Make Shepherd'S Pie

make shepherds pie

With potatoes on top and ground meat, tomatoes, herbs and vegetables in the base, shepherd's pie is a filling and satisfying favorite in pubs throughout Britain. Traditional shepherd's pie contains ground lamb. Use ground beef instead for an inexpensive, crowd-pleasing meal. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Wash and halve the potatoes. Peel them if you wish, or leave the skins on for extra flavor. Place them in a large pot of water on the stove to boil.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a frying pan. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, on medium high heat until almost translucent.

3. Add the ground meat and cook until brown. Drain the excess oil through a sieve.

4. Return the meat to the pan and add the mushrooms and diced carrots. Cook until soft.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and herbs to taste. Stir together, then lower the heat to simmer.

6. Pierce a potato with a fork to check for doneness. When cooked, drain and return them to the pot.

7. Add milk, butter and a pinch of salt to the potatoes. Mash with a potato masher, adding more milk and butter to moisten as needed. If you wish to you can also add some grated cheese to the mashed potato.

8. Heat the oven to 325 F.

9. Pour the meat mixture into a deep ovenproof dish or casserole. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle some cheese across the potatoes, if you wish.

10. Place in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and serve.

Tags: ground meat, milk butter, tomatoes herbs

Art Projects For Seniors

Painting is a fun art project for people of all ages.

Many senior citizens lead healthy lifestyles that allow them to partake in a variety of fun activities such as outdoor adventures, sports and travel. Likewise, art projects are good activities for seniors, as they invoke creativity and inspiration. Some art projects may even have beneficial health effects, as well. If you are looking for art project ideas for senior citizens, consider painting, sculpting, scrap-booking or mosaics.

Family Portrait

Painting a family portrait from the image of a photograph is an art project that will lift the spirits, enhance skill, and relax the artist. Have the painter place a photograph of a family member in front of him and try to duplicate it through painting. They should be sure to include identifying characteristics like a favorite sweater or uniform the family member wears often. If they are more skilled at painting, they may paint the portrait against a backdrop like a beach or park. After the artist has completed her painting, have her explain who the family members are and any significance to the painting.

Sculpting

Seniors can create unique objects using polymer clay, which is ideal for exercising sore hands and fingers. Use polymer clay to craft birds, houses, or butterflies, for example, for a fun and creative activity. If you are leading a class, it may be best to choose a single project for the class to create using the clay. If you are only teaching two or three people, allow them to choose their own project for creation.

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a fun way to revisit past memories, as well as indulge one's creative side. Have your seniors collect photos of themselves, family and friends to include in the scrapbook. Scrapbooks make use of different colored paper, as well as designs, and are a creative way to organize one's photos and tell stories. Have your group organize their photos however they'd like, whether it be by milestone, family members, or activities and begin to decorate their scrapbook as they please.

Mosaics

The art of mosaics can range from simple to more complex, depending on the types of materials used and how. The art form is very relaxing. For simple mosaics, place different colored beads or paper on the table and allow the seniors to create whatever image they imagine by gluing the objects to paper. More complex mosaic creations will require mosaic tile. To make this easier, use mosaic kits, which will come with the necessary materials.

Tags: allow them, different colored, family member, family members, Have your, polymer clay, senior citizens

Open Up Your Own Online Store

Open Up Your Own Online Store

To open up a brick and mortar store usually takes lots of money - for building, renting, supplies, salaries, etc. But to open an online is easy!

Instructions

1. There are different ways to open up an online store. It boils down to what you want to sell. If you want to sell items you've created or have wholesale access to you can open up an Ebay store which can be personalized and managed. You can also search online for companies that can provide you shopping cart software to have more control of what you sell. This may need a little html (website language) to put together. But most companies give you online assistance or phone support. Paypal also have tools you can add to your website for selling. www.prostore.com also provide you tools to create an online store.

2. You can also reasearch virtual stores that are already stocked. For example you can join amazon.com and use their tools to sell amazon's already popular products with your own amazon branded website. You can also choose the items you want to sell.

3. Some companies provide you a free website jam-packed with product and all you have to do is create a name for it and have it personalized. www.eblitter.com sells the latest cell phones and accessories. Go to that page and select the "affiliate program" link and within minutes you have your own cell phone sales website!

Tags: want sell, open online, Open Your, Open Your Online, Your Online, Your Online Store

Snack Ideas For Vacation Bible School

Snacks for Vacation Bible School can be planned to coordinate with the overall theme of study, or they can be everyday items that kids enjoy. Snacks can also be creatively made and decorated or served directly from the package.

Themed Snacks

If a church is using an already published Vacation Bible School curriculum, there will be a guide with snack ideas that match the theme. For example, if the VBS is written around a tropical-island theme, ideas would include fruit-flavored drink in many colors and foods like trail mix with fruit, colored applesauce and banana splits.

Economical Snacks

Smaller churches that are on a tight budget can serve the following: generic-brand cookies, graham crackers, dry cereal with raisins. as well as pudding and jello. Water and powdered drinks are the least expensive beverages.

Donated Snacks

Snacks that can be made and donated by church members are brownies, rice-crispy treats, cupcakes, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Snacks for Specific Medical Conditions

Extra snacks should be available for children who have health issues affected by food. For diabetics, have things like raisin snack packs, cheese cubes, or bite-size bagels. If a child is allergic to milk or chocolate, have other options, like oatmeal cookies instead of chocolate chip and cool-whip instead of ice cream.

Final Consideration

If there are children who are picky eaters, you usually cannot go wrong with popsicles, fruit, popcorn and cheese crackers. Most children will eat one or more of these selections.

Tags: Bible School, Vacation Bible, Vacation Bible School

Deep Freeze Unrefined Shea Butter

Shea butter is a naturally occurring fat commonly used in culinary and cosmetic applications, similar to kokum and cocoa butter. Unrefined shea butter is produced in a manner similar to peanut butter. The nuts of the shea tree are hulled and pulverized until a thick paste, or butter, forms. Shea butter is commonly used as a cooking fat and condiment in indigenous African cuisine and, like whole dairy butter, deep-freezing it gives it a shelf life of up to six months. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place the shea butter in the freezer for 30 minutes or until firm.

2. Remove the shea butter and cut it into 1-inch cubes.

3. Arrange the cubes on a sheet pan in a single layer. Don't allow the cubes to touch each other.

4. Cover the sheet pan with cling film and place it in the freezer for 12 hours.

5. Remove the frozen butter cubes and place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Store the shea butter in the freezer for up to six months.

Tags: butter freezer, commonly used, shea butter, shea butter freezer

Keep A Basil Plant Alive

Keep a Basil Plant Alive

Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs to grow as it gives a wonderful flavor to so many dishes. Basil is most known for its use in Italian cooking. It is used to in pesto, spaghetti sauce and Caprese salad. Basil actually originated in India. It is an annual that will live outdoors for one growing season. Indoors. it will grow year round in a sunny location. With the right environment, growing a basil plant is easy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the basil plant in a location that gets at least six to eight hours of sun a day. If the plant is indoors, an east-facing window is ideal. Make sure it is not in a draft. Basil loves to be warm.

2. Water basil at the base of the plant, and try not to get the leaves or the stems wet. Let the soil dry out a little in between waterings. If growing basil indoors, add fertilizer monthly. Do not over-water.

3. Prune your plant by pinching off individual leaves, or the whole top of the plant with your fingernails, when the plant is about 6 inches tall and has at least three to four sets of leaves. If you don't prune, or harvest regularly your basil will bolt to seed.

4. Transfer your basil indoors before the first fall frost to prolong the life of your plant.

Tags: basil indoors, Basil most, Basil Plant, Basil Plant Alive, growing basil, Keep Basil, Keep Basil Plant

Homemade Dog Food & Treats

Make dog food and treats at home to keep your pup happy and healthy.

Understanding the nutritional needs of a dog is the key to making healthy, tasty food at home. According to the Gourmet Sleuth website, dogs are omnivorous creatures requiring a balance of meat, carbohydrates and vegetable-based foods in their diet. Homemade pet food chefs must understand that there a several foods which are toxic to a dog including: raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, chocolate and artificial sweeteners. Be sure to cook all meat dishes carefully as dogs are susceptible to salmonella, E. coli and other food-borne illnesses.

Instructions

Homemade Dog Food

1. Brown 3 lbs. of ground meat in a large skillet.

2. Place 4 cups of rice, 9 cups of water, 1/4 cup of oats and 1 tsp. of salt in a large Dutch oven of sauce pan and bring to a boil.

3. Add 1/2 cup of low fat milk, 2-1/2 cup of frozen vegetables and cooked meat to the Dutch oven pan. Cook on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until liquid is fully absorbed. Stir consistently.

4. Remove cooked mixture from the heat and allow it cool until it a comfortable temperature to handle.

5. Scoop cooked mixture into 1/2 cup measuring cup. Press the mixture together. Flip the cup upside down on to a cookie sheet. Tap gently to release the 1/2 cup servings of dog food. Store food in plastic storage containers in the refrigerator.

6. Serve dogs a 1/2 cup serving per 30 lbs. of dog's weight.

Homemade Dog Treats

7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Mix together 2-1/2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup powdered milk, 1 tbs. wheat germ and 1 tsp. beef bouillon cube granules in a large bowl.

9. Stir in 1/3 cup of meat drippings and one egg.

10. Use a tablespoon to add in water, one spoonful at a time. Keep adding water until the dough begins to stick together.

11. Lightly flour the cooking surface. Roll out dough using a rolling pin until the dough is about 1/2-inch thick. Press cookie cutters into the dough to create the biscuit shapes. Place biscuits 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the biscuits are firm. Allow the cooked biscuits to cool before serving to the dog.

Tags: cooked mixture, Dutch oven, Homemade Food, minutes until, until dough

Himalayan Salt Health Benefits

Salt is on nearly every table in restaurants and in homes, but how much do we know about the effect table salt has on our bodies or the alternatives that are available? Himalayan Salt is reputed to be all natural, and free of harsh chemicals and additives. It can be used to add flavor to your food, as an additive to skin-care products or as homeopathic treatment.

Effects of Table Salt

Table salt (mainly sodium chloride) has been linked to diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease. What we now think of as salt is actually a product that has been chemically cleansed with all minerals and elements removed in the process. Your body requires salt to live, but most people consume far more than needed, which taxes the organs in their effort to excrete the additional salt from our systems, leading to bloating and cellular damage.

Himalayan Salt

Eliminating salt from your diet is not the answer. Exploring more natural alternatives can go a long way to helping us retain a balance. Himalayan Salt is composed of natural elements such as nitrogen, beryllium, boron, magnesium, silver, palladium, iodine, rubidium and nickel--all elements that our bodies need for proper functioning. Salt is one of the essential elements for electrical impulses and general conductivity within the body.

Salt as Medicine

Salt has long been used in homeopathic medicine and has been used for centuries to combat symptoms and illnesses. Himalayan Salt has been used as part of dental hygiene to prevent bleeding gums and bad breath, as an ear infection remedy, to lessen acne, combat foot fungus, alleviate psoriasis, soothe sore throats, lessen headaches and neck pain and balance the body's natural pH. Natural crystal salt can now be found in many lotions, bath salts and skin care products.

Prepare Your Himalayan Salt

Himalayan Salt is generally used to make brine called sole (so-lay), which is a solution of crystal salt and water. The idea behind the solution is to create a balanced ionic reaction that achieves optimal results. To make a sole, take a glass and fill it with several crystal salts. Fill the glass with spring water and allow the crystals to dissolve. Once the crystals dissolve, add a few more until the water is saturated.

Using Salt for Good Health

Each morning, take 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach, followed by 250ml of spring water. Use the sole as a mouthwash or rinse, place a few drops in the ear for an ear infection, soak your feet in the sole to get rid of foot fungus and use topically for skins conditions such as psoriasis or irritations. You can also use the salts as a scrub.

Tags: Himalayan Salt, been used, crystal salt, crystals dissolve, foot fungus, salt from

Homemade High Calorie Cat Food

High caloric homemade cat food helps felines gain weight.

Felines have specific dietary requirements that can vary over time. A cat recovering from an illness or stressor or an older cat may require a diet that is high in caloric content to add or maintain body weight. Many canned cat foods sold in stores have additives and preservatives that some veterinarians maintain can do more harm than good. Prepare homemade high caloric cat food with natural ingredients to ensure that only the best nutrients nourish your cat's body.

Instructions

1. Grind the whole chicken in small batches, including bones and organs, in a food processor on high until well pureed. Repeat until the chicken has the consistency of canned cat food.

2. Pour the nutritional supplement and water into a small bowl and mix lightly with a spatula.

3. Add the supplement mixture to the ground chicken. Blend well with the spatula.

4. Place the cat food in individual serving containers of 2 to 3 oz. and cover tightly. This recipe provides 45.5 calories per ounce. Refrigerate or freeze.

Tags: high caloric, with spatula

Mormon Food Storage Techniques

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, are regarded for their principles of provident living, especially when it comes to food storage and emergency preparedness. However, there are a few basic food storage techniques that anyone can practice.

Buying in Bulk

The quickest and easiest way (although least cost-effective) to build a food storage supply is to buy non-perishable items in bulk. Families can take advantage of memberships from stores such as BJ's, Sam's Club and Costco by purchasing flats of canned goods, large boxes of pasta, bags of rice, bottled water, etc. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also has basic food supplies available to purchase through church storehouses. The order form and local storehouse information can be found on the church website.

Canning

Home canning may be the most cost-effective way to build food storage. Self canning is not difficult, but is time consuming. You will need some basic supplies, such as a pressure cooker and/or large pot for boiling with a rack, jars, as well as jar rings and sealing lids. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be grown at home, or purchased through local co-ops or farmer's markets to keep costs down. The National Center for Home Food Preservation has detailed instructions on self canning.

Dry-packing

Newer technology has made home food storage even easier. Dry items such as pasta, flour, rice, oatmeal, dried fruit, etc. can be stored in plastic containers and storage bags long term. There is a small initial investment for this method. To pack dry items, purchase either a Food Saver machine or other vacu-pack-type machine. You will also need to purchase a supply of plastic bags and containers to use with your machine. This technique is very simple, and is a fun way to involve children with food storage.

Gardening

Leaders of the Mormon church encourage its members to keep a home garden. They teach that "planting a garden, even a small one, allows for a greater degree of self-reliance. With the right information and a little practice, individuals and entire families can enjoy the many benefits of planting and tending a garden". Gardening is a fun and relaxing way to provide food for food storage, and it can significantly reduce the cost of building up food stores.

Quantity

How much food to can, dry-pack or purchase depends on the size of the family. Because church leaders emphasize the importance of food storage and self reliance, they have included a food storage calculator on their church website. However, this may not fit every family's needs. Families should store the type of food they like to eat. One way to determine how much your family might need to store for a three month supply is to create a menu for one week. Make a list of all the items you would need to fill that menu, then multiple the totals by 12. This can be adjusted for a six month or one year supply.

Considerations

In addition to food and water, consider other items that should be included in long term storage, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, extra toothbrushes, laundry detergent, pet food, diapers, baby food and formula, light bulbs, flashlights and batteries, candles and any other household items that are purchased regularly. It is also a good idea to keep a financial reserve for emergencies. Additionally, copies of all important documents, such as birth certificates, shot records, insurance policies and deeds should be kept in a fire and waterproof safe. Families should sit down together to discuss their needs and ways to build up food storage and prepare for emergencies.

Tags: food storage, build food, build food storage, food storage, basic food, Christ Latter-day

Duties Of Housewives

Housewives may take care of the gardens and lawns as well.

A housewife is the traditional female complement to the male breadwinner in a married couple. Housewives are women, although househusbands are becoming more common. These are men who don't work for a paycheck outside of the home, but instead focus their energies on caring for the home and its occupants. Exact housewifely duties vary depending on the individual desires and circumstances of the couple; however, there are some commonly accepted duties among housewives.

Husband

Housewives are to care for and support the husband in different ways. This may include making sure the husband has a clean and restful home environment, caring for the husband's clothes, shopping for the husband's personal hygiene products, attending the husband's work functions, listening to the husbands concerns and being intimate with the husband.

Children

If children are present in the household, the housewife is typically responsible for their physical and emotional care as well as their education and development. The housewife bathes and clothes the children, makes sure they are fed, teaches and supervises grooming habits, provides intellectual stimuli such as reading to them or playing games with them, expresses concern for their well-being and shows affection. Other duties include chauffeuring the children to school and lessons, organizing social schedules and helping the children with their homework.

House

The housewife is generally responsible for cleaning, maintaining and provisioning the household. Cleaning duties include organizing, dusting, cleaning, scrubbing, sweeping, vacuuming, doing the dishes and doing laundry. Maintaining the household may include paying the bills, creating and maintaining a household budget, running household errands, mowing the lawn, getting the car serviced and caring for any pets. Provisioning the household can include shopping for food and cleaning supplies as well as buying clothes and accessories for the different members of the household.

Food

Housewives are responsible for providing regular meals for all members of the household as well as planning and providing for other special meals. This includes planning, preparing, cooking, presenting and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the house as well as cleaning up afterward. The housewife should prepare packed lunches for weekdays as well as plan and prepare meals and parties for holidays, special occasions and work or school functions.

Self

A housewife has a duty to take care of herself mentally, emotionally and physically. This may include getting proper nutrition and exercise, maintaining a good physical appearance and grooming habits, and developing hobbies and a social life outside of the house. This will help the housewife more successfully fulfill her other duties.

Tags: duties include, grooming habits, household include, members household, take care

South Carolina Culinary Colleges

If you love great food, you may be interested in a South Carolina culinary arts program.

South Carolina may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of the great culinary colleges of America, but a number of culinary arts programs worth your consideration lie within the borders of the Palmetto State. If you love living in South Carolina and are serious about furthering your culinary education, consider colleges close to home that offer culinary arts degrees.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

The culinary arts program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College gives students practical experience (in the form of working in the school's dining hall), as well as classroom instruction by established professionals. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation's Educational Institute Accrediting Commission. Graduates have a firm grasp of the basic accounting and sanitation required for operating a professional kitchen, as well as coursework in baking, management, menu planning and nutrition.

Culinary Institute of Charlotte at Trident Technical College

Students studying at the Culinary Institute of Charlotte can take advantage of work experience programs, farm-to-table field trips and study-abroad programs that help to broaden their culinary horizons. Guest chefs teaching at the school have included Gale Gand, Michael Laiskonis and Marc Collins. Charlotte's degree programs have been certified by either the American Culinary Federation's Educational Institute Accrediting Commission or the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.

Art Institute of Charlotte

The Art Institute of Charlotte is one of over 40 Art Institute campuses nationwide, making it easy for you to continue your degree studies should you need to move from Charlotte. Students may begin their program of study at the beginning of any academic quarter. Mid-quarter start dates are also possible.

Culinary Institute at Carolina at the University of South Carolina

The cooking classes offered at Culinary Institute at Carolina are designed to benefit current culinary professionals, novice cooks or anyone just wishing to become a better home cook. Each course includes both lecture and experiential components. Courses focus on management, pastry, international cuisines and New World cuisines.

Tags: South Carolina, culinary arts, Culinary Institute, Institute Charlotte, Technical College, Accrediting Commission, American Culinary

Calculate The Calorific Value Of Bio Gas

Calculate the Calorific Value of Bio Gas

Bio gas digestion can supply the energy a household needs to run cooking stoves, heat water and light the house. Dung from cows, chickens and people can provide fuel for a household's needs. A typical dome-style digestion plant used by households produces between 0.2 and 0.5 cubic meters of bio gas each day. Use the weight of the waste burned for energy to find the calorific value, or heat value, produced. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the weight of the waste put into a bio gas digester. Use a scale to weigh the waste. Once a weight of waste is put in the digester, the anaerobic bacteria digest the waste, producing energy in the form of heat.

2. Use a reference table on bio gas volume produced in a day to find the volume produced during a day by the waste weight amount in the digestion plant. Look up the kind of waste. Write down the bio gas volume produced in a day by the waste per unit of weight. The Clean Development Mechanism, which is part of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, provides estimates for commonly used dung in liters per kilogram per day: 15 to 32 for cow dung, 15 to 32 for buffalo dung, 40 to 60 for pig dung, 50 to 60 for poultry dung and 60 to 70 for human dung. Multiply the reference volume by the weight in kilograms of the waste in the digestion plant. Now you have a day's bio gas production.

3. Use cubic meters for gas volumes. If the reference provides different volume units, convert the units. For example, 1 liter = 1/1,000 cubic meters. Use math conversions to convert any meter-based volume measures to cubic meters.

4. Calculate the daily calorific value range by using a formula used by the Clean Development Mechanism. The CDM gives the range of calorific value for 1 cubic meter of bio gas at 4,500 to 6,000 kilocalories, or roughly 19 to 25 megajoules. Write down the daily production value for the base value on a calculation sheet. You can use this value for any energy burns using the same waste for fuel in the bio gas digester.

5. For any period of more than one day, use the daily production value to calculate the energy produced in the entire period. Multiply the number of days in the period by the base daily value.

Tags: cubic meters, digestion plant, volume produced, weight waste, Calculate Calorific, Calculate Calorific Value, calorific value

Natural Disaster Lesson Plans

Analyzing natural disasters is an important part of the science curriculum. Natural disasters are a real threat and can affect city planning, construction techniques, and emergency services.

Tracking a Hurricane

Give students coordinate data for locations of a hurricane on a given day. Have the students plot the hurricane on the map and indicate whether it is a tropical storm or a hurricane. Using a weather map of conditions for that day, have the students predict the path of the hurricane for the coming days. Plot only one day at a time, issuing watches and warnings as needed. Discuss how high- and low-pressure areas and wind/water currents affect the path of the hurricane. Discuss the choice of issuing evacuation orders. When should evacuation orders be issued? What are the repercussions?

Hurricane Katrina Evaualtion

Have the students research the damage done by Hurricane Katrina. Discuss how New Orleans is set up to prevent such disasters with the lock and levee systems. What caused the levees to fail? Have the students explain how development (especially of wetlands) may have contributed to the problem. Ask the students to make recommendations based on their research.

Earthquake Lesson Plans

Create the P, S, and surface waves of an earthquake through a demonstration with a slinky. Hold the slinky in two hands and move your hands toward and away from each other to create a P wave. Wave the slinky side to side like a snake to demonstrate an S wave. Use the slinky like a jump rope to demonstrate a surface wave. Fill a shoe box with loose sand or soil. Place a block or milk carton on top of the sand. Shake the box side to side rapidly to demonstrate liquefaction. Have the students explain what happened to the block or milk carton.

Tags: Have students, block milk, block milk carton, evacuation orders, Have students explain, Hurricane Katrina

Brands Of Convection Ovens

Convection ovens have fans that circulate heated air inside the oven to cook food more evenly. The fans in the oven ensure that food on the top and bottom racks are cooked at the same temperature. When food is cooked more evenly, the amount of time to finish cooking an item is reduced, which also reduces the amount of energy used. Does this Spark an idea?

Waring

Waring's convection oven has a stainless steel finish and 1700 watts of power. Settings on the oven include bake, roast, broil, rotisserie and convection bake. The oven comes with two wire racks, and four shelf positions are available for adjustable cooking methods. Cooks can watch their food bake through the tempered glass door. As or November 2010, the price of the Waring convection oven is $400.

KitchenAid

KitchenAid's Contour Silver Countertop Convection Oven has a 12-inch interior and 60-minute timer. While the bake setting can consistently heat food at 400 degrees, the broil setting can be used for top browning. The oven also features a warming setting to heat up leftovers. The drip tray and broil pan can be cleaned in a dishwasher. The oven can be found online for as low as $130.

Hamilton Beach

The Hamilton Beach convection oven features numerous settings including toast, broil and bake. The 120-minute timer has an auto-shutoff to prevent overcooking. The oven can accommodate two 12-inch pizzas and a small roast or 5-pound turkey. Additional features include two oven racks and a baking pan. The Hamilton Beach oven costs $120 online.

Deni

The Quck-N-Easy Convection Oven by Deni is designed to reduce cooking and baking time by up to 30 percent. Food is cooked in a glass bowl at 1200 watts, and the oven also features a timer, handle and automatic cleaning feature. The hot air circulation in this oven allows baked goods to rise higher. The Deni convection oven is $89.

Tags: convection oven, Hamilton Beach, also features, more evenly, oven also, oven also features, Waring convection

Vegetarian Snack Foods

The vegetarian diet can be a healthy and varied lifestyle choice.

Choosing a vegetarian lifestyle need not mean eating a bland, boring diet. With vegetarianism now a common life-choice, a huge selection of interesting, exciting vegetarian snack food ideas are at your fingertips. From Spanish tapas to Moroccan couscous, the vegetarian diet can be one full of variety, vitality and vibrancy. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Spanish Tapas

Spanish tapas are always a fantastic option as a vegetarian snack food as there are many meat-free dishes included in this traditional Spanish fare. Simple vegetarian tapas may include a selection of olives, Spanish omelet made with peppers, mushrooms and onions, or potato-based dishes, such as the sweet and spicy, patatas bravas. You could also try a vegetarian twist on Spain's signature rice-based dish, the classic paella.

Middle Eastern Snacks

Middle eastern cuisine is full of inspiring, exotic vegetarian snack ideas. Falafel are delicious savory snacks made from chickpeas and aromatic spices. Serve falafel with hummus or a spiced, lentil dip. The traditional Middle Eastern salad, tabouleh, makes a fresh and healthy snack. Tabouleh is made from a selection of colorful vegetables topped with olives and mouthwatering spices.

Western Snack foods

There are many vegetarian recipes derived from the Western menu. Grilled cheese on toast is a quick, satisfying snack food option. Corn fritters served with a mayonnaise-based dip are another tasty snack idea. Chips and dips are another vegetarian snack food option. Classic salads, such as coleslaw, make for a healthy snack option. You can also adapt dishes, such as Caesar salad, by swapping tofu with the chicken.

Indian Savory Snacks

India has long been associated with vegetarian food. Many Indian communities eat a largely vegetarian diet. Classic Indian snack foods include spicy patties, such as the traditional vegetable or onion pakoda and mushroom or cauliflower bajji. Savory vegetable samosas are another delightful vegetarian snack. Serve them with the cool, yogurt-based dip, raita. Indian cuisine also includes many delicious breads, such as naan, paratha and chapati, which make great snacks. Serve with fruity mango chutney.

Tags: snack food, vegetarian snack, vegetarian diet, vegetarian snack food, dishes such, food option

Amish Homemade Bread

The Amish are known for their delicious foods made with farm-fresh, wholesome ingredients. You may have enjoyed the fresh homemade bread that is often sold at Amish restaurants and farmer's market stands and wondered if you could make this bread at home. The recipe for Amish bread is simple, and even beginning bakers can successfully make this delectable bread to serve to their friends and family. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ingredients

To make one loaf of homemade Amish bread, you will need only a few basic ingredients. The first ingredient is one cup of warm water. It is important that the water be the right temperature: if the water is too hot it will kill the yeast; if it is too cold, the water will not activate the yeast. The water must be 110 to 115 degrees F---it will feel warm, but not hot enough to burn you. You will also need 1/3 cup of sugar, 1½ tbsp. (one packet) of active dry yeast, ¾ tbsp. of salt, 2 tbsp. of oil, and 3 cups of flour. Bread flour is recommended, but if that is not available, then regular white flour will work almost as well. You can substitute as much as 1 cup of whole wheat flour for an equal amount of white flour, if you like. You can multiply these quantities to make several loaves at once.

Mixing

Take out a large bowl and add the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar and then add the yeast, sprinkling it over the sugar water and then stirring to mix it up. The yeast should soon begin to bubble and cloud the water, and then form a foamy mass on top. Now add the oil and salt and stir. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well between each cup. When all the flour has been added, turn the bread dough out onto a lightly floured board or clean counter. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and feels smooth but resilient.

Rising and Baking

Place the bread dough into a large oiled bowl that will allow room for the dough to expand. Roll the dough around to coat it with oil on all sides and then cover the bowl with a damp dishtowel. Set the bowl in a warm place and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. It should take about one hour, but colder or warmer temperatures could make the time longer or shorter. When the dough has risen, lightly punch it down in the bowl and knead it for a minute or two. Form the bread dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. Bake the loaf at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes. Turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool. Store in an airtight container.

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Cooking Schools In Charlotte North Carolina

If food is your passion, culinary school may be for you.

Charlotte, North Carolina, is full of options if you want to receive culinary training. Along with the degree-granting cooking schools, there are also informative cooking classes for the amateur chef. You won't starve for inspiration outside of the classroom, either. Charlotte has some of the best Southern food in the United States; and although the city is most know for its unique take on Southern cuisine, you can explore the recent emergence of Mexican restaurants around town as well.

Johnson and Wales University

Johnson and Wales University, located in downtown Charlotte, offers more than just a culinary education. This culinary program differs from others in that students will have the opportunity to experience traditional college life as well. In a survey conducted by CookingSchoolsCompared.com, Johnson & Wales' College of Culinary Arts is ranked in the top 10 culinary schools in North America. The program offers state-of-the-art kitchens and instructors with experience in the field that work on an individual basis with students. You can learn classic techniques, as well as pastry, baking and meat-cutting specialties. The school offers two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degree programs in culinary arts.

The Art Institute of Charlotte

At the Art Institute of Charlotte, you can choose from four degree or certification programs. Two certificate programs, baking and pastry or the art of cooking, take a few months to complete, the culinary arts associate degree takes two years and the culinary arts bachelor's degree program takes up to four years. You'll have the opportunity to develop your culinary skills with hands-on practice and a seasoned faculty.

The Charlotte Advanced Culinary Center

Located on Lindbergh Street in the Westerly Hills area of Charlotte, The Charlotte Advanced Culinary Center has been offering culinary training since 2004. The school is operated by Morrison Management, which also has a center in Tampa, Florida. You can expect to have hands-on training in food preparation and the development of complex dishes in the center's modern kitchens.

Cooking Classes

If you're more interested in enhancing your cooking skills to use in at-home food preparation, then cooking classes are a useful option available in Charlotte. Food Love, a privately owned company, offers cooking classes at your convenience. A chef from Food Love will come to your home as many times as you'd like to offer demonstration-based and hands-on cooking classes. Another option is the Gallery Restaurant Cooking School located inside the Ballantyne Resort and Spa and taught mainly by Executive Chef Kirk Gilbert. Here you can take a monthly cooking class, at $65 per person, that lasts three and a half hours and then enjoy a four course meal afterward.

Tags: cooking classes, culinary arts, Johnson Wales, Advanced Culinary, Advanced Culinary Center

Start A Home Vegetarian Food Business

Choose farmers and purveyors offering the freshest and widest variety of foods.

If starting a home-based vegetarian food business is at the top of your to-do list, you know that there's more than one way to skin a cucumber. You can prepare meals for restaurants, cater parties or you can cook and package dishes for sale at local food stores. If you're ambitious, you can build a brand and do all three, but before you start empire building, nurture your start-up and slowly grow your enterprise so your bottom line turns out to be as healthy as your meals.

Instructions

1. Check out the competition and demographic in your area to make certain there's a market for your vegetarian food business. For example, former McDonald's executive Mike Roberts in concert with Stephen Sidwell (a former banker) announced the launch of Love Your Food Everyday (LYFE) in Palo Alto, California in 2011 because the market is ideal for establishing healthy fast food eateries. Scope out the ratio of healthy foods to not-so-healthy products at area supermarkets. If these businesses devote lots of space to fresh produce, that's a sign that shoppers buy it.

2. Assess your kitchen to make certain there's ample room you can devote to storing ingredients, preparing dishes and packaging them. Lots of counter space is essential, and if you happen to own commercial-grade baking and cooking appliances, you'll be ahead of the game. Ask municipal authorities about licensing laws. Some states and cities don't require home-based businesses to apply for licenses and permits, but you won't know if yours is among them if you don't ask.

3. Contract with local farmers and food purveyors for ingredients. Your decisions on the restrictions you put into place for food guidelines will determine the type and number of resources you'll need to keep your home vegetarian food business afloat. Will your menu be restricted to just vegan (no animal products of any kind), only organic dishes or a broader interpretation of healthy foods on the order of the LYFE founders (Step #1) who aim to serve a variety of fresh foods that fit into a general meatless category?

4. Develop a myriad of recipes to stay competitive and attract consumers. Rely upon veggie staples like lasagna, burritos, curry, vegetable casseroles, potato pancakes and other mainstays, but develop new recipes regularly to give diners new culinary experiences. In addition to recipe development, focus on the biggest challenges your home vegetarian business may face: pricing and shelf life. Dishes absent of preservatives present multiple challenges, and if your foods aren't priced competitively, sales could suffer as you strive for the 20 percent profit margin folks in the food service industry seek.

5. Establish guidelines for publishing and tracking nutrients and food values if your aim is to sell your foods at retail stores. Calculate calories and break out fiber, fat, sodium and nutritional information. Use this full disclosure as a selling tool when you build your customer base. Whether your meals are served directly to consumers or packaged for stores, proving the healthy qualities in your vegetarian dishes should lead your list of benefits when you pitch your wholesome alternative meals to consumers and/or retailers.

Tags: food business, certain there, challenges your, healthy foods, make certain, make certain there, vegetarian food

Design A Healthy Lifestyle

Everyone knows that eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and

coping with stress are beneficial to the body and mind. But how do

you balance work and family, friendships and hobbies without spreading

yourself too thin? The solution is to incorporate these elements

into a healthy lifestyle plan. Investing in professional assistance is a

huge motivator and a small price to pay for a healthier, happier you.

Instructions

1. Consult your doctor as you begin to map out your new lifestyle. He or she will help ensure a safe and beneficial regimen based on your age and physical condition.

2. Hire a personal weight loss and nutritional adviser to get you started. His or her guidance and expertise will help you formulate a plan that's right for you and, more important, help you stay on track when you stray. See 24 Choose a Weight Loss Plan.

3. Seek out a professional trainer that you can relate to and develop a fitness program that you'll enjoy and maintain for the long haul. Moderate exercise can improve your quality of life by firming muscles, controlling weight, strengthening the heart and lungs, improving circulation and digestion, burning calories, and building strength, endurance and flexibility. See 25 Design Your Workout Schedule.

4. Reduce your stress level by finding a mental or physical outlet that works for you. Exercise, yoga and meditation are proven to reduce stress and increase a feeling of well-being. Walking regularly has huge health benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels--and it's free.

5. Get enough sleep. Lack of rest weakens your immune system and makes you susceptible to illness and disease. Also, drink plenty of water. It eliminates toxins, increases energy, aids in weight loss, and promotes better brain function.

6. Plan your meals in advance to avoid unhealthy choices such as fast or prepackaged foods. A weekly menu will help you stick to a more balanced diet and choose healthier options at the grocery store. See 298 Organize Grocery Store Trips and 297 Plan a Week of Menus.

7. Make time for your family, your friends and yourself. Cultivating new relationships, enjoying a hobby and sharing time with your family will allow you to stay focused on what's truly important in life. See 14 Balance Home and Work and 15 Live With Less.

Tags: will help, weight loss, your family

Raise & Sell Fruit Trees For Profit

Raise & Sell Fruit Trees for Profit

There are several important questions that must be considered when planning a successful fruit tree nursery business. The number one question is, why do you want to do it? Do you enjoy gardening? Do you have a green thumb and a gift for growing? Do you have the financial resources to start a business that may not see a positive return on your investment for several growing seasons? Raising fruit trees is truly a labor of love. It is time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, with planning and commitment, it can be both financially and emotionally rewarding. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Prepare a well-researched business plan. Start-up costs will include site selection, tree maintenance heavy equipment, office equipment, business licenses, advertising, insurance, employees, tree stock, planting and production supplies.

2. Secure all necessary agricultural certifications and permits. Rules and regulations controlling the sale of horticultural products vary from state to state and even within localized areas.

3. Evaluate the competition. Identify your customer base and market area. Will you sell trees from your growing location or will you sell your trees wholesale to garden and landscape centers?

4. Choose a location for your business where you can raise the trees and yet be accessible to the public to promote sales. If you are going to grow balled and burlap-wrapped trees or trees planted in containers, a smaller space will suffice. If you plan on field production, a substantial amount of fertile, well-drained land in a sunny location will be required.

5. Research fruit trees that are native species or acclimated to your United States hardiness zone. Look for fast-growing, disease- and drought-resistant tree species that do well and are popular in your localized area. Unusual or novelty trees may have some appeal but will not sell well over a long period of time.

6. Use only organic production methods. More and more people are choosing organic foods and organic methods of gardening. Selling trees that have been grown without the use of noxious chemicals will create customer good will and attract more business from eco-friendly consumers.

Tags: Fruit Trees Profit, location will, Raise Sell, Raise Sell Fruit, Sell Fruit, Sell Fruit Trees

Steam Scallops In The Shells

Steamed scallops can be garnished and served in their shells.

Purchasing scallops that are still in their shells is one of the best ways to make sure you get only the freshest scallops, as most scallops sold still in their shells are still alive. Much like lobster, which is commonly sold live, scallops still in their shells often fetch a premium price. Many find they are worth the extra money because of their rich flavor. Scallops in their shells also require a bit more preparation, as they must be shucked or boiled, then washed to remove any dirt and silt that would make for a very unpleasant eating experience. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill a large stockpot with cold, clean water. Cover the pot and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

2. Fill a second large pan or bowl with equal parts ice and cold water.

3. Put the scallops in the rapidly boiling water for 45 seconds.

4. Pour the scallops into a strainer to separate them from the water and quickly plunge them into the ice water for two to three minutes to stop the scallops from cooking.

5. Remove the meat from the shells that opened during the scalding process using your finger or a kitchen spoon. Rinse the meat and put it in a strainer to remove excess water.

6. Fill the bottom portion of a steamer with water to the halfway point. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

7. Place the scallops in the steamer basket and cover the pot.

8. Allow the scallops to steam for two to three minutes, depending on their size. Quickly remove the scallops from the boiling water and transfer to serving plates or a large serving platter and garnish or season as desired.

Tags: their shells, still their, still their shells, boiling water, rolling boil, scallops from, three minutes

Buy Thoughtful Gifts For Ladies

Bright spring flowers are just one of many gift choices for the woman in your life.

Flowers, candy and perfume were long the standard gift items for men to buy for the women in their lives. While those remain good choices, look for a gift that truly matches the recipient's taste, interests and lifestyle. Your gift should send the message that you have put serious thought into pleasing the recipient and that you have used imagination, thoughtfulness and care in selecting her gift.

Instructions

1. Buy her a gift that shows that you know what is important to her. Think about your recent shared activities, conversations or other exchanges that clue you in to her true interests. If she has repeatedly mentioned a new restaurant, take her there for a meal. If she loves a certain composer, a boxed CD gift set of his music would be a great gift. Does she love to experiment in the kitchen? If so, enroll her in a class at a local cooking school. Do you both enjoy Latin dancing? Sign up for a salsa class you can enjoy together.

2. Pay attention to her likes and dislikes. Don't give new hiking boots to a woman who hates the outdoors, or gourmet chocolates to a health nut, for example. Do get passes to the local museum's upcoming Monet exhibit for an impressionist art aficionado, tickets to a playoff game for a baseball fanatic, or concert tickets for a symphony buff.

3. Make sure your gift is appropriate for your relationship. Avoid overly extravagant gifts for casual friends. Don't buy intimate gifts for someone with whom you do not share a close or romantic relationship. Your gift should respect the nature and boundaries of your friendship. She will appreciate your sensitivity and thoughtfulness and respect you for not putting either of you in an awkward situation.

4. Ask a few of her close friends or relatives for gift ideas, or consider items she would love but probably wouldn't think to buy for herself. If she's a huge fan of a big country music star, surprise her with an autographed picture of her idol. Pick out a beautiful purse from a designer she admires. Give her a new gold chain for a special pendant.

5. Think about non-traditional gifts. A woman who is committed to charitable work would likely be touched by a gift to her favorite charity made in her name. For your dreamer or astronomy buff, have a star named in her honor through the International Star Registry. Create your own booklet of coupons for special treats or fun outings she will enjoy.

Tags: gift should, gift that, that have, Think about, Your gift

Government Grants For People With Low Income & Bad Credit

Many low-income Americans depend on federal education grants for college.

Government grant money, readily available for people with low income and bad credit, has no requirement for repayment. These grants cover a wide range of projects, from assisting those of low income in funding education goals to achieving their home-ownership dreams, making essential home repairs and providing water or waste water.

Education Grants

Individuals planning to attend college may apply for school grants to cover the costs of tuition, books and other expenses of higher education. You family income must not exceed a certain threshold, and your credit has no bearing on whether you receiving grant funding. Find out which grants, if any, you can obtain by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application on line.

Home Ownership Grants

Housing grants are given nationwide through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Housing Assistance Council and other nonprofit organizations. The grants are provided in conjunction with the U.S. Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program, known as SHOP. SHOP grants may not exceed $15,000 per home, as of July 2011. Moreover, the organization uses other donations, often including sweat equity (manual labor) of the potential homeowners. SHOP grants help low-income individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford home-ownership own a home of their own.

Home Repair Grants

Home repair grants fund home repairs that make a house safe or improve its energy efficiency. Typically, these grants are offered only to citizens who cannot obtain an equity loan due to insufficient income and/or bad credit. Not available for additions or cosmetic projects, the funds provide for projects that upgrade the home's energy savings by installing storm windows or other products, upgrading electrical wiring to code specifications or replacing the septic tank, for instance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees these federal grants through programs such as the Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants program. Furthermore, a careful search often turns up home repair grants specific to your state or city.

Water and Waste-Water Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers grants through the Individual Water and Waste Water Grants program. Homeowners living in a colonia that was recognized as such before October 1, 1989, are eligible to apply for grant funding. A colonia is a residential area along the Texas-Mexico border that may lack potable water and sewer systems, among other basic living necessities.

Homeowners must prove ownership of the property in the qualifying colonia and show a household income below the federal poverty line in order to qualify. Grant limits vary according to type of project -- water service or sewer service projects. A $5,000 lifetime cap exists for grant funding per individual homeowner, regardless of the number of grants funded on a given property.

Tags: grant funding, Department Agriculture, grants cover, Grants program, grants through, home repairs

Save Money On Your Health

Having health insurance may seem expensive--until you actually use it!

During these hard economic times "an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure." Many health conditions can place you out of work or negatively impact your ability to get a job can be prevented. No matter what the economy is doing--prevention is always the best medicine. Not only will you save money, but your health will improve. Here are some ways to do it.

Instructions

1. Look at your health insurance card and call the customer service number on the back. Talk to your insurance representative and find out what your health plan covers. This simple action can reveal a lot in regard to what you THINK your insurance covers and what it ACTUALLY does cover. Also, it is better to do this in a healthy state before any illness occurs. Getting your information before you need to use it can save you money and even your life!

2. Ask about health prevention services that your insurance may cover. Often times you may find that your plan will offer incentives to get regular checkups and age-appropriate health screenings. You may actually come out a few dollars ahead by getting your screening colonscopy or mammogram (to cite a few) and protect your health.

3. Call your local pubic health department and inquire if (and they usually do) have any free screenings or health services that you may qualify for. Your local Visiting Nurses Association is also a good resource for providing this type of information and services.

4. Check to see when you last had a complete physical (again, with age/gender appropriate screening that your insurance covers). Many insurance companies are starting to penalize people who do not have an annual exam and screening. It is better business for them to have a healthy member than an ill one. They want you to see your healthcare provider before illnesses occur, if at all possible.

Tags: your insurance, that your, your health, health insurance, insurance covers, save money

Make Your Own Organic Face Creams

Make Your Own Organic Face Creams

Organic face cream differs from chemically based face cream because it is formulated from ingredients that are safe for the environment and do not cause side effects to the user's health. Several chemicals used in face care products are toxic to the body. Porous skin absorbs the ingredients of face cream (safe or hazardous) making organic face cream an alternative to those with chemical compounds. Skin can both healthy and beautiful without harming environment or the body. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place herbs in the glass bowl and pour 12 ounces of boiling water over them. Allow it to set four hours creating a herbal water.

2. Hold the wire strainer over the measuring cup and pour the herbal water through the strainer removing any herbs from the water.

3. Heat up water in the bottom of the double boiler. When the water begins to boil, add the oil and beeswax to the top pot to slowly melt the beeswax.

4. Add the herbal water, honey and borax to the small cooking pot. Heat the pot until mixture is warm.

5. Remove both pots from the heat and slowly pour the herbal water mixture to the oil mixture while stirring. Beat the ingredients until creamy.

6. Spoon the face cream into small containers and screw on lids tightly.

Tags: face cream, herbal water, Your Organic Face, Face Creams, Make Your

Have A Green Thanksgiving

Think "green" this Thanksgiving. You'll feel better about yourself when you are giving back for all that you have to be thankful for. Plan an eco-friendly holiday. Big celebrations don't have to negatively impact the environment. Go organic, get creative and reduce your waste. Do your part to make this Thanksgiving holiday a little more "green." Even if you are traveling lots of miles and using up lots of gas, it isn't too difficult to help even out that carbon footprint if you are conscious of all the other choices you make along the way. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Serve organic foods. Organic foods are completely chemical-free and less harmful to the environment. Consider serving "tofurky" instead of real turkey. It's just as tasty. Shop at a local farmer's market to buy organic fruits and vegetables for your side dishes. When you buy local, you reduce the energy used to transport products.

2. Keep decorations simple. It's tempting to purchase Thanksgiving decorations, but many of these plastic and paper items end up in the landfills. Create Thanksgiving decorations by collecting interesting things from the outdoors. Fall leaves, acorns, pine cones, and twigs make lovely fall-themed center pieces. Arrange the items you collect in brown, orange or yellow bowls to give your tables a festive look.

3. Celebrate your green holiday with neighbors. Many people travel great distances during the Thanksgiving Holidays. This consumes an excessive amount of energy in a short amount of time. Reduce energy waste when you invite your neighbors to Thanksgiving dinner. You'll get to know your neighbors better and make a positive impact on the environment. If you're going home for the holidays, encourage your parents to invite their neighbors.

4. Use traditional silverware. Avoid using paper plates and plastic silverware. Although this makes cleaning up easier, it creates a lot of waste. Instead, even if you are eating outdoors, bring out glass plates and traditional silverware.

5. Compost your leftovers. While it is better to only cook what you'll use, there are often plenty of leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner. After a week of eating leftovers, throw any uneaten foods on your compost heap. Composting reduces waste in the landfills and creates a useful product that benefits the environment. Find out which food scraps to compost online at the website listed in our Resources section.

6. Talk about the things that matter to you around the dinner table. When it's your turn to list what you are thankful for, talk about the environment and what being "green" means to you.

Tags: impact environment, Thanksgiving decorations, Thanksgiving dinner, this Thanksgiving, traditional silverware, your neighbors

The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Oil Paint

Linseed is the most popular oil used in oil paints.

Oil paint is essentially one or more pigments combined with a binder (the oil) and a thinner (such as turpentine). The oil functions as a carrier to hold and apply the pigments, while the thinner makes the paints easier to apply to surfaces with a brush. Linseed oil is the most popular oil in these artistic paints because it dries faster and provides more flexibility than other oils, such as walnut or safflower.

Advantage: Time

Oil paints take longer to dry than other paints, such as watercolors. This provides more time for artists to work with their creations and make changes.

Advantage: Color Depth and Range

Oil paints provide for a wide range of colors and a rich color depth, as they can be layered and mixed more freely than other paints, such as watercolor or acrylics. Artists can subtly change the richness and tone of their colors by adding minute amounts of other colors, for instance. This is partially true because oil paints take longer to dry.

Advantage: Varied Applications

Oil paints can be applied to surfaces in a greater variety of ways than other paints. Oil paints can be made into thin glazes or thick impastos, according to the Encyclopedia of Irish and World Art: 2010.

Advantage: Range of Finishes and Effects

Oil paints can be mixed to appear opaque, transparent or anything in between, as well as have a matte or gloss finish or anything in between.

Advantage: Consistency

Oil paints do not noticeably change in color, texture or finish once dried. This makes it easier for artists to predict what the finished creation will look like compared to other paints (such as watercolors) that can change their appearance after drying.

Disadvantage: Drying Time

The slow drying time of oil paints can be a disadvantage to some artists, especially those who purposely work with a dry underpainting or like to use a sequence of washes in quick succession.

Disadvantage: Lack of Clarity

Because oil paints can be painted over once dried---thus, essentially, correcting many mistakes---some artists have trouble focusing on a clear vision, intention or expression, according to the Notebook website. These artists may be better off using paints that force decisions.

Disadvantage: Blending Capabilities

Oil paints blend easily with one another, which can encourage certain artists to just keep blending until the colors and shapes become muddy or unclear. Once muddied, it is difficult to "unmuddy" oil paint colors.

Disadvantage: Aging Process

Linseed oil paints---the most popular variety---tend to darken or yellow with age. While this can be combated with certain application techniques and quality materials, these are not necessarily able to be used or accessible to every oil painter.

Tags: other paints, than other, most popular, other paints such, paints such

Wine Clubs In Indianapolis Area

Collecting wine is a hobby of many wine club members.

When initially thinking of wine hotbeds, the city of Indianapolis, Ind., does not immediately come to mind. However, Indianapolis is the capital of a booming wine industry throughout the state of Indiana. Vintage Indiana, a wine & food festival, that celebrated its 11th year in 2010 is a good place for wine enthusiasts to meet, interact, and sample many delicious vintages from local wineries. Those who enjoy partaking in wine collecting and tasting all year can join one of the many local wine clubs that Indianapolis has to offer. From small gatherings to large events, wine clubs in Indianapolis are available for anyone seeking to learn more about the delicious alcoholic beverage. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Indianapolis Wine Aficionados Meetup

The Indianapolis Wine Aficionados Meetup group has 665 members and a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from its members. The group keeps a calendar of various wine tasting throughout the city, and also plans events for it's actual members. Some events include free tasting at local wine shops or wineries while other events are paid. The group even does events at people's houses. Not only do they meetings but they also provide information and tips to people about put on a successful wine tasting, where the best wine stores in the city are, which wine connoisseur websites people should frequent, and which of the latest vintages are hot commodities. Membership is free.

meetup.com/wine-337

Wine Styles Store

Wine Styles stores are located all over the country including Indianapolis. They have their very own wine club for people who often frequent their favorite Wine Styles location. Membership to the taste club is $34.99 per month and the learn club is $49.99 per month. Each month, two specially selected bottles of wine will be given to each members and they will also be invited to the Wine Style clubhouse for wine tastings and events. Wine Styles is located in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel.

WineStyles - Carmel #279

1950 E. Greyhound Pass

Carmel, IN 46033

317-844-9463

winestylesstore.com/club

Chateau Thomas Winery Wine Club

The Chateau Thomas Winery was created in the 1970s by Dr. Charles Thomas, who wanted to expand his wine-making hobby into a full-blown operation. Joining the Wine Club at Chateau Thomas Winery, located in the Indianapolis suburb of Plainfield comes with many benefits such as a 20 percent discount on case sales, an invitation to the annual VIP reception and special offers on limited release, premium, and library wines.

Chateau Thomas Winery

6291 Cambridge Way

Plainfield, IN 46168

chateauthomas.com/club

Tags: Chateau Thomas, Chateau Thomas Winery, Thomas Winery, Wine Styles, Aficionados Meetup, Club Chateau

Schools & Colleges In North Carolina

North Carolina is home to some of the United State's top universities.

North Carolina is part of the Southern Atlantic states. Aside from the many outdoor recreational activities and cultural attractions, the state is home to many private and public liberal arts colleges, community colleges and universities. In 1795, North Carolina opened the first public university in the United States, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

A public, coeducational and research university, the North Carolina State University at Raleigh is in the state's capital. The university is known as NC State, NCSU or simply "State" inside North Carolina. NC State is the state's largest university, enrolling more than 34,000 students. The university is part of the University of North Carolina system, which encompasses 17 state-supported universities. Other UNC schools include UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, UNC Asheville, UNC Greensboro, UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State University and the UNC School of the Arts.

Duke University

A private research university, Duke University is located in Durham. It was founded in 1833 by Methodists and Quakers in the present-day town of Trinity and moved to Durham in 1892. The tobacco industrialist James Buchanan Duke established the Duke Endowment in 1924, which prompted the institution to change its name in honor of his deceased father, Washington Duke. Duke University is organized into two undergraduate, 10 graduate and professional schools and seven institutes. The university is well known for its sizable campus, research, athletics and Gothic architecture.

Barton College

A private liberal arts college, Barton College is located in Wilson, North Carolina. It was founded in 1902 by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) under the former name of Atlantic Christian College. Barton College is composed of 1,189 students on campus, with an average 11:1 student-faculty ratio. It has been accredited by The NC Association of Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the NC Association and Colleges, and the Committee of Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association.

University of North Carolina Asheville

The University of North Carolina Asheville is a four-year, liberal arts university. Located in Buncombe County, the university was known as Buncombe County Junior College and was founded as part of the Buncombe County public school system in 1927. The school merged with the College of the City of Asheville in 1930 to form Biltmore Junior College. After a series of name changes, the current name was adopted in 1969 upon becoming part of the consolidated University of North Carolina. It awarded its first bachelor's degrees in 1966. The university approximately has 3,600 students and has more than 200 full-time faculty members.

Other Colleges and Universities

North Carolina is also recognized for several historically black colleges and universities, such as North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T State University, Winston Salem State University, Fayetteville State University, and Elizabeth City State University. The North Carolina Community College System is a network of 58 public community colleges, enrolling more than 800,000 students.

Tags: North Carolina, State University, University North, Carolina State, North Carolina State

Millet & Its Products

Among millet's products are the ones you make yourself.

Millet is a simple, yet widely used, seed-like grain. Its uses and products are many, though it's still not utilized by many Americans. Millet is tiny, but plentiful in nutrients and easy to digest. Most varieties of millet are high in protein, according to the "Food Lover's Companion." Its amino acid profile is high compared to other grains. Although common among many cultures, its products vary.

Products Made of Millet

Millet makes a good baby food.

Its alkalinizing properties make it a staple and baby food in the macrobiotic diet. Its healing properties also have labeled it a medicinal food, and it is used in Chinese medicine. Common culinary uses include chapati flat bread made by the Hunzas; bhakri flat bread made by the Indians; kasha, a porridge; and fermented beverages made by the eastern Europeans. In Africa, uji, a thin porridge, is made for babies. They also use millet to make beer and the stalks are used to make brooms. In Ethiopia, the flat bread injera is made with teff millet.

Where You Have Seen Millet

Multi-grain breads

In the west, millet consumption is often done unknowingly. It is baked whole into multigrain breads, and added to some multigrain cereals and sprouted grain breads. It is commonly used as bird seed.

Buy Millet and Prepare It at Home

Millet is used in pilafs, porridge and soups.

Purchase millet whole, cracked or as flour at health food stores, Asian markets or natural foods co-ops. To prepare millet at home, "The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia" author Rebecca Wood suggests dry toasting it for 5 minutes or until it begins to pop. This increases its mild nutty flavor. Rinse it well and proceed to boil it. Use 2 1/4 cups of liquid per 1 cup whole millet to make a dry, fluffy pilaf. Use 2 1/2 to 3 cups liquid for a smoother texture, more like polenta or farina. Once it comes to a boil, cover and simmer it for 25 to 30 minutes.

Make More of Millet

You won't mind him eating a nutritious cookie made with millet flour.

Include millet in your home as a staple. Bake it into quick breads and muffins, cookies and cakes. Wood says to make the millet flour yourself, as it goes rancid more quickly than the whole grain. Sprout millet for use in raw food recipes. Soak millet for 6 to 8 hours, drain and put it in a sprouting bag or jar. Rinse morning and evening and, in 1 to 2 days, you have 1 1/2 cups of sprouts.

The Qualities of Millet Extend Its Uses

Millet has magnesium, iron, protein and fiber; all are essentials for pregnancy

According to Wood, hot millet porridge is useful as a poultice for some rheumatic and arthritic pains. Millet is a good food for balancing blood sugar, and it helps those suffering from thrush. Pregnant women benefit from millet for its phytonutrients and iron content, which is higher than any cereal grain. Acupuncture.com says millet is a remedy to stop vomiting, relieve diarrhea, promote urination and soothe morning sickness. It's healing nature is due to its quality protein, magnesium, phosphorus and fiber content, as well as its alkalizing properties, making it perfect for gluten-free and healthy baking.

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Open A Restaurant

Open a Restaurant

Ask a restaurant consultant about opening a restaurant and you're likely to get a succinct answer: "Don't!" The failure rate is high, the costs can soar out of control and the hours are brutal. If you remain convinced that you are the next Alice Waters or Wolfgang Puck, put on your toque, brush up on your knife skills and forge ahead.

Instructions

1. Clarify your concept and put all the proposed details--from decor to dessert choices--in writing. If you can't write about them, they need more thought.

2. Investigate the regulatory requirements, both city and state. Prepare for a plethora of paperwork, including byzantine building codes with regulations covering everything from kitchen exhaust systems to interior finish requirements.

3. Find an ideal location. Do a demographic study of the surrounding area. Research the amount of foot traffic and the availability of easy parking. Then negotiate a lease you can afford.

4. Plan your menu early in the game. Kitchen layout and equipment purchases depend on it. Reduce your equipment costs either by purchasing used equipment or leasing new.

5. Find the funds. Write a detailed business plan and consider forming a small private corporation or starting a limited partnership. However much money you think you need, raise more. Many restaurant consultants blame the high rate of new restaurant failures on undercapitalization.

6. Allocate the available space. Remember that in addition to dining and kitchen areas you'll need room for dishwashing, storage, bathrooms and administrative work.

7. Plan the layout for the dining area. Remember to balance your desire for the maximum number of seats with your future customers' desire to shun tables crammed into awkward corners. Also avoid locating tables in the middle of the room like woebegone little islands. "Nestle tables--particularly two-tops--against low divider walls or other architectural features," advises restaurant owner and designer Pat Kuleto.

8. Keep the kitchen layout focused on efficient, safe food preparation. Ensure that there is sufficient light and ventilation, as well as enough space so that cooks, servers and dishwashers are not bumping into one another at the busiest times.

9. Don't neglect the graphics. From the exterior signage to the look of the menus, graphic design plays an important part in a restaurant's overall look.

10. Pay attention to lighting design. Focus dramatic light onto the tables to highlight the food, and complement it with glowing atmospheric light to make the customers look good.

11. Research and develop the menu. Taste-test the recipes repeatedly until the kitchen can achieve consistency. Remember that the food also has to look good on the plate. Plot out your menu pricing strategy. Have the final menu proofread before sending it to the printer.

12. Decide whether to offer full bar service. Apply for a wine and/or liquor license.

13. Investigate insurance needs thoroughly. Restaurants are simmering stockpots of potential accidents--from fires to floods to food poisoning and a hundred other potential horrors. The National Restaurant Association (restaurant.org) is an outstanding resource for insurance-related information.

14. Select and train the staff. Look for enthusiasm as well as experience. Allow ample training time before the restaurant opens. Remember that the person running the front of the house is as important as the person running the kitchen, and great service is as important a factor in winning customer loyalty as great food.

15. Set up a bookkeeping and accounting system. Establish control over the meal checks. There are dozens of scams that dishonest servers and cashiers can pull; get some expert advice on prevent them.

16. Designate a core of trusted employees to supervise storage areas carefully. Stress that they must check in all deliveries and audit the food inventory frequently.

17.Pass your opening inspection by a food safety specialist with your local health department, along with a plumbing inspection. You'll receive a permit to operate, which will be reviewed yearly.

18. Open your doors and welcome hungry diners.

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A Startup Inventory List For A Grocery Store

Opening a grocery store can be quite a challenge, as customers expect the store to stock a variety of items. Going from zero inventory to a store full of the right items is an essential task when opening a new store. Impress customers with your inventory by making the right decisions when buying products for your new store. Several categories of items are essential in any grocery store.

Produce

A produce section full of fresh fruits and vegetables is a must for a new grocery store. Whole fruits like apples, oranges, pineapples, bananas and pears as well as vegetables like onions, peppers, lettuce, broccoli and carrots are popular items on grocery lists and, thus, should always be readily available. Stores can also offer precut items, such as fruit salads and chopped vegetables, which are convenience foods that can pack a profitable punch. Offering organic fruits and vegetables will appeal to health-conscious shoppers.

Prepackaged Foods

Prepackaged food items fill the majority of the aisles of your grocery store. These items come in a range of brands, from generic, or store-produced, brands to well-known national brands. Most grocery stores offer several brands at different price points for each product to appeal to its diverse customer set. Prepackaged foods include soups, pasta, rice, snack foods, foods for baking and breakfast foods.

Store-Made Foods

Grocery stores often house their own butcher, bakery and deli. Offering these specialty services makes the store a one-stop shop for customers. The butcher can offer fresh cuts of meats for customers, while the baker can offer fresh breads, rolls, cakes, cookies and even ready-made dough. The deli can serve lunch meat and sliced cheese and even offer a menu of submarine sandwiches to appeal to shoppers on the go.

Dairy

Dairy products are an essential part of your start-up grocery store inventory. Milk, eggs, butter and cheese are the essentials that most individuals shop for regularly. Each of these items comes in a range of sizes and types. Offer dairy items include different types of milk, from whole to skim, sticks and tubs of butter or margarine and block and shredded cheese in a variety of types.

Non-Food Items

Non-food items are those extra products that grocery stores sell to appeal to the customer who wants to buy everything in one stop. Toiletries, from shampoo to face wash, are common on grocery aisles. Paper products, including paper towels, napkins, plates and plasticware, as well as cleaning supplies are other non-food items that your grocery store should carry.

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Poached Chicken Breast Techniques

Chicken breasts are versatile at meal time.

Poached chicken breasts become a tempting salad when cubed and combined with orange slices, almonds and crisp lettuce. When shredded and wrapped in a corn tortilla with salsa they become tacos. Smother the chicken breasts with a white wine cream sauce laced with tarragon and you have an elegant entr e. Poached chicken breasts can be tough and bland or succulent and full of flavor depending on the techniques used. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Temperature

Cooking chicken breasts in boiling liquid, rather than simmering liquid, toughens the meat. Bring the liquid to a boil. Slip in the chicken breasts. Bring the liquid back to a boil. Immediately lower the heat until the liquid barely bubbles. This technique keeps the temperature just at or below the boiling point. Simmer until the meat is white throughout without any pink. Using an instant read thermometer is another technique to make sure the breasts are cooked but not overcooked. The USDA recommends poultry be brought to an internal temperature of 165 F.

Liquid

Poaching, by definition, is cooking in a liquid that is at a temperature right below or barely boiling. The choice and amount of liquid either adds or detracts flavor from the finished chicken breasts. Use only enough liquid to barely cover the breasts. One technique is to use a pan that is shallow, such as a skillet. Putting the breast into a large saucepan filled with liquid dilutes the flavors. Water is commonly used for poaching but isn't necessarily the best choice. Use fruit juice, broth, wine or beer to add different flavors. The alcohol in any beverage will evaporate by the time the chicken is poached through.

Seasonings

Matching the seasonings of the liquid to those in the final dish is another technique. For example, if you were to make an entr e of poached chicken breasts in white wine sauce and tarragon, add tarragon, parsley and lemon slices to the wine and use that, instead of plain unseasoned water, for poaching. Spicy chicken tacos call for a squeeze of lime juice to chicken broth and perhaps chopped cilantro and serrano peppers to the poaching liquid. Fresh herbs that work well for poaching chicken include parsley, tarragon, rosemary, thyme and sage. Roughly chop the herbs to release their fragrance. If the dish requires a clean white poached chicken breast with no flecks of herbs, spices or seasonings, many cooks use the technique of putting the seasonings in a cheesecloth bag in the liquid.

Sauce

Make the poaching liquid and seasonings do double duty by reducing them into a sauce. Let the liquid cool then taste. Adjust the flavor by adding more spices, herbs, salt and pepper. If the flavor is not strong enough, bring to a boil and reduce by letting some of the liquid boil off. Strain if desired. Add 1 tbsp. of cornstarch to every cup of liquid. Bring back to a boil just until the sauce thickens. Add butter, a few tablespoons of cream or a dash of wine for more flavor.

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Find Luxury Hotels In Burlington Vermont

The fact that it's the birthplace of Ben & Jerry's ice cream is reason enough for most people to visit Burlington, Vermont, but believe it or not that's just the tip of the iceberg. A picturesque college town with a thriving arts scene, Burlington has a huge variety of indoor and outdoor activities from which to choose. Here's find luxury accommodations in Burlington, Vermont.

Instructions

Find Luxury Accommodations in Burlington

1. Call the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing at (800) 837-6668 to make your reservations, or visit their Web site to book online (see Resources below).

2. Book reservations at the Willard Street Inn bed and breakfast and enjoy a Burlington favorite. You can reserve these luxury accommodations by calling (800) 577-8712 or requesting a reservation on the hotel Web site (see Resources below).

3. Enjoy the quintessential Vermont experience when you stay at a historic farmhouse bed and breakfast at the base of the Green Mountains.

4. Walk to some of the hippest art galleries in New England from your luxury accommodations in the south end of downtown Burlington.

5. Soak up the beautiful rural Vermont landscape when you book luxury accommodations on the outskirts of town.

6. Launch a pub crawl from one of the affordable hotels near the University and hit all the hippest spots near campus.

7. Bask in the comforts of home at one of the Victorian bed and breakfasts in the heart of Burlington.

8. Book luxury accommodations in the historic downtown area and experience the feast for the senses that is the Church Street Marketplace.

9. Stay at one of the luxury hotels on the Lake Champlain waterfront and enjoy panoramic views of both the lake and the Adirondack Mountains.

Know Your Destination

10. Burlington is located in the northwestern part of Vermont on Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the United States.

11. Be ready to ski, swim, hike, fish or golf-Burlington is an all-season tourist spot with year-round activities.

12. Bring your walking shoes to get the full downtown Burlington experience. Its historic streets filled with landmark architecture and unique shops and restaurants are best traveled on foot.

13. Pack your warmest clothes if you plan on visiting Burlington during the chilly fall or snowy winter months.

Organize Transportation

14. Fly into Burlington International Airport and hire a cab or shuttle to take you the few miles into downtown.

15. Take a ferry from the Adirondacks area of New York state into Burlington by way of Lake Champlain.

Tags: luxury accommodations, Burlington Vermont, Lake Champlain, downtown Burlington, into Burlington, Resources below

Types Of Wheat Berries

Wheat berries vary in color, size and texture

All wheat products are made from wheat berries. Wheat berries are unprocessed wheat in its most natural form. These grains are an extremely nutritious source of vitamins and minerals with many health benefits. They are commonly ground up to make flour for breads and pastries, but can also be sprouted as a veggie or cooked as a grain, like rice. They vary in color, size and texture and are usually named after their growing season, gluten content and color.

Hard Red Spring

Hard red spring wheat berries are most commonly found in health food stores and some supermarkets. Hard red wheat berries are high in protein and used in bread making. They are brownish in color and, if cooked as a grain, they are more textured and very chewy. If ground in a flour mill, hard red spring wheat keeps all its nutritional value. Hard red spring wheat has a higher protein and stronger gluten content than winter wheat and is a better substitute for bread flour when making sandwich loaves. If eating as a grain or side dish, the hard varieties take much longer to cook and soften.

Hard Red Winter

Hard red winter wheat has a slightly lower protein content than the spring red variety. This makes it great for mixing with other flours, such as rye, and for producing Old World and artisan style breads. The lower protein content provides for a crisper crust, improved yeast fermentation and flavor. Many people prefer the robust flavor of the red wheat berry varieties.

Soft White

Soft white wheat berries are higher in starch and used for things such as pastries and cakes. They have a softer kernel and are often used to make pastry flour. They have a milder taste for those who do not prefer the robust flavor of the red wheat berries. The soft white variety contains less protein and more carbohydrates than the hard variety.

Hard White

Hard white wheat berries were developed from hard red wheat berries by eliminating the gene for the reddish bran color but keeping the characteristics of the red wheat. Fewer tannins and fewer phenolic compounds were the result of this gene elimination, therefore reducing the bitter taste some people find in the flour milled from red wheat. The nutritional content is the same for red and white wheat berries.

Tags: wheat berries, spring wheat, wheat berries, white wheat, white wheat berries

What Does Ecotourism Involve

An ecotourism adventure often involves water travel.

People who are ecologically and socially conscious often seek out a form of travel called ecotourism. According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is travel that helps the conservation of a local environment by avoiding activities that degrade fragile environments. It also improves the lives and well-being of local residents.

Education

Ecotourism vacations encourage you to observe and learn about the flora and fauna of a region. You're also encouraged to meet local residents and experience the environmental, social and political aspects of their culture.

Community Support

Ecotourism supports the economy of local communities by encouraging tourists to patronize local businesses, hotels and restaurants. Locals plan and manage the tourism activities and hire local residents whenever possible.

Respect

Ecotourism encourages tourists to respect local residents, their customs and their culture. Tourists should avoid being destructive to the environment. They should also avoid purchasing souvenirs that are made from endangered plants and animals.

Tags: local residents, their culture

Make A Homemade Cookbook

Between magazine clippings and scribbles on scraps of paper, cooking enthusiasts have a habit of amassing stacks of recipes from a variety of sources. One of the best ways to make sure you can always find a favorite recipe is to put it in a homemade cookbook. A homemade cookbook also can make a great, inexpensive gift for a fellow foodie. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Sort your favorite recipes into cookbook sections such as appetizer, side dish or main dish, or group them by the type of dish, such as Asian or pasta.

2. Type your recipes into a word processing program like Microsoft Word. List all the ingredients needed for the recipe, the amount needed and the cooking instructions. Do one recipe per page.

3. Create a cover for your cookbook by typing in a title at the top of a page and inserting a digital photo of your favorite dish.

4. Print out the recipes and the cover page.

5. Slip each recipe into a sheet protector and put the protected sheets in the three-ring binder. Place a page divider with a tab at the front of each section. Write the name of each section on each tab.

6. Slip the cover page under the plastic cover of the three-ring binder.

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Most Important Household Items A Housewife Should Have

Certain items are essential to every happy homemaker.

Being a housewife is hardly an easy task. There are certain tools every woman should have and implement in order to do the absolute best job possible. While not all of these items plug into a wall or have an "on" button; they remain indispensable to do day-to-day life of the everyday homemaker to assist with daily tasks of cooking, cleaning and performing necessary household duties. Does this Spark an idea?

Computer

A computer is a vital necessity in any modern household. Not only does having a computer allow a housewife to budget, plan and organize projects needing completion, but it also assists in bargain shopping online for household items. Computers are vital in creating a schedule. Moreover, just because a woman is a housewife, does not mean she has to be cut off from all facets of technology, making a computer a must-have item.

Cleaning Supplies

A housewife's primary responsibility is to maintain the household and make sure that her family is taken care of at all times. Cleaning supplies are indispensable to the modern-day housewife, as without them she is unable to complete her day-to-day duties in keeping the household clean. The types of cleaning supplies available to a housewife are vast in nature, and what she selects will often be as a direct result of her own personal preference experience in cleaning tips that she gleans from other housewives or by researching online.

Storage Bins

One bane of the modern-day housewife's existence is clutter. Storage bins come in handy to combat this problem, as they present a place to house a variety of household items. Similar to cleaning supplies, the storage bins a housewife selects are based on the amount of closet space she has throughout the home.

Kitchen Supplies

Part of being a housewife is being the family chef in most households. For this, a housewife requires a well-stocked kitchen full of standard cooking appliances such as a stove, toaster oven and microwave, and pots, pans and a dishwasher to help clean up. Housewives can also hone the craft of cooking using expert small appliances such as rice cookers, vegetable steamers and convection ovens.

Tags: appliances such, modern-day housewife