. Develop a spraying schedule to control insect damage.

Tags: Plant Information, Tomato Plant, Tomato Plant Information, tomato plants

Cook Cookies In A Convection Microwave Oven

There is nothing better than freshly baked cookies, but nothing worse than discovering those cookies are burnt on the bottom due to uneven baking. Convection microwave ovens are ovens that circulate hot air throughout the oven during baking, resulting in completely even heat distribution, so you may never have this problem again. Convection oven cookies can be baked on all of the different racks in the microwave, and will always come out evenly baked. Sugar cookies are one type of cookie that can be made in the convection microwave. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Bake Cookies in the Microwave

1. Preheat the convection microwave oven to 350 degrees F. Use butter or shortening to grease cookie sheets. Combine the brown sugar, white sugar and shortening, then beat in one egg at a time. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

2. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Mix the powder well, so that there are no clumps. Stir the dry mixture into the liquid mixture, and mix it until all of powders have dissolved and there are no lumps. Add the chocolate chips, folding them into the dough.

3. Use a tablespoon-sized spoon to make rounded balls of dough. Drop them onto the cookie sheet about one inch apart from each other. Fill additional cookie sheets with the cookies until the dough is gone, and place them on any of the racks in the oven, as the heat in the convection oven will bake them all equally.

4. Bake the cookies in the convection microwave oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are a golden-brown color. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Tags: convection microwave, convection microwave oven, cookie sheets, microwave oven

Create My Own Pillows

Update your furniture with custom pillows.

Change the look of your upholstery or bedding with custom throw and accent pillows. Sew pillows of any size or shape in the same basic way to quickly update the look of your furniture. Remember to center your fabric's pattern in the center of the pillow before cutting the fabric. Use the same fabric for the front and back of the pillow, or use a solid color for the back and a printed fabric for the front. Once you master the basic technique and understand the steps, you can create easily create custom pillows. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut the fabric into two pieces one inch larger than the desired finished pillow size.

2. Turn the fabric over so that the printed side faces down and place a standard drinking glass on the corner so that the sides of the glass touch the sides of corner.

3. Trace the glass with a pencil to form a rounded corner and repeat on each corner.

4. Cut each of the corners following the pencil outline creating a slightly rounded corner.

5. Sew a zigzag stitch using the zigzag pre-set on your sewing machine along all the unfinished edges to prevent fraying of the fabric.

6. Line the outside edges of one piece of fabric with decorative trim. Lay the trim on the printed side of the fabric with the sewing edge of the trim meeting the outside edge of the fabric. Pin the trim in place carefully without stretching the fabric or trim.

7. Lay the pieces of fabric side by side with the printed sides facing down. Sew a zipper onto the edges of the fabric connecting the pieces together.

8. Unzip the zipper and fold one piece of fabric over the other with the printed sides of the fabric facing the inside. Pin the pieces together on three sides being careful not to pull or stretch the fabric.

9. Sew the edges together removing the pins as you work your way around the pillow. Sew the three sides of the pillow together to meet the zipper.

10. Pull the pillow through the zipper turning it right side out.

11. Fill the pillow with foam, cotton stuffing, a pillow insert or feathers to the desired fullness and zip the zipper.

Tags: custom pillows, fabric front, fabric over, fabric trim, fabric with

Bulk Foods For Food Pantries

You never know when you're going to need a lot of chips.

As of 2011, the United States of America is in a recession. When you find yourself battling through a financial wasteland, you must cut corners where you can. Stocking the pantry with foods that are easily purchased in bulk quantities is an efficient way to trim a buck or two from your personal budget. You can buy foods for every occasion in bulk. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Chips

Chips are a versatile food item that you can find in most peoples' pantries. You can buy a bulk amount of chips in smaller individual bags. Companies like Frito Lay and Doritos sell their products in snack-size bags to be packed into lunches. You can buy these snack size-bags in bulk packaging at most warehouse grocery stores or you can buy them on-line. Some websites like Anytime Coffee sell them to you individually at a discount cost if you buy a certain amount. You can also just purchase huge bags of chips. If you're just looking for a plain chip that you can dip into anything, you can buy a bulk of tortilla chips for as low as $11.62.

Cereal

Cereal is a constant in most pantries. You can find brand name cereals in containers as big as 40 oz. Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Captain Crunch and many others come in large bulk boxes. Similar to chips, you can buy bulk amounts of travel-size boxes of cereal. If you have more than a couple kids, chances are slim they all have the same taste in cereal. Bulk variety packs are a great option.

Snacks

You've got to have something in the pantry that feeds your sweet or salty tooth. Buying bulk quantities of snack cakes and cookies should keep you from visiting the market for a while. Stock up on Moon Pies and Little Debbie cakes. Nutty Bars, Ding Dongs and Fudge Brownies are just a few examples of the Little Debbie brands you can get. You can also purchase bulk quantities of snack crackers like Goldfish or Cheez-Its.

Canned Goods

If you're feeding a big family, you probably need to invest in bulk-sized cans of soup or some other canned goods. You can stock your pantry with 108-oz. cans of chili. Stores like Sam's Club sell bulk amounts of individual cans of soup in packages of 50. You can also purchase bulk-size cans of vegetables to keep a healthy and balanced meal.

Tags: bulk quantities, also purchase, bulk amounts, bulk quantities snack, cans soup

Freeze Fresh Corn On The Cob

Ears with uniform kernel sizes are best for frozen corn on the cob.

Fresh corn on the cob is one of summer's favorite treats in many parts of the U.S. In an effort to extend sweet corn season into the winter, gardeners have traditionally cut corn off the cob to freeze or can for cold-weather use. However, corn can be frozen on the cob for a summer treat year round. One bushel of corn yields five dozen ears of corn on the cob for your freezer. One or two bushels should supply a small family until the fresh version is available once more. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick the corn two to three hours before you plan to freeze it to prevent the sugars in the kernel from becoming starchy. For the best results, select ears with fresh green husks and silks that have not yet dried.

2. Fill a large kettle with 1 gallon of water and bring it to a full boil. Fill two or three large bowls with 1/2 gallon of ice water each.

3. Remove the husks and silks from the corn, trim the ends and wash the ears. Sort them into batches by size and process each batch separately. Use a sharp knife to cut the ears into two or three pieces, if desired.

4. Place approximately 1 lb. of corn ears into the boiling water. Set a timer as soon as the water returns to a full boil. Small ears should be blanched for seven minutes, medium ears for nine and large specimens for 11.

5. Use tongs to remove the corn from the boiling water. Place the ears in a bowl of ice water for approximately the same length of time that they were blanched. If one bowl of ice water becomes warm, transfer the corn to another bowl.

6. Remove the ears of corn from the ice water and drain them. Wrap each ear in plastic wrap or freezer foil. Loosely fill 1-gallon freezer bags with the wrapped ears. Remove excess air from each bag. Use a waterproof marker to label the bags with the item and the date.

7. Place the packaged corn on the cob in a freezer set to zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Tags: bags with, boiling water, bowl water, corn from, ears corn

Make Your Dog Homemade Biscuits

Dog biscuits make excellent treats for training purposes.

When it comes to training dogs or telling them that they've been good, nothing gets the message across quite as clearly as a tasty treat. Dog biscuits make for excellent portable treats, but store-bought treats aren't always what you have in mind. Thankfully there's a quick and easy recipe for homemade dog biscuits that can be made by even the most inexperienced cook.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the wheat flour and the white flour together in one of the bowls. Mix the peanut butter, water and vegetable oil in the other bowl, then add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture one cup at a time. Mix until there's a firm consistency and then let the dough sit for about 10 minutes.

2. Put the dough on the wax paper and knead it thoroughly. Spread it into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick, then use the cookie cutter to cut biscuits from the dough. Place the biscuits on the cookie sheet and continue kneading and cutting the dough until you have the desired number of biscuits. Lightly poke at each biscuit with a fork to allow steam to vent during cooking.

3. Bake the biscuits until they're hard (about 25 minutes). Allow them to cool before feeding them to your dog.

Tags: about minutes, biscuits make, biscuits make excellent, make excellent, peanut butter

Federal Antihoarding Law

Federal Anti-Hoarding Law

Federal anti-hoarding laws have nothing to do with regulating people who display compulsive junk-collecting habits. Within the United States, these laws take effect under martial law so as to ensure citizens may access food in the occurrence of a catastrophic event.

History

In 1994, former President Bill Clinton released an executive order that lumped together a number of laws that could go into effect in the event of a declaration of martial law. One of the laws included in this order, number 10998, allows the federal government to sieze hoarded food supplies from both public and private sources.

Considerations

Some people may feel the federal government does not have the right to confiscate stored food in the event of a national emergency where access to food is limited. They believe the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution -- which prohibits unreasonable search and seizure -- protects their privacy and should be upheld to protect their food supplies even if other people do not have access to food in a disaster.

Debates

Federal anti-hoarding laws may not be as controversial an issue as abortion or gay marriage, but it has bee known to strike a nerve. People who store food and supplies to sustain themselves for extended periods of time in case of a serious emergency or disaster don't want to give these provisions away. They take serious issues with executive orders that, in essence, force them to give away the stores they took so much time and effort to create. On the other hand, others feel if food supplies were cut off in a cataclysmic event, those who could not otherwise stockpile food and supplies would be unjustly left to die.

Tags: food supplies, access food, anti-hoarding laws, Federal anti-hoarding, Federal anti-hoarding laws, federal government

Peel Papaya & Mango

Learn peel papayas and mangoes for a sweet and healthy snack.

Both tropical fruits, mangoes and papayas have a smooth skin and firm, sweet flesh. A mango, native from India, contains a large pit in the center of its flesh. Papayas originate from the tropical areas of South America. The skin is not edible in both of these fruits, but preparing them for consumption is not a major feat and can be done with regular kitchen utensils. Peel, slice and remove the seeds from a papaya and mango to make yourself an easy fruit salad. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Mango

1. Wash the mango in cold water to remove any debris or pesticides from the skin's surface. Even though you don't consume the skin, the knife and cutting board that comes in contact with the fruit can contaminate the flesh as you work.

2. Place the mango on a cutting board. Position the mango with the widest part is arranged upright on the cutting board. Slice 1/3 of the mango off with a sharp kitchen knife, avoiding the large pit in the center. Repeat on the opposite side, bypassing the pit as you cut.

3. Pick the center portion of the mango that contains the pit up and hold it in one hand. Starting with the stem side, cut the remaining flesh that surrounds the pit with a paring knife.

4. Peel away the skin with a paring knife, leaving the bare fruit. Cut the fruit into bite sized pieces and enjoy.

Papaya

5. Remove and packaging or stickers and wash the papaya off in cold water. Place the fruit on a cutting board.

6. Cut the papaya in half with a large knife. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh in the center of each half. Discard the seeds.

7. Flip each half over. Hold the fruit in one hand and the paring knife in the other and pare the skin off, cutting away from your body. Leave as much flesh as possible intact with the rest of the fruit. Cut the exposed fruit into slices and enjoy.

Tags: cutting board, paring knife, cold water, each half, fruit into, large center

Create Organic Beauty Products

Add sugar to any product to create a natural exfoliator.

Look no further than your refrigerator or pantry to find numerous ingredients you can whip together to create an organic beauty product. Use organic fruits, oils and grains to save time and money on your beauty regimen. Consider your face and hair needs before mixing up a product. For example, acne-prone skin benefits from lemon juice but this citrus may also dry out sensitive skin. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Acne and Age-Spot Fighting Mask

1. Mix together 2 tbsp. honey, 4 tsp. lemon juice, 3 tsp. plain yogurt and 1 egg white.

2. Whisk mixture together for 30 seconds.

3. Apply mixture to the face with finger tips. Avoid mouth and eye area.

4. Leave mask on for 15 minutes.

5. Rinse off with warm water.

Hair Repair Mask

6. Mash up one very ripe banana in a bowl.

7. Squeeze 3 drops of essential almond oil into the bowl.

8. Stir mixture together.

9. Apply mixture to your hair.

10. Wait 15 minutes and then rinse hair thoroughly.

Eye Makeup Remover

11. Pour 1 tbsp. castor oil, 1 tbsp. light olive oil and 2 tbsp. canola oil into a canning jar.

12. Twist the lid onto the jar.

13. Shake the jar vigorously.

14. Lightly dip cotton ball in mixture and use to gently remove eye makeup. Mixture will keep for six months

Banana Balm

15. Pour ¼ cup of milk and ¼ cup of whipped cream in microwavable bowl.

16. Microwave mixture for 10 seconds.

17.Mix together 2 tbsp. coconut, and 1 tbsp. olive oil in separate bowl.

18. Mash ½ banana thoroughly with a fork.

19. Scrape banana into the bowl containing warm milk and whipped cream.

20. Stir mixture thoroughly.

21. Microwave mixture for 10 seconds.

22. Place mixture in refrigerator to cool. Dip finger in mixture and apply to lips for a lip balm. Or apply mixture to dry feet, knees or elbows.

Tags: Apply mixture, into bowl, lemon juice, Microwave mixture, Microwave mixture seconds

Start A Food Coop

A food co-op operates much like a normal grocery store, except that it's owned by its customers, or members, in order to provide them with the best quality service at the best possible price. By paying a membership fee, customers receive food goods at the lowest possible price. A co-op begins with a great idea and ends with a company that provides a great community service.

Instructions

Research

1. Gather a small group of prospective members, who may also be interested in leadership roles in the co-op to research basic information about starting. These leaders should be professionals, dedicated to the project, and willing to work for at least two years in the organization of the co-op. They should demonstrate a combination of expertise and enthusiasm in marketing, research, business, law and finances.

2. Collect information, as a team, in order to determine the need and feasibility of the co-op in the community. Create surveys to determine your community's interest in a food co-op. Explore your options for local and regional food sources and suppliers and question them about their requirements, as some are willing to offer co-ops better prices. Collect information about the cost of renting a retail space, the potential retail market and health codes.

3. Hold a meeting that includes not only your startup group, but the public, in order to further assess whether there is a need and interest in the co-op. A cooperative is a community-based business, so publicize the meeting to potential co-op members and to the local media. Clearly define the goals of the meeting by creating an agenda that can be distributed ahead of time.

Organize

4. Designate a "Planning Committee" which will research potential locations and handle the negotiation process with real estate agents. The "Planning Committee" should also establish relationships and obtain price quotes from food and equipment providers. The most important role of the "Planning Committee" will be the organization and writing of a formal business plan, therefore the committee should be made up of business professionals with experience in business planning.

5. Establish a "Finance Committee" to research funding possibilities, develop financial projections and to solicit loans from members. The "Finance Committee" should also create a membership plan that will outline member investment options and benefits. Plan a variety of investment options for members so that the opportunity for membership in the co-op is accessible to everyone in the community, rich and poor.

6. Elect a "Membership Committee" to prepare the actual membership paperwork, recruit new members, organize newsletters or websites, plan meetings and conduct surveys. The "Membership Committee" should begin to recruit members and secure their written and financial commitment as soon as possible. Hold a variety of member meetings long before opening and distribute written material that describes the co-op to the members and potential members. It is important to remember that the members are also the owners, so listen carefully and consider their advice.

Finalize

7. Look for other forms of necessary funding to finance the co-op's startup process. Initial financing will come from member investment, however the "Finance Committee" should research possible alternatives in case funding falls short. Many local banks, businesses or economic development agencies will help support a startup cooperative. Be sure to have the "Planning Committee" has created a solid business plan before beginning the loan application process.

8. Incorporate your new food co-op, which will make the business an entity separate from the individuals and members involved. This means that your co-op members can help support you, while at the same time protecting themselves from liability for debts or actions of the co-op.

9. Choose your best location option and begin to purchase equipment and product from suppliers established through the "Planning Committee." Hire a general manager who can help to organize the layout of the store and operational details. The general manager should be responsible for the hiring process, handle employees and hours of operation. Allow the general manager to conduct employee interviews and make hiring decisions, as it will be his team.

10. Cut the ribbon at the grand opening of your new food co-op. You have written a strong business plan, recruited members, obtained financial backing, hired a crew and set up the store. You are now ready to begin operation.

Tags: Planning Committee, food co-op, business plan, co-op members, Finance Committee, general manager

Kosher Delis In Philadelphia

Philadelphia offers a wide choice of kosher delicatessens.

With a thriving Jewish population, you're bound to find great kosher delis, and Philadelphia is a perfect example. With a history of Jewish settlement stretching back more than 350 years, Philadelphia has more than a quarter-million Jewish residents; the fifth-largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel. Not surprisingly, then, Philadelphia has lots of kosher delis to choose from. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Famous Fourth Street Delicatessen

In business since 1923, the Famous Fourth Street Deli is a Philadelphia landmark. The deli serves up a traditional range of "ungashtupt" (Yiddish for overstuffed) sandwiches, including corned beef, pastrami (smoked on site), chicken salad and, of course, chopped liver. Sandwiches may be ordered in regular and "zaftig" (plump) sizes. Famous Fourth Street's menu also offers other Jewish specialties, such as beef brisket with latkes (potato pancakes), matzo ball soup, matjes herring, and a lox and eggs platter for breakfast.

Rachael's Nosheri

Rachael's is located right in the middle of Center City Philadelphia and dishes out a creative take on kosher food. In addition to traditional standbys, you'll find the "C.B. Loves C.L." sandwich (corned beef and chopped liver) and the "Ike and Tina Tuna," a combination of tuna salad and chicken salad. Along with familiar kosher sandwiches, the deli also offers sub-style sandwiches on hoagie buns. Rachael's offers a large breakfast menu, and an impressive list of smoked fish specialties, including lox, kippered salmon and jumbo whitefish.

Koch`s Deli Restaurant

Billing itself as "the best Jewish Deli this side of Brooklyn," Koch's prides itself on rapid delivery of kosher sandwiches and hoagies. Unique offerings include the Baked Salmon Salad sandwich, the Jewish Three-Foot Hoagie and the Lou Koch Special Double Decker, which is stuffed with roast beef, turkey, chopped liver, mustard or Russian dressing, and onion and served on rye bread. The deli offers food for both pickup and delivery but no sit-down dining space.

The Kibitz Room

An old-fashioned Jewish deli, this is the sister restaurant of the more famous Kibitz Room in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. You'll find all the dishes you'd expect from a kosher deli, as well as a few surprises, including a pickle bar that offers everything from kosher gherkins to pickled eggs. Other specialties include corned beef and pastrami on potato knishes, and the Kibitz Burger, a hamburger topped with pastrami and Swiss (delicious perhaps, but definitely not kosher.)

Tags: chopped liver, corned beef, Famous Fourth, Famous Fourth Street, Fourth Street, also offers, beef pastrami

The Best Ways To Clean Fruits & Vegetables

Clean your fruits and vegetables with vinegar before eating.

Fruits and vegetables are among the healthiest foods to eat, but they can become dangerous if you do not properly clean them. Pesticides, dirt and bacteria are often present in the growing environment of fruits and vegetables. Learn the proper way to clean your produce so it is safe to eat. Does this Spark an idea?

Water

Rinse your foods with warm water before eating. For foods like broccoli, celery, grapes, citrus fruits and similar items, rinse first to get off the initial dirt, then soak them in water for two to three hours for a more thorough cleaning.

Fruit and Vegetable Brushes

Scrub the fruits and vegetables while rinsing with a fruit and vegetable brush, which can be found at any grocery store. This type of brush is soft and designed to safely remove buildup from the fruits and vegetables without causing damage. Rinse the fruits and vegetables while scrubbing, and use the brush on the foods for about 10 seconds for a thorough cleaning.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that cleans fruits and vegetables well. Mix one part white vinegar and three parts water in the spray bottle, spray directly onto the fruits and vegetables and scrub with your brush. Rinse the foods with warm water for one final cleaning.

Tags: fruits vegetables, before eating, foods with, foods with warm, fruits vegetables while

Buy Food Online Using Food Stamps

Food stamps are provided to families that need assistance in buying food. The food stamps program called SNAP is funded by the federal government, which sets strict rules that must be followed when using EBT debit cards or food stamp certificates.

Food stamps cannot be directly redeemed online, and most online food retailers do not accept EBT debit cards through online payment systems. In some cases this is because of government usage restrictions, and in other cases this is the retailer's own policy. But there are ways to use online ordering to purchase food that will later be paid for with food stamps.

Instructions

1. Call the retailer you plan on purchasing food from in advance. Many grocery stores offer delivery and in-store pick up, but keep in mind that you might not be able to use food stamp program funds to pay for any additional fees associated with delivery or order preparation services.

Explain to the retailer that you want to order groceries through their online service for delivery or pick up and that you want to pay using your EBT card or stamps. Some retailers might allow this if you come in person to pay or produce the stamps at the time of delivery.

2. Go online and begin ordering your groceries if the retailer has agreed to the request. If using your EBT card (food stamp benefits on a debit card), you will likely need to appear in person to pick up your order. This might vary depending on the willingness of the retailer to accept this type of transaction.

3. Call or visit the retailer once the order is complete to confirm the order. Visit if you are required to bring identification and the payment, or if the retailer is allowing a delivery, have I.D. and the food stamps ready for the delivery service.

4. Pay the amount due with your food stamp benefits. You might have to pay with cash or another form of payment for additional service fees such as delivery charges or in-store packaging charges, so be sure to have some cash available.

Anything that you ordered that is excluded from the food stamp program--such as tobacco, prepared meals and non-food items--will need to be paid for with another form of money.

Tags: food stamp, another form, cases this, debit cards, food stamp benefits, Food stamps, paid with

Heat Up Beef Franks

Beef franks have a different flavor than other hot dogs.

Hot dogs are among the most popular foods in the U.S. It's synonymous with summer barbecues, ball games and Americana. You can heat up beef franks in a number of ways, ranging from the microwave to the stove top to a barbecue grill or camp fire. However, using a microwave often dries out the meat and leaves it rubbery, and barbecuing can be time consuming. Heat up beef hot dogs on your stove top for a juicy frank and a lightly crisped exterior. This method requires approximately four minutes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil in the skillet to heat for five minutes.

2. Add the beef franks to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the franks cook for one minute.

3. Shake the pan lightly to roll the franks onto a different side. Allow the side to cook for one minute before shaking the pan again. Repeat until all sides of the beef frank are browned lightly.

4. Increase the heat to high and wait for the beef franks to sizzle. Shake the pan for approximately 30 seconds so the franks do not burn. This adds a nice crisp to their exterior.

5. Remove the franks from the pan immediately and serve.

Tags: beef franks, cook minute

Properly Nourish And Moisturize Black Hair

Use proper hair care products to ensure your hair is nourished and moisturized.

Black hair is coarse and dries out more frequently than the hair of people from other races. Healthy hair begins with a healthy, well-moisturized scalp. Many things contribute to lack of nourishment and moisture such as using the wrong products, over-processing the hair, washing it too much, or failing to properly groom the hair. It is essential to learn properly nourish and moisturize black hair to ensure its health. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner that contain papaya, shea butter or jojoba. Avoid products that have a petroleum base or contain alcohol. These ingredients will dry out your hair.

2. Massage your scalp on a daily basis. A massage produces more oil, which will keep your hair moisturized.

3. Hydrate your hair by drinking water throughout the day. This acts as a natural moisturizer.

4. Limit your use of hot irons and relaxers. Using these items prevent your hair from getting the nourishment and moisture that it needs.

5. Do not wash your hair too often because this will eliminate essential oils and make your hair too dry. Limit washings to only once a week. Sleep with a silk scarf or cap to keep your hair clean in between.

6. Treat yourself to a hot oil treatment once a month. This replenishes the oil on your scalp and on your hair.

7. Use conditioner after each wash to replenish your hair's moisture. Purchase a conditioner that contains rosemary or lavender. Avoid conditioners that contain synthetic fragrances or sulfates. A leave in conditioner will moisturize and nourish your hair better than one that you have to rinse out after a few minutes.

Tags: your hair, conditioner that, keep your, keep your hair, nourishment moisture, that contain

Live Green And Frugal

Living green can save money and the environment.

Living a green lifestyle and being frugal can go hand in hand. Buying less, recycling and finding ways to cut back on expenses such as gasoline and electricity are all green and frugal. You don't have to radically change your lifestyle. By doing a few simple things, you'll help out the environment and save yourself some money.

Instructions

1. Keep your appliance use to a minimum. To save water, wash only full loads of laundry and fill your dishwasher completely before you run it. Turn off the heat dry setting on your dishwasher to save on electricity.

2. Save on water by using low-flow shower heads. Add a faucet aerator to every faucet in your home as well. Faucet aerators conserve water while they keep the water pressure high.

3. Look for weekly specials at your grocery store and stock up on freezable items when they are on sale. You'll save gas by making less trips to the supermarket. Remember to bring your reusable grocery bags so you don't have to use the plastic bags at the market.

4. Stop buying water in bottles. Use a water filter to purify your drinking water instead. By using reusable water bottles, you'll keep plastic bottles out of landfills. You can save over $400 a year if you refrain from buying bottled water.

5. Make extra money by recycling. Aluminum cans, steel, iron and brass can all be taken to a recycling center for cash. Turn in your cans and bottles for deposit money in the states that allow this.

Tags: Living green, water bottles, your dishwasher

Make Delicious Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Step by step instructions on make homemade peanut butter cookies. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Sift 1 ¼ cups of flour with ¾ tsp of baking powder three times. Cream the butter and both of the sugars until it is soft and blended well (not fluffy).

2. Add the egg (beaten slightly) and ½ cup of peanut butter, mix thoroughly; then add 1 ¼ cups of flour. Knead only long enough to form a smooth dough.

3. Divide the dough into two parts and then roll each part into a roll about one inch in diameter. Cut the peanut butter dough into one-inch pieces.

4. Place the pieces cut-side down and one inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet; press with the tip of a fork to form crisscrosses on top.

5. You can also just roll each piece in the palm of your hand to form a ball instead of the crisscross way if you don't want it like that way.

Bake them in a 350 degree preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.Enjoy!!

Tags: cups flour, dough into, peanut butter, roll each

What Is Polenta

Polenta is one of the basic food staples of Northern Italy. Widely believed that pasta was the main food in Italian cuisine, polenta has often been over looked. There are many interesting recipes and creative ways to add this dish to any dinner table. Add this to my Recipe Box.

History

When times were hard, the people of Northern Italy needed to find something which would sustain them while working in the fields. They started finding creative ways to make a food staple which would keep the belly full for the day. It is this reason that polenta is known as a poverty food. The Italian cooks would grind wild grains and cook the "grits" with water, to make a porridge-type dish. Buckwheat was one of the grains which was popular because of the distinct flavor it added to the dish. When corn was brought to Italy, the people started making the polenta with the ground corn. Today's popular dish was born.

Geography

Polenta is widely used in many European countries as a regular staple at the dinner table. Northern Italy has predominantly been the main area where polenta is used. Now, this versatile dish is served in even the most up-scale restaurants all around the world.

Features

The time it takes to make traditional polenta can be overwhelming. The dish needs to be constantly stirred while cooking. The mixture has the potential to stick to the bottom of the cooking pot and burn. It is now possible to find instant and even pre-cooked polenta in the grocery stores. This dish can be served for any meal. Breakfast would find it pan fried and served with syrup. Lunch time meals may offer it deep fried like fritters. Dinner finds polenta topped with salsa or melted cheese.

Benefits

The nutritional value of corn meal polenta is not as great as some made with other grains. It is the way this food can be used which contributes to its popularity. Polenta can be used as a substitute for bread when certain dishes are prepared. Many times, it replaces the pasta course in a meal. Using a bit of creative culinary skills, polenta can be used in or with almost any dish.

Potential

There are some simple ways to prepare polenta at home without all the work and constant stirring. The traditional way to prepare this dish is to bring 2 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Once the water is at a rapid boil, the chef adds 1 pound of cornmeal. The mixture must be stirred the entire time it is cooking. This keeps lumps from forming and also keeps the mixture from burning. There are few people who have the time to devote to this method of preparation. The best, and easiest, way to prepare polenta is to add the water, salt and cornmeal into a crock pot. Turn the slow cooker on low and allow the mixture to cook overnight. The result is a soft polenta which can be used in any recipe.

Tags: Northern Italy, creative ways, dinner table, dish served, food Italian

Clean Circulon Pots

Circulon created the first line of hard anodized nonstick cookware in 1985. They now offer a variety of innovative cookware featuring the Total Food Release system. The surface of the cookware features grooves that increase durability and nonstick properties. Clean Circulon pots with dish detergent and a nylon scrubbing pad for best results. Fine powder cleanser or baking soda may be used to remove tough stains on a stainless steel or copper exterior. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill the sink with warm water and add 1 tsp. dish detergent.

2. Wash the Circulon pot in the sink with a nylon scrubbing pad or sponge. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water.

3. Sprinkle baking soda or fine powder cleanser onto tough stains. Rub it into a paste with a nylon scrubbing pad. Let the baking soda sit for up to 30 minutes. The powder cleanser requires no soak time.

4. Wash the Circulon pot with warm water, a sponge or nylon scrubbing pad, and dish soap.

5. Rinse the pot with warm water and dry it with a towel.

Tags: with warm water, nylon scrubbing, warm water, with warm, baking soda

The Average Salary Of A Food & Beverage Director

Food and beverage director salaries vary by experience.

A food and beverage director is a high-level position that reports to top management in a large organization. This individual directs and oversees all aspects of food and beverage service. Opportunities are found at luxury hotels and resorts, convention centers, large restaurants, golf courses, cruise ships and premier senior living communities. Salaries vary by experience, location and type of facility.

Job Features

The food and beverage director oversees the preparation and presentation of meals, and ensures that quality and safety standards are met. He manages the restaurant area, banquets and room service, and plans and coordinates special events. The director is in charge of menu planning and pricing, minimizing costs as much as possible, and keeping prices competitive while maximizing profit. The food and beverage director creates strategies for promoting certain foods and drinks, and identifies trends in customer demand. The director supervises all managers involved with food and beverage preparation and service.

Salary by Experience

This profession may require a bachelor's degree and several years of experience in food and beverage service or management. A sample job listing from Disney Parks requires a bachelor's degree in hospitality, retail, business or equivalent experience, and states a preference for a candidate with a master's degree. Median salary as of December 2010 for food and beverage directors with one to four years of experience was about $38,300 to $66,500, as reported by the PayScale salary survey website. Those with over five years of experience could expect to earn in the range of $47,000 to $84,000 annually.

Salary Range

The median salary for a food and beverage director as of December 2010 is $66,625 per year, according to Salary.com. Those on the middle 50 percent of the earnings scale are making about $52,300 to $78,500, and the top 10 percent earn over $89,300 per year. The top 10 high-paying geographic locations for food and beverage directors are Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, Atlanta, San Francisco, Seattle and San Antonio, as listed by PayScale.

Additional Income

Food and beverage directors typically receive bonuses, commissions and profit sharing. As reported by PayScale, profit sharing ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 per year, bonuses from $3,000 to $12,000 and commissions from $3,000 to $15,000.

Tags: food beverage, beverage director, beverage directors, food beverage director, years experience, bachelor degree

Organic Soil Vs Inorganic Soil

Decaying plants and animals add much-needed nutrients to dry soil.

All sorts of things go into natural and commercially available soil. Natural soil is, by volume, mostly inorganic, made up of rocks ground up into sand and powder. When plants and animals die, they decompose into this rock and sand substrate to become organic soil, which provides nutrients for plant life. Commercially available soil generally contains a mix of organic and inorganic soils balanced to provide both nutrient support and drainage. Does this Spark an idea?

Soil Layers

Soil has three basic regions. The parent material is the lowest of the three, made of weathered and ground-up bedrock and materials transported from other places. This layer of soil provides a foundation for the secondary layer. The second layer is made up almost entirely of deposits imported from other locations through glacial movement and geological events. The topsoil contains most or all of the nutrients and oxygen from decayed organic matter.

Mixture

A certain amount of mixture between organic soil and inorganic soil is inevitable and is beneficial to plant life. A bit of inorganic soil in the topsoil helps promote drainage and keeps the plant roots from drowning. The organic matter and water that leaches down into the second layer acts as a reserve in case the topsoil runs dry of moisture and nutrients.

Extremes

The peat bogs of Scotland are organic soil in almost pure form, being composed of little more than dead and decayed plant matter. On the opposite extreme, Death Valley is almost nothing but inorganic soil. Either conditions will limit what kinds of plants can grow there. An excess of inorganic soil on top of even the richest organic soil can create a desert as well. Take as an example the Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana: Even though this dry lakebed contains massive amounts of nutrient-rich organic soil, that soil is covered with a thin crust of dry sand and limestone blown in from the surrounding areas. The end result is a desert plain where there should be a forest.

Fertilizer and Nutrients

Fertilizing soil is essentially the process of making it more organic by introducing nutrients in pure form. These nutrients generally include nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, which are the most important to plant growth and are typically lacking in sandy and rocky soils. However, magnesium, zinc, sulfur, copper, iron and manganese are vital to producing energy-providing chlorophyll and the enzymes that produce chlorophyll. All plants need molybdenum to convert inorganic phosphates to useful organic phosphates, and bean plants need the nutrient to produce the legume modules. Boron is necessary for cell wall formation and pollen production, and a bit of chlorine can help certain small grains mature faster in some soils.

Tags: inorganic soil, organic soil, available soil, from other, organic matter, plant life, plants animals

Eat On $20 A Week

Comparison shop to eat for under $20 for the week.

With $20 for an entire week's worth of food, you need to really stretch your dollar. Although you can stay fed on $20, don't expect to dine out or splurge on pre-made foods. To keep your food bill low, remember to eat before you go shopping. Also, planning out your meals ahead of time helps you see how much you need to spend at the grocery store. Make one trip to the grocery store for the week since frequent and smaller trips are likely to send you over budget.

Instructions

1. Check your cupboards to see what you can incorporate into your meals for the week. Make a list for the store and estimate how much each item costs.

2. Search newspapers and coupon websites for coupons you can use for the food items on your grocery list.

3. Compare supermarkets and big-box retailers to find the store with the lowest prices on food. Although the store around the corner may be the most convenient, driving a reasonable distance may help you stay in your $20 budget.

4. Eat cheap protein choices. Beans, lentils, canned fish and canned chicken fulfill your protein requirements and can be used to make stir-fries and sandwiches.

5. Purchase generic and store-brand foods whenever possible. Brand-name items are marked up to cover advertising costs.

6. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables from a local farmer's market. Vendors typically need to get rid of the excess produce and can sell you enough vegetables and fruit to last for the week for mere dollars.

7. Pick up day-old bread for your meals. Grocery stores and bakeries sell day-old bread at discounts of 50 percent or more. Freeze the bread and reheat later in the oven.

8. Prepare your own snack bags. Pre-packaged snack packs are notoriously overpriced. Instead, buy a large bag of pretzels, popcorn, raisins or crackers and separate the food into sealable sandwich bags.

Tags: your meals, day-old bread, grocery store

Wood Vs Plastic Cooking Utensils

Both plastic and wooden utensils have their own benefits and drawbacks. Either can be very affordable and can be easily found in the cooking department of most stores as well as on the Internet. The choice between them may come down to personal preference.

Scratching

Both wood and plastic utensils generally will not scratch the surfaces of pots and pans. This includes even the most delicate of cooking surfaces such as non-stick pans. Plastic utensils have commonly been made with this non-stick surface in mind.

Melting

Unlike plastic utensils, wooden utensils will not melt. They are usually safe to leave in a pan that is hot even if the pan goes some time without being monitored. On the other hand, plastic utensils do not have the same durability that their wooden counterparts do when exposed to the heat from pots and pans. Unfortunately, plastic utensils left unmonitored will eventually melt and make a sticky mess.

Cleaning

Some foods can seep below the surface of wooden utensils. Wooden utensils are also more difficult to clean and have a tendency to become a breeding ground for bacteria. A wooden utensil that becomes bacteria ridden commonly needs to thrown away and a new one purchased to replace it. When wooden utensils are purchased, the buyer should be certain that the utensil has been treated to prevent the growth of bacteria. However, plastic utensils do not have this bacteria problem and are easier to keep clean.

Flexiblility

Soft plastic utensils tend to be useful while cooking to move the food around or manipulate its position for better cooking results. Wooden utensils tend to be stiff and unyielding in pots with food.

Staining

When cooking some sauces, plastic utensils have a tendency to stain after being used to stir them. Wooden utensils, on the other hand, generally do not carry with them the color of what food or sauce they were just used to stir.

Splintering

Wooden utensils can sometimes crack or splinter in places if left in water to soak or wash for a long period of time. Plastic utensils do not have this problem. They are generally more durable than their wooden counterparts if left in water to soak.

Environmentally Conscious

Some wooden utensils are made from sustainable sources. This makes the wooden utensil a more environmentally conscious utensil to choose for use in the kitchen. Plastic utensils are manufactured from man-made chemicals and are thrown away after their useful life is finished.

Tags: utensils have, plastic utensils, plastic utensils have, wooden utensils, have tendency

Top Cooking Schools For Teens In California

California Cooking Schools for Teens

Teens interested in taking up culinary arts must enroll in top cooking schools in order to learn from the best and enhance their skills. These cooking schools also provide summer training classes for younger teens who have not yet graduated from high school. The best cooking schools in California not only teach cooking, but also prepare students for restaurant management and the business side of culinary arts.

The Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America, the world's premier culinary college, offers an Associate's degree in occupational studies, and short courses for enthusiasts. Teens interested in taking up culinary arts learn about cooking and baking techniques, customer service, different types of cuisine and beverages, costing and purchasing food, wine studies and more. On average, Culinary Institute of America graduates receive two to three job offers immediately upon graduation. Some admission requirements for applying at the Institute include six months of experience in food preparation, recommendation letters and proficiency in writing and math.

The Culinary Institute of America -- Greystone

2555 Main Street

St. Helena, CA 94574

707-967-1100

ciachef.edu/California

Le Cordon Bleu

Le Cordon Bleu, with 29 schools worldwide, stands out as the largest hospitality education school in the world. Programs at the California branch of Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena include those in culinary arts, hospitality and restaurant management, and patisserie and baking. Institutional accreditations of the school include Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, the United States Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Students at Le Cordon Bleu gain hands-on experience and learn from professionals who are masters in their craft. Le Cordon Bleu provides classes for teens and offers flexible class schedules for working students or those studying in a university setting.

Le Cordon Bleu

521 East Green Street

Pasadena, CA 91101

866-230-9450

chefs.edu/Los-Angeles

The Art Institute of California

The Art Institute of California in Santa Monica offers diploma programs, Associate's of Science degree programs, and Bachelor's of Science degree programs in culinary arts, culinary management, baking and pasty, and the art of cooking. The Art Institute of California designed its curriculum to meet the needs of students and employers to ensure graduates qualify for entry-level positions.

The Art Institute of California -- Los Angeles

2900 31st Street

Santa Monica, CA 90405-3035

310-752-4700

artinstitutes.edu/losangeles

Tags: Cordon Bleu, culinary arts, Culinary Institute, Culinary Institute America, Institute America, Institute California

Make Glutenfree Cornbread Muffins

Make gluten-free cornbread muffins.

If you suffer from celiac disease or even just have a gluten sensitivity, you know how hard it can be to follow a gluten-free diet. While you can't eat breads made from grains like wheat, rye and barley, corn is one grain that you can include in a gluten-free diet, so you don't have to go without the cornbread when you have your chili. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Spritz a 12-slot muffin pan with nonstick baking spray.

3. Combine the cornmeal, chick pea flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.

4. Combine the milk, oil and egg in a glass measuring cup and whisk to combine.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork just enough to combine.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared slots of the muffin pan.

7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cornbread begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and is golden in color. Serve immediately.

Tags: combine Pour, gluten-free diet

Colleges Near Jacksonville North Carolina

A number of college programs are available in or near Jacksonville, N.C.

The growing military town of Jacksonville, N.C., is home to Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base. The city and surrounding area offer a number of colleges. Many of the schools cater to working adults and provide a variety of class schedules, including evening courses, to meet students' needs.

Coastal Carolina Community College

Coastal Carolina Community College is a popular choice for civilian and military students seeking a two-year degree, diploma, certificate or continuing education credits in Onslow County and surrounding areas. As part of the North Carolina Community College System, the college offers an array of higher education opportunities including college transfer and workforce training development. In 2010, the college received recognition as one of the most successful schools in the state community college system and had met or exceeded all 12 performance standards set by the system's board.

Coastal Carolina Community College

444 Western Blvd.

Jacksonville, NC 28546

910-455-1221

coastalcarolina.edu

Mount Olive College

Mount Olive College offers several evening programs for working adults at a satellite branch located in Jacksonville. The private school may cost you more than attending a public college or university, but it offers flexible and accelerated two-year and four-year degree programs. Students can transfer college credit hours completed elsewhere. Most classes meet one night per week. Programs include criminal justice, early childhood education, health care management and management and organizational development.

Mount Olive College

201 Parkwood Drive

Jacksonville, NC 28546

910-455-1677

moc.edu

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is within a 45-minute drive of Jacksonville. The public university formed in 1947 with 238 students, compared to an enrollment of 13,000 in 2009. The university offers four-year degrees in more than 50 majors and is home to 35 master's degree programs. Doctorate degrees are available in marine biology and educational leadership and administration.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

601 S. College Road

Wilmington, NC 28403

910-962-3000

uncw.edu

Tags: North Carolina, Carolina Community, Carolina Community College, Carolina Wilmington, Coastal Carolina, Coastal Carolina Community

Nutrition Information Of Rice

Rice is a cereal grain and grown as an annual plant. Because of the nutritional value of rice and its high complex carbohydrate content, it is considered an essential staple food for many parts of the world, especially tropical regions. There are several forms of the grain; however, white and brown are the most common. In addition, various types of rice are available, including long-grain, medium-grain and short-grain. There are many ways to prepare the grain, including boiling and frying. A serving is ½ cup or the equivalent of 1/2 a baseball.

Calories

One serving of brown rice contains 108 calories and 8 calories from fat. In addition, 1 g of both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat is present for a total of 3 percent fat, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. On the other hand, a serving of white rice has 97 calories and only .2g of total fat.

Starch

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies rice as a starchy grain. A serving of brown rice holds 21.8 g of carbohydrates or 7 percent of the daily value. There are 22.3 g of carbohydrates in a serving of white rice. Since white rice is simply brown rice stripped of the germ and inner husk, the amount of dietary fiber in each form is different. Brown contains 1.6 g of fiber while white only has .3 g.

Cholesterol and Protein

No cholesterol is present in either form of the grain. While 2.5 g of protein is available in brown, 2.1 g is present in white rice.

Vitamins and Minerals

Brown rice is a better source of vitamins and minerals. Both forms of rice contain similar amounts of potassium, sodium and calcium. However, brown holds 42 mg of magnesium, while there only 7 mg are found in white rice. In addition, brown rice offers niacin, folate and riboflavin in significantly higher levels than white rice. Both Vitamin K and betaine are found in brown rice, but not in white.

Warning

Always check the expiration dates of rice. White rice is good for up to 1 year; brown rice, 6 months.

Tags: white rice, brown rice, brown rice, serving brown, serving brown rice

Agricultural Tourism In Pennsylvania

Many people are vacationing in the quiet serenity of the Pennsylvania country side.

As cities get larger and urban sprawl encapsulates more and more natural space, many tourists and travelers are seeking the peaceful getaway to a simpler time, a slower pace and cleaner air. Agricultural tourism in Pennsylvania offers travelers the chance to shed the stress of their busy lives and reconnect with nature, while supporting the agricultural industry.

Staying on a Farm

If your ideal vacation is experiencing an entirely different way of life, or perhaps you grew up on a farm and want to reestablish your roots, agricultural tourism has just the thing--farm stays. Similar to staying at a bed and breakfast, some operating farms in Pennsylvania offer room and board and the opportunity to help out with the daily chores involved in working a farm. Work isn't mandatory, but guests can typically assist with such farm work as stacking hay, collecting eggs, feeding animals and other general tasks. Some farms have as few as two rooms, for a more intimate experience, where others have as many as 10 rooms. Visitors stay in rooms, cabins, suites and sometimes private houses.

Services

The types of services and amenities available to farm lodgers in Pennsylvania vary widely. On some farms, you may expect a private room and bathroom with a TV and wireless Internet access, but this is by no means a standard as the most remote farms will not even have radio reception. When planning a trip, you can search available farms online at pafarmstay.com/searchfarms.php to find one that offers you the experience you're looking for. If the idea of sharing a bathroom with other guests does not work for you, be sure to inquire before booking to ensure that you will have a private bathroom. Each farm offers a different flavor, from fine dining to hearty home-style cooking, and even self-serve cooking, with fun activities like horseback riding, fishing and hunting on or near most farms.

Types of Farms

The agricultural industry in Pennsylvania is diverse, offering tourists a variety of options to make their vacations unforgettable. Travelers can opt to stay at an organic farm and learn about growing vegetables and raising animals without chemicals. Most farms will have a mixture of crops and animals, but many farms are strictly livestock-based, including horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, goats, rabbits and some exotic animals. Guests can stay and help out at dairy farms to learn about raising and caring for cows, as well as collecting milk and making other dairy products. For the lower-key vacations, travelers can stay at small gentlemen farms that offer the peace and beauty of nature without the bustle of farm operations and equipment.

Safety

Operating farms have inherent risks that tourists should be aware of before deciding to stay on one. Safety will be an important issue at any farm you might stay at, but ultimately it is up to you to ensure that any activities you participate in are suitable you activity level. The essence of farm work is that it is difficult and labor-intensive and while you are not required to participate in the chores, it is part of the complete experience; if you have any physical condition or health issues that prevent you from participating, make sure there's something besides work for you to do before you book a room.

Best Times

Pennsylvania winters can be brutally cold and unpleasant, which makes the months of November to March the off-season for agricultural tourism there. If the weather is not a bother to you, it is often easier to have your pick of locations during these months since farms operate year-round. You may also be able to save on rates during these months since it is not typically a busy tourist time. If preparations, planting and baby animals are your thing, than you'll want to book a room in the spring. If you want to learn about crop maintenance during the height of summer, than book in July or August. To learn about the methods and processes of harvests, book in September or October.

Considerations

Life on a farm is probably very different to what you are used to, and an agricultural vacation is sure to give you an unforgettable experience. You may not be able to get any cell phone reception at all, and most farms will have set meal times. You'll want to bring plenty of changes of clothes and prepare for unpredictable weather whenever you plan to go, but in the winter bring very warm clothing, socks and boots. Bring games and books in case of rainy days, and always be sure to follow the host's house rules. Consult your physician if you have heart problems or any other health issues that could be complicated by an agricultural vacation.

Tags: learn about, farms will, will have, agricultural industry, agricultural tourism

Homemade Compost Bin

Set up a homemade compost bin to turn waste into fertilizer. Spread compost over a garden to add nutrients to the ground instead of buying fertilizer. Store-bought fertilizers often contain harmful chemicals that poison the water system. Homemade compost also reduces waste. Make the homemade compost from food scraps, unlinked paper, plant remains, and dirt. Don't add meat, bones, dairy products, inked paper, and pet waste to compost. Those materials attract bugs. If you notice bugs, mix the compost. Does this Spark an idea?

Trash Can

Make compost bins out of old trashcans. Drill holes in the bottom of a trash can to allow drainage. Set it outside where sunlight hits it. Mix together both organic and inorganic material, such as food scraps, leaves, grass, unlinked paper, and sticks. The compost needs to be mixed with a shovel or rake about once a week. Cover the compost with a lid. Take the lid off when it rains to increase the speed of composting. After about a month, the compost will be ready.

Wire Cage

Bend chicken wiring or fencing to hold compost. If you want to keep the bin in a certain place, put poles in the ground and wrap the wire around it. Use wire ties to hold the fencing together. If the spot is temporary, build it without poles. The wiring won't be as sturdy, but it is easier to tear down. Fill the compost bin. The bin needs to be wide enough to allow turning. Depending on how big the fencing is, some compost may leak out.

Wooden Box

Build a compost bin out of wood. Lightly sand and put sealant all over the wood to protect it from rotting. Staining the wood is another option. Build the box after it is dry. Either a rectangular or a cube shape works. Use plywood sheets and nails to put it together. The box should be deep and wide enough to allow turning. Attach the lid with hinges so it opens easily. Drill holes in the bottom and sides of the box. Fill it will compost.

Indoor Compost Bin

Make an indoor compost bin to gather food scraps or supply nourishment to indoor plants. Poke holes in the sides of a plastic container. Add a couple inches of shredding newspaper and cardboard to the bin. Add worms and a couple cups of dirt. Put food scraps in the bin and store it under a sink. The worms will break down the food and make compost. Scoop out the compost and add it to indoor plants or transfer it outside.

Tags: food scraps, allow turning, compost needs, Drill holes, Drill holes bottom, enough allow