Make Mole De Poblano

Mole de Poblano, the national dish of Mexico, is a chicken dish that uses mole, a sauce made from various chiles and pure dark chocolate. While you can use short cuts such as a pre-made mole sauce, the best Mole de Poblano results from using the freshest ingredients.

Instructions

1. Make your Mole de Poblano by cutting one whole chicken into eight pieces and place in a large saucepan with two sliced onions and three cloves of garlic. Cover the chicken with water, bring it to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked. Remove from heat, drain off the chicken stock, and remove the chicken pieces and allow them to dry on a paper towel.

2. Fry the chicken pieces in a skillet, using 1 tbsp. of lard that has been already melted in the pan. Cook each side of each of the chicken pieces until they are slightly browned.

3. Remove the stems and seeds from the various chilies, and then tear them up into small pieces. Boil the chilies for 30 minutes in 300 ml. of water, and then place the chilies and the water in a food processor and blend the mixture into a puree.

4. Add all of the remaining ingredients into the chili puree to make the Mole de Poblano sauce, including the chocolate. Blend everything together in the food processor until the consistency of the Mole de Poblano is smooth.

5. Take the chicken pieces out of the saucepan, leaving the lard inside. Pour the Mole de Poblano sauce into the pan with the remaining lard, and bring to a boil.

6. Place the chicken back into the pan, and simmer all of the ingredients for 30 more minutes, stirring frequently. Salt and pepper to taste.

7. Allow the Mole de Poblano to set in your refrigerator for at least 24 hours for the flavors to develop. Reheat before serving.

Tags: Mole Poblano, chicken pieces, bring boil, food processor, from various, Mole Poblano sauce

Make A Batty Wreath

Make a Batty Wreath

Go "batty" with plastic grocery bags and aluminum soda cans on a wire clothes hanger to make a cute door wreath.

Instructions

Making the Bats

1. Remove the tab ring from the top of a soda can.

2. Bend the top of the can over and smash it flat with your foot.

3. Turn the can over and bend the bottom of the can to the back or the opposite of the top. Smash flat with your foot.

4. Spray paint the can black and let dry.

5. Glue two 10mm wiggly eyes on the can above the hole.

6. Cut two skinny triangles out of white paper for the fangs.

7. Glue the fangs in the hole.

8. Glue a red bead at the top of the fangs in the middle to look like a nose.

9. Cut a 10-by-10-inch piece of black plastic from a trash bag.

10. Fold a piece of plastic in half and cut scallop-shaped edges.

11. Gather the plastic square in the middle where it was folded, and tie it off with a piece of black pipe cleaner.

12. Hot-glue the pipe cleaner to the back of the can. The wings should stick out on both sides of the can.

13. Cut two small triangles out of black paper for the ears, and glue them to the top of the can above the eyes.

Making the Wreath

14. Shape a wire clothes hanger into a circle by holding one hand on the hook and the other hand on the bottom in the middle and pulling apart.

15. Open the end of the hanger by twisting apart at the hook.

16. Roll a white plastic grocery bag lengthwise.

17.Start at one end, and poke the end of the hanger through the gathered bag. Thread the bag on the wire, poking the wire through the bag about every 2 inches.

18. Fill the wire wreath until it's nice and full. Use about 10 to 15 bags, depending on size.

19. Close the wire wreath by re-twisting the hook and the loose end together.

20. Spray paint the wreath orange and yellow. Let dry.

Completing the Wreath

21. Glue several bats to the wreath.

22. Add wrapped Halloween suckers and a big orange and black ribbon bow.

Tags: Batty Wreath, clothes hanger, flat with, flat with your, Make Batty, Make Batty Wreath

Fun Places To Eat On Tybee Island Georgia

Tybee Island is a destination resort just 18 miles east of Savannah, Georgia. The word "tybee" means salt in Yuchi Indian language, but it has also come to mean fun in the sun and surf. Tybee Island, renamed Savannah Beach in the late 1950s, boasts a year-round population of slightly more than 3,300. Tybee Island is a destination spot not only for those who live in nearby Savannah, but also for those traveling from outside Chatham County.

Lighthouse Pizza

Open since July 2007, Lighthouse Pizza uses their very own "Tybee Dough" for handmade and fresh daily pizzas. Located near the beach, the Lighthouse Pizza menu is available for in-house or take-out dining. Lighthouse Pizza features the Beer Garden patio where outdoor dining adds to the fun atmosphere. Lighthouse Pizza is known for its pizza, pork barbecue, sandwiches and salads, as well as a variety of beer and wine. Lighthouse Pizza also offers Mardi Gras parties and fabulous king cakes.

Fannie's On The Beach

Located right on the beach, Fannie's On The Beach is a multi-story dining experience with air-conditioned dining on the first floor, open air seating on the second and a deck to top it all off. Open for lunch and dinner, Fannie's On The Beach boasts an affordable menu of fine home cooking. With the sound of the seashore coupled with live music on the weekends, diners at Fannie's On The Beach find an atmosphere conducive to a leisurely time with family and good friends. Snacketizers are a draw at Fannies, and they also offer Sunday brunch.

The Quarter Sports Bar & Grill

The Quarter Sports Bar & Grill is a sports fan's mecca. Open 365 days of the year until 3 a.m., The Quarter, as it is known to locals, serves up sandwiches, seafood, salads, wings and munchies, all available while you watch the game of the day. The Quarter also features Happy Hour and $10 wing baskets during the week from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Whether you are a sports fanatic or a casual sports fan, watching a game in the Quarter is an experience not to be missed.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club opens at 7 a.m. and ready to accommodate the early risers. The open kitchen allows diners to watch breakfast being made -- eggs, omelets, or a variety of egg specialty dishes. If waffles are your thing, The Breakfast Club also serves up tasty waffles. Check out the breakfast side orders to make your meal complete. The chef also offers up a variety of burgers and sandwiches that will fill the emptiest stomachs. Remember to check out the daily specials, and don't forget to bring the kids. Kids' items include 'The Happy Face Breakfas', Frenchie Fingers and Little Bubba Burger.

Tags: Lighthouse Pizza, Fannie Beach, Tybee Island, Breakfast Club, also offers, game Quarter

Halloween Popcorn Ball Decorating Ideas

Homemade popcorn balls are a beloved Halloween treat.

Halloween is a time for ghoulish costumes and sweet treats. One of the classic sweet favorites of the Halloween season are popcorn balls which are made by mixing popped corn with caramel, melted marshmallows, corn syrup or molasses to bind the corn into a ball shape. To help bring the Halloween theme to this favorite treat, decorate your popcorn balls with signs of the season.

Candy Coating

Drizzle chocolate or white chocolate candy around the popcorn ball and let it dry. For a more Halloween specific look, add orange or black food coloring to the white chocolate and dip your popcorn ball into the mixture. Once it hardens and cools, you can further accent your popcorn ball with decorative accents made of black licorice or more candy coating.

Non-Edible Additions

Fabric can be used to create a Halloween theme on your popcorn balls. Simply poke a straw or popsicle stick into the center of the popcorn ball. Cut a piece of fabric to wrap completely around the popcorn ball and tie it to the popsicle stick with a decorative piece of ribbon. Decorate the fabric to match your Halloween theme.

For example, paint a piece of white fabric with eyes and a mouth to look like a ghost or paint an orange piece of fabric to resemble a jack-o-lantern. A green piece of fabric can be painted to look like a witch, especially if a black paper hat is glued atop the popcorn ball. Another way to personalize your popcorn ball is to made it resemble a spider. Cut eight pieces of black pipe cleaner, four to five inches in length. Arrange them in the sides of your popcorn ball to look like spider legs.

Tasty Add-Ins

Another way to add colorful interest to a popcorn ball is to mix candy into the popcorn mixture before forming the balls. To complement your Halloween theme, try dying your popcorn balls with orange food coloring and mixing in pieces of chopped black licorice, candy corn or any other of your favorite Halloween candy. Small gummy pumpkins, caramel, nuts, chocolate pieces or fruit can also be added to your popcorn mixture to enhance your popcorn balls.

Tags: popcorn ball, your popcorn, popcorn balls, Halloween theme, your popcorn ball, your popcorn balls, look like

Cook Corn Grits

Grits are the product of grinding dried white corn.

Grits are dried corn that has been ground into small pieces. It is similar to Italian polenta, except that grits are usually made from white corn, while polenta is made from yellow corn. Hominy grits are slightly different, made from dent corn soaked in lye water to remove the bran. Hominy grits have a different flavor and a creamier texture than regular grits. Stone ground regular grits are simple to make and go well with just about any main dish.

Instructions

1. Place water in a heavy-bottom saucepan and bring to a boil.

2. Stir in the grits and salt. Turn down the heat to medium low and cook the grits for 20 to 25 minutes.

3. Stir the grits occasionally with a wooden spoon while cooking to keep them from clumping together.

4. Stir more often as the grits near the end of the cooking time. Judge the consistency of the grits to determine when they are done to your preference. Take the grits off the stove when they are the desired consistency. If they get too thick, add a little water or milk.

5. Stir in butter and serve hot. This quantity shoud make six portions.

Tags: made from, Hominy grits, regular grits, Stir grits, when they, white corn

Make Oatmeal Cookies With M&Ms

These good-for-you oatmeal cookies have the added "grab-me-now" factor of colorful M&Ms peeking out here and there. Although almost any oatmeal cookie recipe that calls for adding nuts, raisins or chocolate chips will do, this recipe is a particularly good choice as it is a dense cookie. This recipe (which can be halved) makes about eight dozen good-sized cookies. If you like, you freeze some of the dough, and the cookies themselves freeze well in an airtight container.

Instructions

Make Oatmeal Cookies With M&Ms

1. Use an electric mixer to combine the softened margarine and the sugars in a large bowl.

2. Add the applesauce, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend well until the mixture is smooth.

3. Mix together the flour, the baking powder, the baking soda and the salt in a separate bowl.

4. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the oatmeal to the sugar mixture; do this by hand. Mix well after each addition.

5. Stir in 1 cup M&Ms. Work carefully so you don't break the candies.

6. Drop the dough from teaspoons onto greased cookie sheets. Press a few additional M&Ms into tops of the cookies for decoration.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let them cool on rack.

Tags: Cookies With, Make Oatmeal, Make Oatmeal Cookies, Oatmeal Cookies, Oatmeal Cookies With

Stuff Turkey Breast

Stuff Turkey Breast

You can make stuffed turkey breasts any time of the year for a beautiful and delicious meal. Stuffing the breasts results in a moist side dish that smells and tastes delicious.

Instructions

1. Rinse the turkey breasts and pat them dry. Lay the breast on a cutting board with the fleshy side up. Leave the skin attached.

2. Slide a boning knife in one end of the turkey breast. Keep the incision small. Carefully cut back and forth inside the breast once your knife is fully inserted. Do not poke the knife through the opposite end of the breast.

3. Remove the knife from the turkey breast. Insert a finger into the incision and move it back and forth inside the breast to make sure the hole is large enough to hold stuffing.

4. Fill a disposable pastry bag with prepared stuffing. Do not put a tip on the pastry bag.

5. Insert the tip of the pastry bag as far into the incision on the turkey breast as possible. Grasp the open end of the pastry bag and close it with your hand. Squeeze from the end to stuff the turkey breast.

6. Squeeze as much stuffing into the breast as possible. Remove the pastry bag from the breast, and insert your finger to compact the stuffing in the cavity. Reinsert the pastry bag in the breast and add more stuffing as necessary.

7. Place the stuffed breast in a roasting pan. Repeat with all of the turkey breasts. Bake the breast according to the recipe instructions.

Tags: turkey breast, turkey breasts, back forth, back forth inside, breast possible, forth inside, forth inside breast

Holiday Desserts For Kids

Kids love making cookie-cutter cookies.

The holidays provide a great opportunity to teach your kids bake. Working in the kitchen together also allows you to spend quality time with your kids. Choose simple, festive recipes that the children will enjoy making as much as they will enjoy eating them. If working with young children, make sure parents, not the kids, are the only ones who go near the oven.

Christmas M&M Cookies

For Christmas M&M cookies you'll need 1 cup shortening, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, two eggs, 2¼ cups flour, 1 teaspoon soda, 1 teaspoon salt and 1½ cups red and green M&Ms. Cream the sugars, eggs, vanilla and shortening and set them aside. Next, mix the dry ingredients then combine the dry mixture with the creamed mixture. Scoop up about 1 tablespoon of dough and drop it on a cookie sheet. Use a fork to flatten it. Decorate the top with M&Ms. Baked for 10 to 12 minutes at 375 degree Fahrenheit.

Easter Bird's Nexts

Celebrate Easter with your kids by making Easter bird's nests. Ingredients include 1/3 cup butterscotch morsels, 1 cup chow-mein noodles and egg shaped candies such as jelly beans or chocolate eggs. In a microwave, melt the butterscotch morsels. Stir the chow-mein noodles into the melted morsels. On wax paper, shape the mixture into a circle then using a large spoon make an indention in the center of the circle. Allow the nest to harden before adding egg shaped candies. (Reference 4)

Fourth of July Ice Cream Sandwiches

Super easy to make, ice cream sandwiches make a great, cold treat for kids on the Fourth of July. Let kids choose their favorite cookies, such as thin chocolate wafers, gingersnaps, snickerdoodles or pecan sandies and their favorite flavor of ice cream. Chill a waxed lined cookie sheet in the freeze. Sandwich slightly softened ice cream between two cookies and set it on the tray in the freezer so it doesn't melt. Kids can eat the ice cream sandwiches immediately or they can wrap them in plastic wrap to save them for later.

Halloween Black Cat Cookies

Get kids in the Halloween spirit by baking black cat cookies together. You need 1 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, two eggs, 1 cup baking cocoa, 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3½ cups flour, candy corn and red hot cinnamon candies. Mix butter, sugars, eggs, cocoa and vanilla together until smooth. Add baking powder, baking soda and flour. Mix well. Roll the dough into balls and set them on a cookie sheet. Use a glass to flatten the balls. Pinch the top of each cookie to form cat ears. Give the cookie whiskers by pressing a fork into each side of the cookie's face. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove them from the oven and decorate them. Use two candy corns to make the eyes and a red hot cinnamon candy for the nose.

Tags: cookie sheet, your kids, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, butterscotch morsels, chow-mein noodles

What Is Himalayan Rock Salt

Himalayan rock salt is claimed to be literally hundreds of millions of years old and to contain many minerals. In fact, it is claimed to contain all the trace elements needed by the human body. This salt is also claimed to having healing properties. The salt was said to be found in the Himalayan mountains, a range of peaks that spans Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and India. However, an investigation conducted by Tourist Watch that was published in 2002 showed that there are no salt mines in the Himalayas. The salt is actually mined in the Khewra mine in Pakistan, one of the largest salt mines in the world.

Qualities

Due to the high mineral content, Himalayan rock salt has become prized for its health benefits. According to Saltworks, a company that sells various types of salt, Himalayan rock salt contains 84 trace elements and iron.

Appearance

The look of rock salt changes depending on how it is processed. It can be very finely cut so that it appears more like a powder or it may be coarsely cut, so that it appears like small rocks. The salt can range in color from white to pink to deep red. The color is determined by the mineral content and the iron level of the salt.

Health Benefits: Lamps

Himalayan rock salt is said to be mined from a location that once contained very ancient oceans, about 250 million years old. Due to that and the high mineral content of this type of rock salt, many health benefits are claimed to come from using this product. For instance, lamps made of this salt are said to help with relaxation, stress relief, insomnia, and headaches, among other health concerns. In addition the salt is claimed to clear the air of tobacco smoke and help people with bronchitis or asthma breathe more freely, according to Peter Ferreira at Wealden Natural Health.

Health Benefits: Spa

For centuries in Europe salt works are said to provide health benefits to those who swim in them. This mindset may be behind the claim that Himalayan salt baths are beneficial. As one eBay reviewer mentioned, it helps to regenerate the skin, making it feel healthy.

Health Claims

As no health claims for the rock salt seem to have been scientifically substantiated by doctors, the only plus to using Himalayan rock salt may be the different color and taste it adds to food. According to registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky at MayoClinic.com, there is no nutritional difference between table salt and sea salt. Because Himalayan (Pakistani) rock salt is mined from an area that was a pre-historic ocean, according to Pak Travel, a Pakistanti ecotourism site, it technically could be considered a form of sea salt. Note that the term rock salt is often used to simply means the salt is coarsely ground. It does not necessarily describe its chemical content or where it is from.

Tags: Himalayan rock, Himalayan rock salt, rock salt, rock salt, health benefits, mineral content, salt said

Make A Turkey Pot Roast

Make a Turkey Pot Roast

Turkey pot roast is a great meal to serve for the whole family. When you cook the meat and vegetables all together in the crock pot, you get an variety of flavors. This is also easy for a family who works all day and can come home to a wonderful home cooked meal. Bring this to a special gathering or serve it at home for everybody to enjoy.

Instructions

1. Spray the inside of your crock pot with some nonstick spray. Season the turkey with a little bit of salt and pepper.

2. Put our turkey in a large skillet with some olive oil. Brown the turkey until it turns a golden brown.

3. Add your turkey to the crock pot once you have browned it. Then add your vegetables, basil and broth.

4. Cook the turkey and the vegetables on low for about 7 to 9 hours. It will be done when the meat and vegetables are tender.

5. Serve the meat with a side of the vegetables for everybody to enjoy. Add some dinner rolls or some bread and butter for extra taste and delight!

Tags: everybody enjoy, Make Turkey, Make Turkey Roast, meat vegetables, with some

Make Nobake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

If you love the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter and enjoy a super delicious combination of both, make a batch of no-bake chocolate peanut butter balls. They're even easy enough for kids to make with only a bit of adult assistance.

Instructions

1. Place 1 1/4 cups salted peanuts in a food processor with a metal blade. Process them until they're finely chopped, then remove them from the food processor and put them in a small bowl.

2. Mix 2/3 cup of softened butter and 1 2/3 cups of peanut butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add 1 tsp. of vanilla extract and continue to beat the mixture, scraping the sides occasionally.

3. Add 1 lb. of powdered sugar gradually as you continue to blend.

4. Line the jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with waxed paper. Roll the mixture into small balls about the size of a walnut, and place them on the waxed paper.

5. Cover the pan with plastic wrap, and put it in the refrigerator for about an hour, until the peanut butter balls firm up.

6. Heat 2 large packages of chocolate peanut butter chips and 2 tbsp. butter in a microwaveable bowl until they're slightly melted.

7. Poke a toothpick into each peanut butter ball, and roll each one in the melted chocolate mixture, and then in the chopped peanuts. Return them to the refrigerator long enough to set up, and remove the toothpicks.

Tags: peanut butter, peanut butter, chocolate peanut, chocolate peanut butter, food processor, until they, waxed paper

Make Bouillon Cubes

How many times have you made a soup or gravy and reached for the tiny, paper wrapped cubes to dissolve into your 'homemade' meal? Although the store bought, pre-packaged kind are handy, they're filled with mostly salt and virtually no nutritional value. It's easy to make them at home more economically and with your own preferred ingredients. In just a few easy steps you can make a variety of different flavors.

Instructions

1. Take any ingredients you wish such as beef, chicken, pork or vegetables. Cook them in a heavy, covered pot on the stove top or in a slow cooker to pull all the flavors out. Add salt or other seasonings if you want to. You can always add them later when you're using the cube in a dish.

2. Let the bouillon cool and then spoon the juice into ice cube freezer trays. Freeze overnight and then store them in zip lock bags.

3. Make a vegetable bouillon by taking celery, carrots, garlic, onion dried thyme and sage and put in boiling water. Add sea salt or table salt and then let boil for an hour. Take the soupy mixture and blend in a blender.

4. Try an asian bouillon cube by combining steak or pork with some soy sauce, fresh ginger and fish sauce which you can find at any asian supermarket or well stocked grocery store. For an added kick put in a small amount of dried wasabi seasoning. Add one part water to the combined soy and fish sauce.

Tags: fish sauce

What Is The Difference Between Feta & Bleu Cheese

Cheese is a favorite food of many people.

Both feta cheese and bleu cheese are tasty additions to salads and a variety of meat and vegetable dishes. However, the two cheeses differ significantly in their respective origins, ingredients and appearances.

Origins

Both cheeses have historic European origins. However, while feta cheese is heavily associated with Greek cuisine and culture, bleu cheese is more prominent in France and in French foods due to its French origins.

Ingredients

Though both cheeses can be made from cow, goat or sheep's milk, they are made in different ways. When bleu cheese is prepared, a form of mold is added to it which helps to give the cheese its color and flavor. By contrast, feta cheese does not contain mold; rather the creation of feta cheese involves soaking the cheese in brine in order to develop its salty flavor.

Appearance

As its name suggests, bleu cheese has a distinctive blue-green appearance. Feta cheese is generally a soft yellow or white-colored cheese.

Tags: bleu cheese, feta cheese

Avocado & Diabetes

Also known as the alligator pear, the avocado can play a significant role in diabetes management.

New guidelines in the treatment and management of diabetes recommend consuming more of a certain type of fat. One food in particular contains significant amounts of this fat: avocados. Long considered an unhealthy food choice due primarily to its overall high fat content, research now shows that this vegetable is actually good for diabetics.

Diabetes Background

The human body produces insulin which helps to process the glucose formed in the body by food. In normal situations, the body produces enough insulin to get the job done. In diabetics, however, there is either too little insulin, no insulin, or the body's cells aren't capable of responding to the insulin being produced by the pancreas. Glucose then builds up in the blood and is eliminated in the urine. While there is enough glucose in the blood, it can't do its job of promoting cell growth and meeting energy requirements.

Recommendations

The American Diabetes Association recommends following an eating plan that includes more monounsaturated fats. As opposed to artery-clogging saturated fats, monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy. A diabetic diet should be composed of 70 percent carbohydrates and monounsaturated fats, 20 percent protein and no more than 10 percent saturated fats.

Benefits

Monounsaturated fat found in avocados and in many other foods actually helps to reduce bad or LDL cholesterol and raise good or HDL cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol management is crucial to diabetics as they have a greater risk of developing heart disease. Monounsaturated fats may also help the diabetic's body process both insulin and glucose more readily. Avocados contain high levels of Vitamin E, which is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and nerve damage in diabetics.

Additional Advantages

Not only are avocados one of the best sources of monounsaturated fats, they also contain significant amounts of other nutrients that are beneficial to diabetics in particular. These include vitamin C, potassium, thiamine, niacin, folate and riboflavin. Avocados are also high in dietary fiber and contain no sodium.

Carbohydrate Content

Carbohydrates, thought to make up the bulk of the average American's diet, fall into two basic categories: simple, such as table sugar and honey, and complex, such as white rice, pasta, or white bread. The Glycemic Index measures the level of carbohydrates in a particular food and also rates how long it takes that food to raise blood glucose levels in the body.

Eating Green

There are many ways in which the tasty avocado can be enjoyed as a significant source of monounsaturated fats. Its creamy buttery consistency enhances such dishes as guacamole, salad dressings or cream soups. Avocados are also wonderful in salads or when paired with tangy fruits such as grapefruit, and they add interest to sandwiches as well.

Tags: monounsaturated fats, Avocados also, body produces, heart disease, saturated fats, significant amounts

Breakfast Ideas Without Eggs

Different Types of Cereals

Some mornings you wake up and just do not want eggs for breakfast. On the other hand, maybe you are out of eggs and do not feel like going to the grocery store. Not to worry, as a delicious hot or cold meal is still available for you. There are plenty of ideas for a breakfast without eggs.

Cold Cereal

Cold cereal is a common breakfast food. Pour a bowl of your favorite cereal and then add cold milk for a quick and convenient way to start off the day. You can use regular milk or soy milk for eating cereal.

Hot Cereal

A bowl of hot oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious way to start your morning. Oatmeal goes well with many different ingredients, such as butter, sugar, milk and fruit or nuts. Grits and Cream of Wheat are also hot cereals.

Toast

Some people like a light breakfast in the morning, maybe nothing more than a slice or two of buttered toast. For a little extra flavor, try adding a spoonful of jam, jelly or preserves to your toast.

Fruit

One idea for a breakfast without eggs is fruit. Some people are satisfied with eating an orange, apple or banana in the mornings. Cut up different fruits for a delicious meal of mixed fruits.

Yogurt

Yogurt, with its smooth texture and pudding-like consistency, goes well as a standalone breakfast or eaten with other breakfast foods. Top your yogurt with granola, dry cereal of your choice or fruit for added taste.

Muffins

Dry muffin mixes come in a variety of flavors, such as strawberry, blueberry and even orange-berry. Adding fresh eggs is not required for many dry muffin mixes--you just need to add milk. Follow the instructions on the back of the package and pour into greased muffin tins. Bake in your oven for the recommended time. Let them cool slightly before eating.

Canned Biscuits

One way to make a delicious breakfast that does not require any eggs is sausage or bacon biscuits. Fry up your sausage patties or strips of bacon until done. While the meat is cooking, open a tube of canned biscuits and place the individual biscuits on a flat baking sheet. Bake according to the instructions on the can until they are done cooking. Split open the biscuits and place the sausage patties or pieces of bacon on them. You can also leave off the meat and just eat buttered biscuits.

Tags: biscuits place, breakfast without, breakfast without eggs, goes well, sausage patties, Some people, without eggs

Remove Cake From A Tube Pan

Pound cakes, bundt cakes, angel food cakes and any other cake baked in a tube pan can be a disaster if the cake doesn't come out in one piece. Occasionally, a cake will release from the tube pan intact except for the bottom, which becomes the top when it's out of the pan. But there are some methods to ensure cakes release from the tube pan perfectly, every time.

Instructions

1. Trace the bottom of the tube pan onto parchment paper using a pencil.

2. Cut out the traced shape with scissors, staying close to the inside of both lines.

3. Place the parchment paper cutout in the bottom of the tube pan.

4. Grease and flour the tube pan.

5. Pour the cake batter into the tube pan.

6. Remove the cake from oven when it is baked and place it on a wire cooling rack.

7. Allow the cake to sit on the wire cooling rack for ten minutes.

8. Place the cake plate on top of the tube pan, with the serving side against the tube pan.

9. Using pot holders, hold the cake plate in place with one hand. Carefully turn the tube cake upside down onto a cake plate with the other hand.

10. Allow the cake to cool completely and remove parchment paper.

Tags: cake plate, parchment paper, Allow cake, bottom tube, cooling rack, from tube

Mantel Decorating For Christmas

Decorating your mantel for the holidays will add warmth and sentimental value to the space.

Now that the holidays are coming up, you and your family may want to decorate the mantels in your home with accents that put everyone in the Christmas spirit. A number of items can be grouped together to make an eye-catching holiday display, or you can choose signature mantel pieces that have become part of your family's Christmas tradition.

Size

Several small decorations are best for a mantel with limited space. For instance, small gold or silver frames filled with pictures of your children's first Christmases can line the mantel, or you can hang small Christmas stockings or Santa hats along the mantel along with a thin piece of garland to make the decor especially festive. For a larger mantel, a tall glass vase filled with brightly colored Christmas ornaments or a wreath made of white or gold leaves is an elegant addition to the room.

Significance

Items that are especially significant to your family should be displayed on the mantel for Christmas as well. For instance, a professional current family portrait in a quality frame can be centered on the mantel and decorated with a Christmas star or small Santa hat on the corner of the frame. Or, a large ornament or Christmas decoration that your child made by hand can be positioned in the center of the mantel, and you can change the decor each year as your children create new crafts.

Considerations

If you want to include some non-traditional Christmas items on the mantel this year, it's a good idea to use some of the other colors in the room as inspiration. For instance, if you've decorated with aubergine, purple Christmas ornaments in a silver bowl will make a great mantle accent. Or, white Christmas roses in a red vase can be used instead of the traditional poinsettia centerpiece.

Tags: your family, Christmas ornaments, decorated with, filled with, your children

Cook Fresh Rhubarb

Rhubarb, known to our grandparents as "pie plant," offers vitamin-rich, bright red stalks that can be cooked up into a tangy sauce. You can pick up rhubarb stalks in the grocery store produce aisle.

Instructions

Cook Fresh Rhubarb

1. Wash rhubarb stalks; discard any leaves or tough, white ends. Green rhubarb stalks are slightly more tart, but still make a tasty sauce.

2. Chop 3-4 rhubarb stalks into thin slices. The cooked plant can be stringy, but starting with thin slices will prevent you from having long, stringy material in the finished sauce.

3. In non-aluminum saucepan, cover chopped rhubarb with water. Simmer several minutes, until rhubarb is completely soft and disintegrating.

4. Remove from heat and stir in a full package of gelatin dessert mix. Use sugar-free gelatin for a very low-carb dessert. Don't add additional water. Taste mixture; add sugar or sweetener (such as Splenda) if needed, but leave rhubarb sauce somewhat tart.

5. Pour mix into glass bowl and refrigerate until firm, at least one hour. Serve topped with whipped dairy or non-dairy topping, spoon over vanilla ice cream, or serve as a side dish with chicken or pork.

Tags: rhubarb stalks, Cook Fresh, Cook Fresh Rhubarb, Fresh Rhubarb, thin slices

Make Strawberry Jam

The most difficult thing about making strawberry jam is hulling all the strawberries. But it will be worth the time! Unlike store-bought jams, homemade recipes have no preservatives and can be sweetened to taste, making them both nutritious and delicious.This recipe yields 8 (8 oz.) half pints.

Instructions

make strawberry jam

1. Wash and hull strawberries; mash in a large bowl, one layer at a time.

2. Combine strawberries and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Gradually stir in pectin, bringing mixture to a rolling boil.

3. Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Return mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly for one minute. Remove from heat.

4. Skim foam from mixture, if necessary. Ladle into sterilized jars. Wipe rims of jars before sealing. Process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.

5. Remove and let cool for 12 to 24 hours. This allows settling time. Jam can be eaten when cooled and thickened, and will last up to one year if stored in a cool place.

Tags:

Design A Cheese Platter

Be adventurous when assembling a cheese platter.

Cheese boards are a simple, elegant way to serve appetizers. You can also have a wine and cheese party and make the cheese board the main attraction. The key rule is that there are no rules. Buy what is fresh and what you like and make it look elegant.

Instructions

1. Choose a flat, large board that is simple and elegant. Decide how large a board you need by the amount of cheese you are serving. You need enough room for each cheese to stand alone, along with room for crackers, bread and fruit. You do not want a busy design or anything with rounded edges. The cheese should be the star.

2. Choose your cheese based on what is fresh and what you like. This is not the time for any basic cheese that is vacuum packed and sold in bulk. Be adventurous. Most large grocery stores have a specialty cheese case. You may also find a cheese shop in your town. Try for one hard cheese, one soft cheese and one other kind. For the third choose something that you have never tried. You could also try a mix of cow's milk cheese, goat's milk cheese and sheep's milk cheese. Also consider using a theme, such as cheeses from Spain.

3. Use greenery as the base for your board. Any large, flat leaves such as hydrangea or lemon will work. You can get them from your florist, the produce section of your store or your backyard. Just make sure they are clean and pesticide-free. Lay them on your board and then place the cheeses on the leaves. The greenery adds a pop of color to your display.

4. Add different crackers and bread to your board. Also add fresh fruits such as grapes, strawberries and figs. You might consider an assortment of nuts, as well. This is when you are making your cheese platter beautiful, so be creative.

Tags: milk cheese, your board, cheese platter, crackers bread, fresh what, fresh what like

Make A Margarita Drink

The margarita is thought to have originated in Mexico, and is now among the most popular of all mixed drinks. Although margarita mixes are widely available, the results bear only a passing resemblance to a real margarita made with freshly squeezed lime juice and orange liqueur. Classic margaritas use the standard bartender's recipe and may be served frozen or poured over ice (on the rocks). Party margaritas are simpler to make and have less alcohol, making them a good choice if you plan to serve them to a large group.

Instructions

Classic Margarita on the Rocks

1. Wet the rim of a glass by rubbing a slice of lime on it. Press the rim into a plate of salt.

2. Combine 1 1/2 oz. tequila, 3/4 oz. orange liqueur and 1/2 oz. lime juice. If you like your margaritas sweeter, add 1/2 oz. simple syrup.

3. Shake the mixture in a cocktail shaker until thoroughly blended.

4. Pour over ice into the prepared glass and serve with a wedge of lime.

Frozen Classic Margarita

5. Follow steps one and two above.

6. Pour the mixture and 1/2 cup of ice into a blender, and blend using the pulse setting until frothy.

7. Pour into the prepared glass and serve with a wedge of lime.

Simple Party Margaritas

8. Prepare the frozen limeade in a pitcher using the amount of water the package calls for.

9. Stir in 1 1/2 cups tequila and 3/4 cup orange liqueur.

10. Store in the freezer until ready to use. Scoop the frozen mixture into salt-rimmed glasses and garnish with a lime wedge to serve.

Tags: orange liqueur, Classic Margarita, glass serve, glass serve with, into prepared, into prepared glass, lime juice

Collect Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are collected for replanting next year or drying for snacks.

Pumpkins are available in many varieties such as miniature, sweet and giant. Some varieties are available only through saving the pumpkin's seeds. It is common to save pumpkin seeds when growing competition giants. This allows the gardener to grow and develop super-size pumpkins. Pumpkin seeds can also be collected from store-purchased pumpkins. These seeds are dried or roasted for snacks. When a pumpkin has reached its mature size, the seeds are ready for collecting.

Instructions

1. Wash the outside of the selected pumpkin with soapy water. Dry the pumpkin with a soft cloth. Removing the surface dirt prevents contamination of the pumpkin meat when the knife cuts through the skin.

2. Place the pumpkin on a cutting board on a sturdy surface. Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin or cut the pumpkin in half with a sharp knife.

3. Remove the pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin by scraping the sides of the pumpkin with a large spoon. Place the seeds and stringy insides on a newspaper.

4. Put the seeds in a colander in the kitchen sink. Run cool water on the seeds while swishing them around to separate the seeds from the strings. Pull off the strings as you rinse the seeds.

5. Line a cookie sheet with a layer of paper towels. Place the washed pumpkin seeds on the paper towels. Let the seeds air dry before storing.

Tags: pumpkin with, paper towels, seeds from

Make Mini Praline Cheesecakes

Extra rich, this cheesecake tastes like a turtle sundae!

Pecans rule in this wonderful bar desert. With a taste similar to a turtle sundae, this rich cheesecake will be a hit with everyone.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, cookie crumbs, 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Stir in melted butter. Press mixture into bottom of baking dish. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is set and lightly brown around edges. Be careful not to burn.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, and slowly add condensed milk, beating constantly. Add in sugar and 2 tsp. vanilla. Blend well. Pour mixture over crust. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until set. Cool in pan on wire rack.

3. For topping, in medium saucepan, combine whipping cream and brown sugar. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until mixture boils. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Stir 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla into cooled mixture, blending well. Add 1 cup chopped pecans, stirring to make sure all pecans are well-covered. Pour mixture over cheesecake. Cover and chill at least 3 hours. Since this is a very rich dessert, cut into small squares and place in small paper cups to serve.

Tags: Bake minutes, Bake minutes until, chopped pecans, minutes until, mixture over, Pour mixture

Make Chewy Caramel Popcorn

Chewy Caramel popcorn is a fresh take on an old favorite.

If you're a fan of Cracker Jack, Kettle Corn and other popcorn treats, deciding which is your favorite can be a challenge. That might change once you make Chewy Caramel Popcorn. This old-fashioned snack combines vanilla caramel and slightly salty popcorn into a treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Instructions

1. Pop 2 1/2 to 3 gallons of popcorn and deposit it into a large bowl. Shake the popped corn to cause the unpopped kernels to sift to the bottom, then transfer the popcorn to another large bowl. Take care not to transfer the unpopped corn with it. Salt lightly and set the popped corn aside.

2. Measure 2 cups of brown sugar into a large-sized, heavy saucepan. Pack it firmly to ensure proper measurement of the contents. Add 1 cup white corn syrup and 1/2 tsp. salt to the brown sugar, and stir well.

3. Cook the sugar and syrup mixture over medium high heat, stirring constantly until boiling. Boil one minute.

4. Add 1/2 cup butter and 1 can sweetened condensed milk to the boiling sugar-syrup mixture. Stir continuously as the butter melts and the mixture returns to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

5. Continue cooking and stirring the caramel, being sure to keep your stirring spoon in contact with the bottom of the pan to help prevent the scorching that easily happens once you add the sweetened condensed milk. Cook it until it reaches the Soft-ball stage, which is 235° F to 240° F or 118° C to 120° C on a candy thermometer.

6. Remove the caramel from the heat when it has reached Soft-ball stage. Stir in 1 tbsp. vanilla. Cool for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Separate about 1/2 a gallon of your popped corn into another container and set it aside. Drizzle the still-warm caramel over the remaining popped corn, stirring as you do so to evenly coat each kernel. Add the reserved popcorn if there seems to be too much caramel for the amount of popcorn.

8. Serve Chewy Caramel Popcorn by the bowlful while still warm, or wait until it cools, and form it into balls. Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or a bowl lid. Chewy Caramel Popcorn will keep unrefrigerated for several days.

Tags: Chewy Caramel, Caramel Popcorn, popped corn, brown sugar, Chewy Caramel Popcorn, Chewy Caramel Popcorn, condensed milk

Make Salt Water Taffy

If you are looking for a different way to have family fun together, and have an exercise workout at the same time, make salt water taffy. This chewy candy treat is an enjoyable cooking project for the whole family, and the results will be delicious and fun to eat.

Instructions

Cook the Salt Water Taffy

1. Place the sugar and the cornstarch together in a saucepan.

2. Blend in the corn syrup, water, glycerin, salt and butter using a wooden spoon.

3. Put the pan on the stove over medium heat and stir the ingredients until all of the sugar dissolves.

4. Stir the mixture continuously until it comes to a boil. Once it begins to boil, allow it cook without stirring, until the temperature reaches 270 degrees F, which is the soft crack stage in candy making.

5. Dip a pastry brush in warm water and wash down pan sides while the syrup is cooking to ensure that a single, undissolved crystal of sugar, called a seed crystal, doesn't fall into the hot mixture. If this happens, it can cause the recrystallization of all the sugar crystals.

6. Remove the pan from the stove and add any flavorings or food colorings that you desire and gently stir them into the hot syrup.

7. Pour the mixture onto a greased, shallow cookie sheet or onto a greased marble slab, then allow time for the syrupy mixture to become cool enough to handle.

Pull the Salt Water Taffy

8. Grease your hands with butter or oil once the taffy has become cool enough to handle.

9. Pull the taffy for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it has a satiny gloss and becomes light in color. It is fun to have help with this step.

10. Roll the taffy, after you have finished pulling it, into a rope that is approximately ? inch in diameter.

11. Cut the taffy roll into 1 inch-long pieces with a greased butter knife or scissors.

12. Allow the taffy pieces to rest for about ? hour.

13. Wrap the taffy pieces in plastic wrap or wax paper and twist the ends closed.

Tags: Salt Water, Water Taffy, become cool, become cool enough, cool enough

Make Popping Corn

Popcorn is one of the most versatile snack foods. It can be eaten during movies or games and even strung on a Christmas tree. Sometimes, though, you just get tired of the greasy, microwave popcorn. Fortunately, you can make popping corn without the microwave, right on your stovetop. Stovetop popcorn produces a richer flavor than other types of popcorn. So the next time you get the craving for some popcorn, forget the urge to just throw a bag into the microwave; instead, take a little time to produce a high-quality, tasty snack on the stove.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Coat the bottom of a large pot with approximately two to three tablespoons of vegetable oil.

2. Pour the popping corn into the pot; use enough to cover the entire bottom of the pot.

3. Turn the stovetop on, with the burner reaching a medium to medium-high heat.

4. Listen for the first kernel to pop.

5. Place the lid on the pot.

6. Lift the pot slightly off the burner and begin shaking it over the flame, so as to prevent the popcorn from burning. For more tender popcorn, keep lid slightly tilted to allow steam to escape.

7. Shake the pot until you can no longer see or hear the popping corn popping.

8. Turn off the stovetop.

9. Remove the lid and pour the popcorn into a large bowl.

Tags: popping corn, Turn stovetop

Choose Apples For Apple Pie

Fresh apple pie

Apple pie is a classic, wholesome dessert, and it's healthy enough that you can even have it for breakfast! Here's a guide to picking out the best apples for your next apple pie.

Instructions

1. Choose apples that are smooth and free of blemishes. The fruit should be firm and without any soft spots. Apples range in color from maroon to pink to buttery yellow to emerald green.

2. Tart apples are commonly used in pies, crisps and cobblers. The process of baking releases sugars in the apples and sweetens them naturally, while still retaining the sharp, tart bite. Tart apples that are good for baking include Cortland, Granny Smith, Northern Spy, Cameo and York Imperial.

3. If you prefer a sweeter, less tart apple pie, try Fuji, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.

4. All purpose, middle-of-the-road apples include Gravenstein, Jonathan, Jonagold, Pippin and Crispin.

5. Don't feel obligated to stick to a single variety of apple! Mix and match sweet and tart apples for a unique, complex taste.

6. Prepare apples according to your recipe and bake as instructed. For most apple-pie recipes, you will core, peel and slice the apples, then coat the slices with sugar and spices, then bake in a double pie crust until done.

Tags: apples that, Tart apples

Make Peanut Butter Cookies

Instructions

1. Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer to beat the butter and peanut butter until combined, about 30 seconds.

2. Add the sugars, baking soda and powder, and beat until combined.

3. Add the vanilla and the egg and beat until combined.

4. Stir in the flour until incorporated. The dough will become thick and difficult to work at this point; you may want to chill it for an hour or so until it's easier to work with.

5. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them a few inches apart on cookie sheets.

7. Butter the tines of a large fork and use it to press the cookies flat. Make a design of perpendicular lines with the fork. Re-butter the fork as necessary. You can also dip the buttered fork into granulated sugar before pressing; some of the sugar will then stick to the cookies.

8. Bake for 10 minutes or until just starting to brown around the edges.

9. Remove from the cookie sheet to cool.

Tags: until combined, beat until, beat until combined

The Effect Of Gum Chewing On Learning

Bubble gum chewing may enhance cognition by improving alertness and reducing stress.

Forget what your teachers told you--gum-chewing and school might be compatible after all. Some research shows that chewing gum while studying or test-taking can improve mental functioning associated with learning, resulting in improved academic performance.

Reduces Stress

Research conducted by Bayor College of Medicine that studied the effects of chewing gum while studying and testing found a link between gum chewing and higher math test scores in eighth graders. According to a WebMD interview of study leader Craig Johnston, PhD, researchers speculate that chewing gum reduces stress, explaining the higher test scores among students who chewed gum. A 2010 Cardiff University study of volunteers who chewed gum during stressful testing situations, published in the journal "Nutritional Neuroscience," also concluded that chewing gum improves cognition by reducing stress.

Increases Alertness

In addition to stress reduction, the study by Cardiff University indicates that gum chewing also facilitates learning by increasing alertness. Researchers found that chewing gum was associated with greater alertness, including quicker reaction time and improved selective and sustained attention. According to the study's abstract, "heart rate and cortisol levels were higher when chewing, which confirms the alerting effect of chewing gum."

Improves Memory (Maybe)

Chewing gum may also facilitate learning by improving memory, although research has produced conflicting conclusions on this subject. The 2010 Cardiff University study found that while improving alertness and reducing stress, chewing gum had no impact on memory. Yet, another study, conducted by University of Northumbria in Newcastle, UK, found that people who chewed gum throughout tests of both long-term and short-term memory produced significantly better scores than people who did not, although gum-chewing did not boost memory-linked reaction times.

Tags: that chewing, Cardiff University, found that, reducing stress, 2010 Cardiff, 2010 Cardiff University

Make Marshmallow Dreidels

Two traditions really stand out in celebration of Hanukka; eating good food and playing with dreidels. Combining the two means you really can play with your food! Whether you are wanting a fun dreidel themed treat just for the visual appeal or a literal dreidel that is edible, this fun marshmallow interpretation is a winning idea that will guarantee any Hanukkah hostess creative brownie points.

Instructions

Make Marshmallow Dreidels

1. Choose the material you want to use for the top, or handle, of your dreidel. Thin pretzel sticks work best, but licorice whips can also be used.

2. Make a hole in the center of the marshmallow and poke the pretzel through, making sure that a little bit sticks through the other side. For a more savory dreidel, use a marshmallow covered in toasted coconut. Dipping the marshmallow in chocolate and letting it dry first also adds a little extra fun to this treat.

3. Unwrap a Hershey's Kiss and bore a small hole in the center of the flat side so it will fit the pretzel. Hershey's Hugs or other varieties can be used for a bit of variety.

4. Fit the top of the dreidel to the kiss. If the pretzel doesn't stick in there by itself, add a thin layer of peanut butter or icing in between the two layers to help them adhere.

5. Decorate the marshmallow dreidel. Coating it in frosting and sprinkles or peanut butter and chocolate shavings are tasty ways to make the dreidel look festive.

6. Make your candy dreidel into a real dreidel. Create the illusion of four sides with licorice whips or frosting. Paint on the proper letters onto each side using frosting or food coloring. Let it dry.

7. Consider making small marshmallow dreidels for snacks using pretzel sticks, mini marshmallows and nonpareils or small Hershey's Kisses.

Tags: hole center, licorice whips, Make Marshmallow, Make Marshmallow Dreidels, Marshmallow Dreidels, peanut butter

Use Cream Of Chicken Soup

Cream of chicken soup is an enjoyable hearty meal by itself.

Cream of chicken soup is a lifesaver for the cook in a hurry. Use cream of chicken soup to make delicious chicken gravy, sauce for smothered chicken and as a sauce for rice, chicken, tuna and other casseroles. Cream of chicken soup, in addition to being enjoyed by itself, when blended with peas, chopped carrots and potatoes and other vegetables is a hearty chicken stew. It is very versatile and is incorporated into some beef recipes such as a sauce for smothered steak or hamburger casserole.

Instructions

Preparing Cream Of Chicken Soup

1. Open the can of cream of chicken soup and pour into a saucepan. Use a rubber spatula as necessary to completely empty the can.

2. Fill the empty can with water and use the spatula to rinse any remaining soup from the can and pour the water into the saucepan.

3. Turn the burner to medium heat, stir the soup with a spoon and water until thoroughly mixed and continue to stir every 2 to 3 minutes until the soup is thoroughly heated to the desired temperature.

Other Uses For Cream Of Chicken Soup

4. Use cream of chicken soup to thin sauce or gravy by preparing the soup according to the directions on the can and adding to the sauce or gravy. Add more water to the soup if the sauce or gravy needs a great deal of thinning. Thicken sauce or gravy by adding less liquid to the soup before adding it to the sauce or gravy.

5. Make casseroles and pasta dishes by mixing the soup with water, milk or chicken broth so that the soup is absorbed by the primary ingredients to blend them together and add flavor.

6. Prepare sauces quickly and simply by making the soup according to the directions on the can and, if desired, adding more ingredients to it. Add green chiles to the soup for New Mexican enchilada casserole or cook frozen mixed vegetables with the soup and place atop prepared biscuits for a quick and simple chicken pot pie.

Tags: chicken soup, sauce gravy, according directions, adding sauce, adding sauce gravy, Chicken Soup, Cream Chicken

Make Hot Cinnamon Spiced Apple Cider

Apple cider is a great autumn treat. Adding an extra bit of spice to it makes for an even greater sensation. On crisp autumn evenings, this drink is a delight to the senses that will send that chill away.

Instructions

Cinnamon Apple Cider

1. Place the stock pot on a stove over medium heat. Add the apple cider to the pot. While the cider begins to heat, slice the orange into thin slices. Add this to the pot. Do the same with the lemon.

2. Take all of the spices (cloves, cinnamon, allspice), and tie them closed inside of the cheesecloth, creating a teabag effect. Add the spices to the warming liquid.

3. Stir in the sugar and raise the heat on the apple cider to medium/high. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for three minutes. Lower the heat to low, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

4. Pull the cheesecloth out of the cider. Pour the remaining liquid through a strainer to catch fruit and anything else that might be floating in the apple cider.

5. Pour into the cider into mugs. Insert a cinnamon stick in each mug as a stirrer. Serve warm.

Tags: apple cider, cider Pour, heat apple, heat apple cider

Decorate A Cheese Platter

Arrange your cheese tray to create an elegant presentation.

If you are hosting a dinner party, pique your guests' appetites with a tempting cheese platter. Decorate the platter with other fresh food items to add color and interest to the presentation. Use a variety of cheeses, such as aged, mild, hard, spreadable and veined to please all palates. Accompany the cheese platter with a selection of gourmet crackers and crusty bread.

Instructions

1. Choose a platter to match the theme of your party. For a wine and cheese soiree, pick a sophisticated glass platter in the shape of a wine bottle. Use a charming flower petal-shaped tray if you are hosting an afternoon garden party.

2. Slice cheese in uniform shapes for an eye-pleasing presentation. Cut hard cheeses, including sharp cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano, into triangle or square shapes, or roll thin slices of cheese such as Havarti, Monterey jack and mozzarella.

3. Place a complementary food item in the center of the platter. Use a bunch of sweet red or green grapes, a small bowl of salty nuts, such as cashews or pistachios, or olives as a centerpiece.

4. Arrange the cheese slices or rolls around the centerpiece. Display the cheese in rows, alternating the types; for instance, showcase one row each of cheddar, Havarti and mozzarella.

5. Add a pop of color to the cheese platter. Place vibrant kiwi or strawberry slices around the platter. Decorate the platter with fresh curly parsley or radishes cut into rosebud shapes.

Tags: cheese platter, platter with, Decorate platter, Decorate platter with, platter Decorate, platter Decorate platter

Make Mango Infused/Flavored Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is an easy to make solution used for drink recipes and cooking. It is simply sugar infused into water. As granulated sugar doesn't dissolve well into cold drinks, people use simple syrup in place of sugar as it doesn't leave a residue on the bottom of the glass as adding straight sugar would. The resulting solution can be used to sweeten up drinks, cocktails, coffee or in dessert recipes. While the normal syrup is simply syrup, these syrups can be infused with different flavors to make exotic syrups and thus exotic drinks or desserts. Mangos are great to try. Read below on infuse simple syrup with Mango to make this uniquely flavored syrup.

Instructions

1. Take 4 oz of water, 4 oz. of Mango Juice, 4-6 oz. Mango and 8 oz. of granulated sugar. If you'd like more simple syrup, simply double the starting amounts of water, juice and sugar. The equation, no matter what the ending result is equal parts of sugar, (water and juice totaling the same amount of sugar). For example, 4 oz. of water plus 4 oz. of Mango Juice equals 8 oz. total, to the 8 oz. of sugar.

2. Bring the water to a boil by either placing in a teapot or cooking pot to boil the water. If you are doing this in a restaurant or bar, a great easy way to get the boiling water is to use the hot water spout from the coffee machine, and then have a heat resistant container ready. This saves a lot of time and clean up, should you have this wonderful resource.

3. Next add the granulated sugar and Mango Juice, (4 oz. Mango Juice), 4-6 oz. Mango. Pour the sugar, Mango & Mango Juice into the cooking pot or if using the ready hot water from the coffee machine spout or teapot, pour into a heat resistant container all together. Stir the sugar, Mango Juice, Mango and water together until the sugar dissolves completely. Time is the key here. If you leave the Mango in for a longer period of time the stronger the flavor will be. Think steeping tea.

Tags: Mango Juice, Juice Mango, Mango Juice Mango, granulated sugar, simple syrup, sugar Mango

Make Tuna And Noodle Casserole

Casseroles are, for may of us, the food our parents often served for dinner while we were growing up. In the rise of the slow food movement, casseroles are becoming popular again, thanks to the simplicity of the recipes and to the healthy, good ingredients. One casserole that your children will certainly enjoy, and which they might even be able to make themselves, is the easy tuna and noodle casserole.

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles in boiling water until tender. While the noodles cook, dice the onion and celery and cut up the broccoli into smaller pieces. Throw them into the pot during the last few moments the pasta is cooking.

2. Drain the water from the pasta then pour everything into your casserole dish.

3. Add the tuna, peas, carrots and the mushroom soup to the noodles. Stir everything together.

4. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the noodles, then cook the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Tags:

Make Wild Rice Soup

Wild rice is a grain that's harvested from grass but isn't actually a member of the rice family. It's more expensive than rice but widely available in most grocery stores. If you prepare your rice ahead of time, this wild rice soup cooks up almost as quickly as opening a can of soup from the cupboard.

Instructions

1. Prepare cooked wild rice ahead of time by adding 1 cup of wild rice to 2 cups of boiling water. Add 1/2 tsp. salt, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pan with a tight fitting lid. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes until the outer hulls pop off. Turn off the heat and allow it to stand for 15 minutes. Drain any excess water off the rice and refrigerate it until ready to use.

2. Dice one large onion and several large fresh mushrooms. Saute those in 1/2 cup of butter until tender.

3. Stir 1 cup of all-purpose flour into the butter, onion and mushroom mixture, stirring and cooking for a few minutes. This is just to remove the raw flour taste, not to brown the rue.

4. Add about 8 cups of hot chicken broth to the rue, whisking continuously until it's smooth and well blended. At this point, add 2 cups of cooked wild rice, season with salt and pepper to suite your taste and bring the mixture up to temperature.

5. Pour 1 cup of light cream into the wild rice mixture to make a rich, silky soup. Don't bring it up to a boil after adding the cream. Serve your wild rice soup while it's warm.

Tags: wild rice, ahead time, cooked wild, cooked wild rice, rice ahead, rice ahead time

Smoke Fish At Home With Liquid Smoke

People have smoked fish as a preservative for thousands of years.

Typically, smoked fish is made using a purchased smoker or homemade, outdoor smokehouse. The smoke flavor is imparted to the fish by burning chips in the purchased smoker or burning wood, such as alder, apple or cottonwood, in the smokehouse. Liquid smoke is a way of imparting that smokehouse flavor to fish without having to smoke it. After you apply the liquid smoke, bake or grill the fish.

Instructions

1. Mix up a brine or marinade. There are many different fish brine and marinade recipes available in cookbooks and online. As the name implies, all brine recipes involve salt. Brine is traditionally used with smoked fish. Some brine recipes also include brown sugar and other ingredients, such as pepper.

2. Either rub liquid smoke on the fish or mix it in with the brine or marinade. The technique used varies from recipe to recipe.

3. Place the fish in the brine or marinade and let sit. The length of time that the fish should sit in the brine or marinade varies per recipe. Usually, fish is left in a marinade for at least 2 hours. Fish can sit in brine for up to 36 hours.

4. Grill or bake the fish. Some recipes for baking the fish call for the oven to be set at a low temperature and the fish cooked for several hours. Others will have you bake the fish normally, for example, at 375° F for 10-12 minutes. Fish can be cooked on the grill at similar temperatures.

Tags: brine marinade, smoked fish, bake fish, brine recipes, fish brine marinade, fish Some, purchased smoker

Turn Milk In To Cheese

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Fresh, wholesome dairy products like milk and low-fat cheese are, according to the Weight Watchers Research Department, part of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. That's good news for cheese lovers. While it's true that some of your favorite cheeses can take a great deal of effort to make and need a great deal of aging before you can enjoy them, you can turn milk into cheese in your kitchen in just a few hours. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Line a large colander with a new, clean piece of tightly-woven cheesecloth. Set aside.

2. Pour 8 cups whole milk into a large saucepan.

3. Add 1/8 tsp. salt and stir to combine.

4. Place the saucepan on your stove top over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir the milk frequently to prevent it from scorching.

5. Turn off the heat as soon as bubbles appear on the surface of the milk, but leave the saucepan on the burner.

6. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice to the milk. Stir well.

7. Leave the milk on your stove top for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the lemon juice will cause the milk to curdle (congeal into a jelly-like form).

8. Place your cheesecloth-lined colander in your sink. Pour the contents of the saucepan into the colander, allowing the excess liquid to drain into the sink.

9. Gather the cheesecloth, like a bag, around the cheese. Squeeze firmly to drain out as much excess liquid as possible.

10. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate overnight.

11. Remove the plastic wrap and place the cheese back in its container. Store in the refrigerator.

Tags: excess liquid, great deal, lemon juice, milk into, plastic wrap, plastic wrap place, wrap place

Make Old Fashioned Southern Potato Salad

Potato Salad

In the South, there is no family gathering or picnic that doesn't include potato salad and fried chicken. This is my mother's recipe. Enjoy.

Instructions

1. Put a large pot of water on medium heat and bring to a boil. Add the butter and eggs. Let the eggs boil for about 3-5 minutes and remove from water.

2. Peel potatoes and dice into cube shapes. Add about 1 tsp of salt and the diced potatoes to the boiling water. Let cook until potatoes are soft but not mushy.(about 10 minutes)

3. While potatoes are cooking, dice the celery, pimentos, onions and bell pepper. Drain the potatoes and let cool. Dice 4 of the boiled eggs.

4. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, celery, onions, pimentos, bell peppers and diced eggs. Add Miracle whip and using a mixing fork mix the ingredients well with the miracle whip.

5. Transfer to serving bowl. Take the remaining two eggs and slice them. Place the slices on top of the potato salad. Sprinkle paprika on top of the eggs and salad.

Tags: about minutes, potato salad, Potato Salad

Single Bottle Wine Chiller Work

How Does a Single Bottle Wine Chiller Work?

Why Use A Single Bottle Wine Chiller?

Single bottle wine chillers are useful for serving cold wine on the go. The quicker models can bring wine from room temperature to refreshing in under 5 minutes. They're just the thing for impromptu cravings, parties or prechilled wine shortages.

Single bottle chillers are also nice for cramped spaces that can't accommodate a chilled wine rack. For people who own small or overstuffed refrigerators, a small wine chiller is ideal. Many are moderately priced, nicely designed and easy to maintain.

Types of Wine Chillers

There are several varieties of single bottle wine chillers on the market. The consumer can pick the best solution for his needs and desired amount of work.

The first type uses cold water and ice to bring down temperature. These chillers aim a targeted spray of water while rotating the bottle to evenly cool the beverage. These wine chillers range in price from $30 to $90 for top-line models. For some, you'll need ice cubes (a tray or two), which can make the process a bit more time-consuming.

The next type uses thermoelectric cooling and physics to generate cold. A network of intersecting wires in the cooler conduct current in a certain way to create heat or cold. If the user wants a cold beverage, the cooler will change the electrical flow in such a way that the heat of the process will be absorbed. These chillers can be redirected to heat wine, as well. These work faster than the water-chilled coolers, and they have a price range of $60 to $150.

What Beverages Does This Work For?

A single bottle wine chiller will work for any beverage that fits into the holder. That means soda, water, champagne and vodka can be quickly cooled for consumption.

Most people purchase a single bottle chiller for wine. Most of the chilled wines are whites, such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine won't be hurt or damaged by the quick cooling, so don't worry about ruining your favorite bottle.

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Cook Crab Claw Fingers

Shelled and fried crab fingers make delicious appetizers.

Crab claw fingers are convenient in that you can hold the bottom claw portion and eat the shelled crab meat on top. Although you can find crab fingers on the menus of traditional Louisiana Cajun and Creole-inspired restaurants, it may be less expensive to make them yourself at home. Crab fingers make ideal party appetizers and snacks when breaded and fried. Serve the crab with various dipping sauces, such as cocktail, tarter, spicy Cajun remoulade or Creole mustard.

Instructions

1. Create a wet batter by combining 1 egg, 2/3 cup milk, 1 tbsp. corn flour, 1 tbsp. corn starch, 1/2 tsp. hot sauce, 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and Creole seasoning to taste.

2. Create a dry batter in a separate bowl. Combine 1 cup corn flour, 1/2 cup corn starch and salt and ground black pepper to taste.

3. Fill a deep fryer with peanut or vegetable oil and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Set the desired amount of shelled crab claw fingers into the wet batter for up to one minute. Coat the claws with the dry batter and place them into the deep fryer one by one. Fry the claws until they are golden brown; be careful not to overcook the delicate meat for the best flavor and texture.

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Make Nobake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Here's a super-easy No Bake (does it get any better than this?) Cheesecake Bar dessert made from Fresh Blueberries! When fresh fruit is in season ~ it makes yummy desserts extra special! Whip up these easy No-Bake Fresh Blueberry Cheesecake Bars in no-time~ Start to Finish is only about 1.5 hours ~ great for almost last minute "What Can I Bring" ideas!

Instructions

1. Combine crushed graham crackers, nuts if using, and melted butter. Press evenly into bottom of an 8 or 9-inch square pan (glass is good) to form a crust about 1/4 inch thick. Put in refrigerator until ready to use.

2. Using a standing or hand mixer, or a whisk combine cream cheese, ricotta, honey, lemon rind, lemon juice and salt, and blend until smooth.

3. Spread cheese mixture carefully and evenly over crust, using a spatula or butter knife to smooth top.

4. Melt Grape or Blueberry Jam or Jelly in small pot on top of stove. Add fresh blueberries, stir to glaze.

5. Cover cream cheese mixture with fresh blueberries and chill for at least an hour, or until set. Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Garnish with optional whip cream.

Yield: 8 to 12 servings.

Tags: Blueberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, Cheesecake Bars, cheese mixture, cream cheese, fresh blueberries

Ingredients For Deer Jerky

Jerky is made by drying out different meats. The preparation process avoids heat and cooking and instead removes the moisture from the meat, dehydrating it. Although the most common type of jerky is beef jerky, you also can find jerky in a number of other flavors, including bison, turkey and even deer. If you are interested in making your own deer jerky, knowing the different ingredients will help you make the best jerky possible.

The Meat

The first ingredient you need to make deer jerky is deer. Deer meat is known as venison. Although you can use any part of the deer to make jerky, the top round is the preferred cut. The top round is found in the rump of the deer and is also often referred to as the ham. Once you choose the cut of meat, you have to slice it into ¼-inch thick strips, sliced on the grain. For best results, cut off any excess fat and then freeze the meat for several hours before cutting it.

The Dry Ingredients

You can choose from a number of different spices to season the jerky. Most recipes call for salt and paper. However, you can use a variety of other dried spices to add different dimensions of flavor. For example, adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper will add heat to your jerky. Another common addition is onion or garlic powder. Onion and garlic powders are made by grinding up dehydrated onions or garlic. They help impart the onion and garlic flavors to a dish.

The Wet Ingredients

Wet ingredients in deer jerky recipes also help impart flavor. They also help make the seasonings into a marinade to soak the meat prior to drying. Marinating the meat helps impart more flavor to the finished product. One of the most popular wet ingredients added to deer jerky recipes is Worcestershire sauce. Some recipes call for a combination of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Honey also can be added to give the finished product a sweeter note. You can add liquid smoke to impart a smoker flavor.

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Store Cheese

If you have a larger than usual amount of cheese, either leftovers from a special event or a special, hard-to-get cheese bought in quantity, you’ll want to store it properly either in the refrigerator or the freezer. Hard cheeses will keep well in the refrigerator for a month or more and in the freezer for about six months. Read on to learn store cheese.

Instructions

1. Wrap cheese securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Be generous with the amount of wrap and tuck in the sides.

2. Place in refrigerator, where it will keep for about four to six weeks without losing much weight or moisture.

3. Cut cheese destined for the freezer into 1/2 or 1 lb. portions.

4. Place unwrapped slabs of cheese in the back of the freezer overnight.

5. Remove them from the freezer the next day. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags. Squeeze or suck the air out of the bag before sealing it. Return to the freezer immediately, until needed.

6. Defrost frozen cheese overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Use promptly.

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