Chinese Cooking Utensils

The wok is an essential piece of equipment for Chinese cooking.

Chinese cooking does not require a plethora of equipment, but rather a handful of well-chosen tools. The wok is the centerpiece of the style, and a Chinese-style cleaver is essential. The rest depends on the style and depth of your explorations into Chinese cuisine. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Wok

The wok is an all-purpose cooking pot in Chinese cuisine. It can be used not only for stir-frying but also for deep-frying, steaming, blanching, and smoking. Woks come in many different sizes and materials, but the best performers are made of carbon steel; a wok with a 14-inch diameter is suitable for the home cook. Some come with flat bottoms and some with round bottoms; the choice is mostly up to the preferences of the customer. Note that carbon steel woks need to be seasoned before their first use.

Wok Accessories

If you have a round-bottomed wok, a wok ring will help stabilize it over a standard oven burner. If you plan on using your work for steaming or smoking, you may also wish to purchase an aluminum or stainless steel wok cover.

Cleaver

Rectangular-bladed Chinese-style cleavers are lighter and thinner than their Western counterparts. Cleavers are made of either carbon steel or stainless steel. They are a multi-purpose tool and can perform mincing, slicing, dicing and shredding tasks with equal ease. They are also hefty enough to chop cleanly through small bones.

Bamboo Steamers

Bamboo steamers can be nestled inside a wok above a small amount of water to cook dumplings, dim sum, spare ribs, and other steamed dishes. They come in a variety of sizes and can be stacked up to three high at a time.

Sand Clay Pot

This is a pot made of rough clay. The inside is glazed while the outside is unfinished. It comes with a lid and is often banded with steel wire. Sand clay pots need to be tempered before first use and soaked before every subsequent use. They are used to cook stews, congee, and other special dishes.

Spatula

Chinese cooks keep food moving while stir-frying with a special long-handled spatula made of stainless steel.

Strainer

Chinese cooks use two types of strainers. The first is made of steel mesh attached to a bamboo handle; this is used to remove cooked food quickly from hot stock or oil, for example when deep-frying. The second is made of perforated steel and is used to add and remove food gently from hot liquid.

Chopsticks

There is no need to purchase special "cooking chopsticks" for Chinese cooking. A pair of ordinary bamboo or ivory ones will do. They are used during preparation as fine manipulation tools--to separate, add or remove small pieces of food.

Tags: carbon steel, Chinese cooking, stainless steel, Chinese cooks, Chinese cuisine, cooking Chinese

Grind Rice To Make Flour

Grind Rice to Make Flour

Rice flour can be made of any variety of brown or white rice. Rice flour is used alone in many noodle recipes and in conjunction with other flours in baked goods. Grinding the rice to a fine powder will make the finished have a more smooth and less grainy texture. Give Asian dishes an extra homemade touch by grinding rice flour at home instead of buying it from the market. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Pour the dry rice into a large colander and rinse it under cold running water. Move the rice with your fingers and remove any foreign objects like stones.

2. Lower the colander of rinsed rice into a large stockpot filled with water and allow it to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Remove the colander and dump the rice onto a clean kitchen towel that is spread out on the counter, table or other flat surface.

4. Spread the rice into a thin layer and allow it to dry out completely. Drying the rice may take up to an hour. Speed the process by placing a small fan next to the rice.

5. Pour all the clean dry rice into a food processor and grind it at high speed for approximately five minutes.

6. Dump ground rice into a fine mesh sieve or flour sifter and shake to pass the finer granules through into a large mixing bowl.

7. Return the ground rice granules that are too large to pass through the sifter back into the food processor for another grind at high speed. Continue this process until all the rice is fine enough to pass through into the mixing bowl.

8. Use the rice flour in a recipe or move it into air-tight glass or plastic containers to store in the pantry.

Tags: rice into, into large, food processor, grind high, grind high speed

Pick Ammo For Turkey Hunting

Turkeys are a very intelligent animals and hunting them takes some amount of skill. Hunters will either choose a traditional shotgun to hunt turkeys or even bow hunt these birds. Most hunter's supply or sporting good stores will have an adequate supply of ammo for all kinds of hunting. Here are some tips on pick ammo for turkey hunting.

Instructions

1. Decide on the method of hunting. Using a shotgun to hunt turkey requires shot shell ammunition for the gun. A number 6-turkey load is typical ammo for the task. Two ounces of pellets per shell is common.

2. Choose a bolt or arrow for the turkey ammo if bow hunting. Arrows or cross bow bolts typically have a broadhead tip that allows for a greater area of impact and damage.

3. Pick a shotgun matched for the hunt. A common shotgun for turkey hunting is the 12-gauge model. Others include the 20-gauge for closer hunting techniques and the 16-gauge.

4. Use a turkey ammo size that best fits the hunter. If recoil is an issue, go with a lighter gauge shot. Many hunters use a 3.5-inch shell that delivers a strong kick. Use a 3-inch shell for younger hunters.

Tags: shotgun hunt, turkey ammo, turkey hunting

Cut Up Dandelions To Eat In Salad

Dandelion greens are available in many supermarkets or right from your garden.

Not only are dandelion greens present in many traditional Mediterranean meals but also are one of the most nutritious leafy vegetables available. While dandelion greens are available in many supermarkets' produce sections, they also can be picked right from the ground and prepared into healthy salads. Cutting up dandelion leaves and crowns makes it easy to mix the greens with other veggies and preferred salad additions. Mixing dandelions with other flavorful produce is often recommended due to their natural bitterness. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Lay out the leaves on a cutting board. Shape the leaves so that they are in a bunch to make easier the process of cutting them up.

2. Angle your cutting knife, at about a 45-degree angle, above the leaves at the far left or right of the bunch, depending on your preference. Knife and leaves should form a 90-degree angle to one another.

3. Rock the blade firmly back and forth along the cutting board, cleanly slicing through the leaves. Move the knife slowly along the leaves as you rock so that you cut them evenly.

4. Pull apart any of the pieces that remain stuck together.

5. Mix the dandelion greens with other greens with light flavor, such as lettuce. Or add vinegar, olive oil or other salad dressing to the greens in order to mask the slightly bitter flavor of dandelion.

6. Shred up the flower top, known as the crown, of the dandelion by hand and sprinkle the petals on top of the greens, if desired.

Tags: dandelion greens, greens with, with other, available many, available many supermarkets

Side Effects Of Chia Seeds

Side Effects of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds, so familiar from those holiday ads for terracotta Chia pets, are the seeds from a flowering salvia plant related to mint. But they can do much more than provide luxuriant green pelts on Chia pets.

The positive effects of taking chia seeds appear to be high, and the side effects appear to be few. The University of Maryland Medical Center says research shows that omega 3 fatty acids such as the alpha-lipoic acid and EPA in chia seed play a significant role in healthy brain function. They also lower the risk of cancer, heart disease and arthritis.

Research shows that taking dietary supplements of chia seed may lower blood pressure and the chances of heart disease. Chia seed is also a good source of soluble fiber and essential omega 3 fatty acids. Each of those benefits, however, can have its drawbacks.

History

When the Spanish conquistadors discovered the Aztec civilization of Mexico in the early 16th century, the Aztecs had already been using chia seed as a dietary and medicinal staple for centuries. They would even grind the seeds into a portable flour, which would sustain them on their travels.

Today in Mexico, chia seeds mixed with water, lemon or lime juice, and sugar make a favorite beverage, chia fresca.

Heart Disease & Cancer

The good news is, a University of Toronto study concluded that adding chia to someone's diet over the long term lowered his risk of heart disease more than conventional treatment. A 2004 study at the Netherlands' Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences found that high blood levels of the alpha-lipoic acid found in chia seeds might lower the chances of someone's dying from a heart attack.

The bad news is the Netherlands study also indicated that taking chia can raise the risk of prostate cancer in men. These results are not proven by any other study.

Blood Pressure

A study done at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital tested whether taking chia seeds would lower the risk of cardiovascular complications in 20 elderly people suffering from controlled type 2 diabetes. The study's participants consumed daily doses of between 33 and 41 g of either the white chia seed called Salba, or wheat bran. At the end of 12 weeks, the people who took the Salba had their systolic blood pressure (the upper reading) drop by between 2.3 and 10.3 points.

While that's encouraging for someone with a history of high blood pressure, taking chia seeds could be dangerous for someone with typically low blood pressure. The American Heart Association warns that although there's no specific number at which low blood pressure is considered too low, the brains and organs of people with abnormally low blood pressure can become oxygen and nutrient-deprived. If taking chia seed lowered blood pressure enough in someone who already had low blood pressure, that person could go into shock, or even die.

Other Side Effects

Although a high-fiber diet is normally considered healthy, the American Dietetic Association warns that high-fiber foods such as chia seeds can cause gas and intestinal bloating. If you find yourself dealing with digestive problems after you start taking chia, cut back on the amount until your system adjusts.

The European Food Safety Authority says that chia seed's potential as an allergen has not been completely ruled out.

Cost & Availability

While not side effects, the cost and availability of chia seeds are drawbacks. Chia seed, oil, or ground flour is rarely found in local stores, although it can be ordered online from numerous sources.

A one-month supply of Salba, the brand of white chia seeds used in the University of Toronto study, sells online for $29.99 plus shipping.

Tags: blood pressure, taking chia, chia seeds, chia seed, heart disease, taking chia seeds

Cure Turkey Neck

The least invasive and less expensive "cures" for turkey neck are scarves and turtleneck sweaters. This delicate part of the anatomy can begin drooping and sagging for several reasons: weight gain or loss, laxity of the platysma muscle, loose skin or swollen neck cords. The cause and extent of the sagging will determine the cure. Treatments include lasers, skin creams and surgery. Which is best for you depends on your skin, your determination and your pocketbook. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

The Causes and Cures

1. Examine your chin in a mirror. If your neck sags from fat, this can be cured with simple liposuction. If the sags are just loose skin, this too can be removed and tightened. Neither of these is an authentic turkey neck. If the skin is wrinkled or the neck cords are prominent, there are treatments for these. If the whole neck is wattled and droops, you have advanced turkey neck.

2. Choose Thermage or Fraxel Re:store or Fraxel Re:pair laser treatments in mild cases of turkey neck. These tighten skin, remove age spots and stimulate collagen. Recovery is two to three days, with red skin possible for two to three weeks. Select a certified plastic surgeon who also knows fractional laser treatments. Lasers tighten the skin by contracting the overlying collagen. Try less invasive external lasers or fractionated lasers for very mild tightening. More than one treatment may be necessary.

3. Apply retinol cream or a retinoid like Retin-A, Tazorac or Differin that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to tighten a wrinkled turkey neck.

Restore some of the neck's elasticity with topical vitamin C in serums like SkinCeuticals' C E FerulicRestore, which Dr. Leslie Baumann says has been shown to boost collagen production. It may irritate the skin if applied more than two or three times per week. Another product, Relastin Skin Revitalizer, promotes the formation of new elastin while it moisturizes the skin.

4. Relax prominent bands on the neck with Botox injectons. The muscle will sink into the hollow of the neck. Botox can also soften horizontal wrinkles over the neck, but only lasts one to six months.

5. Opt for a neck lift with significant sagging. Surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment. In a few hours, surgeons cut behind the ears, suction fat, tighten or shorten the platysma muscles and sculpt the neck. Recovery takes two to three weeks. The cost is about $10,000. A new wrinkle is to insert a sling inside the neck skin. Surgeons can tighten the strap as needed without further invasive surgery.

Tags: turkey neck, laser treatments, loose skin, neck cords, neck skin, three weeks

Cook Smoked Turkey Thighs

Smoke the thighs of a turkey for a twist on a holiday favorite.

Smoked turkey thighs add flavor to any meal any time of year. Occasionally, these appear pre-cooked in stores, but with a grill you can make your own at home. Use the same technique for smoking other parts of the turkey, including the breasts and legs. Once you have smoked your turkey thighs, enjoy them in a variety of recipes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Set the turkey thighs into a zip-top bag and cover with the marinade.

2. Seal the bag and refrigerate overnight to infuse the turkey with the flavorings.

3. Pour 2 cups of wood chips into a bowl and completely cover them with water.

4. Leave the wood chips to soak for one hour.

5. Drain the water off the wood chips and transfer the soaked wood to a disposable loaf pan.

6. Build a charcoal grill fire and let it burn until the coals appear white and covered with ash. Alternatively, use the burners on one side of a gas grill preheated to medium (300 degrees Fahrenheit) with the other burners off.

7. Move the coals to one side of the charcoal grill and place the roasting pan next to the coals on the other side of the grill. Set the roasting pan directly on top of the burners left off in a gas grill.

8. Place the disposable loaf pan with the wood chips into the roasting pan.

9. Arrange the turkey thighs in the roasting pan so the turkey cooks over indirect heat.

10. Close the lid of the grill and cook the turkey thighs until a meat thermometer registers 180 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest portion of the thigh muscle without touching the bone, about 60 to 90 minutes.

Tags: wood chips, turkey thighs, charcoal grill, chips into, degrees Fahrenheit, disposable loaf

Hobble Splayed Legs On A Turkey

Oven-roasted turkey makes a delicious family meal.

Roasting a turkey is an easy and delicious way to feed a crowd at a holiday gathering or family dinner. Preparing a raw turkey for roasting is a challenge. A bird can weigh up to 25 pounds, raw turkey skin is slippery and the wings and legs flop around with every move. By the time you remove the neck and giblets and add stuffing, the turkey legs are often splayed wide apart. Fortunately, it's easy to hobble splayed legs on a turkey. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Remove the giblets from the turkey by pulling aside the flap over the turkey's neck cavity, reaching inside and removing the giblet package from the cavity. Remove the neck bone by reaching into the cavity between the turkey's legs and removing the bone. Reserve the giblets and bone for soup, and add prepared stuffing, if desired.

2. Place the turkey, breast side up, in a deep roasting pan. Cut a length of kitchen twine 18 to 24 inches long.

3. Hold the end of one turkey leg between your thumb and forefinger. Pull the legs together and hold the end of the other turkey leg between your forefinger and middle finger.

4. Using the opposite hand, grasp one end of the kitchen twine. Leaving a free end of twine approximately 3 inches long, wrap the twine around the two turkey legs in a figure-8 pattern.

5. Tie the two ends of twine together to secure the turkey legs. Roast the turkey at 325 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tags: turkey legs, between your, inches long, kitchen twine, turkey between, turkey between your

Create My Own Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair

Create My Own Natural Hair Care Products for Black Hair

Natural ingredients are often used when creating homemade hair care products to soften, moisturize and strengthen black hair, as well as to promote healthy hair growth. Because African American hair tends to be more fragile and prone to breakage, many people rely on natural and organic products to manage black hair instead of using products made with harsh chemicals. Experiment with oils, fruits and other ingredients commonly found in your home, or use some of the recipes below to get started creating your own natural hair care products for black hair. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Natural Ingredients

1. Use oils to create your own natural hair products. Coconut oil, olive oil and castor oil are often found in natural hot oil treatments, conditioners and hair moisturizers. Rosemary and lavender essential oils are also used in natural products to soften hair, stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss, according to HairInformation.Com.

2. Use foods such as bananas, cantaloupe, avocado, eggs, mayonnaise, honey, limes and yogurt to create natural hair conditioners for black hair. These ingredients soften and moisturize your hair-making it much more manageable. According to Black Women Beauty Central, eggs and avocado also encourage hair growth in African Americans.

3. Use ingredients such as Epsom salt, baking soda, aloe vera gel, liquid castile soap, apple cider vinegar and chamomile tea to create natural shampoos that make black hair softer and shinier as well as improve dry scalp and dandruff.

Natural Shampoo Recipes

4. Steep 6 organic chamomile tea bags in about 2 cups of boiling hot water for about 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and pour 4 tbsp. of pure soap flakes into the tea. Allow the soap flakes to soften completely. Add 1 1/2 tbsp. of pure vegetable glycerin into the tea. Mix the ingredients until they're thoroughly blended. After allowing the mixture to cool, use it to shampoo your hair as you normally would.

5. Fill a bottle or container with about 1/4 cup of warm water. Pour 1/4 cup of organic liquid castile soap into the bottle. Add 1/2 tsp. of an organic oil such as sunflower oil or olive oil to the bottle and shake well until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Use the mixture to shampoo your hair as you normally would.

6. Pour 1/4 cup of organic liquid castile soap into a bottle or container. Add 1/4 cup of organic aloe vera gel, 1 tsp. of pure vegetable glycerin and 1/4 tsp. of an organic oil such as avocado oil, sunflower oil or olive oil to the bottle. Shake the bottle well until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Use the mixture to shampoo your hair as you normally would.

Natural Conditioner Recipes

7. Pour a 1/2 cup of pure honey into a small container. Add 3 tsp. of olive oil, 1 tsp. of guar gum and 4 drops of essential rosemary oil to the container. Mix the ingredients well until they're thoroughly blended. Apply the mixture to damp hair, making sure to coat the hair completely. Cover your hair with a plastic cap or shower cap for about 30 minutes. Motown Girl recommends shampooing your hair lightly and rinsing thoroughly with cool water to remove the conditioner.

8. Peel one avocado and remove its pit. Mix 1 small jar of mayonnaise and 1/2 of the avocado inside a medium-sized bowl until the ingredients are well blended into a greenish color. Apply the mixture to your hair and cover with a plastic cap. Allow the mixture to penetrate your hair for about 20 minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.

9. Crack 2 eggs into a medium-sized bowl. Add a 1/2 cup of distilled or purified water into the bowl. Pour 1 tbsp. each of olive oil and vegetable glycerin and 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar into the bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Apply the mixture to freshly shampooed hair and cover with a plastic cap. Allow the mixture to penetrate your hair for about 20 minutes before rinsing it out.

Natural Hair Treatment Recipes

10. Pour 1/4 cup each of vitamin E oil and castor oil into a container. Add 15 drops each of rosemary and peppermint essential oil to the container and mix the ingredients well. Apply a small amount of the mixture to your hair often. According to Motown Girl, this mixture promotes hair growth.

11. Pour 4 cups of warm water into a bottle or container. Add 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and 2 tsp. of pure honey to the bottle and mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture to freshly washed hair to add moisture and sheen to your hair.

12. Dissolve 1 tsp. of plain unflavored gelatin inside 1 cup of warm water. Pour the gelatin into a sealed container and place it in the refrigerator. Apply a small amount of the gelatin to your hair as a natural hair gel.

Tags: your hair, about minutes, Apply mixture, hair growth, thoroughly blended, black hair, bottle container

Find A Distributor

Find a Distributor

One of the key assets to any business that has to provide services to a wide area is distribution. Finding a good distributor is key to getting your goods out to your consumers in a quick and timely order. Finding a good distributor can be a hassle at times, but like most things in business, the hard work pays off in the end.

Instructions

Evaluate Your Business

1. Look at the size of your business and determine how much product needs to be distributed at a time.

2. Get a map and look at the service area for your business. Find out what scale of distribution your business needs.

3. Read your budget and find out how much such services cost. Put aside enough money to make your effort worthwhile.

Finding The Distributor

4. Talk to your colleagues in your field of business. See if one particular company comes to mind.

5. Search industry websites and publications to find distributors that provide the type of distribution you need for your business. List the distributors that interest you.

6. Pick the distributors from your list that fits your business the best and contact them.

7. Schedule a appointment for someone from those companies to come out and present their services to you. This can help you in making your final decision.

8. Choose the company from the presentations you saw that best fits your company and select that company to be your distributor.

9. Determine the terms of the agreement and sign all paperwork as well as pay all applicable fees and charges for the distributor to begin rendering their services to you.

Tags: your business, distributors that, Find Distributor, Finding good, Finding good distributor, fits your

Store Green Curry Paste

Like adding a can of spaghetti sauce to noodles, green curry paste makes preparing curry dishes quick and easy. Homemade green curry paste is typically made with a puree of green chilies, onion, oil and various spices. Make green curry paste in bulk in jars so that whenever you feel like making curry, all you have to do is take a jar out of the pantry. Green curry can be stored in air-tight canning jars for up to one year. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Sterilize your canning jars and lids in a large pot of boiling water for 15 minutes. Place them on a clean towel to drip-dry. Cover the jars with another towel to retain the heat.

2. Fill the jars with the green curry paste, while the jars are still warm. Leave a 3/4-inch of space at the top.

3. Wipe the rims with a damp, clean towel and affix the lids tightly.

4. Place the jars in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until the water level is 1 1/2 inches above the lids.

5. Place a lid on the pot and bring the water to a boil. Cook the jars for 25 to 35 minutes---until the pop-tops of the lids have been sucked in.

6. Remove the jars and allow them to cool for six to eight hours.

7. Stick adhesive labels to the jars and write an expiration date of one year in the future, using a permanent marker.

8. Keep the jars of green curry paste in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard or your pantry.

Tags: curry paste, green curry paste, green curry, canning jars, clean towel

Health Benefits Of Ginger And Olive Oil

Ginger and olive oil are some of the best ingredients you can include in your diet to help boost your health. Not only will they add great flavor to your salads, sauces, and stirfries, but they can also improve your overall well-being.

Helps Digestion

Ginger can aid digestion and is commonly used to ease nausea, especially during pregnancy, when other medications aren't usually safe. Ginger has been shown to decrease motion sickness. Olive oil is very gentle on the stomach.

Eases Cold and Flu Symptoms

Ginger has a warming effect on the body, which not only can cause muscles to relax and ease the achiness of flu, but can also help relieve fever and congestion.

Benefits Skin

Olive oil, applied topically to areas of dry and itchy skin, is very soothing and moisturizes deeply. It is rather thick, so apply carefully and let it soak in for a while before getting dressed.

Reduces Heart Disease Risk

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat, which can lower your bad cholesterol level and thus reduce your risk of heart disease.

Reduces the Bad Stuff

Both olive oil and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and ease pain from sore muscles and sickness. Olive oil is a great anti-oxidant, which means that it helps prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol. Ginger contains antibacterial properties, so it may help prevent the grown of harmful bacteria while encouraging the good, necessary bacteria.

Tags: sickness Olive

Make A Living As An Organic Farmer

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic farming has been the fastest growing segment of agriculture in the last decade. Each of the 50 states has farmland that is certified organic. A younger generation of farmers is embracing this trend, seeking a career that helps people and protects the environment. Though it's hard to get rich by organic farming, it is possible to earn a decent living. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Develop Your Business

1. Get certified. The USDA organic designation allows you to market your products as organic. You can use a state or private entity to obtain certification. Find one that fits your needs and price range. After reviewing your application, the certifying agency will conduct a farm inspection. Keep in mind that non-approved substances must not be used for 3 years prior to first "organic" harvest.

2. Learn the business side of farming. Seek the advice of experienced farmers. Read the book "The Organic Farmer's Business Handbook" by Richard Wiswall. Washington State University offers an on-line degree in organic agriculture. This course will also teach marketing strategies for today's market.

3. Create a marketing plan. Develop business cards, brochures and a website. Offer services like on-line ordering, home delivery or direct buying at the farm.

Market Your Produce

4. Attend farmer's markets. Create a schedule to attend two or three, if not more, per week. Display your business cards and brochures. Develop personal relationships with buyers to encourage repeat business.

5. Offer to do farm tours and dinners. Advertise in your local paper. Approach community groups or schools in the area about hosting a field trip. Send a press release to food magazines or blog about your farm on websites for food lovers. Invite people to the farm for the day to see the operation. Serve a meal featuring your produce. Give visitors the opportunity to purchase produce.

6. Market your products to local grocery stores and restaurants. Offer to plant and produce plots specifically for their use. Most grocery stores and restaurants will require you to be USDA certified. Otherwise, they may ask you to sign an affidavit that you adhere to the National Organic Program regulations.

7. Look for other business opportunities. Create products like organic relishes and jellies made on the farm. Sell your seeds to the public or other farms.

Tags: business cards, business cards brochures, cards brochures, grocery stores, grocery stores restaurants, Organic Farmer

Calculate A Family'S Food Costs

Tabulate your month's food bills to determine your overall food costs.

Depending on how many people you have in your family and how expensive your tastes are, food bills may make up a significant percentage of your monthly spending. If you've having trouble making ends meet or simply wish to know exactly how much you're spending on food, you can calculate your grocery and restaurant bills to give you an accurate idea of what percentage of your income goes toward food.

Instructions

1. Keep track of every grocery store receipt for one month. If you eat at a restaurant during the month, keep those bills, too. Instruct your other family members to contribute by saving their receipts and bills throughout the month. Store the bills chronologically in a designated envelope or box and make a habit of putting each new bill into the storage area once you get home.

2. Add up the total amount of grocery bills and the total amount spent on eating out at the end of the month. Add these two totals together. The total amount is the food cost of your family for an entire month. Divide it by the number of days in the month to get an average weekly food cost for your family or divide it by the number of family members to determine the average food cost for each person.

3. Divide the items on your grocery bills over the entire month into food categories to give you an accurate idea of what foods make up the majority of your food costs. Categories could include meats, fruits and vegetables, beverages, snacks and desserts. Systematically go through each bill and list each food item under one of the aforementioned categories.

4. Add up each category at the end of the month to see how your grocery bill is broken down, then divide each number by the total amount to see what percentage it is. This will help you decide which types of foods you could cut down on. For example, if you find that you're spending 40 percent of your monthly food bill on snacks, you may wish to buy fewer or less expensive snacks.

Tags: total amount, food cost, your family, your grocery, accurate idea, accurate idea what, cost your

Start Your Own Pet Store

Pet stores are charming places. Fuzzy hamsters, cuddly puppies, talking parrots, and tropical fish can be found at most of these stores. Walking through a pet store is like taking a stroll through a miniature zoo. If you find yourself visiting your local pet store on a regular basis just for fun, you might be a good candidate for owning your own pet business. Although it takes many things to open a successful business, the first thing you need to run a pet store is a true love for animals. If this is something you are considering, here is an overview of the steps necessary to achieve your dreams of having your own pet shop.

Instructions

1. Learn about the pets you plan to sell. This might seem like an obvious thing to do, but many people jump into the pet industry without realizing how much time has to be dedicated to actually taking care of the animals. Most privately-owned pet stores do not have a lot of employees, and the owner has to do a lot of the work himself. Cages will need to cleaned. Animals will need to be fed. Dogs will need to be exercised, and that's just the beginning!

2. Talk to the experts, people who are already running their own pet store. The best place to do this is on the Internet where you will not have to worry too much about competition. The information you can get from those who have already been in the business is invaluable. While books can be informative, they can't give you the same first-hand point of view that actual people can give you. They already know the challenges involved in the market, and the information they discuss is current and relevant to the time. Also, they can help by giving you tips and suggestions while you are going through the process of opening your business. Once everything is up and running, you can bounce ideas and problems off of each other.

3. Research your market. Before you open any kind of business, you need to know who your competition will be. You also need to know what you can expect from running such a venture. If you find that there are a lot of other pet stores in the area, you might want to re-think your idea. Perhaps you could specialize in a particular kind of animal as opposed to trying to do what is already being done. At the same time, if the other stores are doing poorly and you think you could do better, go for it.

4. Write a business plan. This is necessary whether you are funding your business out of pocket, or applying for some kind of loan. The basic reason for having a business plan is to keep yourself on a successful path. You will need to know many details, such as what your goal is, why you think you can succeed, and what your budget is going to look like. The financial aspect of the business can become very complicated and seeking the help of a financial advisor is highly recommended.

5. Decide how you are going to finance your business venture. Most people do not have the money they need. They have to apply for a small business of loan or seek private investors. Be sure to keep your business plan handy because you will need it to qualify for just about any kind of financing.

6. Obtain a license if one is required. Currently, twenty-one states and the District of Columbia require pet shops to have a license to sell animals (Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont). You can apply for a license at the Department of Agriculture in your state. The fee varies widely depending on location and may cost anywhere between 30 and 300 dollars.

7. Design your floor plan. While this might take awhile, it can be a lot of fun. You will need to decide where you want to put your shelves, cages, cash register, and any other displays you plan on having. How detailed you decide to make the floor plan is up to you. You can make blue prints, or you can also just freehand the lay-out in a notebook.

8. Order your non-living supplies. It is wise to consult many different companies to ensure that you are getting a good price for the products you want to stock. Consulting an internet forum can be very helpful in this step. Pet stores owners are usually happy to recommend good companies.

9. Stock your animals. Once again, it is important to shop around for the best price. Another very important thing to consider when ordering your animals is the source from which they are coming. Make sure you are not supporting any puppy mills or companies that use illegal means of getting their stock. It's also a great idea to help support animal shelters and humane societies that have animals in need of a home.

10. Advertise your business in magazines, stores, restaurants, newspapers, and any other media that reaches large numbers of people. The extent you are able to go will depend on your budget. This is one area where you should not skimp. After all, you need customers to make your business work. In order to get those people in the door, they have to know you are there.

Tags: your business, will need, business plan, need know, floor plan

Uses Of Food Coloring

Food coloring isn't just for food, it can be for projects too.

Food coloring is used primarily to enhance the appearance of foods that may naturally look bland. Since it is often consumed, the government regulations that keep it edible also make it safe for use in crafts and activities for all ages. Even so, use caution when working with food dye, because most food dyes are permanent and very difficult to wash away.

Condensed Milk Poster Paint

Poster paint made with condensed milk and food dye is a simple and fun rainy-day project for small children. By mixing almost any amount of condensed milk with food coloring, you will have created a glossy paint all ready for the paintbrush and poster surface. You can brighten or dull the color by using more or less dye or adding more milk. If your child happens to take a taste, the mix is edible and safe.

Slow Cooker Colored Yarn

Boiled water in a slow cooker can become the base of homemade yarn coloring. Assuming the standard pot is half full with water, add 1/2 cup of vinegar with several drops of food coloring. Stir the mixture well and lay the ball or spool of yarn right down into the slow cooker and replace the lid. The longer you leave the yarn in the pot, the brighter the color you will achieve. When you are satisfied with the color of your yarn, use a colander to strain the hot water out over your sink. Cautiously wring the yarn out after the yarn is at a temperature that your hands can withstand. Place the yarn on a thick plastic bag to air dry, so that the wet dye does not harm the counter or surface it sits on.

Colored Easter Eggs

Easter eggs are the most well-known use for food coloring crafts. There is no need to buy the store-brand Easter egg kits when you can make the very same thing right in your own kitchen. Combine 1 tsp. of vinegar for every cup of cold water you use, and add drops of your food coloring until you've reached the desired shade for the dip. Leave a hard-boiled egg in the cup of dye mix until it reaches the color you want, and remove the egg with a spoon. For glossier eggs, use a drop of vegetable oil on a paper towel to dry the egg.

Flower Effects

By placing flower stems into a simple mix of water and food coloring, the petals will absorb the color. The dye does not usually cause any harm, and since they are so porous, the flowers absorb the color rather quickly. Place a whole stem into a vase with food coloring for the flower to be one color, or split the stem and put each half in a different container with different colors. The possibilities are limitless, since there is no one set way to creating an artistic expression.

Tags: food coloring, with food, absorb color, condensed milk, Food coloring

Inject A Marinade While Deep Frying A Turkey

Inject a Marinade While Deep Frying a Turkey

Deep frying turkeys has become a fascination for many. Make your next deep-fried turkey a little different by adding a marinade. There are marinades that are soaked up into the turkey and then there are the injectable marinades. The injected marinades add a second layer of flavor to a deep fried turkey. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill the marinade injector with marinade. To make the marinade, add strained Italian dressing, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients in a tall glass. Close the injector. Place it in the tall cup with marinade. Pull back the syringe and draw the marinade up.

2. Inject 4 oz. of marinade into the turkey.

3. Inject the entire turkey. Press the open end into the turkey as deep as you like. Slowly press the syringe to release the marinade. Inject the meat of the leg and wings. Move on to injecting the marinade into the entire turkey. Use all your marinade and inject in several locations for maximum flavor.

4. Wipe away marinade that has run down the sides. Water and oil do not mix so remove as much liquid as possible to prevent splashing and popping of the oil once you have placed the turkey into the deep fryer.

Tags: into turkey, Deep Frying, Deep Frying Turkey, entire turkey, Frying Turkey, Inject Marinade, Inject Marinade While

Foreman Grill Cooking Times

George Foreman Cooking now offers a complete line of cooking equipment that includes several models of the Foreman Grill. This electric grilling device cooks meats and more on an angle, allowing the fat to melt away and run into a catch pan to reduce fat content and to promote a healthier lifestyle. While the cooking times for various items may vary depending on your preferences, below you will find some basic cooking times for a variety of food types when using your Foreman Grill. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Beef, Lamb and Pork

These popular proteins are available in all sorts of cuts, and there is no room to cover them all, but there are some guidelines to follow that will allow you to get all of your steaks, burgers and chops to the exact temperature that you want to eat them. All times are referenced with the assumption that the grill is being used with the cover down unless otherwise noted.

Hamburgers are the most commonly grilled food in America. It will take 5 to 7 minutes for a 3/4-inch-thick ground beef patty to cook until the pink has just disappeared. Hotdogs or brats only take 3 minutes.

Steaks are also a popular grill item and the toughest thing to get just right, but you can safely assume that a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium temperature will take 8 minutes. Cut the time to 6 minutes for medium rare. If you are cooking a bone-in cut like a T-bone, don't cook it with the cover down. Open it up and adjust the cook time to 5 minutes each side for medium rare and 8 minutes per side for medium.

A 1-inch-thick lamb chop cooked to medium will take 7 minutes, as will boneless pork or a veal chop cut 3/4 of an inch thick.

Poultry

Probably the second most grilled food in America is the chicken. Chicken breasts that weigh about 4 ounces each will only take 5 minutes to cook through on the Foreman Grill. Turkey breasts cook at the same speed. If the lid is left up for basting or brushing on sauces, then it will be necessary to cook the chicken or turkey for 6 minutes on each side.

Fish and Seafood

Cooking fish on a regular outdoor grill can be challenging because of the delicate nature of many fish filets or steaks. However, the Foreman Grill's nonstick surface makes preparing fish a quick and easy process. When cooking fish fillets or steaks, the rule of thumb is to cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per 1/2-inch of thickness.

When preparing scallops, those sized 15 to 20 per pound will cook in 3 minutes. Large shrimp cook in about the same amount of time.

Vegetables

Depending on your preferences, you will have to experiment to get your veggies just right. Do you like them soft or do you like them with some crunch? In most cases, you can grill any vegetable with the cover down in less than 5 minutes.

Tags: Foreman Grill, take minutes, cover down, will take, will take minutes

Side Effects Of The 7 Day Detox

Many people are looking into the practice of detoxifying their bodies. Because we eat foods that have additives such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners and caffeine, you may decide to occasionally do a cleansing program to take some of the load off your liver and kidneys. One brand to think about is the 7-Day Detox. Others that you can follow for three, seven or 30 days are on the market, as well.

Benefits of Detoxifying

The Detox-Guide website claims that the herbs and fiber in detoxification products support and speed up the body's cleansing process. Choose a product that contains some form of insoluble fiber, such as psyllium husk, to ensure proper elimination from the colon. The 7-Day Detox is one of those products. Insoluble fiber expands in your intestines and as it moves through, gently scrapes the wall of the bowel, removing plaque and impacted waste. You should always drink plenty of water, but especially when you add fiber to your diet. Too little water may leave you constipated rather than cleansed.

Look for herbs such as milk thistle, ginger, cranberry, dandelion root, garlic, chromium (picolinate or polynicotinate to help your body convert sugar to energy) and sage. The 7-Day Detox contains these ingredients and more (a total of 34 herbs and supplements), and according to its official website, these herbs support elimination, soothe your nerves and improve liver function. Other products to consider are the Yerba Prima Cleanse and Colonix. Both of these are 30-day programs, and each contains some of the ingredients in the 7-Day Detox. The 7-Day Detox site claims some people have experienced dramatic weight loss in addition to gaining better health.

Side Effects

Check the label of any product you are considering to make sure that it does not contain any harsh laxatives or stimulants. Some ingredients to avoid are ginseng, ephedra (both very strong stimulants that may be dangerous if you have a heart condition) and senna (a strong laxative that may induce painful cramps and diarrhea if overused). The 7-Day Detox does not contain any of these harsh ingredients.

You can expect some discomfort, especially when detoxifying for the first time. Intestinal gas is often a side effect. As the added fiber moves old intestinal waste, gases are produced. If the supplement product you are using does not contain fennel seed, you can purchase it separately at a whole-foods store or the spice section of your grocer. Chewing a few can help relieve gas.

Another side effect you may experience is headache as you withdraw from caffeine, sugar and alcohol. This may last a couple of days, but your body will quickly adjust to the absence of these things.

Do not be surprised if you have some nausea or diarrhea. After all, you are giving your body a much needed opportunity to clean house. Your body in its wisdom will try to cleanse itself through every avenue available. You will notice accelerated elimination, both bowel and bladder. You may sweat more, and your sweat may have a strong odor because of the toxins your body is trying to get rid of. You will probably have bad breath for a few days, as well. These are all temporary.

Tags: 7-Day Detox, does contain, your body, contains some, especially when

Cooking Lessons For Preschooler Children

Cooking is an important life skill. Teaching children to cook can start as early as preschool. While these young chefs shouldn't be expected to use a knife or to read a complex recipe, you can teach them some good, solid foundation skills, such as measuring, time management and following directions.

Preschoolers are curious about their world and are interested in learning things that require a bit of independence.

Teach Basic Skills

Cooking requires some basic skills, and starting with these will provide a good foundation for these future cooks. Such skills are measuring, food group knowledge, herb identification, kitchen safety and following directions.

Lesson 1: Safety

Start by teaching basic kitchen safety. Explain the dangers of fire and a hot oven. Show that there are proper ways to handle hot pots (i.e., potholder). Let the child know that an adult should always be the one to handle such hot items. Move onto other safety issues, such as knives and proper hygiene in the kitchen (washing hands, handling meats).

Lesson 2: Measuring

Show the child the different ways to measure in the kitchen: by the cup (or part thereof), tablespoon, teaspoon and gallon.

Choose a recipe where the student can practice measuring and adding simple ingredients, such as making a powdered drink mix. Let her measure, stir and taste her drink. Then, try a more difficult recipe, such as a cookie recipe in which more measuring is required. Again, assist her with proper measuring techniques but allow her to measure and pour the ingredients into the bowl.

Lesson 3: Food Groups

Discuss the different food groups as outlined by the United States Department of Agriculture (see Resources). Healthy eating is an important skill to learn at an early age.

Find items on your shelves and in the refrigerator, and using the food pyramid, ask the student what food group the chosen item belongs. For further fun, ask him about his favorite meal and have him find each element on the food pyramid to see if it is a balanced meal.

Lesson 4: Spices and Herbs

Cooking requires previous knowledge of spices and herbs; what do they taste like? Set out a few different spices and herbs. Tell the child the name of the herb or spice and have her smell it. Then, give her a small taste of the spice. It is best to pick spices she may eat on a regular basis so she may even be able to tell you it tastes like something she has eaten before. Make a recipe that includes some spices and herbs. Have the child measure and add the herbs or spices.

Lesson 5: Experimentation

Children love to create, and cooking requires creativity. Allowing children to create their own recipe can be fun and even tasty.

Choose something like pasta, precooked pizza dough or plain rice. Pick a few ingredients to add like cheese, meat, vegetables and spices. Give enough choices to make it fun for the young chef but not too many choices that could lead to a cooking disaster. Then, allow the child to create a recipe. Encourage him to add different items.

Lesson 6 - Cooking by Recipe

Show the child what a recipe looks like and follow a recipe, though the child isn't required to read. Again, the goal is to show the child how it is done. While you will be doing the majority of the work, allow the child to help measure and show her how you are following the directions.

Tags: following directions, allow child, food group, food pyramid, kitchen safety

Make Fuel Out Of Used Motor Oil

Producing Oil

Used motor oil has been a topic of debate for many years. A lot of people feel that it is a pure waste product, and have always argued over the best way to dispose of the material. As it turns out, used engine oil makes an excellent fuel for both heating and diesel engines. Rather than trying to find a method to dispose of motor oil, many people are helping the environment by reusing this hydrocarbon as an alternative fuel. If you are interested in helping the environment while also reducing your fuel costs, follow the steps in this guide to learn make fuel out of your old used motor oil.

Instructions

1. Obtain two HDPE containers. HDPE stands for High Density PolyEthylene. This highly durable plastic is used for everything from sport bottles to shipping containers. Try to find two of the small blue HDPE barrels. Using 10 gallon barrels is okay, but you should attempt to find 15 to 20 gallon barrels if possible. It is also helpful if you can find barrels that have markings on the side to help identify how many gallons of liquid are in the barrel.

2. Connect your PVC fittings to the barrel. First connect a PVC connector to the pour hole in the barrel lid. The connector should be sized to fit tightly into the hole. Connect a piece of PVC pipe to the connector that is slightly larger. The pipe should be the same diameter of your 10-micron filter, and should be a minimum of 12 inches long so that it can also act as a funnel.

3. Use the 10-micron filter to do an initial filtration of the used motor oil. Once the PVC has been installed, place your 10-micron filter into the pipe and push it to the bottom. Slowly pour the oil into the PVC pipe. Pour very slowly and be careful to not over-pour, because it will take time for the oil to run through the filter into the barrel. You may also wish to stick a large funnel into the top of the PVC pipe to aid in your pouring. Continue to pour until all of your used motor oil has been filtered and is in the barrel.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 on a second HDPE barrel, only using a 5-micron filter. The 10-micron filter that was used initially will remove the larger debris, but then a second filtration with a 5-micron filter will remove any fine sediment from the used motor oil. Repeat the same process of using a PVC connection, PVC pipe and a large funnel, only this time using the higher quality filter. Slowly pour the oil from the first barrel into the second, filtering it a second time.

5. Carefully measure how much filtered motor oil is present in your HDPE barrel. This will be easier to do if your barrel has markings on the side to note how many gallons of oil are in it. If your barrel does not have markings, use a tape measure to measure how many inches deep the oil is. Measure above the oil and mark a line to represent a fill line for doubling the amount of liquid in the barrel.

6. Add standard diesel fuel to the old motor oil. The standard mixture is to add an equal amount of diesel fuel to the amount of used engine oil, giving you a 50:50 ratio. Some people like to add slightly more diesel fuel than the amount of oil, giving them a 60:40 mixture. Stir the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes or until all contents are well blended. If you have access to a commercial grade mixer you can automate the process and stir the ingredients for a longer period of time. Once mixed, your used motor oil is ready to be used as fuel, either in your car or to heat your home.

Tags: 10-micron filter, your used motor, diesel fuel, into pipe, used motor, your used

Invest In Rice On The Stock Market

Invest in Rice on the Stock Market

Rice received a lot of attention in 2009 when Wal-Mart began limiting the amount of rice that a shopper could purchase. This action was in response to worldwide shortages that came about due to high fuel prices and adverse weather conditions. This shortage caused prices to spike, earning some knowledgeable investors a lot of money. If you would like to diversify your stock portfolio by investing in rice, there are several ways to do it.

Instructions

Futures and Options Contracts

1. Open a brokerage account that will allow you to trade futures, options and stocks (see Resources below for suggestions).

2. Buy an options or futures contract on rice. The ticker symbol for rice is ZR. You will need a minimum margin of $2,430 for a futures contract and $250 for an options contract.

3. Enter the ticker symbol into the brokerage software and click on "Search." This will bring up a list of rice-related products and their contract dates.

4. Select the month of the contract that you wish to purchase and the price that you wish to buy it at under the "Limit" price. Click on "Buy" or "Submit Order." When the price of the contract is reached, the software will automatically purchase the contract.

Stocks and ETFs

5. Buy a stock or exchange traded fund (ETF). Since rice producers are not publicly traded companies you cannot purchase their stock directly. You can, however, buy the stock of companies related to the production of rice.

6. Buy stock from companies that make pesticides and seed-related products related to rice. You can research these types of companies at MarketWatch.com or Morningstar.com.

7. Buy an exchange traded fund (ETF). These are funds that invest in several different, but related companies for diversification. There are several agricultural ETFs that you can consider. These include the ELEMENTS Rogers International Commodity fund (NYSE: RJA), the iPath DJ AIG Agriculture Fund (NYSE: JJA) and the PowerShares DB Agriculture ETF (NYSE: DBA).

Tags: exchange traded, exchange traded fund, futures contract, Invest Rice, Invest Rice Stock, Rice Stock

Food Related Jobs

Exploring food careers

Food-related jobs range from preparing restaurant meals to designing food programs to working at a farm. Some food-related careers include food stylist, fast food cook, institutional nutrition consultant, and dairy helper. Individuals interested in a food-related career may find employment opportunities at food magazines, dairy farms, beverage companies and community hospital settings.

Food Stylist

A food stylist helps food appear picture-perfect. Food photography appears in traditional cookbooks, websites, and food magazines. According to a July 2010 report conducted by CulinarySchools.com, some food stylists complete culinary school and spend time working with more experienced food professionals. Some work environments include food companies, video production companies and food magazines. Food stylists can work as employees or become independent contractors. As of 2010, the Culinary Schools reports established food stylists can earn daily rates between $450.00 and $850.00.

Fast Food Cook

A fast food cook receives an order from a food server, prepares the meal and informs the server once the food is cooked. The cook prepares a range of food orders. Employers offer fast food cooks on-the-job training, including training in food safety. These professionals can sometimes work irregular hours. A July 2010 Simply Hired report shows a fast food cook earns an average annual salary of $27,000.

Institutional Nutrition Consultant

An institutional nutrition consultant meets and develops food programs with management, such as community hospital managers. It can include nutrition educational programs for food service workers or the creation of food brochures. According a July 2010 report on Career Builder Salary, an institutional nutrition consultant works with builders when designing food service units. These professionals complete undergraduate or graduate degrees in nutrition and must pass a state-approved dietitian examination. As of 2010, Career Builder Salary shows an institutional nutrition consultant earns an average annual salary of $50,259.

Dairy Helper

A dairy helper performs entry-level duties at a dairy farm. The helper cleans bottles or cartoons, checks dairy products for damage and assists farmers when measuring dairy products. A July 2010 Career Builder report shows experienced dairy helpers operate farm equipment and work with dairy farmers or managers. These professionals receive on-the-job training after completing a high school or general equivalency diploma. Dairy helpers should enjoy working with animals. As of 2010, Career Builder Salary shows a dairy helper earns an average annual income of $24,150.

Tags: Career Builder, fast food, July 2010, 2010 Career, 2010 Career Builder, average annual, Builder Salary

Get A Job With A Fortune 500 Company

Get a Job With a Fortune 500 Company

Getting a job with a Fortune 500 company can be difficult if you take the wrong route. The key is to know where the company gets its employees. If you follow the human resource trail, you will get the job.

Instructions

1. Visit the company websites of the top 10 companies you want to work for. The company websites will tell you a wealth of information. Determine the company culture and decide on several that fit your lifestyle and criteria.

2. Search the company website for leadership training programs. United Technologies, for example, has a leadership training program in several areas. Know the training programs and who gets into those programs before you start your education.

3. Contact the career services department where you went to college. Ask the specialist if the school has any internships or co-ops with Fortune 500 companies. The easiest way to get your dream job is to go in the back door. Many of the co-ops and internships lead to a hiring.

4. Do an internship or co-op. Many companies hire internally before going externally. Many Fortune 500 jobs are never posted outside the company, and you won't ever hear about them unless you are internal. An intern has access to internal jobs. Serve out your internship, make contacts with those who will give you a reference and take advantage of your internal status.

5. Contact a recruiter. Many recruiting firms are hired by Fortune 500 companies to find new talent. Get your resume to a recruiter and get to know them. Let them find you the job.

6. Start at the ground floor. Just get your foot in the door. Sometimes you have to take a pay cut or a lower-level job to start. Then, work hard and let the management come to you. Once in the door, you can also talk with your human resources (HR) representative. HR is always on the lookout for new talent. Let HR know you are interested in the future of the company and your future at the company.

Tags: company websites, Fortune companies, future company, leadership training, training programs, with Fortune

Work With Spelt Flour

Spelt flour can be used as a substitute for some or all of the wheat or white flour in baked goods.

Spelt flour is made from an ancient grain and can be a substitute for wheat, white or other flours in baking and cooking. Spelt adds a slightly nutty flavor to baked goods, making it a nice substitute in brownies and cookies, but is also excellent in yeast breads and rolls. Spelt flour is also higher in protein and lower in calories than wheat and white flours, which makes it a favorite among health-conscious bakers. Unlike wheat and white flour, however, spelt flour does not require the same amount of kneading or beating to break down the gluten, and overkneading spelt-flour baked goods can result in a crumbly texture in the finished product. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Calculate the amount of spelt flour you wish to substitute in a recipe. In yeast breads, some or all of the wheat or white flour may be replaced with spelt. If replacing all of the regular flour with spelt, the final product may be denser than if you use 1/2 or 3/4 spelt with some wheat or white flour. Retaining some of the wheat or white flour will help form a softer more elastic dough after kneading.

2. Adjust kneading times for yeast breads to accommodate the faster breakdown of gluten in spelt flour. If replace half or less of the wheat or white flour with spelt flour, knead the dough for the length of time listed in the original recipe. If spelt is used to replace more than half the flour, reduce the kneading time. For example, if the recipe calls for three cups of white flour with instructions to knead for six to eight minutes, and you replace 2 1/2 cups with spelt flour, reduce the kneading time from six to eight minutes to three to five minutes. The dough will still be fairly smooth and elastic when ready but may be slightly sticky when more spelt flour is substituted.

3. Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees and consider covering the spelt dough for the first half of the baking time. Additionally, cook the spelt flour product on the middle or upper rack in the oven, not near the bottom, especially if using a gas oven. Some spelt baked products can brown easily on the surface but remain undercooked on the inside. Covering the dough with foil for the first half of the baking time can help trap heat and cook the dough more thoroughly, then remove the foil to allow the outside to brown. Reducing the oven temperature slightly will help give the dough more time to cook before browning (or burning) and help keep the bottom from burning and turning really hard.

4. Let the dough for yeast breads and rolls rise slightly before baking. While the dough will not rise as much as with white or wheat flour alone, shaping the dough and loosely covering it, and then setting the pan on the stove while the oven preheats can provide a bit of a boost to the rising powers of the yeast. The dough will rise more the more white or wheat flour is used.

5. Experiment with recipes until the desired result is achieved. Keep in mind that the final product will never be the same as when using the original ingredients, even if substituting spelt flour for only part of the wheat or white flour. It can take several tries, adjusting the amounts of ingredients and spelt flour, until a desirable finished product is achieved.

Tags: wheat white, white flour, wheat white flour, spelt flour, some wheat

Fry Wild Rice

Wild rice actually isn't a rice at all, it's a long grain grass.

Wild rice is found in naturally in the Great Lakes region of the US and is harvested by local Native Americans. Recently, it's production has spread to California and Midwestern states. It has a chewy texture with a nutty flavor.There are many methods to cook wild rice. However, stir-frying wild rice compliments its flavor and texture very well. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Clean the rice by placing it into a medium bowl and filling it with cold water. Stir with your hands and then let it sit for a few minutes.

2. Scoop the debris off the top. Pour the water out with a mesh strainer.

3. Pour chicken stock and wild rice into the sauce pan and turn on the stove top. Cover and cook for about 40 minutes, until nearly tender, then remove from heat.

4. Cut all vegetables into bite sized pieces. Chop the garlic and ginger and set them aside.

5. Heat the oil in the wok over med-high heat. Test the hotness of the oil by dropping a touch of water onto the pan. If it sizzles, it's ready. If it doesn't, wait a little longer, and try again until it does.

6. Add the bok choy or substitute, garlic and ginger and fry for 15 seconds.

7. Stir in the pepper, chili, scallions, bean sprouts and wild rice and cook for a few minutes.

8. Stir in the hoisin sauce, cilantro and lime juice and then serve.

Tags: garlic ginger, wild rice, Wild rice

Start A Juicing Business

Natural juices are an alternative to high-calorie drinks.

Personal health is a topic of growing importance and one reason for the success of health food businesses. Juice bars offer healthful alternatives to indulgent products that are high in calories but offer little or no nutritional value. If you like the idea of offering smart alternatives to soda and coffee drinks, starting a juicing business may be a great choice.

Instructions

Start Your Juice Beverage Business

1. Create a preliminary plan for your juicing business. Consider the costs of rent, supplies, advertising and equipment. Create a budget that outlines how much you need to and can afford to spend in each area.

2. Select a location for your juicing business. Consider who your target customer is and choose a location that will cater to your intended clientele. You may want to be near a gym, college campus, shopping mall or within a day spa.

3. Obtain food licenses and arrange inspections. Most states require that you apply for a food sales license and comply with sanitation regulations. Each state will have different compliance requirements, but it is common for a state inspector to examine the premises of a new food business. Inspectors generally check to make sure that you have appropriate sanitation and food disposal procedures in place to prevent customers from becoming ill.

4. Purchase equipment and supplies to set up your juice shop You will need equipment such as blenders and utensils. You will also need supplies such as cups, straws and napkins. Additionally, you should have a refrigeration system for storing perishable ingredients.

5. Create your menu. You will need predefined recipes for your juice products. Ideally, you should have your own original or signature recipes. You can do this by experimenting and mixing different juices, with ice or with additional ingredients such as low-fat yogurt. Have a taste test to discover which combinations will be popular. Once settle on your recipes, assign a name to each drink and create a menu.

Tags: juicing business, business Consider, juicing business Consider, should have, will need, your juice

Roast Two Turkey Breasts At The Same Time

Roast a pair of turkey breasts at the same time so they are done together.

Cooking two turkey breasts will give you a similar amount of meat as a whole turkey, but all white meat. Roasting turkey gives it a rich flavor and it is the most common preparation method for this Thanksgiving favorite. Many people encounter problems with roasting when they cook the turkey too long, drying out the breast meat. Avoid this by using a meat thermometer, which will tell you when to take out the turkey breasts from the oven once they are safely cooked to kill bacteria yet still moist. For best results cooking two turkey breasts at once, use breasts of roughly the same size. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Arrange the two turkey breasts in a baking pan with the meat side up. Season the turkey breasts according to your recipe.

3. Roast the turkey breasts based on the weight of the larger breast, but add 15 minutes to the total cooking time. For example, if you are cooking a 4-lb. turkey breast and a 3½-lb. turkey breast, use the cooking time for the 4-lb. breast. Cook 2- to 3-lb. breasts for 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours; 4- to 6-lb. breasts for 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 hours or 6- to 12-lb. breasts for 2 1/2 to 3 3/4 hours.

4. Insert a meat thermometer probe into the thickest part of the largest breast.

5. Remove the turkey breast from the oven when it reads 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tags: turkey breasts, breasts hours, turkey breast, cooking time, degrees Fahrenheit, from oven, meat thermometer

What Is Lavender Oil Used For

What Is Lavender Oil Used for?

Lavender essential oil has many wonderful uses to relax mind, body and emotions. It is one of the most versatile essential oils.

Identification

There are more than one type of lavender plants used for creating lavender oil, but the most common is Lavendula angustifolia. Only the lavender flowers are used to create a high-quality lavender essential oil.

Function

Lavender has a well-known relaxing, peace-inducing property that has positive effects both physically and emotionally. It also functions as an anti-bacterial essential oil and is used to soothe or clean skin wounds.

Effects

Lavender essential oil is often used for its powerful effects on the mind and emotions. Soothing to the nerves and mind, lavender has been used successfully to encourage sleep. Many also find that using lavender oil is helpful to relieve stress and mild depression symptoms--especially depression with nervous anxiety.

Benefits

The physical benefits of using lavender essential oil are many, making it a common aromatherapy oil. The soothing properties extend to the physical, when lavender oil is used on bug bites, minor burns or dry skin. Lavender essential oil is also used to relieve muscle aches, tension headaches and high blood pressure (especially temporary high blood pressure caused by anxiety).

Prevention/Solution

Prone to dry, itchy scalp? Lavender essential oil can be used in a soothing hair rinse. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, use a vinegar rinse with a few drops of lavender essential oil.

Warning

While lavender is one of the most gentle essential oils, and can often be used undiluted (or neat) on small skin irritations like bug bites, it should be used with caution. Lavender oil is one of the most frequently adulterated essential oils because of its popularity. Inexpensive oils often have contaminants in them, or are not true lavender essential oil and can cause allergic reactions with overuse.

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Preserve Banana Bread

Baked goods, including banana bread, freeze well for preservation.

One of the best ways to use overripe bananas is to make banana bread. While you're at it, make a double batch and preserve some for later use. The only way to effectively preserve banana bread is by freezing it. When properly wrapped and frozen, baked goods, such as banana bread, retain good quality and texture for at least three months. Just thaw it on the counter top for three hours for delicious, fresh bread. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Remove baked banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Turn it out onto a cooling rack and cool for four hours.

2. Wrap the banana bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place it in a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag. Write the date you prepared the banana bread on the wrapping or bag with a permanent marker.

3. Freeze the bread immediately. The fresher the bread is when you freeze it, the fresher it will be when thawed. Remove the bread from the freezer and allow it to sit on the counter for three hours before serving. Use thawed banana bread within three to four days.

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Environmentally Friendly Plastic Alternatives

Plastics make products we use every day, like laundry baskets.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, plastics comprised 12 percent (30 million tons) of the solid waste generated in the U.S. in 2008. These plastics are in almost every kind of product, from containers to cars to credit cards. Plastics are made of petroleum or biomass products, and the plastics industry is the third largest manufacturer in the U.S., according to the the Society of the Plastics Industry. Environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics vary by the purpose of the product.

Glass

Glass pitchers and cups last longer than plastic ones.

Glass, which is made from melted sands, can be used in place of plastic in household products such as storage containers, dishes and cookware. Glass is much heavier than the plastics it replaces and is breakable, but it also lasts significantly longer than plastic.

Metal

Modern cars include plastic and metal parts.

Some plastics are used for structural functions, as in cars. In these instances, steel or other metals can be used as environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics. Steel water bottles are also available. Metal products are created from ores that are mined out of the ground, or from metal salvaged by specialty recyclers.

Wood

Decks can be constructed of wood planks or plastic composite materials.

Wood can be shaped and constructed into structural materials. Plastic alternatives to wood, such as containers, decking and home construction materials, can be replaced by real wood. Wood products come from trees; different kinds of trees offer a wide range of wood strengths.

Paper

Folded paper isn't just for pretty birds.

Paper can be used as a biodegradable alternative to plastic storage bags. Paper can also be folded into a multitude of shapes, such as cups or boxes, as an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastics. Like wood, paper is made from trees; for the most earth-friendly alternative, trees must come from a sustainably managed forest. Paper products can also be recycled.

Cardboard

Cardboard is layered and pressed paper for increased strength.

Cardboard is layered and pressed paper. Although it is much stronger than paper, it is still biodegradable and recyclable. Cardboard can be used in packaging and, in its box form, as temporary storage containers.

Fabric

Canvas bags are a reusable alternative to plastic bags.

Fabrics made out of cotton, wool, hemp or other plant-based fibers offer permanent alternatives to plastics used to hold or cover objects. Fabric bags can replace plastic bags, and because fabric is more durable, it will last longer.

No Alternatives

Alternatives for plastic medical tubing are not available on the market.

Some plastic products do not have substitutes available as of 2010. Many of these products are used in the health care industry. One example is the flexible tubing used for intravenous delivery of medicines and for oxygen masks.

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Young Entrepreneur Ideas

With research and dedication, turn your great idea into a money-making success!

There are endless money-making opportunities out there for young entrepreneurs, whether you just graduated from high school or spent years at college earning a degree. Though you may face obstacles such as lack of funds or little professional experience, these barriers can easily be overcome. Starting small, meticulously researching your desired market, and developing a thorough business plan all are vital to success.

Retail

Opening a brick-and-mortar retail location is often the first thing that comes to mind when deciding to start a small business - and rightly so, because potential retail opportunities are endless. For example, if your dream is to own a clothing store, starting a consignment shop is a great way to begin. You will need a retail location, clothing racks, hangers, tags, and merchandise. To acquire start-up merchandise, ask your friends and family for donations or shop at yard sales and thrift stores. In addition to these supplies, you will also need to create an organizational system. There are many consignment software programs available to purchase, or you may choose to create one yourself.

Skilled labor

Consider selling your labor if you are talented at a hands-on skill such as flooring or carpentry. For extra experience, you can join a construction crew or apply for an internship with a builder to gain more professional knowledge about the industry. When you are ready to start your own venture, be sure to have the following: an appropriate work vehicle, all tools necessary to complete a job from start to finish and any licenses or permits required by your city and state. Depending on your area of expertise, you may also need to employ a small crew of helpers.

Creative services

Proficient, creative Web site designers are highly desired because many people lack the technical know-build a website themselves. There are many classes available dedicated to computer languages, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and other aspects of Web site design. If you are technology-savvy, however, it is possible to gain sufficient knowledge through self-instruction. Creative services for the more artistic-minded include photography, giving fine art or musical instrument lessons, musical performance, and painting wall murals in homes and businesses. Writing enthusiasts might enjoy offering services such as ghostwriting, resume writing, or freelance writing for newspapers, magazines, and online forums.

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Get Rid Of Stretch Marks With Coffee

Before starting this routine, it is important to know that it is impossible to completely get rid of stretch marks. However, it is possible to lighten and fade the coloring and indentations they leave on your skin. Read on to find an easy and inexpensive way to help make unsightly stretch marks less noticeable. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Mix together 4 tsp. of coffee grounds and 1 cup of coconut oil to create a gritty, pasty mixture.

2. Rub the mixture on all areas of the skin with stretch marks twice a day. The mixture will feel similar to an exfoliating scrub. Rub for 1 to 2 minutes to give the oil time to soak deep into the skin. Do not rub for longer than this, or you'll risk rubbing your skin raw and causing irritation.

3. Rinse your skin with lukewarm water until there is no more mixture left. Pat dry with a towel.

4. Moisturize with a thick lotion containing cocoa butter to soothe the skin, prevent irritation and allow more vitamins to soak into your skin and help fade the marks.

5. Repeat this twice a day, and most importantly, be patient. Stretch marks are stubborn and will take time to fade, but proper and consistent care will help to keep them away.

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Characteristics Of Basmati Rice

Millions of people prefer basmati rice to other rice varieties.

Around the world, rice is grown and harvested as a staple food. This grain is considered to be healthy, and it can be used in many different recipes. Basmati rice has characteristics that distinguish it from every other variety in the world. This aromatic long grain rice is grown in Pakistan and India. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Visual Characteristics

Basmati rice is predominately a creamy white, though brown basmati is available. It comes in both long and very long grains. The long grain measures 6.61 mm to 7.5 mm in length. The very long grain is more than 7.5 mm long and 2.0 mm in width. The shape of basmati rice is an elongated oval, with the grain being more than 3 times longer than its width. When cooked, basmati rice does not fatten. Instead, it elongates nearly double its original size.

Aromatic Characteristics

The fragrance of basmati rice sets it apart from every other variety. No other rice has quite as distinctive a smell. It comes from a mixture of compounds including alcohols, hydrocarbons, esters and aldehydes as well as a molecule known as 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. The aroma blends well with most Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. Mixing saffron with it adds both color and extra flavor. The aroma also complements a variety of nuts, vegetables, herbs and spices.

Taste and Texture

Basmati rice cooks up firm and tender. Unlike other types of white rice, it has a dry texture and a light nutty taste. Most rice is sticky because it has an amylose content of less than 19 percent. Because the amylose content of basmati is between 20 percent and 22 percent, the rice is not sticky, and each grain is separated from the others. Basmati rice adds a unique flavor to ordinary dishes.

Agronomics

Basmati rice is vulnerable to most insects and diseases. Its long and extra long grains tend to break easily during milling, making it a less finished product after milling. Basmati is aromatic, even as a plant, and keeps its aroma better when the temperatures are cool during ripening. Early sowing and transplanting of the plant produces a higher yield, but later sowing produces better quality. Basmati rice is grown in traditional regions to facilitate the interaction of the plant, the soil and other environmental factors.

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List Of Energizing Healthy Foods

Eat citrus fruits for energy.

It's not only which energizing foods you choose to eat, but also when you choose to eat them that's important, according to Medicine.net. For optimum energy levels, you should maintain a steady blood sugar level throughout the day. This can be done by making sure you eat something every few hours.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and carbohydrates. Consume berries (especially blueberries and strawberries), spinach, cantaloupe, mangoes, tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes and citrus fruits.

Whey

Whey offers easily digestible protein that supports your body's serotonin levels and overall weight-management processes.

Tea

Tea can be a powerful and healthy energizing drink, according to HealthyEatingWorld.com. Organic black tea, green tea, white tea and loose leaf tea are all recommended. Tea keeps you hydrated without adding sugar to your system. Although it contains small amounts of caffeine, there isn't enough to give you a caffeine headache or make you too hyper. Tea has also been shown to boost your body's metabolism.

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Healthy & Budget Friendly Meals

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to eat poorly. You can create healthy meals while on a budget using fresh or frozen ingredients. Selecting these foods can help put you on the steady path to having a little extra money at the end of the month, along with a smaller waistline.

Oats

According to Everyday Health, oats are one of the cheapest and healthiest breakfast foods available. The whole grains in oats has 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving and only 150 calories. Oats can also be combined with skim or fat-free milk, along with fresh sliced fruit for some added vitamins and minerals. Plain, dry oats will set you back only 30 cents per serving.

Beans and Rice

Beans are loaded with protein, making them an economical alternative to pricier items such as beef, poultry or fish. According to Everyday Health, the fiber in beans can help support digestive health, lower cholesterol and assist in maintaining proper blood-sugar levels. Adding rice boosts the meal's caloric content while providing an immediate source of energy for the body. Dried beans are among the cheapest grocery items available and will remain fresh for up to a year under proper dry-storage conditions.

Peanut Butter Sandwich

Peanut butter on whole wheat bread is a complete protein possessing all the essential amino acids the body needs. You also get multiple sandwiches from the purchase of these items, making them a good value for the money spent. Peanut butter is also an excellent source of vitamin E, good fats and vitamin B. Incorporating fresh fruit into the sandwich helps avoid commercial jellies, which may have added sugars or corn syrup. The recommended serving size of 2 tbsp. of peanut butter has about 195 calories.

Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables have the same nutrient content as fresh vegetables and are cheaper to purchase. According to Everyday Health, the flash-freezing process these vegetables undergo locks in nutrients and gives the vegetables a longer shelf life over fresh vegetables. A prepackaged frozen vegetable meal may offer a cheap way to spice up any meal and alleviates some the blandness associated with eating on a budget. Avoid blends that contain added fats or sugars, as this will up the caloric content in unhealthy ways.

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Cooking Schools In Salem Or

Salem has several options to gain a culinary education.

If you are looking for a culinary school in Salem, Oregon, you have plenty of suitable options to choose from; two schools are in Salem, and two are about a 40-minute commute away in Portland. Whether you are looking to brush up on your basic cooking skills or turn your passion into a career, Salem, with a spectacular wine region and farmers' markets, is a place where a chef can thrive.

Chemeketa Community College

Learn decorate cakes at Chemeketa Community College.

Chemeketa Community College offers degrees, certificates and continuing education courses that can further your career and add to your culinary knowledge. They offer courses in cooking, cake decorating, catering, menu design, wine making, as well as a cooperative work experience program that can place you in restaurants and hotels in Oregon for school credit.

Kelly's Cooking School

If you are looking to brush up on the latest cooking techniques, or learn get the most out of your small kitchen appliances, Kelly's Cooking School might be the school you are looking for. With a more casual environment than a college or culinary school, you can choose to pick from workshops, attend lectures with guest chefs or just drop in for a course or two without committing a large amount of time or money into a degree or certificate program.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Formerly the Western Culinary Institute, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts is located in Portland. It offers a Certificate in Culinary Arts as well as a Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts. This school teaches a wide range of techniques drawn from European and North American tradition and while this might be one of the best culinary schools in Oregon, it's also one of the most competitive.

The Art Institutes, Portland

The Art Institutes system of schools also has a campus in Portland. The school is known for its focus on artistic skill and creativity, while still delivering a practical education. With programs in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, Kitchen Management and more, this school can offer a well-rounded background for any fledgling chef.

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What Does Potting Soil Contain

The right mix of potting soil is necessary for growing flowers.

The ingredients in potting soil vary depending upon how the soil is to be used. For example, certain plants require a specific soil acidity to thrive. Many ingredients in many ratios may be found in a bagged potting soil; if you can't find a blend that works for your needs, consider creating your own. Does this Spark an idea?

Peat Moss

Peat moss, not dirt, is a main ingredient in many commercially sold potting soils. Peat moss provides moisture retention for your plants, as well as essential nutrients your plants need. Additionally, peat moss increases the acidity of your soil, making it the ideal ingredient for azaleas and hydrangeas, plants that require high acidity. High concentrations of peat moss might make soil too acidic for some plants.

Perlite and Vermiculite

Those small white rocks you see in your bagged mix of potting soil are actually perlite, a volcanic rock. Perlite is added to potting soil because it allows water to drain from the soil, thus providing your plants with more oxygen. Like perlite, vermiculite is volcanic rock that is placed in potting soils to allow the soil to drain. Vermiculite also retains moisture and vital nutrients.

Pine Bark

Pine bark is another ingredient commonly found in potting soil. Like perlite, pine bark allows the soil to drain, leaving more air in the soil. As pine bark breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil and makes it more fertile.

Compost

Compost is decayed plant matter. It provides your plants with a rich source of nutrients. If your bagged potting soil does not contain compost, you can purchase it at a gardening store. You can also make compost at home using lawn clippings, shredded leaves, fertilizer and water.

Sand

Sand is a common ingredient in potting soil mixes because it provides proper drainage for plants. If your soil requires material to aid in drainage, you can purchase sand from home improvement stores; note that bags of sand are often only available in large quantities but are inexpensive.

Fertilizer

Many potting soils include fertilizers to help your plants thrive. The type of fertilizer added will depend upon the type of soil you choose, but all fertilizers contain a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizer may also be purchased separately and added to your mix.

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Can Grits Be Used To Kill Black Ants

Using grits to kill ants seems like a eco-friendly method, but it doesn't work.

Using grits to kill ants is a home remedy that has been around for many years. Some claim it works on all ants, while others say it is good only for fire ants. Others say that it must be instant grits and not regular grits. The truth is it doesn't work. To understand why it won't work, you need to understand what grits are and how ants eat. Does this Spark an idea?

The Theory

Several theories exist on how grits are supposed to kill ants. One theory is very similar to the old wives' tales about seagulls eating Alka-Seltzer and pigeons eating rice. Once eaten, the grits swell in the ants' stomachs and cause them to explode. In all three cases, the theory is incorrect. Another theory is that the dry material absorbs all the water in the ant's body and kills them. Again, this theory is false. Both of these theories do not take into account how ants eat.

How Ants Eat

Ants feed each other by regurgitating liquid food.

Ants are not solitary creatures. They live in communities where each ant has a specific purpose. Worker ants gather the food. They then carry it back and feed it to the larvae. Only the larvae are able to consume solid food particles. They then regurgitate it in liquid form to the workers. Workers then use the regurgitated food to feed themselves, other worker ants and the queen.

Understanding Grits

Grits are basically coarse particles of corn from the kernel. Grits are made by adding the dried corn to water or other liquid to make grits. Ants love corn. In fact, corn grit is commonly used as part of some ant baits --- not to kill them but to attract them.

Scientific Evidence

In November 2000, Texas A&M Entomologist Bastiaan M. Drees conducted a scientific study to determine if grits killed fire ants. Drees also tested Malt-O-Meal, which contains malted and farina wheat. Although one colony of ants showed some declining activity after being treated with grits, Drees attributed this to where it was collected from and not from the grits. When the ants continued to thrive, he returned them to the field and continued observing them. After 19 days, all of the ants given grits or Malt-O-Meal continued to thrive and reproduce. In other words, grits were not effective.

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