Is Fruit Allowed On Daniel Fast

Some people choose to eat fruit and fruit juice on a Daniel Fast.

The Daniel Fast is a type of fast based on the experience of the prophet Daniel in the Old Testament. The practice of a Daniel Fast varies from person to person, but all Daniel Fasts adhere to the principle of abstaining from choice foods and meats.

History

The two Bible passages that provide the basis for the Daniel Fast are Daniel 1:8-14 and Daniel 10:2-3. In them, Daniel eats vegetables, drinks water, does not drink wine, does not eat meat, and does not eat tasty foods.

Types

The strictest form of the Daniel Fast is that in which participants only eat vegetables and drink water. More lenient forms allow fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Fruits

Many people argue that the Biblical definition of vegetables includes fruits, so they are allowed on the Daniel Fast. Other people choose to eat only what are today considered vegetables.

Prohibited Foods

There are a number of foods that are clearly not allowed on a Daniel Fast. They include meats of all kinds, including fish, along with animal products such as eggs and milk. Sugar and sweeteners are also not allowed, and most people prohibit bread as well. Wine and other alcoholic or fermented beverages are prohibited.

Benefits

The benefits of a Daniel Fast include renewed spiritual sensitivity and bodily cleansing from the effects of processed and sweet foods.

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Bake Tilapia With Bones

The majority of tilapia is farm-raised and sold as whole or in fillet forms on the market. This fish is eaten for its mild, buttery flavor and firm flesh. It is low in sodium, rich in vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorous, protein and selenium. Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be cooked using various methods. Baking a whole tilapia with bones is one of the ways cooking it. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Cover the cutting board with wax paper to catch the scales.

2. Wash the Tilapia and pat dry with a paper towel. Over the cutting board, hold the fish firmly on its head in one of your hands. With your other hand, use the scaling tool to scale the tilapia. Fish are easier to scale before gutting.

3. Cut open the underside of the fish by running a sharp knife starting from near the tail to just behind the head. Pull out the internals from the opening and discard. Cut off the fins and tail, if desired.

4. Pre-heat your electric oven to 392 or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use heat level number six on gas oven.

5. Make several slits on the fish body on both sides using a sharp knife. Squeeze the juice from one of the limes in to the cuts.

6. Sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the fish on both sides.

7. Cut the other two limes into thin slices. Place several lime slices in the tilapia cavity and put the remaining slices on top of the fish.

8. Drizzle the tilapia with olive oil. Wrap the fish in foil and place it in a roasting pan.

9. Put the fish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. The tilapia does not need to be turned during baking. Clean the work area while the fish is baking.

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Make Jelly Beans At Home

The invention of jelly beans comes from the old time candy, Turkish Delight. The jelly bean as it now stands became popular during the Civil War, when ithe candy was sold to soldiers. Jelly beans consist of a hard shell with a gummy interior. Jelly beans are made of sugar, and while they can be made at home, they are time consuming and require skill in candy making. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Add the water, sugar, and gelatin to a medium saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium high heat until it begins to boil.

2. Boil until the mix creates a short thread, about 20 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat.

3. Stir in the orange and lemon juice and the salt. Let the mixture cool. Stir in the orange and lemon zest.

4. Run cold water over a 9 x 5 inch pan. Pour the liquid into the pan. Allow the mixture to sit out for 4 hours until it is firm.

5. Dip a knife in cold water and run along the edges of the pan. Turn the pan upside down over a cutting board.

6. Use a serrated knife to cut the jelly to the desired size. Dust the pieces in cornstarch. Lay out on a wire rack to dry.

7. Attach the coater attachment to the stand mixer. Place the jellies into the coater, and add 4 tablespoons of water and 3/4 cup of sugar.

8. Turn the mixer on the highest setting. Follow the hard shell coating directions included with the attachment to determine the length of time necessary to create the shell.

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Why Do Body Moles Grow Hair

Moles

The presence of a mole on the body means that skin cells contain melanin, which is a dark pigment on the body. Although moles are a different color on the body, they still share the same characteristics of any other portion of the skin. Therefore, hair follicles can be present under the layer of skin where the mole is. The hair follicle appears under the skin's surface and a hair grows through a break in the sebaceous oil glands. The follicle itself is lined through tightly packed skin cells where cells pack together and push the hair itself through.

Safe Removal

Many people who have a mole that has hair may fear to remove the mole because of a potential adverse reaction. There is no evidence that action to remove the hair, such as plucking, shaving, waxing or any other hair removal method would cause a mole to become cancerous or to transform in any way. A person should keep in mind, however, that hair removal methods (particularly plucking hair) can open up the hair follicle to inflammation and infection. A person should wash the plucked area carefully post removal to disinfect the area and prevent any germs from entering the gland.

Healthy Indicator

While moles that grow hair may be viewed as undesirable by the owner, a mole that has hair may actually be a positive indicator. Melanomas, which are the deadliest form of skin cancer, do not allow hair to grow because they kill hair follicles. Therefore, moles that grow hair are less likely to be cancerous.

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Detoxify With Brown Rice Protein

Brown rice is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

Detoxification diets are used to flush toxins from the body. They are also effective at improving hair strength and skin condition. Brown rice has many health benefits and is a staple of detoxification diets. It has twice the fiber content of white rice and is a good source of protein, iron, magnesium and selenium as well as vitamin B6. Brown rice takes longer to cook and has a shorter shelf life than white rice. When following a brown rice detox plan you need not restrict yourself to rice alone, but can enjoy other healthy foods.

Instructions

1. Follow this diet for seven days. After seven days you should move on to a long-term and stable regimen. Your diet should consist of brown rice and any of the following: fresh vegetables, spices (such as chili) and herbs (such as rosemary), fresh fruit juices, decaffeinated teas and fresh fruit (excluding bananas).

2. Eat three meals a day. Start with a light breakfast of fresh fruit with freshly squeezed fruit juice. For lunch try steamed vegetables with 1 cup brown rice. For dinner, oven-baked vegetables with brown rice. Alternate the fruit and vegetables with each meal.

3. Control portion sizes. You can eat as many fresh vegetables as you like, and up to 2 cups a day of fresh fruit. You should eat brown rice with two of your three meals a day, with quantities of 1 cup at a time.

4. Add 3 cups water and 4 1/2 cups brown rice to a saucepan. Bring the rice to a boil then cover the saucepan and simmer on a low heat for 20 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and let the rice stand for 10 minutes before draining and serving.

5. Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to flush out more toxins and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Drink water, freshly squeezed fruit juice and decaffeinated herbal teas. After breakfast drink 1 cup water with the juice of 1/2 lemon. This will aid the flushing of toxins.

Tags: brown rice, fresh fruit, vegetables with, fresh vegetables, freshly squeezed, freshly squeezed fruit, fruit juice

Homemade Carpenter Ant Killer

Carpenter ants return to the food source.

Carpenter ants are one of the environment's garbage cleaners, eating decayed wood, rotting food and carcasses. Having carpenter ants in your yard and garden is actually a good thing unless the carpenter ant population becomes so large that the ants begin to invade your home. Many chemical-based ant killers are available at retail and grocery stores, but you can make your own homemade carpenter ant killer to save money and prevent introduction of toxic chemicals into the environment in which you, your family and your pets live. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. A spray bottle helps you apply your homemade ant killer directly.

Pour glass cleaner into an empty spray bottle. Add 2 tsp. liquid dish-washing detergent to create a soapy cleaning solution, and shake to mix.

2. Spray ants directly with the soapy solution to kill them. Saturate the areas around anthills with the spray, as well. Apply more of the soapy solution, every few days, wherever ants continue to pop up, as it may take a few weeks to get rid of the entire ant population.

3. The sugar in jelly or jam attracts carpenter ants.

Place 1 tbsp. any flavor jelly in a small paper cup. Add 1 tsp. boric acid and mix the two ingredients together. Lay the paper cup on its side, outdoors, a few feet away from anthills. The carpenter ants will be attracted to the sweetness of the jelly; the boric acid mixed in it will kill them.

4. Toss out your paper cup ant traps every two to three days, replace them with new ones until you are no longer attracting any ants into your traps.

5. Pour cornmeal down large anthills where you're having trouble exterminating the carpenter ant population. The ants will eat the cornmeal, which expands in their stomachs and kills them.

Tags: ants will, boric acid, Carpenter ants, carpenter ants, carpenter population, kill them

Buy Spices In Bulk

There is no set of instructions for buying spices aside from "go into the store and buy spices." That being said, there are a number of guidelines to ensure that you spend your money well and that the spices you get will aid you in your culinary endeavors. The key, as is in most shopping, is knowledge. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Choose a popular spice merchant if buying in person. Popularity means a lot of turnover, and turnover means a lot of fresh product on the shelves.

2. Talk to the spice vendors. Most of them will know help you pick the freshest spices and may be able to advise you on what else you might need.

3. Use a reputable purveyor if shopping online as with shopping in person. They should have contact information, and they should be willing to tell you where their spices come from.

4. Buy whole spices if possible. Whole spices last longer than pre-ground spices (two years compared to six months, respectively) and tend to have a stronger flavor.

5. Store spices in a cool, dry, dark place in an airtight container.

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Bamboo Utensils Vs Wooden Utensils

The increasing world population has placed stress on our forests. Many countries such as China and India have looked to alternatives like bamboo. Wood still remains a favorite, but bamboo provides several advantages. Does this Spark an idea?

Environmental Factors

Bamboo grows at a far faster rate than wood and can be replaced faster. An entire forest can be regenerated in three to five years. Switching to bamboo products would lessen the stress on the world's forests.

Strength

Bamboo is actually a grass but can be as strong as steel. Utensils made of bamboo will last longer and be far more durable than their wood counterparts.

Biodegradable

Bamboo utensils are 100 percent biodegradable. Hikers and campers can dispose of them without worrying about harming the environment.

Health and Safety

Bamboo products can be grown without the use of pesticides as opposed to wooden products.

Usability

Bamboo utensils and products are light and easy to clean. They also are water resistant and do not stain.

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Preserve Corn On The Cob

Preserve your Thanksgiving corn on the cob in July.

Corn on the cob is a staple food of summer cookouts and family dinners. Standard preparation for corn on the cob involves removing the husks and boiling the cobs. Fortunately, you can have this popular vegetable anytime by preserving it through freezing. Properly frozen corn on the cob lasts for up to eight months without losing its fresh, sweet crispness. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Remove the outer husks and silky strings from the corncob. Wash the raw cob in cold water for a few minutes to remove any surface dirt.

2. Submerge your corncobs in boiling water for seven to 12 minutes, depending on the size. This brief exposure to boiling water, called blanching, kills the enzymes that affect color, flavor and texture.

3. Transfer your corncobs directly from the boiling water to a pot of ice water for 30 seconds.

4. Remove the cobs from the ice water and pat them thoroughly dry on a paper towel.

5. Place the cobs in freezer-ready zip-seal plastic bags. Expel the excess air by squeezing the bag before sealing.

6. Write the date on the outside of the bag and store in the freezer for up to eight months.

Tags: boiling water, eight months, your corncobs

Tell If Chicken Has Gone Bad

Bad chicken gives off some distinctive signs.

Chicken can be very dangerous if it goes bad. The worst-case scenario is salmonella, a bacteria that causes serious illness. Salmonella can be killed by cooking your chicken thoroughly. Unfortunately, a number of other bacteria still leave toxins behind after cooking, which means that if your chicken goes bad, you should throw it out. Thankfully, you can spot the signs of bad chicken easily. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Check the "Do Not Sell" date on the chicken's package before you buy it. It's the easiest and simplest way to confirm whether it should be eaten. While you can still cook chicken after its "Do Not Sell" date, you run more of a risk.

2. Find out how long the chicken was sitting before it was cooked. Chicken should be refrigerated at 40 degrees or below before cooking, and raw chicken should never be kept in the refrigerator for longer than 48 hours. With frozen chicken, you should eat it within six months after freezing. Similarly, leftover cooked chicken should be refrigerated promptly after your meal and you shouldn't wait more than two or three days before eating it.

3. Smell the chicken. An odd odor is a good way to determine its relative freshness. Bad chicken tends to smell sour or have a scent like ammonia, but whatever the scent, there will be very little question about whether it is fit to eat or not.

4. Feel the consistency of the chicken's surface. Bad chicken will have a slimy or unpleasant feeling to it. If the chicken has already been washed, it may have a grayish or yellowish color to it as well.

5. Monitor the chicken's taste when you eat it. Though good-tasting chicken may not be bacteria free, chicken which tastes funny or is "off" is definitely trouble. If it tastes bad, don't swallow it.

Tags: chicken should, Sell date, should refrigerated, your chicken

Day Boarding Schools

Private schools can afford to hire the best teachers.

In America, there are two types of private schools: day schools and boarding schools. At day schools, students study during the day and then are free to go home. At boarding schools, students live and study at the schools' premises at all times. However, some primarily day schools offer boarding classes and some predominantly boarding schools have some day-only classes.

Phillips Academy Andover

Phillips Academy Andover is the third-best private school and the best school with a boarding option in the United States, according to Forbes. The school is located in Andover, Massachusetts. In the 2010 to 2011 school year, the school had 818 students enrolled in boarding classes and 291 students in day classes. The student-to-faculty ratio is 5-to-1. The school also has a large endowment of $641.8 million. Notable alumni of Phillips Academy Andover include former U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Phillips Exeter Academy

Phillips Exeter Academy, located in in Exeter, New Hampshire, is another highly-regarded private school that has both day and boarding options. The school, founded in 1781, educated many bright young people, including Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook. The large endowment of $854 million allows Phillips Exeter Academ to hire highly-trained teachers. About 83 percent of all faculty members have advanced degrees.

Deerfield Academy

Deerfield Academy, founded in 1797, accepts children for grades nine to 12. The school is located in Deerfield, Massachusetts. For the 2010 to 2011 school year, the boarding option cost $43,800 while the day school tuition fees stood at $31,400. The most attended colleges students enter after graduating from Deerfield Academy include Harvard, Columbia, Dartmouth, Yale and Georgetown.

Choate Rosemary Hall

Choate Rosemary Hall was established in 1890. As of 2010, the school had 625 boarding and 225 day students coming from 40 states and 45 countries. Choate Rosemary Hall accepts only the brightest students, with a GPA of incoming students of 3.73. Around 74 percent of faculty members hold advanced degrees. After graduation from Choate Rosemary Hall, its students enter top colleges such as Georgetown, New York University, Yale, Columbia University, Princeton and Harvard. The school is located in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Tags: Choate Rosemary, Choate Rosemary Hall, Rosemary Hall, Academy Andover, boarding schools, Deerfield Academy, Phillips Academy

What Foods Can Be Bought With Food Stamps In Massachusetts

Massachusetts SNAP EBT cards may be used to buy staples such as rice and beans

Run by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, or DTA, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides healthy groceries, seeds and food-bearing plants to low-income families. The food stamp coupons have been replaced with monthly, pre-loaded electronic benefit transfer, or EBT debit cards, which can be used at participating grocery stores, convenience stores and farmer's markets with the Quest logo. While food stamps help families and households buy plenty to eat, only certain items can be purchased.

Groceries

Massachusetts SNAP EBT cards may be used to purchase any food item in the store, as long as the food is not hot, ready-to-eat or made for in-store consumption. All other foods are eligible, such as meats, eggs, cereals, yogurt, milk, frozen foods, desserts and breads. Snack foods, ethnic foods and pre-prepared deli items like sandwiches and salads are also eligible. The cards may not be used to purchase any tobacco or alcohol product, or nonfood items like pet supplies, medicine, cosmetics, cleaning products or paper goods. Pet food is also a prohibited purchase in Massachusetts. To check on a particular food item's eligibility, call the Massachusetts SNAP Office at 866-950-3663.

Seeds and Food-Bearing Plants

For the indoor or outdoor home gardener, seeds and food-bearing plants may be purchased with Massachusetts SNAP EBT cards, as long as the retailer has a Quest logo.

Delivery Food and Restaurant Food

Some Massachusetts SNAP recipients may use EBT cards for delivered and restaurant foods. Elderly and disabled persons may use food delivery programs such as Meals on Wheels or other senior, group or housing center group meals. If you are living in a homeless or battered women's shelter, a drug treatment or rehabilitation program, or in one of a variety of group homes, you can use your SNAP EBT card for meals.

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Use Powdered Sugar Instead Of Granulated

Powdered sugar is finely ground granulated sugar with cornstarch added.

Powdered sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar. There are some slight differences between the two types of sugar, and these are important to keep in mind so you can get the best possible results when substituting. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ratio

To substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar, you must use 1 3/4 cup of powdered sugar for every 1 cup of granulated sugar the recipe calls for. Powdered sugar is very finely ground granulated sugar, and this is why the ratio for powdered to granulated is so high.

Considerations

Powdered sugar contains 3 percent cornstarch, which helps give it a powdery texture and prevents caking. You should keep this in mind before substituting, because the addition of cornstarch could yield positive or negative results depending on the recipe. If you are cooking something with a sauce or gravy, the added cornstarch will cause it to thicken. However, using powdered sugar in place of regular sugar in baked goods may mean your recipe will not rise as much.

Cost

When you purchase powdered sugar at the supermarket, you will notice that it is much more expensive than granulated. This fact combined with the high ratio of powdered to granulated is why most people do not use it as a substitute. If you don't have a lot of powdered sugar on hand, you may be better off to put your recipe on hold if time will allow and buy some granulated sugar.

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How Long Does Food Keep In A Refrigerator With No Power

A refrigerator only keepw food safe for four to six hours without power.

Home power outages can be inconvenient and wasteful. Refrigerators and freezers can only keep food safe for short periods of time, therefore if a power outage is expected to exceed a few hours, precautions must be made in concerning the safety of food items in kept in the fridge or freezer. When in doubt, throw it out. Nonperishable items are the safest to consume during power outages. Does this Spark an idea?

Refrigerator

Full refrigerators can safely preserve food for four to six hours without power as long as the internal temperature does not exceed 40 F. A refrigerator that is half or partially full will not preserve the food as well as one that is full. The length of preservation also depends on how frequently you open the door; if possible keep the door closed for the duration of the power outage.

Freezer

A full freezer that is kept closed at all times can preserve frozen items for up to 48 hours. If the freezer is only half or partially full, frozen food items will keep for only about 24 hours. The temperature inside of the freezer must remain below 32 F or items will begin to thaw.

Solutions

Keeping the doors of both the refrigerator and freezer shut will help preserve the food longer. If the power is going to be out for an extended period of time, move all items stored in the door to the core of the refrigerator and purchase blocks of ice or dry ice if available. A 50-lb block of dry ice can keep food safe in the freezer for an extended 48 hours. Dry ice placed in the refrigerator will also extend the life of the food as long as it is placed in a secure bag or Styrofoam carton.

Safety

If in doubt of the safety of thawed or warming food, throw it away immediately. Discard all frozen food that begins to thaw including meats, fish, poultry and anything that comes into contact with its juices. Dairy items in the refrigerator such as milk, cheese and yogurt should also be discarded if the temperature reaches above 40 F. Any meat or poultry items should be consumed immediately after two hours and discarded after four hours of power outage. Inspect all other items for safety by examining the smell and texture. Discard any items that come into contact with thawing meat or dairy liquid and clean up thoroughly.

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Treat Sewage For Fertilizer

Turning sewage into fertilizer starts with capturing the sewage.

Before chemical fertilizers, a major raw material for fertilizer was human sewage. "Humanure," as it is sometimes called today, is packed with nutrients, but it is also a potentially dangerous material. Some truly awful diseases are transmitted through human waste materials, so before household sewage can be converted into fertilizer, it must be thoroughly composted. If carried out competently and patiently, the composting process kills unwanted microorganisms and makes the sewage into a fertilizer safe for general use in the garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fit a bucket toilet seat to a 5-gallon plastic bucket and set it up in an area remote from your kitchen, pantry and/or secondary freezers, so as to avoid contaminating your food in the event of a spill. Place a smaller pail full of sawdust or dried leaves with a scoop near the bucket toilet, along with your toilet paper.

2. Use the bucket toilet as if it were a normal toilet. Instead of flushing, scoop sawdust or dried leaves into the bucket. Keep the lid closed to control odors.

3. Carry the bucket to a compost pile or compost container periodically. Discard the waste into the compost, and cover it by shoveling at least an equal amount of sawdust, dried leaves, dried grass cuttings, shredded paper or cardboard or something similar on top.

4. Add other compost materials, such as kitchen scraps or wood ash, to the compost pile as they become available. When the pile is 3 feet high and 3 feet wide, or the container is filled to the level recommended by the manufacturer, start a new pile.

5. Spray the compost periodically with water to ensure that it remains moist, assuming rain and humidity do not keep the compost moist for you.

6. Turn the compost pile over with a garden fork about once a week between late spring and early autumn. Some containers are built like cement mixers for this purpose.

7. Monitor the temperature of a complete compost pile by inserting a thermometer on a daily basis. Decomposition will raise the interior temperature, and combined with warm weather, this should bake and kill any harmful bacteria. If the temperature inside the pile stays above 131 degrees F for a week, the compost is free of dangerous contaminants.

8. Wait one year after the compost pile becomes free of contaminants before using the compost as fertilizer.

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Wheat Bag Heating Instructions

Small grains of wheat inside the bag retain heat.

Wheat bags are an all-natural alternative to electric or chemical heating products. The bags are generally made from a cotton or fleece outer covering and filled with wheat grains, buckwheat seeds, and other herbs. Since the bag is comprised of many small grains, it easily molds to the contours of the area being treated. Heating a wheat bag is a quick and easy process that will ensure expedited relief for aches and pains.

Instructions

1. Place the wheat bag in the center of your microwave. Make sure the bag is flat and evenly distribute the contents of the bag.

2. Fill a cup with water and set it in the microwave next to the bag. As the water heats it will add a slight moisture to the air in the microwave. This will prevent the contents of the wheat bag from getting excessively dried out.

3. Set the microwave for one minute and thirty seconds. This is the average length of time it takes to heat a typical rectangular-style wheat bag.

4. Start the microwave.

5. Check the temperature. Gently place your hand on top of the wheat bag. Continue heating the wheat bag in 15 second increments, until the bag reaches your temperature requirements.

6. Remove the bag from the microwave carefully. Use tongs to pull the wheat bag out of the microwave, if it is extremely hot.

7. Place the bag on the area that requires therapeutic attention. A typical wheat bag will retain heat for thirty minutes.

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Enjoy Healthy Eating On A Tight Budget

During hard times people often have less money to spend on food, and most are on a tight budget. Even so, many people would still like to enjoy healthy eating on a even on a budget. Financial situations fluctuate, but the need to eat healthy meals is a constant. Follow these steps if you would like to learn eat healthy on a tight budget.

Instructions

1. The first thing you need to do in order to eat healthy on a tight budget is to open up your cabinets and refrigerator and take an inventory of what is already there before you make your grocery list.

2. Sit down with a pen and paper, and plan healthy meals around the food that you already have on hand from the inventory you took in step one. Make sure that you do not plan your meals while you are hungry; people tend to overestimate the food they need when they have an empty stomach. Keep your tight budget in focus and do not get carried away.

3. Check online and/or in your local newspaper weekly flyers to see if there are any coupons for the foods on your grocery list. Then, take your list, and the coupons to the grocery store, and buy only the healthy foods that are on your list. Again, make sure that you are not hungry when you go grocery shopping for the same reason listed in step 3.

4. Get into the habit of only purchasing fresh foods that you know you will use. Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy, but they are a detriment to your budget and they do your health no good if they spoil before you can eat them.

Tags: foods that, grocery list, healthy meals, healthy tight, healthy tight budget, sure that, tight budget

Make Your Own Jerky With A Food Dehydrator

Before there was canning or refrigeration, drying was the method of saving and storing meat. Carrying large amounts of meat from a buffalo or deer would have resulted in waste, spoilage, and food-borne illnesses. Dried meat, often referred to as jerky, allowed excess meat to be stored for longer periods of time. Commercial jerky can be expensive and you are limited to the flavors they produce. Fortunately, home dehydrators make it possible for individuals to make jerky with more flavor and less expensively than the commercial brands. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Cut the lean meat into strips approximately 1/4 inch thick with the grain using a sharp knife or meat slicer. Freezing the meat for approximately one hour will make it easier to cut.

2. Place the meat into a storage bag and pour in preferred spices and marinade. A quick and tasty marinade can consist of soy sauce, worchestershire sauce, water, liquid smoke, and a combination of your favorite spices. Seal the bag.

3. Store the bag of marinating meat in the refrigerator for 24 hours, turning occasionally to ensure all meat is allowed to absorb the liquid and spices.

4. Pour the meat and marinade in a pan. There should be enough marinade to cover the meat. Boil the meat for five minutes. Since the liquid boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the temperature will kill any bacteria present.

5. Place the strips of meat flat in the dehydrator trays. The meat should not have any folds, nor should they overlap. Set the temperature for 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to dry for six to 12 hours. Depending on the thickness of the meat and the power of the dehydrator, processing may take more or less time. The jerky is done when you can bend it and it will break, but not snap.

6. Place uneaten jerky in a plastic freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

Tags: degrees Fahrenheit, meat into

Rice Flour Explosivity Factors

Flour is a complex carbohydrate; it retains the flammable properties of the sugar in the glucose molecules found within. When flour is tightly crammed together, it won't explode. However; when a lot of air surrounds unpacked flour, such as in a flour mill, explosion is possible. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Dust

Explosion occurs when dispersed dust forms. If fire is introduced to flour dust, the flour pieces will burn. If a cloud of dust occurs and is big enough, a flash fire can occur inside the cloud of dust. This can cause an explosion. Explosions are more apt to occur in environments with large amounts of flour, such as in a flour mill or grain elevator, where significant clouds of grain dust or flour dust are present.

Combustible

Combustible dust is a particulate solid that presents a deflagration or fire hazard when suspended in the air, or in some other kind of oxidizing medium over a range of concentration, explains National Fire Protection Association. Materials that can form combustible dusts include food products like flour, grain, cocoa, maltodextrin, powdered milk, cellulose, starch and sugar.

Lower Explosive Limit

Grain dust is produced when grain, such as rice or flour, is moved. The more the grain is handled, the more dust that results. Every type of grain, and the dust it produces, has its own specific lower explosive limit. When this limit is exceeded, an explosion can occur. Rice has a lower explosive limit of 50, whereas soy flour's limit is 60, and wheat flour's limit is 50. The symbol for the lower explosive limit per specific dust is written as (g/m3).

Processing Grains

The processing of grains creates dust explosion hazards because the grain is ground into fine particles, which results in a flammable concentration that can't be avoided when large amounts of fine dust particles occur. Explosions happen when stones or metal produce sparks that can ignite material during the grinding part of the process. Fire is also possible when the moving parts of machinery break and result in sparks. When the flour is moved to another area, this can cause explosion because the materials that break free from the processing machinery, which settle on the floors beams and walls, can dry and form a dangerous layer of dust and potentially an explosion hazard.

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Order Vegetarian Food In Spanish

If you've studied some Spanish at school or on your own, you've probably learned a few words for different foods in Spanish. But if you are a vegetarian, many of these words may be of no use to you. Follow the instructions in this guide to ensure meat-free meals on your travels. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Soy Vegetariano/a

1. These 2 phrases are the most basic ways to say that you don't eat meat.I am a vegetarian in Spanish is, Soy vegetariano/a.I don't eat meat in Spanish is, Yo no como carne.

2. To ensure a vegetarian meal you may want to say one of the following:I don't eat meat, poultry or fish. No como carne, ni carne de ave, ni pescado.Does the broth have meat? El caldo lleva carne?Does it contain meat? Lleva carne?I want only. ..Yo quiero solo...Do you have vegetarian food? Tienes comida vegetariana?

3. Here are some ways to ask for common vegetarian dishes.I would like vegetable pasta.Yo querio pasta de verduras.I would like rice with vegetables.Yo querio arroz con verduras.I would like potatoes (mashed potatoes).Yo quiero patatas (pure).I would like a cheese and vegetable sandwich.Yo quiero un sandwich de queso y verduras.I would like tofu.Yo quiero tofu.

Tags: would like, verduras would, verduras would like, como carne

Spices Grown In The U S

Basil is just one spice grown in the U.S.

Spices are key ingredients no matter what type of recipe you're making. Different spices can deepen the flavor of various dishes and make the taste more complex. There are hundreds of spices grown globally and imported into the U.S., and you may be surprised to learn which spices and herbs are grown in the U.S. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Basil

Basil is a green plant that is often associated with Italy, as it is very popular chopped up and sprinkled over pasta dishes. The basil plant is also grown in the U.S. as well as in France and the Mediterranean. There are more than 60 types of basil plant, and the spice has flavors of lemon, clove, jasmine, thyme and cinnamon in it. Basil is commonly used in pasta sauces, soups and casseroles.

Chives

The chive plant has long, hollow tube-like leaves that are a bright green color. The plant is grown in California and has a subtle taste of onions. The chive plant is diced into small pieces when being used as a spice, and it is often used as a garnish for meats, soups and potatoes.

Sage

Sage is a green, leafy plant that has a woodsy taste. It is grown in the U.S. as well as in Dalmatia and Albania. The sage leaf comes from an evergreen plant and can be grown year-round, making it a popular wintertime spice. The sage leaf is chopped up and used in flavoring meats such as pork and roast chicken.

Paprika

Paprika is a spice that comes from a red pepper in the Capsicum family and has a mild level of hotness. The pepper is grown in California, as well as in Spain, Hungary and South America. Paprika is often used to flavor dishes that call for mild spiciness, including seafood, meats and stews.

Tags: basil plant, chive plant, comes from, grown California, grown well, often used, plant grown

Ingredients For Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a salty soy sauce blend that comes from Japan and is used as a condiment or marinade. Teriyaki sauce in America is served mostly on proteins like beef, chicken and pork. It is also used as a dipping sauce sometimes for dumplings or other dim sum items. Teriyaki sauce as a marinade creates a crunchy, salty and sweet crust when used on the grill or in a hot saute pan.

Many other flavored ingredients can be added to make creative variations. Ingredients like orange, honey and wasabi can be added for a different twist. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is one of the main ingredients of a soy sauce. Soy sauce is a fermented soy product that has a salty and earthy flavor. It is one of the most common and popular condiments used in Asia. Tamari is an aged, high-end soy sauce that is reserved for simple marinades and dips. Dark soy sauces are reduced down and have a stronger and more intense soy sauce flavor. There are also low-sodium soy sauces for those looking to reduce their sodium intake.

Sugar or Palm Sugar

White sugar or palm sugar is added to soy sauce to balance the saltiness of the soy. The amount of sugar added depends on the strength of the soy sauce's salt content. The more salt, the more sugar that may be needed for balance.

Rice Wine Vinegar

Rice wine vinegar is a vinegar made from rice wine, and it is always found in teriyaki sauce. It has a softer taste than traditional vinegars, almost a sweet taste. Rice wine vinegar is used by many chefs in America for salad dressings since it has such a mild flavor.

Mirin

Mirin is a brewed Japanese wine that is fortified for maximum flavor. It is a common ingredient in teriyaki sauce. It is sweetened with sugar and has a very mellow flavor.

Ginger and Garlic

Ginger and garlic are also common ingredients of teriyaki sauce. Both underground bulb plants, they provide an earthy and sweet flavor to teriyaki. Ginger has a peppery and sweet taste and needs to be peeled to reveal its white fibrous flesh. Garlic is in a flowered bulb covered in an inedible white wrapper that needs to be removed before chopping.

Sesame Oil and Seeds

Sesame oil and sesame seeds are commonly included in a teriyaki sauce. Both products from the sesame seed provide a nutty flavor to the teriyaki sauce.

Tags: flavor teriyaki, Rice wine, sauce Both, sugar added, sweet taste, teriyaki sauce

Cream Of Wheat Directions

Cream of Wheat is a hot cereal that is similar to porridge or grits. The cereal is made from farina, a finely ground wheat grain that cooks quickly when mixed with boiling water or milk. Cream of Wheat can be prepared in many different ways; today, several different varieties are available for sale, including 10-minute, two and a half minute, one minute, and instant versions. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Stovetop Directions

To cook any of the Cream of Wheat varieties, except for the Instant version, on the stovetop you will need Cream of Wheat cereal, water or milk and salt if you prefer.

For one serving of Cream of Wheat, it is suggested that you use 1 1/4 cups of water or milk, 3 tablespoons of Cream of Wheat, and a pinch of salt. For two servings, use 2 cups of water or milk, 1/3 cup of Cream of Wheat, and salt. To cook more than these amounts it is a good rule of thumb to use five parts liquid for every one part cereal. Using milk instead of water results in a creamier version of the cereal.

To cook the ingredients, boil the water or milk on a stovetop in a saucepan. When the liquid is boiling you can add the salt, then the cereal. Pour the uncooked cereal in a steady fashion, stirring the mixture the entire time that you are pouring. Then, depending on the variety of Cream of Wheat, continue to simmer and stir the cereal for the time directed on the box. When the cereal is thickened, it is ready to eat.

Microwave Directions

All of the Cream of Wheat varieties can also be cooked in the microwave. Use the same ingredients as listed above for the stovetop directions. Put all of the ingredients in one bowl at the same time, then place the bowl in the microwave. Cook the cereal for one minute in the microwave oven on a high setting. Remove the cereal to stir before cooking for another two to three minutes in the microwave. Stir approximately every 30 seconds. The cereal is done when it has thickened.

Variations

Cream of Wheat can also be used to bake bread, muffins, cookies or dumplings. It can also be chilled after cooking, then sliced and fried for a different breakfast food. The Instant variety now comes in several different flavors, including Maple Brown Sugar, Apples and Cinnamon, Cinnamon Swirl and Strawberries and Cream. Many people like to add brown sugar, cream or fruit to their plain Cream of Wheat.

Tags: Cream Wheat, water milk, Cream Wheat cereal, Cream Wheat varieties, cups water, cups water milk, milk Cream

Kill Ants With Grits

There is a humane and organic way to get rid of ants from your lawn area that is free of chemicals. By using non-toxic materials you not only save money, you help protect the water supply by avoiding toxic runoff into the system. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparing the Mixture

1. Make sure the object you use for the mixture is clean. Use something with a hard surface that cannot be penetrated by birds or other animals that may be attracted to the mixture.

2. Mix the grits and water together first, then add the sugar. It is important the sugar sticks to the grainy particles so it will take effect once poured into the ground. Mix thoroughly until all of the grits are coated.

3. Pour the mixture into the container. Place the tip of the dispenser 3 to 4 inches into the ant hole so as to penetrate the mound. As the mixture enters the mound, the acidic component of the sugar should draw the ants to the grainy grits, which they will consume. The grits will in turn absorb moisture from the ant's body, killing it. As the ants begin to die off, the mound should disappear.

Tags:

Make Boric Acid Paste

If you have pests, such as cockroaches, mice, or rats in your home, there's no need to purchase and use toxic, harmful poisons to get rid of the infestation. Instead, mix up a simple paste using common household ingredients. Your home will be pest-free within a matter of weeks. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Go outside or open a window so that you're in a well-ventilated area. Although boric acid isn't harmful to humans, it does irritate the breathing passages of some individuals (especially those with asthma or chronic bronchitis), so it's a good idea to be in an open, non-enclosed space.

2. Pour 1 cup of boric acid powder into the disposable bowl. Use the disposable fork to break up any clumps.

3. Decide which mix-in you want to use for your boric acid paste. Rats prefer savory items, so chicken broth should be used. Roaches like oily foods, so peanut butter should be used for roach infestations. Sweet mix-ins like molasses or honey should be used for homes with ant infestations.

4. Add the mix-in of your choice (as determined in Step 3), an 1/8 cup at a time.

5. Mix well with the disposable fork after each addition of the mix-in to the boric acid powder. Mix until a thick paste is formed.

6. Adjust your recipe as needed. The boric acid paste should be slightly thicker than cookie dough. If your paste is too thin, add more boric acid powder. If, on the other hand, the paste is too thick and is difficult to mix properly, add in some more broth, honey or peanut butter.

7. Continue mixing and adding either boric acid powder or mix-in until you reach the desired thick cookie-dough consistency.

Tags: acid powder, boric acid, boric acid powder, boric acid, should used, boric acid paste, disposable fork

Soul Food Restaurants In Burlington County New Jersey

A handful of restaurants in Burlington County, New Jersey serve soul food.

Grits, barbeque ribs, catfish, cabbage, sweet potato pie, and more can be found in various soul food restaurants throughout Burlington County, New Jersey. This large county in the southern part of the state encompasses part of Newark, New Jersey, home to a variety of businesses, restaurants, shops and attractions. Burlington County visitors can dine on southern and soul food favorites at several of its local restaurants. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Elon's Caribbean Soul Restaurant

In neighboring Essex County, New Jersey, soul food aficionados will find Elon's Caribbean Soul Restaurant, which marries soul and southern foods with Caribbean cuisine. Entrees include oxtails, fried chicken, curry chicken, barbeque chicken, fried dumplings, cod and whiting. The restaurant also serves homemade beverages such as lemonade, iced tea and ginger beer, as well as sponge and carrot cake.

Elon's Caribbean Soul Restaurant

317 Sandford Ave.

Newark, NJ 07106

862-224-2047

eloncaribamericanfoods

Ms. Clara's Southern Cuisine

A southern restaurant serving Newark since 2003, Ms. Clara's Southern Cuisine specializes in home-cooked favorites such as grits, cornbread and sweet yams. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers catering services. Breakfast entrees include pancakes, biscuits and omelets, while the lunch and dinner menus include meatloaf, smothered pork chops, whiting and catfish, potato salad, cabbage and coleslaw. Its desserts include homemade cakes and pies, including sweet potato pie and peach cobbler.

Ms. Clara's Southern Cuisine

610 15th Ave.

Newark, NJ 07103

866-410-5941

msclarassoutherncuisine.com

The Soul Food Factory

A family owned and operated restaurant opened in 1998, The Soul Food Factory serves up dishes ranging from gourmet delicacies to down home soul food recipes. Diners can enjoy soul food and southern delicacies such as ox tails, fried catfish and barbeque ribs, as well as sides of rice and beans, macaroni and cheese, and string beans. Desserts include peach cobbler, carrot cake and banana pudding, among others.

The Soul Food Factory

683 Springfield Ave.

Newark, NJ 07103

973-991-0156

thesoulfoodfactory.com

Uncle Bobby's Soul Food

This Burlington County restaurant serves an eclectic mix of soul food and Caribbean dishes. Uncle Bobby's Soul Food entrees include soul food favorites like pork chops, fried and baked chicken, pigs feet, turkey wings and catfish. Caribbean dishes include curry chicken, curry goat, jerk chicken and oxtail. The restaurant also offers a variety of desserts, including peach cobbler, sweet potato pie and six different cakes.

Uncle Bobby's Soul Food

411 East Main St.

Wrightstown, NJ 08562

609-723-3033/ 609-723-3677

unclebobbyssoulfood.com

Tags: Burlington County, County Jersey, soul food, soul food, Soul Food, Bobby Soul, Bobby Soul Food

Basic Baking Equipment & Tools

A baker always has the proper equipment for any task.

Whether you are planning to bake a bundt cake, a batch of mom's famous potato chip cookies, or a homemade pepperoni pizza there are some standard baking equipment that any professional or novice baker should have on hand in the kitchen to make his task a breeze. Does this Spark an idea?

Mixing Bowls

No matter what the recipe calls for, chances are you will need a mixing bowl to introduce your ingredients to one another. You should keep bowls varying in size to in order to accommodate numerous ingredients and varying quantities depending on how many cookies, cakes, or pies you are planning to make. Stainless steel bowls tend to work the best when mixing and can be used with automatic mixing machines or utensils without risk damage.

Cookie Sheets

Whether you are whipping up a batch of chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin it is paramount that you have a solid cookie aluminum cookie sheet for the task. The most common size is 9 in. by 13 in.

Cake Pans

Angel food, devil's food, or German chocolate cakes all share one thing in common. They all need to be baked in a cake pan. Typically aluminum is the material of choice when it comes to cake pans. Looking for one that is non-stick could also be a great help when it comes time to remove your cake from its baking home. Cake pans vary in shapes and sizes such as the 9- by 9-inch brownie pan or the 9 inch round layer cake pan.

Whisks and Mixing Spoons

Just as mixing bowls are necessary to put the confection's ingredients in, proper mixing utensils are equally as needed. When whipping up batter of sorts, a metal whisk would be a great choice for reducing clumping of ingredients such as flour and sugar. For cookies or thicker mixes, a solid wooden spoon would be the utensil of choice.

Muffin Pan

To whip up a batch of blueberry muffins for breakfast or chocolate cupcakes for your kid's birthday, a muffin pan is the standard. Muffin pans come in a variety of sizes typically ranging from 6 cups to 12 cups with cup sizes ranging in size to offer bakers portion control.

Pizza Stone

Although a pizza could technically be cooked on a large baking or cookie sheet, the pizza stone is designed with pizza in mind to help keep the crust crispy by evenly distributing heat and extracting moisture from the crust. Pizza crust can sometimes stick to the stone once it is baked, but applying a small amount of cornmeal to the crust or stone beforehand can greatly reduce this from happening. Pizza stones are often made from terracotta tile.

Spatula

Whether your removing cookies from a cookie sheet or slice of pizza from your pizza stone a hardened plastic or stainless steel spatula would be wise to have on hand to avoid burns and the food from sticking to the pan or stone.

Tags: cookie sheet, have hand, when comes

Use My Tennessee Food Stamps In Another State

Tennessee food stamp cards can be used in all 50 states.

The food stamp program in Tennessee is a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is a partnership between individual states and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA administers SNAP at the federal level, while the State of Tennessee administers it at the state and local level and determines eligibility guidelines and benefits for food assistance.

Out of State Use

Tennessee Food Stamp benefits are transferred on a monthly basis to your Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT). According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), you can use your EBT card in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands. All states have adopted the use of the EBT system to issue SNAP benefits. It is the only way to access your benefits; paper coupons or food stamps are no longer valid.

Where You Cannot Use Your EBT

Your card cannot be used in Puerto Rico, where the food assistance program operates under a block grant instead of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands also operate under block grants to provide food assistance. In these territories, cash or coupons are issued rather than food stamps or food distribution.

Online SNAP Purchases

You may not use your EBT card to make online SNAP purchases. According to the FNS, the EBT acts like a debit card which requires the use of a personal identification number (PIN). Your PIN is meant to be kept secret, and online use makes it possible for others to see and potentially use your PIN and SNAP benefits.

Grocery Delivery

Some supermarkets deliver groceries. Most of these stores offer an online shopping service that requires payment be made online before delivery. In these instances, you cannot use your EBT card to pay for your purchase. You may find a local grocer that has the ability to collect SNAP benefits with a wireless terminal at the time of delivery or who will use a manual voucher that you sign on delivery.

Benefits

The ability to use your Tennessee Food Stamp card outside of your home state ensures that you will be able to buy food wherever you are in the United States. Remember to take your card with you when you are traveling. The State of Tennessee uses the EBT card to issue cash benefits for the Families First program. The EBT card is a secure way to ensure that you receive and can use your benefits at thousands of locations throughout the United States.

Tags: food assistance, SNAP benefits, State Tennessee, Tennessee Food, United States

What To Do With Turnip Greens

Turnips with their tops make a perfect pair.

You've just arrived home from the Farmer's Market with a bag full of delicious local vegetables, including turnips. But these turnips don't look like the simple, round bulbs you buy at the grocery store -- they still have tops. Turnips with tops are two vegetables in one. While turnips are rich in Vitamin C and several trace minerals, turnip greens are chock full of vitamin A, folic acid and calcium. Use these dark greens as you do kale or collards, classically paired with salty meats, heavy cream or fresh garlic. Or, try a fresh green smoothie for a vitamin-packed breakfast. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Whole Turnip

In true whole foods eating tradition, use the turnips along with their leafy tops in Gourmet magazine's recipe for "Braised Turnip Greens with Turnips and Apples." You need whole turnips, tops attached, a ham hock, a few apples and a couple tablespoons each of sugar, vinegar and butter. Simmer the greens with the ham hock for about 20 minutes, then add everything else. Simmer for another 20 minutes, then throw the ham bone away, keeping the meat in the dish. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Just the Greens

If you've already used your turnips in another recipe and have a pile of tops covering your cutting board, use the greens in Creamed Greens with Ham. Gather 3 lbs. of turnip greens, a medium-sized onion, a few cloves of garlic and oil for saut ing, country-cured ham or prosciutto, 2 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups of heavy cream. Saut the onion and garlic until translucent, then add the ham. After a minute or so, add the chicken stock and turnip greens. Simmer the greens, covered, until they are soft. Add the cream and gently reduce it over low heat until the sauce thickens a bit. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Vegetarian Fare

No meat? No problem. Turn your turnip greens into "Spicy Greens and Onion Puree," a meat-free, dairy-free dip or side dish, courtesy of Mother Earth News. You need 8 to 10 cups of greens, a small onion, a few cloves of garlic, oil for saut ing, 1/2 cup of water or white wine, the juice and zest of one lemon and a few tablespoons of nut butter. Saut the onion and garlic until soft, then add the water or wine and greens. Simmer these until the greens are soft. Remove them from the heat and put them in a food processor, along with the rest of the ingredients. Puree until smooth, then add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crusty artisan bread for a unique summer potluck dish.

Blend It Up

If cooking isn't your thing, make a green smoothie with a very simple recipe from Yoga Journal Magazine. Gather 1 cup of milk, soy milk or water, a big handful of turnip greens, a large apple, peeled and sliced, a banana, a scoop of protein powder and 1 tsp. of flax seeds. Blend it until smooth. For a sweeter tooth, add honey or agave nectar to taste. This raw green treat is kid-friendly, and an easy way to add veggies into your family's diet.

Tags: turnip greens, pepper taste, salt pepper, salt pepper taste, along with

Choose A Conscious Vegetarian Lifestyle

Although vegetarians need to put a little more effort into cooking and meal planning, the process doesn't have to be difficult. These tips will help you get started. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Make a gradual change. If you like to cook, but aren't too sure about incorporating the vegetarian lifestyle, shift toward familiar foods, like tomatoes and mushrooms, then branch out.

2. Ask yourself what you enjoy eating. Consider various non-meat ways of getting protein in your diet (dairy; beans; tofu, gluten and seitan; and so on). Concentrate on a balance between protein-rich and other foods, and build meals that celebrate that balance.

3. Discover tofu. It can be prepared in a number of appetizing ways - grilled, sauteed, smoked, marinated.

4. Remember, it's okay to have people over for a vegetarian dinner party. Jimmy Carter did it. Host a non-meat meal.

5. Cook with variety in mind, but don't worry about constant variation. Your meal need not be wild and adventurous - just simple and inclusive of comfortable vegetables.

6. Remember it takes a little more effort to cook vegetarian: while it's easy to broil a steak and call it dinner, it's more difficult to broil carrots and do the same. Take the time to discover the spices, combinations of ingredients, and cooking methods that will make your meals satisfying to you.

7. Take the efforts from one preparation and translate them into another. Plan out what to do with leftovers. If you've grilled a variety of vegetables, consider how they could be incorporated into a stew, sandwich or salad the next day.

8. Pick up gardening! A window box of herbs is a great start and yields amazing results.

9. Create a compost pile. Give back to the soil; recognize and celebrate the cycle.

10. Buy as much organic produce as possible. It may be expensive, but it's worth it. You are guaranteed freshness and are supporting environmentally friendly farming procedures.

11. Take pleasure in shopping for ingredients. Bask in the beauty of produce even if you don't buy it.

12. Vegetarian dishes tend to take a fair amount of chopping. Be organized. Avoid frustration by doing prep work ahead of time.

Tags: little more, little more effort, more effort

Make Shea Butter Soap Without Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, or lye, is a major ingredient in soap-making. It is the lye that turns fats into soap and it's impossible to make soap, from scratch, without it. For those who would like to make their own soap without having to work with lye, there are melt-and-pour soap bases made from glycerin. Glycerin is a by-product of commercial soap-making and is lye-free. You can find shea butter melt-and-pour soap bases at craft stores and online retailers.

Instructions

1. Cut the soap base into pieces and put them in the glass measuring cup. Small, uniform pieces melt better.

2. Cover the measuring cup in plastic wrap. Heat in the microwave, on high, in 20-second increments. Stir the soap with the spatula after each increment.

3. Add 3/8 oz. of lemon oil and 1/8 oz. of peppermint oil to the melted soap base. Stir the soap lightly and spray the surface with alcohol if bubbles form.

4. Add the green soap dye until the soap turns light green. If you cannot find green dye, add 10 drops of yellow dye and three drops of blue dye and adjust to your preference. Gently stir the soap and spray alcohol on any bubbles that form.

5. Pour the soap into the mold. Spray any bubbles with alcohol and put the soap mold into the refrigerator for one hour, or until the soap fully sets.

6. Remove the bars from the mold. If you have any rough edges, trim them with the paring knife or wipe the edges with a damp cloth.

7. Wrap the bars in wax paper and store them in a cool, dry place.

Tags: alcohol bubbles, melt-and-pour soap, melt-and-pour soap bases, soap base, soap bases, until soap

Field Trip Safety For Child Care

Put safety first when enjoying activities away from a child care facility.

Field trips offer children and providers an opportunity to experience new places and activities, and can be educational, entertaining and rewarding. When planning a field trip, choose a site that offers activities that will engage children at their level. When children are interested and participating in an age-appropriate activity, safety is easier to manage.

Planning

Field trip safety begins long before the trip takes place. Ask parents to sign permission slips that include the date of the trip, the site and the expected times of departure, arrival and return. Let parents know that additional chaperones are welcome. Well-informed parents can help you avoid the stress of delayed departures on field trip day. Some of the parents, with advance notice, might be able to offer help the day of the trip. Once you know how many children and adults plan to attend, evaluate the ratio of adults to children and enlist additional adults, if needed. Plan for an adult-child ratio of 1 to 2 for toddlers,1 to 3 for 3-year-olds and 1 to 4 for 4-year-olds. A 1 to 8 ratio is appropriate for school-age children.

Checklist

Prepare a list of all the children and adults in attendance on the day of the trip. Even if you have a small group, check off each person before leaving, upon arrival and upon departure from the site. Assign roll-call duties to an adult and have the adult sign the checklist at each checkpoint. In addition, count heads frequently while you are on site.

Transportation

Plan for adequate transportation ahead of time. Make sure you have car seats for each child legally requiring one and ensure that there are enough seat belts for everyone. Verify the date of the trip, as well as departure and arrival times, with each driver. Request a copy of the driver's license and proof of insurance from each driver to keep in your records.

Considerations

Take your first aid kit with you, making sure that you include any current medications that children will require during the trip. The National Network for Child Care recommends that you carry a cellular phone and bring permission slips with you, along with emergency contact information and medical authorizations.

Precautions

Enforce basic hygiene guidelines just as you would at your child care facility. Have children wash hands before eating and after toileting. Make sure that the children exit and enter vehicles in a safe area. Try to avoid crossing traffic areas or parking lots, and have adults flank children when moving from one area to another.

Food

Decide ahead of time how you will handle meals or snacks during the trip. If you choose to bring food from home, make sure that it can be stored at a safe temperature to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria. If you intend to eat at the field trip venue or at a restaurant, make sure parents are aware of the menu in advance. If any of the children have food allergies, verify that appropriate foods will be available. If not or if in doubt, bring food from home.

Tags: sure that, ahead time, bring food, bring food from, care facility, Child Care

Wash Wax Off Of Vegetables

All vegetables have a natural protective coating, but by the time the vegetable reaches the supermarket, it has been washed and rinsed several times, and the natural coating is long gone. Often, vegetables are coated with a thin layer of wax that replaces that protective coating. Wax prevents the growth of mold, protects the vegetables from bruising during transport, and makes it bright and shiny. The amount of wax is miniscule, but often, people like to remove it from vegetables before they're eaten. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill a clean sink or basin with warm water. Add 2 tbsp. of baking soda and 1 tbsp. of lemon juice and stir to mix.

2. Soak the vegetables in the mixture for a few minutes. Scrub the vegetables gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove the wax.

3. Rinse the vegetables in clear water to remove the baking soda and lemon juice. Lay the vegetables on a layer of paper towels to dry. If wax remains on the vegetables, try soaking them for a few more minutes.

Tags: baking soda, lemon juice, protective coating

Make Onedish Oatmeal

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great way to start the day. Grandma cooked it on the stove, simmering a saucepan with oatmeal and water and then throwing in a handful of raisins. Thanks to the microwave, a bowl of delicious and nutritious oatmeal can be ready from scratch in less than two minutes. Making home oatmeal in place of prepared cereal packets is thrifty and healthy. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Oatmeal. Buy a package of regular old-fashioned oatmeal. Instant oatmeal is acceptable but not necessary for a quick breakfast.

2. Bowl. Use a microwave safe bowl that holds about two cups of liquid. The oatmeal boils during cooking and can bubble out of a small cereal bowl.

3. Basic Oatmeal. Add 1/2 cup of oatmeal and 1/2 cup of water. For flavor, add a small teaspoon of brown sugar or other sweetener such as honey. Microwave on high for 90 seconds. Stir. Add water or milk for desired consistency.

4. Variety. For variety add walnuts, pecans, raisins, blueberries or dried cranberries. A spoonful of applesauce or pear adds flavor.

5. Prepack. Use food storage tubs to prepare single-serving oatmeal in advance. Measure in the 1/2 cup oatmeal, sugar and walnuts. Seal and refrigerate them for freshness. They are ready to add water and cook.

Tags: oatmeal water

Raise Organic Free Range Chickens

Young hens are called "pullets."

Organic free-range chickens are happy chickens. Farmed chickens are all to often kept in crowded quarters, rarely see daylight and are fed grain treated with antibiotics. Purchase your chicks from local farmers who also raise free-range chickens to insure your flock is healthy from the beginning. You can have the benefits of free-range chicken and eggs by raising them yourself.

Instructions

1. Feed a diet of whole organic grains, or premixed organic feed. It is important that the feed is truly organic and does not have any added antibiotics. You can purchase ready-made organic feed or look for recipes online to mix your own organic feed.

2. Some rare breeds of chickens are in need of conservation.

Allow your chickens free range. The chickens will rely less on grains if they are encouraged to forage for their own food on grass and are allowed to roam a wide area on a daily basis. In the warm months, free-range chickens require less feed reducing the expense of raising them and at the same time ensuring healthier chicken. Free-range chicken should spend a minimum of two hours outside each day, but more time outdoors is greatly encouraged. Two square feet of outdoor ground per chicken is a minimum amount of space that chickens must be provided to be called "free range." But, that is a very small amount of space and ideally a chicken should be given much more. Ten square feet per chicken is a much more reasonable amount of space. Chickens that are not crowded peck at each other less and are less prone to mites and disease. Some people let their chickens roam freely, but they are at the mercy of predators and they must be trained to return to the coop at night. Free range chickens may be allowed to roam a fenced-in area if they are given adequate space. Some people build pens that can be easily moved to allow the chickens to range new grass periodically.

3. Supplement your chicken's feed with stale bread and table scraps. Add crushed garlic or unfiltered apple cider vinegar in their water periodically. It is a natural way to prevent infection and disease. Do not give this to them in a galvanized water container. The chickens will also need grit, sand or small gravel.

Tags: amount space, free-range chickens, organic feed, allowed roam, chicken should, chickens will, free range

Bake With Brown Rice Flour

Brown rice flour is made from brown rice. Because of this, brown rice flour can be gluten-free, but you should check the packaging to make sure. Brown rice flour can be substituted for conventional wheat flours in a number of preparations, especially sauce thickeners like roux. It has a stronger, nuttier flavor than conventional wheat flours. Brown rice flour behaves differently from conventional wheat flour when baked. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Choosing How Much Brown Rice Flour to Use

1. Brown rice flour works best in breads, muffins and cookies. If you are merely looking to add nutritional content to your baked goods, you can choose to substitute 1/4 of the conventional wheat flour called for in the recipe for brown rice flour. This will make your baked goods a little brittle, but also richer in fiber.

2. If you are trying to make gluten-free baked goods, you have to choose between substituting all of the conventional wheat flour in your recipe for brown rice flour, or substituting a mixture of gluten-free flours for conventional wheat flour. Many recipes suggest that a mixture of gluten-free flours works better than using brown rice flour by itself. Here are some common flour combinations:

1/2 cup brown rice flour + 2 cups oat flour + 1 cup barley flour is equivalent to 4 cups conventional flour

1 cup brown rice flour + 1 cup amaranth flour + 1/4 cup arrowroot flour is equivalent to 2 cups conventional flour

1 cup brown rice flour + 1/2 cup cornstarch + 1 cup soy flour + 1 1/2 cups potato starch flour is equivalent to 4 cups conventional flour

1 cup brown rice flour + 1 cup chickpea flour is equivalent to 2 cups conventional flour (makes a complete protein)

3. Choosing how much brown rice flour to use depends upon which flavors will work best for your recipe. Some flours may not be right for all recipes.

Adapting Your Recipe

4. To compensate for the lack of gluten in brown rice flour, you will need to add ingredients that will help your baked goods to cohere. Some cooks add an additional egg; others use apple sauce or additional oil.

5. If you are substituting brown rice flour by itself, adding additional liquid is important. Rice flour absorbs more moisture than conventional wheat flours, so you may need to increase the amount of liquids in your recipe. If you notice that your dough or batter is too dry or gritty, try adding 1/8 cup of liquid as needed to your mixture until it achieves a smoother consistency.

6. If you are using a rising agent, be advised that brown rice flour baked goods tend to rise very quickly. It is best to check your dough frequently rather than relying on the time your recipe says it will take for your dough to rise. Do not let your brown rice flour dough rise for too long or it will fall apart when cooked.

Baking with Brown Rice Flour

7. Refrigerate your dough or batter for 1/2 an hour before baking---this will improve its texture.

8. Brown rice flour products should be baked at a lower temperature than conventional products. Lower your oven temperature to 25 degrees less than what your recipe recommends.

9. Cook your baked good until a toothpick inserted into its center comes out clean.

Tags: conventional wheat, rice flour, baked goods, brown rice, rice flour

Can Corn

Most people love the taste of fresh corn on the cob in the summer, but don't know can fresh corn. It is easy to enjoy that wonderful fresh taste all year long by canning your own summer corn. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Preparing for Canning

1. Wash the canning jars in a dishwasher to sterilize them.

2. Immerse the jar lids in a pot of boiling water and let them boil for five minutes. Remove the lids using tongs or a magnetic wand that lifts lids.

3. Fill a large pot about two thirds full of water and put it on the stove to boil. You will blanch the corn in this water.

4. Heat a medium sized pot filled with water. You'll add this hot water to the jars of corn in a later step.

5. Rinse out your pressure cooker, place the rack plate inside and fill the cooker with 4 inches of hot tap water. Put it on the stove, uncovered, to heat.

6. Fill a large bowl about two thirds full with cold water and ice. Set aside.

Preparing the Corn

7. Choose fresh ears of corn on the cob, husk them and remove the silk.

8. Blanch the ears of corn for three minutes in a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot as soon as you put the corn in the water.

9. Plunge the corn immediately into the ice water bath too cool for three minutes. Empty the and add ice cubes as needed, then remove the ears of corn from the ice bath and drain them thoroughly.

10. Cut the kernels of corn from the cobs with a sharp knife or a kernel remover.

Canning the Corn

11. Fill your canning jars with the corn without shaking the jars or pressing down on the corn. Make sure to leave a 1 inch of head space at the top of each jar. Add clean boiling water from the medium pot, to the jar of corn. Make sure to leave the empty head space.

12. Place a lid on top of each jar and screw on the ring. Tighten the ring to a snug fit, but don't over tighten it.

13. Lift each jar using jar tongs and place it on the rack inside the pressure cooker. Make sure there is at least 3 inches of water in the pressure cooker. Add hot tap water, if needed, to bring the level back up to three inches.

14. Cover the pressure cooker when all the jars have been placed inside. Depending upon the type of cooker you have, either leave the valve open or the weight off.

15. Heat on high for ten minutes allowing the steam to vent, in order to purge the airspace, then put on the weight, or close the valve openings, to build up pressure to 11 pounds. Start your timer when the pressure has reached 10 pounds, setting it for 25 minutes. Lower the temperature of the stove, as needed, to keep the pressure at t 10 pounds.

16. Turn off the stove when the processing has been completed and let the pressure drop and the canner cool down. Take off the cover when the pressure gauge has gone down to zero.

17.Remove the jars when the canning process is completed by lifting them out of the remaining water in the pressure cooker and placing them on a towel or wooden cutting board to cool overnight. It is important that the jars cool in a draft free place and that they are not touched or bumped while they are cooling.

Tags: pressure cooker, boiling water, ears corn, Make sure, about thirds

Make Brown Rice Flour Substrate

Growing mushrooms at home takes a little know-how.

Mushroom growers need a substrate in order to grow their mushrooms in safely sterilized containers. An effective substrate mixture must be able to retain moisture but not extreme amounts of it. Using brown rice flour for your substrate helps to hold the vermiculite in a solid cake form, adds nutrients to the mixture and allows for more productive mushroom growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pulverize 1/2 bag of brown rice in the food processor to a flour-like consistency. Keep adding rice until you have 1 full cup of brown rice flour. Set excess rice aside for another batch. You need more than 1 cup of rice to make 1 cup of rice flour --- keep adding rice until you get 1 cup of flour.

2. Add 1 cup water to 2 cups of vermiculite in a large bowl and mix well. The vermiculite should be airy and not in clumps, Stir until you get the desired result.

3. Add 1 cup of the brown rice flour to the bowl and mix well. Squeeze a small handful of the mixture to test the consistency --- it should hold together. Discard the handful to avoid contaminating the rest of the mixture with any spores that may be on your hand. Fill each of the five jars halfway with the mixture.

4. Wipe the inside part of the lid area of the jar with a paper towel to remove any contaminants that could ruin the growth of your mushrooms. The inside lid should be dry and free of vermiculite mixture.

5. Fill the rest of each jar with some dry vermiculite and level it off with a spoon. Place the lid rubber-side up on top of the jar and tighten the lid down firmly.

6. Wrap each jar in a layer of aluminum foil from the lid down. This will prevent the steam from running up under the foil and dripping down into the jar contents.

7. Place a layer of extra jar lids into the bottom of a deep boiling pot. Place a layer of aluminum foil over the lids and then add another layer of jar lids on top of the foil. Fill the pot with water up to the level of the second layer of jar lids.

8. Set each jar in the pot side by side, place a tight lid on top and begin boiling the water. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, turn the heat down slightly. The water should still be bubbling.

9. Let the jars boil for 90 minutes from the time the rolling boil starts, adding water as necessary to keep the pot from boiling dry. When the 90 minutes are up, turn off the burner and let the water cool.

10. Remove the jars from the boiler and set aside in a cool, dark space. Your brown rice substrate is now ready to be inoculated with the mushroom spores of your choice.

Tags: rice flour, brown rice, brown rice flour, adding rice, adding rice until, aluminum foil

Plan A Glycemic Load Menu

Fruit helps stablize glycemic loads.

Diabetics and those with restricted sugar intakes have traditionally looked at a reduction in high calorie food consumption to maintain their blood sugar levels. However, new research has led to a different food classification system that includes both the amount of carbohydrates in foods and the way that food affects blood sugar levels. The glycemic load index assigns numbers to foods according to how they affect blood sugar. The lower the number, the higher the stabilizing effect on blood sugar. By planning your meals according to the glycemic load index, you will see improved overall health benefits.

Instructions

1. Identify those foods which rate low to medium on the glycemic index scale. Low foods, rated 55 or lower, include bran cereals, a wide variety of beans and high fiber fruits and vegetables, with the exception of potatoes. Medium foods, rated between 56 and 70, include whole grain foods, brown rice, bulgar, barley, fresh fruit juice, rice cakes and oatmeal.

2. List the foods you like to eat for each meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

3. Plan meals accordingly, keeping glycemic load values in the low to medium range for each meal, up to a maximum of 70. Include fish, poultry and lean cuts of meat sparingly, adding beans and nuts for protein. Foods with a low glycemic value will help reduce the effects of those with high values. You can eat potatoes, home-made breads, treats and other foods with a high glycemic load occasionally. Exercise also increases the need for foods with a higher glycemic index.

4. Substitute foods with high glycemic load values for lower foods, if needed. For example, grapefruit has a glycemic value of 25, while pineapple's value is 66. By replacing high glycemic foods for those with lower glycemic values, you can keep your meal total in the lower range.

Tags: blood sugar, glycemic load, high glycemic, those with, with high, blood sugar levels, each meal

Cheesecloth Vs Muslin

Cheesecloth and muslin are both loose-weaved fabrics.

Cheesecloth and muslin are both loose-weaved, inexpensive fabrics with a natural color. The choice between the two during fabrication will depend on the actual use, such as culinary or cooking projects, garment construction or theater backdrops. The weave for both makes it appropriate for creating clothing for hot climates and for allowing liquids to drain from food products, such as when thickening cheeses or straining sauces. Does this Spark an idea?

Cheesecloth Grades

Cheesecloth is found in many different grades of weave construction, which makes it useful for a variety of applications for cooking and cheese making. The finer the weave construction, the more particles it will filter out of the product. The different grades of weave come in very loose Number 10 grade, or 20 by 12 threads per inch, all the way to fine Number 90 grade, or 44 by 36 per inch. For garment construction and sewing, the finer weaves are used to withstand fittings. Cheesecloth is found in both unbleached natural colors and bleached white.

Muslin Weave

Muslin fabric is finer than cheesecloth and is the choice for creating garments to wear in very hot or humid climates. While it does wrinkle during wearing, loose pants and dresses are airy and lightweight. Different thread counts are also available for muslin fabrics. With its finer construction weave, this fabric is often also used for theater backdrops since it can handle paint and pen art well and is easily dyed to create any shade needed. Since it is inexpensive, muslin fabric is also used to make a muslin, or a sewn draft, of an actual pattern. Muslin fabric is available in both natural unbleached colors and bleached white.

Strength Differences

The strength differences lie in the actual weave of the fabrics. Cheesecloth is available in very loose weave making it a very weak fabric when used by itself. When used in culinary applications such as for straining, it is double or triple folded to prevent the fabric from unraveling as the liquid is passed through it. For garment construction, choose a weave from either one with a higher thread count making it suitable for multiple wearings.

The Bottom Line

Cheesecloth and muslin are both relatively inexpensive fabrics that are used in a wide variety of applications. Both are easily dyed and can be purchased by the bolt for large projects. Cheesecloth is readily available in all forms and is the choice for chefs to strain stocks and jellies and for cheese making. With the wide choice of weaves, users can choose the exact fineness of cheesecloth they need for the project. Muslin fabrics have a finer weave, making it a stronger and better choice for actual wearable garments because it will handle multiple washings and wearings.

Tags: Cheesecloth muslin both, garment construction, muslin both, also used, bleached white

Send Health Food Baskets

A full, healthy fruit basket.

Sending a gift basket is not only a thoughtful present for your recipient to receive, but the perfect opportunity to substitute candies and cookies with health foods. A health food gift basket can be given to loved ones in the hospital, friends recovering from illness, or even those you know suffering from health afflictions. For a small amount of money you can create a thoughtful health food gift basket that can be shipped or even hand delivered.

Instructions

1. Prepare your basket.

Prepare your basket. Take your basket and remove any broken pieces of the weave. With your ribbon tie a simple bow on one of the corners with your ribbon as just an accent decoration. Lay out all items you plan to place in your gift basket on the table.

2. Begin filling the basket. Place large items in your basket first and use items that are box-shaped to hold up more awkwardly shaped items. Place fruits, vegetables and other items that can be easily damaged on top and out of harms way. If you cannot find the suggested basket fillers, use items from the Super Foods Guide by WebMD that suggests items like fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, quinoa and beans.

3. Fill in the gaps. Anywhere you have gaps in your health food basket, fill it with fake flowers or even paper fillers so that the basket looks completely full.

4. Create your notes. Either using a pre-made gift card or even creating your own, ensure you include a note to your gift basket recipient. Create a small menu of the items that are included to help recipients that are unfamiliar with health food products. Try to include a recipe or two that incorporates the items in the gift basket.

5. Wrap the basket with the shrink wrap. Ensure that the ends of your shrink wrap are at the top of your basket. Gather the ends and tie closed with your excess ribbon. Use a blow dryer on medium-high to heat the shrink wrap slowly until it has tightened around the basket fully.

6. Deliver the basket. Keep the basket upright during delivery and either leave it on a doorstep as a welcoming surprise, or wait until your recipient is home to hand it to them yourself. When shipping your gift basket, never lay your basket on its side. Use a box large enough, so that your basket stands upright and use shredded paper or packing peanuts to fill the empty space and ensure your basket will not move around.

Tags: your basket, gift basket, health food, items that, shrink wrap, your gift, your gift basket

Uses Of Full Spectrum Lights

Nature's own full-spectrum light may be best, but it isn't always available.

Full-spectrum lighting fixtures provide an artificial simulation of the spectrum available in natural sunlight. The body uses and needs natural sunlight to function properly. From the ability to absorb vitamins, the ability to regulate moods and perform daily routines to seeing colors the way nature intended, natural full-spectrum lighting impacts our lives from every angle.

SAD

The shortened length and lower intensity of available natural light during the winter season is a cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called "winter depression." The problem affects individuals differently, but the general effect of a long-term lack of natural light is depression, fatigue, irritability and inability to perform normal everyday functions. Light therapy improves the symptoms of SAD dramatically and can be done in the comfort of a patient's home.

Painting

Colors appear truer to form and sharper in natural daylight or in natural full-spectrum lighting. Many artists prefer to use natural full-spectrum lighting when painting indoors to ensure proper color results. Physiological psychologist Johannes von Kries explains in his transform theory that the human eye changes its adaptation and use of light in different situations so the perception of color changes. It is only true in natural full-spectrum light.

Learning Ability

In 1973, Dr. John Ott studied the effects of natural full-spectrum lighting and regular florescent lighting on students in the first grade in Florida. Students in the natural lighting had marked improvement in attention, retention, energy and mood. Students in the florescent lighting were lethargic, moody and didn't get nearly as good grades. Replacing overhead florescent lights with natural full-spectrum light bulbs has a positive effect within a few hours of insertion.

Avian Settings

Keeping pet birds in a house is good for the humans, but can be hard on a bird. They need natural full-spectrum lighting to function properly and even see things correctly. Hanging a full-spectrum lighting fixture above the play area, or cage, of a bird improves its thyroid and other glands to work properly. The birds will be able to see as they would outside in the natural sunlight, and be more active and alert.

Shift Work

Shift workers who work the graveyard shift are likely candidates for SAD in any season. The use of natural full-spectrum lighting in the workplace improves the symptoms dramatically.

Tags: natural full-spectrum, natural full-spectrum lighting, full-spectrum lighting, full-spectrum light, natural sunlight

Remove The Gas When Cooking Pinto Beans

Avoid embarrassing gas by preparing pinto beans properly before cooking.

Pinto beans are a type of legume that provide an excellent source of protein in your diet. Pinto beans are very versatile and can be used in main dishes and side dishes. Even though pinto beans are healthy and taste good, many people avoid eating pinto beans because they end up with gas and gas pains. While beans are notorious for causing gas, this situation can be avoided. By removing as much of the gas-causing factors as possible, you can eat pinto beans without worrying about having uncomfortable and embarrassing gas. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place 1 cup dried pinto beans in a large pot and fill the pot three-quarters full with water.

2. Bring the water to a boil. Skim a soup ladle over the surface of the water to remove foam as it forms in the boiling water. Removing and discarding the foam helps remove gas-causing chemicals from the beans.

3. Use a colander to help remove gas from pinto beans.

Set a colander in your sink. Remove the pot of water and beans from the stove and pour into the colander so the water drains through. Rinse the pinto beans well with cool water.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 twice more, boiling the water and beans for 10 minutes each time. This removes gas-causing chemicals from the pinto beans and softens the skins on the beans so the beans are easier for your digestive system to handle. High-fiber foods make your digestive system work harder, which can cause gas.

Tags: pinto beans, pinto beans, beans colander, boiling water, chemicals from

Health Benefits Of Pink Sea Salt

Health Benefits of Pink Sea Salt

Pink sea salt is a natural source of essential minerals that can be used by otherwise healthy individuals to improve overall health or treat certain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Learn about the remarkable origins of pink sea salts and harness the most health benefits from it by following a few simple formulas.

Origins

Pink sea salt deposits are found in the Himalayan and Andes Mountain ranges. During the Jurassic period, the ocean floor buckled upwards forming the mountains and trapping the sea salt.

Composition

Pink sea salt contains various amounts of 82 different trace minerals including: calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and gold. This produces the marbled pink coloring of these salts.

Nutrition

The high mineral content makes pink sea salt a popular nutritional supplement. Natural health expert Dr. Weil cautions against exceeding 1,500 mg of sodium a day (approximately a half teaspoon of pink sea salt).

Digestion

Dissolve two tablespoons of pink sea salt in eight ounces of water and drink within ten minutes to treat chronic constipation. The sea salt draws excess moisture into the intestinal tract, flushing toxins and residual wastes out of the body.

Swelling

Pink sea salt, dissolved in warm water, can alleviate swelling. Soak the affected area for 15 minutes, every two hours.

Skin Care

Mix pink sea salts with honey or essential oils to create an exfoliating skin scrub that removes dead skin and improves skin moisture.

Cautions

Consult a physician before supplementing with pink sea salt. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Stop using pink sea salt if you develop any unusual effects.

Tags: pink salt, Benefits Pink, Benefits Pink Salt, Health Benefits, Health Benefits Pink, Pink salt, pink salt